Image Of The Day: Scarlet Seagull

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Today's image is a confessional piece... it's me owning up to probably the single most embarassing recurring character from my late-80's art book.

The Scarlet Seagul was yet another old RPG character of mine from way back, this time for TSR's Marvel Super Heroes game. The most notable thing about him was his origin, which should sound familiar. Once a wimpy lab geek, "John Hammer" found super powers thrust upon him after being hit with an irradiated bird dropping, transforming him into a bulging Arnold Schwarzeneggar stand-in. He immediately used his newfound strength and agility to fight crime inside the flight suit he had been working on for the science fair. His character sheet lists Hank Pym and Shadowcat as his primary contacts within the Marvel Universe.

But, hey! What's not to love? SS has it all... a stylized comb/razor-sharp mohawk, wannabe Gatchamon bird helmet, Archangle wings and Tony Stark's own patented metallic leotard design. And who could resist those comfy-looking talon tabi boots?

I must never allow myself to forget.

I always had a hard time taking RPG characters seriously. My characters were usually pretty ludicrous, and my playing quickly devolved into comic relief, as I found it more and more difficult to keep a straight face. I once played an entire campaign as a drunk swordsman... a good five years before I bothered having a drink in real life!

I wonder why nobody ever asked me back to play any more RPGs..?