Marc Tyler Nobleman's Blog, page 96
October 10, 2013
Vigil for Superman
New York Post 5/31/95 I remember seeing this and thinking "That's what a newspaper front page would look like if Superman were real." Unfortunately, that accident was real.
It's hard to believe that this was not already on the Internet. I'm glad I saved a copy.
That was the day I began running for exercise and pleasure. At the time, I lived a block from Central Park, near the running path—obvious inspiration.
As was Christopher Reeve.
He died nine years after this accident, nine years ago today. To me, he will always be Superman, fictional and real.
October 9, 2013
Help me find these ‘80s music video girls!
Where are they now?
Who is the girl in the video?
Or rather, where can I find a woman like that?
I ask because round 2 is coming.
With literally a single click, you can spread word of my quest to find the long-lost ingénues from the following 1980s music videos to add to this interview series. If successful, your simple effort will make many people happy over many years. Not bad for the push of one button!
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield“Africa” by Toto“Gimme All Your Lovin’” by ZZ Top“Tell Her About It” by Billy Joel (multiple women)“Along Comes a Woman” by Chicago“Shake Me” by Cinderella“Should’ve Known Better” by Richard Marx
“Jessie’s Girl”
“Africa”
“Gimme All Your Lovin’” (woman on the left; we know who the other two are)
“Tell Her About It”
“Tell Her About It”
“Along Comes a Woman”
“Shake Me” (it is not Amanda Peet!)
“Should’ve Known Better”
For months, all leads have turned to dead ends. Here is who hasn’t remembered/had record of their names:
the music video directorsthe producersthe casting agentsthe record companiesthe fansthe bands
And I am not surprised.
But these girls-now-women are out there.
They are probably not googling themselves because they don’t think anyone would be posting about their brief appearance in a music video 30 years ago. However, their kids may be googling them, and I hope they (you) have not only the curiosity but also the initiative to reach out to me.
Yes, I want to interview your mom. (Or aunt. Or godmother. Or friend’s mom.)
The point is simple: someone knows how to reach each of these memorable ‘80s faces, and everyone reading this is one of my six degrees of separation to reach those people.
Dreaming bigger:
if we can get anyone with a quarter of a million followers or more to tweet this, we will find at least one of the womenif we can get anyone with half a million or more, I’m convinced we can find every person on this list in just a day
Reasons to help:
It takes literally less than 30 seconds.It costs nothing.You will make people smile. They want to hear the stories of the people I’m looking for.You will be a crowdresearching pioneer. (The already-common crowdsourcing works, and that’s a lot more labor intensive.)You will become part of the story yourself.
If you know any of these women, please let me know no matter how much time has passed since I posted this!
Thank you for contributing to this social media/pop culture/posterity experiment.
Who is the girl in the video?
Or rather, where can I find a woman like that?
I ask because round 2 is coming.
With literally a single click, you can spread word of my quest to find the long-lost ingénues from the following 1980s music videos to add to this interview series. If successful, your simple effort will make many people happy over many years. Not bad for the push of one button!
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield“Africa” by Toto“Gimme All Your Lovin’” by ZZ Top“Tell Her About It” by Billy Joel (multiple women)“Along Comes a Woman” by Chicago“Shake Me” by Cinderella“Should’ve Known Better” by Richard Marx
“Jessie’s Girl”
“Africa”
“Gimme All Your Lovin’” (woman on the left; we know who the other two are)
“Tell Her About It”
“Tell Her About It”
“Along Comes a Woman”
“Shake Me” (it is not Amanda Peet!)
“Should’ve Known Better”For months, all leads have turned to dead ends. Here is who hasn’t remembered/had record of their names:
the music video directorsthe producersthe casting agentsthe record companiesthe fansthe bands
And I am not surprised.
But these girls-now-women are out there.
They are probably not googling themselves because they don’t think anyone would be posting about their brief appearance in a music video 30 years ago. However, their kids may be googling them, and I hope they (you) have not only the curiosity but also the initiative to reach out to me.
Yes, I want to interview your mom. (Or aunt. Or godmother. Or friend’s mom.)
The point is simple: someone knows how to reach each of these memorable ‘80s faces, and everyone reading this is one of my six degrees of separation to reach those people.
Dreaming bigger:
if we can get anyone with a quarter of a million followers or more to tweet this, we will find at least one of the womenif we can get anyone with half a million or more, I’m convinced we can find every person on this list in just a day
Reasons to help:
It takes literally less than 30 seconds.It costs nothing.You will make people smile. They want to hear the stories of the people I’m looking for.You will be a crowdresearching pioneer. (The already-common crowdsourcing works, and that’s a lot more labor intensive.)You will become part of the story yourself.
If you know any of these women, please let me know no matter how much time has passed since I posted this!
Thank you for contributing to this social media/pop culture/posterity experiment.
October 8, 2013
Speaking at Eagle Hill School, Greenwich, CT
On 10/3/13, I was back in my home state to speak at several schools including the lovely Eagle Hill.
Though I have written a book on eagles, the topic du jour was another creature of flight: superheroes. My kind host Ann Chase and her students prepared not one, not two, but three dynamic displays for me. It sure is nice being a sidekick to Superman and Batman.
The Greenwich Time covered the event.
The journalist was a very nice—and knowledgeable—guy, and a good writer, too. These are my favorite lines:
“Marc Tyler Nobleman is a better reporter than Clark Kent and has apparently picked up a thing or two from Batman about detective work.”“The author is living up to his own heroic surname by launching a crusade for little-known writer Bill Finger…”“Superman and Batman remain pretty popular senior citizens.”
Thank you again, Eagle Hill (and Greenwich Time).
October 7, 2013
Bill Finger in “New York Times” (first time in 74 years)
No mainstream obituary ran for Bill Finger upon his death in 1974. I am especially miffed that the New York Times (the paper of the city in which Bill masterminded Batman) didn’t cover his passing.
In their defense, at the time, most people simply didn’t know who Bill Finger was…then again, most obituaries are for people you haven’t heard of…
But the Times also hasn’t covered Bill in the 39 years since…until now.
I’m thrilled to report that Bill has finally made into the Paper of Record. The 10/6/13 New York Times contains an article about him which also happens to mention (and show an image from) Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman.
Screenshot of the web version:
While I wish Bill were here to see this, it’s nonetheless a reminder that it’s never too late to set the record straight.
In their defense, at the time, most people simply didn’t know who Bill Finger was…then again, most obituaries are for people you haven’t heard of…
But the Times also hasn’t covered Bill in the 39 years since…until now.
I’m thrilled to report that Bill has finally made into the Paper of Record. The 10/6/13 New York Times contains an article about him which also happens to mention (and show an image from) Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman.
Screenshot of the web version:
While I wish Bill were here to see this, it’s nonetheless a reminder that it’s never too late to set the record straight.
October 6, 2013
A kind reflection on my little TED talk
This gent, for reasons inexplicable by science or reason, chose to reflect on my TED talk about Bill Finger and creators' rights. Thank you, Ryan, for reinforcing my mission and for your kind words about my somewhat clumsy delivery.
October 3, 2013
A peachy reaction from Plum Creek
An educator who attended the 2013 Plum Creek Literacy Festival served me an extra serving of niceness afterward in the form of a blog post about my presentation, and I quote:
“…an hour of fabulous!”“Three cheers for Marc Tyler Nobleman!”“I had no idea who Mr. Nobleman was when we signed up for the festival. I had even contemplated ditching his session and sneaking my small class in to listen to a different author. (Very sorry.) I am so glad I didn't! I could have listened to him inform, educate, and inspire my children for hours!”“…the children were captivated by his every word”“Listening to Mr. Nobleman made the entire trip worth it.”
This humbled presenter thanks you, Heather.
“…an hour of fabulous!”“Three cheers for Marc Tyler Nobleman!”“I had no idea who Mr. Nobleman was when we signed up for the festival. I had even contemplated ditching his session and sneaking my small class in to listen to a different author. (Very sorry.) I am so glad I didn't! I could have listened to him inform, educate, and inspire my children for hours!”“…the children were captivated by his every word”“Listening to Mr. Nobleman made the entire trip worth it.”
This humbled presenter thanks you, Heather.
October 2, 2013
"Batman: Brave and Bold" script #1: Batman and Wonder Girl
In 2009, I finally got the chance to write for DC Comics; editor Mike Siglain commissioned four scripts for the comic based on the whimsical animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I had a blast, using mostly heroes who not appeared with Batman either on the show or in the comic the show was based on. I loved the way the series mixed and matched, often pitting Batman and a co-star against a villain who was not associated with either of them.
I got paid. I got excited.
Then the title got canceled.
Since it is now unlikely that these stories will be published, I will share them here. All characters, of course, are copyright DC Comics. First up: Batman and Wonder Girl.
“The Brave and the Cold!”
PAGE 1
Page 1, panel 1
On a runway on Paradise Island, Batman leaps from the parked Batplane to the one parked next to it, the Invisible Jet.
BatmanReady?
Page 1, panel 2
Wonder Girl sits inside the Invisible Jet—in the driver’s seat. Batman takes the seat next to her.
Wonder GirlI’ve fought gods. I think I’m ready to learn to fly a plane.
BatmanNot until you fasten your seatbelt.
Page 1, panel 3
Wonder Girl has a huffy expression.
Wonder GirlDid you hear the part about me fighting gods? Superman doesn’t need a seatbelt.
BatmanSuperman doesn’t need an airplane.
Page 1, panel 4
Wonder Girl even huffier, but fastening.
Wonder GirlNeither do I.
BatmanYou do when you need to transport others.
Wonder GirlYes, dad. I wish Wonder Woman was teaching me.
Page 1, panel 5
Wonder Girl has that expression of someone repeating someone else’s (annoying) words.
BatmanYou know she’s taking care of a threat off-world. And I know she explained to you why I’mdoing this.
Wonder Girl“Batman has extensive experience both flying planes andhandling teenagers. He’s the best man for the job.”
Page 1, panel 6
Both Batman and Wonder Girl look peeved.
Wonder GirlI still wish Wonder Woman was teaching me.
BatmanMe too.
PAGE 2
Page 2, panel 1
captionAN HOUR LATER
BatmanSo those are the basics. Now try to take off.
Page 2, panel 2
Wonder Girl opening the door and stepping out.
BatmanI meant in the plane.
Wonder GirlI know what you meant. I’m just getting even more bored than I already am, if that’s possible.
Page 2, panel 3
BatmanRobin says taking off is the most fun part.
Wonder GirlWait, Robincan already fly?
Page 2, panel 4
BatmanHe’s been flying for more than a year. Batplane and Batcopter.
Wonder GirlBut he’s like two months younger than me!
Page 2, panel 5
Wonder Girl, shown in close up, now looks determined.
Wonder GirlLet’s rockthis jet.
Page 2, panel 6
The Invisible Jet speeds off down the runway.
PAGE 3
Page 3, panel 1
The Invisible Jet veers into a ditch.
captionATTEMPT 1
Wonder GirlDarn!
Page 3, panel 2
The Invisible Jet has veered into a dense pocket of trees.
captionATTEMPT 3
BatmanYou see this invisibleplane but not that visible forest?
Page 3, panel 3
The Invisible Jet is wedged up to the wings between two large Greek pillars.
captionATTEMPT 7
Wonder GirlGrrr…
Page 3, panel 4
The Invisible Jet’s nose is tipped into the ocean.
captionATTEMPT 18
Wonder GirlAarrgh!
Page 3, panel 5
The Invisible Jet is upside down.
captionATTEMPT 26
BatmanNow this is a first.
Page 3, panel 6
The Invisible Jet takes off successfully (shown from its exterior and only 10-20 feet in the air).
Wonder GirlWooooooo-hoo!
PAGE 4
Page 4, panel 1
A large blast of ice shoots up and freezes the Invisible Jet in mid-air (but not much higher than shown in previous panel).
SFXFwock!
Page 4, panel 2
Batman and Wonder Girl look down to see that Killer Frost has anchored the jet to the ground with a huge ice column.
Wonder GirlKiller Frost!
Page 4, panel 3
Wonder Girl is flying out of the plane toward Killer Frost.
Wonder Girl(to Batman)Too bad mencan’t step foot on Paradise Island—not that I need your help.
Page 4, panel 4
Wonder Girl lands on the runway near Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlPeople come to the tropics to avoid the cold, KF—so you’ll be leaving.
Page 4, panel 5
Killer FrostLearning to fly the Invisible Jet and making bad quips—I must be interrupting Superhero 101. Well, “WG,” class is canceled because of icy conditions!
Page 4, panel 6
Killer Frost blasts ice at Wonder Girl, who is throwing up her bracelets in defense.
SFXSkraaack!
Wonder GirlAnd that’s a good quip?
PAGE 5
Page 5, panel 1
Killer Frost’s ice has frozen Wonder Girl’s bracelets together.
Killer Frost (balloon 1)A shame that one of the few abilities the all-powerful Wonder Girl lacks is heat vision.
Killer Frost (balloon 2)By the way, what good is an Invisible Jet when the people inside aren’t?
Page 5, panel 2
Killer Frost raises her hands to deliver another ice blast to Wonder Girl.
Batman (off-panel, from above)The people inside aren’t the type to hide from criminals like you, Frost.
Page 5, panel 3
Killer Frost’s hands are knocked sideways by a Batarang thrown by Batman standing atop the Invisible Jet, sending her blast away from Wonder Girl.
SFXTwack!
Killer FrostHey! That was cold!
Page 5, panel 4
Killer Frost rides one of her signature ice arcs up to the Invisible Jet as Batman slips inside it.
SFXSkraaaaack!
Killer FrostAnd I’m only trying to play ice.
Page 5, panel 5
Batman and Killer Frost stand at opposite ends inside the Invisible Jet.
BatmanWhat do you want, Frost?
Killer FrostFor starters, I’m happy with this—the bat trapped like a rat.
PAGE 6
Page 6, panel 1
Targeting Batman, Killer Frost begins to fill the Invisible Jet solid with ice.
SFXSkreeeeek!
Page 6, panel 2
The ice is closing in on Batman, who is heating a Bat-grapple with a Bat-mini-blowtorch.
Page 6, panel 3
He fires the heated grapple into the approaching ice.
SFXKakraaaaack!
Page 6, panel 4
The grapple breaks through the other end and clamps onto Killer Frost.
Killer FrostWha—?
Page 6, panel 5
Batman tugs the grapple rope.
Page 6, panel 6
Killer Frost is yanked butt first into the hole carved out by the grapple, getting wedged in.
Killer FrostOomf!
PAGE 7
Page 7, panel 1
Batman scrambles onto a wing of the Invisible Jet. The angle is bird’s-eye so that we can see Wonder Girl below, banging her ice “handcuffs” on a rock or other hard surface.
Wonder Girl(quietly because she’s at a distance)This stuff is freakishly strong…
Page 7, panel 2
Killer Frost emerges on the wing as well, arms raised to blast.
Killer FrostIce try, Batman, but I’m on a deadline and can’t risk any delays. So let’s freeze that clever brain of yours.
Page 7, panel 3
As Killer Frost fires, Batman does a cartwheel, with knees bent so that his feet are now at the level his head was when standing. His feet are apart. The ice is NOT hitting him yet.
SFXSpraaaaack!
Page 7, panel 4
Building on his momentum, Batman fires his grapple again (hooking around the wing of the Invisible Jet) so he can swing down to Wonder Girl. His feet should NOT be visible.
Page 7, panel 5
Batman lands in front of Wonder Girl, who looks aghast (and is still ice-cuffed). His feet should still NOT be visible.
SFXWhompf!
Wonder GirlBatman—no! You know men aren’t allowed to touch the ground on Paradise Island!
Page 7, panel 6
It is now revealed that Batman’s feet are frozen into jagged ice boots with thick, perhaps spiky soles.
BatmanI do. And I’m not.
PAGE 8
Page 8, panel 1
Batman is using the same blowtorch to melt the ice cuffs. Wonder Girl looks put in her place.
BatmanNot that you need myhelp…
Page 8, panel 2
Wonder Girl is freed and her face reads “payback.” Perhaps her fists do, too.
Wonder GirlWhere is she?
Page 8, panel 3
Batman gesturing to a trail of ice puddles.
Page 8, panel 4
As Batman (still in ice boots) and Wonder Girl follow the trail, the ground shakes.
Wonder GirlEarthquake?
Page 8, panel 5
Batman and Wonder Girl reach the end of the puddle trail, which is a gaping hole in the ground—gaping andsmoking.
BatmanActually…volcano.
Wonder GirlI never knew Paradise Island sat on a volcano! Or did Killer Frost create it?
Page 8, panel 6
Batman and Wonder Girl lowering into the crevice, he on his grapple, she on her lasso.
BatmanGiven the nature of her power, I doubt it. But it’s clearly the reason she’s here.
PAGE 9
Page 9, panel 1
Landing on the rocky side of a lava lake, Batman and Wonder Girl see Killer Frost on a large chunk of hardened lava jutting from the lake. Batman’s boots are melting.
Batman(gesturing to his melting boots, to Wonder Girl)I assume it’s okay for a man to touch the ground under Paradise Island?
Page 9, panel 2
Wonder Girl flies toward Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlI’ll check on that later. Now it’s time to cream some ice!
Page 9, panel 3
Wonder Girl punches Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlWhat’s this about, KF?
Page 9, panel 4
As it appears Killer Frost is about to issue a tremendous ice blast, Wonder Girl snares her tightly with her lasso. Killer Frost looks alarmed.
Killer FrostIf you want to livelong enough to hear the answer, releasem—
Page 9, panel 5
The volcano rumbles. Startled, Wonder Girl loosens her grip of the lasso and Killer Frost slips out.
SFXBruuuuummmmm…
Killer FrostNo! It’s too soon! I’m not read—
Page 9, panel 6
BatmanFrost—shield now!
PAGE 10
Page 10, panel 1
The volcano erupts and Killer Frost simultaneously creates a huge ice dome underneath the three, protecting them and containing the blast.
SFXBoooooooooooommmm!
Page 10, panel 2
The three are atop the thick ice dome (which is high enough that it projects above ground). The dome is steaming from the heat below. Killer Frost has collapsed from exertion. Wonder Girl is looking around in relieved amazement.
Killer Frost(to Wonder Girl)Impulsivefool…you almost got me killed. And yourselves as well, not that that matters.
Page 10, panel 3
Wonder Girl is kneeling in a traditional honor pose before Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlYou saved Paradise Island, Frost. On behalf of all of my Amazon sisters…I thank you.
Page 10, panel 4
Wonder Girl is standing.
BatmanThat was the most heroicthing you’ve done today, Wonder Girl. Being a hero is not always about throwing the strongest punch.
Wonder GirlWell, I’m notabout to make a habit of thanking supervillains. Most of my heroics will still be of the butt-kicking variety.
Killer FrostAnd I’m not about to melt from your thanks. You ruinedmy plan to turn your precious island into my own personal tropical ice fortress—andwipe out all you bothersome Amazons at the same time.
Page 10, panel 5
The three are descending the ice shield, Batman with Killer Frost in Bat-cuffs.
Killer Frost (balloon 1)I just wish I could’ve done it without needing a volcano to supply a massive amount of raw material for me to freeze. I’ve been waiting for it to erupt for weeks.
Killer Frost (balloon 2)And speaking of which, Wonder Girl, you could stand to learn some patience yourself.
Page 10, panel 6
Wonder Girl fumes.
BatmanI’m not about to make a habit of agreeing with supervillains, but Killer Frost doeshave a point…
I got paid. I got excited.
Then the title got canceled.
Since it is now unlikely that these stories will be published, I will share them here. All characters, of course, are copyright DC Comics. First up: Batman and Wonder Girl.
“The Brave and the Cold!”
PAGE 1
Page 1, panel 1
On a runway on Paradise Island, Batman leaps from the parked Batplane to the one parked next to it, the Invisible Jet.
BatmanReady?
Page 1, panel 2
Wonder Girl sits inside the Invisible Jet—in the driver’s seat. Batman takes the seat next to her.
Wonder GirlI’ve fought gods. I think I’m ready to learn to fly a plane.
BatmanNot until you fasten your seatbelt.
Page 1, panel 3
Wonder Girl has a huffy expression.
Wonder GirlDid you hear the part about me fighting gods? Superman doesn’t need a seatbelt.
BatmanSuperman doesn’t need an airplane.
Page 1, panel 4
Wonder Girl even huffier, but fastening.
Wonder GirlNeither do I.
BatmanYou do when you need to transport others.
Wonder GirlYes, dad. I wish Wonder Woman was teaching me.
Page 1, panel 5
Wonder Girl has that expression of someone repeating someone else’s (annoying) words.
BatmanYou know she’s taking care of a threat off-world. And I know she explained to you why I’mdoing this.
Wonder Girl“Batman has extensive experience both flying planes andhandling teenagers. He’s the best man for the job.”
Page 1, panel 6
Both Batman and Wonder Girl look peeved.
Wonder GirlI still wish Wonder Woman was teaching me.
BatmanMe too.
PAGE 2
Page 2, panel 1
captionAN HOUR LATER
BatmanSo those are the basics. Now try to take off.
Page 2, panel 2
Wonder Girl opening the door and stepping out.
BatmanI meant in the plane.
Wonder GirlI know what you meant. I’m just getting even more bored than I already am, if that’s possible.
Page 2, panel 3
BatmanRobin says taking off is the most fun part.
Wonder GirlWait, Robincan already fly?
Page 2, panel 4
BatmanHe’s been flying for more than a year. Batplane and Batcopter.
Wonder GirlBut he’s like two months younger than me!
Page 2, panel 5
Wonder Girl, shown in close up, now looks determined.
Wonder GirlLet’s rockthis jet.
Page 2, panel 6
The Invisible Jet speeds off down the runway.
PAGE 3
Page 3, panel 1
The Invisible Jet veers into a ditch.
captionATTEMPT 1
Wonder GirlDarn!
Page 3, panel 2
The Invisible Jet has veered into a dense pocket of trees.
captionATTEMPT 3
BatmanYou see this invisibleplane but not that visible forest?
Page 3, panel 3
The Invisible Jet is wedged up to the wings between two large Greek pillars.
captionATTEMPT 7
Wonder GirlGrrr…
Page 3, panel 4
The Invisible Jet’s nose is tipped into the ocean.
captionATTEMPT 18
Wonder GirlAarrgh!
Page 3, panel 5
The Invisible Jet is upside down.
captionATTEMPT 26
BatmanNow this is a first.
Page 3, panel 6
The Invisible Jet takes off successfully (shown from its exterior and only 10-20 feet in the air).
Wonder GirlWooooooo-hoo!
PAGE 4
Page 4, panel 1
A large blast of ice shoots up and freezes the Invisible Jet in mid-air (but not much higher than shown in previous panel).
SFXFwock!
Page 4, panel 2
Batman and Wonder Girl look down to see that Killer Frost has anchored the jet to the ground with a huge ice column.
Wonder GirlKiller Frost!
Page 4, panel 3
Wonder Girl is flying out of the plane toward Killer Frost.
Wonder Girl(to Batman)Too bad mencan’t step foot on Paradise Island—not that I need your help.
Page 4, panel 4
Wonder Girl lands on the runway near Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlPeople come to the tropics to avoid the cold, KF—so you’ll be leaving.
Page 4, panel 5
Killer FrostLearning to fly the Invisible Jet and making bad quips—I must be interrupting Superhero 101. Well, “WG,” class is canceled because of icy conditions!
Page 4, panel 6
Killer Frost blasts ice at Wonder Girl, who is throwing up her bracelets in defense.
SFXSkraaack!
Wonder GirlAnd that’s a good quip?
PAGE 5
Page 5, panel 1
Killer Frost’s ice has frozen Wonder Girl’s bracelets together.
Killer Frost (balloon 1)A shame that one of the few abilities the all-powerful Wonder Girl lacks is heat vision.
Killer Frost (balloon 2)By the way, what good is an Invisible Jet when the people inside aren’t?
Page 5, panel 2
Killer Frost raises her hands to deliver another ice blast to Wonder Girl.
Batman (off-panel, from above)The people inside aren’t the type to hide from criminals like you, Frost.
Page 5, panel 3
Killer Frost’s hands are knocked sideways by a Batarang thrown by Batman standing atop the Invisible Jet, sending her blast away from Wonder Girl.
SFXTwack!
Killer FrostHey! That was cold!
Page 5, panel 4
Killer Frost rides one of her signature ice arcs up to the Invisible Jet as Batman slips inside it.
SFXSkraaaaack!
Killer FrostAnd I’m only trying to play ice.
Page 5, panel 5
Batman and Killer Frost stand at opposite ends inside the Invisible Jet.
BatmanWhat do you want, Frost?
Killer FrostFor starters, I’m happy with this—the bat trapped like a rat.
PAGE 6
Page 6, panel 1
Targeting Batman, Killer Frost begins to fill the Invisible Jet solid with ice.
SFXSkreeeeek!
Page 6, panel 2
The ice is closing in on Batman, who is heating a Bat-grapple with a Bat-mini-blowtorch.
Page 6, panel 3
He fires the heated grapple into the approaching ice.
SFXKakraaaaack!
Page 6, panel 4
The grapple breaks through the other end and clamps onto Killer Frost.
Killer FrostWha—?
Page 6, panel 5
Batman tugs the grapple rope.
Page 6, panel 6
Killer Frost is yanked butt first into the hole carved out by the grapple, getting wedged in.
Killer FrostOomf!
PAGE 7
Page 7, panel 1
Batman scrambles onto a wing of the Invisible Jet. The angle is bird’s-eye so that we can see Wonder Girl below, banging her ice “handcuffs” on a rock or other hard surface.
Wonder Girl(quietly because she’s at a distance)This stuff is freakishly strong…
Page 7, panel 2
Killer Frost emerges on the wing as well, arms raised to blast.
Killer FrostIce try, Batman, but I’m on a deadline and can’t risk any delays. So let’s freeze that clever brain of yours.
Page 7, panel 3
As Killer Frost fires, Batman does a cartwheel, with knees bent so that his feet are now at the level his head was when standing. His feet are apart. The ice is NOT hitting him yet.
SFXSpraaaaack!
Page 7, panel 4
Building on his momentum, Batman fires his grapple again (hooking around the wing of the Invisible Jet) so he can swing down to Wonder Girl. His feet should NOT be visible.
Page 7, panel 5
Batman lands in front of Wonder Girl, who looks aghast (and is still ice-cuffed). His feet should still NOT be visible.
SFXWhompf!
Wonder GirlBatman—no! You know men aren’t allowed to touch the ground on Paradise Island!
Page 7, panel 6
It is now revealed that Batman’s feet are frozen into jagged ice boots with thick, perhaps spiky soles.
BatmanI do. And I’m not.
PAGE 8
Page 8, panel 1
Batman is using the same blowtorch to melt the ice cuffs. Wonder Girl looks put in her place.
BatmanNot that you need myhelp…
Page 8, panel 2
Wonder Girl is freed and her face reads “payback.” Perhaps her fists do, too.
Wonder GirlWhere is she?
Page 8, panel 3
Batman gesturing to a trail of ice puddles.
Page 8, panel 4
As Batman (still in ice boots) and Wonder Girl follow the trail, the ground shakes.
Wonder GirlEarthquake?
Page 8, panel 5
Batman and Wonder Girl reach the end of the puddle trail, which is a gaping hole in the ground—gaping andsmoking.
BatmanActually…volcano.
Wonder GirlI never knew Paradise Island sat on a volcano! Or did Killer Frost create it?
Page 8, panel 6
Batman and Wonder Girl lowering into the crevice, he on his grapple, she on her lasso.
BatmanGiven the nature of her power, I doubt it. But it’s clearly the reason she’s here.
PAGE 9
Page 9, panel 1
Landing on the rocky side of a lava lake, Batman and Wonder Girl see Killer Frost on a large chunk of hardened lava jutting from the lake. Batman’s boots are melting.
Batman(gesturing to his melting boots, to Wonder Girl)I assume it’s okay for a man to touch the ground under Paradise Island?
Page 9, panel 2
Wonder Girl flies toward Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlI’ll check on that later. Now it’s time to cream some ice!
Page 9, panel 3
Wonder Girl punches Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlWhat’s this about, KF?
Page 9, panel 4
As it appears Killer Frost is about to issue a tremendous ice blast, Wonder Girl snares her tightly with her lasso. Killer Frost looks alarmed.
Killer FrostIf you want to livelong enough to hear the answer, releasem—
Page 9, panel 5
The volcano rumbles. Startled, Wonder Girl loosens her grip of the lasso and Killer Frost slips out.
SFXBruuuuummmmm…
Killer FrostNo! It’s too soon! I’m not read—
Page 9, panel 6
BatmanFrost—shield now!
PAGE 10
Page 10, panel 1
The volcano erupts and Killer Frost simultaneously creates a huge ice dome underneath the three, protecting them and containing the blast.
SFXBoooooooooooommmm!
Page 10, panel 2
The three are atop the thick ice dome (which is high enough that it projects above ground). The dome is steaming from the heat below. Killer Frost has collapsed from exertion. Wonder Girl is looking around in relieved amazement.
Killer Frost(to Wonder Girl)Impulsivefool…you almost got me killed. And yourselves as well, not that that matters.
Page 10, panel 3
Wonder Girl is kneeling in a traditional honor pose before Killer Frost.
Wonder GirlYou saved Paradise Island, Frost. On behalf of all of my Amazon sisters…I thank you.
Page 10, panel 4
Wonder Girl is standing.
BatmanThat was the most heroicthing you’ve done today, Wonder Girl. Being a hero is not always about throwing the strongest punch.
Wonder GirlWell, I’m notabout to make a habit of thanking supervillains. Most of my heroics will still be of the butt-kicking variety.
Killer FrostAnd I’m not about to melt from your thanks. You ruinedmy plan to turn your precious island into my own personal tropical ice fortress—andwipe out all you bothersome Amazons at the same time.
Page 10, panel 5
The three are descending the ice shield, Batman with Killer Frost in Bat-cuffs.
Killer Frost (balloon 1)I just wish I could’ve done it without needing a volcano to supply a massive amount of raw material for me to freeze. I’ve been waiting for it to erupt for weeks.
Killer Frost (balloon 2)And speaking of which, Wonder Girl, you could stand to learn some patience yourself.
Page 10, panel 6
Wonder Girl fumes.
BatmanI’m not about to make a habit of agreeing with supervillains, but Killer Frost doeshave a point…
October 1, 2013
Plum Creek Literacy Festival 2013
On 9/26-28/13, I had the honor of being one of nine authors headlining the 18th annual Plum Creek Literacy Festival at Concordia University in Seward, NE.
It capped off my first-ever week in Nebraska, during which I spoke for 20 hours…not in a row. Every day from Monday to Saturday included three hourlong talks—except for Wednesday, which included five. Two schools in Omaha, two in Grand Island, then the festival.
Shoemaker Elementary School, Grand Island
The same day I spoke in Grand Island, the top story in the local daily paper was apropos:
I’d met Marla Frazee and Judy Schachner in 2008, and I’d corresponded with Candace Fleming and Barbara McClintock. First time meeting Eric Rohmann, Neal Shusterman, Kevin Henkes, and Anna Dewdney. All lovely people.
me, Marla Frazee, Judy Schachner, Anna Dewdney, Eric Rohmann, Candace Fleming, Barbara McClintock
We were not only colleagues (and admirers) of each other…we were also roommates.
We had a sorority house (Marla, Judy, Barbara, and Anna) and a fraternity house (plus Candace, since she goes with Eric). With Neal and Kevin, I shared not only a program but also a bathroom. (To be clear, we took turns.)
And it was a blast. We started to feel like more than roommates and something like a family. Hey, the cliché works.
Marla Frazee, Eric Rohmann, Judy Schachner
Eric Rohmann, Judy Schachner, Candace Fleming, Kevin Henkes
Candace Fleming, Kevin Henkes, Neal Shusterman, Barbara McClintock
This was a literacy and literary marathon. Early mornings, large audiences (some approaching 600 kids), an abundance of books to sign, little downtime.
Some kids came in capes. Made me feel naked without one.
The house in which the men and Candace stayed had its, well, old-fashioned charms. And a few mysteries…such as what we found in the closet Kevin, Judy, Marla, Barbara, and Candace are about to look in:
Suffice it to say that upon seeing it, a couple of us let out a compact scream…
In one of my sessions, a girl in about fourth grade sitting toward the back of the auditorium raised her hand and told me that her dad bought $6,000 worth of Superman merchandise…and is in jail. She went on to say that he likes Superman because Superman reminds him how to be a good guy instead of a bad guy. I didn’t quite understand the whole thing, but I was nonetheless moved, and asked her to come up after the talk, which she did. I was struck by her courage and poise, and learned her name is MaKaylie.
She is a Girl of Steel.
Thank you to Vikki Gremel, Leah Serck, Janell Uffelman, Dawn Navis, and the many dozens of kind and tireless volunteers who made our stay there warm.
the table for one of our dinners
It capped off my first-ever week in Nebraska, during which I spoke for 20 hours…not in a row. Every day from Monday to Saturday included three hourlong talks—except for Wednesday, which included five. Two schools in Omaha, two in Grand Island, then the festival.
Shoemaker Elementary School, Grand Island The same day I spoke in Grand Island, the top story in the local daily paper was apropos:
I’d met Marla Frazee and Judy Schachner in 2008, and I’d corresponded with Candace Fleming and Barbara McClintock. First time meeting Eric Rohmann, Neal Shusterman, Kevin Henkes, and Anna Dewdney. All lovely people.
me, Marla Frazee, Judy Schachner, Anna Dewdney, Eric Rohmann, Candace Fleming, Barbara McClintockWe were not only colleagues (and admirers) of each other…we were also roommates.
We had a sorority house (Marla, Judy, Barbara, and Anna) and a fraternity house (plus Candace, since she goes with Eric). With Neal and Kevin, I shared not only a program but also a bathroom. (To be clear, we took turns.)
And it was a blast. We started to feel like more than roommates and something like a family. Hey, the cliché works.
Marla Frazee, Eric Rohmann, Judy Schachner
Eric Rohmann, Judy Schachner, Candace Fleming, Kevin Henkes
Candace Fleming, Kevin Henkes, Neal Shusterman, Barbara McClintockThis was a literacy and literary marathon. Early mornings, large audiences (some approaching 600 kids), an abundance of books to sign, little downtime.
Some kids came in capes. Made me feel naked without one.
The house in which the men and Candace stayed had its, well, old-fashioned charms. And a few mysteries…such as what we found in the closet Kevin, Judy, Marla, Barbara, and Candace are about to look in:
Suffice it to say that upon seeing it, a couple of us let out a compact scream…
In one of my sessions, a girl in about fourth grade sitting toward the back of the auditorium raised her hand and told me that her dad bought $6,000 worth of Superman merchandise…and is in jail. She went on to say that he likes Superman because Superman reminds him how to be a good guy instead of a bad guy. I didn’t quite understand the whole thing, but I was nonetheless moved, and asked her to come up after the talk, which she did. I was struck by her courage and poise, and learned her name is MaKaylie.
She is a Girl of Steel.
Thank you to Vikki Gremel, Leah Serck, Janell Uffelman, Dawn Navis, and the many dozens of kind and tireless volunteers who made our stay there warm.
the table for one of our dinners
September 30, 2013
Bill Finger’s family tree
Here is a family tree for Bill Finger, uncredited co-creator of Batman and star of Bill the boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman. Now in convenient list format! (Translation: I don't know how to make a family tree graphic.)
Names in blue were deceased before I started my research.
Names in red are people I spoke with.
Names in black are people I have not found...yet.
Louis Finger (Bill’s father; born c. 1891 in Poland; died 2/7/61 in the Bronx)Tessie Finger (Bill’s mother; born c. 1892 in New York; died 3/28/61 in the Bronx)Milton Finger (changed to “Bill” after high school; born 2/8/14 in Denver, CO; died 1/18/74 in Manhattan)Emily (Bill’s sister; born 10/18 in New York)Gilda (Bill’s sister; born circa 1930 in New York)Portia Finger (Bill’s first wife; born Ethel Epstein 4/21/20 in Jersey City, NJ; died 1/2/90 in Manhattan)Irene Flam (Portia’s twin sister; Bill’s sister-in-law; died 1993)Judy Flam (Bill’s niece)Eric Flam (Bill’s nephew)Frederic Finger (commonly called Freddie or Fred; Bill’s only child; born 12/26/48 in Manhattan; died 2/15/92 in Brooklyn)Edith (now Lyn) Simmons (Bill’s second wife, 1960s; born 1922)Bonnie Burrell (Fred’s wife, 1970s)Charles Shaheen (Fred’s roommate and inheritor of Batman royalties after Fred’s death; died 2002 in Manteo, NC)Jesse Maloney (acquaintance of Charles Shaheen’s; after Charles’s death, he claimed to be Fred’s brother to receive Batman royalties, and did from 2002-2007)Athena Finger (Fred’s only child; born 1976)
Names in blue were deceased before I started my research.
Names in red are people I spoke with.
Names in black are people I have not found...yet.
Louis Finger (Bill’s father; born c. 1891 in Poland; died 2/7/61 in the Bronx)Tessie Finger (Bill’s mother; born c. 1892 in New York; died 3/28/61 in the Bronx)Milton Finger (changed to “Bill” after high school; born 2/8/14 in Denver, CO; died 1/18/74 in Manhattan)Emily (Bill’s sister; born 10/18 in New York)Gilda (Bill’s sister; born circa 1930 in New York)Portia Finger (Bill’s first wife; born Ethel Epstein 4/21/20 in Jersey City, NJ; died 1/2/90 in Manhattan)Irene Flam (Portia’s twin sister; Bill’s sister-in-law; died 1993)Judy Flam (Bill’s niece)Eric Flam (Bill’s nephew)Frederic Finger (commonly called Freddie or Fred; Bill’s only child; born 12/26/48 in Manhattan; died 2/15/92 in Brooklyn)Edith (now Lyn) Simmons (Bill’s second wife, 1960s; born 1922)Bonnie Burrell (Fred’s wife, 1970s)Charles Shaheen (Fred’s roommate and inheritor of Batman royalties after Fred’s death; died 2002 in Manteo, NC)Jesse Maloney (acquaintance of Charles Shaheen’s; after Charles’s death, he claimed to be Fred’s brother to receive Batman royalties, and did from 2002-2007)Athena Finger (Fred’s only child; born 1976)
September 26, 2013
Books (besides mine) my name is in
Books that discuss Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman editorially:
Remarkable Books About Young People with Special Needs
Books whose bibliographies include Boys of Steel and whose acknowledgments mention me:
Super Boys; Brad's comment about me is extremely flattering; reproduces photo of Joe Shuster's apartment that I found
Books whose bibliographies include Boys of Steel:
Superman: The High-Flying History ofAmerica's Most Enduring Hero
Superman: The Unauthorized Biography
Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan
Books whose acknowledgments mention me:
Secret Identity;reproduces photo of Joe Shuster's apartment that I found
Creators of the Superheroes
Billion Dollar Batman
Can I See Your I.D.?;I am not one of the imposters.
The Essential Business Buyer's Guide;One of my oldest friends (since second grade)co-authored this.
Pranklopedia;Julie was one of my Nickelodeon magazine editors.
The Castle on the Parkway;This was Bill Finger's high school.
Are You Psychic?;I connected author with publisher but am not sure I am in the book.It's a companion to my
Ghost Hunting
.
Books that quote me:
Picturing the World; What is quoted.
Disclaimers:
I have not seen all of these books in the pulp.My name may be in other books I don't know about.You don't care.
Remarkable Books About Young People with Special NeedsBooks whose bibliographies include Boys of Steel and whose acknowledgments mention me:
Super Boys; Brad's comment about me is extremely flattering; reproduces photo of Joe Shuster's apartment that I foundBooks whose bibliographies include Boys of Steel:
Superman: The High-Flying History ofAmerica's Most Enduring Hero
Superman: The Unauthorized Biography
Superman Versus the Ku Klux KlanBooks whose acknowledgments mention me:
Secret Identity;reproduces photo of Joe Shuster's apartment that I found 
Creators of the Superheroes
Billion Dollar Batman
Can I See Your I.D.?;I am not one of the imposters.
The Essential Business Buyer's Guide;One of my oldest friends (since second grade)co-authored this.
Pranklopedia;Julie was one of my Nickelodeon magazine editors.
The Castle on the Parkway;This was Bill Finger's high school.
Are You Psychic?;I connected author with publisher but am not sure I am in the book.It's a companion to my
Ghost Hunting
.Books that quote me:
Picturing the World; What is quoted. Disclaimers:
I have not seen all of these books in the pulp.My name may be in other books I don't know about.You don't care.
