Those Amazing Comics!

       Through all of our media stretching its electronic hand into our chroma lumina world turning many of us into somnabulistic refugees who almost forget to leave the house once in a while, the written word has not only prevailed but has managed to once again knock down the walls of Jericho. These Kindles holding entire books are quite convenient for travel purposes but do we really want to lose the precious bound paper with those glorious words that take us down our road of choice? Or collecting those rare volumes with embossed covers, and the special editions that stand out from the rest? Well…the compromise may have always been the world of comic books.

       Waiting for your beloved issue of that special superhero and the bringing down of his stronghold, the wrath of the dastardly villan wreaking havoc on their fair city, or those tales of the unexpected in the wee morning hours scaring ourselves with unbridled glee. Those were the days…and still are!

       The “Batman” passion has never left our culture. In the true sense of the word he was a tragic figure having had his parents murdered before his very eyes and warring eternally against any and all injustice that may befall the innocent. Yes, we love the campy ”Batman” series with “Adam West” and “Burt Ward” but that was not an accurate depiction of the “Dark Knight”. His outrageous enemies were maniacal egomaniacs hell-bent on gaining restitution from the world for their afflictions of torment.

       The “Superman” comics underwent many changes as well as “Batman”. The suits had been modified to roll with the times, as well as the high-tech toys they used to befuddle the bad boys on the run. Even “Jack Nicholson” said in the first of the “Batman” films…”He always has the best toys”. And he did.

       Remember “The Fantastic Four” who were inundated with special powers in an accidental experiment? Ben Grimm getting the worst of it becoming a hideous creature. My favorite “Swamp Thing” with the dynamic artwork of “Bernie Wrightson” shaping our would be hero into a twisted caricature leading a lonely life of solitude. “Superman” and his band of women in his life all had the initials L. L. And Lex Luthor got in on that letter thing as well. Rescued by his loving parents by being fired away from the decimating planet Krypton, lands on Earth and is raised by the “Kent’s” leaving him an adopted child with obvious massive strength knowing he is different from the rest. Our heroes in actuality lead a suffering life. When much is given, much is required, and that is an insurmountable responsibility to carry.

       On the lighter side remember those “Archie” comics and how we laughed at the laziness of Jughead? Or the rivalry between Reggie, the mirror worshipping self-important young man, and Archie, the more easy-going everyman for the affections of Veronica? Somehow always leaving Betty the nice girl in the dust.

       “Hot Stuff (the little devil) a “Casper” type always trying to do good but faltering to his nasty ways with the devilish powers bestowed upon him. “Richie Rich” the spoiled little bored to tears boy who longed to be like the regular kids but was forever reminded of his wealthy position, was a sad story of sorts but somehow managed to find an outlet from his invisible cage. They bring us fun, fantasy, and memories we’ll never forget.

       Tell me what comics you remember in your life and I’ll tell you how amazing they were and still are.