Star Trek: The Next Generation: Indistinguishable From Magic

Three of my all-time Star Trek characters star in a brand new adventure that takes each to where “No Man Has Gone Before.”

Scotty, Geordi and Barclay take part in one of the most exciting explorations ever afforded the human race. But, their adventure is the result of a Federation ship suddenly disappearing nearly two centuries before they were born.

While exploring an uncharted region of space, the starship the U.S.S. Intrepid disappears while in communication with the newly formed Federation. Over two hundred years later the Enterprise, captained by Jean Luc Picard, discovers the Intrepid fossilized as if 2,000 years old and its crew little more than biological matter smeared across its inside hull.

The starship U.S.S. Challenger, captained by Montgomery Scott, is assigned to further investigate the ancient ship and discover the cause for its inexplicable aging and the fate of its crew. Geordi is temporarily assigned to the Challenger. Others are signed on including Quinan, Barclay and two other passengers: a former flame of Geordi: Leah and a supposed visitor from the future who was in fact from the past who visited the Enterprise.

As the crew of the Challenger set about examining the Intrepid and attempting to make it space worthy they are drawn further and further into the mystery. When the Intrepid is commandeered and stolen by a rogue Ferengi, a dangerous plot to change time is uncovered. It’s up to Scotty and his crew to find the Intrepid and stop the plot but not before the Romulans show up with their own agenda, under the direction of a certain blond hair half-breed.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Indistinguishable From Magic, from Pocket Books and written by David R. McIntee, is classic Star Trek with clever twists and turns, a galaxy-wide threat and a mind-blowing storyline. It’s like old home week with beloved characters from the Classic series and Next Generation reuniting to fight a common foe.

Star Trek Remastered Original Series

Rittenhouse Archives has taken images from the newly released remastered original Star Trek TV series DVDs and created a brand new set of trading cards that really show off the intense new colors, spectacular effects and CGI spaceships and planets.

Twenty Four Packs come per Box with five Cards per Pack. Eighty one Cards make up a Base Set (I assembled one full Set with a considerable amount left over to put a dent in a second Set). For you completists out there Rittenhouse also offers a special Collector’s Album that comes with an exclusive Chase Card.

To help celebrate the remastered DVD release Rittenhouse has randomly inserted some impressive new Chase Cards. Each Box contains one double Autograph Card (I received Richard Evans and William Wintersole from the episode Patterns Of Force) and one single Autograph Card (my Box contained a George Takei as Sulu from The Naked Time).


Other Chase Cards include:

18-card Star Trek Tribute Expansion Set (Four for me)
9-card Star Trek Creatures Cards (Two in my Box))
9-card "Elaan of Troyius" Revised Episode Cards (One of Elaan)
9-card Star Trek Ships In Motion/Lenticular Cards (The Enterprise in The Tholian Web)


Additional Chase Cards are available when you buy multiple Cases.

The Art Of God Of War III

Most people who play video games are content to pop in the game disc and start playing.  Few know what it takes to produce a video game; even fewer appreciate the incredible talent it takes to design and implement a high-end video game. 

Literally thousands of hours are spent on the design of characters, environments, and game mechanics and that’s not counting the tremendous amount of capital investigated in which pretty much is a win or lose project.  If a game flops, the game developer is out a fortune.  If it succeeds, they are in the position to make huge profits.

In The Art Of God Of War III, from Ballistic Publishing, readers are given a personal tour of the inner-workings of producing one of the most successful games of 2010.

The trade paperback contains hundreds of breath-taking illustrations by some of the most talented designers, illustrators and 3D artists currently employed by the gaming industry.
Pages are packed with full-color character studies, marketing images, lush background designs, concept sketches, color, texture and clothing variations and much more.

This is more than a book containing pretty pictures; this is an in-depth look at the entire creative process complemented by comments and production information provided by the artists and the geniuses behind God Of War III.

You can spend hours pouring over the pages brimming with illustrations.  As a graphic designer myself I appreciate the tremendous amount of work that went into producing God Of War III and Ballistic Publishing’s success at compiling such an impressive book.

Happiness Is A Warm Blanket Charlie Brown

From Warner Bros. Video Inc. comes a brand new original Peanuts movie: Happiness Is A Warm Blanket Charlie Brown starring Lucy's philosophical brother Linus.

When Linus's grandmother chides him about his blue security blanket, Linus ponders if is time to give up his childhood security companion.

He enlists the aid of his best friend Charlie Brown to keep his blanket from him-with disastrous results.  Turning to his older sister Lucy, Linus desperately tries to break his blanket dependence.

Ultimately he must decide if he really wants to break his dependency habit. Happiness Is A Warm Blanket Charlie Brown is a welcome back visit to Charles Schulz's lovable band of youngsters.  

Filled with warm humor, heartfelt sentimental childhood memories and Snoopy and Woodstock, of course, the original DVD release also includes a deleted scene narrated by Director Andy Beall and several featurettes.    

Top Spin 4

It's time to go to court and show a little love with 2K Sports Top Spin 4 tennis videogame for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live for up to 24 players online.  Its also 3D compatible.

Choose from 25 of the world's top tennis players as you go racket-to-racket against some of the most formidable tennis players ever to play the game.

Target you opponent's weaknesses with the game's intuitive controls that give you total control of your ball and racket whether you're a novice or pro.

Live the life of a novice player as you guide your way through the tennis circuit from beginner to pro.  You even get to customize your player down to the smallest detail from stance to game play.

If one-on-one is not enough take your game to the internet and challenge other players to lightning matches.  

Tight graphics, realistic renderings of tennis's top players and full court interaction with the crowd and full 360 degree action takes the tennis action to new heights as the camera follows each stroke and backhand seen from every possible angle.

Feel the heat, smell the sweat and cheer for the victor in the most realistic tennis video game ever made.

Major League Baseball 2K11

After looking over and playing 2K Sports' new Major League Baseball 2K11 video game for Xbox 360 I have to say it is one of the most realistic looking baseball video games I have ever seen.  The likenesses to the players are dead-on, from their body language, expressions, the way they hit, move, catch and run - you can practically see them sweat.

From birds eye to worms eye views the action never stops.  The camera constantly shifts to match the play from close-ups to wide field shots.  Ever move, play, catch, hit, run, player interaction and reaction are right on the money.

But, the realism doesn't stop there.  The stadiums are crammed with detail. Lights, sounds, crowd movements, infield, outfield - they all click and look just like the real things.

One of my fondest memories growing up was watching the Detroit Tigers play.  The sound of the crowd, the sense of anticipation, the sheer excitement are all brought back in 2K Sports new MLB 2K11 video game.

Here's just a few of features you can expect to find and experience. The Fielding System is completely revamped and includes to-the-inch measurements to make your game even more exciting. New players, play-by-play commentary, Minor League advancement to the Major Leagues and complete and total control of pitching and hitting are all included.  

Sure, I could tell you all about the strategies, player selections, breath-taking plays and the like but until you play you ain't seen nothing yet.  Experience the game with close-up and in-your-face realism.  Batter up!

War And Ernest

I love war.  Let me rephrase that.  I love watching documentaries about war. And that's why I'm so excited about four new DVD collection releases from Mill Creek Entertainment.

Come with me as we travel back in time to the first major war of the United States-or rather before the United States was formed.  I'm talking about the Revolutionary War. 

Mill Creek has compiled a 4-disc DVD set containing historically accurate reenactments, commentaries and fascinating glimpses into our nation's past.  Three battles are examined: Cooch's Bridge, Green Spring and Yorktown accompanied by a live action documentary about the life, uniforms and drill of the Continental Soldier from 1775 to 1781.

Jump ahead almost 140 years to the war to end all wars: World War I.  In The Last Voices Of WWI: A Generation Lost, 2 discs contain a gripping 6-part documentary of first-hand testimonials from 100 WWI veterans compiled over 15 years.  

Learn what it was like to battle in the trenches amidst the most horrible conditions possible and what effect the war had on the home front.

Ironically WWI was not the war to end all wars.  A mere three decades later World War II pitted the forces of the Axis against the Allies in a war that nearly destroyed the world.  

The 68 Documentary Set: WWII - The War That Changed The World covers the entire war from its dawn, the fight for freedom, the war in the Pacific, a chilling interlude about Hitler and WWII remembered as recalled by the veterans themselves.

This is the ultimate DVD set about the war that transformed the entire globe and how its effects that are being felt even today over 65 years later.

America's Wars: A 93-Part documentary Collection, comprised of six Mill Creek collections, covers the American Soldier, WWI, WWII, Victory By Air, Korean and Vietnam.  This sweeping documentary collection spotlights America's long history of warfare and as patriotism made way for cynicism.

On a lighter note two classic Ernest movies have been released on Blu-ray: Ernest Goes To Camp and Ernest Goes To Jail.  Jim Varney, who played Ernest, was at his best in the first two features film starring the incredible acting talent of one of America's most unsung and unappreciated comedic talents.  For a good belly laugh be sure to check out both films, "Ya know what I mean Vern?"

Fear Itself Prologue: Book Of The Skull

Using the clever story-telling technique of switching from the present to the past, writer Ed Brubaker draws readers into his story of the Red Skull’s, and his daughter Sin’s, plans for world conquest.

The present: Baron Zemo and Sin fly over the barren desserts of Egypt in Zemo’s hovercraft looking for a long lost site once occupied by the Red Skull.


They soon find a booby-trapped, hidden conclave beneath the dessert sands. Using his teleportation device, Baron Zemo and Sin materialize in a vast underground Nazi complex-complete with dangerous robot sentinels.


They quickly dispatch them and Sin enters an adjacent room. A large book bound in the blue skin of Atlanteans sits on a table in front of a Swastika flag. Sin grasps it and the scene suddenly switches to the Red Skull and his minions in Germany during 1942.


They are performing a black arts ritual using the blood of Atlanteans to open a dimensional rift that promises to hold great power. They do, only to watch the mystical lightning streak across the sky and land far away. The Red Skull follows and what they find promises to make the Red Skull’s plans for world domination come true.


If not for the timely interference of Captain America, Namor and Bucky the Skull’s plans would have come to fruition. Switch to the present.


Having obtained what she came looking for, Sin damages Baron’s Zemo’s transporter disc and steals his hovercraft. Whatever she is up to she has just made another powerful enemy.


I have to admit, I am intrigued. I’m excited to see what Marvel Comics’ new Fear Itself series has in store. If early hints are any indication, the Marvel Universe is about to experience major and far-reaching changes.

Fall From Grace

From author Wayne Arthurson and Forge comes a crime drama based on an actual criminal issue in Canada-the disappearance of more than 500 women.

When one thinks of Canada visions of a friendly people and cold winters come to mind – not murder. But when down-and-out newspaper reporter Leo Desroches hears six words his life will be changed forever. An officer at the murder scene of a Native prostitute asks Leo, “Do you want to see the body?”

That string of words sets Leo on a quest to find the young woman’s murderer. What he finds is a link between her murder and the murder of other Native women began almost ten years ago.


The chilling truth is a dark and dangerous secret that could get him killed. The ramifications of his discover could bring down the entire police department.

Fall From Grace introduces a new flawed hero to murder mystery fans. A recovering gambling addict, Leo Desroches is more sinner than saint and yet there is something about his fall from grace that touches the inner core of readers. His faults mirror our own thus making him a hero everyone can identify with.

This is the first book about the life, career and adventures of Leo Desroches.  I plan to be around to read many more and you should too.

Yet Again More Art



COPO, Carlo, Corvette And SVO

Revell just released four new classic car model kits ranging in Level 1 and 2 model making skill ranges. For those of you unfamiliar with Revell’s skill level ranges here’s a brief explanation.

Level 1 requires no glue and no paint, Level 2 uses glue and paint for ages 10 and over while Level 3 require paint and glue for ages 12 and up. The higher the level, the more difficult the model is to put together.


While my wife and I were living in Texas between the years 1979 and 1981 one of my coworkers owned a 1969 Chevy Nova. It was a real workhorse with lots of power, plenty of room and set four adults comfortably.


The ’69 Chevy Nova COPO model, part of the Revell Muscle series, duplicates that car right down to the flat front and back chrome bumpers, L-72 engine and solid black interior. Look for maxed-out engine details, clean crisp model parts with no flashing, body trim lights and crystal clear windows.


The 1977 Chevy Monte Carlo is a low and lean driving machine with extended hood and trunk, small Captain windows just behind the single doors, a huge chrome grill and bumper, chrome wheels and rear bumper. Take a moment to check out the heavy duty undercarriage of this monster machine. Is it any wonder this was a favorite stunt car used in the movies during the 1970s and 1980s? It’s rugged, reliable and ready to take on any obstacle.


You’ll feel super patriotic driving the 1968 Corvette L88 “Rebel” Racer-especially if you live in the South like I do.


This red hot roadster features the stingray body style the Corvette is so famous for. With its smooth lines, molded body, two-seat configuration this muscle car deliver with powerful 427 cubic inch engine.


Pop the hood and you’ll be immediately be impressed by its beautiful chromed engine complete with plenty of belt and tube. It powerful quad set of headlights makes driving at night like driving during daylight hours. Fully decaled, this baby leaves no doubt that the South will rise again.


Part of Monogram’s Streetburner series the Level 2 1985 Ford SVO Mustang features a unique modification of the classic Mustang configuration. Gone was the distinctive Mustang front end replaced by a square front with hidden bumper with oversize headlights, wraparound bumper trips and bumped up hood intake. Trimmed in black with custom hubcaps the SVO Mustang also comes with a step down rear window spoiler, full black interior, two-doors and powerful engine that was custom designed for street use b Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations.

P-51D Mustang

Measuring in at 1:72 Scale Hasegawa Hobby Kits’ P-51D Mustang from WWII duplicates the US fighter in perfect miniature scale. Dress it up in full flying mode or extend its landing gear and make it a table top model. Either way the bubble cockpit with single pilot model looks stunning, painted and decaled to represent the famous fighter. I especially like the fighter bunny logo.



Check out the four blade prop, attached bombs, six wing-mounted machine guns and rear mounted antenna. Look for lots of interior and exterior details in this high precision model that require glue, paint and decal application. Hasegawa continues to prove that it is one of the world’s foremost model manufacturers. Hasegawa have every reason to boast about their tightly fit, minimal flashing and historically accurate models.

LooLeDo

Our society has become a producer of things. No matter the craft, hobby, interest or necessity, there is an overabundance of items to choose from. Want a pair of shoes? There are thousands to choose from. Want to start a scrapbook? There are stores dedicated to the hobby with literally thousands upon thousands of items made specifically for it.


Whatever happened to human ingenuity and creativity? When did we become a society that has to have an item for every contingency or variation of everything? The internet and television have helped to propagate instant gratification with a multiplicity of resources at our fingertips. Such a cornucopia of information has leaked over to what we buy or collect. There is simply too much stuff!


In David Icanberry’s new book: LooLeDo – Extraordinary Projects From Ordinary Objects he demonstrates, with help from Mark Icanberry, how simple everyday objects can be modified and reshaped into clever toys and projects.


Full color photos spread out over two page sections guide the readers step-by-step though some clever projects. Learn how to make animals, vehicles, ornaments, decorations and much more in this fun-filled exploration of creativity given free reign. It’s pure fun for the home and classroom in this Jumbo Book #1 of building your own projects.

Stephen J. Cannell

Considered by many in the television industry as one of the most prolific series creators in the business, Stephen J. Cannell was a pioneer of television in the 1970s to the 1990s.

His roster of shows included such hits as The A Team, Baretta, The Rockford Files, Black Sheep Squadron, Riptide, Tenspeed and Brownshoe, Hardcastle and MeCormick, The Greatest American Hero and many more.

His passion for telling good stories and his genius for tapping into the American social consciousness of the times were second to none. No matter how serious or frivolous his shows may have seemed they all featured first-rate writing, clever character development and storylines that swept viewers along with the action.


Jon Abbott’s new book from McFarland & Company (http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/): Stephen J. Cannell Television Productions, looks over the decade’s long career of the writer/producer. Included with the series’ outlines and episodes listings are insider anecdotes, production notes and info-bits and photos.


For a true insider look at American television and one of the key players in the field be sure to read this fascinating new book.

Fangoria #392, April

It’s no April Fool’s joke as Fangoria presents the latest and scariest horror films to its fans. Get Insidious with a very scary front cover, get ready for a Monster Invasion with the resident, Monster brawl, Super, Amphibious 3D and other new films and DVD releases.

Scream 4 pours on the horror, Shotgun blasts its way into violence, Rubber rubs you the wrong way, Wolfen is back and sex and violence enter the big city. Germany has an underground massacre, have dinner with Dario, don’t forget your free posters and step into the Shadow-Man. Listen to the music of Claudio Gizzi and Deb shares her first exorcism. Sybil Danning shares her horror career highlights, Chainsaw Sally carves itself a career and take a moment to chat with the Sons of Celluloid.

Drive!

Andrews McMeel Publishing, Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman invite you for a Drive! with their new Zits Sketchbook #14.

Join teenager Jeremy and his wacky teenage friends as they turn the grown-up world upside in this hilarious new collection that is sure to Drive! you insane with laughter.

Jeremy is revved up and ready to go in his vintage VW van on the cover and pushes it into high gear in this fast-paced, hit-the-highway look at the age old battle of kids versus their parents.  Neither one understands each other and that's what makes it so much fun!

Witness Jeremy's clever maneuvering at school, home and play with his parents trying to keep pace with his wild antics and mile-a-minute teenage twists and turns. 

Fantasy & Science Fiction #694, March/April

Some thought-provoking and excellent stories are contained within the March/April edition of The Magazine Of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Novellas include The Evening And The Morning by Sheila Finch and Novelets by Albert E. Crowley and Francis Marion Soty.

Shirt Stories provide A Pocketful Of Faces, The Paper Menagerie, The Night Gauntlet, a different kind of Happy Ending, an unusual Bodyguard, Botanical Exercises For Curious Girls, a well placed Ping and The Ifs Of Time.

Sophie m. White provides a poem entitles Metaversal, Charles de Lint and James Sallis review some new books, film critic Lucius Shepard asks, “Who’s The Indie-est Of them All, prepare for Coming attractions and F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre entertains some Curiosities.

Safari Ltd.’s ‘Royal’ Treatment

Safari Ltd. Gives toy and figure collectors the royal treatment with six new figures in its Days Of Old collection.


Travel back in time to the days of just and righteous kings and queens and their handsome and beautiful offspring. Camelot never looked so good.


New figures include King Alfred resplendent in his long red cape and red and aqua gown decorated in white and gold piping. He wears a golden crown on his long hair and bearded head and he carries a golden scepter.


His wife, Queen Sofia, stands demurely with fan in one hand and the other hand raised in salutation. She also wears a golden crown that accents her long multi-tone blue gown decorated in white trim and gold fluting.


Their children include Princess Penelope dressed all in pink and holding a white dove, lavender clad Princess Juliet who is performing a lively dance step, Princess Emily dressed in green with arms open in a friendly greeting and handsome Prince Patrick clad in knee high boots, red and gold tunic, blue half-cape and holding a pink rose for his lovely lady.


I’m amazing at the detail of these characters. Paint application is amazing, especially the piping, fluting and trim. Their faces are sculpted perfectly with flesh tones applied in varying degrees. They look more like small, expensive statures than toy figures.

Sonic Universe #25

The Silver Saga begins in Archie Comics’ Sonic Universe #25. Psychic time traveler Silver The Hedgehog sits meditating with his mentor. But, his thoughts are troubled by a disturbance in the time flow. Something or someone has crossed not only the time stream but the dimensional barrier as well.

Taking his time stone, Silver goes to investigate, with a word of caution from his Master. What he discovers is a mysterious armor clad stranger with formidable powers who attacks him. Caught off guard, Silver is nearly ambushed save for the timely rescue by Edmund The Last Guardian.


As they talk the unconscious attacker awakens and jumps through a time/dimension gateway. Silver follows and finds himself in a strange devastated world inhabited by invading armored beings much like his previous attacker. What he doesn’t know is that he has traveled to a world ruled by the evil Enerjak: The Living God who wants nothing more than Silver’s powers.


Sonic The Hedgehog fans are sure to love this new chapter in the universe of Sonic -- new friends, new foes, new adventures!

Alice In Zombieland

We all know the story. Sweet little Alice follows the Black Rat down a home. Wait a minute! The Black Rat, shouldn’t that be the White Rabbit!?

Not if you’re talking about Nickolas Cooks’ and Brent Cardillo’s creepy adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Alice In Wonderland.

In their version Alice doesn’t just drop into a strange land of outlandish creatures. Oh sure she drops down a hole alright, but the land she drops into is far stranger than she could ever imagine.

Not only does she notice that her skin is cold, her flesh is rotting and her hair is falling out, but that everything and everyone (human and creature) and the living dead. That’s right; Alice has landed smack dab into the Wonderland of the dead: Zombieland.


Can poor Alice find her way back home before it’s too late? Will she survive long enough to escape the dead Red Queen? That’s what you’ll have to find out in Sourcebooks’ wickedly funny adaptation of a children’s classic illustrated in the style of the original Alice artist Sir John Tenniel. It’s a trip!

Pearls Blow Up

Just when you thought it was safe to read comic strips along comes Stephan Pastis' Pearls Blows Up, Pearls Before Swine Treasury published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Pig, Rat, Zebra, Lion and those pesky Crocs are all back in the wackiest and zaniest collection of comic strips ever to see print.

Rats' as obnoxious as even, Pig is overly naive, Zebra is totally flabbergasted and disgusted, Lion is full of 'Pride' and the Crocs-well, they're ...Crocs.

Between Zebra avoiding being eaten by the Crocs, the Lions constant search for food and mates, Pig's insatiable need to be needed and Rat's egotistical and cynical outlook on life it's a small wonder that Stephan Pastis has any sanity left.  Although, judging by his photo spread, distain for comic book conventions and family album that might be up for debate.

Get ready for some black and white and full-color fun as only Pearls Before Swine can deliver it.

Previews, March

Diamond Previews for March has a bunch of new goodies coming out in May.  Hold on tight, there's a lot to see!

The Flash stars on the front cover and Gladstone's on the back.  Comic books to pick up include Breed III, The Rocketeer Adventures, Flashpoint, Static Shock, X-Men Giant-Size, Star Wars: Jedi - The Dark Side, Hellboy: Being Human, Dethklok, Green Lantern: Movie Prequel, Batman: Gates Of Gotham, Batman: Arkham City, Cowboys, 30 Days Of Night - Again, Angel Yearbook, Drums, Last Mortal, Moriarty, Red Spike, The Tattered Man, Richie Rich, Kirby Genesis, Ducktales, Hollow Point, Astonishing Captain America and Moon Knight.

Magazines and books to read are Star Wars Character Encyclopedia, The Transformers Vault, Melange and Green Lantern Movie.

Rittenhouse has Lost Archives trading cards and Upper Deck the Marvel Beginnings.

Toys to play with include Captain America, Jax and Daxter, Halo, Back To The Future II, Family Guy, Thundercats, Green Lantern, DC Heroes, Iggy Pop, Thor, Transformers, Duke Nukem, Doctor Who and Dissidia.

Game on with Pathfinder, Lord Of The Rings, Magic and Green Lantern.

The Romulan War

First mentioned in the classic Star Trek episode Balance Of Terror, the Romulan War would be referred to in all of the preceding Star Trek series. In Enterprise the war was examined in more detail, mainly because the newly formed Federation first made contact with the enigmatic Romulans as the stage was set for the beginning of the conflict.

Author Michael A. Martin and publisher Pocket Books present Star Trek Enterprise: The Romulan War: Beneath The Raptor’s Wings that examines the genesis of the war.


The Romulans are suspicious of the newly formed Coalition spearheaded by planet Earth. Fearful that the Coalition threatens their power base the Romulans hatch a plan to turn the members of the Coalition against each other.


Perfecting a remote control device that allows them to take over Coalition space vessels the Romulans play Coalition members against each other by creating suspicion and mistrust. Only one person knows the truth behind the unprecedented attacks of Coalition vessels on one another: Captain Jonathan Archer of the Enterprise.


He is determined to reveal the truth about the Romulans and by doing so unit the Coalition to stop them, Archer takes the initiative to do matters in his own hands-no matter what it takes. Just as determined, the Romulans wage all-out war on humanity in order to stop it from spreading across the galaxy.


The Romulan War sets in place the foundation that the entire Star Trek Universe rests upon. For the first time, readers get to explore the reasons, people and events behind the most cataclysmic and pivotal war ever witnessed by mankind.