The By George! group is a loose association of illustrators and cartoonists who meet approximately once a month to share notes, learn from one another and enjoy each other's company in honor of the late Charlotte Observer cartoonist and National Cartoonist Society president George Breisacher.
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October 2008When he walked into the darkened, almost empty comic shop, he could sense it. After months of uncomfortable meetings, subtle looks and unspoken desires, they were finally, frighteningly alone. Across the store from Gallant Greg Russell stood Sexy Steve Smith, who shouted a jovial, "Hello! It looks like we're the only ones!" Greg's muscles tightened, and his palms became sweaty. He let out a weak, "Yes, I guess we are." Greg suggested they try a new restaurant across the street: Nolia. There, a waitress sat them at a table covered in brown paper. "The other guys should come here. This is perfect for drawing on," both said in unison. Steve returned Tom Haine's DVD, which he had borrowed. Greg silently admired the way Steve wore his baseball cap cocked a little to the side. He thought it was quite daring. And silently, Steve admired Greg's winter growth of whiskers. He wondered if they tickled. 
Steve gave Greg a gift, a little candy tin covered with drawings of Samsonite Man. These were used to sell candy for charity, but Greg thought his would be perfect for carrying French letters. Greg showed Steve his cartoons for the "Midas Managers" book. Steve pretended he was impressed. Both men ordered potato and kale soup and a salad to show how sensitive they were. To break the awkward silence, Steve told of his experience in a stand-up comedy competition. Greg laughed at all of his jokes. After both had finished their lunch, the waitress asked if they would like some dessert. Still being a little hungry, the two cartoonists asked to see the dessert menu. When the waitress suggested apple turnover a la mode, both jumped on the idea like ravenous tigers. The men chatted some more while they waited for their turnovers. They talked about the gray weather in Ohio and the price of gas going down. When the waitress placed one apple turnover and two spoons between them, both men just stared at it. They were shocked! Had the waitress felt the love emanating from both men? Had she felt the wanton desire pulsating in their naughty places? Well ... enough of that! These were men after all. Manly men! Men with so much testosterone coursing through them that they desired nothing more than to draw cartoons! Insulted and indignant, the manly men ordered one more apple turnover a la mode, and the waitress sheepishly crept back into the kitchen. But as she left, one desire turned to another. As the manly men continued to chat, Steve couldn't take his eyes off Greg's turnover. No matter how hard he tried, his eyes kept wondering to the juicy tart. Finally, after too many uncomfortable minutes, the waitress brought Steve's apple turnover, and the two men tore into their desserts like starving beasts, imagining that it wasn't the pies they were devouring but ... Oh, never mind. As the men parted ways, they didn't bother to take the traditional By George group photo for fear that it would provide evidence to any who suspected their hidden desires. Then both went home to take cold showers. |
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