Orion - Perfectionists

Believe or not I am a perfectionist. I have worked very hard at not being so caught up in the details. I struggle with perfectionism is in my own art work. I try to loosen up letting the details come naturally with just a simple brush stroke. It can be maddening. I’ve realized that my perfectionism stems from my need to be accepted.

Perfectionists

“Perfectionists are their own devils.” - Jack Kirby                                            

Perfectionists. yes superheroes are perfectionists. Some superheroes want things their way because they believe they know what’s best. Orion, one of the “New Gods” is just that way. He believes in perfection - the perfection of battle. He is neglectful of the full effect of his actions. His inability to see the “big picture” can lead him to rash and impulsive actions. So, in a sense his perfection is his greatest weakness.

We know perfectionists – those people that want things “perfect”.  If we believe what all spiritual thinkers tell us, that we are all perfect in the eyes of our creators, then we would have no need to seek perfection. There will always be something to fix or correct. A true perfectionist will have limited thinking and will get caught up into the minute details. Watch an artist at work – they create the details, then they will back up to see the whole painting. They are looking at the “Big Picture”. Then they go back into the work fixing details or continuing where they left off. They continue until the piece of art is completed. The devil for a perfectionist is not being able to let go of the small details. How many times are we told “don’t sweat the small stuff”? Practice being like an artist, taking a step back to look at the “big picture.” Does that one little flower out of place really ruin the whole arrangement?

Orion
First Appearance: “New Gods” #1, February 1971 DC Comics

Creators: Jack Kirby (writer and artist)

Emma Frost - Forgive Me

I’ve been thinking about mercy recently. One aspect of mercy is showing forgiveness. I have been on both ends of forgiveness and it is beautiful. When we show people mercy through forgiveness the world changes. Years of pain can just slip away.

Forgive Me

"Scott…forgive me!” - Emma Frost*

Some superheroes are over-demanding, ruthless, mean, selfish and grandiose. Emma Frost is all of that. Emma Frost is a member of the X-Men, she is a mutant with psychic abilities – telepathy,  mind reading and control, memory alteration  and psychic blasts. She can have induced paralysis and illusion casting. She also has astral projection and she can turn her body into a diamond form which makes her virtually invulnerable. Because of her abilities Emma Frost became the White Queen for the villainous mutant organization “Hellfire Club”. She was the CEO for Frost International and she opened the Massachusetts Academy, a school for young mutants. Her students were trained to be ruthless, mean and assassins. Eventually she loses it all and joins the X-Men. She falls in love with Scott Summers, Cyclops. It is through Scott that Emma learns to become a better person and seek redemption.

We have all done things we regret and do not like. We all have issues. People have done things to us – and have hurt our feelings. There is a word here that is very important – Forgiveness. There cannot be recovery unless we forgive. The person that hurt our feelings will always bug us until we forgive them and move on in our lives. We have hurt someone’s feelings and can’t talk to the person – accept forgiveness for being negative and go talk to the person. We weighed 300 lbs and lost the weight. But now we worry about the weight gaining the weight back. Accept forgiveness for making wrong choices and move forward in life making healthy decisions. Forgiveness is an important tool and it is not easy but once accepted it cannot be taken away.

Emma Frost
First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men, #129, (January1980)

Creators:  Chris Claremont (writer) & Jon Byrne (art)

*Wolverine & the X-Men, Foresight, Episode #26, Marvel Animation, Lionsgate (2009)

Miss Fury - Angry

I’ve only read one Miss Fury comic. Her story seems interesting. I like the idea of her losing control and going into a blind fury. I can get angry easily. I find myself having to watch my anger. When I feel angry the best thing for me to do is step away or count to ten – sometimes it takes long. There are a few times that I can channel my anger creatively. When there is a conflict I try not to let my anger fuel the problem. I do stand-up for myself, but I try to resolve the conflict with showing my anger. I don’t suppress my anger. I do not need to go into a blind fury saying something I will regret.

Angry

“Everyone is doing themselves a weak and cowardly disservice if they don’t ask themselves this question…What are you angry about?” - Miss Fury*

This is what we know. The year is 1941, rich socialite Marla Drake, is bored. She decides to use daddy’s money and go to Africa. When she returns she has a black leather panther outfit with claws and she battles crime as Miss Fury. If she does not keep a grip on herself she gets extremely angry and falls into a blind fury. There are three variations to this story. The first one, while on the African expedition she finds the outfit. Secondly, Marla falls into a vat of African chemicals. And thirdly in a tribal ritual she drinks a potion which gives her catlike abilities. In all three her fury gets the best of her.

What are we angry about? Name that anger right now. It losses power when we name it. Anger affects us physically, spiritually and emotionally. Physically it may appear as tight fists, clinched jaws or stressed shoulders and neck. Spiritually, we may lose the desire to practice balance, or lose the desire to pray and meditate. Then emotionally we may scream and yell; argue and cry; pull away and become silent and withdrawn. In all these our Balance becomes out of whack and we feel the desire to fight, hit or get even. We may want to give up and run away. When feeling anger remember first and foremost the “restraint of pen and tongue.” Secondly name the anger. Then for the physical aspect step away, take a walk, run or bike ride. Maybe hit a punching bag or do something in terms of exercise. This relieves the stress. For the spiritual aspect continue to pray and meditate or try writing about the anger. Lastly for the emotional aspect, call a friend and feel the emotions in a safe place with a friend – sometimes a therapist may be needed. Eventually the fury leaves and all that is left is the acknowledgment of the anger. It becomes easy to talk about and think and express. It becomes easy to think of solutions to the problems that made us angry in the first place.

Miss Fury
First Appearance as: Black Fury, Sunday Newspaper Comics, April 6, 1941, Bell Syndicate

First Appearance as: Miss Fury, #1, Winter 1942, Timely Comics (later Marvel)

Creators: Tarpé Mills

* “Miss Fury”, Volume 1, #1, 2013, Dynamite Comics

Nightstar - Accept The Truth

One of the best comics I’ve read is the “Kingdom Come” series by Alex Ross and Mark Waid. The writing and art are both beautiful. it posed some serious questions. What would the world be like if there were no crime, but the heroes and villains did nothing but fight each other still. The heroes and villains would begin to terrorize the people. In the story, it got to a point the humans had to accept the hard truth – the world did not need the superpowered beings anymore. Sometimes accepting the truth and moving forward in our lives can be very difficult.

Accept The Truth

“We do have to accept the TRUTH…But we DON’T have to give up.” - Nightstar*

In an alternate universe, all the young and old heroes will have nothing to do and no body to save. They start fighting each other and terrorizing the world with needless battles. New villains are created from the old. Dick Grayson, Nightwing, marries his Tamaranean sweetheart, Koriand’R, Starfire. The two lovers have a daughter, Mar’I Grayson. Mar’I takes after her father in skills and fighting but has her mother’s eyes, flight and energy projection. Mar’I takes the moniker “Nightstar”. She becomes the leader of her generation’s Titans, a group her father founded and mother joined. She loves Bruce Wayne’s and Talia Al Guhl’s son, Ibn Al Xu'ffasch. Mar’I’s father disapproves of this relationship. Eventually Mar’I believes the “truth” her adopted Grandfather Bruce Wayne, Batman, teaches. She joins Batman’s ranks and helps bring peace to the world.

Sometimes the “truth” is hard to hear. Sometimes it is not what we want to hear and we fight the truth. Fighting the truth is called denial. Eventually we will have to face the truth and step into reality. Think of the addicts and their difficulties.  Family and loved ones often have interventions to help bring the addict out of denial and into the truth. Here is a difficult truth for the loved ones of addicts - they will not accept recovery unless they are ready. Here is a difficult truth for the addict – addiction will bring loss of health, love and sanity. For the addict that accepts the truth, don’t give up, find recovery and live a rich full life. For the loved ones of addicts don’t give up, do whatever must be done to help bring the addict to recovery; even if that means ending the relationship. Sometimes it is more difficult for the loved ones. Nightstar has the right idea, “We do have to accept the TRUTH…But we DON’T have to give up.”

Nightstar
First Appearance: Kingdom Come, #1 (May 1996), Elseworlds Comics, DC Comics

Creators: Mark Waid (writer) Alex Ross (art)

* “No So Gently”, Nightstar, #1, The Kingdom, February 1999, DC Comics

Miss Martian - Recover & Adapt

Sometimes we do have to recover and adapt. Being a teacher can be a very difficult job. One of my favorite principals used to say, “a teacher can make more than a thousand decisions in one class period.” If a teacher is surveying the class and the students. No wonder teachers get tired. I do not want to make another decision when I get home. After I drink some water and go to the restroom or take a shower I can relax and decide about dinner. We all have rough jobs and we all get tired but it is how we recover and adapt that makes our work days tolerable.

Recover & Adapt

“…Every mission takes an unexpected turn, we recover and adapt that’s rule one.” - Miss Martian*                         

Some superheroes aren’t even from Earth, they come from other planets. Such is the case of M’Gann M’Orzz (Megan Morse).  M’Gann is a white Martian sent to the Vega system during the civil war between the Green and White Martians on Mars. Very little is known how she arrived on Earth.  Like all Martians, M’Gann is able to shapeshift and so on our planet she adapted her color to green and pretended to be a relative of Martian Manhunter, a green Martian and calling her, Miss Martian. When eventually the truth of her true form was realized Miss Martian recovers her original form and joined the Teen Titans for a time.

Teachers create lesson plans and set out using these plans to teach their students. Each lesson needs to be adapted to the needs of every student. The master teachers during the lesson will find a glitch, recover the plan and adapt to meet the needs of the students. We can do the same thing. If trees have fallen on the bike trail, don’t just give up adapt - change the direction or trail and continue your exercise. You’re out of lemon juice for your special vinaigrette dressing – use the orange juice instead. We may not have shapeshifting abilities but we can recover, adapt and change. It is about flexibility and an open-mind to change.

Miss Martian
First Appearance: Teen Titans vol. 3, #37, DC Comics (2006)

Creators: Geoff Jones (writer) and tony Daniel (art)

* “Beneath”, Young Justice: Invasion, airing, May 26, 2012 on Cartoon Network, voiced by Danica McKellar

Prince Valiant - Silly Ending

I grew up reading Prince Valiant in the Sunday Comics. He was awesome, the story arcs always took different twists and turns. They were adventurous. I like taking adventurers – hopping on a train to Baltimore spontaneously to visit the Walters Museum or painting my toenails red with gold crackle. You never know what may happen. One day when I was getting my pedicure I met the goddaughter of Charlie Smalls, composer, songwriter for “The Wiz”. While we were soaking our toes, She and I had one of the best conversations. I can’t listen to “Home” without thinking about that conversation.

Silly Ending

“It is fitting that such a silly duel have a silly ending!” - Prince Valiant*                                      

As we have found many of our heroes do not have super powers or amazing abilities. They just act heroically. In the Nordic Kingdom of Thule, on the ancient Norwegian coast is a young prince, Prince Valiant. Prince Valiant travels to Camelot and meets Sir Gawain and becomes a member of the Knights of the Round Table. As his name would suggest Valiant is bold brave and courageous. It seems whoever he met Prince Valiant would eventually win their respect and honor. Valiant would gain the Singing Sword, sister sword to Excalibur. Prince Valiant would travel to the Mediterranean, Africa and America to find great adventures.  

Great adventures do not always mean mayhem. Great adventures do not mean dueling and fighting. Sometimes a “Great Adventure” may seem foolish or silly. A great adventure could just be a leap of faith. A great adventure could be a spontaneous train ride to a museum. Finally a great adventure could be as simple as wearing a bowtie to work. If the adventure is accepting that Fulbright or wearing that silly paisley tie there is something in common for both adventures – “a leap of faith”. The Tarot card, the Fool, is often portrayed as a young man with his dog and pack on an adventure. Just like Prince Valiant we can gather up our singing sword, all our courage and head out into a vast horizon into unknown lands ready for a “Great Adventure”

Prince Valiant
First Appearance: Prince Valiant, in the Days of King Arthur, February 13, 1937, King Features Syndicate

Creators: Harold Foster

* “The Challenge”, March-May, original printing 1939 from Prince Valiant: Free Comic book Day Special Edition 2013, King Features Syndicate

Falcon - Being A Hero

I try to be the best that I can be – I do fall short sometimes, but I don’t beat myself up for that. It has taken me a LONG time to learn this lesson. I have worked hard to be kind to myself. Honestly, all these superheroes have helped me learn these lessons. I seek to be better. I’ve learned that I can do things that no one else will do. The only reason I do simple things are not for recognition but to get out of my own head for just a minute. I do these little things to feel good about myself. I need to let myself know I am a good person. For a split second I feel like a secret ninja hero.

Being A Hero

“Being a hero’s not about being known. It’s about getting the job done. And we’re a team; me, them and now you.” - Falcon*

Sam Wilson was the son of a minister and a very civic community minded social worker. When his parents were murdered Sam became a selfish racketeer. But through the influences of Captain America and the Black Panther, Sam Wilson regained his senses and became the Falcon. Using a cybernetic suit and his mutant ability to communicate with his pet falcon, Redwing, and other birds, Sam is now a hero protecting not just his community but all people. 

Why do we help people? Why do we do things in the community? Is it to get recognition? Is it so people will know us and like us? The reason behind helping and doing things for others should not be for recognition or popularity. We should be seeking ways to help our fellows. Helping others should just be about kindness and generosity. We do things because we are the ones that can get the job done. We will never join a superhero group but we will join a community. Look on the community as a team. The community could be your workplace, apartment building, family, church group or even the neighborhood. The community can be small or large. If we look at the community as a team and do our little part no matter how unnoticed the job goes the team will run smoother.

Falcon
First Appearance: “The Coming of the Flacon” Captain America #117, Sept. 1969

Creators: Stan Lee (plot), Gene Colan (art)

 * “Avengers: Impossible”, Avengers Assemble, season 1 episode 12, October 20, 2013 for Disney XD, Tim Elred (director), Man of Action & Jacob Sehman (writers), Bumper Robinson (actor).    

Black Panther - I Am A MAn

“I subscribe to love not law”, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. If you don’t know him look him up. I can use this idea in all areas of my life. I can look to LOVE, every day. It’s doesn’t matter what religion or spiritual practice I have but if I seek LOVE first then I will have a good day. LOVE is my spiritual practice.

I am a Man

“…I am a man… God works through me the same as you. There is no feat that I can achieve that you are not capable of.” - Black Panther*

The Wakandan ruler takes the appearance of a Black Panther. The Black Panther is the Physical and Spiritual ruler of Wakanda, an African country. Wakanda has never been invaded or defeated. They accept no aid or power from another source. Hundreds of years ago a great meteorite crashed into Wakanda. The stone was composed of a mineral known as vibranium. It is the source of all there is in Wakanda. The ruler, the Black Panther, is to protect the Wakandans, their culture and the vibranium.  The Black Panther mantel is past down from generation to generation. T’Chala became the Black Panther when at an early age his father, T’Chaka, was killed by the villain Ulysses Klaw. T’Chala as the Black Panther has brought his country to greatest and has been a hero with the Avengers and Fantastic Four.

We are all only human and if we, in one way or another, are practicing a spiritual life we are all trying to better ourselves. We are trying to connect to something greater than ourselves no matter the name of that spiritual greatness. If we are meant to do something, then we will achieve that goal. The only thing that sets us apart from the sports stars, the singers, the artists is the training. Emmett Fox speaks of the “Heart’s Desire” as God’s calling. So, if you like to paint then paint and in that you will find your greatness.

The Black Panther
First Appearance:  Fantastic Four, #52, July 1966

Creators: Stan Lee  (Writer), Jack Kirby (Artist)

* “Black Panther” Animated Series, 2009 Djimon Hounsou (voice of Black Panther)

Havok - One Tribe

I believe that we are all one people. We all have the same feelings and the same problems. At some point in the day we all must go to the restroom. The only difference is culture and what part of the wonderful world we are from. Spiritually we all seek the same goals we just reach them from a different path. In my quiet moments I can picture a person somewhere in the world with the same problems and issues I have. For a moment I am not alone.

One Tribe

“We are all Humans, of one tribe. We are defined by our choices not the makeup of our genes.”               Havok*

Alexander Summers was on vacation with his father (Christopher Summers), mother (Katherine Summers) and brothers (Scott Summers). Their mother was pregnant with a third son Gabriel. The plane was attacked by an alien Shi’ar Starship. Chris and Katherine tied Scott and Alex to a parachute and jettisoned them from the plane hoping they would be safe. The two boys grew up in an orphanage. Alex was adopted quickly but Scott grew up alone in the orphanage. In college, Alex learned that his brother Scott was Cyclops of the X-Men and also soon joined the team, taking the codename Havok. He used his ability to absorb cosmic energy and send it back out as strong energy blasts. He is immune to Cyclops energy blasts. He and Scott would fight often. The rift between the two brothers drove Alex to leave the team with his lover, Lorna Dane (Polaris), second daughter of Magneto. Alex admired Charles Xavier and his teachings and soon returned to join many several mutant teams. Soon to bring peace to all peoples Alex joined the Avengers.

How many different types of people are there? There are hundreds really, maybe even in the thousands. We are all people, we are all humans and we are all earthlings. No matter what, the small boy in Moscow, the soldier in Bagdad, the mother in New York and the little girl in San Juan all have a brain, a heart, a liver…etc. We all started as babies with the same needs and feelings. We still no matter what have the same emotions and concerns. Here is a challenge – the very next person on the street think “what were they like as a child?” Then try to picture them growing up – what was their life like? All of it does not matter, names, the genes or the needs we are all one people. Bob Marley says it correctly, “One Love! One Heart! Let's get together and feel all right. Hear the children cryin' (One Love!); Hear the children cryin' (One Heart!)…”

Havok (Alex Summers)
First Appearance: Uncanny X-Me, vol. 1 #54 (March 1969), Marvel Comics

Creators: Arnold Drake, Don Heck & Neal Adams 

 *”Let The Good Times roll”, Uncanny Avengers, vol. 1 #5 (May 2013), Marvel comics

Jet - Love & Support

Happy Valentines Day! I’m not a big fan of Valentines Day. It’s just wrapped up with many material gift giving. I feel it shouldn't be about that. It should be about showing love to your friends and family. Letting them know how much you care and support them. It’s not about making them lonely feel lonelier. It should be about helping the lonely feel accepted. Instead of giving the “right” gift for your Boo – why not you and Boo do some community service volunteering.  

Love and Support

“From ‘ere on out, da t’ree of us will always be able to depend on one another for Love and Support.” - Jet*

The Guardians of the Universe chose eight humans, the Chosen, who would eventually evolve into the New Guardians of the Universe. These individuals each had different gifts to share. The Chosen were Thomas Kalmaku, Ram, Jet, Harbinger, Gloss, Floronic Man, Extraño and Betty Clawman. Jet, Celia Windwood, a Jamaican woman was given the power to control electromagnetic waves, and the power of flight. However, Celia and the New Guardians met and fought the Hemo-Goblin, a vampire, created by white supremacists to eliminate non-whites from the Earth. Using the love and support of her friends she continued to fight. Eventually during an alien invasion, she expels the last of her power.

We all need “Love and Support”. We need people beside and behind us, cheering us on and giving advice. We need people who know our back story. We need people in our lives that love us continually. No matter if we fail or succeed, they will continue to love us. We often think that “love and support” means people will always help us get out of trouble. A true lover and supporter will offer what is needed (advice, hugs) but will still let us walk right into trouble to learn the needed lessons. Yes, a “friend will not let a friend drive drunk”, that is life saving. However, a friend will let a friend move to Washington, DC for a job even if the job becomes unsuccessful. Then when the job fails the friend will continue to love and support without negative criticism. True friends offer continuous love and support. If we crave love and support, we have to offer love and support to others.

Jet (Celia Windwood)
First Appearance: Millennium, #2 (January 1988), DC Comics

Last Appearance: The New Guardians, #6 (July 1988), DC Comics

Creators: Steve Englehart (writer) Joe Stanton (artist)

* “After-Burn”, The New Guardians, #3, November 1988, DC Comics

Scarlet Witch - Never Give Up Hope

Happy Mardi Gras! This is a fun day. A day to prepare for all the quiet and solitude that comes with the last few weeks of winter and the coming of spring or the coming of Easter. One thing we can never forget during this quiet time is hope. Hope is a great gift – it’s the beginning of faith. Even if I feel tired and drained or unappreciated hope can nourish me enough to suit-up and show-up. I’m going to use this day of fun to nourish my Hope.

Never Give Up Hope

“If there is one thing I’ve learned super heroing, it’s to expect the unexpected, and never give up hope.” - Scarlet Witch*   

Wanda Maximoff and her brother Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver) are the children of the mutant terrorist Magneto.  They have had a hard time living with their father’s terrorist acts. At one time they helped in his terrorism. Eventually the two reformed and became heroes with the Avengers. However, Wanda’s abilities as the Scarlet Witch have had its toll on her. She has the mutant ability to affect probability. This power appears to be magic based, but it is within her mind. If she can think it, then it will happen.  It’s taken her down a path of fear and doubt, anguish and despair. With the help from her friends and their desire to show her hope again – Wanda is the Scarlet Witch protecting the innocent.

There could be volumes written about the Scarlet Witch and her Brother Quicksilver – family issues, self-esteem, and the list is long. But today let’s look at Wanda’s power. The power to change probability is a GREAT power combined with hope that would be awesome. Hope is a power in its own way. But when combining hope with other ways of thinking we can change probability. We have all heard the words “A positive attitude will bring positive results.” Probability can be changed when we enter a situation with a positive attitude. President Barack Obama said in his campaign, "While We Breathe, We Will Hope". What great words. Hope does not fear, hope knows. Hope is faith in a new day. Hope knows things can be different. Hope is looking at the sun, the stars, the moon, the little night light in your child’s bedroom and knowing that every light has a spark of Hope.  Keeping Hope in our hearts can change probability.

Scarlet Witch
First Appearance: X-Men #4 (March 1964)

First Appearance: (as a hero) Avengers #16 (May 1965)

Creators: Stan Lee (plot & script), and Jack Kirby (art)

*Avengers, volume 3, #81 June 2004

Nick Fury - Aspiring Heroes

Stan Lee has been influential in creating many of our most popular heroes. With the help of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Lee has created the comic books Spiderman, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers and Nick Fury. His idea of making heroes struggle with everyday issues make them more human.

Aspiring Heroes

“While no one is expected to leap tall buildings in a single bound, our aspiring heroes will be tested on their courage, integrity, self-sacrifice, compassion and resourcefulness - the stuff of all true superheroes.” - Stan Lee

Colonel Nicholas Joseph Fury was a WWII veteran turned Super Spy. He is the leader of S.H.E.I.L.D. This acronym originally stood for Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, Law-Enforcement Division but now stands for Strategic Hazard Intervention, Espionage Logistics Directorate. Nick Fury takes an “Infinity Formula” which slows down his aging. He also uses identical looking “Life Model Decoys” (LMD) as a protection device. Nick Fury has trained and worked with many of the Marvel heroes – Captain America, Wolverine, Spider Woman, Black Widow and Spiderman.

Courage, integrity, self-sacrificing, compassionate, and resourceful are five words best describing a hero. These are good words to think about. These are good words to try and apply to our daily lives. Where can we be courageous? Where can we have integrity? Today what sacrifice can I make? Am I truly compassionate? How am I resourceful? This would be a good day to sit and journal about these questions really trying to find answers in ourselves. Stan Lee also said, “I always felt that if I had a super-power, I wouldn't immediately run out to the store and buy a costume.” Of course not, just showing courage, integrity, self-sacrifice compassion, and resourcefulness would make you a hero.

Nick Fury
First Appearance: Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos #1 (May 1963)

First Appearance: As director of S.E.I.L.D, Strange Tales #135 (Aug. 1965)

Creators: Stan Lee (script), Jack Kirby (art)

Union Jack - The Thread

I've always liked Union Jack. Those characters that work very hard to be great and don’t have much in the way of superpowers always have a special place in my heart. Batgirl, Green Arrow, Hawkeye and Black Widow always inspire me to do more, to be better. You find faith that these characters will make it through their story arch somehow – they do eventually.

The Thread

“Faith…The thread that ties this all together…”- Union Jack*                                                     

It is WWI, Lord James Falsworth; a British aristocrat is also a highly trained British Intelligence Officer. He is a martial artist and gunslinger. He uses the codename, Union Jack.  During WWII he joins the group, “The Invaders” which includes Captain America. Unknown to him, Brian, his son is the Destroyer (also an Invader). James is badly wounded and his son Brian takes up the mantle of Union Jack. Eventually Brian is killed in action and Joey Chapman takes on the Mantle of Union Jack to protect Lord Falsworth from, Baron Blood, a villainous vampire.  As luck would have it Joey is chosen, with Captain Britain, to become a “Knight of the Pendragon” and gains increased strength and stamina. All three Union Jacks are strong highly trained fighters set to protect Great Britain from the magical forces set to destroy goodness and the forces of light.

“Faith is the thread that ties this all together” is true. We all place our faith into something – yes even agnostics and atheist have faith. It may be faith in friends or science but it is “faith”. Faith in terms of a word can also be hope, belief, trust, confidence, desire, security, devotion and reverence. Thinking about these words it is easy to understand we all have faith in something. Faith in God or faith that the Sun will rise in the morning or even faith that cells will reproduce. Faith in something is a common thread in ALL our lives.

Union Jack
First Appearance: (James Falsworth), The Invaders, #7 (July 1976), Marvel Comics

First Appearance: (Brian Falsworth), The Invaders, #18 (July 1977), Marvel Comics

First Appearance: (Joey Chapman), Captain America vol. 1 #253 (Jan. 1981), Marvel Comics

Creators: (James & Brian) Roy Thomas (writer) Frank Robbins (art)

Creators: (Joey Chapman) John Byrne & Joe Rubenstein

* “Tradition”, Union Jack, #1, December 1998, Marvel Comics

Wolverine - Lies Awake

I’m not going to be very popular – Wolverine is NOT one of my favorite characters. I can totally see why he is popular but what has ruined my attraction to him for me is how Marvel uses him. Wolverine, it seems to me,  is in every single comic book. I just feel there are so many good characters that can be written about. Oh Well, I won’t let it worry me. Even though, I’m a good friend with worry. Worry and anxiety can wake me up early or just keep me awake at night. Worry can also affect my mood making my day more stressful. But one thing I have learned that helps so much – a good cup of coffee with a friend. Believe me, my feelings toward Wolverine will not keep me awake at night.

Lies Awake

“Babe, do I look like the kind of guy who lies awake at night worrying about the public’s perception of mutants?” - Wolverine*                                                                                       

The mutant, Logan, has enhanced animal senses and physical capabilities. He has an unmeasured healing factor and three retractable claws on each hand. Logan’s superhero moniker is Wolverine.  As a young mutant he went through a series of super soldier experiments and was given an Adamantium skeleton. He has joined the X-men, Avengers and Alpha Flight teams. Over the years Wolverine has fought for mutant rights and has tried to hide his mutant abilities on occasion. Wolverine has come to the conclusion that for him to hide his true self is a weakness. He is a mutant and he accepts that just as he accepts anyone else (as long as they stay out of his way).

Worry, many of us are good friends with worry. Worry is thinking about the future or unknown too much to the point that worry can keep us awake at night. Sometimes there is justified worry. The worry that a family arrives to a destination safely and unharmed or a friend survives a difficult surgery. There are negative worries as well – those cloud our thoughts and mold our negativity.  Too much worry brings stress and stress can lead to anxiety. Anxiety can lead to all sorts of health issues. Let’s look at the superheroes – they relieve stress easily. Superheroes don’t seem to worry about a thing. How do they do that? They have built in stress relievers, their powers or abilities. Wait we have powers and abilities. We have spiritual lives. We have hobbies. A good workout will relieve worry. A good fight on the latest MMORPG can relieve worry. Focus on the task at hand is a good worry reliever. Sometimes the best worry reliever is a cup of coffee with a friend – telling the friend about the worry and then sitting in silence with that friend. There will be a moment of acceptance and love. In that moment of accepted relief and love the worry dissipates.

Wolverine
First Appearance: Cameo, "The Incredible Hulk" #180 (October 1974)

Creators: Len Wein (plot), John Romita Sr. (art), & Herb Trimpe (art)

*”The Tomorrow People”, The Ultimate X-Men Collection, #1-6, Marvel Comics

David Brinkley (Overman) - Fly Like A Bird

When people ask me “What superpower do you want,” my first choice is flight. I have always wanted big wings, like Archangel from the X Men or Dawnstar from the Legion of Superheroes. Being able to fly would save me time getting to places and would get me out of the Hussle and Bustle of the traffic on the street. I have done the research – how big would my wings have to me just to lift me off the ground and fly with efficient speed. Each wing would have to be 6’2, or bigger (bigger is better). This proves I am a nerd.

Fly Like A Bird

“Daddy, wouldn’t be nice to fly like a bird?”

“He had replied that he imagined it would be very nice indeed, but that if people could fly then birds would no longer be special.” - David Brinkley *

The retired superhero, David Brinkley that lost his powers and became a husband and father. These being more important but he always missed the heroics. Slowly he starts to regain his powers, but he finds that all the other heroes are lost retired or dead. To solve the mystery, he must become “Overman” (his codename alias). David Brinkley is from the planet Cronk and is weakened by Cronkite. He has blue hair and wears a blue costume. Later he finds that the villain that caused all his problems and stole his powers was, Pxyzsyzygy. During a mid-life crisis David Brinkley’s powers return, and he can save the day realizing valuable lessons about life and people – not to mention lessons about superheroics.

This is an important topic. If we could “fly like a bird” would the birds remain special? If there were superheroes would our world change? With that said it would be nice to fly. Many of us do wish we could fly – nothing is wrong with that. Let’s find what is special in us now and nurture that. Go ahead paint that work of art and in the process there will be an elevation of spirit. Train for that race upon entering the race the spirit will soar. Go ahead accept that new job – a feeling of soaring high above the ground will occur. That’s called joy. That is the feeling of Hope. It is a glorious feeling. With this feeling the birds still remain special.

David Brinkley (Overman)
First Appearance: “Superfolks”, By Robert Mayer, 1977, Dial Press

 * “Superfolks”, By Robert Mayer, 1977, Dial Press,

Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt - I Will

I’m not very familiar with Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt, other than I always loved his red and blue costume. It was fun. In doing my research for today I was moved by this quote, “I can… I must… I will!” I can apply this to so many areas of my life. It’s so simple. It’s another way to remind me to suit-up, show-up and stand-up.

I Will

“I can… I must… I will!” - Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt*

Peter Cannon’s parents were doctors working in the Himalayas looking for a cure to a disease. When Chinese bandits kill Peter’s parents, Peter is raised by Chinese Monks. Peter Cannon is trained to physical and mental perfection. He is trained to resist pain. He has low level of clairvoyance and telekinesis. Eventually Peter Cannon returns to the United States with his friend Tabu to start a new life. But as luck would have it the world needed Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt. 

These words can be used daily, “I can, I must and I will” in many situations. These are important words to remember. As children we learn to do the least favorite things first after that we can do the easier things. Then we can have fun. There’s a cliche’ phrase used, “woulda, coulda, shoulda!” Do we really want to be looked upon as following these words and not fully completing our tasks? If we have goals to complete ask ourselves, what can be done, what will be done, or what must be done? If it can be done the project should be completed. If the project must be done then definitely it should be completed. Yes, sometimes these are easier said than done but think of the raised self-esteem when the goal is complete. Raise the self-esteem today by saying, “I can do this”, “I must do that”, and “I will complete my tasks today.”

Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt
First Appearance: Thunderbolt, #1 (August 1966), Charlton Comics, later DC Comics

Creator: Pete Morisi

* “Rebirth”, Thunderbolt, #1, September 1992, DC Comics

Lone Ranger - Polishing Your Britches

I’m one of those people that feels he must be doing this and that or looking here and there for answers. Its taken me a long time to just stop and relax to find the answers I need. Today most of my best ideas come when I take the time to stop and meditate. It the meditation the answer may not come but I’ll know which direction to take.

Polishing Your Britches

“Like the feller says, sometimes polishing your britches gets you further than blistering your feet.” - Lone Ranger (in disguise)*

It is the Old West and John Reid is a member of the Texas Rangers. John’s brother Daniel Reid is leading a posse on a search for Butch Cavendish and his gang. The Rangers are betrayed and ambushed. All the Rangers are killed except John Reid. He is left for dead. A Native American, Tonto found John Reid and nursed him back to health. The two developed a lasting friendship and sought to bring Cavendish and his gang to justice.  To hide his identity John wore a Ranger uniform with a white hat and black mask. Reid took the name, the Lone Ranger. After Cavendish and his men were captured the Lone Ranger and Tonto developed a strike code and continued to bring justice to the Wild West.

Sometimes you must sit still. Maybe not physically moving but spiritually moving. The quote is a quaint mixture of a spiritual philosophy and the Old West. Sometimes it is better to stop and sit. We often think the best way to find an answer or solution is to get active. However the there are times that sitting and resting will bring answers faster – the answers will take us further along the path. Let’s not forget sometimes there is no answer and the best thing to do is just sit and relax. Today take a break from “blistering your feet” by stopping to “polish your britches.”

The Lone Ranger
First Appearance: “The Lone Ranger”, WXYZ radio; Detroit, Michigan, 1933

Creators: Fran Striker & George W. Trendle 

*”The Lone Ranger”, Wrather Productions, Warner Brothers, Feb. 25, 1956, actor Clayton Moore

Firebird - A Job To Do

We all have a job to do. I am a firm believer that our heart’s desire will lead us into the way we are to go. My desire to be an artist has brought me to where I am today. I moved to WDC to follow my heart’s desire. Keeping that conscious contact with my heart’s desire can be difficult especially when the rent is due. But if I trust that I am on the right path then everything I need will be provided for and I will get through any situation. Even on Monday mornings.

A Job To Do

“Bonita Juarez falls silent. She remembers…And she wonders, once again, wishing she understood the Lord’s plan for her, and why she was chosen to receive these powers. But she shakes her head, clearing it, enough of this, she is an Avenger – and she has a job to do.” - Narrator*

Believe it or not some superheroes are extremely religious. Bonita Juarez is a devout Catholic from Buena Vista, New Mexico. She was out in the desert hiking one day when a meteorite crashed near her. Miraculously she did not die but found she had “Pyrokinetic” ** (fire control and manipulation) powers. She believes these are a gift from God and uses her powers as praise to God. The populace calls her, Firebird. Now, one day she got a call from a trapped Rick Jones, the Hulk’s sidekick, and with five other young heroes she rescued Rick and the Hulk. The group called themselves the Rangers. Later she would join the Avengers. But through it all Bonita Juarez, Firebird’s true calling is God’s glory and praise – that is her job.

We all have a calling – artist, teacher, doctor, mother, nun, monk, sports star, or actor – whatever the calling that is our job. The unfortunate thing is sometimes we do not listen or we get caught up in the rent or bills – “life”. Oscar Wilde was quoted, “One’s real life is so often the life one does not lead.” We are not as lucky as Bonita to have a life dropped in front of us by a meteorite. We hear the callings, we have dreams, and we can follow the dreams. The spiritual life is to be happy doing what we are meant to do – (no matter the religion or spiritual following) that is God’s plan for us. Your job is to follow your dreams. Be a teacher if you want to be a teacher. Please, find away to act if you are an actor. What better way to praise the Grace or glory of God than to do the job you were meant to do.

Firebird (Bonita Juarez)
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk, vol. 2 #265 (November 1981)

Creators: Bill Mantlo (writer), Sal Buscema (art)

* “Global Presence”, The Avengers, Volume 3, #43, August 2003

** “Pyrokinetic” word created by Stephen King in “Firestarter”

U.S. Agent - Icon

There was a time I would laugh at the spiritual life and those that went to church every Sunday. Then I moved to WDC. I was without my connection – the people that kept me centered and connected. I was forced to create new connections designed just for me. I met many people that believed the way I did and learned that I to could practice a spiritual life designed just for me. Sitting quietly is the best way for me to connect to my spiritual life. I find LOVE, Peace and Hope when I am sitting quietly. Within these I find icons the best represents me. A few years ago, I created a series of paintings that represent the Icons along my spiritual journey. I now have the Icons tattooed on my body. They are the landmarks along my path.

Icon

“I was the best Captain America that I could be, but basically there’s no replacing an icon.” - U.S.Agent*

John Walker grew up in Georgia idolizing his older brother, Mike that died in the Vietnam War. John enlisted in the army and soon received an honorable discharge. Eventually he met the “Power Broker” that promised him super powers.  Accepting the gift he received greater strength speed and agility. His senses peaked at superhuman. He became a highly trained fighter and marksman. Creating the identity Super-Patriot, he started a career as a superhero. Soon Steve Rogers was relieved and removed from the title rank and job of Captain America. John Walker was then given the title and rank of Captain America. Trying his best to protect and serve John Walker failed at the true mission of Captain America – to inspire and bring together the American people. Publicly John Walker gave the title rank and mission back to Steve Rogers. John soon returned to the public as a new superhero, U.S. Agent. He would become a member of the Avengers and making a new name for himself.

There are so many different understandings for the word “Icon”.  But for our discussion an icon is a symbol, an idea or archetype that we strive to achieve. These appear in the form of an object or a person. For example, an acorn could be an icon for growth and breaking free to become a strong oak. A coffee cup could be a symbol for sharing. So we take our icons and find their meanings and seek to be like these icons. Like John Walker we fail often. It is in the failure that we learn to become better people. There are those among us that practice a spiritual life daily, and those that practice every now and then, and finally there are those that make fun and fail at practicing a spiritual life. We need to fail and laugh so we can grow. It is in the failure that we grow.

U.S. Agent
First Appearance: Captain America, vol. 1 #323 (November 1986), Marvel Comics

Creators: Mark Gruenwald (writer) Paul Neary (art)

* “The One That Got Away”, The U.S.Agent, #1, August 2001, Marvel Comics

Beast Boy - Stand Up For Yourself

Garfield Logan, Beast Boy, has always been oddball to me. Don’t take me wrong – I love oddballs. Most of the time oddballs are the first to stand up for what is right or what they think is right. I like to consider myself an oddball. I like my quirkiness. It’s taken me a long time to learn to stand up for myself. I talk often about “suiting up and showing up” but who or what am I doing this for? I suit up and show up for myself. To quote RuPaul, "If you can't love yourself how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?" If you can stand up for yourself how are you going to stand up for anybody else?

Stand Up for Yourself

“No matter how challenging or difficult or painful life gets, you have to stand on your own two feet sometime. You have to believe in yourself. ‘Cuz if you don’t…Who will?” -  Beast Boy *

Garfield Logan the funny little green-skinned kid that can turn into any animal he wishes has always been a bit misunderstood. Infected with the disease “Sakutia” from a bite by a green monkey. Garfield’s parents, famous scientists, Mark and Marie Logan created a cure for their son, which left him with green skin, and a super ability. Upon the death of his parents, Garfield was adopted by Rita Farr and the Doom Patrol. After the members of Doom Patrol were killed by the Brotherhood of Evil, and a failed attempt at movie stardom, Garfield join the Teen Titans as “Changeling” (he is now going by Beast Boy again). Does Garfield live a sad depressing life? No! He looks forward to each new day and each new adventure because life is not being green and having a strange ability – Garfield Logan knows who he is and enjoys not being “normal.” Beast Boy is true to himself.

“To thine own self be true.” These famous words by Shakespeare are used very often but what do these words mean? One aspect of these words means to take a good long look at life. Find just what makes each of us, find out who we are, facing the dark side and the bright. We are who we are good and bad. Deal with it and move forward. Just like Beast Boy’s words, no matter how difficult, painful or challenging a day may be at the end of that day who will we face – ourselves. If we can not be there, standing up for our needs who will? Before we can stand up for someone else we have to stand up for ourselves.

Beast Boy
First Appearance: As Beast Boy, Doom Patrol #99, November 1965

Second Appearance: As Changeling, DC Comics Presents #26, 1980

Creators:  Arnold Drake (writer), bob Brown (art)

 * “Beast War!” Beast Boy #4, 2000