Ray Bradbury was born in Waukegan, Ill., Aug. 22 in 1920, and he became one of the earliest modern literary figures to pay tribute to comic books as a legitimate art form. When E.C. comics began to adapt his stories into comic-book form without acknowledging their source, he responded with a cheery letter of support as he reminded the publisher that he was owed royalties.

There followed issues in which Bradbury's name was featured on the cover in a cross-promotion that led comics fans to magazine science fiction and science-fiction fans to comic books.

A happy tip of the Thompson topper to Ray Bradbury -- with many thanks!