The first time I heard Anthrax jump out of my stereo, mosh across my room to dive boot first through my ears and stomp around inside my grey matter - I was in love. Not like that 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summers Day' variety of love either. This was that balls-to-the-wall-appetite-for-destruction kind of lust that only gets appeased by a generous helping of army surplus boots, chains, stained torn denim and leather.
The music and words of Anthrax never overtly condoned violence. But it sure made it a point of yelling 'f**k the system and the horse it drug in with it' at the top of your longs before diving into human miasma of slam dance at your local 'ard core show.
I listened to their music a lot - especially while reading comics. Their music always seemed like a fitting soundtrack for the life of Lobo - aka The Main Man.
I read a few minutes ago that Scott Ian - rythmn guitarist and co-founder for Anthrax - is writing the DC Comics two issue Lobo mini-series that is scheduled to rip and destroy it's way into your local comic book shop this November.
Long time comic geeks will no doubt know exactly who Lobo is. My first encounter with him was way back in the DC title, The Omega Men. My first thoughts were 'WTF?? A sadistic clown in orange and purple tights? He should consider therapy.' As his character festered and fermented within the DC universe Lobo traded in stupid spandex for leather, chains and a meat hook, He started to personify all the angst and longing for rebellion that many fans reach to comics to see dealt with in a way that would be completely inappropriate and totally illegal in the real world. If it were not for comics and characters like Lobo - I suspect scarey people with rifles would find themselves atop college bell towers more often.
He got cooler despite his make up being compared to something James O'Barr would have created. There was no tragic emo like drama about Lobo. He is what he is and at any given moment he is going to 'f**k the system and ride off with its horse'.
I am really looking forward to seeing the treatment Scott Ian gives to Lobo. His performance with the band has never left me disappointed or bored. I hope he brings the same creative rebellion to add new chewy pulp and guts to one of DC Comics greatest rebels.