Bill Mantlo, Rocket Raccoon’s Disabled Co-Creator, Gets Private ‘Guardians’ Screening
Bill Mantlo, who created Rocket Raccoon with artist Keith Giffen in 1976, was able to experience a personal showing of Guardians of the Galaxy on what his brother has called “the happiest day of his life.”
Mantlo suffered a traumatic brain injury in a 1992 hit-and-run accident and has resided in a healthcare facility ever since. As io9 reports, Mantlo’s brother Michael revealed in a Facebook post this weekend that the former comic book writer was given a special, private showing of Guardians of the Galaxy by Marvel:
“*****WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DAY FOR BILL MANTLO*****! Marvel hooked Bill up with a PRIVATE VIEWING of “Guardians Of The Galaxy”, and my wife Liz and my beloved cousin Jean assisted Bill throughout, enabling him to sit back, relax and relish in the AWESOMENESS of what is going to be, in my humble opinion, Marvel’s GREATEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL FILM EVER! Bill thoroughly enjoyed it, giving it his HIGHEST COMPLIMENT (the BIG “THUMB’S UP!”), and when the credits rolled, his face was locked into the HUGEST SMILE I HAVE EVER SEEN HIM WEAR (along with one or two tears of joy)! This was the GREATEST DAY OF THE LAST 22 YEARS for me, our family, and most importantly, BILL MANTLO!”
Following his first post, Michael Mantlo wrote a bit more about the men who were able to make the private showing a reality for his brother:
“The gentlemen that made it possible for Bill to see his creation, ROCKET RACCOON, come alive in “Guardians Of The Galaxy”, Marvel Attorney David Althoff (far left) and Marvel VP David Bogart (center). Giving Bill this opportunity was a daunting challenge (with all the legal & security protocols that needed to be breached), but these two FINE MEN made it happen, and Bill had the HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE! I will NEVER be able to thank them enough for all that they have done for Bill!”
As The Inquisitr previously reported, Guardians of the Galaxy brought in $160.4 million worldwide this weekend, as Marvel fans flocked to theaters to experience the highly anticipated film.
Box Office: ‘#GuardiansOfTheGalaxy‘ Astounds With $160.4 Mil Global Debut…http://t.co/m9nZ32KOyl pic.twitter.com/BnuZE2WaEf
— Rocket Raccoon (@Rocket__Raccoon) August 4, 2014
Earlier this year, Bleeding Cool detailed the relationship between Marvel and Bill Mantlo as Michael Mantlo spoke to them about the way the studio had aided his brother:
“I can only state, again, that Bill was treated in an exceptionally fair manner by Marvel/Disney, and on his behalf I can say with the utmost confidence that we are very pleased with the negotiated contract. And, unbeknownst to ALL, Marvel has made incredibly generous gestures apart from this particular contract (which ONLY pertains to the rights to the character Rocket Raccoon) to assist in Bill’s ongoing care & rehabilitation.”
Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy or Rocket Raccoon can donate to Bill Mantlo’s care at Greg Pak’s website.
[Images via Screenrant and Greg Pak]
