Richard "Dick" Ayers is a comic book artist and cartoonist, born April 28th, 1924, in Ossining, New York. Widely respected for his dramatic storytelling skills, and prolific output, Ayers is also renowned for being one of the first artists in Marvel Comics famed 'Bullpen', notably as Jack Kirby's inker on many influencial early Marvel Silver Age comics. As of 2005, Ayers is still working full-time as an artist, and recently released the second volume of his autobiography in trade paperback form. A comic book is a magazine or book containing the art form of comics. ... Marvel Comics, sometimes called by the nickname House of Ideas, is an American comic book company. ... The Fantastic Four, one of Kirbys most famous creations Jack Kirby (August 28, 1917–February 6, 1994) was one of the most influential, recognizable and prolific artists in United States comic books. ... Showcase #4 (September-October 1956), often thought the first appearance of the first Silver Age superhero, the Barry Allen Flash. ... A trade paperback can refer to any book that is bound with a heavy paper cover that is generally cheaper than the hardcover but more expensive than the regular paperback version. ...