Nexus - What People Think

Growing up being bullied I developed this fear of what “people think” of me. It really messed me up. It affected every aspect of my life. How did I break free? It took growing up. It took watching people and seeing how they look and act. At some point I realized that I am a good person, I am a nice person and I am just as worthy as much as anyone else. Learning how to fight in the ring taught me so much about myself. In the ring I don’t have time to worry about what my opponent thinks. I need to be more concerned about myself and my actions. The one thing the bullying taught me was how to be accepting of people no matter the shape, size and color. It's not what they think of me that is important it’s what I think of myself.

What People Think

“Why? What do I care what people think?" - Nexus*  

Horatio Valdemar Hellpop’s father was a tyrant on the planet Vradic. To escape a religious uprising Horatio’s family escaped into a wormhole. The wormhole carried his father and mother to the planet Ylum where Horatio was born. Horatio was a sickly child. While on Ylum Horatio met Merk. When his mother died, Horatio left with Merk. Horatio became stronger and healthier. Merk influenced Horatio through dreams of violent murdering rulers or psychos. Horatio took the name Nexus and sought out to destroy these murders. The hero Nexus was feared and loved galaxy wide.

Why do we care what people think? We want people to think we are good and healthy – positive in attitude. These are natural thoughts and desires. We don’t want people to think we are negative, self-serving or selfish. There are times that we are self-serving or selfish. It is only human. Our self-serving beasts appear mostly when deep down we are worried what people think. We must judge why we have these attitudes. Making sure to amend when we are overstepping boundaries. One way around these negative thoughts or actions is not to worry about what people think. People will think what they think. There is nothing we can do about that. Two things to remember and affirm in our lives are: We do not need to make people like us, and we do not need to carry other people’s baggage.

Nexus
First Appearance: “Nexus”, Capital Comics, Jan. 1981
Creator: Mike Baron (writer) and Steve Rude (art)

* Nexus, A Nice Place To Visit, Mike Baron and Steve Rude, 1983 vol. 2 issue 3

Clint Barton - Take The Shot

Clint Barton, Hawkeye or Ronin, is one of my favorites. I always liked his clashes with Captain America or Iron Man. If Captain America and Iron Man were opposite ends of the spectrum Hawkeye was always in the middle. One thing I enjoyed most and tried to learn from Clint Barton was to always say what needed to be said.

Take the Shot

“Take every shot, Kate. If it’s worth caring about, no matter how impossible you think it is…” - Clint Barton *

Years ago Clint Barton was a member of the Avengers, as Hawkeye. A fellow team member Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch had a nervous breakdown and destroyed the Avengers, killing several members. Hawkeye was one of these people. But through a mishap in the time stream Clint Barton was brought back to reality. Eventually he was involved in a new group of heroes, the New Avengers. But not as Hawkeye, he donned the moniker Ronin. Clint Barton took this name because he was able to start fresh and change. He took the opportunity to become a better hero.

Opportunities arise and pass every day. Some we don’t even notice. Those that we do notice can be important and need some thought and a decision. If it is meaningful, something you truly like, and in the direction, you are going…Take It! The opportunity came up for a specific reason. Opportunities are spiritual in nature; they are signposts or forks in the spiritual path we are on. Take a moment and decide. That is all it is, a decision. Trust you made the right decision and continue on your journey. There are those that say “Take every Opportunity”. The life is yours to decide. What opportunities will you take today? 

Clint Barton
First Appearance: (As Hawkeye) Tales of Suspense #57 (1964)

First Appearance: (As Ronin) New Avengers #27 (2007)

Creators: (Hawkeye) Stan Lee (plot), and Don Heck (art)

Creators: (Ronin) Brian Michael Bendis (plot), and Joe Quesada (art)

* “Young Avengers Presents…Hawkeye”#6, 2008

Superboy - The Good

I’ve gotten judged my whole life – sometimes the judgments were hateful. We all get judged and we all judge. Because the judgments laid down on me over the years I try to accept people for who they are not what they look like, what spiritual practice they may have or how they make their money. Years ago, dirt poor, I locked my keys in the trunk of my car. I called a friend to ask the name of a good locksmith. She handed the phone to a friend there for coffee. The woman that took the phone talked me through breaking into my car without damaging it to retrieve my keys. I asked, “How do you know about breaking into cars.” She said verbatim, “Honey, before I got clean and sober I used to break into cars for a living.” To myself, I said with my hands up, “YAAAASSSS! GOD! Bring me a thief when I need one.”

The Good

“None of us is perfect! You have to judge a man by the GOOD in him!” - Superboy* 

Clark Kent didn’t just appear as Superman! He was raised by Martha and Jonathan Kent in Smallville Kansas. While Clark was growing up he was having adventures as Superboy. He met three teenage heroes from the 30th Century – Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy. These heroes invited Superboy to join the Legion of Superheroes. Clark traveled to the future often for grand adventures with the Legion.

How many times have we heard, “Don’t judge a book by the cover”? It may be cliché but it is true. We see people walking down the street and if they are strangers we do not know what is happening in their lives in that moment. They may be frowning and refuse to say “hello.” They may be jovial and almost walking on air. One thing to keep in mind is that all people are inertly good; we all try to make the right decisions to have good and comfortable lives. Unfortunately some of us make wrong decisions that lead down dark paths. It is best to keep a thought of goodness and remember that all people deep down are good. In this cliché “don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes”.

Superboy   
First Appearance: More Fun Comics, #101 (January/February 1945)

First Appearance with the Legion: Adventure Comics #247, April 1958

Creators: Jerry Siegal, Joe Shuster and Don Cameron

* Superboy and the Legion of Superheroes, #222 (Dec. 1976)

Greatest American Hero - Serious Actor

Believe or not I never got into the Greatest American Hero. It was the 1980’s and I was all about having fun. Sitting around and watching TV wasn’t always fun. I enjoy that it wasn’t serious. I think being serious all the time can make people sick and unhappy. That’s why I try to find something fun or at least pleasurable in everything.

Serious Actor

“Well, here I am in my spandex. Believe it or not, I used to be a serious actor.” - William Katt

Ralph Hinkley is a high school teacher, while on a field trip with his students he and an FBI Special Agent, Bill Maxwell, encounter aliens. The aliens give Ralph a red suit that gives him superhuman abilities. The aliens inform the two that they must work together to save the Earth. Ralph Hinkley becomes the Greatest American Hero. The two men find great adventures but keep a good sense of humor through the adventures.

Seriousness, yes we know to be a “superhero” we need to be serious at times. Face it to save the world is a serious matter but can’t we have fun being serious? We don’t have to crack jokes at the serious matters but we can find pleasure in our job. Look at all the superhero TV shows and movies – and the actors! They all were happy to be working, to have jobs and most of them loved the challenge to play a heroic character. We can definitely take our jobs serious but at the same time enjoy our work and the goal accomplished. Just keep a good sense of humor when we have to put on the silly red spandex outfit and blue cape. Yvonne Craig, TV’s Batgirl, speaking about her role on the TV show Batman said, “… And every day was wonderful fun.” So today try to have wonderful fun at what you do.

Greatest American Hero
First Appearance:  “The Greatest American Hero”, TV Show, 2 hour pilot aired, March 1981.

Series Lasted: 1981-1983

Creator: Stephen J Cannell 

B’wana Beast - Transformative

Today I am reminded of the cycles of life. The flow of the seasons turns into years. I am looking to make changes in my life. I know with each ending there will be a beginning.

Transformative

“Why is it that for so many heroes a lifetime battling injustice was born from some tragic loss? Perhaps for most the natural reaction is to wallow in ones pain…not for those destined for heroic greatness…for them it can be transformative, energizing and with growth comes wisdom." - B’wana Beast*

Mike Maxwell an adventurer finds an elixir and a magical helmet. After drinking the elixir and donning the helmet Mike transforms into B’wana Beast, with the ability to mix animals into Chimeras and communicate with animals. He also gains advanced senses, strength, endurance, speed and agility. With his gorilla friend Djuba, B’wana Beast protects the innocent in Africa. Eventually he joins forces with Animal Man and fights for Justice in America. 

We all experience loss. Loss is a natural part of life. With every gain there is a loss. With every beginning there is an ending. B’wanna Beast hits it on the head. We have a choice we can wallow in the loss or let it transform us into something new.  The caterpillar gives up its life to become a butterfly. We may not have elixirs or radioactive liquids or magical helmets to help us transform but we do not have to wallow in pain. We have phones to call friends; we can go to a coffee shop to connect with people. We have spiritual practices and rituals. We can go for long walks. Remember life is a series of cycles of gain and loss; beginning and ending. It is what we do during these experiences that are important. We can also give ourselves time to change – in time the cycle will change again. In time we will transform.

B’wana Beast
First Appearance: DC Comics Showcase, #66 (January 1967)

Creators: Bob Haney (writer) Mike Sekowsky (art)

* “The Siege of Starro!” part 2, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, season 2 episode 14, (Sept. 24, 2010), Michael Goquen (director) C.C. Beck, Joseph Kuhr (writers) Kevin Michael Richardson (actor), Cartoon Network

Duela Dent - Riddles

I’m not a big fan of riddles. I’ve never been good at them. I’m the same with mysteries. I’d much rather take things by face value and not try to find the “solution”. But problems I love to solve – I love putting furniture together with those hard to read directions. I didn’t even read the directions to put my bed together. I just put the like items into piles and started putting it together. It helped that I knew what I bed looks like. I also know every failure leads to success.

Riddles

“A RIDDLE FOR ROBIN: Why is an unmasked super-hero like a wonton? Answer: They’re both “in the soup” - Fortune Cookie to Robin from the Riddler’s Daughter*                            

Some superheroes want to atone the evil their parents create. Duela Dent is such just a hero. Duela’s father, Harvey Dent the notorious Two-Face, had nothing to do with Duela because she was not a twin. Duela used her father’s split personality as an idea to create a superhero. She kept everyone guessing who she was by becoming the Joker’s Daughter, Riddler’s Daughter, Scarecrow’s Daughter, Catwoman’s Daughter, Penguin’s Daughter, Harlequin and Card Queen. But she never called herself Two-Face’s Daughter.

Riddles are jokes and puns that we have to figure out. Another word for riddles is mysteries. We all have our mysteries. We all try to solve the mysteries as well. They are like riddles that drive us CRAZY. Sometimes especially with disaster or just accidents we never know “Why” this happens and it becomes a mystery. We never know why a disaster happens – it just does. Some religions are based on the “Great Mystery.” We ask ourselves do we need an answer or solution. Does the mystery – does the riddle have an answer? Sometimes we can honestly say, “No” and we can just move forward in our lives.

Duela Dent (aka: Joker’s Daughter, Riddler’s Daughter, Scarecrow’s Daughter, Catwoman’s Daughter, Penguin’s Daughter, Harlequin and Card Queen)
First Appearance:  Batman Family #6 (November 1976)

Creators: Bob Rozakis (writer & artist)

* Batman Family #9, February 1977

El Diablo - Conduit

I think we all strive to be a force of good. That is a noble undertaking. It is important to try at least – help the little old lady living next door, cleaning out the lint filters in the apartment building dryers or purposefully leaving the book you just finished on the bus for the next person to read. However, when we do what we like that is also being a force of good. I love to paint it makes the world a better place (at least for me) when I paint.

Conduit

“I feel that there is some force inside me, using me as a conduit.” - Robert Kanigher*

Sometimes people don’t even think of becoming a hero – it just happens. Lazarus Lane is a lowly bank teller during the “Old Wild West”. The bank he worked is robbed. Lazarus Lane is nearly killed by the robbers then struck by lightning. Lazarus Lane is found in a coma by a Comanche Shaman, Wise Owl. The shaman brings Lazarus back to the realm of the living in a shamanistic ceremony. Lazarus Lane finds he inhabited by a demon, the spirit of vengeance. Taking the name El Diablo, for the demon inside Lazarus becomes a vigilante. Lazarus Lane, El Diablo, became a force of good.

According to the late Robert Kanigher sometimes we feel a force inside and we become conduits of good. Mr. Kanigher was speaking about his writing that was what he was good at, not understanding why he was given such a gift. We have been given gifts. Some of us are painters, writers and dancers – talented beyond belief. But then again we have doctors, teachers and accountants. These people are just as talented. When we are doing what makes us happy then we are connected to the force of good. We become conduits and the world, our world is a better place.

El Diablo (Lazarus Lane)
First Appearance: All-Star Western, #2 (October 1970), DC Comics

Creators: Robert Kanigher (writer) and Gray Morrow (art)

* Q and A: Sgt Rock's Robert Kanigher in 1999, Tuesday, December 8, 2009, by Christopher Irving

 http://www.nycgraphicnovelists.com/2009/12/q-and-sgt-rocks-robert-kanigher-in-1999.html

Carol Danvers - Who Could I Be

One of my favorite characters is Carol Danvers, currently using the moniker, Captain Marvel. I have enjoyed her story from the beginning. Her recovery from alcoholism is one of my favorite stories in any comic book. In DC Comics there’s the trinity, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. If there were a trinity for Marvel Comics, Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers would have to be one of the three.

Who I could be!

“This isn't a question of what I'm not. This is a question of who I could be.” - Ms. Marvel*

Carol Danvers is always trying to be better. As the Security Chief for a restricted Air Force Base she was the best at her job. While there she met Dr. Walter Lawson, the Kree/Human Captain Marvel. Carol, to save Captain Marvel from a Kree explosion is caught in the blast. Afterwards she is given her superpowers. Over the years she’s been experimented on to become “Binary” for a short time. She has had her powers stolen and changed by the X-man Rogue. Eventually coming back to her Air Force roots, she took the name Warbird. Through all this Carol Danvers gives it all up and becomes an alcoholic. With the help of friends and colleagues she works through all her issues and once again fights the good fight as Ms. Marvel. Now Carol guards the Earth from other worldly attacks as Captain Marvel.  Carol Danvers strives to be the best of the best.

So, what can we learn from Ms. Marvel? To always be our best. It is about what we can do. It is about what we can become. We will change, we will grow, and we will become better. So many times, our focus should be what we can do in the moment. We have certain qualities that we will never lose but how we express them will change. An artist that paints may one day sculpt. The teacher may become a principal. So, it is what we are good at in the moment. Stay in the moment and remember the words of Muhammad Ali, “A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.”

Ms. Marvel
First Appearance: As Carol Danvers, Marvel Super-Heroes #13, Marvel Comics (March 1968)

First Appearance: As Ms. Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Volume 1 #1, Marvel Comics (January 1977) Gerry Conway

First Appearance: As Binary, Uncanny X-Men #164, Marvel Comics (Dec. 1982) Dave Cockrum.

First Appearance: As Warbird, The Avengers volume 3 #4, Marvel Comics (May 1998) Kurt Busiek & George Perez

First Appearance: As Captain Marvel, Avenging Spider-Man #9, Marvel Comics (July 2012) Kelly Sue DeConnick Creators: (Danvers) Roy Thomas (plot), Gene Colan (art),

* Giant-Size Ms. Marvel volume 1 #1 2008 

Captain Atom - Remembering You're Not

In comics there is what’s called the Multiverse. There are many different universes. They inhabit the same space but flow at different frequencies. A different universe is created each time major decisions or influences are made. In comic books the use of Multiverse can be used to tell “What if …” stories. What if the heroes were villains? What if the Nazis won the war? What if Marvel and DC characters existed on the universal plane? There have been some interesting concepts and characters created because of the Multiverse.

Remembering You’re Not

“For superheroes this downed power line is child’s play but for a child it’s a death trap. Next time be a hero by remembering you’re not.” - Captain Atom*

Before the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” there were many Earths in the multiverse. On Earth-Four where its heroes had names like Blue Beetle, Nightshade, and Thunderbolt. There was one hero that stood out more than any other. His name was Captain Atom. Allen Adam was a military technician working on a special rocket project. In an accident he was launched into space once leaving our atmosphere the rocket and Adam exploded. He and the rocket were atomized. Allen Adam rematerialized on Earth with super strength, flight, radiation and energy blasts, atomic transmutation and the ability to absorb nuclear energy. He was Earth-Fours’ greatest hero.

We are not superheroes and we do not have fantastic gifts that can absorb nuclear energy. However, we can be heroes. We should not pick up downed power lines but we can call the proper authorities. If we see a crime we can call the police. If someone falls we can help pick them up. A friendly smile and a proper hello are heroic to some people. Please remember that we are not superheroes but the little human things we do can be heroic. 

Captain Atom (Allen Adam)
First Appearance: Space Adventures, #33 March 1960), Charlton Comics

Last Appearance: DC Comics Presents, #90 (February 1986), DC Comics

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

* “Powerless”, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, season 3 episode 10, (October 11, 2011), Michael Goquen (director) Greg Weisman, Todd Casey (writers), Brian Bloom (actor), Cartoon Network

Cheetara - We Have Hope

One of my favorite 1980’s animated series is the Thundercats. It was fun to watch with interesting characters. Cheetara was fabulous. The thing I liked most about the Thundercats they never gave up. They could always find the light at the end of the tunnel.

We Have Hope

“We have the sword, we have each other but most importantly we have Hope.” - Cheetara*

Sometimes heroes come from different planets and just fight to survive. The planet Thundera is war ridden. The people of Thundera are cat-like humanoids and they are attacked by other worldly beings, the Mutants of Plunn-Dar.  The young emperor, Lion-O, and his attendants Cheetara, Panthro, Tygra, WilyKit and WilyKat, and Snarf, escape with the Sword of Omens. This is a powerful weapon that contains the Eye of Thundera in its hilt. The escapees awake from suspended animation on Third-Earth where they must fight the Mutants and the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra. Cheetara has the abilities of a cheetah, speed, jumping and acrobats. She defends herself with a staff. Cheetara is always a voice of reason and hope.

We may have great weapons. We may even have several people with us but what good is abilities, weapons and followers without Hope. Seriously we can do anything with Hope. President Obama said, “While we breathe we hope.” No words are truer. Anything can be accomplished with Hope. That is the one lesson any superhero can teach us – never give up Hope!

Cheetara
First Appearance: Thundercats TV Show, January 23, 1985 – 1990, Rankin/Bass 

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

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

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

Judomaster - Damage

I make a joke all the time about all my baggage. “I do come with a lot of baggage. At least it’s cute and it matches.” That baggage is also my damage. Do I wallow in my damage? No, I seek balance and I seek ways to loosen my burden. I try to put things in proper perspective and deal with the baggage when it gets too heavy. To quote Rebecca Wells from Divine Secrets of the Divine Ya-Ya Sisterhood, “I want light baggage when I leave this joint.”

Damage

“Damage can make us beautiful. There is much more Grant Emerson has left me. But there is one thing for which I will always be grateful. Before I met him, love was a foreign language to me. Damage taught me to speak it.” - Judomaster *

Sonia Sato, young Japanese girl out to avenge her father’s murder becomes the Judomaster. Sonia Sato is gifted with the ability not to be hit, although because she is in pain over her father’s death she refuses to be touched. Eventually Sonia meets the JSA (Justice Society of America) and Grant Emerson (Damage). Grant having uncontrollable explosive powers has caused lots of damage. Being horrible disfigured by a villain Grant refused to let people see his face. Needless to say Sonia and Grant fell in love. Sonia could not speak English before meeting Grant – he taught her English. Grant was killed by zombies brought to life during the “Blackest Night” event. Sonia Sato, Judomaster, is dealing with the pain and loss with love in her heart.

We all suffer loss and pain and damage. It is what we chose to do with that pain that matters most. Of course, that is easier said than done. Think about it for a moment, would it not be better to look at the pain as a lesson to change. When dealing with the end of a relationship (for whatever reason) would it not be better to look at what they taught us and move in that direction instead of wallowing in grief or running from the pain. What better way to remember someone than to move in the direction of their lessons. If we are all students and our fellows are our teachers what better way to honor the teachers than to achieve the lessons they teach. Damage is a lesson. Pain is a lesson. Loss is a lesson. Learn the lessons with Love.

Judomaster
First Appearance as Hadley Jagger: Special War Series #4, Charlton Comics (DC Comic), Nov 1965

First Appearance as Andreas Havoc: Justice League Quarterly, DC Comic, 1994

First Appearance as Sonia Sato:  Birds of Prey #100, “Blood and Circuits”, Jan 2007

Creators: (Jagger) Joe Gill (plot), Frank McLaughlin (art),  (Havoc) Paul Kupperberg,  (Sato) Gail Simone (plot), Paulo Sequiera (art)

 * “Damage is Done!” JAS All Stars #7 August 2010

Roxy - Whatever Happens Next

Fear holds many of us back. The fear of the unknown is the culprit for many missed opportunities and regret. I am grateful every time I face my fears and change. I celebrate when the unknown becomes the known.  

Whatever Happens Next

The Prince: “Please! You don’t know what you’re doing!”                                   

Roxy: "Sure I do. I’m being a hero. Here’s to whatever happens next!” *

Some superheroes are Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is the case for Roxy. Roxy was an AI created by the original Hourman, Rex Tyler, to help the Justice Society as an information retrieval system however she has holographic and robotic forms of herself. Roxy was still a machine and was called heartless, but she wanted to be human and experience the same feelings as “those made of meat”. When push comes to shove she did what was right and the humane thing no matter what happened next.

We never fully know what will happen next. We have certain events memorized or we can give an educated guess in certain situations. We are often correct in these guesses. When thinking about “what will happen next” we have to put our leap of faith into practice. We need to live in the moment. We also must have flexibility. This is practice and it is difficult at times. The best way to live in the moment and not worry about the next event is to seek Balance – Physical Emotional and Spiritual Balance. When we try to live moderately things tend to run more smoothly. Once we reach a certain level we can celebrate changes. We definitely will be able to say easily, “Here’s to whatever happens next!”           

Roxy
First Appearance: JSA All-Stars, #2, DC Comics, March 2010,  

Creators: Matthew Sturges (writer) & Freddie Williams II (art)

*JSA All-Stars, #18, “A Better World”, DC Comics, July 2010

Kid Flash - Denial

I have always enjoyed stories involving Kid Flash, Wally West. I felt a connection with the character. He was a founding member of the Teen Titans. I was a kid when I started reading comics, so I connected with those superkids. I am grateful I am not in denial about my comic book and superhero fascination.

Denial

Black Canary -- “Wally you’re in denial.”

Kid Flash – “I’m comfortable with that.” *

Kid Flash, otherwise known as Wally West, is the nephew of Iris West, girlfriend of Barry Allen, the Flash. Wally was the Flash’s greatest fan, so much so he recreated the accident that created the Flash and became Kid Flash. Kid Flash was a charter member of the Teen Titans. When Barry Allen was lost and thought dead Wally became the Flash and join the Justice League.

Superheroes are lucky – they have a choice to be in denial or not. We are not that lucky. Denial is the refusal to accept or believe an idea or concept. Depending on the situation denial can be dangerous and hurtful. The best people to discuss the idea of denial with are recovering addicts. Addicts refuse to believe that the addiction is hurting themselves and those around them. When the denial lifts they can find help. Denial is tricky and difficult to pinpoint. Our expectations feed the denial. The best way to find and break the cycle of denial is to talk about the issue. Have an HONEST discussion with a friend, a professional (doctor, counselor or therapist) or spiritual leader. Honest communication is always the best help for any problem.

Kid Flash
First Appearance: as Kid Flash, Flash #110, December 1959

Creators: John Broome (writer) and Carmine Infantino (art)

 * “Young Justice” Disordered, airing Nov. 11, 2011, Black Canary voiced by Vanessa Marshall, Kid Flash voiced by Jason Spisak

Apache Chief - Earth

Saturday mornings were the best because of the cartoons. One of the most memorable cartoons was the Super Friends. Of course, there were the regulars Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman but sometimes there was Apache Chief. He was always one of my favorites.

Earth

“You cannot treat Earth like one of your playthings Colossus." - Apache Chief*

Speaking the words, “Inuk Chuk,” Apache Chief can grow in height and strength. Using his great tracking abilities, sixth sense and his ability to communicate with the animals Apache Chief protects innocents. When Apache Chief was a young boy he and his Chief/Shaman journeyed out into the wilderness for a test. They were attacked by a Grisly Bear. The Shaman gave the young brave a powder that would increase his abilities and thoughts into great power and strength. The young brave grew 50 feet tall and chased the bear away. The young brave past the test and became Apache Chief. Protecting the Earth, all of the Earth is Apache Chief’s main goal.

We often forget that the Earth is living and breathing. The Earth is not a place to live. The Earth is alive…alive with plants animals and people. If only we could communicate with the Earth and find out what she needs. We typically forget that the Earth might need something from us. We often treat the Earth badly without care for her. We treat her like our personal “plaything”. It would not hurt at all to take public transportation often. We could bike or even walk to work. We can recycle. We can do so much – all we must do is just remember the Earth is living and breathing.

Apache Chief
First Appearance: The All-New Super Friends Hour, season 3, episode 6 (October 1978), Hanna-Barbera, ABC

Creators: Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger and Bob Kane

Actors: Regis Cordic and Michael Rye

* “Colossus”, The All-New Super Friends Hour”, season 5, 1980-1981, Michael Rye (actor)

Blue Bolt - First Part

Reading the book, recipe or directions is always important and gives valuable information. The true lesson, however, is learned through the experience.

First Part

“First part of the climb wasn’t so bad. But now I’m starting to think there are some things you can’t master just by memorizing the book.” - Blue Bolt *

Paul Freemont as a kid was abandoned by his father and raised by his mother. He always wondered what happened to his father. At the age sixteen he decided to find his father. Through a series of events and detective work he found his father on top of a mountain hiding. Turns out his father is the hero Captain Thunder and accidentally lost control. The government was hunting Captain Thunder. Mike Freemont, Captain Thunder, hid away from family and friends on the top of Mount Walakima. Soon the mountain spirits that gave Captain Thunder his power soon gave Paul Freemont the same power. Captain Thunder and Blue Bolt would soon become a father and son superhero team, rebuilding their lost relationship.

It is always good to learn new things. Lessons should always learn with reading about the topic and looking at pictures. Talking about the lessons is a good idea. However, the true lessons will not come until that learned information is use. Let’s look at making a quiche. The recipe gives the ingredients, oven temperature and cooking times. It is through experience of doing the task that we learn that oven is different. Also, we learn to pre-cook the crust, beat the eggs in a chilled metal bowl then toss together the cheese and other ingredients before placing them in the crust with the eggs. We can read volumes on meditation and its benefits but it is not until we spend time actually meditating that we see and feel the experience. 

Blue Bolt (Paul 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

Wiccan - Moment

I enjoy reading comics involving Billy Kaplan, Wiccan, because gay. It’s nice to read and connect to characters that are like me. It’s important for people to make connections to characters like themselves. Growing up I wish there were more characters like me in movies, TV shows, or books. It would have been nice to grow up seeing positive gay characters. I think that’s why superheroes became so important to me, I felt protected and accepted by the strong, flamboyant superheroes.

In the Moment

“My name is Billy Kaplan and right now, right at this moment in time, in history, there’s no past, there’s no future, there’s just this. And it’s magic.” - Wiccan *

Billy Kaplan has no idea where their powers come from. Billy’s parents are wealthy doctors (cardiologist and psychologist) but Billy has magical powers. Billy thinks that he and Tommy Sheppard (Speed) are the reincarnated child of Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch. But that is just a theory. The coincidence is he and Tommy have the same powers as Wanda and her twin brother Pedro Maximoff (Quicksilver). Another interesting coincidence is his powers started manifesting after he met the Scarlet Witch. Billy took the name “Wiccan”. To manifest his powers, he uses a technique he learned from his mother – the affirmation or mantra. His spells are created by using a repeated “I” statement to affirm his goal like a mantra focusing on the outcome. The magic occurs. For Billy’s powers to work he must stay in the moment.

An old Alcoholics Anonymous axiom is “If you have one foot in the past and one foot in the future you’re pissing on the present.”  Staying in the moment is important – the moment is what is present. The moment is where your focus should be right now. It is in the moment that magic occurs. Your past brought you to this moment. This moment will decide your future. What brought you to this moment? Do you remember? Don’t fear the future because it is this moment that will decide the future. Take the next step positively. Just remember “A positive attitude will bring positive results.” That is all is needed, and it is magic.

Wiccan
First Appearance: Young Avengers #1 (April 2005)

Creators: Allan Heinberg (script) and Jim Cheung (art)

* ”Young Avengers Presents…Wiccan” #3, 2008 Aguirre-Sacasa and Urusov

Adam Strange - Moving On!

There’s been many opportunities in my life. Some were big and scary others just small and unnoticeable. I’m glad I weighed my decisions carefully each time. I will say I never regretted taking an opportunity, even if things did not work out the way I wanted it. I not saying take every opportunity because some may not be right but remember a door maybe closed but a window will be opened.

Moving On

“So long, Earth. You'll get along just fine without me.” - Adam Strange *

The Archaeologist, Adam Strange, was on an expedition in Peru when he was suddenly stroke by a beam – the Zeta Beam. Strange was teleported to the planet Rann. There he met and fell in love with Alanna a beautiful Rannian. The effects of the Zeta Beam wear off and Strange is teleported back to Earth. Using a schedule of Zeta Beam locations and firings Strange can return. Eventually Adam Strange is given the opportunity to leave Earth and remain on Rann with Alanna.

Adam Strange was given an opportunity to move on – did he take it? YES! We are given opportunities every day. Some are worthwhile, and others are not so exciting. The hard part is deciding to take the opportunity or not. We have all heard the phrase “Carpe Diem” or “Seize the Day”. Taking opportunity is seizing the day. Now yes at times we come to a crossroad and we must make a huge decision. The decision may lead us away from what we are used to but if we weigh our choices carefully then the choice should be easy enough. Just remember that each opportunity is an adventure. Each opportunity is a beginning and there will always be another goal to reach.    

Adam Strange
First Appearance: Showcase #17, Nov. 1958

Creators: Gardner Fox (writer), and Mike Sekowsky (art)

 * Adam Strange, Volume 2 #2, December 2004, DC Comics 

Chlorophyll Kid - Did Something Right

The 30th century, had the Legion of Substitute Heroes. Chlorophyll Kid was one of my favorites. I liked his powers. I thought controlling plant growth was fun. What I liked the most about him was that he was overweight. He and Bouncing Boy (from the Legion of Superheroes) were both overweight and were superheroes. I felt a strong connection to them because I was weight. It felt good to see myself in comics as a superhero surrounded by other heroes and there was no body shaming. 

Did Something Right

“It’s nice to know that I FINALLY did something right!” - Chlorophyll Kid*

Some Superheroes cannot control their powers but they still try to do their best. Ral Benem, Chlorophyll Kid, from the planet Mardru, fell into a vat of planet stimulating serum and gain the ability control planets. However he cannot control his abilities. When the 30th Century Legion of Superheroes was accepting applicants Ral auditioned and failed. But he did not let that stop him. Along with Polar Boy, Night Girl, Stone Boy, Fire Lad and himself, Chlorophyll Lad, created the Legion of Substitute Heroes, to help when ever needed. No matter how much they failed, and probably caused more trouble that good, they continued to do what was right.

We make mistakes all the time. Some days feel as if all we do is make mistakes. Do we let that bother us – NO! Sometimes the mistakes are HUGE and some amends need to be made. Its best to remember all the things we’ve done that are right.   When a mistake is made, do the necessary repairs and move forward. Remember a positive attitude will bring positive results. Don’t forget that sometimes a mistake can have a positive result. We make mistakes to grow and move forward.

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

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

 * “Secret Origins: Featuring the Legion of Substitute Heroes”, #37 (Feb 1989), DC Comics

Challengers of the Unknown - What's Out There

I am glad the fear of the unknown did not stop me from getting on that plane and flying to DC those many years ago. I’m glad the fear of the unknown did not stop me from flying to Spain. The fears of not having enough money, or not having the support group I was accustomed was a hindrance. On, Saturday, September 28, 1991 when I stepped off the plane in Washington, DC, I was amazed. There was so many people and it was so crowded. Then this person walked up to me and said, “Welcome to Texas!” 

What’s Out There?

“What’s out there? – Places we cannot see! Things we fear to touch! Sounds that do not belong to this world! Riddles of the ages lurking beyond the bridge without a name! Only men living on borrowed time would dare cross that bridge!” – Challengers of the Unknown *  

There are men that would cross that “bridge” and they are the Challengers of the Unknown. Four strong men, Olympic wrestler Rocky Davis, master skin diver Professor Haley, Red Ryan circus daredevil and war veteran jet pilot Ace Morgan, survived a plane crash. As they were recuperating the four men decided that they live on “borrowed time” and why not use that time wisely by challenging the unknown. To go to places normal men would not dare go. To solve the riddles the everyday person could not solve.

What holds us back the most? The unknown fosters fear and then the fear shuts the door. We are often told that the opposite of fear is Faith – Love – Hope. These words are true. What is the opposite of the “unknown”? Simply put it is the “known”. When we face a challenge, known or unknown, we always find Hope. Behind every challenge we find Hope. We use Faith, physical emotional or spiritual, to face the challenge. We know that we have the Love of others to help us face those fears, those challenges or even the unknown. Today face your fear and become a Challenger of the Unknown!

The Challengers of the Unknown
First Appearance:   DC Showcase #6, February 1957

Creators: Jack Kirby, Dave and Dick Wood

* Secret Origins, 1961