The Calvin And Hobbes Portable Compendium Volume 6

It’s time to break out and dance with Calvin and Hobbes as they bring on more mayhem, craziness and odd-ball behavior in their latest comic strip collection comprised of strips from March 1993 to February 1995.

The Calvin And Hobbes Portable Compendium Volume 6, from creator Bill Watterson and published by Andrew McMeel Publishing, brings on the madness in the latest compilation of strips in part six of a seven-part collection.

What can be said about Calvin and Hobbes that hasn’t been said?

Artist/writer Bill Watterson hatched up a new comic strip about a little boy named Calvin and his pet stuffed tiger Hobbes. In Calvin's imagination Hobbes is alive and they are best buds.

Calvin has knack for getting in trouble mostly due to his imagination and endless energy. He is curious, inventive, precocious and he drives his parents, his teacher, adults and his friends crazy with his wild schemes, outrageous antics and off-the-wall weirdness. In other words, he’s a typical little boy.

Whether it’s being an intrepid spaceman, battling snow monsters, traveling in time or other imaginative quests Calvin has a unique take on life and Bill Watterson captures perfectly the innocence and inventiveness of a small boy.

In the latest comic strip reprint compilation Calvin is up to his old tricks along with Hobbes and his parents can only watch and shutter as to what he is up this time.

Watterson completed the strip in 10 years and refused to commercialize Calvin and Hobbes. His artistic integrity forbade him to succumb to the temptation of big bucks and the selling out of his soul to satisfy greed. Ya gotta respect that.

1 John 4:19 - We love him, because he first loved us.

Forever People #1

They’re back-reluctantly. 

Back in 1970 Jack Kirby created The Fourth World for DC Comics.  One of the titles was the Forever People-kind of super flower people/hippies.

They, along with Mr. Miracle, Jimmy Olden and The New Gods made up the roster of the Fourth World titles Kirby created.

In 1988 the Forever People returned in a 6-part mini-series. 

The success of that mini-series resulted in a brand new Forever People title.

It all starts with Serifan.  Depressed, alone and wallowing in the past Serifan is a prime target for The Dark.  Longng for the past and the adventures he had with his fellow Forever People he succumbs to the alluring temptation of The Dark.

Meanwhile the other Forever People have grown, started families, began new careers, fell in love and even surrendered to death.

At a Forever People reunion Serifan appears endowed with the power of The Dark.

He attacks the gathering and engulfs the former Forever People with the stygian ink black of The Dark.  What happens next both brings the Forever People together and tears them apart.

Writer J.M. Dematteus brings new life to the Forever People and artist Paris Cullins captures the frenetic energy and wonder of Jack Kirby’s art.

It makes for a great combination and a lot of fun to read.

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

Rethinking Retirement

I remember it well. I was coming up on 62 years old and still employed in my second career as a high school Art/Graphic Designer/Commercial Art/AP teacher.

I was tired. I’d been working since I was nine years old. After college I worked at first as a commercial artist and then as a school teacher.

After almost 11 years as a teacher I was worn out, tired of teaching and ready to throw in the towel and retire.

I liked my job, but the daily grind of making up lesson plans, tests, instructions and trying to keep up with technology had taken their toll on me.

I talked to my wife and we decided I would retire at the end of the school year when I turned 63. And that’s exactly what I did.

It was a relief and for about the first year I rested-or tried to. Unfortunately my body was still wired to get up at 5 AM. and my mind was still in teacher mode.

It took me almost three years to finally wind down. I kept busy-drawing, writing, working around the house and trying to keep up with my wife’s ‘honey do’ list.

But, something was missing. I felt as if I was going nowhere and I wondered why.

Then it struck me, I may have retired, but God was not through with me yet. I resisted at first-I still do occasionally. But eventually I got more invested in my church, helped around the campus and did what I could. I still have a way to go.

In author John Piper’s and Crossway’s new book: Rethinking Retirement, the author examines the myth of retirement as it pertains to the Christian life.

While it is normal to slow down as we grow older, it’s unwise to just stop and do nothing.

God still has plans for the elderly and retired. Learn how to finish your life for the glory of God. Several excellent examples are given along with some sage advice. It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

Retirement does not mean the end. It means the beginning of a whole new way to serve God. God has a dream for your retirement life-take up the challenge and learn that retirement does not mean you stop serving God-it is only the next step.

Revelation 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Playing Cards

Imagine playing Fish, Rummy and other Card Games with Star Trek The Next Generation Playing Cards.

You read right, Enesco presents Star Trek: The Next Generation Playing Cards in a tin Box.

Two plastic wrapped full Decks feature images from the TV series on their fronts with traditional playing Card characters and numbers on their reverse sides.

The two sealed Decks come in a cool tin Box with an image of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D on its lid.

The Cards are wrapped in plastic and comes in a special lidded Tin Box.

Go where no one has gone before--Star Trek Playing Cards! Make it so!  Anyone for a game of Fizzben? 

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

Writing Graphic Novels For Dummies

I’ve written and drawn a few kids book and couple of comic book stories and of course for the last 30 plus years I’ve been writing reviews both in print and online. I know a few things about writing.

I would never claim to be ranked as anywhere close to the level of authors of graphic novels. Still it would be nice to know how to go about writing graphic novels.

In Wiley Brand’s and author Kensuke Okabayashi’s Writing Graphic Novels For Dummies would-be graphic novel writers/artists will learn basic drawing exercises, how to create characters and stories and most important of all-balancing words and art.

Writing and drawing graphic novels is definitely a unique talent and skill. It involves every working facet of your creative brain.

This book gives upfront, concise and very specific guidelines on how to draw figures, settings, character types, page layouts, word placement and much more.

It delves into translating words into pictures in a perfect blend where one does not outshine the other.

It is a complete and I do mean (COMPLETE) guide on how to do graphic novels right.

Follow this book’s guidelines and before you know it you’ll find yourself the author of a finished and published graphic novel that you are sure to be proud of.

Learn about conveying emotions, color and so many other skills. The book also includes a special color insert of a story as inspiration. Also there is a directory of famous graphic designers, helpful education tips and self promotion tips.

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

Son Of Frankenstein

Boris Karloff returns as the Frankenstein monster in Universal Pictures classic film Son Of Frankenstein.  This time he’s brought Basil Rathbone and Bela Lugosi along with him.

The Son Of Frankenstein figure from Sideshow Collectibles comes in a special box with a reproduction of the classic movie poster decorateing the front of the box.

The flip-lid box has information about the character and film on the inside flap and the figure (with accessories) is displayed behind a clear plastic panel in the main box.

The figure (with accessories) is secured in a form-fitted, clear plastic cocoon and small, clear plastic straps.  A cobblestone base with a foot heel insert is included

Frankenstein is his old green self with a flat top of black hair, a heavy, overhanging brow, deep-set, lifeless eyes, twin bolts protruding out both sides of his massive neck, large facial and hand stitches and deeply etched face.

Frankenstein comes dressed in a brown shirt and pants and wears a black fur vest stitched with heavy rawhide down the left side.  The pants are also heavily stitched down both legs.

The cloths fit loosely on the massive figure. There's no bunching or unsightly folds or unnatural wrinkles when the figure is posed.

The figure’s pre-positioned hands easily hold securely the various accessories that include the town’s head honcho’s mechanical right arm with its blue sleeve and black glove and a book of Fairy Tales bound is a large volume with text and illustrations on the cover and inside.

Coloration of the monster is perfect with variations of green to deepen and lighten the figure’s features.

Sculpt work is crisp, tight and looks exactly like Karloff as the monster.

Articulation is varied with hinge; swivel, ball and socket and twist points that make posing the figure look natural with or without the cobblestone base.

Overall it is an impressive figure that gives justice to the classic film.

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

Huxley: The Oracle

It always fascinates and astonishes me when I first see an up-and-coming artist's premiere work only to see their work a short time later take a huge jump in technique, production value and detailed story-telling.

That’s just what you get in author/artist Ben Mauro’s follow-up to his first Huxley book published by Thames & Hudson.

In Huxley: The Oracle the story continues on a dessert world where the machines have taken over and humans have no choice but to obey.

Special clones were created by the machines to enforce the machines' rule.

A special clone division: The Ronins, are loyal and keep the machine empire in balance. That is until Max uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the empire.

In Huxley: The Oracle Ben Mauro has really outdone himself. While the first book in the series was laid out in panel-to-panel storytelling much like a graphic novel, Mauro has taken a completely different approach with its sequel.

The book is laid out much like many of the huge, oversize ‘Art Of” books published about movies.

In the book full and double-page spreads of traditional and computer generated art, accompanied by story text carries the story alone.

It is an amazing visual adventure. It’s innovative, original and a stunning example of an artist’s work traversing into bold new directions. The detail, story flow and epic scale make it more than words and pictures-it is a masterpiece.

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Doc Savage #1

The Man Of Bronze resides in his Fortress of Solitude.  Sound familiar? Shades of Superman!

For those of you unfamiliar with Doc Savage he originally premiered in Pulp Magazines before the advent of comic books and Superman.

In fact Doc Sage inspired the creation of Superman!.

He became so popular that a huge inventory of stories eventually accumulated starring Doc and his band of associates.

They traveled all over the world fighting crime and investigating mysteries-some of them of the supernatural type.

Doc Savage has jumped around from comic book publisher to publisher eventually winding up at DC Comics in 1988 where he enjoyed his best success next to his Marvel Comics run.

Doc Savage Issue #1 features a cover very much in the vein of James Bama’s Doc Savage paperback novels.

Things seem slightly askew in the book as a few of Doc’s associates seemed to have age and Doc has not.

It seems the original Doc Savage is no longer around and a new ‘Junior’ Doc Savage has taken his place.

Author Denny O’Neil packs the first issue with enough surprises, revelations and unexpected occurrences to satisfy the most ardent Doc Savage fan.

‘Hold onto your potatoes!  It’s going to be a rough ride!”

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

An Illustrated Guide The Flash Gordon Serials 1936-1940 Second Edition

Long before Star Trek, Star Wars and other movie space epics existed there were the amazing adventures of Flash Gordon as played by actor Buster Crabbe.

The serialized black and white space adventures featured a diabolical villain, amazing and exotic planetary locations, cutting-edge (for the time) spaceships, ray guns and various scientific gadgets, strange aliens and more.

Each and every thrilling episode is examined, explained and includes comments, a synopsis, cast and crew information and screen dates in An Illustrated Guide The Flash Gordon Serials 1936-1940 Second Edition.

Every episode also includes black and photos and additional information is listed in the back of the book. 

Everything you need to know about the Flash Gordon movie serial is included in this oversize softbound book written and researched by Roy Kinnard, Tony Crkovich and R.J. Vitone and published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 

If you've never had the chance to watch the old serial episodes, do so.  It's easy to see how George Lucas was inspired to create Star Wars and how director Steven Spielberg fell in  love with science fiction and adventure films.

Prepare to blast off!

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Secret Valley

I’m a sucker for books or movies that involve hidden lands, mysterious locations and adventure.

Rock Manor Games just recently released an English translation of The Secret Valley on Kick-Starter originally released and written in Spanish, French and German.

The Secret Valley is a Game that feeds my hunger for adventure, exploration and mysterious and sometimes dangerous locations.

In The Secret Valley up to four gamers play clans who compete to see who will be the highest ranking clan.

Start out with four to six Tokens and five to seven Cards per player. The Game goes three rounds.

Each player plays one Card and Token on their turn looking for best possible position on the grid.

Cards are played in these configurations; Adjacent, Surrounding, Row and Column.

Card types are The Thousand Steps, Sun Stone, Western Torrent, Fist Of The Giants and Mouth Of The Mountain.

Whoever has the highest score of points is the winner.

The game play heats up and the action is fast. Will you be the leader of the clans and claim the best location in The Secret Valley?

Rules can be found on the Rock Manor Games website.

John 16:33 - These 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 Birth Of Art Deco

Two of my favorite art periods and styles are Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Art Nouveau is organic while Art Deco is much more geometric and formulaic.

That’s not to say Art Deco is not pleasing to the eye-it is-very much so. I absolutely love the logical and organized look of it.

If I were ever to become a fine artist Art Deco would definitely be my style.  It's so symetrical and organized in a systematic manner.

In The Birth Of Art Deco, Rizzoli Electa and author Jared Goss celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the famous : Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes centered on the The Hotel Du Collectionneur held in Paris in 1925.

The Exposition hosted over sixteen million visitors in its short run that showcased French luxury goods and design innovation.

The highlight of the exhibition was the work of designer E.J. Ruhlmann and his astonishing furniture and interior designs.

Art Deco flourished in architecture, furniture design, functional object seen around the house such as dinnerware, small appliances, room décor, etc.

While the exhibition only lasted six months it embodied the Art Deco design style.

This deluxe hardbound book is sheathed in a tan and burgundy slipcase with a gorgeous Art Deco room design piece of art on its cover. The slipcase protects the absolutely stunning book inside.

Vintage photos and art complemented by fascinating text about the exhibit combine to make a compilation of pages both on coated and uncoated paper that exudes Art Deco.

The uncoated pages capture the period of time when Art Deco flourished.  The pages look warm visually.  I get the feeling that they are old, but of course they are not.  It's a nice touch.  It gives the book a real sense of authority.

If you are a fan of Art Deco then this is the book to own.

John 1:16 - And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife

I’ve always been impressed by the craftsmanship the Japanese have for making knives of all sorts. The attention to detail, ergonomics, handling, fine-honed sharpness and the ruggedness of their blades are known all over the world.

Recently JapaKnives sent me their Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife to review. I have to say, “I am impressed!’

My wife took one look at the knife and immediately told me that it was going to her kitchen. My wife is a slender woman who weighs just over 115 pounds. While she is very fit she was delighted that the knife was so light and easy to hold and use. She effortlessly picked it up and loved the feel, weight and handling.

The knife comes in a flat, custom-made, lidded box. Inside the box the knife cradles in a fitted alcove and is wrapped in clear plastic. The blade is protected by a perforated closed in sheath. Good thing too. The blade is very, very sharp. I tested it on a piece of paper and it sliced through it in an instant! Now that’s sharp!

It also sliced effortlessly through vegetables and cuts of meat-slice, dice and chop!

JapaKnives’ patented, wooden, top-handle, is secured to the 5CR15 Stainless Steel with a Japanese Super Steel Core blade handle with three, flush metal rivets for a secure fit.

I wasn't sure how the handle on the top of the knife would perform. I handled the knife and it fit firmly in my hand with no wrist strain and no slippage. The handle fit the contour of my hand and when I moved my wrist the knife moved with it making cutting, slicing and dicing smooth and easy. It’s almost like it became an extension of my hand.

Like all of JapaKnives’ knives it is hand-crafted and thoroughly inspected and has a free lifetime replacement guarantee.

The wooden handle opens up to the cavity in the upper part of blade allowing your hand to get a firm and comfortable fit. On the upper left of the blade is a hole allowing the knife to be hung on a peg. I love the etched in Japanese inscriptions on one side.

As much as my wife loves this knife I’ll be lucky if she allows me to use it and that’s OK. She deserves the best food prep and kitchen utensils made and JapaKnives’ Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife is one of the best.

Be sure to check out Japaknives' website by clicking here and photos and videos of their Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife can be seen by clicking here.

Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

A Giant Squid Walks Into A Bar...

Leave it to Sherman the shark and his aquatic buddies to parody a Western in The Thirtieth Sherman’s Lagoon Collection: A Giant Squid Walks Into A Bar... by writer and artist Jim Toomey and publisher Andrews McMeel Publishing.

This time around Sherman’s Lagoon takes on ancestry, Zen gardens, cosmetic surgery, the meaning of life, predators as friends, froggy tempers, science fair projects, walking fish, flea markets, going to court, hair bands, beach parties, a fortune teller, a flying saucer and other unexpected and off the wall things and events.

Of course when it comes to Sherman and his friends nothing seems as it appears and you can expect plenty of laughs, surprises and of course Sherman’s unique take on life and all of its quirkiness.

So, dive in, hold your breath, go deep and maybe, just maybe, you’ll meet up with Sherman. But remember, he’s a shark and a hungry one. Friends don’t eat friends-maybe.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For 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.

The Lost Island

Imagine yourself with a group of explorers. Your assignment is to explore a mysterious lost island that is both feared and avoided by fisherman and explorers who have all disappeared when they dared to explore the island.

Legends say that The Lost Island (from Rock Manor Games on Kickstarter) is populated by amazing and unnatural creatures and its landscape is a hodgepodge of mountains, woodlands, rivers flowing backward and who knows what else.

The player who survives and sees through the island’s illusions and creates the most accurate map is the winner.

Players (two to four) get a game sheet choosing either the A or B side. They choose their Territory Type. On each turn players draw symbols of the Territory Type of the active player.

The active player throws three dice and then announce the Territory Type. The chosen dice represents the number of spaces to draw with the Territory Type.

Each player must update their maps of the chosen Territory Type.

Through a number of Territory Types, numbers are drawn and areas are filled on the maps. Highest score wins. There is a lot of player interplay, strategy and clever maneuvering throughout the game.

Player pits against player and only the smartest, craftiest and cleverest player completes their map and wins the game.

Rules can be found on the Rock Manor Games website.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let 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.

Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies

As a former high school teacher coming from a professional business background the key skill I taught my students was Critical Thinking Skills.

Head knowledge is fine, physical capabilities are essential and social interaction is key-but-without critical thinking skills a person will face difficulties in all these areas and many more.

Critical thinking skills allows a person to interact, evaluate, organize, communicate, determine fact from fiction, draw correct conclusions and function socially, professionally and intimately with others.

Wiley Brand and author Martin Cohen invite readers to explore the amazing world of Critical Thinking in Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies 2^nd Edition.

I for one could use a refresher course. One’s never to old to learn new skills-it’s one of the keys to critical thinking.

Follow along as the book explores and explains how to get started, how people think and develop their skills, solve puzzles, gather information, listen, write, argue (properly), use logic, persuade others, present evidence, justify their opinion and avoid pitfalls.

It’s all in this extremely informative book written in a clear concise manner, laid out logically and presented in a manner anyone can understand.

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