Comments on: Fantagraphics/Ellison settlement now online

By: antispamdinista

antispamdinista — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:43:54 +0000

I am not all that privy to any details about this matter, but when Ellison sues he’s in it for the long haul even if it means the financial ruin of his legal prey. Common sense dictates that the settlement was a necessary evil. It would have been the end of Fantagraphics if they had not settled.

After all, Harlan sure knows how to use the system for his benefit and everyone else’s detriment. When he fights someone–even in court–he’s like a pit bull and won’t let go until someone pulls him off.

I’ve never worked for Fantagraphics or Ellison, but I’ve been a fan of both. Or, should I say that I’m an ex-fan of Ellison’s. I must say that I have my own “rabid Harlan” story, but I won’t share it here. Let’s just say that it ended without my butt getting sued–you can’t sue someone who is dirt poor, you know.

By: Snotling

Snotling — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:47:10 +0000

My favorite Harlan story:
http://www.penny-arcade.com/2005/09/26
Second post, “Foolscap.” Old news, I know, but still makes me laugh.

Two other thoughts:
1) If Harlan Ellison hasn’t called you a pedo, you haven’t made it in publishing. ^_^
2) Harlan Ellison = Denny Crane, only without the redeeming sweetness, nobility of character, and wotsit. Humour.

By: Alan Coil

Alan Coil — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:02:06 +0000

Ray Cornwall—

If Grothco felt they shouldn’t have conceded, they should have not agreed to mediation.

rassmguy—”…raving psycopath,…?” Pretty strong words.

OM—If the court felt it was a “bullshit” suit, then why didn’t the court throw it out?

By: Guest

Guest — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 05:07:41 +0000

“Gary Groth (or some other Fantagraphics representative) will post a 500-word essay on Ellison’s message board to rebut statements Ellison made accusing Groth of embezzling funds and comparing him to a child molester. The statement will go online within five business days.”

That’s typical Ellison. If someone angers him, no matter how trivially, Harlan will compare that person to a molester/rapist. It’s a shame nobody takes Harlan to town by sueing him for slander. Harlan is a bully who uses the legal system as a game. Its a shame Fantagraphics didnt have the resources, time or whatever to crush that whinny midget in court. They really took a dive on settling. It was such a bullshit court case, but Harlan’s #1 source of income is suing people so he tries to go after everyone he can.

By: rassmguy

rassmguy — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:43:12 +0000

Harlan Ellison is a raving psychopath, and Fantagraphics should have held out for far more. False molestation accusations are just plain nuts, and he should be forced to make restitution for it. I’ve NEVER been impressed with that nutcase, either with regard to his writing or his personality.

By: JosephW

JosephW — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:31:09 +0000

Vinnie, there’s a difference between the “settlement” being provided online, even by Fantagraphics, and either side commenting on the matter. The settlement is a matter of public record and should be easily available to the public. The two sides have agreed not to comment on (i.e., discuss) the specifics of the settlement. (Ellison is also free to post the settlement on his site for the benefit of his fans who don’t read other sites; he’s just not allowed to comment on it–which doesn’t mean others can’t.)

By: The Green Llama

The Green Llama — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:32:36 +0000

Harlan who?

By: dc

dc — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:45:39 +0000

Well what do you expect!

Harlan is Harlan.

Groth is–I don’t…

By: Ray Cornwall

Ray Cornwall — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:22:20 +0000

Fantagraphics got HOSED. They can’t reprint Ellison’s interview from the Comics Journal. They have to retract their comments about Ellison and the Fleischer trial. I’m rather shocked at how much Fanta had to concede.

By: Hal Smith

Hal Smith — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 14:22:39 +0000

As a former Fantagraphics employee, and fan of Mr. Ellison’s work, I am delighted to see this end. Gary Groth was an excellent boss to work for, and I do not know anyone who has dealt with him here in Seattle who thinks otherwise. He was always courteous to me, and his rigorous use of logic to critique my own work certainly helped me hone my writing. My best wishes to both parties involved, and a big shout out to the current Fantagraphics crew.

By: genetic freak

genetic freak — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:36:35 +0000

So that means I have to get a copy of the TCJ Writers book now before it goes to a 2nd printing.

I kind of share OM’s sentiments above.

By: 12051

12051 — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:07:32 +0000

Ad honimem attacks in general should be forbidden. Under pain of the cutting of both big toes.

By: Vinnie Bartilucci

Vinnie Bartilucci — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:11:37 +0000

They’re allowed to say “This book appears to be the work of an illiterate syphilitic dockworker”, but they can’t say “He is an illiterate syphilitic dockworker”. Seems reasonable. It just means they have to be more subtle with their choice of words. Which is as it should be -Shakesperean insults are always more fun.

Charles Schulz did a Peanuts strip once about the joy of using words like “Puzzlewit” and “dimbulb” in insults instead of simple words like “Idiot”. Can’t find it right now.

By: OM

OM — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:59:47 +0000

…No “ad hominem” attacks, but they’re allowed to “critique” each other’s work? That’s the same thing as giving a junkie a syringe full of heroin and telling him he can’t ever use it.

Bottom Line: Groth should have never settled, because Harlan deserved to lose this case if only to teach him a lesson about filing bullshit lawsuits. He’s pulled this stunt too damn many times to be allowed to get away with it.

By: Vinnie Bartilucci

Vinnie Bartilucci — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:49:24 +0000

So they’re forbidden to discuss the agreement, but Fantagraphcs is allowed to distribute copies of it? That a bit hair-splitty, isn’t it?

Interesting that Fantagraphics gets to rebut Harlan’s statements, but Harlan is not required to RETRACT the statement. And I’m sure the message on Harlan’s board (talk about sitting on the wrong end of the stadium) will not be commented on until crack of doom by everyone…except Harlan.

By: steven123456

steven123456 — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:47:22 +0000

First?