tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8927664003156668212024-03-12T21:12:30.550-04:00Warrior27The online home of the self-published comics & prose anthology, Warrior27, an homage to Britain's early-80s comic magazine, Warrior - along with the various writings, musings, and miscellany of Dan Fleming and Chris Beckett.Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.comBlogger583125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-43601342105519610402023-12-18T08:46:00.009-05:002023-12-18T08:46:43.796-05:00Dropping this in so I can find it later<p> One of my all-time favorite Christmas specials, growing up, was the Mickey's Christmas Carol Disney special, which was padded out to an hour with additional cartoons, since the Christmas Carol adaptation is roughly a half hour long. One of them, which I've not found on the Disney+ site, nor have I found it on video, is this one. Possibly due to the egregious Native peoples' stereotypes in the cartoon, it isn't readily available, but here it is from youtube. <br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="348" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jJ8xtB-JR-Q" width="483" youtube-src-id="jJ8xtB-JR-Q"></iframe></div><br />Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-23056434070739229742023-03-20T16:05:00.000-04:002023-03-20T16:05:07.507-04:00Books I've read: HEAT 2<p><b>Caveat</b>: these off the cuff posts are for me and are more book report than analysis. I found that I was reading several dozen books a year, but I was not retaining much. So, these "Books I've Read" posts were a way for me to job my memory and possibly retain more about what I've been reading than has recently been the case. I would certainly prefer, at some point, to transition more into analysis rather than regurgitation mode, but only time will tell if I reach that goal. So, with that, another book I've read...<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv4rYSfjpMd5zRhKN1NbEdDT2iEkNPUwrYoJ30QR0qbRymcKbVke8H02BUbCsPl_WGauI-r-M3_UdAgmy43hNseKAjBPEMonMZKi8mo-cEHd7ZRseLlExidSthGeSMcposrtnbRpDDGW7Vt-sodTdc5fcpq_3zn_G1f9QSwk1NeA-fq_bpqPxdVurkg/s302/Heat%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv4rYSfjpMd5zRhKN1NbEdDT2iEkNPUwrYoJ30QR0qbRymcKbVke8H02BUbCsPl_WGauI-r-M3_UdAgmy43hNseKAjBPEMonMZKi8mo-cEHd7ZRseLlExidSthGeSMcposrtnbRpDDGW7Vt-sodTdc5fcpq_3zn_G1f9QSwk1NeA-fq_bpqPxdVurkg/w265-h400/Heat%202.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Heat 2, written by Michael Mann & Meg Gardiner. This book was a complete surprise to me. Sure, I'm a huge fan of Michael Mann's films -- Last of the Mohicans is one of my all-time favorites -- but how would his work translate to the printed page? The answer, with the understanding that he co-wrote this with an award-winning novelist, Meg Gardiner, is wonderfully! <br />Prior to reading this, I watched Heat again, for the first time in a long time. That. Is a good movie. And the story slides directly from the end of the movie into the start of this book. </p><p><br /></p><p>It is 1995, and we follow Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) as he tries to recuperate enough to get out of L.A., with the help of Nate (Jon Voight). Of course, Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) is still on the hunt for Chris, the only member of Neil McCauley's (Robert Deniro's) crew to get away, at the end of the movie. So, his recuperation time won't be as long as necessary; Nate needs to get Chris out of the city, and out of the country, fast. And he sends Chris south, to Paraguay. There, Chris hooks up with a Taiwanese crime family, the Liu family, in the city of Ciudad del Este. Chris knows he needs to go along to get along, that Nate has called in a favor to get him in with this family, and he remains lowkey, does his job, and watches -- seeing the daughter of the crime boss, Ana, get the short end of the stick, since her brother, Felix, is in line to take over, even though she's the one with the intelligence, the ambition, and the backbone needed to keep the family moving forward in the high stakes life of international crime. Chris falls for her, of course, even as he pines away for Charlene and their young son, back in the states. </p><p><br /></p><p>1988. <br />Mann & Gardiner take us back to Chicago, to seven years before Heat, to Neil McCauley and his crew, including Chris and Michael Cheritto (Tom Sizemore), as they rob banks in the greater Chicago area. This is where Lt. Vincent Hanna is stationed, at this time, but his eyes isn't on Neil's crew, he's trailing a vile piece of trash, Otis Wardell (though Hanna doesn't know his name), who likes to do home invasions, when the rich families are home, and rape and beat the members of the family, in some power hungry show of his alpha male, big-balls machismo. </p><p><br /></p><p>There's a guy in Chicago, who has an auto repair business, where Neil gets his cars for his jobs: clean, with papers, and average looking. The man does good work, and Neil pays him well and shows him respect. Too bad for him, Otis Wardell also uses this guy for his vehicles, and Wardell doesn't like the idea of another guy getting special treatment from the man he sees as <b><i>his car guy</i></b>. A bit on the paranoid side, Wardell starts trying to find out who Neil is, what his jobs are, and how he can get him out of the way. Wardell is an evil mutherf*&#er. And Neil is completely oblivious to his existence. </p><p><br /></p><p>Neil and his crew are successful with their latest heist, allowing Chris to return to wooing a Vegas call girl he recently met, Charlene (Ashley Judd), while Neil returns to his girlfriend, Elisa, and her daughter, Gabriela. They have a good life, as good a life as one can have when you're living on the other side of the law. Neil is a caring father figure to Gabriela, a good man to Elisa; they have plans of settling down, properly, eventually. </p><p><br /></p><p>Back in 1995, Chris is becoming more comfortable and more familiar with the Liu family business, and he begins to offer some insights into their dealings, which are welcomed by the patriarch, David Liu. As Chris rises in esteem with Mr. Liu and becomes closer to his daughter, Ana, he and Ana start to consider the possibility of her breaking stereotype -- or forcing her father to set aside stereotype -- and ascending to the top rung. But, of course, that isn't going to happen. Ana is a young woman. In Taiwanese culture, she isn't afforded such opportunity. But maybe there's a way to break off from her family and do her own thing, using the dark web. </p><p><br /></p><p>Neil stumbles upon what could be a huge payday for him and his crew, the weekly money train for the drug cartels, which is coordinated just over the border in northern Mexico. It will take some planning, but the complacent confidence of the setup spurs him to the belief that it's very doable. And, with Elisa -- who comes from a long line of border smugglers, and who knows many of the camouflaged trails utilized for such subterfuge -- by his side, Neil knows he has an ace in the hole. Of course, Neil needs vehicles to pull this heist off, including one very special one, a longbed trailer for hauling cars, which Otis Wardell happens to spy when he arrives at the auto shop just as Neil is leaving. Even more intrigued now, Wardell decides he wants to find out what this other crew is doing and take them down. </p><p><br /></p><p>Meanwhile, Lt. Hanna has managed to discern how Wardell targets his victims, from his investigation of the latest home invasion, and he has a lead on Wardell's next victims. But they need to move fast. Hanna races to the home of the next victims with his guys, Casals and Drucker. They manage to take out some of Wardell's guys, but in the ensuing bloodbath, which leaves Hanna wounded in the leg, Wardell manages to slip away. But now he knows that the police are on to him, and he needs to get out of town. But he needs to know about Neil McCauley's job. So he beats his car guy just to the point of death, to pry away what he can from the guy about McCauley's plan, and then he leaves him hanging to die in his auto repair shop. And Wardell heads south</p><p><br /></p><p>The heist with the cartel money goes off . . . with some hitches. Two of the evening guards show up early and discover their compatriots either dead or tied up. They try to stop Neil and his crew, but they do manage to get away with the money, after a bloody firefight. But, Wardell has discovered the car hauler he saw in Chicago and brings his own crew to the safehouse at the point when Neil and his crew are out on the heist. Elisa's uncle, and her daughter, are in the house (though Gabriela is hidden in the bedroom). Wardell forces Elisa's uncle to call Elisa, and his code words alert her to the danger. She uses the open comms to divert Wardell's crew and races back, only to find Wardell had remained, just in case something wasn't on the up and up. He has killed her uncle and threatens to do the same to her. Elisa sacrifices herself, convincing Wardell she will take him to Neil, while letting her daughter know that she needs to run as soon as she and this evil man are gone. </p><p>Neil, too, understands what is going on from what Elisa says to him, as she and Wardell leave. He races to the trail she showed him one evening, to set up an ambush for whoever it is that has Elisa, while Chris and the others also race to join them. Neil takes out the rest of the crew in their vehicles, but Wardell, with Elisa in her car, manages to get out and put Elisa between him and Neil, forcing Neil to stand down. That is when Wardell shoots Elisa, fatally wounding her, diverting Neil's attention, and allowing Wardell to escape in the car Neil drove here with, a car filled with 3 million dollars. Chris and the rest of the crew arrive too late. Elisa is dead. They need to get away an lay low. And Gabriela needs to learn to live life without a mother. </p><p>From this experience came Neil's mantra: "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in thirty seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner."</p><p><br /></p><p>The year 2000. 5 years after Neil was shot by Hanna. 12 years after Neil lost Elisa and Hanna lost Wardell. 'And all the chickens come home to roost.'</p><p><br /></p><p>Chris and Ana are working toward making something for themselves, outside of Ana's family. Except she cannot get out from under their thumb, especially now that her father has joined forces with their rival in Ciudad del Este. But Chris has ideas, and he and Ana go to Los Angeles, so that Nate can put them in touch with Kelso, the computer whiz who always helped Neil with darkweb stuff. </p><p>Meanwhile, Wardell, who moved to L.A. with the 3 million dollars he found in Neil's car, is about to come out from under the rock where he's been hiding, when a waitress at a diner acts oddly around him -- agitated, as if she knows who he is. Which she does, because this waitress is Gabriela, now a college student in L.A. </p><p>And Lt. Hanna is still a part of the Los Angeles police force. And he still has a hard-on for Wardell, the one who got away. </p><p><br /></p><p>The way Mann & Gardiner bring all the players back together, five years later, for the final act of this novel is elegant and sublime and does not feel at all forced. It's a testament to their storytelling skills how easily everything fits into place, continuing on from what has come before. And the tension rises as Hanna discovers Wardell is in town and making mistakes, as Gabriela realizes that Wardell is after her, as Chris and Ana try to find a way to get out from under her family's strictures, and as Chris decides, finally, that Charlene is all right in her new life without him and channels the disappointment of that realization into finding and killing Lt. Hanna once and for all, for the death of his best friend, Neil. </p><p><br /></p><p>The final chapters of this book are thrilling, as we, the reader, watch from the outside while these people we've come to know so well fumble toward the bloody climax. And the ultimate car chase along the L.A. highway, as Wardell takes Gabriela with Hanna in pursuit, is almost as exhilarating as if Michael Mann had gotten a chance to shoot it on film. This book really is a tour-de-force of crime fiction and a fitting sequel to one of the best crime films ever. </p><p><br /></p><p>Definitely watch HEAT again, and once you hit the end credits crack open HEAT 2 and start reading. You will not be disappointed. <br /><br /></p><p>-chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-30611553664390455762023-03-10T15:59:00.001-05:002023-03-10T15:59:59.986-05:00 DALE MURPHY & THE DALE MURPHY MVP EXPERIENCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJd4NsHI0Z4NF4yJ9vYP5prEMe1BKsLaUNYtEbg_rtNzBeHHB4BZj8G0ZwWvkmHikYDLa5LgMGYgeaWN7eaInmBb2Z_fl4KR_VFKmEg1ySehIe68pKoj-bQUD1GTMRJ9Oa7XB4Sd8xjRdwE23UTOTlcxd8xzL8mzdXsQG3hD0oei_2OXbguu1lECNnA/s4032/IMG_3842.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJd4NsHI0Z4NF4yJ9vYP5prEMe1BKsLaUNYtEbg_rtNzBeHHB4BZj8G0ZwWvkmHikYDLa5LgMGYgeaWN7eaInmBb2Z_fl4KR_VFKmEg1ySehIe68pKoj-bQUD1GTMRJ9Oa7XB4Sd8xjRdwE23UTOTlcxd8xzL8mzdXsQG3hD0oei_2OXbguu1lECNnA/w480-h640/IMG_3842.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><p>I was born in 1972. I grew up in Calais, Maine, a small town of roughly 4,000 right on the Canadian border—it was maybe a 10 minute walk from my front porch to the bridge that crossed the St. Croix River into St. Stephen, New Brunswick. The 80s was my decade: MTV, the rise of video games and arcades, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Rick Deckard, et al., Stephen King books and movies (being from Maine meant one was contractually obligated to be a fan), Atari 2600, personal computers, and the slow, snaking influx of cable television, with WTBS at the forefront, at least for those of us in Calais. And with WTBS, that meant we could watch every Atlanta Braves baseball game, even if they weren’t the best team in the majors. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9UiRhz0gHB5vBvISMCB5-JwmwdyyW1dfmdYtIy0trJh9jDebetSCHuVVYA4zfSuT17bKm6YDptYZElAqj0LqLmKf9wAwsNj4IAlAyrcENTnLCDSqDhIK0HoWUJHjX5M5b7x22L7oTPd8SP4Bo2-hBDzTORh-acvfxK4KFhl7ZKOzqKfM5bmv3eAwGg/s4032/IMG_3837.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9UiRhz0gHB5vBvISMCB5-JwmwdyyW1dfmdYtIy0trJh9jDebetSCHuVVYA4zfSuT17bKm6YDptYZElAqj0LqLmKf9wAwsNj4IAlAyrcENTnLCDSqDhIK0HoWUJHjX5M5b7x22L7oTPd8SP4Bo2-hBDzTORh-acvfxK4KFhl7ZKOzqKfM5bmv3eAwGg/s320/IMG_3837.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4netVXAIdxjLPQxnk9kROBKi3-1GQf0YTJiAJWdE_n96Xpxp8F-YOe0_0zUzC3rxABsnRsp60wZcOJtp4wsPAkgC0lspysM44bGz88K436hsMUDmLpV57O-GYzMpw0xdQW9cU_isYLAt_IOpuPkilFVyInKukZC2-CufMNL-0AD8rNTbk1WUC8yesmg/s4032/IMG_3847.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4netVXAIdxjLPQxnk9kROBKi3-1GQf0YTJiAJWdE_n96Xpxp8F-YOe0_0zUzC3rxABsnRsp60wZcOJtp4wsPAkgC0lspysM44bGz88K436hsMUDmLpV57O-GYzMpw0xdQW9cU_isYLAt_IOpuPkilFVyInKukZC2-CufMNL-0AD8rNTbk1WUC8yesmg/s320/IMG_3847.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Of course, growing up in Maine meant I was, and still am, a Boston Red Sox fan. I can remember listening to Sox games on the radio. If we were lucky, the Sox might be featured on the game of the week, Saturday, but with a couple dozen other teams available, chances were slim. So, although I was a diehard Sox fan at the time, it was challenging to be able to watch the team play, and with the Braves always on TBS, they quickly became my second favorite team. It was just a joy to see baseball on the small screen, no matter who was playing, but when you can watch the same team night in and night out, you become familiar with the players and an affinity for the team grows. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xnGdo88NLlvJ0yAQjeOpQ0rOKg9xlL7o1xv347FFE1yCOydt-fgJYE6AHvyjFG9BDcGwwxYiG7pjzYNUnfa_Sfa367a3kMyICArV8Tziy7u0XV8jQcjp1qpmbfiLdLhdzW0mMAplIQoEKZHaugYSfMCE0IyAldJ60ia8e1-7ELmaOtlIJ4LalJUuyg/s4032/IMG_3854.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xnGdo88NLlvJ0yAQjeOpQ0rOKg9xlL7o1xv347FFE1yCOydt-fgJYE6AHvyjFG9BDcGwwxYiG7pjzYNUnfa_Sfa367a3kMyICArV8Tziy7u0XV8jQcjp1qpmbfiLdLhdzW0mMAplIQoEKZHaugYSfMCE0IyAldJ60ia8e1-7ELmaOtlIJ4LalJUuyg/s320/IMG_3854.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-zraC0kNQmRYZm4fxe0GX_cdUcoYELuFz0VLfvW8B1rid1H_oc-OXPgdBCSYRyy2ul0Yw3BeJYIN_mf3rPML3GUy8PeqUT5yj0655MFhCZJK3dtBS-dEVOi4AG7H_jks_rVgvzJ7ad92BRcSs-rJcfyWKT9Zf3IrfWrkjz62v_wH_P5i9JmgP0UNTw/s4032/IMG_3855.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-zraC0kNQmRYZm4fxe0GX_cdUcoYELuFz0VLfvW8B1rid1H_oc-OXPgdBCSYRyy2ul0Yw3BeJYIN_mf3rPML3GUy8PeqUT5yj0655MFhCZJK3dtBS-dEVOi4AG7H_jks_rVgvzJ7ad92BRcSs-rJcfyWKT9Zf3IrfWrkjz62v_wH_P5i9JmgP0UNTw/s320/IMG_3855.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Baseball was my favorite sport, period. I watched the Baseball Bunch to gain pointers—on TBS, natch—and made sure to be in front of the TV when Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren began the pre-game for the Braves. And during that time, Dale Murphy was the star of the team. He’d had trouble finding a position to play: overthrowing second base as a catcher, committing the most errors of any first baseman the season he played that position. When they finally put Murphy in the outfield, everything finally clicked, and he became a superstar. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcSMrT4dbJpI_nkF5v-_E65KT-u29vt99fDqUfaARN4j5QtGhkQCN5y0f0ZXfxCIx17smP82qEffyUFocuKJ3tWRLP6NwoptX_9fELFs3_9PFi7YODe-uCYFAmDlhnMbq3Fu2XP7BZ3giYzw0ZZbx5JdXulJ778dYE9eQkvUdywVbQUzAOLyY-Kq30A/s4032/IMG_3862.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcSMrT4dbJpI_nkF5v-_E65KT-u29vt99fDqUfaARN4j5QtGhkQCN5y0f0ZXfxCIx17smP82qEffyUFocuKJ3tWRLP6NwoptX_9fELFs3_9PFi7YODe-uCYFAmDlhnMbq3Fu2XP7BZ3giYzw0ZZbx5JdXulJ778dYE9eQkvUdywVbQUzAOLyY-Kq30A/s320/IMG_3862.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX8VOv646a3txQ0mZ9O_9w68yQne-30x64MXuWci5CzpFbypx2aeySgjaHyOQknBSyn5SfOui3ggeobcaPMSJqNh7RYla7DZ6J2dAU2H_fSzj4hgr2pa_TFkG4sblEy1Pzwh3Vo0nNmzCP_W1HBn7iST5E8Ur3DF5R7nbsWSRDOaayXe6z4VXaYXeUw/s4032/IMG_3863.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX8VOv646a3txQ0mZ9O_9w68yQne-30x64MXuWci5CzpFbypx2aeySgjaHyOQknBSyn5SfOui3ggeobcaPMSJqNh7RYla7DZ6J2dAU2H_fSzj4hgr2pa_TFkG4sblEy1Pzwh3Vo0nNmzCP_W1HBn7iST5E8Ur3DF5R7nbsWSRDOaayXe6z4VXaYXeUw/s320/IMG_3863.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Murphy was tall and lean, but still very strong. In the outfield, he had a cannon for an arm. Runners were on notice to beware trying to take that extra base, Murphy might throw them out. He could hit home runs to every part of the stadium, collectively hitting the most home runs and driving in the most runs from 1981-1990. Murphy could also run, stealing bases as well as hitting dingers, and he became an early member of the 30-30 club, for players who hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. Dale Murphy was an exciting player to watch, one who could change the complexion of a game with a single swing of his bat. And, of course, he became my baseball hero. I modeled my swing on his, in little league. I had a framed souvenir celebrating his MVP years. And, to this day, Murphy is my favorite player all-time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtFtxCJh4SoThigT_bBAf58LS-EU_fBv5GFVeInGL_EKH7y2dUuTxWNSoqpZS0ylUgrGvc2lyLmJ28KreSmtOAfztdKVt03Sw1YX9oyoISPIBhv85ND_lq4rzgUnLj1zkO-mbdMvbmJ_fpA1-yFfgI3BUiHidlC5i-LAbeAKpCE3m1-705_gP3rmXBQ/s4032/IMG_3879.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtFtxCJh4SoThigT_bBAf58LS-EU_fBv5GFVeInGL_EKH7y2dUuTxWNSoqpZS0ylUgrGvc2lyLmJ28KreSmtOAfztdKVt03Sw1YX9oyoISPIBhv85ND_lq4rzgUnLj1zkO-mbdMvbmJ_fpA1-yFfgI3BUiHidlC5i-LAbeAKpCE3m1-705_gP3rmXBQ/w400-h300/IMG_3879.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>But Murphy was more than just a great baseball player, he was a great person. With his back-to-back MVP seasons in 1982 and 1983, the attention that all of us TBS kids had given him became a national phenomenon, as Murphy was profiled in Sports Illustrated, as well as other sporting magazines of the era. In those stories, we fans learned of his devout nature. That Murphy, a Mormon, did not drink alcohol, did not curse, and seemed to be a genuinely good person. When he became a member of the Phillies, a team with some notorious rabble-rousers, Murphy, the elder statesman, would take his teammates out to dinner and pay for the meal, but he would not pay for their alcohol. One time, Murphy came out of the dugout to ask a fan who had been cursing throughout the game to refrain from using that type of language. Murphy also—like all our favorite heroes—had the luck, or the ability, to elevate his game play to mythical proportions. Before one game, a young fan who was disabled got a chance to meet Murphy and asked him if he could hit a home run for them. Murphy felt uncomfortable but didn't want to disappoint this child and said he would try. That day, Murphy hit two home runs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoR15QsFE1uWkKlclygHLXLzyUA_nLxbIpQcJKmPkpilAvhFBFlE8s6ea0ZaBEnQxL--lFe3zZWn_g0y7J1zS3uiGveWjVW8SilpRej2v1l-Uh8bbLZH_AuqiIB6xdqTz_0lFQBtlAE2mY1X_rgWUV3u8QIS1H8XBtMiNnPdtGCs2UyJMNqa5mLXoHg/s4032/IMG_3839.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoR15QsFE1uWkKlclygHLXLzyUA_nLxbIpQcJKmPkpilAvhFBFlE8s6ea0ZaBEnQxL--lFe3zZWn_g0y7J1zS3uiGveWjVW8SilpRej2v1l-Uh8bbLZH_AuqiIB6xdqTz_0lFQBtlAE2mY1X_rgWUV3u8QIS1H8XBtMiNnPdtGCs2UyJMNqa5mLXoHg/s320/IMG_3839.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8iGgkpWG8jX8Z3pH15M4VGVeQJ3_KlH3zzopihUwq6Br4PhEq2yE4JAnRKjKeYWWGeRRvLK-5HRQpggb6AG__YbdFS0DHQA9eNBzi3bzKzvvYvuL1BvCbOJBd8vc81wL6ziQDQbMIFURGBRE9Xb_UVjPMFVdhK_WyZ2FYhA5vY1rIViPHiWNMLvr4A/s4032/IMG_3846.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8iGgkpWG8jX8Z3pH15M4VGVeQJ3_KlH3zzopihUwq6Br4PhEq2yE4JAnRKjKeYWWGeRRvLK-5HRQpggb6AG__YbdFS0DHQA9eNBzi3bzKzvvYvuL1BvCbOJBd8vc81wL6ziQDQbMIFURGBRE9Xb_UVjPMFVdhK_WyZ2FYhA5vY1rIViPHiWNMLvr4A/s320/IMG_3846.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>But, growing up in rural Maine, the idea of going to an Atlanta Braves game was just not in the cards. Fenway Park wasn’t even something to be considered. Years passed, Murphy retired, I had many birthdays, got married and had a family, and the idea of ever meeting my childhood hero wasn’t even a blip on my metaphorical radar. </p><p>Until it was…</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDVzGIoINmVuf_Xqo5wJREdDXkiOcSilRoYTTFX9sMPfCPvdj3wdI0mg81JijCctj-zS9vfxwVLyO-E6RFU7C4iX7QJkhZgRrQyQJkQF43eTi_7D853P_owoP1yxs3AR-yr4r_h6QkPqZx6q5kNYpjQXEuMTIgmoX29nRyB1_ArgEfR1ECndlAXsNMg/s4032/IMG_3852.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDVzGIoINmVuf_Xqo5wJREdDXkiOcSilRoYTTFX9sMPfCPvdj3wdI0mg81JijCctj-zS9vfxwVLyO-E6RFU7C4iX7QJkhZgRrQyQJkQF43eTi_7D853P_owoP1yxs3AR-yr4r_h6QkPqZx6q5kNYpjQXEuMTIgmoX29nRyB1_ArgEfR1ECndlAXsNMg/s320/IMG_3852.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NfJfOh0EwTXBcyB_aXbA5OmQJdF3N5bEyT0EJ9boId3hqhZ9--Ezq60nbjHAxjwziAwrH5A8c4_0g6dOBW0UfHWe8BRgurbkLZuP4dEgbqbGJfi9KaFtkWPIaJYFhPVs-RGpqjsqxLrSVQjRDXBj4WINLioK3Qkwix6Ud3uU0nfGD7btNS9dPJ6qmg/s4032/IMG_3856.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NfJfOh0EwTXBcyB_aXbA5OmQJdF3N5bEyT0EJ9boId3hqhZ9--Ezq60nbjHAxjwziAwrH5A8c4_0g6dOBW0UfHWe8BRgurbkLZuP4dEgbqbGJfi9KaFtkWPIaJYFhPVs-RGpqjsqxLrSVQjRDXBj4WINLioK3Qkwix6Ud3uU0nfGD7btNS9dPJ6qmg/s320/IMG_3856.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>I still google Dale Murphy, on occasion, either reading newer stories featuring him or re-reading his stats and highlights, and at some point in late 2020 or early 2021 I came across a blog post from a fellow Murphy fan who had attended the Dale Murphy MVP Experience. What!??! As stated, it was a whole experience, with the opportunity to have photos taken with Murph, get items signed by him, and attend a Braves baseball game, in the company of roughly 40 other Murphy fans, for what, to me, seems a reasonable cost. With the pandemic still raging, I was not considering it for 2021, but as 2022 rolled around, along with my 50th birthday, it seemed the right time to do this. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B5QgVYv13W34aZtpQxFy84oJmmuTX7-EqcZg9RJGUoystzBEocqJBEpUTswMj0Q9l0ZkxCgLAX-kqpzCPAy3mgvMuT0FHFqFsavhIKINMjf5VyHxjxOTF0Oww_CijmF416xhg8TjRGU565vEe7xXX5eYXB3QRm-elvFlngSjTx-geXHyxIGuYM7eoA/s4032/IMG_3858.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B5QgVYv13W34aZtpQxFy84oJmmuTX7-EqcZg9RJGUoystzBEocqJBEpUTswMj0Q9l0ZkxCgLAX-kqpzCPAy3mgvMuT0FHFqFsavhIKINMjf5VyHxjxOTF0Oww_CijmF416xhg8TjRGU565vEe7xXX5eYXB3QRm-elvFlngSjTx-geXHyxIGuYM7eoA/s320/IMG_3858.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A0YJ8_y8tAH2PftAUkA9asJ55UAtEJYlpsxW2iY3X6w0sCvGqHIZe0Kp3w0fZaCNXLje2SEBTw3JsT8nupm0ERyOH2yVPzQPnL1YaLg--Wo_TE5fvtKWtx2R-gbP3P2D5f7oXZ30RIah6YeVW6FBK46QAPoF3CyI34fHsk9xUqmZeb8hGMxZcTFfwQ/s4032/IMG_3859.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A0YJ8_y8tAH2PftAUkA9asJ55UAtEJYlpsxW2iY3X6w0sCvGqHIZe0Kp3w0fZaCNXLje2SEBTw3JsT8nupm0ERyOH2yVPzQPnL1YaLg--Wo_TE5fvtKWtx2R-gbP3P2D5f7oXZ30RIah6YeVW6FBK46QAPoF3CyI34fHsk9xUqmZeb8hGMxZcTFfwQ/s320/IMG_3859.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>I signed up for the August 21 Braves game against the Houston Astros. An afternoon game, on a Sunday, this seemed perfect for a 50-year-old who doesn’t care to stay up much past 9:30 anymore, even when I'm reading a good book. We had airline points to take care of the flight. My cousin and his family live in Atlanta and offered the use of their spare bedroom before I had a chance to ask. It would be great to catch up with them, while also getting the opportunity to meet and spend the day with my childhood hero. Everything fell into place nicely. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPctg4BNaKFuW4jl4Yy1b2jwj909BI6z3tmVmolMPo9GWsRUkFZYagPKJ60-SYik-4vIEe5LMgY-IfgjAx5peaBfXXnHUUYkKDWQZ_38er2i7D-WRRtSfyJnEhqS-uNYF97165DsWGf9z1nOF9XVRFQZNMnoBE1DMrTLNjkZf93RcQyZt9BUsJvd0FvQ/s4032/IMG_3864.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPctg4BNaKFuW4jl4Yy1b2jwj909BI6z3tmVmolMPo9GWsRUkFZYagPKJ60-SYik-4vIEe5LMgY-IfgjAx5peaBfXXnHUUYkKDWQZ_38er2i7D-WRRtSfyJnEhqS-uNYF97165DsWGf9z1nOF9XVRFQZNMnoBE1DMrTLNjkZf93RcQyZt9BUsJvd0FvQ/s320/IMG_3864.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4gMVBqn3Byq0hs9O-ZKVFjQqW93O0pF8vLPuSBrKUBp4uGetEh71K7f1Dy2_NUYd_7c4ed-xyVVes2dSAe5aSwiBVlUWdzDA8oM_JX_usTht9lFzbDKkpbh8LjPZ3oNhnf6Q6YagikBcFqbgn9iaS-SSEDaX8GKy-aojXHgLIOuqL6ni5mFSvXQUHw/s4032/IMG_3865.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4gMVBqn3Byq0hs9O-ZKVFjQqW93O0pF8vLPuSBrKUBp4uGetEh71K7f1Dy2_NUYd_7c4ed-xyVVes2dSAe5aSwiBVlUWdzDA8oM_JX_usTht9lFzbDKkpbh8LjPZ3oNhnf6Q6YagikBcFqbgn9iaS-SSEDaX8GKy-aojXHgLIOuqL6ni5mFSvXQUHw/s320/IMG_3865.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>With a 1:35 first pitch for the game, the MVP Experience started at 9:00 am, in a room next to Murph’s Restaurant at the Cobb Galleria Conference Center. The morning started with introductions around the room. Many of those attending were with friends and had driven into Atlanta from nearby Alabama or the Carolinas or elsewhere in Georgia. There was a gentleman who flew in from Oregon, and I flew down from Maine, the longest treks for that group. Then we moved on to a slideshow from Murphy’s childhood and life as a major league ballplayer. He shared stories, told some jokes at his own expense, and was generally forthcoming and gregarious. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq3vWgqOHOlTae5WaaHm8gvPyYRh-ykcb5kr3zn5BncpID8cffeiOzihgGjtXgBJoWaDkp1NIVZOkbIMaFCI7Kgov7oDDhvxdJwRWn0EKzXg4BgRvCC-QLbEVCdtvuojfFZyCzMRMPl5vHVW2sPto2ekmbQNQY3uqh1LqHFPEY-gjj3UkNRt8wOQFog/s4032/IMG_3880.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq3vWgqOHOlTae5WaaHm8gvPyYRh-ykcb5kr3zn5BncpID8cffeiOzihgGjtXgBJoWaDkp1NIVZOkbIMaFCI7Kgov7oDDhvxdJwRWn0EKzXg4BgRvCC-QLbEVCdtvuojfFZyCzMRMPl5vHVW2sPto2ekmbQNQY3uqh1LqHFPEY-gjj3UkNRt8wOQFog/s320/IMG_3880.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BJj5PiAVnUIxwdYGEUgHKp_wdLRgH8i3jVyfp5Kf6Bv7wfxLd_sHdYDWHcxNQ0urSQEFR9YNFjpeDIyPwrPhtzcTHvdnJgLLkfN4588l7Rkwmh3-wpsICjQ0IPQuu5TQYx4LemKkQcefIMPtuaI155jJQ5tPgyXk60t76-1uCHqarEpDGRqIvK7VqA/s4032/IMG_3866.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BJj5PiAVnUIxwdYGEUgHKp_wdLRgH8i3jVyfp5Kf6Bv7wfxLd_sHdYDWHcxNQ0urSQEFR9YNFjpeDIyPwrPhtzcTHvdnJgLLkfN4588l7Rkwmh3-wpsICjQ0IPQuu5TQYx4LemKkQcefIMPtuaI155jJQ5tPgyXk60t76-1uCHqarEpDGRqIvK7VqA/s320/IMG_3866.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>One story Murphy shared took place in 1989. At the time, Murphy was having trouble at the plate and not hitting well. Mike Schmidt, who was still playing at the start of the ’89 season, went into his backyard with a video camera and made a hitting video, with tips for Murphy, and sent that off to him. I love that story so much. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6J6x5LYJdNK2JxPUI8tSztwUjkkNSgp6bHqnqwvxTgE20sc5PiCm8jjPbtA6XBPo1h1ETir21pZ32gUfUV4AZ5-c8T537dalE_LgcQ-GNPNCO-vnWOgXkvN792IYlRS6Lj0OfcobXzzURjFqcJ9Wytnopj7yfkd3QcPxanzKo6Dz4bBNWC9vjcvmFQ/s4032/IMG_3840.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6J6x5LYJdNK2JxPUI8tSztwUjkkNSgp6bHqnqwvxTgE20sc5PiCm8jjPbtA6XBPo1h1ETir21pZ32gUfUV4AZ5-c8T537dalE_LgcQ-GNPNCO-vnWOgXkvN792IYlRS6Lj0OfcobXzzURjFqcJ9Wytnopj7yfkd3QcPxanzKo6Dz4bBNWC9vjcvmFQ/w300-h400/IMG_3840.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>Next, the whole room played Braves trivia through an app, competing against one another for bragging rights, and a signed Dale Murphy baseball. There were 30 questions, and though I did relatively well I was not close to the top of the pyramid, as the winner had 27 questions correct. Impressive. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqck0WZ5tqzn_RdM40k2HJOkyp1S85RoTTiQCiHEBUvpSjJqALdUMM_G7gslk-7obCc6-7Rqyd1e1lFFuHDh9LiP89D4zoopKrtD6hBn64fIHojMhQosP40iqSlSsNdU7MnbOj8ESH7BQMQaf1N5eEDV1AYY0tJ4CIfjU8c5KBxME_mcwCEAvyd1oUQ/s4032/IMG_3853.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqck0WZ5tqzn_RdM40k2HJOkyp1S85RoTTiQCiHEBUvpSjJqALdUMM_G7gslk-7obCc6-7Rqyd1e1lFFuHDh9LiP89D4zoopKrtD6hBn64fIHojMhQosP40iqSlSsNdU7MnbOj8ESH7BQMQaf1N5eEDV1AYY0tJ4CIfjU8c5KBxME_mcwCEAvyd1oUQ/s320/IMG_3853.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dGOjUTMVgGQ1KDX4DZV9ugWr9sTT2gnoe-Ism1rr86EFiy6yqm3wwk06yazEdlps5QKmCGkRTp_0Gh_V8LIZRzJJ0IoAn1-ximO_0ioVnqRvGDpq3fZRSZvlFZvABTvk3mzs1kX7Yy_ztQkJJoqv4rdhj2Qke1hC6V44Q4-swLVAjZs1gdBsxYcErg/s4032/IMG_3849.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dGOjUTMVgGQ1KDX4DZV9ugWr9sTT2gnoe-Ism1rr86EFiy6yqm3wwk06yazEdlps5QKmCGkRTp_0Gh_V8LIZRzJJ0IoAn1-ximO_0ioVnqRvGDpq3fZRSZvlFZvABTvk3mzs1kX7Yy_ztQkJJoqv4rdhj2Qke1hC6V44Q4-swLVAjZs1gdBsxYcErg/s320/IMG_3849.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>It’s at this point I feel I should point out that this was actually a family affair for Murphy. His wife is greatly involved with the MVP experience, responding to emails through the website and keeping Murphy on track during the actual day. One of Murphy’s sons, along with his younger children, was also on-hand to assist, while another one of his sons had flown in to help with the experience that went on the night before. It was nice, and it also allowed Murphy not to be swarmed when we entered Truist Park for the game, but that comes later. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYC7UPkO9tyaxbPGDB_k_SNRkGwiaTS7jFXMbY-UZEDtztkWKpgPL__AueuMJ7F1Y__4RbXt5aDzeSBhpDILiYBStX-zgn7oPRACkzC8eeLh87iE1VGxjeoMaEftsow2DJrVAMWPUwdP9G_t1EX2lo17hPcWx5PFGJX2Ox99ZT2SrjA2hk-tvGbgrFaw/s4032/IMG_3867.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYC7UPkO9tyaxbPGDB_k_SNRkGwiaTS7jFXMbY-UZEDtztkWKpgPL__AueuMJ7F1Y__4RbXt5aDzeSBhpDILiYBStX-zgn7oPRACkzC8eeLh87iE1VGxjeoMaEftsow2DJrVAMWPUwdP9G_t1EX2lo17hPcWx5PFGJX2Ox99ZT2SrjA2hk-tvGbgrFaw/w400-h300/IMG_3867.HEIC" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE8SvmJR1M7g3WlhJJwSWV_2r_Jb9AwKjil5pmG98ASCqzXcyxBUT3TH2EfS9GWLYfiQ7pgRO04paikiSlmIe3fDYQeWO01JZOzeFOOsjuJZFcuCVbPwlNYaL-eJFiQmHrXPRJ4ThoDuum9-xI7Uro24bxOA3q44wq_Ld4Q5PYTB2eYJeU-kqqp_Thw/s4032/IMG_3871.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE8SvmJR1M7g3WlhJJwSWV_2r_Jb9AwKjil5pmG98ASCqzXcyxBUT3TH2EfS9GWLYfiQ7pgRO04paikiSlmIe3fDYQeWO01JZOzeFOOsjuJZFcuCVbPwlNYaL-eJFiQmHrXPRJ4ThoDuum9-xI7Uro24bxOA3q44wq_Ld4Q5PYTB2eYJeU-kqqp_Thw/w400-h300/IMG_3871.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>After trivia, it was time to do autographs. Part of the experience includes the chance to get two personal items signed by Murphy. He does all the autographs prior to the game, the thinking being that doing it during the ballgame would take his attention away from talking and interacting with those of us who have paid to be there with him. It’s very considerate on the part of Dale and his wife, which is something I noticed throughout the day. As for what I got signed by Murphy: I brought a copy of the Sports Illustrated that featured him in 1983, along with a baseball card I had owned that my sister inherited and which she returned to me when I told my family I was going to participate in this experience. All of those attending also received an exclusive, limited art print, which I also got signed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPrvHNu1o6mdh8iYeNYw9MlqyCpRb_y_j1KtxnA0JYVT2U8CD81A2aULuMaRzdh3uewoh3Fx1_z_OP3kq_x14FTw1ixxEBbyozlSFt0E7gB1NAZLW2vasiOmFvEFGG4iX04lFw4bqYhFN0_7FH6NrfcYrA7xSWw1KcgGmAHu87enNXAnV7bfTlvh83Q/s4032/IMG_3874.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPrvHNu1o6mdh8iYeNYw9MlqyCpRb_y_j1KtxnA0JYVT2U8CD81A2aULuMaRzdh3uewoh3Fx1_z_OP3kq_x14FTw1ixxEBbyozlSFt0E7gB1NAZLW2vasiOmFvEFGG4iX04lFw4bqYhFN0_7FH6NrfcYrA7xSWw1KcgGmAHu87enNXAnV7bfTlvh83Q/s320/IMG_3874.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwr_7CTW68RpCY1rFx6sULosLXXp9odc_BT2CT6_9epn9ESMy6iRVyLvpeo3_Au3JCajjk3wc486JJsXrnvhce5WAEwAm7QRB5QsXDyWwrijp8gJilj2zR1xdUOV6IV_Dv_dIrzaGWZS6oPd_qmMT3QRSFXygEeQbxT71wsdSYDhfvqCqhpG-DhqatA/s4032/IMG_3857.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwr_7CTW68RpCY1rFx6sULosLXXp9odc_BT2CT6_9epn9ESMy6iRVyLvpeo3_Au3JCajjk3wc486JJsXrnvhce5WAEwAm7QRB5QsXDyWwrijp8gJilj2zR1xdUOV6IV_Dv_dIrzaGWZS6oPd_qmMT3QRSFXygEeQbxT71wsdSYDhfvqCqhpG-DhqatA/s320/IMG_3857.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>After this, it was closing in on 11:00 and we all moved next door, to Murph’s Restaurant, for lunch. All of those attending the MVP Experience sat in one section of the restaurant, with Murphy as emcee. We ordered from a limited menu – I got the chicken fingers and fries, which were amazing, and I can heartily recommend the cheese curds that were available at every table – and we also got the opportunity to have a picture taken with Murphy in front of the #3 that used to hang in Turner Field with the other retired ballplayers’ jersey numbers. Fabulous time, sitting and commiserating with fellow Murphy fans – a number of whom were also celebrating their 50th birthdays, as I was, with this gift to themselves – eating good food, listening to more fantastic stories from Murphy, and just enjoying the morning. Once everyone was done with the food, it was time to walk over to Truist Park, for the game against the Astros. But first…</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7ytCjnHhli0R3bymBoKRBlDkAOI5uFhO_gyTYGojcH6NY_CPwwDG2ohmPTso9tPFyQb-Q-FO-ulpE8B-k3IrGTJtwbvZMMyhMJhN8HA3Mn1n-v23sL_Z8cszC0VO1sUwltGFZs1UjuBzEaM1iungyLjNqZhuaMj7AQVzD1Ta5J1rpdk8sReinORi2Q/s4032/IMG_3850.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7ytCjnHhli0R3bymBoKRBlDkAOI5uFhO_gyTYGojcH6NY_CPwwDG2ohmPTso9tPFyQb-Q-FO-ulpE8B-k3IrGTJtwbvZMMyhMJhN8HA3Mn1n-v23sL_Z8cszC0VO1sUwltGFZs1UjuBzEaM1iungyLjNqZhuaMj7AQVzD1Ta5J1rpdk8sReinORi2Q/s320/IMG_3850.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93TYv_ohkUmYEvFX3oUlWBYYBMg16kFjyZdc4RLMjxMt6v1GXsg3A7vEs5Q3JNWEHplr0_SnHshsatf_RfxyTS1VYrknZWaSiwXCuRbCMFrptfgiXiF_0dKBgBWV2OQP397S0Aur8ivqUVhO2-IIL8rKtdMcvGA5jcHsSKzNXUaaoVKhcbutBbiWx2A/s4032/IMG_3848.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93TYv_ohkUmYEvFX3oUlWBYYBMg16kFjyZdc4RLMjxMt6v1GXsg3A7vEs5Q3JNWEHplr0_SnHshsatf_RfxyTS1VYrknZWaSiwXCuRbCMFrptfgiXiF_0dKBgBWV2OQP397S0Aur8ivqUVhO2-IIL8rKtdMcvGA5jcHsSKzNXUaaoVKhcbutBbiWx2A/s320/IMG_3848.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Brief Interjection: </p><p>One of the more interesting anecdotes Murphy shared, during lunch, was the fact that when he won his second National League MVP award, he became only the ninth player in history to win back-to-back MVP awards. The most fascinating aspect of that story was the fact that, for those nine players who’d won back-to-back MVPs, there was one player for each position on the field. </p><p>Pitcher – Hal Newhouser</p><p>Catcher – Yogi Berra </p><p>First Base – Jimmie Foxx </p><p>Second Base – Joe Morgan </p><p>Shortstop – Ernie Banks </p><p>Third Base – Mike Schmidt </p><p>Outfield – Mickey Mantle </p><p>Outfield – Roger Maris</p><p>Outfield – Dale Murphy </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSQZ1KztRqtLz3sDC9ewAtp2Wo3Lppq-a-_aclHtMMzKfthPLerp7CmIGs9AilKJcrPm7EINTlPio_OnWkHJ6R88RfPgK1f1LYDWt4wsdGeEl4o_CJMSo9pqCvHGScPDXoenqydHUB_pl4Zspg2nnE7OI_zvgBBl10W1nEcFeAKrOsZDj8BbTHYS8zQ/s4032/IMG_3851.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSQZ1KztRqtLz3sDC9ewAtp2Wo3Lppq-a-_aclHtMMzKfthPLerp7CmIGs9AilKJcrPm7EINTlPio_OnWkHJ6R88RfPgK1f1LYDWt4wsdGeEl4o_CJMSo9pqCvHGScPDXoenqydHUB_pl4Zspg2nnE7OI_zvgBBl10W1nEcFeAKrOsZDj8BbTHYS8zQ/w300-h400/IMG_3851.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>The conference center where Murph’s Restaurant is lies on the opposite side of Interstate 285 from Truist Park, where the Atlanta Braves play their games. An elevated walking bridge allowed us to easily make our way over to the ballpark after lunch. Along the way, it was surprising that Murphy did not get recognized more often, though that could be attributed to him being in the middle of a cluster of nearly four dozen people, even though Murphy, at 6’4”, towered over all of us and was easily visible. Only one time, while we were stopped in the parking area for Murphy to explain how things would go once we entered the ballpark, did a fan yell out “Murph!” from behind our group. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJDThovi1DVJ_2D1KYaUNPQMMfEqK_M_3jQ_T6A9iyc_ZVJB9L9-T_jUv3ztjr0NuJKQsDBPfzfQoWaiPdzRtllu_biDEqJlJMa6OV7hoL06XmoadZxPCrXgmAx8lQWSnBFy0O3JZ8xwKl7oSGe_YGwMu5wy9PtLUejsJcrgwWCLn8F-x3ZWxspY4lg/s4032/IMG_3861.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJDThovi1DVJ_2D1KYaUNPQMMfEqK_M_3jQ_T6A9iyc_ZVJB9L9-T_jUv3ztjr0NuJKQsDBPfzfQoWaiPdzRtllu_biDEqJlJMa6OV7hoL06XmoadZxPCrXgmAx8lQWSnBFy0O3JZ8xwKl7oSGe_YGwMu5wy9PtLUejsJcrgwWCLn8F-x3ZWxspY4lg/s320/IMG_3861.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZVkNsdZzOe0P3tAe15819T9JDQjE9VfSEJjfySBu9mwNbAyzXN3mPKAVEyWIS7dyjYEkWf0a28PF972BF988N6HMxtzCmY0nQsMRUZ7K1Az4T3lgeGCpFNnxSB5SMHZBogrB0i-37fumiHyM5HzJPnIH6nUwLBmDpmECSwJOxBAApJdmNjFCB6U_Dg/s4032/IMG_3860.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZVkNsdZzOe0P3tAe15819T9JDQjE9VfSEJjfySBu9mwNbAyzXN3mPKAVEyWIS7dyjYEkWf0a28PF972BF988N6HMxtzCmY0nQsMRUZ7K1Az4T3lgeGCpFNnxSB5SMHZBogrB0i-37fumiHyM5HzJPnIH6nUwLBmDpmECSwJOxBAApJdmNjFCB6U_Dg/s320/IMG_3860.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>During that pitstop, Murphy explained that he would not be walking through the ballpark with us, since he would undoubtedly be recognized there, and he did not wish to be distracted from us during the day. His wife and son would walk us into the ballpark and take us to the Braves’ Monument Garden, which has a statue of Henry Aaron, examples of the Braves uniforms through the years, including before they were named the Braves, videos of Aaron and Murphy, along with other memorabilia. At this point, Murphy took the opportunity to speak on Aaron, whom Murphy feels is the best player of all-time in the sport. As Murphy pointed out, most people think first of the home runs – 755 – and rarely look past that astronomical number. But Aaron was an all-around player and ranks third all-time in hits (3,771), fourth in runs scored (2,174), first in total bases (6,856), first in extra-base hits (1,477), first in RBIs (2,297), and fourth in intentional walks (293). He is one of six players to have 3,000 hits and 500 home runs and would have reached 3,000 hits had he never hit a home run. His lifetime average is .305. And consider that he reached the plateau of 755 home runs without ever hitting more than 47 in a single season. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl2gwP30gSqR4JDHNYl5pNDkl_3FCbzxLK8Hrzw8HjTJWkYMdhp7Z8ZAL4X-UjJsZ8PQYB2lQeldTLF6O6HV3oelES_SmguqPWiKPx94Jr28a4Gy5uzEmyZMj0xWz3bLXewETRbS0CVQNXgCtGwplEcJuOC93JbRdkWrk1ACf_VHWhFOSndkyUPQYwg/s4032/IMG_3878.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl2gwP30gSqR4JDHNYl5pNDkl_3FCbzxLK8Hrzw8HjTJWkYMdhp7Z8ZAL4X-UjJsZ8PQYB2lQeldTLF6O6HV3oelES_SmguqPWiKPx94Jr28a4Gy5uzEmyZMj0xWz3bLXewETRbS0CVQNXgCtGwplEcJuOC93JbRdkWrk1ACf_VHWhFOSndkyUPQYwg/w240-h320/IMG_3878.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALOZ-lR8KEoD31e__6fsHEhYdF8ucukQCdrMbnwUUi9cUkQ36X8SmMjkqhI-clX_6un2k3jMjg3g58W4kWYPTIa5uf_CuW4BZu3e4CFZvGL6d2FMPIZ34vQcYX-l_5ZXOkqSTsBRRoNzE_Sbv6-VB-N78FBs2igOiLQ1qPAVaCjCimHv9J9YvkqYY0Q/s4032/IMG_3875.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALOZ-lR8KEoD31e__6fsHEhYdF8ucukQCdrMbnwUUi9cUkQ36X8SmMjkqhI-clX_6un2k3jMjg3g58W4kWYPTIa5uf_CuW4BZu3e4CFZvGL6d2FMPIZ34vQcYX-l_5ZXOkqSTsBRRoNzE_Sbv6-VB-N78FBs2igOiLQ1qPAVaCjCimHv9J9YvkqYY0Q/s320/IMG_3875.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>But that, to Murphy and any fan of Aaron’s, isn’t what makes him the greatest player to ever play baseball. It is the fact that Aaron entered the league shortly after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. He dealt with the racism and hatred that so many other black ballplayers of his and other eras did, and he still managed to perform at a high level on the ballfield. And then Aaron had the audacity to chase after the great white hero of the sport, Babe Ruth. As Aaron hit home runs and closed in on Ruth’s record of 714, the ugliness and ignorance and hatred of racists all across the country spewed forth in letters and threats and vitriol that Henry Aaron should never have been subjected to. Aaron said that year of chasing 715 home runs was the worst of his entire life. I cannot imagine the emotional toll he was under, from all of those hateful letters and hateful observers in the stands and in the streets (I cannot call them fans). And yet, Aaron conducted himself with grace and honor and continued to hit home runs until he passed Ruth. If that isn’t bravery, I don’t know what is. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F6D7sbGqd0irx6LW-sXMkYWJNerMxkd3ZG4SPPRsaiFcIloIXMrDjwEM74JZDPYNG9MYdpjyTK5zXeIV2BcVA4ptZ94kG-VAU1uxYOu2XX0K26mVJC3I2Dn85ziWUBlfhSwMmnGzYM8uAeqQ30_SqDfYdsGBV6ltlOf_12WW0pemHvEqM4HoAYJ92g/s4032/IMG_3872.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F6D7sbGqd0irx6LW-sXMkYWJNerMxkd3ZG4SPPRsaiFcIloIXMrDjwEM74JZDPYNG9MYdpjyTK5zXeIV2BcVA4ptZ94kG-VAU1uxYOu2XX0K26mVJC3I2Dn85ziWUBlfhSwMmnGzYM8uAeqQ30_SqDfYdsGBV6ltlOf_12WW0pemHvEqM4HoAYJ92g/s320/IMG_3872.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu6I-s0xDcfHpAUUISamd_h243Qs4hiz5xCg4njKb8N42Nk1Gu87grZPJ_2iQWK1ZIwCgoHDumpRSbYDfOgcbCu1upZzO8bd-aycLJidVxld_akrdn6Tp_-fK1Apn6SvKwY0ItCWxD9JkavVmKzE0-JnUBv0vu-kFclY5P6UXfs7msoh8agU4ejQFxQ/s4032/IMG_3873.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu6I-s0xDcfHpAUUISamd_h243Qs4hiz5xCg4njKb8N42Nk1Gu87grZPJ_2iQWK1ZIwCgoHDumpRSbYDfOgcbCu1upZzO8bd-aycLJidVxld_akrdn6Tp_-fK1Apn6SvKwY0ItCWxD9JkavVmKzE0-JnUBv0vu-kFclY5P6UXfs7msoh8agU4ejQFxQ/s320/IMG_3873.HEIC" width="240" /></a> </div><p></p><p>Truist Park, where the Atlanta Braves play, is a beautiful ballpark. Inside the main entrance, they have monument park, with displays of classic uniforms, awards the team’s players have won through the years, display bats and gloves for notable hitters and pitchers throughout the history of the organization – all of this going back through the Braves time in Milwaukee and Boston – as well as a bronze statue of Henry Aaron, situated directly in line with home plate on the actual ball field, and a display of 755 of the same type of bat Aaron utilized during his playing days, which form the number 755, the total number of home runs the home run king hit in his career. It’s an impressive display and a wonderful walk through Braves baseball history. There was also a world series trophy on display, which was great to see in person. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05OgVbnzCMD8NuoyzytCCd8Vl8RI-vvKOK-2eV7mdfjk03rUpmVYB7jKPPRZ8aKqmESTl1otZiysXmqRCdl58Nfga4UH6TJmmIlQ3KaQwDRocJFfbOFi6cohKBSPrVf3dVd9--2fENNWCX84NNjSYClNKBXYnq95Zknv9OmmewGEfY-3878qfzvzUYw/s4032/IMG_3869.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05OgVbnzCMD8NuoyzytCCd8Vl8RI-vvKOK-2eV7mdfjk03rUpmVYB7jKPPRZ8aKqmESTl1otZiysXmqRCdl58Nfga4UH6TJmmIlQ3KaQwDRocJFfbOFi6cohKBSPrVf3dVd9--2fENNWCX84NNjSYClNKBXYnq95Zknv9OmmewGEfY-3878qfzvzUYw/w480-h640/IMG_3869.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JyzXLf3Sk2Hv0qL9lh_FcQsjMaR5wgVipVmXAjkf_1vhE64-C4YJfyh7hhpdyvrO8KMgkvaDzj-fDJfq86fMUrFVGdTL1MawMIDVFBeqkeUByM0hVu8brI8_boohm5rUzTTrVx7ritTve1llSK1dIBgar0WAUxI6QpLhexMmsZWOp0iMOkaYonAp1g/s4032/IMG_3870.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JyzXLf3Sk2Hv0qL9lh_FcQsjMaR5wgVipVmXAjkf_1vhE64-C4YJfyh7hhpdyvrO8KMgkvaDzj-fDJfq86fMUrFVGdTL1MawMIDVFBeqkeUByM0hVu8brI8_boohm5rUzTTrVx7ritTve1llSK1dIBgar0WAUxI6QpLhexMmsZWOp0iMOkaYonAp1g/w400-h300/IMG_3870.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p>The sun was bright, the grass green, and the sky a deep blue, as Dale Murphy’s wife and son led us through the concourse to the Home Depot Clubhouse, which sits above left-center field. A balcony area with bench seating and an enclosed dining area with a private bathroom make up the clubhouse, where food and drink were also provided: salad and sandwich fixings, brownies and cookies, soda and water, and it was all fantastic! In the clubhouse there were also a couple of TVs, where you could watch the televised game, if you wished. But it was sunny, so who wouldn’t want to sit out on the benches overlooking the field? Plus, we got to put up the Ks for every strikeout the home team pitchers threw that day (thankfully, people allowed the children who were attending with their parents to do the honors; that was a nice gesture). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqPq6M-HbLY31yPVUQ2UENTPM-sFTl80Hwp2yrPAUY6U49ip-_FTzK2Gl75PWfYUYRx7wJWB4ApsaO28dtZq7v97XuNdW9Rv8IxYNyS_7-TQesoei3M83d-yT_b5HvIbAB5YP5rQBtSW0fKM8qVoGJ20x6WHKiSUoHZrkT0terYcgJPVchHR4GFd6qA/s4032/IMG_3881.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqPq6M-HbLY31yPVUQ2UENTPM-sFTl80Hwp2yrPAUY6U49ip-_FTzK2Gl75PWfYUYRx7wJWB4ApsaO28dtZq7v97XuNdW9Rv8IxYNyS_7-TQesoei3M83d-yT_b5HvIbAB5YP5rQBtSW0fKM8qVoGJ20x6WHKiSUoHZrkT0terYcgJPVchHR4GFd6qA/w400-h300/IMG_3881.HEIC" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6qyH4CGuV1YZuzf82aeIlEdjGOfzxCu1oLatOldRi_jVzQyM3GEVeYtumsfKwkrQyBvGRNdd5RikJfs-4a2qIrxb12f0I22ldQLQW5p50UHqlIQSMfqHCcWD2V2vgcElXvP8QzSqXdMuBPNlvNW0EbQsX0tD_71f8Lv-Ct-ma2rF1xS6AdtZI0gNmg/s4032/IMG_3882.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6qyH4CGuV1YZuzf82aeIlEdjGOfzxCu1oLatOldRi_jVzQyM3GEVeYtumsfKwkrQyBvGRNdd5RikJfs-4a2qIrxb12f0I22ldQLQW5p50UHqlIQSMfqHCcWD2V2vgcElXvP8QzSqXdMuBPNlvNW0EbQsX0tD_71f8Lv-Ct-ma2rF1xS6AdtZI0gNmg/w400-h300/IMG_3882.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The game was fantastic (it’s live baseball, Major League Baseball(!), of course it was fantastic). Both starters, Charlie Morton and Jose Urquidy, pitched well, Matt Olson started the game off with a 2-run homer, the Astros came back to go ahead by three heading to the bottom of the ninth, where the Braves mounted a comeback but fell one run short, 5-4. Exciting! And having the chance to watch it from the Home Depot clubhouse, with the comfort of plenty of seating, snacks, and a private loo, was phenomenal. And Dale Murphy was a gracious, and great, host. He talked baseball, took questions, and had a trivia contest with the entire group, leading up to the start of the game, and then, throughout the next eight-plus innings (he and his wife left early so as not to get swamped by other fans and take away from our experience with him), Murphy made sure to go around and speak with every single person there, either individually or, more often than not, in small groups. Unsurprisingly, Murphy’s favorite topic was baseball. He discussed his plans to hopefully become a partner in one of the discussed expansion teams that may be coming in the next few years, noting that he and a group are pushing for one of those teams to be in Portland, Oregon. He discussed how new stadiums, for expansion teams as well as upgrades for traditional teams, should have less seating and make the day at the ballpark more of an experience with amenities and such at the ballpark – similar, I would say, to the children’s section that was just below where we sat, which included various games and skills areas, as well as a pro shop dedicated for children, with only kids’ sizes available. He talked about how baseball is missing out on great talent in communities of color, due in no small part to the fact that when people of color from economically depressed areas are looking to college, they find a dearth of scholarships available for playing baseball, while there are a wealth of scholarships for football, and even if a future as a baseball player, which does not take such a toll on one’s body as football does, would make more sense, they are often forced to take the football scholarship, because they need that money to pay for college and pursue their dream of playing college sports and possibly finding a way out of their economic situation as a professional athlete. He talked about how there needs to be more outreach to these communities, not only for players but for umpires as well, and that there needs to be a better way for umpiring to be a viable road for those who are working in the minors, since the number of MLB umpires who retire annually is typically one or none. He talked about how the pay for minor league players needs to be increased, that adjusted for inflation the base pay for minor league players is less than what it was when he played in the minors in the 70s, and how he was really only able to take the chance on developing in the minors because of a signing bonus he received. Murphy held forth on a number of topics surrounding this sport we all love, many of us because of the high level of play Murphy brought to the game during our formative years. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDn98EUS5ih7RIsS-xAuyndCtiTiLCv_efhBFrgyyVbdonlT3lsbbnrye1KBFsuyt4eRZxsizix3ZaecvzJYOWZwSCj0h2r1UGSFHFTcC9FByPLhNdLctky_kbhCw1cszGjSL5AiszHimDANNW0aS1zWCKkqvrL-mafL1mV5j-iWNVKxQ4niZVorWOQ/s4032/IMG_3838.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDn98EUS5ih7RIsS-xAuyndCtiTiLCv_efhBFrgyyVbdonlT3lsbbnrye1KBFsuyt4eRZxsizix3ZaecvzJYOWZwSCj0h2r1UGSFHFTcC9FByPLhNdLctky_kbhCw1cszGjSL5AiszHimDANNW0aS1zWCKkqvrL-mafL1mV5j-iWNVKxQ4niZVorWOQ/w300-h400/IMG_3838.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Murphy proved himself to be thoughtful and engaged with the realities of baseball today, sharing ideas that, to my mind, make incredible sense. And the fact that he consciously made an effort to have a discussion with everyone who paid to join him that day only increased my esteem for him. They say (<i>the ubiquitous ‘they’</i>) that you should never meet your heroes, but in this case, it certainly worked out for me. Dale Murphy was a fantastic ballplayer also lauded for his wholesomeness, and after having spent a day with him and 40 of his more rabid fans, I feel I can say that his reputation was well-deserved. This was certainly a day I will never forget. </p><p><br /></p><p>-chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-55879564126089655162023-02-16T15:04:00.002-05:002023-02-16T15:04:24.269-05:00Books I've Read: HAN SOLO AT STARS' END<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohueBensE_NGWpFPaNysVNAmSNwt9QGS15LUwOO4rYj259dHPNc0vMdlR16H7I9jTeUrfiLOd1SoJ9yKPP6JwHLh5IunX7kGuiagpPsBvlRakknYRnaXX5CTk_m56wHfI6lNxIbhTQBtvmeq_DZwcRV3pl8ietWZ-kwB8a_3GQynQ4420mZrm-R2szQ/s1090/Han%20Solo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohueBensE_NGWpFPaNysVNAmSNwt9QGS15LUwOO4rYj259dHPNc0vMdlR16H7I9jTeUrfiLOd1SoJ9yKPP6JwHLh5IunX7kGuiagpPsBvlRakknYRnaXX5CTk_m56wHfI6lNxIbhTQBtvmeq_DZwcRV3pl8ietWZ-kwB8a_3GQynQ4420mZrm-R2szQ/w432-h640/Han%20Solo.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>These past few years, through the Covid pandemic, I've found myself retreating into nostalgia, reading old comic books, playing classic video games, watching comfort movies, and not only has it been a salve for this upended time, but it has also been greatly enjoyable. But there was one experience with which my childhood had been filled that I'd forgotten about: reading trashy sci-fi and fantasy paperbacks. Our family trip to Disney provided a prime opportunity to alleviate that oversight, and it didn't hurt that I'd gone on an online "shopping spree" to find the original Star Wars extended universe books by the likes of L. Neil Smith, Alan Dean Foster, and Brian Daley. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Han Solo at Stars' End</u></b> is the first in the Han Solo trilogy (OG style). Written by Daley, who also adapted the original Star Wars films for radio, this book was way more fun than I expected it to be. Daley's prose was light and airy, whisking along at a good clip, while also providing descriptions that felt both familiar and alien at the same time. I'm uncertain when this story is supposed to take place, though I would guess it's prior to Han & Chewie hooking up with Obi-Wan, Luke, and the Rebellion, as we get no mention of anything relating to the first film. A wise decision, as it allows Daley to be untethered from continuity and not have to second-guess any of his writing choices. </p><p><br /></p><p>If we don't get any of the other characters we love from Star Wars, we do at least get the familiar in Han Solo and Chewbacca, with characterizations that feel right. Daley also provides a lot of information about the Falcon, commenting at length on the modifications hinted at by Han in that first film, and they all feel plausible and in keeping with what we already know of Han. One of the things I did not expect to get, in reading this book, was new, pertinent information about one of my favorite ships in all of science fiction. More importantly, though, it is these modifications that are vital to the plot of the story. </p><p><br /></p><p>While finishing up a job for one scoundrel, Han is informed that, due to new regulations from the Corporate Sector Authority, he will need to have the Millennium Falcon examined and a waiver provided, in order for it to be allowed to fly within Corporate Sector Authority space -- safety precautions and all that, don'tcha know? Han knows he'll never get the waiver, and he and Chewie break the Falcon out of impoundment and fly for a black market technician Han knows, who goes by Doc, in order to get the Falcon tuned along with procuring paperwork that will make it look as if the Falcon has the necessary waiver. After arrival, though, Han & Chewie learn from Doc's daughter, Jessa, that he's been kidnapped, and they have no idea where he is. </p><p><br /></p><p>A deal is made. Jessa will provide the paperwork and do repairs on the Falcon if Han will transport two droids to Orron III, within Corporate Authority space, and exfiltrate a small band of individuals from the planet, which also houses one of the Authority's data centers. The droids are going to insinuate themselves into the Authority's data banks and work to find where Doc, and the many others who have been taken, are being held. Han doesn't like the odds, or the idea of returning to a main hub in Authority space, but he has no choice and agrees. </p><p><br /></p><p>When Han & Chewie arrive at Orron III, we are introduced to the first black character in Star Wars history, as far as I can tell, as Rekkon greets them. He is the leader of the band of people trying to leave the planet, but he also has the problem of a mole within his group, and he wants Han to assist in finding who that is. They go into the city and the robots infiltrate the system, not only finding the information they need but also discovering that the security police are aware of their presence in the data center. The group, including the other members of Rekkon's cadre, flee, but in the ensuing chase and firefight Chewbacca is taken prisoner. Rekkon stops Han from sacrificing himself in a vain attempt to rescue his friend, an attempt that could only have ended in his death and possibly the wookiee's. </p><p><br /></p><p>They clamber into the falcon, still camouflaged within the core of a huge space freighter, and take off, but the Authority has a dreadnaught waiting in orbit, which goes to intercept them. Han releases the grain in the freighter then detaches the Falcon from within its hull and blasts away, letting the freighter fall into the Authority ship, allowing them to escape. But when Han is finally able to leave the cockpit, he finds Rekkon dead. Killed by the traitor, who is still on his ship. But Rekkon left a message, in his own blood, of where the Authority is holding all those they have kidnapped: Stars' End, Mytus VII. </p><p><br /></p><p>Han sets a trap with disinformation about what Rekkon discovered and susses out who the traitor is. A fight ensues, but Han eventually gets the upper hand. The traitor, Torm, seeks refuge in one of the Falcon's compartments. But it is an emergency airlock. Han ejects him into the cold of space, then turns his attention to Stars' End and saving Chewie. </p><p><br /></p><p>Stars' End is a detention facility, run by an autocratic Vice President named Hirken. Han intercepts a communication from the entertainers' guild about a cancellation by a troupe scheduled to offer their services to Stars' End, but they assured the V.P. that a replacement will be sent along as soon as possible. Han and his new companions use this as a way in and pass themselves off as entertainers. </p><p><br /></p><p>Of course, things do not go as smoothly as Han would have hoped (but if things went smoothly, he wouldn't be Han Solo, would he?). The Vice President expected a combat robot to go against his own gladiator-bot. The robots in Han's keeping are not at all outfitted for such an experience, but they go along with it. </p><p><br /></p><p>Han manages to get into the main computer area and discovers, or intuits, where the prisoners are being held. Meanwhile, V.P. Hirken becomes irritated at the stalling tactics of Han's companions and demands combat between the droids. It goes surprisingly well for the labor droid Han brought along, but eventually the truth -- as much as necessary -- is revealed and things go from bad to worse. It's exciting and tense, but in the end Han Solo manages to free all of the prisoners, finding Chewie and Doc, while his companions find their loved ones, and they manage to escape in the Falcon after setting the detention center to self-destruct, leaving Vice President Hirken and his entourage to perish on Stars' End. </p><p><br /></p><p>I may have said it above, but I was surprised at how much I truly enjoyed reading this. Daley wrote a fun, exciting, tense adventure that allowed me to immerse myself into the world of Star Wars that I love so much. There was no overwriting, no dull points, no out of character moments. I loved it all, along with the opportunity to once again stick my nose into a weathered, yellowing paperback book. What a fun experience! </p><p>-chris </p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-6346562748266358882023-02-10T13:42:00.002-05:002023-02-10T13:42:25.106-05:00My favorite run of Daredevil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeGOOsMZVvj_FAwooTc_NDdSPLU4S3BIYjS0YyNX6SM8r4KRGdnKZnNy19bc5rBfU8H0FkE1X4jaoNbJE1G5fzLgpnp57rVMdRvqPqYjmg04PZ8C4QVuOmq_n4EOPO_rhcd3hMvQDk61DISyhbdv-k4KK9STwB4dMTAdZpYZ9-MunbnvP-rrn8q7yxw/s2000/dd1_250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1278" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeGOOsMZVvj_FAwooTc_NDdSPLU4S3BIYjS0YyNX6SM8r4KRGdnKZnNy19bc5rBfU8H0FkE1X4jaoNbJE1G5fzLgpnp57rVMdRvqPqYjmg04PZ8C4QVuOmq_n4EOPO_rhcd3hMvQDk61DISyhbdv-k4KK9STwB4dMTAdZpYZ9-MunbnvP-rrn8q7yxw/w408-h640/dd1_250.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Frank Miller defined Daredevil. . .</p><p>. . . and with Mazzucchelli broke him down and redefined him. </p><p>Kevin Smith revived him. </p><p>Mark Waid, arguably, did the same. </p><p>Seminal runs, all. </p><p></p><p>That stated, my favorite run on Daredevil was by Ann Nocenti, John Romita, Jr., and Al Williamson: issues 250-282. There's a fair bit of nostalgia attached to that run -- this was early in my time as a comic reader/collector and shortly after the point where I started buying Daredevil regularly -- but, for me, this run stands the test of time and is a collection of comics that I can return to and enjoy, without fail. I love this run! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wC6-5o-GyAoIzhRTiENNpY-64A-J-JTLanKbT40Ffnism7Ylx7siC5C-T5OT1hkiCuPtUquGlUIVtCyMNB4D09U2QsvPrli891yLT2iNqo_otrAI18gclH4rdL5ljtgLVAxRt3hWDXfTfYedKQYpJlxFref99TCXp7ZM60QxEqunNm4yQcCJ7CemjA/s1518/dd1_281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="988" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wC6-5o-GyAoIzhRTiENNpY-64A-J-JTLanKbT40Ffnism7Ylx7siC5C-T5OT1hkiCuPtUquGlUIVtCyMNB4D09U2QsvPrli891yLT2iNqo_otrAI18gclH4rdL5ljtgLVAxRt3hWDXfTfYedKQYpJlxFref99TCXp7ZM60QxEqunNm4yQcCJ7CemjA/w416-h640/dd1_281.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><p></p><p>But what is it about this run that stands out for me? (Especially, as I learned on a recent episode of CGS, when there is an apparent backlash against it from DD fans). </p><p>Plenty! </p><p></p><p>First and foremost, the art from JRJr & Williamson really stands out in this run of comics. I am a fan of Romita Jr. -- especially when he's drawing Spider-Man . . . or ol' Hornhead -- and his dynamism is on full display in these comics. Williamson, a classic comic artist in his own right, adds another dimension to Romita Jr.'s art. Williamson's slick linework softens the characters, while also adding more depth to the imagery through his use of blacks. It's a matter of two artists I love collaborating to craft artwork that is beyond what either have done on their own. There's a litheness to the figure of Daredevil that comes from Williamson's inks, while still retaining the physicality epitomized by Romita Jr.'s pencils. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F3bSQ-I5EYkzZT5uJ6Q7rNINPm2vwxlBxY-07J_W5Q9s5-eR_ZEaeiUfylxIBe6h0CWhpf0rt27S1jwLus5ugnxMXaDHvqCg5ezn_Drsh1vmANAeO0OxaojtsTOlNCmg-GKDzVcmJex1QSEHPZv2nvtNY9aUxYc7hFem_6gCFz3ZmGKM3DB08Audrw/s1396/dd1_281_snow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="935" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F3bSQ-I5EYkzZT5uJ6Q7rNINPm2vwxlBxY-07J_W5Q9s5-eR_ZEaeiUfylxIBe6h0CWhpf0rt27S1jwLus5ugnxMXaDHvqCg5ezn_Drsh1vmANAeO0OxaojtsTOlNCmg-GKDzVcmJex1QSEHPZv2nvtNY9aUxYc7hFem_6gCFz3ZmGKM3DB08Audrw/w428-h640/dd1_281_snow.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><p></p><p>This art team also innovates: delineating new characters like Number Nine, Bullet, Blackheart, and most notably, Typhoid Mary, while also crafting a Mephisto the likes of which had never seen, before or since. The excess bulk of Mephisto, as drawn by Romita Jr. & Williamson, with a face unrecognizable to what readers were accustomed, and stringy hair(?) cascading from his head and arms, is overwhelming and otherworldly, befitting the demon lord of Hell in the Marvel universe. The grotesqueness of this iteration of Mephisto adds to the unsettled feeling we, as readers, should experience whenever this character enters a story. It's inspired and ugly and wonderful, all at once. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_rhTaIsQ99MO8qtdZDTfUysAcLzx5J1wotc850DKIijV4ZqAXx0fcQ_6NU2FTUX5kxcYqU9xabrllD9mLh4KJJDdGcxDluPWQzzfFwJ_BCa2kK23w6UEPWYBMk1RTQC5GlXH8p5hZ9rgX5ocppMT682Tjs_JYnqg3yrPwgeF1zJEzUzJ7H-v1S1nOQ/s1312/DD+266+Mephisto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="865" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_rhTaIsQ99MO8qtdZDTfUysAcLzx5J1wotc850DKIijV4ZqAXx0fcQ_6NU2FTUX5kxcYqU9xabrllD9mLh4KJJDdGcxDluPWQzzfFwJ_BCa2kK23w6UEPWYBMk1RTQC5GlXH8p5hZ9rgX5ocppMT682Tjs_JYnqg3yrPwgeF1zJEzUzJ7H-v1S1nOQ/w422-h640/DD+266+Mephisto.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><p></p><p>Equally important to me in this run is the writing of Ann Nocenti. Nocenti followed the classic (and my all-time favorite superhero story) "Born Again," by Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli. She smartly opted to take the character in a different direction, getting back to DD's superheroic roots, rather than trying to play in the noir setting that Miller, with the likes of Klaus Janson & Mazzucchelli, so artfully exploited. It was a wise decision on Nocenti's part, which does not mean it's all spandex, purple-and-green clad villains, and biff, bam, pow! Nocenti is anything but a safe, traditional comic creator. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03OUvIsAumlPr5l6Cf-0lec5t1npaL74pEmqzlJIE-JOdT3Dj7gFnxjLhCoEI50zJnRhCozDWvBmjfPfxnP1psx1CHX85OM6G8MUX8GAtFFMk0pfrINoPoKHDHz1UaKjG7LFhUlt8bVjOX9Yy1-OZ9mtGEENDtPWph0WQnSXccYXhcI_rEGHUFNEG5w/s1902/IMG-0440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="1250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03OUvIsAumlPr5l6Cf-0lec5t1npaL74pEmqzlJIE-JOdT3Dj7gFnxjLhCoEI50zJnRhCozDWvBmjfPfxnP1psx1CHX85OM6G8MUX8GAtFFMk0pfrINoPoKHDHz1UaKjG7LFhUlt8bVjOX9Yy1-OZ9mtGEENDtPWph0WQnSXccYXhcI_rEGHUFNEG5w/w420-h640/IMG-0440.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Nocenti brings a quirky sensibility to everything she writes, and being someone who entered comics from outside the field, she was not hampered by a decades-long reverence to these heroes, like many of the fans turned creators have. Nocenti infused her run on Daredevil with social commentary, tackling gun violence and sexism, while also creating characters like Blackheart and Typhoid Mary. She utilized the Inhumans -- lesser-known ones, Gorgon and Karnak -- as companions for Daredevil, as she took him out of New York, putting even more distance between her run and previous iterations of the character. There are some wonderful stories during DD's road trip, and in the end he finds he must confront Mephisto in the demon's realm, as the lord of Hell and his lackey, Blackheart, have been harassing and haranguing Daredevil throughout much of this run. Daredevil descends to Hell and battles hordes of demons, trying to keep alit the torch he has carried through the snows unleashed by Mephisto. DD laments what his life is, "endless fighting," and wonders if he can change. He asks himself: "What if I just stopped? If I just stopped fighting. If you stop fighting, isn't the fight over?" This sequence emblazoned this Daredevil run on my heart as a favorite, and it has only risen, in my estimation, through the years. </p><p>Oh, and he also gets a helping hand from the Silver Surfer, with Nocenti doing her best Matt Fraction captions years before Fraction was lauded for his quick, sharp descriptive phrases. Just glorious!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCwXGTc1B0U6xHP6CadX60mfzLbBaQiNUbOBrQrDxhuoPS3ZwBcitFr7RAvoAeN0ZfNznHrKUq_hFSxmX2cb3ThPTfPqFzgk6nJ7w9xQJIuYNu7wsLbiad9hncdPaiPdw2IqGZgSlAtjFV6W_dFTChOCka9l606_dTCVdcPPQXEgylGI3imqcUhVTWA/s1787/dd1_281_Surfer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1167" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCwXGTc1B0U6xHP6CadX60mfzLbBaQiNUbOBrQrDxhuoPS3ZwBcitFr7RAvoAeN0ZfNznHrKUq_hFSxmX2cb3ThPTfPqFzgk6nJ7w9xQJIuYNu7wsLbiad9hncdPaiPdw2IqGZgSlAtjFV6W_dFTChOCka9l606_dTCVdcPPQXEgylGI3imqcUhVTWA/w418-h640/dd1_281_Surfer.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><p></p><p>This run was unconventional, even while returning DD to his roots as a superhero, with engaging characters, influences from outside of comics, and lovely art that hit me at just the right time in my comic-reading life. And it is a run that I have enjoyed many times since. It's the quirkiness -- grounded in good writing and good character work, along with character defining art from Romita Jr. & Williamson -- that appeals to me most about this collection of issues. </p><p>They're fantastic! <br />Or amazing! <br />Or, possibly, uncanny! <br />Regardless, I think they're great. </p><p><br /></p><p>-chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-15326876911190339702023-02-09T16:01:00.011-05:002023-02-09T16:02:31.809-05:00Books I've Read: WOLF HALL by Hilary Mantel<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJDiWhpNGv3gozv6qvdVtuzCn56ayDXu7g9Zj_EvL2PCTXqOeF0OwgZ_1G08KLbsft3BlPFi1cOHcqWALzQ-jC8qz15XepKbVEeZJCgzn-ZDMV1Mt7H4JfG5s47yq1kv4dxhoECdUMvssXVQgqCjcc5OVFgdZY-9XyEV-clOtxEKecEGHYeJokIYlyQ/s500/Wolf%20Hall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJDiWhpNGv3gozv6qvdVtuzCn56ayDXu7g9Zj_EvL2PCTXqOeF0OwgZ_1G08KLbsft3BlPFi1cOHcqWALzQ-jC8qz15XepKbVEeZJCgzn-ZDMV1Mt7H4JfG5s47yq1kv4dxhoECdUMvssXVQgqCjcc5OVFgdZY-9XyEV-clOtxEKecEGHYeJokIYlyQ/w416-h640/Wolf%20Hall.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So, I made a plan to write about the books I've read -- part synopsis, part analysis . . . though mostly synopsis -- as a way not only to add to this tired blog, but also for me to remember what I have read. And then, I dropped the ball. </p><p>though, to be fair, I only dropped it for a moment, relatively and metaphorically speaking. but who cares, let's get to it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqtuMZPpUSNeeixN09H9jthMWESFchrvsW6eY3uLA8w1jy94fp8jZo5iVpytsTAKuybGHOk1cjaiAzQivSZvTZCReTxJvONRLLHJj53DuszI9KWLmBji6goSa9mg9HwBK5BZtYloGuG-FB9acnBcNHrwqA3M4bY2xf18gVlcj1ADAVWTDvP8rUbg4SQ/s730/Wolf-Hall21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="680" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqtuMZPpUSNeeixN09H9jthMWESFchrvsW6eY3uLA8w1jy94fp8jZo5iVpytsTAKuybGHOk1cjaiAzQivSZvTZCReTxJvONRLLHJj53DuszI9KWLmBji6goSa9mg9HwBK5BZtYloGuG-FB9acnBcNHrwqA3M4bY2xf18gVlcj1ADAVWTDvP8rUbg4SQ/w373-h400/Wolf-Hall21.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><p></p><p>WOLF HALL by Hilary Mantel. </p><p>Part one of an historical trilogy, the first two books adapted by BBC Masterpiece, this one winner of the Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award . . . this book is masterful! Was I ever blown away reading this! It was pure joy. And just because it earned critical accolades was no guarantee I would enjoy it. Art is subjective, and though I loved the adaptation of LONESOME DOVE and that source material won a Pulitzer, I found reading the original novel a slog. But I digress. </p><p><br /></p><p>Wolf Hall follows the meteoric rise of a mere blacksmith's son, Thomas Cromwell, as he becomes the closest advisor to King Henry VIII, in early 1500s England. As noted by many, Mantel offers a fictionalized, sympathetic picture of Cromwell. And I don't care in the least. His characterization is all the more engaging for this. Put forth as a quiet, unassuming man, self-taught in various disciplines and multiple languages, who has traveled abroad and returned to England a lawyer, Cromwell utilizes his ability to fade into shadows to watch everyone and everything, as he plans how to rise through society, while keeping the facade of a simple man living only to serve. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJP-6EfgTzo45ietjbp1KIuQFry80HUFB8Xr8LkhApKjj7HJFi0E8vWxI05nuTqrwvNKxqlV75LDhCCaF6dE9Ng9bmV1JIyLmTQIrFRj2E9nHqEDSI7563w62UG7P8dq2snQke8z4Rj7nay8UBuLDMeDoVgtvsoNffaB9zp6VrO-fpsOWC6YOm8bMEQ/s1920/Wolf-Hall22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJP-6EfgTzo45ietjbp1KIuQFry80HUFB8Xr8LkhApKjj7HJFi0E8vWxI05nuTqrwvNKxqlV75LDhCCaF6dE9Ng9bmV1JIyLmTQIrFRj2E9nHqEDSI7563w62UG7P8dq2snQke8z4Rj7nay8UBuLDMeDoVgtvsoNffaB9zp6VrO-fpsOWC6YOm8bMEQ/w640-h360/Wolf-Hall22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Gaining entry to the inner political workings of England through his loyal service to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, which also puts him at odds with Thomas More (<i>"Half the world is named Thomas" is one of the lines from Cromwell that brought a smile to my face and has stayed with me since completing the novel</i>), this innocuous man continually confounds those who have lived ever with titles and power and money. Cromwell, in this telling, was born to a blacksmith who was a drunkard and beat young Tom senseless many a time, until Tom left to seek something, anything better. This early abuse steeled the boy who would become the man behind many of the machinations that would endear him to his King, Henry VIII. And even when his patron, Wolsey, finds himself on the wrong side of the king's wrath and eventually dies, Cromwell somehow comes out of this without it hurting him, socially. </p><p><br /></p><p>Returning to a thread I lost two paragraphs up (these posts are off-the-cuff, so forgive me if it feels disjointed; there are only 3 of you reading this, anyway, so you can message me if clarification is necessary), it's the quiet strength of Cromwell that I find so intriguing. He rarely raises his voice, hardly ever shows emotion, gliding through the narrative like a shadow, and yet, everything revolves around him. It's a fascinating approach by Mantel. This also makes for a good counterpoint to many of the other characters in Cromwell's orbit -- the boisterous privilege of Henry, the arrogance of Thomas More, the knife-edged ambition of Anne Boleyn, all of them are more animated, more intense, more raucous than Cromwell, and yet, like the running water of the brook erodes the rock, Cromwell's quiet persistence is what allows him to succeed and move into a position of real power. It also offers a wonderful dynamic within the story. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHH3xAZ74HxJYJ-mvYmXo--utZLjLUIV5eucHrETLCvVeKUkWz5D8EGL8I4Be6shc9yyx8-6kYl9TXosRpXWnjhq7wwT3dhVl_Txph-Z3fevRQl-98ijpKIAWTd7KRJ5EsENestrxuAsUMD5nVrAksHqJ6JQxde8e4_ihZFSV3BUwiGTcmOpna_m3Dw/s1280/Wolf-Hall23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHH3xAZ74HxJYJ-mvYmXo--utZLjLUIV5eucHrETLCvVeKUkWz5D8EGL8I4Be6shc9yyx8-6kYl9TXosRpXWnjhq7wwT3dhVl_Txph-Z3fevRQl-98ijpKIAWTd7KRJ5EsENestrxuAsUMD5nVrAksHqJ6JQxde8e4_ihZFSV3BUwiGTcmOpna_m3Dw/w640-h360/Wolf-Hall23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Mantel's writing -- her actual words on paper -- is masterful. She chooses to never write 'Cromwell said,' choosing to only refer to Cromwell as 'he' whenever defining his speech. It was confusing in the first few pages, but once I got into the rhythm of reading, it all became clear. Mantel also is writing with a slightly elevated language, in order to evince 16th-century England, without wholly abandoning contemporary English. These, combined, make for some slight challenge in reading Wolf Hall (a factor I discovered during a quick online search, where I found some people complaining that the book was too difficult to read and they had set it aside after a few pages), but it also makes for a more enjoyable and satisfying read, as well. Mantel is fully in control of the writing in Wolf Hall, and her confidence is such that she cares not whether you follow or not, she understands those who will get the most from her narrative will complete the journey. It reminds me of the confidence that seeped off the page when I read Toni Morrison's 'Beloved.' It's an admirable trait and elevates the entire experience of reading, for me. There's a reason Wolf Hall won a Booker Prize -- many reasons, actually -- and it is well deserved. I can't wait to dig into the next book!</p><p><br /></p><p>-chris</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-77024875537011088542022-12-30T14:17:00.003-05:002022-12-30T14:17:38.714-05:00Books I've Read: AFTER THE IVORY TOWER FALLS by Will Bunch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp5IN5qB-_B0_Ov2Lu7us1x35afjGn5tb2hdVBGc2W_NXGSDDCXVMEg-PcDJCem86-AQqRjFTTuUKHmG4fMdoRdbwYysTB1tHeC8XcRCGSW-JAEhCBc6tV7VtIcNJdSoSCs1nfvSPqzZDZcdmd9NQxqQtMg0GON3PDC24yu1Zhi6uzRUNK9uk386EwQ/s500/Ivory%20Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp5IN5qB-_B0_Ov2Lu7us1x35afjGn5tb2hdVBGc2W_NXGSDDCXVMEg-PcDJCem86-AQqRjFTTuUKHmG4fMdoRdbwYysTB1tHeC8XcRCGSW-JAEhCBc6tV7VtIcNJdSoSCs1nfvSPqzZDZcdmd9NQxqQtMg0GON3PDC24yu1Zhi6uzRUNK9uk386EwQ/w264-h400/Ivory%20Tower.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Haven't been writing lately, which has allowed me more time for reading. But I find, often, that when I look back at the books I've read, though I may heartily recommend a title, I have trouble recollecting anything as to its contents. All that's left is the feeling that it was good or insightful or worthwhile, which isn't nothing, but it's less than I'd like. So, I'm trying something new -- both to possibly kickstart the writing habit . . . again, and maybe to afford my aging brain the opportunity to hold more of what I've read within its gray matter. Thus, the first in what I hope will be a series of posts relating what I've read and what I thought of it. I plan these to be more off the cuff than finely tuned pieces of writing, preferring to "work out on the page" what I thought of the book rather than making this into homework. The ideas offered may come across as half-formed or half-baked, and I apologize if this puts you off, but this is more for me than you--spontaneous, unformed, following whatever thread is sparked in my brain as I'm writing. If you gain something from this, that's great and thanks for reading, if you don't, I am sorry, but what'reyagonnado?</p><p><br /></p><p>For this inaugural edition we have the latest nonfiction book I've read: AFTER THE IVORY TOWER FALLS, HOW COLLEGE BROKE THE AMERICAN DREAM AND BLEW UP OUR POLITICS--AND HOW TO FIX IT, by Will Bunch. </p><p><br /></p><p>Prior to WWII, college in America was a haven for the well-off, the top 5% of our society being afforded the opportunity of postsecondary education, while the rest of the country found themselves relegated to the fields or factories to make ends meet. But, after America helped to defeat Nazism, there was a question of what to do for the returning veterans, and one idea was the G.I. Bill, allowing veterans the opportunity to attend college that hadn't been possible before (with the caveat that this meant white veterans, in the main). Many college presidents felt these working class men would soften the learning at their venerated institutions, but they were proven wrong. </p><p><br /></p><p>The American Dream had found another pipeline, as college became a stepping stone for many working class whites to better their status in society, while also engaging their minds and working toward the civic good of all. It was a time when America came to understand education as a public good, something to be aspired to and lauded. In the decades that followed public universities flourished, women were also afforded the chance to seek higher education, and the government assisted, with Pell Grants being a primary tool for allowing those with lesser financial means to afford the cost. But this was a time when tuition was not as exorbitant, in relation to household incomes across the spectrum of fiscal wherewithal. It was a time of great opportunity and aspiration. </p><p><br /></p><p>But during the upheaval of the 1960s and 70s things began to turn. Those on the conservative right of American politics (Republicans, say it, Republicans) turned away from the idea of education as a public good. In governors' mansion and state legislatures across the country they slashed funding for public colleges. This drop in funding, along with the privatization of universities, banks, and other financial institutions, meant there was a rise in tuitions for public universities. Pell Grants and other government programs meant to assist people with the cost of college did not keep up, and many times were also slashed or at least became stagnated under Republican fists. </p><p><br /></p><p>The cost of college soared out of reach of many, and continues to do so, but these people also held true to the idea that a college diploma was the only way for later generations to improve their status within society. And this improvement is still true, to a point. During recent recessions, the unemployment rates of those without a diploma have often been double that of people who've earned a college degree. But what about the cost behind that degree? Those people are burdened, now, with debt spreading into the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, even when they attend state universities, and it is a debt crisis that is untenable. </p><p><br /></p><p>With the rising cost of college, the divide between the haves and have-nots has also increased, and this has spilled over into our political ideologies. Republicans, thanks in no small part to hateful rhetoric from talk-show personalities like Rush Limbaugh, believe that college is nothing more than an indoctrination society for politically correct ideas of equality, respect, and representation for minorities. Democrats see this thinking as ill-informed and downright wrong, and they see college as the grand answer to all of society's ills. They're both wrong (though conservatives are more wrong). </p><p><br /></p><p>The real problem is, truly, the rising debt spiral for those attending college. It burdens those who choose to follow the traditional path to a better life, while it shuts out so many more who would benefit if given the opportunity, and, maybe even more dastardly, it labels those who do not attend college (a four-year institution, as I've been using the term 'college' throughout) as lacking in merit. Which is completely wrong. Education -- post-secondary education, including not just four-year universities but also trade schools, internships, community colleges, and other, similar programs -- must be seen as a common good, once more. We are failing our young people, at the point when they are most vulnerable: "You're 18 now, better figure out, fast, what you're gonna do with you entire life, and get right to it!" We need to do better. </p><p><br /></p><p>Where do the politicians get it wrong? <br />As noted above, Republicans feel that colleges have become incubators for indoctrinating their children into 'politically correct' thinking. This is false. <br />Democrats focus only on four-year institutions, with their proposals of canceling student debt or making public colleges tuition-free, failing to consider the cohort for whom a four-year degree program is not the answer. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p>An idea put forth by Bunch, an idea that has been percolating for decades, is the idea of a mandatory year of service for 18-year-olds. Where the collective battle against Nazism brought us together as a country, maybe it would be a good idea to have something on that scale that could allow all of our young people to have a common touchstone. With the diminishing rolls of people at church or joining civic organizations, there is a need for something to connect us. This solitude that is enveloping our society is helping to foment the divisions we see in our politics. We don't talk to one another any more. We don't meet up at the Lions Club. We don't talk during the tea service after church. We don't bridge the divide that is tearing our country apart. A year of service, where one would be in a collective that consisted of people from across the political spectrum of America might be the first step in healing this wound. And it would give young people an opportunity to earn a living, learn some skills, and consider what they might want to do next, without having to dive into the deep end of the pool where loan sharks and bone-crushing debt awaited them. </p><p><br /></p><p>And we need to also, as a country and through the federal government, make education beyond high school a priority once again. We need to fund it, to push it, to make it a reality for everyone. But, that does not mean just four-year universities. We need to broaden our idea of post-secondary education. Include internships, trade schools, and other institutions and programs, as noted earlier in this spiel, so that we provide opportunities that match up with everyone's needs. And, one more time, FUND IT. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's an idea. </p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-53757815831175094192022-12-09T11:06:00.004-05:002022-12-09T11:08:19.877-05:00Another video dropped here so I can find it later, if need be<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> My yoga stretch regimen, to help keep my back from rejecting physical activity again</span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/znH2chuO1k4" width="320" youtube-src-id="znH2chuO1k4"></iframe></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>https://youtu.be/znH2chuO1k4</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-25597297531204973272022-12-07T10:46:00.002-05:002022-12-07T10:46:29.217-05:00Stewart Copeland, with the Police: Wrapped Around Your Finger<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/mmBdz1txGSo" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mmBdz1txGSo/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Dropped this here, so I don't need to search for it on youtube again. </div>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-1256754021944170552022-04-04T10:30:00.001-04:002022-04-04T10:30:00.197-04:00Frank Miller's DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: good or bad?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrXJO0ac--88UblKHfbU8reU33MdmKDAc15jjNbjrn7sHhEvSQtG0l9saNNWAosGKLL9dBDij9jgwnn5RAjb3XlmdvmWUwntuR1NZO4dlcwPpVLvt47ubNFFPR0jBufzuTz83VLYUHUp2PHXV6BkugvmHmDdc1SXa1-RbDz6CGFatQz4HlfNTZAIUAg/s934/577317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrXJO0ac--88UblKHfbU8reU33MdmKDAc15jjNbjrn7sHhEvSQtG0l9saNNWAosGKLL9dBDij9jgwnn5RAjb3XlmdvmWUwntuR1NZO4dlcwPpVLvt47ubNFFPR0jBufzuTz83VLYUHUp2PHXV6BkugvmHmDdc1SXa1-RbDz6CGFatQz4HlfNTZAIUAg/w412-h640/577317.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>So, that's not a totally fair title, but I prefer it to my original click-bait idea: "<b>Why do I accept Frank Millers' Fascistic Superman?</b>" Anyway...</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioki_8G0-2-MyLibbGifu83suOf3FsEHLYllZdTLn59fAOR6sM1HwyGU668BIKSeDlbIWSJnV_uhPiVkoKVgyJInD71V4MJK2EVK_KwzGkoQzARC95kDLsUkzmbVy2jY7AtIBc3RvnUVTlWLDmdK_XiPxFqKyQidEvYqe_NAJ50_ziXuURsmXHxvWyRg/s1600/s-l1600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioki_8G0-2-MyLibbGifu83suOf3FsEHLYllZdTLn59fAOR6sM1HwyGU668BIKSeDlbIWSJnV_uhPiVkoKVgyJInD71V4MJK2EVK_KwzGkoQzARC95kDLsUkzmbVy2jY7AtIBc3RvnUVTlWLDmdK_XiPxFqKyQidEvYqe_NAJ50_ziXuURsmXHxvWyRg/w263-h400/s-l1600.jpg" width="263" /></a></p><p><b>Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley</b>. <br />One of the best selling comics of all time. <br />One of the most influential comics of all time. <br />A classic from one of the all-time great creators in comics. <br />You may not read comics, but it's quite possible you have read <i>Dark Knight</i>. Along with Alan Moore's & Dave Gibbons's <b>Watchmen</b>, it ushered in a new era of superhero comics from which we have yet to disentangle ourselves, despite attempts to do just that by many creators, including Alan Moore himself. But! This is a post about <i>Dark Knight</i>, so let's get to it. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3yrIE7owKsPF6GbRHQO84pcQOE3BBuOgVcG7mbT0BvhvtTu7mHJ0Vw_FX8lt70ojUOw6uTStj-mT6L0i9v5VvverJfn4q8yN9V4aeizYkf997R4C4P1ofBUg6_J_VWwWFYFV81yWZ3qKAxpOLSMaFQn0Jw2aL-Oo5UNm3T2Zt-OEb9wOZNXPsC4pOw/s584/W7ZI2rMH7Lh_U6XBxK2-Cpvf5VI3XECswI_B5kFt2uU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="384" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3yrIE7owKsPF6GbRHQO84pcQOE3BBuOgVcG7mbT0BvhvtTu7mHJ0Vw_FX8lt70ojUOw6uTStj-mT6L0i9v5VvverJfn4q8yN9V4aeizYkf997R4C4P1ofBUg6_J_VWwWFYFV81yWZ3qKAxpOLSMaFQn0Jw2aL-Oo5UNm3T2Zt-OEb9wOZNXPsC4pOw/w263-h400/W7ZI2rMH7Lh_U6XBxK2-Cpvf5VI3XECswI_B5kFt2uU.jpg" width="263" /></a></p><p>Since the start of COVID, my buddies and I have been talking comics over Zoom, on a weekly basis. Our latest discussion was on <i>Dark Knight</i>, and it didn't go as I expected. Popular opinion would have you believe this work is unassailable, a pinnacle of comic book storytelling, the greatest Batman tale ever told, a superhero story for the ages. For the most part, you would get little argument from me ('greatest' might be a stretch, but it's in the discussion). So, when a couple of my friends revealed the clay feet upon which this classic piece of comic art stands, I was surprised. But they're smart dudes, so I was ready to hear them out . . . and then tell them why they were wrong! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_inxtzfg55nEEfWQ9Vyhs4GFg1_VH5OfsoNuawYQH8qUI9WExqiOTVwzm-AjCBTS0ugnkh8RxzNAbRdUUz0tX2P1GcjZ9xecE5B9HNHSNms-9UYam-j8zMOaXih0un7M7BnMrTcM2rBsPKIlI4YCdAof0Qpy_djb2_NzQ6-8CvoUVH5fXbVeDYcBvQ/s3056/46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="1988" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_inxtzfg55nEEfWQ9Vyhs4GFg1_VH5OfsoNuawYQH8qUI9WExqiOTVwzm-AjCBTS0ugnkh8RxzNAbRdUUz0tX2P1GcjZ9xecE5B9HNHSNms-9UYam-j8zMOaXih0un7M7BnMrTcM2rBsPKIlI4YCdAof0Qpy_djb2_NzQ6-8CvoUVH5fXbVeDYcBvQ/w260-h400/46.jpg" width="260" /></a></p><p>An aside: I feel like I should get my personal history with this book out there, because it is pertinent to the discussion as well as to my consideration of the book. I started collecting comics in 1984, when I was 12 years old. I grew up in a small town and did not discover comic book shops until 1988 or '89. In 1987, I found the Warner Books edition of <i>Dark Knight Returns</i>, in my local bookstore, Mr. Paperback's. I immediately bought it. Having read very few -- and possibly none at all -- Batman comics at that point, this was basically my introduction to the character. It made a lasting impression on me, and I have re-read it multiple times through the years. I know it well, and I thoroughly enjoy it. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsOd5EayVWIOqFwU_08LgwUesshusUf4EAozxk1yLHtjlUSuUNZd9cyIKEBFwkXX2BqYcdGtmKQPV2v5DfuG41FvIMRYWGho-kofSxr7EOdgpPjjoGCYIBtHPRDQmeyk7_p-ob-ny9CeYgb_0Kzi-BqgezLIpAxnVp63THXe74rAJrGuMgHopXkr3hw/s800/5729431_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="684" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsOd5EayVWIOqFwU_08LgwUesshusUf4EAozxk1yLHtjlUSuUNZd9cyIKEBFwkXX2BqYcdGtmKQPV2v5DfuG41FvIMRYWGho-kofSxr7EOdgpPjjoGCYIBtHPRDQmeyk7_p-ob-ny9CeYgb_0Kzi-BqgezLIpAxnVp63THXe74rAJrGuMgHopXkr3hw/w343-h400/5729431_orig.jpg" width="343" /></a></p><p>Aside #2: A brief summary of <i>Dark Knight</i>. Bruce Wayne is 55 years old. Batman has not been seen for a decade. Superheroes have been outlawed, and even saying their names on television is not allowed. The only one left is Superman, working covertly for the U.S. government. But, the animal inside cannot be contained, Batman returns to clean up Gotham, and Superman is sent in to stop him; it ends in a stalemate. Except . . . Bruce is good with chemicals, and he ingested a concoction that made him appear dead when he was merely in hibernation. Kal-El (Superman) attends the funeral, and his super-hearing picks up a heartbeat, just as he's about to leave. But he's willing to let Bruce wage his war, if he keeps it low-key. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict3HdNOsX7oFOo6IMPROgA8I92BttciEWBAd0Flt9YiEUD_EIug0t9S9RFUw2Fa8oTjGXPms2G04OYWVz0UaF97jq9SHwtIVEISA1S1P7veQSNMdgHN6ugp6pFADOBUkFy1GZmORIfe7XZzcFQqnx5RCjPBDBbD0rEsrNgAqmXgyeLnKSfUOVgPc2UQ/s1555/BatmanTDKR2-062_The_Dark_Knight_Triumphant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict3HdNOsX7oFOo6IMPROgA8I92BttciEWBAd0Flt9YiEUD_EIug0t9S9RFUw2Fa8oTjGXPms2G04OYWVz0UaF97jq9SHwtIVEISA1S1P7veQSNMdgHN6ugp6pFADOBUkFy1GZmORIfe7XZzcFQqnx5RCjPBDBbD0rEsrNgAqmXgyeLnKSfUOVgPc2UQ/w258-h400/BatmanTDKR2-062_The_Dark_Knight_Triumphant.jpg" width="258" /></a></p><p>Two of my friends were critical of <i>Dark Knight</i>, one more than the other. Their main point of contention was the characterization of the two main heroes: Batman and Superman. Both of them felt that Miller wrote these characters completely wrong. Regarding Batman, they could never see him giving up on Gotham or going into retirement; it's not in Bruce Wayne's nature. He's obsessed about instilling fear into criminals in order to clean up his city and make sure nobody ever experiences the tragedy he did when his parents were shot dead in Crime Alley. Superman, to their minds, is written as a bootlicker who follows orders from a fascist authoritarian, in the form of the broadly satirical Ronald Reagan. The prime example of this comes after the nuclear fallout of the missile Superman barely diverted. Even with crime rampant in cities across America, Gotham -- previously the most dangerous city in America -- is now experiencing a substantial decrease in crime due to the Batman's actions. Despite that, Superman is sent into Gotham to put a stop to Batman. Because, the law. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdILS9EQHcl8-qYFPuKcd9yLCGi7YZX8uc6XDnszmJ3vUZOUj9tJTKW5Iyf9JNQVq2Wd5wnxNZI2kTatOGsekLWLW2a49-lBoE0EoyJTH5jpuPtVLxSVM7xWKyBusQExrkNi34FwSQPKBr_C6A_sYAfZBXBOrctgsw7-w3N4dJEMMzfYleRwgZqQHOQ/s785/batmantdkr1_034_the_dark_knight_returns1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdILS9EQHcl8-qYFPuKcd9yLCGi7YZX8uc6XDnszmJ3vUZOUj9tJTKW5Iyf9JNQVq2Wd5wnxNZI2kTatOGsekLWLW2a49-lBoE0EoyJTH5jpuPtVLxSVM7xWKyBusQExrkNi34FwSQPKBr_C6A_sYAfZBXBOrctgsw7-w3N4dJEMMzfYleRwgZqQHOQ/w255-h400/batmantdkr1_034_the_dark_knight_returns1.jpg" width="255" /></a></p><p>These points are valid. In all honesty, I'd never thought too deeply about the characterizations of Batman and Superman, or the other supporting characters, in this book. I just went along for the ride. That said, I agree completely that Batman and Superman are totally out of character in <i>Dark Knight</i>. But, I don't think that's a problem. And here's why: <u>because I love being right</u>! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLOWdjsYtyABUZT5bJ5aTWITCyur7tlkK8mRUdIBJDw_DAtrzz-Y00uj5-4Og7P-kkwQeVNWiJ21zNUnxyKMCA5GKqWrJ7SHoghvBCzCG8tYRDCicRnvW3GTPV7i74Z_NxZQk-0G9OYd5bq0lvqwqbWwY8gpGbjosrcBcdkDRfFMcEgLMfyIdJCd9qQ/s968/BatmanTDKR2-072_The_Dark_Knight_Triumphant-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="968" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLOWdjsYtyABUZT5bJ5aTWITCyur7tlkK8mRUdIBJDw_DAtrzz-Y00uj5-4Og7P-kkwQeVNWiJ21zNUnxyKMCA5GKqWrJ7SHoghvBCzCG8tYRDCicRnvW3GTPV7i74Z_NxZQk-0G9OYd5bq0lvqwqbWwY8gpGbjosrcBcdkDRfFMcEgLMfyIdJCd9qQ/w400-h216/BatmanTDKR2-072_The_Dark_Knight_Triumphant-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>Or maybe there are better reasons. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJJLUvIAP4lt1VnXkqMwkLeJY3i5GZsv9RSBHu_zBjBIaMYMf1wuDUD3W3SOHydqLjEz-DKPXox5JxNajzKgZKjKb1K_-Az3PswjsJBB5ga0DraF0COtdy64V5_GmJIOPKz4WGIuxvtyTwtcHKhAEV5G1ww-tgIeazuq6OY0aJAb30n1-85nz1c_LXw/s999/varley-color-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="999" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJJLUvIAP4lt1VnXkqMwkLeJY3i5GZsv9RSBHu_zBjBIaMYMf1wuDUD3W3SOHydqLjEz-DKPXox5JxNajzKgZKjKb1K_-Az3PswjsJBB5ga0DraF0COtdy64V5_GmJIOPKz4WGIuxvtyTwtcHKhAEV5G1ww-tgIeazuq6OY0aJAb30n1-85nz1c_LXw/w400-h309/varley-color-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>The most important thing to remember -- despite DC's desire to shoehorn this book into Batman's main continuity -- is that <b>Batman: the Dark Knight Returns</b> is an Elseworlds story, a tale from a parallel universe, where all the heroes' names are the same, but they are, to various degrees, slightly different. This is essential, I feel, to accepting and fully understanding <i>Dark Knight</i>. <br />(Allowing that all art is subjective, so you may understand it differently, and that's cool too, but wishy-washy statements don't make for compelling arguments. But I digress. Let's get back to our regularly scheduled program.)<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwvOcR0BaY5les44OSAKIY1nnSwkhDg2G6e9WHkf1h66nR42BwKG8NHIS_iV2SmwF2HTRxv1d7l0qPdo1gQkgkCdppcjurg6nB17tGwy9msJEOKnhYCFi_JwG5kDxLD45djM4p2jRYDjFUp25xDsL5U1wMMpYpU2rNLn-Oqw8_lzXT_-d4nCSvGlRxw/s1536/btdk-045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwvOcR0BaY5les44OSAKIY1nnSwkhDg2G6e9WHkf1h66nR42BwKG8NHIS_iV2SmwF2HTRxv1d7l0qPdo1gQkgkCdppcjurg6nB17tGwy9msJEOKnhYCFi_JwG5kDxLD45djM4p2jRYDjFUp25xDsL5U1wMMpYpU2rNLn-Oqw8_lzXT_-d4nCSvGlRxw/w260-h400/btdk-045.jpg" width="260" /></a></p><p>In this <i>Dark Knight </i>continuity, Batman and Superman (as well as all the other notable characters) have aged beyond the perpetual 28 years they inhabit in the main comic books. Bruce Wayne is roughly 55, as Miller wished to make the character as old as his legend. Superman would also be around 55, though his Kryptonian physiology seems not to have dampened his powers. Jumping off from there, Miller wanted to craft a narrative that examined what a Bruce Wayne/Batman of 55 might be like. He wanted to look at how that would have affected him not only physically, but also emotionally. Sure, Bruce Wayne is a superhero, but age has a way of slowing you down, making you second guess your abilities, infusing doubt where it might not have resided before. It's an intriguing premise, and one that I appreciate seeing played out in <i>Dark Knight</i>. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolG2ASNPNYSiBjRSrLTZNy9ppoxcO6OeWr64bQ4_u7HQLunXqVKv3H9DNnftIH6l314idxVMu0v-xCvD_DehQY9PGGwW3VyOxO5PxF37ue29bJp16bPoLG0OUUfZtinM1wvcbV0p8UXRZb4oQX16ncGhEwls5JlJNd-w9B9M2oMr04niCpW6x7jbhHg/s1024/Superman_DKR_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="649" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolG2ASNPNYSiBjRSrLTZNy9ppoxcO6OeWr64bQ4_u7HQLunXqVKv3H9DNnftIH6l314idxVMu0v-xCvD_DehQY9PGGwW3VyOxO5PxF37ue29bJp16bPoLG0OUUfZtinM1wvcbV0p8UXRZb4oQX16ncGhEwls5JlJNd-w9B9M2oMr04niCpW6x7jbhHg/w254-h400/Superman_DKR_01.jpg" width="254" /></a></p><p>These characters have also experienced very real change in their lives, and they live with that hanging over them. Again, this is unlike the main comics in that, though there is the illusion of change and the hyperbole of earth-shattering events in those books, for the most part these incidents have very little impact on the characters. DC, as a publishing entity, needs to keep the status very much in quo so people will continue to buy their comics. There can be no real changes in these characters' lives; it's too much of a risk. Therefore, Batman, Superman, et al. plod along, ageless icons, experiencing titanic events, but never seeming to feel their repercussions. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7aorztfnapltSmXJffzIHZIYpUXOyWDADo7hzzoEnhDYct7b4cigrXHERXrby9n3zzvSnC3oeczlVUUDm-akzOivf6r-1AYEMUxsyGZhE6r8XVBtbVyoZoEGmQ_ODlJ_1-jKSWNdL9cJYYCTxpdb80crMJLaxoeDvNJyqsAbpwE8Rb4K8na5R0CE7w/s1536/btdk-185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7aorztfnapltSmXJffzIHZIYpUXOyWDADo7hzzoEnhDYct7b4cigrXHERXrby9n3zzvSnC3oeczlVUUDm-akzOivf6r-1AYEMUxsyGZhE6r8XVBtbVyoZoEGmQ_ODlJ_1-jKSWNdL9cJYYCTxpdb80crMJLaxoeDvNJyqsAbpwE8Rb4K8na5R0CE7w/w260-h400/btdk-185.jpg" width="260" /></a></p><p>Miller wasn't interested in working within the status quo. He wanted to put these heroes under a microscope and poke at them, see how they might react to having experienced real tragedy, real change, real evolution. Jason Todd died ten years prior, a cataclysmic event from which Bruce Wayne found it nearly impossible to come back. For a decade he allowed Batman to remain dormant, so that no such personal tragedy might happen again. It can be assumed that, even if he were not directly responsible (and maybe he was), Bruce feels wholly responsible for the death of Jason, who took the mantle of Robin after Dick Grayson grew out of the name. This has weighed heavily upon him. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJgbrJpjrk7Y5KHGJPrjvj0dYo_o1mROPvIBCsv-KmsQGPFOLrzTvo3wTr4HeNRXo_WlJYsWhEdiJ5j4xmc_3fRa54iqFZ0sL5fDZJioEhrQvRmvFAxJ6rL7CXtaAACQeXvf9nJ7OXPzc8VyqGTsDAu9vZYRc4XzyWBr_42uyF-xphpRRDoD_6hd2iA/s608/puX_kqVlZ5ZSB0oDMuJLw9E09bkKb3AOzqd7iUWhO0M.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJgbrJpjrk7Y5KHGJPrjvj0dYo_o1mROPvIBCsv-KmsQGPFOLrzTvo3wTr4HeNRXo_WlJYsWhEdiJ5j4xmc_3fRa54iqFZ0sL5fDZJioEhrQvRmvFAxJ6rL7CXtaAACQeXvf9nJ7OXPzc8VyqGTsDAu9vZYRc4XzyWBr_42uyF-xphpRRDoD_6hd2iA/w264-h400/puX_kqVlZ5ZSB0oDMuJLw9E09bkKb3AOzqd7iUWhO0M.jpg" width="264" /></a></p><p>Also in that time, superheroes have been outlawed. It seems a safe assumption that the timeline for this legislation parallels that of Bruce's tragedy -- ten years. As a result, Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) left Earth for the stars, Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) went back to her people, and Superman became the not-so-secret secret weapon of the U.S. government. Similar to the disbanding of the Justice Society when they refused to divulge their identities in the HUAC hearings, it can be assumed that heroes became suspect by regular civilians, that they were no longer trusted, and, thus, outlawed. Most of them retired, but Superman could not. His powers, and the responsibility instilled in him by Ma & Pa Kent -- who also taught him to respect authority, an important point -- meant he needed to find a way to continue helping humanity. So, he took the only path that he felt had been afforded him. He worked under guidance from the U.S. government, keeping a low profile but still doing good. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBR0utL7Rp4BNswPPf1dSLKEb897vr4cHEiJzi7Lhmd5OArEPEZ_7ZmguFlvYnGxkebgUlQJj_YO67vX5z3awLaSsHld5wRbGm8wfRKiSkMjtXWJQMW40HpHlhEidW6SKOR7b1Ac0a12IpbBdl3e0wI0QAKzLrj6svl-xza2esMb144dDTfYCHZrSKw/s3056/RCO031_1468660433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="1988" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBR0utL7Rp4BNswPPf1dSLKEb897vr4cHEiJzi7Lhmd5OArEPEZ_7ZmguFlvYnGxkebgUlQJj_YO67vX5z3awLaSsHld5wRbGm8wfRKiSkMjtXWJQMW40HpHlhEidW6SKOR7b1Ac0a12IpbBdl3e0wI0QAKzLrj6svl-xza2esMb144dDTfYCHZrSKw/w260-h400/RCO031_1468660433.jpg" width="260" /></a></p><p>Both of these heroes have gone through personal upheaval and been changed by that. This is why, I think, I am able to accept their characterizations, even if they are "off" from how they are regularly written. Superman has always been the rule follower, while Batman the rule breaker, and the idea that Superman would go along with the government if it meant he could contribute to bettering the world, even in some small way, works for me. Batman was responsible -- at least indirectly -- for the death of a teenager, Jason Todd. This would have a profound effect on Bruce Wayne, could cause him to turn in on himself and reevaluate his actions. Extrapolating from that, he might retire, give up on Gotham, and try to just live out the rest of his life in a way that wouldn't put another child in danger. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx_IC8qfkboWxW7HSPBSxaZFlvVFcyP05I5BtHkfbZtU9oPJn-gXKl9N5DwE5heeRx8ewA21stbUFeUO2htBN5rivS27pdoK9CpEneD6DvdNGPDco96Te78SQqdYeX3HZNRDzy3eUUES97QRYtRLRHVx2dSRfk_J2RjhBOmnB6vjcBDENPY-QkxwdXA/s1166/supermansilhouette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="983" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFx_IC8qfkboWxW7HSPBSxaZFlvVFcyP05I5BtHkfbZtU9oPJn-gXKl9N5DwE5heeRx8ewA21stbUFeUO2htBN5rivS27pdoK9CpEneD6DvdNGPDco96Te78SQqdYeX3HZNRDzy3eUUES97QRYtRLRHVx2dSRfk_J2RjhBOmnB6vjcBDENPY-QkxwdXA/w338-h400/supermansilhouette.jpg" width="338" /></a></p><p>Of course, in the end, Bruce Wayne returns to Batman. And, in my reading of those final pages, Superman, with a knowing wink to Carrie Kelly, the new Robin, learns that there may be another way to help this adoptive world of his. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3jHzAwmpQYaDEJXUN-nqjBGjlky_2EUS075GNDamIS0kIwf94LKiDfHS9-srsOif2MyVWIa2qUWGY1oosQ0PUoGF5cCkuU59rKzjXRcRWBOqCzXuTGW_WuD8FovRdp2w3TPqN2KD9qfQXgiGl0V9zCSMloiuy1DgLpz8PSUTXy9dH3l51zuPeZLHjw/s600/the-dark-knight-returns-19860-fan-casting-poster-36279-medium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3jHzAwmpQYaDEJXUN-nqjBGjlky_2EUS075GNDamIS0kIwf94LKiDfHS9-srsOif2MyVWIa2qUWGY1oosQ0PUoGF5cCkuU59rKzjXRcRWBOqCzXuTGW_WuD8FovRdp2w3TPqN2KD9qfQXgiGl0V9zCSMloiuy1DgLpz8PSUTXy9dH3l51zuPeZLHjw/w284-h400/the-dark-knight-returns-19860-fan-casting-poster-36279-medium.jpg" width="284" /></a></p><p>Ultimately, these characterizations were due to Frank Miller wanting a battle between Batman and Superman at the end of <i>Dark Knight</i>. He needed them to be on opposite sides of the fence, so that he could bring them to Crime Alley, along with Oliver Queen, and show readers that given enough money, ingenuity, and obstinacy, a human can defeat a superhuman in battle, even if that victory is fleeting. </p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-60656892758682447382021-10-31T18:16:00.001-04:002021-10-31T18:16:00.182-04:00All Hallow's Read - a short horror story for your enjoyment<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrmjLJkKN0xcC-o0mwjWa4ts-SL6XHeMuslHudoZsYCfDgWhyA8RAqhw6VZnpDfh7uhEw_UqLxnFEiJch24cItFvQcadismkrAOYk2yws1KfHGYpIOxe4ekQEKyxBD1Ov_7jYzuLlH_HG/s1600/Firewords+Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrmjLJkKN0xcC-o0mwjWa4ts-SL6XHeMuslHudoZsYCfDgWhyA8RAqhw6VZnpDfh7uhEw_UqLxnFEiJch24cItFvQcadismkrAOYk2yws1KfHGYpIOxe4ekQEKyxBD1Ov_7jYzuLlH_HG/s640/Firewords+Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It's <a href="http://www.allhallowsread.com/" target="_blank">All Hallow's Read</a> (aka Halloween...with scary books). So, as I have done intermittently these past several years, here's a piece of horror flash fiction I had published in issue #2 of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.firewords.co.uk/shop/">Firewords Quarterly</a>, a literary magazine out of the United Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Enjoy, and a have a spooky Halloween.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">-chris<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">By C. M. Beckett</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I need to get outta here. Winter ain’t even here an’ it’s already too effin’ cold even with the friggin’ global warming.</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Sorry, but I won’t curse in front of my Ma, don’t matter how old I get. A mom takes care o’ you, provides for ya, keeps food on your plate. You gotta appreciate that and show some respect. </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Of course, things changed with the Little Big One. We could feel it all the way over here. Some folks didn’t believe me. Little tremors, like a shiver runnin’ through your boots. And then when it hit the news sites. Nobody knew what to do. Sittin’ at home watchin’ crazies freakin’ out, killin’ their neighbors, drownin’ their kids. What the heck?! </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We did what we do best up here – hunker down and cut ourselves off from everything else. It wasn’t too hard, livin’ on a farm an’ all. Generations before us had done all right with it, and with the government goin’ ta hell (sorry, Mom) it seemed the best thing to do. Most people never knew what to make of us up here anyway – ninety percent woods and nothin’ much ta do ‘cept drink and terrorize. </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">At first, things were good. We didn’t need for much, just had ta be smart, use what we found and not waste nothin’. Things’d be back to normal soon enough and then we’d get back to headin’ down to the mall and such. </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That was a pipe dream.</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Goin’ on twenty years now since it all went to crap, and still no end in sight. Most o’ the woods is gone now. At least around here. When the oil prices spiked durin’ the War, poachers swept in like huge vultures, layin’ waste to practically the whole state. Now we got no resources ta speak of. No forests. No topsoil. No birds, no animals. Nothin’ worth a damn. Not here anyway.</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So I need to move. No way to survive another winter here.</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Tonight’s my last night. I managed to gather a few saplings for one last meal before I hit the road. They’re still raw an’ smoke more than burn, so I didn’t even bother with a pan, just threw it on the fire. I like the skin blackened anyway, gives it more flavor.</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Should be done soon. It was hard the first time, with Gramps. Everybody squeamish, not wantin’ to partake an’ all. My sister – she was always a bitch (sorry, Ma) – got up and walked outside. Wouldn’t eat nothin’ and upset my Ma no end. </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It’s how Gramps woulda wanted it. He’d lived a good life and died o’ natural causes. He would'na wanted us to waste away too just because o’ some old-school civilities. The rules had changed and we did what we had to do to live.</span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My sister was next o’ course, but that wasn’t for quite a few months. I dug right in that night. She’d fallen and hurt herself somethin’ fierce. Not much we could do. No doctors left, and little in the way o’ supplies. We did what we could. Made her comfortable. Said some words over her from the Good Book. But it wasn’t long before she was gone too. </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That was last winter, which was pretty tough on all of us. Not many made it to summer. We all knew what was comin’ but didn’t talk much about it. How could we? We had to look each other in the eye every day. </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Now I’m it. The last one. I put that off as long as I could. It was too hard. I mean, she’s my Ma. She brought me into this shitfuck (sorry, Ma) world. But in the end, she understood which one of us had a better chance o’ makin’ it. </span><u1:p></u1:p></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">And she knew that a mom takes care o’ ya, provides for ya, keeps food on your plate.</span></i></b></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-46277928627668991282021-10-31T16:09:00.001-04:002021-10-31T16:09:25.411-04:00DESTROY ALL MONSTERS by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips, with Jacob Phillips<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_MVFDJk34aAqXEdkJerfNJ6VsDP7rtJeaioR6jbU6e22Bk4OXBro6EEpp72Q6DkmHZNFfPcWlullUcr2JGCXeTOmqmLZNTvKk_6FvNqRpIaG_IA9lJ-Esl_ecew9qvHIOfoVFvSIptp7/s2048/IMG_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1396" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_MVFDJk34aAqXEdkJerfNJ6VsDP7rtJeaioR6jbU6e22Bk4OXBro6EEpp72Q6DkmHZNFfPcWlullUcr2JGCXeTOmqmLZNTvKk_6FvNqRpIaG_IA9lJ-Esl_ecew9qvHIOfoVFvSIptp7/w436-h640/IMG_0248.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>1988, Los Angeles, and Ethan Reckless is feeling his age. His body aches all over -- reminders of the gunshots, stabbings, and explosions he's survived -- and he's a step slower, in both a literal and intellectual sense. How did it all go to shit so fast? </p><p>Anna, Ethan's more-than-sidekick-but-not-quite-partner-slash-best-friend is also feeling her age. Approaching thirty, with a steady boyfriend, she wants to get out from beneath Ethan's shadow, find out who she is and what she wants to make of her life. To that end, Anna's decided to move in with Dmitri, crossing the 405 freeway -- across town from where she and Ethan have worked and lived, it might as well be across the country -- and it scares Ethan. So much so, that he acts like a dick, making it easier for Anna to cut the ties necessary to shack up with her boyfriend, even if he talks through classic movies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunWiTiN8Y5cjW68E-ACHt-dx137K5MFDJC1czpnoQi9vxpPh0tZvTy0BSkQS-XHjGV9WOYH22CBtepcLXOadoI3cT7dpIQTMkLcsyK1QxOWglTF-H3GTjjW1BF0kpGFST6uivEMi2UuXg/s2048/IMG_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1207" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunWiTiN8Y5cjW68E-ACHt-dx137K5MFDJC1czpnoQi9vxpPh0tZvTy0BSkQS-XHjGV9WOYH22CBtepcLXOadoI3cT7dpIQTMkLcsyK1QxOWglTF-H3GTjjW1BF0kpGFST6uivEMi2UuXg/w236-h400/IMG_0245.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><p>Untethered, lost, Ethan dives back into his work and takes on a case that's bigger than he can handle by himself. He calls Anna, both to borrow her car and see if she wants to go in on the case with him. She agrees, but remains distant. </p><p>On its surface, this job should be a cake walk. So, of course, everything goes to shit, just not in the way Ethan could have anticipated. Maybe if he was younger . . . ah, but there's no good to come of pursuing that thought. Even once the case is completed, despite its unsatisfactory conclusion, it isn't really over. Their target still has one card up his sleeve. How will Ethan & Anna escape that final play, and can their friendship survive, even if they get out alive? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDef3VDrrgNSxPE7KgKv6AsVVKrohYKMh9yjloHDhqAuu8Kfb2AyThfSebHjeLrA5rGfgcy5Av-QeQjX4d-7iN9IhQgjOmeepP3ewKCkqviE-WQQbNHnFL2Q09W4Ou10lNYODDpr30SQzO/s2048/IMG_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDef3VDrrgNSxPE7KgKv6AsVVKrohYKMh9yjloHDhqAuu8Kfb2AyThfSebHjeLrA5rGfgcy5Av-QeQjX4d-7iN9IhQgjOmeepP3ewKCkqviE-WQQbNHnFL2Q09W4Ou10lNYODDpr30SQzO/w268-h400/IMG_0246.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p><b><u>Destroy All Monsters</u></b> is the third book in the <b><i>Reckless</i></b> series from writer Ed Brubaker & artist Sean Phillips, with colors by Jacob Phillips, and it's another home run for this stellar creative team. Brubaker's writing feels effortless, as he continues to hone his craft to a razor sharpness. The pacing of the book is top-notch, allowing me to dwell on a page or a panel, even as the narrative urges me forward, turning pages to see what's next. The twists and feints evolve naturally from the characters and the setting, the seedy underbelly of 80s L.A., with none of it seeming forced. And the people (using the term characters just seems wrong) all feel fully realized, even when the limits of space only allows for a quick sketch. </p><p>In particular, for those who've been following this series and already know Ethan and Anna, this third book offers the readership a wonderful insight into their personal history, as well as their relativistic present, providing a better, and fuller, understanding of these two friends. One feels for them, as their friendship is tested throughout this story, and the audience is left to wonder how their relationship will look, going forward. It is this -- the dynamic of Ethan and Anna's relationship -- that I found most fulfilling in my reading of <u style="font-weight: bold;">Destroy All Monsters</u>, even with the expected excellence of the plot. This rupture in their friendship is the core of the book, as their relationship is the core of this entire series, and Brubaker adds so much to that dynamic with this third installment of the <b><i>Reckless</i></b> series. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nW-jncTNLIhqehzz6fRD_7vNI-EMwwx2pfCzRd0ZiJyt5Amkc7j-SUolgtxlPYBc6om6MS0Yleh0WHu1M2W5ILzxjBSa5AaG0amQKPh4asl9yBOmUebFdrKM3NfU-f4TdmrZ9BBG9yWl/s2048/IMG_0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1276" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nW-jncTNLIhqehzz6fRD_7vNI-EMwwx2pfCzRd0ZiJyt5Amkc7j-SUolgtxlPYBc6om6MS0Yleh0WHu1M2W5ILzxjBSa5AaG0amQKPh4asl9yBOmUebFdrKM3NfU-f4TdmrZ9BBG9yWl/w249-h400/IMG_0247.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><p>Sean Phillips equals his collaborator with this book, as he has done for many years. Phillips's clean linework grounds these stories, and his clear storytelling means readers are never lost, even if they're unsure of where the story may be heading. He evokes 1980s L.A. -- from the buildings to the cars to the fashions -- allowing the audience to lose themselves within the story and enhancing the reading experience to a great degree. Like Brubaker, Phillips, with his economy and precision of linework, makes it look all too easy. It is not, but it's a testament to his skill that it comes across this way. What a wonderful synergy of creative talents. I suppose that's what comes of working together these past couple of decades. </p><p>And Jacob Phillips, Sean's son, is no slouch himself. His colors are reminiscent of watercolors, adding another dimension to the story. Sometimes the coloring is representational, setting us directly on a sidewalk in a residential neighborhood, while other times the color choices feel abstract, to a degree, evoking an emotion or feeling rather than anything resembling photorealism. And yet, it all works brilliantly. This is one of the aspects of this team's creative output that allows it to stand apart from the rest of the comics on the shelves, and I, for one, am here for it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3U1P0u_guFeo_Hf5l0-DofY6-Ar1KuHPPrMTGiWiVZzCFAN_JE1EvrHrsW4exWHhez4pI8LPHxd9MfSatFvkcSnAVmNCwkn_JUdSE2T88Baw9HEDAd3S_0x0Pq96ip1V2VNXkVx3vwYL/s2048/IMG_0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3U1P0u_guFeo_Hf5l0-DofY6-Ar1KuHPPrMTGiWiVZzCFAN_JE1EvrHrsW4exWHhez4pI8LPHxd9MfSatFvkcSnAVmNCwkn_JUdSE2T88Baw9HEDAd3S_0x0Pq96ip1V2VNXkVx3vwYL/w400-h301/IMG_0249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b><u>Destroy All Monsters</u></b>, as with so much from this creative team, is a master class in comic book storytelling. Whenever a new book from Brubaker & Phillips arrives, I always place it on the top of my to-read pile. And when I close the covers, I am never disappointed. This latest endeavor, a series of self-contained graphic novels that combine to tell a broader narrative with Ethan and Anna, has been outstanding. I love the characters. I love the stories. And I love the format. I am excited to know there is a fourth book arriving relatively soon. I can only hope there will be many more after that. Regardless, I can't wait.</p><p><br /></p><p>-chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-75174378099031920402021-10-30T19:38:00.002-04:002021-10-30T19:38:37.935-04:00October Comics (2021): ALIENS book one<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J1yGq604Nt_s4xcRLIbcje3salAZhan2pdNP78tHVt0xLB8IzG1B1hewqJAvPjqNSZewAX3BevysUJDTLV-LGrcFSPnyamheWKFFB7A-zMQcTatRJ7AMeSGFZiun6WlygIS01BSE3UD9/s908/Aliens+001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J1yGq604Nt_s4xcRLIbcje3salAZhan2pdNP78tHVt0xLB8IzG1B1hewqJAvPjqNSZewAX3BevysUJDTLV-LGrcFSPnyamheWKFFB7A-zMQcTatRJ7AMeSGFZiun6WlygIS01BSE3UD9/w422-h640/Aliens+001.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>From Dark Horse Comics, written by Mark Verheiden, art by Mark A. Nelson, with lettering by Willie Schubert. This was Dark Horse's second major licensed title after a Godzilla special the previous year, and it became a ripe property for many great comic stories. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko6XcciCKd_1ACXmh5gRYxd-vT6zOavHpWKLQee39oXDDLxQD3bg2j7SP1Y5qJt2x-fWnANAdMapk-6s6Fxj5JLCoo0DX-_4Ngnk3xktpBYpoJ2DuM7tLGEavQSuBDxaY0racd1ZHMCD-/s891/Aliens+002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko6XcciCKd_1ACXmh5gRYxd-vT6zOavHpWKLQee39oXDDLxQD3bg2j7SP1Y5qJt2x-fWnANAdMapk-6s6Fxj5JLCoo0DX-_4Ngnk3xktpBYpoJ2DuM7tLGEavQSuBDxaY0racd1ZHMCD-/w430-h640/Aliens+002.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p>Ten years later, Hicks & Newt are still haunted by nightmares of what they experienced on the moon of Acheron, when the aliens overran the colony and the marine complement sent to investigate the colonists' disappearance. Now, they are going back into space to gather specimens of these aliens for the government, which has ideas of creating a bioweapon from these fierce killers. Newt is looking for escape from the mental hospital where they keep her sedated, while Hicks seeks only revenge. But, unknown to most on the military ship, BioNational -- a huge corporation with the same ideas as the government -- has paid off the primary officer on the ship and is following them, in order to grab the aliens for themselves once the marines have taken care of business. Of course, everything goes to hell, because there's nothing like a happy ending -- or even a clean ending -- when aliens are involved. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4AenIZXhtHO4saTGNoF03ocuoDDNfhq8qZqZK9kDN6KkAk4oxhbh6ShQv92j_Pw63QXtRAJx_ya1YjAdyBjEtSqdp6y0DhEjOx1uqrA1Ox6MwfTrlNfL8wcpLd00OWitKkWliimv0GrI/s1152/Aliens+003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1152" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4AenIZXhtHO4saTGNoF03ocuoDDNfhq8qZqZK9kDN6KkAk4oxhbh6ShQv92j_Pw63QXtRAJx_ya1YjAdyBjEtSqdp6y0DhEjOx1uqrA1Ox6MwfTrlNfL8wcpLd00OWitKkWliimv0GrI/w640-h488/Aliens+003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Verheiden's story is a proper sequel to the first two Aliens films and moves the story along nicely. But, I don't know if it would land so well if not for the moody, black-and-white art from Mark Nelson. Nelson's work in this series is, for me, the star. His feathery inking adds a dimension to the human characters that can be lost in very strict inkwork, such as would often be found in superhero comics, and his delineation of the aliens is breathtaking. They are dominant and creepy and intimidating all at once. I re-read this series regularly and almost always at this time of year. It's a perfect book to read as the weather turns colder and the rising breeze skitters dry leaves up the street. If you're looking for a great October read, you should check this out. It's great!</p><p><br /></p><p>-chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-21852087260014763082021-10-15T14:32:00.005-04:002021-10-15T14:32:55.097-04:00Great Comic Book Writers -- it's a visual medium<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38p8xpbr96b6SSgSCadBrTBC7nnz_vTdUb7xRIqr6iXixZvFotjtuTCyCodG0vSPQJJzY8lQMZoXMfXsWn1jB9Xl6wjOH2BqpeyJibrj0l1KfxjmpQAh_adcG2hsUHzwVBWNN0q9i7rvK/s1200/Alan+Moore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38p8xpbr96b6SSgSCadBrTBC7nnz_vTdUb7xRIqr6iXixZvFotjtuTCyCodG0vSPQJJzY8lQMZoXMfXsWn1jB9Xl6wjOH2BqpeyJibrj0l1KfxjmpQAh_adcG2hsUHzwVBWNN0q9i7rvK/w167-h167/Alan+Moore.jpg" width="167" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSIno_EXytQc_-q8oxLrwpmi5lTiCRgikaja9mncApyHVaYyiyYe4DzFm2xQcNPLfy3fSUWGF4Fw9PYf5OC41YQuRzrgETCWDF9DeOtW8i65UcHJusb7r4PylQwwB1nAfeQX0WUioYoc/s2048/Grant+Morrison.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1541" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSIno_EXytQc_-q8oxLrwpmi5lTiCRgikaja9mncApyHVaYyiyYe4DzFm2xQcNPLfy3fSUWGF4Fw9PYf5OC41YQuRzrgETCWDF9DeOtW8i65UcHJusb7r4PylQwwB1nAfeQX0WUioYoc/w122-h164/Grant+Morrison.jpg" width="122" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWJafH2Aw-zNWvl2leELxSqPiRpC6mCl8Nif8G-GRa_YBQg1OB2N3_l-ffPYfkw11-cahl8H3vEGGE5mlEBKoe1dIjFHNjWBMgzPOPHQaVHuX6t3liH5Gso9mbjomnEBjAV2sYF75Qom6/s554/Neil+Gaiman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="554" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWJafH2Aw-zNWvl2leELxSqPiRpC6mCl8Nif8G-GRa_YBQg1OB2N3_l-ffPYfkw11-cahl8H3vEGGE5mlEBKoe1dIjFHNjWBMgzPOPHQaVHuX6t3liH5Gso9mbjomnEBjAV2sYF75Qom6/w174-h161/Neil+Gaiman.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>In the history of comic books, it could be argued the 1980s ushered in the time of the superstar writer. Certainly, prior to 1980, there were notable writers in comics: the two Steves, Englehart & Gerber, Marv Wolfman, Gardner Fox, and Stan Lee had burnished his myth to a high sheen through editorials and essays, as well as his many speeches on college campuses. But the breakout of writer as commodity for selling and marketing comics certainly took place in the early 80s. And the vanguard of this movement emanated from the U.K. in the form of three particular authors--Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, and Alan Moore. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo4ogAFPol2AFca3SoJ27NUeX_HDypiMXjlImaqSmP4IzfF9z4kSds7jXsUK4FCmv_JvG2NcruFZr5C5ettG7ZJPq_QxdStkFZckkPMYHlIPP7O2wqYCDFuxBVnuO1tNbdMxlEE2Qj3_m/s1923/1986-09-superman423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="1257" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo4ogAFPol2AFca3SoJ27NUeX_HDypiMXjlImaqSmP4IzfF9z4kSds7jXsUK4FCmv_JvG2NcruFZr5C5ettG7ZJPq_QxdStkFZckkPMYHlIPP7O2wqYCDFuxBVnuO1tNbdMxlEE2Qj3_m/w169-h259/1986-09-superman423.jpg" width="169" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsJgNIFmfVI2WklyltCcMhQ3Yr1pHzd4QWKP9qfNxFLDM8SKonFqFHzfui4Y3iUARWVZIODlCcgHH-GhbOeWcANTP_LZDO5LlrDjcHAIMw-_UImqbHwszSuh4jL8w146cUEz1zDq3Zyq4/s512/913767706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="348" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsJgNIFmfVI2WklyltCcMhQ3Yr1pHzd4QWKP9qfNxFLDM8SKonFqFHzfui4Y3iUARWVZIODlCcgHH-GhbOeWcANTP_LZDO5LlrDjcHAIMw-_UImqbHwszSuh4jL8w146cUEz1zDq3Zyq4/w172-h253/913767706.jpg" width="172" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxZAUwmDe9P2Q7b9VJL6ocBssEauuOU93Q7STBMGoCX_tWlMYnY3Xy0ZgP5mnuILZdqVxhl-c9y9EyVhGqtSLrQJmYjJ6kaYOTV69-DcT_t-SU_6qdRymGxl6WmvZQX7Sn0L0xcOftXhB/s610/Animal_Man_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="400" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxZAUwmDe9P2Q7b9VJL6ocBssEauuOU93Q7STBMGoCX_tWlMYnY3Xy0ZgP5mnuILZdqVxhl-c9y9EyVhGqtSLrQJmYjJ6kaYOTV69-DcT_t-SU_6qdRymGxl6WmvZQX7Sn0L0xcOftXhB/w165-h252/Animal_Man_5.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><br /><p>Forests of metaphorical trees have succumbed to the writings examining the works of these three writers. They imbued their stories with an adult sensibility, refusing to talk down to their audience, in a medium historically marketed toward children. They had a distance to the material--American superhero comics, in the main--that allowed them to view these characters through a different lens and bring something new and innovative to the stories. And they brought a bit of magic to the medium that ignited a passion in a generation of comic book readers, including me. But what doesn't seem to get discussed as much in these pieces is the fact that all three of these writers were also, to a greater or lesser extent, artists. And that, in my opinion, made a huge difference in their facility in crafting comic book tales. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXMlskXAYfiS3lNNAy50dE7CltNHKeKxV5E__W8Wnz1kq6nOUH8i5R_D4Klge0HCdhHwtGR2cu6Y98hIC_ajIYafG0NammlWb_u7Ea5XpduRcPitmHUM3eIRsclyTjjzBatguh6uP0vxL/s782/Doom_Patrol_Vol_2_19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="500" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXMlskXAYfiS3lNNAy50dE7CltNHKeKxV5E__W8Wnz1kq6nOUH8i5R_D4Klge0HCdhHwtGR2cu6Y98hIC_ajIYafG0NammlWb_u7Ea5XpduRcPitmHUM3eIRsclyTjjzBatguh6uP0vxL/w171-h267/Doom_Patrol_Vol_2_19.jpg" width="171" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUvbeYvZ8plyf_pTOQ9pe4qoJqFFvcbQnsFCbgph2C0pJuLljk8wIKJOJTSgu-N9hrJNm_c3YERS5DY7dUQKFAdbRPXrLLcmst84csf2Z6koppBUK6KjvS8jzvPjqkFEZcAvQYHV5T-ax/s1280/sandman1_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="881" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUvbeYvZ8plyf_pTOQ9pe4qoJqFFvcbQnsFCbgph2C0pJuLljk8wIKJOJTSgu-N9hrJNm_c3YERS5DY7dUQKFAdbRPXrLLcmst84csf2Z6koppBUK6KjvS8jzvPjqkFEZcAvQYHV5T-ax/w189-h275/sandman1_2.jpg" width="189" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCIswdDmh1mNKUcv4lJ3rh2siVpuQuPFLoQo9_YdHJzlPWvVhOlItLk6-HHl1lmbpsbcCbXasnISotHcKEYH6nF3M49IQKk2wEQ35ErSwCebmBAwXS3H_aVvYwSw22zEFKdS2JTYiggSI/s607/Swamp_Thing_v.2_21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="400" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCIswdDmh1mNKUcv4lJ3rh2siVpuQuPFLoQo9_YdHJzlPWvVhOlItLk6-HHl1lmbpsbcCbXasnISotHcKEYH6nF3M49IQKk2wEQ35ErSwCebmBAwXS3H_aVvYwSw22zEFKdS2JTYiggSI/w171-h259/Swamp_Thing_v.2_21.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><br /><p>Within comics, Neil Gaiman is best known for his dark fantasy, <b>Sandman</b>. Created with a multitude of distinct artists, including Mike Dringenberg, Jill Thompson, Marc Hempel, et al., the story of Morpheus is a poignant and tragic one, encompassing multiple genres. Unlike other comic series, <b>Sandman </b>benefits from the various artistic styles utilized to delineate its grand narrative, with Gaiman leaning into the strengths of his myriad collaborators, in order to tell the story of the Lord of Dreams. It is an epic tale wherein readers are rewarded with multiple readings of the entire series. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghczXZo0XGJG3V3CYeN9Up5GNtQ8vXu7JLm79acq3OOoZbyKzzWTs21KzXe2b3cl5evytLpWo7TCU5fIAKkJ2lpNEmZTyhnJvxV2bHa2edDOB6PUwSCovj4rJB4xHRB6C6Z9x04T6FjClT/s1600/Heliogabolus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghczXZo0XGJG3V3CYeN9Up5GNtQ8vXu7JLm79acq3OOoZbyKzzWTs21KzXe2b3cl5evytLpWo7TCU5fIAKkJ2lpNEmZTyhnJvxV2bHa2edDOB6PUwSCovj4rJB4xHRB6C6Z9x04T6FjClT/w270-h400/Heliogabolus.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><p>Though the artists involved should obviously be accorded the bulk of the accolades for the artistic accomplishments within <b>Sandman</b>, I feel that Gaiman's visual sense need also be acknowledged. Gaiman has stated in interviews that he would often do thumbnails of an issue--smaller and sketchier artistic layouts for a comic story--before scripting, in order to see how the narrative flowed and whether the focal points of the story worked. He also wanted to know where the advertisements in the monthly issues would fall, within the page count, so that he could be sure that big reveals would occur on the left side of a two-page spread, as one turned the page, thus preserving the surprise for the audience. And although Gaiman's thumbnails for his comic scripts will probably never be published, his art has seen print. Two examples include the 24-hour comic <span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><b>Being An Account Of The Life And Death Of The Emperor Heliogabolus</b>, which can be seen <a href="https://thedreaming.moteofdust.com/2008/07/10/being-an-account-of-the-life-and-death-of-the-emperor-heliogabolous/" target="_blank">here</a>, and the cover for Peter David's collection of his CBG columns, <b>But I Digress...</b> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfkJzdzGFlRUWv8QMq53hYC24B9nC9fuCIvX0I7GDBrR5uTiHufrfWqin6Lj6IwsANCl7WvLDCLDDHCC3yrJGlUUgCUJO3MwZb8ODH9kL-tenOUAT6LyndA12JOEmovm7MQorTYRPvBCW/s475/digress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="290" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfkJzdzGFlRUWv8QMq53hYC24B9nC9fuCIvX0I7GDBrR5uTiHufrfWqin6Lj6IwsANCl7WvLDCLDDHCC3yrJGlUUgCUJO3MwZb8ODH9kL-tenOUAT6LyndA12JOEmovm7MQorTYRPvBCW/w244-h400/digress.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><p>One of the best examples of this application of visual sense to a comic story can be found in issue #7 of <b>Sandman</b>. Morpheus is confronting Dr. Dee, who took the Dream King's ruby, which is infused with much of Morpheus's power, and corrupted it, making it a weapon in Dee's hand. They are battling over the amulet and Dee unleashes a furious onslaught, eventually destroying the ruby with the outpouring of oneiric energies in a blinding flash of red. Turning the page, we see a diminutive Dr. Dee on a completely white page, a vast emptiness stretching on to infinity, as far as readers are concerned. This continues on the next page, as Dee ponders what has just happened. Then he raises his arms, triumphant, having defeated Morpheus. And we turn the page once more, to find Dee, small and insignificant, standing in the alabaster palm of Morpheus's hand. It's a stunning bit of comic book storytelling, especially the first time you see it, and it all hinges on the understanding of the visual aspects of comic books and utilizing the "camera" of the comic panel to focus on the bits necessary to convey the story. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM7dPf-CEFyPKoL0_35jUF9uuvmpnLRMfFW-_K8jJpHTfujRqaybNpdegECBaXT80XKIFsl01GQdQ5p4W1PSh4fr4ViTXQNmkzByVDDlLNax7w6VE8CpySPP-dnFOwoZGUXptwd6LfXGV/s2048/BookScanCenter_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM7dPf-CEFyPKoL0_35jUF9uuvmpnLRMfFW-_K8jJpHTfujRqaybNpdegECBaXT80XKIFsl01GQdQ5p4W1PSh4fr4ViTXQNmkzByVDDlLNax7w6VE8CpySPP-dnFOwoZGUXptwd6LfXGV/w258-h400/BookScanCenter_4.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ul5aN2cqo1bnDJ8DcvY2beaPuc-IGo2gBIkjFr2xXvevfDpc8yOHZSdI_RtXPMF1SQzFMGKpqN3FzqXRZs1Fx2fYbJOZa1fEtB0ojeN3G4TDYmsKe9pLBGUJq8B7VLr_JjyKvhqWUXVx/s2048/BookScanCenter_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1346" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ul5aN2cqo1bnDJ8DcvY2beaPuc-IGo2gBIkjFr2xXvevfDpc8yOHZSdI_RtXPMF1SQzFMGKpqN3FzqXRZs1Fx2fYbJOZa1fEtB0ojeN3G4TDYmsKe9pLBGUJq8B7VLr_JjyKvhqWUXVx/w263-h400/BookScanCenter_5.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73CINkNtLGUz-X7Ob19aFOmNKAPuv2H0lCN9OOLk2glvR67EBGwHFy6zsBNsCv-Vkrq4Vc46sHUuMImvrgqoOjmpep5s8Ut7J72B1TvNlsbXt-SEyP76-ieX9jZ_4qaDJtFemERzCgFzL/s2048/BookScanCenter_6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73CINkNtLGUz-X7Ob19aFOmNKAPuv2H0lCN9OOLk2glvR67EBGwHFy6zsBNsCv-Vkrq4Vc46sHUuMImvrgqoOjmpep5s8Ut7J72B1TvNlsbXt-SEyP76-ieX9jZ_4qaDJtFemERzCgFzL/w260-h400/BookScanCenter_6.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><p>Grant Morrison gained prominence in America with their revitalization of <b>Animal Man</b>. Taking what was considered a fairly silly character in a silly suit, Morrison gave Buddy Baker (Animal Man's alter-ego) a down to earth family life, made him a vegan and an animal activist (how could Buddy not be when he utilized all these animals' abilities?), and changed Animal Man from the butt of the joke to a complex and engaging character. And people responded. Initially contracted to write a 4-issue mini series, <b>Animal Man</b> was upgraded to an ongoing series, and Morrison went on to write a total of 26 issues, which are some of the best comics you may ever read. Certainly, Morrison's distinct point of view buttressed by wide-ranging interests helped to launch this title, as well as its young writer, to critical acclaim. But again, Morrison's artistic background and their understanding of comics as a visual medium must also be considered essential to the success of <b>Animal Man</b> and all their subsequent works. Morrison, like Gaiman, is known for thumbnailing his scripts, most notably seen in the anniversary edition of <b>Arkham Asylum</b>, which Morrison created with Dave McKean. In the back of that edition the full thumbnails for the entire story are available to examine. Morrison also drew a page for his seminal work, <b>The Invisibles</b>, and also contributed a well delineated sketch to Bryan Talbot's landmark comic series, <b>The Adventures of Luther Arkwright</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrVFL0mLvIOSL8kf74SNkNWLUxJjOlKu09oHS9tpyf_GNxJg-V_7fZJakogkPxFIRRgrqnWM7Se4k6VnwYHxwmestyC1g-zO6OeFDKFUKFFprN90jkKWFe6g6YJDAeB-jYZduxdVhZMd0/s924/LutherArkwright.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="630" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrVFL0mLvIOSL8kf74SNkNWLUxJjOlKu09oHS9tpyf_GNxJg-V_7fZJakogkPxFIRRgrqnWM7Se4k6VnwYHxwmestyC1g-zO6OeFDKFUKFFprN90jkKWFe6g6YJDAeB-jYZduxdVhZMd0/w273-h400/LutherArkwright.jpg" width="273" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhLEaP8kPTdgMHqLHBDkvys17mUTOBgRlMxKI5ZRRWVnMF6iZLk_NRlDU-3x2G6ROLaanpI9MuyY9jSlXskaIxiO9G2i3ueCRkwDybv6cU8PIDC2JtP8kX8DAywDZkJ7FbL-Ac5nzZZSx/s1200/Morrison+thumbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1000" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhLEaP8kPTdgMHqLHBDkvys17mUTOBgRlMxKI5ZRRWVnMF6iZLk_NRlDU-3x2G6ROLaanpI9MuyY9jSlXskaIxiO9G2i3ueCRkwDybv6cU8PIDC2JtP8kX8DAywDZkJ7FbL-Ac5nzZZSx/w298-h357/Morrison+thumbs.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><p>A prime example of this visual approach can be found in issue #5 of <b>Animal Man</b>, "The Coyote Gospel." In this tale, a coyote that walks on its hind legs and apparently cannot die has become a bogeyman across the deserts of Death Valley. One long haul trucker in particular, after having encountered the coyote a year prior, has come to think of this animal as the devil incarnate and plans to kill it, to be rid of its curse. When Animal Man comes across these two, the coyote reanimating its limbs after having been shot and blown up by an explosive charge planted by the trucker, the coyote wordlessly hands to Buddy the parchment it carries around its neck. On the parchment is laid out the story of the coyote, a being from an alternate dimension where the animals that live there only know strife, and the destruction and victimization is eternal, since their bodies instantly renew themselves when harmed. But Crafty, the name of this coyote, wanted an end to this and approached God and said he would do anything if only peace would come to their world. And God told Crafty that if he wished, he could be sent to live in the hell in the dimension above, and while he lived and bore the suffering of the world, peace would reign below. And so, Crafty was reborn in Death Valley, and he could not die, and he suffered. But with his immortality, Crafty hoped that one day he might be able to return to his world and throw God off his throne to build a better world for everyone. With this story, Crafty hoped to recruit other beings with powers who might assist him. Animal Man is the first of these recruits. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRrzsvdwtBWpkxlcKFbjm4XKOcuGDIyIzmeFkDZG8JAszeGra3NhcT78kII0MM4E5mS2x2ThJmqUZOgNYGj5WoK3_rt_e-Mtmo8w0JfG142MOVowPMIdSx26Zd9qB4o5LJbC6RZpso9CN/s2048/BookScanCenter_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1339" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRrzsvdwtBWpkxlcKFbjm4XKOcuGDIyIzmeFkDZG8JAszeGra3NhcT78kII0MM4E5mS2x2ThJmqUZOgNYGj5WoK3_rt_e-Mtmo8w0JfG142MOVowPMIdSx26Zd9qB4o5LJbC6RZpso9CN/w261-h400/BookScanCenter_1.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcS4JQKpzdW6Th8dkdh0ad7GKTGXWF1b6LGjOc23Jeu-4WUyypDwBcA-JmIxAqbmzwhiS7xMjA25pLAf8q4gN_JPnR-4aJisCcPSL0LMfqAmLV-1RGgZrgxL9681ZNsd_FspJbuu4Lv1qS/s2048/BookScanCenter_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1319" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcS4JQKpzdW6Th8dkdh0ad7GKTGXWF1b6LGjOc23Jeu-4WUyypDwBcA-JmIxAqbmzwhiS7xMjA25pLAf8q4gN_JPnR-4aJisCcPSL0LMfqAmLV-1RGgZrgxL9681ZNsd_FspJbuu4Lv1qS/w258-h400/BookScanCenter_2.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div>And here is where Morrison reveals an advanced understanding of the visual aspects of the comic book medium. Throughout this origin story, the audience has seen images from Crafty's original world with the narrative shared through text boxes--this could be Crafty speaking, though it seems unlikely, and thus, in readers' minds, it must be the actual text from the parchment. But, as we reach the end, there's a glimpse of the parchment in Animal Man's hands, and then we pull back to see more of it--squiggles and markings that are gibberish to our Terran eyes--at which point Animal Man provides the emotional kick in the gut when he says: "...I can't read it." Morrison understood how readers would accept the text boxes for Crafty's tale as the text on the parchment, and only at the end, when the foreign alphabet is revealed, would the full realization of Crafty's tragedy become evident. It's brilliant and a revelation that might almost exclusively be achievable in comic book form. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRpAO6F83cqMzFhvYB3vIk4uQkDY99A8QnVpI5pR1ZvJ6JuIH0s-Yqz56dezV2hyRF4j82K8n0uFdl0-odw0p-3_N5DdLj0aHUlkzEW6E-FKGrSLJimgwzVnleMfrS_pFkFd1O8VYjP_H/s2048/BookScanCenter_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1337" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRpAO6F83cqMzFhvYB3vIk4uQkDY99A8QnVpI5pR1ZvJ6JuIH0s-Yqz56dezV2hyRF4j82K8n0uFdl0-odw0p-3_N5DdLj0aHUlkzEW6E-FKGrSLJimgwzVnleMfrS_pFkFd1O8VYjP_H/w261-h400/BookScanCenter_3.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p>Moore started out as a cartoonist, selling two strips in 1979 -- <b>Roscoe Moscow</b> to Sounds, a weekly music magazine, and <b>Maxwell the Magic Cat</b> to his local Northants Post. He found his labor intensive style too time consuming and decided to focus more on writing than art. But the experience of writing and drawing a strip for publication would certainly lend itself well to his career that followed. In 1986, Moore (with artist Dave Gibbons) reimagined the Charlton heroes bought by DC Comics and created the landmark series, <b>Watchmen</b>, to great critical acclaim. <b>Watchmen </b>has become the touchstone for superhero comics and is considered by most fans as Moore's magnum opus. With this series, Moore and Gibbons worked together to exploit the unique aspects of the comic book storytelling medium, to great effect, storytelling aspects and approaches that, as should be obvious, revolved around the visual primacy of the medium. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbROm4yCdA8VCbnMZJJIjW0BjBg7bJOqhvWyINS-04Ixk4dHf4iPeQSj6lEwlsIUCGmiGhqNVfOXWl172rsJiAxfq1NeEDqoM0MEG1DkOXHVlvCuiKLlkOTXYIMcb5SABUVnSdGKcVyVM/s1950/Maxwell+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1950" data-original-width="1392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbROm4yCdA8VCbnMZJJIjW0BjBg7bJOqhvWyINS-04Ixk4dHf4iPeQSj6lEwlsIUCGmiGhqNVfOXWl172rsJiAxfq1NeEDqoM0MEG1DkOXHVlvCuiKLlkOTXYIMcb5SABUVnSdGKcVyVM/w285-h400/Maxwell+01.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><p>One of the unique aspects of the comic book that Moore & Gibbons wished to utilize was its format, i.e. the fact that, though a comic is like a book with its pagination and a dedicated reading order (left to right in America) and like a film or television show with its visuals, a comic book is, in fact, neither of these things. Unlike a book, a comic has a strong visual component. Unlike film, which is intended to tell its story from beginning to end without stopping, in a comic one can easily jump front to back within the story and make comparisons of imagery and scenes, in order to better understand symbolic, thematic, or other facets of the narrative. In <b>Watchmen</b>, there are myriad instances where these two creators take advantage of this aspect of comics. There are recurring visual motifs, within chapters proper as well as across the book as a whole, such as the bloody smiley face button or clock faces, that add layers to the story being told. Scenes, especially those set at the intersection in town with the newsstand, are told from various points of view at different times, with characters from prior scenes visible in the background, not only to enrich the whole, but also to, again, add layers to the story on the page. So much happens in the gutters and the backgrounds of <b>Watchmen</b>, it's more than can be processed with a single reading. And it all stems from the fact that comics is a visual medium. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUigamTvYqU2VuxMe-HpaD-QTaQAUvGZ7WSXfv3hpHJo65RUj9HQEpEr2ha0zF9G10B8l-vZTW62bBzlHfUzSJpufdJI6hhWztsGa10sMwY2GPyNYtRiVVbDMKHc203pNK54K4eLhLxv6/s512/Maxwell+02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="382" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUigamTvYqU2VuxMe-HpaD-QTaQAUvGZ7WSXfv3hpHJo65RUj9HQEpEr2ha0zF9G10B8l-vZTW62bBzlHfUzSJpufdJI6hhWztsGa10sMwY2GPyNYtRiVVbDMKHc203pNK54K4eLhLxv6/w299-h400/Maxwell+02.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /><p>A great example in <b>Watchmen </b>of Moore & Gibbons utilizing the visual aspects of comics to full effect can be found in the mystery of Rorschach's true identity. What readers discover, with the end of issue #5, is that he was right in front of them the whole time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORgB1xhCKqKUGP8HhIZt2-nGjQJ3rfWPpQ416co8VgIp9o6A3kTkUkju2q0HA7tPYW_mMqeLS-S8Kj7BA0g9hVLExFaMM3gYtE5ztO3nyff_aBu5dt8aFZzLlQOGJhoEbK1jqGWzNuhXU/s1000/Watchmen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="641" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORgB1xhCKqKUGP8HhIZt2-nGjQJ3rfWPpQ416co8VgIp9o6A3kTkUkju2q0HA7tPYW_mMqeLS-S8Kj7BA0g9hVLExFaMM3gYtE5ztO3nyff_aBu5dt8aFZzLlQOGJhoEbK1jqGWzNuhXU/w256-h400/Watchmen.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>In issue #1 of <b>Watchmen</b>, pages 4 and 5, Moore & Gibbons introduce us to Rorschach, and with the layout of the panels actually reveal who Rorschach is (a fact only obvious upon a subsequent reading). In the final panel of page 4, in the light of day, we see the vagrant carrying his "The End is Nigh" sign, in front of a multi-story office or apartment building, an ad for 'mmeltdowns!' on the side of the building mostly obscured by shadow. In the first panel of page 5, the very next panel, we see the same scene, but at night, with the 'mmeltdowns!' ad now fully visible on the side of the building, and in the foreground is the top of the fedora that Rorschach, whose character introduction occurs on this page, wears. With this mirroring of the imagery between these two successive panels, Moore & Gibbons were showing the audience who Rorschach is. But it isn't obvious for a few reasons: </p><p>One -- when we see the vagrant with the "End is Nigh" sign, Rorschach hasn't yet been introduced, so when he is on page 5, all of our attention goes toward that. </p><p>Two -- the scene may look familiar to readers but it isn't readily obvious that it's the exact same spot, as the scenes occur in day and night, respectively, making certain details obscured or not, accordingly. </p><p>Three -- the first image is at the end of one page, feeling like a summation of that scene, while the second is at the top of the next page, starting a new scene and providing a strict demarcation line between the two, which, along with the time differential, severs any connection between them in our mind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg5tfZ9tRz8PjV-J4HGGNhFsxc6IODhU_14ZX-caUT4o9RVypfTQIKQ-X-sGyDYcIFPhcNGz0FJHwgNRrNC75uKzW05-wD8IiMV1SEyuPmyLgYek8mAt2vJG9XNjzFMJgkLuhCwCv756t/s2048/BookScanCenter_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1340" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg5tfZ9tRz8PjV-J4HGGNhFsxc6IODhU_14ZX-caUT4o9RVypfTQIKQ-X-sGyDYcIFPhcNGz0FJHwgNRrNC75uKzW05-wD8IiMV1SEyuPmyLgYek8mAt2vJG9XNjzFMJgkLuhCwCv756t/w261-h400/BookScanCenter_1.jpg" width="261" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17FcbQKgYXS4-5ts6XHPkICvW3iUL-Q1ahS1joEpXKJlWRXgGVqqgcY6EZ7B2f5oE6YPG3pKDAcUWY8jBhTeSW3A2pQ1fEpAUkU1dh6ADWIxu9VsSviL243Mkfake5DXjo4u6qwqlfQaA/s2048/BookScanCenter_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17FcbQKgYXS4-5ts6XHPkICvW3iUL-Q1ahS1joEpXKJlWRXgGVqqgcY6EZ7B2f5oE6YPG3pKDAcUWY8jBhTeSW3A2pQ1fEpAUkU1dh6ADWIxu9VsSviL243Mkfake5DXjo4u6qwqlfQaA/w259-h400/BookScanCenter_2.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><p>In issue #2, three of the remaining heroes -- Dr. Manhattan, Nite Owl, and Ozymandias -- attend the funeral of their former comrade, the Comedian. Outside the cemetery, at the beginning of the service, we see the vagrant with his "End is Nigh" sign walk past the entrance of the cemetery. At the end of the service, after a mysterious attendee places a wreath of roses on the Comedian's (Edward Morgan Blake's) grave and exits the cemetery, we see the same vagrant passing by once more, following this mysterious attendee, who, it turns out, is Moloch, a former antagonist of the heroes. Back at his apartment, Moloch hangs his coat and hat and goes into the kitchen to prepare something to eat, when Rorschach launches himself from Moloch's emptied refrigerator (in the shadows of the middle panel on this page, Gibbons has drawn all the frozen foods, taken from the fridge to make room for Rorschach, in a corner out of Moloch's sight, one of myriad great visual details) in order to interrogate him about the funeral Rorschach "heard" Moloch had attended. </p><p>Again, Moore & Gibbons are putting clues into the book that would allow readers to see who Rorschach is, if only they could focus on the invisible vagrant in the background and make the connection between him and Rorschach's sudden appearance with information that would have been challenging to get in such a short time. But these creators are counting on their audience to focus on the main point of the various pages, allowing the vagrant to pass through panels as something that fleshes out the world and makes things feel more real, rather than seeing what, upon reflection, feels like an obvious connection revealing Rorschach's secret identity. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzlqAA9lk8vVxM3iNnKKeaU1FIb8VhWY-MpGfunQx0jVSNW0RlZwFT7RhV0fNyLq_0DUZ4jQvDA5lQFHIeEeJVaSlFiqBwix6Le6137UDDOW5w1S7wj7dbBbIroao7CkduiQ6yw1GpU4t/s2048/BookScanCenter_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1378" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzlqAA9lk8vVxM3iNnKKeaU1FIb8VhWY-MpGfunQx0jVSNW0RlZwFT7RhV0fNyLq_0DUZ4jQvDA5lQFHIeEeJVaSlFiqBwix6Le6137UDDOW5w1S7wj7dbBbIroao7CkduiQ6yw1GpU4t/w430-h640/BookScanCenter_3.jpg" width="430" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifINcF506KCtvew55CoqvMlYIIaTlgXg3jpqUxf_kFSUehY_JaDuQ94einD7Z0n86qwatecQtfdLwIAkYSeAeM3rsrEaFSUW37_JmWI50qBBHp_SYQC4mmGQ-j4ZiFPiWHtyg4fZApw1i2/s2048/BookScanCenter_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifINcF506KCtvew55CoqvMlYIIaTlgXg3jpqUxf_kFSUehY_JaDuQ94einD7Z0n86qwatecQtfdLwIAkYSeAeM3rsrEaFSUW37_JmWI50qBBHp_SYQC4mmGQ-j4ZiFPiWHtyg4fZApw1i2/w416-h640/BookScanCenter_4.jpg" width="416" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwACVa2hmgXKgzy78TCjEjvrcIZf4JffGFlUUn_qyJxnwpqP7-iTUCqqndpBzC82FBEWROPuVQODaEJa4oPiiA8X3ton231Y3nNAUjxJ-629HB6lkhgzX6LS6vjIs1cd2lpjoW4W55zlvR/s2048/BookScanCenter_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwACVa2hmgXKgzy78TCjEjvrcIZf4JffGFlUUn_qyJxnwpqP7-iTUCqqndpBzC82FBEWROPuVQODaEJa4oPiiA8X3ton231Y3nNAUjxJ-629HB6lkhgzX6LS6vjIs1cd2lpjoW4W55zlvR/w426-h640/BookScanCenter_5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>A final example of how Moore & Gibbons placed clues into <b>Watchmen </b>about who Rorschach really was comes in issue #5. We see Rorschach, in his civilian identity, eating in the Gunga Diner, as he watches his maildrop, a public trash receptacle, across the street. The scene is shown from Rorschach's POV, so readers never see his face, only his hands, in a few instances. Later, as the scene shifts to the newsstand owner on that same intersection where the diner is, the vagrant with the "End is Nigh" sign is seen, twice, digging through the trash receptacle that is Rorschach's maildrop. Again, Moore & Gibbons are showing their audience who Rorschach is "in real life," but our prejudices do not allow for dots to be connected. Having seen this vagrant earlier in the series, readers know his appearance to be less than shabby, indicating he is not well off and may even be homeless. So, to see him digging through trash does not seem that unusual, if we see it at all, since, again, this is done in the background of panels and is never the focus. And just to make sure it does not feel like a cheat, Moore & Gibbons show the vagrant digging through the trash two times in the same day. Why else would he sift through rubbish a second time if he were not Rorschach checking on his maildrop? It's a wonderful bit of sleight of hand by Moore & Gibbons, and it is this that makes multiple readings of <b>Watchmen </b>so enjoyable and rewarding. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hnNuiHtkCNs7T1cRgRGi_wcTa9oyEIuJlFhmViDcV85b616igVvvqdSEgittn9y8RITRV_MfDRgs8SziwV2wAH-BfzGdgQPZkWyfIkAMmMSNbdR28aq0F3ICQGwMrfLySy24OeRSPVvA/s2048/BookScanCenter_6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1388" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hnNuiHtkCNs7T1cRgRGi_wcTa9oyEIuJlFhmViDcV85b616igVvvqdSEgittn9y8RITRV_MfDRgs8SziwV2wAH-BfzGdgQPZkWyfIkAMmMSNbdR28aq0F3ICQGwMrfLySy24OeRSPVvA/w434-h640/BookScanCenter_6.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAx-my5ZnSgg-22fZ3lAZQ1D9Sc1azDH7iMX1jpE80ca1qATo-E4to0csQ3IT5MAQ0OUHmeUBmxmDjo-HQZTvfw_OQ8VzRwhFoHqiEdRN0_akm72-yODolLz2nR4HqR-V9KNCHdzUUfF_/s2048/BookScanCenter_7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1387" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAx-my5ZnSgg-22fZ3lAZQ1D9Sc1azDH7iMX1jpE80ca1qATo-E4to0csQ3IT5MAQ0OUHmeUBmxmDjo-HQZTvfw_OQ8VzRwhFoHqiEdRN0_akm72-yODolLz2nR4HqR-V9KNCHdzUUfF_/w434-h640/BookScanCenter_7.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYzzTtclC75cdDqWfYUF0b2FzvH1YFm8CoyDNtIpaY8NlK5HCTtVksLFyO41GpSWFGrR5liDDGfVnQgZbGoRohfst4sqt5FNn_ntm0B5GWnWJwizo2yvWUysC40UfP-dJ11TfqS_w4van/s2048/BookScanCenter_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1393" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYzzTtclC75cdDqWfYUF0b2FzvH1YFm8CoyDNtIpaY8NlK5HCTtVksLFyO41GpSWFGrR5liDDGfVnQgZbGoRohfst4sqt5FNn_ntm0B5GWnWJwizo2yvWUysC40UfP-dJ11TfqS_w4van/w436-h640/BookScanCenter_8.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><br /><p>With the "British Invasion" of American comics, Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, and Neil Gaiman were at the forefront of those U.K. creators who came to epitomize a certain type of storytelling in mainstream American comics and helped usher in the era of the superstar writer. They have only added to that legacy in the decades since, and their works in the comic book medium are often held up as examples of works one can share with non comic reading friends. Certainly, the point of view and varied interests of this triumvirate account for much of that, but the fact that each of them had a background in art, and comic art particularly, also seems to go a long way to understanding the impact they have had on American comics, as well as comics in general. And if you don't believe me, why not check out some of their books, I cannot imagine you would be disappointed. </p><p><br /></p><p>-chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-72363069508628083542021-09-13T16:24:00.003-04:002021-09-13T16:24:49.284-04:00Time in Comics -- it works differently<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8m2jgPq43813FMnuJxHOyIWBEv9L4AyWwe2eiKXj1hjHCyOWqZjMAPsYEbJ23-n5cEoLqUtBq7EciEoFuAQwz0XtzCINsZRw-AxNb_yBFF7de16ldZMAJQn8XgWYYHj2LQmgBjUeMusP/s646/Chronos_0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8m2jgPq43813FMnuJxHOyIWBEv9L4AyWwe2eiKXj1hjHCyOWqZjMAPsYEbJ23-n5cEoLqUtBq7EciEoFuAQwz0XtzCINsZRw-AxNb_yBFF7de16ldZMAJQn8XgWYYHj2LQmgBjUeMusP/w365-h400/Chronos_0003.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In fiction, time works differently than in real life. It has to, because very often the stories we read or watch or listen to take place over the course of many days, months, or years, while we experience them in a matter of hours or days. (Alan Moore's JERUSALEM took me months, but that's a whole different beast, that.) In no other medium, though, is the idea of time more malleable or more fluid than in comic books. It's part of what I love about them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8oalrFUdxgg8evgOmqciJRwHkbAESjTVIFDOUt1vLU_oKmUELsODQZtwKXIRB6YZn80gLzTDndKVivxmyVAqoPgDLOcbtQaGLcQjgCwWfg9NwbfLliNx-WH35_5jq42zORIf0zv1I1SQ/s500/alan+moore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="327" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8oalrFUdxgg8evgOmqciJRwHkbAESjTVIFDOUt1vLU_oKmUELsODQZtwKXIRB6YZn80gLzTDndKVivxmyVAqoPgDLOcbtQaGLcQjgCwWfg9NwbfLliNx-WH35_5jq42zORIf0zv1I1SQ/w261-h400/alan+moore.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p>As a story distribution vehicle, the comic book, in its most recognizable form -- roughly 20 pages of words and images combined to relate the most recent narrative chapter of a particular, brightly garbed hero's adventures on a monthly basis -- is, perhaps, the most compressed story distribution vehicle, as regards the geographical space with which writers and artists have to work. The page count has fluctuated over the past few decades, from 17 pages with a shorter backup feature in many late-70s DC comics, to 24 pages through the 80s and 90s, to around 20 pages today. An average page may have 6 panels on it, each a snapshot of a specific moment in time, but there are also splash pages -- a single image encompassing the entirety of a page to convey a moment of high drama or cool action. And although some artists may layout pages with more than 6 panels (George Pérez could do wonders in the tiny spaces necessitated by ten or twelve or fifteen panels to a page), many will often utilize fewer panels per page to tell their story. So, creators have somewhere fewer than 120 images -- and more likely fewer than 100 or 90, to be honest -- to get across what they want to say for that month, in that chapter. It's not a lot of room. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOK-UEBvGTYp-OQLG_llhRd5-VoID1TVc8Ml-daCCEwxchw8WuxkwMsJvSIkqK0Eun4P9TR9oj5xXdcqmcSO4L9V37QyTmec1kq1hDaeWbstA141ubd4ZpPtvF8cEoj56usP8fo4WFOWh/s450/Cosmic_Treadmill_001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOK-UEBvGTYp-OQLG_llhRd5-VoID1TVc8Ml-daCCEwxchw8WuxkwMsJvSIkqK0Eun4P9TR9oj5xXdcqmcSO4L9V37QyTmec1kq1hDaeWbstA141ubd4ZpPtvF8cEoj56usP8fo4WFOWh/w320-h400/Cosmic_Treadmill_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>With those limitations of space, comic creators had to figure out ways to infuse the most narrative punch in as economical a way as possible. Early in comics' history, that meant a whole lot of word balloons and thought bubbles stuffed with text that, in my opinion, dragged the narrative to a screeching halt, leaving it as limp as a pile of wet leaves. Blechh. These writers and artists, though, also figured out some tricks hidden within the mechanics of the comic page. A prime example would be the gutters, the empty spaces in between the panels. Depending on the transition between images from one panel to the next, a lot or a little could occur in the gutter. If the artist merely drew a succession of images that linked together like those flip books we used to have, then the reader had little to do in order to get what was going on. Nothing's in the gutters; it's all on the page. But, if the creators jumped from one image in one scene to a totally different image from another scene (probably set in the near future, possibly set in the past, maybe even running parallel . . . take your pick!), a connection could be made, subconsciously, between these two images. And maybe, as more context became evident as one continued reading, there would be a direct correlation between these seemingly disparate scenes. Perhaps some action in that first scene spurred what occurred in the following scene, even if it took place in a different locale at a different point in time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy291L_ENt0rRMuvOehScEs6w70CsRv0TgVmhJOiv1IxRFwV9gveIJS0lzf-uwxshRf-PvNf0UcrV_29haJ6rjFboc56l0svbl5-tCpcYkrmAlLaH4aTRzGAlenu2H6tCyvyp7VtEam7ub/s2048/Scott.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="2048" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy291L_ENt0rRMuvOehScEs6w70CsRv0TgVmhJOiv1IxRFwV9gveIJS0lzf-uwxshRf-PvNf0UcrV_29haJ6rjFboc56l0svbl5-tCpcYkrmAlLaH4aTRzGAlenu2H6tCyvyp7VtEam7ub/w640-h326/Scott.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>When this happens, the gutter becomes paramount in the narrative flow, because whatever happened in between these two images, which may sit side-by-side or possibly connect through a page-turn, happened within that empty space separating them, and now the reader gets to fill that in with their imagination. The gutter is the magic spark within comic books, and it makes the reader a participant within the narrative, allowing for the tapestry of a comic to expand to a (theoretically) limitless tableau. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEF2fkj5R4HdXKt4TOt-AeNw6bsk9CYGripFSmG7Bzwm2x8tcqHaoiLo2tvXJn25Phz0bVWIf2V3IeSd1t4RG3WEKdxDv54S4iG2ILuRMZ5TnuCGsQmgFGkpY0N5CalgEIO0zX9y6sAci/s1600/Rip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1221" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEF2fkj5R4HdXKt4TOt-AeNw6bsk9CYGripFSmG7Bzwm2x8tcqHaoiLo2tvXJn25Phz0bVWIf2V3IeSd1t4RG3WEKdxDv54S4iG2ILuRMZ5TnuCGsQmgFGkpY0N5CalgEIO0zX9y6sAci/w305-h400/Rip.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><p>The publication schedule of comics -- for the most part series have run on a monthly basis, though it's common today for more popular series to run every two weeks -- is another aspect that injects time into a comic narrative. With a month between issues, readers have all that time to ponder the most recent chapter of a hero's story, to mull it over, consider the ramifications, hypothesize about what may come next or how the hero could possibly escape that issue's cliffhanger. In short, this 4-week hiatus between issues allows the story to build in the audience's mind while also expanding time within the narrative itself. From one issue to the next, as much time as a week or a month could pass, or as little as a minute. But in our brains, even if very little time passes in Batman's story from issue #546 to #547 (as a hypothetical example), readers have still experienced a month, and that added time can help with the storytelling, because things that may have happened "too quickly" in the previous issue now have the benefit of a whole month passing, tempering the coincidental nature of some of the previous actions. </p><p><br /></p><p>Which all sounds far too abstract. Let me try to illuminate this argument with a concrete example: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdppt4A91T6tFryJWSukedzz4d8FiMKAbmBzhJ-eQHUOnklL8kmFw6DPBxr6Vl089TFu2XwBMMJKbxeEIv0GcfEIUYEf18rOdiKWB2gN8xzVocHRST3txKuiivUuEiedB2z22zEv3_nGE/s2000/Crisis+08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdppt4A91T6tFryJWSukedzz4d8FiMKAbmBzhJ-eQHUOnklL8kmFw6DPBxr6Vl089TFu2XwBMMJKbxeEIv0GcfEIUYEf18rOdiKWB2gN8xzVocHRST3txKuiivUuEiedB2z22zEv3_nGE/w260-h400/Crisis+08.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><p>In the wake of DC's mega-event, <i>Crisis on Infinite Earths</i>, time was reset and the history of the DC universe was re-arranged and streamlined. The comics published by DC afterward needed to reflect this change in status quo, and one of those titles was <u style="font-weight: bold;">Batman: the New Adventures</u>, retitled with issue #408, written by Max Allan Collins, with pencils by Chris Warner and Inks by Mike DeCarlo. In this issue -- following directly after Miller & Mazzucchelli's classic, <i>Year One </i>-- Batman decides to work solo again, with no Robin, after Dick Grayson is almost killed by the Joker (a phantom image of Dick as Nightwing reveals his future . . . which, playing along with the theme of this piece, has already occurred a few years in the past, as far as publication dates). As a solo crimefighter, Batman eventually meets Jason Todd, a young vagrant who stole two of the tires from the Batmobile while it was parked in Crime Alley. Impressed, Batman takes Jason to a local orphanage, promising to check up on him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TJd8tgOaOqkbRNu-pi7Nyzs6uTAsJ2y_pFHkzLH3JosCo7VnWrUjY_xMfj6pp3ZjpKVdyaykC-UyBu-YQUmQ8qTi9_MYarEa4nFWP6nRYGXbELB1h1elcXReJJ04Bolbm8l5_EIkU6pI/s626/Batman_408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TJd8tgOaOqkbRNu-pi7Nyzs6uTAsJ2y_pFHkzLH3JosCo7VnWrUjY_xMfj6pp3ZjpKVdyaykC-UyBu-YQUmQ8qTi9_MYarEa4nFWP6nRYGXbELB1h1elcXReJJ04Bolbm8l5_EIkU6pI/w255-h400/Batman_408.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><p>In the following issue, written again by Collins but drawn by Ross Andru & Dick Giordano, Batman discovers, through checking up on Jason, that the orphanage where he took the boy, Ma Gunn's Orphanage, is actually a headquarters for a juvenile gang run by the matriarch of the place. Thanks to Jason, Batman discovers their plan to steal a priceless diamond necklace and thwarts the pack of hoodlums and their elderly crime boss. In the end, Batman commends Jason for his work, calling him Robin, and resetting the cycle of the Dynamic Duo once more, a mere couple of dozen pages after his declaration to work alone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6vJAqgU4quwSDRqpP9rLnU9fmedamIxxximn2xKXMRxfqKWM62YXoZOKM6utraCthhk3Btvczlv6PNSudwX3OqZBVbpzcEJ-ZZ0XCsSvGMTv8HavwMBwb3XboWawD08oFfs6XIVLr4D2/s1532/Batman_409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6vJAqgU4quwSDRqpP9rLnU9fmedamIxxximn2xKXMRxfqKWM62YXoZOKM6utraCthhk3Btvczlv6PNSudwX3OqZBVbpzcEJ-ZZ0XCsSvGMTv8HavwMBwb3XboWawD08oFfs6XIVLr4D2/w261-h400/Batman_409.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p>Reading these two issues today, that shift from working alone to again taking on a partner -- a child partner in Batman's war on crime -- may seem abrupt on the part of the Batman. That's because it is. But reading it back in 1987, as it was being published, there would have been a month in between those issues. Readers would have had almost thirty days to digest the reality that Batman was again fighting crime solo. If one considers that during the 80s the primary audience for comic books, specifically superhero comics, was children, those thirty days are a not insignificant amount of time. So, when the Batman does a one-eighty in the very next issue, they would not have been reading it as if it was only yesterday he'd declared his return to solo vigilantism (and, in fact, there's a bit of a montage aspect in that previous issue when the creators show Batman fighting crime on his own again, indicating a relatively lengthy amount of time). To them the time that had passed in between reading these two issues could have translated to the narrative within the comic itself, allowing for a less abrupt transition back to having a Robin at Batman's side. And it seems possible that comic book creators may have taken this passage of real time into account when crafting the monthly adventures of one's favorite superhero. It's certainly a trick that would allow writers and artists to compress events in order to move the narrative along more swiftly, while also hopefully avoiding complaints of coincidence or a straining of credibility (he wears a batsuit and swings through skyscrapers on his batrope when he isn't using his batwing or batplane . . . straining credulity?!!?). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHDC8x22sGp-4aiF3RAkDlP-kLaVuYEi8_beqTqbWIKlPJFvSO4v6gy9ENH5x7OJE2qs9rr1ljdvNzje8ySRLo4Td4TM-jBLpKZlmMbi3pYcJaHOfG1dd6qJTyTQpGpYUsYaiGt-FA5k5/s2048/secret+wars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1332" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHDC8x22sGp-4aiF3RAkDlP-kLaVuYEi8_beqTqbWIKlPJFvSO4v6gy9ENH5x7OJE2qs9rr1ljdvNzje8ySRLo4Td4TM-jBLpKZlmMbi3pYcJaHOfG1dd6qJTyTQpGpYUsYaiGt-FA5k5/w260-h400/secret+wars.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><p>It's interesting to consider that older comics should not be read in quick succession. Many issues, even up to the 80s when I began collecting comic books, were crafted as single packets of entertainment to be digested on their own, with little, if any, connective tissue to the previous issues or those that followed (outside of the power sets of heroes and villains and characterizations of the main and supporting casts). Jim Shooter, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1978 to 1987, famously (apocryphally???) stated that creators needed to craft each issue as if it were the very first issue of a new reader. Which is a fair enough assumption. But I think adherence to such a rule wasn't necessary and could be detrimental to a creative team. My first Marvel Universe comic (as opposed to <b>G.I. Joe</b> or <b>Star Wars</b>) was <b>Marvel Super Hero Secret Wars</b> #4. Number Four!!!! The series was already a quarter of the way through it's twelve-issue run, starring dozens of heroes and villains with whom I had a limited experience, and I just dove in and read it. And I was hooked. </p><p><br />But I digress. Apologies for the tangent. Where was I? ... time in comics works differently ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdpgHnYrfYfc-UQnsMHQ9dm6bRhyvl0si5OOOQI8YZQ1lxiKg_fa_zQWXaJO0dtEPZVnjMxDKRDD_x-45Pvp3rlju1PyOeoUtHGkxB3Lty-xh0tzvyZvBPitcbqa5ot6SgTkqJ3u7kPiZ/s611/Superman_and_Batman_-_Generations_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdpgHnYrfYfc-UQnsMHQ9dm6bRhyvl0si5OOOQI8YZQ1lxiKg_fa_zQWXaJO0dtEPZVnjMxDKRDD_x-45Pvp3rlju1PyOeoUtHGkxB3Lty-xh0tzvyZvBPitcbqa5ot6SgTkqJ3u7kPiZ/w261-h400/Superman_and_Batman_-_Generations_4.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p>There's also the idea of characters' ages in comics. Again, specifically superhero comics. When the first original superheroes were created for comic books, the medium was seen as a cheap, throwaway bit of entertainment. Poorly reproduced art on the cheapest newsprint -- all in color for a dime! -- with little to no continuity, because who was going to hang onto these comics? Kids folded them up and stuck them in their back pockets. Issues were traded and shuffled between friends with little thought to which one belonged to which kid, because they only wanted to be able to read more and more of these adventures. And if that meant gathering with the neighborhood kids, throwing this week's issues all into a pile, and pulling out one you hadn't read yet, then so be it. With this disposability also came a lack of forethought as to the longevity of these characters. I don't believe anyone involved with the publishing of those earliest comic books expected the medium to last as long as it has. So the idea of these heroes -- Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, Hawkman, the Flash -- aging wasn't even a consideration. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQLaLh-ufFQgaIjj6WQQ6_wiDTNDGW4_v3z55p05oXyBRg6ty2KJN0gNeL7fnFjcYMKe1llJreZyi7DicswwOisaSPsWfTIzCRG9GYgEsodmpe9axfciGYPIfdXEqeJwAlnlGdbpFVxbR/s787/greatbatman03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQLaLh-ufFQgaIjj6WQQ6_wiDTNDGW4_v3z55p05oXyBRg6ty2KJN0gNeL7fnFjcYMKe1llJreZyi7DicswwOisaSPsWfTIzCRG9GYgEsodmpe9axfciGYPIfdXEqeJwAlnlGdbpFVxbR/w254-h400/greatbatman03.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><p>Sure, this too might strain credulity (Batman's still only 29, even though he fought against villains in 1939!), but what else would we fans of the medium want? Sure, the older Bruce Wayne in <b>Batman Beyond</b> is pretty damn cool, but allowing the original heroes to give up the ghost isn't something fans seem inclined to want. I mean, Barry Allen (the original, Silver Age Flash) sacrificed himself in <b>Crisis on Infinite Earths</b> and remained dead for a very long time, almost three decades. And Wally West ably took up the mantle, becoming, in many fans' opinions, a far better character than Barry ever was. But, even Barry was brought back, and is now, today, the primary Flash. It's too bad, because he did mean more as a character, in death, than he ever did in life. But, what're you gonna do? Time in comics doesn't work the same, and the hardest thing to do in these four-color worlds is kill off a character and have them remain dead. </p><p>-chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-36819690870777054652021-04-29T11:35:00.000-04:002021-04-29T11:35:40.535-04:00Miller & Mazzucchelli: How Were They Allowed To Do That?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-E0yYeYz89PVeoCF6wKLmZhc9Eqwqu0bv223hG3surJ8uPh1UAn8TsENnb5NYmEfXv4bheRF-_jGPbh4BgWLOTYcsJMa2PT4i5YKErsbLoK-8FAD_23_8vLAWDGp0Esz_2IO1Ss3pfyO7/s919/daredevil-born-again-cover-mazz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-E0yYeYz89PVeoCF6wKLmZhc9Eqwqu0bv223hG3surJ8uPh1UAn8TsENnb5NYmEfXv4bheRF-_jGPbh4BgWLOTYcsJMa2PT4i5YKErsbLoK-8FAD_23_8vLAWDGp0Esz_2IO1Ss3pfyO7/w283-h400/daredevil-born-again-cover-mazz.jpg" width="283" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGnY8tChwAKkfbnA2W08AhifhlcmklwebGn8DgCWiSe_46Rd1nCnKaNwwpriWz8XIT3JCcFhAKdiF2zsWjI7tJjcfkN5K05Nf5TN-kKch4aHsRtTT7VlvG2zaFMvJ7kFwr-JFCjcW7KY1/s2048/Batman+Year+One.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1353" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGnY8tChwAKkfbnA2W08AhifhlcmklwebGn8DgCWiSe_46Rd1nCnKaNwwpriWz8XIT3JCcFhAKdiF2zsWjI7tJjcfkN5K05Nf5TN-kKch4aHsRtTT7VlvG2zaFMvJ7kFwr-JFCjcW7KY1/w264-h400/Batman+Year+One.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>During an 18-month stretch in 1986-87, Frank Miller had a number of comic series published that many creators would be pleased to list as their career output, including <b><u>Batman: </u></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>The Dark Knight Returns</u></span>, <u style="font-weight: bold;">Daredevil: Love & War</u>, and <u style="font-weight: bold;">Elektra Assasin</u>. Two of the storylines published in this period were done in collaboration with artist David Mazzucchelli, <u style="font-weight: bold;">Daredevil: Born Again</u> and <u style="font-weight: bold;">Batman: Year One</u>, both of which could be argued as the best superhero comic story every published. (<i>Dark Knight</i> is in that conversation too, but we're here to discuss Miller/Mazzucchelli). What these two artists achieved is impressive. What they were allowed to do with mainstream characters seems impossible. And the limited track record these two had, prior to 1986, makes it all the more improbable. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrQW-YQ0h2uOyDZC7p062xPSwIkGcni9yJuqBgNOY-UKkrak2lDknv4VFqrt1C8OMDXI8kDU0GfzOlxFt9nf2PwRjuOkQ9gOU4HX0trsBI1-DKYbeBRjDeiEOzCvi9todJ5ka2SS4tAtr/s2048/Karen+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1340" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrQW-YQ0h2uOyDZC7p062xPSwIkGcni9yJuqBgNOY-UKkrak2lDknv4VFqrt1C8OMDXI8kDU0GfzOlxFt9nf2PwRjuOkQ9gOU4HX0trsBI1-DKYbeBRjDeiEOzCvi9todJ5ka2SS4tAtr/w261-h400/Karen+01.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><p></p><p>Miller debuted as an artist for Marvel comics, in the late 1970s, doing fill-ins across a number of titles. He landed a regular art assignment on <b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Daredevil,</b> in 1979, and was promoted to full scripting duties, while still penciling the series, toward the end of the following year. Miller wrote 27 issues of <b><u>Daredevil</u></b>, garnering critical acclaim along with improved sales, for a title that was nearly cancelled before and during Miller's tenure. After this, Miller drew another half dozen or so comics, including Chris Claremont's <u style="font-weight: bold;">Wolverine</u> mini-series, until <u style="font-weight: bold;">Ronin</u>, the next project he wrote and drew, a six-issue series published as squarebound, 52-page books by DC Comics. And with that, Miller's writing résumé leading into this year-and-a-half burst of creativity was complete. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ2c7tWoAC58g7Q0V0CrNBwJnPxPxsFSf4rwXx1dzhEI2e7GupsutkgX9jyDp-8nNvVZVp6beKOSmV42OZ5f12e19BpLzDwXLR0Y5b9M-p9GVMLPoed5rY8v9xEQ8YpENhjEKbNFkV91b/s2048/Karen+02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ2c7tWoAC58g7Q0V0CrNBwJnPxPxsFSf4rwXx1dzhEI2e7GupsutkgX9jyDp-8nNvVZVp6beKOSmV42OZ5f12e19BpLzDwXLR0Y5b9M-p9GVMLPoed5rY8v9xEQ8YpENhjEKbNFkV91b/w254-h400/Karen+02.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><p></p><p>Mazzucchelli, similarly, had a limited résumé leading into these two significant storylines -- <i>Born Again</i> and <i>Year One</i>. Mazzucchelli drew a half dozen individual issues across various Marvel titles like <u style="font-weight: bold;">Star Wars</u>, <u style="font-weight: bold;">Marvel Fanfare</u>, and <u style="font-weight: bold;">X-Factor</u>. Then in 1984, with issue #206, he became the regular artist on . . . <u style="font-weight: bold;">Daredevil</u>, roughly five years after Miller had done the same. From there, Mazzucchelli drew through issue #217 (missing #207) and then #220-226 (missing #224), or 15 total issues. At the point the <i>Born Again</i> storyline commenced, Mazzucchelli hadn't drawn the equivalent of two years worth of monthly comics. And yet -- in conjunction with works by the likes of Alan Moore and Art Spiegelman -- he and Miller were about to change the face of comics. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjjbwv8KOdimt5NkqWD0O3UeSYe3s5wpJTSqD2DjltR07zBE-VOmxmr0P2d724EO0tiDtRIjYFwq9kqur_upOmXOvZSwlINyWOeiPzBjyFYrxwcLRB2_HF_-gNj-kENxNLoaAhE-Ht92V/s2048/Karen+03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1286" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjjbwv8KOdimt5NkqWD0O3UeSYe3s5wpJTSqD2DjltR07zBE-VOmxmr0P2d724EO0tiDtRIjYFwq9kqur_upOmXOvZSwlINyWOeiPzBjyFYrxwcLRB2_HF_-gNj-kENxNLoaAhE-Ht92V/w251-h400/Karen+03.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><p></p><p>The most important thing to remember about <i>Born Again</i> and <i>Year One</i> is the fact that these were not part of a more adult publishing arm from these Big 2 publishers, like Epic or Vertigo (still almost a decade away from inception), nor were they even outside mini-series. These two storylines took place within the regular titles of each character, Daredevil and Batman, respectively. One issue, you were reading a story from a different creative team (though Mazz was the regular artist on Daredevil at the time), the next, Miller & Mazzucchelli were bringing a whole new level of storytelling to your standard, monthly, four-color adventures: issues #227-233 of <b><u>Daredevil</u></b> and #404-407 of <b><u>Batman</u></b>. It had to be jarring for some regular readers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_3QPZVSXN4gyppfC7aip8bRp1htia0Fk8w3tSjkVeoIrwhsFnzL9MkZYifohAkyxcfiN-Sw5ASnRhVJaApqHRjwi2tztZ2jm7sHMypfIUrlqOiaq72u_uJgif7klobFZB5uWJTOEFfRK/s2048/Karen+04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_3QPZVSXN4gyppfC7aip8bRp1htia0Fk8w3tSjkVeoIrwhsFnzL9MkZYifohAkyxcfiN-Sw5ASnRhVJaApqHRjwi2tztZ2jm7sHMypfIUrlqOiaq72u_uJgif7klobFZB5uWJTOEFfRK/w254-h400/Karen+04.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><p></p><p>The first collaboration between Miller & Mazzucchelli was at Marvel, with <u style="font-weight: bold;">Daredevil: Born Again</u>, in 1986. Miller's initial run on the character, a few years previous, had made Daredevil a more edgy character, injecting him into the shadowy crime world of New York City, while also introducing a bit of fantasy in the form of the ninja clan, The Hand, his blind martial arts mentor, Stick, and Matt Murdock's (Daredevil's civilian identity) former lover, Elektra, who had become a ninja assassin in the intervening years. <i>Born Again</i> expanded on that base in ways that would blow up the title, and mainstream comics, in a profound way. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnp2g9xwgNwt6cfRSeYg_Af33R9MJB4R9xGw624bKDUPLpBBCMiKvQPt0qR07hCYRn_nuvsJiBDMHO9e4ix1ZfOiXouu1c_bC_SVFJuXGFK5TqieH4USRbfWbQ58oWNPjHgY6HzUpfFmL/s2048/Karen_redemption.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnp2g9xwgNwt6cfRSeYg_Af33R9MJB4R9xGw624bKDUPLpBBCMiKvQPt0qR07hCYRn_nuvsJiBDMHO9e4ix1ZfOiXouu1c_bC_SVFJuXGFK5TqieH4USRbfWbQ58oWNPjHgY6HzUpfFmL/w258-h400/Karen_redemption.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><p></p><p>The opening scene of the first issue of this storyline -- again, importantly, nestled within the regular monthly series, with issue #227 -- has Karen Page, another of Matt's former lovers, giving up the secret that he is, in fact, Daredevil, for the price of a shot of heroin (unspoken at this juncture, but stated outright later in the story). We also learn that Karen has been involved in either soft or hardcore porn, as the dealer talking with her mentions he recognizes her from her flicks, that she's "big at the stag parties." At this point, in 1986, comics were still considered fodder for children, brightly garbed heroes beating up brightly garbed villains, with a return to the status quo at the end of every issue, only for the pattern to repeat the following month. These comics, particularly superhero comics distributed to newsstands and spinner racks, like Daredevil, were aimed at this demographic; they weren't yet made with adults in mind. So, for this story to begin with a character being described as popular at stag parties and selling our hero's secret for drugs was a big deal. Certainly, drugs had been used as story points before, most notably in <b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Green Lantern/Green Arrow</b> #85 and the anti-drug storyline from <b><u>Amazing Spider-Man</u></b> #96-98. These were important milestones in the history of comics publishing, but what resulted from Karen Page's revelation would add a whole new dimension to comic book storytelling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRfcJMbyb_dM7g5OxJ6ENzySjVIoi-rahmBCtI755TrnfkU3Lhf6AS1UH-de6pkc_MJ6F56NY_JkW7lYR8AoVQACAnOa_LWl0eESZhcs1m9vk4PIgdzee6lEp9CS1JlX5px5XnemugJBa/s2048/DD+unhinged+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1287" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRfcJMbyb_dM7g5OxJ6ENzySjVIoi-rahmBCtI755TrnfkU3Lhf6AS1UH-de6pkc_MJ6F56NY_JkW7lYR8AoVQACAnOa_LWl0eESZhcs1m9vk4PIgdzee6lEp9CS1JlX5px5XnemugJBa/w251-h400/DD+unhinged+01.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><p></p><p>It's the tone of this story, by Miller & Mazzucchelli, that really stands out for me. They don't treat Karen Page's addiction with anything approaching bombast or titillation. It feels like something from a hardboiled pulp novel by the likes of Raymond Chandler or Jim Thompson, authors whom Miller holds in high regard. It is this ground level, almost subdued (when taken in the context of typical superhero comic book fare) approach that elevates the story, as we follow Karen in her flight to New York hoping to find help from Matt. She hitches a ride with a skeevy character -- a pimp who wants to use Karen, to turn her out and make himself some scratch. He keeps his hold over her by offering up the heroin she needs, even as Karen desires to be free of this addiction. But combating a drug addiction is not an easy task. It requires daily vigilance even after you kick it. This truth, along with the shadow of guilt Karen feels and the torture she endures, resonates throughout her arc. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsQYyZpnvnkHa9eCkWjIq8AABw_8_NQQ2ga-42eLdH1UMBvOJK43Rywiltsk4_9DA9BReSSsCB0wixrdmxWmP_g2FOiNohUYObt6GUGBeNinjeiRsCLNWmRdta65iXP2bcV2QZpa9K0t-/s2048/DD+unhinged+02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1310" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsQYyZpnvnkHa9eCkWjIq8AABw_8_NQQ2ga-42eLdH1UMBvOJK43Rywiltsk4_9DA9BReSSsCB0wixrdmxWmP_g2FOiNohUYObt6GUGBeNinjeiRsCLNWmRdta65iXP2bcV2QZpa9K0t-/w256-h400/DD+unhinged+02.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><p>Along with this new, adult approach to the character of Karen Page, Miller & Mazzucchelli also break down Matt Murdock, bringing him to a point as low as readers had ever seen him. Again, it is the tone of the storytelling that stands out -- no bombast or melodrama dripping with sentimentality, no overt machismo here. This feels real, genuine, a psychotic break we can believe, and it erupts into violence that is unhinged, unsettling, and unnerving. Matt believes everyone, including his former lover and his best friend, are turned against him. He sees devils everywhere he looks. When a collection of youths enter the subway car Matt is riding, intent on divesting the passengers of their valuables, and one of them points a gun in his face, Matt smiles, coldly, calmly . . . and then he reacts, taking out the armed thief, followed by his cronies, leaving them in a bloody mess on the subway car floor. As it stops, a police officer enters, gun drawn, and Matt proceeds to take him out as well. It's a bloody assault the likes of which would have been inconceivable for the lawyer-slash-hero, previously, and it accentuates the depths to which he has fallen. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe00HTDSsvYD5G2G4BcJZW6EpJL4khA67fW6hRcbjIB7XRJj8CC9ULlfTW3zJ6Vna3gA_xSwF3M7tOMB7Jx8V4b6Pnfl6yLQFc3zwyoPg9lilMK84aE-6iTw441jLPSB3OIPzN_ZJxZsAZ/s2048/DD+unhinged+03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe00HTDSsvYD5G2G4BcJZW6EpJL4khA67fW6hRcbjIB7XRJj8CC9ULlfTW3zJ6Vna3gA_xSwF3M7tOMB7Jx8V4b6Pnfl6yLQFc3zwyoPg9lilMK84aE-6iTw441jLPSB3OIPzN_ZJxZsAZ/w256-h400/DD+unhinged+03.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is an even more disturbing scene of violence later in the story. Ben Urich, Daily Bugle reporter and friend of Matt Murdock, is investigating the Kingpin. He goes to the city jail with photographer Glorianna O'Breen, Matt's former, and Foggy's current, girlfriend, to question Nurse Lois, one of the Kingpin's assassins who's agreed to testify. Urich is accompanied by a fellow reporter, Blanders, and officer Hegerfors, who was assigned to Urich for protection. After the prison guard, Coogan, lets them into the cell, he locks the door. Blanders and Coogan reveal themselves to be on the Kingpin's payroll, as Blanders shoots Lois and Coogan fires on Hegerfors. Hegerfors manages to return fire, killing the prison guard, but Blanders isn't done. Everything happens quickly, Urich lunges for Blanders, knocking him down before retrieving Hegerfors's pistol and whipping Blanders with it, blood flying from the grip, even as Glori continues snapping photographs. Mazzucchelli is a beast in this scene. You can feel the tension, the desperation, the fear in Ben. It permeates every panel, with the angles chosen, the body language, the facial expressions. You know this is a life or death situation, and it stops your breath. It's brilliant. And haunting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6hadsgDvjgZr2pyoI-FLVlEAsCDOf6BV2st0wuvHoOZjEUMt4wxKu71WTenITcai8YVa1auVfCQdR7AS_wZfqy0a5rqudqZ9ZGaS1KPFw8K7ZeXBDTe8GUBm5BRbBfSQDPZuxHGbpaUw/s2048/Violence.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1307" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6hadsgDvjgZr2pyoI-FLVlEAsCDOf6BV2st0wuvHoOZjEUMt4wxKu71WTenITcai8YVa1auVfCQdR7AS_wZfqy0a5rqudqZ9ZGaS1KPFw8K7ZeXBDTe8GUBm5BRbBfSQDPZuxHGbpaUw/w255-h400/Violence.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><p></p><p>A year later, Miller & Mazzucchelli helped usher in the "new" post-Crisis Batman, with the <i>Year One</i> storyline in <u style="font-weight: bold;">Batman</u> issues #404-407. Again, these two creators wanted to shake things up, to infuse more "realism" into what was possible with superheroes, while, in this case, retelling Batman's origin. They also widened their net to include the origin (at least as far as his days in Gotham City) of James Gordon, a detective in this storyline who would one day become Commissioner. And it is Gordon, as well as Selina Kyle, Catwoman, whom Miller & Mazzucchelli target, in order to add to the Bat-mythos, while also dragging the comic book medium forward. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Guj1p7NLb6Nt7rlsVHCL5lkg_ct5xYoA-HRrwELonQtuaykyyfyz7TAUVf_INil05_KLhIE_98cVX6gvmIRP7UQ_n4-wmgzpWHLLGsZyv55vzhCx5PN6uHxezbveJIc8Y7Oia9mD2206/s400/Scene+03_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Guj1p7NLb6Nt7rlsVHCL5lkg_ct5xYoA-HRrwELonQtuaykyyfyz7TAUVf_INil05_KLhIE_98cVX6gvmIRP7UQ_n4-wmgzpWHLLGsZyv55vzhCx5PN6uHxezbveJIc8Y7Oia9mD2206/w255-h400/Scene+03_01.jpg" width="255" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QFQz2K3_XhczK2DiaZysdpNbGxUHHnWKbmnaAdW5Bk7hOEHIb45V4iUBJBWqWfKfeTRvLcdm7ZvQvHsXq-vlm61arHpdDKOkhwqAPPYrph_uVzF2Fw__fqnSRjtpxwdlQWLk2QkmZIjA/s400/Scene+03_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="254" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QFQz2K3_XhczK2DiaZysdpNbGxUHHnWKbmnaAdW5Bk7hOEHIb45V4iUBJBWqWfKfeTRvLcdm7ZvQvHsXq-vlm61arHpdDKOkhwqAPPYrph_uVzF2Fw__fqnSRjtpxwdlQWLk2QkmZIjA/w254-h400/Scene+03_03.jpg" width="254" /></a></p><p>Gordon is young, but has a history in Chicago. His wife, Barbara, is pregnant with their first child, and he is hoping to restart his police career with this new posting in Gotham City. He soon learns that most of his colleagues are on the take and Commissioner Loeb is certainly corrupt (unsurprising for the cesspool that is Gotham). But Gordon is here to fight the good fight. He believes in what he does and believes he must hold to his principles. He takes out Detective Flass, a former green beret, after Flass and a half-dozen other cops roughed Gordon up to teach him a lesson. This, coupled with the good press Gordon receives for his police work, provides him with a bit of armor against retaliation by the Commissioner and his cronies. But it is still lonely, being one of the very few good cops in Gotham, and a romance blossoms between Gordon and fellow detective, Sarah Essen. Even as his pregnant wife suffers through a stifling summer in Gotham. This is one of the heroes of this story! And yet, it feels genuine, and it imbues Gordon with a humanity (though flawed) and a relatability that he may not have evoked previously. In the end, Essen requests a transfer and Gordon and his wife begin marriage counseling, but just the idea that these heroes can have clay feet feels exhilarating, and it adds a lot to this narrative, as well as to the possibilities for future narratives from these and other creators. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzBibLGSQqyOVYftgUOWGu-ADZEwtr5WSaAE50JHdKbmnJA66SanT1C9O67U2dF5pdEdxXEh3n1c9WS0AezzP5hs-u5SXyzAH5p38HP0dYVng1yWY_zDUqZRJrYRlKVGeKR1vyj19Z-UD/s400/Scene+04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="274" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzBibLGSQqyOVYftgUOWGu-ADZEwtr5WSaAE50JHdKbmnJA66SanT1C9O67U2dF5pdEdxXEh3n1c9WS0AezzP5hs-u5SXyzAH5p38HP0dYVng1yWY_zDUqZRJrYRlKVGeKR1vyj19Z-UD/w438-h640/Scene+04.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><p></p><p>We also get a new Selina Kyle (Catwoman) in this retelling of Batman's origin. She is a prostitute, a dominatrix, who works in the ugly part of Gotham. Despite this, Selina comes across as a very strong character, one who seems to have chosen her profession rather than one who is being exploited. It's a fine distinction, but certainly one that comes across in this story. When Selina decides that she and Holly, the young girl who lives with her and is starting out as a street walker, are going to leave this life, she takes down the pimp who claims to own them. Then she buys a catsuit to become a burglar, and to make a splash like this new Batman. Yet, her exploits are either mistaken as that of the Batman or she is described as his sidekick. It's frustrating for her, and only makes her more determined to succeed at this new venture. Again, Miller & Mazzucchelli imbue a character with far more humanity than had been typically done in the past (and, sadly, is still too rarely achieved in our new present, 35 years after the publication of <i>Year One</i>). It's a relatively simple approach, but one that wasn't often attempted up to this point, for multiple reasons. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFYs0uOs6RkG1RWwjf4DIxgo5uK-qZj4ahPoaUPx_8QlBeSwLefjLwAIOA_wfkRhGTNrPBCqnqah7XQw5rrzK6RrZ4lOZPvpeU7ok2PZ25nv4xi5VRuBp7gwz_RWoIFAyUzDaF7325NZH/s2048/Selina+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1312" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFYs0uOs6RkG1RWwjf4DIxgo5uK-qZj4ahPoaUPx_8QlBeSwLefjLwAIOA_wfkRhGTNrPBCqnqah7XQw5rrzK6RrZ4lOZPvpeU7ok2PZ25nv4xi5VRuBp7gwz_RWoIFAyUzDaF7325NZH/w256-h400/Selina+01.jpg" width="256" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbhmqCneqZJAiafIb4TwlJQ0SWk9oX_UR4RwvN50iNyCaLyM3h8ej4ZmHLmGzvAxf3JdDVOeH0WHzlfiXiDphsPzrjZCbKy0LBAlzAGkKz1P7rNqOI4kLv1xJShUOyjWS-LLo5XwLr_Ta/s2048/Selina+02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1340" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbhmqCneqZJAiafIb4TwlJQ0SWk9oX_UR4RwvN50iNyCaLyM3h8ej4ZmHLmGzvAxf3JdDVOeH0WHzlfiXiDphsPzrjZCbKy0LBAlzAGkKz1P7rNqOI4kLv1xJShUOyjWS-LLo5XwLr_Ta/w261-h400/Selina+02.jpg" width="261" /></a></p><p>As with <i>Born Again</i>, Miller & Mazzucchelli also bring a more nuanced, more real approach to the violence in this story. During Bruce Wayne's initial foray into the dark streets of Gotham, even before he's latched onto the idea of becoming a bat, he is seriously injured by a knife wound and has difficulty getting home. Bruce is not the supremely able and deadly combatant he will become; he's a neophyte going on bravado and overconfidence born of youth, and it almost ends in his death. There are more examples of this too throughout the series, of punches or kicks or bullets actually having impact, causing pain, and impairing the beneficiaries of the assault. This is no WWE wrestling match, this is real life (as real as superhero comics can get), and the consequences of violence can be substantial. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOFtp2HNutiof3_81fiW5bG_4HJFu1nyy3ugGV4jpiOdHNuPE7KZjU3mi3n3f1PvM6niYT7hJ80IuAaARLiQZ97K1g049pi2xxfpMNtE_j3QTBYNSb-pNwCn0QPbMU-YDs8WWYf6Z_urI/s1925/Selina+03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1925" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOFtp2HNutiof3_81fiW5bG_4HJFu1nyy3ugGV4jpiOdHNuPE7KZjU3mi3n3f1PvM6niYT7hJ80IuAaARLiQZ97K1g049pi2xxfpMNtE_j3QTBYNSb-pNwCn0QPbMU-YDs8WWYf6Z_urI/w400-h282/Selina+03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfWgz9A3C1vYhfX8SETanognhRqn5mmgi4hki6bz-FnLpFyfFH7KgxPIJcnE35sEm-0g_fOUjeMJi5XmjVSSLNTvxEbmnVHZ76RbtdDrlDx954y0rlogT4W5MWExVmvh0r2Lr0iS27I-P/s1998/Selina+04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="1909" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfWgz9A3C1vYhfX8SETanognhRqn5mmgi4hki6bz-FnLpFyfFH7KgxPIJcnE35sEm-0g_fOUjeMJi5XmjVSSLNTvxEbmnVHZ76RbtdDrlDx954y0rlogT4W5MWExVmvh0r2Lr0iS27I-P/w382-h400/Selina+04.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><p></p><p>Looking back from the vantage point of 2021, it is still surprising that <i>Born Again</i> and <i>Year One</i> got the green light for publication. These two stories took recognizable, mainstream superheroes and infused a groundedness and complexity of characterization that had rarely been done before. These heroes were being written for children, their battles couldn't be muddied by the grayness of reality. Drugs? Prostitution? Infidelity? Pornography? These weren't the subjects of kids' comics, and certainly weren't character traits one would associate with the good guys. And yet, Miller & Mazzucchelli, despite lacking a breadth of experience within the comic field, were allowed to take these characters and change things significantly. And it worked. Spectacularly. And we all should be thankful that the editorial regimes at these two, large publishers took a chance on these stories, because they are easily two of the very best superhero stories ever told in the comic book medium. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>-- chris</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-23997598787700730222021-04-23T14:26:00.006-04:002021-04-23T14:29:54.863-04:00Batman: Year One -- Gordon & Essen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XAiG3qU48451fWWdIeit2-2iYHUlUorPgsUyDbZtMxCvYTTB8b6teYxYFXCjF_7W6fdLpq2uNbe9MzJt2m5vtEe8mMXutB3nfADiz2jRffYaZIGiXgQGNdJTOcT0yQ68gM8sik2Qsy9M/s523/Year+One.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="340" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XAiG3qU48451fWWdIeit2-2iYHUlUorPgsUyDbZtMxCvYTTB8b6teYxYFXCjF_7W6fdLpq2uNbe9MzJt2m5vtEe8mMXutB3nfADiz2jRffYaZIGiXgQGNdJTOcT0yQ68gM8sik2Qsy9M/w416-h640/Year+One.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><p>With the continued discussion of the post-Crisis DC Universe I'm having with three of my friends, we followed up Byrne's Man of Steel with Batman: Year One by Miller & Mazzucchelli. I want to look at one, very specific aspect of this series--the relationship between Detective James Gordon and Detective Sarah Essen. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIp215txox07lc-rRw3ByW2wzFTqeSEE7IT5LgDutP9OZiF1rkmNKKcDEI2-6Y_dr2879b6-BE-l2Q-gvL60DWXX_hz_pfd3t8syQPg2euCPDPuXH_cGA1-SXIfArSo5Ag_-RB9jpvVa_/s1941/Scene+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1675" data-original-width="1941" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIp215txox07lc-rRw3ByW2wzFTqeSEE7IT5LgDutP9OZiF1rkmNKKcDEI2-6Y_dr2879b6-BE-l2Q-gvL60DWXX_hz_pfd3t8syQPg2euCPDPuXH_cGA1-SXIfArSo5Ag_-RB9jpvVa_/w400-h345/Scene+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Miller & Mazzucchelli bring all their creative knowledge to the task of telling Batman's origin story, within the space of only four issues, none of them oversized. To achieve what they want, they heavily layer their storytelling, crafting full, intense scenes that take place over the course of just a couple of pages, or just a handful of panels. There's no fat on these bones, and that is true for one of the major character bits for James Gordon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmT5zzXKiUruSa2UHbzj-b61SiOjSem_XU8v4I2GxiXXP2iaHJM1ELvTyrMv5mLevLk9NwODRtGCgt_mUOeVtJwAxY3Y4oVWq0w9CmURbKNwh1xR3GupKxQr4jPQ6Uz3njrwpzopTdUKW/s2046/Scene+02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="1962" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmT5zzXKiUruSa2UHbzj-b61SiOjSem_XU8v4I2GxiXXP2iaHJM1ELvTyrMv5mLevLk9NwODRtGCgt_mUOeVtJwAxY3Y4oVWq0w9CmURbKNwh1xR3GupKxQr4jPQ6Uz3njrwpzopTdUKW/w384-h400/Scene+02.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><p></p><p>Gordon is new to Gotham, trying to be a good cop in a corrupt agency, pressured by his superiors and his fellow officers, while dealing with the anxiety that comes from the impending birth of his first child, all in a cesspool of a city. He finds solace in the arms and lips of a fellow detective, Sarah Essen. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKQ2aMw68G_Yt57HpV7nWN2JKv6WNOv5EiIfeHRe1NanwVHE479P6ofy3VL9YCnpkAMyrlvNlzUUr3hNRKtTmmFc4hb_890wIKC4CJLHvMiVaOsjAw0fQ4PlXo5b8R1K7hlpNYXqd8-Kq/s2048/Scene+03_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1306" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKQ2aMw68G_Yt57HpV7nWN2JKv6WNOv5EiIfeHRe1NanwVHE479P6ofy3VL9YCnpkAMyrlvNlzUUr3hNRKtTmmFc4hb_890wIKC4CJLHvMiVaOsjAw0fQ4PlXo5b8R1K7hlpNYXqd8-Kq/w255-h400/Scene+03_01.jpg" width="255" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXklVj0Ow1OUawOcZJVqWC72W4f3YMVs78iViKLkNQENqdbMudZhlo6s_NbWFXGxUfckbNB0vxqNWDHpHp7fJsHmfXCuRHPit8s2Ia_3s9OkM7GYbWyo3QIkbh7_DLfxHA-yFtwNlRZdR/s2048/Scene+03_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1688" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXklVj0Ow1OUawOcZJVqWC72W4f3YMVs78iViKLkNQENqdbMudZhlo6s_NbWFXGxUfckbNB0vxqNWDHpHp7fJsHmfXCuRHPit8s2Ia_3s9OkM7GYbWyo3QIkbh7_DLfxHA-yFtwNlRZdR/w324-h402/Scene+03_02.jpg" width="324" /></a> </p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7ldX0iVcnhWtjFFuq5qqVXPnqhQIVDu2MphJYgLbTRUQRxwheAnInHooSQSWxYHt0xnwo2WGMx7mmdHnwmLE5pdOsHhylaxquzM2wd3gmh_BB2ZdibRO6K2l1CvsbdHBtijPz9gEqtbK/s2048/Scene+03_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7ldX0iVcnhWtjFFuq5qqVXPnqhQIVDu2MphJYgLbTRUQRxwheAnInHooSQSWxYHt0xnwo2WGMx7mmdHnwmLE5pdOsHhylaxquzM2wd3gmh_BB2ZdibRO6K2l1CvsbdHBtijPz9gEqtbK/w254-h400/Scene+03_03.jpg" width="254" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKZbzqei-nJFMnPuJVsmv5qzZlz7J_o_JriMnverls6UrGRNB-Ant3CYwOZ3oGG2YRYApPH4CtqI4rmR5Tw1FdnAam5khPYg9Mm-XBkrOwROCXO_iYirgMiDn46FvPdJZUEW6SBleezq8/s1377/Scene+03_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="904" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKZbzqei-nJFMnPuJVsmv5qzZlz7J_o_JriMnverls6UrGRNB-Ant3CYwOZ3oGG2YRYApPH4CtqI4rmR5Tw1FdnAam5khPYg9Mm-XBkrOwROCXO_iYirgMiDn46FvPdJZUEW6SBleezq8/w263-h400/Scene+03_04.jpg" width="263" /></a></p><p>Their blossoming relationship occurs over the course of only three scenes where they interact directly with one another. A grand total of maybe five pages, though there are another handful surrounding the personal interactions between the two. It's brief, very brief, and yet, it feels genuine, and it works. Miller & Mazzucchelli manage to infuse these scenes with the weight and the emotion and the humanity that allows us to believe that James Gordon could fall in love with this fellow detective, and that she could do the same, even with the reality of his marriage and his wife's pregnancy. It's masterful. And then, when we land on this page at the end of chapter 3, the devastating reality and the heavy guilt that Gordon is carrying with him just hits us in the gut. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe-ae1Uubu4c0YzcpiE3Rw3QBKnoCHnrALAF40dXYv0JXp2VAw2iIxJmT6Z07Ul7NgtZMnAp0xm6gZrQyfQMyYIjrLPhHgsYhB6cfEQJdwjem14xiK2z51G3K0e4BXKDUQoADkLcpAJt_/s2048/Scene+04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1402" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe-ae1Uubu4c0YzcpiE3Rw3QBKnoCHnrALAF40dXYv0JXp2VAw2iIxJmT6Z07Ul7NgtZMnAp0xm6gZrQyfQMyYIjrLPhHgsYhB6cfEQJdwjem14xiK2z51G3K0e4BXKDUQoADkLcpAJt_/w274-h400/Scene+04.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><p></p><p>Miller & Mazzucchelli have a relatively small bibliography, within the mainstream, superhero comics medium. But, in the two stories they created together, this and Daredevil: Born Again, they may have crafted the best superhero stories the medium has ever seen. </p><p>--chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-32667579685714580872021-04-22T09:44:00.001-04:002021-04-23T08:50:28.606-04:00Post-Crisis DC: MAN OF STEEL by Byrne -- some rambly thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1cR3fbVWm52c9h8lModj9bcKHtYZLNs72qni5Icj8xgGhGXrwdOs0nKYXKaw43sPGArYKMAZtmbmYvUVBxPi8HH6kl1seht0JarHZk6oMVLpEbpVYJ4OiXG3BvxnZIwH6bOWWJ2QtnMx/s2048/IMG-2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1cR3fbVWm52c9h8lModj9bcKHtYZLNs72qni5Icj8xgGhGXrwdOs0nKYXKaw43sPGArYKMAZtmbmYvUVBxPi8HH6kl1seht0JarHZk6oMVLpEbpVYJ4OiXG3BvxnZIwH6bOWWJ2QtnMx/w480-h640/IMG-2300.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Since January, every week three friends and I have been discussing <b>Crisis on Infinite Earths</b> and its crossovers, over Zoom. Having concluded that monumental task, we plan to move onto a discussion of the follow-up series, <b>Legends</b>, and its crossovers. But first, a palate cleanser with the DC trinity: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and the various series that reintroduced these legendary characters to a new (and old) readership. First up, <b>Superman: The Man of Steel </b>by John Byrne, with Dick Giordano, Tom Ziuko, John Costanza, and edited by Andy Helfer. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTWVa3FXg_TkJqD5Sc3up6mQIFsiL92chSsZzplWF4dzHS-Fu6Jz0A45ktJKZrrhJo6NWOhE8HJC3QyhhlC5xrKqnyAqH0_OJIX9tlrpu82DRifel68aHRHa9tGqhhxLGD9AoG_89_AVS/s2048/IMG-2308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTWVa3FXg_TkJqD5Sc3up6mQIFsiL92chSsZzplWF4dzHS-Fu6Jz0A45ktJKZrrhJo6NWOhE8HJC3QyhhlC5xrKqnyAqH0_OJIX9tlrpu82DRifel68aHRHa9tGqhhxLGD9AoG_89_AVS/s320/IMG-2308.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmO-e0hokUSoiu1ewxeg43J4XWQb3t-NW1KNit-fDpzwz8CtV3TDd6ES15dM58CzmReaGINt_Vw3xcdD32w25CFiR-TISs2WZL0SmN5pArEPV_56imiqBAcWWDXGS7DD59wj9RuHDLy-qh/s2048/IMG-2309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmO-e0hokUSoiu1ewxeg43J4XWQb3t-NW1KNit-fDpzwz8CtV3TDd6ES15dM58CzmReaGINt_Vw3xcdD32w25CFiR-TISs2WZL0SmN5pArEPV_56imiqBAcWWDXGS7DD59wj9RuHDLy-qh/s320/IMG-2309.jpg" /></a></p><p>At the culmination of <b><i>Crisis</i></b>, there was now a single Superman on a single Earth in a single universe. DC Comics had achieved the goal of once again making him unique. Now they needed to ground Superman, make him more relatable, not so much the overpowering hero with little to challenge him. I mean, when you can use super-ventriloquism to speak with other heroes in space, what can't you do? So, DC poached John Byrne, one of the most popular creators working at the time, from Marvel, with the mandate to overhaul the Man of Steel. And that's just what Byrne did. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe_OD_oGp1vx4G6bwqmVs8E7Kq02k0qKpAWW4frrXCB-xTydS-fgNYdM-PwBxmb9vUjuyfySt7Qeybl4zX62yIQ8Q7YHIUeaPkSIW3wiqv8IHbcJpky1RfIpKXGlWv5jefVtYfm5hge3b/s2048/IMG-2310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe_OD_oGp1vx4G6bwqmVs8E7Kq02k0qKpAWW4frrXCB-xTydS-fgNYdM-PwBxmb9vUjuyfySt7Qeybl4zX62yIQ8Q7YHIUeaPkSIW3wiqv8IHbcJpky1RfIpKXGlWv5jefVtYfm5hge3b/s320/IMG-2310.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZFJiRduJFxj58VWryZGdfPGxb2GGC8x47xUulwQNv38FhVCRtbR4eqi9S8q780sNBwsxsQJ5GPE0sxIhQvWJZRmm4ZeYaS6OqmsgpI8JsiBg_VakOufACQ11yHvn_KpaumhMehHV1871/s2048/IMG-2312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1379" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZFJiRduJFxj58VWryZGdfPGxb2GGC8x47xUulwQNv38FhVCRtbR4eqi9S8q780sNBwsxsQJ5GPE0sxIhQvWJZRmm4ZeYaS6OqmsgpI8JsiBg_VakOufACQ11yHvn_KpaumhMehHV1871/s320/IMG-2312.jpg" /></a></p><p>The 6-issue series opens on Krypton, its people dying from a Green Death, radiation emanating from the interior of the planet and the destructive forces there that are threatening to destroy the planet, if Jor-El's calculations are to be believed. There is no doubt in Jor-El's mind; he's taken his and Lara's son, in order to send him to Earth, so that their boy might live. This is a sterile Krypton, a technologically advanced world eating itself, which, with the radiation known as the Green Death, also gives us a new, and logical, explanation of why Kryptonite (only green, now; no more red, gold, black, or whatever) would have such a detrimental effect on Superman. And very quickly, within the first few pages, we get the classic image of Kal-el's ship launching from the exploding Krypton, hurled toward Earth and his new life. From here, Byrne adds more familiar pieces to the Superman puzzle. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRV_-iECvilspw7tqUR1FYtfOt7J0vB6QaXtEpJXWJfatmtFBeT53QE-N_DRaOFoeTXZ1wXcMeDa-HAoYAadytNJrF9TG2oFjP5qoUNpCOhfsZo7-JU1LWx1FopAMDwajxekD_23jWWKN/s2048/IMG-2306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRV_-iECvilspw7tqUR1FYtfOt7J0vB6QaXtEpJXWJfatmtFBeT53QE-N_DRaOFoeTXZ1wXcMeDa-HAoYAadytNJrF9TG2oFjP5qoUNpCOhfsZo7-JU1LWx1FopAMDwajxekD_23jWWKN/s320/IMG-2306.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaKDH3j_-ZQBySiLaJ_6WGRUwjhYSy-Uh-CJGoXLPpcRnlCwmnT0qRBlRXBtgS99OTR1NcbuZza9Y07KKcFI2ff2O4Nx0NYKpKjRiMNqoPR9Q6GhL_oG4R0p_r3JYoxPx6PI9SPbH5tHX/s2048/IMG-2307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaKDH3j_-ZQBySiLaJ_6WGRUwjhYSy-Uh-CJGoXLPpcRnlCwmnT0qRBlRXBtgS99OTR1NcbuZza9Y07KKcFI2ff2O4Nx0NYKpKjRiMNqoPR9Q6GhL_oG4R0p_r3JYoxPx6PI9SPbH5tHX/s320/IMG-2307.jpg" /></a></p><p>We meet Lois Lane, a strong, intelligent, driven reporter. A cautious Batman who utilizes the city of Gotham, and his knowledge of it, to his advantage while having a contingency plan for all eventualities, including the arrival of Superman. Lex Luthor, a ruthless businessman who believes everyone and everything can be bought. A Bizarro formed in an experiment utilizing Superman's stolen DNA. And a Lana Lang who needed to discover who she was in order to deal with the burden--that of his secret identity--Clark laid on her, while still in high school. These are all characters we've most likely seen before, but they are all different in subtle and not so subtle ways. It's impressive the thought that Byrne put into these characters, of how to update them and make them relevant for a 1986 world. And it's the little things that stand out, like when Lois, at Clark's apartment, comments on how little weight he has on his dumbbells (not much more than she uses to workout), which makes sense, considering Superman would have no idea what amount of weight on a dumbbell would be too heavy or too light for a regular human. Or, there's the scene in Gotham City, when Superman first approaches Batman and snags his line, only to find that Batman has disappeared. Superman mutters to himself that he didn't think Batman had the power of invisibility, to which Batman--standing atop a nearby skyscraper--proclaims that invisibility is a relative concept, achieved sometimes through a knowledge of the terrain. It's these details that really shine in this series and help it to hold up today. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSZtRZ5RYfSc2zRo3_z9jttzlbetHIVeX94cekbgU2pX_DrdJ9lxHlH6cOaWkqTPcLBuoBGUlTFzf17GqyongyDPFmIuyVGDLye1c12Zc1zOic9xGRn90f74uVTcP95QRQfUx1k0l1DCt/s2048/IMG-2302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSZtRZ5RYfSc2zRo3_z9jttzlbetHIVeX94cekbgU2pX_DrdJ9lxHlH6cOaWkqTPcLBuoBGUlTFzf17GqyongyDPFmIuyVGDLye1c12Zc1zOic9xGRn90f74uVTcP95QRQfUx1k0l1DCt/s320/IMG-2302.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk4grfVcZHzg4t2GMxH8L6dV9GjyHMiEmN1IJbZrMWGpvz93naz-Q0NCgSYMC8NgvR4C24pedB5TDC_8Neo5hVydVSzlnsYReWaB4tLozH5Pou_DMrps0Lwby7bOXfnE9ac5XSN9U1oJx/s2048/IMG-2303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk4grfVcZHzg4t2GMxH8L6dV9GjyHMiEmN1IJbZrMWGpvz93naz-Q0NCgSYMC8NgvR4C24pedB5TDC_8Neo5hVydVSzlnsYReWaB4tLozH5Pou_DMrps0Lwby7bOXfnE9ac5XSN9U1oJx/s320/IMG-2303.jpg" /></a></p><p>One of the best things about Byrne's approach to Man of Steel, and Superman in general, was to model the character of Clark Kent/Superman after the characterization most people would have been familiar with at the time, Christopher Reeve's portrayal from the 1977 Richard Donner film, <b>Superman</b>. There are references laced throughout these six issues. Our introduction to Clark on Earth is in a football game where he's running for yet another touchdown, almost single-handedly defeating Smallville's opponent. This mirrors the frustration of young Clark Kent in the 1977 film where he is the waterboy/manager of the high school football team even though he knows that with his abilities he could run circles around any of the others on that field. We also get an almost direct homage with a flashback of Clark, as a toddler, lifting the family truck to get his ball from beneath it, mirroring the scene from the movie of young Clark catching and lifting the truck when the carjack shifts and tumbles away while Pa is changing the tire, just after they discovered him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KjFXtIL3Jef5J5gfU8NHvNGE4lSMRgfqNgKHm-kqjFTPH6S_MyB-Y7Xpgk0c0z9SLGDdN2U0o31pNsv2twBDVPbH8GVAReDSlfaYcaJnelHixVfjEUTI4EAVJnPKw7arnQNLinsPggDh/s2048/IMG-2313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1369" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KjFXtIL3Jef5J5gfU8NHvNGE4lSMRgfqNgKHm-kqjFTPH6S_MyB-Y7Xpgk0c0z9SLGDdN2U0o31pNsv2twBDVPbH8GVAReDSlfaYcaJnelHixVfjEUTI4EAVJnPKw7arnQNLinsPggDh/s320/IMG-2313.jpg" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>But two of my very favorite scenes of Byrne channelling Christopher Reeve come when Superman saves a young woman from a would-be mugger and then turns to her and asks that she turn down her boombox, because "in a city [the] size [of Metropolis], consideration for others is the only thing that keeps life bearable," and when, in the opening of issue four, Lois arrives at Clark's apartment to pick him up for Luthor's gala and she sees the picture of Clark in his high school football uniform and is surprised by his physicality, and Clark tells her he still tries to keep in shape--the look on Clark's face is priceless and feels like it comes directly from Reeve and his characterization. For me, Christopher Reeve epitomized the character of Clark Kent/Superman and always will, so Byrne utilizing him as a template for this revitalized Man of Steel is more than welcome. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpWBtgx5bbrQV_4IpwGDJtahM0zb4aJEfeey-k9qH2Yu6CyQ4Q7KWwXb-uFds4IJ9ap96UjPDnXk8MtO5P63oLA3D2a1RrREYCsO5spnDqM5SYw0xmUttzjF0zktK8p9kO8ov0outYNXI/s2048/IMG-2301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1979" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpWBtgx5bbrQV_4IpwGDJtahM0zb4aJEfeey-k9qH2Yu6CyQ4Q7KWwXb-uFds4IJ9ap96UjPDnXk8MtO5P63oLA3D2a1RrREYCsO5spnDqM5SYw0xmUttzjF0zktK8p9kO8ov0outYNXI/s320/IMG-2301.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I still try to keep in shape..."<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Ultimately, perhaps the most important aspect of Byrne's approach to Superman may be the fact that he focuses on Clark Kent as the main character, with Superman as the disguise. It's a subtle, but monumental, shift in what I feel was, and often times still is, the approach to the character of Superman. He's an alien, he has superpowers, the title of the comic is Superman, ergo Superman is the primary identity. But, for his formative years, until he turned eighteen, Clark Kent was raised by human parents, lived in a human world, was, for all intents and purposes, human, and his understanding of the world and his approach to life all stem from this, from the values instilled into Clark by Ma and Pa Kent. It is his humanity, his kindness, his desire to do good without expectation of reward that makes Superman the hero he is. There are plenty of other heroes with super strength, invulnerability, the power to fly, like Captain Marvel and J'onn J'onnz, the Martian Manhunter, but none of them are Superman. It's this goodness (and greatness) absent the ego that makes Superman stand out. So, focusing on Clark Kent as the prime identity, with Superman as the disguise, only makes sense, and it gets to the core of this character in a way that makes him far more interesting, in my opinion. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1z0tWunUDGwto3Qqce4-2KeCl6KzIc5IPMXa7ugz-_EQe0rsXtdeMiB0pvc4EO-oZz07DrLwoYlwWu0ji9OWRu3JHR01XE96dUmzhhQYmBLKc0z_35HEdvpIrs5tr0VY3IytbqmWNL2o/s2048/IMG-2304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1z0tWunUDGwto3Qqce4-2KeCl6KzIc5IPMXa7ugz-_EQe0rsXtdeMiB0pvc4EO-oZz07DrLwoYlwWu0ji9OWRu3JHR01XE96dUmzhhQYmBLKc0z_35HEdvpIrs5tr0VY3IytbqmWNL2o/s320/IMG-2304.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJB6dOz4zGVQaTh44cwHX2kUz4oqRdal1lrhCGoigoOmRUDDiP1e2jAKNTu_p3N_KKIdDesbw0dVnvlta66GVbc9grV_OOiyvjH16HROeULZ2zemPk-Zlo2GGUFyULaFkUlmxlcC1MolU/s2048/IMG-2305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJB6dOz4zGVQaTh44cwHX2kUz4oqRdal1lrhCGoigoOmRUDDiP1e2jAKNTu_p3N_KKIdDesbw0dVnvlta66GVbc9grV_OOiyvjH16HROeULZ2zemPk-Zlo2GGUFyULaFkUlmxlcC1MolU/s320/IMG-2305.jpg" /></a></p><p>After reading and discussing Byrne's <b>Man of Steel</b> mini-series, my friends and I agreed that this is a foundational text, as far as the character of Superman is concerned. It introduces this legendary character, known the world over, in a way that allows readers old and new to have a solid understanding of who Superman is and who Clark Kent is, while also revealing the world within which he lives, along with the major cast of characters surrounding him. Lois Lane is here. Perry White. The Daily Planet. Lex Luthor. Metropolis. All the trappings that inform Superman's life. There's also Smallville. Ma & Pa Kent. Lana Lang. His roots in the American midwest that form so much of the ethos of Superman. And there's Krypton. Jor-El. Lara. And Kryptonite. The origins that created a superhuman icon and also spurred a need for him to belong and to be part of a community, while also containing the seeds for his destruction (whether one sees that as the Kryptonite or the stark, soulless reality of his people). And, of course, there's Batman, Superman's counterpart in so many ways, the yin to his yang and the one hero who might be able to contain Superman, if he went rogue. It's all here and all laid out by Byrne in a clear and entertaining way that grounds Superman and lays the foundation for all the adventures to come. It's pretty great.</p><p><br /></p><p>--chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-21786608821304346812021-02-27T14:34:00.005-05:002021-02-27T17:37:43.904-05:00Free Association: Highlander, Christopher Lambert, Tom Skerritt, Mark Hamill, Duran Duran, via CGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TIh69lwDTApbwcMkR8BF2HjqSCz4cuvb1m3CXXxVyrL6VAXliIIqAuvvdCjNzRtoehrX1dwg3zRP7gMpXH3iL-HKFs_lB8psUg5Y4OuI1TOUwHcdWjlm1MG_GZSF3BsNHVDgn657VAiA/s1500/highlander+poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="989" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TIh69lwDTApbwcMkR8BF2HjqSCz4cuvb1m3CXXxVyrL6VAXliIIqAuvvdCjNzRtoehrX1dwg3zRP7gMpXH3iL-HKFs_lB8psUg5Y4OuI1TOUwHcdWjlm1MG_GZSF3BsNHVDgn657VAiA/w422-h640/highlander+poster.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In their latest episode, Comic Geek Speak did a <a href="https://www.comicgeekspeak.com/episodes/comic_geek_speak-2690.php">retro movie review</a> of one of my all-time favorite films --- Highlander! In fact, Highlander is my #3 film, all-time. I love it! And I enjoyed the episode, even if a majority of the geeks were less than enthused by its quirky attributes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="330" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/omOZyLmNMJs" width="481" youtube-src-id="omOZyLmNMJs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Certainly, Highlander can be seen as a low-budget cult classic, but there's so much more to it, for me. The romance of the film, the settings, the over-the-top craziness (especially from The Kurgan, as played by a young Clancy Brown), and the questions they leave unanswered, particularly surrounding the origins of the immortals. It's all fantastic in my book! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="343" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eLxDKQ_5FTQ" width="459" youtube-src-id="eLxDKQ_5FTQ"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Highlander co-stars Sean Connery, who was only available on set for seven days, meaning they needed to get all of his scenes done swiftly. Despite that small window, they manage to imbue Connery's character of Ramirez with a breadth and depth that is impressive. It is also noteworthy--as noted on the movie posters--for music provided by Queen, a fact pointed out rather out of the ordinary by Adam Murdough on the CGS episode noted above. But it makes sense, in a way. Highlander was a new property, directed by Russell Mulcahy whose only other film credit was an Australian movie titled Razorback, and MTV (in 1986, when Highlander debuted) was in its ascendancy. Duran Duran noted in an interview that they could tell where MTV was readily available, in those early days of the channel, because sales of their albums were far higher in those areas than the rest of the United States. MTV basically made Duran Duran the superstar band they became. So, tapping into that ready-made audience enjoying music videos, by spotlighting Queen's involvement with Highlander, makes complete sense. And Russell Mulcahy would have been able to make that connection easily, since he started out directing music videos. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oYFXHKmBM_U" width="483" youtube-src-id="oYFXHKmBM_U"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Highlander stars Christopher Lambert as the titular Highlander, Connor MacLeod. His distant stare (a result of his myopia) and intriguing accent (brought about in this film as much from his French heritage as his then lack of English language skills) made him an engaging star, launching a successful action star turn for Lambert, which led me down the rabbit hole of seeking out his movies at the local movie rental store. From Fortress to Knight Moves to The Hunted, I saw them all for a short while, there in the 90s, and I still like to check in on Lambert's work, most recently watching him in the Criterion release of Claire Denis's White Material. Most of those action films were enjoyable shlock, with some memorable scenes, though I wonder how they would hold up today (Knight Moves is a film I would certainly like to revisit, as I appreciated the premise and felt it was a fairly competent thriller with some good acting on the part of Lambert, Diane Lane, and Tom Skerritt). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9D4uQDEm9hnI35YFYVsUJerWDAnZL8F-SHdpEvgpozApvpx6_kWEzeG1wTcBEUdxOcqXk5EE0I3FkipS0mEdP-CZ2VldVfwnbbpiXN7TLiPl4gg66pZ9U137fl7PqtDUr0622pb8pU6z/s776/fortress-movie-poster-1993-1020235174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="520" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9D4uQDEm9hnI35YFYVsUJerWDAnZL8F-SHdpEvgpozApvpx6_kWEzeG1wTcBEUdxOcqXk5EE0I3FkipS0mEdP-CZ2VldVfwnbbpiXN7TLiPl4gg66pZ9U137fl7PqtDUr0622pb8pU6z/w134-h200/fortress-movie-poster-1993-1020235174.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIygY8vl4fy6JOqKNN3RyQysy3BfoOPGkn4tKbBV1xqtxRmMQ_bip71c4NwLnCwTHovyi5-NePYnoiLHbt-QEceY4rpM8TnwYlqB1IArrgUZp-fM4dKnL_lL98tSqglFWmMXOxDEsmH2Y/s400/hunted+poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="291" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIygY8vl4fy6JOqKNN3RyQysy3BfoOPGkn4tKbBV1xqtxRmMQ_bip71c4NwLnCwTHovyi5-NePYnoiLHbt-QEceY4rpM8TnwYlqB1IArrgUZp-fM4dKnL_lL98tSqglFWmMXOxDEsmH2Y/w146-h200/hunted+poster.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V3vJBsPr905JW5bi4WCTqKLztgOB35kY3SFzVASs197sK_-Y8v5zSFREmq3oFX_CSFX1QkManN3Lm6iBOzhL6Rc05qSG8SuQ10KwZMx2pf_XMqRcfSi_ZR4fQmj6-Q-iLZ5W7SedEqJm/s300/knight+moves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="209" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V3vJBsPr905JW5bi4WCTqKLztgOB35kY3SFzVASs197sK_-Y8v5zSFREmq3oFX_CSFX1QkManN3Lm6iBOzhL6Rc05qSG8SuQ10KwZMx2pf_XMqRcfSi_ZR4fQmj6-Q-iLZ5W7SedEqJm/w139-h200/knight+moves.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Watching these films--and making note of Knight Moves--led me to a theory that Tom Skerritt is a terribly underrated actor who elevates just about any film he stars in (though he couldn't save Wild Orchid II). Knight Moves sparked that idea. From there, you look at Alien, Top Gun, A River Runs Through it -- all great movies, but Skerritt certainly brings a special something to his roles in these films and adds to what is being produced. Whenever Skerritt pops up on something, I'm excited. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpOEx_h69hZI4eY2FZ58ZaQgAV7oT1dYs8XphluNwFx68CilIk6wy5sU4MiAd_jVVM6jaeC1eFuIWboESusbmM9Kcpf7BPIFZXIUh0odNgpDB4gU-QhlRKHgQ92xBYu_liITNh2Su07yL/s466/tomskerritt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="466" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpOEx_h69hZI4eY2FZ58ZaQgAV7oT1dYs8XphluNwFx68CilIk6wy5sU4MiAd_jVVM6jaeC1eFuIWboESusbmM9Kcpf7BPIFZXIUh0odNgpDB4gU-QhlRKHgQ92xBYu_liITNh2Su07yL/w640-h334/tomskerritt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>A second, parallel track I followed, with Lambert's low-budget science fiction and action thrillers in the 90s were similar films from another sci-fi hero, Mark Hamill. After Star Wars, Hamill seemed to fade away a bit. Sure, I watched the episode of Amazing Stories Hamill starred in (Amazing! pun intended), and I was excited when he played the Trickster in the 1990 series, the Flash (which, it should be noted, is my favorite superhero of all-time), but there wasn't much in theaters starring Hamill. For that, I needed to peruse the shelves at Blockbuster, seeking out Time Runner (a title with a "coincidentally" similar sound to a science fiction film starring Harrison Ford) and The Guyver, a live-action adaptation of a Japanese manga series. These films . . . were not that good, but I loved Hamill in both of them. The Guyver, especially, suffered from a dichotomous tonal juxtaposition, with Hamill playing his character hard-edged and straight, while his co-star Jimmie Walker played his part as if he were just reprising J.J. from Good Times. A bit of a mess. But still, I'm glad I saw them so I never have to again. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawDKcjftNh_UdeKs_sCfsrqMThJlvaqmtFJO7cKdlCLTgii0jHRHVqRGlOW5eZJHbTrLgb2KM-p04Cvn4zEthDgfS1WbABSsR_SOv3loaTDYhtsdwpA1UE7hruMmKiFDfTNTi5KVbeXco/s512/guyver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="512" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawDKcjftNh_UdeKs_sCfsrqMThJlvaqmtFJO7cKdlCLTgii0jHRHVqRGlOW5eZJHbTrLgb2KM-p04Cvn4zEthDgfS1WbABSsR_SOv3loaTDYhtsdwpA1UE7hruMmKiFDfTNTi5KVbeXco/w640-h360/guyver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me back to Highlander (I stated this was "free association" in the title). I love this film, unabashedly and unironically. Despite it not being "a hit," it managed to spawn four sequels (three of which starred Lambert), a television series (in which Lambert reprised his role for the initial episode), an animated series, and an anime film. I've seen some of these -- the second and third films are trash, the TV series is pretty fun, the animated series didn't intrigue me, and I never realized there was an anime -- but it's noteworthy that the advice that should have been taken (artistically, if not fiscally) was in the tagline for the first and best film: "There can be only one."<br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-33211555926045507342021-01-27T10:50:00.001-05:002021-01-27T10:50:37.676-05:00CRISIS COUNSELING: Week 2 Reading Order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnTPpayqE4lTphhGd4cwCkACwj9OT4s74u7vsuTWyUpPxrUpuISb5FzkAlXCqXaFAnNf2UkipXwo12fi574qOhwh2K_xqkULQzXA3FPNHTqoUA47nniRb2mntx04PKvVe_PDBGYnm7M-8/s622/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnTPpayqE4lTphhGd4cwCkACwj9OT4s74u7vsuTWyUpPxrUpuISb5FzkAlXCqXaFAnNf2UkipXwo12fi574qOhwh2K_xqkULQzXA3FPNHTqoUA47nniRb2mntx04PKvVe_PDBGYnm7M-8/w412-h640/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_003.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Here's the list of books we're reading for week 2 of our <b><i>Crisis </i></b>conversation. Including <b><u>3 issues of Crisis on Infinite Earths!!</u></b> Read along with us, why don't you?</p><p><br /></p><p>Batman #389<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbunsWnz6f1jt5vYcbIHOq7gXt3koULBcsASWUAjeqXe44UlAfupSJSyuw6weJRI9vSxDxcMFl66uazLbIRCBPEtWN0WWTh1CFeRr45Exa0gowV0z4RTsfNhT3B3ym6quxhBoa_F689Xm/s621/Batman_389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbunsWnz6f1jt5vYcbIHOq7gXt3koULBcsASWUAjeqXe44UlAfupSJSyuw6weJRI9vSxDxcMFl66uazLbIRCBPEtWN0WWTh1CFeRr45Exa0gowV0z4RTsfNhT3B3ym6quxhBoa_F689Xm/s320/Batman_389.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Detective Comics #556<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ-eUXsRra1sb1vsOiJhRBrdJnRR_RbjXIgjox0CiWFBPqOig5NrICobR_vuLL60SqDkdfxleMK6rMXSzCDS-wdYbOWjtERNG2GoktP4nn_w-ydGq8OC70U4SG9Fav15ewRRCOxKHRhIz/s603/Detective_Comics_556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ-eUXsRra1sb1vsOiJhRBrdJnRR_RbjXIgjox0CiWFBPqOig5NrICobR_vuLL60SqDkdfxleMK6rMXSzCDS-wdYbOWjtERNG2GoktP4nn_w-ydGq8OC70U4SG9Fav15ewRRCOxKHRhIz/s320/Detective_Comics_556.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Batman #390<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TWHuvm4XPpZ8AIjmgk8ZqoCQA-qPycHLCDcTFH_2swi-mQlxKo3layLSKRpynEmFPllJTNAJnaoZDB64rjTtK_us557Vkko8mRerP_xKa-VVC5nONLnQ_qnSmgE-aR8Y6NHDOCKuHV51/s619/Batman_390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TWHuvm4XPpZ8AIjmgk8ZqoCQA-qPycHLCDcTFH_2swi-mQlxKo3layLSKRpynEmFPllJTNAJnaoZDB64rjTtK_us557Vkko8mRerP_xKa-VVC5nONLnQ_qnSmgE-aR8Y6NHDOCKuHV51/s320/Batman_390.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Detective Comics #557<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85UKrwUCu6uCo4GsbKV8oCdgeqWbOmpke4_05lGr3emL1L4b_4qPvU5W8e5E7RQYdR_PqVoT69d9OmK06W-Kr4JFCbpw4RLFdsQ0_3Izee1WwLF1cEKDi3mDXNkqsF-Qm9D6bz91rtn3l/s601/Detective_Comics_557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85UKrwUCu6uCo4GsbKV8oCdgeqWbOmpke4_05lGr3emL1L4b_4qPvU5W8e5E7RQYdR_PqVoT69d9OmK06W-Kr4JFCbpw4RLFdsQ0_3Izee1WwLF1cEKDi3mDXNkqsF-Qm9D6bz91rtn3l/s320/Detective_Comics_557.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Batman #391<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38aBoBKA4EXUjojkLMX4qTeB66p9YwI_KSReRsaXopsITox8QUOzn7kvfkoMuRNYlGRl20jC6uPzVafok3Ia1JKX5nmtqQONSMVT4ACi4xpVcj41pSAlHZUN9zC9TckihyMRpBCe9szx9/s625/Batman_391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38aBoBKA4EXUjojkLMX4qTeB66p9YwI_KSReRsaXopsITox8QUOzn7kvfkoMuRNYlGRl20jC6uPzVafok3Ia1JKX5nmtqQONSMVT4ACi4xpVcj41pSAlHZUN9zC9TckihyMRpBCe9szx9/s320/Batman_391.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Detective Comics #558<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtZ5lCAYVeQLUzjNmVJSZjWNo1_mtsMWypQrQIAPs4vFBNo64HaMbSY60BnlHri9W0uMOAGXWaxj8DLHSu-Gt1vu1fK05bdhGCx0g6J-OHl8_WtoUMpu_oiX8GQjYjzrM7T8thumkv_s3/s597/Detective_Comics_558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtZ5lCAYVeQLUzjNmVJSZjWNo1_mtsMWypQrQIAPs4vFBNo64HaMbSY60BnlHri9W0uMOAGXWaxj8DLHSu-Gt1vu1fK05bdhGCx0g6J-OHl8_WtoUMpu_oiX8GQjYjzrM7T8thumkv_s3/s320/Detective_Comics_558.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Crisis on Infinite Earths #2<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2strme2gysEeU8FYlZxArzDxSaJ7GsW87p6qqta8OAKzM7bh5-Ia0D6f2fAzTntktBxbCVu1F5Agph-gGQGkDcDDCaTn8AurebnnHOx7MYjGOIcgM6UXX_nzW-qqA5z2QXnkG-q-lRJE/s618/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2strme2gysEeU8FYlZxArzDxSaJ7GsW87p6qqta8OAKzM7bh5-Ia0D6f2fAzTntktBxbCVu1F5Agph-gGQGkDcDDCaTn8AurebnnHOx7MYjGOIcgM6UXX_nzW-qqA5z2QXnkG-q-lRJE/s320/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_2.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Crisis on Infinite Earths #3 <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnTPpayqE4lTphhGd4cwCkACwj9OT4s74u7vsuTWyUpPxrUpuISb5FzkAlXCqXaFAnNf2UkipXwo12fi574qOhwh2K_xqkULQzXA3FPNHTqoUA47nniRb2mntx04PKvVe_PDBGYnm7M-8/s622/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnTPpayqE4lTphhGd4cwCkACwj9OT4s74u7vsuTWyUpPxrUpuISb5FzkAlXCqXaFAnNf2UkipXwo12fi574qOhwh2K_xqkULQzXA3FPNHTqoUA47nniRb2mntx04PKvVe_PDBGYnm7M-8/s320/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_003.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>The Losers Special #1<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgf8YCcF-8RCXj-ybUDtcjxnfbzDI1wuzQX3yI8K-yOS5p8ZlIzyhLX8iK-PgNbq-8Pug1Dvo4n2ZlKPTfgKI0GlBkPqrd60vB38rEBDIdOBkYz2dY4u32U5Xzmd8qcE5AZumNwwj7jnz/s917/Losers+Special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgf8YCcF-8RCXj-ybUDtcjxnfbzDI1wuzQX3yI8K-yOS5p8ZlIzyhLX8iK-PgNbq-8Pug1Dvo4n2ZlKPTfgKI0GlBkPqrd60vB38rEBDIdOBkYz2dY4u32U5Xzmd8qcE5AZumNwwj7jnz/s320/Losers+Special.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Wonder Woman #327<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMiTMenPrjmRVUnJAhPC0j-VXGPebevetrZtSKJ0sm3fkcLC3V-qniWangkpT9kGLDGpE4iXvbZUcfx16V1NZm4sPuennu2k5AtS0Akeny147RMXj7bSUDfmBzhGgUtCB-J4Nm91JYpQl/s625/Wonder_Woman_v.1_327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMiTMenPrjmRVUnJAhPC0j-VXGPebevetrZtSKJ0sm3fkcLC3V-qniWangkpT9kGLDGpE4iXvbZUcfx16V1NZm4sPuennu2k5AtS0Akeny147RMXj7bSUDfmBzhGgUtCB-J4Nm91JYpQl/s320/Wonder_Woman_v.1_327.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Crisis on Infinite Earths #4<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6VT_XCr_oPzXXVtmv7dgZkjeq_BZQsVkUMq5Pq5ZPWgUdU-KbQHqJEi5hY0Qqzye3vq9R2Uq6yDDrvtylWIV90ND1Utv6puEUwpxAalDUw-qvZBzMi5VjtJfWXojoFCwQqPCKfXHzRQx/s618/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6VT_XCr_oPzXXVtmv7dgZkjeq_BZQsVkUMq5Pq5ZPWgUdU-KbQHqJEi5hY0Qqzye3vq9R2Uq6yDDrvtylWIV90ND1Utv6puEUwpxAalDUw-qvZBzMi5VjtJfWXojoFCwQqPCKfXHzRQx/s320/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_4.jpg" /></a></p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-6896764137440634912021-01-25T13:00:00.001-05:002021-01-25T13:18:41.443-05:00CRISIS COUNSELING: backmatter research for week 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qo_9XS-Lwki7jHuCcPOxfPTvc2qgDDQza9IurB552rnVrRYOwErLR17fC74C3vtJZPlM0FjM_Cy0mE5qxvciKCaj_NbJIXmugI3bIpQg2is8yl4zmxIwUD4lGG_5PFAe025gcmDz3-sV/s2048/CRISIS+00_Meanwhile+Column+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qo_9XS-Lwki7jHuCcPOxfPTvc2qgDDQza9IurB552rnVrRYOwErLR17fC74C3vtJZPlM0FjM_Cy0mE5qxvciKCaj_NbJIXmugI3bIpQg2is8yl4zmxIwUD4lGG_5PFAe025gcmDz3-sV/w428-h640/CRISIS+00_Meanwhile+Column+01.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>These are the research notes that line up with the Backmatter section of my week 1 notes for our discussion of Crisis on Infinite Earths. Check out that earlier post <a href="http://www.warrior27.net/2021/01/crisis-counseling-raw-notes-for-week-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and you can check out the entire discussion of Crisis on Infinite Earths issue 1, plus crossovers, <a href="https://youtu.be/rajPbNKMXec" target="_blank">at youtube, here</a>. </p><p>And thanks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd_wiLAzDgCDndcwTgUhVumlGfD3uODcO3gLk15neNIoJ6g8nQwrWq2qkYqCHT8vyH6yuP9w3wHqrEC7wYO0XTxl2ocmONEhWMIerqCM4tUgSPYzEsQEtkgCne9-dX-uT2ivDG2PNPy2G/s1200/CRISIS+00_Meanwhile+Column+01_001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd_wiLAzDgCDndcwTgUhVumlGfD3uODcO3gLk15neNIoJ6g8nQwrWq2qkYqCHT8vyH6yuP9w3wHqrEC7wYO0XTxl2ocmONEhWMIerqCM4tUgSPYzEsQEtkgCne9-dX-uT2ivDG2PNPy2G/w300-h400/CRISIS+00_Meanwhile+Column+01_001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><u>CRISIS Research week 1</u></b></p><p><br /></p><p><u>Pre-Publication</u>:</p><p>1. --- The first that fans and the public knew DC was planning CRISIS (not yet named as such) was a blurb in Dick Giordano’s initial “Meanwhile…” column in the Feb. 1983 cover-dated comics, released at the end of 1982. See Scanned images. </p><p><br /></p><p>2. --- In a January 3, 1983 memo from Dick Giordano (executive editor for DC), Marv Wolfman, and Len Wein, all writers and editors were asked to cooperate by using The Monitor two times within their books over the coming year. As described: </p><p>“The Monitor will be the pivotal villain of the series and we wish to have all our readers know who the character is—and to involve him completely throughout the DC Universe before the maxi-series appears.” </p><p>The guidelines for these two appearances of The Monitor stated that, “for his first appearance…we will only hear the Monitor—not see him…His assistant, Lyla, will be the only on-panel character.” Drawings of the Monitor would be supplied within weeks of this memo so that for his second appearance, they could show him on panel. </p><p>It is also noted that the two appearances are only a minimum. The Monitor could be used more than that, if creative teams wished, but it was important that he only observe and that they “refrain from ever having him appear IN action…He NEVER commits the crimes himself.” </p><p><br /></p><p>3. --- In a memo a year later, on January 9, 1984, Giordano made it clear that “The need to include The Monitor in your plans is not optional but absolutely required for all designated titles.” Designated titles included most of the superhero titles. Examples of those exempt were war titles like Sgt. Rock, space titles like Omega Men, those that fell outside the DCU like Arak and Jemm and Thriller, and special books such as Super Powers, which was a toy tie-in, and DC Challenge. </p><p><br /></p><p>4. --- In a memo to Giordano, Wolfman, and Wein, Roy Thomas pointed out that, judging by mail for the titles he edited, such as All-Star Squadron, the Monitor appearances in that first year were not exciting readers. Thomas stated he didn’t feel the concept of the Monitor was a bad one, but that “it’s bound to be wearying, all these cameos which have to get a bit repetitious.”</p><p><br /></p><p>5. --- In a memo from November 9, 1984, Marv Wolfman noted that “The entire CRISIS storyline takes place in about three weeks’ time.” But since they wanted the main line of books to crossover with CRISIS, the “participation time [was] actually from July to the first week in November [of 1985].”</p><p><br /></p><p>6. --- In an interview for Comics Interview #26, conducted by Patrick Daniel O’Neill, Marv Wolfman stated that the reason they decided to do CRISIS was the idea that the DC Universe was cluttered, that it made no sense. The ideas of “the multiple earths, the multiple Supermen, and the multiple everything” would drive new readers crazy. They wanted to “streamline the universe, get rid of the deadwood, get rid of the multiple universes.” It was believed this would make DC new-reader friendly and help avoid the confusion and contradictions in continuity that had cropped up through almost fifty years of publication of these characters. </p><p>And the spark for this idea came from a letter printed in Green Lantern #143, noting a continuity mix-up from a two-part story in GL #136-37, wherein Marv Wolfman, who was writing GL at the time and answering letters during a changeover in editorship, stated that one day DC editorial would “probably straighten out what is in the DC universe, excluding that which isn’t in direct reference with Earth One, and what is outside.” And from there, Wolfman ruminated on this issue of confusing and contradictory continuity, with that idea germinating into what would become CRISIS. </p><p><br /></p><p>7. --- In an interview for Pacesetter: the George Perez Magazine #7, Marv Wolfman stated that George Perez was his first choice to draw CRISIS, but he didn’t think he would want to do it. But when Perez heard Wolfman talking about it, he volunteered. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Issue 1</u>:</p><p><br /></p><p>8. --- Roy Thomas was the custodian of the golden age characters for DC, at the time CRISIS was conceived, and he was one of the most cooperative, as far as tying into the event through storylines for the titles he wrote—Infinity Inc. and All-Star Squadron—as well as general ideas outside of these titles. This was out of necessity, since he realized the story was going to be published, regardless, and if he assisted, maybe it would gain these titles a bit of a reprieve. He sent a number of lengthy, and thoughtful, memos to Wolfman, Wein, and Giordano, with this in mind. </p><p>Because, ironically, Thomas would also be the one most impacted by CRISIS. One of the stated goals of the series was to streamline the DC Universe, to get rid of duplicate heroes, which would entail the demise, in some fashion, of many of the characters he edited, such as the original Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, etc. </p><p><br /></p><p>9. --- It’s noteworthy that some of the most recognizable and, at the time, best-selling characters, such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the New Teen Titans, are not front and center early in CRISIS. This was a conscious decision by Marv Wolfman and editorial so that the focus would be on the story and showcase the idea that this impending cataclysm affected the entirety of the DC Universe. Wolfman “wanted it to be obvious that the story was more important than any individual character.” </p><p><br /></p><p>10. --- George Perez inked the figure of Alexander Luthor from Earth-3, the first few times, because he found it challenging to get across what he wanted for a look through just his pencils. </p><p>He also inked Arion’s mystic symbol throughout, to avoid confusion with all the crossing lines, and to keep it consistent throughout the whole story. </p><p><br /></p><p><u>Crossovers</u>: </p><p>11. ---An explanation of why some crossovers don’t have the CRISIS banner and others do --- In an interview with Comics Interview (#26, conducted by Patrick Daniel O’Neill), Marv Wolfman stated that they asked that “CRISIS crossovers be in all the comics,” and that “if it’s a minor crossover . . . ‘Do not blurb it as a CRISIS crossover.’ But “if it’s a major crossover, if it’s the root of [their] plot, ‘Blurb it.’” </p><p>I’m not sure if these All-Star Squadron books should have had the banner.</p><p><br /></p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-47797886359030637392021-01-25T12:55:00.001-05:002021-01-25T13:19:16.959-05:00CRISIS COUNSELING: raw notes for week 1<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B3Z96HD_L_DQJrTuncPS1SdqSlL3bBWGNhJeXwt5B5NQqKsZzy4GUOqW0H6Tyij667niXNk_Q1XAAQzPiaRNdlQFUX74kWQvYTtnRbNiAVRXoXBe2fclGiZ6N4rW8J6KTG7EIN1cN7c1/s869/BookScan+Notes_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="819" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B3Z96HD_L_DQJrTuncPS1SdqSlL3bBWGNhJeXwt5B5NQqKsZzy4GUOqW0H6Tyij667niXNk_Q1XAAQzPiaRNdlQFUX74kWQvYTtnRbNiAVRXoXBe2fclGiZ6N4rW8J6KTG7EIN1cN7c1/w378-h400/BookScan+Notes_01.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The first episode of our look at Crisis on Infinite Earths is now <a href="https://youtu.be/rajPbNKMXec" target="_blank">live on youtube</a>, with an audiocast to follow. With that, I thought I would share my raw notes for the discussion, here. Hopefully you'll find it interesting. Thanks.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Notes for week 1 </u></b></p><p><b><u>Opening Argument</u></b>: thought --- balloons & Gerry Conway’s recent-ish dissection of these vs. first-person caption boxes <a href="https://twitter.com/gerryconway/status/1304554035022757888" target="_blank">see thread here</a>.</p><p><b><u>Introduction</u></b>: </p><p>I began collecting comics in 1984, with GI Joe #23. <br />Crisis was published later, but I didn’t read it until probably middle to late ‘86. <br />I remember going through the Mile High Comics catalog and next to Crisis #8, it stated the Flash died. Flash is my favorite character. I had to have it, and I bought the rest of the 12 issues. <br />From the start, I loved this series. Probably read it a couple dozen times, at least, and it still stands up. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Crisis Cover Impact</u></b>: Love it. Wraparound cover, with the heroes & villains tumbling through space as red lightning destroys a centipede of multiple Earths, while Pariah gnashes his teeth and Harbinger stands above it all, with the Monitor a shadow in the background. It’s engaging. And it’s <b>PEREZ</b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Synopsis</u></b>: </p><p>Chapter 1: “The Summoning!”</p><p>We open with the birth of the multiverse. What should have been a single universe with a single Earth became many, and now that debt is being paid as a wall of anti-matter sweeps across dimensions, as one Earth dies, followed by Earth-3, home to the Crime Syndicate—including Ultraman, Super-Woman, and Power Ring—evil doppelgangers of heroes familiar to us, and the lone hero who stands against them, Alexander Luthor.</p><p>As the wall of Anti-Matter destroys Earth-3, Luthor and his wife, Lois Lane Luthor, secure their child in a vibrational rocket and send it across parallel dimensions to Earth-1, so that he might at least be saved, not unlike the way a baby Kal-El was launched from Krypton to become Earth’s Superman, the first superhero.</p><p>With every universal death, a mysterious, green-cloaked figure named Pariah is forced to bear witness, unable to intervene. We will learn more of him later.</p><p>Back on Earth-1, in the satellite of the Monitor, his assistant, Lyla, energizes to become Harbinger. Dividing into identical clones, she journeys to multiple Earths at multiple points in time to retrieve the heroes and villains the Monitor needs to defend the multiverse, including Dawnstar of the Legion of Super Heroes from the 30th Century and Arion of Atlantis, 45,000 years in the past.</p><p>Once her task is complete, Harbinger returns to the Monitor’s satellite and powers down. The collection of super-beings stand in awe of the structure, unsure of who it is that summoned them, and uncertain even of who many of the other heroes might be. There’s a Superman, but older and from Earth-2. And a Green Lantern, but he is new to the ring and African-American. Before they find any answers, the shadows attack, a horde of shadow demons, which seem impervious to physical contact, even at the strength levels of Superman. It is an impossible task, and the collective of super-beings appears on the brink of defeat, when a blinding light fills the satellite, and the shadows flee.</p><p>At which point, the Monitor reveals himself, telling the heroes and villains that he is the one who summoned them, “because their universes are about to die!”</p><p><br /></p><p><b>QUESTIONS about this issue: </b></p><p>1 -- Why are these heroes chosen? </p><p>In-story -- the Monitor needs heroes and villains to work together AND these are the ones whose distinct powers are needed by Monitor to be successful.</p><p>Editorially -- Marv Wolfman wanted the focus on the story, wanted it known this affected the whole DC Universe and not just the Big Guns.</p><p>2 -- Why do these heroes trust Harbinger? </p><p>3 -- On page 25, the Monitor mentions another Earth perished, taking 5 heroes he needed, do we know what Earth that might be and who the heroes are?</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Matter/Anti-matter (what we liked "Matter" and didn't "Anti-Matter")</u></b>: </p><p><b>MATTER</b>: Perez artwork, especially the introductory scene with Blue Beetle and that hero’s body language. Specifically, the modified somersault Beetle uses to kick one of the crooks in the face. Beetle is a doppelganger of Batman, but this move feels like something Batman wouldn’t necessarily use, and it allows him to stand out as a distinct character. <br />ALSO: Solovar’s quick back and forth with Dawnstar on page 29 -- “You’re an ape, but you can talk!” “And you’re a human with wings! Reality holds surprises for everyone!”</p><p><b>ANTI-MATTER</b>: The overly melodramatic Pariah, both in body language and his utterances.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Who’s Who</u></b>: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Crime Syndicate, Earth-3, Alexander Luthor, Lois Lane Luthor, and the idea of multiple Earths</li><li>King Solovar and Gorilla City -- the apes’ mental powers, including telepathy, come from using 100% of their brains</li><li>Pariah (his origin is actually a big chunk of a later issue, maybe wait)</li><li>Monitor & Lyla (Harbinger)</li><li>Firebrand of Earth-2</li><li>Dawnstar, of the Legion of Super Heroes from the 30th Century</li><li>Blue Beetle (and the Charlton hero acquisition; Earth-4)</li><li>Psycho Pirate (Roger Hayden) </li><li>Arion trivia bit: Perez always inked Arion’s mystic symbol because it was complex and he wanted to keep it consistent throughout the series</li><li>Firestorm & Killer Frost</li><li>Psimon --- part of the Fearsome Five; powers came from Trigon</li><li>Dr. Polaris --- old-school Green Lantern villain, first appearance GL#12</li><li>Superman of Earth-2 </li><li>Green Lantern (John Stewart)</li><li>Geo-Force -- gained power through scientific experiment; retains power due to family lineage (Prince of Markovia)</li><li>Cyborg</li><li>Obsidian of Infinity Inc.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Backmatter</u> (<a href="http://www.warrior27.net/2021/01/crisis-counseling-backmatter-research.html" target="_blank">see this post</a> for more detail on these bits of backmatter)</b>: </p><p><u>Pre-publication</u>:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>First announcement of CRISIS in Meanwhile… column</li><li>Memo from Jan. 1983 asking creative teams to use Monitor 2 times in their titles</li><li>Memo from Jan. 1984 stating use of Monitor is not optional; it is required</li><li>Roy Thomas memo pointing out mail is not positive re: the Monitor appearances</li><li>Memo stating CRISIS storyline takes place over 3 weeks; crossovers from July-Nov.</li><li>Comics Interview #26: reasoning for CRISIS, to streamline DC universe</li><li>Pacesetter #7 interview: Wolfman stated Perez was first choice to draw & he volunteered</li></ol><p></p><p><u>Issue 1</u>: </p><p> 8. Roy Thomas was most cooperative, as far as crossovers, sent many memos with ideas<br /> 9. Most popular characters don’t show up early in CRISIS; this is why<br /> 10. George Perez inked Alex Luthor & Arion’s mystical symbol, early on, for consistency</p><p><u>Re: Crossovers</u>:</p><p> 11. how they decided what issues to have CRISIS banners and which should not<br /> a. All Star Squadron?????</p><p><b><u>The Fix (any band-aids in this issue that serve the overall goal of CRISIS): </u></b></p><p>the destruction of Earth-3?? It did do away with a set of doppelgangers for DC’s big-name heroes.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>The Death List: </u></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>An unnamed Earth</li><li>Earth-3, the Crime Syndicate: Ultraman, Power Ring, Johnny Quick, Owlman, Super-Woman, and the lone hero: Alexander Luthor, and his wife Lois Lane Luthor</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Crisis Rating [quarter bin, pull list, bag & board, slab]: </u></b> </p><p><b>Bag & Board.</b> Perez art elevates any comic, for me. The stakes are set out right up front, and done economically, we get some nice interactions with the heroes being retrieved by Harbinger (I particularly enjoyed the Solovar and Beetle scenes), there’s action and mystery, Wolfman does a good job of introducing all these characters without the exposition dragging down the story -- it’s quite impressive -- and we end with a quick battle, a revelation, and a helluva cliffhanger: “Your universes are about to die!”</p><p><br /><b><u>Ratings for crossovers: </u></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>All-Star Squadron 50 --- <b>quarter bin</b>. It added nothing to what we saw in Crisis #1</li><li>All-Star Squadron 51 --- <b>quarter bin</b>. Again, added nothing, just a panel with Harbinger & Firebrand</li><li>All-Star Squadron 52 --- <b>quarter bin</b>. adds nothing, and seems to contradict Crisis #1, with the All Stars & Captain Marvel able to battle the Shadow Demons. But is it due to magic? Maybe we discover this later in the series.</li></ul><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>**To be fair to Roy Thomas, these crossovers take place very early in the CRISIS. Add to that, All Star Squadron is set in 1942, while the bulk of CRISIS is in the present of 1985, and it would be challenging for him to tie into the overall event. That said, he got the banners, and he didn’t do too much with them.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fury of Firestorm 41 --- <b>pull list</b>. It tied in strongly with CRISIS and added to the story, while also providing a good introduction to Firestorm and Psycho Pirate, along with a new status quo for Firestorm that could be a good jumping on point for new readers. But the story wasn’t captivating for me. </li><li>Infinity Inc. 18 --- <b>quarter bin</b>. A page and a half showing Harbinger getting Obsidian. Added nothing and I didn’t care for the story. McFarlane is either trying to be inventive with his layouts or just too new, either way, it does not work.</li><li>Detective Comics 555 --- <b>pull list.</b> It was entertaining with solid Gene Colan art. A Red Skies issue that didn’t tie in but I liked the story. would pick up the next issue.</li><li>New Teen Titans v.2 #13 (pp.1-17)--- <b>quarter bin</b>. Added little and felt plodding, as a story, to me. </li><li>Green Lantern v.2 #194 --- <b>bag & board.</b> It actually added some background with the Guardians, and set up Guy Gardner joining the heroes, gave readers a thorough background of the title, and was entertaining. would definitely pick up the next issue</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-51538366427759585662021-01-22T15:18:00.005-05:002021-01-22T18:40:51.145-05:00CRISIS COUNSELING: episode 1, "The Summoning"<p> “Worlds will live. Worlds will die. And the universe will
never be the same.”</p><p>A wave of anti-matter is sweeping across dimensions, destroying Earths and eclipsing universes, while one being, the self-described Monitor, has a plan to stem the tide — if only there is time enough left. Summoning fifteen super-beings from across parallel Earths, the Monitor prepares to defend what remains of the positive matter universe as he quickly relates the gravity of the situation to those assembled.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="364" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rajPbNKMXec" width="481" youtube-src-id="rajPbNKMXec"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Week one of a twelve-week examination of the granddaddy of all comic book crossovers, Crisis on Infinite Earths. Four friends and lifelong comic nerds – Ben, Chris, Dan, and Gibran – discuss, dissect, and debate this seminal storyline from 1985, crossovers and all.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Week one reading list:</b></u><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Crisis on Infinite Earths #1</li><li>All-Star Squadron #50</li><li>All-Star Squadron #51</li><li>All-Star Squadron #52</li><li>Fury of Firestorm #41</li><li>Infinity Inc. #18</li><li>Detective Comics #555</li><li>New Teen Titans (v.2) #13 [pp. 1-17]</li><li>Green Lantern (v.2) #194</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-92221841484904266632021-01-19T12:26:00.001-05:002021-01-19T12:26:03.617-05:00CRISIS COUNSELING: Week 1 Reading Order<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cFJZvnVmZHOPCDygb71QDYzQC347ckZt-Z4DaE2bWIDdaUOGsb_14i3KYJpbg42qmvdKpr_PaS7X6YjOAVwLhQfjnqqaSy_BKaLTd0Dvti45jA01a6iNIuC0YcyesGwSUBPbMmensvyU/s1508/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="975" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cFJZvnVmZHOPCDygb71QDYzQC347ckZt-Z4DaE2bWIDdaUOGsb_14i3KYJpbg42qmvdKpr_PaS7X6YjOAVwLhQfjnqqaSy_BKaLTd0Dvti45jA01a6iNIuC0YcyesGwSUBPbMmensvyU/w414-h640/001.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><p>I jumped the gun last week, but if all goes well, the new podcast discussing <b>Crisis on Infinite Earths,</b> with myself, Gibran Graham, Dan Fleming, and Ben Roberts, should be hitting tomorrow. Fingers crossed. We're taking 12 weeks to tackle this 12-issue series, crossovers and all, and here's the reading order for week 1. </p><p>Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cFJZvnVmZHOPCDygb71QDYzQC347ckZt-Z4DaE2bWIDdaUOGsb_14i3KYJpbg42qmvdKpr_PaS7X6YjOAVwLhQfjnqqaSy_BKaLTd0Dvti45jA01a6iNIuC0YcyesGwSUBPbMmensvyU/s1508/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="975" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cFJZvnVmZHOPCDygb71QDYzQC347ckZt-Z4DaE2bWIDdaUOGsb_14i3KYJpbg42qmvdKpr_PaS7X6YjOAVwLhQfjnqqaSy_BKaLTd0Dvti45jA01a6iNIuC0YcyesGwSUBPbMmensvyU/s320/001.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>All-Star Squadron #50<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs5rL9i0ETBabpnjrUIT4ycJw77ajGCcBBryAPpp5ygl98G-yWmEXG6aGmqkpwe85r_ecDCdOQi9Id3eKxFDllj1RbRgVkqDnFGkF6Y3dppTKYeSNWOMoO9KDB_rW1qRevnxhrokVn55e/s617/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs5rL9i0ETBabpnjrUIT4ycJw77ajGCcBBryAPpp5ygl98G-yWmEXG6aGmqkpwe85r_ecDCdOQi9Id3eKxFDllj1RbRgVkqDnFGkF6Y3dppTKYeSNWOMoO9KDB_rW1qRevnxhrokVn55e/s320/002.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>All-Star Squadron #51<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXERlwb8PZ1-KvcULIetGfVvezpJm_pPxOv6FqNI2uzKJFuwUSBRAVUCAPY6DCd8YxVGG4Ox1gHne3hHrNPjKdzIyemE8J6SaYZ1cNHPAeMiViB4bymIRxvpO4HQX7Kfma7lrYzg0cUV92/s1532/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="989" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXERlwb8PZ1-KvcULIetGfVvezpJm_pPxOv6FqNI2uzKJFuwUSBRAVUCAPY6DCd8YxVGG4Ox1gHne3hHrNPjKdzIyemE8J6SaYZ1cNHPAeMiViB4bymIRxvpO4HQX7Kfma7lrYzg0cUV92/s320/003.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>All-Star Squadron #52<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfAfHuZj8hE6UFMzoZYb8zFdKnwmTKFBANwrBADx3dMLoPXUgXFptdPbUpuFrlvxN13YNI4-gSCxcTnEwRL002K2qMaoB_yNAIQXfmEZhw0PVhmTZ06wrY-ysD9T2U4qLuwQM-nC-z-F1/s1819/004_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1192" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfAfHuZj8hE6UFMzoZYb8zFdKnwmTKFBANwrBADx3dMLoPXUgXFptdPbUpuFrlvxN13YNI4-gSCxcTnEwRL002K2qMaoB_yNAIQXfmEZhw0PVhmTZ06wrY-ysD9T2U4qLuwQM-nC-z-F1/s320/004_001.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Fury of Firestorm #41<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj1qH-ER0rFeunYAn7CSi3-4WAp8RZ_R0YdSVnSC0fEZVPfVHKYHLY9HkIzDqTyQmfJIQK4e-27XZhs_YX5dnh-69ifdY9FokWh6kz6vEKOGs1mY4zfVJ0QtI9L3pGZ38GPHh7TLJWBwm/s500/004_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj1qH-ER0rFeunYAn7CSi3-4WAp8RZ_R0YdSVnSC0fEZVPfVHKYHLY9HkIzDqTyQmfJIQK4e-27XZhs_YX5dnh-69ifdY9FokWh6kz6vEKOGs1mY4zfVJ0QtI9L3pGZ38GPHh7TLJWBwm/s320/004_01.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Infinity Inc. #18<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EabT0bOS9RYsTmmmtjx8_pfruvHxVnwJ6cFoE54zYsj7Se6Md8suXKNkEBKoITBXSV-MoqxXOnJmYnm1OfYcPPyhpKeJcHm6e1gtZUZxN0t_R-FgBVUOymB6hfQcOZ7_lQz8H9eueGa6/s625/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EabT0bOS9RYsTmmmtjx8_pfruvHxVnwJ6cFoE54zYsj7Se6Md8suXKNkEBKoITBXSV-MoqxXOnJmYnm1OfYcPPyhpKeJcHm6e1gtZUZxN0t_R-FgBVUOymB6hfQcOZ7_lQz8H9eueGa6/s320/005.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Detective Comics #555<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KS-YbefOryHeopv9ZhXvNwUvE1wERqdYjtvEEn3oq7VigjeW_1kHJqt_qRH4warFmv_bKWPfICejv5Yb98aJNKZK3DXwzNPmcQjzoRjYfveuaW9-ozYzKTkeCTyWpmBk9LeAQxnseKjY/s279/006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KS-YbefOryHeopv9ZhXvNwUvE1wERqdYjtvEEn3oq7VigjeW_1kHJqt_qRH4warFmv_bKWPfICejv5Yb98aJNKZK3DXwzNPmcQjzoRjYfveuaW9-ozYzKTkeCTyWpmBk9LeAQxnseKjY/s0/006.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>New Teen Titans, vol. 2 #13 (pp. 1-17)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeapYrHd24p9vOYO2JvR1t-BfP0TC3UcSsqmQcbfpooQ8zIaUEQYRsD8bkB1uQb2EsuJeZGI3hJSQ12XTnMSdMjvWD2kArgwqmrdB6R3Uso8DqX4y2mMSAzF2FutP-mN23K9puJPL6f6e/s279/007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeapYrHd24p9vOYO2JvR1t-BfP0TC3UcSsqmQcbfpooQ8zIaUEQYRsD8bkB1uQb2EsuJeZGI3hJSQ12XTnMSdMjvWD2kArgwqmrdB6R3Uso8DqX4y2mMSAzF2FutP-mN23K9puJPL6f6e/s0/007.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Green Lantern #194<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3KKBAPCWNcgFpMO9IsHFTD9YDXjBcWFs7yzPiP0qLeX7kRYZUxaMDrQF0_XwAjtKgO90V1Pj466onE4OD_eT1kFFzErZdDCPE_LzfGoH3T4JOCa-Mrx8M9NG1xo1IyMMEkJh9f6F03ed/s614/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3KKBAPCWNcgFpMO9IsHFTD9YDXjBcWFs7yzPiP0qLeX7kRYZUxaMDrQF0_XwAjtKgO90V1Pj466onE4OD_eT1kFFzErZdDCPE_LzfGoH3T4JOCa-Mrx8M9NG1xo1IyMMEkJh9f6F03ed/s320/008.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Hope you check out the podcast when it hits, and why don't you read along with us as we explore a 36-year-old event series that continues to have repercussions for DC Comics, even today. </p><p>Thanks,</p><p>chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892766400315666821.post-11672646333992697932021-01-18T12:18:00.002-05:002021-01-27T11:22:22.358-05:00CRISIS COUNSELING: some personal background<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMXI5PyzzGzaPzQ8DQgj9t85SKjkYQc_byYBZbdU5xHT7kNeB3TWECSFlSdeiEr7ubGMgo4uZY_Ce4VWbFHt6kBIJZLA-pzIKjwOSHbubyzJdxR7qqgZRrylICOcL5KEO7r2b_HUNkcmG/s615/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMXI5PyzzGzaPzQ8DQgj9t85SKjkYQc_byYBZbdU5xHT7kNeB3TWECSFlSdeiEr7ubGMgo4uZY_Ce4VWbFHt6kBIJZLA-pzIKjwOSHbubyzJdxR7qqgZRrylICOcL5KEO7r2b_HUNkcmG/w416-h640/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths_8.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>Crisis on Infinite Earths</b> may be the most consequential comic book event, ever. It's certainly the one that's had the most impact on me, as a reader and a fan. And it is, by far, my favorite of the event comics. Maybe that's because -- despite the fact that Marvel's <b><i>Secret Wars </i></b>came out the year before -- it's the first major company crossover. It was in the planning stages, and prematurely announced in Dick Giordano's "Meanwhile..." column, before Marvel's Jim Shooter conceived of his Secret War, and it can definitely lay claim to the fact that it had the most impact on its characters and titles, and, by extension, its fans. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4CVOfV3ZGZ9WItsNRJcN-BxkK0iqzWqswwsh_AYSs9zvXzZeX6yqJgSm3R-bN7AU0hxibsThKanZUJW6q9R7Lk5ifI2kT1MjZstmmRnjdn3mMAl8oBjUpuAHQqb_Mr0hNbe8B43vjAFJ/s698/mrpaperback022712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4CVOfV3ZGZ9WItsNRJcN-BxkK0iqzWqswwsh_AYSs9zvXzZeX6yqJgSm3R-bN7AU0hxibsThKanZUJW6q9R7Lk5ifI2kT1MjZstmmRnjdn3mMAl8oBjUpuAHQqb_Mr0hNbe8B43vjAFJ/s320/mrpaperback022712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I didn't read <b><i>Crisis </i></b>when it was initially published in 1985. I lived in Calais, Maine, just about as far east as you can go in the United States, right on the border with Canada. Calais was a town of roughly 4,000. We had no comic book store -- heck, I'd never heard of comic book stores at this point -- but we had a bookstore that sold comics, which is where I got mine for the most part (you could also find them at the convenience store or the drugstore, as well as at a smaller bookstore in the strip mall across the river, in St. Stephen). I am certain that my local bookstore, Mr. Paperback, did not order <b><i>Crisis</i></b>. Because if I had seen that gorgeous George Perez artwork, I would have snatched it up without thinking, and been the happier for it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ASo390rDyDSz2wRWVWiTCizUUalpErYzkTrhVzWlh3g-yBQxEfnPg1F067x5KfmknCNSLaZcd7wFkBqMOx-6anA3TlVxSduDc4LfF7Kyu7h5vRjYwnQL3ZMzQT_oi7OMqs6NO_gt6pqn/s1280/super-friends-198922-1280x0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ASo390rDyDSz2wRWVWiTCizUUalpErYzkTrhVzWlh3g-yBQxEfnPg1F067x5KfmknCNSLaZcd7wFkBqMOx-6anA3TlVxSduDc4LfF7Kyu7h5vRjYwnQL3ZMzQT_oi7OMqs6NO_gt6pqn/w400-h300/super-friends-198922-1280x0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>But I was a huge fan of the Flash (secret identity: Barry Allen). Still today, the Flash is my favorite superhero. It started with the <b>Super Friends</b> cartoons. When I started collecting comics in 1984, at age 12, the latest issue of his title was one of the first ones I bought at Mr. Paperback, number 336. Many more were added to the collection later. Many more. But, at some point in 1986 (by my best guess), I was poring through the latest Mile High Comics catalog, looking carefully at the notes next to the individual issues -- notes that would mark a significant character appearance or situation, as well as the names of popular creators who may have written or drawn said issues. As I perused the titles, I came across a note that stated: "Death of the Flash." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iJzlm9gULG1MFzn6CImmiMgT0fzhdPhbAYiFYWpTZVQ6bqMj-JbvbvuMlDCkmT949sJfYYdnJ_wB636LcKbMQR7mkWX6uqkd7KClnemCxQ1xGqDGxHpSR_YUWq9Z3sZgMF4dHd_I-Rqb/s2048/flash+336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1353" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iJzlm9gULG1MFzn6CImmiMgT0fzhdPhbAYiFYWpTZVQ6bqMj-JbvbvuMlDCkmT949sJfYYdnJ_wB636LcKbMQR7mkWX6uqkd7KClnemCxQ1xGqDGxHpSR_YUWq9Z3sZgMF4dHd_I-Rqb/w264-h400/flash+336.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><p></p><p>What the what!?! <br />I had no idea Barry Allen had died. I needed to get this comic (it was issue #8 of <b>Crisis on Infinite Earths</b>). And since it was one chapter of a twelve-chapter series, I had to get them all. I can't remember which of the issues weren't available at that point -- I think #10 may have been one of them -- but I ordered all the back issues that were available and quickly managed to fill in the gaps. Then I read the story. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOicy-GlY0VFQywrMFl45MfNaA8VawMDg_xvykRQtXxtoOk1YhrqE8aOqwqADaqHrZGWT_iXfiQoEmlDjVuEIitO6p2Ik2uj89rFs-f29wmtSEtynXFH2LaRistXvV_nluo8hwm84ZAsP/s505/wolfman+perez.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOicy-GlY0VFQywrMFl45MfNaA8VawMDg_xvykRQtXxtoOk1YhrqE8aOqwqADaqHrZGWT_iXfiQoEmlDjVuEIitO6p2Ik2uj89rFs-f29wmtSEtynXFH2LaRistXvV_nluo8hwm84ZAsP/s320/wolfman+perez.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marv Wolfman & George Perez</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I was blown away. No, I wasn't familiar with the vast majority of these characters, but I was intrigued. The story by Marv Wolfman propelled along at a blistering pace, and the art by Perez . . . what can I say, it was amazing. I immediately fell in love with his tight, detailed comic art, and he quickly became my favorite superhero artist. And <b><i>Crisis</i></b> became one of my all-time favorite stories. It's one that I re-read regularly, every year or two, and it never fails to entertain me. Wolfman & Perez were at the top of their game, when they wrote and drew <b><i>Crisis</i></b>, and the effects of this dimension and era-spanning tale were cataclysmic. </p><p><br /></p><p>And now, my buddies and I are doing a deep dive into <b><i>Crisis</i></b>, with all its crossovers. The first episode of our podcast should be hitting soon, and when it does, I'll let you know. Hope you'll join us for a look back at one of the most important superhero stories in comic history.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks,</p><p>chris</p>Chris Becketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109439098536082894noreply@blogger.com0