Blast from the past: Harlan Ellison: author, litigious curmudgeon, über-nerd, 1982. I was frequenting cons when 90% of the attendees looked like this. Via Pip R. Lagenta’s photostream.

I think it’s the glasses plus the Donahue Hairdo, with just a suggestion of grease therein that makes the look.  The mock turtle helps, as well. And he’s got that flared nostril, fart-smellin’ sort of look on his face to complete the image.

Speaking of farts and SF symposia, I sampled many  varieties of butt-gas in those halcyon days. It was a distinguishing characteristic of cons; kind of a generalized farty-assy smell blended with musty pulp paperback and stale coffee. I think it was mostly the work of the 13-something set, dropping sliders as they schlupped around the hotel.

Harlan Ellison, 1982

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