My first and possibly last comic book

Where does creative energy come from?

 How do authors like Steven King, Steven Spielberg, J.K. Rowling, and so many others bring their ideas to reality?

I don’t know. But I can tell you that from a young child, I was hooked on – what my dad called “Mickey Mouse” – a good comic book story. Most recently I find myself in awe at the comeback both DC Comics and Marvel Comics have made by bringing their stories to the big screen. It is amazing that these companies have reinvented themselves.

 Always ask “why?” first.

So why am I sharing a story with you in a comic book format? I think it is because it may draw a bigger audience than just words on a page. Or, maybe it could represent an entertaining thought that may inspire action. But keep in mind, I put this article - which may become a series of articles - together to make a point. I really wanted to make a statement about the lack of respect we have for each other. This lack of respect shows up in our interactions with family, business associates. It extends further to our communities, and finally towards our planet and the next generation that will be subjected to the decisions we make in the next few years.

Another reason for writing a comic book.

I have discovered that my fiancée is somewhat interested in the comic book stories as they are represented on the big screen. When I shared who Stan Lee was, and later, pointed him out in the cameos that he appeared in, my fiancee remained somewhat interested. This is amazing! Everyone likes a good story. So, I decided to do something crazy. I created a comic book story about the smart business practices that all companies should share. I think it is entertaining. And I hope you enjoy the plot. This may end up being just one comic book in the making unless there is enough interest. 

What you must do to ensure the story continues.

Please share this story with others. Also, engage by doing the homework I suggested at the end of the article - and type your answers below. If I know people care then I will do my best to continue writing for my own practice, and for my own entertainment – and hopefully yours. Stan Lee – the creator of comic book heroes like the Hulk, Fantastic Four, Thor, and the She-Hulk (coming soon to a movie theatre near you) – said he figured if he was entertained by his stories, then others would be too. I thought I would give this theory a try.

The beginning.

Baby Yoda’s first word probably came after his second word.

I really had to think about the end of this comic book first. This is how it started, but the message came first. The message I wanted to convey was that we must put the right value system in place first before we engage in activities in the workplace or at home. What values guide your actions? I thought deeply about the Lean Leadership Development Model shared by a company I founded. It has 5 core values at the center. These values guide the learning, coaching, and development process of it's leaders. Leaders we can be proud of. We lack great leadership on this wonderful planet. I really wanted to share these values and a model for improvement. Hence, the beginning of this comic book story represents an entertaining thought. You too can be chosen to become a hero of the future by living the true north values that I share in later articles.

Homework

 In all the things you do daily, do you confirm why you do them? If not, take an inventory. List the key things that suck up your time. Identify and verify why you do these things – then find a way to discard those that provide no value to your organization or to yourself. Please share some of your findings below.

Have Fun

One of those things may be - reading this article. Please list that! If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? It has been a great policy for me. Do what you love, and in many ways, you will be bringing value to others.