Permalink Posted: 5:52 PM EST 0 comments  

A pal of mine asked me recently in an email, "What is it about you and Netzer? Why do you like him? He's a nutjob!" Well it's true, Michael is a tad nutty, but then aren't we all? I thought about sitting down and writing a huge response about why Michael Netzer is misunderstood, why he gets a bad rap and why he gets picked on. I felt like writing about the good stuff that Michael has done. How he helps people. How he helped me by designing a cover to my Andru & Esposito book and refused payment. Michaels design helped sell the book to it's new publisher. I could write about how Michael is one of the most honest and pure people out there in an industry that has more than it's fair share of ego and people who'll insist they're great but aren't. I could mention his writing. His art...and that's where I stopped.

My pal Michael Netzer has returned with a vengeance. Excellent! Mike's always an interesting read as he doesn't hold back with his thoughts and comments. Another incredibly talented artist (and writer to boot, not to mention graphic designer) who doesn't work anywhere near enough for my liking, Netzer is fearless. If he likes you, and he invariably does, then he'll part the Red Sea for you. But if you wrong him, or attack his pals, then you'll soon know about it.Michael - it's great to see you back!

Permalink Posted: 2:42 PM EST 3 comments  

Permalink Posted: 1:17 PM EST 0 comments  

People will say he was a great craftsman, and they'll be right, but what Toth did was a little further along than that. Toth reached that scary point where it felt dangerous to look at some of his best work; you ran the risk of being pierced by a force that practically shimmered on the page, that inhabited every image, like a master chef's dessert so rich it made your eyes water in protest, or a singer's voice so pitch-perfect it made you want to leave the concert hall, if only to catch your breath. His handwriting exuded an element of purity in cartooning that could outclass other artists' fully-rendered sequential art. Toth's black and white work in particular displayed an almost transcendent understanding of drawn art as a visual story component. When we as readers come to a greater understanding of the effect that great art has on the reading of comics, Toth's reputation is likely to grow even larger than it is today.

Permalink Posted: 12:46 AM EST 0 comments  

BIOGRAPHY





ART LOVERS MEMORIAL
Saturday May 27, 2006





FANS FORUMS MEMORIAL





GALLERY





COLUMNS

Permalink Posted: 12:44 AM EST 4 comments  

The project is grand and yet totally personal. The work from Bill and myself illustrate a straightforward story. A simple story so personal, simple and revealing of humanity that Roger felt, if you can believe it, that only comic panels will do the trick.

I don't know if this isn't the greatest song that Roger Waters has written... but for me, after all his brilliant songs, this, this one is the greatest.

Believe me when I say Roger will be sharing his soul with you if you get to that concert.

Permalink Posted: 8:17 AM EST 6 comments  

Permalink Posted: 11:27 PM EST 0 comments  

There appears to be a concerted effort underway to protect Brownstein and the only dissenting voices are coming from comics fans on the message boards. Taki Soma is a well known and much loved personality in fandom. The industry press has basically fallen in line with what looks like a massive cover-up of facts and distortion of evidence that diminsh from Brownsteins's crime against her - along with a few other instances that are floating around as rumors or uncorroborated stories. Rich Johnston's comment in this week's Lying in the Gutters (scroll down to Don't Walk Away...) tells us, inadvertantly, that the whole affair is a big whitewash and that we simply have to live with it.

And you know… while a fair few people have been criticising Newsarama, The Beat and Comics Journal for being biased over this… has anyone noticed the web address for Friends Of Lulu - - http://www.popcultureshock.com/lulu/ - - the charity behind the Fund?

Hey if everybody is biased, does that just kind of even out in the end?

One has to read very carefully between the lines to see the sarcasm in Rich's statement. What he's saying is that the claims coming from comics fans about bias are substantiated. Matt Brady (Newsarama) and Heidi MacDonald (The Beat) both admit to a friendship and endearment to Brownstein when commenting on the story. Brownstein's impressive career in comics journalism included a fruitful association with The Comics Journal. These three institutes are of the most influential in the comics media today. Together, they've taken a stand in Brownstein's defense - and the rest of the comics press has simply fallen in step.

A look at Brownstein's career accolades, as reported in a press release announcing his appointment to directorship of CBLDF, February, 2002:

Brownstein has been one of the more prolific comics journalists of the past decade. He entered the field in 1994 as the writer and publisher of the interview magazine Feature. In three years Brownstein self-published fourteen issues of the magazine, capturing the insights of some of the field's brightest talent during the most tumultuous period in the direct market's history.

In 1998 Brownstein became Programming Director for Comic-Con International where he was responsible for organizing panels and seminars for CCI: San Diego, Comic Book Expo, Pro/Con, and APE. He returned to journalism in 2000, writing for magazines and web sites including The Comics Journal, Comics Buyer's Guide, Comic Book Resources, and TheComicStore.com. He also served as articles editor for the Expo Anthology, published to benefit the CBLDF.

In 2001 Brownstein was the principal reporter for Comicon.com's SPLASH, where he covered the entire convention circuit and broke several of the year's most important news stories. Brownstein also contributed stories to Publisher's Weekly and to the inaugural edition of Wizard Edge.

Last year he also served on the Expo's Steering Committee as Programming Director and consulted in both formal and informal capacities for a variety of comics-related causes.

Charles Brownstein is perceived as an energetic man who's forged a notable career in the comics community. He's gained the friendship and support of the most talented creators, journalists and executives in the medium. His appointment to directorship of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund provides a security blanket like no other. The CBLDF is one of the most respected institutes in the comics, and rightly so. Its tireless efforts to protect publishers and creators are of the most dire necessity in confronting the repeated and continuous litigation assaults on the comics. It's the one institute that enjoys across-the-board support from every publisher, media organization and creator. As its director, Charles Brownstein enjoys this same protection and support that the CBDLF itself has earned.

Charles Brownstein appears to need every ounce of support he can get. His energetic spirit is known to spill over to questionable territory when he's not in the office. Stories of sexual intimidation of female volunteers abound within the close circles of his social acquaintances. He uses his position to blatantly demand semi-sexual favors from them or to insult them with profanities when they don't comply. Several allegations of sexual misconduct against him were swept under the carpet when the victims chose not to suffer the inevitable mud slinging they knew would result from their doing so. A man of Charles Brownstein's position and influence is a very difficult animal to bring down under such circumstances - and anyone who tries to do so is expected to pay a very high price. This is the problem the comics community has with Charles Brownstein

For Taki Soma, however, the story just wouldn't go away. When it spilled over to Ronee Garcia Bourgeois' column at Buzzacope, Brownstein positioned himself for the kill which began with his sexual assult on her. Claiming a watered down version of the incident to make it appear like a misdemeanor and a first and last time affair. An offer of monetary recompense. Casting doubt on the integrity of Taki and Ronee. The cobble-cogs of the comics went into action and succeeded in washing his hands clean of the crime.

Everyone seems to be satisfied with laying the story to rest. Everyone except for the thousands of comics fans expressing their disapproval across the message boards. Add to them one Ronee Garcia Bourgeois, the opinion columnist who bravely uncovered the incident at Buzzscope.

And one woman of valor, Taki Soma, the victim who cries in the wilderness for justice.

Permalink Posted: 4:52 AM EST 0 comments  

Comic Book Resources' own Mike Smith, famed socio-political activist who's garnered more than 5,058 posts since joining the sizzling forum community in late August, 2005 (averaging about 19.15 posts per day) made a courages and moving plea to comic book creators for taking a more active role in helping steer our troubled nation's political leadership into safer pastures. The resounding call, creating waves of controversy throughout the comics community, was made on a forum thread discussing The Comic Book Creators' Party proposed Presidential candidate for the 2008 elections, Neal Adams and his provocotively debated science theory, Growing Earth.

The idea that comic creators could have a special place in US politics, some of them showing signs of being excellent leaders that could capture the hearts and minds of Americans, is neat. While I don't think interest in comic writing could act as a unifier in a group of people starting a political movement, it would be interesting to hear some clever comics creators ideas on the nation, its development, and prospects for the future.

Whenever we have more concerned people presenting their ideas in a public forum - from the garbage man, to the teachers, to the comic creators - our country is moving in the right direction. The mind set of THE PEOPLE is at the fore of the public forum and discourse. Comic creators do have a bit of a spotlight, so could use their prestige and position to turn their "mikes" up a bit louder than others to be heard. Doesn't mean they'll necessarily be that great, but would surely be welcome to present their views on successfully directing the nation [to a more favorable state of affairs].

Still early to estimate the influence this will have on renowned creators with sharp socio-political opinions and messages in their work, such as Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Steven Grant, Mark Millar and Warren Ellis, among many others - Michael Netzer, the enigmatic comics creator who first proposed the formation of the party in November, 2004, had this to say about Smith's activism:

Mike Smith is one of the true brave leaders within the comics community's forum discussions and I have no doubt that comics creators from all genres will not be able to easily ignore the controversy his bold new initiative will raise.

More to come as events unfold.

Permalink Posted: 9:14 AM EST 2 comments  

Last year I ran across Alan David Doane of Comic Book Galaxy fame on a message board and produced a portrait of him which I included in Portraits of the Creators Sketchbook. Some time later, I took him to task for having unjustly criticized Clifford Meth for his editorial policy in the The Uncanny Dave Cockrum Tribute. I asked him then to try to smooth things out with Clifford, but Alan chose not to take any such action.

ADD has recently maligned another friend and colleague with an arrogant narrow-minded review of The Comic Cartoonist's Workbook by Steven Bove', self-published through his Bove'works imprint.

Perhaps it's time that ADD receives a little taste of his own medicine to help him better understand the potential consequences of the narrow-minded insensitive arrogance he displays with his often spiteful reviews and commentary.

In your malicious disregard for the purpose and essence of the material you reviewed, Alan... As you wallowed in your self-importance and in the image of the loud-mouth crusher you easily allow yourself to portray... As you so heroically and ruthlessly attempted to show us what a mighty and ferocious pen you wield with the blabbermouth dribble you try to palm off as intelligent reviews... And in this dark hour for you where the comics industry will judge you with the same cruelty you judge others... I'd like to humbly remind you of one simple fact that has escaped your pitiful self-imposed eminence in the above mentioned review.

Steven Bove' makes no pretense of being on parity with the comic book giants you attempt to compare him to. Steven is a humble good soul with a love and passion for the comic book form that escapes the pompous arrogant elitism which characterizes you. His book makes no pretense of showcasing his talent as an artist. Its purpose, rather, is to introduce young newcomers to fundemetal basics of creating and publishing comics. This, Alan, Steven accomplishes with an eloquence that a proud and crude loud-mouth, parading as an intellectual snob, such as you, can never understand. Yet, Steven's art in the workshop publication is professional and proficient with a charm that the darkened crevices of your ugly soul simply cannot bring itself to enjoy.

Steven's book is a credit to his achievements as a professional instructor and artist. Steven's love for the craft and the community of comics creators comes through with every dot of ink and every fiber of paper in his marvelous and charming work. Steven's love for the comics and for comics creators drove him to choose to remain independent, upon discovering that the career he embarked on as a work-for-hire artist imposed upon him conditions that he felt would be a discredit to the craft's integrity. He chose to walk out on comics publishers who offered him work and forged an independent path early in his career, in pursuit of the due respect he felt that comics creators should receive from them. The integrity that Steven Bove' possesses in the tip of his toenail at any one given moment, exeeds, ten-fold, the integrity you have garnered in your entire physical being since the very day your were born into this world - as exemplified with the disrespect you display for a humble elegance such as his.

You have written another arrogant, narrow-minded review, Alan David Doane and stepped on one too may toes with your malicious pomposity and ill-hearted disregard for the essence of the work you reviewed. The piper now comes calling.

I do pray he'll find you well dressed for the occasion.

Permalink Posted: 7:29 AM EST 6 comments  

Some chapters from the first of this three volume collection have already seen print but this complete release from Top Shelf Productions is fanning flames across the entertainment world. It's being dubbed "an unabashedly pornographic work" by mainstream reviewers, who are reacting like a rookie batter that's been thrown a nasty curve ball by the hailed creator of Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

First columnist of comics, Rich Johnston, has written a passionate review in this week's Lying in the Gutters. One of his more moving articles to date, actually. The profound effect LOST GIRLS had on him shines through, majestically. That's what makes him of the finest commentators in the industry. If you want to know what this project is about, I strongly recommend to go there and read it.

I haven't yet seen the reviewers' copies that Top Shelf sent out, (the last such package I received was from DC 15 years ago) which puts me at a disadvantage to talk about it right now. What I did see though, is an excellent interview with Alan Moore, conducted by Kurt Amacker at Bits of News. Here, Alan sets the stage for the severe reactions he expects from the conservative religious front for using childhood idols within explicitly sexual material involving at times, consensual child sex, incest and even beastiality. This being Alan Moore, however, he drives his point home by giving us a jarring depiction of the world which the conservative front would have us believe to be of a higher moral value. Alan first talks about the background of the story and discusses what drove him to do this project and his views of human sexuality:

To some degree, no matter when we have our first sexual experience - whether it is as somebody very young or somebody in later life - to a certain degree, that sexual experience is one of the main marker posts with which we define the end of childhood and beginning of maturity. To some degree, everybody going into their first sexual experience is, in a certain sense, immature. In a certain sense, they are still children. When they come out of that sexual experience - and like I said, this can be at the age of 13 or 35 or whatever - when they come out, they may not be mature adults, but they're certainly not the children that they went into the experience as. Sexuality is one of the ways in which we define what a mature adult is, you know? We look at things like puberty and adolescence and these are the stages in life that mean we have changed from one thing to another.

When we enter into that new world, it is exactly that - it is a new world. It is a world in which all the things we learned during childhood no longer apply. People are all acting differently. People have different motives. There is a different kind of logic that applies to the sexual world than to the world of childhood. It's very much like the logic of the Red Queen in ALICE IN WONDERLAND. It kind of sounds like it makes sense, but it's completely unfamiliar to any way that you've ever thought before. All of our first sexual landscapes - they do become wonderlands - wonderful and often scary and disorienting places.

Good insight. Sigmund Frued would've learnt something from you, Mr. Moore. At least to help put his own obsessions in perspective. The interview then moves onto the socio-political environment LOST GIRLS emerges in today:

I know Alan isn't naive and understands that Cheney and Blair didn't really mastermind the Iraqi war. No political leaders can escape the grip of the economic heads whose bidding they do today. Alan's right in that the bottom line here is the money. World economic leaders are pushing to subjugate the Arab world into Western consumerism- and the Arabs just aren't buying it. That's what's really behind the rise of international terrorism and Islamic Jihad. Doesn't excuse it, but it's important to understand this if we're to have any hope of curtailing the bloodshed.

Alan goes on to explain the more taboo sex scenes in the project, such as incest and sex with children:

What we wanted to do was make the point - as we have one of the characters make the point for us during one of the scenes - that these are not children. These are drawings of children.

They are depictions. Yes, I can't produce the birth certificates of these young-looking people to prove that they are, in fact, midgets at the age of 18, or whatever. You're showing images of fictional children having consensual sex. This could be seen as wrong, whereas I, for the past couple of years, have been turning on my television and seeing pictures of actual, non-fictional children with their arms blown off. But, this is okay, because this is collateral damage. And, after all, they have only blown the arms off the children, killed all of their relatives, and left them with no un-blackened skin below the waist.

It's not like they've touched them sexually or anything. Frankly, when you're confronted with that kind of vision on the six o'clock news, it makes all of these arguments about what it is permissible to depict in fiction completely laughable - almost an insult to our mutual humanity. If we can get so upset about lines on paper, but cannot somehow get upset about real flesh, real blood, real viscera, then what are we? So yes, I suppose that you could see those sections as deliberately provocative. I felt that I wanted to make a point there.

Point well made. Though I look forward to the rabble-rousing this project promises, the above excerpts drive the point home with the firm eloquence of a 10 ton hammer. Rich Johnston sums up what we can look forward to, later this summer, with the debut of LOST GIRLS.

As to the ordering venues, Rich continues:

If you want the signed numbered edition, you have to use the [Top Shelf] website. If you want the standard volume, check first with your retailer whether they are willing to stock it. If so, go for it. It is unlikely that all retailers will. Some, because it's not by Marvel and DC, others because it portrays repeated sexual acts, some illegal, graphically, some because they won't be able to get copies through their geographic distributor fearing seizure by Customs.

Yet it is probably Melinda Gebbie and Alan Moore's greatest achievement in the comics field.

Hook or by crook, remember.

Couldn't agree more. LOST GIRLS is coming home and deserves a big welcome. Here's the link to pre-order the deluxe hardcover collection at Top Shelf Productions. If nothing else, talk it up about what you've read here and lend Alan Moore a hand in this commendable effort to incite passion and concern for the more disturbing issues our troubled world faces.

Get the word out. Hook or by crook!

Permalink Posted: 6:48 AM EST 0 comments  

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:

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.

Permalink Posted: 3:58 AM EST 1 comments  

I first ran across Taki Soma at the Brian Bendis board, when I discovered she'd posted a wish to have a sketch from me after seeing a Green Arrow sketch I drew at The Millarworld Free Sketch Thread. I then discovered that she was a talented artist by her own right, working professionally and quite active in comics fandom - attending conventions and nurturing a cheerful presence on the message boards. Well, I contacted her and received a specific request for a Spectre sketch. It took some time but I finally did that sketch, last January, and sent it to her. Taki then promptly posted the sketch on the Bendis board under the The Fabulous Michael Netzer thread she opened for the occasion - and has recently shown it off on another photo thread there.

On that Fabulous thread, which I also participated in, some of the conversation drifted into two particular aspects of the sketch. I drew Taki holding a drink, raising a toast to her favorite hero, The Spectre - who laid his hand on her shoulder in endearment. Some of the reactions teased her about the alcoholic beverage and sexual innuendo. I sensed that Taki was a little dismayed at this and was moved to defend the good spirit and comradrie that she exuded in everything I'd read about her and the photographs I used for reference. I explained that The Spectre's posture and gesture are a sign of his heart-felt thanks for her admiration of him. This is truly the spirit in which I did that drawing . Here's what I said about the cocktail:

Taki is raising the glass with a spirit of cheer and comradrie. She exudes nothing but goodwill and good times. People will say alcohol, demeaningly, yet those who like to enjoy a good time with friends and let loose a little to make the good spirit flow more spontaneously, well, we all know there's nothing demeaning about that. Those who criticize the alcohol rarely care about anyone in order to bring a little cheer into their lives. The good message of this drawing is worth fighting for.

I've been away from the internet since then but little did I know what a premonition all this held of things to come for Taki. The Mid-Ohio Con controversy has since blown open in the comics press, regarding sexual misconduct against her by Charles Brownstein, executive director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund - and a highly respected figure in the comics industry. The story has all but blown over by now. Below is a sampling of the press coverage on it:

• Heidi MacDonald's The Beat
• Tom Spurgeon's Comic Reporter (1)
• Tom Spurgeon's Comic Reporter (2)
• Michael Dean at The Comic Journal
• Matt Brady's Newsarama (1)
• Matt Brady's Newsarama (1)

Here's a loose and brief summation: Sometime last fall at The Mid-Ohio Comics Convention, Taki was invited to join a few acquaintances in the hotel pool or jacuzzi. Everyone there had indulged in some drinking. Taki, not having a bathing suit with her, entered the water fully dressed. She claims that when she started to leave, Charles Brownstein grabbed her shirt and slipped his hand under it, cupping her breast - and wouldn't let go. A struggle then ensued and Taki's friend came to help her by forcefully prying Charles' hands away from her.

Ronee Garcia Bourgeois, an acquaintance of Taki, initially broke the story at Buzzscope. Though not naming names, this apparently led to a series of speculations which infringed on the reputations of other key figures in the industry. Taki filed a police report but was dissuaded from filing charges against Brownstein because of logistical issues and lack of witness credibility. Charles then came forth and admitted that he lifted Taki's shirt but never touched her body. He claims to have apologized but that Taki didn't accept his apology.

The CBLDF investigated the matter independently and has laid it to rest, bringing little or no action against Charles Brownstein. The comics industry has now laid this story to rest also. Some of the commentary in the comics press calls Taki Soma's integrity into question for not having filed charges and for the discrepancy between the two versions of what happened. An issue of her affair with a married man was brought into the fray (he was the key witness who pried Brownstein's hands from her at the pool) and only added to the suspicions against her. It's become a "he said/she said" matter that will remain unresolved, the pundits wrote. Taki Soma has been admittedly wronged in a very degrading manner by a prominent figure in the industry and the comics community is willing to let things remain as they are with little or no repercussions for the assault on her.

I myself am not satisfied with the way it's been resolved. I'd like to direct a few words to Charles Brownstein.

Taki Soma, Charles, has no reason to lie about the incident and fabricate the story of you grabbing her physically under her shirt. If she was ferociously going after you and wanted to damage you, as your friends have speculated in the industry press, she would've filed charges against you. The fact that she filed the police report but brought no charges is an indication of her goodwill and perplexity in dealing with an incident which caused her much undue pain and grief. Taki Soma handled the matter as a woman of valor would, with great sensitivity to everyone involved - including you.

You, on the other hand, Charles, had every reason to lie about what happened. You had every reason to take advantage of the indiscriminate way the story broke into the comics press. You had every reason to lie about what you did, showing no concern to the additional grief you bring on Taki. Everything in the story indicates that if you'd come forth honestly with a sincere apology, Taki would've accepted it. What she didn't accept was a dilluted account of the incident with an offer of monetary recompense. No, Charles, you had every reason to try to weasel your way to safety by casting doubt on her integrity and transforming your assault on her into a misdemeanor between friends.

You're no friend of Taki's, Charles. We all know that now.

You're a profound example of the reason our world's become the ruthless jungle that it is. You hide behind your position with a respectful organization while you assault and defame an innocent woman with far greater nobility than you. You've shown yourself for the regrettable semblance of a man you're purporting to be. The way your friends and supporters came to your aid, at Taki's expense, bids ill for the state of affairs in the boy's club of the comics, which remains deaf to the injustice that Taki suffered at your hands.

I don't believe you, Charles. I don't believe you've spoken the truth about this incident. I don't believe you when you say this was a first and last case. I don't believe anything you say about it, actually. Not until you publicly admit what you've done and how you misled everyone about the truth you're hiding. You, Charles, carry a heavy weight in your heart as a result of your actions and you'll continue to carry it until you make a sincere gesture to restore this good woman's trust. The trust and dignity which you attempted to strip Taki Soma of.

I'm not a naive man, Charles, but I'm not giving up on you. I'd like to see you muster the courage to do the right thing and come forth with the entire truth. Not for Taki's sake alone - but for yours also. You yourself, Charles, are the one whom you've damaged most with your actions... and with your subsequent cover-up of them.

Permalink Posted: 11:45 PM EST 0 comments  

Michael Netzer: Rabble-Rouser picks up where Flaming Sword Productions left off several months ago. One of its major goals is to bring a wider audience into our fold. This means there's likely to be a wider array of subject matter covered here than before. I'm counting on the presence I've nurtured in the comics community to highlight the primary role this indusry plays in our cultrual awareness and evolution. I'll try to post pertinent updates and commentaries on developments here in Israel to help bridge the gap between us. For now, suffice it to say that Flaming Sword Productions has served its declared purpose of speaking out on the plight of the comics creators and the part we play on the world stage. Its entire site archives will remain available through the links menu at Rabble-Rouser.

In choosing the name of this latest weblog, I'm reaching for a stronger definition of what it is that I'm hoping to accomplish with it. Though aware of the negative connotations to the term, I've never been one to accept such perception at face value. Rabble is generally associated with the disenfranchised lower class which more and more people are inadvertantly discovering they belong to today. The term often raises connotations of agitation and contemp - usually defined by the empowered upper class which tries to keep the trodden and persectued in check through this negative perception. I choose to cast my lot in with the rabble and hope to raise our audience's passion and concern for the goings on around us. Not with hatred or violence, naturally, but through a courageous stand to nurture a deeper truth about the difficult state of affairs we're all witness to on a daily basis.

I found the Merriem-Webster Online dictionary entry for Rabble-Rouser to be a little curious:

: one that stirs up (as to hatred or violence) the masses of the people :

The Dictionary.com entries from Lexico Publishing Group, LLC, were however, a little more gracious:

n : A leader or speaker who stirs up the passions of the masses; a demagogue.

n : an orator who appeals to the passions and prejudices of his audience [syn: demagogue, demagog]

While I've always shunned hatred and violence, I find it curious that an established literary institution such as Merriem-Webster had only one entry and chose to adhere this tag to the term "rabble-rouser". Quite short-sighted, actually, considering that one doesn't need to employ hatred or violence in order to raise the passion and concern of the people. Lexico is a far smaller institution with less credentials, which chose a definition that allows for a more positive perception of the term - adorning it with the qualities of leadership and public appeal. This certainly fits well with the notion that the established hierarchies are putting forth a consolidated effort to subvert the public's passion and concern. The little guys here, namely Lexico, maintain a greater integrity and help open a door to the legitimate rise of populist empathy, though this may ferment dissatisfaction with the established order.

Additionally, the term extremist individualism, used in the header, is being coined by Pope Benedict XVI, who calls to abolish such individualism in the name of religious piety. Well, it's not clear to me where from in the Bible the Pope draws this notion. Just the opposite, actually. The primary message of Jesus and the prophets is to nurture free and independant thought, wisdom and intelligence. Isn't that what the first commandment to love God with all your heart and soul and mind implies?

Sadly, it appears that the misguided religious zealots of the world are being led astray by their leaders who don't really want us to think for ourselves anymore - or be passionate about anything at all. They appear to be attempting to disenfranchize us of our greatest God given gift, our individualism and freedom of choice. Seems that the present hierarchial construct is more interested in numbing us into a stupor, as the socio-political-economic bulldozers clear the rubble (and rabble) away, on their way to enslaving humanity - both mentally and physically. The pompous manner with which they espouse their false creeds, exposes many of today's religious institutions for the morally bankrupt entities they've become.

Michael Netzer: Rabble-Rouser persists on raising the passion of the people in an effort to prevent our continued downfall. We've survived more than 30 years of slings, arrows and ridicule. We stand poised today, stronger than ever, for the last leg of the glorious events to unfold in the years ahead. The rebirth of truth, hope, salvation and the spirit of healing into our troubled world.

I can't attest now to the longevity or regularity of the postings here. I'll play it by ear and do my best to persevere. So, kick back and enjoy the reading. Help spread the word and network material of interest by mentioning it on blogs and forums. I'll do my best to provide a wide range of rabble-rousing content that fits loose pieces together into the big puzzle we're all putting together here. We have a lot of work to do and the clock is ticking.

Let the passions rise, my friends. The revolution draws near.

Permalink Posted: 8:41 PM EST 0 comments