I recently glommed an article about me on a blog that riveted me for a couple of hours, reading through the archives. Steven Thompson's BoookSteve's Library is one of these rare works with a wealth of information and balanced insight into the entertainment media, as seen by a comics fan since his childhood days in the 1960's. Steven's dining room, he tells in his opening post, was transformed into a pop culture and entertainment library soon after his marriage and discovery that they're a family which enjoys their meals in front of the TV. He utilizes this treasure chest with a touch of wit and grace that most bloggers would be envious of. In the article which brought me there, Steven recalls the impression he had of a 1980 Ohio convention I appeared in - and even posts a photo he has of a 25 year old yours truly, sketching away with Bob Layton.
His opening words are a statement that few comics folk are willing to admit to today:
When bearded, long-haired writer Alan Moore says something outrageous that makes you think in ways you hadn't thought before, fandom calls him an eccentric genius. When bearded, long-haired artist Michael Netzer says something outrageous that makes you think in ways you hadn't thought before, fandom calls him "bat-shit crazy." What's the difference? Religion.
A humbling comparison - though the essence rings true. Steven goes on to cover my career in the comics, the move to Israel and my re-emergance from the sidelines with this web complex:
...Then , however, he turns up with his own website, looking for all the world like Jesus Christ and sounding like him from time to time, also. The fan websites have a field day and the names start flying. The general presumption was/is that the man has gone off the deep end.
Well, we all have our crosses to bear, don't we? Still, the tides are slowly turning as to fandom's perception of all this. The Fabulous Michael Netzer thread at Bendis Board and an article like Steven's, are good examples of how goodwill and perseverence in the face of short-sighted ridicule can sway the heart. Steven sums up with an encouraging remark that makes all the criticism worthwhile:
I don't really like to read books or articles by people who completely agree with me on things. In fact, I've always admired people who don't think like I do. They broaden my perspective. They make me look at the world and myself in different ways. Many great comics creators can do that. Michael Netzer is certainly one of them.
My gratitude goes out to you, good librarian. Your entire blog is a treasure of memories and commentary, worthy of every reading moment. A recent entry on Elvis revealed not only the extent of rare material Steven possesses - but also a unique and insightful statement about the tragic circumstances that eventually brought down the King of Rock.
Go there, enjoy, comment and give this good man his due credit for the excellent material he freely provides from a heart as voluminous as his remarkable library.
