A few years ago, I shared a number of cover image collections with Lash. He singled out one group in particular because he really liked the "enjoying someone else's company so much you don't want to part" sentiment.
I've been lurking, but it's been ages since I've logged in, but I had to do so to leave a message about our dear friend Lash Lad aka MLLASH aka Michael.
Lash was always so enthusiastic, friendly, open and welcoming, loving the Legion and those who loved the Legion... and those yet to come to love the Legion!
Lash's posts never failed to make me laugh. They were always full of positivity and fun. Unexpected, and often from left field, but always accessible, creative and hilarious.
So many of these were part of madcap joint LMB threads that were full of energy and friendship. Lash's warmth and love for the LMB can be seen not only in his own posts, but in all the others he inspired and helped create. He was always so welcoming, and his posts had that glint of invitation for everyone to join in the fun.
When I've seen Lash post after any sort of absence, it was like the return of one of the board's big guns. Just seeing the name gave me that LW feeling of being home. Faster than a speeding Fandango. Mightier than a Fembrain scheme.
Lash was the heart of the LMB, and my thoughts are with his family and friends including all those here who have known him for so long, and shared so much together.
Aw that's really sad I only really know him from here and FB but I agree with everyone else - Lash was always super fun and positive, even just seeing his posts online his enthusiasm was really obvious and infectious.
A hush settled over the stands as the young man took his place at the line.
Never in the history of the Xynthian Dart Olympics had a perfect twelve been scored in the dodecathlon. If he were able to hit this last target his name would not only go down in the planetary record books, but those of the entire galaxy.
He eyed the target. 400 meters... target moving slightly northwest at 20 meters per second... wind from the east.
He looked down at the table. Which was right? A blacksnake perhaps? No... a Qilinbian!
An audible gasp issued through the crowd as he selected the whip. He grinned. "Heh..." he whispered quietly to himself, "let 'em gasp. The name's not 'Lash' for nothing."
He closed his eyes and - with only a double wind up - let it crack.
He set the standard for this group: fun, welcoming, hilarious, insightful. And he kept it on that path, always.
I keep struggling for things to say as I post in different places. He wasn't just a friend, he was a great friend. I'm going to miss him every time I post here or on Facebook or when I read an LSH comic or hear a certain song.
He was truly the most beloved of all posters. I'm going to miss him terribly.
But I know he'd enjoy the fact that he left us tens of thousands of jokes and moments to reread and laugh about, and I can't wait to do that.
He was someone who never failed to let everyone feel welcome and important here, whether it was through leave you in tears hilarious fumettis or bizarre threads that only someone with his genius could think of.
I had the privilege to have met LASH in person and to sleep (in an uncomfortable chair) at his apartment. He took me and Pov to meet his Mom. Despite his outgoingness, I got a sense that he was somewhat shy.
Legion World and the real world has lost someone special.
I am very sad and stunned to have lost such a good friend today. Although we never "met" Lash was always there for me when I needed him. Always there to listen. Rest in peace my friend. My upbringing and beliefs allow me to say with my confidence that we will ALL be together again some day. I miss you.
Lash was one of the sweetest human beings I've ever had the pleasure to have known.
He taught me to enjoy life more and to look at things less analytically and critically. No one articulated the childlike joy found in simple pleasures like Lash did.
I miss him terribly. There will never be another like him.
I haven't hung around the ol' Legion World in recent years as much as I once did, but I wanted to drop in and offer my condolences to all those who knew LASH better than I on his passing. He was, in many ways, the heart and soul of this board and it will never be quite the same without him.
If only we could get DC to publish a Matter-Eater Lad comic in his honor.
Although I don't know Lash personally, I know he's had a profound impact on IB. Lash has influenced IB to become more comfortable about himself and to handle relationships better. Because of the wonderful relationship IB and I have, in a way, he has also touched mine.
What a fine human was Michael Lash. Even--perhaps especially--over the past several months as he dealt with illness he showed us his honesty, courage, wondrous humor and all around joie de vivre.
I will miss him. We will miss him. But Michael leaves a trail of light for us.
Lash was on my Christmas Card list, and this past December I sent him a copy of the Big Bang Comics issue with the Pantheon of Heroes. I'm glad he didn't already have it.
I'd frequently share some of my heavyset Legion commissions with him and Rhino on facebook.
Michael and I bonded over a love of Rozakis era Teen Titans, drag queens, and Lucinda Williams. In the last message I received from him he expressed his excitement over hearing a track from Lucinda's new album. After I bought the CD I responded with my thoughts on it, but didn't hear anything more from him. I feared then that his brave battle was reaching its end. Marvelous wit matched only by his kind and gentle soul. He will be missed.
. . . Back on the old DC boards, we had a thread in which one poster would start a Legion story and the next poster would continue it, and so on, until DC shut it down because we weren't supposed to write original stories on their board. During the thread, things would get pretty serious for our heroes until Lash introduced his own character, the unforgettable Buster Gonads!
. . . Another of Lash's "aliases" was Boaz Yakin, which was another excuse for him to toe the line of good taste (and occasionally leap over it) to keep things unpredictable and fun.
. . . Lash and several other early LMBers were among the first openly gay people I ever knew. (I'm from the conservative and don't-talk-about-it Midwest, what can I say?) So when I wrote a Legion song parody that was built off the idea of the reboot Invisible Kid and Condo Arlik being gay, I was concerned about it being offensive. Before I posted it, I PMed Lash and two others privately to see if they found it offensive. Lash assured me that it was not offensive and that he found it quite funny.
. . . I've appreciated his comments on my musical chart threads. Growing up in the South, he was informed by country music to the degree that I was informed by pop and rock. He brought a very different and insightful perspective to our musical commentary.
. . . It was Lash (I believe) who brought Thomas Fatsi to the board! Lash found his name in the letter's page of a Legion comic, tracked him down, and invited him to join LW. Only Lash could get away with such "friendly stalker" behavior!
. . . Likewise, Lash was the patron saint of the most obscure characters in Legion history. It was almost as if he embodied the inclusive spirit of the Legion and wanted to make sure no character got left behind.
You will be missed, Michael. Thanks for spreading the joy.
Since Jerry reminded me, I contribute this from my weekend raid of a record store Dollar Bin. More awesome than awful, I think. But I guess LASH would understand if he were still here.
I'm glad to see you, Mistah' J. And the other old-timers, too. Even if the occasion isn't so great. You should come over more often. [smooch]
HWW, it was Lash who started a Thomas Fatsi thread in the Legion forum and hilarity ensued. And then it was Rhino who somehow by happenstance tracked him down and eased him into LW, with the knowledge that he was already famous. Lash was hilariously thrown for quite a loop since it was like 6 years later and Thomas Fatsi was a long running LW joke!
HWW, it was Lash who started a Thomas Fatsi thread in the Legion forum and hilarity ensued. And then it was Rhino who somehow by happenstance tracked him down and eased him into LW, with the knowledge that he was already famous. Lash was hilariously thrown for quite a loop since it was like 6 years later and Thomas Fatsi was a long running LW joke!
Thanks for the correction, Cobie. I knew Lash was involved, but I had forgotten the details.
It's a hilarious thread, and I'll try to bump it later.
My favorite part is around the same time it started, Eryk was doing a whole Grendel gag in the MMB about how he was the most mysterious and interesting poster since he never posted but was always seen logged in and lurking. And then finally, he posted! And Lash kept teasing EDE about how he scared Grendel off and probably scarred him for life. And EDE, of course, countered that at least he didn't start stalking someone from a letter's column a few decades ago! So yeah, not much of a comeback for that one.
What happened to Lash? Had he been sick? I actually got to meet him and spent the night at his apt. in Memphis a couple of years ago on the way down to New Orleans at Xmas time. He was far too young to die.
What happened to Lash? Had he been sick? I actually got to meet him and spent the night at his apt. in Memphis a couple of years ago on the way down to New Orleans at Xmas time. He was far too young to die.
Hi Jim,
Last year Lash got diagnosed with cancer (colon and liver I believe) He had surgery and chemo, but ...
The funeral is today (at 2). Legion World did send flowers and Exnihil will be attending.
If Lash had lived to be 100, it would have been too soon.
I also spoke with Darden and Jennifer (Faraway Lad and Gigglebot Girl) and they said they will raise a glass in Lash's honor tonight. (I think they are on vacation and with limited internet access).
Just devastating... Lash was the embodiment of why I still cherish the LMB and Legion World after all these years... Like many here, we never met in 'real life,' but my heart is aching from the loss of a true friend... rest in peace, LashLad... thank you for creating and sustaining this community of which I feel so blessed to be a part...
Forgive me if this post is a bit scattershot, but today has been a veritable emotional rollercoaster as I made the trip down to Memphis today to attend Lash’s service.
As I’m certain almost everyone on the board feels, Lash was the absolute embodiment of what makes this community great. An endless fount of positivity and creativity, in the nine years since I first came to know him, he has been a singularly unique individual in my experience in that I've never… not once… heard an ill word spoken about him. After having met his family and close friends today, I can absolutely say that that admiration extended well beyond the bounds of this forum.
Talking with his mom, his sister, his aunt, his roommate… the one unifying trait that came through all these conversations was how truly beloved Lash was… borne out of how well it was that he loved. The room where his service was held was packed to the gills with all the lives he had touched and made happier.
His eulogy was given by his aunt who - among a great many other things - spoke about some of the things that are especially poignant given the persona he projected in our community… his love of comics, his passion for writing and drawing, his fascination with television. I was literally smiling through my tears as I thought of Great Frog, the 70’s All-Star, Fandango, Starsearchers, M.E.L.T.S… and a hundred other Lash inspired flights of fancy that both provided us entertainment and inspired us in our own creative efforts. One thing I think would have made him very happy: his aunt spoke of how much he endlessly loved his hair… today: it looked great.
I spoke a while with his roommate Greg who, over Lash’s illness, had provided immense support, and he told me just how much the love and support of the LW community has meant to Lash. Even over these last days, Greg said he would read Lash our comments and messages on FB and how every last one of them buoyed him. Speaking of which… I’m happy to report… right next to the guest book today was a beautiful bouquet sent on behalf of Legion World by a great number of contributors and arranged by Quislet Esq. It looked great, Quis!
Like I say… I know I’m all over the place right now… but I did want to reiterate as soon as possible how much this community, that he first laid the seeds for 16 years ago, meant to him and how much the formation of that in turn affected all of us. There will never be another Lash, but as long as there is a Legion World, there will always be the one.
I was thinking of Lash throughout the day, taking some moments especially during the time of the funeral service. About an hour later I was doing some errands in a store and was suddenly struck with a deep sadness. I just stood still for about 5 minutes, feeling a sense of loss. For someone I never met in person. Our friend Lash had a mighty set of super-powers, but the greatest was love that defied boundaries.
Ex, for all of us who couldn't be present to share the condolences and hugs, thanks for being there and reporting back. It's a gift in our grief. Quis, thanks for providing a symbol of our remembrance.
I remember when Pov & I drove down to Wizard World in Dallas. We stopped at LASH's on the way and he was to join us but drive his own car. But that night we had to o see his mother. I think she wanted to see who her son was going off with.
However, his stepfather gave us walkie-talkies to comunicate on the drive from Memphis to Dallas.
I've been away for a couple of days at work. I found out right before I had to leave.
Lasher was simply a great friend, and the best person I never met.
We first met at the old DC boards. Lasher was funny as hell and always found some new twist on something legion to throw out there. He and Reep got me here,and Lasher was one that got me to calm the hell down during my first couple years here.
He was always there for a quick word or two when life was sucking particularly bad and somehow his infectious humor made things better. We talked privately when my dad was sick and dying.
I told him about some things in my life, being out of work for a year in particular. It was just talk on my part, and the first thing out of his keyboard was "I think I've got about a hundred bucks lying around here." He was offering to send me money and we had never met in person. I've got family that knew how rough it was and never said a word to me. He was that kind of friend. And this was just a little under a year ago, while he was redoing his own house.
He made it tough for me to be a Cranky McBasstard around him. He was always ready with something far wittier than I could ever be, but it was never mean or hateful.
Since I got this job, I haven't had the time to be on the boards. I knew his health was rough, but like everyone else I fully expected him to recover. Someone that great doesn't simply die.
Over the last few days I've thought about his boundless energy. His crazy creativity, Fembrain... All the nutty shit he started just for shits and giggles and because he knew it would be a hoot to do.
People come and go in life and death. The lucky ones have impacted a person or two, will be remembered for a year or two and then forgotten as life inevitably moves on. Lash is as much family to me as my "real" family. I hate this. But he will be remembered, and will be a positive influence on me.
I know Lasher had much closer friends than I. People in his life that he knew and had known for years and decades. And the thought of the pain they must be feeling right now saddens me. And honestly, I feel sad for me. We had fun that had nothing to do with the sad and depressing stuff. Just goofy, silly fun for fun's sake. And we talked to each other about other things. He wasn't just an ear to bend when life was in the crapper, but he was there for that too.
I don't know what it was like at the end for him. I hope he wasn't in real pain. I know Cash and others stood by him, and to them you have my true, sincere gratitude. Michael deserved a hospital full of people by his bedside.
Quite simply, I loved the guy like the brother I never had.
I've waited to come in here. This was the place it all really began for me and Lash. For The last 15 years why he's been the person that I went to when anything good or bad happened. When I found out that I had HIV I told him months before anybody else new and he kept my confidence when I thought I was going to lose my job because I thought I was going to be laid off he sent me the sweetest picture of Star Boy and Nura. When I was homeless he sent me money to live on until I can find a place to live . He's done so much for me both physical and emotional way that I'm finding it hard to believe this is real. We never got to meet in person in fact the one time we had planned to we had the one falling out we've ever had over the course of 15 years and it was canceled . Now that things have gotten better I was planning to go see him this summer and now I can't . He was such a great man I have never known anyone like him we texted daily we should music we would watch we would sink I Keeview watching at the same time and message each other's things were happening on the shows that we love her and I miss him so much already . I haven't come on here as much as I should and now I'm going to do my best to make myself a presence here because I know that's what he would've wanted Michael I love you and I hope you can hear this or read this As the case may be. thank you for being in my life for the past 15 years and just know that you mattered hell you still matter .
It's a little thing, but I realized yesterday what an influence Lash really has had on me. I was buying a new pair of trousers and I realized that I am in the habit of calling such things "pantaloons."
It's been a very, very long time since I last popped into Legion World and I'm really sad that the reason I'm doing so now is because of something like this.
More years ago than I care to remember (15? 16? 17, even) I had never read a Legion book and was primarily about Wonder Woman ad the JSA. I was also an active member on the old DC message boards, mostly on the Wonder Woman board. One day the board was suddenly invaded by a group of LSH board posters (stop me if you've already heard this one) who prompted to wreak havoc and much silliness before doing the same to almost all the other boards on the forum, picking up stragglers along the way, including yours truly. And that, my dears, was essentially the origin of the LMBP and why I was (while not a founding member) right there at the start of it all.
The main reason I was there, though, was Lash. It was Lash and Beagz that were the two posters who I first interacted with. IIRC I'm pretty sure we spent most of the time on the WW board flirting (in character) shamelessly. From that a proper friendship developed. I hadn't spoken to him for a long while since I dropped off the boards here and he dropped off twitter, but he was one of those people who always held a place in my heart. He sent us a wedding present when we got married and a card when we adopted for the first time, and there aren't that many people I know from the internet that knew me well enough to do that.
Lash was one of the kindest, funniest sweetest people I have ever had the good fortune of knowing. I feel honoured to have known him.
Lash was the most optimistic, sweetest, funniest, all-around most positive human being its ever been my pleasure to know. I know that I "only" knew him via the internet and, very regrettably, never got a chance to meet him in person, but his light was so incredibly bright that it always shone through the filters of the internet.
I've said elsewhere ("Let's talk About It" thread) the past couple of days that he was in fact the first poster I ever vibed with on message boards. But beyond that, I feel he was key to making me feel comfortable just being my own crazy self in the forums. He was already the heart and soul of what would become the LMB, even in those earliest days when a small group of comic book nerds starting vibing with each other in a way that I feel just has to be considered magical. This was especially so back when the internet was still discovering what it was and when there was still so much anonymity and ambiguity.
Basically, I think that without him as the key person involved that everything with the LMB and Legion World that was still to come just would never have been. We had this brilliant, creative, loving, one-of-a-kind angel in our midst who made us live up to our potential and give many of us something we really needed--even if for some of us, it was only for a specific period of time. Others of us stayed around and joined him in becoming stewards of the great community that would be here for future members to discover and for lapsed members to revisit should they find themselves being drawn back.
That is part of Michael Lash's legacy, and it's something that I and others will always maintain and keep alive. It's what he would want, and it's also what I want.
Thank you, Michael, for touching my life in a way that words are inadequate to express. I will always remember your example and hope to live up to it.
I remember introducing Lash to The Walking Dead and how he became an even bigger fan than me. I've not kept up with him or any of my friends here as I should have. Those regrets will always live with me.
Michael was the best. Always a kind word for everyone, the first to make you feel welcome, to try and make you laugh. For me he was the foundation to what made Legion World the home it was for all of us. For what it still is today.
I echo Lardy in proclaiming my love and will miss you deeply Lash!
This is sad news. I feel redundant and late to the party, but I'll be damned if I don't say something to express my appreciation for Lash. He'd want every last lurker to speak up (and get an LMBP mini-series).
His humor and disposition is one of the reasons I went from lurker to member during the exodus from the old DC boards - this new Legion World seemed fun thanks to people like Michael. He really did set the tone for this community.
"Future was a good kid, unlike the rest of you ruffians!" It was an idle comment he made during my first big hiatus from the boards for kicks, I'm sure. It's probably ten years old now. He'll never know how much I appreciated it. I've always been so flattered to even be on his radar. Lash was just so COOL.
Warm regards to those who knew him better than I. I'm grateful to see so many old names and know there's still a place for us to come and cherish the things Lash also loved.
What I find so great about this is how many of us have individual stories and interactions with Michael. When you think about the amount of time he spent with each of us it's pretty obvious that the man cared a great deal about everyone!
I've waited to come in here. This was the place it all really began for me and Lash. For The last 15 years why he's been the person that I went to when anything good or bad happened. When I found out that I had HIV I told him months before anybody else new and he kept my confidence when I thought I was going to lose my job because I thought I was going to be laid off he sent me the sweetest picture of Star Boy and Nura. When I was homeless he sent me money to live on until I can find a place to live . He's done so much for me both physical and emotional way that I'm finding it hard to believe this is real. We never got to meet in person in fact the one time we had planned to we had the one falling out we've ever had over the course of 15 years and it was canceled . Now that things have gotten better I was planning to go see him this summer and now I can't . He was such a great man I have never known anyone like him we texted daily we should music we would watch we would sink I Keeview watching at the same time and message each other's things were happening on the shows that we love her and I miss him so much already . I haven't come on here as much as I should and now I'm going to do my best to make myself a presence here because I know that's what he would've wanted Michael I love you and I hope you can hear this or read this As the case may be. thank you for being in my life for the past 15 years and just know that you mattered hell you still matter .
Matt, while I'm sorry for your loss of such a good friend, I do hope we'll see you around here more often.
This is shocking news. When I first joined Legion World, Lash's super fun attitude and hijinks were what kept me coming back. I never met Lash in person, and I haven't signed in here in a long time, but I want to give a huge shout-out to someone who brought so much joy and fun to these boards, he was an amazing presence. Oh, I am sad.
I feel awful, I am hardly on anything anymore, I've really disconnected. To come back and find this is heartbreaking.
Lash was the first person on the board that I came out to. I was so scared to let everyone know who I was and he was so gracefully in giving me advice.
Such a tragedy and such a loss of presence.
There is now a void that can't possibly be filled.
When I find myself getting ticked off about our current choices for president,I remember when I first got here and how Lash was always a voice of reason to me.
I just want to belatedly add my name to the list of those who mourn MMLASH's passing. Although my e-interactions with him were very few and far between, I always appreciated his abundant good will, intelligence, and sense of humour. And I also want to say that it's good to see that this legacy of positivity is being carried on by many of the posters on Legion World who have survived him. Still, I think that he was the true leader in this regard--no wonder he is missed.
I'm embarrassed that I just found out about this. I only visit a few threads here once in awhile and there was no indication, but I am very sorry to read this - he was without doubt the biggest, brightest personality on this board and it's such a testament to the person he was that he was able to touch so many in such a deep and meaningful way.
Just found out tonight when I dropped in to try and find an old song link.
Thank you so much for your kindness, Lash. And for all that amazing energy and fun. And I've little doubt that you're still going at it strong wherever you've landed, because that was some powerful spirit you had going on.
MLLASH would be most distressed to hear you say he's not tits!
Nothing could be further from what I had intended to say in that post. I swear upon a stack of original Dr. Strange art by Frank Brunner that I firmly believe Lash did indeed put the "Tee-Tees" in "Tits." (See what I did there? "Tee-Tees?")
Just spotted this thread now...sorry to see the bad news. I don't have any personal stories like many of the posters here, but he certainly was a presence on this board which will certainly be missed.
The Boyfriend and I were talking the other day about taking our mothers to Graceland next summer. Our moms are both big Elvis fans. We had originally talked about doing this a couple years ago, but it didn't happen. I had told The Boyfriend then that I had an amazing online friend in Memphis. The plan was to leave our mothers at the hotel and go out with Lash, knowing that he would probably be able to show us the best evening out we'd ever had. The plans fell through pretty early on. I never got to talk about with Lash. I wish he were still with us.
Oh, damn it!!! I haven't been on here in ages and thought I'd stop in. This isn't what I was expecting to see. He was one of the people that were the heart and soul of this board back when I was on here a lot. This is awful news. R.I.P., you were one of the best.
Indeed. I was reading an article about Chinese lesbians and gay men who marry each other to preserve their secrets - while still seeing their same-sex partners after. I just know Lash would have something witty and profound to say about this, all the while encouraging me and Blaze.
Indeed. I was reading an article about Chinese lesbians and gay men who marry each other to preserve their secrets - while still seeing their same-sex partners after. I just know Lash would have something witty and profound to say about this, all the while encouraging me and Blaze.
You guys should TOTALLY find a lesbian couple and share a house... Lash would approve.
I've missed him every day this year. It's hard for me to post here, or in social media in general, and not think of him. Hopefully he's enjoyed looking down at us this past year and laughing at everyone freaking out.
There's a lot of things, like Riverdale, that make me immediately think of him because he'd love them so much. Then again, the major reason I'm even checking some of these things out is because of Lash's influence on my tastes.
On this first anniversary of Lash's passing, I find it very telling of the cruelty of fate that he did not live to see his beloved Bronze Age Teen Titans finally get solicited for a hardcover collection.
I feel the best we can do is to keep his spirit alive here at Legion World every day by celebrating all the things he loved the most, of which I can only name a few off the top of my head -- the aforementioned Bronze Age Teen Titans, the many works of Dave Cockrum, the many incarnations of the Justice Society, country music, dance music, pop music, horror movies, Funyuns, and, of course...the Legion of Super-Heroes.
Lash taught me many good and helpful things, but the one which continues to be at the forefront of my mind is -- love the things you love, love what makes you happy, and if some people share your love while others don't, well...that's not really your problem now, is it?
Every visit to LW over the last year has reminded me of LASH. So every login is followed by a >sigh<, quickly followed by a >smile< as I remember what a fun place he helped build.
I've lost more than one person in my life. But of the three that really matter to me, its simply my dad, my grandmother and Lash. He was that good a person. I miss you, Lasher. You were inspired lunacy and the borther I never had or met. I don't want you to rest in peace, I want you tearing it up wherever you are, making people laugh, saying outrageous things and bringing light and joy along with you. Love ya, Lasher.
I was watching a new TV show the other day, At Home with Amy Sedaris, and started thinking of an old friend I had never met. I suddenly wanted very much to see if he was still online and to possibly reconnect with him. I came to Legion World and did a search of Lash's name, and was heartbroken to see this thread pop up.
I feel guilt that I'm posting this more than a year after Lash passed. But I really want to share how I feel about a guy I had never met, but nevertheless has always felt like a kindred spirit.
I obviously haven't been here for years (haven't even lurked, to be honest) and I had to create a new profile to log on, as my old password was long forgotten, and even my old email associated with this site is long defunct. Some might remember me, I wasn't an active member for that long, but Lash and I were alike in so many ways it was scary.
We both were obsessed with old Lois Lane comics. We both liked the aforementioned Amy Sedaris and her TV show Strangers with Candy *way* too much. We pretty much both had the exact same sense of humor, more so than anyone I have ever met in "real" life. And, despite his huge personality, I always had the impression he was a very shy individual, as am I.
When I read this thread I felt regret nearly as much as I felt sad. Seeing all the familiar faces, I feel regret for drifting away from this site so long ago. Most of all though, I feel regret that I never talked to Lash about so many things. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The Bronze Age Teen Titans. Making fun of old Romance comic covers. Just being silly. I'll never have a chance to talk with Lash again. And that hurts.
Hey Kid Chaos... If there's one thing I know (and can testify to) it's that you can always come home to Legion World... I never met Lash either, but I felt his loss in a way that still surprises me, though it really shouldn't... at several points in my life, when stress levels were at their highest, I turned to comic books for a much needed respite and a temporary return to a much simpler time... and for the last 17 years, the LMB and (later) Legion World have been a part of that respite... and always at the forefront was Lash... I've met and befriended several Legion Worlders over the years... some are like brothers... I deeply regret that I never met Lash... I wish I could have told him how much his presence on these boards meant to me... and, despite not meeting, how much I cherished his friendship... so many "silly" conversations over the years about TV shows, movies, and songs that still make me smile... a few weeks ago, standing in line at the pharmacy, a song came on that immediately reminded me of Lash... that happens more often than I thought was possible, because we never met in "real" life... but our friendship was real... and the loss I feel is very real... and after reading your post, I know I'm not alone in that... thanks for sharing, KC, and welcome home...
I've never really felt like I had the words for this.
Michael always amazed and baffled and delighted me with how he could be so silly, almost a caricature of himself, at times, and yet so utterly guilelessly genuine at the same time.
It's a mystery to me how I can miss someone I've never met, and wonder what my life would have been like if I'd been half as fearless, or as willing to make myself vulnerable.
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my friend. You are missed.
