Siryn - Moment of Clarity

I always like characters with the Sonic Scream. Black Canary, Banshee and Siryn are just a few of my favorites. It would be cool to scream and destroy stuff or push objects or people back. Many superheroes games have a sonic scream option – that is one of my first options to choose. I think I wanted people to be heard growing up, that’s why I moved toward those characters.

Moment of Clarity

“…but then in a moment of clarity I remembered that I have friends who love me, and who I know will stand by me.”     Siryn*

Children sometimes follow in the parent’s footsteps. Theresa Rourke Cassidy the daughter of Sean Cassidy, the sonic screaming mutant Banshee, developed the same powers of her father accept her sonic voice has the power of suggestion. Sean did not know he had a daughter and Theresa’s mother died so she was raised by her evil uncle Black Tom (Sean’s Brother). Through her young life Theresa developed alcoholism. It was not until she was rescued by her father that she realized who she was and sought help with other young mutants. She went to AA and cleaned her act up.

That exciting moment when we realize, “Things are not as dark as they seem” or “I have friends that help me” or “Oh my gosh, that is an excellent idea.” We all have moments of clarity. They are very important. They are like the “spiritual awakening” or “intuitive thought.” It is best to just go with them, trust them and follow them. They are honest thoughts leading toward our heart’s desire.

Siryn
First Appearance: Spider-Woman #37 (April 1981)

Creators: Chris Claremont (writer) and Steve Leialoha  (art)  

 * “Fallout” X-Force, #91, June 1999

Lilith Clay, Omen - Diversions

Lilith Clay, Omen, is one of my favorite Teen Titans. She started off as one of the weakest but as her story continued she became one of the strongest. Her telepathy and premonitions became an asset to the team. I’m glad she’s making a resurgence into the Titans.

Diversions

“And when you count the diversions that you have in a day and it's amazing anything ever gets done.” - Nick Cardy*

Lilith Clay developed strange mental powers when she was young. She could read people’s minds and she had premonitions that came true. Seeking answers she asked the Teen Titans for help and eventually joined their team. Eventually she would grow stronger gaining telepathy and teleportation. She would find diversions in Don Hall (aka Dove) and a winged alien, Azreal. Eventually she would take the codename, Omen because of her precognition powers.  

We all love to have diversions – we call it procrastination. We find things that divert our thinking or duties. We are often diverted by bathroom breaks, phone calls and daydreams about the cute person next door. Sometimes diversions relieve our mind of intense and series thoughts or stressful planning. The trick is to pull ourselves back to the job at hand when the pressure is released. Today accept diversions as part of the day but don’t let them prevent us from completing our duties.

Lilith Clay (Omen)

First Appearance: Teen Titans, #25 (January/February 1970), DC Comics

Last Appearance: Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day, #1-3 (July-August 2003), DC Comics

Creators: Robert Kanigher (writer) Nick Cardy (art)

“The Silver Age Sage”, Bryan D Stroud, http://www.wtv-zone.com/silverager/interviews/cardy1.shtml

Maverick - Contradictions

I liked the mutant, Maverick. To take the kinetic energy from being punched and to absorb that energy only to redirect it back at the assailant is kind of cool. Maverick was part of the Legacy Virus story line that ran through the X Men comics. Maverick had the Legacy Virus and tried to keep it a secret. In the 90’s that was a serious topic. 

Contradictions

“Guess I’m just one big bundle of contradictions. Sounds crazy?” - Maverick                    

“Not at all, Bub. Welcome to the Human Race” - Wolverine *                         

David North, otherwise known as Christophe Nord, Maverick, and more recent Agent Zero, is a depowered Mutant that is a secret agent. He lost his abilities due to the Scarlet Witch’s M-Day event in which she changed the world. When David North had a healing factor like Wolverine’s, he could survive impacts and hits. Absorbing kinetic energy and releasing the stored energy into a blast. North, aka Maverick worked for different secret agent groups Cell Six (Cold War Germany), Weapon X (CIA), Team-X (Mercenaries) and on his own as a freelance agent. Maverick walks that thin line that many secret agents walk between right and wrong often contradicting what we think.

Contradictions – thought of as inconsistencies or direct oppositions between things. We contradict ourselves all the time. We will say “I don’t steal!” and then come home with a box of pens from work. Our thoughts often contradict our actions. It is a lot of work to gain a balance between our actions and beliefs. It is possible. It takes a daily spiritual practice. Use the contradiction to move forward. Another description of Contradiction is a Paradox. “A journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.” Use the paradox to be a benchmark in thoughts. Whatever it means to you then that will be your meaning. We are truly seeking Virtue, Balance and/or Integrity. These are reached when our actions and beliefs are the same.

Maverick
First Appearance:   X-Men, vol. 2 #5, Marvel Comics, February 1992

Creators: Jim Lee 

* “Truth & Consequences” Maverick, #2, October 1997

Tsunami - No More Tsunami

Comics try to tie story lines into real life historical events. Sometimes the stories are powerful and meaningful. I remember reading the story of Tsunami and thinking, “Wow! I wonder if I would have that bravery.”

No More Tsunami

“…You can stop calling me Tsunami. If Tsunami cannot gain Justice for her people—Her Family—Let there be no more Tsunami, let there be only Miya Shimada…” - Tsunami*

Japanese-American Miya Shimada grew up with her family in America during WWII. When Americans started showing prejudice and mistreatment of the Japanese during the War she left the United States to study abroad. She found herself in Japan. As a philosophy student, the Eastern Philosophies interested her most, because of her heritage. Using the ideas of connecting to the spiritual through nature and keeping honor as a high esteem she tried to help the Japanese. Working for the Japanese Imperial Government, she gained the name Tsunami, because of her ability to control water, and to live underwater. Miya realized that the best way to honor and help was to help all people. She became a member of the Young All-Stars. Miya Shimada became a spokesperson for the Japanese-Americans as well. Eventually Miya Shimada, with the All-Stars, go looking for her lost family. The All-Stars find Miya’s family at an American Concentration Camp. Realizing the true treatment of the American-Japanese she strips all her clothes off and joins her family in the camp relinquishing her name title and safety.

Sometimes to move forward we need to stop. To get a message across we need to stop talking. Sometimes we need to strip away all masks and clothing. Sometimes sitting stripped of all facades is important to a relationship or situation. It takes courage to show Justice by doing what is right. Sometimes it is better to refuse to participate and walk away from a situation. Here is the difficult part, knowing when the best time to do that. Knowing oneself is the key. Treating the world equally as the self.

Tsunami (Miya Shimada)
First Appearance: The All-Squadron, #33 (May 1984), DC Comics

Creators: Roy Thomas (writer) Rick Hoberg (art)

* “California Here We Come…” The Young All-Stars, #4, September 1987

Vision - Man of Synthetics

I truly wish sometimes I was a “synthezoid”. Never to worry about things to be emotionless. But then I would not have the relationships I have. The only reason why the Vision tried to find human connection was because he wanted to be human not a synthezoid. This is a case of the grass is greener on the other side.

Man of Synthetics

“I can counter all of your organic powers, because I am a man of synthetics!” - 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 eventually create an android or “synthezoid” based on the brain functions of deceased 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.

It would be great if we were synthetic! There would be no illness, we would stay young and beautiful and no troublesome emotions or feelings to get hurt. Math would be so easy! Our bodies would be unaffected by the weather or change of seasons. Oh but wait, we would not be able to enjoy the sunrise or the beginnings of spring. We would not feel the touch of a hand or hug from a love one. We would not know love. There would be no reason to seek out companionship. The range of emotions is a good thing to feel. Being human means there is always hope. Humans always have Hope in their thoughts. We would lose that if we were synthetic. The positive side of humanity outweighs the negative. Being human is much better than being synthetic. Well, maybe it is a good thing we have calculators for all those pesky math problems.

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

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

* “Let All Men Bring Together”, Giant-Size Avengers, #4, May 1975, Marvel Comics

Chemical King - Control Reactions

I grew up reading the Legion of Superheroes as a kid. They were my best friends. Chemical King is one of my favorite. His simple power did great things. I loved how his teammates respected him and loved him, but he could never see how great he was. He always questioned his ability. I really connected to him.

Control Reactions

"Chemical King get away from there! You’re absorbing too much radiation! You’re Killing Yourself!” - Colossal Boy

“Not if I can control that reaction…” - Chemical King*

Condo Arlik from the planet Phlon is a mutant with the ability to control the speed of chemical reactions. He can also absorb and change the chemical reactions. Condo Arlik joins the 30th Century group of teenagers, the Legion of Superheroes, and sets out to protect the universe as Chemical King. Chemical King considered himself the least of the Legionnaires. When a tyrant, Deregon, was attempting to take over control of Earth and was setting off a chemical reaction that would destroy half the planet, Chemical King stepped up and saved the world.

We cannot control other people, places and/or chemical reactions but there are things in our control. We can control our reactions. We can control our actions. We can even control our thoughts.  We do not have to give up and let others control our reactions. We do not need to carry another person’s baggage. With practice we will know what is right and wrong. We will know when to act and when to stay calm. With this practice we will know instinctively when to act – who knows we may even save the day.

Chemical King
First Appearance: Mentioned in Story, Adventure Comics #354 (April, 1967)

Second Appearance: Full appearance, Adventure Comics #371 (August, 1968)

Last Appearance: Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #228 (June 1977)

Creators: Jim Shooter (writer) & Curt Swan (artist)

 *“That a World Might Live a Legionnaire Must Die!” Superboy & the Legion of Superheroes, #229, DC Comics (July 1977)

The Heckler - Going Places

I never really read the Heckler as a kid. There were a lot of characters like him – Madcap, Creeper, Riddler, Obnoxio. Not to mention that all these characters are derived from the Joker. With that said he did have a fun costume.

Going Places

“He is going to go places. He is going to be a star.” - Keith Giffen

Stuart “Stu” Moseley owns a little diner “EATS” in the slums of Delta City. Seeking to protect the people of his neighborhood, Moseley dons a brightly colored outfit. Using a moniker, the Heckler, he outwits and annoys his adversaries with sarcastic and imbecile jokes. The villains become so angry or annoyed they begin to make mistakes and the Heckler wins the fight.  However the Heckler often finds himself trapped or hurt in the aftermath only to quickly recover and move on to the next battle. Out of costume Moseley is closed and very serious but as the Heckler nothing is serious.

Remember that children’s book by Dr. Seuss, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” It offers a great lesson here along with Mr. Giffen’s quote. We never fully know what will happen or how the end will come – it really doesn’t matter unless we take the first step. Will we all be “superstars”? Probably not in terms of pop culture but in the lives of our friends and families, yes we will. Is it possible to feel like a star inside our hearts? The answer is ABSOLUTELY! We have dreams we have ideas follow them, chase them and catch them only to dream and catch some more. Dr. Seuss says it plainly and clearly, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”

The Heckler
First Appearance: The Heckler, #1 (Sept. 1992), DC Comics

Creators: Keith Giffen, Tom & Mary Bierbaum and Malcolm Jones III

Barbarella - Never Too Late

I loved Barbarella. There I said it. It’s out in the Internets. But I am not alone. It was the costumes, the story but it was also Barbarella’s naivety. I also loved how everyone was accepted no matter what. I look forward to the future when all people are accepted – no matter what.

Never Too Late

“It's never too late - never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.” - Jane Fonda     

In the future, people will seek peace and love. There will be no need for clothing or worries to wear. This is the mission of Barbarella. The scantily dressed space heroine seeks fun and sexual exploits through the universe. All in the name of peace. On her adventures she met robots, hunters, gelatinous monsters and angels. For Barbarella it was all fun and exciting. But through her excitement and adventures she never lost her happiness.

We are just common folk never to journey the cosmos like Barbarella, but we can live our lives happy.  President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” How true is this? We go through our day with the drudgery of many goals and accomplishments to make.  We weigh ourselves down with the burdens of everyday life.  We do have great power, it is called, Positive Thinking.  If we think we are having a “bad day” then guess what – it’s a bad day! Judith Viorst wrote, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” in which a little boy (Alexander) had a really bad day only because he woke up on the “wrong side of the bed.” Eventually Alexander’s mood changed, simply because he looked at things differently. Its all how we perceive the day that is important.  It is all in the mood. It is never too late to change our mood. We can always start the day over, we can leave the tense situation, and we can try to look at things differently. Yes there are horrible events that make us cry it is during those events that we hold on to the happiness we have. We grasp the happiness like its golden. To us we find, like Holbrook Jackson quoted, “Happiness is a form of courage.” We use our happiness to get through difficult situations and events.  It is never too late to traverse the cosmos excited and happy.

Barbarella  

First Appearance: V-Magazine, 1962

Creators: Jean-Claude Forest

Arion - Bridges

I have burnt a few bridges in my life – some of them I regret doing and I have attempted to rebuild some bridges. I have also built a few bridges. I try to l keep my bridges well structured especially my spiritual bridges.

Bridge

“The day Arion can’t form a simple bridge of ice…” - Arion*

Before Atlantis sank to bottom of the seas it was land locked. The Atlanteans were powerful magicians. The immortal Atlantean sorcerer Ari’ahn is a follower and student of the Lords of Order. His twin brother Garn Daanuth is a follower and student of Chaos. Ari’ahn soon gains the title of “Arion” and becomes a Lord of Order. Along with his friends Wyynde and Lady Chian (his lover) Arion battles the Lords of Chaos among them is his brother Garn Daanuth. Arion also seeks ancient artifacts that can help in his battles bridging the gaps between Order and Chaos.

Building Bridges – we have heard that before. This is another way of saying making connections. Connect with people places and things.  The lyrics from the great Simon and Garfunkel song (made immortal by Aretha Franklin), “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a perfect idea here today. “…If you need a friend, I'm sailing right behind, like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind, like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind” Bridges between people helps us move further in our dreams. Building bridges to places helps us grow roots and gives us safe havens to return when times are rough. Building bridges to things (not material things but ideas such as love) gives us ideas to work toward. A bridge is part of our journey – today find a way to build a bridge.

Arion

First Appearance: Warlord, vol. 1 #55, DC Comics (March, 1982)  

Creators: Paul Kupperberg (writer) and Jan Duursema (artist)  

*“The Summoning”, Crisis On Infinite Earths, #1 (1985) DC Comics

Big Barda - Bring Hope

Big Barda is a favorite of mine. Her relationship with Scott Free was always fun for me. The advice she gives Wonder Woman, in this quote is inspiring. It reminds me to share hope with people I meet.

Bringing Hope

“Seriously Diana, when someone brings hope to another person it’s a gift.” - Big Barda*

Big Barda grew up hearing daily “Die for Darksied!” She was abducted at an early age and raised by the evil, Granny Goodness, in Darksied’s orphanage. Big Barda and all the others on the two planets, Apokolips  and New Genesis are the New Gods. Barda met and fell in love with Darksied’s adopted son Scott Free. She and Himon, from New Genesis, freed Scott Free. In return Big Barda was freed from Darksied’s and Granny Goodness’ influence.

“Hope” is a gift. “Hope” is a grace. Sometimes we have to work at finding Hope. Normally Hope comes from the unlikely places. Looking on the ground and finding an Ace from a fallen deck of cards or a star cut out of yellow paper or even a penny found on the ground. But also hope can come from a simple spoken word from a total stranger or a person that causes an issue in our lives. Hope is determination, hope is trust, and hope is belief that everything will work out just fine. The hope is there just buried under old junk. It can be found again, we just need to nurture ourselves. One and the best way to find hope again is to talk, share, and communicate with a friend or love one. Tell somebody you feel hopeless, your friend will then tell you just how hopeful you really are. If we decide to look for Hope we will find Hope. Hope will arrive and feel as a precious gift.

Big Barda
First Appearance: Mister Miracle vol. 1 #4, October 1971

Last Appearance: Death of the New Gods #1, 2008

Creator: Jack Kirby  

 * “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse” DVD September 28, 2010 (actress Julianne Grossman) 

Hank Pym - Changes

If there is one thing I have learned through all my changes – changes are inevitable, there is nothing I can do to prevent change. Changes follow a cycle. The best thing to do is go with the flow and be the best you can be at any given moment.

Changes

“It’s shrinking me so fast, I can see myself change!” - Henry (Hank) Pym*

Some superhero powers involve changing. For all of us, change is an everyday occurrence. Some superheroes change their names and powers as often as they change costumes. For example Dr. Henry (Hank) Pym, a talented and brilliant scientist, devised a serum that will allow objects to change in size. He tried it on himself and Ant-Man was created. But eventually he became Giant Man, Yellow Jacket, and Goliath. With each change in power (growing or shrinking) there was a change in costume and manner. To Henry Pym life is full of drastic changes.

Change is inevitable. There is no way to fight change. Life is a series of cycles, like the moon. The moon changes in size and appearance every night. So do humans beings. Everyday is a new day. How can we learn to accept change? Doing nice things for ourselves will help us accept change naturally. It will help the attitude toward the change. Although not every change is pleasant at the end of the change you will be a new and totally different person with new wisdom to share. Let change happen naturally.

Hank Pym -- Ant-Man, Giant Man, Yellow Jacket and Goliath
First Appearance: As Henry Pym, “The Man in the Ant Hill” Tales to astonish #27, Jan. 1963

Second Appearance: As Ant Man, Tales to astonish #35, Sept. 1963

As Giant Man, Tales to Astonish #49, 1964

As Goliath, Avengers #28, May 1966

As Yellow Jacket, avengers #59 Dec. 1969

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

 * “The Man in the Ant Hill” Tales to astonish #27, Jan. 1963

Jay Garrick (the first Flash) - A Definite No-No!

Today’s entry is a tough one. I recently heard that an acquaintance committed suicide. I hadn’t seen this person in a while and we were not all that close. His death just got me thinking what I could have done. I realized I’m in a good place with my very close friends. I have no problem asking the important and difficult questions.

A Definite No-No!

“Sorry young fella – Suicide is a definite No –No!” - Flash (Jay Garrick)*                              

The year 1940 and college student, Jason (Jay) Peter Garrick, falls asleep while working on an experiment on “Hard Water” also called “Heavy Water”. The vapor from the experiment changed the student. Upon awakening Jay finds he can run at speeds near the speed of light. Creating a red and blue costume including a silver helmet resembling Mercury’s (the messenger of the Gods), Jay becomes the superhero the Flash – the first Flash. Jay Garrick’s one true love is Joan Garrick his college sweetheart. Jay is one of the “Golden Age” heroes and a founding member of the first superhero group, the Justice Society of America, precursor to the Justice League. He and Joan have sought to help all people and have often opened their home to young heroes. He has often taken a fatherly role with the new heroes training them to become better heroes.

We should watch out for the signs of depression that may lead to suicide. People try to commit suicide because they are depressed for whatever reason – bullying, loneliness, abrupt change or change in health …etc. What we should do is watch for the signs -- talking about wanting to die; looking for a way to kill oneself; preoccupation with weapons, talking about feeling hopeless or having little to live for; talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain; talking about being a burden to others; increasing the use of alcohol or drugs; acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly; sleeping too little or too much; withdrawn or feeling isolated; showing rage or talking about seeking revenge and/or displaying extreme mood swings (from SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education**). We have talked about connecting with people, helping people and making friends often. This is a reason why we do this. If we suspect a friend is depressed or suicidal we talk to them, we talk to other friends, we call therapists and we go online and search for places to help. WE SEEK HELP! *** Coffee with a friend on a regular basis helps prevent suicide.

Flash (Jay Garrick)
First Appearance: Flash Comics #1 (January 1940)

Creators: Gardner Fox (writer) Harry Lampert (art)

*“3 Earths 3 Deaths”, Crisis on Infinite Earths, #6 (1985) DC Comics

** http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home

*** Places to seek help are:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home

The Trevor Project, http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, http://www.afsp.org/

Captain Thunder - Eyes Open

Finding the path can be difficult. The trick is keeping the eyes open. Keeping your eye on the mark. I have a goal – destination in sight. I have worked toward that goal. I am getting closer. It is work. I always wanted to go to Madrid. When the opportunity came I focused on the trip. I made the plan, I raised my money, I bought the ticket and I flew to Spain. The point is, I had a plan and I focused on that plan and I did the work needed to reach that goal. “If you pray for potatoes grab a hoe.” You will have to dig up your potatoes.

Eyes Open

“…You just have to keep your eyes open, that’s all. Just look where you want to be and the power will take you there.” - Captain Thunder*

Mike Freemont, Captain Thunder, a popular hero. He even received the Medal of Freedom. But how did he receive his power? Working in the mines on Mount Walakima there was a cave-in. Many lives were lost except Mike Freemont’s. The spirit of the mountain gave Mike power to survive and become the superhero Captain Thunder. To protect his family he abandoned them and moved to the top of Mount Walakima. Years later, his son Paul Freemont came looking for Mike. In a climbing accident Walakima gave Paul Freemont power as well. Mike and Paul became the father and son superhero team, Captain Thunder and Blue Bolt.

Do we trust that we will reach out destinations? How do we build that trust? We build the trust in practice. We want to go on a vacation to Madrid, so then we must plan and watch our journey unfold. Do the things that are part of the journey -- that’s the keeping the eyes open. Even if we want to be an actor on the stage we set our destination and start working toward the goal. We never close our eyes along the way. We do the work to get there. We trust that one day we will reach our destination. We will all reach our destinations. First, we have to pick the destination and then we plan, practice and move along that path. Eventually we will reach our destination.

Captain Thunder (Mike Freemont)
First Appearance: Captain Thunder & Blue Bolt”, #1 (September 1987), Hero Comics

Creators: Roy & Dann Thomas, Dell Barras

* “Back to the Beginning”, Captain Thunder & Blue Bolt”, #1 (September 1987), Hero Comics

Sun Boy - Nova Power Level

We all have goals to reach. Sometimes the goal is making it to Saturday. We made it! Reaching a goal is being steadfast, finding comfort, and finding joy. These will help us reach our goals. Now is the time to rejoice!

Nova Power Level

"Gotta try harder…reach Nova Power Level!” - Sun Boy*

Dirk Morgna’s father owns a nuclear plant and Dirk helps at the plant. Dirk delivers some supplies to Dr. Regulus, a scientist at the plant, when there is an explosion. Dr. Regulus loses his job and he in turn blames Dirk. Dr. Regulus kidnaps Dirk and throws him into a nuclear reactor. For some reason Dirk’s body absorbs all the energy from the reactor and obtains the ability to generate light and heat. Dirk applies for the 30th Century, Legion of Superheroes, and is denied because he can only generate light. Through practice and determination Dirk shows the Legion he can also generate heat and is accepted as Sun Boy.

The point here is that we try to reach different levels. How wonderful does it feel when we reach a goal – another 10 push-ups, a promotion at work, a finished degree, and acceptance into a conference? We worked hard, and our efforts show. We set our own limits. We set the level of goals to accomplish. We have to remember that sometimes it is little steps to reach a goal. The journey of 1000 miles starts with one step. Sometimes we may have to take the test 3 or 4 times. Sometimes we may have to send the same paperwork to different companies. Sometimes we may have to settle for only 5 push-ups. Just set the goal and start working toward the result. With a little effort one day we all may reach “Nova Power Level”

Sun Boy
First Appearances: Action Comics, #276 (May 1961)

Creators: JErry Siegal (writer) & Jim Mooney (art)

*Superboy & the Legion of Superheroes, We Can’t Escape the Trap in Time”, #223 (Jan. 1977)

Drax, The Destroyer - Rejoice

No matter what is going on in my life it seems I can always find the time to be joyful. Even on the saddest day of my life, the day my mother died, I was surrounded by friends and one said something (I can’t remember what it was) funny and I laughed so hard. For a moment I had joy for my friends in my heart. If not for my friends I would not have made it through alone. I try to find time each day to be joyful for what I have.

Rejoice

“Restrain your celebrations, Thanos. It is for this world to Rejoice…” - Drax, the Destroyer*

While traveling through the Arizona desert Arthur Douglas and his family is attacked by Thanos, a conquering alien that has come to Earth. Arthur and his daughter Heather survive. Heather is raised by Thanos’ Father Mentor on Titan and eventually becomes Moondragon. Arthur Douglas’ spirit is retrieved by Kronos the Titan god and given a new body to become Drax the Destroyer. Drax is charged with finding and destroying Thanos. Drax the Destroyer seeks to bring an end to the universal conqueror Thanos allowing the entire galaxy to Rejoice.

There is a time to rejoice and a time to be restrained. We as humans love to rejoice and celebrate. At times even a funeral can become a celebration of someone’s life. When we rejoice we express the joy we have in our hearts. Is it possible to express joy in every situation? Someone would say “no.” Just sit back and think – today is a good day. There has got to be something out there, even if it is as simple as the scent of Honeysuckles in the air. The smell for a moment will make the heart dance. Look for joy and the heart will rejoice. Ask any fourth Grader how they feel on the last day of school – They will show their joy and they will rejoice.

Drax, the Destroyer
First Appearance: Iron Man, #55 (February 1973), Marvel Comics

Creators: Mike Friedrich, Jim Stalin 

* “The Final Flower”, Logan’s Run, #6, 1977, Marvel Comics

Jolt - Pinch Me!

I have dreams some may be attainable others may not, but I have the dreams anyway. I do believe that dreams are important to life. Reaching goals can be hard work but if we keep a positive attitude they can be attainable. Dreaming of the goal to reach can offer a plan to reach and attain that goal.

Pinch Me!

“Somebody Pinch me – I must be dreaming!" - Jolt*

Hallie Takahama read and watched everything she could about Superheroes. She is a virtual library of superhero information. She can tell you practically everything about heroes and villains. She dreamed of becoming a hero. When the villain Onslaught and the Sentinels destroyed her city and killed her parents, Hallie could only seek help from the heroes’ inspiration. She found other children and she became their protector. She and the kids were kidnapped and experimented on – the other children died but Hallie developed strength, speed, agility and kinetic and bioelectric shocks. She took the name “Jolt”. Hallie broke away and found the Thunderbolts. Unknown to her they were the Masters of Evil, but with her effervescent personally and determination she convinced many of the Thunderbolts to become heroes and cease their lives of villainy. Her dreams of super heroism came true.

How does it feel when our dreams come true? Things just seem to be running smoothly. Even spilt milk is not a big deal. We work very hard to make those dreams happen. There is an old southern colloquialism, “If you pray for potatoes grab a hoe.” Meaning you will have to go out and dig up the potatoes, you’ll have to do the work. Another aspect of making dreams come true is a positive attitude. A positive attitude will bring positive results. Keep a positive attitude and of course your dreams will come true. And finally, many spiritual thinkers suggest that a clear and precise detailed dream is a must. Dream in detail, for example, “I am looking for an apartment close to the subway, shopping for groceries, dinning, theater and my job. The apartment building needs to be pre-world war with character. It needs to be in a safe neighborhood. The apartment needs to be within my budget. Oh, and it needs a view of the Washington Monument.” There with a clear detailed dream and a positive attitude all that is needed is the foot work.

Jolt  
First Appearance: (as Hallie Takahama) Thunderbolts #1 (April 1997)

First Appearance: (as Jolt) Thunderbolts #4 (August 1997)

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

*Thunderbolts, #21 December 1998

Luke Cage - Steadfast

Steadfast is one of my spiritual pillars. My other pillars are Hope, Peace and Joy. I have learned about being steadfast directly from the superheroes. Through my turbulent childhood, I had to be steadfast against the bullies and naysayers. Being steadfast brought me to my ideas of hope, peace and joy.

Steadfast

“Sweet Christmas! Feel like I done fifteen rounds with Robocop! Gotta get up…”- Luke Cage, Power Man *

Superheroes live difficult lives but one thing to remember they do not give up. The “Hero for Hire,” Luke Cage – Power Man never gives up. When he was younger Luke was wrongly accused of a crime and was sent to prison. He volunteered for a government medical experiment to reduce his prison time. This experiment made his skin as strong as iron, and gave him super strength. He was eventually released from prison and brought the real criminals to justice. Luke as Power Man, decided to protect his neighborhood, helping the kids get off the street as a “hero for hire” (sometimes helping for just a piece of apple pie). He was a true inspiration. Luke Cage still is an inspiration. No matter what he never gives up. If he gets knocked down, he gets right back up! Luke is always ready to help.

It would be wonderful to have skin of iron and super strength, but we are only humans living in reality. But we can use the inspiration from superheroes to continue on our journey. Part of the reason superheroes don’t give up is because they want to see how things will end. Superheroes are steadfast on their journey. They do not give up. If we used the same determination and was just as steadfast on our separate journeys we too would become inspirations. Be steadfast, never give up, persevere to the end and we will find we do have power and strength beyond belief. 

Hero for Hire, Luke Cage -- Power Man
First Appearance: Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1, June 1972, Marvel Comics

Creators: Roy Thomas, John Romita Jr., Archie Goodwin, and George Tuska 

 * “Blowup!” Heroes for Hire #2, Aug. 1997

Dennis Sullivan - Somebody's Hero

Sometimes just being present and doing what’s right is enough to be a superhero. In the film “Somebody’s Hero” it was just that. Dennis Sullivan just trying to do what’s right and be a better person. You never know when a kind word and simple generous action (opening a door for the little old lady in your building) will be exactly what someone needs to brighten their day.

Somebody’s Hero

“Sometimes kindness is hard to find isn’t it? Helping others, doing the right thing takes real effort…everybody can be somebody’s hero.” - Dennis Sullivan*

Some heroes are just guys in a suit that try to do the “right thing”.  Dennis Sullivan is a normal everyday accountant, trying to be healthy and just do his job. Through a series of events Dennis is at a costume shop trying on a “Man America” (a popular cartoon superhero) costume when an attempted robbery takes place. In the costume Dennis prevents the robbery. One of the bystanders talked Dennis into continuing to wear the suit and try to bring hope to the city. Even after all this backfires and is called a fraud by the city. Dennis still found it in his heart to save a child from drowning. Keeping his words and actions true and proving to the city he is not a fraud, just a well-mannered guy in a suit trying to do what’s right.

No truer words could be spoken, “Helping others, doing the right thing takes real effort…everybody can be somebody’s hero.” But still they are hard, especially when we get in our own way. It takes an internal action to decide what is right and to always be kind. To be kind we are asked to step outside of our little boxes. Once you start it is easy. Politeness is one form of kindness that will go a far way in society. Remembering to say thank you, to look behind and hold the door for the next person or even to just respond when someone says “hello.” Picture this, a little lady has many packages and is struggling to enter her apartment building. So ask “excuse me do you need help?" It is up to her to say yes or no but for that split second she will see you as a hero.

Dennis Sullivan
First Appearance: "Somebody's Hero" film by Darin Backstead (writer & director), American World Pictures & Backlit Pictures (2011)

* Dennis Sullivan played by Christopher Gorham