Here's my hypothesis about Paul's lack of posting on the JBF. My guess is that he doesn't want to post there for fear of bringing down the random, arbitrary wrath of John Byrne and find himself being criticized or ostracized for some harmless, casual remark, or for inadvertently breaking one of Byrne's unspoken but entirely severe rules . Cuz if Paul suddenly found himself on the receiving end of Byrne's contempt, through no fault of his own, he would, naturally, as is human nature, get defensive. But to do so would also, by his own definitions, land him squarely in detractor land.

And then probably his head would explode.

So better to play it safe and only post only the most benign of remarks, and come up with some explanation about redundancy or whatnot. That way he can hold on to his enabler identity that brings him so much joy, without fear of ever falling under Byrne's Sauron gaze of criticism.

Right?

Nope.

Only if you use the Wonkavator.

Here's another one
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/best-shots-extra-next-men-101215.html

Somebody here posted a link (maybe it was even in this thread) to some people discussing Paul on the JBF. They seem to realize over there that he has merely adopted their "defend JB at all costs" routine as a desperate plea for attention. In the JBF proper his clown act would just blend in, so he has to set his sights on other forums that have more critical opinions of Byrne. Apparently, he tried his schtick at IMWAN, but couldn't figure out how to post (or something).

Well, it didn't take long for Thin Skin John to start railing against a negative review:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=37229&PN=1&totPosts=11

Byrne also kicked off a thread devoted to his new issue of Next Men. His first post of course includes a rule on how to particiate:

http://www.byrnerobotics.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=37221&PN=1&totPosts=73

I think it is clear he is easily wounded/bruised by criticism. And this first post shows that in vivid detail.

However, there is fine line between caring too much about your work that you are sensitive regarding it, and thinking your work is so good everyone is full of shit if they don't love it. Of the two I think I prefer the first, because at least it shows an artist believing in his work.

I'll never get tired of Byrne saying "second only to Lee and Kirby" like it's high praise. Apart from Lee and Kirby, Fantastic Four has had... maybe two or three pretty good runs? Four if you're feeling generous? And apart from that, forty years of absolute shit.

On that title, being "second only to Lee and Kirby" really isn't much of an accomplishment.

(I also wouldn't say it's true; I like Simonson's run better. But that's just me, I like Simonson's comics better than Byrne's in general.)

Waid and Weiringo

Yep, that'd be one of 'em. And I'd put Millar/Hitch on as the fourth one where I waggle my hand back and forth and go, "ehhhh?"