Reading this reminded me that I had a brief, exceedingly pleasant dream about Sean a few nights ago, in which we bumped into each other on the street and had a quick, low-key conversation about X-Men, Dazzler, and other such topics. In the dream, Sean was doing that thing that Sean always did—or that thing, at least, that he always did with me—of listening with a certain professorial, chin-stroking remove, like he was impressed and amused by what I had to say, like he could’ve said “Well done, Master Berens” at any moment. (And perhaps he did say that to me, at some point?) It was an affectation, but a deliberate and transparent affectation, one he appeared to have cultivated as much for our pleasure as his own. And with a mind like his, what else could he do? He had to find a mode of social performance that both slyly acknowledged the gulf between his mind and the minds of others, while simultaneously diffusing the anxiety such a disparity might provoke…by making a sweet joke of it. All pure speculation, of course. I miss Sean too.Picture taken of Essential Dazzler Vol.1. Dazz VS The Enchantress.
Submitted by likethepresident
A few months before my brilliant friend Sean died, he sent me both Essential Dazzler volumes for my birthday. I hadn’t talked to him much in several years; we had worked together only briefly and, you know, it’s hard to keep these things up. Then he got sick, and I didn’t really know how bad it was. I’d like to think that if I had known, I would have been a better friend during that period but maybe I’m giving myself too much credit. But then The Essential Dazzler showed up out of nowhere. It is without a doubt the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me. Miss you Sean.
