Steering the Way

When Heroic Arts was created we did it with a few things in mind. We wanted to make our lives and careers revolve around comic because we love them; but we also wanted to try and change the way the world thinks. That’s lofty and egotistical, but it all needs to start somewhere; one person can make a difference and all that, right? We figured superheroes are a good moral jumping point for that. Who better to base a moral structure off of than a group of people who are self-sacrificing, brave, kind hearted, and only want what’s best for the world? I know there are a lot of other sources for a moral center out there, but this is the one we’ve picked and we figure why not see if can make it catch on?

 

I’m a big fan of Penny Arcade, most of the time because they’re rude, sarcastic, offensive and extreme. It all makes for some very funny comic strips. The creators of the strip, Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, have made a huge name for themselves in the gaming world. They’re the founders of an amazing gaming convention called PAX. They have quite a few compellations of their comics on the shelf from Dark Horse, and quite a successful product line. I guess what I’m getting at is the fact that they don’t need me to sell them; they do a fine job themselves. The amount of traffic H.A. sees in a day is a fraction of what Penny Arcade sees, so they don’t need me to link to their site either, I probably won’t even register as a blip on their radar. But I’m doing it anyway because there’s something there I think every one needs to see.

 

There’s a lot of controversy over whether video games and other violent media (including comics) is what’s causing a generation of violent children and teenagers. I don’t believe this is true nor does Penny Arcade and they’ve been screamed at enough times for saying otherwise. I grew up reading comics, playing violent video games, watching violent movies; I would never hurt anyone. Maybe it’s because I had fantastic parents who loved and nurtured me. They explained the difference between right and wrong. I’d think though – not down playing what my parents did for me – that it has nothing to do with that. It’s free will. I have a mind, I can choose between good and evil. It’s that simple. I think most of the time bad people are bad people because they’re too ignorant and lazy to be otherwise. Making good decisions and choosing the good path is hard, it takes work, sacrifice and a lot of times it has nothing to do with what you really want… but it’s right and that’s what matters.

 

There’s a fantastic post on P.A. right now about a murder that’s being blamed on violent video games. P.A. has posted a letter from someone close to the situation who feels there’s another message that needs to get to the world. One contrary to what traditional media is spewing. I agree with them, so I’d like people to read it.

 

Agree or don’t, the nice thing about the world and free will is you’re entitled to your opinion. There is a distinct difference between right and wrong though, and barring true mental illness, and some extreme circumstances, it’s a personal choice which way you go. Don’t blame video games, comics, movies, parents, your teacher, boss or god. You have a brain, use it. No it’s not easy! No one said these things are; no one said life was, but you’re here so make a choice.