ComiCentric

let us thank Kirby and the New Gods for this bountiful holiday season. Though in the whirlwind of holiday chaos, I found myself drowning in a sea of tasks. It felt like all of December awaited attention all year round. There are gifts begging to be purchased, and festive music mocking from a every corner of the empty malls. The end of year menu awaiting consumption of Tamales, atole, and posole, oh my!

ComiCentric issue 86: 'Woke' me up before you go go…

The term "woke" has evolved over time and taken on different meanings depending on the context. Originally, "woke" is the past participle of "wake," but in contemporary language, it used to describe a heightened awareness of social and political issues, especially related to justice and inequality.

Originally, "stay woke" did carry the connotation of staying informed and vigilant about societal issues and injustices. origins seem to stem according to google from the African American Vernacular English (A.A.V.E.). Embraced as a call to be aware of the social and political challenges faced by marginalized communities. This term has been more broadly adopted, and as with many linguistic phenomena, its meaning has expanded and evolved based on usage and context.

While it seen as a call to action, urging individuals to remain alert, informed, and engaged in issues related to social justice and equality. Now a days, ‘woke’ is a term used to describe something unsavory. when it doesn’t fit in the pallet of the individual it is stated for a lack of a better term as 'woke'.

I understand that that language is ever shifting dynamic. The meaning of words can fluctuate over time, especially as they become more widely used and integrated into various communities and contexts.

I fear for term woke it will end up biting the bullet when breaking the ice, perhaps it might kick the bucket. I don’t want to give the cold shoulder to a word with potential. I’d rather not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The rule of thumb is not to turn a blind eye when used incorrectly.  Why forego a word that has manifesting potential to the ‘les enfants’ of the world? We must stay vigilant, culturally sensitive, and morally aware if we want to stay Awoke, Awakened, Awoken, Aroused, Wakened, Roused, Stirred, Vigilant.

XoXo

Cruz

As time marches and the evolution of languages idioms continue to change

ComiCentric Issue 85: The 70s was 50 years ago? - Time is an illusion

Upon the tapestry of human experience, time often weaves an intricate fluctuating pattern, sometimes playing tricks on our perceptions. Consider the phenomenon of feeling as though the 1970s were merely three decades ago. When, the reality is, five decades have gracefully unfolded. This quirky disjunction between time fluctuating feelings and objective temporal reality is a dance our minds engage in, influenced by a mélange of psychological, cultural, and factors in life.

Memory, our cranial capricious custodian of our clandestine CPU, tends to compress and rearrange events. As the years roll by, the vivid hues of specific moments may blend into a more generalized recollection, creating a temporal illusion where the past feels akin to a recent memory. The mundane and the momentous, the routine and the radical, all find themselves amalgamated in the kaleidoscope of memory.

Routine and familiarity also play a role in this temporal sleight of hand. As daily life settles into comfortable patterns, the mind, in its efficiency, glosses over the chronological intricacies of the past. The once-bold imprints of bygone years become softer, and the ticking of the clock seems to quicken. In other words getting old sucks but there is no way through it but through it .

Cultural references further muddle the temporal waters. The constant resurgence of past aesthetics in popular media can imbue the era with a perpetual sense of contemporaneity. Whether it's the timeless allure of 70s disco music, 80s clothing style, or the resurgence of 90s JNCOs, cultural echoes create a bridge between then and now, narrowing the perceived temporal expanse.

Yet, amidst these perceptual quirks, the cold, unyielding measurement of time marches on. The past, with its political upheavals, cultural revolutions, and iconic moments, stands as a testament to the inexorable flow of history. Thus, the conundrum persists — a dance between the felt and the factual, where the subjective experience of time, like a waltz, twirls in harmony with the ticking clock.

Tick Tock.

CRUZ

ComiCentric Issue 84: A Man Walks Into a Comic Shop.

In a world filled with the hustle of modern life, where cars whiz by and schedules dictate the rhythm of the day, Mr. Daniel decided to embark on a different kind of journey. Armed not with a steering wheel but with determination, he walked over seven miles to reach a destination that held the promise of vivid narratives and colorful worlds—Nostalgic Comic shop.  It wasn't just about the comics; it was about the pilgrimage to something new, a break from routine, and a journey towards ComiCentrical well-being.

Walking, often underestimated in its simplicity, is an elixir for the body and soul. As each step lands on the pavement, Mr. Daniel felt the rhythm of his heart align with the tempo of his stride. The benefits of walking unfolded—a surge of dopamine, endorphins, the joy of fresh air, and true respite from the confines of indoor life. The journey became a celebration of movement, a reminder that sometimes, what the body needs is a rhythmic stroll through the tapestry of the concrete jungle.

This pilgrims’ pilgrimage, taken just before Thanksgiving, echoed in the spirit of gratitude. Mr. Daniel, not a pilgrim in the traditional sense, was nonetheless on a quest—for stories, for health, and perhaps, for a change in perspective. Walking, in essence, became a metaphor for altering routines. It was a conscious step towards embracing a different pace, not just in the physical realm but in the broader context of life.

The journey wasn't solitary; it was a communion of the individual with his surroundings. Friends, whether physically present or in the form of stories waiting to be discovered, accompanied him. In a world filled with instant gratification, this pilgrimage celebrated the art of patience and the joy of savoring each step. As he finally arrived at the comic shop, the man realized that the destination was only a part of the pilgrimage—the true essence lay in the transformative power of the journey itself.

XOXO

CRUZ

ComiCentric Issue 83: “Holiday Seasons are upon us. Are you ok? “

The holiday season often comes earlier and earlier every year. And as soon as spooky season is over it happens the conjuring images of joy, celebration, warmth and Mariah Carey. However, for many, it can also bring a complex tapestry of emotions, from nostalgia to stress. Amid festive decorations and cheerful companions, the question, "Are you okay?" becomes a silent anthem, echoing the unspoken struggles that accompany this time of year. And you haven’t even taken a bite of Turkey yet.

The holidays can be a separation between a blend of merry gatherings and poignant reflections. While surrounded by loved ones and festive cheer, some individuals may grapple with feelings of loneliness, grief, or the weight of one’s expectations. The question, though simple, can become a lifeline, an invitation to share one's emotional landscape in a season often painted with expectations of unbridled happiness. In a time when we are all supposed to be ok. It’s ok not to be ok.

During these holidays asking about someone’s mental health is not just a casual query; it's an acknowledgment of the nuanced nature of mental health during the holidays. We may not say it the rest of the year, but it recognizes that amidst the festivities, some may be navigating personal storms. The bustling energy of the season can amplify the sense of isolation for those struggling, making it an opportune moment to extend empathy.

Asking this question during the holidays carries a unique significance. Perhaps the best gift you can give your friends, colleagues and well-wishers is just to open the door for dialogue, a chance for these individuals to express their feelings without the fear of judgment. It transforms the holiday narrative from a curated display of joy to a shared acknowledgment of the diverse emotional landscapes that coexist during this time.

So, is it a good time to ask? Absolutely. In the midst of holiday celebrations, the question "Are you okay?" serves as a reminder that mental health is a continuous journey, not bound by seasons. It encourages a culture of compassion, reminding us that behind the twinkling lights and festive cheer, and your grandma’s secret canned cranberries.  There are human stories, each deserving acknowledgment and understanding.

X-O’s

Cruz

In a time when we are all supposed to be ok. It’s ok not to be ok.

ComiCentric Issue 82: Another Sasquatching Time Travel Paradox

Welcome back, for those of you still hung over from last week’s podcast. we will tone it down a bit this week and we will go back to your regular scheduled program. Consisting of your two favorite sudo-cryptozoologist once again on the hunt for the elusive Big Foot!

First off, we have to stop calling them big foots. that’s what they have not what they are. it’s like calling Ron Jeremy big d... oh we can’t do that. oh sorry. like calling the cowardly lion a pus... oh we can’t do that either?!!  well, to be honest we don’t know the real name of these majestic mysteries. they could all be Alans or Gregoris? I think sasquatch is the most decent sounding name’s sake. Beats the Skunk ape, the Almas, Yeren, and Yeti in Asia, or the Australian Yowie

I often wonder if the sasquatch really is the ninja of the forest? We shouldn’t be able to capture ninjas on film. But why do we sometimes capture it on film? When its captured-on film its always alone? Do they have mates? and I don’t mean like for furrnacating. I’m just talking about pals. buddies. someone to chat with on them slow leisure strolls in the mountains.

Don’t sasquatches get lonely? do they let themselves be filmed, just like humans, for attention? you know in correlation to when Jesus gets lonely and then shows up on/in your tortilla. I mean there are simpler ways to get out attention like how bout you just show yourself. Jesus did it to twelve dudes. I’m sure the sasquatch can make a few nonjudgmental friends.

In this new body positive atmosphere, we live in, I’m sure it would be welcomed. Imagine the attention and notoriety the sasquatch could get? it be like teen wolf but with a sasquatch. You can even have the basketball scene. It would make more sense with a tall player than a short wolf man… person… teen.

but one thing is for certain. What we’re thinking as sasquatches could be extradimensional beings an earlier precursor to the space program, they made contact with… they are not what they claim to be… they have infiltrated a lot of aspects of the government establishment. Particularly D.C. or interdimensional beings here to scoop things out or out for a vacation from being extradimensional. Or it could just be a man with a case file that likes to pull peoples leg using a harry man suit.

XoxO

Cruz

ComiCentric Issue 81: Halloween Spooktacular 2 the revenge.

We have a short one for you this week. In a lively comic shop, clerks Pete and Cruz prepare to record their weekly ComiCentric podcast. Their routine is disrupted when a mysterious visitor, with a rather charming voice.

To their surprise, Dracula is accompanied by classic monsters like Frankenstein. who is portrayed by Adolfo Reyes. the creature from Legg Lake, and the mummy. both played by Patrick Martinez. Also, doing double duty, is Andres Cervantes. who played the wolfman and Dracula.  

Despite the oddity, the clerks allow him in. Each monster shares a series of pun-filled jokes. The clerks and monsters discover a shared love for the literary forward artistically superb literature, comics.

While comedy ensues, the rude interruption concludes with the monsters and clerks joining forces for a Halloween celebration, united in their love for Halloween and ending parties with a monster mash revelry.

This Halloween skit brings humor and classic monsters into the Nostalgic comic shop setting, creating a light-hearted take on Halloween. And I want to thank all of you who helped make this little skit happen.

Without you guys, this test would have failed. And I think we got a B+ if anything.

X’s and O’s

Cruz

⁠ComiCentric Issue 80: Its OLMOS Halloween!⁠

OK OKAY… Here is my pitch, In the Hellish world of Hollywood casting calls and auditions, three starving Hispanic actors—Rizzo, Carlos, and Rico—find themselves perpetually going to read for shows and movies that they know they would be perfect for them. Instead, they get typecast. Shadowed by the legendary Edward James Olmos who seems to take all the good roles.

Rizzo, a young influencer who sensation with a complexion that defies conventional standards, craves stardom. Carlos, a former Chicano Studies teacher turned actor, yearns for Hollywood to embrace genuine Hispanic representation. Rico, a heavily tattooed ex-gang banger with mysterious origins and yet holds a degree from Julliard.

United only by shared meeting at auditions and drive to make it in tinsel town. They usually joke that whenever a big part shows up, no matter how hard they act. The rolls always seem to go toward Olmos. They form an unlikely trio. Even though the Jokes abound about Olmos effortlessly securing roles without attending auditions. Beneath the banter lies a grudging respect for the man who embodies both their aspiration and their adversary.

As they traverse the unpredictable landscape of fame, each character faces the challenges of their diverse backgrounds. Rizzo grapples with societal standards, Carlos confronts the clash between academia and the entertainment industry, and Rico challenges his obvious stereotypes in both worlds that will never accept him.

In a surprising turn, maybe towards the end of the season, they all meet Olmos and they get along and somehow it evolves into a unifying force. Together, they redirect their grievances toward a new target—oh let say, Mario Lopez. (He’s a dream boat why wouldn’t they hate him?) This would add a twist. a humorous and cohesive element to their dynamic.

Olmos, in a candid moment, gets all deep n shit and reveals that his seemingly effortless success stems from a deeper motive. There isn’t one. He’s just like them, is there to fill a void in representation left by others'. The reluctance to act on acting. This revelation reshapes the actors' perception of their antagonizing hero.

And throughout the season lots of fleeting moments of fame, the trio encounters setbacks and rivalries. Through it all, their shared journey fosters a unique camaraderie. Each actor may not achieve lasting stardom, but their pursuit of dreams forms an enduring bond—a testament to the missing Hispanic representation within Hollywood's “diverse” landscape.

XOXO

CRUZ

ohOOHOHOH and Scott Bakula shows up at one point. Why? You ask. Well, he’s an honorary Hispanic. he is like you know that one white boy that's dating your cousin Maria. Maybe he goes for some of the roles the guys are going for.

HOLLYWOOD CALL ME!

ComiCentric issue 79: The ghost is on vacation; she jumped into a vampires roadster and took off…

In the heart of autumn, where pumpkins adorned the streets and the air held a crisp chill. the Nostalgic comic shop's nook has been uncharacteristically silent. For, you see, Becky, the resident ghost, had embarked on a spectral vacation.

One moonlit night, she found herself in the company of a charismatic vampire with a penchant for hot rods. Named the ‘Drogula,' a roadster with a hellish charm that cruised through the shadows.

This became Becky's spectral chariot for a journey filled with spooky adventures.

Together, they soared through the realms of misty graveyards and ancient comic shops. Becky experienced the thrill of ghostly races with werewolves under the light of the full moon. She danced through haunted ballrooms where long-lost spirits waltzed through the centuries.

In the eerie glow of abandoned mansions, Becky and her vampire companion uncovered secrets lost to time. They traversed through dimensions where the line between the living and the afterlife blurred.

Spectrally encountering otherworldly beings and sharing ghostly tales that echoed through the supernatural corridors.

As the season of spookiness unfolded, Becky reveled in the thrill of her vacation. Yet, the comic shop's crawl space called her back. With a fond farewell to her fanged friend, she hopped into the Drogula for one last spectral ride.

Returning to her cozy nook of a crawl space above the comic shop, Becky brought with her the echoes of her adventures. The comic shop felt a renewed energy, as if the very air was charged with the magic of a ghost's holiday escapades.

And so, beneath the flickering lights and among the stacks of comics, the spirit of Halloween lingered on, courtesy of a ghost with tales to tell…

xoxo

CRuz