Imagination Number 5 – The
Machine - By Keith Torkelson, MS
Start Circa 1997
The Net Affect – Good versus Evil
The philosophical and ethical debate surrounding "The Net
Affect" of Good versus Evil examines whether our actions, decisions, and systems result in a net-positive or
net-negative impact on society. It explores the interplay between ethical
frameworks, societal moral judgments, and personal accountability.
Does who you side with good or
evil dictate your character?
Not inherently. Character is defined by why you make your choices and
how you treat others, not the team you are on. Siding with good or evil might
define your reputation or alliances, but your true character lies in your personal morals, motivations, and daily
actions.
Imagine I’m a human. Enough said!
Rex talk to them. Tell them a
story. If you don’t I will. Indestructible! Over 40 years ago now I became an
imaginary lithium coated machine, The White Veritech. In doing so I became part of a construct I call
The Machine: Protectors from those that would annihilate everything in the
House of Order. The only thing the annihilators, giant flying enemy crabs,
wanted was to acquisition, and propagate the blueprint of life as we know it on
Earth, deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA.
The story moves to the development
of an intriguing sci-fi synergistic weapon system, the Veritech. Next, we move
ahead to a campaign which defined the fate of a population of fictional beings.
And last we address content material on fantasy.
It was the 1960s and many
television shows were still in black and white. The country was going to war
with North Vietnam. I as a child was warring along with other kids using Army Men,
War Machines, and mock guns. Yet it wasn’t the North Vietnamese or the North Koreans
that we were fighting. We were fighting the Japanese and the Germans. In one
last battle in our young minds we the Americans defeated both being a superior
power for good on earth. Then we outgrew playing War.
I was interested with defense.
Anything even nuclear stockpiling could be justified in the name of defending
one’s homeland. Through all the upheaval of the 1960s one thing emerged.
Although the United States was not for the most part remedying global threats
in reality, the good guys were kicking some serious… in the realm of
imagination.
On TV there was an interplanetary
family, the Herculoids, which fought for the preservation of their home-world, Amzot,
with great success. There were several super powered aliases, Prince Planet, and
(TOBOR) The Eight/Eighth Man are examples. There was King Kong a huge
biological with great strength and compassion. All of these and more fought to
maintain order in some way or another.
From the beginning in that decade
long ago I found this imaginary realm, animated cartoons, interesting, telling,
intriguing, and entertaining. There were several storylines playing Saturday
mornings and weekday afternoons. There was Magic, Superpowers, and The Machine
of machines.
The Machine is an arsenal of
machines of great technology immensely ordered in its form and function. The
machine initiative fought imaginary wars. Yet in general the machine left an
aftermath of order for the victor and chaos (Entropy) for the loser.
I was but a child during the 60s
and many of the animated adventures that I so loved feature synergistic Machine(s),
pre-eminently Gigantor the “space age robot”. Gigantor was a tall powerful,
invincible, and robust robot controlled by a 12 year old, Jim, via a handheld
joystick assembly. Gigantor could fly and supercharge his potential energy with
solar energy utilizing a device likened to a Solex. In our fantasy world a
Solex is an Iridium-based battery assembly.
Our Gigantor collects sun energy via a lithium solar sensitive
(photovoltaic), absorbent paint-job.
Week after week watching the Gigantor
Saga unfold, the most impressive thing was how demonstrating synergism Gigantor
with the kid, Jim, they could obliterate armies of enemy people and representatives
of bigger, seemingly “badder”, robots mid-stream or during the final encounter.
An interesting theme surfaced
after I thought about the machine(s). The machine on our side nearly always won
during the 60s. In other words, good nearly always triumphed over, staying,
evil.
For 10 years I kept track of the
tallies. During the late 70s the battle continued producing conservative more ethical
tunes. Yet I never did forget those daily battles between good and evil of the
60s. During the 1980s I took my mind off TV concentrating on my studies. In what
seemed like no time (3 Years) I returned to watching the imaginary wars for
children in tunes. This time the synergistic machines, the likes of Voltron, were
still winning.
In 1985 a surprising thing transpired,
the machine lost and the life on a planet was annihilated. It came during an episode of Robotech. Not
even the synergistic Veritech could stay the dismal fate for planetary life.
After watching the saga unfold morning after morning crab-like enemy spacecraft
decimated a planet with a force so supreme that not a living thing survived.
The end had come to a planets (good) populous in the realm of imagination. The imaginary battles still rage today in the
2020s via video games, figurines, anime, animation, and cartoons.
Robotech
The Invid did not destroy a planet. Instead, their own original home-world was
destroyed by the Haydonites (also known as the Children of the Shadow). Because
the Haydonites feared the power of Protoculture, they attacked and devastated
the Invid's first planet in the distant past. The surviving Invid eventually
fled and settled on the planet Optera, which was later defoliated and ruined by
the Robotech Masters.
FAQ - Are the Robotech Masters
good?
Aside - Energy
Iridium Battery Technology (IBT)
There is no commercial battery entirely constructed of iridium.
Instead, iridium plays a critical role as an advanced electro catalyst in cutting-edge energy storage and
conversion systems, particularly in "liquid batteries" and hydrogen
fuel cells.
Lithium Photovoltaic Paint (LPP)
Photovoltaic paint (or solar
paint) is an emerging,
experimental liquid coating that converts sunlight into electricity. By
suspending nanoscale semiconductors—such as perovskite or quantum dots—in a
liquid base, this technology allows virtually any surface, from residential
walls to electric vehicles, to act as a silent power generator.
Metamorphic Iridium
In geology, "metamorphic iridium" typically refers to the extremely rare, native iridium
(or iridium-platinum alloys) and Platinum-Group Minerals (PGMs) that form or
recrystallize during the intense heat, pressure, and fluid interactions of
regional metamorphism.
Iridium Economy
The Iridium Metal Economy
(Precious Metals Market)
In material economics, iridium is one of the rarest, most
corrosion-resistant precious metals on Earth. Its economic footprint relies
heavily on its unique supply constraints and critical applications:
Supply & Demand: Primary production is highly concentrated in just
a handful of deep mines in South
Africa and Russia. Because it is a byproduct of platinum mining, supply
is relatively inelastic and susceptible to geopolitical and mining disruptions.
Emerging Demand: Beyond traditional uses in spark plugs and specialty
alloys, iridium demand is expected to increase due to the expanding hydrogen economy. It acts as a critical catalyst
in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, which are used to produce
green hydrogen. Market Tracking: Iridium pricing is volatile and highly
sensitive to supply chain bottlenecks. For authoritative supply models, price
forecasting, and PGM (platinum group metal) market trends, access the SFA
(Oxford) Quarterly Iridium Market Report.
Iridium Mining in the Grand
Canyon - Fallacy
FAQ - Where on earth are the
iridium rich layers (deposits) located?
Tolkienism – We Totally Ignore
Tolkienism is a term usually referring to J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary
style, mythology, or his devoted fandom… or specific mythological accuracy.
Legendarium
The term "legendarium" most famously refers to the vast, connected body of mythological
and fantastical works by J.R.R. Tolkien. It encompasses all of his writings
regarding the history of Arda and Middle-earth, including The Hobbit, The Lord
of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
Good and Evil in Star Wars
At its core, Star Wars is a foundational modern myth built on a classic battle of good versus evil,
represented by selflessness and the protection of life against tyranny,
selfishness, and chaos. However, the exact definitions of what makes each side
"good" or "bad" have evolved significantly across various
narratives and fan interpretations.
What impact does Star Wars have
on kids?
Star Wars impacts kids by serving as a modern moral fable that teaches core values like courage,
hope, and friendship. It also acts as a creative catalyst for imaginative play, though the
intense action can be frightening for very young children
Convergence of Fact with Fantasy
"Convergence of Fact with Fantasy" is a philosophical,
narrative, and communicative phenomenon. It explores how objective realities and subjective
imagination blur into a singular, shared truth.
Good and Evil in the Marvel Multi-verse
In the Marvel Multiverse, "good" and "evil" are rarely absolute. Instead,
morality is depicted as a deeply subjective and fluid concept. Characters
frequently cross moral boundaries, driven by subjective philosophies, trauma,
or the belief that their destructive actions are justified for a "greater good".
Good and Evil on Netflix
Netflix features several excellent animated shows that tackle the classic
battle between Good and Evil. Whether you prefer dark fantasy, adult comedies, or family-friendly superhero
adventures, there are highly rated options streaming right now.
In animation is good or evil
winning
In mainstream animation, good almost
always wins. Studios like Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks typically rely
on "setup and payoff" storytelling, where good triumphs to provide a
satisfying, hopeful conclusion
for audiences. However, in darker genres like anime, villains or morally
ambiguous characters frequently achieve victory.
Big O the meaning of: In the name
of god ye not guilty
The iconic phrase "Cast in the Name of God, Ye Not Guilty"
from the anime The Big O acts as a mecha's system authorization and absolution. It signifies that because the
giant robot (Megadeus) was built in the name of God, its pilot is absolved of
the sin of destruction when using it for righteous
protection. It acts as a moral shield and a judge of character; if the
pilot's intentions are pure, they are declared "Not Guilty." If the
machine rejects a pilot with malicious intent, it will flash the words "Ye
Guilty" and consume them.
Were all megadeus’ built in the
name of God?
No, they were not. In the lore of the anime The Big O, Megadeuses (or
Megadei) were built by humanity. They served various roles as ancient weapons,
city defenders, or tools for conquering. Only specific "Big-class" Megadeuses (like Big O, Big Duo, and
Big Fau) display the famous line "Cast in the name of God, Ye not
guilty". The anime's director included this phrase as an homage to the
swords of 17th-century executioners. It was meant to absolve the executioner
(or pilot) of the sin of murder, essentially framing them as instruments of divine justice.
The Good and Evil of AI
Artificial Intelligence is neither inherently good nor evil. Like fire
or electricity, it is a powerful tool whose impact depends entirely on human
intent and regulation. While it promises unprecedented leaps in innovation, it
equally carries massive risks
in the wrong hands.
Enders Game
Ender's Game is a 1985 military
science fiction novel by American
author Orson Scott Card. Set at an unspecified date in Earth's future, the
novel presents an imperiled humankind after two conflicts with an insectoid alien species they dub
"the buggers". Humans win the war against the alien Formics (or
"Buggers") by utilizing a young boy named Ender Wiggin to command the
International Fleet. In the final, decisive battle, Ender bypasses the enemy
fleet to fire a planet-destroying device directly at the Formic home-world,
wiping out the entire alien race in one strike. The victory relies on a
devastating deception: The Simulation: International Fleet command manipulates Ender into believing
he is participating in a series of final, high-stakes combat simulations at the
Command School.
Latest good versus evil animated
features
The best modern "good versus evil" animated features offer
thrilling battles between righteousness
and malevolence, with stunning visuals and epic lore. These cinematic
adventures—ranging from high-stakes martial arts quests to reimagined fantasy
realms—stand out for their storytelling:
Sample Cartoons
The 7 Deadly Sins
The story of the Seven Deadly Sins follows a legendary group of exiled
warriors who were falsely framed
for plotting a coup against the Liones Kingdom. To clear their names, the
warriors reunite with the third princess, Elizabeth, to defeat the tyrannical
Holy Knights and take back the realm
Last Airbender - 96% liked this
TV show - Google users
The world is divided into four nations -- the Water Tribe, the Earth
Kingdom, the Fire Nation and the Air Nomads -- each represented by a natural
element for which the nation is named. Benders have the ability to control and
manipulate the element from their nation. Only the Avatar is the master of all four elements. The ruthless Fire
Nation wants to conquer the world but the only bender who has enough power, the
Avatar, has disappeared ... until now. His tribe soon discovers that Aang is
the long-lost Avatar. Now Katara and Sokka must safeguard Aang on his journey
to master all four elements and save the world from the Fire Nation.
Full Metal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is a critically
acclaimed Japanese manga series by Hiromu Arakawa, serialized from 2001
to 2010, following brothers Edward
and Alphonse Elric on a quest for the Philosopher's Stone to restore
their bodies after a failed alchemical attempt to resurrect their mother. Set
in a steampunk world, the story explores themes of sacrifice, morality, and
family as they navigate a world of alchemy, military conspiracies, and
homunculi. The series concluded with 27 volumes and has been adapted into two
popular anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Fullmetal Alchemist:
Brotherhood (2009). Themes: The story delves into the consequences of ambition,
the meaning of humanity, and the bonds of family, featuring action, intrigue,
and philosophical questions.
Can Jesus Occupy Alphonse Elrics
Armor?
Alchemically, yes. If we view this as a purely theoretical
question governed by the rules of Fullmetal Alchemist, a soul is a soul—whether
it belongs to a historical/religious figure or an ordinary person. So long as a
"blood seal" is drawn in the armor, the soul can anchor to it. However, looking at the physics and
lore of Alphonse Elric's armor, there are several nuances to this idea: The
Blood Seal: In Fullmetal Alchemist, binding a soul to metal requires a specific
alchemical blood rune. Without Edward or a skilled alchemist applying the seal
with the targeted blood, the soul will simply drift away into the afterlife. No
Room for Two: The armor already contains Alphonse Elric’s soul. Because the
magic specifically ties a single soul to a single suit of armor, there is no
spatial capacity for multiple souls to share the vessel at the same time. Physical
vs. Divine: If a divine figure's soul
were placed inside the armor, they would take on the mechanical limitations of
Al's vessel. The suit requires no food or sleep but is devoid of physical
sensation and must avoid damage to the blood seal to prevent the soul from
detaching. If you are thinking of a philosophical crossover rather than a
strict alchemical one, figures like Edward Elric are sometimes discussed in
theological essays as having "Christ-like" or Adam-like roles, but as
a literal magical construct, it would be a "one soul per suit" rule.
Source of Armors in Full Metal
Alchemist
In Fullmetal Alchemist, the most prominent suit of armor belongs to
Alphonse Elric. This specific suit was
an antique piece previously owned by his father, Van Hohenheim, and stored in
the basement of the Elric family home in Resembool. Origin of Alphonse's Armor Source:
It is part of Hohenheim’s personal
collection of antique armors, originally located in the family
basement. Material & Design: The suit is a large, full-body plate armor with
medieval and jousting aesthetics. Its specific backstory in the manga notes it
is a specialized piece known as an "Ogre Head" armor.
Why Would Jesus Want Armor?
In Christian theology, Jesus does
not need armor for his own protection, as he is viewed as the
all-powerful Son of God. Instead, the concept of the "Armor of God"
is a metaphor from Ephesians 6 describing the spiritual defenses He provides to
His followers to withstand temptation and darkness.Theologically, this armor
essentially represents the attributes and presence of Jesus Himself.
Animated “Bleach”
BLEACH (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese anime television series
based on the manga series Bleach by Tite Kubo. It was produced by Studio
Pierrot and directed by Noriyuki Abe. The series aired on TV Tokyo from October
2004 to March 2012, spanning 366
episodes. The story follows the adventures of the teenage Ichigo
Kurosaki after he obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper—a death personification
similar to the Grim Reaper—from a Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki. His newfound
powers allow him to take on the duties of defending humans from evil spirits called
"Hollows" and guiding departed souls to the afterlife. In addition to
adapting the manga series it is based on, the anime includes original
self-contained storylines and characters not found in the source material.
Dragon Ball Series
The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, spans multiple
anime series, manga, and films. The core chronological
viewing order starts with Dragon Ball, follows with Dragon Ball Z (or the
streamlined Dragon Ball Z Kai), continues through Dragon Ball Super, and
features the latest canon entry, Dragon Ball Daima.
Mortal Kombat Anime
No, Mortal Kombat is not an anime. It is an American media franchise
created by the video game company Midway
Games (now NetherRealm Studios) and owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.
While it has spawned several animated adaptations, they are produced by Western
studios.
Cowboy Beebop
Cowboy Bebop is a Japanese neo-noir space Western anime television
series that aired on TV Tokyo and Wowow from 1998 to 1999. Created and animated
by Sunrise, it was led by a production team of director Shinichirō Watanabe,
screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto, character designer Toshihiro Kawamoto, mechanical
designer Kimitoshi Yamane, and composer Yoko Kanno, who are collectively billed
as Hajime Yatate. The series, which ran for twenty-six episodes (dubbed
"sessions"), is set in the
year 2071 and follows the lives of a traveling bounty-hunting crew
aboard a spaceship, the Bebop. Although it incorporates a wide variety of
genres, the series draws most heavily from science fiction, Western, and noir
films. It explores themes such as existential boredom, loneliness, and the
inability to escape one's past.
Samurai Jack
After being sent into the
future by evil wizard Aku, young samurai Jack makes a quest to return
to the past and undo the destruction caused by the wizard. Along the way Jack
enlists allies to defeat some of Aku's henchmen and other villains before
getting to the top dog to defeat him and find the portal that can return Jack
to his own time. `Samurai Jack' was created by Genndy Tartakovsky, who had
previously created `Dexter's Laboratory', one of Cartoon Network's first
original series.
Star Wars Animated Features
The Star Wars franchise boasts a rich catalog of animated features, series, and short films. While only one
fully theatrical animated feature exists, Lucasfilm has produced several
standalone television movies, mini-series, and sprawling anthologies that are
essential to the broader galaxy's storytelling.
Theatrical Film Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008): This
computer-animated film served as a theatrical pilot to kick off the hit
television series, following Anakin Skywalker and his new apprentice Ahsoka
Tano as they attempt to rescue Jabba the Hutt's kidnapped son during the early
days of the Clone Wars.
Television Movies & Micro-Series
Star Wars: Ewoks (1985–1986): A classic 2D animated series, two
made-for-television movies were also adapted from its universe:
The Haunted Village (1986)
Tales from the Endor Woods (1986)
Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003–2005): A 2D micro-series created by Genndy
Tartakovsky. It bridges the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the
Sith, following the Jedi as they lead the Republic army.
Star Wars Forces of Destiny (2017–2018): A 2D animated micro-series
consisting of short, standalone stories focusing on the heroic women of Star
Wars, such as Rey, Jyn Erso, and Padmé Amidala.
Anthology & Short Series
Star Wars:
Visions (2021–Present): An acclaimed anthology series where top
Japanese anime studios and other global creators offer non-canon, highly
stylized, and culturally unique takes on the Star Wars mythos.
Tales Platform (2022–2025): Created by Dave Filoni, this critically
praised animated miniseries format explores the backstories of various
prominent characters. It includes:
Tales of the Jedi (2022)
Tales of the Empire (2024)
Tales of the Underworld (2025)
Mainline Series
In addition to the one-off features and anthologies, the franchise
features several multi-season animated epics that vastly expand the canon:
Star Wars: Droids (1985–1986)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020)
Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018)
Star Wars Resistance (2018–2020)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021–2024)
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (2023–2025)
Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord
For tips on how the animation
style of Star Wars has evolved over the years:
Star Wars animation has evolved from stylized, angular 3D in The Clone
Wars to deeply cinematic, textured realism in The Bad Batch, while also
exploring diverse anime aesthetics in Star Wars: Visions. This progression
highlights Lucasfilm's push to balance evolving storytelling tones with
cutting-edge visual technology.
Is anime real?
Anime is fake. It is a style of animated entertainment
(like cartoons) originating from Japan, which means the characters, powers, and
stories are completely fictional.
Will AI be able to create AI?
Yes, AI can absolutely be used to create other
AI. Today, large, powerful AI models and specialized platforms can
automatically design, fine-tune, or code new AI systems. Here are the primary
ways it is done: Automated Machine Learning (AutoML): Algorithms (like Google's AutoML) and platforms use AI to
automate the design, testing, and tuning of new machine learning models,
essentially allowing AI to build its own "children" models. AI-Generated
Code: You can use coding assistants to prompt an AI (like ChatGPT or Claude) to
write the complete Python scripts, frameworks, and logic needed to build and
deploy a brand-new AI agent or web app. Model Fine-Tuning: Large models can be
instructed to generate synthetic data or fine-tune smaller, open-source models
for highly specific tasks like audio processing or data monitoring. For an
inside look at using AI app builders to conceptualize and test AI workflows
instantly:
FYI - Can Robots create Robots?
https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/03/evolved-robots-are-born-to-run-and-refuse-to-die
These robots are born to run —
and never die
AI-designed met machines run in
the wild, recover from damage and transform into new shapes
March 6, 2026 | By Amanda Morris
Will drones be able to think for
themselves?
Yes, drones are rapidly moving from being
remotely piloted to thinking for themselves. Thanks to onboard Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and edge computing, modern drones can now map, navigate, identify
objects, and adapt to
unpredictable environments on their
own, all without needing a GPS connection or constant human input.
What is the next step for Aura
the Robot?
Sphere Entertainment (Las Vegas)
For the life-size "spokesbot" located in the grand atrium of
the Sphere in Las Vegas, the next step involves ongoing experiential evolution. As she interacts with human guests,
Aura's underlying AI is designed to continuously "learn" about human behaviors, humor, and emotions
over time, allowing her to advance her conversational capabilities and answer
increasingly complex engineering and trivia questions.
What is the future of Atlas
Robots?
The future of the Boston Dynamics Atlas lies in large-scale industrial
manufacturing, complex material handling, and "Physical AI." Backed
by Hyundai, the all-electric humanoid is transitioning from an impressive
R&D project into an enterprise-ready
workforce solution designed to take on physically demanding and
dangerous human tasks.
Gigantor
(Tetsujin Nijūhachi-gō; lit. "Iron Man No. 28") is a 1963
anime adaptation of Tetsujin 28-go, a manga by Mitsuteru Yokoyama released in
1956. It debuted on US television
in January 1966. As with Speed Racer, the characters' original names were
altered and the original series' violence was toned down for American
viewers.[1] The dub was created by Fred Ladd distributed in the US by Peter
Rodgers Organization.
Eight Man
8 Man, Eightman, or 8th Man is a manga and superhero anime created in
1963 by science-fiction writer Kazumasa Hirai and manga artist Jiro Kuwata. 8
Man is considered Japan's earliest
cyborg superhero, predating Kamen Rider. The manga was published in
Weekly Shōnen Magazine and ran from 1963 to 1966.
Cyborg
A cyborg (short for "cybernetic organism") is a being that integrates both biological and
artificial parts. Coined in 1960, the term originally described
modified humans capable of surviving in space. Today, it spans everything from
restorative medical implants to speculative sci-fi enhancements.
FYI - Newer Good versus Evil
Cartoons (Anime)
https://www.google.com/search?q=Newest+Good+Versus+Evil
FYI - Star Wars Time-line
https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/17mbnti/yall_liked_my_last_years_timeline_so_here_is_a/
1960s Cartoon List
List of animated television
series of the 1960s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_animated_television_series_of_the_1960s
Close on Fantasy Metals (List)
https://list.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_fictional_super_metals
- Adamantium
- Beskar
- Mithril
- Vibranium
- Uru
The End
999
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