The Eltingville Club One-Shot from Dark Horse Comics –Copyright 2014 Evan Dorkin

     Occasionally, I like to recommend “MUST-HAVE” items to my seven loyal readers and today is one of those days. If you aren’t familiar with Evan Dorkin’s Eltingville Comic Book, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and Role-Playing Club, do yourself a favor and pick-up the new one-shot from Dark Horse Comics (scheduled for a late-April 2014 release).

     If I recall correctly, The Eltingville boys made their first appearance back in a four-issue series from Dark Horse called Instant Piano, released in 1994 & 95.  They’ve also made appearances in Evan’s long-running Dork! series and Dark Horse Presents (the current version).  The Instant Piano books were easy to find on eBay and most, if not all, of the Dork! TPBs are available from the usual sources.

     There was also an animated Cartoon Network pilot titled, “Bring Me the Head of Boba Fett,” (aired in 2002) based on one of the Instant Piano storylines.  How that series didn’t get picked up still has me shaking my head.  I taped the pilot when it ran (only once I think) and it was the sole reason I owned a VCR at the time we had our house fire.  Unfortunately, the VCR didn’t make it, so I lost that little gem. I gather the episode is available in an Adult Swim boxed set, so I need to track that down (note to self).

     So what exactly is the big deal you ask?  For me, the Eltingville Club boys are a hilarious and pretty accurate (although exaggerated) portrayal of nerd culture.  At least the nerd culture I experienced as a teen back in the 80’s.  Obsessive, focused, and foul-mouthed, Bill, Josh, Pete, and Jerry, do not take their fandom lightly and while they aren’t exactly my idea of son-in-law material, you have to admire their committment to the cause. To get an idea of what I’m talking about, picture the Simpsons’ Comic Book Guy as a 13 year-old hopped up on Skittles and Red Bull.

     Have you ever had a “Who is/was the best Dracula on the big screen?” or “Hey Dummy, 1e AD&D is the ONLY real edition of D&D” conversation/argument?*  Ever gotten into a fistfight over whether or not Moebius’ Silver Surfer was better than Kirby’s Silver Surfer?**    If so, you’ll love the Eltingville Club.  I can’t recommend that you track down those old stories highly enough.  And the upcoming one-shot is a no-brainer.

     Until next time…stay nerdy my friends.

* Because Gygax.

** I know…who hasn’t?  And the answer is of course Kirby’s Silver Surfer is the only true Silver Surfer…DUH.

Copyright 2014 It Came From The Nerd Cave