The Good, The Bad, & This Kid: “Spiral Out”

Today marks the end of two things: Hanukkah and The Good, The Bad, & This Kid. It’s been a great ride, but all things eventually end. Such is my case. I’m going to get very cliché here, and write a farewell column. When I first made the decision to pull the plug of GBK I wasn’t going to write a farewell, I was going to write one more topic and just say goodbye. I’ve thought about it, and I can’t do that. I feel like I should say something, like those who left SBC before me.

Like I said, it’s been a wonderful seven months. When I started working for SBC I was doing reviews. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t what I wanted. When I e-mailed Craig about becoming a reviewer, I knew I really wanted to be a columnist. After a month or so of reviewing, I e-mailed Craig and asked him what I had to do to get my own column. Obviously, I never did. I know GBK is a column, it has a regular slot, and I have a deadline, but I never really think of it as a column. If you’re wondering why, it’s because I never made it out of the Soapbox. I almost did a couple times, but things never worked out. It’s my fault mainly. I never came into this with a clear plan. From day one it was just whatever was on my mind that week. I’ve had several weeks where I didn’t even talk about comics, and it was those weeks that pretty much sealed my fate. That and probably poor readership, but that’s just my guess.

Anyway, I’m writing this on Christmas Eve (actually it just turned Christmas) so I’ve got the Holiday Spirit. Which means, I’m in no mood to bitch; instead to look back with pride and thanks. I’m proud of myself for meeting all my deadlines, and producing a column that I’m; well, proud of. I understand that not everyone likes my column, and I don’t care. I write what I feel, and I write what I enjoy to read. That’s what any writer aims for. Why write something you wouldn’t read yourself? I know there were people out there who did enjoy reading my column every week, and I’m thankful for all of them. SBC is blessed to be visited by some of the finest readers in the comic industry. The fans who come to this site are intelligent fans of comics, and set high standards for the material they read. I’m honored that these people took the time to read my stuff, whether they enjoyed it or not. SBC also has some of the best writers on and off the net penning columns. It’s been surreal seeing my column on the same page as columns by Marv Wolfman, Alan Donald, and Buddy Scalera just to name a few. SBC will always hold a special place in my heart, they’re the first people who gave me a chance with my writing.

Now, comes the Thank You section. Time to acknowledge all the people who made this column possible. First and foremost I want to thank Craig Lemon and Jason Brice for allowing my farce of a column to appear on such a respected web site. You two were smart enough to leave me in the Soapbox, I can’t say I blame you. I’d also like to thank Mary Z. for not only drawing the portrait of me that appears on the main page, but for being so freaking supportive of me. All the people on my “mailing list” deserve many a thanks. Every Saturday you’d all get an e-mail from me, and you still opened it. You knew it was a link to my column, but you still read it. I can’t thank you all enough for the continuous support. Also, Cliff Meth, thanks for taking the time to answer all my questions. Not only are you a great writer, but you’re a great person. Anyone who ever posted on the Soapbox message board, thank you for feedback. Nothing is greater than talking about something you wrote with people. Plus, the people who go to the SBC message boards kick serious ass. Namely, Ratt and Brian McCoy. I feel like I’m forgetting some people, but I don’t really think I am. To anyone out there who read my column or any of my reviews, I really appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

So, what’s next for moi? I’ve got no idea. I’m going to concentrate on my fiction writing, and my schooling. I want to finish all the projects Mary and I have started, along with getting my degree. These two things don’t leave much time for GBK. If you’d like to check up on my status, you can always visit my blog. It can be found by clicking THIS AMAZING LINK. I’ll probably write some reviews here and there for SBC (if they let me), and GBK might be back for special editions or something stupid like that.

The Good

Obviously, this will be the last The Good. I’m still debating whether or not I should do a review or two a week, which would be The Good and The Bad. Either way, here we go. For the final installment of The Good, it’s a book about comics. How To Read Superhero Comics and Why by Geoff Klock. It’s an educated look at some of the most influential and ground-breaking Superhero comics. Klock has a Masters in English from New York University, which proves my point about it being an educated book. Anyway, the book covers all the major Superhero works: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, Marvels, and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen just to name a few. This is a must read book for any Superhero comic book fan. You can buy it from Amazon.com, so it’s not hard to find. It’s only $20, so order it with something else and get the free shipping. That’s all for The Good. Behave.

Well, have fun everybody. It’s been great. Hope to see you all again someday soon. ‘Til…whoops. Bye.

-Josh Stone
Josh’s Blog

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