November 5th: My Own Private Fawkes

Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.

On Nov. 5, 1605, a group of Catholic conspirators, led by the now-infamous Guy Fawkes, were thwarted in their plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London as a sign of protest against King James I and the Protestant aristocracy. Four hundred years later, this day - today - is still celebrated by the British with burning effigies of Guy Fawkes and traditional rhymes of "Remember, remember the Fifth of November." Well, by the Brits and a fair number of comics fans. Probably Noam Chomsky, too, come to think of it. I'd love to see him in Hugo Weaving's mask.

A longer exploration of V's Vendetta, not to mention Alan Moore's own of a more personal if not unfortunate nature, is certainly called for here. But methinks that both will keep perfectly well for a future post. Mine today comes not from being a comics mega-fan or the fact that I'm a guy with a film degree, but from the simple fact that today's November 5th is the first one I haven't missed before the day was already over.

Being aware of the day's date more than demands a mention on the daily blog. A small victory, sure, but one made that much sweeter when shared with Mr. Fawkes' holiday and a Moore-inspired comic book movie. As most blogs report, discuss, or celebrate the joys and accomplishments of others, it's a good feeling to commemorate one that's just a bit closer to home.

So make a lunch today from The Anarchist's Cookbook. Stage a bedroom revolution. Choose ice cream over yogurt. Whatever you do, today's always the best day to begin. See you all on November 6th, - D

Guy Fawkes - BUSTED! (Thanks, Bully!)

[Note to self: Pitch to DiDio as V for Vendetta Elseworlds prequel]