Another day and another look into one of the denziens that lurks HcRealms.

Today, we take a look at Vevilaughs!

Vevilaughs ( I feel like the Count from Sesame Street when I say that) has been a member of the Realms since 7/8/04, lives near Chicago and tells us he's in fund development.

When did you start reading comic books?

Vl: I started reading comics when I was 5. I have 2 older brothers and we always had comics around the house (especially the 3 for $.59 w/ no covers). The first comic I remember reading is The Super Boy and the Legion of Super-Heroes against the Sun-Eater.

What or who got you started?

Vl: My brothers.

What do you like most about comic books? Least?

Vl: Comics provide escapism and for the most part they demonstrate the necessity to always strive to do right. Unfortunately, females are almost always shown in poor light in comics. And if I see John Byrne draw one more female hero being held up by the back of her neck, I will scream. There is also the ever prevalent need to increase the powers of female heroes only to: 1) Make them evil, 2) drive them crazy, or 3) depower them.

What is your favorite title? Why?

Vl: I have 3 all-time favorites. New Mutants was the 1st comic that I started to collect on my own and I have always been partial to the teen angst angle in comics. Otherwise my other two favorite titles would have been Strikforce Morituri and Elementals. I guess I have a thing about death too.

Currently, I like JSA and BoP

Who is your favorite/least favorite comic character? Why?

Vl: I find it hard to dislike characters, but I have never been a huge fan of Batman, Superman, Spider-man or Wolverine. Their popularity interferes with my "suspension of belief." You know they are going to survive, no matter what, so what is the big deal if they do something daring? I am a fan of Storm, Black Canary, Wonder Woman and I loved Morningstar.

If your favorite comic book character is a hero, who is your favorite villain? If it’s a villain, who’s your favorite hero? Why?

Vl: I have always liked heroes more, because it is harder to be a hero. Think about it, how much harder is it for Shadowcat to not just steal whatever she wants? So, since I am a hero-kinda guy, I would have to say that my favorite villains have been Shape shifter and Mystique. With the power of shape shifting, it doesn't make you uber-powerful, so you really have to F with people's heads to pull off your schemes.

What is your favorite/least favorite hero team? Villain team? Why?

Vl: I always like more fringe teams... Strikeforce, Faze 1 Fazers, UN Force just because they are not that mainstream. And while I love Wonder woman and some characters in the JLA (and certain periods of that book) I must ask how hard it is to save the world when it is Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman?

Who is your favorite/least favorite comic writer? Why?

Vl: Favorite writer was Phil Jimenez on Wonder Woman... I thought he captured her spirit well and also married the current comic culture to her strong mythological background. Also Gail Simone and Louise Simonson. Least... John Byrne. He comes off very misogynistic/sexist.

Who is your favorite comic artist? Why?

Vl: I love the big three Alex Ross, Phil Jimenez and George Perez. Is anything better?

How many comics do you read on a monthly basis?

Vl: I just cut down to about 15 now since I just bought a house.

How much do you spend on comics monthly?

Vl: Probably about $50.

About how many comic books do you own?

Vl: I have about 30 long boxes full of comics.

What is your favorite comic era- the Golden Age (1930’s-1950’s), the Silver Age (1950’s-1980’s), or the Bronze Age (1980’s to present)?

"tumbleweed goes by, crickets chirp"

What changes would you like to see in the comic book medium?

Vl: More diversity. I liked the Milestone books and wishes they could have captured a bigger audience. Although as far as gays in comics go... I like the fact that they have lessened the effeminate nature that was displayed if a character was gay... Extrano, Northstar, Pied Piper.... move over for Apollo and Midnighter.

What is more important to you: good stories or continuity? Why?

Vl: Continuity. Because when writers pay attention to it, I feel they pay respect to the long-term readers. Also, if you know your continuity, a writer has a harder job of writing a story-line because it does limit their options. So if you can respect the history of the character and write a good story, you have my respect (and my $$). Also, if you can change the character while respecting continuity, it shows that you have mastered your craft.

Do you only read comics from one company? If so which one and why?

Vl: No, although I do read more DC now days than Marvel (the x-men just don't make enough sense anymore).

Pitch 5 comic series, Graphic Novels, or trades to members of HCrealms.

Vl:

• Strikeforce Morituri. Would you become the hero of your dreams to defend the planet if you knew it would kill you in 1 year?
  
• Early New Mutants Growing pains, fairy tales, and adolescent crushes. A book that truly captured teenagers and all they go through.
  
• Elementals You just have to love someone with the power to make you spontaneously bleed.
  
• Birds of Prey Living up to your potential, no matter what life throws at you.
  
• Sandman Mystery Theatre Macabre details and unusual art bring forth very rich mysteries.

What is your favorite comic-related movie to date?

Vl: HHhhhmmmm.... Probably the X-men movies... and Batman Returns (love Michelle as Catwoman).

If you watch comic-related cartoons, which has been your favorite?

Vl: The Avengers on DVD was incredible. And I like the new Legion of Super Heroes.

What do you like about the comic forums of HCrealms? What do you dislike?

Vl: Some people take their OPINIONS way too seriously. There is a reason they are called OPINIONS.

How can HCrealms improve the comic forums, to better suit the needs of the comic book readers who used the site?

Vl: I would like the comic book updates put in a sub-section, or more the too numerous trivia threads to a sub-section. Just make it easier to find things.

What would you like HCrealms comic readers to know about you, in regards to you as a comic reader/collector?

Vl: I have now been reading comics for 30 years. I admire the escapism a good comic can bring, but I appreciate the inspiration of a great comic even more

Thanks for your time Vevilaughs!

Be back next week for more interviews!

you'd think, with a name like that, he'd fess up to his political connections to the nationalist socialist party.

The name is based on Count Von Count from Sesame Street. He use to be my avatar here as well but Happy Devil Bunny made me change it.

When I got my first AOL account... about 20 or so years ago, my name was Vevilaughs (Five Evil Laughs for those with limited imagination). I've used it ever since.

Abd while I admire some of the themes of the socialism (and my work in the non profit sector probably demonstrates further affinity) its all about Sesame Street Baby.

aww. I always liked Seasame Street when I was a lil tike, lo those many years ago. Loved the Electric Company more, cause Spidey was there. I never liked Mr Rogers. He creeped me out.

5!???!! OK, that makes more sense to me now. But, I thought dude's name on Sesame Street was just "The Count". I believe he must've been retconned to have that other, more full name. OMG Joey Q must have worked on SS!!

Mr. Rogers didn't creep me out, that damn cat-lady puppet on there sure as hell did, and that librarian lady puppet thing did too.

And I didn't realize it until just now, but I think Trolley must've been the inspiration behind R2-D2! Think about it.

Another great interview, Hey 5, are you reading Simone's welcome to tranqulity? I really enjoy that book.

I have wanted to pick it up but my mortgage is preventing me. I have added it to my "birthday list."

Did you ever see the old SCTV parody called "Battle Of The PBS Stars" ? There was one scene with Julia Child fighting Mr Rogers, boxing. He won, but only cause he cheated. When the judges weren't looking, he picked up the king puppet and bashed Julia (played by John Candy) over the head, knocking her out.

OMG!!! I have got to track down that episode!

You can find the clip of the boxing on the SCTV "Best Of John Candy" DVD, but the actual episode with it on there was all about the Battle Of The PBS stars.
The boxing match was hilarious tho, specially with (the imitator of) Howard Cosell doing the play-by-play. "It's a dark day in Mister Roger's neighborhood, folks".