58
Today is my birthday.
I look at that number and, even in my current infirm condition, cannot comprehend it.
I once thought I would be a model of aging gracefully…but no. Apparently, I’m going to age screaming in protest. In this, if nothing else, I am a typical baby boomer.
There *has* to be a third option.
September 20th, 2005 at 2:11 AM
“There has to be a third alternative.”
Yeah. Keep writing great comics.
Happy Birthday, Steve!
— craig taylor, australia
September 20th, 2005 at 4:10 AM
A happy birthday from the bottom of the world!
September 20th, 2005 at 6:18 AM
Wouldnt the astrologers say that this is a time of your “second saturn return”..? They tend to suggest you look at whatever major issues were bouncing around at the age of 29 or so and check for similar themes recently. There are probably clues back then as to how to make good of the challenges of today.
oh, and a very merry birthday to you Mr G – your very own festival day!
September 20th, 2005 at 6:23 AM
Feh. “Growing old gracefully” means “quietly fading away.” Screw that.
And happy birthday, m’man! Happy birthday, infirm or not.
September 20th, 2005 at 6:55 AM
Alas, the third option is the Hamlet option, and I don’t think any of us are rooting for that.
Do have a happy birthday, then stop worrying about the next one until it rolls around.
September 20th, 2005 at 7:00 AM
Living honestly and intentionally (i.e., with intent, rather than randomly). And you, despite your protests, seem to be doing OK in that department. Happy natal day.
September 20th, 2005 at 7:44 AM
Happy Birthday!
September 20th, 2005 at 8:41 AM
Keep writing wonderful and vivid stories and happy birthday!
Ali
September 20th, 2005 at 8:48 AM
Happy Birthday!
Third option: Immortality is yours as the creator of many cool comics!
September 20th, 2005 at 9:26 AM
Happy birthday Steve. You already have immortality with your writing. Everything else is just gravy.
September 20th, 2005 at 9:31 AM
Sir Steve …
Your wealth as a wordsmith and honor as a human being have always been a hallmark of who, what, why, where and how you are.
As every wordsmith knows, those titled few who’ve inspired our own artistic evolution are as infinite as the sea of syllables we weave within the worlds we so long to both create (and, simultaneously, share). However, there are a few fabled souls whose influence upon my own creative course are more profoundly pertinent, and they are thusly:
Lorraine Hansberry. Gore Vidal.
Donald Hamilton. And your Sterling Self.
There are others, obviously, but these make up my OWN Fantastic Four.
A more in-depth appreciation of you will follow anon, but I just wanted to join the collected chorus already assembled to wish you a most harmonious, happy and (especially) healthy birthday.
You may be trapped in a world you never made, also, but the world has never been the same since you came into it.
Never doubt the impact you’ve had, the lives you’ve touched, the careers you’ve inspired, the inspiration you provide, the compassion you embody, the satire you so superbly provide, the wonderfully warped view of this most un-reel reality and, above all, the fundamental fact that you’ve always been a success in the only anchored area that counts: as a human being (and the anchored artist you are).
I transcendently salute you, Sir.
September 20th, 2005 at 10:29 AM
What they said. Happy birthday, Steve.
September 20th, 2005 at 10:38 AM
Happy birthday, Steve!
Remember: in baby boomer years, 58 is only 48!
September 20th, 2005 at 10:41 AM
Here’s another option: Sell out, write a bunch of Spider- and X-books, buy a flashy car and date strippers.
Hey, you’re already in Vegas…
September 20th, 2005 at 1:30 PM
I am so confused by people reading that entry and then saying “Happy Birthday!” No offense meant, guys, we all wish Steve every goodness, and I know there isn’t a comparable phrase to cover a more nuanced sentiment. My suggestion to Steve is: consider the fine example set by Kurt Vonnegut, the Mark Twain of our era, who has grown old and only become more angry, venomous, sarcastic, and caustic with time…while still keeping his humanity and, it must be said, joy in life. His malevolent glee in attacking stupidity comes from his compassion, his pain at seeing how stupid the human race can be when we’re capable of so much better. You have more than a bit of that attitude yourself, and we’re all enriched by you sharing that vision with us.
September 20th, 2005 at 10:35 PM
Para bailar la bamba se necesita una poca de gracia.
Happy birthday.
September 20th, 2005 at 11:58 PM
(tries to think of something positive)
Every year, a year further away from the Bicentennial!
September 21st, 2005 at 12:59 PM
Myself, sir, I don’t see what you’re complaining about. You can be old, or you can be dead.
Unless you’re Dick Clark.
Please have the happiest possible birthday!
September 21st, 2005 at 8:15 PM
Boy, you’re old.
September 22nd, 2005 at 12:23 AM
Hey, 58 is the new 37!
September 22nd, 2005 at 4:15 PM
Happy Birthday!!!
September 22nd, 2005 at 10:52 PM
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday (with apologies that this is two days after the fact).
I think we all worry about aging. What you have up on most baby boomers is that unlike most of them, you’ve created works that will live for a very long time. I was 20 when I fell in love with your work in Howard the Duck and Nevada (I’m 22 now). Others will find your work and will also appreciate how smart, funny and exciting it is.
I can’t wait for Hard Time to return. Great stuff.
October 5th, 2005 at 7:44 PM
Fight to age for as long as possible, as well as possible, on the terms of your choosing. That’s all any of us can do, I think. And I have to agree with Larry Niven: old age ain’t for sissies.
Here’s to the fight. Let’s fight dirty!
*evil grin*
Yours,
Dwight