Colleen Wing - Ego

I struggle with my ego daily. I think we all have the same struggle. My physical, spiritual and emotional practices help me keep my ego in check. Trying to live a life of balance helps me keep my ego down.

Ego

“Push down your ego.” – Colleen Wing * 

Colleen Wing, daughter of Professor Lee Wing, was trained to be a master of the martial arts and the katana. Colleen moved to New York. She was caught in a gun battle between criminals and the police. Police Detective Misty Knight rescued her. The two women became best friends. Eventually they would open “Knightwing Restorations” a detective agency. The two women would meet Danny Rand, Iron Fist and Luke Cage, Power Man, the Heroes for Hire. Being the weakest physically between the four friends Colleen would not let her ego get in her way. She trained and improved her skills to become an equal to her three superpowered friends.

We are told in many ways the ego gets in our way. It is true. Because of the ego our expectations become larger and hard to manage. Because of the ego we feel less than and doubt ourselves. Then because of the ego fear can arise and all forms of character defects and effect our day. How can we let go of the ego and step aside from the fear and expectations or grandiosity that can get in our way? Meditation is always a good stepping stone. Exercise is also a good release of the ego. Honest communication with friends helps the lower the ego. Volunteer work can also help. Any way we can step out of our heads and into the real world can free ourselves from ego.

Colleen Wing
First Appearance: Marvel Premiere, #19, Marvel Comics, November 1974

Creators: Doug Moench and Larry Hama

* "Under Leaf Pluck Lotus", Iron Fist, March 17, 2017, Netflix, actress Jessica Henwick

Plastic Man - Scum

I’m lucky. Being a recovering addict, I have met some interesting people that have walked all sorts of lives. One thing I have learned is that all are welcomed. All want to be accepted. I love that all these people and I have one thing in common. That one thing makes it so easy to be kind and loving to each other. I take that one little lesson and extend it into my everyday life.   

Scum

“Hey, now, listen. I won’t have you bad-mouthing Scum. Some of my best Scum are scum.” – Plastic Man * 

Patrick “The Eel” O’Brian was a slippery and hard to catch criminal. He and his gang were breaking into the Crawford Chemical Plant when a night watchman caught them. Eel O’Brian was shot and inadvertently sprayed with a chemical. O’Brian escaped into the mountains. Delirious and near-death O’Brian was found by a group of Monks and taken back to the Monastery. These “Kindly Brothers” nursed him back to health Physically Spiritually and Emotionally. In his recuperation O’Brian found the chemicals changed his body. He could bend and stretch into any form or any length. Upon leaving the monastery O’Brian was dissatisfied with a life of crime and sought to redeem himself. Taking the name “Plastic Man” and fighting crime but keeping his “Eel O’Brian” connections to secretly infiltrate the underworld. Some of Plastic Man’s best friends are those that walk the thin line between darkness and light. Some would be considered heroes, and some would be considered villainous.

Accepting people for who they are is an important aspect of making connections. The major religions speak about accepting people as your neighbor or as the larger world family. Look at all people as if they were part of that “world family”. One day everyone will need help at something does it really matter where that help comes from? If you drop your groceries on the street are you really going to complain if a person helps you pick up the groceries? The point is that we are all equal. We all have the same fears and worries. We all have the same expectations. Acceptance is behind the door, fear is the lock, and willingness is the key. To find acceptance just be willing to face the fear.

Plastic Man
First Appearance: Police Comics #1 (August 1941), DC Comics, Quality Comics

Creators: Jack Cole

* “Revenge of the Curse of the Horror of the Creature” Plastic Man, #4 of 6, November 2018

Mr. Fantastic - Extended Family

This is going to sound weird but from a kid’s point of view it makes sense. I included myself as part of the Fantastic Four’s family. For me they were the perfect idea of a family. Reed Richards, father, work a lot but always found time for the family. He often included his children into his daily activities and accepted their ideas. Sue Richards, mother, was also busy but made sure the children and home were cared for but also included the children in her activities. Then we had the uncles, Johnny and Ben were always ready to have fun and take the kids on adventures, but they were very protective of the home and family. For the Fantastic Four, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben the family was all important. Franklin and Valeria, the children never felt unaccepted or unloved. I like to think I am part of their Extended Family.

Extended Family

“This is the Fantastic Four. Meet my family. Or should I say…My Extended Family.” – Mr. Fantastic * 

The day Reed Richards talked his friends into a rocket and the four were doused by cosmic rays, their lives were changed fantastically. Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic and the leader of the “Fantastic Four” have five friends he chooses to call family. Sue, his wife is his passion, Ben his stability, Johnny his imagination, and his children Franklin and Valeria are his heart. Without these people his life would be boring and lonely. Even to a superhero, partners, friends and family are important. Fantastic Four is a family of choice but there have been others to join this extended family.

We all have biological families. Our family of origin can be a source of great joy or great pain. The Family Choice is of our own making and it can be more powerful and meaningful than the biological family. Why is it so meaningful? Because we choose with whom we want to build familial relationships. These people are chosen into our lives. They are wanted and accepted. This idea of extended or family of choice can be so powerful and loving.

 Mr. Fantastic
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1, Marvel Comics 1961

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

* “Where We Make A Stand” Fantastic Four #2, Marvel Comics, 2018

Robin - Support

My favorite part of Batman is the people Batman surrounds himself with for support. I can say the same for Superman, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If these characters did not have a strong supporting cast, they would just be boring. We all need a strong supporting cast to make it through the day.

Support

“Tim, don’t! You know what happened to Jason.” - Alfred Pennyworth

“Of course, I do. But it’s like I said to Dick. Batman needs help. Batman needs Robin!” - Tim Drake – Robin III *

 The greatest superhero team is Batman and Robin. Batman is a one-man war on crime. As a child, watching his parent’s murder drove Batman over the edge. But without someone to care for, someone to protect, someone to maintain the link to humanity Batman would fall into this abyss of total insanity. Robin is Batman’s link to humanity. There have been five Robins. The first and foremost Dick Grayson, but Dick grew up to become the hero Nightwing. The second, Jason Todd, the street thug that would never listen to Batman and was eventually killed by the Joker. There was Stephanie Brown who tried hard to be impressive but failed in the eyes of Batman. She was also killed. The last Damien Wayne Batman’s son, the current Robin. Finally, Tim Drake, the third Robin. Tim was a true detective that figured out Batman’s and Robin’s secret identities. After Jason’s death Batman offered the Robin mantle to Tim. There has always been a Robin for Batman. Batman needs someone by his side. Batman needs support, a link, an ally, a partner, and a friend. Robin will always be Batman’s support.

We all need support from time to time. We can not go silently through life. We will eventually need someone to talk to, someone to offer help and someone to offer protection. In return we will be there for someone who needs our help, our protection, and our ear.  Life is difficult. Why go through life alone? Why make our lives harder? Take the time to share with someone. We all need at least one friend. Even Batman has one friend. Who knows we may even find our own Robin to share life with? 

Robin   
First Robin: Dick Grayson, Detective Comics #38, April 1940

Second Robin: Jason Todd, Batman #368, 1964 Last Appearance: Batman #428, 1988

Third Robin: Tim Drake, The New Teen Titans, #60, 1989

Fourth Robin: Stephanie Brown, Robin, #126, May 2004

Fifth Robin: Damien Wayne, Batman, #657, November 2006

Creators for all Robins: Bob Kane, Bill Finger (Dick Grayson), Doug Moench, Don Newton (Jason Todd), and Marv Wolfman, George Perez (Tim Drake), Chuck Dixon, Tom Lyle (Stephanie Brown), Grant Morrison, Andy Kubert (Damian Wayne)

 * “A Lonely place to Die” Batman #442, 1989

Spiderman - Responsibility

Peter Parker, Spiderman, is probably one of the most popular superheroes. Mainly because he is young and has the same problems we all have. The same concerns and worries we all do – Rent, Food, Job Security, Friendship and Family. Reading a Spiderman or any comic can often take me out of my head and allow me to be free from worry for just a little while.

Responsibility

“With great power, comes great responsibility.” - Uncle Ben Parker *

Peter Parker, Spiderman, has based his whole superhero career on responsibility. “with great power, comes great responsibility, one of the most popular and profound comics book colloquialisms. Responsibility is a double-edged sword for Peter Parker. It can be his greatest strength always instinctively knowing what the right thing to do, whom to protect and how to protect them. But responsibility is his greatest weakness because at times he slips in responsibility for his family or friends because he is out “Saving the World.” 

Responsibility is a gift. Responsibility is a struggle. It is a double-edged sword for all of us. We all struggle with responsibility, we pay our rent month after month, we go to work day after day, we become bogged down with all this responsibility. All we truly want to do is play and be young with out a care in the world – but the world needs us to be “Responsible.” We all have duties and chores to accomplish. But the world will not fall out of orbit if we take one day to play and be youthful. Sometimes it is OK to spend the day with the kids instead of going to work. On occasion it is OK to call in sick and go to a gallery. Once in awhile it is OK to take a longer lunch break. This is not being irresponsible it is taking care of us. It is loosening the grip that society and responsibility puts on us. Today we do not need to “Save the World.”

Spiderman
First Appearance: Amazing Adventures #15, Aug. 1962

Creators: Stan Lee (plot), Steve Ditko (art)

 * Amazing Adventures #15, Aug. 1962 

Saturn Girl - Subconscious Impulse

Years ago, I was riding my bike home from work. I had the thought take the long way home don’t take the short cut. I didn’t listen to that thought. The short cut is down the steep hill and at the bottom of the hill is an intersection with a bling spot for the intersecting cars. A car was pulling out into the intersection and could not see me. As I start breaking, I tipped my bike forward and fell. Sliding down the rest of the hill getting road burn and I ripping my pants I thought, “This is it!” I’m not dead but I decided from that moment on to listen to the impulses – especially while riding my bike.

Subconscious Impulse

“Something made me suggest coming here today – Some subconscious impulse... nagging at me…trying to tell me something…” - Saturn Girl*

The 30th Century sees a group of teenagers, the Legion of Superheroes, protecting the universe. The three founding members, Garth Ranzz, Rokk Krinn and Imra Ardeen rescued the VERY wealthy R.J. Brande. But Imra Ardeen was the heart of the group. Imra was a talented telepath from Titan, Saturn’s seventh moon. She was top in her classes. She had come to Earth to look for work. She never thought she would become, Saturn Girl. The Legion of Superheroes depended on her telepathic abilities.

 Those “Subconscious Impulses” can drive us crazy. They get in our head and they won’t stop until we act upon or the opportunity passes. These could be a message; these could be our heart’s desire or even intuitive thoughts. Would it truly hurt to follow one or two subconscious impulses? Would it hurt to join that Tai Chi class, send a resume to a corporation where you always wanted to work or call a friend you keep thinking about? Sometimes it is OK to act on an impulse – it could be considered your Heart’s Desire and it is OK to follow your heart.

 Saturn Girl
First Appearance: Adventure Comics # 247 (April, 1958)

Creators: Otto Binder (writer) & Al Plastino (artist)

 *“Hunt for a Hero Killer” Superboy & The Legion of Superheroes #229, DC Comics (July 1977)

Ravenstorm - Cannot Learn Anymore

There is always something to learn. I seek an open-mind and heart, so I am willing to learn more. I am a person living on this planet. To know about my fellow inhabitants will help me become a more accepting person.

Cannot Learn Anymore

 “You never know so much, you cannot learn anymore.” - Ravenstorm*

 Obsessed with the Mystical Arts but unwilling to practice these dark arts Berlin exchange student, Joachim Matthias Reinhardt sought a different route to become a hero. Reinhardt used technology to create his “nano-noir” technology. Reinhardt soon became the lone hero Ravenstorm. He soon settled on Striga Island as part of Rhode Island’s Paragon City. Ravenstorm is always ready to train young heroes and help them learn the skills they need to become better heroes.

 A fortune cookie once suggested, “Being a man means constant revision like correcting writing.” We are like books with many different chapters and in every chapter we have learned something. The events of the past chapter lead to the events in the next. The past lesson leads to the new lesson. We are always changing and growing – learning. Keep an opened-mind and grow. Have conversations, sharing new ideas and become a scholar. Travel to new places, see new people and do new things. When a person does this they change into a new person. George Greenstein wrote, “Ask a new question and you will learn new things.” Here is a challenge, ask someone a question that you do not know the answer?

 Ravenstorm
First Appearance: As part of “City of Heroes” (MMORPG) Issue 3, January 4, 2005

Creator: EJ Nelson  

 *Dialog with the hero in training.  

Hawkeye - Charity

I always try to see the best in others. Sometimes it is difficult, but I still try. I must begin to see what’s good in myself.  We can’t help others until we learned to help ourselves. We can be generous until we learn to put stuff aside for our own well-being. I can’t forgive others until I learn to forgive myself. All of these are charitable acts but they all begin with the self.

Charity

 “You’ll find away Trick! Somehow, you’ll find away. I’ll do what ever I can to help! I owe you that much!” - Hawkeye *

Some superheroes start their heroic careers as villains or wrongly accused of villainy. One such hero is Hawkeye. Clint Barton was an orphan who found his way into a carnival. Clint was train by two villains “Trick Shot” and the “Swordsman”. Clint was inspired by Iron Man, and soon took on the mantle of Hawkeye – the world’s greatest archer. On his first time out as a hero Hawkeye was wrongly accused of crimes and faced Iron Man. Iron Man sponsored Hawkeye in to the Avengers and Clint cleaned up his reputation. Hawkeye always finds the best shot because he is the greatest archer, but he is also very charitable. Finding the goodness in his fellows. Hawkeye helped Trick Shot die honorably of cancer, helped the Swordsman become a hero, he even took the defeated “Masters of Evil” and turned them into a group of heroes called the “Thunderbolts.” Seeking the best shot or goodness in others is Hawkeye’s talent.

 There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it would be wrong to find fault in the rest of us. Charity is looking at our fellows and knowing that deep inside there is good and that our fellows are worthy of our respect and kindness. No matter how right we are, and how difficult it would be a little charity to our fellows will make us stronger. Charity to others will lead in the right direction of peace and understanding. Who knows we may turn a few villains into heroes along the way.

 Hawkeye
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #57, 1964

Last Appearance: Avengers #501, 2004

Creators: Stan Lee (script), and Don Heck (art)

 * “The Triumph of Trick Shot!” Solo Avengers Starring Hawkeye #5, Apr. 1988

Bouncing Boy - Using What You Got

One of my favorite superheroes is Bouncing Boy, Chuck Taine. I saw myself in him. Here was an overweight kid being a superhero. As an overweight kid it was important for me to see Bouncing Boy. He got laughed at and teased but he kept going. He was an inspiration for me to keep going. In fact my CB radio handle (YIKES) was Bouncing Boy.

Using What You Got

“Four to one! When I was a Legionnaire, I often faced odds worse than this…but I had a superpower then! Now I’m just an ordinary guy…with nothing but a few rubber balls to defend myself!” - Chuck Taine*

In the 30th century there will be a group of Teenagers inspired by the 20th century Superheroes and these teenagers from distant planets will come together and form the Legion of Superheroes. Each member will have a unique power or gift as in the case of Bouncing Boy, Chuck Taine. Chuck was an errand boy for a scientist who developed an instant super-rubber fluid. Chuck had to deliver the fluid to the science council, but on they way got thirsty and drank the fluid. Chuck was instantly inflated, and he could bounce around like a ball. Chuck found he could inflate and deflate; he was not affected by electricity and impervious to bullets and other projectiles while inflated. He tried many times to join the Legion and was laughed at each time. Until that one moment when the Legion failed and the person that saved the day was “Bouncing Boy.” Eventually Chuck lost his powers and resigned from the Legion but only after he married his one true love – Luornu Durgo (Duo Damsel).

OK we are just ordinary people with no super power, and no utility belts but we do have special gifts. We all have life experiences that can be used to help or offer hope. We all have memories that can be helpful. We have had difficult times and joyous events that can be used to help someone in need. We have had to change tires. We have changed jobs. We have had difficult classmates. We have lost parents or children. We have continued to live and learn but the learning never stops. Then one day someone will be going through exactly what we have gone through and we will be the one person to save the day with the right suggestion, the perfect answer, or the warmest hand to hold. We will find the only thing we did was share ourselves.

Bouncing Boy – Chuck Taine

First Appearance: Action Comics #276, May 1961

Creators: Jerry Siegel (script), and Jim Mooney (art)

 * “1+1=3” Superboy and the Legion of Superheroes #216, April 1976

Mockingbird - Unarmed

I am a creative person. I often turn to my creativity to let go of stress. I turn to my creativity to have fun and enjoy the day. However, I also turn to my creativity to inspire and help me problem solve. My creativity is not just part of who I am it is also a tool that I can use in many different ways.

Unarmed

 “…You think I’m unarmed, Star! As long as I have my battle staves and my athletic prowess…Who needs guns?” - Mockingbird*

 Dr. Barbara “Bobbi” Morse is, Agent 19 for S.H.I.E.L.D. When Bobbi was a Biology student in Georgia she went with her favorite Professor, Wilma Calvin on a government project, Project: Gladiator. While working on this project she was recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D. She entered the spy school and graduated top in her class, taking the codename Mockingbird. Soon she is sent on a mission to observe and gather information from “Cross Technological Enterprises” where Clint Barton, the Avenger, Hawkeye, is the Security Chief. Unknown to Hawkeye, the CEO is actually the villain Crossfire. Mockingbird and Hawkeye’s first meeting is of course a fight but eventually the two solve the mystery and save the day. Then they fall in love and are married. Mockingbird becomes the love of Hawkeye’s life. They start the West Coast Avengers together.

 This is not political and not about gun or weapon control. It is about however what we have that makes us talented. This discussion has happened many times. Humans tend to forget what we have that is special because we are bogged down with negativity and fear. We need to be told and reminded many times that we are greater than our material selves. We all have gifts that allow us to move and create new things freely. Some of us are athletic, so continue to be athletic and practice often. Some of us are artists (visual, performance and writing) so continue to do that and practice often. Some of us are good at business and organizing or managing things that is a good skill practice and continue. Whatever it is we do that brings us joy continue to practice that. Try to bring that energy to our homes, our workplaces and our spiritual lives. One day we will find we have a prowess and we will never be unarmed.

 Mockingbird
First Appearance: As Dr. Barbara Morse, Astonishing Tales, #6 (June 1971), Marvel Comics

Second Appearance: As The huntress, Marvel Super Action, #6 (Jan. 1976), Marvel Comics

Third Appearance: As Mockingbird, Marvel Team-Up, #95 (July 1980), Marvel Comics

Creators: Gerry Conway, Barry Smith, Len Wein, Neal Adams, Roy Thomas, MArk Grunewald, Mike Fredrich, George Evans, Steven Grant

 * “A Bird in the Hand”, The West Coast Avengers, vol. 2 #8 (May 1986), Marvel Comics

Blok - Turning Back

I’ve been told, “If you have one foot in the past and one foot in the future, you’re pissing on the present.”  It is the present that everything is happening. The present is moving through time. The past and future do not move. With that thought it is best to stay within the present or we could get lost in time. It’s funny that I am using a future civilization to discuss the present – that’s what I love about comics.

Turning Back

 “There is no turning back, Light Lass, not for any of us.” - Blok*

 In the 30th century there will be a group of Teenagers inspired by the 20th century Superheroes. These teenagers from distant planets will come together and form the Legion of Superheroes. Each member will have a unique power. Blok is from the planet Dryad, and has the abilities of super strength, size and density manipulation and energy absorption. When his planet was dying the Dark Man and the Legion of Assassins convinced Blok that the Legion of Superheroes was actually killing his planet. Blok learned the truth and joined the Legion of Superheroes.

 Like Cher we often sing, “If I could turn back time…If I could find a way…” But we cannot. Time does not work like that. Thinking about the past can create, resentment, negativity and regret in our lives. It is not wise to spend too much time thinking about the future as well. The best place to think is the present. There are times that we need to make an amends for a past issue. We need to make the amends and move forward. Don’t dwell on it or worry about it. To move forward in our lives we must be grounded in the present. The present is moving in time. We look in the past to see how far we’ve traveled and feel satisfaction for the journey. We look in the future to see how far we can still travel and to be amazed at the vast horizon. In the present we will find everything we need to move forward.

 Blok
First Appearance: Superboy and the Legion of Superheroes, #253 (July 1979), DC Comics

Creators: Gerry Conway (writer) & Joe Stanton (art)

* “Darkseid”, The Legion of Superheroes, Volume 34, #294 (December 1982), DC Comics

Mary Marvel - Truth

Sometimes hearing the truth is difficult. Sometimes finding the truth is difficult. The old colloquialism is correct – “the truth will set you free”. Depending on the truth there is a moment of relief, then the realization comes, “I do not have to hide the truth anymore.”  

Truth

 “I know what I Know! I know the TRUTH!” - Mary Marvel*

 Saying the wizard’s name “SHAZAM” will transform Billy Batson, orphan and teenage radio announcer, into Captain Marvel. But Billy Batson has a twin sister. They were separated when Mary Batson was adopted by the wealthy Bromfeilds. Mrs. Primm the orphanage director told Billy he had a twin sister that wore the other half of a broken locket. He and his best friend Freddie Freeman found Mary Bromfield as she was being kidnapped. The three teenagers, kidnapped, were tied up and bound. As Billy was saying his magic word, SHAZAM, the magic lightning bounced off him and transformed Mary and Freddie. Mary became Mary Marvel. Now there were three, Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel JR, and Mary Marvel.

 We are told from a young age to always be honest and to always tell the truth. Sometimes that is a difficult task. Practicing a spiritual life changes us. We begin to seek knowledge about ourselves. We begin to see “truth” differently. We begin to see more clearly the deeper truth. Speaking honestly with friends and family gives us power; it builds trust and strengthens connections. In finding the truth and honesty we begin to see the real power of love. Seeking the truth we begin to conform to the reality of situations. We find the actual state of being honest and truthful. We begin to build integrity – our actions and beliefs become the same. And this is a truer state of being.

 Mary Marvel
First Appearance: Captain Marvel Adventures, #18 (December 1942), Fawcett Comics

Creators: Otto Binder (writer) Marc Swayze (art)

* “Perceptions”, Supergirl Plus+, #1, February 1997, DC Comics

Flying Fox - Tribe

I have a Tribe. My tribe of friends is very strong. My tribe is accepting – all are welcomed. I’ll give anyone the opportunity to join my tribe. It is a tribe of choice. I choose who I want in my life. For me that is very powerful. My tribe has walked with me through the good and bad.

Tribe

 “I was sent here by my Tribe, which dwells in a secret place, to do what I could to help with the war against evil.” - Flying Fox*

 The Native American, Flying Fox, comes from Canada. During WWII his tribe was attacked by the Nazis. Flying Fox watched his father, the chief, murdered by the Nazis. The tribe’s shaman his grandfather taught Flying Fox the ways of the shaman. To prove himself as chief he had to go out and fight the evil that killed his father. With a fox skin cloak and the mystical powers of the shaman, Flying Fox joined the young All-Stars, and gained honorary membership to the All-Star Squadron. Connecting to his ancient tribe through magic gives Flying Fox his great powers, some of which are flying, invisibility, astral projection, empathy and telepathy.

 To have a tribe is a wonderful thing. To connect to a group of people and learn from them is something we can all benefit from. To be part of a culture and learn from that culture is important. It keeps the culture alive and it can blend with other cultures creating a new one helping peace become stronger. Sometimes the ideas of the culture or tribe can be built from tradition. Traditions can be broken but they are still nice to be revisited and learned from. We grow from traditions – we practice traditions every day. Our morning rituals are traditions. When our friends and family become involved in our rituals then these traditions become a culture for the family. The family becomes a tribe.

 Flying Fox
First Appearance: The Young All-Stars, #1 (June 1987)

Creators: Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas (writers) and Michael Bair, Brian Murray (artists)

* “A Call to Arms”, The Young All-Stars, #3, August 1987

Northstar - Treasure Friendship

I would be lost without my friends. If not for my friends I would not have the family of choice that is so important to me. My friends have supported me through some very important events. I have tried to be just as supportive for my friends. Friendships are important and we all need friends.

Treasure Friendship

 “I -- have always found it difficult... to express myself, to... admit that I care. But I do! If anything, this ordeal has taught me to treasure friendship, embrace it. I hope maybe, when all this is over... we can start afresh.” - Northstar*

 Canadians, Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier) and Aurora (Jeanne-Marie Beaubier) are mutant twins with the ability of superhuman speed, durability, flight, and in Northstar’s case light manipulation and in Aurora’s light generation. Jean-Paul Beaubier, Northstar he was the first openly Gay Superhero. For any kid struggling with their sexuality, superhero, mutant or human, is a difficult task. We have come a long way but we still have far to go in the acceptance of ALL people in race creed color sexual orientation or religious affiliation. But the one thing that has helped Northstar the most over the years is his friendships. He cherishes his family and friendships as familial relationships.

 Friends support and walk with you. We all need friends. Choosing friends is easy and the friendship is difficult. As Northstar’s quote suggests, we have to express ourselves, admit we care, embrace each other, and finally treasure the friendship. Today let your friends be there for you.  

 Northstar
First Appearance:  Uncanny X-Men #120 (April 1979)

Creators: Chris Claremont (plot), John Byrne (art)

 * Northstar #4 (July 1994) Simon Furman (plot), Dario Carrasco Jr. (art)

Songbird - Tougher

I am reminded today of Peace. I try to seek Peace in my actions, my meditations and my thoughts. It’s the same way I seek Balance, physically, spiritually and emotionally. For me the best way I find Peace through acceptance. I treat people the way I want to be treated – with acceptance.

Tougher

 “…And baby, when you’ve lived the kind of life little Mimi has – there ain’t NOBODY tougher!” - Songbird*

 Melissa Joan Gold, ran away from home and her alcoholic abusive father. Melissa was living on the street and referring to herself as Mimi. She met up with some wrestlers – the Grapplers. Their showy antics made them renowned and popular. The wrestlers became a covert team for Roxxon Oil Company; they each got special apparatuses to make them stronger. Melissa got a carapace that gave her supersonic screams. She called herself “Screaming Mimi”. She eventually joined other villain groups and each group used her as a scapegoat. The evil Baron Zemo devised a plan to take Villains and dress them as heroes and perform heroic acts to trick the public. Melissa was one of these villains. She found she liked being a hero. People loved her, they were not afraid of her. Other heroes respected her. Her carapace was strengthened and she took the name Songbird.  She is a supersonic siren superhero fighting the good fight.

How often do we have issues with other people?  Once a week? Twice a week? Every day? Did you ever meet a bully in school? Honestly have you ever taken the time to ask yourself what is wrong with these people? The “Tao Te Ching” by Lao Tzu says “Compassion: Attack with it and win. Defend with it and stand firm” (translation by Addis & Lombardo). This means take a moment and be compassionate toward the issuing person. What about your life? How do you react to situations that remind you of those long ago issues? Be compassionate toward yourself and try not to react selfishly, or with anger. Showing compassion, striking with compassion and defending yourself with compassion will win the battle. Remember treating ourselves like precious objects will make us strong.

 Songbird
First Appearance: (as Screaming Mimi) Marvel Two-in-One #54, August 1979

First Appearance: (as Songbird) The Incredible Hulk #449, February 1997

Creators: (Screaming Mimi) Mark Gruenwald, Ralph Macchio (plot) and John Byrne (art)

Creators: (Songbird) Kurt Busiek (writer) & Mark Bagley (artist)

 * “Thunderbolts” (Decisions part 1: Turning Point) #20, 1998

Zatanna - Together

As for as magical characters go Zatanna is one of the best. I have always loved her. Trying to figure out her backwards spoken spells is always fun for me. I draw backwards often because of her. I get use my creative mind differently. That’s the whole point for being an artist or practicing a spiritual life. Having the opportunity to see the world differently.

Together

“All of us together. SDNIW ESAEC OT EB!”          Zatanna*

The golden age hero and powerful magician Giovanni Zatara is missing and his daughter Zatanna Zatara uses her skill and her connections as a stage performer to search for him. In the process she finds that he is a well respected superhero. She receives assistance from, Batman and Robin, Hawkman and Hawkwoman, the Atom, Green Lantern and the Elongated Man. Eventually she finds that she herself is a powerful sorceress. Zatanna soon becomes the Justice League’s top Magical Member. She casts her spells backwards - if it can be said backwards it can happen. She continues to live in her family home Shadowcrest and she is one of the world’s foremost Stage Performers. Zatanna is normally pivotal in bringing together all other magical heroes in times of crisis.

Why do something alone, when doing it with someone is fun, easier and faster? The best way to learn about someone is to work with them. In his book “A Walk in the Woods”, Bill Bryson’s 1998 book about discovering the Appalachian Trail writes about fellow hikers. “You become part of an informal clump, a loose and sympathetic affiliation of people from different age groups and walks of life but all experiencing the same weather, same discomforts, same landscapes and same eccentric impulse to hike to Maine.” This is a lovely description of people working together. Right now look out the window the people on the street are “experiencing the same weather, same discomforts, same landscapes”.

Zatanna

First Appearance: Hawkman, vol. 1 #4 (October–November 1964)  

Creator: Gardner Fox (writer) and Murphy Anderson (artist)  

* “Worlds in Limbo”, Crisis on Infinite Earths, #5, 1985

Æon Flux - To Live Only Once

Living is in the present. I do not want to miss any part of this life. I don’t want heavy baggage when I leave this place. The best way to do that is to remain present.

To Live Only Once

“To live only once…with Hope.” - Æon Flux *

The country of Bregna is a police state ruled by Trevor Goodchild. Bregna is also referred to as the “Republic of Goodchild.” The Monicans are part of a community called Monica; they are the rebels, the underground resistance. Æon Flux is the Monicans best assassin. She is sent on missions to try and assassinate Trevor Goodchild. In much of her attempts Æon Flux fails and dies. She is then replaced by her clones to complete the mission. Since there are many different versions of Æon Flux there are many different versions of the story – we never know if this is a future earth or a different planet. The most popular version we learn that Æon Flux and the Monicans are fighting to stop the cloning process.

We have only one life – it is the one we are living right now this moment. Some people believe in reincarnation, in which when you die you are reborn to relearn the lesson that we failed in our pass life and eventually to reach heaven because you have learned everything. That is a lovely concept but what about this current life? It is better to focus on this life learning the lessons, not focusing on the future or past living only in the present. We have learned from many of the superheroes already that a life lived in hope is a much better and easier life to live. With Hope the past was beautiful, the future is bright, and the present is manageable and complete.

Æon Flux
First Appearance: Æon Flux, Season 1 (September 1991), MTV Broadcasts

Creator: Peter Chung 

* “Æon Flux “, starring Charlize Theron, 2005 Release from Paramount & MTV