Rick Olney--Fibber or Mega-Giganta-Fibber?

[Mike Bullock]

However, I did voice a concern over doing SO many homage covers for two books. One would be ok, but to do it multiple times? I felt it would make the series look weak, or worse, contrived.

I'd venture a guess that sort of request (that you do so many unoriginal designs) comes from someone striving to be creative, but not knowing how...

[kingdom2000]

Doesn't Olney have at this point at least one or two complete comics? Even if he doesn't, promotion of even a non-existant product, is fairly common place (see Rob Liefeld) so its still an issue if a discussion of payment is ever reached. While the odds are long, its still something that should be discussed with an attorney.

Based on what Colleen typed about copyrigt, I guess thats why you can have a Supreme, Hyperion, Samaritian, or Sentry whose powers are pretty much identical but collection of attributes isn't. Hey that means can re-use the work, flip personalities around, tweak orgin and give em a new name (just for giggles) and publish the work as own creation right? Not that I would recommend it for the sake of good taste.

[TomStillwell]

To be clear... Did you search for a DBA?

It COULD be (not likely) that another recognized company or Rick Olney (using his real, full name -- Richard, Rich, Rick or Patrick J.Olney if we're to believe it) did a DBA rather than incorporate and MAY not have been required to obtain a business license.

Please, Patrick. I'm a professional.

[Dreadstar]

Too many posts for me to wade through, but as to his recently sent missive:

I haev been on both sides of lawsuits (I know, big surprise) and I can tell you that a lawyer will tell you to NEVER send out such a missive. That's what they get paid for. In fact, such things are very much frowned upon by your legal representative. It's very much a "Shut up, I'LL do the talking from here out." deal.

I doubt if any lawyer would tell his client to send out his own "cease and desist" letter. Ever.

[Blake Petit]

I thought the same thing myself, Dreadstar. Although I don't have your experience. ;)

[PatrickG]

I caught that Olney accused you of using your job to hunt him down but I never caught what your dayjob is.

I think of you as a comic book writer, first and foremost.

(Then again, Gail and Mark and Kurt and Mike and everyone here have shown that comic book writers have powers of their own.)

[OzBat!]

I doubt if any lawyer would tell his client to send out his own "cease and desist" letter. Ever.

Who gave you permission to be all logical and factilistical and stuff, huh?

[JTPencils]

Same here.

Jim would be a great penciler for JSA, Captain America or Invaders IMHO.

Thanks for that Magneto, I'd love to work on JSA. One of my favorite books! I love the old time characters mixing with the new.

[EdContradictory]

And then there's this:
Comics Buyers Guide; 1996: The Year in Comics
Dick makes some interesting claims in the comments section....

Hmmm... I would've thought ORCA might've rayted some small mention in your 1996 retrospect. 'Course, that's just a small reason why comics and kids, and comics and hobbyists have dropped off, imho.

I can't believe the delusions of grandeur this man suffers from. I would "rayte" him very high on the delusional scale.

[TCJohnson]

I caught that Olney accused you of using your job to hunt him down but I never caught what your dayjob is.

I think of you as a comic book writer, first and foremost.

He does research for real lawyers...or so he says. Personally I think he is a male stripper.

[DarrenCawsey]

Olney-hunting is fun.

So, Ricky, to whom do you give these "thousands of comics each year"? Got any evidence? A receipt, perhaps? Or did the donated comics disappear into your longboxes?

If you can find it in the archive check out the old Comicon thread. Apparently donated comics are forwarded to the Salvation Army.

(issues regarding tax write-offs aside) A poster there made the good point that if that's where they're ending up, why not just give to the Sallies direct?

I'm all for getting comic readership up, but dumping long-boxes at the Salvation Army just doesn't seem like a very efficient way of doing so.


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[Blake Petit]

One of my favorites for the same reason -- I think you've got a great sensibility for that sort of story, Jim.

[OzBat!]

Hey Oz, can I get Olney's IP so I can go ahead and ban him from the Unscrewed! site?

Sure you can! Check your PMs!

[Larry Dixon]

Rick Olney: Let's see. Zombies are hot right now ... (etc.)

Comedy Gold!

Made my night Tom :)

[JTPencils]

One of my favorites for the same reason -- I think you've got a great sensibility for that sort of story, Jim.

Thanks Blake, perhaps I should work up some JSA samples and.... nah... they don't look at stuff unless you go to San Diego or Chicago anymore. And I just don't have the funds for that sorta trip.