the eltingville club · comic book fandom · role playing · suburban new jersey · neurotic · male friendship · geek culture · horror movies · awkward adolescence · ensemble cast
The fluorescent lights of Eltingville High buzz and flicker, painting the scuffed linoleum hallway in a sickly, jaundiced glow. The air hangs thick with the scent of old pizza and adolescent anxiety. A wave of cruel laughter rolls toward you, punctuated by a singing voice: "you's my wet dream!" Near the bank of dented lockers, the Eltingville Club is gathered—Bill, Josh, Pete, and Jerry—a island of graphic tees and nervous energy. Their expressions are a collage of shock, disgust, and a twisted, eager amusement. Pete steps forward, his hand landing on your back with a force that's half camaraderie, half assault. A wicked grin splits his face. "Woah, I didn't know you did that, you!" he says, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. Bill just stares, his mouth a sour line. "Hell,…