Saturday, June 15, 2019

Top 10 Favorite Fictional Father Figures

Since I already did one with fictional mothers, in honor of Father's Day, I give my top 10 favorite father figures, who I idolize, respect, and above all else, look up to. Let's begin, shall we?

10. Carl Winslow (Family Matters): The patriarch of the Winslow family, Carl Otis Winslow (yes, his initials is COW) in not only a devoted police officer, but a devoted father, too, especially being played by Reginald VelJohnson. Carl can be a bit hot-tempered at times, whether it's from his oldest son, Eddie (when he did something real bad) or gets annoyed by the antics of Steve Urkel (especially when his inventions blow up in his face). But, in the end of the day, no matter what problems you had or what mistakes you made, Carl Winslow is one father you can always have your back. And did I mention that he IS a cop?

9. Tim Taylor (Home Improvement): Does anyone know what time it is? That's right, folks, Tool Time, which is the subject of our next father figure, Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor". Played brilliantly by Tim Allen (who also voiced Buzz Lightyear), Tim Taylor is our resident tool man from Detroit who tries to balance between his job being the host of his home improvement show, 'Tool Time', and his home life with his wife, Jill and his sons, Brad, Randy and Mark. Every time he tries to one of both, hilarity ensues, from all the tools blow up because he used "MORE POWER" (grunting like Tim) to trying to keep the peace within the family. There is a double meaning to the name "Home Improvement", not just fixing houses and building with tools, but also improving relations with your family. Not to mention Tim likes to grunt, all the time. (ala Tim) Oh, yeah, (grunting like Tim)!!

8. Philip Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air): If The Shredder didn't define James Avery to a "T," then playing the uncle of the very wiseacre from West Philly sure did. Philip is the firm, but fair uncle of Will Smith, and patriarch of the Banks family. Raised in Baltimore, but was born in Yamacraw, North Carolina by his parents, Philip (or Zeke as his mother calls him), started off as an activist in his later years, they becoming a lawyer and finally becoming a Superior Court judge. And he uses his expertise in the law to raise his kids, even raising his pain in the neck nephew of his. He may look intimidating, but Uncle Phil will always watch your back, no matter what. But until then, be afraid, my friends....be, very, afraid. (laughing maniacally) Godspeed, Mr. Avery. We will miss you.

7. Kenji Tsukino (Sailor Moon): If Ikuko is the homemaker, then Usagi's father, Kenji, is the breadwinner of the family. He is mostly normal, like any other father would be. However, he did have his funny moments, especially questioning Usagi's choice of boyfriends and he did have one, brave moment, when he tried to defend his family against a water yokai. Overall, there is not much to say about Mr. Tsukino that we already know.

6. Dr. Light (Megaman): The original father of modern day robotics. Thomas Light is the creator of Megaman, who is like father to the Blue Bomber himself. His brilliance in robotics made him one of the most respective scientist in the world. His creations, aside from Megaman, had usher in a brave new future (as long as Dr. Wily doesn't screw it up with his antics). Even after his passing, he does lend his support (in spirit) to his final creation, Megaman X. And if ever dresses up like Santa, Dr. Light would be a shoo-in for jolly ol' St. Nick, cause he looks him, anyway.

5. Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender): The Dragon of the West himself. He was once the Fire Nation's fierce generals, who almost conquered the Earth Kingdom capital, Ba Sing Se. Until one moment changed him forever, the death of his son, Lu Ten. His son's passing had a profound effect on his life, rethinking how the Fire Nation operates. Since that time, Iroh renounced the Fire Nation's war like efforts and vows to help the Avatar, which is Aang, defeat the Firelord, Ozai, while at the same time, raises his nephew, Zuko. To Zuko's point of view, his uncle was more of a father to him than his actual father ever was. Strong, funny and wise beyond his years, Iroh is the one father figure you could have as your 'sifu'. And being voice by the late great Mako is what makes him even more awesome.

4. Batman (DC Comics): He has been many things, but when it comes to the Dark Knight himself, you can add father figure to that list, too. Since his first appearance, Batman never had anyone to share his adventures with until that fateful day when Dick Grayson, the youngest of the Flying Graysons, ended up being a orphan when Tony Zucco sabotage their flying act, killing his parents in the process. Feeling sorry for the young one, Bruce Wayne took young Dick in as his ward, eventually become comic's first kid sidekick, Robin the Boy Wonder. Since then, whoever joined Batman's inner circle became a part of the family. A "Bat-Family" to be precised. Although hard and strict, Batman does care for his teammates, especially Dick Grayson, who went from Robin to Nightwing. For someone who is dark and brooding, Batman does has a soft-spot to those in need, especially the children.

3. Gandalf (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings): A wizard who is never late, nor is early, he arrives precisely when he means to. As powerful as he is, Gandalf served as mentor to both Bilbo Baggins and later Frodo. He is wise, noble, sometimes funny and at times, he can be downright serious, especially when dealing with the One Ring itself. He has fought monsters and demons, big and small. Overall, when it comes to fulfilling your destiny, Gandalf is the one character that can guide you to the right path. Say it with me people...YOU...SHALL NOT...PASS!!

2. Raiden (Mortal Kombat): The Thunder God and protector of Earthrealm. Raiden's goal was to guide the warriors of Earthrealm against those who want to conquer it, including the dark realm of Outworld. Raiden was like a father to them, especially Liu Kang (before the new timeline changed everything). Despite his flaws in the later years, Raiden, whether in the present or in the afterlife, will always watches over you.

1. Optimus Prime (Transformers): The ultimate father figure himself. Optimus Prime is a strong, wise and noble leader to his fellow Autobots. He not only looks out for his fellow bots, but he gives his life to other lifeforms, too. If there is one character in all fiction that I want to learn his example, it is Optimus. And with Peter Cullen lending his voice, you know your brain will have vast knowledge of his adventures. Till all are one!

And there your have it. My top 10 fictional father figures. The ones who molded me into the man that I am today and I still continue to idolize to this day. If you have a father figure you idolized and looked up to, leave me a comment. Until next time, stay frosty and Happy Father's Day!

Saraba da! (Farewell!)
 

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