November 27, 2007

• THE HELMET

  Several years ago, I posted a list of pop culture items I’d like to someday own in my dream house. 

  And about a month ago, I finally came to the decision that wanting something for 16 years was long enough.  So I sucked it up and purchased one of those items: The Rocketeer Replica Prop Helmet.

  It was pricey but in my opinion — way worth it.  The piece is even better than I’d imagined.  It’s all brass, has leather straps, weighs about 3 lbs and is antiqued to look like it was from the 1930′s.  The inside is nicely lined and padded.  It’s basically the helmet!

  Quick synopsis for those who haven’t seen the movie: The hero (Cliff Secord) discovers a stolen experimental jetpack in his possession.  Unfortunately, there’s no way to control the direction of the pack once it’s in motion.  So his friend fashions a helmet out of a bronze space heater with a large rudder attached so that the wearer can steer by turning his/her head.    

  When I took it out of the box, this tag was attached – it reads in bold: “DO NOT PLACE ON HEAD!”  Which I’m sure is to legally protect them if kids get hurt wearing it.  However, I found myself immediately thinking, “Um, my A** — that’s the first place this sucker’s going on!” 

  I think it’s a work of art that perfectly encapsulates and melds my love comics and movies. It’s got absolutely no practical purpose whatsoever – but with something this cool, you just gotta shrug your shoulders and say, “Who Cares?”

  I keep it in my office as my muse when I’m writing or editing the Secret Identities Anthology (each index card on the bulletin board represents on of the 28 different stories/creative teams in The Anthology and helps me keep track of what scripts/art we have from who, etc).  And the helmet is my thinking cap… well, that’s what I tell my wife anyway.

  Don’t worry, I’m not planning to go overboard with this thing like this guy or this guy or even this guy.  However, the custom arcylic display case I ordered is on it’s way.  I mean, I have to protect my investment, right?  

  As you can see, Avery’s gotten some influence in the superhero department as well.  We just found this cool Superman poncho/bath towel for her.  Look at the cape – it’s the perfect length!  Saves me from having to tie a bulky towel or blanket around her neck that never winds up looking right in the first place. 

  We go ‘flying’ around the house a lot these days, especially with the current Writer’s Strike going on. 

  And I‘m sure we’ll wrangle in her baby sister into our duo when she’s born in April.  Afterall,  I’ve still got the Supergirl Onesie for her that my pal Ryan over at Blacklava made for me when Avery was a ‘lil pup.

  So yes, you read correctly — we’ll be expecting another Shen Girl in the household come next April.  Interestingly enough, that’s also when the Secret Identities Anthology is due into the publisher. 

  I recently was at a Finishing the Game event and told some folks about the baby and was also pitching the Anthology to an artist.  I mentioned that the book had an “April delivery date” -  and someone overheard and said, “Oh, for your baby right?”  And I replied, “Oh yeah… that too,” realizing for the first time that I in fact have two delivery dates for April!

  Anyway, you can catch more of me within the comic realm tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov 28th on CBS’ CRIMINAL MINDS at 9pm ET/PT when I’ll be guest starring as Bobby Kim, Frankie Muniz’s demanding literary agent.  Muniz plays a popular comic book artist who is involved in the search for a serial killer. 

  • 12:18 pm
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