Sunday, March 17, 2024

Marvel Comics Essential Rawhide Kid Vol. 1

Saddle up your horse, strap on your six-guns, polish up your spurs and get ready to adventure out into the Old West.

Back when Marvel Comics was still Atlas Comics and Martin Goodman was the owner Westerns were hugely popular.

Western movies, TV shows, toys and merchandise were all the craze then, especially with kids.

Atlas Comics had its selection of Western titles such as the original Ghost Rider, Two-Gun Kid and Rawhide Kid.

Eventually when Atlas became Marvel Westerns fell out of favor. Early on during the transition Westerns were holding on-the most popular being Rawhide Kid.

To Marvel’s credit (and writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby-among others) the Rawhide Kid remained poplar and was even incorporated into the Marvel Comics Universe through the clever use of time travel.

In fact, occasionally the Western stars of Atlas/Marvel would rear their cowboy hat covered heads now and again.

In the Marvel Comics Essential Rawhide Kid Volume One oversize softbound book the Marvel Rawhide Kid series is reprinted in black and white starting with issues #17 through #35.

Along with interior pages the covers are reprinted along with the text stories included with each issue.

It’s interesting how Kirby, Heck, Lee and other artists were able to make the stories of the Kid almost appear as superhero tales using interesting characters, dynamic covers and page layouts and eve some Western lore such as Indian spirits and the like.

For some over the top Western action be sure to check out the Rawhide Kid.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." — John 5:24

Friday, March 15, 2024

Alfa Romeo

Mention Alfa Romeo and car enthusiasts nearly swoon.

Known as one of some the most prized automobiles ever manufactured Alfa Romeo automobiles have caused many a car lover to lust for them for over a century.

In Alfa Romeo An Illustrated History 1910-2020, Schiffer Publishing presents the ultimate illustrations, photographs and historical accounting of some of the most prestigious automobiles ever created.

Known primarily for its sleek and flashy sports cars Alfa Romeo offers much more than driving luxury and speed.

Inside the book, filled with historical text, specs and brilliant color photos (some two-page spreads) readers are provided a highly-detailed accounting of the manufacturing, design and history of the vehicles.

Take a tour of a Alfa Romeo factory, discover non-sports car models and learn about the effort and search for perfection that goes into each vehicle.

Interiors, suspensions, engines, accessories, aero-dynamics, and so much more are explored in the most minute detail.

This beautifully hardbound book features a full-color photo cover, glossy interior pages and highly-detailed and crystal clear photos.

Get ready for the ride of your life as you flip thorough the book’s pages and imagine yourself behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:26-27

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

All In The Family

Up until the early 1970s network TV consisted of powder puff comedies that were silly, sanitary and safe.

CBS was the king of late night comedies with such shows as The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Petticoat Junction and other soft-pedal pabulum.

All that changed in the1971 when, in a bold move, CBS introduced a TV series that knocked traditional TV comedy on its collective rear end.

That show was All In The Family, created by Norman Lear.

I remember vividly watching the first episodes and was shocked by the racial jabs, colorful language and verbal tit for tat among the cast of characters.

All In The Family was inspired by and adapted from a British TV series. Its creator Norman Lear pushed creativity, social taboos and the CBS Network to the edge.

The show was instantly popular when it premiered and stayed so throughout its entire run.

Subjects never touched upon before on TV were fair game and, while it was a comedy, it was not afraid to get its hands and feet dirty depicting real life social, political, religious and family life.

It’s characters were flawed, often at odds with each other and happy endings didn’t always happen.

And yet, it was obvious that members of the Archie Bunker household loved each other.

The show became so popular that many of the guest characters spotlighted in its many episodes branched off into their own series such as The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude.

The show ran nine seasons ending with Edith’s death. Carol O’Conner (Archie Bunker) would go on to star in his own spin-off: Archie Bunker’s Place, for several more years.

The gorgeous, hardbound book contains key episode spotlights, script excerpts, cast interviews and so much more complemented by full-color photos.

It’s all here. It’s All In The Family, by Norman Lear and published by Rizzoli/Universal.

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The Jeep

During World War II the United States military needed a fast, highly-maneuverable, rugged and inexpensive vehicle that could transport not only troops but equipment and weapons as well.

It would need to traverse the varied landscapes of both Europe and the Pacific isles in all types of weather. What was finally selected was the Jeep.

Inspired by both the Allied and Axis powers small vehicles the Jeep was the U.S. military’s answer for the need for speed, and durability in a multi-purpose vehicle.

The Jeep History Of A World War II Legend, is written and researched by David Dalet and Christophe Le Bitoux and published by Schiffer Publishing.

Learn how the little, rugged vehicle came about, its various types and uses, markings, costs, uses and everything imaginable about the Jeep.

Filled with black and white and color archival photographs the thin hardbound book contains historical facts and a price guide.

Discover the secrets about the vehicle which helped win the war.

If you are a WWII history buff or love vintage vehicles this book is a ‘must-have’.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6


    Sunday, March 10, 2024

    London From The Air

    As a kid I never really understood or grasped what England was. 
     
    I read and learned about as it pertained to the American Revolutionary War when I was in school.

    Other than that it never really interested me. Until I started listening to The Beatles.

    I became fascinated with all things English-mostly about London. Piccadilly Square, The Royal Castle, The Tower of London, The London Bridge-it was all fascinating.

    I hope to visit London one day. Until then I content myself with Rizzoli/Universal’s London From The Air book, by writer and photographer Jeffrey Milstein.

    Breathtaking is the best way to describe the color photos that fill the book.

    The deluxe hardbound book, with dust cover, consists of high gloss, coated paper interior pages that really make the photos pop!

    The high resolution photos, take from a helicopter, spotlight famous sites in London (and not so famous sites) taken during the day and night.

    London really shines at night.

    Is it any wonder it is one the most visited cities in the world?

    Even from the air the city seems so alive, bustling with activity, serene with its quiet parks and public areas and impressive buildings, skyscrapers, business areas and residential streets.

    I feel as if I’ve actually visited the city-I can’t wait to do so in real life.

    Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13

    Friday, March 8, 2024

    Mac And The Milestone Of Time

    Mac-a little field mouse, lives in the Old Wye Mill.

    While playing with a friend outside Mac is attacked and snatched by a bird of prey.  The bird was too close to the mill and smacked into the wall causing Max to fall into the millstone's center hole.  

    Pop! Suddenly there were swirling lights and Mac found himself in the past.

    Panicked and desperate Mac only wants to find his way home. But, in order to do so he must travel the decades, with the assist of his ancestors, reliving the history of the Old Wye Mill.

    Along the way, beginning in 1682, he experiences pivotal points in history such as the Revolutionary War, The Civil War and other important events taking place in and around the mill.

    What a wonderful adventure. Kids of 2nd to 6th grade level are sure to love these historical adventures of Mac. It’s a great way to learn about American history, figures and our country.

    Thrill to Mac’s adventures when he encounters a hungry snake and cat, meets some fellow woodland and pond creatures, stumbles upon his ancestors and learns about the impressive history of the Old Wye Mill, the oldest operating gristmill in the United States.

    The book also includes black and white illustrations, a diagram of the mill and even how to make Maryland Beaten Biscuits.

    Author and artist Timothy Young and Schiffer Kids present: Mac And The Millstone Of Time, a delightful small hardbound book that brings American history alive. Highly recommended!

    "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." — 1 Corinthians 15:58

    Tuesday, March 5, 2024

    Astronaut Brent



    After the events of The Planet Of The Apes a second astronaut arrives to find out what happened to the first crew of astronauts in the film Beneath The Planet Of The Apes.

    The Astronaut Brent 12-inch fully articulated figure comes in a Sideshow Collectibles flip lid box with information about the movie on the inside of the flap.

    The cover of the box is a recreation of the movie’s poster.

    Inside the 12-inch figure is snug (along with its accessories) inside a form-fitted, clear plastic cocoon and plastic straps seen through a clear plastic viewing panel.

    What Brent finds when he lands on The Planet Of The Apes is not what he expected, especially when he runs up against what’s left of humanity.

    The fully-articulated Astronaut Brent figure comes posed a little different than most Sideshow figures.  Brent has his hands behind his back.

    The figure’s face has a beard, a sharp nose, blue eyes with large brown eyebrows and slightly unkempt hair.  Coloration is slightly varied giving the skin tone a more realistic look.  Sculpt work is tight, crisp and well executed.

    The figure comes with preset hands that can hold the accessories with no slippage or at odd angles.

    Accessories include a silver folding shovel, a red, green and silver breathing pod with a light brown facemask, A silver water bottle with clear strips down it sides for checking the fluid level, a chain with dog tags and a circular base with a wire stand for posing the figure.

    The figure comes dressed in a solid white astronaut flight suit with a blue nametag and a circular NASA badge, a United states flag, all on a white cloth jacket with a pull to side waist button and a small vertical pocket slit.

    Brent’s white trousers tuck into the high top boots with zippers.  The pants have pockets just below the knees.

    Posing of the figure can be done with or without the stand and the clothing moves with the figure with no unsightly or unnatural folds, creases or stress.

    Stitching and detailing on the clothing and boots look realistic and to scale.

    "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10


    Monday, March 4, 2024

    Phantom Nightmare

    Beware Yubel’s Revenge!

    Nightmares-nothing is worse than waking up in the middle of the night, sweating, shaking and fearful. Nightmares send a shiver down your spine, chill your blood, generate fear and seem so real.

    They are the things of the dark, hidden, shadowy-phantoms of horrific creatures and things that go bump in the night.

    In Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game’s Phantom Nightmare duelists enter the realm of nightmares and hope they are only ghosts or phantoms and not real.

    Here’s what you get:

    • New themes.
    • Brand-new cards for recent favorites.
    • More memorable monsters.
    • Yubel returns.
    • New Effect Monsters, Spells, and Traps that look familiar, with an all-new
    • New Effect Monsters, Spells, and Traps that look familiar, with an all-new Yubel strategy.
    • Continuous Trap Card that lets you Fusion Summon a Yubel Fusion Monster.
    • Tempestuous Majespecters: Rank 4 Xyz/Pendulum
    • Monster and a Link-2 Link Monster.
    • New Ritual-focused theme coming that can Summon LIGHT Warrior and/or LIGHT Dragon Ritual Monsters.
    • New World Premiere Pyro theme.
    • Continuous Trap Card that lets you Fusion Summon a Yubel Fusion Monster.
    • Tempestuous Majespecters: Rank 4 Xyz/Pendulum Monster and a Link-2 Link Monster.
    • New Ritual-focused theme coming that can Summon LIGHT Warrior and/or LIGHT Dragon Ritual Monsters.
    • New World Premiere Pyro theme.
    The Phantom Nightmare Booster Set contains 100 new Cards:
    • 10 Secret Rares
    • 14 Ultra Rares
    • 26 Super Rares
    • 50 Commons
    (24 of these cards are also available as Quarter Century Secret Rares and 1 special Card is ONLY available as a Quarter Century Secret Rare!)

    • 9 Cards come in each Foil Pack with 24 Packs In a Box.
    Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

    Saturday, March 2, 2024

    Diamond Previews, March 2024

     




    "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7

    Thursday, February 29, 2024

    Yugi & Kaiba Quarter Century Game Mat, Card Case, Card Sleeves and 9-Pocket Duelist Portfolio


    What better way to commemorate 25 years of Yu-Gi-Oh! game play than with special YGO accessories?

    YGO players are very particular about their Game Cards. Protection, organization and being able to play the game without damaging the Cards is an A-1 priority.

    What good does it do to play YGO when you can damage your cards through handling or simply placing the Cards on an abrasive surface?

    Never fear! Konami has the perfect solution with its Yugi & Kaiba Quarter Century Game Mat, Card Case, Card Sleeves and 9-Pocket Duelist Portfolio!

    Start with the Game Mat. What better way to smooth out your gaming play surface than with this 24” X 14” cushioned and rubberized Game Mat that is not only smooth but soft as well?

    Featuring Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Yugi & Kaiba full, color art the Game Mat is not only durable but colorful and attractive as well.

    The Card Sleeves also feature iridescent art of Yugi & Kaiba packaged in a easy to open clear bag. One Hundred Tournament Level Sleeves come in each bag.

    The Card Case holds over 70 sleeved Cards. It’s sturdy, easy to open and the perfect way to protect your sleeved or unsleeved Cards.

    Last up is the 9-Pocket Duelist Portfolio that holds 180 Cards, front and back.

    It’s sturdy, has anti-slip pockets and is the perfect way to display your most valuable cards. Check out the metallic portraits of Yugi & Kaiba!

    Protect, collect and play-a perfect trio!

    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9