Ilan Strasser of Fat Moose Comics and Games in Whippany, New Jersey saw the account by John Riley of his high school reunion and the discussion there of his chosen occupation (see 'John Riley of Grasshopper's Comics on 'Comic Coolness''), and shared his own reunion experience:

I read and enjoyed John Riley's comments about going to his wife's high school reunion.  I am truly glad that things went so well for him.  Reading about his experience also reminded me of when I went to my high school's 10th anniversary reunion.  This happened way back in 1985 when Fat Moose Comics and Games was only 3 years young.

Eventually we too got around to discussing what everyone was doing with their lives.  When I said that I sold comic books for a living, a suit-and-tie wearing acquaintance began to snicker and laugh.  Half defensively, I threw the question right back at him.  He glowingly replied that he was an associate partner at a NYC law firm.  Sensing an opportunity, I asked him how much he made in a year.  His immediate reply was a proud and boastful $26,000.

Let me say that in 1985 my store was doing unbelievably well, especially for a relatively new store.  I was therefore able to pay myself a very decent salary at the time.  Suffice it to say, you should have seen his jaw drop when I told him I had paid myself $72,000 the year before and it seemed more than likely I would be doing so again that year!!!  Of course, with all the changes in the comics market, I make significantly less now than I did back then and my wife has been back at work to help out the last 9 years.  Still, as moments in time go, that was a pretty good one!!