Comments on: Rory Root: The Real-Life Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons

By: Steve Mills

Steve Mills — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:49:06 +0000

Me, Rory and the Stikman worked for the Dreaded (#@$#$%^&(*)^%$#@) in the early days, when he’d just broken up and was breaking out of his chrysalis. He was a good, loyal friend for over 17 years, and, yes, maybe he was the inspiration for Comic Book Guy, but I remember a large soul w/ a great sense of humor who enjoyed a horrible pun and almost single-handedly supported the coffeeshop next door. Save a seat at the table for me & S., Bro.

By: Lazlo

Lazlo — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:48:22 +0000

For what it’s worth: Comic Book Guy was based on a dealer that someone from the show — probably but not necessarily Matt Groening — saw at SDCC a couple of years before the show launched.

(It wasn’t Rory. Rory had too much class to wear flourescent pink shorts to SDCC.)

By: Tom Landis

Tom Landis — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:14:53 +0000

I’ve known Rory since he worked in one of the two comic book stores on Telegraph Ave in the 70′s (the one below Dwight) and I don’t remember him ever putting me down or putting others down (unlike Comic Book Guy). He was always friendly and kind; I’m going to miss him a lot.

By: Karen Root

Karen Root — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:37:14 +0000

personally I think they look a lot alike and Rory’s statement of he can be a TAD bit sarcastic HA HA HA i’ve know him my whole 49 young years he has always been quick witted and sarcastic but good naturedly of course [sorry RDR] but as a Root I am entitled to my own opinion [little family joke there] boy you guys should have been around for the lively LOUD discussions between Ivan[deceased older brother in 92] my god they could talk?? for hours. and yes his death came as quite a shock to us all he will be sorely missed and floating around up there….. NO WAY he is soaring !!!!!!!!

By: Sam Uzi

Sam Uzi — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:46:08 +0000

Rory’s passing has made things a bit heavy around here at Last Gasp… I expect to see him floating around in the late afternoon any day now… it came as a surprise to everyone, and it’s really hit hard… we’ll all miss him

By: former emp

former emp — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:51:48 +0000

My buddy works at Comic Relief and told me it’s true. Matt Groening was in the store one day and my buddy asked him if Rory was the inspiration. He glanced over to Rory to make sure he wasn’t looking and nodded with a grin and a finger to his mouth. “Shhhhh”

I think it may have hurt Rory’s feelings in some way, but now that he’s gone it can’t hurt. He was an awesome guy. The gag of comic book guy doesn’t capture his true kind spirit. He was a great man.

By: Attract Geek Mini-Celebrities to Your Blog in Three Easy Steps » Great White Snark

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:24:25 +0000

[...] The Real-Life Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons [...]

By: Great White Snark

Great White Snark — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:16:14 +0000

I hear you. No one likes to be pigeon-holed.

Unless we’re talking about “Pigeon Hole”, the game of chance on the 3rd level of the Power Exchange in San Francisco. In that case… to each their own.

Anyway. Stereotypes–while they might be fun to throw around for the sake of getting a unabashedly cheap laugh in a blog post–are, of course, rarely true once you actually get to know the party in question. So, thanks again for stopping by.

By: Rory D. Root

Rory D. Root — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:04:53 +0000

It’s all good.

My team puts forth an amazing effort to get those booths set up right. Thanks for noticing.

My only real complaint with the CBG stereotype is when folks assume I’ll live down to it.

And life being what it is; every now and again I do. ;)

By: Great White Snark

Great White Snark — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:57:33 +0000

HA. Nickolai wins today’s too-clever-for-his-own-good prize.