...On superheroes. In approximately one week I have to turn in an extensive paper on the history of comic book heroes. Yes, this is a legitimate class project. The subject was even approved by my professor. I apologize in advance to anyone who wishes they could write papers like this in their classes.So now you're wondering how I would even come across a project like this in the first place. It's quite simple, really.
The class: Intro to Mass Media.
The assignment: Write a paper on any media topic you choose.
Those who know me even a little bit shouldn't be surprised that I chose superheroes as a subject.
So here I am now with four different web pages up (excluding my blogger page), examining and cross-sectioning various reports on comic book history. Right now I'm at the start of the Golden Age, which began roughly with Superman in 1938 and continued until the 1950's when superheroes temporarily fell out of the public favor. This period featured the introduction of some of DC Comics' most popular characters including (of course) Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and the Flash.
People generally believe that Superman was the first superhero, but that's not quite so. In 1935, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (who later created Superman) introduced a character called Dr. Occult. This comic book feature was a detective who took on cases involving the supernatural and even had supernatural powers himself.
There were also non-powered heroes that could be considered predecessors to Batman. One of these characters was known as the Clock, who fought crime in a business suit and full-face mask.
He generally left a calling card that boldly stated, "The Clock has struck!" Dang, that's clever. There's one character I'd like to see resurrected from the comic book grave.I gotta say that this is all very exciting. Even though I'm quite the superhero enthusiast, I really don't know much about the history of many of these heroes (excluding Spider-Man - my favorite). Already I've learned a ton, and I've barely even scratched the surface on the Golden Age, not to mention the Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages. It's quite fascinating learning all this stuff, and I hope to have a real slam-bang paper polished off by next week.
Okay, back to work. I'll likely post again when my project is complete, or maybe even before then.
Up, up, and away!
T.H. Excellence
9 comments:
Interesting bits of comic book history, I had never heard about the Clock. Do you think if he was still around he would be digital nowadays?
I'd never heard about the Clock either up until now. I don't think he lasted through the Golden Age. Not sure why he was called "The Clock", but his calling card was clever.
T.H. Excellence
Was the Lone Ranger a comic book hero? I don't know where this character got started but could be an interesting twist for your paper (an old west type of hero).
Let's see... nope, Lone Ranger was a radio man. But if he was in comic books I would probably include him. The emhasis is on superheroes, obviously, because they are the most popular characters in the medium, but I do plan to include at least mentions of characters who played a pivotal role in this history even if they had no superpowers. I already plan to mention the release of Buck Rogers and Tarzan in 1929, which marked the launch of an action/adventure genre in comic strips. So yeah, that's where I stand.
T.H. Excellence
Salutations, T.H.
We are friends of Baroness Orczy who just told us about your blog today. We have to say that we think it is the best we have ever seen. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Blakeney
T.H.
The Clock is a really cool/strange name. Why was he named that? Can I read your paper when you finish it? It sounds really interesting. Will there be a film tomorrow? I hope there will be.
Excellent sister
To the Blakeneys: Good to have you on board, and thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy what I've posted thus far as well as whatever I may post in the future.
To sister: Not sure why he was called "The Clock", particularly since he had no powers to derive that name from. If you're interested, click
HERE to view an online reprint of one of the Clock's adventures.
And yes, you can read my paper when it's done.
And yes, there will be a film tomorrow.
Ta ta
T.H. Excellence
T.H.
I love photography. Could you give me some tips on taking better pictures?
Anonymous in California
P.S. I would leave my name but my mom wouldn't let me. :)
Photograpy tips, eh? Hmm.
Well, first off you need to ensure good lighting, which varies whether you're indoors, outdoors, under sunny skies or overcast weather. If there's a strong light source, such as the sun or a single lamp in a room, make sure your subjects are facing the source at least to some degree so their faces aren't shrouded in shadows. If the photo doesn't look quite right, try it from a different angle.
The second tip I have is regarding composition. This is a bit trickier. Composition generally has to do with where the eye is directed in the picture, which is often influenced by directions and graphic weight.
Direction simply refers to where the line is directed. If you took a picture next to a fence that traveled off into the distance, the eye would follow the fence.
Graphic weight is simply how much weight an object holds in frame. If you took a picture of a fat man talking to a midget, the eye would be drawn to the fat man. This isn't a bad thing, however. Items of varying size can be arranged so that they appear balanced to the eye, similar to how physical weight can be balanced on a scale.
Anyway, I hope that helps. I wish I could post photos to demonstrate these concepts, but I don't believe that's possible in a comment. Some day when I get a lot of time I may have to do a series of posts on basic photography. I think that could be fun.
T.H. Excellence
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