Feeling Nostalgic About Comics

“The only thing that remains constant is change.” -Greek philosopher Heraclitus

The passing of time means nothing unless we make the most out of it. I once knew an elderly man that was known to be one of the grumpiest and most miserable men in town. Few ever wanted to even as much as say, Hi, to the old fellow. Just walk right past as if he did not exist. But my curiosity would not let me avoid asking him what made him so grumpy. He talked of his aches, pains, and other stressful things in his life. Then said with deep sadness that almost smoothed his deep crackling voice, “Time. Too much wasted. Too much in the day. Not enough left.”

Over our lifespan, as we age, we to begin to appear different, but we are still the same. Skin cracks, wrinkles, sags, and become spotted. Hair thins and turns gray or white. Our mind weakens, our bones become brittle. The washing flow of life is measured by time. The impact is visible, we are still human, just appear differently. As water fashions the stone – life fashions us.

Every day we should challenge ourselves to learn something new. Challenge old beliefs and ideas. Our brain is sometimes the neglected muscle of the body. I fear so many have become lazy in intellectual growth and pursuit. We allow others to provide us with unquestioned answers. As computers have replaced using pen and paper to solve mathematical problems, so too, have they replaced how we receive information to our questions. When we do not know something, we Google it. We accept the information is correct, and move on. We do not need to learn because Google has all the answers.

Not having children would be my one regret. I have acquired much knowledge and wisdom, but no one to pass it onto. It seems such a waste. I feel like a joint out of place. I participate in online chats to where online information reigns supreme. No one wants first-hand accounts, they are happy Googling everything. It hurts being replaced by machines.

Comics have evolved from newsprints to glossy papers. Spinner racks were replaced by LCS [Local Comic Shops]. From paper books to digitals and webcomics. Time sure does change things.

Over the years, I have seen many characters come and go. I would like to share some of my favorite characters.

• Megaton Man (Kitchen Sink Comix)
• E-Man (Charleton Comics)
• Atomic Mouse (Charleton Comics)
• The Wall (Marvel Comics)
• Freddy Bloch (Kitchen Sink Comix)
• Domino Lady (Moonstone)
• Elementals (Comico)
• Matter-Eater Lad (DC)
• Captain Midnight (Dell)
• Marvelman, Miracle Man (Eclipse)
• Lobo (Dell)
• Red Bee (DC)
• Dan Dare, Care Clews (Fawcet)
• Phantom Eagle (Fawcet)
• Miss Masque (Exciting Comics)
• Youngblood (Awesome Comics)
• Morning Star (Comico)
• Mouse (Defiant)
• Monolith (Comico)

I could go on, but that is some of my favorites. That has either disappeared entirely or has been altered. What are some yours?

@budkelly3 IFB