Author Archive: educatexan

I am a middle school teacher. Back in 1974, I created a series of comic books based on the adventures of the members of the Difference Club. (Anybody remember Bic Banana markers?) The Difference Club consisted of humans, aliens, elementals, and other beings dedicated to one cause: protecting earth from ... the Creatures. I still have these books.

Last year, I decided to write another story about them. It's not a terribly original idea, but I wondered what would happen if I discovered that, by writing them in 1974, they actually came into existence in another dimension? How would they feel about me leaving them alone for decades?

I promise that you WILL be entertained, if only by laughing at my artwork.

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Educatexan’s Other Land

| December 1, 2011 | 0 Comments

       

       

       

       

       

       

# 30 – Robot

| November 30, 2011 | 0 Comments

Robot was created by Invento to be a lab assistant.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 29 – Two Fang

| November 29, 2011 | 0 Comments

Two Fang is another reptilian member of the Creatures.  He is actually one of the more intellligent ones, but prefers to let others take the lead.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 28 – the Flame

| November 28, 2011 | 0 Comments

The Flame is another member of the Creature coalition.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 27 – Invento

| November 27, 2011 | 0 Comments

Invento is a short little fellow who can invent nearly anything he can think of.

<Creator comments:  Invento was inspired by the shape of a Rainbow vacuum cleaner.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 26 – G.O.M.

| November 26, 2011 | 0 Comments

The Ghost of Montreal allies himself with the Creatures and uses his power to terrorize.

<Creator comments:  I do not remember why I named him that.  I have nothing whatsoever against Montreal.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 25 – the Purple and Yellow Alligator

| November 25, 2011 | 0 Comments

The purple and yellow alligator is one of the most fearsome creatures.  He is swift and merciless.

<Creator comments:  this character was the first of the Creatures I created, and he came from a nightmare I had where he was actually chasing me through a swamp.  You know, those dreams where you try to run, but can’t seem to move?>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 24 – Amoeba

| November 24, 2011 | 0 Comments

The amoeba was enlarged to a size of 20 feet in diameter through a experiment in Malk’s lab.  It can expand itself greatly when absorbing foreign materials.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 23 – Sterry

| November 23, 2011 | 0 Comments

Sterry is the remnant of the comet that formed Warf on earth.  He ended up in the asteroid belt, and maintains a psychic connection to Warf.  He is sensitive to the movement of planetary bodies, and acts a bit like an outer space monitor.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 22 – Mark

| November 22, 2011 | 0 Comments

Mark could be described as a warlock, although he would deny that his power is magical.  Instead, he possesses strong telepathic and telekinetic ability, and also has the power to manipulate matter and energy.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 21 – Kiwi

| November 21, 2011 | 0 Comments

Kiwi is not a kiwi, although he is a bird.  He flies by using his tail as a propeller.  He is energetic and excitable, and sometimes rushes off before he knows all of the facts of a situation.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 20 – Ponut

| November 20, 2011 | 0 Comments

Ponut is a living statue on one of the moons of Saturn.  He is able to answer any question asked of him, although sometimes the answer comes in the form of a puzzle.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 19 – Wavian

| November 19, 2011 | 1 Comment

Wavians inhabit the planet Neptune.  They are a warrior race, and desire to conquer and rule all that they see.  Fortunately for earth, the Other Land inhabitants are always ready on the defense.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 17 – Pander

| November 17, 2011 | 0 Comments

Pander is a space-g0ing lifeform who can travel at faster-than-light velocities.  His shell-shaped enclosure is hinged, and he can carry other inside the enclosure.  Not much bothers him; he is jolly and care-free, and gladly transports his friends around the solar system.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 16 – Snam

| November 16, 2011 | 0 Comments

Snam is … a snake.  Slow and steady, he is not prone to impulsive behavior, and often serves as a ‘field commander’ for the Creatures’ attacks.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

 

# 15 – Glort

| November 15, 2011 | 0 Comments

Glort is an inhabitant of one of the moons of Saturn.  He flies in a manner similar to a helicopter.  Although his vocabulary consists of of “eep”, he can make himself well understood.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 14 – Kit

| November 14, 2011 | 0 Comments

Kit is a friend of Merrill who accompanies him on adventures from time to time.  She is very down-to-earth and practical, although at times she can become somewhat impatient.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 13 – Brent

| November 13, 2011 | 0 Comments

Brent is a five foot walking cactus.  Despite being prickly, he has a warm personality, and is a bit of a practical joker.  His ability to blend into the west Texas landscape is a valuable asset when the Creatures are on the move.

<Creator comments:  Brent is the one character that I had to totally redesign for 30 Days.  A few years after drawing my comic books, I happened to pick up an issue of Legion of Superheroes.  And there he was … my character Brent … in the form of Bouncing Boy!  Although I don’t consciously remember it, I must have seen an issue much earlier, for I even had Brent wearing the same blue and white clothes.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 12 – The Bulben

| November 12, 2011 | 0 Comments

The Bulben is Malk’s brother.  He is capable of emitting blinding light and searing heat.  The Bulben is also capable of processing electronic forms of communication.

<Creator comments:  Yes, the Bulben is a giant light bulb, while his brother is an eggplant.  Let’s just say that Bulben experienced a very serious accident in his laboratory one day.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 11 – Malk

| November 11, 2011 | 0 Comments

Malk is the leader of the Creatures.  His quest for power is endless, and he has no qualms about performing horrendous acts of evil.  He is both telepathic and telekinetic.

<Creator comments: Malk’s design was inspired by an eggplant I saw in our local grocery store.  Who knew a vegetable could be so menacing?>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 10 – Warf

| November 10, 2011 | 0 Comments

Warf is the remnant of a sentient comet which met with disaster above the earth when it collided with a rogue asteroid.  The bulk of the comet eventually became enmeshed in the asteroid belt beyond Mars.  (You’ll meet him later – his name is Sterry.)  A small chunk of the comet fell to earth.  Warf retains some sentience, and acts somewhat as a gatekeeper for the Other Land.  He can’t converse, but understands what is said to him.

<Creator comments:  The second of two Star Trek coincidences: Warf’s name is very similar to Klingon Worf.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 9 – Moonian

| November 9, 2011 | 0 Comments

Moonians are the lunar inhabitants who often assist MoonMan with his tasks.  They are about two feet tall, and very gregarious.  Their single eye is adapted for the harsh light of the moon’s landscape.  They communicate telepathically.

<Creator comments: A number of my characters are telepathic, although I have no idea why I made them that way.  The Moonians are my favorite characters.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 8 – MoonMan

| November 8, 2011 | 0 Comments

 

In spite of his name, MoonMan is actually a Plutonian.  “MoonMan” is actually a title for those who hold a position in the Galactic Law Enforcement Corps.  His assignment is to guard the inner planets from the Creatures and other threats.  Although he is rather short – four feet, ten inches – he is a formidable opponent, and his staff can emit a variety of forms of energy.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 7 – Star Demon

| November 7, 2011 | 0 Comments

 

The Star Demon wanders through the solar system.  Like most of the beings in the Creatures coalition, he feeds off the fear of others.  His greatest weapon is the threat of harm to those he terrorizes.  He is not an actual star, but rather a force of evil which has assumed a five-pointed shape.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 6 – Rinald

| November 6, 2011 | 0 Comments

 

Meet Rinald.  He is from Venus.  Due to the severe atmospheric conditions on that planet, his eyes are weak, but his entire head acts as a sensory organ, and is constantly analyzing his environment.  Venusians have tentacle for limbs, extruding from the orifices in their abdomens.  They have a complex social structure, and Rinald considers all of his friends and acquaintances to be a part of his family.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 5 – Bart

| November 5, 2011 | 0 Comments

This is Bart.  He is a ghost, and he’s rather shy.  He doesn’t mind staying in the background, but he is always ready to accomplish any task that he is given.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 4 – Cirrus

| November 4, 2011 | 1 Comment

 

Cirrus is an air elemental.  He’s not the most powerful one around, but he can generate strong winds, precipitation and lightning.  He feels sorry for his friends who cannot fly.

<Creator comments:  Yeah, I know that “cirrus” is a type of cloud, while Cirrus looks more like a gust of wind.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 3 – Beboa

| November 3, 2011 | 0 Comments

Beboa is a Martian with telepathic abilities.  Officially, he is the Martian Ambassador to our solar system.  Unofficially, he works with his other planetary friends to protect earth from a loose coalition called “Creatures.”  Beboa is six foot seven, but projects a calm demeanor.  However, he can defend his friends and himself quite forcefully when needed.  He is a competent musician on the Martian pelthor, a stringed instrument.

<Creator comments:  a telepathic Martian?  Really?  How imaginative of me.  On the other hand, I think it is interesting that his clothing resembles the Starfleet uniform from ST:TWOK.>

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land.]

# 2 – Grover

| November 2, 2011 | 0 Comments

 

Grover is one of the first Other Land beings that Merrill meets.  He stands about six feet tall, and his appendages are springy coils of metal.  Grover is a bit brash and impulsive, and has a quick temper.  However, he is a loyal friend.  Although he doesn’t sleep, he does need occasional rest.  While resting, he pulls his head, arms, and legs into his body like a turtle.

[In 1974, at the age of 12, I drew a series of “comic books” detailing the adventures of Merrill, a 15-year-old human boy, in the Other Land, an invisible dimension which co-exists with our own.  The characters I am submitting throughout the 30 Days are the inhabitants of the Other Land,]

#1 – Merrill

| November 1, 2011 | 1 Comment

"Life is an adventure if you know where to look."

Merrill is a 14-year-old in a small town in western Texas.  He is a bit of a loner, especially since he actually likes school and loves to read.  Merrill has discovered that he has the ability to see into another dimension.  He calls it the Other Land, and he regular interacts with its inhabitants.