Remembering The Blue Scarab

While discussing the Azure Ant with Lewis over on deviantArt, I was reminded of another inspiration. This one is probably exclusive to me, so you're forgiven if this is all new to you.

Specifically, this particular episode of SCOOBY-DOO had a big impact on me. Yeah, I know, I know, but understand this: I was 7 when I watched it. I feel certain I saw it during that initial airing, though I have not seen it since. I still recall details from that episode, and I'm pretty sure I can't say that about any other episodes of that show. Well, maybe the ones with celebrity guest-stars like Mama Cass, but that's it.

One thing that particularly fascinates me is that, even at 7, I realized that the Blue Scarab was a parody of the Blue Beetle. I knew who Blue Beetle was even then, and also knew he wasn't being published by Charlton at that time. I wonder if this episode was one of those windows into how comic books worked. Well, sorta how they worked - I mean, it's rare for disgruntled comic creators to dress up as their characters and commit crimes.

A twist in the tale is that this episode is based directly on an issue of the Scooby comic book from a few years earlier. Both were written by Mark Evanier, so there's no shenanigans going on there. I cannot recall if the TV script was a rush job or not (possibly), but that could very well be why that script got reused. I must say, since I discovered this, I've been really curious to read the original comic book version of the story.

I do find it strange that the comic cover refers to the character as simply "the Scarab" and depicts him looking very un-Blue Beetle-like. Considering the synopsis uses the "Blue Scarab" name, I wonder if that was a strategic move by Gold Key. After all, BB's most recent comic book had only been cancelled less than a decade earlier. And hey, why the Blue Beetle anyway?

I should probably ask Mark Evanier himself, but man, that gent is certainly busy. Perhaps he will wander by here someday? I'm also relatively certain this was my introduction to the word "scarab", so he broadened my vocabulary as well! Thanks Mark!

Altered Egos: Beth Gordon

Why yes, it's back for more! "Altered Egos", the series drawn by that stunning lady artist known far and wide as Kabuki Katze, returns to dazzle us once again. Today's subject is Beth Gordon!

My World : The Azure Ant

Rip Witchell is a former officer in the Major City Police Department who was busted for corruption. Ousted from the MCPD, he broke out of prison with the help of his ingenuity and connections. Witchell then disappeared into the shady world of the underground to plot his next move.

The Azure Ant is the result of Witchell’s scheming. Donning the guise of an obscure comic book hero, Witchell’s goal is nothing less than taking over organized crime in Major City. Neither the authorities nor the current gangland leaders find the Azure Ant’s plan particularly appealing.

Given the nature of his ambitions, the Azure Ant has inevitably clashed with Captain Satellite and other heroes based in Major City. Somewhat oddly, he claims that his “secret weapon” in his battles is his steadfast devotion to the soft drink Kooba Cola. He says Kooba is “invigorating, refreshing, and delicious” and “gives him the pep he needs” in taking on his foes.


Before anyone asks, "Witchell" is not a typo, but a perfectly legitimate surname. It came to me in a dream, and I was just as surprised as anyone to learn it was real. I pretty much had to use it after finding out it was.

During both 2007 and 2010, I toyed with the concept of reviving an insect-themed villain or two from my past roster of characters. Alas, nothing ever clicked to my satisfaction. Then earlier this year, I hit upon the Azure Ant name (spinning out of an older character called the Albino Ant) and my mind went into a different direction than earlier attempts.

The Blue Beetle is a comic book character with a long and torturous history, but most of it is not important for our purposes. What is important is that I am a fan of the character in all his incarnations (if not all the stories, oh no) and the original Golden Age version is in the public domain. The "Blue Beetle" name and subsequent versions of the hero are owned by DC Comics, but the first claimant to the name is free for anyone to use.

Essentially, the Azure Ant is a parody/homage to the Blue Beetle, but with a helpful name change. BB's original secret identity was policeman Dan Garret, so my villain is a corrupt former cop out to take over the underworld. And there it was - a way to make this new villain distinctive enough to have a reason for existing.

...Oh, the Kooba Cola thing? Kooba Cola was a soft drink marketed by Victor Fox in the pages of his comics (including Blue Beetle) and the BB radio show. Though promo materials exist, there is a question as to whether it was actually produced. I had already integrated Kooba Cola into the Owariverse in a story that has not yet been released, so I liked pairing the Azure Ant with it. There was also some inspiration found from Captain Beefheart's apparent addiction to Pepsi.

(And no, that color scheme isn't strictly speaking "azure" in hex code. I went with something that mirrored the Blue Beetle and just regarded the word as a synonym for "blue" in this instance.)

Ironfinger: Booted Babe, Busted Boss

Last week, we had this. If you click that link, you will see the bombshell link reader C.T. Himes dropped on me. But for your sake, I'll embed it here.

ROJ Episode 14 Notes Are Live!

In nearly every respect, this felt like the thing that refused to be written. I finished the episode discussed eight years ago. Now, and only JUST now, you can read the corresponding notes to Return of Jetman Episode 14. It's taken me nine months to follow up the previous set of notes on the site. Let me repeat that: NINE MONTHS.

I sincerely hope I can be a little more on the ball with the updated notes to New Return of Jetman.

Anyway, without further ado, here is the fruit of far too much labor for such a meager readership - ROJ Episode 14 Notes!

Shiera Sanders Is Still Hawkgirl

Hey there! Remember there was a commission piece of the Earth-2/Golden Age incarnation of Hawkgirl in these parts not long ago? Now there is another! This one is by Sean Moore, and was done as part of a trade for some issues of Hobby Japan. I actually let him choose whatever version of Hawkgirl he wanted to draw, and he elected to go with this version, too. Oh, and he tried some new things in this piece. I think it came out pretty snazzy myself!

Sean's dA page for this piece is right here. Show the man some love!

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section III - Civilians (E-N)

Eve East: Eve East co-starred on the TV series Cat-Man as the hero's beautiful battling sidekick Kitten. In later years, she left acting behind and entered the arena of politics. She was recently elected mayor of El Oceano, California - the largest city on the west coast, and entertainment capital of the world. She is proud of her one-time career, but a little nonplussed when it’s all people want to talk about when they meet her.


Manon Etienne: Manon Etienne is the owner and general manager of the stylish Chez Café. In addition to its many well-deserved accolades, the Chez Café is where Paul Mann and Shelly Ericson had their first face-to-face meeting (it wasn't really a “date”). Manon’s restaurant holds the reputation as one of the places to eat in Major City. It is said that she knows all the movers and shakers in town on a first name basis.


Albert Fannick: Albert “The Panic” Fannick is a basketball star who first rose to national prominence at Magnifica University on the west coast. Signed by the Major City Electrics out of college, Fannick has gone on to have a sensational pro hoops career. His most astonishing achievement to date was scoring 75 points in a game against the El Oceano Liners. He is Shelly Ericson's favorite player, and possibly the only person in the world capable of rendering her starstruck.


Howard Fein: Howard Fein is the current President of the United States. He was eager after taking the Presidential oath of office to associate his administration with the rising popularity of Captain Satellite and the Invincible Alliance, just as he had during his term as the mayor of Major City. Critics have charged him with engaging in publicity stunts for his own gain. Fein, on the other hand, contends that he truly believes in the idealism represented by this wave of superheroes.


Curt Koorey: Curt Koorey is more than just a disc jockey; he's an institution of the airwaves. A noted radio personality and voice actor, Koorey has spun records over the years from artists as diverse as Flint Nickell, the Wee Reptiles, Billy Popcorn, Solar Cyclops, and the Scary Metal People. Disco Ball holds a personal grudge against him due to Koorey's refusal to add the works of Vance McGuire (Disco Ball's alter ego) to his playlist. And the countdown rolls on!


Dick Major: Dick Major is the wealthy scion of the venerable family that founded Major City centuries ago. Though the rest of his clan has either embraced or at least accepted Paul Mann, Dick resents what he feels is the diminishing of his family's legacy due to Mann's rise in stature in town. He is a proud (many might say arrogant) man who refuses to accept what he sees as the devaluing of the Major name. He isn’t above using unethical and possibly even illegal means to drag Paul Mann down…so long as he can’t possibly be connected to any shady dealings.


Jay Morita: Jay Morita is the Editor-in-Chief of The Major City Courier, the number one newspaper in both Major City and the country as a whole. Morita is known for his fearlessness and integrity, which is how he was able to survive the scandal that brought down reporter Roxanne Prize. Still smarting from his lapse in judgment in giving the green light to Prize's story, Morita has been working tirelessly to bolster the reputation of the Courier and fend off rival newspaper The Major City Progress.


Monica Nostro: Monica Nostro (née Monica Major) is lauded as being among the most generous philanthropists in Major City, and indeed, the nation. One of the heirs to the sizable Major family fortune, Monica has chosen to help others through charity rather than finance an extravagant lifestyle for herself. Her cousin Dick Major objects vigorously, considering Monica’s activities a waste of good money. Dick is even more perturbed by Monica’s insistence on associating with Paul Mann and Shelly Ericson, both of whom he considers bitter enemies.