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Celebrate Mother's Day with these Disney Moms

5/12/2012

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So I got an email from Disney entitled, “Celebrate Mother’s Day the Disney Way.”  I was surprised that the picture they used was for Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. My wife and I got to talking about it about Disney’s lack of maternal figures, (yes a strange  conversation topic, but I'm strange). Cinderella and Snow White’s mother were evil queens and Jasmine, Nemo, Belle, Ariel, Pinocchio, Pocahontas, and a host of other characters had only fathers. But, we realized that there were also some pretty strong female role models.  This is list I came up with.  See if you have any to add.

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Helen Parr, Elastagirl-The
Incredibles

She can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and catch burglars on put them in the can.  Mrs. Incredible Nee ElastaGirl has the whole package.  In addition to her powers, Helen is also an experienced jet pilot (coming from having a close friend who flew her around the world when she was a Super). Her sharp wit and superb espionage skills, as well as her experience as a superhero, make her an excellent tactician and leader. I haven’t even got to the fact that her super suit is designed to stretch as far as she can and still retain its shape, is virtually indestructible “yet it breathes like Egyptian cotton."

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Eudora/Mamma Ode--Princess and the Frog

Although Tiana’s father, James, is given the credit for his daughter’s strong work ethic, we cannot forget her mother Eudora
(voiced by Oprah Winfrey), who helped raise the Frog Princess. 
And while Eudora only gets one real scene, her supportive nature
certainly comes through.  Plus, if you have Oprah in your corner, how can you lose?  Now, if only she would endorse Sky Girl.


I also list Mama Odie, voiced by Jennifer Lewis,because she is at least as relevant as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. “Open up de windows/bring in de light!”

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Kala--Tarzan

No list would be complete without Kala (voiced by Glenn Close), Tarzan's adopted
mother who found and raised him after losing her last biological son to Sabor. It wasn’t easy being Tarzan’s mother.  Kala proves that genetics are not necessary to create a maternal bond.  She protects him until the day he is strong enough to protect himself.  Her anthem is Phil Collins, “You’ll be in my heart”, which won both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for best Song in 1999.  

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Mrs. Jumbo—Dumbo

Speaking of protective mother, Mrs. Jumbo get so angry at a group of boys for making fun of her son, she loses her temper and is locked up and deemed mad.  But, we see from the look in her eyes that she would do it again when Timothy Mouse takes Dumbo (Jumbo Jr) to see her. “Plus she gets to sing a great Oscar Award winning song, “Baby Mine.”  (It won in 1941 if you are keeping track). Mrs. Jumbo was voiced by Verna Felton, who was uncredited.

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Fa Li and Grandmother Fa—Mulan

Mulan’s mother and grandmother want what’s best
for her.  Of course that doesn’t
necessarily align with Mulan’s goals, but that’s what family is all about.


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Mrs. Davis–Toy Story

Andy’s mother is a single mom raising two
kids. And although she really
doesn’t have a huge role in the films, she has a big presence. 
Admit it, you bawled like a baby when she had to send her child Andy off to school.  As a parent, I can
relate. 

As long as we are on the subject of Toy Story, honorable mention goes to  Mrs. Potato Head, who, along with her husband, adopted the three green aliens.

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Sarabi—TheLion King
Nala—The Lion King
2, Simba's Pride


Sarabi -The venerable wife of Mufasa, queen of the Pride Lands, mother of Simba.  During the Lion King Simba ends up with Nala , who gives birth to
Kiara.  Sarabi and Nala are instrumental to both stories. 

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Nani--Lilo

Nani (voiced by Tia Carrere) is technically Lilo’s sister. But, as in many Disney stories, Lilo and her sister are orphans. So, Nani has to step up and teach her sister that Ohana mean family. And family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten. 



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Perdita--101 Dalmatians

Perdita is the deuteragonist from the film 101 Dalmatians. She is the pet of Anita, wife of Pongo, and the mother of fifteen Dalmatian puppies as well
as adoptive mother of other eighty-four puppies. Perdita along with Pongo goes on the heroic journey to rescue the puppies. Did you know that are 6,469,952 spots on the Dalmations? Pongo has 72 spots, Perdita has 68, and each puppy has 32.

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Ariel--Little Mermaid II, Return to the Sea


I’m not sure if you have seen the Little Mermaid II, Return to the Sea, but it’s a fine tale of mother/daughter relationships
(and Eric gets to be more than furniture).  Ariel’s daughter is Melody, by the way.


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Bambi’s Mother--Bambi

I end with Bambi’s Mother. 
Bambi’s mother is never given a name in either the movie or the book. (Fans affectionately refer to her as Fawn).  But, not having a name is the least of her problems. If this scene doesn’t get you—you have no heart.


Did I miss anyone?

Happy Mother's Day!
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Go pick up Rex, Zombie Killer before it sells out

5/1/2012

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Go pick up Rex, Zombie Killer before it sells out

5/1/2012

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Just a quick reminder that Rex, Zombie Killer by Rob Anderson and Dafu Yu comes out tomorrow.  I previously wrote about how to pre-order the book here.

The book will be in stores tomorrow.  You should buy it.  It's good.  but,don't take my word for it.  Look at all of these amazing reviews (from their website):

Praise for Rex, Zombie Killer #1

"...the talented Rob Anderson offers a wonderfully fresh and different take...charming
and highly entertaining...it's pure fun, but so much more...Dafu Yu's artwork is
bright and energetic..."
-- Lee Gambin, Fangoria magazine

Rated 9 out of 10! "Rob Anderson has created a simple, straightforward story of heroism and camaraderie but spares us the cutesy  pretentiousness inherent of most animal tales...If that final splash page is any indication, Rob Anderson has much more story to tell, and it will only get better from here. I highly recommend this."
-- Jeff Marsick, Newsarama

"...one of the most unique horror comics in years... It does feel like a story that takes place in the universe of The Walking Dead right down to the character interactions...this comic is FUN, plain and simple."
-- Spencer Perry, Shock Till You Drop


"Anderson's Rex, Zombie Killer is that rare breed, a fresh take on the zombie genre. He endows his animal protagonists with heart and intelligence, a winning combination that leaves you wanting to read more, more, more!"
-- Corinna Bechko (Writer, Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes)

"What’s great about Rex is that it gives us a view of Armageddon through a fresh set of eyes...watching this gang of misfit creatures try to navigate danger (survive the zombies, encounter a biker gang) is a real hoot...and I can’t wait for the next issue. Like the little animals running through it, Rex has a lot of heart."
-- Mr. Pasty, Ain't It Cool News

"...solid and fast-paced, with good character development and funny moments thrown in...the $3.50 price tag is a sweetheart deal."
-- Kurt Anthony Krug, Comic Buyer's Guide

"...the action starts up right away and never really backs off...a very well written and engaging story that goes far beyond just a simple gimmick...I loved this book, and I think you will too."
-- Bob Leeper, Nerdvana

"It’s We3 meets The Walking Dead, as this one-shot follows a group of animals trying to survive zombies."
-- Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading

"Slick art...Really well written...definitely doesn't skimp on the zombie action...a
book that keeps you turning pages and leaves you wanting more."
-- Charles Suffel, Pop Culture Network

"If you enjoyed Beasts Of Burden, and if you love zombies, then I have just the comic for you...This story is a fresh and very interesting take on the zombie genre...I
happily recommend this title."
-- McPierce, A Little Dead podcast

"For decades, we've seen the grim results of confrontations between zombies and human beings--but Rob Anderson and DaFu Yu reveal that the walking dead can be just as troublesome for the animal  kingdom!"
-- Cliff Biggers, Comic Shop News

"We may have found a zombie comic the whole family can enjoy...how can you NOT like a gorilla with a baseball bat clobbering no-good greasers while the undead are swooping down on them? You CAN'T not like it!"
-- Michael Holmes, Zurvived: Episode 41

"The book really sings! ...a fun concept, great execution...and it’s got heart. And that’s what a lot of comics  today seem to be missing—-a good story, well told, with a reason to exist. Rob and DaFu are actually telling a story that’s about the human spirit..."
--  Andy Schmidt (Writer, 5 Days to Die, former Marvel & IDW Editor)

"The idea is brilliant...art here is top notch...This is an action-packed zombie story...[and] despite being a first issue, we get a really complete story."
-- Rob McMonigal, Panel  Patter

"Just think how shocking it would have been if an ape with a Louisville Slugger came blasting out of Herschel's barn...Not only is it a  unique take on the zombie sub-genre, but it's one helluva bargain at just $3.50 for a book over 50 pages long!"
-- Doctor Gash, Dread Central

"...a dog’s eye view of the genre...makes for fresh storytelling...Anderson weaves a charming yet horrific tale...Yu does a fantastic job of showing the world through the eyes of the animals..."
--Shaun Daniels, Horror Haven Reviews

"...[the] interior art is done by DaFu Yu who has a very unique style...I wouldn’t be
surprised if DaFu Yu becomes a household name in the future...if there is a
follow up, which I hope there is, I’ll put my pre-order down on it the day it’s
announced!"
-- Skott Jimenez, ComicBooked.com

"[Rex, Zombie Killer] proves that heroines don’t need to wear high heels and capes...Buttercup the Corgi is sweet and brave in this story...I couldn’t help but tweet, 'Go, Buttercup! Go!' when I got to the climactic scene..."
-- Elizabeth Amber, Amber Unmasked

"A fun twist on the zombie genre...it has real heart...I want to see what happens next!"
-- Mike Raicht (Writer, Stuff of Legend, The Pack, Godzilla: Legends)

"The character designs are great, the zombies look GORE-Geous, and the consistency from panel to panel is spot on. The writing is full of action...[and] tells a story about survival on a different level than what we are bombarded with every month."
--  Decapitated Dan, From the Tomb Magazine

"Rex, Zombie Killer features a gorilla who fights zombies with a baseball bat.
But, he's not Rex. Rex is a talking dog. Which means this might be the greatest
idea since Hef said, 'add a naked girl in the centerfold.'"
-- Forces of Geek

"...a quick-paced story which lives up to the premise...a pleasure to read...a great start to another innovative creator-owned series which deserves the attention of the quality-seeking comic fan..."
-- Alex Widen, Examiner.com

"Rex isn't like any other zombie story out there....Before you know it, you'll be
falling in love with the characters and if you're anything like me, cheering
them out loud... It's true. If you'd been in my bedroom while I was reading
this, you'd have heard me muttering, 'Go, Buttercup..Go...' You'll be cheering
them on and then looking at your own pets just a little bit closer."
-- Life with Katie

"My pick of the month!...DaFu's art is absolutely gorgeous...really structured and meticulous...a really cool book!"
-- Mike Gallagher, Comic Geek Speak

"What if Homeward Bound had zombies in it?...Anderson really brought different
personalities to all of these animals...there's clearly more to each of them
than the basics of their breed... This is a heartfelt tale about a group of
animals in search for a home.  Anyone that's ever rescued a pet will find a
connection to one of the creatures in this comic.  The fact that they fight
zombies is a plus..."
-- James Ferguson, Horror Talk

"If you love animals, you’ll enjoy this book. If you love zombie-themed worlds, you’ll enjoy this book. If you love a great illustrated comic, you’ll love this book...I can’t say enough good things about this one..."
-- Stuart Conover, BuyZombie.com

"I  really enjoyed this...and I guess I have to say that I was really surprised that
I enjoyed it...it has an awesome hook...and beyond that I really liked the team
dynamic between all the animals."
-- Dan Horn, Comic Book Bin podcast

"Dafu Yu, whose art is clean and crisp...is a very nice companion to Anderson's story, which despite the dark nature in the subject is ultimately a story of hope that Yu expresses in the characters to great  effect..."
-- J.R., Game On! Comics

"A zombie comic that's going to the dogs!"
-- Matman, Secret Identity Podcast
Pick it up in shops starting tomorrow.  If you are in the Virginia Area, Rob will be signing at Laughing Ogre Comics on Free Comic Book Day.
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