ShadowHawk? Nah never heard of him.

Who is ShadowHawk? He is the creation of Jim Valentino, co-founder
of Image Comics. ShadowHawk was first introduced in Youngblood #2 as a six page back-up story. Jim Valentino conceived
of the character as an African American vigilante, anti-hero out for justice.
As an African American vigilante, anti-hero myself, it was gratifying to see that
ShadowHawk started out as a troubled young black youth from Harlem because I
could relate to him more than I could Peter Parker, or Bruce Wayne. He grew up
to be a big time Wall Street lawyer, and eventually a District Attorney. Eventually
his success made him a target for mobsters. Anything involving the Mob, or
gangs, adds an element of both coolness, and gritty reality to stories. This
particular group ambushed and infected ShadowHawk with HIV- infected blood.
These unfortunate circumstances made ShadowHawk, a very relatable character to
blacks across America. The African American community was disproportionately
affected by the AIDS epidemic in the 80’s and 90’s. With Magic Johnson
announcing he had contracted HIV before the 1991 NBA season, and the untimely
death of rapper Eazy-E in 1995. ShadowHawk was publicly outed, black balled by
his co-workers, lost his job, and ended up in jail. He was given a second
chance when a friend contacted him about an exo- skeleton created by a
scientist could help him in his crusade. He was also given a pill to suppress
his HIV. Talk about hard times. Luke Cage couldn’t hold his jockstrap!
ShadowHawk was single handedly thee most violent comic book I had ever read at
that point. I mean the first two pages of issue #1 are filled with punches,
kicks, and spine busters. At six years old, the thought of breaking someone’s
spine shouldn’t have crossed my mind. Who gave me these violent comics anyway?
Ahh well, I kept reading anyway. Strangely, I developed a decent vocabulary,
and pretty good reading comprehension skills from reading these books.
ShadowHawk became less violent over the years, and it was said that the HIV
infection was slowing him down. He was the first comic book character who had
AIDS, but not the last. Chapel from the comics YoungBlood had contracted the
virus also. In ShadowHawk’s adventures he fought many criminals, gang members,
arsonists, and even a few Superheroes like Spawn, and Savage Dragon. One of his
most notable feuds was with “Hawk Shadow,” a vigilante racist who was targeting
only black criminals. My favorite was against “Supreme,” a villain who closely
resembled Superman (who I happen to strongly dislike). Shortly after his battle
with Supreme, he died of AIDS. The ShadowHawk series from 1992-1995 remains my
favorite, simply for the fact that it fit in with the time period. Though the
character has been revamped a few times, I still remember the original
ShadowHawk character, and his adventures. In my opinion, ShadowHawk is the greatest
super hero never known.

Pokémon: Sex, Lies, & Seizures...Inspirational Cartoon, or Pure Evil? WTF!

Pokémon also known as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto
Monsuta) in Japan is a franchise owned by Nintendo. Pokémon was
conceived by video game designer and Game Freak, Inc founder Satoshi Tajiri. As
a child, Satoshi was fascinated by insects, and would often collect them. His
love of bugs made him want to pursue a career as an entomologist. When he got
into the video game business he wanted to have a game that would, in a way,
recreate the feelings he had of catching, and collecting bugs. It has been said
that the character Ash Ketchum is based on Satoshi Tajiri’s childhood. For the most
part, this sounds really freakin’ weird. Since Pokémon was introduced to
Western culture, it has grossed approximately $16 Billion worldwide. Pokémon
has also garnered criticism from various religious groups for what has been
considered glorification of occultism, and violence. In November of 1999, a boy
from Quebec was stabbed to death for his set of Pokémon cards. There have been
countless other murders over Pokémon cards and reports of children even being
raped for their cards. Let’s not forget about the one Episode of Pokémon that
causes seizures. What kind of evil is this? I couldn’t really afford Pokémon
cards as a child, but there was this kid in science class who had all the best
cards. I would save up my lunch money just to get new cards so I could speak to
her. How did that work out? She is now a bald- headed scally wag with serious
camel toe, and has like three kids. Though the evil of Pokémon has ruined many
lives, it also did some good too. Recently a conversation with a relative
inspired me to reflect back on the phenomenon known as Pokémon. He said “I
always wanted a friend like that” referring to the loveable mouse character
known as Pikachu. Now the relative I’m referring to is revered as one of the
biggest thugs in New York City. How can a nerdy little cartoon like that get to
a stone cold killer? MF DOOM said it best: “We all need food.” No matter if
it’s food for thought, food for the body, or food for the soul. Pokémon indeed
inspired evil acts, but it also was a vehicle for people to realize the good in
themselves and others. The Pokémon theme song to me is one of the most
inspirational songs ever:

I wanna be the very best

Like no one ever was

To catch them is my real test

To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land

Searching far and wide

Each Pokémon to understand

The power that's inside

Pokémon, it’s you and me

I know it’s my destiny

Pokémon, oh, you're my best friend

In a world we must defend

Pokémon, a heart so true

Our courage will pull us through

you teach me and I'll teach you

Pokémon, gotta catch em all

I have dissected these lyrics as
much as I have 2Pac’s “Keep Ya Head Up” or Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Snakes.” I don’t
take the song literally, but I understand it metaphorically. The first line “I
want to be the very best” about sums up my life. I always strive to better
myself because in turn I can better others. Line 15 “our courage will pull us
through.” Courage is the formula for a champion. I look at it like being
courageous will get us through the hard times. Line 16 states “you teach me and
I’ll teach you.” I was was taught that each one teach one according to his/or
her knowledge. This is just what I got out of this cartoon theme song. If you
haven’t read an article weirder, then obviously you don’t read enough Einstein!
I’m unsure what this cartoons original intent was. Hell it could’ve been to
control our youth. It could’ve been some diabolical intricate government plot
to scare the world into one nation. Who knows? Me, I can find the good out of
anything. Fight Evil and catch em all ya’ll!

http://youtu.be/Lat8GQEJlCY