Mythic Heroes

For me, it's either Batman or Superman.  I grew up with Superman.  I had the blue pajamas, with a velcro-attached cape in which I would patrol the house as it's protector.  As I've grown, I've gotten more into Batman and his constant, near-inhuman vigilance and cunning.  I've always respected these two among all other fictional characters because of what the teach us about who we are, and what we could be.  Superman is appealing to the masses superficially because of his otherworldly talents.  His true greatness lies buried deeper, in his simple and wholly altruistic view of our planet.  With ease he could destroy us all, leaving only a barren rock in his wake.  Yet without fail he chooses to champion our ideals more passionately than the best human being ever could. 

Batman, lends a sharper edge to the flip-side of the same coin.  He fights what always seems to be a losing battle against repeat offenders of horrendous atrocities, but always stays true to his code.  Batman has watched the Joker repeatedly kill, or maim the citizens of Gotham, including those closest to him, yet he refuses to end the life of the Joker or any of his enemies regardless of their crimes.  In a more recent Batman story arc former Robin-Jason Todd was reanimated and assumed the alias "Red Hood."  Red Hood strikes out at Gotham's criminal element murdering them left and right in an attempt to show Batman how his job should be carried out.  At one point Red Hood captures the Joker (who had originally killed him) and beats him within an inch of his life.  This becomes the most poignant moment in the comic as Red Hood pleads with Batman to kill the Joker once and for all.  Batman simply states: "It would be too easy."

Hellblazer

John Constantine.  You may remember this name as the main character from a recent Keanu Reeves movie of the same name.  The general consensus seems to be that the film was a total waste of time, but I enjoyed it.  I seem to be drawn to art related to Heaven and Hell, angels and demons.  The reason I brought this up, is because I have been reading a shitload of Hellblazer comics, which are the basis for the movie Constantine.  In the books, John Constantine is an English bloke with blond hair.  Keanu Reeves antithesis.  The stories describe John's dealings of the magical sort.  Numerous times he has dealt with a litany of demons, witches, and all sorts of Hell-beasts but always manages to escape unscathed, frequently at the cost of his friends and lovers.  I really enjoy the personalities given to demons and deities throughout the comics.  In addition to the realizations of bible concepts and stories.  I highly recommend checking them out.

 

The Green Fairy

I love absinthe.  I first heard of it through Moulin Rouge, (excellent movie by the way) and have been fascinated ever since.  It has such a rich history, that wonderful Parisian, bohemian tradition.  Not to mention, nearly all the really great artists and writers of the 20th century seem to have had some relationship with the Green Fairy.
Normally, I abhor black licorice, but something about this beauty really works for me.  The traditional preparation involves pouring an amount of the absinthe into a glass, then placing a sugar cube onto a slotted spoon and pouring ice water over the cube, filling the glass.  One notable quality of good absinthe is the "louche" effect, or the cloudy texture the drink takes on when mixed with ice water.   

Tom Waits

Ken Wong

James Jean

Puscifer

Whenever I hear this song, whatever may be going wrong seems to pale