Okay, I've written just about everything in the world in my career except comic books although now that I see how easy it is using Celtx, you can bet I will be. However, I've churned out extensive words about comic books over the years, writing for such publications as Comic Buyers Guide. What's more—and here's the real brag—something not many folks can say, I've actually been a comic book character!

It happened back in 1982. I had a young friend who was trying to break into comics as an artist. Butch was very good and I, along with everyone else, encouraged him. Well, he made it and (as Jackson Guice) is still making it big time. He was kind enough to include the comics shop owner—my late friend, D.W. "Doc" Howard—and myself as Dire Wraiths in Rom Annual #1 (1982).

My comic character had a short career but, although banished to another dimension, could come back some day. That's me in the middle below. I smoked a pipe then but quit in 1988 and have not smoked since—cuts...