I see. Thank you.

That you didn't really want that and you should be ashamed of yourself for claiming you did, you filthy liar.

I think Byrne's opinion about fanboys turned pro is more about writing fanfic ("wouldn't it be cool if X fought Y?")

Byrne's second tenet also seems to be about maintaining distance, division and distinction between mere fans and pros. Probably he sees it as being professional, but it's pretty elitist IMO.

Don't believe the drivel spouted by that particular schizophrenic detractor, Alex. It's very obviously colored by a highly negative bias that is NEVER to be trusted (as history hereabouts has already revealed countless times).

#2 is actually attributable to Len Wein (JB has credited Mr. Wein for such in the past).

Simply put (and this is my own take), don't bring the fan "mentality" into writing for the big 2. A lot of people have tried to steer this subject towards independent works, but the MAIN thrust is towards Marvel & DC superhero stories...IMO.

JB points out one of the worst cases is the JLA/Avengers crossover. No complaints regarding the artwork by George Perez, of course.

And (in response to MightyQuin) I don't see anything elitist in JB's view in regards to fans turned pro. What's next? JB's jealous, too? Blech!

I see. Thank you.

Blech, indeed! That makes me wonder, Paul, has JB ever worked for Mad Magazine or even the others, Cracked, ect.? I think he came in after Marvel's Brand Echh, but I honestly think he'd be great with that kind of drawing and humor given the opportunity.

His "Superbman vs. the Fantastical Four" in "What The...?" #2 is one of my most favorite Byrne works, a terrific self-parody and (to my knowledge) the only time he's indulged in the Kurtzman/Wood "Mad" style of humor. He did other pieces for "What The...?" but didn't write them, the inking was bad and whatever skill he has in drawing comedic books was wasted on them.

I worry about what you actually SEE with those evil glowing red eyes!

I see EVERYTHING.