Previews, January 2015

COMIC BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

The Fox #1 l ARCHIE COMICS

God Is Dead Volume 4 TP (MR) l AVATAR PRESS

The Con Job #1 l BOOM! STUDIOS

Bill & Ted’s Most Triumphant Return #1 l BOOM! STUDIOS

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Volume 3 #1 l BOOM! STUDIOS/ARCHAIA PRESS

Project Superpowers: Blackcross #1 l D.E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

Angry Youth Comix HC (MR) l FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

Hellbreak #1 (MR) l ONI PRESS

Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor #1 l TITAN COMICS

Penguins of Madagascar Volume 1 TP l TITAN COMICS

Nemo: River of Ghosts HC (MR) l TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS

Ninjak #1 l VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT

BOOKS

The Art of John Avon: Journeys To Somewhere Else HC l ART BOOKS

Marvel Avengers: Ultimate Character Guide Updated & Expanded l COMICS

DC Super Heroes: My First Book Of Girl Power Board Book l COMICS

MAGAZINES

Marvel Chess Collection Special #3: Star-Lord & Thanos l EAGLEMOSS

Ace Magazine #1 l COMICS

Alter Ego #132 l COMICS

Back Issue #80 l COMICS

The Walking Dead Magazine #12 (MR) l MOVIE/TV

TRADING CARDS

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One Trading Cards l RITTENHOUSE ARCHIVEE

Topps 2015 Star Wars Illustrated: The Empire Strikes Back Trading Cards l TOPPS COMPANY

Topps 2015 Garbage Pail Kids Series 1 Trading Cards l TOPPS COMPANY

APPAREL

DC Heroes: Batman 75th-Anniversary Symbol Black T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Guardians of the Galaxy: “Star Welcome” Charcoal Heather T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Big Hero 6: Baymax Before & After Light Blue T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Star Wars: “The Force Poster” Black T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

The Flash: TV Symbol Zip Hoodie l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS

Arrow: Equation T-Shirt l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS

Party Animal Womens T-Shirt l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS

DC Bombshells: Wonder Woman Satin Robe l GEEK CHIC BOUTIQUE

DC Bombshells: Poison Ivy Satin Robe l GEEK CHIC BOUTIQUE

DC Bombshells: Catwoman Satin Robe l GEEK CHIC BOUTIQUE

DC Bombshells: Supergirl Satin Robe l GEEK CHIC BOUTIQUE

Dc Bombshells: Batgirl Satin Robe l GEEK CHIC BOUTIQUE

The Walking Dead: “In Daryl We Trust” Hand Bag l ACCESSORIES

The Walking Dead: “In Daryl We Trust” Womens Wallet l ACCESSORIES

Marvel Heroes: Spider-Man Hobo Bag l ACCESSORIES

Marvel Heroes: Captain America Hobo Bag l ACCESSORIES

The Walking Dead: Michonne Sling Bag l ACCESSORIES

Marvel Logo Comic Book Bag l ACCESSORIES

TOYS & STATUES

Marvel Select: Avengers: Age of Ultron: Thor Action Figure l DIAMOND SELECT TOYS

Shogun Warriors 1964 Godzilla Action Figure l GODZILLA

Godzilla 1989 Limited Edition Polystone Statue l GODZILLA

Chappie: Scout 22 1/4-Scale Statue l MOVIE/TV

The Walking Dead: Maggie Green 1/4-Scale Statue l THE WALKING DEAD

IMPORT TOYS

Cardcaptor Sakura: Sakura Kinomoto Artfx J Statue l KOTOBUKIYA

Dragonball Z: Super Saiyan 3 Son Goku Figuarts Zero X l DRAGONBALL Z

Evangelion 3.0: EVA-13 Real Action Hero NEO l EVANGELION

Godzilla 2000 Millenium Special Color Edition S.H.Monster Arts l GODZILLA

Sailor Moon: Crystal Star Proplica l SAILOR MOON

My Neighbor Totoro: Big Totoro Bank l STUDIO GHIBLI

Mazinkaiser SKL Super Robot Chogokin l TREASURES OF AKIHABARA

DC Comics Variant Play Arts Kai: Batman Armored Figure l BATMAN

Halo 2 Play Arts Kai: Master Chief Anniversary Edition Figure l HALO

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain Play Arts Kai: Skull Face Figure l METAL GEAR SOLID

Super Mario: Mario Nendoroid l NENDOROIDS

Sword Art Online 2: Shinon Real Action Hero l SWORD ART ONLINE

Halo: Master Chief 1/6-Scale Figure l THREEA/THREEZERO

COLLECTIBLES & NOVELTIES

Hikari Transformers: Nemesis Prime Sofubi l FUNKO

Marvel Heroes: X-Force Deadpool Wacky Wobbler l FUNKO

Thor’s Hammer Molded Mug l MARVEL HEROES

Marvel SHIELD Logo Tervis Drinkware l MARVEL HEROES

GAMES

Magic the Gathering TCG: Fate Reforged l WIZARDS OF THE COAST

D&D Miniatures Set Two l WIZKIDS/NECA

DC Dice Masters: Justice League l WIZKIDS/NECA

X-Men: Mutant Revolution Board Game l WIZKIDS/NECA

DVDS & DIGITAL MEDIA

Space Dandy Season One l ANIME

LEGO DC: Justice League Vs. Bizarro League l ANIMATION

Arcadia and Miss Molly

Hasegawa Hobby Kits presents two new Limited Edition flying machine models.

First up is the Space Pirate Battleship Second Ship Phantom Death Shadow Conversion scaled at 1:1500 that requires some considerable model making skill-it's a regular Creator Works!

Made to destroy, The Space Pirate Battleship Second Ship Phantom Death Shadow is spaceship predator with enough fire power to make any opponent think twice about taking on Captain Harlock's magnificent Pulsar Cannon equipped ship of death.

Add to the triple mount Pulsar Cannon a Blade Ram and weapons that literally cover its hull and deck and you have a pirate ship that strikes fear it the most stalwart of adversaries.

Primarily a deep blue in color the Phantom Death boasts powerful aft engines, several array so of wings and stabilizing extensions, a conning tower, antenna, a captain's quarters fashioned after the pirate ships of old and an impressive size that dwarfs most challengers.

Take a moment to gaze over the sleek angular ship and its skull insignia and flag.

The full color instructions provide a full overview of the impressive spacecraft and aids model makers with assembly and paint and decal application. 

Ten part trees hold the over 200 pieces.  Parts detach easily with minimal or no flashing.  

Decals apply smoothly with no wrinkles and the base with its techno stand makes the spaceship appear to float in space. Two Space Wolf fighters are also included.



Strictly terrestrial the F-14A Tomcat 'Miss Molly' is a descendant of the famed WWII 'Sundowners' that fought the Japanese during the Pacific Theater.

The modern 'Sundowner's' aircraft of choice was the F14A Tomcat Miss Molly.  referred as the 'backbone of the U.S. Navy aviation the Tomcat saw action as part of task force of the USS Carl Vinson on its maiden voyage.

Long and cylindrical the Tomcat is all business with its twin passenger cockpit, large sweptback wings, twin tail fins, heavy armament and weapons and low profile it's a true 'cat' of the skies that packs lots of 'scratch' and 'claw' capabilities.

Paratroopers, Junkers, Sherman and Stuka

A big Boyce McClain’s Collectors’ Corner welcome to Italeri the plastic model kit manufacturer from Italy.

 

Although I’m familiar with the name Italeri and have seen its models on hobby shop store shelves I’ve never had the opportunity to examine anyof  its models-until now.

Recently Italeri released four new models and after looking at them I’d like to make this general observation about them and then go on to greater detail about each model kit.

First up are the boxes the models come in.  Each features a beautiful full color painting of the model contained within.  Instead of being wrapped in plastic the boxes are secured by two plastic sticky tabs that when sliced with an X-acto blade allow the box to open easily.

Within each box are parts attached to part trees.  The part trees themselves are of slightly heavier construction than seen in most model kits and the parts are secured firmly to the tree.

Some slight  flashing and tabs are evident but are easily trimmed and the parts fit snuggly together with no gaps or unevenness.

Decal sheets are also included as is an instruction sheet to guide during assembly, painting and decaling.  A brief history (in several languages) of the history of the object the model is fashioned after is included in the instructions.

Overall the model kits are pleasing to the eye and well designed.

Four models were recently released and they include two aircraft, a tank and figures.

First up is the smallest kit of the bunch: six D-Day U.S. Paratroopers.  Consisting of two part trees the model has easily detachable parts and because of its size and simplicity the assembly is easy as the parts for each soldier are grouped together.  

 Paint application and colors are illustrated on the back of the box. All six figures come with weapons, one carries communication equipment and each looks absolutely authentic in their period military garb and accessories.

The Junkers JU 86 D1 aircraft model is a special Limited Edition rerelease of the original 1973 release of the same model.  A special Vintage Collection slipover sleeve with an open slot for a silver sticker designating the model’s number out of 2500 makes it a real collector’s item. 

The WWII German Bomber model is scaled at 1:72 and packed with details.  Its long fuselage easily accepts the two front wing assemblies, rear wing and tail combo and upper and lower gun turrets and wheel assembly.  Two crewmen are included that are easy to spot through the transparent front windshield and top gunner position.

One of Germany’s earliest bombers the original was not well armored and had moderate firepower.  However as the war progressed  improvements were made and the Junkers became formidable bombers that boasted an impressive run.

Check out the open upper gunner canopy, tri-blade propellers and  upper fuselage and pilot compartments-talk about detail!

The M4-A1 Sherman Allied Tank while small in size as compared to most other WWII tanks still made for a formidable foe.  Light, maneuverable and able to get into places larger tanks couldn’t the Sherman Tank had a small crew but still packed quite a punch. Its 76 mm main gun and it’s upper and lower mounted machine guns kept most adversaries at bay.

A medium size tank, the Sherman had little effect on the larger Axis tanks.  Still with its smaller size and greater speed it relocated easily and made for excellent coverage for Allied troops.

The model includes separate treads for easy snap on and removal and a single figure.  Parts are already military green so paint application is minimal, the white deals really pop and once assembled the Sherman model appears for all intents and purposes a perfect smaller version of its larger namesake.

Germany’s Ju 87 G-2 Stuka Kanonenvogel was used primarily against the Polish during the beginning days of WWII. 

As the war progressed it became evident that the Stuka was far outclassed by its Allied opponent’s aircraft.

The Stuka then shifted responsibilities to ground support and that decision proved vital to Axis forces.  The Stuka was so successful in its new assignment that it became a thing of legend.  Later the Stuka would prove effective against the Russian armored divisions.

The Italeri model (scaled at 1:48) includes a color instruction sheet excellent for paint and decal application and super decals.

Parts fit snuggly together and of all four models released the Stuka is the most complicated with the largest number of parts.  From  its three blade propeller to its slide back canopy, retractable landing gear to its firepower the Stuka model is an impressive piece of model making. 

Careful attention was given to its engine, undercarriage weapon mountings, interior and exterior canopy details and rear wing and tail assembly.  No matter how you stack it, the Stuka is a superior model.

Fangoria #338, December

After too long an absence Fangoria is back in www.bamcc.net and what better way to come back than with a beautiful Photoshop cover illustration by Nick Percival?  If you think the cover is creepy get a load of what you can expect to find inside:

INTERVIEW: WES CRAVEN He’s made generations afraid to go to sleep with the original, classic “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
INTERVIEW: ROBERT ENGLUND His energy and menace behind the makeup made Freddy Krueger the movies’ top modern monster.
INTERVIEW: HEATHER LANGENKAMP The actress faced Freddy three times and still lives to recall it fondly.
INTERVIEW: AMANDA WYSS Her slashing, levitating death cut deep into the psyches of all who saw “Nightmare.”
INTERVIEW: JSU GARCIA During waking hours, going by Nick Corri, he was the greatest menace to Elm Street society.
MINIFEATURE: NIGHTMARE GLOVES Let’s give a big hand to fingerblade replica creator Anders Eriksen.
INTERVIEW: JACK SHOLDER Following up Craven, he built a greater grosser with “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2.”
ON SET: “DRACULA UNTOLD” Join us on a recreation of Transylvania for the reexamination of the legendary vampire.
PREVIEW: “ABCs OF DEATH 2” The building blocks of the new omnibus were directors with many ways to spell terror.
INTERVIEW: ACE FREHLEY Once KISS’ Spaceman, he came down to Earth and continues to rock out.
INTERVIEW/PICTORIAL: JEN AND SYLVIA SOSKA The Twisted Twins pose for our camera and prove they can play with the big boys on “See No Evil 2.”
INTERVIEW: DEREK MEARS No stranger to playing monsters, he donned the garb of his first Russian ghoul for “Dead Snow 2.”
SPECIAL EXCERPT: “THE MAKING OF GEORGE A. ROMERO’S ‘DAY OF THE DEAD’ ” With rare photos from the set of the zombie masterpiece!
INTERVIEW: KIM GOTTLIEB-WALKER Her lens was right alongside John Carpenter’s on “Halloween” et al.
PREVIEW: “EXISTS” A different look at Bigfoot is offered by Eduardo (“Blair Witch”) Sanchez’s return to found footage.
PREVIEW: “STONEHEARST ASYLUM” It went through many locales and occupants, as scripter Joe Gangemi explains.
MINIFEATURE: TOP 10 MOST TERRIFYING HAUNTS Where to get your scare on this Halloween season!
MINIFEATURE: JOE R. LANSDALE The Texas-based author returns to horror by taking us to an island housing “Prisoner 489.”
NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND: “FOUND” Scott Schirmer reveals how he wrought brotherly fear on a microbudget.
FIRST RITES Finally ready for Freddy
MONSTER INVASION Previews of “Housebound” and “The Creep Behind the Camera”
THE VIDEO EYE OF DR. CYCLOPS Reviews of “The Battery,” “Oculus,” “The Hunted” and others
DUMP BIN DIARIES Timeless Media’s “ ‘Howling’ Trilogy”

The World Almanac

As convenient and informative as the internet is it does have its disadvantages.  Information gathering  via the internet tends to be sporadic and difficult to find at times and not always reliable.  If your internet or Wi-Fi connection goes down you’re out of luck.

 

However, there is a great solution: The World Almanac.

There is no better place to finds precise trustworthy facts on everything from geography to world events than The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2015 from Rosen Publishing.

Simple to use and exhaustive in its fact gathering The World Almanac is a quick, fast and convenient means by which to pull up statistics, history facts, science, mathematics, chemistry, physics and other pertinent information  and it all comes wrapped up in an oversize paperback that you can keep handy at all times.

The 2015 edition also comes with the 2014 election results and several full color sections on people, sports, world events, etc. for even quicker fact gathering.

There’s a reason why The World Almanac is the “#1 reference work for facts.”

Star Trek Ships of the Line

Completely updated with more than 75 new additional images Star Trek Ships of the Line, edited by Doug Drexler and Margaret Clark, with text by Michael Okuda and published by Gallery Books the Star Trek Universe and its various space ships are examined.

Starting with man's first warp explorations in space the book progresses through the centuries primarily focusing on the Federation and the Enterprise in particular.

But, the Klingons, the Romulans, the Vulcans and various other species encountered by the Federation have their share of ship examinations.

More than a book with pretty pictures the book examines space faring in the future with looks at new ship designs, propulsion systems, weapons and other space-faring equipment, stations and worlds.

Brimming with full-color illustrations and paintings, complemented with detailed text the book is a veritable encyclopedia of the future of space travel as imagined by Gene Rodddenberry and the other minds behind the Star Trek Universe.
"Boldly go where no one has gone before!"