MIKE
Sports Comic Books
FREE Series | Volume 3
NBA Comics
©2013 New Vision Entertainment
www.theemike.com
Introduction
This FREE book is filled with 25 NBA comics.
In every chapter, I share a bit of history behind each comic and offer
readers the opportunity to purchase a jersey, hat or sports
memorabilia of their favorite team or player.
Enjoy the comics. Memories of what they stand for will have you
admiring, pondering, laughing, wincing and, in some cases, scratching.
Here’s why . . . .
You’ll want to scratch some body part when you read about one of the
NBA’s most accomplished - but irritating - defenders known as The
Rash.
You’ll wince recalling the recklessness of a ridiculously wayward team,
The Jailblazers, and the thuggery of an NBA Championship Team’s
center called His Heinous.
You’ll revel in memories of Los Angeles’ entertainment juggernaut the
Showtime Lakers and laugh when remembering Chocolate Thunder’s
female interest from Planet Lovetron.
But there’s more.
Admire the consistent basketball delivery of Karl The Mailman Malone
and marvel how the immensely athletic Doctor J operated with a ball,
rather than a scalpel, in his hand.
Get woozy thinking about Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dream Shake and wax
nostalgic ruminating assorted Signature Shots like The Sky Hook, The
Finger Roll, The Fade Away and The Step Back Jumper.
Be perplexed trying to understand how a 5’3” guard named Muggsy
could possibly play the same sport as the 7’1” Big Shamrock.
Ponder what all basketball fans missed by never witnessing this
Helicopter play in the NBA.
Gush over the brilliance of Magic and the dominance of The King.
You may go mad remembering how one of Vinsanity’s insane, last
second shots beat your team.
And, you’ll probably get agitated recalling how the NBA Playoff heroics
of Bird, LeBron, Durant, Magic or Kobe eliminated your favorite squad.
So, before The Black Mamba bites you or The Microwave heats up in a
hurry, check out this book.
It’s funny and - better yet - it’s FREE!
Straight talk. No static.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why read this NBA sports comic book?
Favorite #25: Human Highlight Reel
Favorite #24: Showtime Los Angeles Lakers
Favorite #23: Shaq
Favorite #22: Vinsanity
Favorite #21: Jason Kidd
Favorite #20: Ice Man George Gervin
Favorite #19: Herman Helicopter Knowings
Favorite #18: His Heinous Bill Laimbeer
Favorite #17: Tyrone Muggsy Bogues
Favorite #16: Larry Bird
Favorite #15: The Rash Bruce Bowen
Favorite #14: Signature Shots
Favorite #13: Kobe Bryant
Favorite #12: Kevin Durant
Favorite #11: Portland Jailblazers
Favorite #10: Round Mound of Rebound
Favorite #9: Chocolate Thunder
Favorite #8: Michael Air Jordan
Favorite #7: Wilt Chamberlain
Favorite #6: Dr J. Julius Erving
Favorite #5: Karl The Mailman Malone
Favorite #4: Dream Shake
Favorite #3: LeBron James
Favorite #2: Magic Johnson
Favorite #1: The Microwave Vinnie Johnson
FREE Bonus Books
Meet the MIKE Makers
Why read this book?
As the sports world’s ultimate talking head, I immediately connect with
readers. Sports fans of all ages love my colorful stories, candid
comments and creative content. My books are always entertaining and
easy to read.
Plus, the unique sports comics that accompany each chapter cleverly
capture the essence of the featured NBA player, team, coach, shot or
basketball expression.
As an added bonus, I always offer something for FREE in each of my
sports comic books. See the back of this book for details.
Check out my author profile on Amazon.com, follow me on Twitter and
fan me on Facebook. Straight talk. No static.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#25 Favorite NBA Comic
Former Atlanta Hawk Dominique Wilkins jumps onto my list for the
non-stop, jaw-dropping highlights he provided on the hardwood.
Most of those highlights were performed ten plus feet above the court!
Wilkins regularly rose above NBA peers as that one special athlete
whose extraordinary athletic achievements merited the moniker
Human Highlight Reel.
This NBA legend’s hardwood exploits brought instantaneous
expectation whenever - and wherever - he played. Wilkins never
limited his game to just one incredible play per night. Just as his name
suggests, he produced a film reel full of incredible plays.
Wilkins currently works with his original NBA team, the Atlanta Hawks,
as an executive who regularly assembles teams that compete for NBA
Championships.
Today, Atlanta fans hope Dominique can transform his former on-court
success into a future off-court Human Highlight Reel.
Now that would be an ESPN highlight reel worth watching!
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#24 Favorite NBA Comic
This talented tinsel town team perfectly fit the Hollywood hype of its
Showtime nickname. With an energetic style of fast break basketball,
the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s electrified NBA fans. Their play
regularly entertained the many movie, music and television celebrities
who attended their home games at the old Great Western Forum in LA.
Much of the Showtime nickname is credited to Lakers star Earvin Magic
Johnson. The 6'9" point guard and overall number one pick in the 1979
NBA Draft became famous for his no look passes and extra bright
smile. He led the Lakers Showtime fast break like an expert director of
a major motion picture.
Nearly 30 years later and 16 titles to their credit, the Lakers remain
one of the NBA's most successful franchises.
Thanks in good part to Magic Johnson and his teammates, the Lakers
are ranked as the league's most valuable team. With an estimated
worth of nearly $1 billion, the Lakers’ Showtime teams of the 1980s
helped create a basketball blockbuster that rivals any Hollywood boxoffice hit.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#23 Favorite NBA Comic
Everything about this retired player is big - extremely big. His size,
personality and basketball accomplishments all contribute to his big
nickname, or in Shaquille O’Neal’s case, his multiple big nicknames.
Originally called The Big Fella when the Orlando Magic selected him as
the top overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft, Shaq’s stable of nicknames
has grown. Every one of them started with, or carried, giant-sized
expectations.
Big Shamrock, the last nickname Shaq earned during his one year
stint with the Boston Celtics, ranks as my all-time favorite.
However, other Shaquille O’Neal nicknames like Big Diesel, Superman,
Big Aristotle and even Big Cactus (for his time with the Phoenix Suns)
have all captured this 7-footer’s personality and equally big game on
the hardwood.
Now in his post-NBA days and a part owner of the Sacramento Kings,
Shaq’s fans expect the Luck of the Irish to continue.
May this Big Shamrock, Big Cactus, Big Aristotle and Superman gain
more giant-sized celebrity with his latest nickname - Big Shaqramento.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#22 Favorite NBA Comic
During the late 1990s, the Vinsanity craze intoxicated NBA fans.
The spectacular play of University of North Carolina product Vince
Carter regularly drove basketball fans crazy. At 6’6” and 220 lbs. and
playing for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets, Vince
Carter initiated the Vinsanity movement with his high flying dunks,
acrobatic finishes and improbable shot making skills.
Famous for his windmill dunks and fantastic finishes off alley-oop
passes, Carter produced an intensely loyal fan base.
Rabid Raptor fans so adored Carter’s exploits that they also dubbed
him Air Canada and Half Man Half Amazing.
Today, Carter plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He’s one of only 37 NBA
players to ever score more than 20,000 career points.
Vince Carter’s insanely athletic play during his peak NBA days not only
entertained basketball fans around the world. This eight-time all-star’s
sensational play memorialized his Vinsanity nickname.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#21 Favorite NBA Comic
The mocking nickname this 10-time NBA all-star received early in his
career motivated him to become one of the greatest three point
shooters in league history.
The second overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, Jason Kidd was
destined to be a star for the Dallas Mavericks. At 6'4" and 210 lbs.
Kidd demonstrated overall excellence on the court as a leader, passer,
rebounder and defender. These talents overshadowed his otherwise
marginal shooting ability.
Noting this fact, fans and reporters removed the first letter from
Jason’s name to highlight the fact. Soon, Jason Kidd was known as
Ason Kidd – as in, “no J” or jump shot.
Kidd worked hard at getting the “J” added back into his name. Today,
the retired Kidd ranks third in league history for most three pointers
made, trailing legendary sharp-shooters Ray Allen and Reggie Miller,
the league's best ever long range marksmen.
In addition, Jason Kidd radically improved his free throw shooting.
Before retiring as a player, the Brooklyn Nets’ new coach consistently
averaged better than 80% from the charity stripe each year. He left no
doubt that Jason Kidd definitely got the “J” back in his name.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#20 Favorite NBA Comic
An icicle-thin stature, coupled with uncommon cool on the court,
earned this NBA Hall of Famer his iconic nickname The Ice Man.
Silky-smooth George Gervin possessed a feathery shooting touch and
repeatedly made difficult shots look easy during his high scoring ABA
and NBA playing days.
The Ice Man’s brilliant stroke and dizzying array of shots made him
impossible to guard. At a height of 6’7”, Gervin was too long for
shorter guards to cover, and he easily shot over them. At just 185 lbs,
Gervin was also too quick and athletic for taller players to guard.
As a result, The Ice Man easily drove by bigger opponents and finished
his drives with a stop-on-a-dime pull-up jumper, a fluid reverse lay-up
or his finger-roll signature shot from just about anywhere in the lane.
Gervin transformed the pro game into fast-paced, high-flying sport
played by today’s highly skilled athletes. Today’s NBA players may be
cultural icons who exude super cool personas.
But, let’s never forget that there will only be one finger-rolling, railthin NBA star known for playing his game ultra cool – The Ice Man.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#19 Favorite NBA Comic
For those who watched this player elevate off the asphalt in New York
City during the 1960s, the origin of his Helicopter nickname became
immediately apparent.
He hung higher in flight than Michael Jordan ever did and leapt loftier
and lingered longer than LeBron James ever could. Herman Helicopter
Knowings literally hovered above all other players he faced on a
basketball court. With a purported 50” vertical jump, the 6’4”
Knowings cultivated his streetball cred on the legendary courts of
Rucker Park.
A 6’4” whirlybird of a player, Knowings frequently appeared suspended
over the action taking place below the rim. This asphalt god seemed to
breathe the same rarified air of Michael Jordan. His heightened level of
play also pre-empted the Human Highlight Reel that Dominique Wilkins
was later to become.
Herman Knowings died in 1980 at age 37. Surprisingly, he’s lauded as
the greatest basketball player to have never played in the NBA.
How tragic and ironic that the phenomenon known as Helicopter would
be killed in a car wreck on the same city streets he so easily flew
above while playing the game he loved.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#18 Favorite NBA Comic
Uttering his name usually sparks agitation in basketball circles
everywhere – except maybe in the state of Michigan.
Fans would think words like champion, all-star, terrific rebounder,
rugged defender or great teammate would best describe this player.
After all, he owns two championship rings for winning NBA titles in
1989 and 1990 with the Detroit Pistons. He’s also amassed 10,000
points and 10,000 rebounds during 12 solid NBA seasons.
But, mention of Bill Laimbeer’s name immediately fuels heated debates
about this devilish basketball player with the evil sounding nickname.
Bill Laimbeer’s well-documented nasty play on the court has earned
him the moniker of His Heinous.
At times, Laimbeer’s brutal play looked more like that of a smash
mouth NFL offensive lineman than a valuable NBA starting center.
Basketball fans may bristle at the notion of His Heinous’ punishing,
physical play. But, nobody argues that this Detroit Bad Boy was most
instrumental in the Pistons winning two NBA Championships.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#17 Favorite NBA Comic
Standing just 5’3” tall, Tyrone Bogues had to be really tough to excel
in a sport dominated by much larger athletes.
Bogues was a great ball handler, a terrific passer and a fantastic
defender. His aggressive, mugging style of defense led to this tiny
player’s tough guy nickname, Muggsy. Plus, his speed and quickness
resulted in steals or complete disruption of the other teams’ plays.
At Wake Forest University, Bogues enjoyed a fantastic ACC career. In
his senior season, Bogues received the 1987 Frances Pomeroy
Naismith Award as the best NCAA college basketball player in the
nation shorter than six feet tall.
But Bogues’ basketball success did not stop in college. He became the
first round pick of the then Washington Bullets and went on to play 14
seasons in the NBA. He still ranks as the league’s shortest player ever.
The tiny and clever Muggsy just didn’t make a lot of steals and dish
out a bunch of assists. Bogues was a fan favorite. His ever-present
smile and his tough, energetic play captured the hearts of NBA fans.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#16 Favorite NBA Comic
Just mention the name Bird to any basketball fan and fond memories
come to mind. Bird’s legend evokes long white legs in short green
shorts, step back jumpers, swishing nets, non-stop jabbering and
multiple NBA banners hanging above a parquet basketball floor.
One of the most revered basketball players in history, Bird's ascent in
the NBA was instantaneous. He not only lived up to his initial billing;
he soared past the Celtics and NBA fans' expectations.
The blue collar Bird battled against his college nemesis Magic Johnson
during his entire career. During the 1980s, Bird's Celtics and Magic's
Lakers played as if their clubs were the only two teams competing for
an NBA title. The storied rivalry is memorialized in books and television
documentaries and is credited with transforming the NBA into the
wildly popular sports league it’s now become.
The intensely private Hick from French Lick might have been averse to
the media during his playing days. But there's no doubt this
immediately recognizable athlete has left an indelible mark on the
sport. This is one Bird who soared above his competitors.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#15 Favorite NBA Comic
Known by his itchy nickname The Rash, undrafted Bruce Bowen didn’t
need to scratch, claw or chafe his way to become an NBA champion.
Fans not only loved his clever nickname, but they admired his
tenacious defending on the basketball court. It helped his San Antonio
Spurs team win three NBA Championships.
Bowen discovered his special defending ability when he was a free
agent signee with the Spurs and established himself as a tireless
defender. Spurs teammate Sean Elliott originally referred to Bowen as
The Rash. Elliott cited Bowen’s irritating pressure on the other team’s
leading perimeter scorer and said, “Bowen’s all over you like a rash.”
A five-time NBA All-Defensive First team, Bowen was vital to the
Spurs’ success. He could knock down three pointers from the corner
and, like a good rash, annoy, hound and harass high scorers like Ray
Allen, Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant, too.
Today, Bowen is a well-spoken and bowtie clad NBA talking head for
ESPN. This former player and key member of three NBA Championship
teams shares basketball insights with itchy fans everywhere.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#14 Favorite NBA Comic
No other team sport celebrates the unparalleled combination of
individual creativity and athletic excellence like NBA basketball.
Signature shots - developed and made famous by accomplished
basketball players - memorialize their impact on the sport.
Like Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Sky Hook, these shots leave a lasting
legacy of fun, excitement and enviable skill for NBA fans to enjoy.
Here are my top 10 shots and moves:
10.
9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Cross-over Dribble – the AI and Tim Hardaway ankle breaker.
Pick ‘n Roll – Stockton and Malone’s unstoppable, two man game.
Tear Drop – Frenchman Tony Parker’s “gentle” dagger in the lane.
Step Back Jumper – Larry Bird’s step back with ball over head.
Fade Away – Michael Jordan perfected this un-guardable shot.
Windmill Dunk – popularized by The Human Highlight Reel.
Sky Hook – ESPN called it the greatest basketball move ever.
Finger Roll - The Ice Man’s improbable finish in the lane.
No Look Pass – Magic’s patented pass on a Showtime break.
Dream Shake – Hakeem’s spins, fakes, twists and scores.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#13 Favorite NBA Comic
As the fastest and largest snake on the African continent, the black
mamba is feared for its lethal aggressiveness and protective territorial
instincts. Basketball fans across the globe would agree that Los
Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant embodies his Black Mamba nickname.
The NBA’s fast and athletic Black Mamba plays with the same
venomous, assertive nature as his African namesake.
Kobe has coupled incredible basketball skill with an indomitable spirit
and unparalleled work ethic to become one of the very best NBA
players ever.
This universally recognized basketball star became the youngest player
in NBA history to accumulate 30,000 career points.
In spite of a season ending Achilles injury, Bryant’s incomparable
2012-13 NBA campaign demonstrated to naysayers that Kobe shows
no sign or willingness to slow down.
Around the world, basketball fans remain snake-bitten by what this
Black Mamba can do with a basketball.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#12 Favorite NBA Comic
This young NBA superstar is incredibly gifted but so understated.
Instead of an icy stare, Kevin Durant shares a warm smile.
He’s comfortable with a quasi-arachnid nickname rather than that of a
monarch or snake.
He’s a smaller market player, but wields global appeal. Durant is liked
and respected widely; not demonized and disrespected selectively.
He seems genuinely humble, dominating NBA games played by
prideful men. Instead of brandishing brawny biceps with a bevy of
tattoos, he flexes spaghetti-thin arms of clean chocolate hue.
Number 35 refers to himself in the first person rather than the royal
“we” or a global brand he’s apparently not anxious to become.
Durant’s height and length defy basketball beliefs that only those of
much shorter stature can dribble, drive and dish like he deftly does.
He still may be ring-less, but he’s already wedded to basketball fans.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#11 Favorite NBA Comic
The sports world may never again witness the “pa-role model” line-up
of the grousing and maladjusted group of knuckleheads the Portland
Trailblazers assembled in the early 2000s.
More appropriately nicknamed the Jail Blazers, Portland's franchise
featured a team filled with NBA felons, batterers, alcohol abusers,
potheads and immensely talented - yet highly dysfunctional - athletes.
These jailhouse jocks quickly antagonized the team's loyal fan base.
This was a star-studded team expected to compete for an NBA title.
Instead, the infamous Jail Blazers imploded as fast as these
thoroughbred athletes filled the lane on the fast break or showed up in
the local police precinct's arrest report.
Since the outbreak of the early 2000 Trail Blazers’ reputation, the
Portland franchise has rebuilt its once enviable team. They’ve drafted a
cadre of gifted athletes who also possess off-the-court character.
Here’s hoping these players pioneer a future trail for the City of Roses
to the NBA Finals. It’ll be better than blazing a path - like the
ignominious Jail Blazers did - back to the local jail.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#10 Favorite NBA Comic
The nickname Round Mound of Rebound doesn’t seem to fit with the
amazing basketball ability of this undersized and, at times, overweight
NBA Hall of Famer.
Charles Barkley was first known as the “fat guy who can play like the
wind.” Former Auburn University coach Sonny Smith originally joked
about the “round” in this Round Mound of Rebound when first spotting
the chubby Chuck as a high-school senior.
As it turned out, Barkley’s hefty build and shorter stature for a power
forward defied basketball wisdom. This five-time First Team all-star
became the shortest player to ever lead the NBA in rebounding.
Named one of the fifty greatest basketball players of all time, Charles
Barkley may be more popular now in the broadcasting booth than he
ever was as an 11-time NBA All Star.
Today, Barkley is known as Sir Charles on TNT’s Inside the NBA
television coverage. He cleverly reports as a truly colorful
commentator. As a popular and outspoken media personality, this
former Round Mound of Rebound doesn’t need to play the game of
basketball to throw his weight around in the court of public opinion.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#9 Favorite NBA Comic
The freakishly sculpted physical specimen known as Chocolate Thunder
never achieved the impossible expectations that others placed upon
him. But, at 6” 11” and 260 lbs, he far surpassed the entertainment
value of any person that preceded him in an NBA uniform.
Darryl Dawkins became better known for his off-beat personality and
ferocious dunking rather than for his ability to play the game of
basketball that he was expected to dominate.
Colorful and cocky, Dawkins became an instant NBA cult-hero. The
media focused on his rim-rattling dunks and his growing, outer-worldly
persona. The nutty Dawkins believed himself to be an alien from
Planet Lovetron. He claimed to practice interplanetary funksmanship
and even dated the fictional personality Juicy Lucy. Dawkins nearly
always spoke in rhyme and named his dunks things like Rim Wrecker,
In-Your-Face-Disgrace and Yo-Mama.
With Chocolate Thunder rising above the rim, NBA basketball was
always sweet to watch. This dunk-naming practitioner of interplanetary
funksmanship made the NBA a far more entertaining sport.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#8 Favorite NBA Comic
His gravity-defying dunking ability earned Michael Jordan the Air
Jordan nickname. This two-time NBA slam dunk champion soared
above all competitors. He was a six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable
Player and five-time regular season Most Valuable Player.
On the court, Jordan won six NBA titles with the Bulls. He also starred
on the gold medal winning USA Dream Team at the 1992 Olympic
Games in Barcelona.
Off the court, his Air Jordan lines of footwear and merchandised
apparel rack up billions of dollars for the Nike Corporation. Sales of his
products helped make Jordan extraordinarily wealthy.
Michael Jordan leveraged his incredible popularity. He’s created
profitable marketing deals not only with Nike, but also with the Hanes
and Gatorade brands.
Fans will remember the many championships he won, the MVP awards
he earned and the incredible feats of athleticism he demonstrated on
and above the basketball court. In more ways than one, Michael
Jordan certainly deserves his soaring title – Air Jordan.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#7 Favorite NBA Comic
Few athletes so dominated a sport that the professional league in
which they play enacted rules to make the games fair for the other
99.9% of the participants. Such was the case with Wilt Chamberlain.
Wilt so overpowered opponents when he stepped onto the hardwood
that the NBA instituted new goal tending rules and widened the lane.
The 7'1" and 260 lb. Wilt effortlessly prevailed over all smaller, less
physically gifted competitors. His towering size, strength, stamina and
scoring ability empowered him to become the greatest player the NBA
ever witnessed when he entered the league in 1959.
Also known as The Big Dipper, Goliath and Wilt the Stilt, Chamberlain
reigned as an unstoppable force in the pivot. He may be best
remembered for becoming the only NBA player to score 100 points in a
single game. Wilt's dominance as an player prompted many NBA fans
to root against this giant of a man. The fans treatment of him led
Chamberlain to famously respond, "No one ever roots for Goliath!"
Whether you were a fan of the Big Dipper or not, no one can argue
that Wilt was one dominating Goliath of an NBA basketball player.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#6 Favorite NBA Comic
Mention the name Dr. J and sports fans will immediately recognize this
basketball legend.
Julius Erving, or simply Dr. J, revolutionized the game of basketball
and elevated it to a much higher level. His amazing athleticism
changed the NBA style of play from a below the rim pick-and-roll game
to an entertaining act above the basket.
Erving’s flashy form on the court also created a whole new basketball
vocabulary. He helped introduce a more entertaining language with
terms like “slam dunk,” “no look pass” and “cross over dribble.”
Erving probably never sought a medical degree. He probably never
held a scalpel or touched a stethoscope or performed surgery.
Yet, Dr. J knew how to operate brilliantly on the basketball court.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#5 Favorite NBA Comic
This Mailman never deposited letters in mailboxes or drove a United
States Postal Service truck. But, for Utah Jazz fans, his delivery was
always guaranteed on both ends of the basketball court.
During an 18-year NBA career, Karl Malone lived up to his Mailman
nickname. Because of his rugged dependability, he became a 2010
Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame inductee.
Mailmen deliver in all kinds of weather. In Karl Malone’s case, rain,
wind, ice, snow and even other talented NBA players couldn’t keep this
power forward from succeeding on both ends of the basketball court.
Even after his retirement, NBA fans won’t forget the stamp of
excellence Karl Malone leaves behind.
When it comes to basketball, they will surely remember that this
Mailman always delivered.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#4 Favorite NBA Comic
He was every coach's dream player. This highly skilled big man
introduced a unique basketball move to the NBA during the mid 1980s.
So successful, it allowed him to easily shake free from all would-be
defenders.
Hakeem Olajuwon, or Hakeem the Dream, used a string of spins, fakes
and twists that became known as the Dream Shake. It was an
unstoppable move. The Dream Shake resulted in either an un-guarded
fade away jump shot or a fast, explosive move to the basket.
"Un-guardable," claimed rival big man and two-time NBA champion
David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs when referencing Olajuwon.
Olajuwon credits his great footwork to his youthful days playing soccer
in Nigeria. This childhood skill added to the amazing success of his
Dream Shake move during his decorated 18-year NBA career.
Ironically, the low-key Olajuwon never appeared shaken on the
basketball court. Yet, Hakeem's move will forever be remembered as a
nightmare rather than a dream for a generation of helpless NBA
centers who desperately tried to defend this Dream Shake.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#3 Favorite NBA Comic
Just a few years ago, one of the most identifiable athletes in the world
also ranked among sports fans’ most reviled. However, times have
quickly changed.
Before celebrating his first NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in
2012, LeBron James may have been the most polarizing athlete on the
planet. His decision on ESPN to leave the beaches of Cleveland's Lake
Erie for the sun drenched soil of Miami's South Beach back fired badly.
Since then, LeBron has worked as diligently on restoring his personal
reputation as he has working on winning championships in Miami.
Away from the hardwood, James also serves as a clean cut, law
abiding, family oriented role model. In addition, he has learned how to
deal with the intense media scrutiny that accompanies global celebrity.
On the court, King James has reigned supreme wherever he's laced up
his sneakers. With his improved public persona, many fans speculate
that James will become the sports world's first ever $ Billion athlete.
That’s one royal bounty fit for this NBA king.
MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#2 Favorite NBA Comic
This NBA Hall of Famer possessed incomparable ball handling, passing,
rebounding and scoring abilities never before seen in a 6’9” player.
Plus, his leadership skills were unparalleled.
It’s easy to understand why his magical basketball talent earned him
the universally recognized nickname of Magic.
Earvin Johnson, Jr. picked up the Magic nickname long before he
started vanquishing opponents and mesmerizing fans in NBA arenas.
Labeling Magic Johnson only as a basketball player would be
insufficient. The gifted guard with an assortment of basketball skills
has also showcased varied abilities during his post NBA days.
This former Los Angeles Laker has become a businessman, media
personality, investor, mentor, philanthropist, humanitarian and hero
with a megawatt smile. When you put all these elements together in
one man, you definitely have Magic.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
#1 Favorite NBA Comic
According to veteran NBA.com writer John Maxwell, “The Microwave
was one of the most colorful and appropriate nicknames in recent
sports history.”
As the sixth man, Vinnie Johnson earned his Microwave nickname as
an electrifying scorer for the Detroit Pistons off the bench.
When entering the game, Johnson never needed time to defrost. Like
a microwave, his power and energy level were set on immediate high.
During the Pistons’ 102 – 99 come back victory during the 1985 NBA
Eastern Conference Finals against the favored Boston Celtics, Johnson
scored an incredible 22 points in the fourth quarter.
Johnson’s scoring led Celtics star guard Danny Ainge to remark, “If
that guy (William Perry) in Chicago is the Refrigerator, then Vinnie
Johnson is the Microwave. He sure heated up in a hurry.”
Johnson was never named to an NBA all-star team. Yet, his iconic
Microwave label will heat up any debate about whose nickname is
hottest in NBA history.
MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!
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here is a bonus for MIKE sports comic book fans.
FREE sports comic books can be safely downloaded at no charge by
clicking on the cover images of books on the following pages.
You will be directed to the www.theemike.com web site where you can
safely download PDFs of the FREE books.
Click on yellow cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Click on yellow cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports
Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site.
Meet the MIKE Makers, Jim and Maura Sweeney, as well as the other
contributors to this unique sports property.
Jim Sweeney – Author
Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Jim grew up with a passion
for sports and fun. He played baseball, basketball, soccer and street
hockey as a kid. After graduating from the Lawrenceville School in NJ,
Jim attended Boston College and started on the school’s basketball
team for four years in a row.
Sweeney captained the Eagles from 1977 – 1980 and received the
Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the nation’s top NCAA basketball
player under six feet tall.
After a 20-year-career in sales, Jim closed the computer agency he
founded to pursue a fun career in sports entertainment. Along with his
wife Maura, Jim founded New Vision Entertainment, LLC with a desire
to positively impact others through sports and entertainment.
Jim developed MIKE as an alter-ego sports personality and has penned
30+ books under the MIKE name for both kids as well as adults.
In addition, Jim has written dozens of audio monologues and hundreds
of blogs through the voice of the MIKE character. The blogs can be
read on www.theemike.com as well as other sports sites.
Now in his fifties and living in Florida, Jim continues to play basketball
regularly – though more slowly now!
The MIKE Maker is a World Masters & World Senior Olympics
Basketball Champion as well as a seven time USA Masters Basketball
Champion in the 45+, 50+ and 55+ age groups.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdsweeney
Maura Sweeney – Publisher
A three-time best selling publisher of Inky Winky Spider pre-school
books, Maura is an author, Huffington Post contributor, video blogger
and a founder of The State of Happiness Talk Radio Show in Florida.
Maura became the driving force in encouraging her husband out of a
highly successful business and into the pursuit of his dream – to create
MIKE into the sports world’s ultimate talking head.
Maura is MIKE’s co-creator and publisher.
For more on Maura – http://www.maura4u.com
Alex Salsberg - Illustrator
Cartoonist Alex Salsberg is the man behind Poke Gravy Studios in
Boston. An ardent New England Patriots fan, Alex has created
animation and illustration for many clients including Nickelodeon and
National Lampoon.
Alex has drawn the cover and most of the artwork in the book. His
work can be seen at www.PokeGravy.com.
Kaley Sweeney - Editor
As editor, Kaley infuses youthful enthusiasm and insight into the MIKE
Sports Comic Book series.
At 21 years old, Kaley holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Boston
University and is pursuing her Master’s at Harvard University.
Kaley works as Editor of the World Photo Organization On-line
Magazine and is co-founder of Empowered Voices, a non-profit that
raises awareness for women in developing countries.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleysweeney
The MIKE sports property is expected to be seen and heard on
television, the web, radio and Jumbotrons.
MIKE is a registered Trademark. MIKE and all the artwork in this book
are the property of New Vision Entertainment, LLC.
Special thanks to these MIKE contributors:
Kevin Riley – Animator
Greg Stauffer – Studio Production
Dave Rittenhouse – Studio Production
Amy O’Hara-Cusick – Legal