At first, I question myself; "What can determine an ultimate Mega Man fan?" "Am I worthy of such a title?". I then answer with honesty and hopefully clarity that I know I am such. Ever since I first played a Mega Man game on the NES I instantly began to feel a strong connection with the series, with this blue figure blasting his way across the screen which truly effected and entranced me with such flash and fun. Even today I still feel this special sensation only a Mega Man game can bring. For me, their replay value is unlimited and they never get old. Each games music is so well composed and invigorates my musical mind. No matter what new fad came along, Mega Man always kept his place regardless of all other franchises. For every Mega Man game/item I own, I have vivid recall of exactly how I obtained it. It seems more as if a sacred treasure than a series; it indeed is more. One may seem it wierd or silly that when in times of trouble or when any sort of negative emotion or feeling overshadowed me, that I always turned to a blue light to find solice and refuge. In any forlorn situation, Mega Man has been a medicine to brighten my mood and spirits and to heal any ailments. In a way, I sort of delved into the world of Mega Man in my youth, and still reside within it today. Its a unique series in its own right but I see more to it than just a series, I see it as a story. One may think that it is cliche but I think it as creativity and care in its ultimate form. A tale that can be linked to our very world in subconcious, somewhat subliminal ways, showing similarities and delivering insight and moral to what was, and what lies ahead. I mention in my context that Mega Man has always been there and as I ever changed and grew as I aged, so did Mega Man with new forms and new series. In a sense, Mega and I matured over time and no matter what game or series, I always have a strong, intertwined connection with it. This fact may be hard to fathom, or as a matter of fact, you may relate. Forms of media whenever I watch, play, or listen, always connect me to a certain point in time from when I played. Anything and everything that occured at that point in time, as I play the certain media again, memories rush back to greet me. Mega Man is no exception. Mega Man games link me and my memories to some of the most mega moments in my life. Its quite refreshing when I play a MegaMan game because in my subconcious memory, I relive some of the greatest moments in my existence. That is something I could never experience so vividly elsewhere, from anything else. Other media may have the effect, but they sometimes dont bring back the best of times. A question that I addressed at the beginning of this explanation was "What makes an Ultimate Mega Man Fan?". Many can say that a large collection is proof of their claim as a fan. That would be true, but others might not afford such rare and special items. Others are extremely talented artists, while some may not be much of a Da Vinci at all. Music is another form. What I am trying to relay is simply that there are many ways more that can portray the vastness of one's fan feelings. There is really no ultimate fan. I feel there is an entire conglomerate, a syndicate, a "unity" of ultimate fans. I personally feel I am one of those ultimate, true blue Mega Fans, not because of my collection, which may not be as large as others, not because of my art which may not be as skillful as others, or any other form that may not measure up. I feel I can be among the greatest of fans because I see MegaMan, not as a simple series or franchise, but as a special piece of my life. A certain part of it that defines who I am. An item of my past that has woven its way into my future, and whenever that future looks grim, I know it will be alright as long as Mega Man is around, for he has always been there. Mega Man brings that special feeling, or should I say, he is that feeling that I feel everyday, and feeling this unique emotion lets me know that I can be called amongst the greatest of Mega Men.

If I happen to be amongst the winners of this contest, it just may let everyone else know too.

McCartney "Mac" Kellam