"Steve Ditko was the last of a sturdy generation of American comic books artists who produced an iconic, modern day mythology and was among the most influential and original creators of the 20th century. He was a prime architect, together with Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, of a universe of heroic characters that took Marvel Comics from an underdog New York publisher in the 1960s to the world-recognized brand of comic book superheroes and multi-million-dollar movies of today. Ditko co-created Spider-Man but walked away from the character he designed over 50 years ago, to never again return to this enduring superhero. Seeking his own individualistic paths for creative and personal expression would lead to condemnation from some, restricted work opportunities from others, and a reclusive life peppered with memories of interfering editors, original artwork that had been stolen from him, and a life-long adherence to his Objectivist convictions. With this book sourcing a decade-long correspondence between Steve Ditko and its author David Currie, the history of the formative years of American comic books and the rise of Marvel Comics is revealed and further illuminated by interviews with other comic book creators. It's an intrigue-filled story of heroes and villains, both fictional and real, visionary artists on zero-hour contracts contrasted with one man's artistically productive and diligently uncompromising life." -- Back cover.