Comics – Page 2 – My Geek Wisdom

“Happiness is a warm puppy.”

From: Peanuts

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Lucy Van Pelt and the rest of the Peanuts gang

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from one of the most celebrated newspaper comics of all time, Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. The strip generally focuses on a neighborhood of kids with very distinct personalities. The strip did evolve quite a bit from being extremely simple gags to having some really long stories.

The quote has actually become a slogan for the entire Peanuts gang. But the first time it was uttered in the strip comes from one particular early comic. Lucy, the neighborhood “crabby” person, sees Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s dog, and pets him. She then bends down to give the dog a hug before delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Some of the most simple joys in life are free. People tend to forget this and try to fill their lives with material objects that may give them temporary happiness but these things aren’t exactly fulfilling. Try to find something simple and pure that give you joy.

“One man can make a difference.” AND “I guess one person can make a difference. ‘Nuff said.”

From: Knight Rider and Spider-Man 3

Genre: Television and Movies

Who said it?: Wilton Knight and Stan “The Man” Lee

The story behind the quote: Okay, this is going to be rather difference as these two quotes have pretty much the same meaning so I’m giving them it’s own entry. The first is Wilton Knight from the hit ’80s television show, Knight Rider. The second is from the prolific comic book legend, Stan “The Man” Lee

The quote was said in Knight Rider during the first episode of the series. When Michael Knight (played by a legend in his own right, David Hasslehoff)

gets his new identity, he meets up with Wilton Knight, the man who rescued him. Wilton, while on his death bed, pleads to Michael to use KITT (a highly sophisticated car equipped with gadgets and a rather advanced AI) to fight crime because he feels that, even though he is one person, he can still change the world for the better.

The second quote is much more recent as it came from the 2007 superhero movie, Spider-Man 3. As Peter Parker (played by Tobey Maguire) walks along Times Square, he sees a news flash saying that Spider-Man will receive the key to the city. It just so happens that, as he stopped to read the news bulletin, Peter Parker was standing next to Stan Lee. Stan Lee then turns to Peter and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We sometimes feel helpless and that whatever we do will not have an impact in the world. However, we can still influence the world around us. Even if it is the smallest change, we are still making an impact on the world. The only time when we won’t make a difference in the world is if we don’t even attempt to make an impact on the world. The point is, we have to keep on trying.

“Not even in the face of Armageddon. Never compromise.”

From: Watchmen

Genre: Comics/Movies (sort of)

Who said it?: Rorschach

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the Alan Moore comic Watchmen, which was later adapted to a feature length film of the same name. Both the comic and the movie takes place in a world on the brink of nuclear war and a group of costumed heroes try to solve the murder The Comedian, a former comrade of theirs. There’s a lot more going on but, if I did try to cram all of the details of the incredibly dense narrative, this would be one long paragraph.

The quote comes from the very end of both the film and the comic. The heroes do discover who is behind the murder of The Comedian. However, the mastermind behind the plot has managed to also find a way for the world’s leaders to band together and, thus, actually have world peace through a truly despicable act, however. Most of the heroes decide to keep quiet to ensure the peace would last. However, one of the heroes, the anti-social Rorschach (played by Jackie Earle Haley) doesn’t want to do it…

When the comic was adapted into the 2009 film, the quote did change a bit as the lines are switched but the message is still the same. This time, Rorschach says, “Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon.”

Geek wisdom: A person’s integrity and humanity will never be tested when things are easy. They will only be tried during times of hardship and when we feel we need to compromise. While some people may believe that conceding may be the proper thing to do, there will be people who will be sticking to their guns no matter what. These are the people that may not be able to see the greater good of compromise or these people may be the ones who are the true heroes for standing up for their beliefs even if they are not popular. Ultimately, only history will say which was the right choice.

“If I’m going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!”

From: Batman, specifically The Killing Joke

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: The Joker

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Alan Moore’s classic graphic novel, The Killing Joke. This comic drastically gives a different spin on the origins of The Clown Prince of Crime and turns it on its head. Basically, The Killing Joke tells the story of The Joker’s plan to kidnap Commissioner James Gordon and give him “one bad day” so he can go crazy like The Harlequin of Hate became after his stint as the Red Hood.

The quote comes near the end of the story. Batman managed to track down the Joker. The Joker attempts to escape and, all the while, goes on a tirade saying that he’s won (thinking that Gordon has gone as mad as he is). He also knows that something awful happened to him that made him become the Joker but he just can’t remember exactly what it was…

Geek wisdom: Our brains have this weird way of clouding our very memories. Sometimes, we can remember something so vividly, we’d bet our life on it, only to find out we remembered it wrong. Other times, we can have fond memories of the past. But, when we revisit the same thing, we find out that it’s not as good as we remembered.

This is not a bad, nor a good thing; it’s just a fact of life.

“Avengers assemble!”

From: The Avengers

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Virtually every member of the Avengers at one time or another

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the super hero team known as the Avengers. The Avengers are “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” and are composed of a myriad of Marvel’s comic book heroes. The first issue of The Avengers tells the team’s original origin tale:

In a bid to defeat his half-brother Thor, Loki tricks The Hulk to go on a rampage. As The Hulk’s sidekick, Rick Jones, send a distress radio call to the Fantastic Four, Loki diverts it but is intercepted by Iron Man, Wasp and Ant-Man. The trio, as well as Thor and The Hulk manage to defeat Loki. Wasp then decides they five of them should join forces. And the Avengers were formed.

The roster has added and lost members as the years passed. Usually, the team is led into battle by Captain America. However, that doesn’t mean that he’s the only one that can summon the Avengers. In fact, any Avengers team member can summon the rest of the group using the quote.

Geek wisdom: There is no shame in asking for assistance when you need help. It’s a common misconception for a lot of individuals to even refuse help as they feel it makes them look weak. Actually, it’s the opposite; it is actually a sign of strength and maturity to know your shortcomings and request for the support of others.

Don’t be ashamed to request for the aid of others.

“…Stop calling me ‘Sir’.”

From: Peanuts

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: “Peppermint” Patty

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the very popular Peanuts comic strip. Created by Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts featured a huge cast of characters, but most of the time, it revolves around the down on his luck, Charlie Brown. While most of the kids appear to pick on him for various reasons, he does have a few friends and admirers. Two of them happen to be “Peppermint” Patty, a tomboyish girl who loves sports, and Marcie, “Peppermint” Patty’s bookish and “dorky” best friend/sidekick.

The quote has actually become a sort of catchphrase for “Peppermint” Patty as she has to keep on repeating it to Marcie, who can’t seem to help herself… even after Patty’s numerous requests to stop.

Geek wisdom: It’s okay to show your respect to people by using an honorific title, such as “sir” or “ma’am.” However, there are going to be people that don’t like this and prefer that you use their name. While it may seem impolite not to use “sir,” “ma’am,” or other honorific title, it’s more disrespectful to not honor their request.

“I’m the best there is at what I do. But what I do isn’t very nice…”

From: X-Men

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Logan/Wolverine

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Wolverine, everyone’s favorite yellow spandex wearing, cigar chomping Canadian mutant. He is probably the most popular and most recognizable X-Men character in the world today. Which is kind of astonishing since, originally, his first appearance was in Hulk #181 (as an opponent to both The Incredible Hulk and Wendigo). It wasn’t until much later that Logan joined a new group of X-Men to rescue the original members.

Logan pretty much acknowledges that he is a vicious killer and will do things that may seem unnecessarily violent. But he does recognize that his skills do serve a purpose as noted by his catchphase.

Geek wisdom: Everyone has his or her own special talent and, no matter what it is, it’s something that you should be proud of. There may be times when you feel your special gift should be hidden away or it should be something you should be ashamed of. But everything you’re good at has to be shared with everyone… because it deserves to be shared with others.

“Say my name!”

From: Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Panel

Genre: Comics and Internet

Who said it?: Tom Hiddleston/Loki

The story behind the quote: This is a bit of an odd quote since I’m not really sure who’s saying the quote. Also, it’s totally not canon but I just had to put it up since it is pretty fun to watch.

During this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego, Marvel held a panel in Hall H showing their plans for future film franchises. However, mere minutes into the panel, the host’s mic got cut and the lights went out. Loki, the villain from the Thor and Avengers films (played by Tom Hiddleston), appeared on stage. He then proceeded to berate the audience for attending Comic-Con. As the fans chanted his (Loki’s) name, he commended them to be quiet and bully the host to cowering in the corner. He then commands the audience to once again say his name.

Geek wisdom: Take ownership of everything that you do. Make sure whatever you do, you’ll be proud to put your name next to it. You have to ensure that your actions do not make you ashamed of what you’ve done in the future.

Even though Loki is a bad guy and tried to take over the world in The Avengers, fans became extremely enamored with him. This is why Tom Hiddleston got a big reaction when he reprised his role for the Comic-Con panel. He took on the role and totally owned it and, because of that, we loved Loki (even though we’re supposed to hate him since he is the villain).

“The whole world is watching us now. We must be nothing less than fabulous.”

From: X-Men

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Emma Frost

The story behind the quote: When Emma Frost first appeared in comics, she was a villain, fighting against the X-Men. However, after numerous battles with them, she eventually joined the X-Men and actually took over as headmistress of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning and she took her job of preparing the student of the school seriously.

During one of her speeches to the student body, Emma announced that they will be changing the way they will be taught but they will be educated on how to deal with a world that shuns mutants. During the end of her speech, she comments that the students who are complaining about the harsh teaching methods of Wolverine/Logan are wasting their breath. She then delivers the quote as she expects them to be ready for anything.

Geek wisdom: The worst things can happen at any time, especially when you least expect it. Rather than scramble and jump in to fix it, it’s always a good thing to be ready for it. Like Emma Frost said, the training that the students are doing may be difficult but it is actually for their own benefit as people are looking at them closely. If they’re going to slack off and not be able to control themselves during something that’s planned, it’s going to be much worse when real danger rears its ugly head.

“I’m in lesbians with you.”

From: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Scott Pilgrim

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The movie is based on a series of black and white comic books by Bryan Lee O’Malley. While a moderate hit, it never really hit mainstream success. Still, for those who knew about it, it was one of those cult-like things as it focused a lot on geek culture, especially video games, and irreverent humor.

In the film, Scott is depressed since he will have to defeat the Seven Evil Exes of the (literal) girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, in order to be with her. His gay roommate, Wallace Wells, tells him that he has to “break out the L-word” if he’s really serious about Ramona. However, Scott believes that the “L-word” is “lesbians.”

Although he does eventually understand that the “L-word” is actually “love,” when Scott does try to express how he feels for Ramona, he accidentally still doesn’t say that he’s in love with her.

Geek wisdom: It can be pretty intimidating to express our feelings to others, especially about deeper emotional issues, such as love. There are a lot of reasons why this is: fear of being laughed at, fear of rejection, etc.

However, unless we really come out and communicate how we feel, there’s no way any relationship can move on to a deeper and more personal relationship. It is risky (and scary) but sometimes you just have to take the risk.