Comments on: Common Superhero Day Jobs, Part 2 http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/ How to write a graphic novel, comic book or superhero novel and get it published Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:19:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-69549 B. Mac Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:27:41 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-69549 If he's a sarcastic thief, why make him a detective rather than, say, a criminal? Is the job as a detective some sort of front? <br /> Another possibility that comes to mind would be a job that would help him pull off thieving activities: a locksmith, an electrician (easy access to homes and may be able to disable security systems easily), a home security specialist, a repair-guy that could plausibly explain to a suspicious neighbor why he was carrying a flatscreen TV into his Acme Repair van (because it's "broken," of course!), or a politician*, etc. <br /> Or, if he's more of a pick-pocket kind of thief, maybe something that gives him a plausible reason to hang around bustling areas without attracting attention. I think a ballpark vendor could rob quite a few wallets from drunken fans wealthy enough to spend <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/nyy/ballpark/seating_pricing.jsp" rel="nofollow">$50-300</a> on a ticket. And, of course, they'd be distracted by the game. <br /> *Kidding, but only a bit. ;-) If he’s a sarcastic thief, why make him a detective rather than, say, a criminal? Is the job as a detective some sort of front?

Another possibility that comes to mind would be a job that would help him pull off thieving activities: a locksmith, an electrician (easy access to homes and may be able to disable security systems easily), a home security specialist, a repair-guy that could plausibly explain to a suspicious neighbor why he was carrying a flatscreen TV into his Acme Repair van (because it’s “broken,” of course!), or a politician*, etc.

Or, if he’s more of a pick-pocket kind of thief, maybe something that gives him a plausible reason to hang around bustling areas without attracting attention. I think a ballpark vendor could rob quite a few wallets from drunken fans wealthy enough to spend $50-300 on a ticket. And, of course, they’d be distracted by the game.

*Kidding, but only a bit. ;-)

]]> By: i88 http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-69537 i88 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:30:52 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-69537 My story is in the point of view of a villain (though he's more of a sarcastic thief than an evil doer) and I was wondering if a detective "side career" would be a good idea for him. My story is in the point of view of a villain (though he’s more of a sarcastic thief than an evil doer) and I was wondering if a detective “side career” would be a good idea for him.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-63817 B. Mac Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:39:33 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-63817 "I see his film career kind of like Alan more." In what way(s)? I have a mental picture of Alan Moore and his work, but I'm interested to know what your picture of him is. (Alan Moore strikes me as an unusual inspiration for a documentary filmmaker, which could be really interesting if it makes sense). <br /> I think trying something sort of like Oprah to put a human face on him would probably be heavy-handed. I think that's because the characters will probably be doing very little besides talking and I don't think self-narration is a very interesting way to develop a character*. <br /> One slightly different alternative would be making her an investigative TV journalist or blogger or whatever who decides to get to the bottom of who this guy is and what makes him tick. The main differences would be that 1) she'd get more chances to do stuff besides ask him questions and 2) her relationship with him would probably be a bit more adversarial and would raise more opportunities for conflict and 3) her goal would probably be more interesting than just helping him express who he is. Also, a talk show is purely voluntary, which I think reduces the possibility for dramatic tension. (IE: an investigative journalist or tabloid reporter can shove her camera in somebody's face and demand answers, but a talk show host doesn't have much opportunity to interact with an uncooperative witness). <br /> Also, if you're interested in a more drastic departure from what you have already, other options include making her a psychiatrist or biographer. Some potential conflicts for the psychiatrist include her professional obligation to tell the police if he poses a threat to others, which most superheroes do, and her professional obligation not to get romantically involved with her clients (I get the impression that their relationship might become something more than purely professional). The biographer might be under orders from her publisher to do whatever it takes to gin up a scandal to sell copies. In fact, the biographer herself might start the book dishonest and willing to trick him to get the goods and gradually grow morally queasy about the idea of publishing the book. <br /> *I feel that Rorschach from Watchmen was an exception. Yes, it was heavy-handed. But his perspective was so unusual and unpredictable that I found it quite stylish. <br /> ... <br /> PS: I like the idea about the experiment victims--I bet there are a ton more examples of mostly-regular people you could come up with that have been affected in some way by the superheroic/villainous events in your story. Maybe the guys that have to clean up and do building repairs after a hero and villain go at it. Maybe cops that are sick of heroes messing up their investigations and taking or messing up evidence. A white high school science geek is annoyed that the cops keep stopping him because he fits the profile. ;-) One thing I would recommend, though--if you bring characters onto the show, or into the articles or whatever, I would recommend not having them disappear from the story after their episode. For example, maybe one of the cops that's annoyed about the superheroes runs for Mayor and is a recurring obstacle for the protagonists. Maybe the clean-up crews go on strike and the public blames the superheroes. Maybe the science geek is so annoyed that he decides to become a hero/villain/whatever. “I see his film career kind of like Alan more.” In what way(s)? I have a mental picture of Alan Moore and his work, but I’m interested to know what your picture of him is. (Alan Moore strikes me as an unusual inspiration for a documentary filmmaker, which could be really interesting if it makes sense).

I think trying something sort of like Oprah to put a human face on him would probably be heavy-handed. I think that’s because the characters will probably be doing very little besides talking and I don’t think self-narration is a very interesting way to develop a character*.

One slightly different alternative would be making her an investigative TV journalist or blogger or whatever who decides to get to the bottom of who this guy is and what makes him tick. The main differences would be that 1) she’d get more chances to do stuff besides ask him questions and 2) her relationship with him would probably be a bit more adversarial and would raise more opportunities for conflict and 3) her goal would probably be more interesting than just helping him express who he is. Also, a talk show is purely voluntary, which I think reduces the possibility for dramatic tension. (IE: an investigative journalist or tabloid reporter can shove her camera in somebody’s face and demand answers, but a talk show host doesn’t have much opportunity to interact with an uncooperative witness).

Also, if you’re interested in a more drastic departure from what you have already, other options include making her a psychiatrist or biographer. Some potential conflicts for the psychiatrist include her professional obligation to tell the police if he poses a threat to others, which most superheroes do, and her professional obligation not to get romantically involved with her clients (I get the impression that their relationship might become something more than purely professional). The biographer might be under orders from her publisher to do whatever it takes to gin up a scandal to sell copies. In fact, the biographer herself might start the book dishonest and willing to trick him to get the goods and gradually grow morally queasy about the idea of publishing the book.

*I feel that Rorschach from Watchmen was an exception. Yes, it was heavy-handed. But his perspective was so unusual and unpredictable that I found it quite stylish.

…

PS: I like the idea about the experiment victims–I bet there are a ton more examples of mostly-regular people you could come up with that have been affected in some way by the superheroic/villainous events in your story. Maybe the guys that have to clean up and do building repairs after a hero and villain go at it. Maybe cops that are sick of heroes messing up their investigations and taking or messing up evidence. A white high school science geek is annoyed that the cops keep stopping him because he fits the profile. ;-) One thing I would recommend, though–if you bring characters onto the show, or into the articles or whatever, I would recommend not having them disappear from the story after their episode. For example, maybe one of the cops that’s annoyed about the superheroes runs for Mayor and is a recurring obstacle for the protagonists. Maybe the clean-up crews go on strike and the public blames the superheroes. Maybe the science geek is so annoyed that he decides to become a hero/villain/whatever.

]]> By: Herojock http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-63806 Herojock Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:15:02 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-63806 Also I thought her being a talk show host and supporter of certain stars, some politicans and of course the Superhero. Would place her in a lot of danger from unwanted evil. Her rescues from the Superhero will sustain her stardom and foster a relationship between them and the world. I have an idea in my head of having the Superhero humanise himself on her talk show. A lot like how M Jackson and Tom cruise do in real life. Also I had an idea for a future plot where 'experimented victims' talk on her show. Thoughts on such a job? Also I thought her being a talk show host and supporter of certain stars, some politicans and of course the Superhero. Would place her in a lot of danger from unwanted evil. Her rescues from the Superhero will sustain her stardom and foster a relationship between them and the world.

I have an idea in my head of having the Superhero humanise himself on her talk show. A lot like how M Jackson and Tom cruise do in real life.

Also I had an idea for a future plot where ‘experimented victims’ talk on her show.

Thoughts on such a job?

]]> By: Herojock http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-63804 Herojock Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:09:00 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-63804 Hey B.Mac I’ve decided to give my superhero a job I think might be rather unique. His essentially a film maker but more particularly a documentary film maker. He works with his graduate friends and family from University who know his secret identity. Using the power of the TV medium he unearths the ‘untold stories’. He also has a close relationship with a talk show host. Strengthened by the fact that they share the same agent. The first time he properly reveals himself publicly as Superhero. He appears on her show and effectively launches both of their careers into global stardom. She becomes a Oprah Winfrey type I am thinking. Obviously with her own traits, origin and stuff. I see his film career kind of like Alan more. Again with his her characteristics of course. They are just the nearest real life examples. Thoughts? Hey B.Mac I’ve decided to give my superhero a job I think might be rather unique. His essentially a film maker but more particularly a documentary film maker. He works with his graduate friends and family from University who know his secret identity. Using the power of the TV medium he unearths the ‘untold stories’. He also has a close relationship with a talk show host. Strengthened by the fact that they share the same agent.

The first time he properly reveals himself publicly as Superhero. He appears on her show and effectively launches both of their careers into global stardom. She becomes a Oprah Winfrey type I am thinking. Obviously with her own traits, origin and stuff. I see his film career kind of like Alan more. Again with his her characteristics of course. They are just the nearest real life examples.

Thoughts?

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-62157 B. Mac Wed, 19 May 2010 14:20:08 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-62157 "Being a doctor, lawyer, solider, fire-fighter and even a politician are not part time jobs." I think most of those jobs could be made part-time, if the author wanted to. The fire-fighter might be part-time if he's a volunteer instead of a professional. (I think professional fire-fighters typically work 24-hour shifts and then get two days off, so a superhero/fire-fighter would still be able to disappear for two days at a time without anybody noticing). The soldier might be National Guard (i.e., only actually on duty a few weekends a month, until he gets called up to active duty). If the lawyer works for his own law firm or is a partner, he probably has a lot of control over his schedule. <br /> I think superhero/politicians are rare. One problem for a superhero/politician would be that his schedule would probably be really tight and his staffers would notice if he disappeared for hours at a time. (Hell, it made the headlines when SC's governor went off the radar for a day). I think you'd have more flexibility if he's something like a small-town mayor. But, unless he has some freakishly clever tricks up his sleeve, I think it would strain plausibility if a high-profile politician was able to put tens or hundreds of hours into a secret life without at least one or two close confidantes finding out. (He'd probably have more trouble with nosy journalists than other professions would, though--the press will be on him even before anybody suspects something is amiss). On the plus side, being a politician, he might be able to convince his chief of staff that he needs sneaky scheduling help because he's <i>just</i> having an affair and isn't doing anything really weird like being a superhero. Welcome to DC. ;-) <br /> Unless you have something unusual in mind, like a medical disaster as a major plot point, I would probably recommend against giving a superhero a day job as a doctor. (Most superheroes have at least one doctor friend, though). Most doctors are on call all the time and at least a few people will notice if he misses his appointments. (This doesn't necessarily mean that these people know his secret--maybe he asks trusted co-workers to fill in for his appointments so that he can "go golfing" or whatever else he uses as his excuse). Or maybe he works in a field of medicine where doctors deal with fewer FIX ME NOW emergencies, so he's not on call as much. “Being a doctor, lawyer, solider, fire-fighter and even a politician are not part time jobs.” I think most of those jobs could be made part-time, if the author wanted to. The fire-fighter might be part-time if he’s a volunteer instead of a professional. (I think professional fire-fighters typically work 24-hour shifts and then get two days off, so a superhero/fire-fighter would still be able to disappear for two days at a time without anybody noticing). The soldier might be National Guard (i.e., only actually on duty a few weekends a month, until he gets called up to active duty). If the lawyer works for his own law firm or is a partner, he probably has a lot of control over his schedule.

I think superhero/politicians are rare. One problem for a superhero/politician would be that his schedule would probably be really tight and his staffers would notice if he disappeared for hours at a time. (Hell, it made the headlines when SC’s governor went off the radar for a day). I think you’d have more flexibility if he’s something like a small-town mayor. But, unless he has some freakishly clever tricks up his sleeve, I think it would strain plausibility if a high-profile politician was able to put tens or hundreds of hours into a secret life without at least one or two close confidantes finding out. (He’d probably have more trouble with nosy journalists than other professions would, though–the press will be on him even before anybody suspects something is amiss). On the plus side, being a politician, he might be able to convince his chief of staff that he needs sneaky scheduling help because he’s just having an affair and isn’t doing anything really weird like being a superhero. Welcome to DC. ;-)

Unless you have something unusual in mind, like a medical disaster as a major plot point, I would probably recommend against giving a superhero a day job as a doctor. (Most superheroes have at least one doctor friend, though). Most doctors are on call all the time and at least a few people will notice if he misses his appointments. (This doesn’t necessarily mean that these people know his secret–maybe he asks trusted co-workers to fill in for his appointments so that he can “go golfing” or whatever else he uses as his excuse). Or maybe he works in a field of medicine where doctors deal with fewer FIX ME NOW emergencies, so he’s not on call as much.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-62082 Anonymous Tue, 18 May 2010 23:11:54 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-62082 I disagree with you on these points regarding a teacher as a day job. ''-: Not particularly plausible. Teachers can’t just run off whenever they want to investigate something. Unless your hero is willing to let supervillains run amok during school hours, he’ll have a lot of absences to explain.'' Being a doctor, lawyer, solider, fire-fighter and even a politician are not part time jobs. Some doctors work beyond the typical 9-5 for example. When Clark Kent is sitting at his desk chatting to Lois at the daily planet, people are dying all around the world. I argue being a teacher could easily work and as a day job is a very noble endeavour. Plus lecturers and professors at University have plenty of hours free during the day and night. Plus they are off on weekend. "-: Vulnerable to life-lessons and preaching." Maybe but it depends. You don't have to focus having the teacher speaking to his students in class. Teachers/professors/lecturers do more than just give life lessons. A science teacher wouldn't preach no more than a lawyer or Solider. "-: It sort of forces you to use the teacher’s students." Again maybe so but not necessarily. A lecturer/professor at University hardly has any contact hours with their students. They are often out of the lecture rooms doing research, socialising with other teachers, going on trips or preparing work. Even high school teachers have breaks during the days. Go out in the evening and weekends. A lot of drama happens with teachers in general. I disagree with you on these points regarding a teacher as a day job.

”-: Not particularly plausible. Teachers can’t just run off whenever they want to investigate something. Unless your hero is willing to let supervillains run amok during school hours, he’ll have a lot of absences to explain.”

Being a doctor, lawyer, solider, fire-fighter and even a politician are not part time jobs. Some doctors work beyond the typical 9-5 for example. When Clark Kent is sitting at his desk chatting to Lois at the daily planet, people are dying all around the world. I argue being a teacher could easily work and as a day job is a very noble endeavour.

Plus lecturers and professors at University have plenty of hours free during the day and night. Plus they are off on weekend.

“-: Vulnerable to life-lessons and preaching.”

Maybe but it depends. You don’t have to focus having the teacher speaking to his students in class. Teachers/professors/lecturers do more than just give life lessons. A science teacher wouldn’t preach no more than a lawyer or Solider.

“-: It sort of forces you to use the teacher’s students.”

Again maybe so but not necessarily. A lecturer/professor at University hardly has any contact hours with their students. They are often out of the lecture rooms doing research, socialising with other teachers, going on trips or preparing work.

Even high school teachers have breaks during the days. Go out in the evening and weekends.

A lot of drama happens with teachers in general.

]]> By: Dforce http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53676 Dforce Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:28:26 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53676 Ah! Excelent—sorry, when I heard "super" my mind was set in "super<i>hero</i>." lol Ah! Excelent—sorry, when I heard “super” my mind was set in “superhero.” lol

]]> By: Lighting Man http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53675 Lighting Man Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:24:23 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53675 The superintendent of an apartment building is what I was referring to, he'd be in charge of repairing minor electrical, plumbing or mechanical problems and organizing and overseeing major repairs by sub-contractors. The superintendent of an apartment building is what I was referring to, he’d be in charge of repairing minor electrical, plumbing or mechanical problems and organizing and overseeing major repairs by sub-contractors.

]]> By: Dforce http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53673 Dforce Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:37:24 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53673 That sounds interesting LM, but what do you mean by "super of a building?" As in assitant manager or a manager himself (the parent)? That sounds interesting LM, but what do you mean by “super of a building?”

As in assitant manager or a manager himself (the parent)?

]]> By: Lighting Man http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53672 Lighting Man Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:20:34 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53672 Here's a suggestion, but have you considered making the father's job be as the super of a building? I've had an idea rattling around, for a few years for a graphic novel focusing on the family aspect of superheroes, following a teenager into adulthood, into fatherhood and beyond, where it is his father's profession, and it lends itself to him helping his son as a superhero, since he can maintain and help the son build his headquarters, but it's on the third row of the mental burners and isn't in any rush. If he worked for a reliable landlord, possibly a friend, or relative, it would make sense if he could arrange to take over another building in another city. If your cities are very large, he could manage a two dozen or so apartment building, and make enough to cover the necessities (if his rent is free, or discounted by living in the basement, perhaps.) and work a second job, possibly part time job to cover tuition. Here’s a suggestion, but have you considered making the father’s job be as the super of a building? I’ve had an idea rattling around, for a few years for a graphic novel focusing on the family aspect of superheroes, following a teenager into adulthood, into fatherhood and beyond, where it is his father’s profession, and it lends itself to him helping his son as a superhero, since he can maintain and help the son build his headquarters, but it’s on the third row of the mental burners and isn’t in any rush.

If he worked for a reliable landlord, possibly a friend, or relative, it would make sense if he could arrange to take over another building in another city. If your cities are very large, he could manage a two dozen or so apartment building, and make enough to cover the necessities (if his rent is free, or discounted by living in the basement, perhaps.) and work a second job, possibly part time job to cover tuition.

]]> By: Dforce http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53669 Dforce Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:34:47 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53669 Interesting. Thank you. That article helped to show me that no business is simple. Plumber it is—but more reading is needed... Wonder if Mario had to deal with the license hassles of the business... in the Mushroom Kingdom... Interesting. Thank you.

That article helped to show me that no business is simple. Plumber it is—but more reading is needed…

Wonder if Mario had to deal with the license hassles of the business… in the Mushroom Kingdom…

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53639 B. Mac Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:30:07 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53639 I think you have a lot of flexibility in terms of what they can afford. According to Payscale.com, a master plumber usually starts out between $40,000-$60,000. A plumber starting out is probably looking at <a href=http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Plumber/Hourly_Rate rel="nofollow">around $30,000</a>, maybe less in a poor area. (For a brief description of the differences between a master plumber and a regular plumber, you might like to read <a href=http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20558 rel="nofollow">this</a>). I think you have a lot of flexibility in terms of what they can afford. According to Payscale.com, a master plumber usually starts out between $40,000-$60,000. A plumber starting out is probably looking at around $30,000, maybe less in a poor area. (For a brief description of the differences between a master plumber and a regular plumber, you might like to read this).

]]> By: Dforce http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53632 Dforce Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:55:11 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53632 Not a whole lot. Especially at first (if at all). But if the series-under-construction gets far enough along to where some character development and such, outside the key players, were to be acceptable I think I might then expand on the parents' personal lives. After that, then maybe some tie-in plots that involve the parents' job with the superheroing. I was just trying to get the story straight, sort to speak, as to what the parents could and could not afford. Thank you. Not a whole lot. Especially at first (if at all).

But if the series-under-construction gets far enough along to where some character development and such, outside the key players, were to be acceptable I think I might then expand on the parents’ personal lives. After that, then maybe some tie-in plots that involve the parents’ job with the superheroing.

I was just trying to get the story straight, sort to speak, as to what the parents could and could not afford.

Thank you.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/04/04/common-superhero-day-jobs-part-2/#comment-53627 B. Mac Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:28:30 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=2864#comment-53627 I think a plumber can definitely put a kid through college-- especially if the wife works, too. <br /> ... <br /> I figured that an officer would be cliche (even Twilight used a cop father!), but I think it's cliche because it can be useful to have a character like that lying around. If you're planning on bringing the father's job into the forward plot, some jobs are usually easier to mix in than others (cops, journalists, doctors and scientists are perennial favorites depending on the plot). If you'd like to work the dad into the plot, it might help if he were a handyman as well as a plumber, so the dad might get called in to repair the damage caused by various superpowered activity. (Alternately, the father's job doesn't have to tie into the plot at all--Pa Kent's farm was more of a backdrop to set a mood than it was a plot device). <br /> How much detail are you planning on going into? I think a plumber can definitely put a kid through college– especially if the wife works, too.

…

I figured that an officer would be cliche (even Twilight used a cop father!), but I think it’s cliche because it can be useful to have a character like that lying around. If you’re planning on bringing the father’s job into the forward plot, some jobs are usually easier to mix in than others (cops, journalists, doctors and scientists are perennial favorites depending on the plot). If you’d like to work the dad into the plot, it might help if he were a handyman as well as a plumber, so the dad might get called in to repair the damage caused by various superpowered activity. (Alternately, the father’s job doesn’t have to tie into the plot at all–Pa Kent’s farm was more of a backdrop to set a mood than it was a plot device).

How much detail are you planning on going into?

]]>