Ooh! Ooh! I can answer that very obviously rhetorical question. I can even do it honestly, much to the chagrin of the (delusional) self-righteous detrators hereabouts.
The answer is: The detractors spew forth so much hate-filled bile, that it metaphorically coats the "walls" of this forum (not just this thread).
The detractors, of course, will be unable to stomache this FACT, so you will more than likely "hear" a few buzzing sounds of protest & analytical B.S. from them.
Don't worry, though (more rhetoric, by the way). Like all gnats, they go away soon enough (even though they'll find more crap to hover over).
Let the hate continue!

So we get all his usual buzz words, the weird negativity, the claiming of unsubstantiated opinion as fact. We all know the standard Pally reply.


But then he boldly states his wish for the new year and his modus operandi in terms he's rarely so bold with...

It's a pleasant surprise when someone opens up their heart and shows a rare touch of truth and honesty.

Thank you Pally!

Where's a fly-swatter when you need one!

Please don't disturb yourself on my account, Pally.


I'd hate to think of you as disturbed.

(but then again I did praise the virtues of squarely dealing with reality!)

I forgot that one when talking about all the wonderful ways JB express his undying love and respect for Jack. That was one of the most ignorant and stupid things I've read a fanboy say. And just another proof of how Byrne desperately wants to believe he will be better regarded in the future.

And if Byrne really believed that Kirby's Cap sold 17K in the 70's that just shows just of incredibly ignorant of comic book history he is for someone who has worked 3 decades in the field.

All excellent points. And discouraging -- not just to people who work in comics (what do the Young Turks have planned once they hit their 40th birthday?), but for people who love good comics.

Some of my favorite writers and artists from years ago simply fell out of the industry when they became older than their editors (the Joe Quesada gap) and the fanboys who produce WIZARD. You read their laments again and again. One day they sold tons; the next day, the offers dried up.

Not only do some younger editors sneer at gray hair as a matter of principle, but they realize that the next young and hungry creator will work cheaper than the Old Pro who has established a career and has retirement plans.

Paul, why was Rogrigo Baeza banned?

Paul, please give three examples of Byrne being misquoted and/or taken out of context.

The point (first made by Alex A B??) about creators over a certain age struggling for comics work is a really telling one in relation to this thread. Of his generation how many creators are still being given a lot of work??

Yes we're all aware of exceptions such as George Perez.... but actually isn't John Byrne actually doing pretty well compared to most of his contemparies?? (Especially for some one of forth-right opinions who may have upset a person or two.) And doesn't he deserve success because of the quality of his artwork? And maybe--if he hangs tough-- the wheel may turn and his writing may come back into fashion?

Bad writing may indeed come back into fashion, but despite how it may help certain bad writers I still hope that it doesn't.

Indeed. Too many (detractors) try to paint a bad picture, when it is nothing of the sort. JB may have no regular comic book work, but he's certainly better off (and I'm not just talking financially) than most others from his generation (of comic book talents).
Too much wishful "thinking" coming from the group-mind (-less) of haters.