I don't want to be.. CBG

Hopefully, not a vision of the future. I would look silly with a pony tail.

Last time I was between jobs, I reviewed episodes of The Simpsons for a web site that no longer exists. I didn't get paid, but I was going watch the show anyway (having to write a hopefully insightful analysis of the program actually gave me some sense of purpose) and it kept my editing skills sharp.

My reviews were pretty popular (it even got to the point that a dude with my same name wrote an apology e-mail saying he told people at work he was the one doing the writing and felt so bad about passing off my words as his that he needed to confess) and I always tried not to get too preachy in my assessment.

The reason why is that I never wanted to become the sanctimonious character known and beloved by Simpsons fans as The Comic Book Guy.

I've collected comic books since I could read (in fact, I think following along with the pictures of Marvel Two-In-One was how I learned to read) and have been a follower of science fiction since about that same time.

I have a whole room of my house devoted to various collections (thankfully, that room has a door so I can separate it from the rest of the Lightnin' Lair should a female visitor to come calling) and these days my wardrobe largely consists of cargo shorts and a clean T-shirt.

I recently purchased the book above from a discount bin and after having read it I must confess one of my deep-seated fears.

I think I'm becoming The Comic Book Guy.

The isolation of being unemployed may be starting to warp my perceptions, and not in a good way.

While a few of my friends still check in by email or text message, they usually end up asking my opinion on the latest movie or web trend and I have found myself almost gleefully tearing things down.

(See review of "The Crappening" below for proof)

I think solitude tends to make people think their opinions are more important and other than readers of this blog, the only audience for my acerbic wit lately is my dog.

I read "Comic Book Guy's Book of Pop Culture" and unashamedly understood all the references. I even had a few geek giggles as I imagined delivering some of the same intra-nerd insults.

These days I spend a lot of my newly-acquired free time sending out resumes and scouring online job search sites, but I have also been combing through my comic collection trying do decide which of my Marvel and DC comics memories I might part with should this employment drought continue for a while longer.

As a kid, I always told myself that I would hold onto my collection until I really needed the money. That time may be sooner than later, but I don't think this is the worst option.

It might prevent me from turning completely to the dork side. It may make it more likely to get a girl friend again or at least a second date.

No matter what happens, I know I will never completely become CBG.

While I may grow a nasty looking beard, I will never grow a pony tail.

Take that to mean what you want, it probably does.

=WL=