Nightshade - Big & Bold

Captain Atom and Nightshade were a great team when I was growing up. It wasn’t very popular, but I enjoyed reading them. When Nightshade joined the magic based team “Shadowpact” she really grew into a powerful hero. It’s a shame you never see her around anymore.

Big and Bold

“Now I can do something Big and Bold – with a full serving of spectacle!” - Nightshade*

Eve Eden, the daughter of Maureen Queen of the “Land of Nightshades” (a dark dimension) and a US Senator. Maureen fled to the magical dimension to keep her children safe from Incubus. Incubus was killing the royal family and trying to control the Land of Nightshades. Maureen passed on the magical dark gifts to her daughter. Eve is the sole survivor of the Land of Nightshades. She eventually joined up with Captain Atom and the Suicide Squad, fighting evil with King Faraday. Eve can control shadows creating 3-D shadow constructs, she can teleport through the Land of Nightshades and she can create areas of complete darkness. With a little concentration she can create her shadows into anything.

It is important to keep things simple. It is better to give of oneself than a big gift of expense but sometimes victories are won with surprise moves. If we are stuck in a rut – do something different. Boxers will often study their opponent’s moves learning, their styl. The best way to when the bout is to lure the opponent into a sense of victory and then throw a different punch shaking the adversary’s thinking and plan. We can do the same thing, change the hair color, add another 100 crunches or for a whim change the bike route. Doing something different can actually be advantageous to our day.

Nightshade (Eve Eden)
First Appearance: Captain Atom, vol. 2 #82 (September 1966), Carlton Comics, DC Comics

Creators: Joe Gill (writer) Steve Ditko (art)

* “The Laws of Battle”, Shadowpact, #7, January 2007, DC Comics

Spider-Woman, Julia Carpenter - Don't Give Up

Marvel comics have so many spider themed characters. Many of them are females and variations of the same theme. One of my favorites is Julia Carpenter, Spider-Woman. I always loved her red hair with the black and white costume. I always liked to determination.

Don’t Give Up

“If anybody bet you an Avenger'd throw in the towel, they deserve to lose their money.” - Spider-Woman, Julia Carpenter *

Superheroes never give up. Yes, they may retreat or remove themselves from a bad situation but that is not “giving up”. For Julia Carpenter, Spider Woman (#2) the words “giving up” is not part of her vocabulary.  Julia was injected with a specially treated “Spider Venom” and found she had super strength, and other spider abilities and a psionic web. She is a single mother living alone in Denver. She answers the call, she fights “the good fight”, and she never gives up. But always her daughter comes first. This is where her true perseverance lies. Julia never wants her daughter to see her give up, so she fights and protects, and stands up for herself no matter. No matter the situation Julia teaches her daughter through example.  

There will come a time when we can not go any further, and we feel we must give up – DON’T GIVE UP! This is the lesson. We are brought to a situation that is stressful and hard to manage. The situation may be so bad that we must leave. The lesson is to learn that we do have the strength, the acceptance, the courage, and the wisdom to persevere. Sometimes the wisdom to leave and regroup is the answer we need. It is not giving up. It is taking care of us. It is standing up for ourselves. It is realizing this is a dangerous situation and it is time to leave. There may come a time when we need to stop and think. Step away and take that time. We will find that in every situation there is always an answer we just have to look for it. Emmet Fox once wrote, “There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer:” Superheroes stand up for themselves and they never give up, they persevere. Be a superhero – never give up.

Spider Woman, Julia Carpenter
First Appearance: Secret Wars #6 and #7, 1984

Creators: Jim Shooter (script), and Mike Zeck (art)

 * Spider Woman (1993-94 2nd Series)

The Black Cat - This Cat's Motto

If you haven’t guest by now – I really like the cat themed heroes. Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat, is one of my favorites. I like the idea of her powers effecting the probability of those around her in a negative way. Powers effecting probability has always interested me. To be able to easily change outcomes would be fun to a certain extent. Most probability changing characters are villains or like the Black Cat an Anti-hero. However, when she is on the villainous side of that thin line between good and evil she is on the side of what is right. 

This Cat’s Motto

“Nothing to Chance is this cat’s motto” - The Black Cat*

What happens when you cross a black cat? Bad Luck. When everything goes wrong, everyone looks for the feline femme fatale in the skintight black leather suit with long platinum blonde hair, the Black Cat. Felicia Hardy has not had the best of luck. Felicia is the daughter of wealthy socialites Walter and Lydia Hardy. It turns out her father is a notorious cat-burglar. Felicia seeks to release him. To get money to help release her father Felicia dons a costume and begins taking up her father’s business as a jewel thief. While she amasses a fortune, her father dies in prison. The crime boss, the Kingpin, looking for a way to destroy Spiderman, tricks Felicia in to gaining powers that will cause “bad luck” to her enemies. Thus, anyone in her presence receives bad luck and accidents happen. Spiderman and Dr Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, help Felicia gain control of her powers.

Leaving “nothing to chance” is a difficult way to live. There is a belief called Murphy’s Law, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." How can anyone prepare for that? Not to worry, think in terms of Chance as a cycle. Everything is part of the flow or tide of life. Life follows the cycles. There is no reason to be worried or frightened because the life we know ebbs and flows. Take the weather for example. The world may be beautifully sunny in the morning but by noon – cold, rainy and dark. There are those of us that keep an umbrella at work or in the car. Many of us dress in layers to prepare for weather changes. When the unexpected happens just remember it will not storm forever the sun will return.

The Black Cat (Felicia Hardy)
First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man, #194 (July 1979), Marvel Comics

Creators: Marv Wolfman (writer) Keith Pollard (art), Dave Cockrum

* “Sharp Turns”, The Black Cat, #1, July 1994, Marvel Comics

Aya - Beyond Programming

The short lived, Green Lantern: The Animated Series, was an interesting show. I enjoyed it. For a children’s show it touched on many different topics – acceptance, meditation and evolving. Watching the computer program, Aya evolve and grow was enjoyable. One of my favorite episodes is “Blue Hope” * It speaks on evolving and changing on so many different levels.

Beyond Programming

“No, I learned from example. You too are capable of evolving beyond your programming.” - Aya*

The peace keeping Guardians of the Universe, the little blue men that founded the Green Lantern Corps, created a superfast ship, the Interceptor. To upgrade the ship and the navigational programs an artificial intelligence (AI) was created. The Guardians gave this AI a spark of life, to help with its programming speed and decision making. To help solve a mystery of dead Green Lanterns in the Frontier, outreaches of forgotten space, Hal Jordon and Killowog stole the ship. The AI became a great help and evolved into a sentient computer program. Eventually, Jordon gave her the name Aya; she evolved into a sentient being capable of emotions. 

Thanks to the study of DNA and nature versus nurture concepts we found that we are programmed. Some of us through programming are artists, teachers and nurses. The list is long. We are also programmed with behaviors from childhood and ideas of food, home and relationships. Some of these are positive or negative. All of these learned behaviors can be unlearned. Ask the southerner that moves north and in a few short years looses the quaint southern accent. Then there is the overweight person that changes a simple food in the diet and starts losing weight easily. With thoughts like these it is easy to see just how we are programmed. We can evolve and change. We can change the programming. We are not bound to our programming. We can educate ourselves and evolve beyond our programming. Aya has the right idea, “I learned from example. You too are capable of evolving beyond your programming.”

Aya
First Appearance: The Green Lantern: Animated Series, (March 3 2012- March 16 2013)

Creators: Bruce Timm, Giancarlo Volpe, Jim Krieg, Sam and Rick Morales 

* “Blue Hope”, The Green Lantern: Animated Series, Jan. 12, 2013, voiced by Grey DeLisle

Vision - Be More Human

I’ve always liked the Vision. I liked his desire to be more human most. In a sense he was more human than most other Avengers, even though he was not a physical human. But he was created with the human brain patterns of Simon Williams, Wonder Man. He didn’t have the human soul, but he was able to eventual develop love for Wanda Maximoff and the two were married. Even though that is pure fantasy it is meaningful to a person that is not accepted by the “normal human” standards and told daily they'll never find love. Let me say this, for all humans there is love out there for you. No matter what other “normal humans” say, you will find people who love you. Show them your love and they will show their love in return.

Be More Human

“Ultron created me to be perfect. He thought that meant less human. I wish to be perfect. But I believe that means to be more human.” - Vision*

Dr. Hank Pym developed and created a sentient robot, Ultron, who would become evil and continually try to destroy all human life. Ultron would create an android or “synthezoid” based on the brain functions of Simon Williams (Wonder Man) and the android body of the original Human Torch. The “Synthezoid would infiltrate Avengers Mansion to destroy Hank Pym (Ant/Giant Man) and the rest of the Avengers. This would allow Ultron to conquer the world. Ultron’s ultimate mistake was using the brain patterns and the body of heroes. The Synthezoid found it difficult to complete the mission and broke free of the Ultron’s commands. This “synthezoid” became the Vision, a trusted member of the Avengers. One of the Visions functions was to understand what it meant to be “Human”. He would take the name Victor Shade and eventually marry the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff.

What does it mean to be human? Humans are emotional beings. Humans are spiritual beings. Humans are sentient beings. We seek community and relationships. Our range of emotions is a good thing to feel. Being human means there is always hope. Humans always have Hope in their thoughts.  The positive side of humanity outweighs the negative.  We have relationships and we learn how to be human in these relationships. So it doesn’t matter if the person is black or white, from Japan or Mexico, gay or straight we are all going to be human with the same emotions and feeling and needs. We all eat, sleep, breathe and poop. May be recognizing that ALL humans have the same emotions and feelings will make it easier to accept all humans as…human.

Vision (Victor Shade)
First Appearance: The Avengers, #57 (October 1968), Marvel Comics

Creators: Roy Thomas (writer) John Buscema (art)

* “Ultron Unlimited”, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! Avengers” Season 2, episode #17, airing June 13, 2012, Marvel, Disney Television

War Machine - Better Man

In the comics and movies, Jim Rhodes, War Machine, is always the voice of reason. He does what is right. He is a good example of a good strong character. A good example for all of us.

A Better Man

“My future’s about trying to be a better man.” - Terrence Howard

James (Rhodey) Rupert Rhodes is tony Stark’s (Iron Man) best friend. Rhodes was a soldier and eventually a mercenary. Stark made Rhodes his pilot. Tony developed issues with alcoholism and needed the help of his friend – Jim Rhodes. Tony revealed himself to Rhodey as Iron Man.  When Magma attacked Tony was too inebriated to help and the only solution was for Rhodey to don the Iron Man suit and save the day. Using Rhodey’s shining example Tony cleaned up and got sober to become a hero again. Tony gave Rhodey his own Iron Man suit and Rhodey took the name “War Machine”. Tony often uses Rhodey’s example to better himself.. 

We always need to improve. That is not meant to be a negative statement. Honestly we can run a little farther, read and extra page, hit that higher note, or meditate that extra minute. Let’s face it we all want to be better we need to push ourselves.  Gary Zukav wrote “Real power is what you build inside you and that, nobody can take from you.” How do we get to that point of knowing the “Real Power” within us? We learn by going that extra mile, holding that high note, spending the extra hour in the studio, running another mile, another 100 crunches, or meditating another minute. There is always a group of people that will be there to help us better ourselves – we call them our friends. A true friend will be there to cheer you on and support you on that journey. Cheering a friend on will help us become better people as well.

War Machine
First Appearance: As Jim Rhodes, Iron Man #118, January 1979

First Appearance: As Iron Man, Iron Man #170, May 1983

First Appearance: As War Machine, Iron Man #282, September 1992

Creators: Jim Rhodes created by David Michelinie and Bob Layton  

Creators: War Machine designed by Len Kaminski and Kevin Hopgood 

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle - Say What You Mean

I’m keeping with the Jungle theme today. These jungle stories can be clear and precise. I liked the movie, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. I still get laughed at, but I don’t care. I knew she was a comic character, but I couldn’t find her comics. What I did find was some of her covers from her comics. The covers were beautiful. Now if you’re lucky to find an original Sheena, Queen of the Jungle comic, it is expensive.

Say What You Mean

“Say what you mean stop using words you know I do not understand.” - Sheena, Queen of the Jungle *

After her parents died while on safari in the African Jungles, Sheena was raised by the Shaman of an African Tribe. Sheena was trained to communicate with the animals, she also was trained in the Shaman arts and she is a master of hand to hand combat using surprise moves. She may not understand many things from modern urban dwellers but the simple ways of the jungle is her language.

We often think the largest vocabulary will make us look smart and well spoken. Flowery words just sound good. If there is a message to convey the simple approach is best. Let’s refer to the Tao, chapter forty-five, “Great straightness seems twisted. Great intelligence seems stupid. Great eloquence seems awkward.” * It is natural to stammer when saying something important so keeping it simple will release the need to search for the “right words”. The more simple our language the less questions are asked. Master teachers recognize this for their students. Teachers speak in words that all students can understand. Keep the message clear distinct and simple.

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle
First Appearance: Wags #1 (1937) UK; Jumbo Comics #1 (Sept. 1938) USA.

Creators: Will Eisner and Jerry Iger

* “Sheena”, film by Paul Aratow, John Guillermin (director) David Newman (story), Leslie Stevens (story), Tanya Roberts (actor), Columbia Pictures 1984

* (translation by Gia-fu Feng & Jane English), http://www.wussu.com/laotzu/laotzu45.html

Ka-Zar - Babbling Brook

I’ve always liked stories like Tarzan, Sheena, Mowgli and Ka-zar. Children raised in the wild by animals. I’ve always liked them. I think it is because there is always a good sense of right and wrong, protecting the weak and doing what is right. Typical heroic stories. But also sometimes you can get some interesting spiritual advice.

Babbling Brook

“The Law of the Jungle says…He who waits for the cobra to speak… shall never hear the babbling brook!” - Ka-Zar*  

British royalty and Adventurer Lord Robert Plunder discovered the Savage Land while on expedition with his wife and his son Kevin Reginald Plunder. After encountering natives and dangers of the Savage Land the infant’s parents were dead. The infant Lord Kevin Reginald Plunder was discovered by a saber tooth tiger named Zabu this tiger raised the infant as her own. The Savage Land natives called the infant Ka-Zar which means “Son of the Tiger”. Together Ka-Zar and Zabu protect the beautiful but dangerous Savage Land from would be rulers, trappers or criminals. Never does Ka-Zar rest on his laurels he acts when needed.

In his film, Enter the Dragon, Bruce Lee’s character says, "Don't think; feel. It's like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all the heavenly glory." When we sit and wait for one thing to happen we miss so much more that is happening around us. Asks these questions… What is the next step? When action should be taken? This suggests that we make the important decisions and move forward. One thing to remember, Bruce Lee and Ka-Zar would agree, it is the action that is important and all action will lead to a greater glory.     

Ka-Zar
First Appearance: Pulp-Fiction, Ka-Zar (David Rand), Ka-Zar, volume 1, #1, October 1936, 

Second Appearance: Pulp-Fiction, Ka-Zar (David Rand), Ka-Zar, Timely Comics #1, Oct. 1939

Current Appearance: Ka-Zar (Kevin Plunder) The X-Men #10, March 1965

Creator: Stan Lee (writer) and Jack Kirby (art)

* X-Men, The Triumph of Magneto! Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, Dec. 1970 #63

Amazing-Man - Willpower

The Amazing-Man is one of my favorite Justice Society members. I always liked his ability to speak his mind; to be upfront and honest. It takes willpower to be always honest. We so often don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, so we take the easy way out and tell people what they “want to hear.” It takes willpower to stand-up, speak your mind and hold your grown. I try, I fail, but I try to be more like that. I think that is a good use of willpower.

Willpower

“Certain amount of willpower involved, naturally.” - Amazing-Man*

Will Everett was an Olympic champion in the 1936 Berlin Olympics but because he was black he was a janitor for Dr. Terry Curtis. There was an explosion. In the aftermath, Will Everett found he could mimic any inorganic material. If Will touched glass he became glass, if he touched wood he became wood and if he touched iron he became iron. With willpower he could move, and act as needed in that form his body took. Taking the name Amazing-Man Will Everett joined the Justice Society of America’s All-Star Squadron. Eventually age and cancer took Will Everett but each version of the JSA (Justice Society of America) will find the heir of Will Everett who possesses the same gifts to take up their ancestor’s mantle.

What is “willpower”? Willpower, according to the dictionary is the strength of will to carry out one's decisions, wishes, or plans. The superheroes we discus regularly use willpower as a source of strength and ability. To accomplish things it takes a “certain amount of willpower”. Waking up in the morning takes willpower. Definitely working out in the morning or afternoon takes willpower as well. Keeping our mouths shut during arguments take willpower. So we have a “will” – a plan or schedule or wishes. We use power to accomplish those plans. We have been given the “will” to accomplish things and some of us try to align our wills with a higher power or the universe. Easy enough said and understood. It just seems redundant to say, “Willpower is the power to accomplish the will.” So, then willpower must be the spark of life, it must be the spirit we hold inside. With that thought, according to our own personal ideal, the more determined we are the more successful or accomplished we will become. With that thought it makes sense to try and align our wills to a set standard of goodness and peace.

Amazing-Man (Will Everett)
First Appearance: All-Star Squadron, #23 (July 1983), DC Comics

Creators: Roy Thomas (writer) Jerry Ordway (art)

* “A Gathering of Heroes”, The Young All-Stars, #2, July 1987

Static - Unique

I am so glad that social media was not around when I was a kid. I feel so sorry for the children that suffer through cyber-bullying. I was bullied as a kid. When the bullying stopped I was so grateful. One of my bullies made an amends and we became very good friends. I was lucky in that respect. Many people are not. Being bullied taught me to be strong and gave me a tough skin. But, the greatest thing I learned from being bullied is to accept people for who they are – I enjoy seeing people being unique. I love getting to know people that are unique. It helps me to continue to be unique.

Unique

“You say freak – I say unique!” - Static*

Virgil Hawkins was any regular high school kid growing up in Dakota. Virgil is a bullied science geek. Inadvertently he tries to stop the bully and is caught up in some gang violence. The Police arrive with tear gas laced a strange marker to attach to the gang members, so the police will find them. In an explosion a strange radioactive chemical is released, and members of the gangs are doused. Because of the tear gas markers and the radioactive chemical people begin to show strange abilities. Virgil begins to have electromagnetic powers. He can control anything electric and conduct electricity. He decides to become a superhero. Using a flashy costume, his science knowledge and his quick wit Virgil Hawkins becomes, Static.

You are all unique. Yes, we all are the same on the inside, blood cells hearts brains and other organs. We have the same emotions and feelings. But we have what’s called DNA, Deoxyribonucleic Acid, which writes our own unique body’s systems and unique look. Our desires and dreams may make us unique as well. What a bully may call a “freak” the fashion editor of Vogue Magazine may call “fabulous”.  What a bully may call “fat and ugly” some beautiful girl may call “handsome”. What a bully may try to destroy, a gallery curator will hang on the wall. What a bully teases another person will accept. We are all unique. It’s better to accept people for who they are and what they can do allowing people to create a world rich in creativity and acceptance.

Static
First Appearance: Static, #1 (June 1993), Milestone, DC Comics

Creators: Dwayne McDuffie & Robert L Washington III (writers, John Paul Leon (artist)  

* “Aftershock”, Static Shock, airing September 30, 2000, Phil LaMarr as Static

Vampirella - Be Careful

As a kid I was infatuated with Vampirella. I really believe it was her costume. It was SO risqué. I knew my family would not approve. So, I read her comics at the “Pack & Sack”. I’ve met so many people that have done the same thing. Her stories were interesting. The idea of a demon trying to live a life of goodness can be appreciated. We all have done things we are not proud of and try to make amends for them by living in goodness.

Be Careful

“Be careful what you ask for, Monster!!!” - Vampirella*

Some heroes are monsters trying to do good work – no matter what judgments are placed upon them.  Vampirella is that type of hero. Vampirella is a vampire. Some believe she is from a Vampiric world, Drakulon. While others believe she is a daughter of Lilith. In any case Vampirella has all the powers of a vampire and puts the “vamp” in vampire. Vampirella did not ask for any of this but no matter what the world thinks of her or judgments placed upon her, Vampirella tries to protect the innocent.

What Vampirella tells the villain in this story is something we hear often. “Be careful what you ask for…” What we ask for may not be what we truly need or want. The price for what we ask for may be too high.  But wait a minute, what about, “Ask and ye shall receive”? True, but the lesson here is to ask and then start preparing.  Even prayers of desire are not written in stone. Ask and prepare or learn or make the final decision. If a new car is the desire, do the research make sure it is the best car for the need and aesthetics. Living in NYC maybe the desire but there should be a few visits before quitting the job and moving. If a new job is the desire, start looking for a new job. The lesson here is to be prepared for the desire to come. Prepare for prayers to be answered. Make sure judgments are valid. Make sure decisions are balanced. Be sure that what you ask for is what you truly want. 

Vampirella
First Appearance: Vampirella #1 (September 1969), Warren Publishing

Creators: Forrest J Ackerman (writer) Trina Robbins (art)

* “Vampirella”, #0, December 1994

The Spirit - Such Swearing

I have a dirty mouth. If I’ve had a bad day letting the obscenities fly releases a lot of stress. I do watch when and where I let the bad language out. The work place may not be the best place to “talk like a sailor”. I have though shut my classroom door, called a friend on the phone and let loose with the language. Any other time though I try to respect myself and others by being well mannered and good natured.

Such Swearing

Satin: “Oh…You…You, %!!@$#%!...”

Spirit: “Such Swearing for a lady!”*

Central City Detective, Denny Colt, was killed in action during a raid on Dr. Cobra’s base. Soon after a heroic crime fighting figure began to appear garbed in a nice suit and tie, hat, gloves, and a small domino mask. The hero was given the moniker “The Spirit” and was seen often helping the police. Eventually the Spirit admitted to his friend, Police Commissioner Dolan, that during the raid and explosion, Denny Colt was in suspended animation and awoke in Wildwood Cemetery.  Realizing there was an opportunity, Denny created a base at the cemetery and created the hero the Spirit. The Spirit traveled the world solving mysteries and crimes. He met and apprehended an assortment evil geniuses, kooks and eccentrics but it was always “the Femme Fatales”, those evil females that caused him many hours of torment and pleasure.

Language and good manners are important to a well mannered person. We are told as children “watch our language.” There is a time to speak freely and say whatever we think and then there are times to keep the language clean. A well mannered person keeps their tone and words moderate clean and well balanced. Words are well thought out and clear, spoken diplomatically. It boils down to good manners and being considerate to others. The etiquette guru, Emily Post said, “Good manners reflect something from inside - an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.” When out in public it is best to be moderate and balanced exhibiting a calm poise in actions and words. 

The Spirit
First Appearance: The Spirit, Register & Syndicate, June 2, 1940, Eisner and Iger

Creators: Will Eisner 

* “Sphinx & Satin”, The Spirit, October 1941, The Spirit Femmes Fatales, DC Comics, 2008

Star-Spangled Kid - Switcheroo!

I connected with the Star-Spangled Kid when I was growing up. Even though he wasn’t written as gay I perceived him as gay. No, I wanted him to be gay – hahaha. We all know stories in comics can change. An all American Gay Superhero would be so cool. If Sam Wilson, the Falcon, can become Captain America (a black hero as Captain America), then a gay kid could be the Star-Spangled Kid. That would be a “Switcheroo.”

Switcheroo

“Let’s make this a high-speed Switcheroo!” - Star-Spangled Kid*

Sylvester Pemberton is a wealthy young man. He is also a trained acrobat and fighter. He decides to become the Star-Spangled Kid along with his chauffer Pat Dugan (Stripesy) to fight Nazism during WW2. The two heroes drove around in the Star Rocket Racer a bubbled top car built for superheroing. Eventually the Star-Spangled Kid would work with Starman of the Justice Society and develop a cosmic converter belt giving the Star-Spangled Kid added strength speed agility and flight.  The Star-Spangled Kid grew up and became Skyman to start the superhero group “Infinity Inc.” Soon the Star-spangled Kid mantle would be passed on to Courtney Whitmore, Pat Dugan’s step-daughter and she would eventually become Stargirl.

Changes! We are all asked to change. Our whole existence seems to be about changes. The long drawn out slow changes are the hard ones. The “high-speed switcheroos” are the easy ones. It is how we deal with both types of changes that are important. The best thing to do is to look at changes as cycles as part of the tide or flow. Go with the flow. If we are alive we are changing everyday – go with the flow and just be aware of the changes that occur daily. The change of seasons is another good example. We are all going to change, accept it, move on and go with the flow. But don’t hurt yourself when making that High-Speed Switcheroo.

Star-Spangled Kid
First Appearance: Action comics #40, September 1941 

Last Appearance: "Infinity Inc." #51-53 (1988)

Creators: Jerry Siegel (writer) & Hal Sherman (artist)

*“The Jigsaw Puzzle Murder” Star-Spangled Comics #55, DC Comics (April 1946)

John Stewart - Hang in There

I’ve always liked John Stewart. He is one of the first black superheroes and was well written. I’m glad he’s has become more popular in these later years. Seeing him in comics as a kid gave me hope. Hope for a new world where all people will be accepted. We still have some work to do in then that area of acceptance (OK a lot) but if we hang in there and continue to try that world where all people are accepted will arrive.

Hang in there

“Try to hang in there, guys. Help’s here.” - John Stewart – Green Lantern *

There are a group of protectors that police the universe. They are the Green Lantern Corps.  They were founded by a group of individuals named the Guardians of the Universe. The universe is broken in to sectors, and our sector is 2814. Each sector is given a “Green Lantern” to serve the special needs of that particular sector. Our sector is so busy it has had to have many corps members Abin Saur, Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, and Kyle Rayner. Today let’s look at the Green Lantern –John Stewart. John Stewart not only helped the Corps; he helped the JLA, and the Teen Titans. Eventually John Stewart quit the Corps, joined the policing group the Darkstars, became crippled in a collapsed building and became a well-known architect. John helped train the youngest Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner. Eventually John regain the use of his legs and was given a Green Lantern ring to again become a member of the Green Lantern Corps.

There are times when we all need help. There are times when things seem so helpless and hopeless. There is an old colloquialism, “when lost in the woods don’t move and help will find you.” This cliché is true. Stop trying to fix what’s broken, let the help arrive. We can use many clichés here and all would apply. Let go and let god; first things first; don’t quit before the miracle; hang in there baby or tie a knot at the end and hang on! The trick is to ask for help, then let go and let help arrive. There is always someone to help – when help is needed, ask. Wait patiently for the help to arrive it will.

John Stewart – Green Lantern of 2814
First Appearance: “Beware My Power” Green Lantern Volume 2 #87, Dec. 1971

Creators: Dennis O’Neil (plot), and Neal Adams (art)

 * “Crisis on Infinite Earths: The Untold Story” Legends of the DC Universe #1, Feb. 1999

Bubbles - Team

I loved the Powerpuff Girls. It was one of the cutest and well written shows on cartoon network. Bubbles was my favorite. I connected with her naivety and acceptance. I can be naive – accepting things that should receive further observation before decisions can be made. Sometimes, because of this I may find issues down the road that need fixing. I'm grateful I have a cast of characters, my friends and my team, that I can talk to about these things.

Team

“I’m just as tough as Blossom and Buttercup! HeHe!” - Bubbles*

Superheroes make themselves available for specific people. The Powerpuff girls make themselves available to the people of Townsville, USA (not Townsville, Australia) and specifically children. Professor Utonium, who was attempting to create the perfect little girls using “sugar and spice and everything nice.” Accidentally, “Chemical X” was added to the mix and the Powerpuff girls we born. First there is Blossom, smart, the red headed, dressed in pink leader. Secondly comes Buttercup, dressed in green with a cute black pageboy haircut. She’s the rough and tough hard-hitter in the group. And lastly there’s Bubbles, the blond blue-eyed hopeful and naïve dreamer. They are a family. They live and work and play together. The Powerpuff girls are a team. Using their superpowers they save the world and their fellow first graders everyday.

We all need to be connected or part of a community. We need friends and/or someone to talk to regularly. We learned in school – Kindergarten and First Grade – how to play fairly without fighting. So why when we are at work do we often argue fuss and fight? Why do we seek to be in control? Why do we “bad mouth” our fellow employees? Why are we not “Team Players”? Fear, is the culprit. We fear we will not win. We fear we will not succeed. We fear someone will get what we deserve. Members of a team support each other. When watching the “Super Bowl” does each player try to get the ball through the goals? No, each person has a specific job and they work together as a cohesive team. Each member of the team is important – even the ones sitting on the bench. When we do our best – truly our best, we will be rewarded. We will be noticed, the team and the individuals. We can still standup for ourselves or for what is right as long as it benefits the team. Yes, we are all “just as tough as Blossom and Buttercup” but it is what we do with that power that is important.    

The Powerpuff Girls
First Appearance: “The Whoop-Ass Girls in Whoop-Ass Stew: a Sticky Situation” 1992

Historical Appearance: “Meet Fuzzy Lumpkins” and “Crime 101” Nov. 18, 1998 Cartoon Network

Creator: Craig McCracken

 * Talking Bubbles Doll, Key ring

Invisible Kid (Jacques Foccart) - Legends

My Aunt Juanita told the best stories. I remember howling with laughter. Now I tell these stories to my students and they laugh. These stories are legends past down through my family. I love them.

Legends

“Legends simply don’t live or die like men.”     Paul Levitz

In the 30th Century there will be a group of heroes known as the Legion of Superheroes, they were influenced by Superman and his fellow heroes of the 20th Century. The original Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg, created a scientific serum that gave him the power of invisibility. He then joined the Legion of Superheroes. However, Lyle was killed by the villainous robot, Valdius. A few years later, Brainiac 5 of the Legion of superheroes, was approached by Jacques Foccart for help. Jacques sister, Danielle, was very ill and needed the Legionnaires help for a cure. Brainiac 5 hooks Danielle up to the Mega-Computer, Computo. Computo took over Danielle’s body and mind, promptly trying to take over the world. The only way to stop Computo and save Danielle was for Jacques to drink Lyle Norg’s serum, Brainiac 5 made some changes to protect Jacques from all the different scans that Computo could perform.  Jacques was able to save his sister and became the newest Legionnaire, the new Invisible Kid. The Legend of the Legionnaires grew, and Jacques created a Legend for himself.

Legends are stories. Some stories are larger than others. Some stories are honest accounts of history while others are exaggerated.  People can be legendary for the acts they perform.  Doctor Denton Cooley, the heart surgeon that perfected the open-heart surgery, is a legendary surgeon to many. People can become legends for the mystery surrounding their lives. Jean Hillard, the Ice Woman of Minnesota, frozen to 25 degrees below zero for an unknown amount of time awakes unaffected. We love to sit in the family room with “Uncle Harry” or “Aunt Juanita” because they tell those amazing family stories from years gone by. The story becomes the “Legend”.  A legend goes on and on, it may change, and it may become more farfetched. Can we be the person that tells the stories – not create the stories?

Invisible Kid (Jacques Foccart)
First Appearance: Legion of Superheroes, vol. 2, Annual #1 (1982)

Creators: Paul Levitz (writer) Keith Giffen (art)

Zan & Jayna - The Wonder Twins

I’m a hugger. I will hug anyone that comes to my home. I think it is important to touch. That physical connection is important. The cells in our bodies bump into each other all the time. If we started from the same cell doesn’t make sense we should touch each other with firm handshakes, pats on the back or gentle loving hugs?

The Wonder Twins

“Wonder Twin Powers Activate!” - The Wonder Twins

Zan & Jayna* Zan and Jayna from the planet Exxor are two of the “10 Elemental Protectors of the Universe.” Zan can turn into anything water based and Jayna can turn into any animal. To activate their powers they need to touch their rings or just be in contact with each other. For them the touch is important. Touching is the key to their power.  

We all need to touch. Even those that claim, they do not like touching at all appreciate a firm handshake. Touching is very important. We contact physically when we touch. Many spiritual leaders and philosophers speak of spiritual growth as being a balance of the Physical Spiritual and Emotional. Think of it as a three-legged stool if one leg is not even the stool wobbles. Go get a full body massage and be aware of experiences and memories that come to the surface as the masseur massages. Touching is very important. Watch children – they will hug each other, jump on each other, wrestle and even cuddle because they love to be touched. Children will instinctively hug. Children believe hugging someone shows affection. Connections are made when we touch each other.

The Wonder Twins
First Appearance: Super Friends, #7 October 1977

First TV Appearance: The All-New Super Friends Hour, October 1977
Creators: (Comic book) E. Nelson Bridwell (writer) Romana Fradon (artist)

Voices TV: Michael Bell (Zan) and Liberty Williams (Jayna)

Nightwing - Losing Badly

One of my favorite comic book characters is Dick Grayson. I have watched him grow-up. Yes, the character is 78 years old but when I was a kid he started growing up. He graduated from high school and went to college. He was in several relationships, the two most popular with Barbara Gordon (Batgirl/Oracle) and Starfire. I felt as if we grew up together. In the comics Nightwing has made many mistakes but watching how he overcame and moved forward taught me to do the same.

Losing Badly

“…But making your mark isn’t always about winning, sometimes it’s about losing…Losing Badly…And getting right back up again!” - Nightwing *

Richard John (Dick) Grayson is best known for being the “first” Robin, the Boy Wonder and his partnership with Batman. His family was part of the Haley Circus as the Flying Graysons. But his family was killed and Dick was adopted by Bruce Wayne, Batman. Eventually Dick needed to let go of being Robin and grow up. He took up the name Nightwing. As Robin or Nightwing Dick has been part of all the major Superhero Teams – Teen Titans, Titans, Justice League and The Outsiders. Dick left Gotham and made his home in Blüdhaven (Gotham’s sister city). Nightwing’s greatest failure was when the Secret Society of Super Villains drops the chemical and nuclear based monster, Chemo, on the city. Causing a horrible explosion that killed 100,068 people and the city was destroyed. Nightwing was safe elsewhere but his home and friends were lost. Even though this loss pained him greatly, Nightwing let it strengthen his resolve.

Sometimes we fail – for whatever reason we fail. We practice peace and tolerance but behind the wheel we scream at our fellow drivers. We are on a no carb diet and we eat a slice of pizza. The movie night promised to the kids gets pushed back because of work. We make mistakes. We hurt people. We are human. Forgive ourselves and move forward. Get up brush off and change. Make the appropriate apologies. Make the appropriate amends. Don’t let the mistake stop the growth. Just keep going. Yes some mistakes are large and hurtful and guilt filled but even those have appropriate apologies and amends to make. The number one thing to do is to forgive. Forgive ourselves first. Mistakes are just landmarks on our journey we can use them to help other people.

Nightwing
First Appearance: As Robin, Detective Comics #38, 1940 DC Comics

First Appearance: As Nightwing, Tales of the Teen Titans #44, July 1984

Creators: (Robin) Bob Kane (plot), Bill Finger (script), and Jerry Robinson (art).

Creators: (Nightwing) Marv Wolfman (story) and George Perez (art)

*”CHEMWOW!” DC Universe Online Headline, SOE, DCUO 2011, Voice Joey Hood

Kamandi, The Last Boy - Your Eyes

Kamandi was a popular character. I think, “Kamandi, The Last Boy” would be a fun movie. But, getting to today’s point, looking each other in the eye. I shake hands with my kindergartners through fourth graders before each class. Before we enter the class each one must shake my hand and make eye contact with me. I tell them often how people will trust you if make eye contact with people.

Your Eyes

“Your eyes are different from the other animals’. Warmer… more trusting.” - Kamandi*

In the multi-verse there is an Earth – Earth AD (After Disaster). This is a post apocalyptic earth.  As the name suggests there is a great disaster involving radiation. The cause of the radiation is unknown. Before the disaster a Dr. Grant releases the drug Cortexin into a nearby stream. This drug increases the mental capacity and function of animals. After the Great Disaster the animals drank from the stream and became bipedal and humanoid with opposable thumbs. Command D was the last surviving outpost of humans – this outpost was destroyed by warring humanoid animals. The sole survivor of Command D is a teenager Kamandi, “the Last Boy”. Kamandi seeks Earth AD for other humans and ways to return the humans of civilization.

Kamandi, the Last Boy is a dark story. In a world like this what would be a good way to judge someone’s character? That would have to be the “windows of the soul” – the eyes.  We are told from an early age to look people in the eye to make eye contact. How many times do parents and teachers say to children, “look at me”? In fact if someone does not make eye-contact with us we naturally do not trust them. Some artists start drawing portraits from the eyes out. Our eyes speak volumes. If we want people to know our true feelings make eye-contact with them no matter how difficult. The conversations will go a lot easier in the end. Try it today – make eye-contact with someone.

Kamandi, the Last Boy
First Appearance: Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth #1 (October 1972)   

Creators: Jack Kirby (writer & art)

*“Time and Time Again”, Crisis on Infinite Earths, #2 (1985) DC Comics

The Visitor - Your Mouth Lies

Speaking from the heart is very difficult. I try, and I fail. I think many of us have the same problem. We don’t want to hurt the ones we love, we don’t want to have a conflict, or we just don’t want to be vulnerable. Whenever I tell a friend exactly how I feel from the heart, they always respond with acceptance and we can go deeper in our relationship.

Your Mouth Lies

“NO! Your mouth lies…But your heart cannot!” - The Visitor*

Peter Stanchek or “Sting” to his friends is a Harbinger, a person with psionic abilities. Toyo Harada is the Omega Harbinger and the owner/founder of the Harbinger Foundation. Harada finds young Harbingers to gain control of the world. Upon finding Peter, Harada realizes Peter is also an Omega. Peter realizes Harada is actually out to control the world. Peter and his friends fight against Harada. Eventually Peter is captured and brainwashed becoming the Harbinger for Harada. Until one day The Visitor appears. The Visitor has the same abilities as the Harbingers but at an Omega level. Eventually it is revealed that the Visitor is actually Peter Stanchek from the future who has returned to the past to right the wrongs of the Harbinger.

Our mouths lie but our hearts cannot. Lying comes from the mouth, controlled by the brain but our hearts do not lie. We may not speak the words but we feel the lie inside. We have been conditioned to protect ourselves and our feelings. So we develop little ways to protect our feelings. The truth is it is better to be honest and speak from the heart. At times it is very difficult to speak from the heart, the truth can hurt. Your partner, lover, sister or dear friend will appreciate the honesty. It is better to step out of the box, which is our brain, and speak from the heart.

The Visitor
First Appearance, as Harbinger: Harbinger, #1, 1992, Valiant Comics

First Appearance, as the Visitor: The Visitor, #1, 1995, Valiant Comics

Last Appearance, as the Visitor: The Visitor, #13, 1995, Valiant Comics

Creators: Jim Shooter

* “Masks”, the visitor, #2, May 1995, Valiant Comics