Brewster Rockit by Tim Rickard for August 20, 2018

The electronic scream heard throughout the multiverse.

Personally, I think the strip’s tributes to Carrie Fisher and Steve Jobs were way better than this one.

Yes, but they are actual slaves – not theoretical slaves.

He edited a book called ‘Dangerous Visions,’ a collection of original science fiction stories too controversial for any other venue.

You could put any of those stories in a 6th Grade reading collection today.

I read that story in college, and have been hooked on Ellison ever since.

If Harlan Ellison was a sinner, his punishment will probably be to be stuck in the same room with Gene Roddenberry for all eternity.

That would be Gene Roddenberry’s punishment too.

It’s more addiction than enslavement. No one is obliged to spend the day watching cat videos and reading celebrity tweets.

a rare insightful comment from Brewster….

I’ve thought of variants of “I have no [body part] and I must [function].”

Cliff doesn’t scream when his mouth is full of food.

My favorite Harlan Ellison short was “Repent, Harlequin!” Said the Ticktockman.

A very disturbing story. It will haunt you.

Is it really slavery when you voluntarily sign up (and even pay for the privilege)?

“I have no bars and I must scream!”

I have no connection and I must meme.

I swear, that has to be the smartest thing Brewster has ever said.

Harlan Ellison also liked to file lawsuits at the drop of a hat. He’d probably sue Tim Rickard for using his name without permission.

I have no fingers and I must text?

He also wrote “City on the Edge of Forever” (STOS).

I still miss Sidney Sheldon.

And, “The Other Glass Teat”.

I think some of Harlan’s problems came from two issues. His writing could run hot and cold, lots of work or none. And his temper wasn’t too steady either, not that he was rude or uncivilized, just a bit blunt at times. Which was part of the charm too. Getting to see him in person at a con was one of the highlights of my teen years. He was also a great editor and helped a lot of young writers break in with the Dangerous Visions anthologies.

See Calvin and Hobbes- 10/11/1986

I reread “The Deathbird” from “Deathbird Stories” every couple of years. Highly recommend it.