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After getting the album from Wilmington, NC’s Gravity Records a couple of days ago, this song has latched onto the short-term memory banks. Cool song that could have been a single, but wasn’t. 

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This was the ad I mentioned from the previous post. I’m sure it was in other comics, but I first remembered the ad from Batman 395. Even from the image of Batman and Robin, I knew I wanted to read this. 

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Personal Reflections on The Dark Knight Returns: Memories and a sort-of review

I think it was around the time of my birthday when I got a copy of Batman 395. That issue was the first issue of either Batman or Detective Comics I picked up from Blake Hill’s News Center in months. I don’t recall why I missed the last few issues of either title. Money was probably a little tight at the time with my family, especially during Christmas time. Still, I was excited to see a new issue of a comic book featuring my favorite character. The cover startled me a lot as well. Some thug points a gun directly at Batman’s forehead. The Caped Crusader appears angry; his brow furrowed, lips slightly opened at one side showing gritted teeth. This particular cover did draw me into the book, wondering what was going to happen within the book’s pages. Not much happened, other than the first appearance of the minor villain, The Film Freak. However, something else made the book stand out in my memory. Inside the book was an mail-order ad for a new four-issue series. In large, thin blue letters the declaration “The Dark Knight Returns” was made. A dark image showed Batman standing tall in the shadows. His hand rested on the shoulder of a Robin with red hair and thin-lensed glasses. I wanted to know who this new Robin was. I wanted to know how gritty this take on Batman was going to be. The problem was I had to shell out 13 dollars to DC Comics through the mail. I showed my mom the ad and asked if I could get this four-issue comic series. She turned me down flat. I don’t think it was because she’d be out 13 bucks, but my mom knew how I took care of the comic books I did have. The books I did have were ragged, some coverless. If she spent that much money on four comics, I would still tear those books up. At the time, I was disappointed. Looking back, I know my mom made a smart decision. Over eight years pass. November 1994. I can’t remember the exact day I’m thinking of, but I know it’s only a small amount of time since my grandmother died. The grief of that loss is still great, but my mom and I are trying to shop at Four Seasons Mall in Greensboro. We walk out of a shop on the third floor of the mall and run into a small kiosk. The top of the kiosk read “Acme Comics”, a store I had only seen once prior one July 4th holiday. Mom and I walked over to the kiosk and looked over the books the guy was selling. My eyes moved from book to book until I saw the cover of The Dark Knight Returns. At that time, I was getting and reading comics at a more regular basis at Spider’s Web Comics in High Point. From fan talk and industry hype, I knew of the stature and importance of this book. I also remembered the advertisement in Batman 395 to order all four issues by mail. I told my mom I’d like to get that book. She said it would be an early Christmas present. We paid the guy at the register and I felt my grief fade away for a moment or two. I thought I could lose those feelings a little more as I read a “new” Batman story. As my mom drove home, I sat in the passenger’s seat flipping through the my early Christmas gift. The artwork by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson was a little different from what I was used to. The line work and the bluish and greyish hues of color by Lynn Varley set the gritty look of Gotham and for select characters. A white-haired Bruce Wayne took me aback, even though I knew this storyline took place at a later time to then-current storylines. Thomas and Martha Wayne looked less glamorous compared to previous interpretations. Harvey Dent was bald and had a perfect visage. Selina Kyle was overweight, wore too much makeup, and had pink hair. All these images of characters and settings I knew were drastically different in this book. What was I getting myself into? What I can recall after that first read-through was the tone of the story. The story seemed to be reflective of the mood I was in. Those blue and gray tones I mentioned earlier seemed comforting about a darker, grimmer Batman than what I had been reading. Even after reading the Dark Knight Returns a few more times, I remember the art, the colors more than the story because I was drawn to those first. I forgot a number of plot lines, characters, and themes because of the dark tones of the art and story. Even as I write this...whatever it is, I don’t remember a lot about the story. The first thing I look at when I flip through the trade paperback collection are the backgrounds; the blue/grey skies, the darker grey clouds, the blue and grey backgrounds behind the talking heads on the television screen panels, the changes from the bright blue and grey with yellow oval of Batman’s first costume to the black cowl, darker grey suit and black bat of the latter costume. Of the story, I could only tell you the basic plot and key events. I hope to change that in the next few days or weeks. In the last three years, I’ve been able to get copies of all four issues of the Dark Knight Returns. I won’t go into how much I paid for all four books, but let’s say it’s a lot more than the 13 dollars my mom would have paid back in 1986. Having these four books ignited the desire to read the story in full again. I cannot say how long it’s been since I last read this story. It’s been a good while. So, what I aim to do is read all four issues and talk about my opinions and feelings overall about the story and other elements. I’ll probably even get into briefly about what I detested about later Frank Miller Batman stories, like the Dark Knight Strikes Again and All-Star Batman and Robin. We’ll see. So, bear with me as I get into part one: The Dark Knight Returns.

At the beginning of the story, a middle-aged Bruce Wayne literally drives himself to the brink of death inside a race car. Bruce is seeking the ultimate thrill, but cannot seem to find it. After dining with Commissioner James Gordon, he is confronted by a small gang who threaten, but do not attack Bruce. This encounter coupled with nightmares from his childhood, memories of his parents’ murder, and news reports citing numerous crimes drives Bruce to don the cape and cowl of Batman once again. 

As various reports cite the return of the Dark Knight and his exploits, Harvey Dent, with a repaired face and declared sane by Dr. Bartholomew Wolper, becomes a free man. Both men returning to Gotham City soon creates chaos. Dent soon mysteriously disappears and two different Army helicopters are reported stolen. People fear he has turned back to a life of crime. As tensions rise, a heavily-bandaged Dent appears on TV issuing a bomb threat. The two helicopters are sent to two adjacent towers as Batman appears. The Batman foils Dent’s bomb threat and confronts his former friend. As the bandages loosen from a couple of solid fists, Dent challenges Batman to tell him what what he sees. Although Dent’s face is surgically repaired on the surface, Batman sees a fully scarred face. He also sees the face of the bat that once scared him as a child. Batman tells Dent he only sees a reflection. The first issue of the series puts you in a bit of a roller coaster. As I read this time, I found myself critically analyzing the character of Bruce Wayne. He seems to be a bit lost, seeking ways to find the thrill he once had while donning the cape and cowl. Once he becomes Batman again, Bruce finds the thrill, the joy he lost when he retired. However, when confronting Harvey Dent, that light feeling of joy turns to a heavy weight. The action of becoming Batman can inspire some like a young girl whose life he saved in an arcade. That action can also bring about a negative effect like reawakening the Joker and push a man like Harvey Dent back to crime.  With the first issue, I think Frank Miller was performing a character analysis of Batman when he wrote this series. What drives a man who loses his parents to violent crime, dress like a bat, and fight crime? Would a man driven to this be considered sane? And would said man’s mission to stop crime inspire others to do the same or become antagonists to that mission? I think Miller does answer most, if not all, of those questions throughout this first issue. Do I agree with his conclusions. Time, and further reading, will tell.

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I’ve never heard this version before. I’ve only heard the 7-inch mix. Maybe I’ll run across this in the near future.

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This is such a classic record. Eddie is on fire here. In fact, the entire band is. I love the covers of (Oh) Pretty Woman and Dancing In The Street. I also prefer their cover of Where Have All the Good Times Gone to the Kinks’ original. This is my second favorite Van Halen album.

#RIPEddie #VanHalen

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Some recent #vinyltherapy selections.

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Last night’s vinyl therapy record. An underrated gem by Elton John.

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What is Vinyl Therapy?

Since New Year’s Eve 2016, I’ve exercised a new form of catharsis for my well being. This isn’t a new or revolutionary practice, but it’s a form of recovery from a tough day or a funk or a deep, dark depression. This cathartic practice helps with overcoming the bad vibes and helps one escape from the people and situations causing those vibes and harm to my mind, body, and soul.  I call it vinyl therapy.

What is vinyl therapy, you may ask? Well, if you follow my Instagram and Facebook, it consists of playing a bunch of albums aloud or on headphones. It doesn’t matter what type of music it is. As long as the music you play is music you love and can relax, even escape from the insanity and outright bullshit of life, one can find peace and comfort. Problems can be solved easier, You may be able to find the meaning of your life, what your purpose may be. This therapeutic act can also reinvigorate creative juices and get you back to working on something you enjoy creating.   Vinyl therapy isn’t just playing the records, though. Therapy also consists of what I will call the hunt. Seeking out the right records at record stores can also be a practice of letting go of all the stress you hold within you and finding some great music. Finding records you’ve never heard by singers or bands you like or even trying out an artist you’ve never heard before, but the album cover looks pretty cool. Even setting foot inside a record store can be a release. Seeing racks upon racks of albums shows the wealth of opportunity to find that great record. One may find their favorite album or a buried treasure that hasn’t been heard by his or her ears. All of this is a part of vinyl therapy. There is one final aspect of vinyl therapy. Records, whether they be LPs or 45s or even 78s and 3-inch records, have to be well taken care of. Cleaning the records with a good record cleaning fluid and a microfiber cloth can also be a stress reducing activity. Storing the records properly isn’t really therapeutic. It’s a practical act.

Now I just need to get some proper storage.... Anyway, that explains the basic concept of what vinyl therapy is. Well, almost. To break it down even further, vinyl therapy takes place when you sit in your favorite chair or in the floor or wherever, put on your favorite music, play it lout on your speakers or in your headphones, and relax. Let the music take over and alleviate the stress from the day. That’s what vinyl therapy is about. Honestly, you don’t need vinyl to undertake this therapy. Whatever you prefer CDs, your phone, cassettes, or, dare I say, 8-tracks or reel-to-reels, sit down and just listen to your favorite music. You may gain a better perspective on your life. Maybe you’ll hear something of a particular song you’ve never heard before. We miss a lot of little nuances of our favorite songs when we just use the music as a soundtrack to whatever activity we’re doing. If you haven’t stopped what you’re doing and just listened to a song, try it sometime. I guarantee you’ll be better for it.

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I think this may be my song. The lyrics a mantra, if you will. Don’t ask me what I think of you. I might not give the answer that you want me to.

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Within the last few months, I’ve listened to my vinyl copy of Aladdin Sane and gained a greater appreciation of the album. Once I brewed over some of the songs I didn’t know that well, I must say that almost every song on the record is a classic.  This song, while not one of the most recognizable songs on the album, is arguably the best. Bowie’s seductive lyrics and vocals, Mick Ronson’s flamenco-style guitar solo, the grandeur of the piano played by Mike Garson, these elements make “Lady Grinning Soul” one of Bowie’s most underrated songs. The ballad is one of the more beautiful songs in Bowie’s catalog, for certain. Written for the singer Claudia Lennear, the style of the song and its lyrics are both romantic and alluring. The subject of the song, the Lady Grinning Soul herself, is like a goddess to Bowie, yet down to earth in some instances. The woman does drive a Volkswagon Beetle and plays a mean hand of Canasta. Still, Bowie does say this woman won’t stake her life on the object of her desire. He also says “she will be your living end”. Those lines could be interpreted in different ways. The Lady Grinning Soul could be a cool customer who won’t let anyone in emotionally, yet will let you touch her breast. The lines could also mean something a little more sinister, but that, again, is left to interpretation by the listener. 

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Respect Your Privacy

We live in troubled, tumultuous times. The current government leads its citizens towards a path that divides them in various societal facets. The struggle for equality reaches another peak in the roller coaster ride as women, African-Americans, and other non-white males fight for equality within the borders of this country. People fear for the worst or hope for a favorable outcome as the November elections inch closer to a reality. 

But I’m not going to add more fuel to the fire. Not yet.

No, at the moment I’m not concerned with any of those issues at the surface of the dissention and potential dissolution of our society. I’m focusing on another aspect of society that could probably lead to the root of why we are the way we are. If not, then it’s a factor that aides in the changes in attitudes and the social climate of the United States and probably the entire world.

At my day job and in my travels out and about, I notice people talking on their cell phones. However, they’re not putting the phone to their ears. They have the speaker phone option on and carry on a conversation as if no one else is around them. Conversations that once were conducted on landline phones can now be conducted anywhere in public.

What else does that mean? Information that once was and arguably should be considered private is now public. That means heated arguments with friends, your sex life (or lack thereof), that surgery your aunt is getting to remove that sixth toe or complaining about the twelfth bowel movement you had today. It’s all out there for the world to know about. 

And that’s not the only place people tell every little detail that goes on in their wasted lives. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a number of social media platforms serve as outlets for one’s dirty laundry and self-loving displays. Through highly informative status updates and selfies plastered all over the news feeds of many, the rest of the world will know what you do in and out of your home. Everyone will also know that you think very highly of yourself, almost to an obscene level. 

So why do we do it? Why does the majority of people feel the need to post nearly everything about their lives? Is one seeking acceptance of some kind for themselves and/or others? Are people expressing their narcissistic tendencies in a way far grandiose than looking at themselves in a mirror? Do they have an uncontrollable urge to make themselves feel more important than what they really are?  

No matter the reason, all these actions sacrifice a precious commodity many have failed to realize they have neglected: our privacy. In the height of social media, privacy has been swept away by our need to stand out, to be seen, to be observed, to be heard. While being seen, heard and accepted isn’t a bad thing, at times that need could be seen in a negative light. 

There is no need to take a “very important” phone call at the check out line at the grocery store. There is no need to take a selfie in every place you set foot in. There is no need to tell the entire world (or at least your followers or friends list) where you are or where you’re going to be at every waking moment. It’s simply unnecessary, unwarranted, and irresponsible. Special events like a graduation or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, that’s okay. But every moment? “I just took a long shit and I feel relieved. I’ve gotta take a selfie.” No. 

When you take a selfie or make a comment on any social media platform, it’s an invitation for other people to make commentary on what you do or say. Such actions also allow people to pry into your private life. When one continually makes frequent personal comments, invasion of privacy becomes a much easier act for others to commit. You practically open a door to your life for anyone to steal information or harass you without mercy. So, conduct your social media life and personal phone conversations like you would with your personal life. Keep it under lock and key unless you absolutely trust someone else with a key. Of course, I say all this on a social media platform. Could posting this sacrifice any of my privacy? Possibly...

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The Return

A long time has passed since my last blog and now. To say the last two years, especially last year, was the most turbulent in my life would be a gross understatement. Despite all those stressful moments, I come away scathed and scarred, but still alive. I’m ready to take on the next challenges life has to offer. Well, so I hope. The next entry? Later today. And watch out! It’s a scathing one.

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For today’s viewing... (at Regal Cinemas Palladium 14 & IMAX)

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The movie for tonight’s viewing. (at Regal Cinemas Palladium 14 & IMAX)

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Some of the records for today’s vinyl therapy session.

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This is one of the few videos that gave me the creeps as a kid. I played this and a few others before I delved into some old Gabriel-era Genesis albums I picked up recently. Amazing song and quite relevant considering some of the leaders of our world’s nations in current times.

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Thoughts on Free Comic Book Day 2018

Since 2012, I’ve been a part of the large attendance of Acme Comics’ Free Comic Book Day festivities. I got to the line as early as I could on a number of occasions and stood in line to be one of the first hundred or two to get a bag of free comics. After I got in, I would shop inside the store and pick up the books from my pull list. If I planned to stay the day, I would get one free sketch from one of the artists attending the event at one of the other participating stores in the strip. Later, I’d get something to eat at one of the restaurants in the strip and go back to the store to hang out before I finally went home. I would be tired, but I would be elated in the fact that the day was well spent with like-minded people who love the medium of comic books. This year was different. Much different.  The last year had been quite tumultuous for a number or reasons. The sister store, Acme Comics Presents, had closed at the end of last year. Much of the merchandise sold there moved to the main store. Over the last two years, the faces of Acme had changed as well. Old, familiar faces changed to new, somewhat familiar faces These changes weighed heavy on the overall mood of the store environment, but as does many things, time and a little help heals all wounds. Personally, pondering upon the prospect of this year’s FCBD became bittersweet. For the last two years, I was joined by someone who I thought was a good friend and her two kids. We’d stand in line, the kids looking in stores and I’d crack jokes. My lady friend would roll her eyes at my weird, yet funny comments. Everyone had a great time, especially me. I had grown fond of those three people, especially the kids’ mother. This year would be the first year that I would be without their company since the fall out. I looked forward to be in line and enjoy the day’s festivities, but to be able to share that experience with someone I deeply cared about still weighed a bit on my mind. As they say, things change. Last year, the collection to the comic book series I created with Kev Lyerly, The Adventures of Teague: Retail Specialist finally came out after a two-year delay. After talking to Jermaine Exum, the manager at Acme Comics, Teague found a place on the shelves of the store’s independent section. Four out of the initial five copies sold, much to my utter surprise and helped boost my morale. Hearing how well the book sold in the store gave me a great deal of pride. The promotion and hard work were paying off again. Interest was growing again for the book. I began writing more seriously again. Things slowly picked back up to a momentum I had not experienced in at least two years. Then, I got a PM from Jermaine on my Twitter account. He asked me if Kev and I would be interested in showcasing our book and art for Acme’s Free Comic Book Day event. Without hesitation, I said yes, but had to check with Kev on his availability. I immediately switched screens on my computer to Facebook and sent a message. Kev checked his schedule, pondered over it a moment, and said yes. We were in. Ecstatic would be the closest word I could use to describe how I felt about the opportunity presented to us. I started shopping for comics at Acme around 2004. I first attended a FCBD event at Acme in 2010 (I could be wrong about that. I’m not sure). Through the development of Teague, I thought about the prospects of putting a comic book I wrote inside Acme’s walls and being behind a table to promote the book. Now the opportunity to do so was presented to me. I was ready.  But it almost didn’t happen.  Some changes were made to that week’s schedule and I was slated to work that Saturday. My mood fell as if it were on a cliff and the cliff was destroyed by a rocket missile, the rock crumbling beneath me. I went to my store manager, who made the new schedule, and told him about putting in for this day months ago and I was booked to be at this event. He said he would fix the issue and get back with me. This put a big damper on my and Kev’s plans. Kev debated on cancelling, but I told him if I could not do it, he could. This would give him an new audience to showcase to. I did tell him that I would be there one way or another, though. On Monday, I reminded my boss about the schedule and he would work on it. Later that day, he told me that I would get Saturday off (much to my relief), but I would have to work a long Thursday. I told him that was fine with me and I thought “as long as I have Free Comic Book day off, damnit!” Once that was cleared up, the anticipation built. Flash forward to Friday afternoon. Kev picked me up from my house and we were off to Greensboro to set up our table at Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery. The owners of Smallcakes were gracious enough to host all the artists who would be attending the event since Acme didn’t have the room to hold all the artists. (We could have sat on top of the back issues...Nah!) We got to the shopping center early and walked to Smallcakes first. Kev and I spoke to the owner of the place after noticing nothing had been set up yet. Keep in mind we were early. So we traversed to Acme and gave them a hand with the set up. Kev and I brought a few chairs from the store to Smallcakes as Acme’s staff were putting up the tables. Once the basic set up was done, it was time to put up our wares. Kev and I set up the bookmark wire stand, the prints, his portfolio, and the Teague trades. All was set for Saturday.

The actual day started a little slow, only because people had to get their free comics first. Around 10:20, people came to Smallcakes and checked out everyone’s table set-ups. People flocked to a few tables like Brian Richardson’s, who usually has a ton of Disney characters which is popular with a lot of kids. Griff Person, who was positioned across from us, had one person immediately stay at his table for almost an hour. We soon got some of the foot traffic and people were snatching up bookmarks. I had a few people look at the book, one or two even peeking inside, but no takers. Despite the lack of sales on my part, I greeted numerous people and helped Kev keep up his half of the table. Spirits continued to be high.  I eventually sold one copy of Teague to a long time Acme customer. She and I talked for at least an hour about books, comic stores, and personal relationships. After signing the book, she started talking with Kev about a mutual acquaintance and I ventured through Smallcakes, looking at the art from the other vendors. I spoke with artists like Colby Ziglar, Brian Richardson, Merryn Kepchar, and another good friend, Rickie Hopkins. We both talked about what has happened in our lives and how it’s affected us personally and professionally. Miscommunication on both sides, especially mine, halted a project I had written and he started art on. Now we’re both re-energized and wiling to get this project back on track. Rickie surprised me twice on this day. First, he gave me a page of the Capital Punishment story we did for Grayhaven Comics in 2015. Then, Rickie did a quick sketch of my character Teague. Surprised and flattered described my feelings on receiving such gifts. Now, I have to find a way to repay him by getting work done on our project in one form or another. After 5pm, Kev and I took down our displays, packed the car, and headed to Acme for a brief visit. We both obtained a bag of free comics and I picked up my stack of comics from my pull box. We talked briefly with a few of the artists and some of the attendants to the event. All seemed to have had a great day. I spoke to Jermaine at the counter and told him how our day went. He was pleased to hear how great a time Kev and I had. As we arrived back in Thomasville, Both Kev and I took time to relax, eat, and bask in the good vibes we had joking around with each other, playing a little music before the day ended, and talking blaxploitation flims with Jody Merriman after I played Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly.  Overall, what a day it was. For me, this was a bit of a milestone for me. I credit Acme Comics and its manager Jermaine Exum in part for getting me seriously interested in comic books again and for piquing my interest in writing comic books. Over the years, I’ve seen the community he’s built at Acme and I have enjoyed being a part of it whenever I stepped through the door. This Free Comic Book Day was proof of how the Acme Comics community nurtures the creativity, the drive, and the interest of creators and fans alike. This sense of community was clearly noted by Kev, who has been jaded by other comic book retailers over the years. He left Acme that day impressed by the nurturing and supportive environment Jermaine and his staff create on Free Comic Book Day.  I personally have to thank Jermaine, Austin, Pete, Ryce, and the rest of the Acme Comics staff who took a chance to carry The Adventures of Teague and giving it support. I also thank them for giving me and Kev the opportunity to promote ourselves, our art and books, and to be around such a positive environment. The comics community can be callous, unappreciative, and unsupportive at times. It’s good to know there still are places a comics creator can go and feel a sense of belonging and love for comics, especially on Free Comic Book Day.