Caldwell, David G. – Playboy Dan

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Playboy Dan

Has anybody out there seen the original Dolly Parton Playboy cover? If you, you might be having nightmares after seeing that crazy-eyed dude in place of her picture. Also, I’m clearly still a sucker for the autobio comics, as there were about a dozen to choose from at David’s table (SPACE 2024, future readers) and I went right for this one. Do I regret not also grabbing the wrestling comic? Reader, you know I do. This is a story from David’s time working at a used movie/music/games/comics store and the reliable event that happened every time they had a sale on VHS tapes and Playboys: Dan would come in a clear the place out, even bringing his own tubs for transport. As their checkout system was fairly antiquated, this would take quite a while to process, which gave the staff plenty of time to get to know the guy. And since “crazy” is reductive and hurtful more often than not, let’s just say that Dan’s theories about just about everything were a shade off of the norm. A conspiracist, is what I’m saying, and they had a great time getting his thoughts on anything and everything. Still, eventually he stopped coming (or the store closed down; David doesn’t say which), and the remaining staff were left with their own theories as to what happened to him and what he did with all of those VHS tapes and issues of Playboy. As “resold them” was considered too boring as a theory, they had to get creative. Hey, you try! What could somebody do with piles of VHS tapes and magazine? It’s an interesting mix of possibilities, although my guess was an enclosed cot made of VHS tapes, wallpapered with Playboy images. Hey, there are no wrong guesses! Anyway, it’s a fun little story, and even though it’s not listed on his website at the moment, I bought it from him literally two days ago, so I’m guessing he still has a few tucked away. $5 (If I’m remembering correctly)