Sorry I couldn't get involved in some of the conversations that rather unexpectedly sprang up here, but I was up to other stuff today, away from the internet…
One weird thing about Fire Island is the frigging deer population. How did it get there? Why do stray reindeer wander about the beach? They're creepy!
Mere self-indulgence aside, my ulterior motive in posting these shots is to demonstrate that, outside of the dank celluloid-musty basement that is this blog, I'm a reasonably well-socially adjusted individual with attractive friends…and just so you know, I am not familar with the opinions any of the individuals pictured below (one of whom is actually the cousin of an acclaimed young filmmaker) hold concerning Nicholas Ray, James Mason, or Bigger Than Life…
We had a wonderful time on a beautiful day, and many thanks to the friends who made it possible…
Wait, Glenn likes the Silver Surfer?
Dude– *everyone* likes the Silver Surfer. Who else but Kirby (and Lee) could craft an existential, philosophical cosmic superhero– from a naked dude on a fricking surfboard?
What I’ve always found very appealing about the genre, and Kirby’s work in particular, is the way it uses something completely ridiculous (like the Black Racer, it’s Death on a fricking pair of skis!) to explore serious thematic material (in this case, mortality!).
Dude, the Silver Surfer has the Power Cosmic. Who else has the Power Cosmic? That’s right, dude, nobody. And Glenn, I like the last picture, it’s touching and indeed indicative of a human experience beyond the snark and verbal warfare. Right on.
The Siren is glad her fellow redhead, Claire, has taken the sunscreen message to heart. Y’all are adorable. Have a great time. And I knew your friends were attractive; we were introduced by Filmbrain, after all.
The reindeer are there because Santa summers on Fire Island.
Were there any polar bears? Oh, sorry, different island.
From fireisland.com:
What’s with all the deer?
Many beautiful white-tailed deer inhabit Fire Island and have come to be the island’s mascot. Though Fire Island visitors are compelled to approach these gentle creatures, such human interference can be detrimental the Fire Island ecosystem. Please be advised that “All wildlife within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore is protected under the code of Federal Regulations: 36 cfr 2.2 (2): “Feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentionally disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding, or other activities’ is Prohibited and Subject to Fine”.
PS from http://www.nps.gov/fiis/naturescience/deer.htm
“…it is estimated that 300-500 deer now live on Fire Island.”
Wow, that’s a lot. Especially considering, according to fireisland.com, “the island spans 32 miles in length and averages less than a mile in width.”
Yay! Christina Stead! She doesn’t get enough respect.
^^^The Man Who Loved Children is one of my favorite novels of all time.
Tyros had the Power Cosmic, but he blew it, of course. Also…Nova? Is she still around?
I think Nova lost her powers, as did Terrax/Tyros. I think it’s just the Surfer and Galactus who have the Power Cosmic now, but it’s been awhile since I’ve been into the comics; I think the Human Torch was briefly a herald during Mark Waid’s run with the late Mike Wieringo.
The most awesome herald of Galactus, of course, was ROM, Spaceknight. Led Galactus to the world of the Dire Wraiths, and then Galactus returned to his ship in tatters. Best use of Galactus post-Kirby, bar none.
Putting on my massive comic nerd hat for a moment:
Back in 1992, the Frankie Raye Nova left Galactus’ employ during “The Herald Ordeal” storyline by Ron Marz and Ron Lim. A new eveiler Herald replaced her. This spun out of control, and since there’s no cliche Ron Marz won’t touch, Frankie not only sacrificed herself to save Galactus, but died in the Surfer’s arms. Firelord and the Air-Walker robot took over as Galactus’ heralds in her stead.
A few years ago, when Annihilus nearly wiped out half the galaxy, the Surfer begged Galactus for his assistance, and Galactus said he would grant the Surfer his power cosmic to help defeat Annihilus’ legions… if he would become his herald again. And so that’s how it’s been for the past few years.
Apparently in the new Heralds miniseries shipping now, Frankie Raye has returned, but I haven’t read it.
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