COMIC CON

COMIC CON

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The Red Lampshades - Improv Comedy. What I love to do on weekends

THE SUPERMAN CONUNDRUM

WHY NO ONE LIKES SUPERMAN

When we look to heroes, we crave the safety that comes from their strength, their unwavering moral compass, and the ability to save the innocent in spite of the cost to themselves. 

However, when Joe Schuster and Jerry Siegel did exactly that, through the years, the masses gradually changed their mind.

"We don't want a hero that ALWAYS does the right thing!" The made up persons to prove my point said.

"We want a conflicted character. Some kind of inner demon or turmoil with which to struggle."

"More powerful than a locomotive? We drive Hybrid cars now."

"Able to reach tall buildings in a single bound? We can do everything from our couch."

"faster than speeding bullet? We have high speed Wi-Fi."

"We can't relate to a character with no flaws other than an alien rock."

"Nobody can stop him. He is a boring hero."

WHY WE SHOULD LIKE HIM

When I discuss the silly hypothetical world of heroes the debate of the validity of Superman always arises. 

He isn't interesting. He flies, smashes the bad guys but then takes them to jail and hides behind the most ridiculous disguise...glasses...He hides behind glasses!

I agree there are things in the world of heroes that are absurd and have been the focal point of criticism throughout the years. I will point out for the sake of the silly argument, that if the Clark Kent persona, is your biggest issue with a comicbook book character you have a bit of tunnel vision. there is no issue with the idea of flight? superhuman strength? Heat ray eyes? 

I think if we can break down Superman to the core values we might be ready to revisit the upcoming Zack Snyder's film, Man of Steel.

Since the early ages of civilization, Heroes existed. Gods were created to explain events and to teach humanity's principles. Zeus, Hercules, and Perseus, all were representations of the sub consciences moral system.

We have needed heroes since that time. stories to teach us and our children how to behave and how to treat our fellow man. 

Superman...an Orphan, was hurled away from his home and family to be the last remaining member of his people and dropped into a new world where he was different. 

He could've easily dominated the Earth into submission through force, yet he chose, or rather, was taught, to help others and be the constant force for good no matter what the circumstances.

Struggle 1: Kryptonite: the weakness of Superman. the Achilles' heel of our hero. anyone of us who has ever struggled with any kind of addiction can relate to this struggle. 

Struggle 2: his love for those he swore to protect. Lois, Jimmy, Jonathan and Martha Kent and the rest of the world. He makes choices constantly some at the sacrifice of his loved ones to protect the masses. (pretty admirable to me)

Struggle 3: To be constant and vigilant in keeping his powers in check. To spare those who "deserve it" and continually help those who consider him an outcast, use him only for their selfish purposes and consider him a freak to dangerous for his own good. That's a pretty intense "moral struggle"...oh and HIS parents died too!

WHY I LIKE SUPERMAN

By no means is this section to be a sob story but I wanted to think about why the imaginary world of superheroes has fascinated me since almost birth. 

Reason 1: I was born in Japan (foreign planet) and raised in a military family that moved a lot. Constantly, going from one base to the next. From one country to the next. From one set of friends to the next. Needless to say I got used to being the "new guy", or the odd man out. I also hid my tall gangly body behind glasses at the age of 7 (I could relate to the clumsy Clark)

And it was difficult to fit in. For example the switch from Southern Germany, where we had little to none interaction with the US culture to southern Texas is pretty severe. 

I found myself in several undesirable situations due to how I spoke, acted, my beliefs, and mostly for standing up for people who couldn't or wouldn't stand up for themselves. 

 It was easy to relate to the loner who never fit in yet found it was his purpose and duty to protect even those who may want to hurt him. 

Some hate the Messianic symbolism of the only son sent to a world to save them, but I love it! It simply reminds me that each of us has a purpose and duty to everyone around us and sometimes ONLY we can do what needs to be done. That's a pretty positive message to me. (And remember this was written by two jewish guys)

Reason 2: I am now a father to two boys who have come into my world. one is my Step-son and the other will soon be an adopted son and I now see the entire cannon of Superman through the eyes of Jonathan Kent. Even though I wasn't involved with their births I have immediately formed the bond a father and son have. I look to their future and see my responsibility and purpose to make these boys into men who help those who cannot help themselves, protect those who cannot protect themselves and be the boring Superman that everyone knows will ALWAYS do what's right and good in spite of the sacrifice to themselves. 

I found this to be an amazing example growing up and even today. 

I was taught to find truth where ever it may be. whether in a holy script or in a children's comic book. 

I will always strive to be like Superman. I am kinda already there...one of my weaknesses is rocks so please don't throw them at me!

Maybe Kal-El, the son of Krypton, has become a antiquated hero. Maybe we no loner need an "unattainable ideal", but I like the idea that I can at least be Superman to my family. I hope you can too!

Heroes...Where are they?

Rarely do I get on a high horse. In fact I strongly urge you to never mount an equestrian animal when it is under the influence of illegal substance, but that's besides the point and a blogging adventure for another day. Today, however, I do feel impressed to express the power of heroes. 

I was a child who was molded by fiction. A lot of my morals were decided by answering the familiar question "What would Superman, Spidey, or Batman do?" For the most part during my forming years the heroes had a code and it seemed to line up with a pretty strict black and white, right or wrong mentality with the occasional test of scruples. I learned honesty, I found personal accountability, and realized someone needed to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. 

The superheroes never let me down. Every cartoon, tv show, movie or comicbook continuously threw them into physical, emotional, and psychological peril only to witness them rising from the ashes better than they were before and forever changed.

I consider myself a humorist and rarely add my two cents on things of a sensitive nature but the events in Boston have seemed to be hanging out at the Kwik-E_Mart of my mind for the last couple of days. The immediate question is always "WHY?" followed by "WTF?"...at least for me. I can understand the human emotions of frustration and anger, but it takes a lot to go from mad to hate and then to take violent action against someone. I don't understand that level of hate. We are constantly aware of these types of actions whether they be in our hometowns or on a global scale. 

My superheroes would want justice and for right to prevail and even revenge for the pain and suffering caused to innocent people, but my eyes, mind, and heart are constantly turned to those who run towards the danger, not to attack, but to help. THESE are the heroes. They don't usually even know what they are doing in the moment of chaos. All they know is that someone needs help and they are't going to wait for someone else to do it. The parents who work everyday with no thanks to keep their family safe and fed, those people who do what is right even when no one would ever know if they decided to do otherwise.

These are my real heroes.

I hate to say "bad guys" who do bad things have been around for a long time and will be around forever. Depressing, I know! 

But for my children, and for everyone else who loses hope during these times of violence and disaster I want to let them know that there will always be heroes to help, comfort, protect and to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. I also want them to know they don't need superhuman strength or galactic instilled powers of the Cosmos. They simply need to do SOMETHING! We can do something. Something good. Something kind. Something today

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world." -Mr. Rogers

HONORABLE PARENT FAIL or "Ninjago Jenius"?

Ok. Ok. I know I am not the first person anyone thinks of when it comes to parenting advice. In fact, people look to me as the exception to the rule, as in, "You had amazing parents so how did YOU turn out THAT way?"

I thought I would take a dive into the deep end of parenting these last couple years and STILL haven't read any parenting books...unless you count every issue containing Batman and Robin. (And we ALL know how that worked out, right? He has only had two out of five Robins die, so I consider that a win)

My son Simon just turn four but somehow added a million new words and abilities to manipulate and not do what his mother or I ask him to do. I usually don't ask for anything like massage my feet or change the baby's diaper, but he seems to think he is above such menial tasks like brushing his teeth, baths  and bed. Now, along with these new found four year old super powers, he has also found a new and intense love for the show called Ninjago. We never let him watch the show but somehow kids find out about these things anyway... some kids talk to each other! yeah, I know, it's crazy!

So one day I decided to pull myself away from my adult television show, Bob's Burgers, and see what my child is being influenced by. I noticed the classic ninja formula...ninja's with special powers fighting an evil gang of snake-like dudes searching for more weapons to rule the blah blah blah... However, Simon was glued to the TV like I was the first time I saw Godzilla stomp through the deserving Tokyo metropolis. Then, simon turned to me and said, "Dad, are you a Ninjago?"
Any good parent would say, "No, son, I am just your father who is here to provide food, shelter, and love for you." HA! Not I! I saw the moment as a way to use his recently acquired skills of manipulation against this ever growing four year old!!

Here is the conversation:

   Me: "Yes, I was a Ninjago."

   Simon: "What?! Really?"

   Me: Yes. I used to be the Red Ninja, but when I found your mother I promised I would give up the       life of the Ninjago and settle down and just be Batman on occasion."

   Simon: "Do you still have your swords and suit?"

   Me: "I still have my suit but I threw away the swords."

   Simon: "No! You shouldn't have thrown a way the swords."

   Me: "Don't worry I can still protect you. Simon, It is tradition for the Ninjago suit to be passed down from father to son, however, I can only give it to you if you are 'Honorable' and do what your mother and I ask of you.

   Simon: "OK!"

Since hat moment the word "honorable" is a staple part of any conversation with our son. Am I a bad father for blatantly lying to my son? MEH, I really don't care:) I'll break the news to him the same day I let him know I'm Santa too and give him a gift card to my therapist!

Nanananananananananana...BADDAD!

On My Own... (My Les Mis)

Silly publisher, books are for kids! In glorious fashion, a revelation fell from the heavens and opened my doubting eyes and showed me the grace I so longed to feel...ok not really...I have just decided to publish my ideas and stories on my own without the help of the Man/Woman who controls the mass media. So there is a freedom mixed with a touch of fear and insecurity that comes from making a "big boy" decision.

 This book "Where in the World Does the Odd Sock Go?" is available on Blurb and the following will be a fun novel  and "The Ballad of Billy Bob Quibble" So at least I am having fun and it keeps me off the streets.

 In the meantime, I will still be receiving the ever-kind rejection letters from publishers and agents. I will probably put them all in a scrapbook as well to look back with fondness.

Here's to the future where only those who fail will find success

IT'S TIME TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET...

In retrospect I've known all along...

No one sits down to discuss your feelings as a child, but I think I recognized I was different from the other kids as far back as kindergarten. I saw everything differently. I was drawn to things that were considered "alternative" by the ever dominate main stream crowd.

My parents were very accepting of my lifestyle and helped me to realize I'm ok just the way I am.
I tried to fit in and pretend I wasn't attracted to those things that had a negative connotation in society.

However with the passing of time and society gradually accepting those that are different, I have decided it's time to add my name to the group fighting for equality and acceptance. I have a responsibility to stand up for what I believe in in order to help other people who feel the way I do and are searching for guidance through the darkness of prejudice and shame.

I AM A GEEK.

I am able to say it with pride! It's so liberating to shout it out and feel the burden of secrecy lifted from my heart. I hope you can take me as I am and maybe realize I am just like you. I have different interests than most people but it doesn't make me less important than you.

I want to give some signs maybe someone you know is a closet GEEK. and hopefully it will help you be able to reach out to them and show them it's okay to be...them.

1. Does your GEEK get excited when you say you are going to the bookstore?
2. Have you ever found a mixture of comics and/or computer tech magazines under his/her bed?
3. Do they spring into bouts of rage when you say something like, "Green Lantern was a great movie."?
4. Has your Geek ever dressed up in homemade costumes on days other the Halloween and seemed happier

5. Do they ever end an argument by saying, "I wish you were_________!" (fill in fictional character name here)
6. Are they more comfortable discussing hypothetical issues like who wins in a fight between Han Solo and Captain Malcolm Reynolds.
7. Is your Geek currently explaining WHO Malcolm Reynolds is to you?
8. Ps. if you know who Malcolm Reynolds is...YOU ARE A GEEK!...Welcome
9. Can they carry on a conversation in a fictional language?
10. When they describe the perfect person to date it's sounds like a description of Batman or Lara Croft?
***If you answered yes to any of these questions you have a GEEK. Approach them cautiously as they are socially incapable of interaction with NORMAL humans.

Don't worry, there is help... and by help I mean you can never change them...they have been rejects all their life. So, if you can't beat them just put on a Superman shirt, grab a Harry Potter book, and join 'em by debating who would win in a fight between Endor and Kashyyk.

#5 rejection...THANK YOU.

                           REJECTIONS AND REBIRTH

            A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle with weapons and pizza boxes.#whyIlovebeingadad

I am not a philosopher on any level. I have a multitude of opinions that I shout from the rooftops and others I kept safe in sacred corners of my mind that I visit occasionally and keep alive by throwing them my preverbal loose change while saying, "don't spend it all in one place." I rarely dive into political, religious, or social debates anymore. I can only regurgitate in a paraphrase vomit, "The more I learn, the less I know." 

My life has been adventurous thus far and I have had no regrets...(except for that one BBQ chickenfoot I bought on the street corner in the Philippines) The one thing I have learned and will stand by and debate with anyone is that life is a series of rebirths. 

I have lived several lives already in my 38 years and intend to continue being beaten and rejected by life's trials while simultaneously finding new life and being reborn. You may take this to mean religious and that's fine, but I feel it's more than funneled into only religion. The Phoenix constantly dies then rises immediately rises once again from it's own ashes that haven't even had time to cool. In my constantly chaotic "artistic mind" I fight battles daily. there are amazing Victorian duals at dawn with creativity vs. laziness. sumo matches between fatherhood and immaturity. Don't forget the simple Cold War-like red button stand off between whether or not to get out of bed.

 I am now the guy whose only dangerous life choice is deciding if I want to brush my teeth or just live on the edge and see what happens if I give plaque a freeday.

I received #5 rejection from an agent. They so kindly write rejections that I almost felt good. Then I decided WHY THE HELL SHOUD I NOT FEEL GOOD. A good friend shared an interview with an artist and the artist said, (paraphrased) "Every time you're rejected you are that closer to finding success."

I agree like the beautiful southern black woman who sings every hymn with every ounce of her faith. AMEN! 

As I look back MOST of my life consists of my response to rejections and failures. And...in each case depending on how I responded to the situation either led me to more rejections or to an amazing success. Education, relationships, business, etc...

My ramblings today are confusing but simple. 

The moral of THIS rambling is that I am soo grateful for my failures. I now cherish them next to my homeless hidden opinions that I still visit on occasion. 

My failures have made me who I am today. I can look at my life as a success because of those failures.

So rejection #5...I look forward to as many as it will take until I can come back and say, "Thank you for helping me become better then I was when I received you in the mail Saturday January 19th

In other news...LOGAN OUT LOUD is back and re-opened! We had a stellar night with two back to back shows of improv comedy to full audiences. 

60 asses being laughed off. 120 hemispheres of the mind being blown. 360 abs happily hurting. 

Life is good and I love it!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF MILE HIGH CLUB

"Hey, daddy, I need to go potty."

I promise I have been thinking about the blog. You are not being neglected. You will neither hear me whine nor complain about why there hasn't been a blog in over two weeks. Since I looked back on the holidays and the new year a lot has happened! 

Where to begin...?

   BUSINESS: First of all as far as the "waiting game" for agents and publishers, it continues. No new news from Gary Gnu. 

HOMEFRONT: We decided to leave the negative degree weather and worst air in the country and headed to Orlando after Christmas. What could be better than that? I'll tell ya! making your sisters and families come too along with sending your parents off to Ghana! Yes Ghana. They are on a medical mission establishing programs to help train Audiologists and increase the medical help to a country in need. We already miss them but had a blast as my mother, sufferer of motion sickness rode the Harry Potter ride! 

In retrospect it was a blast. However I have to shoulder the responsibility for creating the 3 yr old Frankenstein. It wasn't his fault he spent almost a week with who we refer to as "the other person", coming home post Christmas chaos, having a cold, flying him 5 hours and changing two time zones, then throwing him into the over stimulating Universal Studios for three days, playing/ swimming with cousins, walking miles everyday, flying back home and then asking "Why are you acting this way?"

whew. (catching my breath)

Needless to say this is how you chemically create a very tired/ ornery child. Like I said I don't blame him at all. He was wide eyed for days as we turned corner after corner and met Dora, the Cat in the Hat, Wolverine, and of course Spiderman. When Cyclops said he would "See ya later." I say the facial equivalent of a tween meeting Justin Beiber. "Mommy. Mommy. He said he would see me later!!"

Having a freakishly tall 3 yr old we were able to take him on more rides and as Diana and I closed our eyes, flinched or screamed, Simon just smiled. 

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the people you love having a wonderful time together in spite of the ehaustion. Diana was made for Hogwarts.

P.S. The only way to se Harry Potter world is to get there super early, visit the rides, go see the rest of the park the go back to the hotel and enjoy the quiet afternoon while the throngs of the walking dead moan and and and wander aimlessly through the parks with glazed over eyes.

On our flight home Simon continued to ask to use the restroom so, being the kind hearted parent that I self-proclaim to be, or in other words...the one in the aisle seat, I took him. 

Now hundreds of comics have done bits about airlines but I haven't heard anyone speak of the challenge, no, the pure logistics of fitting two people into an airplane stall. The following isn't inappropriate, just dirty, but not the dirty you're mind is thinking...shame on you.

First of all I realized that the aisle in the airplane should be called the unforgiving catwalk as I noticed I walked like the beanpole models swinging my hips like pendulums trying to maneuver sleeping heads and outstretched elbows all the while trying to not make eye contact with everyone facing forward with nowhere else to look as well.

Simon and I make it to the stall and as I opened it we shuffled in. Simon looked at me as if to say, "There's not enough room in this here town for the both of us." but the tiny bladder won out over his need for space and took a seat on the ever cold toilet seat. Meanwhile, I was hitting my head on the low ceilings trying to get wipes and getting kicked in the shin by a 3 yr old bearing down regretting his food choices over the last few days.

Needless to say we started a new mile high club. one that only parents will know about. 

So a new year began and as I look back on 2012 I can only see it with happy tear filled eyes. I am blessed. I am happy. I am loved. Even with saying that my life is wonderful, we were allowed another blessing into our lives. A little over two years ago I was an old grumpy single artist happy with my life. NOW, I am a happy artist who has an amazing wife, a step-son who is the best person i know, two wonderful dogs and now we add temporarily (and hopefully permanent soon) our foster son named Sammy. My life has caught me up where I needed to be.
                                               I love life.