Elongated Man - Would I Change It

Carmine Infantino was a huge inspiration for me. He was important to some of my favorite characters. He was influential in the creation of Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), Black Canary, and The Flash (Barry Allen). Although he started his career during the Golden Age of comics he was very influential to the re-imagining of some characters that brought about the Silver Age of comics. Growing up I thoroughly enjoyed his art.

Would I Change It?

“Would I change it?” I don’t think so. I would’ve done the same things again…” - Carmine Infantino*

Ralph Dibny always loved the Contortionists. In talking to different ones he found that they drank different drinks made with Gingold. So Ralph studied chemistry and extracted a concentrated amount of “Gingo” from the Yucatan fruit. This super Gingo Extract gave him his elasticity powers. Ralph Dibny became a super powered detective. Soon Ralph met and married Sue. They were happily together for many years.

Are there things we would change? Probably we would change some of the little things – telling the mean kids off, not stealing the yoyo, or growing sunflowers instead of tomatoes.  Would we change the big stuff? If life is in happy balance why change? We all know there will be changes galore. Change is an everyday part of life.  We have come to expect it but if there is happiness and balance why seek change. The universe only wants us to be happy. Comic book artist and editor, Carmine Infantino said, “Would I change it?” I don’t think so. I would’ve done the same things again.” You get a sense he was happy in this his last interview.      

Ralph Dibny, The Elongated Man
First Appearance: The Flash vol. 1, #112 (May 12, 1960)

Creators: John Broome (plot), Carmine Infantino (art)

*“Carmine Infantino's Final Interview? No way.” http://graphicnyc.blogspot.com/2009/07/carmine-infantinos-final-interview.html

Tom Strong - Answer Is Stranger

My answers have been getting stranger lately. When I was younger I was satisfied with a scientific or mathematical answer but these days I need a deeper and more broad answer. For example, my health and wellbeing can be managed more easily with meditation and exercise. My health issues can be managed spiritually. Scientifically, I’m told to take a pill, but I get more benefit from a meditation and exercise. To me that seems strange – my inner scientist in me says take a pill but my inner sage says take less pills and meditate more. My sage seems to be correct a balanced life seems to be more healthy for me.

Answer is Stranger

“…And I fear the answer is stranger than we were anticipating!” - Tom Strong*

Tom Strong was born on the West Indian island of Attabar Teru, to eccentric yet brilliant scientist parents. He was raised in a high gravity chamber with an intense education. He was fed nothing but Goloka Root, a strange plant that causes long life and superb health. After, Tom Strong’s parents were killed in an explosion, the family robot, Pneuman (Newman) finishes his education and upbringing. Tom Strong eventually left Attabar Teru moving to Millennium City with his wife Dhalua, and their daughter, Tesla, where he built their home the Stronghold. Tom Strong was born 1899 and well over 100 years old, he looks as if he is 40 years old. He is brilliant and finds scientific answers to problems he and his family may face.

No matter the question there is always an answer. It might take a while before the answer comes but it will arrive. The more we learn and grow the stranger the questions become and the answers seem to get even stranger. Sometimes the simplest questions produce a strange answer. The crazy question gives a perfectly simple answer. Should we let the strangeness stop us from asking questions – never! Ask! Ask! Ask! Never let fear or the anticipation of an answer stop the question. The distance between the question and the answer are the miles we have traveled spiritually.

Tom Strong
First Appearance: Tom Strong, #1, 1999, America’s Best Comics

Creators: Alan Moore (writer) Chris Sprouse (art)

* “Riders of the Lost Mesa”, Tom Strong Collected Edition Book 2, 2002,

Originally Tom Strong #8-14, 2000-2001, America’s Best Comics

Triathlon - Another Chance

I have read Avenger comics for years. I liked the Triathlon, Delroy Garrett Jr, storyline. It was a story arc that match my way of thought. They idea of finding Balance (PSE) in a hectic world is important to me. When things are out of Balance (PSE) I become unclear and unfocused. It is important, for me, to always to begin my day seeking Balance (PSE).

Another Chance

“I’m not anyone special – I’m just a guy who got another chance – a chance to turn his life around." - Triathlon (Delroy Garrett Jr.)*

Delroy Garrett II was an Olympic Gold Medalist until they found out he cheated. He lost all his gold medals and sponsorships. Delroy’s life fell apart.  Eventually he found Jonathan Tremont and the “Triune Understanding”, a spiritual group based on the balance of three. All balance is based on threes. Unbeknownst to Delroy, Tremont opened up in Delroy his hidden powers using the stolen powers of the 3-D Man. Delroy took on the name “Triathlon” and he has triple of power of the highest human perfection. He has triple the speed, strength and agility. After, Triathlon found out the truth about his powers, and where they came from he left the Triune Understanding. Triathlon shows up wherever he can to help those in need. He has turned his life around.

Let’s look at this a little more closely. We have a guy that failed and hit bottom. He was given a second and a third chance. He has been given many chances to change. He did change – for the better. How many recovering Alcoholics or Drug Addicts are there? How many people have been given a chance to heal from horrible diseases? How many broken relationships have been given second chances? We are always given an opportunity to change. We have been given second chances before and we have taken. We will definitely be given more chances. If we are seeking a life of Balance – Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional – we will be given chances to balance ourselves when things are out of balance. The key is to look for when things are out of balance and then the opportunities to put things back into balance.

Triathlon
First Appearance: "Turbulence!" Avengers (vol. 3)  #8 (September 1998)

Creators: Kurt Busiek (writer) and George Perez (art)  

*The Avengers, Volume 3 #15 April, 1999

Sara Pezzini - A Little Mystery

Before I started this project, I never read a Witchblade comic, but I did watch the TV series. It was a good little show. I liked the mysteries and problems Sara would find in the dark underbelly of NYC. Mysteries can be fun to solve. I think of the spiritual practice as a mystery. It’s mysterious to me why 20 minutes of meditation can help my mood and health? I will continue to practice because I want to be in good health.

A Little Mystery

“And if there’s one thing I’m finding out about myself, it’s that I’ll go a long way for a little mystery.” - Sara Pezzini *

NYPD Detective, Sara Pezzini, is mortally wounded by Ian Nottingham. He and his employer Kenneth Irons are in possession of a rare magical artifact, the Witchblade. A sentient metal gauntlet which bonds with a chosen female host. The Witchblade chooses Sara Pezzini as the chosen host. Sara and the Witchblade stand together against the mysterious underworld of New York City. 

What is a spiritual practice? It’s solving a mystery. Catholics around the world speaks of the “Mystery of Faith”. We truly do not know what the mystery will bring but still many of us seek the answer to the mystery. We find the answers in our faith practices. Even the agnostics and atheist seek answers to the great mystery. For some Science can answer those questions. For others the study of the animal kingdom can solve the mystery. Many Taoist believe that seeking the great mystery is seeking the spiritual. It does not matter how the mystery is sought as long as the search continues. 

The Witchblade (Sara Pezzini)
First Appearance: Cyblade Shi, #1 (1995), Image Comics, Top Cow Comics

Creators: Marc Silvestri, David Wohl, Brian Haberlin, & Michael Turner  

* “Portals”, Witchblade, #157, 2012, Top Cow Comics

Phantom Stranger - It's a Strange World

Sometimes I really enjoy sudden changes. Sometimes they can be funny – pumping too much air into the bike tire and it explodes. Of course, I scream bloody murder when that happens. The sudden changes can be nice, an unexpected snow day. The sudden changes can be super sad or dangerous. But one thing that helps the most through all the sudden changes is the knowledge that there’s always Hope. I find that the not so nice changes use my Hope whereas the fun and nice sudden changes replenish my Hope. A positive attitude will bring positive results.

It’s a Strange World

“It’s a strange world, growing stranger by the minute. A time of transition and upheaval throughout the supernature.” - Phantom Stranger *

Who is the Phantom Stranger? Some say he is a fallen angel forced to walk the earth among humans leading souls to the light. Others say he is Judas forced to pay back the 30 pieces of silver by helping one soul at a time. There is an idea that he refused to fight in the war between Heaven and Hell walking separate from his angelic kin.  Also, some say he refused to listen to God and now walks the earth forever. Others believe he is the “Wandering Jew” the shoemaker that taunted Jesus at the cross and cursed to walk the earth forever. No one knows who the Phantom Stranger is but he often shows up with very cryptic messages offering very little assistance. But he is still one of the most powerful sorcerers.

When is it not a “strange world”? We experience upheaval and change every day. That is nothing to worry about. Those sudden changes can make life interesting and scary. It is how we deal with those changes that make us strong and peaceful. No matter how happy or sad the upheaval is we can make it through. There is always Hope. If we continue to communicate openly and honestly we feel safe and secure. When starting college and finding a new friend, talking openly will help but keep in touch with an old friend just for security. The loss of a loved one is really difficult and sad but keeping in touch openly honestly emotionally with those around will make the strange transition more bearable. Remember there is always Hope and sharing with others makes Hope even stronger.

The Phantom Stranger
First Appearance: The Phantom Stranger, #1 (August-September 1952), DC Comics

Creators: John Broome and Carmine Infantino

* “Death in a Small Town”, Shadowpact, #1, July 2006, DC Comics

Miracleman - Intellect

I am not a blindly following type of person. I ask questions often and check what is happening. I don’t want to be blindly following the lambs to slaughter. I want to know where I’m going; how I’m getting there; who I’m going with. I make decisions for me based on my needs first and my desires second.

Intellect

"Don't leave home without your sword - you intellect." - Alan Moore *

Micky Moran a reporter meets an astrophysicist and is taught a word that when spoken properly will transform Micky into the hero Miracleman. This special word is Kimota (Atomic phonically backwards). As Nietzsche wrote, “he is the lightning…he is the madness.” Throughout the fifties Miracleman and his 2 friends young Miracleman and Kid Miracleman have great adventures. Eventually the adventures stop. In 1982 when a now older, wiser and married Mick Moran is suffering from strange dreams and headaches, Mick accidently says the word “Kimota” instantly Miracleman is reborn. The adventures start again

Our intellect is how we think and the information in our minds. It’s our “intelligence.” It is OK to seek knowledge and follow that knowledge. Seeking knowledge is a noble activity. Why just follow someone blindly because they “say” this is the “way”? When it comes to science and math we can listen and follow our teachers. When some politician tells us to vote a certain way, why follow blindly? Find out both sides of the view point and make a wise intelligent decision. When a minister makes generalizations about other religions go read some literature from these religions and make decisions based on intellect. We are intelligent people able to make our own decisions based on the knowledge we have learned.

Miracleman (Marvelman in UK)
First Appearance: Marvelman, #1 (1954-1963), L. Miller & Son, Quality Communications (UK)

First Appearance: Miracleman, #1 (1985), Eclipse Comics (UK & USA)

Creators: Mick Anglo

* “Rebirth”, Miracleman, #1, August 1985, Eclipse Comics (UK & USA)

Metron - Knowledge

The Mobius Chair riding, Metron gets on my nerves. He’s like that noisy neighbor that knows everything about the neighborhood but is unwilling to help when needed. I try not to get involved with the gossip. I’ll be honest I fail often but I am getting better. I know how to do my job and I’m very good at my job. I do not, however, tell coworkers how to their jobs. If they need help and ask for it I will be there helping. I absolutely hate it when people point out unsolicited criticisms – how I can improve, so why would I get involved that way with others. I know what I need to know to get through the day. I give everyone the same opportunity to learn it for themselves.

Knowledge

“I serve Life in my own way... Knowledge is my Power! Time and Space is my domain!” - Metron*  

The New gods are an alien race from the planet New Genesis. Lead by the High-father these new gods are in constant battle with Darksied and the gods of the planet Apokolips. One of the New Gods, Metron in his Mobius Chair travels space and time learning and watching. Metron is the inventor of the Boom-Tube Technology used my all the New Gods to travel to any place or time. Although he has godlike powers he chooses to be passive never getting involved in petty battles. He would much rather watch and share his knowledge rather than get involved physically.  

The Tao Te Ching says, “The more you learn the less you know.” With the more we learn the more we need to know. Is it possible to know the world simply by looking out your window – the Tao says yes. Knowledge is important to what we need but if we do not need to know something why learn it or get involved. We need to know how to do our jobs and other day to day duties but do we really need to know why someone did this or that? Do we need to know why the neighbors act the way they do? We accept our neighbors for who they are – our neighbors. If, 90 years old, Mrs. Brown across the hall needs help with her groceries we help her. But we do not need to know all the juicy gossip going on in the building. Honestly, the neighbors will do what they do no matter how much information we gather. We just need to accept them as our neighbors.

Metron
First Appearance: New Gods #1, February 1971

Creator: Jack Kirby (written, drawn, & edited)

* New Gods #1, Orion Fights for Earth, February 1971

Groot - Know Yourself

I never really got into the Guardians of the Galaxy comics, simply because I’m very loyal to my favorite super teams. Groot in the comics is an interesting character but I did not come to appreciate him until the movies. He is so much more than the comics make him out to be but at the same time he’s so simple. I think it is his simplicity that I like most. He keeps his words and actions simple which in our hectic lives can make things a lot easier. Like most spiritual practices the simplest practice is the best.

Know Yourself

“I am Groot!” - Groot*

In a far-off region of space is Planet X where the Flora Colossi, a race of plant like beings live. Groot is a Flora Colossus. Like all Colossi Groot’s body is a living tree. Because of the stiffness of his body and throat it is difficult to understand the delicate details of his language. All we can comprehend is the phrase, “I am Groot.” But Groot has a genius level intelligence. Because Groot defended a slave he was banished from Planet X. Through a series of events he became the sole survivor of the Flora Colossi. While battling the Kree, Groot met Rocket Raccoon and Star-Lord. Eventually Groot, Rocket, Star-Lord, Gamora and Drax the Destroyer became the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Ding Ming-Dao wrote, “to simply be ourselves is the greatest challenge but the simplest spiritual technique.” William Shakespeare wrote in the play, Hamlet, “To thine own self be true.” To grow spiritually it is important to know one’s self. In knowing the inner workings of our body, heart and soul we are able to become the person we are meant to be. In his pamphlet, Your Heart’s Desire, Emmet Fox writes, “God Himself has whispered into your heart just that very wonderful thing, whatever it is, that He is wishing you to be, and to do, and to have. And that wonderful thing is nothing less than what is called Your Heart's Desire.” If we did not wholly know ourselves how would we ever know our heart’s desire? Today spend some time getting to know yourself.

Groot
First Appearance: Tales to Astonish #13 (November 1960), Marvel Comics

Creators: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers

* “Guardians of the Galaxy”, Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios, July 21, 2014, voiced by Vin Diesel

Huntress - Lessons

One of my favorites is Helena Bertinelli, the Huntress. I think her story is powerful. The lessons she learned along the way are important. I connected with her because she was a teacher. The lessons I’ve learned have molded me into the person I am today. I appreciate those lessons – the good and bad. One lesson I’ve learned is sharing with people makes the lessons easier. The more I share with people the less alone I feel. When we were in school, studying with others made learning easier. In life’s lessons sharing with others makes the lessons easier as well.

Lessons

“Hello, everyone…My name is Ms. Bertinelli, I’ll be your teacher.” - Helena Bertinelli, Huntress *

Life brings pain and misery to our heroes; it is part of their lives. What makes the superheroes “super” is this pain and suffering. It is what the superheroes do with this pain and suffering that is important to learn. Helena Bertinelli was the daughter of a Mafia godfather. When Helena was five years old her family was murdered at the dinner table in front of her. She was then raised by the rest of her Mafia relatives and trained to be her family’s vengeance. However, Helena did not become the vengeful killer. She took her lessons, her pain, her suffering, and turned it into heroism. She is a protector of children, as Gotham City’s Huntress. Her job is that of a teacher. As Helena she teaches lessons to her students but as the Huntress she teaches lessons to Gotham’s villains. But the Huntress is not afraid to learn new lessons that will make her stronger or move her along on her journey. 

Life is full of lessons. Some lessons are easy, and some lessons are so very painful. How we deal with the lessons are what is important. Over time life’s lessons change us into the people we want to become. Everyday is a new day. Everyday is a new lesson. There is no way around misery but if we are diligent and strong believing in ourselves, keeping that image of the strong courageous hero in our mind and heart, life’s lessons are easily learned. Over time we will change into the person we want to become. “We must be the change we wish to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi).

Huntress
First Appearance: As Helena Wayne (Earth 2’s Huntress), All-star Comics, #69

Second Appearance: As Helena Bertinelli (current persona), The Huntress #1 Apr. 1989

 * “One Day Well-Chosen” Birds of Prey #68, Aug. 2004

Strong Man - Leverage

Being in Balance (physical, spiritual and emotional) is important to me. My body and spirit feel it quickly when I am out of Balance (PSE). Certain foods can change my mood. Lack of exercise makes me feel tired and more anxious. Losing meditation time makes me more anxious. When I spend less time with friends I become withdrawn and negative leading to more anxiety and less exercise. It can become an endless cycle of negativity and then my health starts to suffer. Keeping my Balance (PSE) helps me keep my anxiety in check. Keeping my Balance (PSE) helps to keep me in good health. Balance (PSE) is important to my positive outlook.

Leverage

“For a breathless moment the tremendous live weight pulls him to a teetering, precarious unbalance” 

“It’s not their total WEIGHT…it’s the LEVERAGE that’s against me…!” - Strong Man*

A young boy growing up in a circus loses his parents to a trapeze accident. The circus performers, Hercules (circus strongman) and the General (circus dwarf) raise the young boy and teach him all the tricks of the circus – Stage Magic, Acrobats, Lariat and Knife Throwing. The young boy develops a great memory. Living in a circus he becomes physically fit and super strong. Using his skills, he starts to fight crime taking the name, Strong Man. Dressed in the traditional circus strong man costume of a Leopard Skin leotard he quickly makes a name for himself with his feats of strength and skill. 

Balance is when things are even and perfectly equal. It is difficult to stand on tip-toe for a long while. It is also difficult to stand with our legs spread far apart. We often speak of Balance in the Physical sense (food, sleep and exercise), Spiritual sense (daily meditation) and Emotional sense (communication). What happens when we become out of balance? Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at where we are out of balance. Ask specific questions, did I change my habits today, did I eat properly and healthy, did I get enough sleep or exercise, did I give myself quiet time, did I call a friend? These ideas and practices give us different ways that we can step back and find our “leverage”.  Then we can regain the Balance (Physical, Spiritual and Emotional) needed to save the day.

Strong Man
First Appearance: Strong Man, #1 (April 1955), Magazine Enterprises

Creators: Bob Powell, with Gardner Fox, Dick Ayers

* “Peril at Devil’s Kitchen”, Strong Man, #3, October 1955, Magazine Enterprises

Ganthet - Change Is Good

Change is good. All change is good. Yes, my mother’s death was not a happy moment and I mourned for a very long time. I still miss my mother. However, with my mother’s death I was forced to take care of myself. I became more independent. I stopped being dependent on my father as well. Eventually, I was able to move to DC because I was adult enough to make those decisions on my own. I know it’s hard to understand but the change in me from her death has been good. I appreciate the lessons I’ve learned.

Change is Good

“It is the nature of reality to change, and because that is so, change must be accepted as the highest good.” - Ganthet *

The are a group of little blue men, in little red robes embroidered with a stylized green lantern. These little blue men are the Guardians of the Universe. They have been around for trillions of years and they have created the universal police army, the Green Lantern Corps. Each member of the corps is given a ring that can do anything the wearer demands (as long as his/her willpower is strong enough). The rings are charged by a Green Lantern which each are connected to the Battery Core on the Guardians home planet of OA (pronounce “Oh-Ah”). The oldest of all the Guardians is Ganthet. Through the billions of years of his existence he has seen changes in the universe, he has watched the fall of the Green Lantern Corps, the destruction of the Battery Core, and the death of his fellow Guardians. Then Ganthet watched the birth of the new Guardians of the Universe and raised the new Guardians to become the rulers of the new Green Lantern Corps. Change to Ganthet is good.

Change is inevitable. There is no way to fight change. Let it happen naturally. Change is difficult and sometimes not nice or expected but when the change has finished and we are free, what do we find? That only good has come from the change. A disaster and problem is the universe’s way of saying get back on track. We loose our way and forget what is right so the universe turns our world upside down to change our perspective and get us back on track. If we take the time to look at the change as an opportunity to do something good and to get back on the spiritual path – then only good can come from change. Yes, death and destruction and disasters are hurtful and leave us in pain. But, our dead loved ones are no longer in pain, and we find that a new group of people has filled that space left by our loved one. Remember change is good.

Ganthet
First Appearance: “Green Lantern: Ganthet’s Tale” Graphic Novel 1992

Creators: Larry Niven (script), John Byrne (art)

 * “Green Lantern: Hero’s Quest” novel by Dennis O’Neil, April 2005

Deathlok - A Good Man

Believe it or not, I have done some bad things over the years. In every instance I had a choice and I chose to be negative. Each time my decisions were based in fear, anger, greed or resentment. I’ve learned different ways to make decisions in my life. I believe no one is bad or negative. We have choices and it is the choices we make that cause “bad” or “negative” results. There are many arguments that can arise from my statements, but I still believe with education, medical treatment and other socially nurturing benefits, people do not need to make decisions that will lead to being classified as bad.

A Good Man

“I’m still a good man!” - Deathlok (Michael Collins)*

The “Deathlok” technology was created by not so generous businessmen to become a military weapon. The idea is to take dead soldiers and reanimate their bodies with cybernetic enhancements. They become stronger faster and meaner. There have been several “Deathloks” created, Luther Manning, John Kelly, Michael Collins, Jack Truman and Larry Young. Each soldier, agent or scientist was enhanced with the Deathlok Technology and each one fought to keep their humanity. In fighting to keep their humanity they would become “good men” helping the innocent.

Let’s face all we really want to be “good” and helpful. No one sets out to be “bad”. The decisions we make can make us do things that are unaccepted or criminal. The idea of “good” is based on laws and doctrine. Is the drug addict stuck in a horrible addiction a “bad” person? Is the homeless child that steals food for his poor starving family actually bad? It’s the decisions that have been made that lead people to these destructive behaviors. We are all born with the potential of goodness. We are all born with Hope and Peace. We are all born with Love. It is the decisions we make to lead us to fear, anger and hate. It is the decisions we make that lead us to the idea of “bad”. Try to remember in dealing with people – in the beginning we were all young, innocent and good. 

Deathlok (Michael Collins)
First Appearance: (as Manning) Astonishing Tales, #25 (August 1974), Marvel Comics

First Appearance: (as Collins) Deathlok, #1 (July 1990), Marvel Comics

Creators (for Manning): Doug Moench (writer) Rich Buckler (artist)

Creators (for Collins): Dwayne McDuffie, Gregory Wright and Jackson Guice 

 * “Ryker’s Island”, Deathlok Special, #4 (June 1991), Marvel Comics

Cyborg - Lousy Personality

Today at noon starts Spring Break. I will need this time off to adjust my attitude. Sometimes we all need attitude adjustments. I will use this time to rest and do things that can change my attitude – bike riding, walking, longer meditations, painting and hanging out with friends. We all need attitude adjustments sometimes.

Lousy Personality

“Girl, you may fight okay – but you got yourself one lousy personality.” - Cyborg*

Victor Stone, the son of two STAR Lab scientists, Elinore and Silas Stone, was subjected to intelligence enhancement experiments by his parents. Although Victor obtained a genius level IQ what he really wanted to do was play sports. This was a hardship between him and his parents. Eventually Victor got involved with some gang violence and is wounded which ruins his sports career. While watching his parents at STAR Labs perform an inter-dimensional teleportation experiment, a horrible creature is manifested. Mrs. Stone, Elinore is killed. Victor is horribly mutilated. The only way Silas can save his son is to fit him with cybernetic body parts including cybernetics to his brain. Victor awakens to be rejected by his friends and girlfriend. He develops low self-esteem blaming his father for his troubles. Victor eventually joins the Teen Titans finding new friends and family. Through the Teen Titans, Victor repairs his relationship with his father and grows to become an important part of the superhero community.

We can look at our lives in negative ways letting low self-esteem grow or we can try to be positive. Do we have to act upon negativity in our lives?  In her song, “New Attitude”, Patti Labelle sings, “Somehow the wires uncrossed, my tables were turned. Never knew I had such a lesson to learn. I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes. Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do. I tied it up my point of view, I got a new attitude!” Sometimes that is exactly what we need – A New Attitude. When we have a bad attitude or “lousy personality” it is probably low self-esteem. We can do the simple things, new haircut, new shoes or outfit. We can run that extra mile. We can ask a new friend for coffee. We can serve soup at the homeless shelter. It is the little attitude adjustments that grow into important esteem building activities.

Cyborg
First Appearance: DC Presents Showcase, #26 (October, 1980) DC Comics

Creators: Marv Wolfman and George Perez

* “Who Killed Trident?” The New Teen Titans #33, volume 4 (July, 1983) DC Comics

Dream Girl - How Did This Happen...

Sometimes when riding my bike, I’ll get this flash thought to take a different route. Most of the time I’ll take the different route but when I don’t I always in up in weird situations. I might have a flat, I might get stuck in traffic or in some cases even wreck my bike. I’m not saying I’m clairvoyant, but they still they make me think.  

I’ve always thought Clairvoyant would be a great name for a drag queen. Welcome to the stage the multi-talent, the multi-faceted, the girl that knows it all… Clara Voyant! (And the crowd goes wild).

How Did This Happen…

“What I don’t understand…is why didn’t I dream of its coming? How did this happen without my knowing about it? - Dream Girl*

In the 30th Century if you can think of a power, you will find someone with that power. Nura Nal, from the planet Naltor, has the ability of precognition. Nura has her visions in her dreams. She sees 7 Legionnaires die and sets out on an elaborate plan to save them. After which she is invited to join the Legion of Superheroes as Dream Girl. Dream Girl was in the science league with Brainiac 5 and Invisible Kid. Dream Girl trained with Karate Kid and Timber Wolf to become one of the top non-powered based fighters in the League. However, no one could surpass Dream Girl’s precognitive abilities.

Precognitive ability is the knowledge of something happening in advance of its occurrence. Sometimes known as clairvoyance. With that ability we could win horse races or always win at Black Jack. We would always know beforehand the traffic situation. We could help prevent disasters! But, in all fairness where would the excitement be if we always won Black Jack or we never got to see the man picking his nose during the traffic jam? At some point we would sit with our eyes closed wishing we didn’t see another disaster happening. It is better to be surprised. It is better to wish for your horse to be first. It is better to get on the plane not knowing about disaster. Today just go with the flow and let the day happen as it would – there might be a surprise!

Dream Girl

First Appearance: Adventure Comics #317, February 1964, DC Comics  

Creators: Edmond Hamilton (writer) & John Forte (art)   

*”Oblivion Upon Us”, Crisis on Infinite Earths #3, 1985

Anthro - Jumps...

There is a double dose today. I forgot to hit publish yesterday. HA!

Taking a leap of faith can be scary but it is also exciting. Recently, I decided to take a leap of faith and make some changes to my life. These changes will allow me an opportunity to paint more and pursue different creative outlets. I’m excited about these changes. I remember, I took a leap of faith moving to DC. I am so glad I did – it was the best choice for me and I am glad I moved.  

Jumps…

“…Both anxious and frightened, Anthro breathes in deeply… then the young hunter Jumps…”        Narrator*

“The First Boy”, Anthro, is the first Cro-Magnon boy born in the Stone Age. His Neanderthal father, Ne-Ahn trained him in the ways of the Bear Tribe. Anthro is lucky to have two wives Embra and Nima. Soon the human race begins when Embra bears Anthro a son. Anthro becomes the protector and warrior of the Bear Tribe.

Take a look at the Fool card in a Tarot deck. Typically the card is represented by a young man on a journey with his pet dog closely behind. The young man is having so much fun enjoying his journey he is unaware of the cliff in front of him. This card symbolizes foolish leaps of faith. Yes a leap of faith is foolish but sometimes a foolish leap of faith lands us right where we need to be. Kobi Yamada wrote, “Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down.” We all know when we are at that jumping point – the rational mind starts speaking loudly (What will people think? How will I care for myself? I have bills to pay?). take a lesson from Anthro – “anxious and frightened he breathes and then he jumps”. Go ahead take the leap.

Anthro  
First Appearance: Showcase #74 (May 1968)

Creators: Howard Post (writer & artist)

*“Time and Time Again”, Crisis on Infinite Earths, #2, 1985

Nightmaster - Kind of Atmosphere

I love working with a staff that can be supportive, that can laugh and have fun. It makes the job fun and easier. I think there are times when the job gets difficult – that’s why it’s called work. But who ever said the job must be drudgery. I try to create a relax atmosphere in my classroom where learning is based on mutual respect, support and creativity. A place where we can find time to laugh a little.

Kind of Atmosphere

“If I can create the kind of atmosphere where the people I am working with feel as if they’re enjoying themselves and can do things they want to do, they’re going to do better work than if they are told…” - Dick Giordano*

Jim Rook hopes of finding a venue for his band. He finds an old run-down shop called Oblivion Inc. Upon entering the building Jim is magically teleported to the war-torn land of Myrra. Jim finds the “Sword of Night” and learns he is the ancestor of Myrra’s greatest champion, Nightmaster. Jim takes up the mantle of Nightmaster and has many adventures in Myrra. Eventually when peace comes back to Myrra Jim returns to our dimension. He turns Oblivion Inc into a bookstore and joins the magical super-group, Primal Force. Eventually, Jim returns to the inter-dimensional Oblivion Bookstore and turns it into the inter-dimensional Oblivion Bar, a popular hangout for magical beings. Because of the “Infinite Crisis” all magic is in chaos. Jim Rook as Nightmaster gathers other magical beings, Enchantress, Detective Chimp, Ragman, Nightshade and Blue Devil to protect the innocent as the group, Shadowpact. As the leader of Shadowpact, Nightmaster sought to create a team based on need, mutual respect and talent.

Think about a comic book office with writers, artists and other creative people working to create something fun and exciting. To get something fun creative the staff would have to have fun. Could we have that same feeling in our offices? Could we create an atmosphere of fun, creativity or accomplishment? The answer is definitely yes. Naturally, the next question is how? It comes from leadership. The Tao Te Ching suggests that to lead one must follow behind. It is easy when we remember where we came from and the positive efforts we made. When teachers remember what it was like to be a student, classrooms become more children friendly, interesting and relaxed. The same can be applied to an office or with fellow employees. Bringing in a cookie tray, plan a happy hour or buy lunch for the office staff will create for a brief moment a more relaxed and fun moment. The conversations during that relaxed moment can energize the staff for the rest of the day. 

Nightmaster
First Appearance: Showcase, #82 (May 1969), DC Comics

Creators: Denny O’Neil (writer) Jerry Grandenetti (art) & Dick Giordano (editor)

*"The Dick Giordano interview, part 1 of 3, The comics journal, Gary Groth, March 31, 2010,
http://classic.tcj.com/superhero/the-dick-giordano-interview-part-one-of-three/

Lion-O - Action

I have a lot of Hope. Hope has got me through some very difficult times. If I have hope, I have to get up and do what’s in front of me to be done. Sitting on my ass and hoping for things to happen is not the proper use of hope. When I’m lonely and hope for a friend to call – I will pick up the phone and call a friend. Talking to that friend I will find the hope I need.  If I want things to change then I must work on changing. Hope is the fire under my feet.

Action

“Hope comes from action!” - Lion-O*

Sometimes heroes come from different planets and just fight to survive. The planet Thundera is war ridden. The people of Thundera are cat-like humanoids and they are attacked by other worldly beings called Mutants of Plunn-Dar.  The young emperor, Lion-O, and his attendants Cheetara, Panthro, Tygra, WilyKit, WilyKat, and Snarf, escape with the Sword of Omens. This is a powerful weapon that contains the Eye of Thundera in its hilt. The escapees awake from suspended animation on Third-Earth where they must fight the Mutants and the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra. Lion-O awakens not as a boy but as a young man – due to a problem with his sleep chamber. Lion-O must learn what is to be a man and learn to be a leader. He depends on his heart and lion abilities to lead his people.

There is a quote from President Obama, “While we breathe we Hope.” But there is another cliché that can work here as well, “Faith without works is dead.” If we believe – if we Hope, then we must do the work. If we believe we will be certified in that new job, then we must do what it takes to become certified. If we Hope to lose weight, then we must get up and go for a walk. What good is Hope if we don’t do the work to reach the goal? The more goals we reach the stronger our Hope. The stronger the Hope the more goals we will reach. It is an endless cycle of Hope. Take the action and build Hope!

Lion-O
First Appearance: Thundercats TV Show, January 23, 1985 – 1990, Rankin/Bass 

Second Appearance: Thundercats, July 29, 2011, Warner Bros. Cartoon Network. 

Created By: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr. and Ted Wolf

 *"Song of the Petalars", Airing August 12, 2011

Virtue - Be An Adventurer

My day is how I make it. If I feel as if my day is drudgery, then I will drag myself through the day. I have a choice today. Abraham Lincoln said it best, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” I have a choice to be happy and have an adventure or be sad and drudge along the path. Today I will be happy do the best I can and have a good day.

Be an Adventurer

“I wanted to keep that original spirit and be an adventurer…” - Gail Simone*

In Coral city, in the Tweens (between 10 and 20th Streets) is an abandoned factory called the Sweatshop. A group of young people witnessed two police men sexually harassing a suspect. This group kids, wearing masks, recorded the incident and leaked it to the press. These kids took over the “Sweatshop” and formed a “Movement”. Each member of the movement possesses certain gifts that allowed them to protect the Tweens. Their leader, Holly, code-named Virtue has the ability to ride through peoples’ emotions, understanding their motives.

Life is many things. Every single one of us can come up with a different definition of life. Life is living. When we wake up each day we are given the opportunity to go out and have a good day. We often hear, “live life to its fullest!” There is nothing wrong with looking at life as one big adventure. Are all aspects of the adventure good and fun – NO! Will we have hardships? Will there be difficulties? Will we dance and sing? Will we travel to wonderful places? We just have the ability to look at life the way we want to look at life. It is all how we perceive life. We have the choice, a humdrum drudgery or a madcap adventure. Keep that original spirit and have an adventure.

Virtue
First Appearance: The Movement, #1 (May 2013)

Creators: Gail Simone (writer) Freddie Williams II (art)

* “Wonder Women!” Documentary, Kristy Guevara-Flanagan, Vaquera Films, 2013

Storm - Minimalizing the Character

I try not to describe people – I always get it wrong. I feel we don’t need descriptions or labels. I stay out of conversations that get in my way spiritually. I will stand up for myself. I will stand up for my political views. I will stand up for my sexuality. However, these do not describe who I am. In reading this simple daily project you will probably find out more about me than any description could give. I am so much more than the limited labels people put on me. You are so much more than those limited labels. I can still be your friend despite the labels – there is so much more to talk about other than the labels.

Minimalizing the Character

“I think every time you take a female character, a black character, a Hispanic character, a gay character, and make that the point of the character, you are minimalizing the character.” - Len Wien*

Ororo Munroe was born in Kenya as a princess her mother met and married American David Munroe. The new family moved to Harlem and then to Egypt. During an air attack the Ororo’s parents were killed and Ororo was orphaned. Being trapped in the wreckage of the attack Ororo developed Claustrophobia. She wanders Cairo and the Serengeti as a skilled street thief. As a teen when her mutant abilities of controlling the weather manifested she was considered a goddess. Eventually Professor Charles Xavier, Professor X, recruited Ororo Munroe to join the X Men as Storm. Storm became the leader of the X Men. Storm, is an inspiration for many young heroes and girls.

When we let people’s descriptions, physical appearance, sexuality or even political affiliations get in the way we lose so much more. No matter what we look like, who we vote for, the spiritual practice we have, or who we love is not who we are. Who we are is based on the feelings and emotions we have. Don’t “minimalize the character” simply because they are different. We are people – brothers and sisters. We are trying to reach the same goal – a happy product life. Would it be better to help each other reach that goal not by changing people but by learning about them and accepting them for who they are?

Storm
First Appearance: Giant Sized X-Men, #1 (May 1975)

Creators: Len Wien (writer) Dave Cockrum (art)

*”Legendary Comics Creators Dismiss Sexism Critiques, Say ‘The Comics Follow Society. They Don’t Lead’”, by Alyssa Rosenberg, posted on August 8, 2013, www.thinkprogress.org

Billy Batson - Be Good

“A positive attitude will bring positive result” is one of my mantras. I remind myself of this often. I can get bogged down with negativity. I try to keep a positive attitude. To get out of negativity I try to think of LOVE. I think about showing love to people, I start looking for love in situations and I listen for words of love. For me that works. Another thing I do to get out of negativity is try to show gratitude where ever possible.

Be Good

“Be good and good will follow…” - Billy Batson*

Orphan and Homeless, Billy Batson, through a series of events finds the wizard, Shazam. The wizard has chosen Billy to be the Champion of man against the 7 Deadly Enemies of Man: Envy, Lust, Greed, Pride, Wrath, Sloth, and Gluttony. All Billy needs to do is speak the wizard’s name, which is an acronym for the six great Mythological figures. S - for the wisdom of Solomon, H - for the strength of Hercules, A - for the stamina of Atlas, Z - for the power of Zeus (which enhances all Billy’s other physical abilities and allows for interdimensional travel), A - for the courage of Achilles (which would include invulnerability from ancient mythology), M - for the speed of Mercury (and, by extension, the power to fly). So, whenever Billy speaks SHAZAM! He becomes Shazam, the Champion of Good.

We have heard Billy Batson’s words before they are nothing new. Here we can just use it as a reminder -- “A positive attitude will bring positive results.” In comic books there is the fight between good and evil. But truly the “good fight” takes place inside. All we need to do is look for Good and we will find Good. In every situation you can find something “Good”. All you need to do is look.

Billy Batson – Captain Marvel/Shazam!
First Appearance (as Captain Marvel): Whiz! Comics #2, Fawcett Comics, February 1940

Creators: C.C. Beck (story), and Bill Parker (art)

 * “DC Showcase: Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam” Warner Brothers, 2010

Zach Callison (voice of Billy Batson)