Okay, I guess to pre-empt the chorus of laughing “friends” I’ll beat everyone to the punch and say that yes, I’ve been a geek for years. But today was the first time I’ve actually gone out and made a trip to the comic book store because a special guest was there. That guest, ladies and gentlemen? Scott McCloud.
Most folks know that Scott has many interesting insights into comics, and in fact has an excellent book out called “Making Comics,” but to me he’ll always be the author of Zot! Jump with me into the wayback machine, back to the late 80’s. I was in high school and had already been reading comics for ten years. I did my fair share of buying indie titles, but didn’t discover Zot! until I was in college, at which point I picked it up faithfully in Chapel Hill, at Second Foundation (now Chapel Hill Comics). I always looked forward to it.
Thirty six issues were published, but my collection stops with issue 35. I have no memory of why I don’t have that last one – maybe I had finals? Maybe it came out over break, and I was home and neglected to go the comic book store? Whatever the case, I still have the rest of my collection. So when Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find hosted Mr. McCloud when he was in town for a lecture, I took the fangirl plunge and dusted off my Zot! box.
(By the way, “Zot box” is totally what my secret weapon will be called should I ever enter the field of evil geniusing.)
Man, what a trip down memory lane. It was nestled between my Puma Blues and some Cynicalman and Antisocialman minicomics by Matt Feazell. I used to get these at Heroes when they were on Thomas street. I often went with my dad, who favored Uncle Scrooge. According to Mr. McCloud, Matt’s gone from stick-figure minicomics to contributing to Disney Adventures magazine, so maybe I can pick up something he’s done for my daughter to enjoy.
Aaaaaanywho, Scott was there with his charming family, all of whom were gracious. It was quite pleasant meeting and chatting with he and his wife. I think they took their own little trip in the wayback machine when I pulled out my old Zot!, which Scott was kind enough to sign for me.
It was nice to talk about characterization, and to find that I’d selected an issue which apparently doesn’t make him wince too much. I think we’re all our own harshest critics, particularly of our older work. I look back at my TV spots, such as the one for “Super Borg Sunday” (yeah, we were counterprogramming Trek against the Superbowl) and enjoy it, but I also think about how I would improve it now. And God knows I heave a sigh every time I put on that nipple hat. Yet, while I often pull out the newer stuff, sometimes I still wear the old girl, which I’m sure says something about… something. Nostalgia? Pride in learning new skills? Let’s just go with “something.”
Scott’s wife Ivy mentioned that there was a possibility of getting the later issues (maybe all the issues?) put out again. I’d buy it – it would be great to at least know what the heck happened in issue 36. Seventeen years later and I’m still in the dark!
All in all, it was a very pleasant experience, and intruding on a total stranger’s time and space wasn’t nearly as awkward as I thought it would be, thanks to the grace of Mr. McCloud and his wife. Maybe I’ll come out to another one of these dealies sometime.
Next time: Yarn and knitting pics!
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