I grew up in a traditional valued family of Mom, Dad and five sisters. Somebody up there loved me because I was allowed to be born first giving me full reign over my own bedroom, baths by myself and toys nobody else in the family dared to touch.
I loved reading comics at a very early age thanks to my Uncle Bill. He gave me my first batch of free comics. If you can imagine what it was like getting a copy of FANTASTIC FOUR #2 as part of your "batch" ... you'll understand how precious those memories are for me. As a kid, I'd beg my parents for spare change to buy comics from the corner drug store. When change wasn't there or if I "just HAD to have THAT issue" ... I'd take it. Yup, you read it here first. Rick Olney admits he stole comics as a kid. I'm not proud of that. It was a childish act and while I was never caught, I regret every single instance. it was weakness and I was raised with fairly good moral values. But then again, so were you too? Right? Well, in retrospect ... if there had been a club like ORCA back then. Maybe I wouldn't have needed to steal comics. I didn't steal THAT many. But I stole them all the same.
I've been a victim at times during my life. I used to hold the door for elderly people until I got tired of being ignored or got that look that made me think it was MY JOB. I hope to share some of my comic book stories with you over the coming months in this edition of BALL OF FIRE. If I'm doing it right, over time, you'll know more about me then I truly know about myself, until putting it into printed word. If I'm REALLY GOOD at it - I'll die just in time, avoiding the ABC Movie of the Week version of my life. You are the only person that matters to me right now because you're reading this, my epitaph.
I decided to call this written space BALL OF FIRE because that's what I am. Every place I've been has either felt the heat of criticism or the warmth of kindness. I don't consider myself very important in the framework of the comic book industry or fandom in general. I do think however, that I set a good example as a person. At least if I have faults, they're the kind that are specific to me as a person. Gee, ... pretty deep stuff to think about huh?
Rob Upton is a very creative man. I've enjoyed his stuff because its original and because its jam packed full of the stuff that makes the genre of Super Hero comics great to read. His art is easy on the eyes and he cares about something that I'm curious to learn more about.
Mike Noonan, is without a doubt in my mind - A treasure chest of talent. If you enjoy artists like Mike Allred, Peter Bagge or Jeff Smith? You'll love Mike's pencils. Mike, if you're reading this? Take that original style of yours and bring your work to life. You've got the magic my friend.
Mike Malott is a pretty good hearted person, if you take the time to get to know him. I've needed his help before and gotten it any time I asked.
So there you have it! The FIRST installment of BOF. I hope that you each enjoy the remaining pages of my zine. I've taken considerable effort to make it original and unlike any of my other zine efforts. Certainly, it's not intended to be a FROM THE TOP or A WHALE OF A TALE. But I hope you enjoy it.
Lastly, Great job on ORCOMIX # 1! We all owe Dave, Steve and John a big round of applause. Keep up the good work guys! Look for more from TLC next month.
Sincerely,
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