Comic Book Questions Answered – where I answer whatever questions you folks might have about comic books (feel free to e-mail questions to me at brianc@cbr.com).

This one actually got answered before I could answer it, but consarnit it, I went out and got an answer, so I'm still running with it!

My pal (and former CBR Managing Editor) asked me on Twitter last week about the cover of Esther Friesner's novel, Unicorn U...

Specifically, Albert wanted to know why Concrete, Paul Chadwick's classic creator owned comic book character, was on the cover...

I went to check with the artist who painted the cover, David Mattingly, who is one of the preeminent matte artists out there, who worked in film for many years (since he started on Disney's The Black Hole)...

and has had books written about his work...

Mattingly has also painted covers for many fantasy and sci-fi novels, including the Animorphs...

and the Honorverse series of books...

I asked Mattingly about Concrete's cameo and he explained, "Paul Chadwick and I were roommates in art school at ArtCenter College of Design, and are long time friends. I put Concrete on some of my covers as an “in joke” for him. He was best man at my wedding. I’m still in touch with him even though we are on opposite coasts."

After I heard from David, but before I could write up the article, Paul Chadwick responded to Albert's query on Twitter, with essentially the same answer:

That's great that Paul answered, and I'm also pleased that David answered me.

Good stuff all around!

If anyone else has a question about comic books, just drop me a line at brianc@cbr.com!