We’re told that today, August 1st, 2012 marks DC Senior Vice President, Sales of DC Comics Bob Wayne’s 25th anniversary at DC, that’s a pretty astonishingly long run and there aren’t too many people who have been at the same place in the industry for longer.
Along the way we’ve had our spats and disagreements, but it’s pretty safe to say no one knows more about how the business of selling comics in comics shops works than Bob Wayne, and I’ve surely learned a great deal from him as well. He also, as everyone who has ever seen him speak knows, has impeccable timing and a dry wit that you don’t want to be on the receiving end of—something that could also be said of some of the shirts I found him wearing when I googled for a picture of him. I’ve also shared a surprising number of life events with Bob, from seeing Tom Jones in Vegas to visiting Stonehenge.
I was apprised of this date by retailer Joe Field, who applauded Bob for “for his contributions to the growth and stability of the comics market.” I think that’s about the right way to put it. He’s definitely helped guide the comics specialty market through some tough times, while keeping DC’s products a key part of that survival, and triumphed with the New 52, which ended up helping everyone a lot more than they thought it would. So, all in all, a pretty significant 25 year career.
Always fair, smart as a whip, awesome sense of humor, and lover of everything comics. Anyone that has had the pleasure of doing business with Bob knows this to be true.
HAPPY 25TH BOB!
Amanda & jimmy
I glad I got to spend five years working with Bob, he taught me a lot.
A lot of retailers really don’t know how much he does for them, being truly on their side in most, if not all of their issues and concerns.
Bob and I started in the comic book business within 6 months of each other, so this marks 25 years for the both of us, Bob came in from retail to DC Comics and I started at Eclipse Comics. Bob as been one of my very best friends in the industry and continues to be today. A dry, razor wit and a loyal amigo. He’s done a lot for comics and continues to love them.
Lift one for Bob today!
Beau Smith
The Flying Fist Ranch
During the 2002 San Diego Comic-Con, I attended his “collected editions” panel in a small meeting room somewhere behind Hall C. While he talked, I filled up the back of my business card with about fifteen suggestions for possible future trades.
About six months later, he invited me to the DC offices asking for more, which was quite gracious. He’s been accommodating and tolerant of whatever question I might ask, or suggestion I might give.
Just so you know, before he worked at DC, he owned the Fantastic World comics chain in Texas.
Bob has been an amazing friend and adviser to countless retailers, creators, fellow publishers, and distribution partners.
We’ve all been fortunate to work with someone like Bob, and look forward to doing so for a long time to come!
There are few in the business deserving of more respect and admiration than Bob Wayne. I consider the opportunities I had to work alongside him as a colleague and earn his trust and friendship to be one of the most significant experiences of my too brief tenure at DC.
Congrats, Bob. I guess we’ll have to get you a new countdown watch!
Ditto what everyone else has said. Bob is one of the pillars of the community, and a great guy.
Well done, sir!
Congratulations, Bob. There’s not too many of us still standing that were around from your retailer days. You have always worked hard to elevate the business, and we are the better for it.
Congratulations, Bob!
We think you’re pretty cool here at DC too, Bob. Congratulations on such a tenure from all of your colleagues and executive team!
Congrats, Bob!
As a competitor, co-worker, or comic fan, you always struck with the perfect amount of sarcasm;)
Here’s to 25 more!
Congratulations, BOB!
I almost worked with him circa 1994 and consider it a lost opportunity (for me; he’s probably grateful!) and I enjoy trading snark with him each year at San Diego.