Issue 120- "Philosophy of Life, Part 2"

Written by: HPLL Pencils/Inks: John Cassaday

Guys, this issue is gonna be a lil' different...here's a poem, for starters...

Fireflys

Like two fireflys in the night

These two lovers spark in delight.

To be so near, so close, so dear

To hold each other till daylight.

In their mind, they fly so high

Touching ceiling on the sky

That they may love each other alone,

Until the peaceful night is gone.

Pulsing, whipping, their wings flap

They as one together wrapped

In solo flight above the world

As their world dies....

Enraptured, they embrace...

One last smile upon her face...

Hope y'all enjoyed that.  Tonight's topic starter will be a little shorter due to the poem, and my hectic schedule...the cover above is to Captain America Vol. 4 #1, from 2001. This issue, like many others from all comic companies, dealt with the blow we all felt from the September 11 disaster. John Cassaday, the series artist, was a New Yorker who experienced the tense situation firsthand and he actually thought about backing out of the project, realizing that there are bigger things in life than comics in some situations. Instead, he and writer John Ney Reiber sought to use this issue as a method of coping, as well as political commentary on the situation at the time. The first six issues are entitled "Enemy", and these two try to show us as Americans how many foreigner terrorists feel about our prosperous little tract of land here. It is very strong stuff for comics, as the first issue shows a life-like close-up of the devastation at the World Trade Center complex. Reading it makes me tear up, remembering where I was and what I was doing at the time I heard the attacks. I was listening to Rock 103 in the football stadium parking lot at Ole Miss, getting ready to go to my English class I knew I'd already failed. I was still getting over the heartache of Heather ripping my heart out and stomping it into the ground, but it was too late to turn the clock back on the semester. Anyway, I started to walk to class, walked past a guy in his truck, told him to turn his radio on, then walked into the Rebel Shop to check out the scene on the TV screens in there 'fore going to class. Once I stepped into that building, everything changed...English didn't matter...Heather didn't matter...only prayer, Sam's(whom I cared greatly about and st...nah:) my little secretwinkwink) and my family's safety mattered. I hurried back to the truck and left for home. That day changed everything...I think people have forgotten that, to a certain extent. Everyone is so caught up in the actions of the president that they forget that 3,000 of their fellow Americans died that day, for no other reason than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. THAT is why we sent troops to Iraq, THAT is why we are involved over there. We are over there because our president can see that it was morally wrong for Saddam to be keeping those people under his boot in poverty. THAT is why we are (still, admittantly) seeking Bin Laden for his crimes. NOT because there is oil or other resources over there...we cared nothing about the oil. It was about righting a wrong that was done to our countrymen. I understand some people say that there are innocents in our war areas, but such is the necessary price to ensure freedom for a new generation of Iraqis and to avenge those who unfairly died at the hands of cowardly terrorists. I want to hear your opinions on this matter, so please gimme some feedback. I know I was getting started but I gotta turn in sometime...:) G'night kids. Love you and miss you Sam. Have a good night at work.

Issue 119- "Philosophy of Life, Part 1"

Written by: HPLL Pencils/Inks by: Sal Buscema

If you need wisdom . . . ask Him, and He will gladly tell you.
James 1:5, NLT

Well guys...here we are. Part One of Philosophy of Life. I'm starting this one off on a volatile topic...sexual abuse. The cover above is to the first part of The Child Within, which ran from issues 178-183 of the Spectacular Spider-Man vol. 1. This is perhaps one of the most poignant stories I've ever read, for any character. It deals with Vermin, a genetically-created creature that haunts the sewers near Peter Parker's (aka Spider-Man) home. No one really knows who he is, but he emits a psychic poison to anyone near, and it simply brings out the absolute worst fears, earth-shattering anger, and sheer raw emotion inherent in each one of us to the surface. In reality, he is a black man named Edward. Edward was sexually abused by his father, a white judge, from the time he was a small child. He created the Vermin persona to hide from the pain of sexual abuse, but a villian named Baron Zemo experimented on Edward, actually bringing form to Vermin. Whenever Edward is frightened or overly stressed, he changes into Vermin, who simply wants to escape from the "bad people". This story is very clear as to how some children deal with the pain and guilt of sexual abuse. Suprisingly enough, facts show that violators are generally someone who is a close relative or family friend, not, as Dr. Schulenberg told us today, his personal mental description of a sexual abuser should look like (a weird looking guy hanging around a children's playground in a trenchcoat). Instead, these people work and live around the community, usually living a pretty normal life. The difference is these people have a bad hangup about abusing children and sometimes helpless adults. Many of them were abused themselves as children, which does not excuse their actions, but does explain WHY they may take this course of action...they feel weak when they are abused, so they in turn search out someone to make them feel strong and in control. There are treatment programs available to offenders who choose the option, and if they work with the program, realize they have a problem, and actively work to stop that problem, they may one day be released back into their parents' homes or the community. Some people find that scary, but there is no need to be overly afraid...only time will tell if treatment was satisfactory, and it is always best to be on the lookout for children and mentally retarded adults who can not protect themselves. In closing, Schulenberg told us today that in some cases offenders would actually go around, finding mentally retarded people who were mute or unable to communicate and rape them. Other cases are not quite as clear-cut, as some offenders are mentally retarded to the point that they see nothing wrong with their actions, and often claim to have done the person they offended a "favor". So what do you guys think about the current situation in sex abuse as I've described it? What changes need to be made to the system, and how would you treat sex offenders if you were in charge? Post multiple times if you need to fully express your ideas or points. By the way, Sam...you looked great today AND I have those issues if you'd like to read them. I skipped over the other parts of the story to seriously deal with the issue at hand.

Issue 118- "Philosophy of Life: Prelude"

Written by: HPLL Pencils: Stephen Bissette Inks: John Totleben 

Spectre copyrighted by DC Comics

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

Truer words have ne'er been spoken. I have learned that we must wait upon the Lord's timing for things to occur, because if we rush things, we invariably end up hurting someone we love, pushing them away, or causing other damage. I have learned that I must wait to find someone to love me, for example. There are a few(one or two in particular) girls I would like to ask on a date, but I am too afraid of the repurcussions of my asking to follow through, so I am waiting on God to tell me when and IF the time is ever right. "Philosophy of Life" is  the new storyline that will be rolling through here for the next little while...currently, I am thinking it to last at least 7 issues, but depending on how deep into the information I push myself, it may well stretch into 14 issues or beyond. This storyline will deal with tough questions we encounter in life, and will require you guys to write and weigh in your opinions on the topics presented. At 118 issues, I'd like to think that I am still presenting high quality material, so it may be that this storyline does NOT continue nightly, or perhaps two issues a day might pop up, depending on how inspired I'm feeling on certain days, and the lack of motivation on others. Therefore, should I miss an issue tomorrow or Monday, do not worry...I WILL present the next issue within a reasonable amount of time. I am working on several other projects currently so my schedule for the next two weeks or so should be kind of skippy, but I will not post simply to post...it is my fervent hope that "Philosophy of Life" will open up rather clever and intelligent discussion on a number of topics. For now, I retire to bed, but Part 1 should appear within the next 24 to 48 hours. G'night Sam...love you all

Issue 117- "Friends"

Written by: HPLL, Pencils and Inks: John Romita Sr.

I think everyone who knows me would agree that could easily say Heath...Lord knows I've been there before...lol

Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1

Lemme add something to this that Sam didn't mention...value a good reputation among your friends. Take care of them, and NEVER forget to let them know how much you care. Money can come and go, but good friends, TRUE friends, should never be put aside like an old rag. I want to tell you thanks again, Sam. You have been there for me through a lot of things, and even though I have been pretty wrong to you over the years, I am glad that you have stuck around. Shauna never felt right, even as a friend. Even now, I can't explain why I stayed with her so long, but now I am ready to move on and start fresh. You have always been willing to help me out of the gutters whenever I put myself there, and you have helped me through numerous stressful situations simply by talking to me. You don't know how much I miss those old 2 AM chats we had for a few months...I think it helped us both get stuff off our chests, and I think that is why my life seems more stressful these days...I don't have all the time in the world to talk to you about how things are REALLY going in my life, as opposed to the "I guess things are ok" answer I usually respond with. You hold a special place inside me, and I am glad things seem to be looking up for you as well in trying to find a place, job security and the Test. I love you lots hon. Enough of that though...Sam will write in and tell me to shut up, and that I'm special too:) Honestly, take care of those few friends who always take care of you. Later

Issue 116- "Sleepyhead: Awakening, Part 2"

Written by: HPLL, Pencil Artwork : Rick Veitch

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:4

Well, something is screwy with this image, I can't type underneath it. Anyway, this is the proposed cover to Swamp Thing #88, which was supposed to have Swamp Thing travel back in time to meet Jesus Christ. DC backed out at the last moment though, and the issue has never seen print. My question to you, my friends, is this: IF this material was done reverently considering the subject matter, do you think it should have seen print? By the way, I actually have a copy of the story in rough pencils if anyone would like to see it. And in personal response to my question: it WAS done reverently and with honor. But whadda you guys and girls think? Should it ever see the light of day, or is it too silly or plain offensive to try to picture Jesus with comic characters? 

Issue 115- "Sleepyhead: Awakening, Part 1"

Written by: HPLL Pencils, Inks, Colors: Tony Moore

Hope you guys like this artwork...I needed a break. Here we go...

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.
Romans 12:12

Hey guys. I'm feeling better now, my stomach doesn't hurt anymore, and I had a really good day. One reason is that God helped me feel better after having a pretty tough stomachache this morning. Secondly, the Walking Dead came in today. Lastly, I have been picked to be in the International Who's Who in Poetry anthology book. I had to send in a new poem, and I unfortunately cut and pasted it until it fit the requirements, but if enough people request the original, it might see print here in a future issue. It felt good to write again, and it felt good to be commended for the work that goes into those short but hard as the dickens pieces of literature. Sam, all I will say about the Walking Dead is...well, it is another shocker. Absolutely amazing how Kirkman ALWAYS delivers as promised. I gotta get in bed, but I wanted to post something of substance here tonight so I hope this was sufficient. Later...I love you all.

Issue 114- "Sleepyhead Part 2"

Everything by: HPLL

Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37

G'night guys...class comes early but I promise new material by tomorrow night. Love you all, later. Have a good night Sam, I love you.

Issue 113- "Sleepyhead"

Written, Pencilled and everything else: HPLL

He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5

Guys, I love you all but I'm feeling kinda sick to my stomach and my head hurts from sinus pressure so I bid you a fair adieu for now. Remember to pray for everyone in your life, and never forget that there is someone in your life who loves you, but you may never know, so be careful of how you treat others. Also, never forget the sacrifice that Christ made for you and me, not because we deserved it but because He chose to forgive us. G'night...love you all. Have a good night at work Sam...miss you hon.

H

Issue 112- "Sam's Return"

Written, Pencilled, Inked Lettered and Colored by: HPLL

For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45

Hey guys and gals...just wanted to keep up the streak for a little while. Man, it was good to see Sam tonight. I missed her more than I can express, and it was really great to talk to her tonight. Everyone had a great trip (you can read about it in her Journal) mostly, and she just seemed really happy to be home, and just happy to have her brother back for a little while. It felt good not to worry for a little while (I'm borderline on Spanish...it will come down to the wire this time so please pray for me) and just hang out with Samantha and her family. I thought her tan looked pretty good before but it looks really great on her now...I was impressed. Well, off to lala land now, to dream of beaches and a drink in my hand so I'll catch you all on the flip side. Later.

Love ya Sam, glad to see you back

Heath

Issue 111- "Takeover, Part 6: Endgame"

Words, Pics, Inks, Letters and Colors: Heath P. Leonard Lail

Well gents and ladies, our little adventure end here. Sam is due back by 12 midnight or so tonight, so she can resume her duties after that.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1

Never forget that God knows what we need, WHEN we need it. Therefore, just rely on God to help you decide what is best in each big situation that comes up every day. He loves us more than anyone else, and His love will never leave us alone. I am thankful for my friends, and if I ever am blessed by finding a wife/lover, I will be quite grateful for that as well, but I don't worry too much about anything, because I know with God in charge, it'll all work out in the end.  Tell your friends, enemies, and everyone else you meet that God loves em, and so do you! I've enjoyed filling in for Sam while she is gone, but I think I need to consult with her before I try to have another go at this kinda thing because I don't feel that I added much practical application to these verses. If you disagree, that is good, and I hope you have enjoyed these verses. I will continue to post verses but I will not try to expound on them right now. Hope you all have a great Sunday, and a great week! Sam, I missed you hon. 

 

 

Issue 110- "Part 5-Doggone Tired"

Everything: HPLL

Hey guys, I'm turning in but here is the verse for tonight--

"Well then," Jesus said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." This reply completely amazed them.
Mark 12:17

Remember, Jesus commands us to pay our taxes to the government, but we should also tithe every week, to ensure that our church infrastructure continues to stand as well. Pray for friends, neighbors, enemies, and those you love and miss. Have a great Saturday, see y'all tomorrow. Be careful coming home this weekend, Sam. Love you all.

Issue 109- "Part 4- Love and Sorrow"

Written, Pencilled, Inked, Lettered and Colored: Heath P. L. Lail

First off, please pray for Joe Dunning's father, who is in the hospital after passing out Sunday at Wal-Mart in OB.

Hullo again, chaps. Hope all is well with you and yours. I have a Psych test to study for, so tonight's study will be brief, and class will let out early.

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

This verse is meant to give us comfort in times of stress. It is there to let us, as believers, know that Christ has passed through the same hurt, wants, pain and loss that each one of us has possessed here on Earth...and he still triumphed over it all. Christ knew all, but He seeks for us to grow from our mistakes in life, and not keep tripping over the same traps Satan lays for us. May we all be so brave that we will seek to grow evermore wise in the words and ways of God. I hope that you all had a great day, and I pray that everyone has a great weekend as well. Gotta go study, but I hope this short lesson has helped bring you at least some peace. Please pray for Sam and her family, who are still on vacation. Hope y'all come back safe.

Issue 108- "Part 3- Keeping Pace"

Written, Pencilled, Inked, Lettered by: Heath P.L. Lail

Whew...I forgot how hard it is to actually write one of these puppies every day. I noticed that these are getting posted later and later, so I'm gonna try to make it up to you all by posting bi-daily for at least one day before Sam's return. If I accomplish that, then we should be up to 114 or so when Sam comes home. Oh well, enough belly-aching...

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.
Philippians 2:14 

Although I think this verse is rather self-explanatory, I'll try to talk about it's practical application. I've noticed that as we tire throughout rough days, weeks and months, we tend to lose some of our "niceness", and begin to complain about daily tasks or chores, even those we once loved. For example, although I love my comics, pulling out my long comic boxes every week to "stock" new issues has become quite an ardous task, and consequently, I only do it every few weeks or so now. People tire of jobs they once loved, lovers tire of each other to a certain extent, and people grow tired of being treated poorly by someone they love. In these situations, the people in question could try to liven the workplace up by doing something unusual, like throwing a suprise party for the boss (sorry guys, I'm kinda tired), two lovers could simply stop whatever they are doing and take the time to get reaquainted with each other, and instead of arguing and yelling with someone with whom you disagree, try talking your problems out before throwing a fit. These are rather simplistic solutions to these problems, but if they are TOO simple to work, try to expand on them in your own way.  The main thing is to stay calm, guys. Study after study has shown that stress is hard on the heart, and we need that to keep living, so just place your stress away and give it to God. He can handle the stress of your life much better than you, I'm sure. Pray for everyone in your life to relax and just let God drive you through stressful situations rather than trying to handle them yourself. Pray for friends, enemies, and those you love. Be sure to tell people when you love them, because I think that if someone knows they are loved, life becomes just a bit easier. Here's to hoping we all find someone to love us in this life. G'night.

 

Issue 107- "Takeover, Part 2"

Words, Pics, Inks, Letters: Heath L. Lail

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Hullo, again friends. I hope you all had a great day. This verse says what President Bush keeps saying...in order to succeed, one must stay the course. As long as the Lord is on that course, you can not fail. Today was very blessed. I had two Spanish assignments to complete by tonight, but I was supposed to meet a guy to compare notes for History, so I needed to make time to meet my Spanish teacher for help. I worried about it, but God gave me a hole because my Philosophy teacher cancelled class, giving me an hour and a half or so to go over Spanish with my teacher. If you stay the course with God, He will watch over you. Be not quick to anger, and love Him, as well as your family and friends. I think this verse spoke to me another way as well...I have been pursuing a career in comic books, as well as trying to finish college in December. I think this verse is telling me to push 110% in both areras to succeed. I have been kind of lax about my studies this semester, but no more. I now know what is needed of me to accomplish where I want to put myself in life, and I pray that you will be in prayer for me to get there. I hope you all have a great day tomorrow, and please pray for your friends, enemies, and everyone out in this big ol' world. Take care. Be safe, Samantha.

 

Issue 106- "Takeover, Part 1"

Words, Pictures, Inks and Letters Proudly Presented by: Heath "Leonard" Lail

With this story arc, I will change the status quo of the book...I am stepping in for Sam, who is on vacation, with the encouraging words from the Holy Bible. I hope to keep the story nightly for the duration of her vacation, but no promises. Enough housekeeping...

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? . . . Then make me truly happy by agreeing whole-heartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.             

Philippians 2:1-2, NLT

These verses say to me that if you have any disagreements with those close to you, you should do what you can to heal that wound. This speaks to me because my brother and I had a big disagreement the other day, and I said a lot of things that probably hurt him very deeply. For that, I have asked God for forgiveness, but I have yet to speak to my brother about it, and I know that is wrong of me. Please pray that I find the courage to ask him to forgive me. I have been blessed with friends like Samantha and her family, who have stepped up to the plate in a big way twice now to help me with painful situations. Love your friends, but love those who you are no longer friends with also. Let old arguments fade away, and if you can not be friends with them, at least try to forgive each other. Never forget those who helped you in the past, and be sure to let them know how much they are appreciated. Sam, thank you so much for everything, and I hope that I can do half the job you have done since you started this kind of Journal. I love you and your family, be safe. I hope everyone has a great Tuesday, please pray for me, yourself, and all those you might have forgotten about.

Same time, same channel tomorrow night hopefully.

Best, H

 

           

Issue 105- "Keep Truckin' and it will all work out"

Words, Pics, Inks, Letters: H.P. Lail

Hey guys and girls, just wanted to drop you a line to say that everything is ok. I almost had a mental breakdown over my paper Sunday afternoon, but Sam helped calm me down and get my head right. I unfortunately didn't get to study very long at all for my Spanish exam Monday because of my procrastination over the paper, so I probably blew it, but if so, that just means I have to work very hard to catch up. I got some grades back this week, and my two big tests in Poli Sci and Philosophy came back with Bs, so I'm a happy camper right now. Hope you have a great day tomorrow, and remember...Star Wars is coming! Sam, I hope you have a great time on your vacation, and enjoy yourself...I'll miss you but only the Lord knows when you might get another good break. Later all.

 

Issue 104- "Lesson Learned"

Everything: HPLL

Hey guys and gals, hope you had a great day. I'm tired but I had a really good day. It started out bad, as some greedy folks ruined my chance to get the new Darth Vader figure from Target, but it is ok. I'm just trying to relax because my test in Spanish is coming up Monday, and I feel ill prepared for it. Although I am under no illusion that I will write something here EVERY night under Star Wars Episode III opens, I now officially start the countdown to May 19th....T-minus 47 days and some-odd hours until every Star Wars nerd in the galaxy falls upon theaters like white on rice. I'm hoping that Sam will be off or willing to take off that night to go see the midnight showing with a certain nerd, but we will just have to see. I still feel God trying to shift my heart onto things of Him, and I am trying to change my attitudes towards many things, so please pray for me as I do y'all. I gotta go write a Psych paper I've been putting off since yesterday but I hope you folks all have a good night, and I will hopefully seen you soon.