Two Questions: When We Want to Treat Ourselves a Bit...

 

Redartz:  Greetings; this week we are engaging again in a bit of `get to know each other' . Our two questions are somewhat related,  and over the years we have possibly touched upon this area. Nevertheless,  this week we take a good look at how we spend our time and money when we can spoil ourselves a little.  Everyone needs a little 'me time', and it doesn't hurt to give yourself a treat now and then. In that spirit,  here's our questions:

1. When you have the opportunity to splurge a little on yourself these days,  what do you do / buy ?

2.  Looking back over your life, other than comic books, what hobbies/ pastimes did you/ do you indulge in?  

As always,  I wouldn't ask you to answer anything that I wouldn't,  thus here are my responses:

1. Lately I've been busy on Ebay. Splurging generally involves the purchase of a vintage comic,  especially a "Sugar and Spike", or a Silver Age horror anthology. . While my collection overall  has been shrinking,  I still pick up a book here and there. Of course I'm also splurging on music, adding cds to my collection at an unprecedented pace. At this point in time cds seem to be priced dirt cheap, and it's a great opportunity. Just picked up a 5 disc boxed set of "Ken Burns Jazz" for 4 dollars and change. Figure it's just a matter of time before cds become the next hot retro item...

A few recent splurges...

2.  My father had many interests,  and he passed that trait on to his progeny. At one time or another I've collected coins, stamps, baseball cards,  leaves, rocks, fossils,  records and Hot Wheels. Most of those phases came and went. But I still enjoy studying fossils,  and have a big slab of Ordovician seabed (with crinoids, brachiopods, bryozoans and trilobites) on my desk at work.  And then listening to that music mentioned above is another treasured pastime. Add in the watercolor painting,  and reading- there's not really time for work, but I fit it in!

Now then, let's hear about all your interests and indulgences! 

Oh, for the benefit of anyone interested in fossils,  here is the fossiliferous slab from my work desk. Found in an outcrop near Cincinnati,  Ohio on a trip with a group of local rockhounds. A remarkable feeling, pulling such a piece from it's resting place and knowing you're the first creature to lay eyes upon it for some 200 million years plus...

Two Questions: Field of Dreams, Comics Style

 

 Redartz: If you're any fan of American Baseball, you've heard about the recent "Field of Dreams" game. If not, you may be familiar with the iconic Kevin Costner movie by that title. Well, in both cases, part of the charm (perhaps the whole point) is the magical blending of past and present. Or to paraphrase James Earl Jones' speech, ...All that was good...and could be again...". 

Anyway, it seemed like it might be fun to apply that approach to comics. Just how, you ask? Well, in a two fold question form, that's how. And for our UK contingent, never fear- you can answer these questions too; they aren't baseball specific. Shall we begin?

The first part of the question parallels the movie, bringing the past into the present. Therefore, your challenge is to think of a comic book or series from the past  (say, before Marvel circa 1961). Then offer your ideal creative team of Bronze age-or-later  vintage to bring new life to that title. 

My submission: It's common knowledge that I loved Marvel's "Man-Thing " series, especially under Gerber and Ploog. And the book still gets reboots in our current world. So, let's dig waaaay back to the EC Comics of the 1950s and try Ghastly Graham Ingels on the book! Bet he'd be a perfect fit...

Man-Thing by Mike Ploog

 

Old Witch by Graham Ingels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second part of the question is based upon the recent game, wherein the present was revised as the past. Your challenge here is just the opposite of the first part, i.e. name a recent (Bronze age or later) comic or series, and present a classic creative team from the Halcyon Days of Early Comicdom. 

My submission: Anyone familiar with "Lady Luck"? A cool character created by  Will Eisner and Chuck Mazoujian,published as part of the famous "Spirit Sections", and by  Quality Comics. To my mind, the first choice for a contemporary artist for her would be Bruce Timm. I'd buy that book in a heartbeat!

 

Lady Luck by Gill Fox

Batgirl by Bruce Timm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, and incidentally- for any fellow baseball fans out there, feel free to toss in a comment or two about the movie and/or the game. If you haven't guessed yet,  I enjoyed both. And I'm ecstatic that next year's Field of Dreams game will involve the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs.  Oh, for a ticket...

Two Questions: "You Can't Go Home Again"...But.......

 

 Redartz: Hello gang; hope you're up for a little introspection. I'll try to keep things light, never fear! This week's post was prompted by an experience I had over the past weekend. Being Mother's Day on Sunday, I went back North to my hometown to visit my Mom (having moved around some, she has ended up back where we started). The visit was great, had a good time visiting with her and with other family members. When the event ended, I had a little extra time available before I needed to hit the highway for home. So on a whim, I decided to take a little drive around the old haunts and see how things had changed. 

As it turned out, much had. Sadly, my hometown fell victim to the worst effects of recession and loss of industry. I knew that going in, but it kind of struck me more intently; seeing so many familiar sights gone. There were a few businesses actually remaining that I recalled from, well, forty years ago. And there were some signs that there was still some life in the town, despite the omnipresent empty buildings and abandoned lots. But perhaps what hit me hardest was my stop at a local park; one I visited very frequently as a youth (indeed, among my very earliest memories is a trip to said park with my family and cousins, drinking Kool-Aid and swinging on the swingsets). Long story short, the park was being eliminated. All the swings and attractions were gone. Picnic tables gone. Even the trees were being cut down. It was.....disappointing. 

But, as I said above, I don't want to get too down here. As they say, the only constant in life is change. Which brings us to our questions. After I left town and was on the three hour drive home, I had the radio (Sirius XM) going full bore.  The music, all 70's and 80's, perked me up quickly, as did the knowledge that some of the changes I witnessed would work for the good. So,  our questions:

1.  How has your 'origin town' changed! Have you visited recently; or perhaps even still live there? Is there much remaining that would have been familiar to young you? 

2.  If you are needing a little 'blast from the past', how do you achieve it? We surely have many ways, in this day of internet availability. Additionally, where do you find elements of optimism, signs of improvement, as you look around you physically and culturally? If you were a teen today, what would you look back on fondly? 

Again, hope this isn't too...navel-contemplative. Just kind of put me in a thoughtful state of mind this week. At any rate, here's a sneak preview hint for next week: a look at BWS...

Two Questions: Close Shaves and Near Misses

 

Redartz:  This week's two questions are sort of flip flops of each other. You may ask; whatever do you mean? Well, rather than explain, let's proceed and you shall see..

1.  Most of us here have at least several decades of activity under our expanding belts. Some of us a bit more so. In the course of those decades, we have probably had a few 'close shaves', that is, situations in which we managed to escape a fate which would have prevented us from adding any more years to our tally. Or, at least, we avoided a most unpleasant consequence. Our first question therefore is: 

Have you had a 'close shave' that you'd care to share?

My 'close shave' tale took place in my Senior year of high school.  I've notoriously always had a rather high threshold of pain, which is sometimes good; sometimes a problem. In this case it was the latter. I'd had stomachaches for a couple days, and even stayed home from school from the affliction. I didn't think anything of it, but my parents were getting concerned that I wasn't improving. So they hauled me off to the Emergency Room for a check, wherein the doctor determined that my appendix was just about to burst. Before I could even ask any questions, I was loaded onto a gurney and sped down the hospital corridor towards the Operating Room.  But what actually shook me up- as we were heading into the OR, we passed a big Police Officer standing in the hallway. As I passed he looked down at me, took off his hat and said, "Good luck, son". Now I started to worry. Needlessly, as it turned out. The surgeon later told me he was afraid I'd rupture as he was removing the appendix, but it didn't happen, and a week later I was back home recuperating. 

2.  The flip side of that question asks :

Have you come close to a great experience, accomplishment or acquisition, but juuuuust missed out on it for one reason or another?

 My tale: Not a huge miss, in the big scheme of things, but a situation where I still kick myself a bit. A couple years ago I stopped at a local garage sale (it was a Saturday morning, and I was on my way to work). Always on the lookout for some comics, I had noticed this particular sale had advertised having them. And yes, they had some; mostly a bunch of forgettable 90's miscellany. However, the fellow did offer one small box. He asked thirty dollars for it; upon opening it I was faced with a small stack of various comics from the 1950's; mostly humor, Disney, and kid's books. But there were also several vintage horror books, and the thing was, all these books were in pretty nice condition. Problem was, I didn't have the money on me, and I was running late to get to work. So I passed on the box, and left. But it didn't take me long to regret not getting that box. By lunchtime I went back, swung by the bank machine and crossed my fingers. Sadly, the box and it's promising contents were gone. It was frustrating then, and more so now that those vintage horror and humor books are drawing much greater collector interest than they once did. Oh well.....

 There's my stories. What are yours? 

Two Questions: Just How Musically Eclectic Are You?

 

Redartz: If there's anything as much fun to discuss as comics, it must be music. And we've made reference to many kinds of music here over the years; as we have as many musical preferences as we have community members. Many of us, myself included, consider our personal musical tastes to be fairly eclectic. Well, this week we intend to find out just how eclectic we really are...

Thus our questions this time around first ask for your judgement, and then will give said judgement a bit of a test. Call it an experiment, a bit of fun, or a goof. I'll accept the praise or brickbats either way.

First the personal assessment:

1.  Name at least three genres of music you enjoy listening to, and give us an example. 

Next, the practical test:

2.  If you have a device with the capability, set your music player to random and hit it  5 times. That should be sufficient to give as a taste of your taste! Let us know what those  songs turned out to be.If you've no such music player, feel free to blindly pull a few records /cds from your storage and name those. No fair skipping, if something embarrassing comes up we have to own up to it (God help me here; lol)!

No doubt you all are breathlessly awaiting me to start things off, so wait no more. My answers are...

1. Pop. I love pop, just good old unpretentious pop. As an example I'll give ABBA, and "Honey, Honey". Much of ABBA's output could serve as a solid example here. And I love just about everything they did.

 Blues. A trip to Memphis years ago with my wife really ignited my interest in this genre. One favorite cut is Amos Milburn and "Down the Road Apiece". Discovered this gem on a terrific compilation cd I snagged at a yard sale.  A great way to find new music on the cheap.

Broadway/Show Tunes. My parents played such music extensively as I was growing up, and it stuck with me. Probably my favorite is "Fiddler on the Roof"; all of it is phenomenal but the opening is spectacular. Tevye introduces the tale in fine form as storyteller and singer.

There's my three genres; I could go on extensively but would hate to bore you. So, now let's see what my Random Music Player says about me.

2. Cut one: Thin Lizzy, "The Boys are Back in Town"

Cut two:  Lorne Greene, "Ringo"

Cut three:  The Beach Boys, "Surfin' USA"

Cut four: Dinah Washington, "The Way I Feel This Morning"

Cut five:  Lene Lovich, "New Toy"

Well, I got off pretty easy. A good mix of styles and eras, and none of my Alvin and the Chipmunks tunes showed up. Okay, now let's hear from you. What wide ranging musical magnificence do you enjoy, and to what extent will your player show it? 

 

 

Two Questions: "Music with Stories, and Stories with Music"

 

Redartz:  Music and stories (particularly comics), two of my favorite things. And most, if not all, of you would say the same, no doubt. Which brings us to this week's twin  questions:

1.  What are your favorite ' story songs'? 

I love story songs, As in songs that tell a tale, or carry a narrative, to some extent anyway. I'd have been quite comfortable back in the days of wandering minstrels, singing ballads touting the exploits of various heroes and heroines. Of course, there have been plenty of story songs within our lifetimes, even if no lute-bearing minstrel performed them. Two of those high on my list:

Men at Work, "Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Jive"

 

 

Vicki Lawrence, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"

2. What musically-themed comics (or novels) have you enjoyed? 

Other than reading several musical biographies, I can't off hand think of any novels, but there have been numerous comics inspired by or adapting musical themes that caught my fancy. A couple: 

Doctor Strange 32, in which Roger Stern culls a character from Gary Wright's 1976 classic tune.

 Then there's "Bop"; an anthology published by Kitchen Sink in 1982. Filled with a variety of musical stories, from such creators as Marc Hempel, Trina Robbins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Harvey Pekar and Alex Toth. Unfortunately it only appeared once, and promptly vanished from the comics horizon...

Now, as usual, the baton passes to you. What story songs kept your ear cocked to the radio; and what musical literature added melody to your reading?

 

 

Two Questions: Comics That You Miss, and Experiences That You Didn't Miss!

Redartz:  Hi folks. This week's twin topic was partially inspired by a conversation on Facebook, one which seemed worthy of some expanded discussion at the hands of BitBA assembled. What was that question, you may ask?  Well, the original topic asked if anyone wished for all the comics they had ever bought to somehow be reacquired and resting upon their shelves. To narrow that down a bit, 

1. What single book /collectible do you most regret parting with, whether by choice, chance or necessity?

As for the second question, I wanted to sort of flip/flop the idea, as it seems sad to dwell on regrets. So, (and for this question we are expanding the answer field to any and all life experiences!), for your further consideration: 

2.  Name a single experience , looking back over your life to this point, that you are particularly pleased/proud/glad to have lived through? And yes, as likely you also would posit, parenthood /spousehood may come to mind first. So we'll assume those experiences as a given, and look for something a bit more.......unique. As an example, see my answer below.

My answers: 

1.  Over my collecting career, at various times I've been proud possessor of many key books. But if allowed to 'repossess' just one of them, it would be Amazing Spider-Man Annual 1. And I have it in the ASM Omnibus, so it's readable at any time, but that single giant remains the most perfect comics package ever, imho.

2. There are numerous (sixty years gives you a lot of time, if you're fortunate, to do a bunch of stuff). But to pick one, it would be my experience on the musical stage. You see, although I can be a bit talkative, in 'real life' I'm somewhat introverted. Less so now, but as a youth extremely so. In college a girlfriend was very active in the theater, and one summer she finally persuaded me to join her in performing in a local summer stock musical production of "Camelot". This was no small leap of faith for me, as I generally shunned any spotlight, and was rather shy. Looking back, perhaps that's why she hounded me into giving it a try. So, after a few weeks of awkward rehearsals and loads of practice, young Redartz could be seen in the chorus, as a knight, singing and dancing in tights and cape. And you know what? She was right, it turned out to be a lot of fun. I'm still a lousy dancer and my singing voice is atrocious, but she helped me grow a bit out of myself, and for that I'll always be grateful. Oh, and I can still recite  the lyrics to "The Lusty Month of May"...

So there you are, two tiny slices of personal history. Fair is fair, now. Your turn, let's all hear what tidbits you have to share!

Two Questions: Reading List and Shows We Missed...

Redartz:  Welcome once again! Going with a bit less labor-intensive post this week, as we feature the return of "Two Questions". To refresh your memory, we simply ask two questions and await your collective answers. Pretty straightforward, isn't it?

 As for our questions for the week, here goes:

 1. Many of us have had some extra time on our hands lately what with that global pandemic and the consequent quarantines. Have you been using some of that time to catch up on your reading, and if so, what?

My answer: I've been reading Ray Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man", and "100 Years of Baseball". As for comics, I've read "Avengers: the Legancty of Thanos"  tpb (reprinting the Stern/Buscema arc with the Skrulls and Nebula). Also several Spider-man Annuals. And, the six-part series "Archie Marries Veronica / Archie Marries Betty" by Mike Uslan and Stan Goldberg. Also, numerous issues of the newer Archie series by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples. Aaaand, several various DC Horror anthologies (House of Secrets, House of Mystery and The Witching Hour). 

2. Looking back to our Bronze age years of the 70's and 80's, there were many very popular tv shows; the type of shows that everyone would be talking about the next day at school or work. But 'everybody doesn't like something (although I've heard nobody doesn't like Sara Lee)'. Were there any shows that everyone else seemed to watch but that you never did?

My answer: "All in the Family". Practically everyone I knew watched the show faithfully; but I never saw a single episode until just a couple years ago. The main reason: it was scheduled on Saturday night, opposite "Emergency" on NBC. As that was my favorite show for some years, I never tuned in to anything else.

Ok, gang; your turn. What say you?

Two Questions: Remnants of Youth and the Women of Comedy!

Redartz:  I've been 'hogging the mike' lately , so here's a chance for those of  you who've been saving up a good topic. We are dealing with two questions this week; I'm providing one,  you get to submit the other. Fair is fair, right?

Question 1: Do you still have any of your original comics /toys/books/memorabilia from your youth? 

For many of us, those old toys and comics went away with the trash years ago, or were donated, or sold (my Mom did annual yard sales, and that's where many of my items went). Some things just 'disappeared' . I've no idea whatever happened to my old baseball cards ; when I was about 9 years old a neighbor who was a big Cincinnati Reds fan traded me a whole box of late 50's/early 60's Topps baseball cards. All he wanted were the Reds players I'd picked up among my 1970 Topps cards. That old box of cards would be quite a find now; but it vanished inexplicably before I even reached ten. Alas...

 Nonetheless, I do still have a number of the actual things I treasured back then. Several old red line Hot Wheels cars still reside upon a shelf in my home.

Also, did manage to keep a Topps  Willie Mays coin pulled from a pack  in 1971 (Mays was my favorite player)...

And, I still have a fossil fish my Dad bought me during a trip to Colorado in 1971 (that must have been a memorable year for me)...

 So how about you? What vintage originals managed to remain in your possession over the years ? And, what is our spectacular second question ?

Two Questions: Lottery Winner and Best & Worst Dinner!

Martinex1: Okay, Bronze Age fans... here are two rather random questions for you to kick off the weekend!

QUESTION 1: In the States, we just had a rather large lottery drawing.  We know that  back in the Bronze Age we were all dreamers... so what would you have done if you won $1.6 Billion?  (And with that much money you don't have to limit it to one answer).

QUESTION 2:  I can distinctly recall my favorite meals from my childhood.  I can also remember a particularly repugnant dish that my mother whipped up.  What were your favorite dinners?   And conversely what was the worst you recall?

Two Questions: Bronze Age Sports and Clubs?

Martinex1: Two questions to kick off the week! ("Kick Off" may be the appropriate expression today!)

QUESTION 1: What sports did you play back in the Bronze Age?  Was it common in your neighborhood to pick up a game?  Were you on an organized team?  Little League? Soccer? Football? Basketball? School sports?  Intramural? Hockey? Tennis? Golf? Miniature golf? Ping Pong?

QUESTION 2: Or were you more involved in clubs or other activities back in the Bronze Age?  Chess club? Theater? Yearbook? Boy Scouts? Girl Scouts? AV Club? Explorers? Glee Club? School Paper? Speech or Debate? History Club? Band?

Tell us some of your stories; let's see if we share any common ground!  Cheers!

Two Questions: Our Parent's Generation and Classic Work Conversation!



Martinex1: The title of this feature may be Two Questions but today I have some extra inquiries.


My father was in the hospital this week (he is doing well and back at home) but it made me think about our parents' generation.  We obviously focus so much on the Bronze Age but in many ways we were children of the Golden Age.  My dad shared stories from his youth and growing up in the 1940s, and I had never heard some of those tales before. From personal stories of broken bones to tidbits about the culture and era, I was captivated.


So I ask you the following - some simple and some more complicated questions about the previous generation.


QUESTION 1: Are there stories from your parents and the age in which they lived that caught your attention and gave you an understanding of how they were shaped?  Were there following impacts to how you were raised?


QUESTION 2: I know as a father that I encouraged and hoped my children would be excited about some of the entertainment that I enjoyed - from comics to movies.  But what literature, movies, and music did your parents impress upon you?  Are some of your favorites a result of your parents' influence (directly or indirectly)?  What are those books and films that "stick" with you?


QUESTION 3: Do you miss any of the traditions that your parents observed?  Do you honor those traditions or do they seem to be a distant part of your life when your parents were more of an influence?


QUESTION 4:  How do you feel our generation compares to that of our parents?  Have we dropped the ball on any honorable aspects or have we improved upon their foundation?


QUESTION 5:  Similarly to the above question, have we improved upon the creative arts over the last generation?  Or are our works derivative in comparison?


Maybe this is more of an introspective post today, but since many of the BitBA gang are of the same age group I'd be curious what you have to say.


We will get back to lighter four-colored fare in the future! Cheers!

Two Questions: Seasonal Songs and Tagalongs

Redartz:  Greetings, gang! Once again, we have a couple of things for  you to ponder over. Let's get right to them, shall we?

1. What songs bring to mind, for  you, a particular season? 

I was thinking about this recently, as Summer is rapidly nearing it's end here in the USA. There's a whole genre known as 'summer songs', and each year much debate can be found on chat sites debating which song will be the 'song of the summer'. But what struck me is that nobody ever speaks about the other seasons! Sure, 'seasonal music' can refer to the holiday-themed tunes you are surrounded with at the end of each year. But discounting those, what songs are linked, for you anyway, to a specific season? I'll give my example right now: Gordon Lightfoots's "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". This great tune will be forever associated with Autumn, in my mind. Perhaps because it  was popular in the fall of 1976; I still recall hearing it playing on a radio while helping my Dad rake leaves in the yard. And lyrically, it has some fall-ish elements: referring to the "gales of November". Even the production, the sound of the song, has a wistful feel that almost chills you. So, that's my Fall song.

 Gordon Lightfoot, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"

2. Name an unusual Team-up / Mash-up that you'd love to see in a comic.  

In the recent post about 'fun' comics, I mentioned the "Archie Meets Batman '66" comics. These days crossovers between companies are returning (although Marvel seems the exception to this), and even crossovers between different media (Green Lantern and the Planet of the  Apes) are becoming a 'thing'. In that spirit, what oddball combo would you like to see; any pairing is fair game. I'm going for some haunted humor in my answer: Casper the Friendly Ghost meets the Ghostbusters! Would Peter and the crew immediately try to capture the ethereal youngster, or would Casper convince the 'busters' to help him corral the "Ghostly Trio"? I'd buy this book sight unseen...

Okay, there's my questions and answers. Now let's hear from you!  

Two Questions: Who's on Your Mount Rushmore?



Martinex1: Today we have two questions based on a poll I posted recently on twitter.  Here is the poll and the results.

Because twitter had limitations regarding the number of choices and options, let me pose the question to you a little differently:


QUESTION 1: Who is on your comic book artist Mount Rushmore?  Name four artists that you think should be on the monument.  It is open to any artists from any genre of comics.  Tell us why you chose your selections.   Here are some options (this list is definitely not all inclusive):


Jack Kirby, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, John Byrne, Wally Wood, John Buscema, Frank Miller, Steve Ditko, John Romita Sr., Joe Kubert, Neal Adams, Will Eisner, Jim Steranko, Gil Kane, George Perez, Gene Colan, Jim Starlin, Bill Sienkiewicz, Marie Severin, Mort Drucker, Joe Shuster, Carmine Infantino, Todd McFarlane, Bill Everett, Sal Buscema, Paul Smith, Don Heck, George Tuska, Michael Golden, Carl Barks, Mike Ploog, Jim Aparo, Amanda Connor, Bill Finger, Frank Frazetta, Moebius, Fiona Staples, Walt Simonson, Bob Bolling, Stan Goldberg, Harry Lucey, Ramona Fradon, Bob Montana, Dan DeCarlo, Frank Robbins, Nick Cardy, Bernie Wrightson, etc.

QUESTION 2: Who is on your comic book writer Mount Rushmore?  Name four writers that you would honor in this way.  Again, it can be a writer from any genre of comic book, and again tell us why you made the choice you did.  Consider anybody that has written comics including but not limited to:

Stan Lee, Bob Haney, Chris Claremont, Al Feldstein, Grant Morrison, Jim Shooter, Edmond Hamilton, Art Spiegelman, Doug Moench, Roger Stern, Mark Waid, Otto Binder, Jack Kirby, Bill Mantlo, Roy Thomas, Frank Miller, John Byrne, Ann Nocenti, Bill Mantlo, Alan Moore, Gardner Fox, Joe Gill, J,M, DeMatteis, Gail Simone, Gaiman, Peter David, Denny O'Neil, Jim Starlin, Mark Gruenwald, Kurt Busiek, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Jeph Loeb, Don McGregor, Marv Wolfman, Len Wein, etc.


Cheers all!

c