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(From "Wonder Comics" number 11, 1947.)
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Posted in Daily Random Panel
Now folks, I'm going to be trusting you here to keep this clean, and to help I am re-instituting the "appropriate for prime time network television" rule, but I just couldn't pass this image up for our next Caption Contest:
If you come up with the funniest, best entry to replace the missing dialog balloon, you'll get to choose either a) any one item in any one slot to be included in HeroMachine 3 or b) an illustration of your head and face to be included in HeroMachine 3 so you can serve as the basis for millions of super-heroes across the world! The rules are simple:
On a personal note, I tend to find violent homophobic humor un-funny. VERY un-funny. I post a number of "queer" references from the Fifties because it makes for humorous reading in the modern usage of the word, given the fact that you've got a bunch of muscle-bound men in stockings running around beating up other men while being followed by young boys, but the spirit of the thing is important. I don't like implications of violence against homosexual people, and calling stupid, silly, or feminine things "gay" is just kind of lame.
So while technically that sort of thing isn't against "the rules", I don't find it very funny. And I'm doing the judging. Do the math 🙂
Now, lecture over, start with the funny!
Comments Off on Caption Contest 56: Golden Lad
Posted in Challenges
Thanks to everyone who entered the first Character Contest! I had a good time seeing the visuals and reading the stories, thanks to everyone who took the time to send in an entry. After careful consideration that kept me pondering til this late at night, I have decided that the winner is ... Imp! He'll get to choose any one item to be included in HeroMachine 3, which I'll be sure to let you see as soon as it's done. Here's Imp's winning entry:
And here's his write-up:
Capstan
Real Name: Sanjay Singh
Powers:
1. Cybernetically enhanced nervous, skeletal, muscular system, giving him superhuman strength, speed, and reflexes.
2. Cybernetic tentacles, able to carry various types of onboard weaponry.Bio:
Sanjay Singh was a cybernetics engineer working for the Indian government, working on methods of enhancing the combat abilities of soldiers. He was paralyzed by a bomb planted by Muslim separatists, and volunteered to be implanted with his own creations in the hopes of being able to walk again. The surgery was a success, and Sanjay has since become one of India's premiere superheroes.
I'm not quite sure what that has to do with the word "capstan" but luckily for Imp, the visual made up for that small shortcoming. I like how simple the image is, without a ton of complications distracting from the basic design. The combo-logo looks great, too, and I like the power circles on the tentacles. The patterning on the metal arms was the final piece to the puzzle, making them look mottled and dirty and seaworn. Even though he doesn't have anything to do with the sea. Go figure.
Anyway, congratulations to Imp. Imp, be sure to drop me a line and let me know what you're thinking of for the prize.
I wanted to include some designs I thought were especially nice as Honorable Mentions after the jump, so here goes:
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Posted in Challenge Favorites, Challenges, Cool Characters
I've spent all morning gathering reference for the Insignia-Nature set, and I'm overwhelmed. I'm thinking there's no way to fit everything in under that one heading. So I will probably separate it out into Elements (rain, wind, ice, fire, earth, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.); Plants (trees, leaf icons, acorns, etc.); and Animals (animal heads, paw prints, insects, etc.).
But that's a ton of work, easily several hundred items. So I am going to backtrack here a bit and shelve the remainder of the Insignia until I get the remainder of the slots without Standard items done, as I'd originally planned. I'm going to do Companions first, because it's easy and fast. In the meantime, let me know in the comments what slot you want to see get a set of Standard items next. I think the remaining ones after Companions are:
As a reminder, "Auras" will be sort of built in to the Body, Hand, and Foot slots so you can get a more accurate outline. Similarly, a lot of slots will have an "Extras" set for odds and ends like scars, pockets, bullet holes, etc., things that aren't complete items in and of themselves but which are intended to enhance others.
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Posted in HeroMachine 3
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Posted in Daily Random Panel
I've uploaded changes to the HM3 Alpha that make the new "fonts" slot much more functional. You now have the standard three colors to play with, AND patterns now work with them, AND whatever you've typed in will now follow from selection to selection so you don't have to re-type it. On the downside, it now clocks in at a hefty 1MB in size, so be warned.
Enjoy!
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Posted in HeroMachine 3
This week's Poll Position puts you in the position of one Mr. Grim of the Reaper family. We've all been through various super-hero deaths over the years, from the Barry Allen Flash to Supergirl to Superman and most recently Captain America. It's become a staple of the genre, but we the readers never get to say who gets the axe.
Well, now you do!
Discussion after the jump.
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Posted in Versus
I just uploaded an expanded "InsigniaTech" set for HeroMachine 3, doubling the number of items. Here's a quick preview:
I also have a bunch of gears (cogwheels) per Fabien's request, that's one of the items I regretted not fitting into the Standard set. Hopefully that will help make steampunk types of things easier.
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Posted in HeroMachine 3, Previews
(From "Wonder Comics" number 11, 1947.)
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Posted in Daily Random Panel
Starting tomorrow I'll begin work on a few additional Insignia sets. Combing through the great suggestions in the last thread, here are the main groups I'll probably do.
If you have any additional suggestions for Insignia along those broad categories, let 'em rip.
Comments Off on HM3: More Logos means More Better
Posted in HeroMachine 3
Three middle-aged nerds (including yours truly!) review all of the MCU movies in chronological order. Short, funny, and full of good vibes, check it out and let us know what you think!
Nerdmudgeon.com