Small Arms, Submarines and Aircraft

A big, heartfelt ‘welcome’ to Amber Books to the review pages of www.bamcc.net!

Recently Amber Books generously sent three of its titles for review that strikes the cord in any man’s heart.

Let’s be honest.  Most men are little boys in disguise and what little boy doesn’t like guns, submarines and aircraft?

I remember as a little boy being fascinated by guns.  My older brothers hunted deer for meat.  They even let me shoot their guns a few times.  As soon as I was old enough, I purchased my own handgun and rifle.  I’m a big supporter of gun rights.

I look at the manufacturing of guns as more an art than a preoccupation with shooting things.  The craftsmanship, imagination and knowledge it takes to make a good firearm borders on the artistic.

There’s something about a well-made firearm that fascinates most men (and many women).
The ‘Small Arms Visual Encyclopedia’ is by far one of the best visual and informational books I’ve ever come across about firearms.

Full-color illustrations are accompanied by short, concise and accurate descriptions of each firearm categorized by type.

Starting with earliest firearms the book travels through history dividing segments of the history of firearms by type such as revolvers, automatics, machine guns, etc.

Each and every page offers a real education of each type of gun.  Many illustrations are cutaway views of specific guns.

The book is a treasure trove of information and drawings about firearms as used through the centuries.

My first experience with submarines was watching the WWI and WWII naval war movies produced in the 1940s and 1950s.

The movies honored those brave individuals who risked their lives fighting battles under the waves.

As time passed I grew to love the tales of the nuclear submarines that guarded the seas against Communist expansionism and explored the unknown depths around the world.

‘The World’s Greatest Submarines An Illustrated History’ dives deep into the colorful history of the ships that explored the oceans under the waves.

Author David Ross examines the maritime expeditions and exploits of submarines starting in the year 1775 up until modern times.

Readers learn all about submarines and submersibles that were created, built and used by countries around the globe.

Pages burst with archival photos, full-color illustrations, cutaway schematics and interesting text liberally sprinkled with interesting facts and tidbits.

It’s a maritime dream come true as Amber Books invites you to sails the seven seas under the waves.

It hardly seems possible that man has been flying the skies in airplanes for just over 10 0 years.
A lot is written about the military applications of aircraft but little is known about civilian aircraft and just how important structural and technical advancements in civilian aircraft have changed the world of aviation.

Author Paul E. Eden starts thing off in The golden age of aviation with the Junkers F13 and travels the decades boarding such memorable aircraft as the Boeing 247, the Douglas DC-8, the Lockheed L-1011 Tri-Star and much more.

Civilian aircraft from around the globe are examined by decade complemented with full-color illustrations, archival photos and art, informative text, specifications and interesting historical facts.

If you love aircraft you’re sure to ‘fly high’ when you read ‘The World’s Greatest Civil Aircraft An Illustrated history’ and look through this wonderful book about manned flight and those that made such innovations and aircrafts possible. 

T-55, Wellington and Mirage III

Two if by air, one if by land!

Italeri presents two modern war machines and one classic WWII aircraft model kits.

The T-55 Iraqi Army – Gulf War 25^th Anniversary 1/35 Scale Tank means business and has evolved from a WWII tank used by the Soviet Union Red Army and Warsaw Pact.

Known for it heavy armor and impressive firepower the T-55 was relatively inexpensive to produce and reliable mainly due to its ease of maintenance.

It was adopted by countries all over the world and is still in use today.

The model captures perfectly the impressive mobile killing machine with its heavy treads, massive main cannon, support artillery and low profile and heavy armor.

Take a moment to take in the accurate details: canvas cannon cover, antenna array, massive machine guns, reserve barrel tanks, hatches, lights and triple-towing hooks.

Model kit parts come on three part trees with a separate lower body.

Six decal versions are available along with an easy to understand instruction sheet that offers great advice on assembly, painting and decaling.

Scaled at 1/72 the Vickers Wellington Mk IC twin-engine medium bomber was a mainstay of the British Royal Air Force during WWII.

Its geodesic airframe made the Wellington rough and tough with a high level of flight and battle performance.

Its radial engines delivered up to 1,050 hp enabling it to attain and maintain high-speed flight.
It was capable of carrying a crew of six, along with an impressive bomb and equipment load.  During its WWII run the Wellington was often modified for use in various environments and situations.

The model comes complete on five part trees including landing gear can be assembled in an up or down configuration. With its twin props and cockpits, wide wingspan, front and rear gun emplacements and large cargo area the Wellington is an impressive aircraft model that looks great at rest or in flight configuration.

Six decal versions are available.

Wow!

The 1/32 Scale Mirage III E/R fighter jet is one impressive and huge model kit!

Throw in its six decal sheets, color instruction sheet and photo-etched fret, along with its seven part trees, and you have a truly outstanding model.

The Dassault Mirage III has been a part of the French Air Force since the 1960s and is an item of pride for the French people.

Reliable and effective as fighter aircraft, the Mirage III has been sold to several countries.
With its characteristic delta wing and turbojet, the Mirage II is capable of impressive speeds and maneuverability.

Several versions have been introduced from a single pilot to twin pilots.

Armament includes missiles and much more.  Reserve tanks come standard, landing gear can be assembled either up or down, and a pilot ladder is included along with a missile loader ramp.

Details are numerous including a complete cockpit with instrumentation, full interior and exterior fuselage details, full wing assembly, hydraulics, communication and radar assemblies and all the bells and whistles the aircraft is famous for.

This is not your novice model-maker kit.  There is a huge collection of parts, precise assembly instructions, several versions  can be created, and with its huge degree of details only the most seasoned veteran model maker will dare to tackle it.


This is true a model-maker’s model!  Once assembled and displayed it is well worth the effort.

The Magazine Of Fantasy & Science Fiction, #728, November/December

NOVELLAS
THE CAT BELL
THE FARMBOY
THE VINDICATOR
PASSELANDE

SHORT STOIRES
BETWEEN GOING AND STAYING
THE PLACE OF BONES
LORD ELGIN AT THE ACOPOLIS
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
A FINE BALANCE
THE RHYTHM MAN
MERRY CHRISTAMS FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU!

DEPARTMENTS
BOOKS TO LOOK FOR
BOOKS
FILMS: GETTING HIGH
COMING ATTRACTIONS
CURIOSITIES
INDEX TO VOLUMES 130 & 131
COMPETITION

Batman: The Return Of The Caped Crusaders

Holy nostalgia Batman!  Get ready for some cheesy and so much fun return to the campy Batman TV series from the 1960s translated to animated form.

Starring Adam West as the voice of Batman, Burt Ward as the voice of Robin and Julie Newmar as the voice of Catwoman, the Caped Crusaders are joined by their classic cadre of super villains: the Joker, the Riddler, the Penguin and Catwoman.  Throw in other classic Batman TV characters such as Commissioner Gordon Police Chief O-Hara, faithful butler Alfred and Aunt Harriet and you have a real video treat.

The four villains join forces to steal a deadly duplicating machine to complete their nefarious plan to rule the world from their orbiting headquarters.

The only problem is they duplicate Batman, wind up with a villainous Batman and a traitorous Catwoman to stop their plans.

It’s camp as its most outrageous in a delightful tribute to the classic Batman TV series perfectly recreated in animated form with all its kitsch intact.

Extras include featurettes about the cast, a look at the voices behind the villains, several previews and much more, courtesy of Warner Bros.

Air Warriors, Young Architect, Shrinky Dinks, Lil Lockitz, Newton Microscope, Draw & Sketch and Painter’s Tool Box

Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt as if you’ve had been cheated out of something special?

That’s the way I feel right now after looking at all the cool toys and crafts from Alex Brands toys and its subsidiaries.

Why couldn't these cool toys and crafts been available when I was a kid?   Aargh!

Talk about fun!  And there’s so much to do!  Crafts, science, architecture, art and pretend guns!  It’s a regular cornucopia of fun!

When I was a young kid (believe it or not we had toy guns-not just rocks and spears!) my friends and I loved to play soldiers and cowboys and Indians.

We’d break out our trusty baseball bats, sticks or our plastic six-shooters and have at it.  There was no ammo of course, only our imaginations.

Buzz Bee Toys Air Warriors Ultra-Tex brings all the excitement of target practice and play combat to a whole new level with its cool assortment of dart blasters that include suction darts and ammo clips.

The Reaper is an eight shot, clip fed, dart blaster that can be held in one hand.

Simply load your darts into its clip, pull back the slid, load the clip, and push the slid forward and viola! you’ve got a ready to shoot, long distant suction dart shooter that is fast, easy to load and rugged enough to hold up to the roughest of play.

Like the other Ultra-Tex Air Warriors soft dart shooters it is made of high-impact plastic in bright, easy to spot colors and designed specifically for young children’s hands.

For some serious high-level, long distance darts and motorized revolving barrel fun check out the Cyclonic.

Load your darts, pop in the clip, pull the trigger and watch the motorized spinning barrel light up as it spins and shoots darts (single or in masse, depending how far you pull the trigger) and you’re ready for action!

Its long, 20 suction dart clip makes for long-lasting play battle and reloading is a snap!
Be sure to check out the 45 Suction Darts Refill Pack so you never run out of long distance darts.

Kids love to build-I know, I did. Give me some threads bobs, bottle caps and other assorted bric-a-brac and I’d have a futuristic city built in a flash. 

Alex Brands has something even better with its Scientific Explorer Young Architect City Planner Set that measures a whopping 18 inches by 24 inches for some spectacular 3D building fun!
Translucent blue building sections can be assembled and reassembled into hundreds of combinations on a make-believe city street board.

Chimneys, spires, steeples, domes, bridges and other assorted building parts for small or tall buildings are included.  Also included are decals, paper and color pencils for plans and traceable city guides. 

Everything you need is here for kids to construct their own city!  Map it out, build it up and get ready to marvel as a miniature city comes alive!

Young Architect City Planner is a great way to inspire children to let their imaginations soar, develop math and engineering skills and have fun doing it.

Most young kids love dinosaurs.  There’s something about those large lizards that capture the imagination of children of all ages.

What better way to learn all about the dinosaurs than to make it fun?

That’s just what Shrinky Dinks Shrink-A-Saurus Play Set is all about.

Kids construct a colorful prehistoric play set that includes caves, a volcano, plants and terrain.
Using the enclosed color pencils kids color the various land, air and aquatic dinosaurs.  After they are finished they bake them in an oven, they shrink and before you know it they have compact and ultra-colorful dinosaurs that they can attach to stands and populate their prehistoric world!

With 188 pieces the play set offers hours of entertainment and informative play for kids five years old and up.

For girls five years old and up the Shrinky Dinks Pop Art Charms includes all they need to make bright and colorful charms including beads, chains, cords and delightful charm pieces colored by their own hands.

Color them up, pop them in the stove and suddenly stunning charms are adorning their wrists and arms!

The Lil Lockitz Pet and Sweets Sets come with six lockets per box.  Fill up the lockets with pets or sweets, snap them in place and girls can wear them as a necklace, bracelet or key chain!

Each locket contains a story especially designed by children to reflex their interests, style and memories.  Seventy-five pieces are included in each Lil Locktz Set.

When I was ten years old my brother and his wife gave me a microscope for Christmas.  It was one of my most cherished possessions.  I had it for years until it literally wore out.  I’d spend hours peering into its lens scope, fascinated by the items I had placed on the slides.

Scientific Explorer’s Newton Microscope brings the same kind of excitement to any young burgeoning scientist!

Capable of magnifying 150X, 450X and 900X the 37-piece microscope set has everything a young scientist needs to succeed.

The microscope boasts an eyepiece, revolving turret, objective lens, stage pince, mirror, body tube, focusing knob, arm bras, slip, illuminator lamp and base with battery compartment.

A scalpel, spatula, stirring rod, tweezers, test tube, petri dish, pipette, 2 specimen vials, 3 prepared slides, 6 blank slides, 8 slide labels and covers, slide carrying case and instructions are also included.

Kids will marvel at the miniature worlds and creatures they discover.  Made to last and guaranteed to fascinate any child the Newton Microscope encourages aspiring scientists to discover unseen worlds.

I’m an artist. I’ve made my living drawing pictures, designing things and teaching art.

For as long as I can remember I’ve loved art, drawing, painting and designing.

For 25 years I worked as a graphic designer and then taught high school drawing and Commercial Art.  Art is in my blood.

As an adult I’m very picky about what art supplies I use.  Art supplies can get expensive, especially if you’re a young artist.

Alex brands understands and has provided a high quality and fun solution-its art kits.
Studio Expressions Draw & Sketch Case Set has everything a young artist wannabe needs.

Packaged in a heavy duty carrying case, with handle, the Draw & Sketch Case Set includes a full set of high-quality color pencils, different weight sketching pencils, charcoal pencils, blending stumps and tortillions, a sanding block, a drawing mannequin, a ruler, eraser, pencil sharpener, sketch pad and drawing guide.  It’s the perfect way to introduce young artists to the world of drawing by providing all the supplies they need to get started.

For the young painter out there be sure to check out the Painter’s Tool Box with acrylic paint, watercolor paint, brushes, pencils, palettes, painting boards, water bucket, sharpener, erasers and painter’s box with a snap open secure lid and carrying handle.


It’s a great way to experience the art of fun!

The Complete Book Of America Muscle Supercars

There are times in one’s life when one is grateful to be born in the era one was born in.
I am one of those grateful ones.

Born in the early 1950s I grew up in my teens and early twenties during what is referred to by auto enthusiasts as ‘The Muscle Car Era’.

Muscle Cars were produced after those years and are still produced today. But it was something about the decades of the 1960’s and 1970s that are especially dear to Muscle Car enthusiasts.

In 'The Complete Book Of American Muscle Supercars’ written and compiled by Tom Glatch and published by Motor Book/Quarto Publishing, fans of the infamous Muscle Cars are in for a treat.

If a car had plenty of horsepower, lots of torque, a killer body design and lots of curb appeal and racetrack potential then it’s in this book.

What makes this book especially enjoyable is not only the spectacular photos of famous Muscle Cars but lots of technical and historical text, spotlights on the different cars’ designs and features, interesting tidbits about the cars’ creators and designers and archival pamphlets, photos, promotional posters and literature and much, much more.

Starting in the early 1960s up until present day each and every Muscle Car produced in the U.S. is showcased by manufacturer.

So put it in gear, rev up your engine, push the pedal to the metal and get ready to spin out with this incredible new book that puts the ‘muscle’ in Muscle Cars.

Many Faces Of Snoopy

He’s the dog with all the disguises, the pooch with plenty of aliases and the canine Chameleon.  
He’s Snoopy-that lovable beagle in the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.

Andrews McMeel Publishing presents the ‘Many Face Of Snoopy: a small hardbound book featuring the most beloved dog in America.

He’s no ordinary beagle.  He’s a scout leader, WWI pilot, Joe Cool, a detective, a pirate, champion tennis player, professor, Preppy, secret agent, Masked Marvel and more.

Full color strips spotlight the many guides and disguises of the beagle that drives Charlie Brown and his friend’s crazy.  It’s doggone fun! 

The Walking Dead Rick’s Shotgun and Refill Pack

Are you prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse?  Do you have your supplies and most importantly your stash of weapons ready to go?

Choose your weapons.  I have.  I choose Buzz Bee Toys’, a division of Alex Brands, new The Walking Dead Rick’s Shotgun with side by side, double barrel dart blaster.

It’s just the thing to take out those nasty Walking Dead, especially when you don’t have the time to reload.  It offers the maximum carnage for the least amount of effort.

Take out those flesh-eating zombies up to 72 feet away. For pinpoint accuracy use its detachable scope and never worry about having enough ammo.  Rick’s Shotgun comes with a secret storage compartment for extra ammo.

Load your Walking Dead killer darts into your custom shotgun shell casings by flipping open the shotgun, just like a real one, load your shells and you’re ready to rock!

Pull the trigger part way and one barrel blasts, pull more and the second barrel lets go its lethal cargo.

Pull the trigger down hard all the way and both barrels blast at once!  The Walking Dead never stand a chance!

Extra Ultra-Darts are available in a 14 Dart Refill Pack.

Made of heavy duty plastic in bright red and orange (no mistaking it for a real gun) The Walking Dead Rick’s Shotgun looks like the real thing right down to its flip-open twin barrels, shell casings, stock, trigger and shell housing.

Secure in place by tie-downs in its colorful heavy duty open front display box, Rick’s Shotgun is a zombie killing, double barrel of fun as kids (and adults) take on the nasty flesh-eaters in style.

Other weapons are available including Andrea’s Rifle Zombie Blaster, Abraham’s M16 Zombie Blaster and Carl’s Revolver Zombie Blaster. 

Choose your weapon, you won’t be disappointed.

Previews, November

COMIC BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
Octavia Butler’s Kindred GN l ABRAMS COMICARTS
Riverdale #1 l ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
Uber: Invasion #2 l AVATAR PRESS INC
WWE #1 l BOOM! STUDIOS
Ladycastle #1 l BOOM! STUDIOS
Unholy #1 l BOUNDLESS COMICS
Kiss: The Demon #1 l D. E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Red Sonja #1 l D. E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
James Bond: Felix Leiter #1 l D. E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Psychodrama Illustrated #1 l FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
Johnny Hazard Sundays Archive 1944-1946 Full Size Tabloid HC l HERMES PRESS
Ghost In Shell Deluxe RTL Volume 1 HC l KODANSHA COMICS
Ghost In Shell Deluxe RTL Volume 2 HC l KODANSHA COMICS
Voltron: Legendary Defender Volume 1 TP l LION FORGE
The Damned Volume 1 GN l ONI PRESS INC.
The Rift #1 l RED 5 COMICS
Reassignment #1 l TITAN COMICS
Assassins Creed: Defiance #1 l TITAN COMICS
Generation Zero Volume 1: We Are the Future TP l VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC

BOOKS
Spank: The Art of Fernando Caretta SC l ART BOOKS
I Am Jim Henson HC l YOUNG READERS
MAGAZINES
Star Wars Collectibles Price Guide Magazine l STAR WARS
The Walking Dead Magazine #19 l THE WALKING DEAD
APPAREL
Suicide Squad Skull T-Shirt l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS
Wonder Woman Amazon Pride By Cho T-Shirt l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS
TOYS & STATUES
Ghostbusters Select Series 5 Action Figures l DIAMOND SELECT TOYS & COLLECTIBLES
The Walking Dead Figurine Magazine #26: Negan l EAGLEMOSS
Alien & Predator Collection #3: Hicks l EAGLEMOSS
Alien & Predator Collection #4 :Alien 3 Xenomorph l EAGLEMOSS
Alien & Predator Collection Special #1: Mega Alien Xenomorph l EAGLEMOSS
DC Comics: Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Q-Pop Figure l DC HEROES
The Flash: Flash Season 2 Suit Statue Paperweight l ICON HEROES
Arrow: Deathstroke Statue Paperweight l ICON HEROES
Arrow: Green Arrow Statue Paperweight l ICON HEROES
IMPORT TOYS
Dark Souls II DXF Volume 1: Bearer of the Curse Figure l VIDEO GAMES
Godzilla 12-Inch Series: Godzilla 1999 Version 2 Figure l GODZILLA
DC Universe: Harley Quinn Artfx+ Statue l KOTOBUKIYA
DC Comics Variant Play Arts Kai: Batman Rogues Gallery: The Joker Figure l DC COMICS
Destroyah S.H.Monster Arts Special Color Figure l GODZILLA
One Piece POP Sits on a Chair: Trafalgar Law PVC Figure l ONE PIECE
Mass Effect 3: Thane Krios Statue l VIDEO GAMES
COLLECTIBLES & NOVELTIES
DC Heroes Stress Dolls l SD TOYS
The Flash: CCPD Metahuman Taskforce Decal l DC CWTV
The Flash: The Flash Museum Decal l DC CWTV
DC Heroes: For Darkseid Decal l DC HEROES
Marvel Heroes: Classic Doctor Strange Decal l MARVEL HEROES
Marvel Heroes: Nelson & Murdock Bumper Sticker l MARVEL HEROES
GAMES
Ghostbusters: The Board Game II l CRYPTOZOIC ENTERTAINMENT
Munchkin Moops Monster Mashup l STEVE JACKSON GAMES
Magic the Gathering TCG: Aether Revolt l WIZARDS OF THE COAST
Dungeons & Dragons: Assault of the Giants Board Game l WIZKIDS/NECA
Marvel Heroclix: Deadpool and X-Force l WIZKIDS/NECA

Power Man #48

An unusual phenomenon has occurred over the last ten years or so.  The ‘Big Two’: Marvel and DC Comics, have successfully translated their characters to TV, movies and animation.

DC Comics has great success on network TV and animated cartoon series and movies while Marvel has conquered cable and Netflix and the movies.

Both companies have their strengths and weaknesses but are highly popular with fans.

The Marvel Comics Netflix universe has introduced viewers to Jessica Jones, Daredevil and recently Luke Cage with Iron Fist and The Defenders soon to follow.

Luke Cage was introduced in the Jessica Jones show and has become a hit on its own merits.  Rumors are that Danny Rand: Iron Fist, will be introduced on Luke Cage or Jessica Jones.

Way back in the late 1970s during the Bronze Age of comic books Luke Cage was created.

While in prison under false charges Luke is given the opportunity to reduce his prison term if he agrees to take part in an untested scientific experiment.

Something goes wrong and Luke finds himself with super powers: super strength, near invulnerability and increased stamina.

Escaping prison during the fervor Luke takes up the moniker of Power Man: Hero For Hire and proceeds to use his new abilities to fight crime in the ‘The Hood’.

During one of his adventures Luke encounters Iron Fist and a fight ensues due to a massive misunderstanding.

Issue #48 of Power Man began the three-part saga introducing the two characters to each other an ultimately resulting in them teaming up to fight crime with a title change to Power Man and Iron Fist.

Issue #48 is a key issue for a number of reasons from their initial introduction to each other, their love interests and some of the early artwork provided by penciller superstar John Byrne.

Longtime X-men scribe Chris Claremont provided the script.  

Skip Trace

Jackie is back!  Join Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville in a brand new action/adventure/comedy movie on Blu-ray/Digital HD from Lionsgate.

In Skip Trace Jackie plays a detective who has for years has been trying to pin a murder wrap on a local crime lord. 

He discovers that by playing things by-the-book it has done nothing more than drag the case of his former partner’s death along for years.

When by chance he learns that a freewheeling American gambler has the hard evidence he needs he finds himself with an unlikely ally in the war against the crime lord.

Now if they can just survive!

It’s laugh out loud action and adventure as only Jackie Chan can serve up.

Jackie still has it and he proves it with his outrageous physical and comedic stunts.

Chan and Knoxville prove to be a perfect oddball pair that makes watching the film a real delight.

Extras include a featurette and a commentary.

The Art Of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children

It’s a match made in Heaven.  Ransom Rigg’s, the writer behind Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, and director Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure) have teamed up to bring said book to the big screen.

Burton is known for his quirky, odd, disturbing and oddball movies loved by millions.  His unique vision coincides perfectly with the tale of peculiar children possessing peculiar powers.

The Art Of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children showcases the tremendous amount of work, imagination, preparation and cinematic genius that translated the book perfectly into a movie.

Readers are given a first-hand account and tour of the making of the film.

Character designs, set construction, costume and clothing preparation, visual and practical effects, pre and post production and so much more are covered in infinite detail.

Read accounts by the director, production team, actors and others associated with the film complemented by artwork, photos of cast, crew, sets, locations and production facilities.

For a true behind-the-scenes visual tour of the film and its production and completion this book is wonderful compilation of facts, photos and fun courtesy of Quirk Books.

VW Van, Junkers, Superhind

Hasegawa Hobby Kits 1/48 Scale Junkers Ju88A-10 (A-5 Trop) North Africa Limited Edition model kit captures all the excitement and fervor felt by the Axis forces during WWII.

This magnificent aircraft model kit captures in perfect detail the deadly dive-bombing dynamo taunted by the Axis forces as the ultimate dive-bombing, torpedo-bombing and night-fighting, multi-purpose aircraft designed and envisioned by Hitler’s Luftwaffe.

With its impressive 3,000-lb+-bomb payload, destructive firepower and lightning speed the Junkers Ju88A-10 was the terror of the skies over North Africa.

Especially designed to fly in the hot, humid and dusty skies over African battlefields the Junkers was the perfect aircraft for strategic strikes and with its moderate range capabilities could be counted on to support Rommel’s Afrikakorps.

The model (like all Hasegawa Hobby Kits) is a marvel of miniature design and implementation.  Parts detach easily from part trees with little or no flashing,

Precision tooling guarantees parts fit together snuggly and the easy-to-understand instructions make painting, decal application and assembly a breeze.

For a real feel for the WWII aircraft check out its broad wings, faceted upper and lower cockpit window assemblies, twin-three prop propellers and gun emplacements and careful attention to detail right down to the interior cockpit to the landing gear.

The 1/72 Scale Mi-24/35 Mk.III Superhind Limited Edition helicopter model kit perfectly duplicates, in miniature, the massive size and impressive weapon-laden serious Soviet smack-down fighter helicopter.

With its heavy armor and over-the-top firepower the Superhind is an upgraded aircraft with state-of-the-art weapons and avionics.

Manufactured in the 1970s the Superhind is still in use today!

The five-prop, killer copter comes with missile launchers, heavy artillery, a double-decker cockpit and enough sophisticated electronics and weapons to make the strongest and bravest opponent tuck their tails between their legs.

Imagine stepping into this massive beast with huge fuselage, weapons rippling all over its frame and its huge turbine engine spinning its powerful copter blades!

The model kit features new resin and metal parts.

Enough with war and fighting!  Time for a little fun!

The 1/24 Scale Volkswagen® Type 2 Delivery Van "Girls of Summer" Limited Edition model kit takes a peach to the beach.

This classic VW van comes in a bright color scheme with plenty of Anime and Manga inspired decals.

Get ready for some fun in the sun as you assemble this vintage van that includes the oversize VW front loo panel, a split front windshield, side mirrors, classic VW headlights, turn signals, bumpers and more!


Throw in some chrome trim, custom VW wheels and rims, an enclosed rear van section and its ready to load up suntan lotion, surfboards and beach bunnies for some serious fun.

Deadpool

Ever since his introduction in The New Mutants Marvel Comic Book back in the 1980s, Deadpool, the merc with a mouth, has rose up the ranks as one of Marvel fans' favorite character.

Of all of Marvel's characters (except She Hulk) Deadpool is the only character that realizes he is a comic book character.  Often Deadpool can be seen talking directly to readers. 

Having successfully broken the 'fourth wall' Deadpool has gone on to star in his own title, video game and recently block buster movie-with a second movie in the works.

As is his due Deadpool has finally gone up in lights-not movie lights-literally a light!

3D Light FX proudly presents the latest addition to its 3D Deco Light selection with its very own Deadpool 3D light.

That's right!  Deadpool's gorgeous, full-size, masked head lights up!

Simple install some batteries (not included) and with a flip of a switch, LED's light up Deadpool's head.  Watch his eyes glow.  Now that's a night light!

Grab Deadpool's face (he'll thank you for it) slap it on the cracked adhesive wall decor and viola!

Deadpool's mug looks like it just smashed thought your wall or other flat surface.

Easy to install, the Deadpool 3D Deco Light turns off in 60 minutes, never gets hot and looks great on or off.


So what are you waiting for!?  Here's the perfect chance to plaster Deadpool's face through a wall!  And don't worry-he heals fast!

Railroads and Railroading

I was born and raised in the state of Michigan.  Most of the 20 years I lived there was in the little town of Milford about 30 miles outside of Detroit.

Nearby was Pontiac, Holly, Ann Arbor, Flint and Highland.

The auto industry and manufacturing were the lifeblood of most of the communities in and around Detroit.  Milford was no exception.  Most everyone worked for the 'Big Three' auto manufacturers or companies that made parts for them.

Such heavy industry required tons of raw materials.  Railroads provided most of the transportation for raw materials shipped in from all over the US and some from overseas.

I grew up and around trains.  Several of homes my Mom and I shared were barely 20 feet from railroad tracks.

My childhood friends and I often walked the rails and waved at passing trains as they rushed by delivering their goods.

Trains and railroads held a special place in my heart (they still do) and I still get  a thrill watching a passing train be it freight or passenger.

Hachette Book Group/Quarto Publishing and Crestline offer two great books about trains and railroads here in North America.

In 'The Complete Book of North American Railroading' by EuDaly, Schafer, Boyd, Jessup, McBride and Glischinski readers are served up a real treat on rails.

Starting with the early history of railroads in North America the book follows the ups and down of railroads through the decades up until the present.

Color photos of famous trains, types of trains and railways are presented.

Freight, passenger, steam, electric, diesels, railroad infrastructure and the evolution of railroading culminating with the ultra-sophisticated rail system of today are all examined, lovingly chronicled and complemented by historical and present day photos and more.

'Railroads Across North America An Illustrated History' compiled and written by Claude Wiatrowski, takes a slightly different approach concerning the history of railroads in North America.

Besides fascinating historical text and insights into the long legacy of railroads, the book also includes photos of railroad memorabilia including postcards schedules, posters, advertisements and more.

Learn how trains were used to promote the holidays, Hollywood productions, tours, special events and select destinations.

Discover about working on the railroads, clubs, circus trains, types of trains, their destinations, work on the railroads and even railroad museums.  If it's about trains and railroads, this book has it.

Both books are colorful, oversize hardbacks bulging with photos and text. 

So grab your railway ticket and luggage and get ready to travel the rails of North America.  All aboard!

Animal, Anatomy and Wore

After having gone to college for four years and earning a Bachelor's Degree in Art, working in advertising and marketing for 25 years and teaching Drawing, AP Drawing and Commercial Art for 11 years I've learned one important thing: preparation is everything!

I've drawn people and animals all of my life and I can state categorically, "There is nothing magic about drawing.  It takes time to study, prepare and practice."

Part of drawing any human or animal is not just putting lines on paper. 

Over the years I've driven into my students' brains that it is just important to know about the things that don't show when drawing animals and humans as it is to know what's on the outside.

Like an architect or engineer an artist must understand the building blocks of human or animal figures.  Muscles, bones, tendons, skin folds, hair patterns-they all play an important part in drawing living, breathing creatures.

Dover Publications understands this and that's why I am so excited to introduce three titles that I believe every artist worth their pencils and paper should have:

First up is Victor Perard's 'Anatomy And Drawing'.

This book examines the human body (male and female, young an old) from every possible angle and position (both inside and out).

Pages contain illustrations that demonstrate how to draw every part of the body shown from the inside out.  Bones, muscles, connecting tissue, heads, ears, eyes, noses, hands, action shots, figures in repose, group shots, male, female, old, and young are all examined in minute detail.  Muscles and bones are labeled and categorized.  It's like having an anatomy book at your fingertips.

Another word of advice to anyone seriously considering making art your vocation: take anatomy and figure drawing classes.  That way you get to experience the "in and out" of the human figure.

It's not only important to understand in inner and outer workings of humans, it is just important to know the same about animals.

Trust me.  Drawing animals is much more difficult than humans-at least from my experience.  Just the sheer number of animals is mind-boggling!

In Ken Hultgren's "The Art Of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action Analysis, Caricature" you'll learn everything there is to learn about drawing animals.

Muscles. bones, fur, scales, skin, proper action poses, drawing techniques and more are included in this 'must have' resource for the artist.

If there is one thing I learned after studying this book it's, "I have a lot to learn!"

It's all well and good to be able to draw the human figure.  However (other than a few exceptions) humans do not tend to run around naked.  They are clothed and have been for many centuries.

"What People Wore' by Douglas Gorsline, provides 1,800 illustrations from Ancient Times to the Early Twentieth Century.

Every conceivable type of clothing is included: suits, dress, gowns, headwear, shoes and sandals and every type of accessory ever dreamed up by man.  

The book is an invaluable guide to all things fashion.

I plan on using it as a reference for a number of projects I'm currently drawing.  It's true what they say, "Cloths do make the man."