My contributions to the most recent Comics Panel at the AVC: Metalocalypse: Dethklok #1, JLA/The 99 #1, 75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking; and Genius Isolated: The Art and Life of Alex Toth. Stick around for a headache-inducing argument about Stan Lee in the comments section!
NOTE: I have removed all posts from this site regarding my work at the A.V. Club, as is only appropriate. However, I have left this one up so as not to create the impression I am trying to erase it from the internet, or obscure my culpability. My apology for my misdeed is in comments as well as reproduced below, and I stand by it. Regardless of the status of this site, my regret for having done it will be eternal.
As those of you who have followed this link know by now, the review of the Alex Toth book was fabricated. I based it not on a reading of the book, but on secondary sources and second-hand information. This is unforgivable, absolutely the worst thing a critic can do, and my association with the AV Club is at an end because of it.
That I had never done it before and will never do it again is meaningless. The fact is, I did it, and by doing so, I scuttled 20+ years of tireless work as a writer and did my reputation near-irreparable harm. Worse, though, I damaged the credibility of the AV Club, the finest publication I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, in a way that they in no way deserved. I caused them no end of headaches through a rash, impulsive, and foolish decision.
There is no excuse for my behavior, so I offer none. I can only apologize to the AV Club staff, to IDW Publications and the authors of the book, and to all those who have read and supported my work in the past. I’m sorry for my unaccountable, stupid actions, and urge you not to bear the AV Club any ill will, but to place all the blame with me, where it belongs.
Not going to comment on the whole thing, but I will miss Metal Box, even if our tastes didn’t overlap on the heavy too much.
I mean, good lord, after their “Best of 2010” list, which was honestly and without hyperbole one of the most pathetic, wimpy-ass piles of shit I’ve ever seen, it’s a shame that there won’t be anyone there who listens to heavy…even rock music. Bunch of fucking pussies when it comes to music over there. They’ve spent the last few years trying to culturally legitimize either the most banal, disposable pop garbage or middling, derivative major-label “indie rock.”
You’ll be missed
Leonard, keep up the good work. You were the only writer I looked forward to and actively sought out on AV. I vaguely remember you saying you grew up in AZ. PVHS ’88. Woot!
I was never a huge fan of yours, Leonard, and I don’t understand why you did what you did, but I wanted to say something anyway. When I was younger, I made a huge mistake, got into trouble with the law, went on the run for years, eventually got tired of that, turned myself in, and went to prison. But I was able to turn my life around over the years. Making a mistake, even one that hurts your credibility and brings dishonor upon yourself, doesn’t have to be the defining moment of your life. I’m sure you know that, and I’m sure it doesn’t make you feel any better right now. But give it some time and do what you can to put it behind you, and I’m sure you’ll come back from this.
Good luck.
I currently work as a newspaper editor, and if you had been one of my freelancers, I would’ve fired you in a second.
At the same time, I used to be a freelance writer too, and have come dangerously close to pulling shit like this when I was working for peanuts for several papers that all had impossible deadlines. And like you, it almost certainly would’ve been on something pointless. So I really feel for you here. It’s a temptation we’ve all had to deal with at one time or another, especially these days, when the value of our work seems to have sunk so low that it sometimes gets hard to figure out why we bother to be professionals, if we’re being paid like amateurs.
From what I’ve read of yours, you seem like an extremely talented, insightful writer – don’t stop now. As I’m sure you know, this will certainly come up when you’re trying to get other writing jobs, and it’ll be awkward as all hell, but the stigma won’t stay around forever. If you work hard enough, this will eventually just become the “how I learned my lesson” story you tell people while half-chuckling over drinks. (Were it not for the internet, it probably already would have.) Best of luck to you, and I hope you keep writing.
Please keep us informed as to where you will be writing about metal in the future. AVclub.com’s Metal Box was indispensable for me.
Pierce, yeah that was stupid and senseless, but you already knew that, and no doubt you’re kicking yourself in the head right now for doing it. Again, why? I just can’t fathom a reason for it. But again, I’m sure you’ve already thought all these thoughts yourself. It’s just frustrating because I really did enjoy your writing, and the fact that you always seemed willing to talk back in the comments and contribute to the conversation. You fucked up big, so they did what they had to do and no one can fault them for that, but you will be missed there.
God damn it, Pierce. You were my favorite writer on the AV Club. I didn’t even think to see if you were “the one” until today, because it occurred to me I hadn’t seen anything from you in a while. But now my worst fears have been confirmed. I have no idea why you did what you did, but I still look forward to reading you elsewhere on the Internet.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth#Apotheosis
I can’t believe I missed this… I’m not an AVClub reader anymore, I don’t have time to consume that much pop culture anymore…. But I always made sure I caught Metal Box… And then I looked for January’s column, and it never came, and now it’s February, and I’m here… Good luck dude. Keep writing Metal Box, just under a different name maybe?
Regardless of what you do if future, you are a great writer in the sense of like… it’s like having a conversation with the cool stoner guys in school who knew their metal…
Best wishes.
Massive respect for your final decision on how to handle this, Pierce. Both the self-imposed break, and your final statement above, are very appropriate, and very just.
Good luck, sir.
What a stupid fucking cunt!
Remember that bit in the Scorsese movie ‘Casino’ when Joe Pesci turns to Frank Vincent and says, with genuine fear in his voice, “I fucked up good this time, Frankie!”
You fucked up good this time, Lenny!