Last Friday a friend of mine sent me a message via Facebook. Roddy Piper, the legendary wrestling superstar, had passed away at the age of 61.
I read the link to the news article, from TMZ Sports, and looked at it with some skepticism. Perhaps they were going off of a rumor? Of course, as I slowly looked around the web and saw more and more sites reporting the news, it finally struck home that he had indeed passed away due to a heart attack suffered during the previous evening.
My first memories of Roddy Piper date back to about '76/77 when I began watching wrestling. LA had it's own hotbed of wrestling, taking place at the Olympic Auditorium and airing on Wednesday evenings on Channel 34 via a Spanish-language program called 'LUCHA LIBRE'. On Saturday afternoon, more Olympic wrestling aired on Channel 52, this time in English. I watched both of these regularly, part of my consumption of comic books and endless hours of TV (Incredible Hulk, Six Million Dollar Man, Speed Racer, etc).
Some of my programs from the Olympic Auditorium shows.
The Olympic Auditorium wrestling shows introduced me to a host of great talents, such as the famous Guerrero family (Chavo, Mando, Hector), Victor Rivera, Andre the Giant, Texas Red, Bull Ramos, the notorious heels Black Gordman & Goliath. It's where I first became aware of the legendary Mexican luchador, Mil Mascaras.
But it was Roddy Piper who grabbed my attention like no other. Here was this very young Scottish wrestler (by way of Canada) in a kilt, with his ever-present bagpipes, landing smack in the middle of Los Angeles, with it's large and loyal fan base of Mexican fans, and declaring all-out war on the Guerreros! Yes, back then the political climate and censorship wasn't what it is now, so Piper was able to tell the Guerreros and the fans exactly what the thought of them! The fact that a lot of this happened via a Spanish telecast only added to the outrage. I didn't think in terms of this exact language back then as a kid, but I was like "The nerve of this bastard!". And of course, that's what wrestling is all about: putting butts in seats with all the hype and heat you can muster. Just think of some of your favorite movies that feature great actors playing bad guys you love to hate. That's exactly what Roddy Piper was doing, but in real life.
Not unlike the great Don Rickles, Piper would blast a whole in his targets, with the result that he'd put the crowd squarely in opposition to him. Just where he needed them to be...
In what to me is about the most ridiculous and brilliant scheme I've ever seen in wrestling, at one point Piper lost a 'loser leaves town' match to one of the Guerreros. Shortly thereafter a mysterious masked wrestler, in a full body red & white costume, appeared on the scene...The Canadian!
The Canadian, of course, did not speak English, and his manager, Black Gordman, did all his speaking for him! Canadian would sometimes respond with a "¡Si, maestro!", but otherwise would not speak so as to not be recognized. Which was the hilarious part because we all knew it was Piper under the mask, and he knew we knew! But keeping that gimmick going was part of the fun, and it no doubt kept ticket sales going. It certainly fueled us viewers at home, screaming at the TV with a raised fist!
By the end of the 70s, with a lot of the wrestlers, including Piper, having moved on to other territories (this was back in the day when there where a variety of promoters across the country running their individual leagues), I eventually drifted away from wrestling. Then in the early 80s a friend and co-worker, Mike Henry, invited me over to his house to watch these new programs by the World Wrestling Federation. Wrestlemania 2 had just passed, and I was amazed by the steel cage match between Hulk Hogan and King Kong Bundy. But I was very surprised to see the boxing match with Mr. T and my old pal, Roddy Piper! Yep, I was back on the Piper bandwagon, right when he was terrorizing a whole new generation of wrestling stars. He was as nasty as ever, and I began to learn how he had played a role in launching the WWF into the mainstream of American pop culture with his clashes with Hogan and the whole circus with MTV, Cyndi Lauper and Mr. T.
Eventually of course Piper catapulted into the movie business with his role in the classic John Carpenter cult film, THEY LIVE. Even as Piper became a fan favorite 'good guy' in the WWF, he retained his charismatic charm. Eventually, like with the old Olympic wrestling days, I drifted away from watching WWF as the 90s progressed. Piper of course continued his career, moving to the WCW in the mid 90s then several return engagements to the WWE (formerly WWF).
Through it all, Piper remained himself. What I've always loved about him was his ring persona: the supremely confident way he carried himself, whether as a hated villain or a beloved hero. He was without question the quickest guy on the mike, his humor and improvisational skills ranking him with such classic comedians as Don Rickles, Sam Kinison, George Carlin and others. But what became clear to me in later years was that alongside that great character of Rowdy Roddy Piper was a genuine human being. A devoted family man and someone extremely appreciative of his fans and the great opportunities he's had in life. It's amazing to me that someone who could be so 'bad' could be so good. But that's a true performer.
I saw him at one or two live wrestling shows, but also got to meet him in person back in 2002, when he was promoting his autobiography, IN THE PIT WITH PIPER. He was as gracious in real life as I could imagine, and I shared that I used to watch him during his Olympic Auditorium days. Ten years later, he hosted a screening of THEY LIVE in Los Angeles, which I attended with my friend Ted Seko. We had a wonderful time listening to Roddy's stories about making the film, and again, he was extremely amicable in talking to his fans.
As a creator of comic books, I look at performers like Piper (and others, like the late Randy Savage) and see that their characters they create are 100% at full throttle. Totally 'in character' when the mic is on (and often afterwards, as well!). While I don't necessarily try to create characters that mimic these wrestling stars, I'm reminded to try to give my own characters a sense of performance that hopefully leaps off the page. Piper shares that desirable attribute that some of my favorite old-time comic book creators have: treating fans with genuine respect and kindness. That's something else I've always strived for in my own career. It's not hard to do when I've had such great examples.
I've only got a small handful of wrestling stars I can call my 'all time favorites'. Piper joins Macho Man Randy Savage on my list of 'gone but not forgotten'. But they live on in videos and DVDs, and our personal memories. We fans will miss him tremendously, but it's Roddy Piper's family I extend my most sympathy too: his wife Kitty, their son and three daughters, and grandchildren.
I was going to post this a few days ago, but I was working around the clock on a book project this week, which I finally sent off to the printer (I'll post about it after the weekend!)
But I did take time out of my schedule to go meet former Minnesota Governor/former WWF Superstar Jesse Ventura!
Jesse was signing this past Monday at a local BORDER'S, promoting his new book AMERICAN CONSPIRACIES. I found out about it on a whim a few days before, and decided that even though it was going to take a whole half day from working on my project, I I really wanted to meet the Governor.
Jesse in his stylish digs during the mid-80s
Back in the mid-80s, I started watching wrestling again, having drifted away from it in the late 70s. By then Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Junk Yard Dog, Macho Man Randy Savage and many others were bringing wrestling into the mainstream, guided by the extremely savy owner of the WWF, Vince McMahon.
One of the standout performers I enjoyed wasn't even wrestling anymore. Sitting ringside, decked out in the most outrageous wardrobes available, was Jesse 'the Body' Ventura, providing color commentary alongside the late, great Gorilla Monsoon.
Jesse was always rooting for the bad guys, and delivered tremendously funny lines as he called the matches.
Soon afterwards, he made the leap to movies with PREDATOR, starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger (who, in a twist of fate, became California Governor! What's next, the Predator runs for Mayor of Detroit??)
Following various movie roles, he went into politics and was elected Mayor of Brooklyn Park, MN. Jesse then goes on to become Governor of Minnesota in 1999. What really interested me in his candidacy was that he ran as a true independent, completely unaffiliated with neither the Republican or Democratic Parties. Back then, that really spoke to me, as I was moving in that direction myself. I won't turn this post into a political rant, but to see Ventura, a former wrestler, dumbfound the establishment in the election was a huge inspiration. Shortly afterwards, he wrote his autobiography, and when he talked about trying to run for Governor with the two mainstream parties aligned against him (along with the media and so-called 'conventional wisdom'), his words spoke to me as an independent artist. 'We shocked the world!' he proclaimed to his supporters on Election Night, as the entire establishment was caught off guard!
In the years since his Governorship, Ventura's written several New York Times bestselling books, hosted radio and television talk shows. He's even taught at Harvard. Sitting in the audience that evening in the BORDERS, I realized that for the last 25 years I've been following his various careers, always amazed in whatever forum he would show up in. That's reinforced in me that one can do many things, as long as you have the passion to do it. You don't have to be just a wrestler or former Governor, and you don't have to only be a comic book creator, either.
Jesse shows up and takes center stage.
The qualities I saw in him as he spoke were the exact same ones I've seen in him through his television appearances and writings. He's very direct, very practical. He's thought out his positions, but remains always ready to admit when he doesn't know enough about a particular issue. Qualities to admire, as far as I'm concerned. While he's been an entertainer for decades, he has no problem disappearing to his home in Baja California for half of the year, far removed from the U.S. political scene, or Hollywood, or anything else that distracts him from surfing and relaxing in peace with his wife.
He talked easily for an hour and a half, discussing his view on the many 'conspiracies' in his book. I never knew that John Wilkes Booth was part of a group of people trying (and succeeding) to kill Lincoln, but also the Secretary of State and the Vice President. This is not a secret that Ventura uncovered, but he makes the point that schoolkids are told that it was a lone gunman who shot the President. I've only had time to read the first chapters, but it makes for interesting reading.
Two things I had Jesse sign were his new book, of course (those are the rules, after all!) and something from my own collection.
I finally got my 1985 JESSE 'THE BODY' action figure signed, still in the package! One thing about me, I never give up being a fanboy for certain things I enjoy.
Ventura was really gracious with his fans that evening. Sure, he was promoting his book, but every time I meet someone I admire, especially if it's someone I've only known through their work (comics/television/movies), and they turn out to be very genuine people in 'real life', well, that's the best. Who wants to meet someone they've been a fan of all their lives and find out the person is a jerk? Jesse Ventura is the real deal.
For your enlightenment and entertainment, here are two choice video clips with Ventura. One, telling like it is about George Bush & Dick Cheney, and in the other talking trash, with Roddy Piper, on Mr. T!
Sunday came quickly, and that meant it was time for the Portland Comic Book Show (if you just walked in on this blog, this is Part 2 of my wrap-up of my weekend trip to Portland! Part 1 can be found here).
Breakfast consisted of a trip to the infamous, 24 hour VOODOO DOUGHNUTS on SW 3rd Avenue. VOODOO's doughnuts come in all shapes and sizes, from a doughnut encrusted with Captain Crunch cereal to doughnuts shaped like...well, doughnuts for bachelorette parties!! I mean, these folks make all kinds of exotic, erotic and eclectic types!
Me, I finally got the one I flew all the way up to Oregon for:
The bacon maple bar!! Now that's a breakfast power bar I can sink my teeth into...
We soon made our way to the Memorial Coliseum and once we entered the exhibit room and I had a look around the place, I got the sense that this was an old-school comic convention. There were tons of back issue dealers, as well as vendors selling all kinds of comic-related/superhero emblazoned products. Drinking glasses, action figures, vintage toys. Plus I saw numerous publishers and artists selling mini-comics, zines, comic books, graphic novels. No tables for out-of-work actors or retired wrestlers were to be seen. Although I would have been excited if Portland-based wrestling legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper was signing!
The show was held in the basement of the center, adding to the old-school ambiance. Richard Finn, whose been running the show for 31 years, really kept on top of accommodating his guests. It's always great to have the Guest status and the perks you get with it. Makes you feel that you bring something of value to a convention. And the free box lunch wasn't too bad either!
One thing I was more than happy to do as part of my 'bringing value' to Richard's line-up was to conduct a panel. Jason Martin, my fellow cartoonist and host in Portland, had mentioned to Richard a few months previously that I could do a panel, and so I did. I was actually pleased to see a bigger turnout than I had expected, given the size of the show and subject. "D.I.Y. Comics: The Secrets of Self-Publishing", a presentation I first debuted at GEEKS Comics in my hometown of Whittier, CA, certainly kept the audience's attention. I think my approach, keeping the presentation focused on my real-life experiences, really let's people appreciate what us self-publishing cartoonists have to go through to get our work, and names, out there.
I never sugarcoat the experience of self-publishing. In fact, I find that sharing some of the more difficult times I've been through and then explaining how I worked through them actually benefits the audience in that they see how perseverance pays off. There were some insightful questions asked, and I would try to answer them with an example of something I myself had been through. I've found that over the years I try to keep my anecdotes as 'real world' as possible. Theories and step-by-step plans aren't the only way to connect to an audience, especially if you want to lead by example.
Jason working on a commission for a fan.
I've been neighbors with Jason at a few shows in the years I've known him. We met at San Diego Comic Con back in 04 (I believe). One of the things I've always admired about him was his skills at using the internet for networking and branding himself. He's actually a lot more savvy at that than a majority of my dear friends and fellow cartoonists (sorry folks, you know who you are!). He and I will talk a lot about the industry and how we as DIY creators fit in and how do we get our brand names in front of more people. Shop talk, basically. He and I don't actually have a lot of the same reading tastes, as far as the current stuff on the market, but that doesn't prevent us from yapping away on our topics.
A friend of mine from Portland was exhibiting at this show as well, Kevin Cross!
Kevin is known to one and all as a Rad guy. He's currently getting ready to launch his web comic MONKEY MOD, and a bit of animation to go along with it. Kevin is a freelance illustrator as well as co-host of a popular podcast BIG ILLUSTRATION PARTY TIME. The show, co-hosted by Joshua Kemble, deals with the ins and outs of freelance illustration. PARTY TIME is very informative, and I have to say, it's delivered with a happy dose of good-natured fun.
One of the nice benefits of hosting that panel was that some of the audience members would come by my table afterwards to chat and pick up some of my books. It's always a good thing when you make some new fans wherever you go, and if some of them actually get inspired enough to make their own comics, that's gives me even more satisfaction.
Overall, I had a great time at the show, and really appreciated being invited as a guest. I'd certainly consider coming back next year (and this time I would like to buy some of the cool things I saw the few times I walked around the hall!).
I was really looking forward to Monday, because Jason and I made plans to drive out to the Oregon Coast, about an hour from his home. Turns out to get to the coast, we have to drive through some mountains and forests! The rain started kicking in too, so it made for quite a drive. Well, Jason's used to it, but for me it was funny that I was sightseeing in ever-increasing high winds and rain! Once we got to the Coast, all bets were off!
Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach.
You can see in that photo just how active the weather could get. There was one time we stopped at viewing spot where I opened the door and it flew open. We shut the door and smoothly drove off! Actually though, there was a natural beauty seeing these displays of Mother Nature along this beautiful stretch of coast. Most of the seaside towns were drove through were free of tourists. Many of the shops and restaurants were actually closed, but at the same time there was a nice ambiance about being one of the few vehicles driving through these villages.
There was one place I wanted to make sure we stopped at. My pal Kevin had told me the day before that if we stopped in Rockaway, we could get the best dang crab cakes at the Morning Glory Cafe. Well, we stopped in town and found the restaurant and...boy oh boy! Thank you, Kevin!
These crab cakes, with the sauce they provided, were heavenly and oh-so filling! Man, I'm craving one right now. These things were served hot off the grill and made for a great meal. The gent working the place, (and thank God they were open!!) had a tanned, fishermans face, with a hospitable demeanor. He was actually from Idylwood, CA (down near Palm Springs) and about 6 years ago came to Rockaway, saw the coast, and moved up there. I told him I was thinking of doing the same!
These picturesque little seaside towns, with dense pockets of trees on one side and the rocky coast on the other, make for a very enjoyable ride. Through in some turbulent weather and you get one memorable adventure. Another place we stopped at along our drive was Tillamook, a coastal town famous for it's cheese. The place to visit is the Tillamook Cheese Visitor's Center, a unique experience where you can visit the plant where they make their cheese and diary products. They even have an ice cream shop where you can buy their freshly made products. Which we did!
From the observation window looking down at the cheese processing plant.
Besides buying some ice cream, we also were able to sample the wide variety of cheese produced at the plant. At this point, I don't need a comic book convention to get me up to the Northwest again!
The following morning, Tuesday, we were watching the news and the lead story was the thrashing the coast received from the high winds and rain. A building in one of the towns had it's roof ripped off! Tami, Jason's wife, laughed at the fact that he and I were out there sightseeing, enjoying the drive and eating ice cream! Sometimes, sometimes, you gotta enjoy life even when it's being difficult, ya know?
In the 12 years I've been making comics, I've been to many conventions in lots of cities. All of them have been memorable and enjoyable. But this trip, with the one-day show sandwiched between days of endless exploring and adventure, has to rank as one of the best. Thanks to everyone I met along the way while up North. And thanks to my hosts Tami and Jason Martin. Even their cute little chihuahua, Choco, took a liking to me. Last year Choco was a little leary around me, but this time he would sit aside me and be a chum.
Aaawww... Tami, a great conversationalist, and super nice person!
And a tip of the hat to Mr. Jason Martin, a real stand-up guy, dedicated comic creator, and the best tour guide I could hope for! (Let's do it again, huh??)
Apparently, Roddy Piper was made into an action figure for the G.I. Joe Real American Hero line!! This was released last year as an exclusive convention special. Only 1000 were made! Piper appeared at the convention to sign the figures. I have no idea how Hasbro came to approach wrestling icon Piper to become an agent of the international terrorist organization, COBRA, but how freakin' cool is that!! I know Sgt. Slaughter was part of the toy line back in the 80s, so I guess it was time to have another wrestler in the line!
Soon as I found out about this the other night, I jumped on eBay but was crushed to discover the figure is selling for over $200!! Man, I would so love to get one of these, but I ain't paying a couple of hundred bucks for one!
Piper, it goes without saying, is my favorite wrestlers. I used to watch him as kid back in the mid-70s, when he'd be wrestling in LA on the Spanish stations, waging war on the entire Guerrero Family! Then of course, in the 80s, when Vince McMahon was able to turn wrestling into a mainstream entertainment business, there was Roddy Piper battling against champ Hulk Hogan (and really, what would Hogan have been like if he didn't have such a superstar to fight against?). Piper brought wrestling right into the mainstream by feuding with Mr. T and kicking Cindy Lauper in the head on MTV!!!
