We’re getting so very near the end of this chapter and I’ll be sad to see it go. We’re due for another hiatus, but more than that I just really enjoy these chapters that focus so very much on character. The next one is another culminating chapter that will… well, we’ll get there.
SWIFTY ORIGIN
Good news! I’m in talks once again with a stellar artist about finally getting the Swifty origin done right. This is an artist whose work you’ve seen before in SuperFogeys Origins. Any guesses? Announcement coming soon.
See you on Wednesday with 781 – Everyone in the War Room!
From pity, or maybe more… To finding out he’s being used as an epithet now. Anyone ever read the Superman story “The Reign of Emperor Joker”? Short answer: Thrice Evil’s gonna be *easy* to take down, compared to their next threat, methinks. (Also, yay for Swifty sass!)
I vaguely remember Emperor Joker… and if you’re right that does not bode well…
I love the title of this chapter. We have talked a lot about Jerry and like all the readers, most of the fogeys have a personal take on Jerry but all (including us readers) are still waiting him to take action
Yeah, a lot of the point of this chapter is to see Jerry through the other characters’ eyes, and through that reflection give Jerry a chance to think about himself. What it all means and what significance it all might have, I leave to you.
It’s interesting how Jerry embodies many things that are idealized in today’s culture. He is incredibly gifted, he knows what his future holds, he’s in peak physical condition, he gets the girl, he’s able to manipulate everyone around him and come out on top, and he is part of a tight-knit group of extraordinary (though flawed – and who isn’t?) people.
And it doesn’t mean a thing.
Jerry is a tragic figure. He gave himself up in the pursuit of his dreams. Two quotes come to mind:
“Some prices are just too high, no matter how much you may want the prize. The one thing you can’t trade for your heart’s desire is your heart.” – Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:25
There’s more than one way to give your life away. Jerry gave his own life away by pursuing his own selfish desires, instead of giving it up unselfishly for another. He gained his heart’s desire by trading away his heart.
See? Comments like this are why I say SF has the best readers.
What a thoughtful, unexpectedly literary assessment of who Jerry is and how he got to be that way. I absolutely love it.
P.S. I’m betting that Portalmaster’s legacy of self-sacrifice will be what ultimately stops Jerry’s selfish rampage.
It’s an interesting theory for sure…
P.P.S. I haven’t been on the comments section in about a year so I don’t know if anyone has brought this up (or even if I did and then forgot about it), but I find it funny that the protagonists are so worried about Thrice Evil being able to permanently win in Earth Abaddon that they haven’t bothered to think about the fact that there he could permanently lose. If you think about it, Earth Abaddon has more potential for good out of the two worlds. Earth Avalon is stuck in a cycle of balance, while Earth Abaddon could go either way and stay that way, depending on what the people living there do. Earth Avalon is certainly safer, but I love the incredible possibilities in Earth Abaddon.
Glad to have you back! And I love that you remember all that complicated mythology. You don’t HAVE to remember it to enjoy the story, but it certainly makes it richer once you understand the rules.
I love the difference between surly Swifty and perky Swifty. That is a pretty good burn that alt Sam has going there. Well Jerry, at least your name is not Santorum.
I love the difference between surly Swifty and perky Swifty.
Oooh! Good burn President Reed. Could be interesting to watch him debate during the election cycle. Also, excellent pep talk for Soviet Sam , he looks like he’s taking it to heart which is excellent.
Well Jerry, at least your name is not Santorum.