comics – My Geek Wisdom

“None of you seem to understand. I’m not locked in here with you. You’re locked in here with me!”

From: Watchmen

Genre: Comics/Movies (sort of)

Who said it?: Rorschach/Walter Kovacs

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 middle of both the film and the graphic novel. Rorschach (played by Jackie Earle Haley) is captured and eventually unmasked as a disturbed individual named Walter Kovacs. He is interviewed by a psychiatrist where he narrates how Walter Kovacs “died” and Rorschach was “born.” Afterwards, at the prison cafeteria, one of the other inmates tries to kill Kovacs to make a name for himself. Kovacs doesn’t let him and splashes boiling oil over the inmates face. While Kovacs is dragged away by the guards, he delivers the quote.

In the comics, it’s done a little differently. We do see Kovacs pour the boiling oil over the attacker. But the quote is just overheard with the psychiatrist putting the quote in his notes.

Geek wisdom: People will have different perspectives on things. Some of them will believe one thing when the same person in the same situation will believe in another. It’s just the way people see things from their point of view.

“We could change things back. If we believed. If we dreamed.”

From: The Sandman, specifically from A Dream of a Thousand Cats

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: A Siamese Cat

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the highly acclaimed graphic novel series, The Sandman, by Neil Gaiman. The Sandman is a non-conventional “comic book” series and focuses on Morpheus, the personification of dreams and stories. He is also not really a hero and he is sometimes not even the main character in his own series. However, most of the stories do have him interact with the story in some way.

The quote comes from one of the series’ short stories, A Dream of a Thousand Cats. In the tale, a cat is listening to a Siamese cat with a rather radical belief that cats used to rule the world and humans were the pets instead of the other way around. The Siamese cat came to this realization because Morpheus (looking like a black cat) came to her in a dream and showed the cat this reality. This reality was destroyed because enough humans believed in a vision where humans ruled. Enough humans eventually believed it and that dream became a reality. The Siamese cat then tells the other cat the quote, stating that things can be changed.

Geek wisdom: We sometimes feel helpless with the way the world currently is but we refuse to believe that anything we do will change anything. This isn’t true and the only thing that’s stopping us from changing the world for the better is the thought that anything we do won’t matter. But, if enough people actually get together and believe and dream for a better future, then the world will have not choice but to change.

“I’m loyal to nothing, General… except the Dream.”

From: Captain America (but specifically from Daredevil #233)

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Captain America

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from a very old comic but the saying still rings true, especially during these troubled times.

This week’s quote comes from Captain America, who made a guest appearance in Daredevil Issue #233. In the issue, Daredevil is in the middle of a battle against the supervillain known as Nuke. Daredevil manages to take out Nuke but the Avengers, who were busy helping civilians during the fight, arrest Nuke afterwards. Later, Captain America meets up with Daredevil and the patriotic hero asks The Man Without Fear who Nuke is. Daredevil retorts and tells Captain America to ask his “superiors” (the US government) who Nuke is, as Nuke has the United States flag tattooed on his face.

Captain America does just that and asks one of the generals who Nuke really is. The general hints that the information is classified and that, as a patriot and a good soldier, Captain America should stop looking into to. This is when Captain America delivers the quote while holding on the flag of the USA.

Geek wisdom: People nowadays seem to be taking sides. It may be about political ideals on how people have become too conservative/liberal. Or it could be how one’s lifestyle is corrupting the world we live in and we denounce the “other side.” We are currently dividing ourselves needlessly because we all want the best for ourselves and everyone. The worst thing is that we become loyal to one “side” just because of our race, religion or party alignment without even taking a step back to think for ourselves if the “side” we’re on actually falls on what we believe in.

“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.

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

From: Watchmen

Genre: Comics/Movies (sort of)

Who said it?: Rorschach

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.

“Hail Hydra”

From: The Marvel Cinematic Universe (but popularized in Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Various Characters

The story behind the quote: The quote is actually what all Hydra agents say, even in the comics. It was even yelled out a lot during the first Captain America film. However, the quote rose to popularity during one particular scene in the film’s sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

In the scene in question, SHIELD Agent Jasper Sitwell meets with Senator Stern. As Stern leans over and gives a friendly hug to Agent Sitwell, the senator whispers the quote, revealing that both agents are working for the underground terrorist group.

Geek wisdom: Even the people you trust the most may have ulterior motives. They may seem friendly and nice people but you don’t really know what they are thinking or what they’re like behind closed doors.

In this day of age, it’s a good idea to remain skeptical regarding people.

“See? I’m not a monster. I’m just ahead of the curve.”

From: The Dark Knight

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: The Joker

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from one of the most quotable characters of fiction, The Joker, from one of the most modern quotable movies, The Dark Knight.

After The Joker (played by Heath Ledger) is captured, the newly promoted Commissioner Gordon leaves the Clown Prince of Crime in an interrogation room with Batman. The Joker will not reveal where Harvey Dent is located, even after being threatened with bodily harm. The Joker then continues to expound on why the “regular” citizens of Gotham are only “good” because everything is right with the world. But he’s different…

Geek wisdom: Whenever someone tries to create some new innovation, the people who are stuck to the old ways will try to stop them. It doesn’t matter if it will better the world, as long as it threatens the way they do things, they will treat that person like a monster.

We have to think of the future, even though people will try to stop you. Progress is always better than following traditions blindly.