Comments on: RIP Michael Silberkleit

by: SaintStryfe

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:36:12 +0000

My brother works for the tech consulting group that handles Archie Comic’s electronics. Mr. Silverlkeit was a demanding customer, he tells me, but incredibly generous. When he found out our mother was a teacher of special education students, he sent a huge box of Archie books to her class. There was always a generous tip at Christmas time for him, and never nickle-and-dimed his staff’s tech. I’m not a big fan of Archie Comics (though my brother is a huge Sonic geek), but the comic industry lost someone very large with his death. I also note that Slone-Kettering, where he asked donations be sent, saved my mother from her cancer as well. So please donate in his name. I have all ready.

by: RIP Michael Silberkleit of Archie Comics » Comics Worth Reading

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:15:26 +0000

[…] Heidi has posted his obituary as supplied by the publisher. He and Richard Goldwater (who passed away last October) were the sons of the two founders, continuing the family business. This is the end of an era for the company, and it will be interesting to see what they do now. Best wishes to his family and friends in their time of loss. Similar Posts: RIP Richard Goldwater § Gisele’s Josie Tryout § RIP Dave Cockrum § Josie and the Pussycats DVD PR Wrong About DeCarlo § Cancer Author Passes Away […]

by: Bring Back Zot

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 05:08:41 +0000

My son and I went to the NY Comic Con this year on Sunday (kids day), and Archie was one of his favorite exhibits. Mr. Silberkleit was at the booth and in good spirits. We got to meet Patrick Spaziante, Barbara Slate, Joe Staton, Jughead, and Sonic the Hedgehog (they had folks in life size Jughead and Sonic suits). The Archie crew was handing out plenty of comics, and having their artists sign them. Everyone was in a cheerful mood. Rest in Peace Mr. Silberkleit.

by: Al Nickerson

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:02:55 +0000

Sorry about my previous comment. I was just shocked by this news. Michael Silberkleit was a really nice guy. I spoke with him a few times. He was always very polite and cheerful when I had the opportunity to meet him. It’s so sad when one of the good guys leaves us.

by: Al Nickerson

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 02:49:13 +0000

Oh, crap!

by: Hervé St-Louis

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:23:10 +0000

Did a 14 page written interview with Silberkleit two years ago. Archie as a company is quite fascinating and comic book readers should pay a lot more attention to them and their continuing successes.

Silberkleit definitely knew the market he was involved with. He will be missed.

by: David Scroggy

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:50:46 +0000

Mr. Silberkleit was always cordial to me over the years, and although Archie could definitely be considered “old school” in their approach to comics, Michael was always a close observer of the marketplace, and followed the development of the direct-sales market with great interest and keen observation.

We would always chat a bit at any convention we were at, most recently at the New York Comic-Con. He was very interested in the growth of bookstore sales, and what it might mean for Archie.

While they did eschew violence and other edgier themes, I had the luck to be present at a meeting with Batton Lash and Victor Gorelick years ago, where over drinks Batton suggested having Archie meet The Punisher. After we got done laughing our heads off, Victor decided to bring the notion to Mr. Silberkleit, and to his delight found it approved, resulting in Archie’s first crossover into the Marvel universe.

He was present behind-the-scenes during various industry controversies such as the changes in the Comics Code, comics rating debates, and other issues. He was always worth listening to in these discussions, although not always easy to agree with.

He was a tough businessman, but a very decent human being. Always personable, he brought a worthwhile point-of-view to any conversation.