Star Trek The Next Generation The Mirror War

The Mirror Universe was first presented in the original Star Trek TV series. In that universe the Federation no longer existed. In its place was The Terran Empire and its military branch The Imperial Starfleet.

Instead of peaceful exploration of the universe and a non-interference policy The Terran Empire was hellbent on conquest.

Since it introduction The Terran Empire has resurfaced in each subsequent Star Trek TV series.

In IDW’s Star Trek The Next Generation The Mirror War, Captain Picard commands a very different crew aboard the Enterprise. The names and faces may be the same but Riker, Troy, Data, Wesley Crusher and other familiar characters are much more savage, deceitful and out for themselves.

When the Klingons sided with the Cardassians, The Terran Empire found itself almost squelched. While its Imperial Fleet exists it is restricted in its movement across the galaxy.

Picard was sent to solve the problem only to be stone-walled by a parallel Enterprise crew.

No longer content to be the errand boy for the Emperor Picard decides to rebel and gain the Imperial throne for himself. Aiding him is his crew-or are they?

The Mirror War is a very complex, multi-layered and intricate story. Alliances falter, allies become enemies, appearances are deceiving and each character has their own agenda.

But, who really is the character most in control? You may be surprised.

It is a very well-done series and (in my opinion) would have made an excellent story line in The Next Generation TV series.

The art is consistent, the story captivating and the softbound graphic novel also includes some extras like cover art.

It is far more than a ‘comic book’. It is a novel in its own right and should be read and appreciated as so.

1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

The Horror Comics

I’m always up for a good scare. TV shows, movies and novels-they all deliver some classic horror.

But, did you know that one of the most popular forms of horror did not come from the avenues I just mentioned?

No, some of the most horrific, unsettling, gross and spine-chilling stories came from all places-comic books.

‘No way!’ you’re probable thinking. It’s true.

When superhero comics started to die out after World War II comic book publishers scurried about looking for something new to tantalize their young readers.

In the late 1930s and 1940s Horror movies were huge with audiences. Never an industry to pass popular trends the comic book publishers jumped on the Horror bandwagon.

It seemed like every comic book publisher-small and large-had their own Horror line. Perhaps the most famous of these was EC Comics that set the standard for Horror visual fiction.

In The Horror Comics: Fiends, Freaks and Fantastic Creatures 1940s-1980s, author William Schoell and McFarland & Company Inc., Publishers, the Horror genre comic books during that period of time are closely examined.

Horror comics were huge before the Comics Code Authority reared its ugly regulated head and they almost died out under its restrictions.

Fortunately clearer heads prevailed and in the 1970s publishers pushed censorship and upped the scare quality of Horror comics-look on it as a Horror Renaissance.

The book delve into the various titles and includes interior and cover art. Discover how the Horror genre evolved, what issues are Key and the minds behind the mayhem.

It’s so good-it’s scary!

Psalms 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Night Out Food Stall

Have you ever gone to a little food stall and picked up a few items to either eat there or take home? I have, especially when I’m in a hurry and I’m craving barbecue.

Unfortunately we do not have such a food stall in our town-all the pity. We have to go out of town to enjoy scrumptious Asian/Oriental barbecue.

If you’re hankering for some serious barbecue and the thought of such a delicacy makes your mouth water then I recommend Rolife’s Night Out Food Stall Smoke Grill Barbecue kit. It may not feed your appetite but it sure will help you develop your critical thinking skills, dexterity, patience and fine-tune your motor skills.

It sure serves up some pleasant barbecue memories. It’s so realistic you can almost smell and taste the items on its menu.

The kit can be easily assembled in a two to three hours, is best for those 14 years old and older, consists of 120 pieces, parts are made from ABS, PVS and paper and it comes with lights!

Before starting the kit be sure to look over the number part instructions, inspect the parts and especially familiarize yourself with the lighting.

The kit comes with tweezers. I like to have a magnifying glass, a strong light, a pointed tool, a small flat-head screwdriver, an X-Acto knife and glue with a brush handy. You never know when you might need them.

If you’d like to see a video and photos of the kit click here. For more Rolife kits click here and to see what Rolife’s parent company Robotime has to offer click here. You will be impressed.

Kit parts include a tiled floor flat in tan and brown, yellow with orange and green trim and orange tile, several Smoke Grill Barbecue signs and various other product signs, a two-shelf glass front food display with food inside, twin silver and yellow fold-up chairs with matching circular table with barbecue, a drink and other food items on the table, a deep fry with ladle, food containers, a glass-front cooler with various foods inside, a slide top food container, a gray cook top and lots and lots of food in boxes, cans, jars and open displayed food. I am soooo hungry!

I just love the colors, intricate 3D objects, signs and displays. Look how crisp the images are. Great print work and laser cutting.

The parts come in a slip-lid box with photos of the Food stall on all sides. The back has additional spec, recommendations, warnings and instructions about lighting, multi-kit assembly and kit protection. Inside the box are ten part bags, floor and wall slats, tweezers, stickers, folded, die-cut packaging, a Material List and Instructions.

The kit makes for a great night out (or day for that matter) for putting it together with friends and family. Kids will love it too!

Proverbs 30:5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Book

If you had told me twenty years ago that soccer would become almost as popular here in the U.S.A. as football I would not have believed you.

And yet, here it is in 2026 and soccer is the new darling of sports in the U.S.A. It’s become so poplar in fact that the World Cup Championship is being held in the United States! Boy, times sure have changed.

Rizzoli has the perfect way to celebrate soccer with its FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Book and celebrate it it does in style.

I’ve seen a few pop-up books in my day-some bad, some good.

Rizzoli/Universe's FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Book is definitely one of the good ones-real good-excellent in fact.

This huge square-bound book is packed with color photos, art, clever fold-outs of trophies, a stadium and other soccer related times, inserts like tickets, coins and other memorabilia and so much information! I never realized there was so much about soccer and how illustrious and fascinating its history is.

There must be good reasons why soccer is the number one spectator sports in the world. Wow! Look for stats, rules, loads of document reproductions, candid photos and key moments and all comes in this oversize hardbound book protected by a clear plastic sleeve.

Like soccer it’s big, bright and loaded with surprises.

Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Sonic The Hedgehog On The Go Volume Three

Collecting issues #21 thru 32 of the Sonic The Hedgehog comic book series the trade paperback collection: Sonic The Hedgehog On The Go Volume Three compiles the complete Metal Virus Saga. The virus transforms all it infects into mechanized zombots.

My grandson is a huge Sonic fan. I have a sneaky suspicion that this Sonic graphic novel from IDW is going to see a lot of wear and tear as he reads, re-reads and re-re-reads it.

So much for having it in my collection. But, isn’t that what comic books are all about? Whether as a ‘serious’ collector or as a kid with a limited allowance comic books are meant to be read and enjoyed.

And this collection is really enjoyable. With its awesome art, humor, intriguing story line and fun-packed pages it deserves to be dog-eared, have folded pages, get passed around kid to kid and enjoyed.

The Metal Virus was manufactured by Dr. Eggman. However there is more going on that meets the eye.

Whoever is infected comes under his control. Even Sonic gets infected and it’s only his speed and fast metabolism that keep the virus under control.

Sonic and his friends search for a cure before everyone becomes infected.

Sit back and get ready for serious Sonic action. Included with the illustrated stories is a cover gallery. 

Time for some serious ‘speed’ reading!

Hebrews 11:1 – 13:25Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Fairytale Tree House

Get your grubby cloths on, break out a hammer and a saw, pick out a good old sturdy tree and get ready to make your own tree house. Nothing fancy-just a place to hang out, meet with your friends and let you imagination go wild.

A long, loooong time ago when I was a kid my friends and I would build tree houses. They were slapped together planks of wood or any other things we could find that would support our weigh and enable us to construct a floor, walls and a ceiling.

We would spend hours in them letting our imaginations run wild. Decorations and furnishings were what we could draw, paint, pilfer or find. We would scour the neighborhood on trash days picking out whatever we thought we could use.

Get ready to release your inner child and challenge your construction skills, critical thinking, dexterity, patience and attention to detail.

Rolife’s Fairytale Tree House is every young child’s dream come true (no matter if you’re old or not-the inner child still exists).

The kit includes a two-floor open front tree house trunk with lots of interior and exterior details. Take a moment to look over all the goodies in the kit. Marvel at the 3D printed pieces, colorful and crisp printed laser cut fold paper pieces, the precision made parts that snap together and especially the way the whole kit looks when it is completed. Amazing!

Check it out! There are doors, plants, a ladder, mushrooms, steps, all sorts of containers, furniture, wall-hangings, hidden niches, secret corners and more than a its fair share of unexpected surprises. There’s even a swing! So much to see! It’s a tree house masterpiece! Every time I look at it I spot more details.

Relive your childhood with this delightful kit best assembled by those 14 years and older. It consists of 275 parts and the parts are made of plywood, paper and plastic.  It’s super detailed and a load of fun to put together.

The parts come in a large flip lid box with a paper sleeve. On the sleeve are photos of the Tree House along with specs, requirements and recommendations.

Inside the box are four bags of parts, two snap together sections of the Tree House, floor and wall slats, Safety Instructions, Icon Illustration, stickers, paper parts, a Material List and Instructions with numbered parts illustrations.

There are several small tools included but I also like to have an X-Acto knife, a brush with liquid glue, a flat-head screwdriver, a magnifying glass and extra spot lighting. Take your time, check out all the parts, go over the Instructions before assembling, familiarize yourself with the lighting (there’s a lot), take out only the parts you need for each phase and above all have fun!

Friends and family will love putting this kit together singly or in groups. It teaches team work and cooperation.

Rolife has a huge selection of similar kits. Click here to see them, For more photos and a video of the Fairytale Tree House click here and Robotime’s other products can be seen by clicking here.

Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

 

Monster High World’s Scare

I remember high school being a little ‘scary’ and at times it seemed like it was a huge monster threatening me with homework, tests and some serious social awkwardness.

Monster High World’s Scare brings together the students of Monster High in all their glorious, scary and supernatural presence.

Frankie Stein and Draculaura have big plans when it comes to the World’s Scare.

Frankie Stein wants to do something special to honor her grandfather at the World’s Scare.

She’ll need the help of her friends  to face down some opponents, visit the dead and come to terms with her past. If all goes as planned she’ll send shock waves through New Salem.

In other news the local newspaper gossip-monger has some serious questions to answer while Lagoona Blue prepares for a protest.

Join Frankie Stein, Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Cleo de Nile and Lagoona Blue in a non-stop adventure as they begin a new semester at Monster High.

Kids will get a kick out of the monster chicks as they scheme, preen and team-up in some outrageously funny and monstrous adventures.

The creative team of Jacque Aye and Caroline Shuda, along with IDW, present the latest horrifying hi-jinx of the teenage girl ghoulies.

John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Jekyll Island Chronicles

From IDW/Top Shelf comes the complete mind-blowing The Jekyll Island Chronicles trilogy in one epic volume by Nedvidek, Crowell, Lowe, Rollins, Nester and Miller..

Travel back to the Gilded Age in this thrilling alternate reality saga.

Imagine a huge cartel of the richest and most brilliant financiers, inventors and thinkers residing on an island.

Their sole purpose is to bring order to a disheveled and chaotic world.

They use their wealth, resources and brilliant minds to create incredible machinery, weapons, transports and other mechanical marvels.

Just as there is a cadre of individuals who want only peace and prosperity for mankind there is also a group of individuals hellbent on the destruction and subjugation of mankind.

In the oversize softbound graphic novel The Jekyll Island Chronicles an impressive group of writers and artists created a massive trilogy contained in one volume.

The sheer volume of work is awesome in its scale. I know how much work it took to compile and complete this massive body of work. Great art, a solid story, interesting characters and top tier design all compile to make The Jekyll Island Chronicles a spectacle.

John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Warbirds P-51 Mustang III

War has a tendency to create leaps in technology.  Word War II is a perfect example.

Up until that point most aircraft with two or three wings were used mostly by sharecroppers, thrill seekers and a few select government contract workers.

When the war hit Germany, Japan and The Untied States developed state-of-the art combat aircraft.  One such fighter plane was the P-51 Mustang III.

At the dawn of World War II America was woefully far behind as it pertained to its war machine.

It artillery was dated, it’s aircraft primitive as compared to the Axis powers, its Navy consisted of too many old battleships and even its infantry weapons and transports were mostly leftovers from World War I.

With the attack on Pearl Harbor and the threat of Nazi Germany America was forced to upgrade its military hardware including its aircraft.

The Corgi aircraft miniature duplicates comes in in a square display box with a clear plastic panel in front.  The box can stand or hang from a hook.  It has a side flap secured with tape.

The plane and its stand (in two parts) slide out in their form-fitting cocoon with a slip on top.

The pieces fit snuggly so be care removing the aircraft.

The stand’s base is a clear circular structure and the stand arm is silver and attaches both to the base and underneath the aircraft giving the aircraft the appearance it is flying.

The aircraft itself is a single prop with four blades in black.

It is a single passenger craft with only room for the pilot.

It has a two-piece windshield with one section covering the majority of the cockpit and the lower three small panels with reinforcement in the front.

The Mustang is painted green with three white strips and two black strips on each wing and with three white strips and two black strips on the rear of the plane just before the rear wings, with have one white strip each. 

Blue circles with red center circles in their middles decorate each wing (upper and lower) both sides of the rear of the plane and a red, white and blue symbol on the side of the rear-stabilizing wing.

A white tip on the front, several number and letter decals, twin exhaust strips on each side of the engine compartment, a single black antenna behind the cockpit, twin closed wheel wells and an airflow section below the plane make up the balance of the aircraft.

Both interior and exterior details are historically accurate right down to the seams and wing flaps.  

Paint application is very precise, clear and clearly defined.  The metal diecast Mustang looks like the real thing.  You can practically hear the engine humming and the propellers rotating.

Beautifully crafted the Mustang makes for a fine addition to anyone’s model aircraft collection. 

Jeremiah 29:11-14For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Columbia Pictures

It’s hard to believe that Columbia Pictures has been around for just a little over 100 years.

During that time it has released dozens of classic films and still does to this day.

Join author Jim Pauley, Globe Pequot and Lyons Press in celebrating a century of Hollywood motion picture magic from the studio in Columbia Pictures.

The oversize hardbound book with its flashy dust cover is filled with historical written context. The book is jam-packed with dozens of black and white and color photos of the studio grounds from its beginning to expansions with film locations, studio set-ups, set pieces, actors and actresses and production staff, behind-the-scenes glimpses and so much more.

Be sure to look over the aerial shots, themed backlot buildings, the makeup and wardrobe departments, the selection of the Miss Columbia model, location shooting and schematics and blueprints.

It is so much more than just a glitzy look at the stars of the studio through the decades. It is a candid peek behind the cameras and glamour of one the most successful studios in Hollywood history.

Film buffs, wannabe product staffers, budding actors and actresses and anyone interested and fascinated by the history and working of the film industry will love this book.

Proverbs 12:20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

Panda Hot Pot

There’s nothing quite like some genuine Chinese food to perk you up. What is it about such simple food that is so comforting and delicious?

Rolife’s Panda Hot Pot kit brings Chinese food home in a delightful and highly detailed kit with laser cut paper pieces, 3D printed food and decor and colorful and clever cut and fold paper product containers.

The kit is so realistic looking that you can practically smell the food, feel the tiled floor under your feet and the soft padded seats as you sit down to a scrumptious meal.

If you love miniatures, small product reproductions, model kit making and a real challenge to your assembly, dexterity and critical thinking skills this is the kit you need.

It’s more than just about the food-it’s the atmosphere. I simply love the signs (which I can’t read), the decor, the selection of goodies and overall look of the furniture, attention to detail and the friendly vibes.

Rolife’s Panda Hot Pot kit has all of that. It consists of a Panda tile floor, tile, slat and decorated wall panels, Panda Hot Pot signs on the walls, a three-tier, red food tray with food, a small black table with a wide cream-colored top covered in exotic food of all types, twin bamboo chairs, menus, a two-top counter with dipping sauces, condiments, a cooler with beverages, and lots of other little goodies decorating the Panda Hot Pot. Check out the clever lighting.

Three is soooo much to see.

The kit consists of 127 pieces, assembles in just a few hours, is rated for those 14 years and older and includes LED lighting.

Before beginning to assemble the kit be sure to check to make sure all the parts are included, look over the highly-detailed, photo and numbered Instructions, familiarize yourself with the lighting and takeout and use only those parts necessary to do each step.

Tweezers come with the set and I recommend to have on had a flat-head screwdriver, an X-Acto knife, a pointed tool, liquid glue with a brush, a magnifying device and some sort of strong lighting.

The kit comes in a heavy-guard and slip-lid cardboard box. All sides of the box feature photos of the Panda Hot Pot and on the back of the box are lighting, cautionary and assemble tips, protection and multi-kit assembly instructions. Parts are made of ABS, PVC and paper.

Inside the box are nine parts bags, floor and wall slats, stickers, paper products, Instructions and a Material List.

Follow the Instructions step-by-step and before you know it you’ll have your very own Panda Hot Pot. What’s cooking?

If you want to see more of Rolife’s kits click here, for a close-up of the panda Panda Hot Spot kit with a video and photos click here and to see what more Robotime has to offer click here.

Romans 5:2-5By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Hegarty On Creativity: There are No Rules

What is creativity? I get asked that quite a lot. It’s hard to explain. I’ve been an artist and designer since I was a kid.

I write. I draw. I visualize. Think outside the box. Etc. Etc.

Creativity is a strange beast. It beckons you and taunts you. It never leaves you alone. It is both a comfort and a curse. It’s almost addictive. If you have it, it never gives you a moment of rest. It is a friend and taskmaster. It is based as much on failure as it is on success.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Advertising creator John Hegarty and Thames & Hudson take on creativity in a fascinatingly small, hardbound book Hegarty On Creativity There are No Rules that takes the mystery out of creativity.

The book explains the driving force behind creativity, ideas, the blank page, fearlessness and other important components of creativity.

If you feel that subtle touch of creativity creeping up on you and you’re not sure what to do about it, this book is the perfect guide to what you can expect.

Look for all sorts of insightful tips, clever spot illustrations and a few tidbits of personal experience.

Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Red Shirts

In the Star Trek Universe’s Starfleet the last person you want to be is Red Shirt wearing member of security.

Red Shirts have a tendency to die-frequently. They have the unfortunate habit of getting killed off by aliens, blow-up, phasered and generally getting mauled, dismembered and killed.

In IDW/Top Shelf’s Star Trek Red Shirts graphic novel by Christopher Cantwell and Megan Levens a small band of veteran and cadet Red Shirts find themselves stranded on the icy planet Arkonia 89.

Their mission is to hunt down and stop spies from stealing Starfleet secrets. Who are the mysterious adversaries? No one knows for sure-at first.

All the Red Shirts have to do is survive the planet’s many dangers, get rescued and report their findings back to Starfleet. If only it was that easy.

Readers are introduced to the members of the Red Shirts-all with their individual strengths, talents and capabilities. But will those attributes help them survive and can they learn to support one another when danger beckons?

Readers get to witness some of the most brutal, horrendous and dangerous encounters Red Shirts have ever faced. And, in spite of it all they never give up on their mission-despite the danger, death of their comrades and betrayals.

Red Shirts have always been kind of an inside joke to fans of Star Trek. In this graphic novel the Red Shirts get the respect they deserve.

Psalms 31:24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Artificial Intelligence All-In-One

You read about, hear about it and see it on the news everyday. It’s the latest buzz: A.I.-Artificial Intelligence.

It’s causing quite stir. People are fearful of it. They are loosing their jobs because of it and worse yet programmers and computer specialists are puzzled by it.

How does a computer program learn? How is it able to program itself and leave it’s creators puzzled as to how it is doing it?

A.I. spans business, education, mass media and almost every aspect of life.

I like watching YouTube. In the last year I have witnessed A.I. able to create incredible lifelike videos, bring the past alive through sophisticated coloration and animation techniques, create music and songs and here’s the amazing part-I asked A.I. to write a review of my blog.

It did it five seconds and it was a very concise and fact-filled review. Wow!

Is A.I. a precursor to the thinking machines as depicted in The Terminator movies or in The Matrix? Hardly-but slightly.

In Wiley Brand’s Learning Made Easy Artificial Intelligence All-In-One For Dummies book, written by Chris Minnick (and others), seven books in one delve into what makes A.I. tick.

The collection of the seven books examines Understanding A.I., A.I. Techniques, Productivity, Content Creation, A.I. At Home, A.I. Coding and Custom A.I. Solutions.

The book provides an exhaustive examination of A.I. from all sides with loads of information, tips, tricks, applications and more.

It’s time to embrace the future.

Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ghoul

To be honest was I put off a little by Kasey Iris’s Ghoul graphic novel published by IDW/Top Shelf.

At first I wasn’t sure what to make of it. It certainly isn’t your ‘normal’ graphic novel. The art-style is unique, a little unsettling and yet somehow it draws you in.

It’s both charming, comforting, spooky and a little unnerving.

Rendered in heavy black lines and lots of blacks overall will various shades of deep red, the art has element so of Manga-but not quite.

It kind of grows on you-it did me.

The writing style is spontaneous, almost flow of consciousness and minimal. The emotions of the characters are amplified by their words and expressions.

I like it.

Ghoul centers around Lyn who as a child loved her dear friend Meg. But then Meg is gone. Death? Moved? I’m not really sure.

Lyn moves away to a condo of the Forest Court Apartments.

One day she finds a comic book and to her surprise a character from the book: Ghoul, suddenly springs to life.

From that point on Lyn’s life is a roller-coaster ride to the bizarre as she and Ghoul discover some disturbing secrets about her neighbors. Secrets that cross-over to the supernatural and life after death.

If you want to read a graphic novel unlike any other then I highly recommend Ghoul. But, be warned. It will draw you in, play with your emotions and surprise you at every turn.

Romans 14:8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.