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Archie’s rival Reggie

by beau Smith

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about high school, your job at the corner grocery store, or being a vice president of a substantial corporation there are, and will always be, cliques. For us humans, being a part of a clique, or being outside of one, is as natural as breathing and will always be with us and in us. even when you aren’t in THE clique, you are automatically IN one, that one being the one that you’re NOT in. We can’t escape it.

Usually we think of cliques as being bad. normally that’s because we’re not in the one we desire to join so that makes those that are barring our entrance “the bad guys.” often that’s 100% correct, other times it’s not.

Right or wrong, it’s human nature to want to be with, work, and surround ourselves with those that we share friendships with or desire to. I know I do and I think that a lot of everyone reading this feels the same way. If you’re not reading this then it doesn’t matter because you’re undoubtedly not in “our clique” and you better find a way of getting us to let you join our lofty land of remarkable beings. The air does smell better up here.

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the terrific world of comic books is full of cliques and clubs that not everyone gets to be a part of. Some don’t get in because they genuinely do lack the talent or work ethic needed to produce and create comic books. Others, even though they hand in work in a timely manner or ahead of schedule, don’t get in because they:

Aren’t perceived as “cool”, “new” or “shiny.”

are in media and that’s where they want you to stay to better benefit them , their product, and/or their career. This can be a a lot of cruel situation because they will string you along, slap you on the back and pretend you have a chance, but all the while stiff-arm you to keep you from scoring.

You don’t have a British accent.

Don’t live in new York City or Los Angeles.

Aren’t a screenwriter, TV writer, novelist, actor, or appeared on TV for over five minutes.

Have worked for them before and because of that have lost their luster.

Haven’t been championed or sponsored by someone already in the clique.

These are just a few, not all, of the top real reasons. Please believe me, I am not hauling out a basket of sour grapes and trying to make you eat them. I am being sincere here. If you are trying to get in comics, stay in comics, or be a part of comics(other than getting them), then you need to realize this and know it up front. just look at where you work ideal now. I’m sure there are cliques there, what makes you think the comic book service doesn’t have them? If anything, entertainment, such as comics, has a lot more and they are laced with even a lot more lunacy.

I’m telling you this because you really do need to know this if you are seeking to join our service or are in it and want to stay in it. It indicates you’re going to have to work harder. You’re going to have to be realistic, persistent, and hone your social and self-marketing skills. If not, you are doomed to always be the jilted lover or the wallflower. Facts are facts. I’m giving them to you for complimentary without making you put on the prom dress that you won’t look good in.

Cliques in incredible Spider-Man by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko

There are reasons you are exposed to cliques early on in life from the nursery to college, because it prepares you for what you will have to deal with the rest of your life. Life is not always fair, that’s because it’s life and, as those much younger than me and a part of a clique I don’t belong to like to say, “That’s they way I roll.” (Hearing/reading me saying that will remind you why I am not in, or want to be in, that clique.)

I am asked on a weekly basis “How can I get into or stay in comics.” first thing I tell them is learn to deal with the “cliquing” sound. It’s not going to go away. You can’t turn the volume down. Do your best not to add to it.

Okay, class is over. Don’t read the next chapter of your life, write it!

Your amigo,

Beau Smith
The flying Fist Ranch