Comrade Hero

Go. Vote. Now.

Apologies to anyone who rang into a proverbial brick wall trying to vote for any of the entrants in the Create a Superhero contest, not just me.

Apparently the first 48 hours and the final 24 are the heaviest traffic-wise and have played havoc on Talenthouse.

Ah well!

Thanks for your support of Comrade Hero!

We like it indeed!

Apologies for any inconvinience, but Talenthouse who is hosting the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation contest has pushed the voting start date out by one day.

Voting will now start on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 at 10am PST.

Thanks for your consideration.

Regards,

James Hansard aka Comrade Hero.

Apologies for any inconvinience, but Talenthouse who is hosting the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation contest has pushed the voting start date out by one day.

Voting will now start on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 at 10am PST.

Thanks for your consideration.

Regards,

James Hansard aka Comrade Hero.

February 5, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: What If?

Over the past couple of weeks I've been asked:

'What would you do if you won the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation Creative Invite?'

It's a valid question. But I don't think it's the most interesting question.

For me the question with that bigger unknown 'x' factor, is:

'What would you do if you don't win the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation Creative Invite?'

That's pretty easy. The same thing I do every night. Try to convince a pair of laboratory mice to help me take over the world...

Well, maybe not. My plans at world domination don't necessarily start there!

This Creative Invite has given me the opportunity to try things which will ultimately make it into my Business Plan in one form or another – most likely in the form of data analysis.

The first thing I take away from this Creative Invite - and arguably the most beneficial from a creative point of view - is that I have written a lot of new material that I can draw upon. And I've learned more about the sorts of things you want to know about Comrade Hero, and just as importantly, what I don't know about my own creation.

The second thing I take away from this Creative Invite is a renewed sense of belief in own creative vision. It's quite easy to showcase new ideas and creative works to people who are already interested in your character, but quite another to pack up your traveling show and take it to a place where very few people know about Comrade Hero, and even less people know who I am.

And in the long run if you can't continuously get out there and sell yourself, your characters, and your creative vision to the People then you probably aren't going generate long-term interest with that potential to become something more.

The third thing I take away from this Creative Invite is a sense of encouragement. Be that praise, feedback, comments or a simple 'follow' or 'like' box marked, it's gratifying to get a sense that I'm on the right track.

And with encouragement comes the belief that you can take that creative vision and keep on moving forwards with it – no matter how long or slow the journey may be.

Getting a critical review, treatment, or assessment may be better from the creative and business point of view, but every once in a while you need that comment or remark that boosts your confidence and gives you that little shot of pride in your accomplishment.

What if I don't win?

From my point of view I have already 'won.' This Creative Invite has allowed me to test the waters with an untested character, to share my creative vision with a new audience and assess reaction, and to make contact with individuals and groups who are interested in both. Translating such interest into tangible project funding has always been my main goal for 2011.

And I've used this Creative Invite to see if I'm ready for that. The arts funding season for 2011 has started in Aotearoa/New Zealand and there are key dates in the next few months that I will be aiming for.

I've also received an invite to submit a Crowdfunding Project, and while that concept is relatively uncommon in New Zealand, it is something I will also have a crack at.

There's still the business plan and budget to refine, scripts to be written, edited and drafted, and both character design art and sequential art to get completed. And of course there is the promoting and profile raising. The Creative Invite will end, but my Comrade Hero Project won't.

This is my final Spotlight on Comrade Hero and I wish each entrant in this Creative Invite the very best to you and your heroes.

And thank you, dear readers and followers, for your support and encouragement, for your feedback and comments.

James Hansard aka Comrade Hero.

February 5, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: What If?

Over the past couple of weeks I've been asked:

'What would you do if you won the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation Creative Invite?'

It's a valid question. But I don't think it's the most interesting question.

For me the question with that bigger unknown 'x' factor, is:

'What would you do if you don't win the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation Creative Invite?'

That's pretty easy. The same thing I do every night. Try to convince a pair of laboratory mice to help me take over the world...

Well, maybe not. My plans at world domination don't necessarily start there!

This Creative Invite has given me the opportunity to try things which will ultimately make it into my Business Plan in one form or another – most likely in the form of data analysis.

The first thing I take away from this Creative Invite - and arguably the most beneficial from a creative point of view - is that I have written a lot of new material that I can draw upon. And I've learned more about the sorts of things you want to know about Comrade Hero, and just as importantly, what I don't know about my own creation.

The second thing I take away from this Creative Invite is a renewed sense of belief in own creative vision. It's quite easy to showcase new ideas and creative works to people who are already interested in your character, but quite another to pack up your traveling show and take it to a place where very few people know about Comrade Hero, and even less people know who I am.

And in the long run if you can't continuously get out there and sell yourself, your characters, and your creative vision to the People then you probably aren't going generate long-term interest with that potential to become something more.

The third thing I take away from this Creative Invite is a sense of encouragement. Be that praise, feedback, comments or a simple 'follow' or 'like' box marked, it's gratifying to get a sense that I'm on the right track.

And with encouragement comes the belief that you can take that creative vision and keep on moving forwards with it – no matter how long or slow the journey may be.

Getting a critical review, treatment, or assessment may be better from the creative and business point of view, but every once in a while you need that comment or remark that boosts your confidence and gives you that little shot of pride in your accomplishment.

What if I don't win?

From my point of view I have already 'won.' This Creative Invite has allowed me to test the waters with an untested character, to share my creative vision with a new audience and assess reaction, and to make contact with individuals and groups who are interested in both. Translating such interest into tangible project funding has always been my main goal for 2011.

And I've used this Creative Invite to see if I'm ready for that. The arts funding season for 2011 has started in Aotearoa/New Zealand and there are key dates in the next few months that I will be aiming for.

I've also received an invite to submit a Crowdfunding Project, and while that concept is relatively uncommon in New Zealand, it is something I will also have a crack at.

There's still the business plan and budget to refine, scripts to be written, edited and drafted, and both character design art and sequential art to get completed. And of course there is the promoting and profile raising. The Creative Invite will end, but my Comrade Hero Project won't.

This is my final Spotlight on Comrade Hero and I wish each entrant in this Creative Invite the very best to you and your heroes.

And thank you, dear readers and followers, for your support and encouragement, for your feedback and comments.

James Hansard aka Comrade Hero.

February 4, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: The Words In My Mouth

Thank you Comrade Hero for your rousing words of support. I'm sure the folks out there are suitably inspired.

And speaking of inspiring words, here's another question I got asked that has me stumped. That makes two questions in less than a week where I've had to go diving through my notes, scribbling and computer documents.

Does Comrade Hero have a Catch Phrase?

The answer to this is... I'm still working on it.

Quite a few heroes have catch phrases and titles attributed to them.


Titles:

Some titles reflect a character's physical attributes and abilities e.g. the Man of Bronze and the Man of Steel.

Some titles reflect a characters inner strengths and traits e.g. The Man Without Fear, The Dark Knight.

And some titles reflect an aspect of the characters superpowers e.g. the Unstoppable, the Incredible, the Amazing.

Comrade Hero has one title - The Man Who Fell To Earth. A title that reflects his origin story.


Catch Phrases:

Characters from literature, radio, film and television tend to have a memorable line associated with them.

Something these characters say that we immediately recognize as their signature.

"Dead or alive, you're coming with me."

"I'll be back."

"Shall we play a game?"

"I am going to count to three, there will not be a four."

Comic book heroes and villains also have a favorite catch phrase or two that tends to be associated with them.

Some catch phrases are rather articulate e.g. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows..." while others are less succinct (but no less effective) e.g. "Hulk Smash!"

But in a glaring oversight on my part, Comrade Hero has no catch phrase. Is that a good or bad thing?

Should Comrade Hero have a signature catch phrase or two that he defaults to in certain situations?

I would be interested to hear from anyone who believes they can put a fantastically cool catchphrase or two into Comrade Hero's impressive arsenal of powers, abilities, and traits.

But for now, Excels - oh right that one's already taken.

February 3, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: Greetings from Comrade Hero

Privyet,

Ot vsey dushi pozdravlyayu i zhelayu vsego nailuchshego!

Our mutual friend Comrade Hansard has asked me to say a few words in support of his entry in the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation.

While I am not comfortable with the idea of high-profile self promotion of one’s accomplishments and achievements, I appreciate that Comrade Hansard is doing this to raise awareness of his Comrade Hero Project.

This worthy Project is dedicated to literacy skills development and to encouraging language exposure. Knowledge is a power that is as formidable as my own ability to accomplish superhuman feats of strength, endurance, agility, and speed.

Knowledge brings confidence and appreciation, understanding and awareness. Knowledge often unlocks potential, fosters dreams, and helps realize new goals and ambitions.

To bring the gift of knowledge to the People is a worthy goal and Comrade Hansard has my unconditional support in this endeavor. I ask that you, my friends and compatriots, show your support for Comrade Hansard on February 8, 2011.

A vote for the Comrade Hero is not just a vote of confidence in me, but an endorsement of the vision Comrade Hansard has of helping the People through his Comrade Hero Project.

Spasibo!

S uvazheniem,

Comrade Hero

February 4, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: The Words In My Mouth

Thank you Comrade Hero for your rousing words of support. I'm sure the folks out there are suitably inspired.

And speaking of inspiring words, here's another question I got asked that has me stumped. That makes two questions in less than a week where I've had to go diving through my notes, scribbling and computer documents.

Does Comrade Hero have a Catch Phrase?

The answer to this is... I'm still working on it.

Quite a few heroes have catch phrases and titles attributed to them.

Titles:

Some titles reflect a character's physical attributes and abilities e.g. the Man of Bronze and the Man of Steel.

Some titles reflect a characters inner strengths and traits e.g. The Man Without Fear, The Dark Knight.

And some titles reflect an aspect of the characters superpowers e.g. the Unstoppable, the Incredible, the Amazing.

Comrade Hero has one title - The Man Who Fell To Earth. A title that reflects his origin story.

Catch Phrases:

Characters from literature, radio, film and television tend to have a memorable line associated with them.

Something these characters say that we immediately recognize as their signature.

"Dead or alive, you're coming with me."

"I'll be back."

"Shall we play a game?"

"I am going to count to three, there will not be a four."

Comic book heroes and villains also have a favorite catch phrase or two that tends to be associated with them.

Some catch phrases are rather articulate e.g. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows..." while others are less succinct (but no less effective) e.g. "Hulk Smash!"

But in a glaring oversight on my part, Comrade Hero has no catch phrase. Is that a good or bad thing?

Should Comrade Hero have a signature catch phrase or two that he defaults to in certain situations?

I would be interested to hear from anyone who believes they can put a fantastically cool catchphrase or two into Comrade Hero's impressive arsenal of powers, abilities, and traits.

But for now, Excels - oh right that one's already taken.

February 3, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: Greetings from Comrade Hero

Privyet,

Ot vsey dushi pozdravlyayu i zhelayu vsego nailuchshego!

Our mutual friend Comrade Hansard has asked me to say a few words in support of his entry in the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation.

While I am not comfortable with the idea of high-profile self promotion of one’s accomplishments and achievements, I appreciate that Comrade Hansard is doing this to raise awareness of his Comrade Hero Project.

This worthy Project is dedicated to literacy skills development and to encouraging language exposure. Knowledge is a power that is as formidable as my own ability to accomplish superhuman feats of strength, endurance, agility, and speed.

Knowledge brings confidence and appreciation, understanding and awareness. Knowledge often unlocks potential, fosters dreams, and helps realize new goals and ambitions.

To bring the gift of knowledge to the People is a worthy goal and Comrade Hansard has my unconditional support in this endeavor. I ask that you, my friends and compatriots, show your support for Comrade Hansard on February 8, 2011.

A vote for the Comrade Hero is not just a vote of confidence in me, but an endorsement of the vision Comrade Hansard has of helping the People through his Comrade Hero Project.

Spasibo!

S uvazheniem,

Comrade Hero

February 2, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: What's in the Belt?

Typically I get a lot of questions related to Comrade Hero's character, powers, history and background. And if they are about Comrade Hero's uniform the questions tend to be about the choice of colors and the Communist/Soviet-era symbolism.

However I did get a question about Comrade Hero's uniform that gave me pause.

What's in the belt?

More specifically what's in the pouches on the belt that Comrade Hero wears?

The belt Comrade Hero wears is modeled on real-world tactical belts worn by law enforcement personnel, minus the weapons and equipment typically attached to such a belt - holstered sidearm, handcuffs, baton, mace etc.

And because Comrade Hero doesn't carry a sidearm (and there's no concealed weapons hidden on his person), the pouches on his belt don't contain ammunition for a pistol or revolver.

There's at least three pieces of equipment on Comrade Hero's belt that are similar to those of law enforcement personnel in the real-world - handcuffs, a flashlight, and a notebook and pen.

Not metal or synthetic polymer handcuffs but flexible plastic handcuffs. Lightweight, easy to carry in quantity, and very strong.

Comrade Hero also has a dependable pen flashlight. Why would Comrade Hero needs a flashlight given that he can see perfectly like complete darkness? Because not everyone else can.

And Comrade Hero may be a superhero, but he's not a super-genius. There may be times when having a humble notebook and pen can be very useful. Just ask your average Police Officer who goes about their business every day.

Aside from these three items, some of the other pieces of equipment and kit that can be found stashed inside the belt pouches include an emergency first aid kit, a multi-purpose tool/knife, compact glow sticks, and military style food and water rations.

The list is not extensive or exhaustive, but the belt pouches certainly aren't bottomless containers of convenient expedience for Comrade Hero!

Thanks for asking me a question that actually made me research the possible items that Comrade Hero could have in the belt pouches. Even after all this time working on this character, there are still things that even I have yet to discover.

February 2, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: What's in the Belt?

Typically I get a lot of questions related to Comrade Hero's character, powers, history and background. And if they are about Comrade Hero's uniform the questions tend to be about the choice of colors and the Communist/Soviet-era symbolism.

However I did get a question about Comrade Hero's uniform that gave me pause.

What's in the belt?

More specifically what's in the pouches on the belt that Comrade Hero wears?

The belt Comrade Hero wears is modeled on real-world tactical belts worn by law enforcement personnel, minus the weapons and equipment typically attached to such a belt - holstered sidearm, handcuffs, baton, mace etc.

And because Comrade Hero doesn't carry a sidearm (and there's no concealed weapons hidden on his person), the pouches on his belt don't contain ammunition for a pistol or revolver.

There's at least three pieces of equipment on Comrade Hero's belt that are similar to those of law enforcement personnel in the real-world - handcuffs, a flashlight, and a notebook and pen.

Not metal or synthetic polymer handcuffs but flexible plastic handcuffs. Lightweight, easy to carry in quantity, and very strong.

Comrade Hero also has a dependable pen flashlight. Why would Comrade Hero needs a flashlight given that he can see perfectly like complete darkness? Because not everyone else can.

And Comrade Hero may be a superhero, but he's not a super-genius. There may be times when having a humble notebook and pen can be very useful. Just ask your average Police Officer who goes about their business every day.

Aside from these three items, some of the other pieces of equipment and kit that can be found stashed inside the belt pouches include an emergency first aid kit, a multi-purpose tool/knife, compact glow sticks, and military style food and water rations.

The list is not extensive or exhaustive, but the belt pouches certainly aren't bottomless containers of convenient expedience for Comrade Hero!

Thanks for asking me a question that actually made me research the possible items that Comrade Hero could have in the belt pouches. Even after all this time working on this character, there are still things that even I have yet to discover.

February 1, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: Spotlight on You!

This is the final week before voting starts on February 8, 2011 for the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation Creative Invite.

So instead of keeping the Spotlight on Comrade Hero (and me), I’m going to shine it on you, dear readers, just this once.

Come what may - be that victory or defeat for Comrade Hero - I thank each and every one of you who has provided support, encouragement, and feedback over the past few weeks.

I’ve been saying it rather frequently, but the only bad publicity is no publicity. Yes it’s a cliché, but that doesn’t make it any less true!

I’m very encouraged with the response I’ve received not only to Comrade Hero himself, but the namesake comic book Project I’ve been developing to promote literacy skills development and encourage language exposure.

Winning this Creative Invite would be a bonus, but the challenge for me will be to sustain your interest and to realize my creative vision of bringing my Comrade Hero Project to print and digital publication in 2011.

On February 8, 2011 show your trust-confidence in Comrade Hero with your vote!

And in the meantime, I'll continue working towards making my Comrade Hero Project a reality!

Urah!

February 1, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: Spotlight on You!

This is the final week before voting starts on February 8, 2011 for the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation Creative Invite.

So instead of keeping the Spotlight on Comrade Hero (and me), I’m going to shine it on you, dear readers, just this once.

Come what may - be that victory or defeat for Comrade Hero - I thank each and every one of you who has provided support, encouragement, and feedback over the past few weeks.

I’ve been saying it rather frequently, but the only bad publicity is no publicity. Yes it’s a cliché, but that doesn’t make it any less true!

I’m very encouraged with the response I’ve received not only to Comrade Hero himself, but the namesake comic book Project I’ve been developing to promote literacy skills development and encourage language exposure.

Winning this Creative Invite would be a bonus, but the challenge for me will be to sustain your interest and to realize my creative vision of bringing my Comrade Hero Project to print and digital publication in 2011.

On February 8, 2011 show your trust-confidence in Comrade Hero with your vote!

And in the meantime, I'll continue working towards making my Comrade Hero Project a reality!

Urah!

January 31, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: Spotlight on Comrade James

Today's post is about that creative dissident behind Comrade Hero - moi!

I got asked a pretty relevant question considering I've entered Comrade Hero in the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation.

What was my first exposure to comic books and graphic novels?

The first comic books I read weren't by any of today's major five publishers, or any of the independents.

The first two I remember reading were Davy Crockett and Robin Hood. They were graphic novel style comic books that came with a cardboard 45LP. You played the record, and followed along with the comic book as you listened to the narration and voice acting. Pretty amazing stuff to a young kid!

The comic books and graphic novels that I read growing up were The Adventures of Tintin series created by Hergé, the Asterix series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Garfield created by Jim Davis, Footrot Flats created by Murray Ball and Commando Comics published by D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.

If you were to ask me what were the first Marvel Comics I ever read, I would be hard-pressed to name them off the top of my head – but I remember the stories and the characters.

I had to go digging to get the exact names of the Marvel Comics in question but these are the first two I ever read as a kid.


Marvel Team-Up #131 (July, 1983) - "The Best Things In Life Are Free...But Everything Else Costs Money!"

Spider Man and the Fabulous Frog-Man team up to take down White Rabbit who is on a rampage robbing fast food outlets.

Why does an aspiring super-villain begin their career robbing fast food outlets? Beats me, but I guess you have to start somewhere. Oh, and did I forget to mention that White Rabbit is slightly insane. A memorable issue with the rather inept Frog-Man trying to play hero and having to be rescued by your friendly neighborhood Spider Man.


The Incredible Hulk #104 (June, 1968) - "Ring Around the Rhino!"

Okay I wasn't born when this came out, but I remember reading a reprint of this in a collection of Hulk stories that also included a reprint of What If? #12 (December, 1978) - "What If Rick Jones Had Become the Hulk?"

"Ring Around the Rhino" is an epic confrontation between Hulk and Rhino that is truly amazing. Both Hulk and Rhino refuse to back down. Well, the Hulk does temporarily turn aside to do his usual get Betty out of harm's way, and make sure the puny humans - I mean innocent civilians - aren't caught in the brutal battle that takes place.

Rhino has every opportunity to back out of this fight, especially once it dawns on him how hopelessly outclassed he is. There is a particularly memorable last panel in this story that sees the victorious Hulk standing over the badly beaten and apparently mortally wounded Rhino. The Hulk issues a particularly chilling line as he holds one fist raised - 'Say it before you die, no-one can defeat the Hulk.'*

*I may have misquoted that – 'no-one can defeat the Hulk' or 'no-one is stronger than the Hulk.'

January 31, 2011

Interesting Facts about Comrade Hero: Spotlight on Comrade James

Today's post is about that creative dissident behind Comrade Hero - moi!

I got asked a pretty relevant question considering I've entered Comrade Hero in the Create a Superhero for the Stan Lee Foundation.

What was my first exposure to comic books and graphic novels?

The first comic books I read weren't by any of today's major five publishers, or any of the independents.

The first two I remember reading were Davy Crockett and Robin Hood. They were graphic novel style comic books that came with a cardboard 45LP. You played the record, and followed along with the comic book as you listened to the narration and voice acting. Pretty amazing stuff to a young kid!

The comic books and graphic novels that I read growing up were The Adventures of Tintin series created by Hergé, the Asterix series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Garfield created by Jim Davis, Footrot Flats created by Murray Ball and Commando Comics published by D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.

If you were to ask me what were the first Marvel Comics I ever read, I would be hard-pressed to name them off the top of my head – but I remember the stories and the characters.

I had to go digging to get the exact names of the Marvel Comics in question but these are the first two I ever read as a kid.


Marvel Team-Up #131 (July, 1983) - "The Best Things In Life Are Free...But Everything Else Costs Money!"

Spider Man and the Fabulous Frog-Man team up to take down White Rabbit who is on a rampage robbing fast food outlets.

Why does an aspiring super-villain begin their career robbing fast food outlets? Beats me, but I guess you have to start somewhere. Oh, and did I forget to mention that White Rabbit is slightly insane. A memorable issue with the rather inept Frog-Man trying to play hero and having to be rescued by your friendly neighborhood Spider Man.


The Incredible Hulk #104 (June, 1968) - "Ring Around the Rhino!"

Okay I wasn't born when this came out, but I remember reading a reprint of this in a collection of Hulk stories that also included a reprint of What If? #12 (December, 1978) - "What If Rick Jones Had Become the Hulk?"

"Ring Around the Rhino" is an epic confrontation between Hulk and Rhino that is truly amazing. Both Hulk and Rhino refuse to back down. Well, the Hulk does temporarily turn aside to do his usual get Betty out of harm's way, and make sure the puny humans - I mean innocent civilians - aren't caught in the brutal battle that takes place.

Rhino has every opportunity to back out of this fight, especially once it dawns on him how hopelessly outclassed he is. There is a particularly memorable last panel in this story that sees the victorious Hulk standing over the badly beaten and apparently mortally wounded Rhino. The Hulk issues a particularly chilling line as he holds one fist raised - 'Say it before you die, no-one can defeat the Hulk.'*

*I may have misquoted that – 'no-one can defeat the Hulk' or 'no-one is stronger than the Hulk.'