Music Box - Fireside Music Night

Over my long life in many of the places I’ve lived there have been fireplaces.

I remember as a child, when I had children of my own and now my grandchildren, the fireplaces were and are decorated with stockings filled with little toys and goodies and on the fireplace mantles Christmas cards were/are displayed along with garland and other Christmas decorations.

A Christmas tree would stand (not too close near by). The house we live in now the fireplace is not used but the traditions still hold true.

Rolife’s Music Box-Fireside Music Night brings back so many memories with its garland and ribbon decorated fireplace, cozy flame, jolly Santa Claus, presents, small Christmas tree, filled stockings and three adorable Teddy Bears decked out in their Christmas finest and musical instruments.

The little brick fireplace with its red mantle, fancy hearth and turning handle flickers and glows!

Yes, you heard right, Turn the handle and listen to the Christmas music, watch the inner fireplace twirl and thrill as the Teddy Bears play their musical instruments.

Usually whenever I review a Rolife kit I talk about the various stages I go through to assemble the kit. That’s all fine and good. But, in this review I’d like to take a slightly different approach. I’d like to talk about how I approach buildiing a kit. In this case the Music Box - Fireside Music Night.

Here’s how I start. I look over the box to see if there is any information that might be slightly different than on most Rolife kits. Seems pretty standard: material used, age range, approximate time to assemble, how many pieces, some cautionary text and photos.

The next thing I do is make sure all the pieces are in the kit. (They are.) This involves opening sealed packages and bags. I look over the instructions and compare parts to pages.

Next I check as too how elaborate or complex the lighting set up is. (Batteries are not included.) Looks pretty standard for this kit-nothing too complicated.

Then I decide what tools I may need to have on hand to assemble the kit. A Phillips-head screwdriver and tweezers are included. I like to keep a magnifying device (my eyesight is not what it used to), a Flathead screwdriver, a pointed tool, a strong light and liquid glue and a brush just in case I break a tab or part. I tend to be clumsy. Thank God for glue!

Tweezers come in real handy for small parts and for peeling away stickers. I usually have a little difficulty with the folded paper products as they are small and my hands are big.

Finally I look to see if there might be some assembly that might prove to be a little difficult and critical.

In the case of the Music Box - Fireside Music Night I see three things. First up is the handle and mechanism. Special care has to be taken to make sure it is secure, tightly assembled and works smoothly.

Next are the Teddy Bears that move. Again whenever moving parts are concerned it takes a little more patience and care to make sure the mechanisms work and the parts are secure.

The rotating fireplace inner piece where Santa disappears and returns can present a problem. Since it is an interior piece it’s best to make especially sure that are the parts are secure, there are no obstructions and it rotates smoothly. The fire light takes a light touch.

Also, I like to refer to the video on Rolife’s website so I can see how the mechanisms are supposed to work. Also, examining the close-up photos on the website page lets me examine little details that I need to keep in mind while assembling the kit.

I check the kit web page, look at the Rolife’s website for other similar kits and then move over to Rolife’s mother company website: Robotime, to see if there are other kits I’m interested in.

I hope this provides some helpful advice. This is what works for me. You may have your own way of assembling Rolife kits. To each their own. The important things are to have fun, to take your time and to enjoy the process.

Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Comics At The Movies

Most of today’s generation’s encounters with superheroes, comic book or comic strip characters are at the movies or on TV.

Few read comic books regularly and know of the ‘true’ origins and characters of comic strips and books, not the gender swapped, politically correct and altered story-line versions prevalent today.

Comic strip and book characters have populated movies almost since the dawn of the media.

Comics At The Movies by James Chapman and published by Reaktion Books, examines comic strip and comic book movies from Flash Gordon to The Avengers: Endgame.

The oversize, hardbound book delves deeply into the subject of primarily American comic strips and comic books over the decades. Both are reflections of their times.

Mass entertainment and the hope of making a buck contributed to the rise of comic strips and comic books and since both were and are so popular it is only natural that movies would adapt them to the Silver Screen

Comic strips and comic books movies also mirror the times when they were made.

Politics, society, war, crime, changing norms, technology and other changes and rebirths appear in movies. Comics strips and books deal with the same subjects. They and movies are connected at the hip.

This book looks at different trends, characters, events and much more in both print and on the screen. It’s more than just comics at the movies it’s about how society has changed, morphed and survived over the years.

It contains lots of information on the history of comic strips and comic books as well as the movie adaptions.

Comics At The Movies is a well-rounded, thought-out and executed piece of work that provides a welcome critical look at each medium.

Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Stardriven Gateway and Stardriven Gateway Invasion

Stardriven Gateway

Space-the past, the present or the future? Who really knows? You are the captain of a starship. Your crew follows your orders as you travel the cosmos. You decide what each crewman’s assignment and post is.

The crew’s fate is in your hands. It is a demanding position and requires your full focus. Travel to new worlds, complete missions and gain galactic influence as you face new challenges, environments, beings and situations.

The Starship Simulator game pits you and your crew against clever adversaries.

You control the game where Gravity Drives create huge excesses of power shared by civilizations across the galaxy. But there are those whole seek control of a mysterious Gateway. Can you stop them? What obstacles stand in your way and is your crew ready for any conflict?

Gather your crew of specialists, set out on missions on various regions and worlds and prepare to encounter things and places beyond your wildest imagination.

I am a huge Star Trek fan and this game reminds me so much of my favorite TV franchise.

Join the captains and crews as they compete across seven episodes, activate a manned station, match skills, recuperate, put together Gateway teams, recruit and promote crews and crew members, engage in combat and outfit and upgrade their ship.

Inside the huge game box is everything you need to begin your galactic adventure. Included are 26 system Tiles, 1 Gateway Tile, 9 Ship Miniatures, 12 Outpost miniatures, 4 Player Boards, 8 Scenario Cards, 76 mission Cards, 62 Crew Cards, 24 Anomaly Cards, 24 Ship Upgrades, 24 Objective Cards, 12 Automa Cards, 46 Dice, 2 Ship Cards, 4 Reference Cards, 60 Reputation Tokens, 48 Damage Tokens, 42 Exploration etc. Tokens, 8 Wooden Cubes and 1 Rulebook.

I really like the way this game is designed. For lack of a better descriptive word I call it outer spacey. It looks like something out of science fiction movies or TV shows. The small tokens and ships, etc, really add to the realism of the game.

Designed to play for those 14 years old and older it is made for 1 to 4 players and takes about 90 minutes to play. Stardriven Gateway is by Todd Walsh and Mike Gnade and made by Rock ManorGames. 

Stardriven Gateway Invasion

In Stardriven Gate Invasion A Cooperative Expansion you face an enemy who shows no mercy, exists for conquering and spreads terror across the galaxy.

The enemy: Warbound, spreads death and destruction across the galaxy. Gamers need to pool their defenses and persuade the Council Worlds not to allow themselves to fall into chaos.

Out of nowhere a Dread Nautiloid emerges from the Interstellar Gateway and launches Manta Drones beginning a full-fledged invasion.

Your assignment is to protect the outposts and destroy the invaders.

They must be stopped before Warbound drill into planet cores and destroy the planets.

The Expansion adds 3 scenarios all requiring cooperation to save the Council Worlds.

Included in the Invasion Expansion are 1 Dread Nautilod Miniature, 4 Manta Drone Miniatures, 5 Drill Miniatures, 5 Countdown Dice, 5 Outpost Miniatures, 18 Mission Cards, 12 Dreadnought Anomaly Cars, 24 Coop Objective Cards, 12 Warbound Cards, 1 Threat Level Card, 12 Invasion Cards, 8 Warbound Goal Cards, 2 Ship Cards, 12 Terror Tokens and 1 Rulebook.

Do you and your crew have what it takes to thwart the invasion of the Warbound?

Space is a cold and unforgiving mistress. Do you embrace and face an enemy like none you’ve ever faced before? Do have what it takes to be Stardriven?

Stardriven Gateway Invasion is by Todd Walsh and Mike Gnade and made by Rock Manor Games.

1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Answering Speech

How do we as mere mortal human beings talk to God? First off to do so it is vitally important that you get saved. However God does hear the prayer of the unsaved asking him to save them.

All other ‘conversations’ with God are achieved through the power of prayer as a believer.

Speaking of my own experience I can testify while God does not speak to me in an actual voice he does guide me along as I listen to the ‘still small voice’ of the Holy Spirit.

But, be warned. Satan will try to masquerade himself as the ‘voice’ of God in an attempt to make you feel false guilt, prod you to do thing thigs contrary to the scriptures and to get you to sin.

While he cannot physically make you sin. To sin is of your own choice. He will try to influence to sin. Very sneaky!

One point I found especially intriguing that the author brought up is prayer should not be so much about what we want-and that’s OK, but rather the end results of prayers being answered is that God should always get the praise.

God is not a genie or a wish fulfiller. He is sovereign. He already knows what we need and want before we even ask. So why ask? Prayer results should always edify God regardless of the outcome.

In author Daniel J. Brendsel’s book Answering Speech: The Life Of  Prayer As Response To God, published by Crossway, he gives some great advice, backed by scripture, on how to pray and what prayer consists of.

I enjoyed reading the book-it was an answer to prayer.

Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Highlander Connor MacLeod

I've not a Highlander movie or TV fan.  However, Sideshow Collectibles produced a series of three impressive Highlander 12-inch, fully articulated figures.

The Connor MacLeod figure is the most impressive of the three figures.

The figure comes packaged in a flip-lid display box with an internal plastic cocoon for holding the figure with accessories.  A clear plastic sheet covers the figure and accessories for protection and viewing.

The box is decorated with Highlander photos and ancient Runic symbols.  On the inside cover is a description of both the figure and the Highlander history.

Accessories include a Highlander sword with a long, curved, single edge blade, a runic decorated handle and carved pommel.  There is also a small dagger with a black handle, a green bottle of spirits with an aged label and a book entitled ‘A Metallurgical History Of Ancient Sword Making’ by Brenda J. Wyatt.

A special Highlander circular base and support wire allow the figure to stand and pose.

The head sculpt is nicely done with tonal variations in color and realistic looking hair strands despite the fact the hair is molded in plastic.

Connor’s face has well defined features especially the blue eyes, straight nose and mouth area.

The face looks a little full with the chin rounded and the cheekbones smooth but well defined.

The figure’s hands are positioned to hold the weapons and accessories.  There is no slippage or difficulty putting the weapons or accessories in the figure’s hands.

Their grip is firm yet offering little resistance when placing the objects in and out of their grip.

Connor’s attire consists of a tan trench coat with a wide collar, a  belt with buckle, twin pockets and a double row of buttons.

Underneath he wears a light brown leather jacket and a light blue long-sleeved shirt with a button down collar under it.

His pants are light blue denim and he comes with white socks and white tennis shoes with red side accents.

Buttons and stitching are to scale and the clothing movies smoothly and evenly over the body with no stress points or bunching.

It is a remarkable ensemble of clothing--very modern and impressive with its realistic look and scaling.

Articulation of the figure consists of ball and sockets, swivels and hinges-all of which move smoothly, are cleverly hidden and never bind or move stiffly.

Overall it’s an impressive figure, impeccably dressed and accompanied by some well-done weapons and accessories.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Moomin Bingo

Bingo. It’s not the sort of game you would think families or kids would play. At least not in my memory.

When I was a kid (more than few decades ago) my mom would drag me along to various Bingo Halls in such locations as churches, civic centers, the VFW and other ‘old folk’ locations.

We would sit there as an ‘old person’ would spin some ping-pong balls with letters (or numbers) on them in a round metal cage.

After a spin or two they would take out one ball and call out the letter or number.

If players had the right letter or number on their Bingo Card(s) they would place a red dot, or mark it with a marker on the coinciding number or letter on their little sheet of paper. If they were able to fill a whole line up they would yell, ‘Bingo!’ and win a prize or money. Boring!

Never fear Thames & Hudson has bumped up the fun factor with its Moomin Bingo game that the whole family can play.

Finn Tove Jansson’s lovable and quirky characters take the place of Bingo pieces and boards in this delightful new Moomin Bingo game set from Thames & Hudson.

Consisting of 160 counters, 6 double-sided player cards, 48 Moomin Tokens, a game board and Moomin Guide with full character descriptions and art, the Moomin Bingo set comes in a large and colorful game box with illustrations on all sides.

Now that’s the kind of Bingo I’m talking about! Numbers? Letters? Who needs them when Moomin characters take their places?

Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Casey Jones

Who would have ever of thought that a hockey mask wearing, baseball brandishing loner would become a favorite character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe?

Casey Jones is his name and he’s back! after being nearly killed Casey is slowly recovering both physically and mentally.

Despite his injuries he’s anxious to get back on the streets especially since a new drug called Nostrum has hit the streets.

Criminals are using the derivative of the ooze that created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and transforming into human/beast hybrids.

Chaos rules and Ludovic is responsible. The villain hates Casey and wants him dead. But he didn’t count on his friends the TMNT.

It’s all-out action, fisticuffs and martial arts all combined to an exciting tale hockey mask and bats and all. Swing batter! Casey is back!

Author Alex Paknadel and three artists come out swinging with a brand new Casey Jones tale courtesy of IDW Publishing. Grab the Casey Jones softbound graphic novel collecting the 6-issue mini-series.

Jeremiah 17:14Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Atlas Comics Library No. 9 Adventures Into Weird Worlds

Before Congress decided that comic books were a bad influence on America’s youth and was the culprit responsible for juvenile delinquency and before the Comic Book Authority was formed comic book publishers pushed the boundaries of tasteful subjects.

Horror comic books were huge the publisher/owner of Atlas Comics knew a good thing when he saw it so like any good capitalist he decided to publish Horror comics.

Adventure Into Weird Worlds stories was one of his flagship Horror titles and boy did it get weird.

Top notch talent like Russ Heath, Bill Everett, Joe Maneely, Carmine Infantino, Mort Meskin, George Tuska, Bob Fujitani, Joe Sinnott and Barnard Krigstein all contributed their creativity, pencils and best horror creations to the series.

The oversize hardbound book: Atlas Comics library No. 9 Adventures Into Weird Worlds, measuring about one inch thick, starts out with a very informative text and art piece about other Atlas Horror, Science Fiction and other titles published abut the same period as Adventures Into Weird Worlds

I have to admit I though I knew a lot about old comic books but the folks at Fantagraphics have put me in my place. This book, along with many of their other titles proved to me I don’t know as much as I though about comic book history. It’s humbling and yet very enlightening. Just goes to show you’re never too old to learn.

I can just imagine myself as a young boy reading Adventures Into Weird Worlds back in the 1950s. The stories must have been quite a shock. While not gory or bloody the stories are still creepy and always seem to have a twisted and unexpected conclusion.

I highly recommend this book along with Fantagraphics other classic comics reprints. All of them offer a rare glimpse into the past and how those comics were the genesis of much of what we read today.

Psalms 28:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Eat Weeds

No, not that kind of weeds! I’m talking about wild weeds found in the country and other locations that you can eat to survive.

I had no idea so many weeds were edible, nor their nutritional value, healing properties and vitamin and mineral content!

Author Diego Bonetto and Thames & Hudson invite readers how to forage, identify, harvest, eat and use wild plants in Eat Weeds.

Inside the oversize softbound book are color photos and illustrations of various plants.

Combined with the very detailed text they show how to identify edible plants, prepare them, their nutritional and medicinal uses and how to preserve them.

Plants populate not only forests and fields, but by rivers, lakes, in parks, in towns and cities along with anywhere human exists and some places they do not.

With the rising cost of food, the uncertainty of worldwide supply and possible natural and man-made disasters this book is a real Godsend.

Psalms 103:2-4Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Reindeer Express

Do you hear it? The steady clip clop of hooves on the pavement and soft shuffle on the snow?

When Santa’s in a hurry and needs to get some presents out ASP he calls up his very special Reindeer Express.

Pulled by a single reindeer the large, four wooden wheel wagon is decked out in gold and red with a fancy seat and a oversize upper rack packed with toys, goodies, decorations and a Christmas tree.

Moving along a snow-covered, cobblestone road the Reindeer Express from Rolife rushes by an ornate streetlight as Santa who is seated pulls the reins and the twin window Reindeer Express rings its bells and shows off its Christmas themed windows.

A large wooden crate sits beside the Reindeer Express. It is filled with Christmas goodies and sitting in front of it are Santa’s boots. Sitting along side it an ornate wrought iron fence in front of the street light shows that all is right in the world as Christ’s birthday is celebrated.

Roll the Reindeer Express along the street and be sure to take a look a very special fold-out surprise.

The Reindeer Express is a slightly smaller kit in Rolife’s Christmas kits. As with all of Rolife’s Christmas kits this one comes in a special open lid box with photos on all sides and specs on the back. The kit is recommended for those 14 years old and older, consists of 209 pieces and butts up against Rolife’s Polaris Post to make a larger Christmas scene.

Since it was smaller kit it didn’t take that long to assemble-around two hours.

I started out assembling the reindeer and wouldn’t you know it I broke on antler (it is a very delicate piece). But, a touch of liquid glue and it was right as rain. Fumble fingers strikes again.

As always I keep my trusty tool selection on hand. Here’s a photo. Tweezers and a Phillips-head screwdriver are included-batteries are not.

As I mentioned before my eyesight is not what it used to be so the magnifying glass is a Godsend. Tweezers help me with picking up the small parts and folding paper pieces.

Although this particular kit is smaller than most it doesn’t lack for detail. It is amazing how much is going on in this kit from the reindeer to the fully-loaded wagon.

How Rolife/Robotime designers can pack in so much detail, manufacture parts that fit together snugly and lay out wiring and lights is impressive to me.

Try to imagine the amount of work that goes into each of Rolife’s kits: the laser cutting, wiring schematics, print production, packaging-it is truly impressive.

For a look at more photos and a video of the Reindeer Express click here. For a glimpse at more Rolife kits click here and to see what Rolife’s mother company Robotime is up to click here.

John 13:34-35A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Target Stopped: The History Of The Modern Tank

When I was a kid I was huge into making model kits-mostly military vehicles, aircraft and ships.

I loved assembling tank model kits. There was something about assembling the tanks’ turrets and especially their tracks that I really enjoyed.

I was a big fan of the history of World War II and, of course, that included tanks.

In author Sam Cranny-Evans’ book: Target Stopped: The History Of The Modern Tank, published by Osprey Publishing, I rediscovered that young boy and his love of tanks.

At about 10 years old I had the opportunity to climb into a real WWII tank. Inside I sat on an outstretched web of rope just out of reach of knobs, controls etc. But, it didn’t make a difference to me. I imagined myself facing off the enemy on a battlefield as I and my fellow tank comrades engaged in battle.

The author starts out with a very comprehensive and thorough explanation as to how tank technology and capabilities have evolved over the decades.

Mentioned are armor to protective to firepower capabilities the book then proceeds to examine the evolution of the tank starting with World War II, the Korean War up until modern times.

Tech-heads and historians are sure to love the thorough and very informative technical and historical information, along with the extensive text is a gallery of archival photos.

I never realized how advanced new tanks are with digital systems, sensors, automation, innovation coupled with fire power, amour and tracks.

The little kid in me is delighted by all the cool information and photos included.

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

Seas Of Havoc & Seas Of Havoc First Mates Expansion

Seas Of Havoc

You command a sea-faring vessel manned by a crew of scalawags. Your crew each possesses certain ‘skills’ and you  deploy them as they sail the Seas Of Havoc in search of plunder and glory.

Seek out treasures, pillage ships and strike terror on the Seven Seas. With a deck of cards you command every action of the ship and crew. You decide where to go, what to do and how to obtain treasure. Earn your chosen ship, build your reputation in battle, plunder and skill.

The game set has two levels: Combat Phase-you’ll maneuver your ship, avoid obstacles, search for treasure in derelict ships and battle with cannons and manpower. With the Island Phase-you gather supplies, make repairs, upgrade your ship and regroup.

The game comes in a large heavy paper-stock box decorated with a beautiful painting of a female pirate brandishing her sword in her left hand with a skull and crossbones flag in her right hand.

Inside the box are 1 Board, 1 First Player Marker, 1 Rulebook, 36 Starting Ship Cards, 18 Character Cards, 74 Market Cards, 12 Ship Upgrades, 50 Damage/Ref Cards, 6 Wooden Ships, 18 Wooden Skiffs, 6 Wooden Infamy Trackers, 4 Wooden Flags, 30 Wooden Cannon Balls, 30 Coin Tokens, 6 Rock Tokens, 9 Shipwrecks, 2 Dice, 24 Solo Cards and 1 Captain’s Log Sheet.

Pause for moment and look how well designed the Game Board is. Especially pay attention to all the miniature Tokens and the various Crew Cards. Have ever seen such a motley and scurvy crew in all your life? I love the Character illustrations. Well done.

The Seas Of Havoc tabletop game, created by Sebastien Bernier-Wong and Peter Gorniak from Rock Manor Games, is a 1 to 5 player game, it takes approximately 60 minutes to play and it is recommended for those 14 years old and older. Card bonuses reward smart play.

"Set sail for adventure Matey! Hoist the sale, load the cannons and get ready to search for booty, sail the Seven Seas and encounter adventure at every turn."

It makes for a great family or get together game with friends. Just how much rogue do you have in you? Does a little treachery and larceny flow though your veins?

Will your crew come through and win the game?

For photos and a video of the game click here.

Seas Of Havoc First
Mates Expansion

Aye Matey! Set sail on new adventures with two new captains and more modules like First Mate, Wild Flag, Ship Upgrade, Sea Monsters and more.

What scourge of the Seas Of Havoc couldn’t use more supplies, upgrades and more?

The Seas Of Havoc First Mates Expansion adds to the excitement and includes 8 First Mate Cards, 2 Captain Cards, 4 Action Cards (2 per Captain), 24 Kraken & Sea Serpent Cards (hard), 24 Wild Flag Cards, 20 Deck Upgrades, 32 Ship Upgrades, 12 Challenge and Rule Sheets.

There’s nothing like adding a little bit of the unexpected and with Wild, Kraken and Sea Serpent Cards you’ll never know what to expect.

Who’s up for a little blood and gory encounters?

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

Play It Hard and The Vengeful Virgin

Play It Hard and The Vengeful Virgin from Stark House Press’s Noir Classic comes a double-whammy of lust filled crime dramas from author Gil Brewer.

In Play It Hard Steve Nolan tips the bottle too much on his honeymoon while at the beach.

When he wakes up in a hospital he is shocked to discover that the strange woman with him is his wife Janice according to his doctor, his aunt and his cop friend.

No one will believe him when he says she is a stranger. Why? Who is the beautiful woman everyone assumes is his new bride? And what happened to his real wife? There’s more than meets the eyes and it’s up to Steve to prove he’s not delusional.

There are women that set men’s hearts on fire. Shirley Angela is one of the those women.

Jack Ruxton is immediately smitten when he sees her. She’s hot, sexy and he wants her.

When he meets her in his electronics store she asks him to install TVs and an intercom system in the home of the old man she takes care of.

The truth is she wants to get rid of the old man and have the inheritance he has left her. It’s a lot and Jack soon has other plans for the money and Shirley. He only has to take care of the old man. If were only were that simple.

Get ready for some hot, steamy, innuendo filled, lusty romantic escapades with a little larceny and murder mixed in. It’s Noir kicked up a notch.

A little personal observation:

A few things I’ve noticed when comparing today’s crime/mystery books with older editions from the 1940s and 1950s is that there was not as much technical mumbo-jumbo in the older books. Probably because much of the modern day crime detection technology didn’t exist back then. Solving crimes was much more hands on.

Also it seems to me that there was more character development in the older novels and much of the sexual and violent content was implied or laced with innuendo. It wasn’t in your face.

Finally atmospheric mood was much more pronounced and descriptive. I enjoy reading modern books but I appreciate the older books for their inventiveness, subtle suggestions and deep descriptions.

1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Archie Vs. The Terminator #1

There’s a new kid attending Riverdale High School. He’s smart, mysterious, knowledgeable and Betty and Veronica thinks he’s cute.

Archie is jealous. The new kid (Max) is friendly but somewhat distant. He tends to keep mostly to himself and something about him doesn’t ring true with Archie.

Jughead and Archie’s other friends like him. Jughead tells Archie Max’s real name is John Connor! He discovered it when their backpacks got switched.

Archie is having a bad day. First Reggie discovers a rare bird egg-so rare that its hatching is scheduled to be shown on TV. Archie manages to interfere and the egg hatches out of sight because of Archie’s blunder.

At first Archie is sentenced to a few days of detention. But  principal Weatherbee offers him an alternative-pick up the new coach: Coach Bell.

Archie meets up with him. the coach wants to see Max. Archie takes him to him. When the coach pulls a gun out and points it at Max....to be continued.

Archie has been in scraps before but never one involving a killer cyborg Terminator.

What will happen when everyone’s favorite high school red head comes face-to-face with a killer cyborg? Find out in Archie Comics Archie Vs. The Terminator mini-series beginning with issue #1, written by Rory McConville with art by Steve and Lily Butler, published by Dynamite.

2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Echoes In Eternity

Three lives, three decades and one destiny. In a new story by author David Mack the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise 1701 and 1701-A, must unravel a mystery that has transpired over three decades.

It all started when the the starship Enterprise and its crew, under the command of Captain James T. Kirk, was sent to investigate a strange object that had collided with a planet trapped between two black holes.

The Enterprise crew arrived shortly before a Romulan starship was also sent to investigate the strange object.

As Kirk, Spock, McCoy and another Federation investigated the object the Romulans attacked. During the melee the Federation scientist died. It is only the ingenuity of Captain Kirk and Scotty that saved the remaining Enterprise personnel and incapacitated the Romulan starship and crew.

The mystery of the object is left unsolved. Is it a machine, alive or both? And what of the starship scientist who perished while investigating it?

Echoes Of Eternity, from Simon & Schuster, part of the 60^th Anniversary of the original Star Trek TV series, is a story of family, revenge, curiosity, reunion, redemption and a conflict of power. Many levels and events unfold that all mesh together to make an exciting and though-provoking tale.

It has all the hallmarks of the original Star Trek series. There’s lots of action, intrigue, twists and turns, McCoy and Spock banter, heroics, highlighted crew moments and a brilliant ‘what if’ element.

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