Power Pack - Ideal

What do I get from reading comic books? I am given of a story with good art. I find interesting characters that I can make connections with regularly. In the stories I find hope, acceptance, freedom and creativity. These connections nurture in ways I wish to live. I seek hope. I try to accept all I people I meet and show them the same considerations I expect. I seek freedom to be myself. I seek to be creative and show my creativity openly. These are good ideals to live by daily.

Ideal

“I think people need an ideal to look at and try to become…” - Louise Simonson*

Sometimes superheroes are not adults – sometimes they are children. For whatever reason these children gain superpowers and decide to become the ideals they see in other heroes. For example “the Power Pack”. A group of four brothers and sisters (Alex Power, Julie Power, Jack Power, Katie Power) that were given powers by Aelfyre "Whitey" Whitemane, a member of the Kymellian race, to save their kidnapped parents. The children after the adventure decided to keep their powers a secret from their parents and the world. They saw friends in school with issues – drugs, crime and guns. They admired the superheroes so they tried to live up to those standards and teach their friends the same lessons.

What is an ideal? It is an embodiment of a standard or concept or model. It is the ultimate object or aim of noble character (paraphrase from Webster dictionary). We all have a set of ideals. These may be part of the religions we practice or a set of lessons we have learned. If we think about it our ideals tend to be the same no matter where they come from. The comic book writer Louise Simonson’s quote, “I think people need an ideal to look at and try to become…” she continues “and I think for me Superman is that kind of ideal.” What are the lessons? What are the ideals we are trying to learn? What do we learn from superheroes? Think about those questions and think about some answers – Freedom, Truth, Justice, Acceptance, and Hope…etc. those are the ideals we seek.

Power Pack
First Appearance: Power Pack #1 May 1984, Marvel Comics 

Creators: Louise Simonson (writer) & June Brigman (Art)

 * “Secret Origins: The Story of DC Comics”, DVD Release November 9, 2010

Captain America - Breathing Space

I love summertime! I recognize that I am lucky as a teacher. I appreciate this time so much. Summertime is my breathing space. During this time, I can paint, I can write, and I can go on long bike rides. It is my time to get centered and balanced. I use this time to get myself together.

Breathing Space

“All I need…is a few seconds of breathing space…time … to pull myself together.” - Captain America*

Steve Rogers is Captain America an American Icon. Steve was a frail and sickly man trying to enter the army but kept getting the 4F.  He was given the opportunity to join the army through science to take part in experiments to create a “super soldier”. The experiments worked, and Steve became Captain America. He was given an indestructible shield that can also be used as a weapon. Captain America is the cornerstone of the American people and/or the hokey Boy Scout with the idealistic optimism of the 1940’s America. No matter what, no matter how idealistic or hokey one thing is always certain – Captain America will be there to help. He will always do what’s right and help whoever is in need; fighting the good fight for all people.

Sometimes we get frustrated, angry or just tired. Sometimes things are so busy we cannot think clearly. Sometimes we need that “Breathing Space”. We need to take a step back and think. Stepping back will allow us to try and see the big picture. Teachers often use the “Time Out” for students. This is an opportunity to give children a choice or to leave a potentially frustrating situation. Time Out gives students the “Breathing Space” to calm down or think for a moment to change their actions or even to cry. We could use that “Breathing Space” to think, pray or rest before a potentially frustrating situation occurs. Today give yourself breathing space.

Captain America
First Appearance: Timely’s Captain America #1, March 1941

Creators: Joe Simon (writer), Jack Kirby (art)

*“Cap Goes Wild Captain America #106 October 1968, Marvel Comics Group

Rogue - Can't Get Close

I’m a hugger. I love to give hugs and get hugs. It’s that touch that’s so important to me. I could see a friend for coffee in the morning and give them a hug but later that night when I show up at their house for dinner…what am I going to do? Give them another hug.

Can’t Get Close

“…You can’t get close to some men…” - Rogue*

Anna Marie grew up in Mississippi and was a happy kid. She was however a rebellious teenager and developed a relationship with Cody her first love. At the moment of their first kiss Anna Marie’s mutant ability developed and Cody’s life force was absorbed, leaving him in a coma. Anna Marie kept a part of his personality in her head. Realizing anyone she touches is danger Anna Marie runs away from home. She concealed herself in clothing so not to accidently touch someone. When Anna Marie touches a super powered individual she has their powers for a brief time but keeps part of their personality. Soon Anna Marie met Raven Darkhölme, the villain Mystique, and was conned into joining the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. The more Rogue uses her powers the more fragmented her own personality becomes because of all the other personality parts she absorbs. Needing help Anna Marie seeks Charles Xavier teacher and founder of the X-Men.  Eventually Anna Marie takes the name Rogue, learns ways to clear her mind and joins the X-Men becoming a force of good. However Anna Marie is still unable to make human touch.

How terrible it would be to live without human touch – the human connection? We all need handshakes, pats on the back or even hugs.  A big part of why manicures, pedicures and massages are so popular is the human connection. It is invigorating and soothing. We all need to be touched no matter how uncomfortable it may be. We should learn what is the proper touching and improper touching. What is safe and unsafe? What is comfortable or uncomfortable? We should learn the good manners toward human touch. Some people are huggers and some are not. There is nothing wrong with asking a friend for a hug, sending out your hand for a handshake or even extending your hand to a friend to be held. When the human connection is made it is not just physical but spiritual and emotional. Watch people at the end of church services or AA meetings – everyone is shaking hands or hugging. It is an important part of the service.  It is beautiful to watch.

Rogue
First Appearance: Avengers Annual, #10 (November 1981)

Creators: Chris Claremont, Al Milgrom, and Michael Golden

* “Night of the Sentinels”, The XMen, Season 1 Episode 4, 1992, Avi Arad (producer), Fox Network, Lenore Zann Actress

Jack Flag - Differences

I am not happy with leaders of my country right now. I am not qualified to make suggestions, but I do have a vote and I will cast that vote for the people that I connect with physically, emotionally and dare I say spiritually. I will cast my vote for the people that accept differences and can see the similarities we all have. 

Differences

“The stars on that flag mean that everyone in this country stands together and no one is driven out for their differences.” - Jack Flag*

The greatest of heroes can inspire others to do the same. Jack Harrison was inspired by Captain America. The villainous group “The Serpent Society” had come to Jack’s home town, Sandhaven, Arizona. Jack and his brother Drake fought them leaving Drake crippled. Jack began working out and training in martial arts, and other fighting skills – becoming highly trained and well developed. Using his inspiration, Captain America, and the colors Red, White and Blue, Jack took the moniker, Jack Flag. Jack was able to take on the Serpent Society. Captain America was impressed and took Jack Flag on as a protégé. One thing Jack learned from Captain America was to protect ALL people.

This is a great country. The American flag is highly symbolic. Jack’s quote, “The stars on that flag mean that everyone in this country stands together and no one is driven out for their differences,” brings a new meaning.  We are reminded that The United States of America is a “melting pot”. A country based on differences. So why do we fight among each other? Each one of us is different so why fight. We all exist. We all want to be together unified and strong – so why fight? Read the following list, Jewish-American, African-American, Japanese-American, Gay-American, White-American, German-American, French-American, Spanish-American. What do all these have in common? They are American! “The stars on that flag mean that everyone in this country stands together and no one is driven out for their differences.”

Jack Flag
First Appearance: Captain America (1st series) #434 (December 1994),
Creator: Mark Grunewald (writer) and Dave Hoover (art)

* Jack Flag, Thunderbolts, #110 March, 2007

Quicksilver - Exhaustion

Quicksilver, Pietro Maximoff, is one of my favorites. I connected with him on so many levels. All people ever want is to be is accepted and loved. Some of us will do anything to receive that love and acceptance. For me, it has been a difficult journey to learn that love and acceptance needs to come from within myself. Seeking balance (physical, spiritual and emotional) is a good way to get the wheels in motion.

Exhaustion

“So I run screaming for hundreds of miles. Thinking, if I cannot kill this angry beast in me maybe I can exhaust it before it does any harm.” - Quicksilver*                            

Poor Quicksilver, Pietro Maximoff, the son of evil mutant leader Erik Lehnsherr, Magneta, never received his father’s love. His twin sister Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, during the M-Day event ridded the world of all but a few mutants, including Pietro. He married his wife Crystal of the Inhumans that did not love him. His daughter Luna disowned because of his lies. All Pietro ever wanted was to be loved and cared for – to be accepted. He would do anything to receive that love. Quicksilver has the mutant ability to run at superhuman speeds. The unfortunate thing is he thinks he can run from his problems. He thinks if he runs fast enough nothing can catch him. What he finds is that when he stops running there he is – he cannot run from himself.

There is something to be said about running and or exercising until you are exhausted. It does have that ability to stop the chatter that goes on in our heads. But when those little endorphins stop popping we find the chatter starts right back up sometimes louder. Let the running relieve the physical stress, talk to friends to relieve emotional stress and practice a spiritual life to relieve the spiritual stress. Today we seek Balance – Physical, Spiritual and Emotional Balance.

Quicksilver
First Appearance: The X-Men #4 (March 1964)

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

* “Quicksilver” #1, November 1997

Firebrand - Little Sense

One of my favorite quotes is from Kobi Yamada, “Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down.” I use this often. When I don’t understand something, or I’m confused on what to do in a situation, sometimes I’ll just take a leap of faith. I know nothing is written in stone and things can change so easily. So, if I make a mistake there are ways to change and make corrections. If I burn the cookies, then I’ll just start over.

Little Sense

“We’re from another time brought here to save our world…Believe me, it sometimes makes as little sense to us, too.” - Firebrand*

The golden age hero, Firebrand, was really a rich socialite, Rod Reilly. He had many adventures with the Original Justice Society. Eventually he was injured during Pearl Harbor. His sister Danette Reilly was in Hawaii studying volcanoes when she was kidnapped by the evil Per Degaton and Wotan. Trying to escape she was struck my magical lightning and fell into a pit of lava. She survived and found she could control heat and create fiery blasts. After her brother Rod was killed by the Dragon King, Danette took his place as Firebrand.

Raise your hand if you have ever done something on faith? Did it make sense. Did you understand the mechanics, electricity, reciprocals, or the meringues? Sometimes we just follow the recipe or the directions and everything works out. In comic books this happens all the time. The comic is read, and it is a fun story, but it makes no sense. The point here is we do things everyday that makes very little sense. Yes we can seek the answers but what happens we get more confused. Sometimes it is better to just follow the directions and have fun waiting for the meringue.

Firebrand

First Appearance as Rod Reilly: Police Comics #1, August 1941, Quality Comics 

Creators: S.M. Iger & Reed Crandall 

First Appearance as Danette Reilly: Justice League of America, #193, August 1981, DC Comics 

Creators: Roy Thomas, Jerry Ordway & Rich Buckler 

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

The Spectre - STOP!

I find it easier to try to live a life of Peace. I try to be a Peacemaker. I will speak my mind and say what needs to be said but I will do it peacefully. When I was boxing, it was not for the fighting – it was for the exercise and a need to relieve stress. Believe it or not, I learned how to be more peaceful through boxing. I learned that if I lose control I could hurt someone badly. Learning that self-control taught me how to strengthen my peaceful nature.

STOP!

“STOP! You must cease this mindless battle for while you fight the end of all the universes is at hand!” - The Spectre*

Police Detective, Jim Corrigan, was murdered. Instead of entering eternity he was sent back to Earth to help in abolishing evil. Often thought of as the Wrath of God or the Spirit of Vengeance or as a Spirit of Redemption, the Spectre is seen as a ghost. The Spectre seeks to protect the innocent. His power allows him to be in multiple places and times at once – he can see the whole picture. He is by far one of the strongest magical beings.  His power in omnipotent and he can do practically anything imaginable – like speaking to the vast multiverse at one time.

There is no reason to fight. Yes, the thought occurs, “but what if I am attacked?” Definitely protect yourself but do not seek to continue the battle. Sometimes true strength is in knowing when not to fight. Peace is often harder than we think but definitely more rewarding. Mahatma Gandhi said, “I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.” The Tao Te Ching suggests that after a great battle only brier and weeds can grow – instead of fields of grain there are only fields of manure. We find that a day with no struggle is easier to let go. However, the day that we have issues and struggle is the nights we stay up thinking.  Herein lays the answer – we sleep better at times of peace. The way of peace is difficult but we can rise to the challenge.  

The Spectre
First Appearance: More Fun Comics, #52 (February 1940)

Creators: Jerry Siegel (writer) and Bernard Bailey (art)

* “Death at the Dawn of Time”, Crisis on Infinite Earths #10, 1985

Cyclops - Stay Cool

I suffer from anxiety. Prolonged, stressful situations can bring on an anxiety attack that can last for days. I have medication that helps, and I use it when needed. After talking to my medical professionals, I do try to manage my stress and anxiety before taking the medication with practicing Balance. I exercise daily, I meditate daily, and I talk to someone about my stress daily. I found that if I practice a balance (physical, spiritual, and emotional) life my anxiety is manageable.

Stay Cool

“Stay cool, Iceman. Why do you think God created Kevlar? - Cyclops*

Scott Summers, Cyclops, is the leader of the X-Men. He has the ability to absorb energy and create blasts from his eyes. He needs to wear a special visor of Ruby Quartz or ruby lens glasses. Without the apparatus he has no control over his blasts. As a child, the Summers family was on a trip in Alaska when their plane was attacked by the Shi’ar (an alien race of warriors). Scott and his brother Alex, was given the only parachute and survived the crash. Surviving the crash and becoming orphans and wards of the state Scott and Alex became separated. While in the orphanage Scott’s mutant abilities manifest causing much destruction. Scott closed his eyes and ran away. Eventually he was found by Professor Charles Xavier, and became Professor X’s first X-Man

How do we stay calm or keep our cool in times of stress? Practicing a spiritual life helps in times of stress. The practice gives an arsenal of affirmations, prayers and mantras used specifically for calming and affirming ourselves. Believe it or not a daily work out clears the mind and strengthens the body making times of stress more easily managed. Communicating about the stress relieves some of the issues. This act frees the emotions allowing the body to calm itself. Here we are again at Balance – Physical, Spiritual and Emotional. A daily dose of Physical exertion, Spiritual practice (even just sitting silent) and communicating Emotions makes living easier.

Cyclops
First Appearance: The X-Men, vol. 1 #1 (September 1963), Marvel Comics

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

* “The Tomorrow People”, Ultimate X-Men, compilation of #1-6 (2004), Marvel comics

The Enchantress - Promise of Hope

If I didn’t have Hope I would be lost. My avatar on some games I play is “IOH” (Inferno of Hope). Hope is so important to me. When I hit my darkness period of my life it was the hope at the end of the tunnel that kept me going. The symbol for me is a star. The stars always offer hope in a dark sky. Stars are infernos of hope. Stars burn with the fire of LOVE.

Promise of Hope

“Maybe it’s because within the darkness of despair lies the Promise of Hope.” - The Enchantress*

June Moon, young timid freelance artist was invited to a costume Halloween party to strange yet haunted castle. While exploring the castle she finds a secret passage that leads to a strange being that empowers her with gifts to defeat magical evils.  Speaking the words “The Enchantress” blonde mousey June is transformed into a beautiful raven haired and aggressive Enchantress. She prefers to remain the Enchantress continuing to study her craft. At one point the dark magic takes control of her and she becomes a villain but when the Spectre threatens to defeat and absorb all the magical beings of the world the Enchantress and other magical heroes defeat the Spectre. June Moon again becomes the Enchantress fighting for the side of light. The Enchantress is one of the founding members of the “Shadowpact”. Even using the dark magic the Enchantress is a shining light of Hope.

Hope! We talk of Hope often. How can we share Hope as often as possible? We humans tend to forget that there is always Hope. Even in the “darkness of despair” there is always Hope. Look for Hope every day. When Hope is found remember that time and place. It is in remembering Hope that it becomes stronger. When we are in the dark city of Gotham there is always Hope. All we have to do is remember a moment when we experienced Hope. Keeping that moment in our memory will make Hope grow and grow. We will find that no matter how dark the city is there will always be Hope.    

The Enchantress (June Moon)
First Appearance: Strange Adventures, #187 (April 1966), DC Comics

Creators: Bob Haney (writer) Howard Purcell (art)

* “Protégé’s”, Shadowpact, #7, November 2007, DC Comics

Kid Eternity - My Own Way

I am so glad to have friends that walk the path with me and have done things I have not done. They are so helpful when I have problems or questions to ask. I can always find help and all I must do is ask. But the difficult thing is making my own decisions. I will take the advice, but I will eventually need to sit quietly to find the solution that best works for me.

My Own Way

Mr. Keep - “I was only trying to help you, Kid!”                                      

Kid Eternity – “Let me do things my own way, Keep!”*          

Kid Eternity was a young boy on his Grandfather’s fishing boat when a U-boat sank the ship. This kid died. There was a mistake made in heaven because this young man died 75 years too soon. To rectify the mistake, the kid was offered the opportunity to return to Earth and help the world by doing acts of goodness. So upon coming back to the earthly plain Kid Eternity found he could summon important people from the past for 5 minutes by saying the word, “Eternity”.  To further assist Kid Eternity the heavenly clerk, Mr. Keep that made the blunder was sent to be the Kid Eternity’s mentor.

There are people in our lives that we admire and respect and seek their advice and mentoring. Then, there are those who feel they can give us unsolicited advice. The truth after we receive all the advice we are going to have to make our own decisions. There is no way around it we will have to think for ourselves and make the decisions. When we seek balance, we can make good decisions. We are also reminded that the decisions we make only lead us closer to enlightenment. Thinking for ourselves and making our own decisions will lead us closer to enlightenment.   

Kid Eternity
First Appearance: Hit Comics #25 (December, 1942), Quality Comics

Creators: Otto Binder (writer) and Sheldon Moldoff (artist)

 * “Hoax”, Kid Eternity, Hit Comics #46, May 1947

High-Father - Flowers in Freedom

HAPPY SUMMER! Today is the last day of school! I can finally relax and create. I have looked forward to the summer. I plan to use this summer particularly to find my creative spirit and be joyful, courageous and playful. Happy Summer to all my fellow teachers – go out and play this Summer.

Flowers in Freedom

“First we bow to the young – they are the carriers of life…Life Flowers in Freedom!” - High-Father*  

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. High-Father is the conduit and connection to the “Source”. The Source is that which all life springs. Some nefarious gods, Darksied, try to control the Source. High-Father tries to communicate with the Source. There is a wall between our universe and the Source, knowledge, images and messages appear to High-Father on this wall. High-Father shares these messages with those that need the message. His main message to all is Freedom through Life. To him the conduits of life are in the Young.

To be young! Watch children play – there is nothing that holds the young back. The young are free, playful, joyful, courageous and creative. To them they can find success in little moments. The young are full of life. The young are like brightly colored flowers growing and sharing. What happens to the young? They become adults. They develop roots. They become mighty oaks! The thing adults forget to do is play; to be joyful, courageous and creative. When do we find answers we need? We find answers when we let go and relax. We find answers when we let go and open ourselves to a creative spirit. This spirit appears when we “step out of the box”. The Sun, card #19 of the Major Arcane from the Tarot is often portrayed as a playful “child” because the child is the light of the future, the “Source” of all goodness, the playful, joyful, courageous and creative spirit of the world.

High-Father
First Appearance:   New Gods #1, February 1971

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

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

Harbinger - For Comfort

Giving and receiving is a difficult practice. Not giving and receiving of physical gifts. Let’s look at the spiritual and the emotional gifts we share.  For me it was difficult to learn this. It was easy for me to give because I want people to like me. But to receive something I did not want people to think I was selfish or needy. As a result, I never asked for help. It took me a long time to learn that if I give my time to people there will people to step up and help me when needed. For example, I needed to hang the Student Art Show this year. Because of scheduling, I was only given a certain about of time. I needed help. One person would have been plenty. I sent an email out to my fellow teachers. Seven teachers responded to my call for help. We had the show hung in less than an hour.

For Comfort

“For Comfort and Understanding…” - Harbinger *

The Guardians of the Universe chose eight humans, the Chosen, who would eventually evolve into the New Guardians of the Universe. These individuals each had different gifts to share. The Chosen were Thomas Kalmaku, Ram, Jet, Harbinger, Gloss, Floronic Man, Extraño and Betty Clawman. Harbinger, Lyla Michaels, is the associate of the Monitor, watcher of the multiverse.  Harbinger can create and manipulate energy blasts, teleport through space and time, and create alternate versions of herself. With the Chosen she found friends to comfort and understand. Soon Harbinger moved to Themyscira, Paradise Island, home of the Amazons. Harbinger became friend and tutor to Kara Zor-el, who would become Supergirl.

Lyla Michaels, Harbinger, is a good example for us to look toward. Here is someone that needed comfort and understanding. But instead she found a way to offer it. Here is an idea, if we want something we have to give it. If we want love and support we give love and support. If we want a shoulder to cry on, we offer a shoulder to cry on. If we want comfort and understanding, we give comfort and understanding. This takes practice and it can be difficult at times but the payoffs are immense. We find that if we give it we get it back. We find the more we give the more we will receive.

Harbinger (Lyla Michaels)
First Appearance: (as Lyla) New Teen Titans vol. 1 Annual #2 (July 1983), DC Comics

First Appearance: (as Harbinger) Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 (April 1985), DC Comics

First Appearance: (as a New Guardian) Millennium, #2 (January 1988), DC Comics

Last Appearance: Superman/Batman, Vol. 1 #10, July 2004

Creators: Marv Wolfman (writer) and George Perez (art)

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

Shadow Lass - Sexuality

Today is Capital Pride in Washington, DC. The Gay Pride Parade is today – I have always loved the parade. People can totally be themselves with out a need for body image. Each year there are people in the parade that let go of the gender constructs that bind us so vehemently. There are people that walk in the parade with very healthy body images of themselves. They can express their true selves. I am not talking about the almost naked weenie bikini wearing muscle bound boys (they can be hot - I’m not dissing them). I’m talking about those that fully shed their body image and be their true selves. To me that is true sexuality. I celebrate them.

Sexuality

“They’re young they’re idyllic, they gleam with innocent sexuality.” - Alex Ross (about the Legion) *

The Talok VIII Shadow Champion, Tasmia Mallor is the 30th Century’s Legion of Superheroes, Shadow Lass. All Talokians practice a religion based on ancestry worship and Tasmia in the ancestral inheritor of the Shadow Champion powers. She controls darkness and able to cast deep dark total black shadows. She can construct solid shadows and is a master of Talokian Martial Arts. Like all Talokians she has blue skin. But one thing Tasmia has above her shadow powers is a beautiful body image. 

What is sexuality? Is it the gender you were assigned and is it the connections you make through gender? Is it sexual activity? There are volumes of books written about sexuality. Sexuality is connection. The connection to ones’ self and to others. Healthy sexuality comes with a lack of body-image. There is a sense of freedom. When people can be themselves without the mental constructs of “masculinity or femininity” that describe what a we should look like then that is true sexuality. When do we feel most connected to someone we love? When we can shed all body-image, all doubt, all negativity and breakdown all barriers and be comfortable in our genders. At that moment a simple touch can be like a spiritual connection.

Shadow Lass  
First Appearance: Adventure comics  vol. 1 #365 (February 1968) DC Comics

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

*”MYTHOLOGY, the DC Comics Art of Alex Ross” Kidd & Spear, 2003 DC Comics, Pantheon Books

Black Condor - Powerless

There are times that I get drained - physically, spiritually and emotionally. I feel powerless in those moments. When I’m in situations like that I typically try to do whatever there is in front of me to be done. It may be clean the kitchen or go offer help to someone or be sure to focus on my journaling or meditation. I really try to keep things simple. Then I find I do have power.

Powerless

“I may not have my powers. But I am far from powerless.” - Black Condor*

Over the years there have been many Black Condors. The first Richard Grey was raised by a race of super intelligent Condors. The Second Ryan Kendall became Black Condor after a series of scientific experiments on him by his Grandfather. The third, John Trujillo, gained his Black Condor from the Mayan Goddess, Tocotl. Each has had the power of flight, strength, speed and agility but their other gifts may have been Telekinesis or the ability to control the wind and earth. No matter the time or period in history each Black Condor has eventually became a member of Uncle Sam’s “Freedom Fighters” defending America from villainy.

There are times we feel powerless over of a situation. If we think about it a bit we are never “powerless”. There is always enough energy to do what is in front of us to do. There is always someone to turn to ask help from. There is always a spiritual remedy to accept. The Physical, Spiritual and Emotional Balance can help us find the “power” to solve any situation. In difficult situations we may not know the answer and all we can do is what is in front of us to do (Physical) or we may have to turn to someone to get help (Emotional) and if the situation is bleak enough we will turn to the Spiritual seeking a quiet place to meditate or pray. We may not have “Super Powers” but we are never “Powerless”.  

Black Condor (Richard Grey Jr., Ryan Kendall and John Trujillo)
First Appearance: (Grey) Cracked Comics, #1 (May 1940), Quality Comics

Second Appearance: (Kendall) Black Condor, #1 (June 1992), DC Comics

Third Appearance: (Trujillo) Freedom Fighters, #3 (November 2006), DC Comics

Creators: (Grey) Will Eisner, Lou Fine, (Kendall) Brian Augstyn, Rags Morales, (Trujillo) Jimmy Palmotti, Justin Gray, Daniel Acuna 

* “American Nightmare”, The Freedom Fighters, #5, May 2011, DC Comics

Matter-Eater Lad - Hard Knocks

Matter-Eater Lad always shows up on the “Dumbest Superpower” lists but he is one of the most heroic Legionnaires. He has singlehandedly saved the entire Legion from a concentration camp by creating a tunnel. He has saved the whole universe by eating a machine designed to control all life. The power may be dumb or lame but what you do with the power is all that matters.

Hard Knocks

"I learned last night that you have to look life in the face. If it has some Hard Knocks for you, stand up and Take ‘Em!” - Matter-Eater Lad*

Microbes on the 30th Century planet Bismoll make all material inedible. The people of Bismoll evolve. The bodies learn to eat and digest any type of matter to survive. Tenzil Kem leaves his home planet to join the Legion of Superheroes as Matter-Eater Lad. Eventually Tenzil will have to leave the Legion because he was drafted into Political Service. On Bismoll young people were drafted into politics not military service. What the Legion doesn’t know is Tenzil’s father has a gambling problem and his mother lives in denial. Tenzil does what he must to take care of himself but at the same time in the service of others. Through it all Matter-Eater Lad would stand up and face an issue.

We all have hard knocks. We all have troubles. The important thing is how we face our troubles or our “hard knocks”. A good message here is that we ALL have our issues. We can wallow in the issues or we can stand up face them and move forward. We can take a lesson from Matter-Eater Lad. First and foremost take care of ourselves and then find away to be of service to others. The best way out of our issues is to step out of the issue and help someone else.

Matter-Eater Lad
First Appearances: Adventure Comics, #303 (December 1962)

Creators: Jerry Siegal (writer) & John Forte (art)

*Action Comics, The Hapless Hero, #381 (October 1969)

Night Girl - Fix It!

One of the most interesting characters is Night Girl, from the Legion of Superheroes. She has a major flaw in her powers. She never let that stop her. She found ways around the flaws. The thing I always liked was she never saw herself as “flawed”. She accepted herself and loved herself. The flaw in her powers made her special.

Fix It!

“That’s ridiculous – Maybe something’s gone wrong …Let’s find out what the problem is and fix it.”   Lydda Jath*

Some Superheroes have major flaws in their powers, but they do the best they can anyway. For example, Lydda Jath from the 30th Century. She always wanted to join the Legion of Superheroes, to be a hero and be close to Rokk Krinn, Cosmic Boy, her one true love. Lydda is from the sunless planet Kathoon and her father developed a vitalizing ray beam that would give her super strength. But once she reached Earth she found that in bright light or Sun light she was powerless. She did try to join the Legion using the nocturnal twist to her power calling herself Night Girl. Poor Lydda was rejected. Did this stop her – No! She became a founding member of “The Legion of Substitute-Heroes” and became a hero on her own. Eventually, Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn, did take notice of her. Here is a superhero that turns her “lemons into lemonade.”  

We may throw the broken coffeepot or the broken DVD player away but if it is a “necessity” we will get the object fixed? If we don’t like the “Spinach Dip Green” in the living room, we may change the color to “Cafe Latte Brown.” If we think we need a change get a new haircut or go buy those funky shoes. Of course, we cannot “fix” other people, that’s impossible. But if the walls need painting, paint. If new shoes are needed, the shoe store is around the corner. If we’re in a bad mood, get a new attitude. Remember a positive attitude will bring positive results. If there is a problem, find the problem and fix it.    

Night Girl
First Appearance: “The Legion of Substitute Heroes!” Adventure Comics #306, March 1963

Creators: Edmond Hamilton (script), and John Forte (art)

 * “Those who will not learn the lesson of history…” Cosmic Boy #1 (4 Issue Miniseries), Dec 1986

The Crow - How Many More Times

One of my all time favorite movies is “The Crow”. It is meaningful to me on so many levels – too many to mention here. The one lesson I would like to share today is to live life while we can. To quote Yvonne Craig, TV’s Batgirl, “And every day was wonderful fun.”

How Many More Times

“… We get to think of life as an inexhaustible well…how many more times will you watch the full moon rise?” - Brandon Lee*                                                                                           

Some believe the Crow is the guide to the afterlife or the underworld. Then if people are taken before their time the Crow will bring back a soul to avenge the wrong done to a soul. Eric and Shelly were murdered. The Crow brings Eric back to avenge Shelly’s murder and preventing this gang to harm another person. The Crow has brought many souls back, Joshua, Iris Shaw, Michael Korby and Mark Leung – all returned to avenge murders and prevent great evil from spreading. Each of the heroic souls brought back learn a valuable lesson about life and teaches those still living important lessons.

Live each moment to its fullest and live it positively. When there are special moments cherish them, remember them and enjoy them.  Brandon Lee is paraphrasing a quote from the book, Sheltering Sky*, by Paul Bowles. How poignant is this quote? A few days after this interview Brandon Lee was accidentally killed while filming “The Crow”.  In the short documentary about the making of “The Crow” Brandon Lee is smiling and laughing. He has not a care in the world. He is living life to its fullest. Let Brandon be our teacher today – live today fully enjoying the sunrise, the laughter, the chores and the sunset.

The Crow (Eric)
First Appearance: "The Crow", Caliber Presents #1 (1989), Caliber Comics

Creators: James O'Barr 

* “The Crow”, Behind the Scenes Featurette, Miramax/Dimension

* ”Sheltering Sky”, Paul Bowles, Novel (1949), Publish John Lehmann

Nighthawk - Gaea

Taking care of Gaea, Mother Earth, is important to me. I recycle as much as I can. One of the reasons I do not own a car is I do not want to add to the pollution. I clean up stuff around my building all the time. Not to help it look clean but to do my small part for the environment.

Gaea

“No. No. NO! They’re attacking Gaea. A Goddess. The living embodiment…of the planet we all live on.” - Nighthawk (Kyle Richmond)*

Nighthawk, Kyle Richmond is one of those heroes that have a rich and long history. Kyle Richmond is very wealthy. He trained himself to almost super athlete abilities. He also took a potion which gave him further abilities. Using his wealth, he created a suit that helped him fly and fight. He started his career as a villain with the Squadron Sinister. Growing tired of villainy, he found his true calling as a hero. Kyle joined the Defenders and the Thunderbolts. But Nighthawk never amounted to much – although he loves being a hero.

So, what does Nighthawk have to do with Gaea, the Olympian Titan, the mother of the gods and embodiment of Mother Earth? Not much, he was just protecting her from his fellow Defenders that went a little crazy. Gaea, our Mother Earth is our home and we are her family. If home is where the heart is, then we are at home on the earth. Take care of your home. Take care of your own backyard. Individually it does make a difference – if many more would take care of their own backyard we would begin to see a difference.

Nighthawk
First Appearance: As Kyle Richmond, The Avengers #69 (Oct. 1969) Marvel Comics

First Appearance: As Joaquin Pennyworth, The Last Defenders #1 (May 2008) Marvel Comics
Creators: (Kyle) Roy Thomas (writer) Sal Busema (artist),

      (Joaquin) Joe Casey (writer), Keith Giffen (writer & artist), Jim Muniz (artist)

* The Defenders, volume 2, #12,”Fooling with Mother Nature”, February 2002, Marvel Comics