Mach V - The Same Hope

I love stories of second changes. When someone hits bottom and finds a second change to become better inspires me. These stories have always inspired me. I found Hope when I hit bottom and all I did was open my eyes.

The Same Hope

“I want to offer men and women who’ve made Mistakes the same chance…the same hope I got.” - Abner Jenkins (Mach IV) *                           

Sometimes a villain will try to redeem himself and become a better person. Abner Jenkins was the high-tech criminal “Beetle”. He was a member of the Masters of Evil which as a ploy to fool the American citizens became the Thunderbolts. Abner changed his alias to Mach I. Just like a computer each time he upgrades his high-tech suit and weapons, he changes his name, he is now Mach V. Eventually Abner became a true hero and fights the good fight. For Abner he found Hope in his second chances.

We hit bottom and we need to climb back up. We hit bottom and we need a second chance. When we need that second chance it comes. It comes in the form of Hope. There is always Hope – even at the bottom. We often hear “it’s darkest just before dawn.” What happens at dawn? What happens in the dark tunnel? We find the faintest of lights. The light at the end of the tunnel is Hope. The light of a new dawn is Hope. The second chance is Hope. There is always Hope. The best example we can find is a recovering addict. Ask a recovering addict what they found when they hit bottom and became honest about their addiction? They will say something like this, “When I hit bottom and became honest I found a second chance, I found people that understood and I found Hope.” All we must do is turn and face Hope to find that light - all we need is a second chance.

Mach V
First Appearance: (as Beetle) Strange Tales #123, Marvel comics (August 1964)

First Appearance: (as Mach 1) Thunderbolts #1, Marvel Comics (April 1997)

Creators: (Beetle) Stan Lee (writer) and Carl Burgos (art) 

Creators: (Mach I) Kurt Busiek (writer) & Mark Bagley  (art)  

*New Thunderbolts, #1 January, 2005

Swamp Thing - House

Currently in different animated series the Swamp Thing is very popular. To be honest I am not a big fan. I enjoyed the original story and the cult movie but other than that I can do without Swamp Thing. The thing I liked most about Swamp Thing is his origin takes place in the Louisiana swamps. A place I can feel quite at home.

House

“That house…That smirking shell of a house…Stands there taunting me …Laughing…as if it were responsible for all that has happened here.” - Swamp Thing*                                               

There are forces of good that protect the Earth, nature and plant life. Swamp Thing is one of these forces. There have many men to become the Swamp Thing. It seems each generation has a Swamp Thing as a protector. The most popular is scientist Alec Holland. Dr Holland was working with his wife Linda in the swamps of Louisiana searching for a way to turn deserts into forests. A rival scientist, Mr. E, is seeking Holland’s work and detonates a bomb in Holland’s lab. The chemicals and the nature of the swamp turn Alec Holland into the entity known as Swamp Thing, a monstrous creature that protects the flora and fauna of the Earth. Even though it’s a scientific origin Swamp Thing is a mystical creature of magic. He is a plant having troubles releasing his memories of being a man.

Is a house a home? Luther Vandross’ song, “A House is Not a Home”, expresses the idea behind this question, “A chair is still a chair, even when there's no one sittin' there, but a chair is not a house and a house is not a home, when there's no one there to hold you tight, and no one there you can kiss goodnight.”  In all honesty, a house is just a building. It is the memories, it is the feelings, it is the familiarity of the surroundings and it is the growth of the person entering that makes it a home. The Taoists believe that the emptiness of the House is what makes a Home. The open spaces of doors and windows, the open space within room can be filled to make a home. In her song, Home, Lene Lovich writes, “Home is where the heart is…Home is so remote…Home is just emotion sticking in my throat…Let’s go to your place.” How will we fill our homes? We can fill them with good memories and feelings, comfortable familiarities and grow easily. Or we can fill them with hurt and angry emotions so uncomfortable no one will feel at ease. A good question to ponder, how will we make our house a home?

Swamp Thing
First Appearance: (Alex Olsen) House of Secrets, #92 (July 1971), DC Comics

First Appearance: (Alec Holland) Swamp Thing, #1 (November 1972), DC Comics

Creators: Len Wein (writer) Bernie Wrightson (art)

* “Dark Genesis”, Roots of The Swamp Thing, #3, July 1986, DC Comics

Johnny Quick - Fancy Powers

As a kid, I preferred the Justice Society of America (JSA) over the Justice League of America (JLA). There was a stronger camaraderie with its members. There was also certain lunacy to their members that made the story telling fun. One of these characters was Johnny Quick. Even as a kid I knew that "3X2(9YZ)4A" was not accurate. Still the idea and story were fun. Thank goodness, I had a good education. One thing I did learn from comics was how to accept all people – no matter what. Something we all need to learn.

Fancy Powers

“If the White House needs heroes with Fancy Powers, I’m as much an American as any of you! Got it?” - Johnny Quick*

As a student, Johnny Chambers had a guardian, brilliant math professor, Dr Gill. Dr. Gill discovered a Math formula, "3X2(9YZ)4A", that when said as a mantra granted the speaker super-speed.  As the professor was dying he taught the formula to Johnny. Johnny Chambers became a Photojournalist and took on the mantle of Johnny Quick. He joined the Justice Society of America. Met and married Liberty Bell. They had a daughter, Jesse Chambers. Johnny eventually taught the formula to Jesse and she became Jesse Quick.

Does it really matter what country we come from? Being raised as an American is an honor. However, so is being raised Iranian, Chinese or French. Being raised Catholic, Jewish, and Hindu or Buddhist is just as important. The same can go for skin color also. We find all these mixtures of people in America. So today this is not about being an American it is about being proud of heritage. America is a melting pot of individuals accepting ALL people. Today try to accept all people you meet as people proud to be whatever they are. Most of who we are is achieved through education. Sometimes we need to educate ourselves to be accepting of all people.

Johnny Quick
First Appearance: More Fun Comics, #71 (September 1941), DC Comics

Creators: Mort Weisinger 

*”The World on Fire”, All-Star Squadron Vol. 1 #1, (September 1981), DC Comics

Shadowman - See Every Day

Shadowman, was an interesting comic book. The whole New Orleans Jazz and Voodoo aspects drew me in quickly. However, I could never really get into the violence of the comic. The second of January, the second day of the new year is a good day for reflective thoughts. How will our new year progress? If you have the time reflect a little longer today.

See Every Day

“I’m not something you see every day..." - Shadowman*

New Orleans Jazz Saxophonist, Jack Boniface enjoys his life. The thrill of the performance and music nourishes his soul. He meets Lydia. Goes home with her and awakens from a blackout but changed. Each night he finds himself hunting for the evil influences of the darkness. One night there is a lady screaming for help. Jack finds a carnival mask and rescues the lady. The next day, Jack’s housekeeper, Nettie, in her voodoo language sees the dark aura around Jack and calls him the Shadowman. That night a new hero is born. Using his dark voodoo powers Shadowman hunts the denizens of the night, protecting the innocent.

Something new happens every day. Something different happens every day. Something is let go of every day. In the practice of a spiritual life there is always something acquired and something lost. The growths could be so small we don’t recognize them – the cloud formations at sunrise. The growth could be huge, deciding to leave a 10 year job to start a new job. The trick to a worthwhile spiritual life is to recognize this concept. Start looking for the new or different daily events. Recognize that daily something is loss or given away – do not let that loss stop the growth. The new and exciting has come to replace the loss.

Shadowman
First Appearance: Shadowman, #1 (May 1991), Valiant Comics

Creators: Jim Shooter, Steve Englehart, David Lapham and Bob Layton

* Shadowman, #1, November 2012, Valiant Entertainment LLC

Zauriel - Be At Peace

Here is a good example of how my concept was changed by just a little shift in story. The angel Zauriel had been around in the comics for a few years and for whatever reason, I didn’t really care for the character. Then when Zauriel became a regular in the series, Shadowpact, I began to see him in a different light (pardon the pun). I’m a little sad he and Shadowpact are not around in the new DC Comics stories. For today, this New Year, 2018, let’s think of lessons Zauriel taught – Peace. Happy New Year!

Be At Peace

“Be at peace, Ragman. I am with you.” - Zauriel*

Zauriel is a Guardian Angel of Heaven’s Eagle Host of angels. He is armed with a flaming sword or Archangel Michael’s Battle Staff. However, he falls in love with one of his charges and attempts to give up his angelic job. The Angelic Host allows him to leave Heaven. However, the angel Asmodel attempts to over through Heaven like Lucifer attempted. Zauriel learns of this and fights alongside the heroes to stop Asmodel. Heaven and the Presence of God for his duty and sacrifice reinstate Zauriel in full standing. Zauriel has appeared to heroes, such as Hawkgirl, Supergirl, and Ragman giving spiritual support advice and counseling.

Angels! We all have experienced angels in our lives. They show up in our friends and family or even strangers. Sometimes they are the unexpected. But all angels bring the gift of Peace. Peace is a good topic to write about, think about and meditate on daily. Of course we would all agree that peace is a non-warring or arguing state of being. Peace can be harmony as well. Once Harmony becomes part of the definition of Peace we naturally begin to think of Balance (PSE). It would be better if we decide our own definition of Peace finding Balance (PSE) within ourselves. Today meditate on Peace and find the Peace within. 

Zauriel
First Appearance: JLA, #6 (June 1997), DC Comics

Creators: Grant Morrison, Mark Millar, Howard Porter and John Dell  

* “Protégés”, Shadowpact, #17, November 2007, DC Comics

Flash Gordon - Just A Man

I wasn’t a big fan of Flash Gordon growing up. I knew who he was, but he was of my father’s generation. In the late 1970’s there were some good cartoons featuring Flash Gordon and then the movie, Flash Gordon, staring Sam J Jones and Max von Sydow, that opened my eyes to this character. I really loved the idea of a normal guy saving the Earth.

Just A Man

“Just a man; With a man’s courage; Nothing but a man; But he can never fail; No-one but the pure at heart; May find the Golden Grail…” - Freddie Mercury & Brian May*

Our world was being bombarded by meteors, Hans Zarkov believing it was an attack built a rocket to travel to attacker’s planet for peace. Needing help to fly the rocket Zarkov kidnaps Dale Arden and sports star, Flash Gordon, whose plane crashes nearby because of the meteors. The three travel to the planet Mongo and confronts the evil emperor, Ming, the Merciless. Fighting against Ming, Flash Gordon finds and gains the trust of the rebellion. Eventually Ming is defeated. Then Flash Gordon and his friends travel to different worlds bringing peace for the war-torn universe.

The regular guy Flash Gordon saves the day. Most people who are recognized as heroes think of themselves as “normal” people. Did all the firefighters and police that helped during the “911 attacks” wake up that morning saying, “Today I will be a hero?” No, they woke up went to the bathroom, ate breakfast and got dressed just like the rest of us. There is nothing wrong with being “just a man”. We always try to be the boss, to be famous or to be rich. We often forget to be “normal”. There is nothing wrong with seeking to be better or advancing either. It’s when we lose humility and forget that we are “just a man” that we begin to lose. Let’s face it, in the comic strips Flash Gordon was just a polo player and nothing special, all he had going for him was the ability to play on a team.

Flash Gordon
First Appearance: Flash Gordon, Comic Strip, January 7, 1934, King Features Syndicate

Creators: Alex Raymond

* “Flash”, Brian May & Freddie Mercury, EMI, Elektra Records 1980, performed by Queen

The Legion of Superpets - Aspects of his Individuality

Growing up I always liked the stories about Superboy and Krypto. They had some great adventures. Stories about a boy and his dog always make me feel good. There are some great pets in comic book history, Lockjaw, Red Wing, Lockheed, Comet, Wonder Dog, Blip (the monkey, Space Ghost) and Sheba (the tiger, The Walking Dead). When Krypto flew out into space and never returned was kind of sad for me. It prepared me in a way to prepare for the loss of my super-pet, Brigit.

Aspects of his Individuality

“When you deal with a character over a long period of time you discover the many aspects of his individuality – he becomes real.” - Curt Swan (about Superman)*

The supporting cast will always define a character. Not all superheroes battle crime alone some have sidekicks to help when needed. The people surrounding a Superhero will make the hero stronger. There are a few superheroes that have super pets. Superman has Krypto (the super dog), Supergirl has Streaky (the super cat) and Comet (the super horse), and Chameleon boy has Proty. Like their counterparts, the Legion of Superheroes, these super pets decided to form a “Legion” of their own. The Legion of Superpets was created. The members are Krypto, Streaky, Comet, Proty (a shape-shifting creature), Beppo (the super monkey) and Whizzy (relative of Streaky). The best way to find out about hero is to look at the company he keeps.

The artist, Curt Swan is best known for his work with Superman and the Legion of Superheroes. His words are true. Not just in creating a character but in real life as well. When we spend time with a person we get to know them. When we spend a long period of time with them we REALLY get to know them. Look at how we know our oldest friends. We know every nook and cranny of their existence. Sometimes that is a good thing. We accept them for who they are without worry. They become a fully realized individual in our lives. The deeper we know them the greater the friendship. Just like a good character in a comic book.

The Legion of Super-Pets  
First Appearance: Adventure Comics, #293 (February 1962), DC Comics

Creators: Jerry Siegel & Curt Swan  

*”Curt Swan: The Definitive Superman Realized”

Corso Riggs - Smelling Like Flowers

On the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a companion for the Smuggler characters, Corso Riggs. Corso is one of the best companions ever created. He’s funny, he’s caring, he’s tough, he’s naive and he has a wonderful southern boy charm. He is likeable. When I was playing SWTOR I really appreciated Corso.

Smelling Like Flowers

“How come we always wind up walking through sewer pipes? Just once, I’d like to come back from a place smelling like flowers.” - Corso Riggs*

In a galaxy far, far away…Corso Riggs is from the planet Kiffu but his family settled on the planet Ord Mantel in a farming community. Corso had a relatively easy life in this happy farming community. Corso had a knack for getting in trouble and always took too many risks. Ord Mantel was plagued with rebellion and war. The Separatists and the Republic were fighting. Corso's community tried to remain neutral. However, on one of the Separatists’ raids the community was destroyed. Corso returned home to find his family murdered. Corso vowed revenge and joined a local gangster, Viidu. Eventually Corso leaves Ord Mantel with a young Smuggler and they help in the Republic’s fight against the Sith and the Empire.

Sewer pipes smell horrible! Sometimes we all must clean or go to smelly places. We all must do things we do not want to do or wish we didn’t have to do. The Taoist speaks of water being the gentlest substance but a powerful weapon as well. How is this so? Because water will go deep, water will lay in places no other will go. This is a description of humility. To be truly humble sometimes we must go and do things that aren’t so pleasant. Sometimes we must stand behind the crowd and serve as the clean-up crew. If we do the hard stuff for humility or if we do it for kindness we will always end up smelling like flowers. To be honest we may be the only ones that can smell the fragrance. If we are honestly seeking a humble life filled with compassion, kindness and generosity it will not matter where we go or what we do because we are doing it for the people living and working around us.

Corso Riggs
First Appearance: “Star Wars: The Old Republic” (MMORPG), December 20, 2011.

Creators: BIOWARE (developers), Electronic Arts and LucasArts (publishers)

* “Star Wars: The Old Republic” (MMORPG), December 20, 2011.

BIOWARE (developers), Electronic Arts and LucasArts (publishers), Troy Hall (Actor)

Yoda - You Must Unlearn

Yoda, is one of the most iconic characters created. He is quoted and poked fun at often. But Yoda’s words of wisdom also are meaningful. “Do or do not. There is no try,” is one of my favorites. Sometimes it takes a lot of thought and contemplation to figure out the meaning. I would join Yoda’s dojo in a second.

You Must Unlearn

“You must unlearn what you have learned.” - Yoda*

The Jedi were the Peacekeepers of Justice they were the powerful knights of the Galactic Republic. One of the powerful and who held the position of Grand Master on the Jedi Council was Yoda. Yoda was 70 centimeters tall, light green with pointed ears and sharp teeth. Yoda lived to be older than most species, 900 years old. Many of the well known and popular Jedi had Yoda as a master or instructor. His wisdom is legendary, often asking his Padawan, pupil, to totally change. 

For there to be complete change we “must unlearn what we have learned”. What is change? It is something different – it is one thing becoming another thing. There are Physical, Spiritual and Emotional changes. When there is a change something stops working and a new thing takes the place of the old. For there to be complete change our old way of thinking needs to change. Sometimes this is very difficult because we may have years of conditioning to relearn. Here is a basic idea – most people do not like Brussels sprouts because they are just steamed or boiled. They are bland and oddly taste like mini-cabbages. Then one day a dish is served –sliced Brussels sprouts sautéed in butter with onion, garlic almonds and the slightest hint of brown sugar. The resulting taste is phenomenal and there is an immediate change in perception of Brussels sprouts and a willingness to try more. Then we find what has been learned is now unlearned and a new way of thinking is born.

Yoda
First Appearance: Star Wars: the Empire Strikes Back, episode V, Twentieth Century Fox, May 21, 1980

Creators: George Lucas

* Star Wars: the Empire Strikes Back, episode V, Twentieth Century Fox, May 21, 1980, Frank Oz (actor)

Herald - Blow Your Horn

The Teen Titans, another super-group that I admired and grew to love as a kid. Mal Duncan, Herald, was one of my favorites. He was not “super powered” and was part of a team. Then when he gained his Horn he was able to really make a difference. The musical aspect of his character was important to the artist in me.

Blow Your Horn

“I don’t need any excuses to blow my horn, Speedy!” - Mal Duncan *                                             

Mal Duncan saved the Teen Titans from a street gang called the Hell Hawks. He was later recruited to join the Titans. Feeling un-super, un-powerful and unworthy, Mal looked for different ways to become a powerful Titan. Mal fought the Angel of Death -- Azrael. Thinking it was a dream Mal awoke with a mystical horn given to him by the angel Gabriel. Now Mal Duncan had the power. Using the moniker Herald, when he blows Gabriel’s horn he is given unspecified powers to use whenever the odds are against him in battle. But the Horn comes with a price, if Mal Duncan ever looses a fight he will die. He later married Karen Beecher (Bumblebee) and moved to California. He is an accomplished jazz musician and owns a nightclub named "Gabriel's Horn".

We are told at a young age not to brag, that people will think we are boastful. When someone brags, they are doing it to bring someone else down, they brag to be hurtful. Is it bragging when someone needs help and we have the capability to help him or her? If we do something well is it wrong to say so? If someone asks, “Hey, are you a good … (cook, boxer, teacher, artist, lawyer, doctor)?” What is wrong with answering “yes”? We only “do” things we like to do, and we only like to do things we’re good at doing, so saying “yes” is not a lie or bragging. If someone needs help with something we’re good at – why not help? This brings us back to sharing our gifts, and our talents. The cooks in the group can help those with “kitchen phobias.” The boxers can give workout tips to the less muscled. The fun part is giving the advice and feeling helpful. The warm feeling comes from knowing we were a helpful part of someone’s life – the warm feeling of being a “superhero.” Be a superhero and blow your horn!

Mal Duncan -- Herald
First Appearance: As Malcolm A. Duncan, Teen Titans #26, April 1970

Creators: Robert Kanigher (script), and Nick Cardy (art)

 * “The Fiddler’s Concert of Crime!” Teen Titans #46, Feb. 1977

Bionic Woman - LOVE

Merry Christmas! Today let us think of LOVE. LOVE is a gift that we can give to everyone. And everyone deserves LOVE.

LOVE

“Love is a spiritual principle but it is also something that if you are an atheist you can still love.”  - Lindsey Wagner                                                                                                           

Jaime Sommers, a national tennis champion and school teacher, dates the famous astronaut Captain Steve Austin. Captain Austin is also the Six Million Dollar Man, his legs, left arm and right eye are Bionic. While skydiving Jaime’s parachute does not open and she falls great heights through trees. Captain Austin’s pleas for Jaime’s life are heard and her limbs are replaced with Bionics as well. Jaime’s legs, right arm and left ear are bionics. She becomes an OSI (Office of Scientific Intelligence) Agent. Jaime Sommers comes to grips with her bionics and seeks to bring peace first to any situation.

All religions and spiritual practices seek Love as a spiritual principle and practice. Ms. Wagner is absolutely correct when we all have the capacity to Love. Seeking Spiritual Principles do not have to be solely religious practices. When broken down to the simplest forms spiritual principles are practiced by all people. We forget that spiritual principles are often called virtues. Here is a list of virtues we try to practice: Honesty, Hope, Courage, Integrity, Peace, Charity, Humility, Discipline and Service. Sharing Love with another person simply because they are human is an excellent Virtue to practice. No matter whom we are or the religion or nationality there is always Love. Seek Love and Love will be found.

The Bionic Woman
First Appearance: The Six Million Dollar Man, Season 2, Episode 19, March 16, 1975, ABC

Creators: Kenneth Johnson (producer), Lindsey Wagner (actress)

Inspiration: Martin Caidin from the Novel “Cyborg”, Arbor House, April 1972

Elektra - Smile

Elektra walks that thin line of anti-hero. She has been an assassin and hero. She is one of the many girls, in a long history, of Matt Murdock’s love interests. I really didn’t like the 2003 Daredevil Movie, but the 2005 Elektra movie is one of my favorites. I think I’m the only one that loved it. It makes me smile.

Smile

“Beauty comes from a life well lived. If you've lived well, your smile lines are in the right places, and your frown lines aren't too bad, what more do you need?” - Jennifer Garner

Elektra Natchios, one of Matt (Daredevil) Murdock’s female fatale furies. Elektra and Matt were lovers in college. The basic story, Elektra and her wealthy father was kidnapped. Daredevil rescued them but in this attempted rescue Elektra’s father was killed. She left New York to study martial arts in China. Where through a series of events she became a female ninja assassin. Elektra has worked with the Hand, the Chaste, and S.H.E.I.L.D. Eventually she became an assassin for the Kingpin, Daredevil’s Arch-Enemy, to kill Daredevil. Elektra and Daredevil fell in love. The villain, Bullseye, battling for his place in the Kingpin’s army assassinated Elektra with her own sai, as Daredevil watched. The Chaste, rescued her body. Stick, the leader of Chaste using ninja magic brought Elektra back to life. Elektra now walks a thin line between heroism and villainy.

Elektra uses her beauty as ability. A smile for the right reasons can be comforting and/or disarming. A smile can change a boring situation to a pleasant event. Take a moment and think about a smile. If you had to give someone unpleasant news soften the news with a comforting smile. Our mothers often said, “Beauty is as beauty does.” True beauty comes from within, from the heart. True beauty is warmth and comfort. When we are comfortable we smile. When we smile we share that comfort. Today’s challenge is to smile with comfort.

Elektra  
First Appearance: Daredevil, volume 1, #168 (January, 1978)

Creators: Frank Miller

Cosmic Boy - Times Change Places Change

My best friends growing up were the Legion of Superheroes. Many f us got lost in the books we read – I just got lost in comic books. These characters were always present, and they were always willing to take me away to a time and place where all people existed and accepted each other freely. Cosmic Boy was one of my favorites. His power over magnetism fascinated me. Secretly I had a crush on Cosmic Boy.

Times Change, Places Change...

“Times Change, Places Change, Superboy, at least most of them do.”  - Cosmic Boy*               

In the 30th century there will be a group of Teenagers inspired by the 20th century Superheroes and these teenagers from distant planets will come together and form the Legion of Superheroes. Each member will have a unique power or gift as in the case of Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn. Along with Imra Ardeen and Garth Ranzz, Rokk Krinn is one of the three founding members, after rescuing the VERY wealthy R.J. Brande.  Rokk is from the planet Braal where all Braalians can manipulate magnetism.

Change is a natural – it is part of nature. There is nothing we can do about it. The physical will change. Trees will grow. Buildings will become weathered. Change is good. Sometimes a change will force us out of our comfort zone. People, places, and things will always change in our lives. But there is one thing that never changes and that is who we are on the inside. Our deep hearted souls never change. We will always have the same emotions and feelings. Our soul never changes or forgets. The same smells in the kitchen will remind of home and that fragrant garden will remind us of our fist kiss.  It is our souls that keep memories alive. All we ever do is add more memories.

Cosmic Boy
First Appearance: Adventure Comics, #247 (April 1958), DC Comics

Creators: Otto Binder and Al Plastino

* “And the Servant Shall be a Sign”, Legion of Superheroes, #290 (August 1982) DC Comics

The Savage Dragon - Costume

I’ve only read one Savage Dragon comic. He seems to be an interesting character. In comics, characters that look different, the Thing, Nightcrawler, Martian Manhunter and many others are often portrayed as not accepted monsters or the most loveable people. Many of us can be treated the same way. Especially, if we dress differently than normal. I think attitude has a big part on how we are treated by others.  

Costume

“Just once I’d like to get through a day without some clown in a costume messing around with the citizens of my city.” - The Savage Dragon*

The Dragon was found in a burning field by police Lieutenant Frank Darling, outside of Chicago. The Dragon has super strength, super hearing, stamina and speed. He cannot remember why he was in the field how he got there or his name. He is given the name, Dragon because of his green skin and his head fin. To protect the citizens of Chicago, Lt. Darling ask Dragon, with his abilities, to join the Chicago Police Department.  Chicago is now protected from “superfreaks” by Officer Dragon.

We all wear costumes. Forget the power underoos, the favorite shoes and socks or tie. Let’s look at our attitude. The attitude we wear is a costume – it is armor. We use our attitude as protection. We use our attitude to make people we meet feel welcome or uncomfortable. Yes we can switch or allow our attitude to morph as we need it. We can decide what we want to portray. Some are better at this than others but with practice it can be done. We are naturally attracted to people walking proudly with a charming smile and welcoming handshake. Even if this person is wearing all black we feel welcomed in their presence.

The Savage Dragon
First Appearance: Graphic Fantasy #1 (June 1982), Megaton #2 (Oct 1985) Megaton #3 (Feb.1986), Image Comics

Creators: Erik Larsen

* “Bombast Lives” Bombast, vol. 1 #1 (April 1993), Topps Comics

Vixen - Binds Them Together

The 2004, Catwoman movie starring Halle Berry was not very popular. It’s always ridiculed but I liked it. I knew that it wasn’t Catwoman’s story but Vixen’s. Vixen is a great character. Not only is Vixen a kick-ass superhero she’s a kick-ass supermodel. And I love my supermodels. For the movie the writers changed the binding that held the story together and the movie lost its integrity. I never understood why books turned to movies always get changed so much.

Binds Them Together

“I don’t think of tokens and symbols… I think of the earth beneath me and the sky above me and the fiber that binds them together.” - Vixen*                                                       

Legend has it that the great African warrior Tantu asked the spider Anasi to create a totem that would grant the wearer the ability to mimic any animals’ ability.  Through the years the totem has passed down through generation.  Growing up in the African country of Zambesi, Mari Jiwe McCabe heard these legends and trusted them. When Mari grew up she became a “supermodel”, traveling the world and amassing great wealth. Her parents were killed by General Maksai, who was seeking the totem. Returning home she was able to achieve the totem and become the superhero – Vixen.

Forget the idols, the golden statues and all those ideals that cloud our thinking. If we sit peacefully and quietly looking out the window we see the world. If we watch long enough we will see the sunrise and the sunset; the moonrise and the moonset. Watching longer we will see the seasons change, we will see storms and clouds and the sun shining, we will see leaves and flowers bloom then wither and go to sleep. Our world is based on cycles – things change. We are connected to those cycles. We follow these cycles as well. For just one moment forget all the teaching and practice. Choose a word – Love, Peace, Hope, Joy, Steadfast, Strength, Compassion, Generosity, Humility, Serenity. This one word is the binding. The word becomes the connection to the sky, the earth, the plants and animals. This word, binds the Sun Moon and Stars. The binding becomes the practice.

Vixen
First Appearance: Action Comics, #521 (July 1981)

Creators: Gerry Conway (writer) Bob Oksner (art)

* “Vixen: Return of the Lion”, 2009, originally published “Vixen: Return of the Lion” #1-5, 2008, DC Comics

Bombast - My Home

Jack Kirby was one of the greatest comic artists. His art has inspired many comic book artists. He has created many of our most popular superheroes – Captain America, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk. Today’s hero is one of the last creations of Jack Kirby, Bombast.

My Home

“My world was never…like this…all man-made! My home was organic alive! This is so cold… so dead!” - Bombast*                                                                                                                         

An earthquake erupts in Chicago. A rift opens in Grant’s Park and out walks Bombast. Asleep for 15,000 years Bombast cannot remember why he was asleep, who put him there. All Bombast remembers is where he came from – his home. Bombast is a well-trained fighter and can turn any substance or object into a weapon. All he knows is he has to solve the mystery. Searching Chicago, he finds a pod like the one in which he awoke. There he meets another hero Night Glider and Captain Glory. Then the true mystery starts – it is a Secret City Saga. 

Today let’s care for the Earth. Our world is organic and alive. Does that mean the cities we build and live in are dead and un-alive? No! The people in them are very much alive. But still caring for the world is important. We are earthlings, we live on Earth. What we need is to care for the forests and farm lands. We need to grow more food. We need to dispose of waste more efficiently. We need to conserve more fuel. Thinking of ways to be conserve more is a good thing. Run air conditioners and lights less. Use public transportation, ride bikes or walk more. Recycle more products. Do things to help our farmers more – purchase directly from farmers, vote for legislation that helps the farmers. We could also have our own small gardens. Growing plants help the Earth flourish. The little things help. Our home is still Organic and Alive – think of ways to keep it so.

Bombast
First Appearance: Bombast, vol. 1 #1 (April 1993), Topps Comics

Creator: Jack Kirby (Creator)

Developers: Roy Thomas (writer) Gary Friedrich (script) Dick Ayers & John Severn (art)

* “Bombast Lives” Bombast, vol. 1 #1 (April 1993), Topps Comics