Comics - Fantasy or Reality?

There was an article a couple of months' back in the New Sunday Times where a columnist wrote on Spider-man and “What a wondrous web he weaves”. This columnist also went on further to talk about the issue of reading comics.

And so, the question arises. Are comics good or bad? Let's start with specific questions. Is there violence in comics? Definitely, yes! Is there any sexuality in comics? Well, this would be based on your definition of sexuality, but yes.

I believe it is best to understand that COMICS are NOT FOR KIDS ONLY! In terms of American superhero comics, things are no longer the same. Probably being influenced by the manga (Japanese comics) and for the market selling, most superheroes are not perfect like Superman. These new heroes have emotions, like everyone of us. They make mistakes, they regret and they probably do something bad. Even Superman does. And the beauty of it is, we can actually learn from such issues.

Take for instance the ever popular quote from Spiderman “With great power comes great responsibility”. Oh, how true it is. You do not need to be a superhero to realize this. It’s a quote that applies to almost all of us.

I believe the most important thing is to reflect good values from these heroes. Since the heroes are more human than ever and more like you and me, it's a good method to emulate them as idols who in many ways, are human and, make mistakes.


I personally have adored Batman since my teenage years. He is not simply called “The World’s Greatest Detective” for the fun of it but simply because unlike other superheroes, he makes use of intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess and intimidation in his war on crime. He comes to prove that violence is not the only resolution for crime.

Over the years, I am indeed glad to have come across great talents like Frank Miller, Stan Lee, Alex Ross, Chris Claremont, Joe Quesada and Alan Moore. Titles like V for Vendetta, Watchmen, The Sandman, Batman: The Killing Joke are truly thought provoking and have certainly left a mark on me. I actually use the movie V for Vendetta in teaching the subject Introduction to Human Communication.

To sum it all up, there are many lessons and ideas that one can get from comics and one of the most valuable lessons I have learnt is that the most upstanding of citizens is capable of going mad or tarnishing his or her image after having "just one bad day or event". How true this can be. Think about it.

Marriage quandries

What does marraige really mean? A contract? An encounter? Beats me....I am still looking for answers.

One thing's for sure....Marriage is about discovery.

I guess the first thing is that I discovered as a husband is I am inherently a selfish person. We can probably all say that about ourselves but the mere fact that I'm a lecturer with a full-time job defines the extent of my affliction. In the first years of my married life, I never saw myself as selfish. Not that I thought I was unselfish, mind you . . . I just never really thought about it at all.

I've learned that being a selfish person can really harm a relationship--especially because I never thought about it.

I've found, to my utter astonishment, that we are not all alike. You know what I mean? Ever hear anyone say, "Hey, we're all human." Well, at one level, that's certainly correct. But to make that statement apply everywhere is just flat-out dangerous.

Being a husband is the simplest job in the world. It is also the most empowering. Most rewarding. Most satisfying. Most stabilizing. Most . . . . . . frightening in some ways.

And trust me......marriage is a learning game. To become a master of it takes time and lots of self reflection.

Sunday Round-up

Well, well......another weekend and its gone.

I didn't really do much this Sunday. Spent most of the time bumming around. In the afternoon however, I accompanied my wife to the Berita Harian 50th anniversay bash at the NST head office.

Well, it was certainly loud with kids running around and trying their luck at the various game stalls. There was loads of food too....from mouth watering Satay sticks to thosais. Even A & W didn't miss out on the opportunity to set up a booth there.

Next stop was the KLCC park. The both of us decided to Kill Time at the park by enjoying a little peace and quiet. That all came to an abrupt end with the change of the weather in the evening.

Let's see if next weekend is a little more promising.