No greater authority than Marvel Comics’ own Stan Lee asks that you not read Barbara Slate’s new book, You Can Do a Graphic Novel. It’s right there on the cover: Stan the Man says, “I shudder at the thought of having to compete with a whole new gaggle of graphic novel creators! I tremble because if anyone can bring out the writer and artist hidden within society’s somnambulant psyche, it’s the titanically talented Barbara Slate. So please don’t read this book. I have a family to support!” I hate to counter the expresses wishes of the man who put the “excel” in “Excelsior!” but if you’ve ever thought about dabbling in the world of graphic novels and need a little help getting started, Barbara Slate may be the right hot poker for you. BARBARA SLATE podcast excerpt: "A good story needs a beginning, middle and a twist. The twist is the surprise and what makes it interesting. You don't want a linear story." Slate is a veteran of comic books and illustration, having started her career with a line of “Ms. Liz” greeting cards and Cosmopolitan cartoons before graduating to comic books. She has worked for DC and Marvel, having illustrated everything from Barbie for Marvel, Beauty & the Beast for Disney and Betty & Veronica for Archie Comics. She’s also the author of the Yuppies from Hell series of graphic novels. Speaking of “from hell,” she’s a fellow parent of a teen-age daughter. Poor woman! BARBARA SLATE • •