Opinion – Christopher Goodlof

Stop It, Marvel.

When I was younger, I loved superheroes, namely Batman. Before nerds come for my throat, I’m aware Batman isn’t Marvel – holster your angry thumbs. I loved Batman and continue to do so. I’ve even got the Joker and Harley Quinn tattooed in the art style of the Batman cartoon from my youth. So, toContinue reading “Stop It, Marvel.”

Land of the “Free,” Home of the “Brave”

It’s in our national anthem, it’s chiseled in stone, it’s known around the world – it’s our motto, our claim to fame as a country, I suppose. Perhaps at one time it was applicable, when it needed to be, but in the years since the American Revolution, that creed, that promise, has become a burden.Continue reading “Land of the “Free,” Home of the “Brave””

Shark Tank Disturbs Me

Hold on tight, I don’t know where this one is going. When I come up with writing ideas, I immediately write them in my phone’s notes so as not to lose the thought. These notes can be quite detailed, outlining just what it is I’m thinking about writing – generally, when the notes are thorough,Continue reading “Shark Tank Disturbs Me”

Little Victories

I wouldn’t call myself an optimist per se, but I certainly wouldn’t label myself a pessimist either. Generally, I lean towards what I would call cynical optimism. Cynicism is just a symptom of having open eyes. It’s difficult to look at the world, or just America, and feel something like pure optimism. Now, I’ve beenContinue reading “Little Victories”

I’ve Never Been in a Fight

It’s probably not surprising to know that I’ve never been in a fight. Verbal fights, yes, most certainly, though they’re to be avoided at all costs. But physical fights, I’ve managed to steer clear of those for 30-years now. I’m proud of that. And while I’m sure, to some, this signifies a weakness of characterContinue reading “I’ve Never Been in a Fight”

Creativity and Aging

Things change as you age, and if you’re doing anything even remotely the right way, you’re growing as the years add up. I was giving some thought to artistry and how it can be affected by aging, how your tastes and proclivities can change, and so does your art. Specifically, I was considering artists whoContinue reading “Creativity and Aging”

If You Didn’t Learn This Year, You Never Will

Over the course of one rather abusive year, we all grew accustomed to isolation, and with it, introspection. Most of us did, anyway. There was almost no way around it. In those early months of isolation, I imagine that the terror still had its teeth in most of us. Rightfully so, it was new, thereContinue reading “If You Didn’t Learn This Year, You Never Will”

Thoughts on George Floyd and the Derek Chauvin Trial

I was driving on the highway as the verdict was about to come in. I was nervous that I would miss it, but then I remembered that AM radio exists. I tuned into NPR at the perfect time, the judge was just entering the courtroom. I listened nervously and attentively as I navigated the early-eveningContinue reading “Thoughts on George Floyd and the Derek Chauvin Trial”

The World Changed Beneath You

I write this for the stragglers, those stubborn hangers-on fighting the changing tide. You may have had your time at the top, where everything you did was celebrated, but times have changed; and sadly, you did not change with them. I write this for those who never think they’re wrong, who blame everything on theContinue reading “The World Changed Beneath You”

Things to Lose in the New World: Superhero Movies

I consider myself to be a movie buff in some sense. I don’t necessarily know a ton about film history, or a bunch of art films, but I’m a collector of good movies. From a young age, I’d go to the mall with my mom and point out a movie I wanted back when thereContinue reading “Things to Lose in the New World: Superhero Movies”