When I was in my early 20s devouring Ellison books, I was always impressed by the fact that Harlan's introductions to his short stories were as engaging as the stories themselves. Sometimes more! The man seemed to pour the entirety of himself into everything he wrote.
My favorite Ellison quote? "Writing is a holy chore.” It is indeed.
Sincere condolences to Harlan Ellison's friends and family.
And so passes the last of Science Fiction's classic creators, ad the original comic geek.
ReplyDeleteIn his remembrance, a Silver Surfer story he wrote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQQWvpoMQXA
Jack
Thanks, Jack!
DeleteAnd sorry for the delay in responding. I'm still working on the problem. Looks like Google changed something fundamental and I may have to think about bringing my blog elsewhere.
He also wrote a pretty interesting Daredevil story back in the 80s.
DeleteJAck
I have vague memories of that...
DeleteI believe it was a filler issue during Denny O'Neil's (underrated) run. I remember thinking the plot was okay, but the idea of the mother of a supervilain wanting revenge was interesting. So interesting I still remember it. That's pretty good.
DeleteAnd of course, now that he is dead, every time a writer dies, Ellison's ghost will say he's just ripping him off.
He also wrote a story for the 80's Twilight Zone that was like the nega-version of "Walking Distance" ... "One Life, Furnished in Early Poverty"
Also the episode "Paladin of the Lost Hour."
Both from teh 80s. Both worth looking in to.
JAck
I remember "Paladin" very well. Ellison was also a consultant on the series (which was also the very first TV show I ever wrote for) until he had an Ellisonian blow-up with the network and left.
DeleteI think I enjoyed Ellison's exploits more than his writing, but I still read a lot of it in my much younger years.
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of Ellison in my younger years, too, Douglas. Perfect time for it, too.
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