Boyce McClain’s Collectors' Corner

Star Trek: Rings Of Time

2012-02-03T06:25:00.000-05:00

I love reading or watching time travel stories. I love the original Star Trek TV series. So, it should come as no surprise if you combine the two together I’m in sci-fi heaven.

All five of the Star Trek TV series and movies involved time travel at one point or another. But, to me, the original series did it best. Who can forget the classic City On The Edge Of forever?

In the new Pocket Books Star Trek novel: The Rings Of Time, Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise once again have to deal with time travel and its repercussions throughout the time stream.

While on a rescue mission to save a mining colony stationed on one of the moons of a ringed planet almost identical to our own Saturn, the Enterprise encounters a strange space buoy. The buoy appeared just as the planet’s rings began to deteriorate.

Beaming the buoy aboard, Captain Kirk touches it and is immediately transported to the past where a similar incident is happening to Saturn.

Switching bodies with one of the crew members of the first spacecraft to explore Saturn, Kirk finds himself trapped in the past while the crew member of the Saturn spaceship finds himself in the far future.

The Earth crew of the past had witnessed the same alien probe as Saturn’s rings contracted. One of their crew went to investigate the alien probe, touched it, and…..

Both Kirk and the Saturn mission crew member find themselves trapped, in another person’s body, with no way of knowing how to return safely to their own times, who sent the probe and why both ringed planets’ rings began to decay.

Rings Of Time is a rip-roaring romp through the corridors of time that delivers plenty of thrills, unexcited events and good old-fashioned fun. Rings Of Time is written by Greg Cox.

P.H.J. 101 GroBer Hund

2012-02-02T06:36:00.001-05:00

From Hasegawa Hobby Kits’ Series MK05 comes its Maschinen Krieger, Strahl Demokratische Republik P.H.J. 101 GroBer Hund, 1:20 Scale Humanoid Unmanned Interceptor model kit.

Fashioned after the infamous AFS, the model kit is a high-tech mobile weapon bristling with armor and armament bringing a whole new level of destruction to the battlefield.

Roughly humanoid in appearance, the Interceptor is a veritable one man army with its heavy armor, various weapons and unswerving drive to battle.

The model kit parts come on 13 part trees. Parts detach easily with little or no flashing-trim work is at a minimum. Glue, paint and decal application is necessary but with the enclosed detailed instruction none should be a problem. Once completed the Interceptor stands freely on its own and makes and impressive display.

The Interceptor comes packaged in an unconventional box consisting of non-gloss card stock. The illustration of the Interceptor on the front looks slightly dull which fits perfectly with its military use.

The entire package gives the impression of a standard issue military supply box-pretty clever.

Winter Soldier #1

2012-02-02T06:34:00.000-05:00

Bucky Barnes is back. It seems he didn’t die as previously thought after taking the mantle of Captain America. Mortally wounded, Bucky somehow managed to survive and has teamed with former Soviet spy the Black Widow.

Both Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) and Natasha Romanova/Romanoff (Black Widow) were used by the Russians during the Cold War to eliminate its enemies. Natasha defected to the U.S. and Bucky was freed from his brainwashing by Captain America using the fractured Cosmic Cube.

Haunted by the memories of his past, Bucky has made it his mission to hunt down and stop any Soviet or Nazi threats that may still exist as a way to make up for his past misdeeds-even though he had no control over them.

In issue #1 Winter Soldier and Black Widow break into a sleeper Soviet installation only to discover they are too late to stop another sleeper ultimate soldier.

Unbeknownst to them the Red Ghost and his super apes have freed the ‘Zephr’ agents in order to exact revenge on Doctor Doom as planned by his former Minister: Madame Lucia Von Bardas, who is now a disfigured cyborg.

Winter Soldier is written by Ed Brubaker and drawn by Butch Guice-past team mates on Captain America. Brubaker’s script, like his Captain America stories, is filled with intrigue, unexpected twists and turns and lots of action. Butch Guice’s pencils have never looked better.

Marvel Comics appears to be getting wind back in its sails and if Winter Soldier is any indication, Marvel is headed in the right direction.

Tardis Playset

2012-01-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest stars of the British science fiction TV series: Doctor Who, is not the Doctor, or even any his female assistants-it's theTardis. The Tardis is time travel device, disguised as a police call box, that the Doctor uses each episode to take him to his destinations and encounters with aliens, threats and adventures.

Did you know that the Tardis is actually sentient, is a female and it chose the Doctor-not the other way around? That would make an interesting love story.

The Tardis Playset from Character Options Ltd./Underground Toys is a massive playset measuring over 40cm tall (nearly 16 inches) and is packed with fun.

Easily assembled following the enclosed instructions, the multi-color Tardis is a multi-level toy replica of its TV namesake.

Constructed of pre-colored, heavy plastic, the playset snaps together in short order and before you know it you're playing with it using either the Doctor Who action figures or Character building Micro-figures (the playset is scaled to accommodate both!)

The Tardis Playset (like the TV show Tardis) consists of the best of all the previous versions. A hodgepodge of parts from past Doctor Who Tardis, the current Tardis is a mechanized menagerie of mismatched mechanisms that somehow function as one unit.

Its curved, six-sided, yellow walls enclose a two-tier amalgamation of TV screens, platforms, stairs, central tower, various modern and archaic doodads, control panels and a modem yellow leather swivel seat.

The raised platform allows the Doctor to view all the working parts of the Tardis and examine his surroundings in a full 360 degrees.

Various steps and platforms lead to the other parts of cavernous Tardis. The entire assembly is a colorful conundrum of cannibalized components that cater to the every crackpot chronos craving of the Doctor.

As an extra added bonus an 11th Doctor Who action figure is included and as an extra, extra bonus a 11th Doctor Micro-Figure is also included! Both come with Sonic Screwdrivers!

The playset box features views, from all angles, of the playset and on the front of the box both bonus figures are showcased in a special plastic viewing panel.
The playset is the culmination of every Doctor Who fan's dream with its spot-on accuracy and perfect match for its larger namesake.

You'll spend hours looking over its panels, instruments, various quirky equipment and cool configuration. Suitable for five and over.

A Pet Peeve

2012-01-28T20:19:00.000-05:00

I've been publishing Collectors' Corner for 20 years. My readership isn't huge but its not small either. I turn out a good product on a regular basis and I consider myself to be an honest and straight forward person. I never fudge my numbers or write misleading copy. But others do.
I find it strange and suspicious when other sites, who have only been publishing for a short period, suddenly boast of huge 'unique' visitor numbers. I also find it suspicious when sites that only review a couple times a week claim their readership is in the 10's of thousands or more. Sounds bogus to me. Could it be that some people are faking their numbers? Megatags and keywords only get you so far. Registering with web browsers bring in numbers, but not that many.

After a little research I discovered that there are programs that allow websites to generate false hits on their sites. This is done by creating false browser hits. Websites can even determine the number of hits (unique or otherwise) that 'visit' their site. Counters can even be set up to record such false numbers.

It is very discouraging to me that as a honest review website I see other 'questionable' sites reap the benefits of false numbers. Please understand, I'm sure there are legitimate and honest sites out there-especially those that have been around a long time and have honestly accumulated large audiences.

But, as consumers, and manufacturers and publishers, I would suspect large audiences on some review sites, or social network sites, such as huge numbers of 'views' on sites like YouTube for some of the most ridiculous videos imaginable.

I've worked long and hard to provide honest and timely reviews and it upsets me that there are those out there that stoop to 'cheating' just to draw attention to themselves.

Hot Pursuit 9

2012-01-27T18:12:00.002-05:00

Crime fighting has never looked better than it does with Greenlight Collectible's 1:64 Scale, Limited Edition, die-cast metal chassis police cars, including trading cards, set. Now that's a mouthful!

Six miniature cars make up the Hot Pursuit set. All feature rubber-like tires, incredible interior and exterior details, crisp with no slop-over painting and miniature decals that match their larger namesakes.

In this age of cheap knockoff die-cast vehicles it's nice to see a company that doesn't settle for anything else but the very best when it comes to its products. Greenlight's die-cast collections are top quality right down to its sealed, plastic bubble, hanging packages. You can be assured that each and every vehicle is safe and secure it its heavy gauge plastic container.

Hot Pursuit's packages include a special trading card in each, a full color photo front depicting the die-cast car contained and the name of the vehicle prominently displayed below the plastic encased car.

The six vehicles include a Wilmington Ohio Police 2009 Dodge Charger in deep steel blue with roof mounted lights, POLICE insignia on both side panels and solid black interior.

The Oregon Highway Patrol, 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is painted a deep navy blue with yellow side decals and stars with a clear roof mounted light assembly and silver trim accents.

Painted white with black accents, the Nebraska Highway Patrol,1993 Ford Mustang Police car is a two-door pursuit vehicle with roof lights, tinted windows with minimal silver hub caps.

Also in all white is the Cincinnati Ohio Police, 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with four doors, roof lights, black interior and oversize rear lights and wraparound front black grill.

The Westfield Indiana Police, 2011 Ford Explorer is painted white with two-tone blue side strips, four doors, a station wagon rear door with wraparound rear window, side mirrors and a characteristic front grill.

The blue and white Raleigh Police North Carolina, 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor has four doors, roof lights, front and back POLICE decals, side sheriff logos and silver body wrapped front and rear bumpers.
What better way to 'Serve & Protect?"

A Very Bad Day At School

2012-01-27T09:53:00.002-05:00

2012-01-25T16:59:00.001-05:00

Revell breaks out four new models: two cars, one Star Wars and one WWII aircraft.

Rev up your engines and get ready to go with Revell's Special Edition Series with optional parts and new tooling, 2'n1 2010 Camaro SS, 1'25 Scale, Level 2, motor machine.

Dress it out in bright red with black accents or mellow it down with yellow with front and red black strips.

Either way you've got a Motor City Muscle Car for the new generation of car lovers. Custom wheels and front end, an engine compartment packing a powerful V-8, custom front grill and bumper, swept tail end and a solid black interior make this the re-imagined Muscle Car for the 2000s a must-have motorized monster.

The Motor Sports edition of the Corvette C5-R 'Compuware", Level 3, 1:25 Scale race car is all business with its low-profile, wedge-to-the-wind body design, reinforced frame and undercarriage, custom wheels and tires, oversize rear airfoil and interior flip cage make this Corvette a force to be reckoned with.

Both models feature full assembly, paint and decal instructions and make fine additions to any car lovers collection.

Kids are sure to love Revell's Star Wars Tie Fighter Snap Tite model that requires no glue, paint or decaling. Included with the Level 1 Empire Tie Fighter comes a Tie Fighter Pilot, easy to follow instructions and a gallery of other Star Wars spacecraft on the model box's rear panel. "I have you now!"

Coincidentally George Lucas used the dogfights filmed during WWII to choreograph many of the famous Empire and Rebel spaceship fights.

Revell's Lockheed PV-1 Venture WWII aircraft is scaled at 1:48, requires a Level 3 modeler's skill and comes with complete assembly, paint and decal instructions.
This mighty war machine features a twin pilot cockpit, twin props, extra fuel tanks, top mounted gunner station, bomb bay doors and wheel housings that open and full interior and exterior details including three sets of decals for customizing, antenna and radar. Watch out for the front mounted triple machine guns.

2012-01-25T16:58:00.001-05:00

Revell breaks out four new models: two cars, one Star Wars and one WWII aircraft.

Rev up your engines and get ready to go with Revell's Special Edition Series with optional parts and new tooling, 2'n1 2010 Camaro SS, 1'25 Scale, Level 2, motor machine.

Dress it out in bright red with black accents or mellow it down with yellow with front and red black strips.

Either way you've got a Motor City muscle car for the new generation of car lovers. Custom wheels and front end, an engine compartment packing a powerful V-8, custom front grill and bumper, swept tail end and a solid black interior make this the re-imagined Muscle Car for the 2000s a must-have motorized monster.

The Motor Sports edition of the Corvette C5-R 'Compuware", Level 3, 1:25 Scale race car is all business with its low-profile, wedge-to-the-wind body design, reinforced frame and undercarriage, custom wheels and tires, oversize rear airfoil and interior flip cage make this Corvette a force to be reckoned with.

Both models feature full assembly, paint and decal instructions and make fine additions to any car lovers collection.

Kids are sure to love Revell's Star Wars Tie Fighter Snap Tite model that requires no glue, paint or decaling. Included with the Level 1 Empire Tie Fighter comes a Tie Fighter Pilot, easy to follow instructions and a gallery of other Star Wars spacecraft on the model box's rear panel. "I have you now!"

Coincidentally George Lucas used the dogfights filmed during WWII to choreograph many of the famous Empire and Rebel spaceship fights.

Revell's Lockheed PV-1 Venture WWII aircraft is scaled at 1:48, requires a Level 3 modeler's skill and comes with complete assembly, paint and decal instructions.
This mighty war machine features a twin pilot cockpit, twin props, extra fuel tanks, top mounted gunner station, bomb bay doors and wheel housings that open and full interior and exterior details including three sets of decals for customizing, antenna and radar. Watch out for the front mounted triple machine guns.

Kids, Fistful, Holmes, Space, War, Thirty And Titanic

2012-01-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

Kids love cartoons and are sure to go ga-ga over Mill Creek Entertainment's 30-Episode Collections of animated TV shows from the last 20+ years.

Look for classic episodes of the Get Along Gang, The Littles, Heathcliff, Johnny Test, World Of Quest, The New Adventures Of Nanoboy, Postcards From Buster, A Bunch Of Munsch, The Busy World Of Richard Scarry, Pole Position, COPS, Jayce And The Wheeled Warriors, Horseland, Sabrina and Mona The Vampire.

Each DVD collection contains over 12 hours of animated shenanigans. They're funny, kid-safe and family-friendly and in this time of cynicism and political and financial unrest isn't it great to know that kids can still be kids? Maybe we grown-ups should watch a few episodes and recapture the inner kid in all of us.

If you like down and gritty, fast-draw, rough and rugged Westerns than saddle up your horse and mosey on over to Mill Creek's Fistful Of Bullets containing 16 Spaghetti Westerns.

Kick the dust off your boots and join Lee Van Cleef, Jack Palance, Richard Harrison, Klaus Kinski and other Spaghetti Western stars as they take out the bad guys, crank up the macho meter and get the fast draw on hombres and beautiful women. Yee haw!

The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes 4-Disc DVD set contains both feature films and the entire 39-episode TV series adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle's sleuth of all sleuths: Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Doctor Watson.

Look for classic criminal cases solved by Watson and Holmes as portrayed by Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Ronald Howard, Ian Fleming and others. Also included is an introduction by actor Christopher Lee who was instrumental in the resurgence of interest in Sherlock Holmes.

America's Greatest Journey: The Race To Space is a 10-Part Documentary Series narrated by Mike Wallace.

Follow the history of the men and women who created and were responsible for America's space program, its triumphs and failures, its early orbital flights to America's landing an astronaut on the moon.

If you love history, specifically the history of man in space, then this DVD is the one for you.

The Civil War shaped and molded the United States as it exists today. It was a time of bloody conflict as brother fought against brother in the bloodiest war imaginable. The Civil War Commemorative Documentary Collection in 10-parts includes reenactments, archive photographs and narration taken from historical documents about one of the most turbulent times in American history.

Back in the 1980s the Baby Boomers were in their thirties. What better way to examine the life of the 'Me' Generation than to have a TV show about the times, trials and tribulations of what many have called the 'Lost' Generation?

Mill Creek's TV Flash Backs Thirtysomething, Season One, Volume Two, 11-episode DVD collection takes viewers back to a different type of America when the world was changing fast all around a group of people who learned to cope with and live life fully no matter how confusing.

The sinking of the Titanic has fascinated people since its occurrence early in the 20th Century. When the Titanic's wreck was discover nearly 20 years ago, the fascination grew-so much so a feature film was made about it, along with assorted documentaries.

One of the best is Mill Creek's 100 Year Anniversary DVD Definitive Documentary Collection tells the entire sad tale of the doomed luxury liner. Learn what really happened and all about the passengers and crew of the 'unsinkable' ship.

Previews, February

2012-01-20T11:53:00.000-05:00

Diamond Previews teases collectors with images and information about upcoming collectibles.

Check out the new comic books you can expect to find. They include The Score, America’s Got Power, Avengers Vs. X-Men, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Special, Star Wars: Blood Ties, Mass Effect: Homeworlds, Secret, Bart Simpson’s Pal Millhouse, Are You My Mother?, The Shadow, Courtney Crumrin and Lady Death Origins.

Magazines and books to read include The Avengers Kit, Spider-Man: Inside The World Of Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero and Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide.

Trading cards you just gotta have are Bowman 2012 Baseball Trading Cards and Marvel 2012 Greatest Heroes.

New toys are Firefly, Fantastic Four, Mass Effect 3, Marvel Select: Amazing Spider-Man Movie, DC: The New 52 Justice League Batman, Dr. Doom and Hit-Girl.

Play some games with Magic, Descent and Marvel Heroclix: Galactic Guardians.

Steed And Mrs. Peel #1

2012-01-19T06:53:00.001-05:00

Grant Morrison and Ian Gibson, along with Boom! Studios, has just released the best Avengers book on the shelves. No, not those Avengers, the original Avengers: the quirky, hip The Avengers TV show from Britain.

During the late 1960s the adventures of secret agents Emma Peel and John Steed were all the rage on American and British TV. The ABC Network in the United States made the brilliant decision to import the popular spy show to American airways where it became a favorite of TV viewers.

It was the time of the super spy and The Avengers were at the top of the spy game.

Now Boom! Studios has released a brand new comic book series based on The Avengers TV show that captures both the tempo and look of the avante garde and pop culture TV series.

In the first issue of the Crown & Anchor storyline, John Steed’s new female spy sidekick, Tara King, is following a lead to undercover who is the ‘Mole’ who is leaking information out of the spy bureau. Her first tip finds her meeting Admiral Fanshawe, head of the ministry-or so she thinks. Later the real Admiral’s body is found tied to an anchor at the bottom of a river and Tara is missing.

John Steed is summoned to his superior, Mother, and told of the incident. Mother gives him the assignment to track down the ‘Mole’ find Tara and “tidy things up.”

Told to trust no one Steed calls upon the one person he trusts implicitly, Mrs. Peel. Together the newly reunited spy team travels to the Fanshawe residence where they uncover a clue- which leads Mrs. Peel to the Metropolitan Magazines’ Doris Storm.

Arriving at Ms. Storm’s office, Mrs. Peel is told she is giving blood at a bloodmobile. Mrs. Peel arrives just in time to discover Doris has been poisoned by an attending nurse who seems to have performed the act under some kind of control.

Mrs. Peel returns to Doris who manages to, as her last words, say, "Rooks and ravens."

If you are a fan of The Avengers then you are in for a real treat. Writer Grant Morrison has successfully captured the ‘feel’ of the original TV series, while artist Ian Gibson’s stylized art fits perfectly with the story. The Avengers are back, Bowler hat, umbrella, skin-tight leather outfits and all.

Alice In Wonderland #1

2012-01-18T07:14:00.002-05:00

Zenescope Comics introduces a whole new twist on Alice In Wonderland. Little Alice is led to an opening in an old tree by her grandparents. They insist she enter in and when she does she finds herself in a large cavern with whispering voices encouraging her to proceed. A large White Rabbit stands before her and proceeds to tell her all about her absurd surroundings. She listens and then suddenly she's plunging head-over-heels down a large shaft with the White Rabbit’s taunting voice echoing all about her.

Its voice emanates at first in the unusual surroundings and then to Alice’s surprise from her own mouth. With a sudden plunk she lands and comes face-to-face with the enormous and monstrous Jabberwocky.

She soon learns that the Jabberwocky needs people from the outside world in order to thrive. Alice makes a deal with the creature to return her to her own world and she’ll bring others to feed his craving-as long as no one gets hurt. He agrees and Alice begins to leave by a magic mirror.

But, the Jabberwocky only lets a part of her leave-her sanity. She must remain behind where her other self grows older and remembers only fleeting images of her Wonderland experience.

As the captured Alice attempts to escape over the years she grows into a beautiful woman. When all seems lost the White Rabbit returns, and using a sleeping potion on the Jabberwocky, he frees Alice and they escape only to run into a carnivorous Cheshire Cat and a gigantic Walrus.

Alice In Wonderland #1 from Zenescope piqued my interest from the first panel. The art is luscious with bright vibrant colors and swift moving layouts. This is an Alice for a whole new generation-don’t miss it.

Mimobot

2012-01-18T07:11:00.001-05:00

USB Flash Memory Drive: (n) A small, portable flash memory card that plugs into a computer’s USB port and functions as a portable hard drive.

Sounds boring doesn’t it? And it is—until now!

Mimoco has released a series of new USB 2.0 Flash Memory Drives that are anything but boring. Basing sets around various themes, Mimoco’s Flash Drives (Mimobot) are as much fun to look at as to use.

Star Wars. Who doesn’t like Star Wars-all of those memorable characters? Mimoco has taken the Star Wars characters and incorporated them into Flash Drives. How cool is that!?

Everyone knows Anakin Skywalker becomes Darth Vader. Mimoco's Anakin Skywalker Flash Drive comes in two parts. The lower part (containing the USB attachment and memory) is painted and sculpted to look like Anakin Skywalker dressed as Darth Vader and the Flash Drive cap is Vader’s helmet that slips over to hide the USB sleeve and Anakin’s face! I can hear it now, “If you only knew the power of the Flash Drive!”

Next up is Han Solo as seen in The Empire Strikes Back. Han comes dressed in his brown and tan outfit with a worried look on his face. The USB hub cover is Han’s hair. Why does Han look so worried? Good reason-included with the Han Solo Flash Drive is a Carbonite carrying case showing Han frozen in Carbonite. A clip attached to the case.

A number of other Star Wars figures are available as are Flash Drives depicting dozens of other characters. Flash Drive comes with wallpapers, sound bytes, icons and other digital goodies. Packaging is in either bubble packs or small boxes with viewing panels. All are decorated with art.

In order to protect your Mimobot Flash Drives Mimoco has created Flash Drive Hoodies: small fabric sleeves with clips that snuggle your Flash Drives and protect the Flash Drives and their cool images from damage.

Who would ever think that Flash Drives could be so much fun!?

Peanuts #1

2012-01-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

After too long of an absence Charles M. Schulz’ Peanuts is back in print and I couldn’t be happier.

Kaboom! Studio writers and artists have created a series of brand new Peanuts stories that recapture the magic of the original Peanuts comic strip.

The cover consists of an original Charles M. Schulz Charlie Brown and Snoopy illustration while inside two new stories, a “How To Draw Charlie Brown” lesson and original reprinted Peanuts strips make up this wonderful Peanuts collection.

Special care was given to capture the look and feel of the original strips with straight on likenesses of the characters obtained.

It’s wonderful to see the Peanuts gang back together again after so many years.

Pieter Bruegel

2012-01-12T06:39:00.001-05:00

Norman Rockwell-that name may seem out of place when talking about Pieter Bruegel-the 16^th century Netherlands artist. But not really. Bruegel, like Rockwell, was a chronicler of his times. Much of what we know about the customs, costumes, architecture and daily life of the 16^th Century is culled from Bruegel’s work.

Known primarily for his ‘peasant’ work, Bruegel was meticulous in his depictions of the daily lives and occurrences of Medieval folk. His sprawling vistas of the countryside or cities were filled with common and royal folk going about their lives amidst their surroundings.

Bruegel also was adept at spectacular battle scenes, breath-taking landscapes accented by castles, villages, mountain ranges, lush forests and powerful rivers and quiet streams.

Like many artists of his time he painted religious scenes-primarily of Jesus Christ and Mary but his talent didn’t stop there. He was equally adept at pencils, engraving and frescos that depected a wide variety of subject matter.

The other type of art Bruegel is famous for are his depictions of both Heaven and Hell. Like his predecessor, Hieronymus Bosch (whom he admired and emulated), Bruegel’s imagination seems to have no bounds.

His paintings of the afterlife, especially of Hell with their ghastly scenes of eternal torment, both frightened and fascinated patrons, much like it does today.

Recently a lost painting of Bruegel was found (The Wine Of Saint Martin’s Day) sparking new interest in the artist’s previous work.

Author and art historian Larry Silver, along with Abbeville Press, has released a coffee table edition of Pieter Bruegel’s work consisting of photos of all of his paintings, engravings, drawings and sketches.

Complete descriptions are given to each accompanied by Mr. Silver’s insightful and fascinating text on the life and work of the famous artist. After looking through the book’s pages and reading the text I almost felt as if I knew Pieter Bruegel personally. History comes alive and Bruegel becomes more than just a historical figure, he seems like someone I would meet and befriend.

In my opinion this is the ‘ultimate’ examination of the artist and contains the most complete and comprehensive compilation of his work. I teach drawing and design at a local high school and I plan on using the book and sharing its contents with my students.

The Dark Crystal Creation Myths Volume 1

2012-01-11T10:07:00.001-05:00

The dawn of time-out of the void comes the Crystal-the bringer of life, light and creation.

Spawned by on the planet Thra comes the sentient first life created by the Crystal: Aughra. From her animal and plant intermingled form comes self-awareness. She names the animals, plants and all things about her. Soon she charts the universe and gives rise to other sentient life-especially the Gelflings.

From her they learn of life—and death. Soon change descends upon the world of Thra in the form of the visitors christened the Urshek (Light Bringers).

Their arrival encourages the Gelflings to explore, discover new life and populate the world of Thra.

So goes the story of the Dark Crystal, the Jim Henson creation as originally envisioned by Brian Froud.

Brian Holguin, Alex Sheikman and Lizzy John combine their considerable artistic talents to chronicle the history of the Dark Crystal in a beautifully illustrated and written first volume of the Dark Crystal Creation Myths from Archaia.

Alter Ego #106, December

2012-01-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

Join TwoMorrows Publishing's Alter Ego’s Roy Thomas as he looks back to the Charlton Comics Silver Age. Charlton Comics’ characters fondly remembered are Sarge steel, Ghosts Of Doctor Graves, Captain Atom, Peacemaker and several others along with various genres like War, Love and Crime comics are showcased. Did you know that Charlton superheroes were the templates for Alan Moore’s Watchmen?

Charlton editor Dick Giordano’s long and illustrious career, both at Charlton and Dc Comics, is chronicled, accompanied by his art.

Artist Tony Tallarino’s career is traced and fond farewells are given to Marshall Lanz, Tony DiPreta, Jon D’Agostino, Vern Henkel and Lew Sayre Schwartz. A special section on the Golden Age and specifically Captain Marvel is also featured.

Back Issue #54, December

2012-01-11T08:18:00.002-05:00

TwoMorrows Publishing presents the 54th issue of its Back Issue magazine that looks back at some of the best comic books and characters from the past. Included are interviews and articles about the creators that made them.

In issue #54 the theme of the book theme is Liberated Ladies and who better to star on the cover than DC Comics’ Big Barda?

First up is a retrospective of Big Barda, her appearances and black and white and color art from the many artists who have drawn her over the years. They include Jack Kirby, Michael Golden, John Byrne and others.

Valkyrie was an instant hit when she first appeared in Marvel Comics. Her appearance in the Hulk and especially The Avengers titles made her a fan favorite. When she teamed with the Lady Liberators her popularity grew. She is still a popular character today recently appearing (in altered form) in Marvels’ Ultimates title.

Ms. Marvel was Marvel’s female version of Captain Marvel. Her Kree spawned powers pitted her against various interstellar villains. Mystique stole her powers and Ms. Marvel was temporarily absent from comic books until her reappearance in the avengers.

Other female superstars are the woman who both write and draw comic books. Back Issue looks back over the stellar careers of Barbara Kesel, Gail Simone and Jill Thompson. Examples of their work are shown throughout the magazine.

A favorite non-super-powered heroine is Starfire. Her short, but pivotal run of issue is examined accompanied with art from various artists.

Without a doubt Marvel Girl/Phoenix/Dark Phoenix is one of the most powerful and popular female characters ever created for comic books. Since her first appearance in The Uncanny X-Men, Marvel Girl (Jean Grey) has been killed and brought back form death more than most other comic book characters in the history of the medium.

Art by jack Kirby, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne complement the extensive article.

Last, but never last, comes She-Hulk. Introduced in the Bronze Age, She-Hulk is almost as popular as her male counterpart, the Hulk. Read why the Emerald Giantess is still so popular with fans.

Star Trek Book Of Opposites

2012-01-10T06:26:00.001-05:00

Join the crew of the classic TV series Enterprise as they Explore Strange New Words.

Author David Borgenight and Quirk Books look at the world of opposites with some help from Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and the rest of the crew and creatures from the classic science fiction TV series.

Printed on thick card stock, the book looks at such opposites as appear/disappear, happy/angry, empty/full, furry/scaly, calm/surprised, big/little, one/many, young/old, hot/cold, mean/nice, apart/together and far/near with the aid of full-page, full-color photos.

Star Trek fans will clamor for it and kids will love it.

Fangoria #310, February

2012-01-10T06:24:00.000-05:00

Fangoria magazine, the first in fright since 1979, takes a look at the new Nicholas Cage Ghost Rider film and his title as the Master Of Horror. The Postal Zone delivers some ‘dead’ letters, Monster Invasion looks at Jacob, A Little Bit Zombie, Night Of the Little Dead, Sick, The Monkey’s Paw and Father’s Day.

The DVD & Blu-Ray Chopping List has a cart full of gory goodies, Barbara Crampton gets Re-Animated, madness multiplies in The Divide, there’s plenty of garbage films in the Trash Compactor, discover who is on the Kill List and Christopher Pennock has had Many Lives In The Dark.

Dark Shadows ‘draws’ a new audience, Daniel Radcliffe ditches Harry and looks for The Woman In Black, Sleep Tight, read A Tale Of Two Cenobites, Underworld is Awakening, Ginger Snaps has real Grrrrl Power, dance with the wolves in The Grey, The Deadly Spawn has a cult following and don’t go in the woods.

Swampthing #5 And Animal Man #5

2012-01-05T06:28:00.002-05:00

It was a bold and risk taking move when DC Comics decided to reboot its entire line of comics and launch its New 52 titles. Overall, I’ve enjoyed each title. Of course I have my favorites and two of those favorites are Animal Man and Swampthing.

I predict that these two titles are shaping up to be the cornerstones on which the rest of the new DC Universe will build its entire line of comics on. Here’s why.

Without going into a lot of detail, the core of the books consists of the Red and Green. Animal represents the Red, or flesh, and Alec Holland (Swampthing) represents the Green. An uneasy alliance consists between the forces of the Red and Green. Both plants and animals have contented themselves with coexisting peacefully. All that is about to change as the Rot seeks to destroy both the Red and Green.

Animal Man’s daughter, Maxine, is the nexus by which the Red exists. Abby Holland’s younger brother is the agent of the Rot. Swampthing is the agent of the Green.

Events in both titles pit the Rot against the Red and Green inevitably forcing the agents of the Red and Green to band together to stop the Rot. But will they be in time and can long -held prejudices on the part of the Red and Green be put aside in order to save both?

Issues five of both titles lead into the inevitable confrontation of the Red and Green with the Rot. Look for the sparks to fly as both Animal Man and Swampthing combine their respective powers in order to defeat the Rot, if possible.

Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman and Steve Pugh have returned Animal Man to his prime with their chilling stories and art while Swampthing’s creative team of Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette reintroduce the Parliament of the Trees and the essence of the plant who believes it is a man.

Wrecker, GT, Del Ray, GTO And Camaro

2011-12-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

Three new Revell Level 2 Skill, 1:25 Scale, one Revell SnapTite, 1:25 Scale and one Monogram Level 2, 1:24 Scale vehicles have just been released for January.

All feature perfect, to-scale parts that detach easily from part trees, easy-to-follow paint, assembly and decal instructions (except the SnapTite that requires not paint or glue) and lots of awesome interior and exterior details.

First up from the Revell Truck line comes a '77 GMC Wrecker Truck with a working crane and flatbed, accessible engine, oversize tires on chrome wheels, a full-front bumper that covers the grill and comes complete with chrome window and door details, oversize mirrors, chrome bedliner and roof-mounted chrome horns. It's time for some serious hauling, especially in this deep-blue, decal-decorated Wrecker Truck!

The SnapTite 2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible is a gold pony car that packs plenty of horsepower under its hood. It sleek, four-passenger design beckons back to the classic days of the Mustang. Check out its solid black interior, chrome wheels, small rear airfoil, solid, wide black stripes centered on its hood and truck, side black stripes with mustang font, oversize rear lights and classic Mustang grill and bumpers.

The fire red '56 Chevy Del Ray is a chromed out California Wheels classic with side flame decals, side chrome accents, hood ornament, chrome trim windows, oversize chrome wheels, heavy chrome bumpers and two doors. Carrying capacity is five people, the engine is chrome plated and can be painted to match either a red or yellow paint scheme.

Monogram's Classic Cruiser '64 Pontiac GTO 2 'n 1 is a candy-apple red classic that can be modified to show off its dual chrome hood intakes, custom chrome wheels, full side body decals and jacked up frame. Or choose the factory issue version without all the bells and whistles.

Either way you have a muscle car that's rarin' to flex its impressive muscles. It's two-door, five passenger, black interior, accessible engine and telltale GTO body style makes this car a wanna-have classic for any car collector.

Revell's Motor-City Muscle '69 Camaro SS/RS Convertible 2 'n 1 is all style with its white with black stripes exterior, solid white with gray interior, chrome grill, bumpers and wheels, custom 396 V-8 that barely fits into its engine compartment and sweet black accented dash with on-the-floor shifting and bucket seats. Now that's my kind of car!

Fantasy & Science Fiction #699, January/February

2011-12-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

The Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine for January/February 2012 (celebrating 63 years of publication) includes the following stories and articles sci-fi and fantasy readers are sure to love. They include:

Small Towns, The Secret Of The City Of Gold, Umbrella Men, Mindbender, The Color Least Used By Nature, The Comfort Of Strangers, Maxwell's Demon, Scrap Dragon, In The Trenches, Canto MCML, Books To Look For, Books, Coming Attractions, Plumage From Pegasus: Judge, Jury, And Executioner, Films: It's A Small (Sick) World, Science: Amazing Science Stories and Curiosities.

Obsessed With Star Trek

2011-12-27T14:12:00.000-05:00

Back in 1966, at the tender age of 13, I watched the very first episode (The Mantrap) broadcast of a new science fiction TV show called Star Trek. At first I wasn't sure how to take the program. I can remember thinking that the starship Enterprise didn't 'look' like a spaceship. After all, everyone knew that spaceships seen on TV or in movies were always of the rocket or saucer type.

Up until that point Lost In Space was my favorite sci-fi show. I was a bit reluctant to make the switch over to 'adult' science fiction television. I was a little set in my ways-hesitant of trying anything new.

I enjoyed The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. However, they weren't strictly sci-fi.

After watching a handful of episodes, I was hooked on Star Trek. The Star Trek cast became like a second family to me and Captain Kirk was my cool father figure. I lived and breathed Star Trek for three solid years. I even wrote away to NBC, which aired the show, and obtained a press pack about the show from them. I wish I still had it. I collected everything Trek (which was no small feat), including magazine articles, comic books, toys, games, trading cards, models and other bric-a-brac.

I was devastated when the show ended in 1969 after only three short seasons. I continued to watch the show in repeats for the next ten years. And then suddenly Star Trek was back but on the big screen and then with four new TV shows in succession. Enterprise ended in the mid-2000s.

A new cast was brought back in the new Star Trek movie starring the original classic series characters albeit with different actors in the roles. Star Trek was back big time and I couldn't have been happier.

Obsessed With Star Trek from Chronicle Books will test your knowledge of the Star Trek Universe with a series of 2,500 questions culled from the TV series and movies. A cleverly designed electronic scoring module randomly picks a question number. By selecting one of four buttons you choose the right or wrong answer.

Interlaced with the questions are interesting info bits and little known facts about the Star Trek series, movies, actors and production. Made to be used by one or two players, Obsessed With Star Trek is a 'must have' for any true Star Trek fan. Discover if you are a 'Trekker" or 'Trekkie."

Cowboys & Aliens

2011-12-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

After a series of lackluster, box office flops at the movies, actor Harrison Ford scores a winner with last summer's Cowboy& Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau (Ironman). Ford played a crusty old, bad guy rancher along with amnesiac, cowboy, drifter Daniel Craig (James Bond) who team up against the people-kidnapping, gold-hungry aliens.

Along the way they're joined by a mysterious woman who knows all about the aliens, Indians and townspeople who intend to stop the aliens and save their abducted loved ones.

Insight Editions presents The Illustrated Screenplay for Cowboys & Aliens containing storyboards, production art and loads of color photos from the film. Cowboys? Aliens? What's not to love?

Rosario + Vampire, CAPU2 And Heaven's Lost Property

2011-12-22T15:20:00.002-05:00

I admit that I don't understand everything that there is to know about anime. There's a lot symbolism, innuendo and emotional content for sure.

What I really focus in on with any well-done anime, and Funimation has plenty, is that quality comes first. Let me clarify.

I look for a well-crafted story, clean, crisp, well-rendered backgrounds and characters, full-developed characters and, most important of all, a sense of uniqueness with the occasional surprise.

Funimation's newest releases have all those qualities including cleverly integrated traditional and computer animation, sexuality without overdoing sensuality and physical and subtle humor.

Rosario + Vampire begins innocently enough when student Tsukune's grades land him in a very unusual school-one made exclusively for monsters, called Yokai Academy. Problem is none of his fellow students realize he's human. If they did he would be so much meat.

Fortunately for him his scent attracts the attention of the stunning vampire Moka. Unfortunately she doesn't like sharing her boy toy and when anyone, or anything, gets a little too close, her true nature emerges. Talk about being two-faced!

If Tsukune wasn't such a push-over for a supernatural chick he wouldn't get in so much trouble.

In Rosario + Vampire CAPU2, Tsukune, Moka and the rest of the students return to Yokai Academy the following year.

Tsukune has become extremely popular with the monster crowd, so popular in fact that Moka's sassy and sadistic little sister takes a shine to him. Only big sister wants no part of it.

Little Sis and Tsukune better watch out. Moka has a dark side that is best left alone as they and the students of Yokai Academy find out-the hard way!

Heaven's Lost Property brings a new meaning to 'girl crazy.' Tomoki has a thing for girls. So much so that he embarasses his sister continually.

When a gorgeous, winged, Angeloid: Ikaros, falls to Earth and considers him her master Tomoki suddenly realizes she can give him whatever he wants-and I do mean whatever!

One big problem though-Tomoki has no idea where she comes from or why she's on Earth. Sometimes it's best not to search for answers. In this case the answers might just get Tomoki injured or worse!

All three of the new anime series from Funimation are visual treats, with plenty of off-the-wall humor, more than their fair share of innuendo and some outstanding animation.

The New 52

2011-12-21T19:25:00.001-05:00

When DC Comics announced that it would be re-launching and revamping all of its titles a few months ago, starting with #1s, I was skeptical. In order to breath new life into their characters and reintroduce them to a new generation of comic book buyers the head honchos at DC came up with the idea of basically starting the DC Universe all over again.
I had a problem with that. I liked the old DC Universe, even with all of its inconsistencies. I wasn't sure old-timers, like myself, would adjust to a 'new' DC Comics. DC was taking a big risk.

Well, the risk paid off. I love the new DC Universe. I purchase a lion's share of its new titles-some of which I never would have considered buying in the old DC Universe.

My favorites are the Batman, Superman and Green Lantern titles, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Deadman and the Justice League titles.

I congratulate the folks at DC Comics for taking such a big gamble. It very well could have turned out as a disaster. The majority of my comic book purchases are DC Comics with a smattering of Marvel, IDW and few independent comic book publisher titles.

I hope DC Comics can keep up the high quality of stories and art in their new titles. I plan on sticking around for a long, long time.

Kudos DC!

d'artiste: Fashion Design

2011-12-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

OK, I admit it, I'm jealous. Why? That's easy to answer. I'm jealous because the artists in Ballistic Publishing's tenth title in its d'artiste series: Fashion Design, Digital Artists Master Class - make designing clothes and fashions look so easy.

It's not, at least for me. I have great respect (and a little envy) for these artists who have mastered the human figure to the point that draping it in clothes seems like second nature. Let me tell you, clothing a human figure is a lot harder than just drawing it naked or in tights.

It's difficult enough drawing figures and clothing them freehand-now try doing it on computer! That's exactly what Alessia Zambonin, Annie Stegg and Lois van Baarle do.

Even more impressive than that is that they all provide tutorials on how to do it. Readers will learn how to not only draw figures using computer software, but how to dress them, create hairstyles, design fabric, select the proper settings, choose color schemes, pose characters, set modes and so much more.

You'll learn about color theory, folds and texture in various fabrics, how clothing hangs and drapes over the body, how to start with sketches and progress to finished illustrations, the intricacies of painting software (including layering), artist collaboration, program cross-platforming and how to develop your own unique style and vision.

This is far more than a book about Fashion Design. It is a compilation of artist insights, tips, tricks, techniques and valuable advice on how to become a better artist, designer and professional.

Yes, I'm jealous, but I'm also extremely grateful that these artists are willing to share their knowledge about Fashion Design. I plan on using what I've learned and applying it to my own illustrations and designs.

Fashion Design is a beautifully softbound book printed on coated stock and protected in a hardbound slipcover with matching cover illustration.

Halo, Struzman And Crime

2011-12-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

Titan Books has just released a trio of book the lovers of popular art are sure to appreciate. From video games to comic books the three books cover the gambit of art made popular and loved by the man on the street.

The video game Halo has struck a cord with video game enthusiasts and in the process garnered millions of fans and millions of dollars in profits. Halo merchandise is a big hit with fans and range from toys to clothing.

Halo conventions are not uncommon as are fans dressing up as their favorite Halo characters. The Great Journey Halo: The Art Of Building Worlds from Titan Books and Martin Robinson with a foreword by Frank O'Connor.

Inside Halo enthusiasts will be awed by the beautiful sketches and finished art of environments, characters, weapons, vehicles and other accoutrements seen throughout the various Halo games.

This book is a first-hand look at the creation of a video game universe as envisioned by some of the top designers in the world. Lush illustrations, production notes and glimpses at the creative process make this a must-have book for any Halo fan.

Artist Drew Struzan is known by most art lovers as the man who paints movie posters. But his work encompasses far more than that. The new book from Titan Books and co-written by Drew and Dylan Struzan, examines the man, his life and his art.

Drew began his career primarily as an album cover artist. It wasn't long afterward that his unique style drew the attentionn of movie makers. Once Drew proved himself to be a reliable and innovative designer his work was in high demand. George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and other notable directors all clamor for his work and speak highly of Drew. His reputation in the movie industry is well-respected.

Even when movie poster art is transitioning to Photoshop designs Drew is one of the few movie poster artists whose work is still in demand. A huge gallery of both his record and movie poster art is reproduced in stunning color and makes up the bulk of the book.

Drew is also a book cover illustrator, an excellent fine artist, designer and concept artist. Oeuvre Drew Struzan is a large hardbound book that contains the bulk of his work in all genres reproduced in stunning colors and printed on high-quality, coated paper stock. It's like walking through an art gallery without leaving the comfort of your chair.

It seems only fitting that Titan Books would release the latest in its 'The Simon & Kirby Library Series: Crime book recently. Joe Simon, part of the creative team of Kirby and Simon passed away a short time ago and this book makes a fine tribute to the man.

Mystery writer (and sometimes comic book scribe) Max Allan Collins provides an introduction to this hefty collection of the best of Simon & Kirby's early Crime stories. Reproduced in full-color, including the covers, the book contains the Crime stories that started a whole new genre in early comic book publications.
Kirby and Simon's dynamic writing and drawing brought gangland and domestic violence crimes to life as they offered a no apology, in-you-face look at the true face of crime, pimples and all. It would be a 'crime' to pass this book up.

Steampunk Poe

2011-12-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

Edgar Allan Poe and Steampunk. Seems like an unlikely pair. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Poe's tales were primarily set in the Victorian Era when the industrial revolution was at full swing.

It's takes no small stretch of the imagination to envision Poe's stories and characters being surrounded by the machinations of Steampunk as it too is set in the Victorian Era.

That's the premise behind Running Press's new Steampunk Poe book with illustrations by Zdenko Basic and Manuel Sumberac.

The new hardbound book collects some of Poe's most chilling stories and poems complemented by eerie, dark and retro high-tech illustrations. I especially like The Tell-Tale Heart, The Murders In The Rue Morgue and The Spectacles illustrations. You'll never think of Poe's stories the same way again after reading this book.

Barbie: Stardoll

2011-12-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

Mattel Toys' Barbie collection of fashion dolls introduces a brand new collection: Stardoll: based on the popular online Teen and Tween fashion game.

Join the fun with eight new high-fashion, young and modern Stardoll figures that walk on the edge of funky fashion. All are articulated, feature life-like hair, are sculpted to include diverse ethnic groups and are stunningly beautiful! Each figure's face is finely sculpted with lush mouth and eyes color application framed by chic hairstyles.

A 100 Stardollars Gift Card is included with each figure that includes a code that allows Barbie/Stardoll fans to unlock a one-week Superstar membership with exclusive online content and access to Starplaza for some exclusive goodies. Additional Stardoll accessories sets come with a 25 Stardollar Gift Card.

Two of the eight Stardolls include Doll Space with long wavy, black hair with rose hairpin, a pink, tweed, long-sleeved jacket, a three-layer pink and purple miniskirt, pink stockings with red hears and high-heel, black boots with pink laces. She also comes with a pink, quilted purse with silver straps and latch. Her almond skin is complemented by her dark brown eyes and full pink lips.

Pretty n' Love has long blond tresses, creamy skin with large blue eyes and shocking pink lips. She wears a puffy, short-sleeve jacket with flower-print halter top, brown waist belt, denim mini-skirt with pink stitching, pink knee socks and brown high-top, leather boots. A tan, loose-tie purse with a pink flower bouquet is also included.

Both dolls represent Stardoll avatars made popular on the Stardoll website and include stands. Three accessory playsets are available. Two are reviewed here.

The first contains a short, pink, strapless sundress with red hearts and chiffon accent, pink hair bow, a pink, flowered, short blouse, black and white high heel shoes, a brown carry-all bag, twin silver necklaces, heart-shaped sunglasses and a pink and brown oval purse.

The second set contains black, open-laced, high-heel shoes, silver shoulder decorations, a black and white corset, a sleeveless and strapless, gathered, metallic-purple skirt, red leather, black high-heel shoes, red and clear bag, a silver necklace, a black hair bow and a white and black purse.

Teens and Tweens and Barbie fans are sure to love the new Stardoll line.

A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures

2011-12-16T06:23:00.000-05:00

Featuring an all-star cast, the animated feature film: A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventure follows Sammy the turtle lifetime across 50 years and the entire globe! Along the way he makes new friends, discovers how important it is to guard our environment and falls in love with true love, Shelly.

Accompanying the film is a soundtrack laced with classics from such notables as The Mamas & The Papas, Michael Jackson and MIKA. It’s a rockin’ good time as Sammy explores the Earth and discovers what it means to grow older and hopefully wiser.

Discover first-hand what it’s like to be a turtle hatchling, struggling to survive, overcoming obstacles both natural and manmade and finding true love.

A Turtle’s Tale comes from Vivendi Entertainment on DVD/Blu-ray and in 3D.

Masters Of Nonsenseverse

2011-12-16T06:21:00.000-05:00

Just when you think the characters from Darby Conley’s Get Fuzzy comic strip can’t get any sillier or funnier along comes Andrews McMeel Publishing’s latest Get Fuzzy collection, Masters Of Nonsenseverse.

Starting with its hilarious Masters Of The Universe take-off cover Masters Of Nonsenseverse pulls out all the stops as Rob Wilco, owner of Bucky the obnoxious cat and Satchel his sweet but naïve dog, copes with his pets’ outrageous antics.

Here are just a few examples of what you can expect from the latest Get Fuzzy collection. Bucky questions Rob’s stand on animal extinction, Satchel clues Bucky in on eating habits, Rob looks for ‘intelligent’ life on Earth, Scrabble takes on a whole new meaning with Bucky and Satchel and Bucky writes children books-from Russia!

The strip’s creator, Darby Conley has one of the wildest imaginations imaginable and is totally fearless when it comes to lampooning social issue, other comic strips and even himself. Get Fuzzy chronicles what it would be like to raise pets from Hell-even if they are adorable.

The Rocketeer

2011-12-15T06:24:00.000-05:00

Back in the early 1990’s a comic book character would make his debut as a backup story of a now defunct comic book publisher’s title. The artist and writer, Dave Stevens, of the series paid homage to the great radio and movie serials of the 1930s and 1940s.

The series, The Rocketeer, combined images and cameos of then famous radio and movie personalities, in tightly woven and fast paced adventures. The hero, Cliff Secord, played by Bill Campbell, discovers a top-secret rocket backpack and through a series of events dons the pack and becomes the high-flying hero, The Rocketeer.

Jennifer Connelly plays his beautiful girlfriend. Originally in the comic book series Betty Page, the famous pin-up girl from decades past was his love interest. But Disney opted using her name and likeness to avoid copyright entanglements and introduced a new character.

Timothy Dalton played the Hollywood star who is in fact a spy and Alan Arkin plays Cliff’s gruff mentor. The movie was directed by Captain America director Joe Johnston.

The film has become a much loved cult classic and Disney has a released a special 20th Anniversary Blu-ray Edition which unfortunately contains no extras such as featurettes, deleted scenes, etc. Too bad, the film deserves it.

The film successfully captures the look and feel of the era it is placed in. Special effects are top-notch (especially the flying scenes with The Rocketeer), the villain particularly nasty, the girl beautiful, the supporting characters perfectly cast and the production value overall first-rate.

It’s a pity the film was not that successful when first released and that sequels were not created. The Rocketeer is a great character and with a little love and persistence would have made a fine film series.

Previews, December

2011-12-13T15:54:00.000-05:00

December's Previews showcases new product coming out in February 2012. I sure hope I have some money left over from the Christmas season to buy some!

Comic books to spin the rack for are Conan The Barbarian #1, Dawn Of The Jedi #0, Winter Soldier #1, Road Rage #1, Thief Of Thieves #1, Batman Beyond Unlimited #1, Next Men: Aftermath, Alpha Girls #1, No Place Like Home #1, Dicks #1, Ralph Wiggins #1, Adventure Time #1 and Stripperella.

Magazines and books to read include DC Superhero Figure Collection Magazine, Leaping Tall Buildings, The Shadow 80th Anniversary, Star Wars: Millennium Flacon Owner's Manual, Avengers, The Ultimate Guide To Earth's Mightiest Heroes and City Of The Lost.

Toys to play with are Heroes Of The SCU Series 2, Mass Effect, DC Heroes Wave 20, Halo Series 6, Marvel 6-Inch, Hot Wheels, Skeleanimals, G.I. Joe, Star Wars and Star Trek.
Game on with Marvel Heroes, Lord Of The Rings and Pathfinder.

Growler And Desk & Chair

2011-12-09T17:10:00.000-05:00

Not too long ago I reviewed Hasegawa Hobby Kits' EA-18G Growler in large scale. This time around I'm looking at the growler again, only this time in a smaller scale (1:72) and I have to say I am amazed the attention to detail is almost identical to the larger scale model.

Oh sure, there are slight differences simply because some parts were small with the larger version and a few of the miniscule details get lost when scaled down even smaller. But, overall the smaller scale make little or no difference in the quality of the pieces, minimum flashing and easy detaching from the 14 part trees.

The U.S. Navy Carrier Borne ECM Aircraft is a marvel of modern aviation engineering. With its enlarged fuel tank, a more powerful engine, lengthened wings, updated software and hardware, Vulcan cannon, missiles, and air-to-air ordinance.

Easy to follow instructions allows modelers to paint and decal exact makings and colors on the aircraft and the lettered and numbered tree parts makes finding parts easy to identify and use.

Whether in flying or landing configuration the Growler is a beauty of a model that captures the look and feel of a real combat ready aircraft.

Now here's something I've never reviewed before: model school desks and chairs-three in total. All snap together easily, are pre-painted and comes with a simulated board parquet floor panel.

What in the world can you use a 1/12 Scale set desks and chairs for? easy, ever hear of 1/12th Scale action figures before. yep, G.I. Joes, Star Wars, military, movie-you name the 1/12 scale figure and those babies can sit their plastic behinds down behind a desk. Good thing to, they're probably getting tired of standing!

Fangoria #309, January

2011-12-09T17:07:00.000-05:00

Explore the early years of David Cronenberg's career courtesy of Fangoria magazine, say' "Goodnight, John Boy", monsters invade with such films as Gorman's World, The Devil Inside, Goatboy, Little Deaths, Android Re-enactment, I Am Divine and The Collapsed and be sure to fill out your Chopping List.
Martina Beswick proves why she was referred to as the Queen Of Evil, Peter Sasby provides a Ripping Yarn, visit The Hammer Vault, avoid The Innkeepers, check out some classic Twilight Zone episodes on The Terror Tube and The Darkest Hour portrays The Alien Cold War.

The Lady Terminator offers up Judgment Day, surf the web to Fear Dot Com, get ready for some Hostel Circumstances and here comes the Last Woman Crawling. Canada has The First Flesh, and Carmody delivers some Carnage. Exit humanity, there's Horror In A Small Town, blood is in a corridor and The Bizarre Theatre serves up some scary screen screams.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

2011-12-09T17:05:00.001-05:00

Evolution gets a jump start with the latest re-adaptation of a classic Apes movie with 20th Century Fox's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes.
In Rise scientist Will Rodman tries to develop a cure for Alzheimer's. Testing chimpanzees, he is surprised and delighted when the primates intelligence levels rise to human levels.

One of the test monkey's baby, Caesar, is orphaned, so Will decides to adopt him and raise him as a human. After an altercation Caesar is taken away to live in a primate facility. As his intelligence grows so does his distain for being treated as an animal prisoner. He revolts and as the apes new leader he bestows upon them intelligence using the same procedure Will tested on chimpanzees.

The results begins the end for humans as the dominating species and the first step to the Planet Of The Apes.

Using cutting edge motion capture, Rise brings new life to digitized primates. The action is fast, furious and primal as human battles ape in a war that will determine the fate of each species.

Blu-ray/DVD/DigitalCopy extras include deleted scenes, several featurettes, commentaries, concept art, trailers and more. It's enough to go 'ape" over!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-09T10:51:00.002-05:00

Darth Vader And The Millennium Falcon

2011-12-09T06:18:00.000-05:00

Get ready to see the Sith Dark Lord like you’ve never seen him before!

Scholastic Books has come up with an amazing 3-D Reconstruction Log of the process by which Anakin Skywalker was transformed into Darth Vader.

This fascinating book takes apart Darth Vader’s infamous black outfit from helmet to cape in an ingenious book that allows readers to discover the secrets of the Dark Lord.

Constructed of heavy board, each page features a cutout of Vader separated into parts. As each page is opened the Dark Lord’s uniform is slowly sliced away, layer by layer, revealing the inner working s of his incredible life-sustaining uniform.

Technical statistics are included on side panels detailing the painful procedures needed for each bionic replacement as well as the parts’ functions, tolerances, maintenance requirements and medical droid observations.

Eventually, as each layer is stripped away, the only thing left is the charred limbless torso of Anakin Skywalker and an x-ray view of his augmented natural organs and skeleton.

When closed, the cutout of Vader is protected by a clear acetate sheet. Front and back cover illustrations show Vader in a fighting pose and a close-up of his helmet with strategic areas pinpointed. A silver Star Wars logo completes the package and what a package it is! I’ll never look at Darth Vader the same way again!

Another 3-D Owner’s Guide constructed much the same way as the Darth Vader book, also by Scholastic Books, is the Millennium Falcon.

Han Solo’s and Chewbacca’s spacecraft is broken down by decks, beginning with a top view of the spacecraft and its armaments.

From there readers are guided, deck-by-deck and layer-by-layer, through the ships Sensors, Defense, Propulsion, Piloting, Crew Quarters, Life Support, Cargo Engineering and Hull capabilities.

Each layer details each function with schematics, technical specifications and capabilities, quotes from Han and interesting side notes about the ship.

It’s colorful, complete and simply sensational!

Diablo, Shelby, Firebird, Nomad, Pickup, Tiger, Crusader, Helldiver And Huey

2011-12-08T17:09:00.000-05:00

Revell/Monogram cranks out nine new models for holidays: five cars and four aircraft.

Monogram presents a Classic Crusader with its 1:24 Scale Lamborghini Diablo VT requiring Skill Level 2 for assembly.

This red hot beauty is all car with its sleek design, low profile, two-passenger interior, rear engine and oversize rear airfoil.

Open up this baby to check out its powerful 492 hp, 5.7 liter, V-12 engine that packs quite a punch. Details abound with both interior and exterior with hidden headlights, custom wheels, black wraparound mirrors and integrated bumpers. Wow!

Less expensive but equally impressive is the '78 Pontiac Firebird 3' n 1, 1: 24 Scale, Level 2 model that allows modelers to modify this fast and furious road beast into three configurations including a sedan and convertible. You'll love the oversize Firebird hood decoration, custom wheels, gold windshield trim, trademark Pontiac grill and V8 GM block engine that crowds the engine compartment for room.

Ford's Streetburner 2010 Shelby GT500 comes in a 1:25 Scale, Level 2 that gets mean when its green. Painted bright red with twin full body white strips, a Shelby engine with its V-8 powerhouse, characteristic grill, cut-in headlights, four stripped seats, custom wheels, oversize air scoop and give this car plenty of attitude. Zoom!

The Level 2, 1:24 Scale '40 Ford Custom Pickup Truck is a masterpiece of muscle with awesome chrome grill, bumpers, wheels, trim and mirrors. The split windshield, roll down side windows, inset bed with wood rails and chrome engine guarantee that this Ford will be considered a classic for years to come. Remove the wood rails for an open bed or protect the bed with a blue full-bed cover.

Another classic is the '56 Chevy Nomad California Wheels 2' n 1, 1:25 Scale, Level 2 station wagon. Go for a two-tone paint job, or custom side flames and full body chrome.

Chrome wheels, grill, mirrors, hood ornament, bumpers and engine parts make modelers wish for the good old days when cars had their own personality and this baby's personality says, "Look at me, I'm something special!"

It's time to get airborne with four aircraft models beginning with the U.S. Airforce F-5E Tiger II fighter jet. With its Sidewinder missiles, laser guided bombs and gun ports the Tiger II means business in the skies.

Scaled at 1:48 and requiring Level 2 modeling skills the Tiger II model has full and accurate interior and exterior details including a cockpit that opens, landing gear, descent ladder for the pilot (who is also included), decal variations, full paint and decal application instructions and parts that detach easily from part trees. An extra fuel tank allows the craft to cruise further distances.

Just as deadly is the Navy's F-8 Crusader with missiles, bombs and single engine (that boosts the aircraft to supersonic speeds) makes this aircraft a formidable opponent in any air or ground combat situation.

Comprehensive instructions allow the modeler to customize the aircraft into one of two versions and the slide back canopy cockpit also includes a pilot, full instrumentation. Extra wingtips can be mounted up or down, landing gear and at Level 2 this 1: 48 Scale model is impressive displayed either flying or landed.

The WWII SB2C-4 Helldiver Navy fighter aircraft is Rated Level 3 in skill and comes in at 1:48 Scale. A rear gun area, full instrument cockpit with pilot, exposed weapons bay with 500 lb bombs and a powerful four prop engine allowed the Helldiver to participate in every major naval action during the war.

This highly-detailed model doesn't skimp on the details or the authenticity of its parts. Model makers need to follow the instructions to the letter. Parts are photo-etched, easy to detach from part trees with little or no flashing and painting instructions and decal schematics make putting together the Helldiver a real treat for any seasoned model maker.

By far the largest and most impressive of all the recent model releases listed is the Bell Huey Gunship measuring in at 1:24 Scale and requiring a Level 2 skill. Paint application and gluing are required but with the model's enclosed instructions adding extra touches is simple.
This monster of a model brings back memories of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. With its slide open side doors, twin oversize windshields, side windows, rocket launchers and rotating front and rear rotors, Vietnam U.S. Army markings, internal framework cockpit with two figures and various exterior details such as antenna and landing rails, the Huey Gunship was the most versatile and vital aircraft over the last several wars.

The Simpsons: the Fourteenth Season

2011-12-08T06:21:00.000-05:00

20th Century Fox presents the complete 22-episode Blu-ray collection of the Fourteenth Season of the ground-breaking and longest running animation and comedy series in TV history: The Simpsons.

Quite an accomplishment when you consider that The Simpsons started out as short animated spots on the Tracey Ullman show over 20 years ago. Who would have thought that the domestic adventures of Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie would evolve into one of the most respected and revered TV series of all time?

Here’s your chance to enjoy the ultimate high-definition antics of everyone’s favorite dysfunctional family in a Blur-ray set that contains classic Simpsons episodes.

Look for such hallmark episodes like Bart Vs Lisa Vs. The Third Grade, Special Edna, Pray Anything, A Star IS Born-Again, Dude, Where’s My Ranch and Moe Baby Blues along with over a dozen other hilarious Simpsons episodes.

Homer has never been denser, Marge so persnickety, Lisa so cerebral, Bart so obnoxious and Maggie so above it all than in The Simpsons: The Fourteenth Season Blu-ray collection.

Extras include commentaries, featurettes , a special 300th episode featurette, Halloween classics, sketches, deleted scenes and so much more that’s it’s enough to make you say, “D,oh!”

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

2011-12-07T06:29:00.001-05:00

Just in time for the holidays comes 20th Century Fox’s new Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack of the hilarious Jim Carrey comedy, Mr. Popper’s Penguins.

Based on the popular children’s novel from 1938, the film follows the straight-laced and somewhat stuffy Mr. Popper who suddenly finds himself the ward of six adorable and mischievous penguins who turn his life upside down.

As he becomes accustomed to his new feathered friends Mr. Popper soon comes to realize what things are really important in life-especially family.

Filled with slapstick humor and touching moments, Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a movie the whole family can enjoy-especially at this special time of year when family and friends celebrate the holidays and discover the true meaning of the holiday season.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins 3-Pack Combo includes an animated short, deleted scenes, a gag reel, a hilarious Penguin Pandemonium montage, the legacy of Mr. Popper’s Penguins and much more. It’s a perfect holiday package!

The Eleventh Doctor And The Astronaut

2011-12-07T06:27:00.000-05:00

Two new figures are out from the new Series Six set of Doctor Who action figures from Underground Toys/Character options Ltd. They are the Eleventh Doctor and The Astronaut.

Both are part of The Flesh series and include Flesh Masks that cover the faces of the contained figures. The figures measure between 5 and 6 inches, are highly-articulated (including swivel waist movements), tightly sculpted and look identical to their life-size counterparts. Paint application is crisp with no rough edges or slop-over with special attention given to the face sculpts.

The package design allows the figures to be hung or displayed on shelves. The figures and accessories are easily seen while the surrounding graphics enhance the figures instead of detracting from them. All six characters from the series are shown on the back of each package and a special Flesh package comes in each bubble pack so you can experience the feel of the Flesh.

The Eleventh Doctor figure is a dead-ringer for actor Matt Smith with his deep brown hair combed over his right eye. His piercing blue eyes, while lively, betray his true age as does his somewhat dowdy attire consisting of black trousers, a sky blue shirt with cobalt blue bowtie, brown jacket and black shoes-all of which give him a rumpled professor look. Included with the figure is a miniature Sonic Screwdriver that fits snuggly into either of the figure’s hands.

The Astronaut consists of a solid white NASA space suit with gold faceplate that slides back to reveal the face of the young River Song. The suit itself is bulky with multiple hoses, chest unit, large backpack, green finger tipped gloves, heavy olive green accented boots and various space agency patches. Doctor Who fans will recognize The Astronaut from the episode The Impossible Astronaut, the same Astronaut that kills the Doctor!

Underground Toys/Character options Ltd. continue to turn out fantastic Doctor Who figures and merchandise and with the rising popularity of the Doctor Who TV show (especially here in the United States) the Doctor Who figures practically fly off the shelves.

The Key, The Magic Mirror, And The Topaz Ring

2011-12-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

Author and poet Jeanette M. Dodge has created a wonderful new book as an heirloom to her children and grandchildren.

Combining the best in children literature with fantasy and time travel, Ms. Dodge takes readers on a fun-filled, sometimes frightening and fascinating trip through time where the past intermingles with the present.

The three-story arc begins innocently enough when seventeen year old Sarah accepts an old key from her dying grandmother Rose.

The key unlocks a hidden room containing a very strange and special mirror that transports Sarah into the past where she lives a complete life. When she transports back to the present she has not aged a day and things were as she left them.

Through a series of magical and unexplained events she is intertwined with her grandmother’s past life and sets in place the events and encounters the people who populate her past and mold her present.

The Key, The Magic Mirror, And The Topaz Ring is an entertaining trilogy that young readers are sure to enjoy. The book stresses the importance of each person’s past and their family. The past comes alive as timelines meld and blend to make an entertaining tale of love, family and legacy.

The Complete Guide To Writing, Producing, And Directing A Low-Budget Short Film

2011-12-06T12:23:00.001-05:00

Do you have dreams of becoming a big-time film director but you’re stuck with a minimal budget? Do you have big ideas but little cash? Does the thought of dealing with huge studios, high-cost film professionals and actors and actresses with salaries in the eight figures make you nervous?

Then Gini Graham Scott’s new book from Limelight Editions: The Complete Guide To Writing, Producing, And Directing A Low-Budget Short Film, is the book you need.

By starting small you’ll learn all the ins and outs of the film industry in a comprehensive step-by-step guide that takes you through script to screening.

Learn how to get and use feedback, how to break down scenes, storyboards, casting, props, wardrobes, costumes, catering food, equipment and supplies, planning a budget, communication skills, shooting films, editing, promotion, copyright protection and much more.

The Complete Guide To Writing, Producing, And Directing A Low-Budget Short Film makes how to make a film comprehensible and possible-even on a small budget.

Al Williamson Archives Volumes 1 & 2

2011-12-06T06:48:00.000-05:00

From Flesk Publications comes Volume 1 &2 of the Al Williamson Archives, collecting the preliminaries from the artist’s studio.

From those of you unfamiliar with the term preliminaries the term refers to the studies, sketches or prefinished artwork associated with various projects.

Speaking as an artist myself, I use preliminaries frequently to flesh out my ideas, tweak compositions and try out different lighting effects, positioning of characters, layouts and ink application. Sometimes, with a little cut and paste (physical or digital) I can use the preliminaries as part of any finished piece.

Both Archives editions demonstrate via illustrations how Al Williamson designed characters, plotted compositions and inked various pieces.

Spanning over his 50-year career the illustrations show his progression as an artist, his fondness for sci-fi and fantasy and his eye for composition, design and detail. Regardless of the subject matter each piece is finely crafted, expertly laid out and virtually leaps off the page. Williamson’s mastery of the human figure, clothing, environments and light and shadow are showcased to their best advantage.

I especially enjoy looking at his pencil compositions before ink hits the paper. They demonstrate the careful attention Williamson gave to each piece, including slight modifications, limb or torso repositioning and costume enhancements.

Jurassic Park: The Game

2011-12-04T06:59:00.000-05:00

Guest review by: Jack "HarlockJC" Campbell

In 1993 Steven Spielberg brought life to the legendary book by Michael Crichton of Jurassic Park. Due to the success of the movie, there have been many sequels to the movie as well as a number of video games. Jurassic Park the game takes place during the first movie. The game adds more details to the story behind Dennis Nedry. For those who don't remember, Dennis Nedry was the fat nerdy guy played by Wayne Knight. Nedry's goal during the movie was to steal the dinosaur embryos and sell them for $1.5 million. As it turns out, Nedry's plan A was to get the embryos and when you start the game you're playing as plan B.

The story line for Jurassic Park: The Game was a full cinematic game with solid cut-scenes that makes the player immersed throughout the game. If you loved the first movie and would like to revisit it, then Jurassic Park is the game for you. The story line draws you in and leaves you wanting more. Telltale does a great job explaining some of the holes in the original movie. Each character provides a deep background and develops as the story goes on. As a player it's hard not to let your emotions get draw in as each character in the game goes though their ups and downs. This is where the game really succeeds.

The gameplay, on the other hand was a letdown. The puzzles in the game were simple due to the lack of an inventory system. I did not quite understand Telltale's reasoning for this. The game felt like it was made as an entry level point and click game. However most the fans of Jurassic Park are going to be in at least their 20's by now. So, as a gamer you find yourself longing for more complex puzzles. Most the puzzles were going though many different screens trying to find the right item to compete the puzzle. Most of the time once you found the right item the puzzle completed itself. As you get to the end of the game the puzzles become even less of a challenge when the answer to the puzzle becomes more of percentage based rather than require much thought. An example of this can be seen when the player is trying to find his way to the Marine Center at the end of the game rather than being a challenge it came down more to picking right or left. If you pick the wrong choice then the player just tries again. This is an example of many puzzles to follow. While watching the credits for the game I did notice that another person wrote the fourth episode than the other three. I am not sure if this had anything to do with the lack of a real challenge or not.

There were times in the game where I was playing Dragon Lair; the screen would prompt you to press arrows at certain times. If you missed too many arrows or missed an arrow at the wrong time then you got eaten by a dinosaur. With the cut scenes of a player getting eating by the dinosaur were entertaining at first. After dying five times in a row due to missing the same dang arrow, I found myself longing for a way to shorten the cut scenes. The arrow system becomes a pain when a player has to click on an arrow for every step he makes. It does work for the game at times drawing you into climatic moments of the game.

There were some bugs in the game. Twice during the game I could not see my mouse cursor in the game. I found myself having to guess where to click on the screen. There was another point where I was talking to another person in the game and the chat would not close. I ended up having to press each key until the screen closed. With the cheap price of $29.99, with the exception of the errors with the game and the lacking gameplay, if you love Jurassic Park like I do then the game is still worth playing. If you don't really care for Jurassic Park and want to play a challenging point and click then I would recommend passing on this game.

2011-12-02T15:02:00.000-05:00

Leave to Sid The Sloth and his friends from Ice Age to be responsible for the celebration of Christmas-or at least the trappings there of.

In 20th Century Fox's new Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo, Sid manages to destroy Manny's heirloom Christmas rock. Infuriated, Manny puts Sid on the 'naughty' list of the fictitious Santa Claus.

Sid has no way of knowing that Manny made up the list to punish him. Determined to set things right, Sid, along with Manny's daughter (Peaches) and Crash and Eddie head off to the North Pole to convince Santa to take them off the list.

In the meantime Manny and Ellie discover their daughter is missing and head off, with Diego, to find them.

Along the way Sid and his buddies run into a flying reindeer who helps them arrive only to have Sid and the others destroy Santa's workshop just as Manny, Ellie and Diego arrive.

It's up to Sid and his friends to set things right and create the traditions and icons we now associate with Christmas.

For some hilarious holiday fun be sure to check out Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas. Special. Also included in the package is a sneak peek at the upcoming Ice Age movie: Continental Drift and a Swingin' Jingle Bells music video.

History Of The Marvel Universe #1

2011-12-01T06:30:00.001-05:00

I’m a huge history buff-especially when it comes to pop culture and specifically comic books.

That’s why I am so delighted that Marvel Comics has produced a single volume comic book about the history of the Marvel beginning with Fantastic Four #1. The Watcher makes the perfect host of a quick, but very comprehensive, tour of the Marvel Universe beginning with that fateful day Benjamin Grimm Johnny and Sue Storm and Reed Richards boarded a rocket ship and encountered cosmic rays and were transformed into the Fantastic Four.

Briefly the Golden Age of Marvel Comics is mentioned but by in large the book is dedicated to the Marvel Universe since the FF first came on the scene.

Taking art from across the decades, the book successfully summarizes the key players and events that have made up the Marvel Universe since its inception 50 years ago celebrated this year.

Readers will witness the birth of heroes and cosmic altering events up until present day. For those of you who are new to the Marvel Universe this book is an excellent way to catch up on what’s been going on for five decades. This is a ‘must have’ for any Marvel Comics’ fan.

Steampunk And Zombies

2011-11-26T10:56:00.001-05:00

Allow me a moment to rant. There is a small independent comic book/Manga publisher out of San Antonio, Texas that has been on the cutting edge of popular culture since its creation over 20 years ago.

That company, Antarctic Press, has consistently managed to introduce new concepts to comic book readers before the mainstream media jumps on the bandwagon. Whether its Manga, kids' comics, zombies, Steampunk or any of dozens of other current 'hot' properties, Antarctic Press has been at the forefront.

Case in point: long before the 'other' comic book publishers cashed in on the zombie craze Antarctic Press was already exploring the genre. Another hot commodity is Steampunk. Comic book fans see plenty of it at conventions but Antarctic Press is the only comic book publisher who has really exploited the genre.

Recently Antarctic Press released a trio of titles I believe deserve closer scrutiny. All of them feature great art, clever writing and top tier production values.

First up is Fred Perry's, Rod Espinosa's and Kelsey Shannon's Steampunk Fairy Tales #1 that cleverly retells the story of Cinderella and the coming of the Apocalypse (renamed the Steampocalypse) in Fairyland. Kelsey Shannon provides the beautiful painted front cover and illustrated back cover.

Gearhart's Steampunk Glamor Revue #1 combines illustrations, paintings and photos of beautiful Steampunk ladies in provacative poses along with bios, stories and art galleries. Did I mention the live models are gorgeous!?

Writer Joe Wight and artist Rod Espinosa (is there nothing he can't draw?) tell the story about an entire planet inhabited by zombies and the spaceship crew who tries to survive. It's a chiller in planetary proportions.

I highly recommend all three comic books and all of Antarctic Press titles. Request your copies today.

Chaos: Head

2011-11-22T08:18:00.001-05:00

Funimation recently released the anime adaptation of the popular video game Chaos: Head.

The anime centers around high school Takumi Nishijo who feels more at home in the 2D world of computers than he does in the real world. His social intervention consists almost entirely of on-line chat rooms, games and other social media outlets available on the internet.

But, things are about to change when he is joined by first Grim and then Shogun, who shows him images of a brutal murder.

As it so happens a serious of grim and bloody murders have occurred around the neighborhood Takumi live in.

The next day Takumi witnesses a murder identical to the images sent to him by Shogun the day before- a murder committed by a pink-haired girl.

As event progress Takumi becomes more and more entangled in strange occurrences. Unsure if they are real or imagined Takumi's actions attract the attention of the police.

Takumi is left with no one to trust and is forced to face the possibility that he is targeted for murder and that a much larger conspiracy is at work.

Chaos: Head is an unsettling anime. The story jumps from illusion to reality suddenly and one is never quite sure what is real or imagined. The paranoia of Takumi builds and builds with each episode revealing truths and half-truths and disturbing and sometimes cryptic images that are vital to story but not always immediately so.

Once you start watching Chaos: Head it's difficult to stop watching it. It draws you in and provides just enough clues and bits of images to lock you in and keep you interested.

Fangoria #308, November

2011-11-18T06:36:00.001-05:00

In this issue of Fangoria magazine be sure to tag along as Fangoria visits the set of Dracula 3D, read the First Rites, drop off a letter at the Postal Zone, beware the Monster Invasion and its scary movies: A Serbian Film, The Last Post, Caprice and The Dagons. Check out the DVD Chopping List, revisit the animated Heavy Metal, and a new kind of animated film: Dr. Shroud and chill out with Chillerama. Avoid The Girl Of The Fear, listen to a tale of A American Horror Story and turn on the Terror Tube.

Travel to A Lonely Place To Die for a new kind of Mountaineering, take a Wrong Turn, travel back to The Colony, Barbara Magnolfi revisits her horror picture days, dig through the Trash Compactor, Italian Zombies bite back, beware the Queen Of Hell, and check out some books at the Nightmare Library.

The Adventures Of Tintin: Season One

2011-11-18T06:34:00.000-05:00

With the upcoming release of the Tintin movie, produced by Steven Spielberg, Shout! Factory has obtained the rights to release the animated Tintin TV series first season episodes on DVD.

The 2-disc set follows the young investigative reporter Tintin and his dog Snowy on globetrotting adventures. Based on the graphic novels by the late artist, Herge, the adventures also include a wild cast of characters including Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and detectives Thompson and Thompson.

For seat-of-your-pants and dangerous adventures follow Tintin as he unravels mystery after mystery in these classic tales brought to life in animated form. All thirteen episodes of Season One are included, along with several that inspired the upcoming motion-capture live action movie.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the intrepid Tintin’s adventures and the incredible locations, scrapes and escapes in each and every episode.

The Silver Age Of Comics

2011-11-15T06:17:00.000-05:00

I love reading comic books. I’m pushing 60 years old and I still get excited when it’s time to pick up my weekly stash at the local comic book store. As much as I like ‘new’ comic books my real love is Silver Age comics.

I was born in the early 1950s and grew up in the 1960s. I remember visiting the local drug store and purchasing many of the currently most sought after Silver age comics when they were first printed. My diet of early Silver Age comics consisted mostly of DC Comics until Marvel Comics introduced the Fantastic Four, then I became a Marvel Zombie.

Other smaller publishers like Tower and Charlton jumped on the superhero band wagon and I bought most of those titles too. The Silver Age was a boom time for comic books with new concepts and storylines that made me come back for more.

I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to Silver Age comics, but, compared to the encyclopedic knowledge of author William Schoell I’m an amateur.

Mr. Shoell’s new book, The Silver Age Of Comics, published by BearManor Media is one of the most comprehensive books ever written about the Silver Age.

In the book the entire Silver Age, from start to finish, is meticulously examined with every title dissected and analyzed. However, the book is far more than a statistical compilation. The author has done an admirable job of infusing the text with life.

Readers will learn about the comic books, their creators, their publishing history and the significance of their stories. I learned a lot and readers will too after reading this impressive work. If you want to dig deep into what made the Silver Age what it was then be sure to pick up a copy of The Silver Age Of Comics.

And Yet Again - More Art By Me

2011-11-11T09:38:00.014-05:00

Goldeneye 007: Reloaded

2011-11-10T06:37:00.000-05:00

He’s back! Bond, James Bond is back in Activision’s reengineered, re-imagined and rejuvenated classic James Bond video game: Goldeneye 007: Reloaded. It’s a brand new HD, 60 frames per second, completed built from the ground up take on a classic James Bond film loaded with surprises.

Based on the legendary adventure, the game pulls out all the stops with incredible graphics and environments, the addition of classic Bond villains (how do Oddjob, Jaws and others sound?) and so much action the screen can barely contain it.

Bond has his choice of weapons, including the infamous golden gun, and single-player, four-player and 16-player online capabilities. Introduced for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, Goldeneye 007: Reloaded delivers on all levels: from full 360 degree high definition action, spectacular settings, fully rendered characters, a pulse-pounding soundtrack and a script written and updated by renowned screenwriter Bruce Feirstein.

Relive a classic with updated missions, settings, exciting action sequences and challenging campaigns such as Assault, Elimination, Stealth and Defense objectives.

Step into the shoes of one of the most famous heroes of print and cinema as you take on the bad guys, complete your mission and once more save the world for God, Queen and country. See if you have what it takes as you face off against Bond’s greatest enemies now controlled by Activision’s clever A.I. game play. You never know what to expect-your next mission could be your last.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2

2011-11-09T06:14:00.003-05:00

Wow! The finale chapter in the Harry Potter movie series certainly went out with a bang. I have to admit I’ve never been a huge fan of the Harry Potter movies. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy them, but as far as being a Harry Potter fanatic I’m not. But, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 totally blew me away.

The finale confrontation between Harry and his arch nemesis, the evil sorcerer Lord Voldemort, was spectacular on so many levels.

The story grabs viewers from the moment the screen flickers on, the acting by the cast was superb - reaching levels of Academy Award status and the script never wasted a word.

Of the entire Harry Potter movie series, I have to say this is my favorite. The special effects and set designs were on an epic scale. I especially liked the sequences in the vault, storage areas and the battle at Hogwarts rivaled anything seen on the Silver Screen.

The truth about Harry Potter and other key characters was eye-opening, to say the least, and the conclusion was both satisfying and surprising.

Warner Bros. has done the Harry Potter series proud and I predict that the films will be considered classics for years to come.

The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy disc set contains some spectacular extras. Look for featurettes on Blowing Up Hogwarts as seen through the eyes of the filmmakers and cast, candid conversations with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe and author J. K. Rowling, a spotlight on the Goblins of Gringotts, an retrospective of The Women Of Harry Potter, additional scenes, a Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and a very special Pottermore Preview. No other words can best describe this collection other than-it’s magic!

Screen World Volume 62: The Films Of 2010

2011-11-05T14:43:00.001-04:00

Recently I recommended a book that I was not familiar with (imagine that!?) The book, Screen World (by Barry Monush and published by Applause Theatre & Cinema Books) is the bible by which movie professionals (actors, actresses and production people) refer to when gauging and researching movies put out year-to-year.

Screen World: The Films Of 2010 was just released and in its pages every movie (and I do mean EVERY movie) produced during 2010 is categorized, given a short synopsis, has its acting repertoire and production people listed, studio or independent filmmakers credited and several stills from each movie shown.

Besides listing movie statistics, other movie-centered information is also included such as awards given, obituaries, top-grossing films, promising new talent and so forth.

Screen World is a ‘must-have’ resource for any serious movie lover. I literally spent hours looking through its pages at photos and reading information. It’s a fascinating read that digs into the meat and bones of the movie industry.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure

2011-11-04T16:38:00.000-04:00

Back in the 1950s I, like millions of other kids, tuned in each day for the latest episode of The Mickey Mouse Club. I loved it then and I still love it.

The new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is high-tech for today’s kids and they, like myself when I was young, enjoy watching the animated and live action adventures of the Clubhouse citizens.

Preschoolers be prepared! Mickey Mouse and his friends have blasted off to space in Disney Kid’s new DVD/Digital Copy Combo (with free stickers) in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure.

While on a quest for a space treasure, Mickey and his friends invite youngsters along for the ride as they learn about the planets, space, the universe and alien life forms.

Mickey’s new alien and Earth resident friends join in the hunt. Even Pirate Pete comes around, even though he was looking for the treasure too. What’s the treasure? Find out for yourself in this delightful animated adventure for preschoolers where they can watch and learn. Also included is a never-seen-before Goofy animated short. Garsh!

Twister Mania

2011-11-04T16:36:00.000-04:00

The board game Twister! first appeared in the turbulent ‘60s at the height of the ‘Hippie” generation. And what a great fit! After all it was decorated in bright colors and encouraged people to engage in close physical contact. Sounds like the Hippie counter-culture to me!

Majesco Entertainment’s Twister Mania for Xbox 360 Kinect lets eight players twist and turn through 16 wild and wacky Twister! environments.

If you think Twister! is crazy you haven’t seen anything yet. Get a load of Twister Mania. Go solo or better yet: team up with friends to gyrate and intermingle in some of the most outrageous moves and positions possible. It’s crazy, spine twisting and a close encounter of the most outrageous kind imaginable!

Choose from three game modes: Party Play, Play-It-All and Quick Play as you gyrate and twist, tumble and contort through Shape Frenzy, Twist & Fit, Break It down and Spot On. It’s a whole new twist on Twister! amidst bright colors, rockin’ music and fast-paced fun! This ain’t your grandma’s Twister!

Previews, November

2011-11-03T06:34:00.001-04:00

The holiday season is over, the kids have packed away their new toys and electronics, Dad adds to his tie collection and Mom is left with the mess to clean up. Credit cards are maxed out and savings accounts strain and yet---there’s still lots of goodies you can buy come this January, 2012 and Diamond Previews catalog has all the new collectibles you just gotta have. What’s a little bankruptcy when compared to having the latest collectible?

New comic books are Lobster Johnson, Knights Of The Old republic, Wolverine And The X-Men, Infestation 2, Fatale, Robots In Disguise, More Than Meets The Eye, Danger Girl: Revolver, Whispers, Mondo, Nancy In Hell, Dragonsbane, Kevin Keller, Ferals, Simpsons Illustrated, Peanuts, The Lone Ranger, Dead Man’s Run and Steed And Mrs. Peel.

Books and magazines to read include the Bionic Book, Back issue, Under The Moon Of Mars, Honey West and The Magic Of Reality.

Trading cards are Star Wars Galaxy 7and Benchwarmer 2011.

Play around with these toys: Emma Frost, Shanna, Marvel Select, Marvel Universe, Rocky, Predators, Sesame Street, Star Wars, Cowboys & Aliens, Mass Effect, Arkham Asylum, Final Fantasy, Doctor Who and Beavis and Butthead.

Game on with Magic, Locke & Key and War Of The Rings.

Princess Knight

2011-11-01T06:46:00.001-04:00

It’s no secret that early Japanese Manga and Anime were inspired by and emulated American comic books and animation. The Japanese would go on to make each their own unique art forms and eventually each would become highly popular in the United States.

Manga master Osamu Tezuka was one of the early pioneers of what would evolve into the modern day Manga. His early works (influenced heavily by Disney with its cute characters, tone and design) nonetheless introduced several important and ground-breaking concepts.

In Vertical’s first volume of Tezuka’s Princess Knight several elements are introduced. In the story a child is given two hearts (one male, one female) by a mischievous angel. Since the young princess Sapphire has the tendencies of both male and female she grows up in the royal court a beautiful young woman with swashbuckling tendencies. She is an excellent warrior, swordsman and is completely fearless.

Her male tendencies are encouraged as only a male can inherit the throne thus the title Princess Knight. Although proficient in ‘manly’ pursuits, the young girl is still completely feminine and soon she has a suitor: Prince Charming.

Raised as a prince, Sapphire at first shuns her female tendencies but after a series of outrageous adventures filled with danger, incredible escapes, fights and magic the gender-bending princess comes to accept her unusual situation and becomes the prototype for the strong-willed and capable female characters seen in Shojo Manga designed specifically for girls.

Princess Knight is a great vehicle to transport you back in time to the early days of Manga and the genesis of an art form which influence is felt all around the world.

Triumph Of the Walking Dead

2011-11-01T06:44:00.001-04:00

Zombies-ya gotta luv ‘em! In the past decade zombies have evolved to become this generation’s premiere monsters. Since the early days of monster movies each generation has had their own particular brand of scary creatures.

During the 1930s and 1940s it was classic monsters like Frankenstein, the Werewolf, the Mummy and Dracula. The 1950s made way for creatures from outer space paralleling America’s fear of nuclear war. The 1960s saw a resurgence in classic monster movies and a smattering of space monsters. The 1970s first introduced zombies but eventually focused once again on a wide variety of scary creatures. The late 1970s and 1980s introduced the long psycho killer like Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers and the 1990s continued that trend with a smattering of earlier genres thrown in for good measure.

The start of the new century saw a number of living dead films and books but it wasn’t until Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead comic book appeared that zombie madness truly kicked in.

In BenBella/Smartpopbooks’ new unauthorized Triumph Of The Walking Dead several author’s look at the incredible success of The Walking.

Robert Kirkman’s Zombie epic is traced back to its early roots as a fledgling title in the Image Comics roster to its current status as a popular trade paperback collection and TV series. Editor James Lowder has assembled an impressive collection of Walking Dead essayists who examine not only the popular comic book series and TV show but he Zombie phenomenon as a whole.

Many ask the questions “What exactly would happen is such a zombie plague actually occurred? Who would survive and what would become of humanity?” Interesting questions and an interesting book that zombie fans are sure to love.

The Batman Files

2011-10-28T17:11:00.000-04:00

One of the things I like about being a reviewer is that I am constantly surprised and delighted by the incredibly talented people who produce toys, models, trading cards, comic books, books and other popular collectible items.

Just when I thought I had read and seen everything that could possibly be written about Batman along comes author Matthew K. Manning's and Andrews McMeel Publishing's new oversize hardbound book, The Batman Files.

This gorgeous book, with its padded cover and rear, encases an impressive volume of work dedicated to the Dark Knight.

An angular die-cut wraparound flap with an de-bossed silver bat symbol encases the solid black book. A fitted dust jacket with a silver ink printed image of Batman completes the impressive package.

Inside Batman fans are inundated with information about Batman as written by Bruce Wayne himself. Pages are filled with how Bruce decided to become the Batman, his design for his costume, Batcave, Batmobile and Batplane and the many accessories and vehicles he utilizes in his fight against crime.

Personal observations and data about his friends, foes and associates both as Batman and Bruce Wayne fill the pages. Schematics, blueprints, sketches, drawings, document recreations and archival photos, art and media interpretations of Batman complete the package.

Police scene records an photos, Arkham Asylum profiles, Gotham City buildings and city grid, Batcomputer printouts and much more are contained in its a pages. Batman fans will clamor for this ultimate collection about Gotham City's Cowled Crusader.

Trees And Dragons

2011-10-27T06:51:00.000-04:00

This is a first for me. I’ve reviewed Safari Ltd.’s products extensively in the past. Without a doubt the quality of their products are first-rate. The sculpting, attention to detail, paint application and wide range of product types are second to none.

One of my favorite set of figures Safari Ltd. produces are their dragons. I’ve reviewed each and every one in the past - all are superb.

Here’s what makes this review so unusual. Recently Safari Ltd. provided some dragon models I have already reviewed. However, I believe they deserve a second look. I won’t go into details other than to say each and every one makes a fine addition to any dragon lover’s collection.

The Ice Dragon is a chilling white and light blue lizard with huge silver frosted wings and iridescent silver horns and body spikes. The Midnight Moon Dragon is a purple metallic sheen monstrosity with gold accents and four red eyes and powerful short tail. The triple-head, yellow, orange and red Fire Dragon comes with a translucent flame shooting out of one its mouths and the serpentine Krystal Blue Dragon looks as if it jumped out of an ancient Chinese illustration. Tinged in gold and with blue fins along it entire upper body, it’s a real beauty.

Also, if you like dragons you’re sure to love Safari Ltd.’s dinosaurs and if you ever need some landscaping to go along with your thunder lizards then be sure to pick up Safari Ltd.’s Prehistoric Landscapes trees.

Three of the beautifully crafted and detailed foliage are a Cycad, Agathis Cinifer and Tree Fern. You’ll like them-they tend to “grow” on you.

How To Draw Chiller Monsters, Werewolves, Vampires, And Zombies

2011-10-27T06:49:00.000-04:00

The recent upsurge of interest in all things macabre such as zombies, vampires and other things supernatural has sparked an entire industry dedicated to things that go bump in the night. Movies, TV shows, comics books, books and other mass media outlets have cashed in on the craze and there appears to be no end in sight for its popularity waning.

Artists are also jumping on the band wagon (or should I say dead wagon?) with art that ranges from amateurish to highly-polished. Have you ever got the urge to draw some ghoulies and such? Then you’re in luck.

Author J. David Spurlock and Watson-Guptill Publications have teamed up to bring readers the ultimate in ‘how-to’ books on delineating dead devilish doers of the night. How To Draw Chiller Monsters, Werewolves, Vampires, And Zombies is much more than an instruction book on drawing.

To start things off Rob Zombie (yes, that Rob Zombie) provides a foreword for the book and laments how he wished such a book existed when he was a kid. Then there's the meat of the book.

This is not your typical “how-to” book. Instructions and demonstrations are not provided by just a single artist but by some of the biggest names in the comic book and illustration fields. Do the names Neal Adams, Kerry Gammill, Basil Gogos, David Hartman, Alex Horley, John Romita Sr. Jim Steranko. Gene Colan, Wally Wood and several other well-known artists strike a chord? I’m impressed!

Each type of ghoulie, ghostie and monster comes with a brief history. Several artists will contribute to each particular creepy creature with sketches, black and white and color drawings and comments.

The author provides his own observations, information and artist biographies. Combine all of the aforementioned text and art together and you have not only a very informative book on illustration but a real feast for the eyes.

Personally I enjoy looking at each illustration and how each is created from sketch to completed project. As an artist and designer myself I appreciate the hard work and imagination that goes into each piece as well as the tremendous amount of work it took to put this great book together. Kudos!

The Essential Daffy Duck

2011-10-26T06:24:00.001-04:00

To quote Daffy Duck, “This is the greatest collection of cartoons starring the world’s most famous duck.”

Warner Bros. presents, for the first time anywhere, The Essential Daffy Duck collection featuring 21 classic cartoons (three of which are new to DVD). Follow Daffy as he faces off against Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd and a host of characters who he somehow always manages to irritate.

Daffy stars as Duck Dodgers of the 24th and ½ Century, Robin Hood, Superduck and a host of other outrageous disguises that land him in more trouble than a Peking duck dinner in China Town.

He’s crazy, lazy, nuts, cuckoo, short-tempered, devious, egotistical but most of all he’s Daffy!

Two discs are included in the collection that contains all 21 cartoons along with a Career Profile of the funny fowl and two vintage TV programs. It’s crazy! It’s lunacy! It’s Daffy Duck! “Duck season! Rabbit season! Duck season! Rabbit season! I say it’s duck season! Blam! I hate that rabbit!”

Volume 61: Screen World; The Films Of 2009

2011-10-25T06:40:00.000-04:00

The movie industry, its affiliates, actors, directors and professionals (along with a large part of the public and film critics) look forward each year to the release of the most current Screen World book.

Author Barry Monush and Applause Theatre & Cinema Books have just released Volume 61 of the series and it is jam-packed full of information and photos about of the movies released in 2009: both major and independent.

Each film is given a complete synopsis and listing of actors, supporting cast and key production personnel. Also included are biographical data, obituaries, top listings, best of, top grossing films and more are included in its pages. It’s a veritable cornucopia of film facts and photos.

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! The Avengers Volume 3 & 4

2011-10-25T06:38:00.000-04:00

It’s official, the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! The Avengers animated series is ranked in the top 10 all-time favorite and best superhero animated TV series. And it’s easy to see why.

Volume 3 and 4 of Disney's DVDs deliver some of the best Avengers stories seen on the small and large screens and in print.

In Volume 3 The Avengers face off against Zemo and his Masters Of evil, encounter a giant robot from the Kree Galaxy, come face-to-face with the master of time: Kang and discover just how lethal the sting of the Black Widow can be. As an extra bonus a short clip: Avengers Unmasked: Masters Of Evil looks back on the history of the Masters and their connection to The Avengers.

In Volume 4 Loki shows his hand and sets in motion the fall of Asgard, Hydra raises its ugly head, or should I say heads?, and Ultron 5 gains sentience and decides to conquer mankind in order to save it.

In Volume 4’s Avengers unmasked segment, Hydra is examined and traced back to its early Marvel roots.

The Avengers animated series is by far the best animated series Marvel Comics has produced so far. The animation is clean and well-plotted, special effects are well-done without being overpowering, and the voice actors do a great job on their respective characters and the stories draw the viewer in with lots of little subplots and surprises. Often plotlines from upcoming episodes are snuck into the stories assuring that viewers will stick around to find out what happens in future episodes. It’s a great series and I enjoyed watching each episode.

Cars 2

2011-10-22T10:22:00.000-04:00

Disney/Pixar have really raised the bar with Cars 2. With every new Pixar Animation release the advances made in computer animation are phenomenal. Pixar has always turned out a great product with interesting characters, clever stories and lush backgrounds, but Cars 2 has outdone every Pizar animated film before it.

The Cars 2 plot involves Lightning McQueen taking part in the World Grand Prix. He takes his best frieind Mater with him and you can just image Mater in different countries!

Somehow Mater gets mistaken for a super spy and winds up entangled in a sinister plot to enact revenge on regular cars by lemon cars.

Along the way he meets a whole new cast of characters including a British spy car whose voice is provided by Michael Caine.

The animation on this film is amazing-especially the panoramic shots of cities from around the world. The visual effects are astounding and the story keeps you glued to your seat. Cars 2 are an action-packed and fun-filled film that the entire family can enjoy.

The Blu-ray/DVD combo also includes two short animated films, a Director's Commentary, a World Tour Map, featurettes and much, MUCH more.

When We Were Married - Volume 1 The Long Fall

2011-10-21T18:43:00.001-04:00

Check out my friend's (Daniel Steele) new novel (When We Were Married - Volume 1 The Long Fall: for sale on Barnes and Noble) with cover art by guess who?

Four words ended their marriage. Four words ended his life. And changed hers forever. Four words made both of them face terrible truths about their marriage. After those four words, nothing would ever be the same. For them. For their children. Those words would touch the lives of cops and criminals, judges and prosecutors and defenders, the best of men and the worst of them. The ripples cast by those four words would stretch from the warm waters of the Caribbean to the arid deserts of Mexico, from the government halls of Paris to the moonlit dunes of Matanzas south of St. Augustine. And, when it was all over, it would finally come down to three lives. And there could be no happy ending. “When We Were Married" is the story of a marriage of a driven prosecutor and a beautiful professor that dies, and what happens afterward. It has psychiatrists and assassins and CIA Black Ops teams, the protective head of a deadly Columbian Crime Cartel, a cold blooded and savage murderer who is determined to save the wife and family of the prosecutor who sent him to prison, the Angel of Death, the Shark and the Iceman. It features loyal friends, friendly enemies and really, really bad people. The first volume of four, "The Long Fall" introduces Bill Maitland, a short, fat, balding Assistant in the Florida State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida in 2005. He is married to a tall, gorgeous,... .

Fantasy & Science Fiction #698, January/February

2011-10-21T13:36:00.002-04:00

November and December's Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine packs it on for the holiday season with an oversize issue even Santa may have a hard time lugging around in his sack of goodies.

Novellas include Quartet And Triptych and The Ice Owl.

Tim Sullivan, Evangeline Walton, James L. Cambias and Albert E Cowdrey. Crowley contributes some novelets and a short story is The Klepsydra: A Chapter From A Faunary Of Recondite Beings.

Departments to visit are book and film reviews, Coming Attractions, Competition, Indexes and Curiosities.

Sunday Brunch

2011-10-21T13:35:00.000-04:00

Jeremy, of the Zits comic strip, has always been a 'colorful' character. With Andrews McMeel Publishing's Sunday Brunch: The Best Of Zits Sundays collection, that fact could never be more true.

Follow the full-color misadventures of Jeremy as he confuses, infuriates, befuddles and mystifies his family, friends and school faculty.

Included along with the full-page Sunday comic strip reprints come essays and anecdotes from other famous cartoonists.

Witness Jeremy as he encounters parents, girls, school, socializing and society in general in his own unique manner as written and drawn by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman.

The oversize paperback collection will make a great holiday gift, (What am I saying!? It would make a great gift anytime! Shoot, buy it for any reason!)

Hulk Hogan’s Main Event

2011-10-20T07:07:00.000-04:00

“It’s Time For Greatness, Brother!” Majesco Entertainment presents Hulk Hogan’s Main Event for Xbox 360 Kinect.

If you love professional wrestling, if you crave some jaw-dropping, body-slamming, ring rattling, testosterone-laced, in-your-face action where big beefy men slam the tar out of each other, then this is the video game you’ve been waiting for!

The first performance based wrestling game ever created, Main Event allows players to train with Hulk Hogan and learn all of his tricks and moves. Learn how to play to a crowd, create your own wrestling persona and most important of all-win your matches!

I first saw hulk Hogan when he showed up in an early Rocky film. The man is a monster! From that moment on his star would rise in the wrestling world and soon Hulk’s face was everywhere: on TV, pitching products, on the Silver Screen and in print. Hulk Hogan madness gripped the nation as he shifted from good guy to bad guy and back again. Throughout it all Hulk Hogan has been at the forefront of professional wrestling and is untiring in his support of the sport.

Master the art of showmanship, customize your character, go head-to-head with opponents and experience the heart-pounding action of what it means to be a professional wrestler. Experience the ups and downs of the sport as you work your way from the bottom to the top to fame and fortune and feel the rush as the crowd cheers you on.

This is wrestling as it was meant to be-lots of 360 action, thunderous applauds and boos, blood, sweat and tears. Are you ready to rumble!? Then Hulk Hogan’s Main Event is for you.

Cold War #1

2011-10-20T07:02:00.001-04:00

Leave it to artist/writer John Byrne to turn a genre on its ear. The master of taking an old idea, or character(s), and reengineering/re-imagining them has always been a John Byrne specialty and he proves he stills has the chops to pull it off as evident in his new title from IDW: Cold War.

Set in the 1950s during the height of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, Cold War follows the adventures of British spy Michael Swann as he deals with defectors, beautiful women, sinister villains and secrets in “The Damocles Contract”.

Things start out with a bang in East Berlin, as a top Soviet official inspects the coffin containing the body of Swann. The only problem is Swann is not dead and when the official opens the coffin, Swann swiftly kills him. Taking the dead man’s cloths, Swann manages to escape to West Berlin after a series of maneuvers and dodges that would make James Bond green with envy.

After a short recuperative period Swann confronts his bungling superior who he believes blew his cover and promptly quits. Two years later Swann accepts an assignment to investigate a possible defector and what he gets is far more than he bargained for.

John Byrne is at the top of his form. It’s nice to see the old Byrne magic as strong as ever. Everything clicks: the art, the story and especially the characters. Bravo!

Included, as an extra bonus, is a sneak peek of IDW’s new series Memorial about a young woman who remembers nothing of her past that has some very unusual connections.

Three Stooges FAQ

2011-10-18T06:22:00.001-04:00

“Nyuk, nyuk! Spread out! “If those phrases sound familiar to you then you’re a Stoogeifile: a lover of the Three Stooges.

As a child I would get up early weekdays and catch a few minutes of the Three Stooges before I rushed off to school. In the afternoon I would make it home from school just in time to catch the afternoon Stooges cartoon series that was inter-mingled with live sketches by the Stooges.

Saturday was a Stoogefest for at least an hour. Saturday Three Stooges time was my favorite because the oldest Three Stooges films were played that included Curly. Like so many other kids, Curly was my favorite-he still is.

What made the Three Stooges so funny? That’s a hard question to answer. The slapstick antics were one thing, the absurdity of the characters, the comedic timing and most importantly, Larry, Moe and Curly made a perfect team-a team of idiots-but a team nonetheless.

Author David J. Hogan and Applause Theatre & Cinema Books present Three Stooges FAQ: Everything Left to Know About The Eye-Poking, Face-Slapping, Head-Thumping Geniuses.

Contained in the book are detailed examinations of every 190 two-reel Three Stooges short that were filmed from 1934 until 1959. Included with the engrossing and fascinating text are over 70 photos (many never or seldom seen before) of the Stooges in the various stages of their career. A complete filmography makes Three Stooges FAQ book the ultimate guide to the Stooges. “Certainly!”

NBA 2K12

2011-10-15T11:15:00.000-04:00

NBA 2K11 for Wii by 2K Sports was dubbed, "the best basketball video game ever produced."

NBA 2K12 for Wii, also by 2K Sports, is even better than the previous version. All the bells and whistles that made 2K11 a killer game are still present but 2K12 has improved on them and added a few more cool, new extras.

Play with some of the most legendary NBA teams of all-time using actual team rosters. In the newly redesigned Tutorial Mode learn all the subtle and tried and true techniques and tricks for playing the best game possible.

Current teams and ratings are integrated into the game and with the quick-to-read rating and information data you're always on the top of your game.

With the Wii intuitive control you become the players as you run down the court and use their signature moves and strategy.

Full 3D modeling and no lag time background traveling make the game feel real. Sponsor logos plastered on signs and banners make the action seem as if you are at a real game. Fans wear game shirts and accessories and with the up-close-and personal game play you can almost hear the grunts of exertion from your opponents and smell their sweat.

This is how basketball was meant to be played. Don't be surprised when you feel totally exhausted after your virtual game play. Tight graphics, spectacular colors, sounds and smooth play-by-play make NBA 2K12 the winner in video game basketball. I especially liked the way the camera focuses in and out as it follows the players. It makes the action seem real as the camera tries to keep pace with the players.

'48 Ford Coupe, '59 Chevy Impala, Lamborghini Diablo, '63 Corvette And Jungle Jim

2011-10-15T11:12:00.000-04:00

Classic car fans are sure to love the five new classic car models Revell has just released. Like all Revell models all are a perfect match to their larger cousins. The models are scaled at 1:25 but none skimp on details. Easy to understand instructions and clear paint and decal application diagrams allow models, regardless of skill level, to turn out the very best models so that when friends and family see them will give out a collective, "Wow!"

The 3' n 1 '48 Ford Custom Coupe is a honey of a car that deserves its Special Edition Series status. Extra parts and new tooling allow modelers to customize their car into two configurations.

Each version retains the trademark '48 Coupe body but with custom grills, bumpers, interior and exterior details and with a supped up, chromed engine this baby is an eye-catcher regardless of what version you customize. Check out the full dash with chrome accents, straight-back twin front seats and cool body trim and whitewall tires. Zoom!

The '59 Chevy Impala (a personal favorite) is a 2' n 1 California Wheels convertible that can be painted a deep bronze with custom trim or a deep blue with minimal trim.

Display your model with the white convertible top up or down, the hood open (showcasing the powerful V8) and with the slightly redesigned twin rear fins this car looks like its moving when its standing still. Now that's a classic car!

Choose your wheel, trim and tire types, ramp up the chrome accessories and sit back and enjoy the luxury of riding with the top down, radio blasting and the lush interior.

The Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster is the ultimate in fast-as-a-flash streetcars. With its hefty price tag this car delivers on all fronts with its powerful rear engine, sleek aerodynamic design, low to the ground profile and characteristic swept back wedge design. The price is well worth it for this classic luxury car.

Twin seats melt into the chassis as the driver and passenger seem to become one with the car as it speeds up and passes all competitors.

Take a moment to appreciate the step and layer design of the rear of chassis, front of the center passenger compartment, interior amenities and the dynamic profile of this car amongst cars.

Who doesn't love the '63 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe? With its distinctive shark/ray body style, low profile, twin seat bubble passenger compartment and integrated bumpers, trim and flip up headlights the Sting Ray Coupe is a automotive dream come true.

Part of Revell's Snap Tite series the car is easy to assemble, requires no glue and no paint application. Details extend to the body and interior and be prepared to be wowed by the undercarriage details.

Revell got it right, right down to the twin rear windshield glass and the trademark chrome logo disc on the rear.

Why do they call the Vega NHRA Funny Car the Jungle Jim? Because this baby with make you swing from trees and vines out of sheer joy. And what a joy it is!

Painted a deep blue, this customized hotrod is all business with its oversize rear tires, custom chrome wheels, chrome spoiler that almost invades the passenger compartment and its custom decals. Get a load of its center-mounted engine with side extension exhaust manifolds, flip up chassis and counter-weight rear end.

This ain't no going for ride on Sunday car! It's all business and its business is to crush whatever unfortunate car dares to go up against it!

In The Beginning, There Was Chaos

2011-10-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

I've always enjoyed cartoonist Lynn Johnston's comic strip, For Better Or For Worse. I enjoy it even more now because, like her, I've seen my kids grow up, fall in love and move away from home.

I still remember the turbulent years of diaper changes and scraped knees, the happy times of family gatherings, soccer and basketball games, sleepovers, first loves, dating and watching my children grow up and mature into adults.

My wife and I have been married almost 33 years and like Lynn we have had our ups and downs, disagreements, shared sorrows and joys, struggles to make a living and all of the other idiosyncrasies associated with a man and woman growing old together.

Lynn's new book, In The Beginning, There Was Chaos, looks back on the Better Of For Worse family's early years when the kids were young, the Patterson's had not been married for many years and the resulting adjustments, readjustments and roller coaster ride of young married life and raising young kids.

The book takes the best from Lynn's previous Andrews McMeel Publishing collections containing the Patterson's adventures during the early 1980s and compiles into a large hardback book aptly called the For Better OF For Worse 2nd Treasury and what a treasury it is!

Daily and Sunday strips are intermingled with photos and observations from Lynn about her strip during the early '80s. It's funny, poignant and as relevant today as it was back then.

Exotique 7

2011-10-14T06:31:00.001-04:00

What is it about beautiful women that have fascinated and inspired artists and sculptors over the centuries?

I’d like to give my humble opinion if I may. Grace-that word best describes the female figure. The beauty of a woman’s figure, its symmetry, supple lines and curves all combine to create a remarkable symbiosis of grace.

A woman’s face with its delicate skeletal structure, large moist eyes and lips framed by an over abundance of hair exudes innocence and yet personifies sexuality and mystery.

A beautiful woman’s body is sensual but it goes far beyond that. There is perfection of balance and form. Personally what fascinates me about a woman’s torso is how the abdomen and hips areas curve and play off one another. There are so different than a male’s lower torso. The slight bulge of the hip area does strange and wonderful things to the abdomen muscles. To me it is one of the most difficult areas of the female anatomy to draw because of the interplay of muscle, bone and sinew.

In Ballistic Publishing’s new book, Exotique 7, digital artists from around the world, most of whom use Photoshop, have assembled a gallery of beautiful women portraits that are visually stunning.

Exotic costumes, high-tech armor, outrageous hairstyles and makeup and interesting settings combine to make a eye-pleasing extravaganza of erotic and exotic portraits that any lover of the female figure is sure to enjoy.

A plethora of artistic styles and techniques are incorporated from soft airbrush to hard palette knife like paint application. Women are dressed in soft feminine attire to hard-edge mechanized armor. There are women shown in quiet still poses and high energy dynamic action scenes.

There are devils, divas, debutants, docile, dominant, delicate and the divine. Every conceivable type of setting, attire and design can be seen throughout this book. It’s an exhaustive examination of the female form in all of its beauty and feminine mystique.

From a technical point of view the artistry and sheer technical skill it took to create each and every figure is impressive and speaking as a fellow artist I marvel at the talent represented in the book.

Heinkel And Raiden

2011-10-12T06:57:00.000-04:00

Travel back in time to the turbulent days of WWII amidst the war being waged in the sky by the Axis powers: Germany and Japan. Both nations had assembled impressive fleets of aircraft and proved to be capable enemies who deserved to be both respected and feared.

The Limited Edition 1: 72 Scale German Heinkel Helll/H ‘KG55” bomber was created as in 1935 as a twin-engine, civilian transport. Although slow by military standards the newly refitted ‘bomber’ had its engine upgraded, pilot visibility improved and its shape altered for a more aerodynamic configuration.

The intakes were shifted to the left of the engine, new pitch propellers were installed and improvements and additions were made to the gunner emplacements.

With its crew of five, the Heinkel proved to be a formidable adversary in the air as it made its bombing runs.

The Hasegawa Model Kits' Heinkel model is precise in its details right down to the plating along its fuselage and wings. Both interior and exterior details match its larger brother while handy paint and decal schematics make it easy to customize the aircraft to a model maker’s choice.

Parts detach easily from the 11 part trees with very little flashing and cleanup. Easy-to-follow instructions make assembly easy and precise.

The Japanese 1:32 Scale Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (Jack) Type 21 Japanese Navy Interceptor is a single engine, sleek small bullet of an aircraft that packs a powerful punch despite its size.

Production began on the Raiden in 1943 and soon the sleek, fast-climbing and highly maneuverable aircraft took to the skies. With its boosted armament, twin 7.7mm machine guns and 20mm cannon the Raiden proved to be a force to be reckoned with in whatever configuration of modified version flew. Considered a preferred bomber destroyer and interceptor the Raiden was effective in its role but slow production and various technical problems limited its role in the war.

The model is a miniature marvel of model-making. No detail was left out including a fully-detailed instrument panel, wheel and armament, pilot, engine and propeller assembly and so many other small details the veteran model maker will have a great time assembling this impressive aircraft. Full paint and decal instructions are included as is a 20 page comic book (Manga) drawn by Seiho Takizawa with an English translation.

This is a ‘huge’ model and requires the highest level of model making ability. Nine large part trees are included along with a decal sheet. Parts are easy to detach and assemble and by following the step-by-step instructions model makers are assured of turning out and excellent model with landing gear up or down.

Spider-Man: Edge Of Time

2011-10-12T06:55:00.000-04:00

Spider-Man is running out of time-literally, in Activision’s new Spider-Man: Edge OF Time video game for Wii and all other game platforms.

Something catastrophic is happening to the timeline and it’s up to Amazing Spider-Man (Peter Parker) and Spider-Man 2099 (Miguel O’Hara) to stop before both the future and the present are altered beyond all hope of recovery.

Using ASM’s brains and agility and SM 2099’s technological advancements they must stop the disaster from ever happening and prevent the death of Peter Parker.

As they struggle to return the timeline to its original configuration they battle Spidey foes from both the present and future. The only problem is that their actions, both in the present and future can alter the timeline even more and affect both Spider-Men’s surroundings.

The cause-and-effect game play presents new challenges to gamers as each action taken has an equal and sometimes unexpected reaction. By using the picture-to-picture capability game players of the present Spider-Man can see what effects their actions have on the future Spider-Man and vice versa. Very clever.

Activision and BEENOX game developers have done an excellent job of differentiating the present Spider-Man with the future Spider-Man. Each has their own characteristic moves, body language and abilities. What’s fun is having them act and react to each other. Dialogue perfectly matches the characters’ personalities and the interplay between the two is well done, especially the bits of humor injected into their conversations.

Graphics are state-of-the-art with impressive environments, spectacular visual effects, a pounding soundtrack and well-developed and smoothly modeled characters.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in the game and the full 360 degree wide and close up perspectives places the gamer in the heart of the action.

1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die

2011-10-07T15:50:00.000-04:00

Universe Publishing's 1001 Comics (And Comic Strips) You Must Read Before You Die is appropriately named.

It may surprise you but the United States is not the only country that produces comic books and comic strips. True, both are uniquely original American creations, but both art forms have long since outgrown their borders and expanded to countries all over the world.

General Editor Paul Gravett oversees a colossal volume that looks at the essential comics book, comic strips, graphic novels and Manga that any died-in-the-wool comic book lover must read before they start pushing up daisies.

As a critical history of comic books, the book is packed with four-color eye candy and includes extremely comprehensive and thorough researched text that delves deeply into each respective title.

Broken down by decades, the book begins in the pre-1930s and culminates in the present. As a comic book, comic strip lover I have to say I am blown away by the sheer scope of this book. It's an impressive piece of work that sheds new light on a popular art form.

Government Issue

2011-10-06T06:42:00.000-04:00

Abrams’ Government Issue: Comics For The People, 1940s-2000s examines how comic books have been used over the decades since their introduction to promote government programs and projects.

Author Richard L. Graham has compiled a collection of comic book tiles reprinted in the book in full color that cover a wide variety of subjects. Look for comic books about the military, employment, economics, civil defense, safety, health, landscapes, lifetstyle and more by well-known artists whose names comic book and comic strip lovers are sure to recognize. Will Eisner, Al Capp, Joe Kubert and other well known and lesser known artists have contributed to government issues comic books over the years and here’s your chance to see little known about and seldom seen publications they produced.

Popular comic strip and comic book characters often starred in the stories. Characters like Superman, Little Abner, Supergirl, the Teen Titans, Pogo and dozens more lent their familiar faces to promote key government programs and social issues.

Previews, October

2011-10-06T06:41:00.000-04:00

Christmas is just around the corner and what better place to find Christmas presents than in Diamond Previews October catalog packed with merchandise set to be released in December? Here’s just of a few of the new items you can expect to find.

Comic books include The Defenders, The Activity, Madman, Memorial, The Strain, Agent Of the Empire, Outcast, Alive In Wonderland, Voltron, Nowhere Man, Ice age and Lord Of the Jungle.

Magazines and books to pick up are DC Superhero Chess Figure Collector, Bugf#ck, Wayne Of Gotham and Art & Making Of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Trading card sets include Legends Of Marvel, Avengers: Kree-Skrull War and Project Superheroes.

Toys to play with are Batman: Arkham City, Ghostbusters, Halo, The Venture Bros., Green Lantern, Care Bears, Living Dead Dolls, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Marvel, DC, Wrestling, Uglydolls, Mega Bloks, Sleepy Hollow, Street Fighter, Disney, Gundam, Dragon Ball Z, and Star Trek.

Game on with A Game Of Thrones, Marvel Heroclix, Risk Legacy and D&D.

On Stranger Tides

2011-10-06T06:39:00.000-04:00

It should have come as no surprise to anyone that Johnny Depp would return to the role he is most famous for: Captain Jack Sparrow in The Pirates Of The Caribbean. On Stranger Tides is the fourth film in the series.

When the initial run of the three original Prates movies ended hints were given as to the possible fourth film. Many believed that the trilogy ended the Pirates saga but as the saying goes, “You can’t keep a bad pirate down.”

In On Stranger Tides Jack Sparrow has set sail to discover the mysterious Fountain Of Youth. Along the way he runs into his former shipmate Barbossa, his former lover-played by Penelope Cruz and several other familiar characters.

He also encounters the notorious Black Beard (complete with mysterious black magic powers), zombies, killer mermaids and several other fairy tale figures who are not anything like you expect.

On Stranger Tides is a fun-packed adventure with Johnny Depp at his best as the conniving, manipulating and yet totally lovable Captain jack Sparrow.

The Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with Blu-ray and DVD discs that also include a pirate treasure of extras: bloopers, featurettes, commentaries, deleted scenes and more. “Shiver me timbers! It’s time to set sail for adventure!”

Green Lantern

2011-10-05T06:33:00.000-04:00

To state that the popularity of Hal Jordan (Earth’s Green Lantern) and the Green Lantern Corps have had a meteoric rise in popularity in the DC Universe would be a big understatement.

The Green Lanterns have risen to be some of the most predominate characters in the DC Universe, especially after the introduction of the Sinestro Corps, the various Lanterns of different colors representing various states of emotion and the epic Blackest Night storyline.

So popular had the Green Lantern series became that DC Comics, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Studios, produced and created the Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds as Earth’s Green Lantern: Hal Jordan.

Although the movies takes a few liberties when it comes to the creation of Hal Jordan and his nemesis Hector Hammond and Parallax, the movie stays true to the science fiction aspects of the series.

In the story Hal Jordan is a test pilot haunted by the death of his father who was also a test pilot. Crashing his jet after successfully shooting down two drone jets in a simulated dogfight, Jordan is whisked away by a green energy ball that takes him to a crashed spaceship where the alien Abin Sur is dying.

The alien is a Green Lantern assigned to protect the region of space Earth is part of. Attacked by Parallax, a whirling mass of energy feeding off fear, the fatally wounded Abin Sur bequeaths his Green Lantern power ring to Hal.

After several mishaps, bungles and a serious reflection on his own failed life, Hal tackles Parallax one-on-one in a desperate attempt to save Earth.

Green Lantern is a special effect extravaganza with lots of aliens, strange worlds and regions of space and two of the most frightening villains to ever grace the Silver Screen. Reynolds turns in a top-notch performance as the haunted test pilot Hal Jordan and the supporting cast meld perfectly into their roles.

The Blu-ray/Digital Copy Combo Extended Cut package offers lot s of fun extras including a look at how Ryan Reynolds was transformed into the Green Lantern. Other extras include extended and theatrical versions of the film, deleted scenes and much more.

Slavery, Cops, Johnny And He-Man

2011-10-05T06:31:00.000-04:00

Mill Creek Entertainment has just released five new titles in its DVD series that keep costs down while providing a great value in entertainment.

Up From Slavery reveals the path of slavery in America in a haunting 7-part documentary. At one time America, created and based n personal freedom of its individuals, had over 10 million Africans as slaves. Considered the height of hypocrisy, the slave trade in America took away the rights of blacks who were forcefully brought to America to work in the cotton fields and perform menial, and often degrading, work.

Containing reenactments and detailed historical studies, the documentary is a powerful reminder of a dark period in American history-one that should never be repeated.

Volume 2 of the animated series Cops contains episodes 33 through 65 of the series about ‘Fighting Crime In A Future Time.” Included with the final episodes of the Hasbro Toy based series are a slide show of the concept drawings for the show and a trailer for Jayce And The Wheeled Warriors.

Two Johnny Test DVD collections are the complete Season 3 & 4 of the 11-year old boy who manages to be the test subject of, or victim of, his two genius sister’s outrageous science experiments. Three bonus episodes from the animated series Nanoboy, Gadget Boy and Jacye And the Wheeled Warriors are included along with a Johnny Test digital comic book and a sneak peek at the Nintendo DS Johnny Test video game.

Johnny Test Saves The world contains 10 specially selected episodes that, you guessed it, has Johnny save the world! A Nanoboy episode, digital comic book and video game sneak peek are also included.

The Complete second Season of the new He-man And The Masters Of The Universe animated series is packed with exciting stories and also contains 10 complete episode scripts, 50 detailed character profiles, creatures and artifacts, three documentaries and a six episode commentary.

Johnny Comet, White Indian And Neal Adams

2011-10-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

Shortly before Frank Frazetta's untimely death Vanguard Productions secured the rights to reproduce Frank's earlier comic strip and comic book work into a series of books. Frank's long friendship with, and admiration for, Vanguard's publisher J. David Spurlock helped cement the deal.

Spurlock is a longtime fan of Frank's work and like so many others in fandom appreciates his enormous contribution to comic strips, comic books, book cover illustrations and art in general.

Many fans were inspired by Frank's work and went on to become illustrators and painters. Such notables as Jim Steranko, Neal Adams and dozens of other working professionals owe a great debt of gratitude to Frank Frazetta's unique vision.

I first encountered Frank Frazetta's work when I picked up a copy of Ace Book's Conan series of trade paperbacks. I had never seen such lush and dynamic cover art in my entire life. The figures practically leaped off the cover. Everything about the covers excited me: the colors, the composition and the figures fascinated me and made me hungry for more of Frazetta's work.
From that point on I sought out his work and like so many others bought all of his Art Of Frank Frazetta oversize paperbacks. It wasn't until later that I discovered that Frank had started out drawing funny animal comics, adventure comic book stories and several comic strips.

Vanguard Productions just recently released the fist two in a series of books that collect the early work of Frazetta. First up is the adventure comic strip Johnny Comet that showcases some of Frank's best early work. Even in his early twenties Frazetta's trademark style of drawing was asserting itself. Daily and Sunday strips featured lots of action, memorable characters, beautiful women, vile villains, stoic heroes and plenty of cliffhangers.

The art is lovingly reproduced with special attention to the color Sunday strips. Although Frazetta was on the strip only a year it would be this early work that would garner the attention of many top professionals in the industry.

The second volume in the Frank Frazetta series is the complete set of White Indian stories Frank drew as a backup strip in the Durango Kid comic book along with other war and historically based tales.

What makes White Indian so memorable was Frank's ability to draw in a less cluttered and detailed style seen in his comic strips. Comic books at that time were cranked out on very tight deadlines. It is to Frank's credit that he was able to streamline his art without loosing any of its dynamic impact.

Frank's White Indian work, along with his other back up stories, allowed him to really showcase his talent at drawing a wide variety of subjects. Was there anything he could not draw?
Both Frank Frazetta collections are printed on high-gloss, heavy paper stock that showcases his art at its best. The ink quality and color reproduction are first rate.

With their high gloss covers and short fold in front and back third panels (that can serve as ready-made book markers) the square bound books allow readers to look over each page without the worry of pages detaching. Heavy page gluing (tipping) sees to that.

Another of my all-time favorite artists is Neal Adams. The Art Of Neal Adams, written and compiled by Adams himself, contains examples of Adams' early comic strip (Ben Casey) and comic book work, such as his breakout work for Warren, DC and Marvel Comics and his work for independent comic book titles, movie posters,(Billy Jack) book covers (Tarzan), Magazine covers (Marvel) commercial and advertising illustration (theme parks) and much more.

I once had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Adams and like his art he is bigger than life. His energy level is astounding and his opinions never hidden. It's no wonder he became a major player in obtaining creator rights for comic book artists and creators.

As a child of the 1960s I loved his work for both DC and Marvel Comics. His groundbreaking visuals for Batman, Brave and Bold, Green Lantern, Spectre, Deadman, the X-Men, the Avengers, Thor and various other comic books inspired me as young man to pursue art and design.

The Art Of Neal Adams is a worthy work that expertly details the long and prolific career of Neal Adams. More than just a cartoonist and comic book artist Neal Adams is a commercial artist, designer, illustrator and force to be reckoned with. Kudos to Vanguard Productions for releasing such an impressive collection.

Grease, Night And Vampire

2011-09-30T07:05:00.000-04:00

Limelight Editions just released a trio of books about films: two musicals and one genre.

Way back in the summer of 1978 the movie adaptation of the Broadway hit Grease bebopped its way onto the Silver Screen. Mega movie star John Travolta and country singer pop star Olivia Newton John starred as the two main lovebirds: Danny and Sandy. Taking into account Olivia was Australian, the story was slightly modified, along with adding a few new songs.

The film was a smash and spawned a whole new 1950s fever in the United States and around the world. Other movies and TV shows (like Happy Days) cashed in on the craze and within a short period of time Grease became a cultural pop phenomenon.

Author Stephen Tropiano takes a look at Grease in his book titled simply: Grease. He examines the humble beginnings of the musical to its meteoric rise to the most successful movie musical of all time. Grease is still the word!

Ray Marton examines the greatest rock ‘n’ roll movie of all time: A Hard Day’s Night. Starring the fab four (the Beatles) the low-budget film would set the standards by which all such films (and videos) that followed it would be judged.

United Artists set out to put out a low-budget film in order to promote the Beatles soundtrack record. What they ended up with was a break-out film incorporating radical camera angles and up close and personal shots of the group as they frantically, comically, set society on its collective ear.

The book examines the six-week shoot, including live studio recordings that helped fan the flame of the Beatles' popularity.

What is it about vampires that fascinates so many people? Alain Silver and James Ursini chronicle the fascinating and long history of the vampire film. The Vampire Film: From Nosferatu To True Blood is examined from its humble beginnings as a moody, dark and mysterious small scale film to its introduction to American audiences in Universal Studios Dracula film starring Bella Lugosi that catapulted vampire and horror films to the front of American psyche.

From there the genre exploded into films from all over the world. Horror, exotic love, mystery, sci-fi: all film genres at one point tackled the vampire theme-some successfully and others miserably.

Regardless of the film, audiences can’t seem to get enough of undead blood suckers and the genre continues to draw in audiences by the millions with each vampire film release.

The book contains exhaustive research on the vampire film with hundreds of photos from films all over the globe. It’s something to really sink your teeth into.

Aquaman #1

2011-09-29T06:39:00.000-04:00

Let’s face it; Aquaman has always been considered one of the lameness superheroes of the DC Universe. The man talks to fishes! He can’t stay out of the water but for short periods and his underwater home life is anything but normal. I never cared for Aquaman as a character much-until now.

Aquaman #1 by writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reiss has completely reversed my opinion of the character. In the new Aquaman series (part of DC’s All New 52) Arthur (Aquaman’s human name) decides that he will leave his underwater kingdom and give up his throne.

He bases his decision on the fact that he has never felt comfortable in his role as king and has for too long denied his human heritage. Get ready for a new Aquaman, the true King of the Seven Seas!

The story begins with Aquaman stopping a robbery. Both the crooks and the cops consider him a second rate superhero and the subject of many of fish man jokes. They change their mind when they see him in action.

Leaving, Aquaman visits the old harbor town restaurant he and his human father frequented. While there he is accosted by a local reporter who lays it all out for him about how Aquaman is seen by the general public as basically a joke.

Disgruntled and a little more than ticked off Aquaman returns to the sea and his wife Mera. Together they decide to return to land and begin a new life together. Good thing too because a certain meat-eating humanoids species from the deep just discovered the surface world and its bountiful human source of food.

I can’t wait for the following issues to see what the ‘new’ Aquaman will do and what he is capable of. Pick up the series-you won’t be sorry.

Star Trek #1

2011-09-29T06:37:00.000-04:00

Taking place several months after the events in the last Star Trek movie, the crew of the Enterprise will soon encounter a phenomenon like none they’ve ever seen before ,with far-reaching ramifications.

In a clever, updated retelling of the classic Star Trek second pilot, Where No Man has Gone Before, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and the crew of the Enterprise come across an old space buoy jettisoned by the crew of the SS Valiant some 200 years ago.

After examining the damaged recorder’s data Mr. Spock discovers the order was given by the captain of the Valiant to self destruct. The orders came not long after the Valiant encountered a radiation field just outside the fringe of the galaxy.

Captain Kirk orders the crew to investigate and as they enter the field the ship is bathed in the radiation resulting in loss of warp capabilities and critical ship systems. It also affects some members of the crew, including Kirk’s longtime friend, Gary Mitchell.

After the initial shock wears off Gary faces the captain with both eyes glowing with an unknown energy. Soon afterward Gary starts to exhibit powerful mental powers and a dangerous shift in his personality.

What a great story! Where No Man Has Gone Before is one of my favorite classic Star Trek episodes and I’m so glad the IDW and writer Mike Johnson and artist Stephen Molnar have re-imagined it for the new version of the old series. It’s wonderful to see the crew of the original Enterprise back doing what they do best: exploring the vast wonder of the universe.

Stargate Atlantis The Complete Series

2011-09-28T06:17:00.001-04:00

In 2008, after five successful years as a TV series, Stargate Atlantis went off the air. Coincidentally the last episode was the series’ 100th episode.

The series began as an offshoot of the longest continually running science fiction TV show in history: Stargate SG-1. While SG-1 took was based on Earth, Atlantis featured a cast of characters whose adventures were based on a distant planet where the fabled underwater city of Atlantis was discovered.

A team of scientists and military personnel stationed there explored distant worlds and attempted to unlock all the secrets of the long lost city. As the series fell into place it began to take on a flavor all of its own. The action was pumped up, characters developed and changed, new threats and discoveries took place and the show soon settled into its own niche.

Fans of the original series soon warmed up to Atlantis and many of the characters became fan favorites. Occasionally key characters from SG-1 would appear and for a time both SG-1 and Atlantis shared the airways.

For the first time Twentieth Century Fox/MGM has compiled a complete set of all the series’ episodes into an impressive 26-disc DVD set in a single package. Included with the episodes is an additional disc of featurettes and extras and all of the discs are contained in a specially designed box set that is sure to make any Stargate fan proud to own. I know I am.

So sit back, pop some popcorn, grab a drink and get ready to watch 100 episodes of one of TV’s landmark science fiction series. Who needs to sleep?

Superman, Spider-Man, Disney, Pirates, Sandwiches And Video Games

2011-09-27T06:41:00.001-04:00

From Quirk Books comes six titles that any self-respecting pop culture collector is sure to want to own and read. Five of them deal with pop culture phenomenon and one with the second most important thing any pop culture fan’s life: food!

Three handbooks are available that teach readers how to be a hero or a scoundrel.

The Superman Handbook, written by Scott Beatty delves into what it means to be faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and much more.

This training manual instructs on how to tackle a criminal, how stop a runaway train, how to treat wounds and other non-superhero activities. Of course no book about Superman would be complete unless it talks about Superman’s powers, exploits and rogue’s gallery.

The Spider-Man Handbook by Seth Grahame-Smith takes on a similar tone with Spidey serving up his own brand of justice and heroics and offers day-to-day heroic deeds civilians can take part in. It too is filled with superhero exploits of the arachnid variety complete with a showcase of Spidey’s powers and his bevy of bad guys.

On the slightly less heroic side comes The Captain Jack Sparrow Handbook that offers a Swashbuckling Guide from Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean on how to be a proper pirate.

You’ll learn all about the different types of pirates, how to pass your time, how to climb rigging, how fire a cannon and all the other scourge of the Seven Seas shenanigans buccaneers hold so dear.

There are also lessons on how to cheat death, how to acquire booty, how to develop people skills and an examination of the mysteries of the deep.

I’ve never been a believer of Astrology but after looking over Disneystrology from Quirk Books I may reconsider the possibilities. After all, who can argue about individual character traits when they are compared to Disney characters?

On my birthday I’m compared to Stitch (a fair comparison), my wife mirrors Friend Owl’s personality, my son Tug the bear and my daughter Nemo the fish. Surprisingly the descriptions fit in all four cases.

This is fun book filled with funny observations, pages filled with Disney’s characters and a clever way to bring a little magic into your life.

The Art Of The Video Game by Josh Jenisch looks at the current state of video games and how much they have changed since they were first introduced. Pages are packed with character studies, environment designs, different game genre scenarios and lots of technical talk and mumbo jumbo for the diehard video game player and hopeful game designer.

The book breaks down how a game is conceptualized, designed and finally produced with lots of insider insights and instruction. If you love video games then this book fits the bill.

Finally, perhaps comes the most important book in the recent releases: The Encyclopedia Of Sandwiches. Author Susan Russo and photographer Matt Armendariz provide a guided tour through the wonderful world of sandwiches and it is a visual treat.

Inside readers are treated to images of sandwiches from all over the world and recipes on how to make them. The photographs looks so good it’s tempting to almost tempting to eat the book! Lovers of foods stuffed between two slices of bread get their appetites stirred in this wonderful homage to everyone’s favorite type of food: sandwiches!