Nick Davis's Blog, page 97

On the subject of Faith

I briefly touched upon this in my end of year ramble run down post A roller coaster year of 2011, a few of you were surprised that me of all people would say I reconciled my faith; saying you of all people believe in God? And the simple answer is yes, never once did I say I didn't believe in him. You see it all comes down to faith and how you practice it.

I've always felt that age old adherence to ritual and superstition means you have nothing better to think about, never be led by the nose make your own decisions, know your own mind that is one of Gods gifts to you. This is one of my recurring themes when ever you read a post about religion on this blog. Going to church every Sunday doesn't make you any more of a believer than me, I choose to show my faith in different ways. But lets get back to that in a second. You see there is nothing wrong with going to church every Sunday, it is a sense of community and that is a good thing, something that may just be lacking in this day and age; you just don't need to go to church to have faith. It really doesn't work that way, although if it makes you happy keep going

Faith is what you have inside you and how you express it. One of the arguments I get into with the Door-to-Door Bible Thumpers is that concept that how am I any less likely to go to heaven than you, just because I don't go to your church? By denouncing me aren't you judging me? Isn't that in the end God's role? The common line I hear is you were one of those kids who prayed to God and lost faith when your prayers were never answered, and I just say no that is not the case, prayers just don't work that way, never have, never will. We already have the gifts to answer prayers, but that is a subject for another blog.

Where is the evidence that God does exist? This is something I cannot explain. I once got into a discussion with a friend of mine of a different religion that also believed in one God.  He practices his religion a lot more than I do, but also questions it because he feels that is a healthy thing to do. Do an internet search on Monotheism, do some reading and you will see there are too many common denominators in each person's faith that there most be something that caused this; and it hasn't been around for just over a Millenia, it keeps cropping up and stretches back into our dim dark past.  Does 'Everything that has happened will happen again' really does mean something?

Take a look around you life is beautiful, we don't always see this and at times we can lose our way in the darkness. Life has been designed that we get out of it what we put into it, did God do this? I doubt it, but maybe he just made sure we would have the skills to make it so, we just have to find out what they are and the rest is up to us. Faith is what you make of it, my belief is that God does exist, even if you take this maxim without us how will God ever find out who made him?

We go on, faith is all around us hidden in the oddest of places, in the ones we love, in our children, in our friends, in a good book, or even a TV show. Everyone has faith of sorts there is no absence of it in anyone, faith can be as simple as hope and it is strong enough to pull you through the darkest of times.  It cannot be defined, it cannot be put into a box, it is down to you what you do with it and shaped it. It is substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.

Thank you for listening, be gentle with the Earth now.

Sigmartyr Vol.3 of the Epic Stikfas action web comic – Fire Fight!

Volume Three of Sigmartyr the Stikfas Action Web Comic continues. Fire Fight!!! Omega & Alpha vs Omega Click here to view this epic story…

A roller coaster year that was 2011

Here we are sitting on the cusp of a new year,  by the time this  blog posts it will be about twelve hours before we hit 2012 and I thought this would be a good time to look back at what has been a roller coaster year for me and my family. If you are interested in reading more I will see you after the jump.

It is hard to define this year for me, was it disaster or was it a good year? Certainly it is ending badly and is setting up the new year as a struggle to remain in our home, to keep my family off the streets and to provide for them. But it didn't start this way. For the first time in eleven years everything was falling together, my job was steady, paid well and allowed me to provide for my family, while pulling us slowly ahead of our bills.

Then complications, my wife suffered a catastrophic side-effect of her cervical cancer surgery with extreme lymphademia causing massive swelling of her legs. Despite of everything we did, from spending all our savings on treatments nothing could be done and now she lives with a bad disability they infringes on every aspect of her life. This turned out to be huge part of our year finding ways to cope with this, but thankfully I had a good job, with great benefits that allowed me to help.

We had some good times and bad times this year, exploding pools, put a few more dents into the Jeep, a locked knee on my part and a horse that wanted to always ride me into a tree. We had a half painted kitchen and the clearing out and moving of the boys bedroom from the top of the house to the bottom. Got a dog, almost lost a cat, and now have a new hobby of chasing our Marley dog through the Neighborhood every other day.

I came to terms with my faith and a realization that life is beautiful, and God made it so we get out of life what we bring to it. One day I will talk deeper about this, my feelings on the nature of miracles and that prayers are answered more than you think, but not in the way you expect.

I've witnessed an awakening in politics in the USA, people finally seeing that the government is not for the people, but for themselves and special interests. Of course its always been there, but never as blatant as it has been now. I don't know were this is going to lead too, but it heartening to see the people call there politicians out of there BS, almost feels like an active democracy again

I've had some success with my stories this year, The Wonder Tales my all ages fantasy adventures have surprised me with their popularity. I worked on Fabula Zero Exposition, a unique graphic novel of comic and narrative writing, while not being that successful it is a book I've always wanted to do and I'm proud of it. Then I wrote A Teddy Bear Tale, the story of Tristan the Teddy Bear defending his child against the Monsters under the Bed. A book that feels very special and    I hope something I can tap into to bring more tales of whimsy. As my wife said to me, who'd a thought a big 220 pound guy like you would have such a feeling for a child's tale. I still say A Teddy Bear Tale is more than a children's book, its a story about something we all leave behind in our childhood an age of innocence. While watching a character come to life with the confines of quick sketching.

We rode horses, watched Indy cars watch through the streets of Baltimore, sang along to the Robotech theme, I've signed books, experienced an Earthquake, drove through floods, rode out an Hurricane and dug us out of the Marathon snow of 2011. I've raced down 13 floors of the Baltimore WTC, talked someone down from a heart attack, gave money to strangers, and learned the power that words can have on the soul.

I've watched my children grow, watched them race go carts, wondered if my daughter will be the next Danica Patrick, saw glimpses of the man my son my become and swelled with pride. And felt the responsibility of what it really it to be a parent and a father to more than just my children, but to my step son too.

I discovered friends in odd places, noticed things I never saw before, had a total Top Gear moment on Rt20 in PA driving an early 2000 Camaro around one of the greatest twisty roads I've ever. I've boosted the photo portfolio of a friend, ran into locations straight from my Tether Novels, started the third book and worry still if I can give the ending the justice it deserves. Took 80+ pictures of a lot of people in cosplay holding one of my books at Baltimore Comic Con. Gained a third cat, managed to sleep past 8am just once, by waking at 8.02am on a weekend. Built Lego kits, found a couple of really good indie comic books.

Most of all this has been a year of discovery for me, more than any other and learning the value of the smallest things in life, that do make it beautiful. I am sure I've not added everything I've done this year, it had been pretty full and been quite a journey. But with every journey there are endings and I fear for mine.

The year ended with a huge crash that saw me lose my job, the one that provided everything this year. Not through performance, not through cut backs, but through a bureaucratic screw up. One that may see me, see my family out on the street and homeless by the end of the first month in the new year. I see uncertainty, I see a little fear and a lot of worry with no idea if this time I can do anything to fix it. I've never entered a year with so much unknown in it, 2012 has been promised as a year of many changes, I hope for the positive.

What ever happens I hope you all stay with me, I will keep writing, I will keep striving and know even at the darkest hour, life is beautiful… Never forget that… Thank you to my friends and family that have helped me in this year, we can only go  onwards into new adventures.

Be gentle to the Earth in this new year my friends.

Arigato,

Nick

Batman Beyond, a breakout animation… Could this be the next Bat movie after the Nolan trilogy?

Check out this well put together trailer, showing a proof of concept of a Batman Beyond movie then check out something really special after the jump…

You know we had to finish a week of Bat themed stuff with something that is pretty damn cool to look at. Just like a the trailer this a fan poster by Guy Bourraine Jr of a what could be, to be frank it would excite me. Batman Beyond was a well put together Batman mythos story and very well could be a great step for the Batman franchase; and just maybe light a fire under DC's struggling movie franchises by actually giving us a Superhero movie!

What this? Now Erica Durance is Wonder Woman?

Yes that is Erica Durance, and yes it looks like she is wearing the Wonder Woman outfit from the failed TV show. Is she the new Wonder Woman? Find out after the jump… 

No she isn't, this is an image from her guest star role in Harry's Law which coincidentally is a NBC show as well.  I guess they are trying to get there wear our of the outfit. The character she is playing believes she is Wonder Woman and even gets up to a few vigilante antics which require her to get legal help from the lawyers on Harry's Law. Erica reported enjoyed the new outfit especially the slim fit pants over wearing the underoo's… Can you say Fanboy service?

Quick Sketch Dana Dana Dana Dana Batbear! Or Batman if he was a Teddy Bear :)

From the pen of A Teddy Bear Tale – Unconditional artist Dan Nokes and part of his Quick Sketch Challenge. Taking advantage of Dan's daily sketch challenge I asked him to draw Batman, the Caped Crusader and Dark Knight as a Teddy Bear. As ever Dan does not disappoint and Batbear is born. Click here to learn how you can take part in Dan's Quick Sketch challenge.

Batman reading A Teddy Bear Tale perhaps he is taking notes on how Tristan dealt with the Monsters under the bed?

What this? Batman in the Batcave taking time out of his hectic crime fighting schedule to read a book? And not just any book, he is reading A Teddy Bear Tale – Unconditional, the story of Tristan the Teddy Bear defending his child from the Monsters under the Bed. Is the Caped Crusader taking notes from Tristan's epic fight for a future crime busting mission? Or is this a rare moment of down time for the Dark Knight? Who knew Bats had a soft side?

You too can check out A Teddy Bear Tale – Unconditional, just like the Batman in print or in your favorite eBook form by clicking here. 

Oh… You got me… I saw this image online the other day and I just couldn't resist putting the A Teddy Bear Tale into the hands of the Dark Knight. After all they are both vigilant defenders of the innocence even if one is a little more cuddly than the other… Enjoy this moment of whimsy

Sigmartyr Vol.3 of the Epic Stikfas action web comic – Lieutenant Krieg catches Alpha Team

Volume Three of Sigmartyr the Stikfas Action Web Comic continues. Click here to view this epic story, Lieutenant Krieg catches up with Alpha Team…

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and wot not

Today is a day that seemed an age away when you were a child, and approaches all too fast when your an adult. This is a day for giving, for seeing the joy on your loved ones faces and knowing somehow, at that one moment everything is right, everything is perfect and how it should always be.

Speaking of perfect, check out that Star Wars Ginger Bread Imperial AT-AT isn't it cool! The perfect vehicle for an attack on Candy Land and those pesky Rebels.

I wish you all everyone of you a very Merry Christmas, a very jolly Holiday and all the best this season. We may not know the future, but life is beautiful, this season more than any other has shown that. Now just open your eyes and look around, Happy Christmas.

Iron Annie – A Steampunk Tale of Wonder and bonus story for the Graphic Novel Fabula Zero Exposition

The shells exploded overhead splintering the trees raining burning branches on a very startled Lieutenant James as he hurriedly dropped down into his leather command seat, slamming the Tanks turret hatch closed above him. On the way down he yelped in pain as the hard metal of the cupola slammed into his elbow; not even the thick padding of his leather tanker jacket stopped his bone from aching.
"Move out!" he yelled at his driver and then repeated the order to the Signal Corpsman; who hit the signal flash button – sending the order up the light pipe to the other tanks under his command. He was then rocked violently back in this chair as the driver opened the valves sending the Steamtank crunching across the forest clearing. The boxy vehicle known affectionately to the crew as Iron Annie was a tribute to right angles, rivets and good solid Victorian engineering, with three inch thick front armor and a large caliber howitzer embedded into its square turret there was little on the ground that could hurt her. The vehicle belched steam from its rear stack and pistons as it picked up speed, the ground churning in its wake; the other three tanks in the squadron lurched forward to keep up with the command vehicle.

"Gunner, call out if you see anything, I want to know what just dropped shells on us," ordered James as he grabbed at his vehicles periscope and started to scan the terrain.
"Yes sir!" shouted the Gunner squinting through his gun sights, the tank jolting as it ran across the gnarled clearing.
"Driver head into those trees make a gap if you cannot find one."
Suddenly the tank was filled with the thunderous boom of a howitzer firing from one of the other tanks, "What is Hoxter shooting at now?"
He snapped his periscope around in time to see another of his tanks fire. He then gulped as he caught sight of their opponent.
A large iron leg of a Dominatia Gargantuan walker filled this vision and then disappeared again; to be replaced with an equally large explosion as tank number four ruptured under a stream of shells from the giants arm cannon. The shells danced up the front armor before penetrating the tanks boiler releasing the pressurized steam with devastating effect direct into the crew quarters. James shuddered as he imagined the crew's screams as the steam parboiled them alive.
"Hells-teeth! Driver push us into the red line…" shouted James trying to make himself heard over the clanking tank. "Forward damn it! Cover isn't going to help us now… We have to close with it… Get under its gun… Corpsman signal flash general advance! All tanks fire at will!"

A sickening crunch punctuated his words, a glance through the periscope showed the Gargantuan level a kick at the front of tank number three, he watched as the iron shod foot splintered the inches thick sheet metal like paper, instantly killing the driver. Defiantly the stricken tanks commander tracked the howitzer back until it pointed straight up and fired. For a moment the scene was shrouded by smoke from the large bore cannon and James hoped the shot damaged some vital system on the huge walker. He held his breath as the smoke cleared and then let out a colorful curse as the giant stomped down on the stricken vehicles turret, crushing it under its broad feet. Destroying the tank, but tangling its legs up in the wreckage of the turret.

Gritting his teeth James knew this was the best chance they were going to get to stop it, "Driver bring us around 45 degrees right. Gunner when you have your target fire!"
"Sir! I could hit number three," said the Gunner his face pale.
"They are already dead… Hit that thing in its knees… If we don't bring it down now we are next!"
Iron Annie's tracks dug in as it traversed to bring its gun to bear, the Gargantuan heaved, slowly pulling itself out of the wreckage of number three tank. The iron giant jolted free just as the Gunner Annie's howitzer. James watched helplessly as the shell arced past the space the walker was in splintering the trees behind it.
"Reload! Driver swing us around… Track it… Track it!" shouted James chewing his helmet strap in frustration, if they lost it now they were as good as dead.

No matter how fast the tank turned it couldn't keep up with faster moving Gargantuan, and James watched helplessly as its clawed hand reached down grabbing the vehicles armored skirt tilting Iron Annie up. The tanks free track dug into the earth canting the vehicle's angle higher. James was thrown from his seat as the tank was rocked up and down; then with a final heave Iron Annie was pushed onto her side. Seemingly content to leave the tank helpless, the Gargantuan moved off to engage the last tank in the squadron; that was reversing quickly into the woods making steam to cover its retreat.

"Sir?" called out the Corpsman, stiffly picking himself and grabbing the signals table, "Are you all right?"
James ached all over, but knew complaints would do nothing to enhance his image as a tough tank commander. "I'm alive," he said flatly, wondering if there was any part of his body that wasn't bruised.
"Very good, sir," the Corpsman acknowledged. "Before… Before we were tipped over I decoding a signal flash from Lieutenant Moore."
"Great," said James sitting down on loose cartridge box, "What did our little Lord Flashard want now?"
"Message reads; driven a Gargantuan towards your position stop… Form a battle line using available cover stop… Want to hammer it on our anvil stop… Victory is near stop… Gargantuan damaged and crew demoralized stop… That's the entire message sir."
James removed his helmet, scratched his head and laughed, "Well, looks like that damaged demoralized Gargantuan he lost just stomped us into horseshit."

Iron Annie is the  bonus tale from Fabula Zero Exposition the Graphic Novel Mash up of Narrative and Comic book images. It is taken from my developing Steampunk world of old fashioned Victorian engineering and totally mad Jules-Vern science. The illustration is by Dan Nokes, the artist for A Teddy Bear Tale, every week day Dan runs a viral event called the Quick Sketch Challenge, where you challenge Dan to draw a creation straight from your imagination. To follow the Quick Sketch Challenge check out his Facebook page here.

To learn more about Fabula Zero Exposition, one of the most unique Graphic Novels published featuring a Writer on the edge of a nervous breakdown, an earnest superhero, a diabolic super villain and dancing Ninjas; please click here.