Richard Minino
by Adrienne Lee
(HORSEBITES) Minino: Modern Heraldry
Civilized societies in the 21st century have
no need for knights in shining armor riding
upon valiant steeds. The Middle Ages were
a time of darkness, plague, and war and
champions were needed to defend lands
and kings. Knights were the superheroes of
their time, riding off to battle clad in mag-
nifi cent suits of armor and bearing splendid
crests upon their shields. Returning from the
fi ght was proof enough of their superhuman
abilities and the stories told of these glorious
warriors would quickly became the founda-
tion for lore and legend.
Middle Ages, but with more magic, quests,
battles, and knight-like heroes. Despite all
the fi ctional appropriation, certain profound
themes of knighthood remain—the freedom
that comes from seeking adventure and the
bravery to explore even the darkest roads.
Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts are the
medieval knights of today, tapping into that
same adventurous spirit. They seek nothing
more than the independence to travel and
live their lives as they see fi t, with no one
interfering or imposing any kind of restric-
tions. Whether traveling alone or in groups,
Over the centuries, fact evolved into fanta- each biker bears his or her colors and crests,
sy, and the allure of knighthood still perme- much like the knights of old. This modern
ates the psyche of modern thought. Films heraldry is rooted in the pageantry of knight-
about King Arthur, the Knights of the Round hood and pays homage to all the champions
Table, and other medieval heroes are made who came before.
and remade and rebooted for every new
generation. The Tolkiens, Martins, Roth- Richard Minino (aka HORSEBITES) trans-
fusses, and other literary wizards set their lates this pageantry to the steeds and armor
stories in fi ctional worlds parallel to the of contemporary bikers. By customizing gas
Heebie Jeebie Hats on Roach Tank - airbrush, paint on steel gas tank
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