A Geek's Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the den comic books were stacked and I was reading again. I know I should sleep, despite the late hour but just can't help visiting Baxter Tower. My stocking was hung on the wall with a 3M hook as I nestled further into the chair reading my book.

My Superman jammies complete with cape after all of these years still in good shape. I wore them with pride despite the fade and a small rip in the side. Sure I should be in bed and I should be asleep, but the plot was getting deep. Time ticked away faster than planned reading about Elektra defeating The Hand.

Lost in my world when suddenly a loud sound like Mjolnair had been hurled. Quick as the Flash I ran to the window leaving my stash. A crimson streak went through the sky. It moved far quicker than the eye. Great Scott! What could this be? If it was Superman I couldn't see. A craft landed on the roof accompanied by the sound of a hoof. One hoof? No it was more. Quickly I ran locking the door. What this stranger would want I knew not. Please dear Odin let him leave alone my lot!

Down through the stove was such a loud clang. Unlocking the door and flinging it with a bang I ran to the kitchen unsure what I would find. Standing at the door with my hand on the knob my heart pounding causing my hand to throb. This was no time to be scared. I needed to be as brave as Daredevil dared. With a large gulp trying to fear no more I gave in pushing open the door.

To my amazment there was a large elf who was kind. His suit as red as red Hulk though around his waist was the most of his bulk. With white trim and beard I couldn't help thinking, "Man this is weird," His smile was bright as his eyes shone blue. He looked at me and said, "I've got something for you,"

With a twinkle in he eye as bright as Green Lantern's glow to his sack he dove in deep below. In mere moments he turned back round showing me what he had found. It was amazing! Astounding! I couldn't believe my eyes! My very own Batcopter that flies!


Of course that was not all. The red clad man beckoned me to follow him down the hall. Taking his sack to my tree he stood. Reaching in and pulling out gifts like a reverse hood. The complete Sandman, Hellboy too, and lets not forget the Gunslinger part two. The complete Hitchhiker's guide left me feeling all gooey inside.

One he was thru he closed up his bag and out the open window he flew. Up on the roof I could hear the old man talking to his reindeer. I was utterly amazed as this magic feat. It was watching Spider-Man swinging up the street. Into the night sky Santa flew away. I knew that I would never forget this Christmas day.

The Voice is the Same

 

I recently saw a video of a Q & A with H. Jon Benjamin at Comicon. A question was asked of how it was that Benjamin prepared for his various voice roles. For those unfamiliar with either H. Jon Benjamin’s name or his work let me explain his background a little bit. 

H. Jon Benjamin is a voice actor who has worked in various adult cartoon comedy shows. Benjamin is most noted as the voice of Sterling Archer in ‘Archer’ as well as Bob in ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and Orpheus’ master in ‘Venture Bros’. He has also done several other bit parts such as Moth Monster Man in ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ and several others.

Now the reason the question is so funny is because Benjamin’s voice is the same no matter what character he voices. He has a very distinctive voice that’s easy to recognize. Also unlike other voice actors, such as Tom Kenny or Frank Welker, Benjamin never changes the sound of his voice. It’s always his own voice which makes it so easy to pick out.

As much as fans enjoy Benjamin’s voice and his work he does get picked on a bit because of never changing or fluctuating his voice. Although there is another voice actor from the 80s who did the same thing; who also had a very distinctive voice. That actor’s name is Lorenzo Music.

Music was the voice of Garfield the cat on ‘Garfield and Friends’ as well as the voice of Peter Venhkman on ‘The Real Ghostbusters’. He was also the voice of the announcements at Winfred Louder on ‘The Drew Carey’ show and Rhoda’s doorman in ‘Rhoda’. Sadly Music passed away from cancer in 2001.

So what Benjamin does voice wise has been done before. What’s funny is that the 2 men even kind of look alike. Although the biggest difference is that Lorenzo Music was much more family friendly oriented in his work while H. Jon Benjamin is certainly aimed towards adults.

Personally I’m a fan of both men. As a kid I loved Music as Garfield and Vehnkman and as an adult I like Benjamin in pretty much anything I hear him in.