For two years in grade school I had a very intimidating social studies teacher named Mr. T. (No, not that Mr. T, but just as intimidating, at least to 11 year old kids) In retrospect he was an excellent teacher and an even better man. His teaching concept involved 'taking notes'. He always told us that teaching us how to take proper notes would help us in high school and eventually college. Of course he was right but at the time it seemed more like corporal punishment. Anyway, there was a kid in our class named Chris Reed and for some time Mr. T often referred to Chris as Superman. Until one day, someone informed him that the actor who portrayed Superman in the movie was actually named Christopher Reeves - not Reed. Mr. T had a look of dismay on his face and he asked the class why we all let him be so mistaken. I remember him distinctly saying, with a large grin, that even he, the best teacher we would ever have, was allowed to make a mistake once in a while. I don't think many kids were intimidated by him after that. But not just because he made a mistake - he was just another human being like the rest of us. Except, of course, Clark Kent.
Here's a picture that I have used for an occasional fantasy team, always called the Superbabes:
I have a recollection of an interview with Michael Stipe regarding the R.E.M. song Superman from the album Lifes Rich Pageant. He basically said that he was embarrased by the song and it was the worst thing that he ever wrote. It's most likely that he was exaggerating in the interview as much as he did in the song. It was obviously written during a very painful time for him regarding a relationship gone bad and his jealousy resulting from it. You don't really love that guy you make it with now do you? I know you don't love that guy 'cause I can see right through you. I am Superman. A few years later the Spin Doctors wrote another Superman jealousy type song titled Jimmy Olsen's Blues. It's less somber than the R.E.M. song yet it still resonates. Jimmy doesn't stand a chance at nailing Lois as long as Superman is around. Unless, of course, he's got some Kryptonite in his pants.
One day while flying around looking to stop a few crimes Superman spots Wonder Woman stark naked and lying on her back spread-eagle. He thinks, "hey, I'm Superman. I can fly down there at the speed of light, have a quickie and fly back and she won't even know it." So Superman flies down, has a quick in-and-out-in-and-out and flies back at the speed of light.
Wonder Woman says, "What the hell was that?"
The Invisible Man says, "I don't know, but it hurt like hell."
A few years ago a new show titled Justice League was created and aired on the Cartoon Network. It was basically aimed toward young kids but I've seen a few episodes. Hey, sometimes brainless entertainment is just nice. Heck, it was a lot better than the orignal 1950's Superman TV shows. Anyway, I caught a nuance that I am sure was well over the heads of most of the children that the show was intended for. Batman and Superman call each other by their actual first names. Batman calls Superman Clark and Superman calls Batman Bruce. I was a bit suprised at first, but at least it's better than 'Bat' and 'Sup'. The strange thing, however, was that even though everyone seemed to know about Batman's Wayne Enterprises, not once does Superman show up to the Daily Planet for work.
I think Jimmy Olsen got him fired.
By the way, this entire 'Superman' themed entry was merely inspired by the glass I chose to pour my beer into tonight. It's a very old and faded Superman glass that I think Chick bought at some garage sale for some unknown reason. But hey - now it's inspiration.
No comments:
Post a Comment