I Grew Up Cheering for the Lensmen (Patreon)

I grew up cheering for the Lensmen against Boskone.

Supporting Lessa as she struggled to reclaim her birthright and save Pern.

Pumping my fist when John Carter exposed the racist Therns as frauds.

Weeping for the price Vanyel paid to save Valdemar.

Gasping as Robots struggled with the potential contradictions in the Three Laws, but never willingly violated them.

Nodding enthusiastically when the Federation upheld compassion and diplomacy over violence and hate.

Knowing Marionette was the center of the existential fight against Baron Karza.

Understanding WHY the public feared Spider-Man and hated the X-Men, and how wrong that reaction was.

Holding the line against Asmodeus, Lolth, Strahd, Tiamat, Vecna, and scores of villains dreamed up by friends ages 11 to 61.

Rooting for the Rebel Alliance against the Empire.

Aching for the pain ROM carried as he gave up his humanity to save others.

Wishing Gil had found a better answer to defeat the Dark, while marveling at her will to keep fighting it..

Gandalf spoke to me when he said "Courage will now be your best defense against the storm that is at hand."

None of those stories were perfect. They have flaws, and it is entirely right and reasonable to point them out.

But THESE are the tings I took away from them, and I'll be damned if I give up those principles now.

Income from paying members of my Patreon is a crucial part of my professional income... but this post I've I made freely available to the public.