Stop, Marv, Okay?

Superheroes has always been a thing to me.

Especially they who are under the red flag of Marvel.

There are tons of them. With diverse superpowers. Made my childhood like, gangbanged in a superhero fantasy, sent me off to my adolescent phase hoping to witness the live-action movies of each hero—and my dream came true. As Spider-Man, X-Men and Fantastic 4 all invaded the screen and satisfied my lust.

Then some others came. Some that weren’t much of my favorites: The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America. I initially didn’t really like them as much as I had this weird obsession towards X-Men or Fantastic 4 and, to make it worse, their movies turned out to fail me too. The Hulk was too dark and serious, Iron Man was too destructive –plus I finally realized something: what so superhero about Iron Man? He’s just a weakling covered with irons made by money, and Captain America was… There was nothing wrong with this one, I simply just started to get sick of Marvel’s newer heroes.

Then. To make it all the worst, all of them were PROUDLY joined forces. With a bunch of more heroes I had no interests in, and some others that I didn’t even know! No Wolverine, no Mr. Fantastic and their companions, why should I be excited about these things?

Marvel indeed got me bored but then, who am I really?

The world liked what they did so, HEROES INVASION began.

They succeeded on so many levels. Ever since, they kept planning sequels back-to-back in tight schedule like a barbaric animal, recreate stuff, getting all cluttered and, ugh, it’s just too much for me! Although obviously, it’s nowhere near “too much” for everybody else in this universe because, as you know, they never stop demanding more and more hero tales.

I kept holding back. When my friends kept talking about new hero movies and stuff, yes, I kept holding back. I stopped updating about Marvel’s newest shits if it’s not about X-Men or Fantastic 4 –yes, I even got sick of Spider-Man I didn’t watch any of those “Amazing” series crap. I lost count of what sequel it was for Thor, for Captain America, I didn’t even have interest in “Age of Ultron”!

Yes I kept holding back, until I finally reached my limit.

Spider Man that’s just too young, and Fantastic 4 with black Johnny Storm?

Seriously, this has got to stop right now, Marvel.

Pic of Peter and his underrated cast is from here, while Johnny's from here.

I’m a fvcking OCD person, for God’s sake. I brought this matter long ago when Chris Evans played both Johnny Storm and Captain America and I was all raging in disappointment about it.

Enough with Spider-Man, will you!? First of all, this new Peter is just too young. It disgusted me. Then knowing the fact that now there are three Peter Parker’s in total, it’s not nice at all! I know, maybe you’re following the path of Batman –or, James Bond?– that has more than one actor for each role but… It’s somehow not just working for Spider-Man ;(

And black Johnny Storm… What the hell—go to hell, Marvel. You fail me, you fail many of your sharp and critical fans but most annoying-ly, you fail Stan Lee. It’s not about this new actor is black, ew, no! Drop all those racism shits. It’s just, c’mon you know that Johnny Storm is supposed to be white and is a biological younger brother to Susan Storm. So stop being innovatively nonsense, and quit making such unnecessary changes—and please, go to hell of Human Torch’s flame on.

And here's the worst thing. With Peter and Johnny initially being best bud, there will always be this big chance to make Spider-Man | Fantastic 4 movie. If that happens, and Marvel uses the current casts instead of Jessica Alba and the gang plus Tobey Maguire, well, I knew it for so long that you've been conspiring to ruin my OCD senses, Marvel.

Pic's from here.

Oh look how much I’ve complained about this.

Don’t get me wrong because I know more than anyone else in my circle about Marvel’s license share things. Some go with FOX, some with Sony, but why—you have all the rights to monitor everything and stop those studios –and YOURSELF– from overdoing those stupid changes.

Sorry but I’m not one of those people you gladly get benefits from. This has been a fiesta for them so-called superheroes geeks but seriously, for me, and hopefully there are some others who feel this way too—this is too much, and has gone too far.

I lost Fantastic 4. And I lost them in such failed reboot. Well who am I to talk, the film is not even released yet—you know what, I’m not talking about quality because this version could possibly be better and much more entertaining, who knows? I’m instead just talking about how too soon these reboots are made. And with some useless digression—oh I’m done talking.

Dear Marvel,
I sincerely hope you never get your license back for X-Men.

And dear FOX, please,
Don’t ruin my beloved X-Men franchise just

Don’t. Ever. Reboot. X-Men.

22

Have I ever told you that life seems to be made perfectly for me, and my generation?

I was born in 90s and we claimed to have the best timing in the history of human existence. Well, we lived in the era where playing outside was still super relevant, the way of life our parents did their whole childhood and young adulthood. And, technology showed up later on our life, exactly just on time as we started to need it.

That's obvious.

What's not obvious is that, somehow, it's the 1992s, whose lives match perfectly with universe's growth. I came up with this idea, just when I realized that when I turned 22, a super booming song titled 22 came along with me.

Original pic's from here, copy "twenty two" is my personal touch up

The song was technically about someone who's actually older than 22, but feeling like 22 at some point of their lives. It was not about being, nor turning 22, no, but still, it felt like I, and some friends who turned 22 last year, were crazily welcomed by the universe.

And apparently, being 22 was that, crazy.

For literally one whole year, I didn't get a permanent job even once. I only had a 4 months freelance job during the political campaign period, and another 3 months as a substitute copywriter at one local agency. The other 5 months? Well, I was focusing on my book, traveled three times to Bangka, Bali and HK - Macao and, keeping myself busy to enhance my travel writing portfolio.

And oh wow, I drove my parents crazy because of what I did. Especially my father. He obviously freaked out the whole year. Said that I was wasting my time, letting myself several steps behind my friends who started working already, and seriously, many more things -that actually, he was so right about- he worried about.

But hey, I was happy. I got the chance to experience every single thing I doubted and was dying to try for my whole life. My campus slash advertising goal was to become a copywriter. Check. My selfish ego inside of me wanted to work from home. Check. My long-treasured childhood dream was to publish a book, and had my name printed in a magazine. Check, check, and check!!!

Plus, and this was the best thing that happened to me and me as a 22, I WAS COMPLETELY FREE! I didn't really have to start my post-graduate life right away after I finished university, forced myself to work 9 to 5, trapped in traffic and be all whiny about it, no! And it didn't necessarily mean that I had no money at all hoho, keep in mind, missy, that eventho I was staying at home most of the time, money is all available for me to withdraw.

However, everything came with negative sides. Got to admit that during my idle time, I was super confused of what I should do in life. Where to work after I get bored doing nothing like this, what to do to get my ass back to the employment line, la la la. And the worst thing was, the lonely feeling I couldn't deny. Being at home with no actual co-workers for 5 months in total, that was the only thing I didn't want to feel again from this 22 thingy. Oh please don't get me wrong, I was talking about making new friends for professional scope. About my real friends, abroad friends, traveling friends and friends who stayed at my house, that was the other story. I didn't lose my social life, no, pft, come on.

Well compared to the excitement I got, those tiny pains were totally nothing. The sensation of being a guy who didn't rush himself despite all the pushes to start preparing for his future, that was priceless. I may not get the result of that crazy thing I did any time soon, no, but I'm pretty sure that in the future, it'll come back to me. At least the good story will do.

Crazy, huh?

A friend of mine, who's a year older than me, once said that being 22 was the best thing ever happened to her. Moved to Indonesia, started working and had the craziest time of her life. I saw that before my very own eyes; her life and how dynamic it was. It looked super fun, but didn't affect anything to me because, it's her life. I didn't know how amazing it actually was, until I felt it myself.

And it happened.
One crazy hell of a year.

Here's for being eternally 22 :)

In one hour, I'll be 23. I don't know bout you,

But I feel like I'm still going to be 22 for 5 more years.

Oh well, I know 22 looked like bad news, for my parents.

But for me,

It was miserable

And magical

Tale From the Past

If there's one thing Disney is loving to do lately,

It's creating the human version of their classics.

I was pretty cautious, because, hmm yea I have this OCD thingy and Disney is like my precious treasure from childhood. So if there's even one single detail missing from the classic animated movie I'll be like, screw you Disney. That's why up till now, I haven't watched Maleficent. But for their next human version project, my friend dragged my ass to the cinema already.

Got the poster from here

Frankly, I've prepared myself mentally before I stepped into the theatre. Movie started, welcomed by Frozen Fever -which was super entertaining, to be honest- and the tale began. The prologue was super long, compared to the animated version, telling too much about how Cinderella's parents died. And oh, her default name was Ella instead of Cinderella which was given by the stepsisters. Clever tho, it was still tolerable for me.

Overall movie was okay. But I really hate how they violate some details. Like outfit colors. Cinderella's light blue was constant. Good. But Lady Tremaine should've been dark purple, Drizella should've been green and Anastasia should've been lavender! The prince and the King should've worn broken white with maroon accent, not such complicated royal costume! Phew, I've warned you, I have a weird OCD obsession.

Speaking about the King, what the hell Disney, why should he die!? Because you need some drama in it!? Didn't work for me! Instead of killing the King, you can consider adding Ella's misery, making Lucifer a bit more of an ass, or, this is what's more important, making a bigger scene of the evil ladies destroying Cinderella's dress. It was so ugh, anti-climax, she should've suffered more than that.

That's not all. My biggest pet peeve was, the Fairy Godmother. I mean, why, why would you change the dreamy fairy's personality to be Helena Bonham's? It wasn't nice okay, and her appearance was not even funny at all. You should've stick with the wise and a little bit clumsy old lady, and casted someone with charm like, Meryl Streep maybe? It's, ugh, all the scene with the Fairy Godmother in it, sucks!

Anyway, enough with the critics. I brought home positive thoughts too like, the ending. I didn't expect any changes for how Cinderella is found tho, but the twist they made was okay. Although honestly, that's not what I cherished the most about this movie.

It's how I kept recalling and mentally playing the original piece inside my mind, during the whole movie. How I had always been charmed, ten, fifteen years ago, when I saw the animated movie, with its delicate craft and beautiful story. Oh, I've always enjoyed Disney Princesses tales, I don't care if it's not meant for boys. Disney Classics had always been a thing for me.

But the best part is, when I looked around the theatre, and see sparks on today's children's eyes.

I felt like, damn proud. It's my cartoon they're now watching. Poor them, they didn't get the chance to enjoy the original movie. Of course they can always ask their dads to download them the classic Cinderella movie, but will they watch it from CD player? With wrecked subtitle and bad recordings? No.

And the portrait from here

I have the best childhood ever.

Better than my parents' and

Definitely will be better than my kids'.

90s are the luckiest

Cha-Ching!

So.

Remember two months ago--three, sorry. Remember three months ago, I was still working at the office, and I kinda abandoned this blog even though I have these three big things that I usually would've posted it one second after it happened if I have time? Well that's a long and complicated question okay I'll make it quick. Remember this?

Yea on that post I promised I'd tell you things about The Hunger Games, Citra Pariwara 2014 and something about Neverland. Well I did make a post about Hunger Games. While the Citra Pariwara, I believe it's too late so let's just let it go and live only in my memory.

Now about the Neverland thing...

You know how much I love Peter Pan's world. The idea of staying young forever, impeccable. Years after years, I've always wanted name Neverland to be associated with me because secretly, deep inside me I still have this childhood dream to be able to find Neverland.

And so I changed the name of my blog. From famous rifkyramadhan.blogspot.com, to the start-all-over again turntoneverland.blogspot.com. I lost most of my blogpal, I lost track of everybody who pays a regular visit to my personal diary. But it came worthwhile as my current blog is still pretty noted.

Then I feel like it's not enough. Blog can't completely represent, me. I felt like I gotta make a bigger thing so people will directly think about me once they hear name 'Neverland'.

That's when my business started.

Neverland

Itinerary Organizer

Well, you might find it uncommon I mean, what the hell is Itinerary Organizer you obviously just made it up Vick! Frankly, yea, I just made it up. And it seems to be logical tho, organizing itineraries for people who wants to travel, and, get paid.

It was launched on November last year. I was extremely packed that I never thought I'd skip telling you, blog, about this new business. But that's okay, by that time it was still on trial. And was still in the form of a blog. I brought it up today, because I'm taking my business to the whole new, much more serious and professional level, as I made the website to

www.neverland-io.blogspot.com

Nothing to lose. That's my principal for the business. I mean, I didn't spend money on this, only my time that is sacrificed. And creating itineraries is one of my hobbies tho, so, if this works - and I'm pretty sure it will - I'll win big time.

Then I can get to buy toys,

Candies, rides, junk foods, soda,

And the most important thing will be

My childhood dream

Witnessing a History

Just this morning.

I saw something dramatic, something intense.

Something people won't forget for a plenty of time.

Because it was mind-blowing.

And I'm not just saying that.

Well,

First, the scoring was bicycle-pants tight

Liverpool first, then Spurs, then Liverpool again and so on.

Liverpool's first goal by Lazar. Pic's from here.

Spurs' first goal by Harry Kane. Pic's from here.

Secondly, Gerrard equaled legend Robbie Fowler.

For 183 Liverpool goals, now both sharing crown at 5th place.

That's our Captain Gerrard. Pic's from here.

But things got a lil rough, a lil more intense

As Spurs leveled and almost ended the game draw, in Anfield, again.

It's Mousa Dembele, who almost ruined my whole day. Pic's from here.

And all of the sudden, Super Mario rocked our world

Scoring his first goal ever for the Premiere League, and saving Liverpool's ass

Definitely wasn't the MOTM tho, but still, he was sick. Pics are from here and here.

But the highlight of the victory was,

Seeing these boys hugging

Pics are from here, here, here and here.

And realizing how that scene made my heart melt.

I know I love them now

In Summary

Ever since I made a book of my own,

I never stop scheming for more projects.

Like, if I travel here, what can I write to sell to publishers or editors? Ya lately it's always been like, let's sit down and think about the value I can obtain from each places, then go. If nothing's precious, find somewhere else! Starting from months ago I always made myself sure to always bring some stories back home from a trip. And to be honest, I even have like six to seven rough titles for my next books.

Including Bali.

It's been like forever since I want to release a guide book about Bali. Because, well, I fond for the place. It's not that I've been to every place in Bali, but I'm halfway there tho. Spent most of my time in the south, went once to the east, even crossed to Gilis, I'm sure I'm halfway there.

And just a month ago, I extended my vocabulary of Bali.

To the place I never thought I could make it through.

Menjangan.

Sky wasn't that good tho, but still, it was sick

Shit. Sorry to pick that word, but seriously, shit. I never expected to go there. An island far far away from Bali's touristy place where everybody travel to. The place that is so empty, you won't even think that it's in the so-called tourist-hectic Bali that you've always known!

But I did, somehow. And it was sickly amazing.

The closest settlement to the island is Pemuteran. And from this little town, the underwater wonder is beyond compare already. I snorkeled like, three times? Well I forgot but exploring lives below water surface in here, that's just the thing I'd proudly brag to my kids in the future.

Pemuteran and things I found down under

And now the Menjangan itself.

Frankly, I'm speechless. It's past midnight now as I'm typing this post, but that's not the reason why I'm losing words. It's because Menjangan's just worth the silence. Words can't exactly tell what I experienced, even photos can't do. You have to actually be there, to feel the grandeur of our authentic maritime life. And choke yourself to panicky as you start mumbling in amazement, saying good things about your God, and the frikking salt sea water suddenly flow into your snorkeling tube--yea it happened to me.

I won't say much about what it's like under there. I went to Amed, I went to Gilis, I went to Philippines, and Menjangan was better that all three of those combined.

The best I could get from Menjangan ocean floor

I said it already to all my other social media assets. That Menjangan has officially been the highlight of all my Bali trips. I mean, if I meet some other traveler who asks me about Bali, that sacred name will always be the first thing coming out of my humble mouth.

Because it's that great. It deserves the exposure, the spotlight and I'm not exaggerating. Menjangan summed up everything about Bali.

I'm not finished.

With Bali, I'm not finished.

The Nusas will be my next stops.

But whatever happens there, really,

Menjangan will always be my thunder

Classic Wish

Disney strikes again.

Don't you think it's enough for you, Disney, that you've been stealing my heart for 20 years or so, and keep doing it again and again, although you're starting to let go of your classical hand-drawn style? I've been trying to dislike you since Brave because you were getting more serious in doing hi-tech animation and stuff but... You kept blowing me away instead! Especially after yesterday I watched

Poster's from here.

You never changed. You kept delivering fantastic creations. I'm not talking about the overall animation because it's starting to not looking a lot like, Disney. What can I say, for me, you're losing your Disney touch in the animation. But then, I wasn't talking about that. It was more to the storyline, that I loved the most. The emotion you emerged, the moral you highlighted. And my old wish you brought back.

Back to my childhood era, I was so obsessed to have my own robotic friend. Like a maniac. I used to build it out of blocks, made it with papers, enriched it with special features like compartments to keep my small stuff, gave a little pocket to smudge paper made tools--I was a scientist!

Then you came up with Baymax. He talks to Hiro, comforts him, treats his wounds. But nothing that made me envy-er than the time when Baymax was upgraded to fighting form. Shit man, it was like the only reason I once ever thought about entering the natural science major in high school so that I can proceed to engineering school -thank God I didn't manage to do that for real.

But. It's not Baymax that I want to steal from Hiro.
If I have to say what made me jealous the most,

It's Tadashi.

Definitely not mine, got it from here.

For you who has no idea, I was born as a first son of three. Having two younger brothers is extremely fun, but, I've always been dying to have an older one. An asshole guardian elder brother that takes me for granted, uses and abuses me in a comical way, tells me to do his chores, get his stuff here and there--yes, it could be a pain in the ass but I would want one. I didn't exactly know when this feeling began, I just think I grew up with that wish.

Tadashi, for his whole appearance on the movie, couldn't make me stop thinking that he's the kind of big brother I've been dreaming for. Protective, wise, seem to know my needs and wants, even more than I do. And that's not all. He's also a bit rebel, knows how to act crazy with his little brother, wrestle and drive like a nut together.

As freaky as it may sound -and I'm pretty sure that yes, I might sound freak, I literally got jealous of Hiro. Felt like I wanted to get inside the movie, kick his smart-ass butt out of the screen and have Tadashi -and Baymax too!- all the way for my-damn-self.

Well.

I never realized how weird this obsession was,
Until Tadashi appeared like a big bro of my dream.

And Hiro.

He acted like I thought I would be if I have an elder brother.
Reckless, silly, behave as if I can do anything and don't need him.

But actually, deep inside
I look up to him

When Void Came Amusing

Back to World Cup, ladies and gentlemen.

I finally started to feel the vibe, I knew it...

So, the cup is not even a week yet.

But I guess I've seen the best match already.

Brazil v Mexico

Tuesday, Jun 17 2014 - Estadio Castelao Fortaleza

Neymar's pic is from here, Chicharito's from here.

They started with the possession from 57 : 43 for Brazil, but constantly increasing to 53 : 47. I found it really tremendous! I mean, it's so obvious that their strategy was majorly defensive, I could see that from how Julio Cesar almost did nothing significant along the game. But possessing almost half of the whole ball? They're dogs! The players were crazy striking, yet on the same time, solid on the back!

But what mind-blew me right through my fvckin head was, the Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. He was so damn sharp, intuitive yet bald! You should've been amazed by how he saved the goal from Neymar's head. Crazy brilliant.

But the best safe happened on 85'. Brazil earned a corner, the ball flew right to the captain's head in front of the goal -seriously in front of the goal, in front of the keeper!- and the unbelievable Ochoa managed to block it anyway. Even from such point-blank range, God, he's something!!

I knew from the start that Mexico

Would be a total pain in the ass for Brazil,

But I never thought they could be this handful!

Yes he can!

Wow, I was totally amazed. Fvckin speechless. I don't think I ever felt so much amused watching a draw match like this. So entertaining from the very beginning. Of course, hats off to Ochoa. And take a bow to Mexico. For me, they won the match. 11 against 60.011, that's crazy amazing!

Best 0 - 0 tie game ever!

Way so much more entertaining

Than matches with too many goals.

And thanks to them too, now I realized

That goalkeepers can't be taken for granted.

Gracias a ti, México!

Finding Excitação

Four years ago today,

The biggest once-in-four-years sport event took place

And the whole world was like excited as hell. So was I.

This year,

Four years after the last once-in-four-years sport event took place,

Is about to start soon. The whole world was like excited as hell but umm.

I'm not.

I don't know what's wrong. With the euphoria. With me.

The World Cup has always been, and should be something I can't ever deny.

I remembered my first World Cup ever. 2002. Korea Japan. I called for Italy. Not a good start for my newborn euphoria, Italy was stopped by South Korea in the second round. I was so damn pissed off I swear I swore South Korea so many times since after. Ya I was an immature and knew nothing much about football. But after all I enjoyed the whole cup.

Then my second World Cup. 2006. Germany. I called for Brazil. It was a very emotional path for us -me and Brazil. Especially when Brazil was beaten by France. I cried of a heartbreak. But I moved on. The cup changed my whole perception about football. I started to be a football fan for the next one year. Bought sport papers, stayed up late for matches, I was a fanboy. Of AC Milan, of Kaka. Ya that couple of year was like my adoration reigm towards him. Thanks to WC 2006. Surely the best cup ever.

My last cup, 2010. South Africa. I called for Spain. Was a smooth cup because my team played well. I supported them like I know everything, like Spain was my nation. Tons of blog posts were made, gazillions of tweets were shared, not only for Spain, but for everything about the cup. Until I realize I can't just like football during and along the euphoria of World Cup. I needed to have my favorite football team. That I like completely, not because of some certain player I idolize. That was when I started to be a Liverpudlian.

But as you might notice.

Recently I forgot about Liverpool.

That's acceptable because that's what I am.

But losing interest towards The World Cup, well...

Something is wrong with me, and I don't know why.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/06/world-cup-2014-group-f-preview/

Three hours away before the first kick-off.

I haven't posted anything about World Cup 2014.

I haven't stated any of my excitement towards the cup.

I haven't even decided which team to be fvckin supported!

And for God's sake it's Pitbull who's singing the primary anthem!

Que está errado, Vick?!