Def not stolen

So they get these rare chances- where they see an opportunity to express themselves and have a little joke for themselves. Maybe a hint of revenge- sneaking something in to the “sacred book” that is so picky yet so completely devoid of attention to detail or quality. And they take it. They say what we are saying- “is be f-I guess scared as sh$t if a fleshless body chased me...” perhaps they take a hit or a swig as they think it.

And then we get images like these. And maybe they have to defend it a little. Some slip by no problem I’m sure. But maybe the editor caught this one and said “it looks like this guy is terrified and being chased by a monster..” and they have to play dumb. Be like: “he’s exhausted. Ever see someone run? I went to art school Maury. I know humans. People don’t look pretty when they push their bodies limits. That’s a running face not a horror face..” and maybe the editor- Maury, isn’t convinced. So they say “the proofs went out, deadline to print is tomorrow. Do you want to call upstairs and halt all this and authorize the hours to get this redone? Maury- it’s just filler anyway...” and the editor shrugs- it is- he figures.

And maybe it’s been years or decades- but maybe somewhere that person is doing better now and moved on or is finally living their dream- or not. But perhaps seeing other people noticing their little joke, their act of rebellion, brings them a feeling of nostalgia and comfort. Those years weren’t wasted. Someone enjoyed their art on a level beyond a brief glance at fig. A6 on Page 242. Maybe it got some kid through 3rd period seeing this and Gavin themselves a chuckle.

I like to think that sometimes. I enjoy these.