Real Superman? Here in Vallejo?

Real Superman? Here in Vallejo?

In times of perhaps the greatest blends of ‘hope versus despair’ for a nation in deep hangover due to a long overseas war and tail-spinning economy, Vallejo now garners the Bay Area spotlight once again: only this time for a reason quite beyond the explainable. It comes with a pragmatic irony, on the heels of the first elected African American President and a feeling that we finally have a true White House hero, that the city of Vallejo now boasts a different kind all its own. The event brings up questions: Does the mind really have power over the physical universe? Is there really such a thing as destiny? -or, my favorite- Does George Lucas’“The Force” actually exist? 

Perhaps a childhood dream for many, the thought of one day flying through the air, rescuing the meek, eventually gives way to the more practical: graduating with honors, landing that job, building that 401 retirement. Something we all eventually come to embrace is that these people simply aren’t real. However, and for the true believer in all of us, something happened last week which has left our staff completely, and hopelessly, drawn. Are Superheros real? You betcha!  

“I have no idea of what is was,” reports 66 y/o Arthur McCullough, longtime Vallejo resident and original inventor of the ‘spoon’. “I only saw what I saw. The guy saved my life.”

Last Friday evening was when it happened. After enjoying dinner at the Sardine Can, Arthur decided he’d take his evening walk along the beautiful Vallejo waterfront. “I remember every detail,” declares the victim. “The sunset was gorgeous and I’ve always dreamed of owning my own sailboat. The gate was open so I ventured in. But something happened because when I got to the end of the pier the dock began to shake, and I fell face first into the Bay.”

Being the most unwilling land-lubber, Arthur had never taken the time to learn to swim. “I struggled, I choked, I felt myself going down. That’s when he showed up. This crazy looking young man in a silver suit appeared out of nowhere, and suddenly he was in the water with me. I felt him grab hold and he said to relax. Next thing I know he’s lifting me out of the water and setting me on the bowsprit of one of the boats.” It should be mentioned the Mr. McCullough is 6 foot two, weighing 220 lbs. “He seemed to float right out of the water with me over his shoulder. It was the strangest thing in my entire life.”

When asked if the mystery hero wore a mask, Arthur answers most emphatically. “Yes! He looked like something out of the comic books, with a certain Animalia flare. Ferocious, yet gentle.” As he recounts his tale Arthur shakes his head. “Those eyes. I’ll never forget those eyes: piercing green. I thanked him and asked his name. He said his name was Seawolf. Then, he just disappeared. I sat on that bowsprit for at least ten minutes thanking God. And... I guess I thanked him for Seawolf as well... at least a dozen times. Yeah...Seawolf. I’ll never forget him til the day I die.”

Seawolf indeed! When asked about his earlier dinner Arthur insisted that he only enjoyed the fish n chips with a glass of iced tea. “Haven’t had a drop of alcohol in twenty-two years. All I know is that somebody saved me from drowning, and I wish I could see him again. I’d be happy to take a lie detector test too.”

We don’t think that will be necessary. Regardless of the details involved, it seems that Arthur McCullough’s story has done something. His tale has awoken a long lost fantasy in perhaps all of us: the unwavering belief that something else is out there, watching and protecting. Is it all true? You be the judge. One thing however is undoubtedly certain. Whether it be the belief in superheros -or- just relief that our country is finally on the precipice of change, this has been the greatest story I’ve gotten to cover in months, and, if that says anything as to the mood of our nation, I think we’re all going to be just fine.

Thank you Arthur. And thank you Mr. Seawolf. We’re proud to have you both. 

-Jason Hamilton, HCA Director