Last week on my blog we had super fun conversation about Thor and Captain America and who is coolest. But I noticed a common (and enthusiastic) theme in the comments section:
A collective love for one Loki.
Now, Loki freaks me out quite a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I love him. It’s just the constant possibility of betrayal that gets me every time. But still…he’s basically the best villian-slash-sometimes-sorta-good-guy ever. Which begs the question:
Who’s cooler…Thor or Loki?
I know, I know, I ask such difficult questions.
Well, here’s a question that’s not at all difficult: Who’s the coolest kid ever to have actually inspired an upcoming superhero graphic novel? (If you’ve been around this blog for any amount of time, this should be a pretty easy pop quiz.)
My nephew, Ollie, of course. If you’re new around here, Ollie was born in June 2010 with multiple heart defects and Down syndrome. He has overcome so many things in his almost-four years, including a slew of open heart surgeries. He is, in a word, amazing.
And now his dad, my brother-in-law Chip Reece, is set to release a graphic novel inspired by Ollie’s super strength. METAPHASE releases from Alterna Comics in September, but it’s available for pre-order now! It’s written by Chip with artwork by Kelly Williams. Here’s what it’s about:
Lash is one of the greatest superheroes of all time, but his life is forever changed when his son, Ollie, is born with all the physical vulnerabilities that come along with having heart defects and Down syndrome. As Ollie gets older he becomes tired of his dad’s over-protection and unwillingness to include him in his superhero adventures. Ollie has lived his life listening to the world tell him he will be limited in what he can do and with the added frustration of being compared to a dad with unlimited abilities.
Fueled by his desire to be “super,” Ollie turns to Meta-Makers – a company that claims it can give anyone superpowers through chromosome tampering. Unfortunately, Ollie’s decision may be disastrous for the greatest hero of all time… his dad!
AHHH I’m so excited for this. Even if you don’t naturally gravitate toward graphic novels, I can guarantee METAPHASE will hook you. I mean, it’s inspired by Ollie, how could it not be awesome? If you want more details or a sneak peek at artwork, visit the METAPHASE Facebook page. It’s available for preorder at Amazon and B&N.
Okay, now it’s question time:
Comments 33
I’ve never read a graphic novel but I think the premise of the one your BIL is releasing is SUPER cool. 🙂
Oh, and LOKI. Always Loki. So much cooler than Thor.
Author
Haha, I really like Loki too. BUT is it enough to like a guy if you’re not sure you can trust him? LOL! I trust Thor. I am entertained by Loki. 🙂
LOVE! I’ve been watching your tidbits on this and cannot wait! I used to read graphic novels when I was younger and this premise is amazing. I agree, it’s b/c Ollie inspired it. Ollie always make me smile!!
Author
I agree, the premise rocks! And Chip is a great writer, so it’s going to be fun to read it. I can’t wait!
That’s so awesome about the graphic novel! I used to read them, but don’t have as much time. That might need to change though 🙂
Also, you’ll be shocked, but #TeamLoki4Life 😉
Author
LOL I love the hashtag!
Roland Mann was the keynote speaker at our writer’s conference in Memphis back in March and he writes great graphic novels. I went to his class and learned how an artist is paired with a writer and it was neat! And of course I would love Metaphase! Ollie is the star, after all!
Author
Ooh that sounds like it’d be a cool class! I’ve thought often that writing collaboratively would be a fun process…but pairing writing and artwork together would be a whole new layer to the process. Probably a little like what it’s like for us novelists the first time we see our book covers…seeing character faces or story settlings in color after only ever seeing them in your imagination.
That’s a great story, Melissa. And I have a nephew, Ollie, too! He just turned three in March & is pretty awesome. Next time we’re in Des Moines maybe we should arrange a play date. 🙂
Oh, & like I said on FB: Thor is hotter but Loki is cooler.
Author
Yay for both having nephews named Ollie! Mine turns four in June. A play date would be FUN but actually Ollie lives in Wichita. Which means I don’t get to see him nearly enough. WAH!! 🙂
Melissa, that graphic novel sounds so cool. Never read one before.
I like Thor better, especially the journey of becoming a better man than he was in the beginning. Less selfish and prideful by the end. Love that journey.
But… Loki intrigues me. Of course, Tom Hiddleston’s smile might have a little something to do with that. It’s more than that, though. Even though he’s mostly bad, he does have glimmers of goodness in him. Plus, you never know what he’s going to do or say, and it keeps me guessing every time. Then there’s the Thor-Loki relationship, that push-pull thing we all enjoy so very much. Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.
By the way, Tom Hiddleston is featured on my blog this week, though in a different role than Loki. Check it out here: writingtoinspire.blogspot.com
Hugs,
Andrea
Author
Yeah I hear what you’re saying about Loki. Actually, my favorite villains are the ones who have those glimmers of goodness in them. I love that. I like bad guys who make you feel a little torn…that may be partially because they feel a little more real to life. I mean, there aren’t that many Hitlers and Stalins in the world, you know? But there are a lot of bad-but-with-moments-of-good people out there. It’s those are-they/aren’t-they bad guys who tug on your sympathy. Guess I just really like that feeling of being torn… 🙂
I hear you, girl. Makes total sense, but that’s probably because I’m right there with you. :o)
Okay…..Loki is awesome and funny so what’s not to like? However, after watching Thor 2 I was extremely confused. Now I’m not sure who to like. You can never go wrong with Thor though. 🙂 So, I guess that still leaves me undecided. I can’t wait to read METAPHASE!
Oh…I guess I should tell you this time….This is your cousin Mikaela. 🙂
Author
Hey Mikaela who is my cousin! I think sometimes at a family gathering we should have a comic book movie marathon. How fun would that be??
Congratulations to Chip!! I’ve never read a graphic novel before. (Ollie is simply adorable. 🙂 )
Our daughter is crazy over Thor. Loki is intriguing and I feel for him, but I don’t trust him. I really want to though.
Author
Ollie IS adorable, isn’t he. 🙂 I haven’t seen him since Christmas sadly. But I’m due for a trip very soon…yay!
For me it’s hands down Thor. Though Loki is very intriguing. And he’s a bit misunderstood. But I’m hands down a Thor fan. (Or maybe just a Chris Hemsworth fan).
Author
Haha from one Chris Hemsworth fan to another, I hear you. 🙂
Can I just stick with my vote last week for Captain America? 🙂 Super cool news about your brother-in-law’s graphic novel!
Author
Haha, yes you can stick with your previous vote. 🙂
Who can forget the comedic scene in The Avengers when Hulk smashes Loki into the floor a few times?
So I’m definitely voting for Thor, even if he isn’t an Aussie. (oops, being played by an Aussie).
Can’t wait to see graphic novel version of Ollie.
I really like Graphic Novels even though I don’t read them much.
Author
I can’t wait for the GN either, Ian! The premise is just so great, isn’t it! And I love that scene in The Avengers. I haven’t watched that movie in awhile…I think I’m due for a rewatch.
I’m not a graphic novel or comic book fan (just a comic book movie fan :D) but… HOW COOL!? I love the story you shared about Ollie. So special.
…as for Thor vs. Loki. No question, I’m a Thor fan. Loki’s a great villain and all (plus that sequence in Thor 2 when he, Thor and Jane are travelling together is hilarious), but I’m strictly a good-guy kind of girl. 😉
Author
Yeah good guys are pretty cool, I have to admit. 🙂
I haven’t read many graphic novels, but my teenage son loves them.
As for the debate, Loki just gives me the creeps. He’s just too something – not sure what. Now Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is it for me!! I even have a Thor cup that one of my friends gave me after one of my children so “nicely” pointed out that I was old enough to be his mom!!
Author
Hahaha, that was definitely…”nice”…of your child. 🙂 I want a Thor cup!!
I’m totally a Loki fan. It’s like, who WOULDN’T love Tom Hiddleston? He’s so beautiful. Those cheekbones…….Besides, Thor’s got a girl. And he’s married. Tom is single. And BEAUTIFUL! Never read MetaPhase… Looks cool though!
Author
Tom Hiddleston is pretty grand. In addition to all the things you mentioned, there’s also this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9uJMDNNF_o
LOKI rules!!! For all the reasons mentioned above 😉
Your BIL’s book about your nephew sounds like it will be wonderful! A more perfect superhero couldn’t exist 🙂
Author
I completely agree that a more perfect superhero couldn’t possibly exist. 🙂
I recently read your book “Made to Last” and LOVED it. <3 And now, Metaphase sounds awesome! Something I would definitely get. 🙂
And I'm Team Loki all the way. 🙂
Author
Oh thank you, for reading MTL ! That makes me so happy!! Yay for another Team Loki person. 🙂