Flash and Longshot

Two more key books I believe every comic book collector should own come from both DC and Marvel Comics.

After Barry Allen’s (the Silver Age Flash) death in DC Comics’ Crisis On Infinite Earth's, published back in the mid-1980s, someone new took up the mantle of the Flash.

Who better to replace the Flash than young Wally West the nephew of Barry Allen?

Wally obtained his powers when a freak accident (identical to one that changed Barry into the Flash) happened to him.  Thus Kid Flash was born.

Wally would aid his uncle and eventually join the Teen Titan and then the rechristened New Teen Titans.

After his uncle’s demise Wally took on the mantle of the Flash albeit with diminished speed powers.

Wally’s speed was reduced to around the speed of sound and whenever he used his powers he required mass amounts of food to replenish his strength.

Wally held onto the title of the Flash until his uncle’s reappearance several decades later.

The New Flash #1 is in essence the second ’first’ appearance of the Flash.  Wally recently returned during the ‘Rebirth’ of DC Comics.

Longshot #1 from Marvel Comics not only presented a new character to the Marvel Universe (Longshot) and a future member of the X-Men, it also premiered the fist appearance of several new second-tier characters.

Its most important contrition however was the premiere of the young wunderkind artist Arthur Adams to the world.

Arthur was in his late teens when Longshot came out yet his art was highly detailed, sophisticated and amazing in its complexity.

Arthur would go n to be one of the premiere comic book artists of all time and is still active to this day.

Disney and Tolkien

Walt Disney-there’s no denying that he was a genius.  From his humble small town beginning he went on to form a globe-spanning empire.

As famous as he became he never forgot his roots and he insisted that his employees and businesses never forgot them either.

Over the past several decades Disney Studios has expanded its scope and is now one of the world’s largest entertainment corporations.

Hard to believe it all started with a little mouse.

Printers Row Publishing Group is proud to present a duo of books from Studio Fun International that celebrate the animated characters and stories Disney has become so famous for.

In Disney Stories For 2 Year Olds kids and parents alike can cuddle up with this oversize, soft cover book featuring the original cartoon creations from Disney Studios.

Simple to understand text and huge full-color and full-page illustrations of Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and a plethora of other Disney characters share day-to-day adventures.

Kids get to visit a firehouse and pet shop, camp out, go on a picnic, baby sit kittens and much more in 14 delightful stories.

Our grandson will love them and I’m sure our granddaughter who is due to arrive in March will enjoy them just as much when she is old enough.

Just as much fun for 3-Years Olds is Disney Stories For 3-Years Olds in an identical book only this time featuring characters from Disney animated movies.

Look for Dumbo, Aladdin, Peter Pan and eleven other faithfully adapted animated films with streamlined text and gorgeous full-color illustrations.

Both books feature heavy stock covers and backs, secure binding and thick inner pages that young kids can easily flip through.

When I was 17 years old and still in high school my English teacher assigned the class to read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
 
Like all high school students I wasn’t thrilled about having a reading assignment-that is, until I began reading the book.

I devoured it!  I was enthralled and excited!  What a great story!

I was even more thrilled when I discovered that a trilogy about Middle Earth was also available by the author.

That weekend I went out to my favorite bookstore bought all three books and the next day sat down and over the course of three days read the entire trilogy through.

I barely slept, only nibbled on food and after the trilogy triathlon I slept for 14 solid hours.

Of course that was back in the day when I didn’t wear glasses, had boundless energy and could pull off such a stunt.

Author David Day and Canterbury Classics present An Encyclopedia Of Tolkien: The History And Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World.

Having read Tolkien’s Trilogy I can attest that there is a lot to digest.  Names, locations, pivotal events and much more fill every page.  The story is epic and requires total attention to take in the entire scope of the tale.

This book delves into the various aspects of the books accompanied by over 200 illustrations.

For an excellent reference source about the stories this is the book to own.

Beautifully bound in faux leather with a de-bossed image taken right from the books and embellished with gold foil text and border decoration, the book looks old and steeped in mystery.

Strange Tales #151 and Tales To Astonish #90

Here are two more Silver Age Marvel Comic Book titles I recommend to any comic book collector.

My advise it to purchase them before they get too expensive.

Mention the name Steranko and any died-in-the-wool, serious comic book collector recognizes the name immediately.

Jim Steranko was responsible for redefining what comic books could be in the 1960s at Marvel Comics.

Not only was he a stellar artist but a Grade-A graphic designer as well.

He incorporated various art styles into his work such as Pop and Op art and experimented with page layouts, story structure and color.

His runs on Strange Tales, X-Men, Captain America, Nick Fury and a smattering of other titles is legendary.   While his overall output was small his influence in the medium still resounds today.

For Steranko fans Strange Tales #151 introduced Steranko’s art to the world.

It’s been said that when Jim brought his art samples to Stan Lee, having just left Harvey Comics, that Stan immediately signed Jim on to any title Jim wanted.

Jim chose the Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. strip in Strange Tales for two reasons.

The title was not selling that well and Jim loved the whole ‘super-spy’ concept and wanted to expand upon it.

Stan asked Jack Kirby to lay out the pages so Jim could get a feel for the Marvel Style.

Jim aided with finished pencils and inks and off he went!  His run on the title is much prized by collectors.

In Tales To Astonish #90 Stan Lee collaborated with artist Gil Kane to create what many consider Hulk’s most powerful nemesis.

A foreign agent submits himself to Gamma radiation and transforms into the mighty Abomination.

Physically stronger then the Hulk and possessing his human intellect the Abomination nearly defeats the Hulk.

But, unlike the Abomination the Hulk’s strength increases as he get madder and ultimately the Hulk defeats the Abomination.

This is ‘first appearance’ of a major villain and deserves to be part of any serious comic book lover‘s collection.

Immortal Destiny and Advent Calendar

Twice the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game fun!

Konami has a special treat this time around with not one, but two new releases!

“It is your destiny!

Of course when you’re immortal your destiny is pretty much set.  After all, who’s going to be around long enough to argue with you?
The Legendary Duelists: Immortal Destiny Booster Packs include Cards used by various male antagonists over the course of the Yu-Gi-Oh! series such as Yami Bakura, The Supreme King, Rex Goodwin, Quattro, and Yuri.

It also includes support for the "Earthbound Immortal", "Evil HERO", "Gimmick Puppet", "HERO", "Predap", "Predaplant" and "Spirit Message" and the "Inca" series.

Packs contain 5 Cards each.  A full Set contains 58 cards:

9 Ultra Rares
8 Super Rares
10 Rares
31 Commons

Count ‘em-12 months!  That means 265 days of Yu-Gi-Oh! gaming fun.  What better way to celebrate the New Year than with the new Yu-Gi-Oh! Advent Calendar?

The Calendar contains 24 Cards:

7 Ultra Rares
17 Super Rares

Here’s the list:

"Kuriboh" Ultra Rare, Effect Monster
"Multiply" Super Rare Quick-Play Spell
"Kuriboh Token" Super Rare, Normal Monster
"Clear Kuriboh" Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Winged Kuriboh LV9" Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Sabatiel - The Philosopher's Stone" Super Rare,
Normal Spell
"Berserker Crush"    Super Rare, Quick-Play Spell
"Junkuriboh" Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Kurivolt"    Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Rainbow Kuriboh" Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Linkuriboh" Ultra Rare, Effect Link Monster
 "Sphere Kuriboh"    Super Rare, Effect Monster
 "Relinkuriboh" Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Kuribohrn"    Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Detonate" Super Rare, Quick-Play Spell
"Kuriphoton" Super Rare    , Effect Monster
"Kuribon" Super Rare, Effect Monster
"One for One" Ultra Rare, Normal Spell
"Kuribandit" Ultra Rare, Effect Monster
"The Flute of Summoning Kuriboh" Ultra Rare,
Quick-Play Spell
"Winged Kuriboh"    Ultra Rare, Effect Monster
"Transcendent Wings" Super Rare, Quick-Play Spell
"Winged Kuriboh LV10"    Super Rare, Effect Monster
"Performapal Kuribohble" Ultra Rare,    Effect Monster

Retro Toy Review: Hellboy’s Kroenen

Way back in 2004 Sideshow Collectibles was just beginning to kick into high gear with its impressive 12-inch figures.

Sideshow started out originally with its Universal Monsters 9-inch figures.

I remember seeing the figures for sale at Walmart and was immediately impressed by the incredible sculpting and articulation of the figures.

I contacted the fledgling Sideshow Toys Company (my how things have changed!) and asked them to send review samples.

Diane: the marketing director at the time, sent me all of the figures in each set.  So began a long association with Sideshow that sadly ended when Diane passed away.

For several years Sideshow provided all of its 12-inch figures to me for review and even included some bobbleheads and a deluxe Wolverine figure fashioned after X-Men artist Dave Cockrum’s artwork.

After Diane’s death samples showed up occasionally until eventually nothing arrived at all.

Sideshow soon became known as Sideshow Collectibles, expanded its line to include marquettes, deluxe figures, full-size figures, artwork and other collectibles.  It also became the distributor of many foreign toy/figure manufactures, such as Hot Toys.

I was fortunate enough to get a few of Hot Toys earlier figures.

One of my favorite series of 12-inch figures I received before review samples became sparse was the first Hellboy movie 12-inch figures.

Of the three: Hellboy, Abe Sabien and Kroenen, Kroenen was and is my favorite.

The villainous Nazi henchman and assassin whose self mutilation left him a skull face monstrosity was truly frightening.

(Please note:  I refer to the figure in past tense for the sake of continuity.)

His weapons of choice was two twin pair of blades with which he swiftly eliminated his chosen targets.

At the time the figures from Sideshow floated around the $50 mark.

The Kroenen, figure like all Sideshow figures, came in a flip lid box allowing collectors to display the character without opening the box or removing the figure.  The figure was secured in place with twist tabs and form-fitting clear plastic molded pieces and a full slip over molded plastic cover.

The clean plastic inner cover allowed the figure to be seen in full view with all of its accessories.

Accessories included two knives, two long handle grip knives and a damaged mask.The highly articulate figure came dressed in a full body, black outfit with brown leather arm and thigh knife sheaths, a wide leather belt, a faux metal chest plate with scroll work and an undamaged face mask.

Kroenen also wore full, black leather knee boots and black gloves.

The face mask could be removed to show his disfigured face and replaced by the damaged mask.A circular base was also included along with a flexible wire appendage that wrapped around the figure’s waist so it could stand and be posed.

The figure could also be posed independently of its frame in various battle positions.

As with its modern day Sideshow figures the Kroenen figure was expertly sculpted and featured form-fitting cloths, expert paint and dye application, cleverly hidden articulated points and an overall amazing attention to detail.

It is still a prize of my collection.

Articulation points moved easily with no sticking or slippage.  Posing the figure was easy and the weapons snugly fit in the figure’s hands--secure and stationary.

Cloth fabric shifted with the figure and stretched without tearing or ripping.  Stitching was tight, seams were crafted to resist separating and the masks slipped over the figure’s head without rubbing or removing pigment.


Kroenen’s disfigured face was a truly horrible sight expertly recreated in perfect scaled down proportions.

It is easy to understand why Sideshow Collectibles is so successful as it is today because its quality control is second to none.  

Even from its beginning Sideshow put the effort and expertise into its figures making them some of the most sought after collectible figures in the market.

Secret Brooklyn

Mention Brooklyn and most Americans associate it with a funny accent, the Brooklyn Bridge, touch neighborhoods and several other cliches with Brooklyn--New York City, New York.

Often such cliches play out in movies, TV shows and in literature.

Who hasn’t heard someone attempt to imitate a Brooklyn accent?

But Brooklyn offers so much more to residents and visitors.

It offers a diverse, multi-cultural experiences, fantastic restaurants, high-end hotel accommodations, exclusive neighborhoods, beautiful parks, lots of day and nighttime attractions and entertainment and a hustle and bustle that keeps it alive 24/7.

In Jonglez Publishing’s Secret Brooklyn readers are given a persona tour to some of the hidden gems Brooklyn has to offer.

Discover why so many live in work in Brooklyn and would never consider moving.  They know the secrets of Brooklyn and now you can to.

Visit Prospect Park, enjoy the street entertainers as they perform, play basketball in a movie theater, enjoy rooftop wine, explore the remnants of old Brooklyn and so much more.

Let Secret Brooklyn guide you through a part of New York City few outsiders have experienced.

Brooklyn offers sights, sounds and sensations that make it a favorite of The Big Apple.

Gunsmoke Season 15

Twenty years-that’s how long the network Western TV series Gunsmoke was on the air-longer than any other broadcast Western.

The reasons were many: a strong cast, great stories, a true as possible depiction of the times the series was set in, a willingness to take on current events using the past as a mirror of the present and deep character studies both by the cast and guest stars.

Heroes and villains were never portrayed as one dimensional. Often a very thin gray line separated the two.

As the show progressed and matured it took advantage of the new freedoms offered by contemporary audiences and looser network restrictions. 

Never preachy, the show was wiling to show both the good and bad sides of the Old West.

Characters struggled to survive, had almost unbearable losses to contend with, hardships, hunger, criminals, marauding Indians and all the other perils of the West that were not candy-coated or made light of.

Season 15 premiered in 1970-a great time of change in America and on American TV.  Gunsmoke took it all in stride and continued to bring in a huge audience-making it one of the most watched TV series at that time.

In the Gunsmoke, The Fifteenth Season Volume 1 and Volume 2 DVD collections from CBS/Paramount, viewers can relive and enjoy classic episodes filled with action, danger, intrigue, humor and the entire gamut of human emotions.

The main cast, firmly entrenched in their characters, turn in some great performances with even a few surprises. 

Watch as Marshall Matt Dillon, Kitty, Doc and Festus contend with bank robbers, mail-order brides, a ruthless psychopath and other challenging people and situations.

Two More Tips

While George Perez was working at Marvel Comics in the late 1970s on The Fantastic Four, The Avengers and a slew of other ‘team’ titles rumor had it that he was approached or wished to work at DC Comics on The Justice League Of America.

Evidently the title was a favorite of his. 

DC Comics welcomed him with open arms under one condition.  He was given the ’temporary ’assignment to draw the fledgling New Teen Titans title. 

After the title ended its short run (or so DC staffers believed) George would move on to the Justice League.  Of course the New Teen Titans became a hit and George a hot commodity.

George proved his talent and while working on the Titans he produced a number of JLA stories, #184 being the first.

What makes this issue so special is not only the fact that it was George’s first pencil work on the title but it also reintroduced Darkseid in an exciting tale where he was pitted against the Justice League.

For Perez and Darkseid fans this is a ’must-have’ issue and I believe in the coming years it will become a much sought after issue.




Over at Marvel fellow penciller Frank Miller was making a name for himself with his work on Daredevil. 

Marvel offered him  the opportunity to draw Doctor Strange. 

Unfortunately those plans did not pan out.  Work on a possible James Bond new series and his current assignment on Daredevil curtailed his planned work on Doctor Strange.

But, Frank did get the chance to draw Doctor Strange in the Amazing Spider-Man Annual #14.

In it Doctor Strange and Spider-Man take on Doctor Doom and thwart his diabolical scientific and magical plans.

It’s classic Miller work on a character most would not associate with his grim and gritty style.

Miller fans are sure to want this issue.

Both of the JLA and Spider-Man titles deserve to be classics as I’m sure they will be as comic book enthusiasts take notice of them.

Previews: October, 2019

Oswald

Did you know that before Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse and established his Disney Empire that he was responsible for another popular animated character?

In Oswald The Lucky Rabbit Limited Edition book, written by David A Bossert and published by Disney Editions, readers join in for the search for the lost Disney cartoons art and documents of Oswald.

I really like the design of this oversize, hardbound book.  The three-color cover featuring Oswald appears very much like an older bound edition put out about the cartoon’s same time period right down to the choice of type, two-tone background colors and binding with type.

On the back of the book is a montage of Oswald in various poses accented by spot varnish.  Overall it makes for a very attractive book.

Inside the front and back inside covers are various penciled renditions of Oswald. 

Attached to the inside back cover is an oversize envelope containing six color and black and white recreated sketches, promotional posters, a character sheet and Disney Happy Easter poster from 1982.

The interior text and images introduce the character Oswald and detail his cinematic history.

Images and sketches, along with story synopsis of all original 26 Oswald cartoons are included.

Correspondence, script breakdowns, promotional item reproductions, story layouts, character designs, legal documents, production notes and various other documents make up the balance of the book.

The book contains a remarkable chronicle about the search and successful acquisition of the original Oswald art and documentation.

I especially like the way the book demonstrates the tremendous amount of effort and imagination that went into illustrating and animating each episode.

I recommend this book not only for Disney fans but also for anyone seriously considering animation as a career.

Fantasy & Science Fiction #745, September/October 2019

NOVELETS
The White Cat's Divorce
American Gold Mine
Kabul   
Erase, Erase, Erase   

SHORT STORIES
Little Inn on the Jianghu
Under the Hill
Madness Afoot
The Light on Eldoreth
Booksavr
The Wrong Badger   
Ghost Ships   
Homecoming

POEMS
Last Human in the Olympics
Halstead IV   

DEPARTMENTS
Three Score and Ten
Books to Look For   
Books
Films: Love Death + Some Regression
Science: Net Up or Net Down?   
Plumage from Pegasus
Coming Attractions   
Curiosities   

CARTOONS
Mark Heath, Danny Shanahan

COVER
David Hardy

Shaft

Samuel L. Jackson is back as John Shaft and this time he brought his dad and son with him.

Shaft agrees to help his son find out about the mysterious and suspicious death of his friend.

The only problem is Shaft’s dad is every bit as cantankerous as he is and just as tough (He was the ‘original. Shaft.

Shaft Jr. on the other hand is the exact opposite of his street-smart dad.  He’s educated, analytical. a by-the-book FBI employee, sophisticated, uses clean language and has never been in Harlem’s less savory side.

The combination of the three Shafts make for hilarious moments along with some real touching family spots and a lot of blood, guts, mayhem and action. 

Three times the Shaft equals three times to sass, bravado, leather dusters and big guns.

“Who's the black private dick
That's a sex machine to all the chicks? (Shaft)
You're damn right
Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother, man? (Shaft)
Can ya dig it?
Who's the cat that won't cop out when there's danger all about? (Shaft)
Right on
You see this cat Shaft is a bad mother (Shut your mouth)
But I'm talkin' about Shaft (Then we can dig it)
He's a complicated man but no one understands him but his woman (John Shaft)”

All three of them!

Warner Bros. presents then new Shaft Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code Combination Pack that also features several featurettes, deleted scenes, a gag reel and more.

Smart Farmer and Brain Train

Our grandson loves playing with train and animal toys.  It just so happens that SmartGames has just released two new games that he is sure to want.

Smart Farmer and Brain Train are both made for one player.  Smart Farmer for five years olds and up and Brain Train for three years old and up.

Thanks SmartGames you just scored some major points for grandpa!

What game doubles as toy?  Brain Train of course!

With Brain Train kids not only have fun but they develop their cognitive skills such as planning, visual perception, problem solving, flexible thinking and spatial insight. 

They play and learn at the same time!

Kids remove the three train cars and various geometric shapes from the game box.

Following the easy to understand instruction parents run through the game with their child.  Trust me, kids catch on real fast!

The game challenges (there are 48 challenges) children to match up the shapes as shown and place them in the right sequence.  Some pieces are attached to each other, some are not.

As children progress each level offers fewer hints to complete the train.  Make sure the engine and cars are connected and away you go!

Match the shapes and colors and before you know it the little train is chugging along.

The heavy plastic train engine, cars and shapes are rugged and child safe.  Small hands easily manipulate the train and pieces.

While children are not playing Brain Train they have a nifty new toy to play with!

Look for SmartGames at specialty toy stores, Amazon and the Smart Game website (https://www.smartgamesusa.com/).

What kid doesn’t like farm animals?  They are adorable, fun to look at and kids love to pet them and touch them.

Of course grownups know that there is more to farm animals than fun.  The animals tend to wander about, go places they shouldn’t go and can cause a mess if not supervised.

Sometimes supervision and taking care of things are not easy concepts for young kids to grasp.
With Smart Farmer kids not only get to play a game with cute little, rugged plastic farm animals and fences they also learn to keep the animals apart and develop all sorts of cognitive skills.

With 60 challenges one player can spend hours figuring out how best to move the animals to keep them apart.

Kids select a challenge from the enclosed pamphlet.  The selected field is divided into separate meadows using the fences.  

Horses, cows, pigs and sheep must be corralled into their own meadows and each meadow and later challenges must have a water trough for each meadow.

Sounds easy?  Don’t count on it.  You know how feisty farm animals can be!

All SmartGames come in heavy paper stock and colorful game boxes with easy to open lids.  Parts are securely packed and kids have no problem at all putting the game pieces and instructions in the boxes-there’s lots of room.

Mary Poppins, The Lion King and Yesterday’s Tomorrow

OK, give me a minute.  I’m just about ready to geek out!  Breath deep.  One. Two.  Focus. Focusssss.

Whew, that was close.  I almost had a serious Disney freak out. 

I love Walt Disney Studios.  I was a kid when the original Mousketeers (The Mickey Mouse Club) show was on TV in the 1950s and Disney premiered its Disneyland TV series.

You might know it as The Wonderful World Of Color, hosted by the man himself: Walt Disney.

I remember watching Art Linkletter host the opening of Disneyland.  Yeah, I’m that old.

I’ve seen all of Disney’s animated movies from Snow While on and most of the live-action movies.

Now that Disney has expanded to include Marvel Comics, Pixar and other properties I find myself absolutely deluged by awesome cinema magic.

So, you can see why I got so excited when Disney Editions so generously provided three of its books to review.

Way back in 1964 I heard from friends and family about a new Disney movie that everyone was raving about.

It was based on the classic series of kids’ books starring Mary Poppins-the original super nanny.

While I had never heard of Mary Poppins books before I did see a few movie trailers touting the movie.  It looked fantastic and it was a musical!

How could I loose?

That Saturday I went to my town’s single screen movie theater and watched the movie through twice!

I could not get the film out of my head, especially the songs.

Recently Walt Disney Studios released a follow up movie to the original Mary Poppins film.

Mary Poppins Returns occurs approximately 25 years after the original film. It is every bit as enchanting and fun as the first film.

Everything looks the same-even the rooftops and streets.  Amazing!

Writer Jeff Kurtti has put together an incredible new book about both Mary Poppins films called Practically Poppins In Every Way.


(Did you know there was a TV version of Mary Poppins and a sensational Broadway show?)

The gorgeous, oversize hardbound book features an extensive gallery of photos from both films. 

There are oodles of behind-the-scenes goodies including set designs, costumes, character profiles, commentaries, production art, practical and digital effects, song and dance setups and more-oh, so much more!

There’s plenty of film history, anecdotes, storyboards, concept art and every conceivable type of information, secrets and film magic included.

It’s a jolly holiday and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

In The Art And Making Of The Lion King author Michael Goldman takes on the new computer animated film: The Lion King.

My daughter and her friends went to see the film and came away blown away!

She loved the classic animated original and feel in love with new version.

“It was perfect!” were her exact words.

I love the book’s cover with its spot varnish and matt background.  It really makes the type pop!

Inside readers are invited to experience the genesis of the film, marvel at the production art, be amazed at the whole scope of the movie and be astonished by the realism recreated for the film.

As a professional designer I was very impressed by the skill of the computer animation artists-everything in the film looks incredibly real.

Every aspect of the film is explored from character designs, environments, story layouts, plotting, the soundtrack, voice actors and actresses, interviews with production staff, pre and post production, marketing and more.

It is a beautiful, oversize hardbound book designed to look like it is printed on parchment paper.  Soft, muted colors, carefully designed pages, impressive layouts and simple type that does not detract from the images make this book a true masterpiece of print and design.

When I used to watch the Disney TV show my favorite features dealt with the magic behind the Disneyland theme park, spotlights on innovative technology, flights of fancy about space travel, mass transit, futuristic living and the possibilities of the future.

Don Hahn’s Yesterday’s Tomorrow presents a look at Disney’s Magical Mid Century.

What a wonderful stroll down Memory Lane!

I absolutely love looking at the designs of Disneyland, its rides and attraction, glimpses of imagined future technologies, the optimistic visions of tomorrow and Walt’s illustrated plans for expanding Disneyland and the projected Disneyworld.

Vintage photos, concept art, glimpses of the magic of imagineering and audioanimatronics and the incredible imaginations of the Disney artists are mesmerizing!

This book brings so many fond memories of a simpler time when the future held so much promise.  It was contagious!

Tomorrow never looked so good!

Billions and Madam Secretary

Money and power.  Both can be beneficial if used properly.  But, there are those that will do anything, destroy anyone and lie, cheat and steal to obtain them.

The only problem is once you go down that path, expect repercussions.

That’s exactly what happens during Season Four of Showtime’s Billions TV series.

Expect betrayal, enemies who unit to destroy mutual rivals, dirty politics, greed, sex, revenge, ruined lives and betrayal-and that’s just the beginning.

CBS/Paramount presents the entire Season Four of 12 episodes in a brand new DVD collection.

Bobby, Chuck and Wendy combine their formidable skills to destroy, bankrupt and decimate their foes and heaven help those who get in their way!

Also included with DVD collection are several special features: Pick A Side, Inside Fight Night, Script To Screen and Billions References.

It’s so good to be bad!

In the Madam Secretary Season 5 DVD Collection Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord has her hands full as she copes with domestic and foreign incidences and catastrophes.

Supported by her husband, associates and friends McCord proves she has what to takes to think outside the box, come up with unique solutions and the smarts to consult others who have been in her shoes.

Look for special appearances by real life former Secretaries of State: Madeleine Albright, Hilary Clinton and Colin Powell in this powerful final season of the series.

To quote Cable Guy, Get ‘er done!’ and that’s just what she does.

Here We Go Again!

They say that three’s a charm.

I’m not sure that’s true but this is the third article I’ve written focusing on minor ‘key’ comic books I believe collectors should own.

As with my other two previous articles the comic books used as examples are taken directly from my collection.

This time around I want to deal with three alternate press comic books from the past.

Instead of DC and Marvel titles the following three books come from Pacific Comics and Eclipse Comics-both of which no longer exist as publishers.

Destroyer Duck #1, written and drawn by legendary comic book artist Jack Kirby, was a special issue with its profits going to support the creator of Howard The Duck as he battled Marvel Comics for the Howard creator rights.

While Destroyer Duck eventually floundered as a comic book character it was the issue’s small back-up story that introduced a new character by noted MAD artist Sergio Aragones.

The character, Groo The Wanderer, was a parody of the then popular barbarian characters.  The only difference was, Groo was played for laughs.

Groo was a bumbling idiot who somehow always managed to make a bad situation worse and even more remarkable wound up making things right in the end-most of the time.

In Starslayer #2 another back-up story introduced a character who would spawn his own series and even star in a movie.

The story focused on a young pilot who stumbled upon an experimental jet backpack and became the Rocketeer, created by the late writer/artist Dave Stevens.

Back before Image Comics became its own publisher and distributor, the Image creators made a deal with the fledgling Malibu Comic Book publisher to distribute its books.

Malibu was a new company and spent a considerable amount of effort promoting itself. 

One such promotion piece was its in-house publication: Malibu Sun.

In issue #13 of Malibu Sun a single page illustration announced the upcoming release of Todd McFarlane’s soon to be famous character: Spawn.

Malibu Sun #13 is the first ‘official’ appearance of Spawn.

I encourage all collectors to take time and do some serious research when it concerns old comic books.  Many minor ‘key’ and potentially ‘hot’ comics books may suddenly become the next big thing.

And Now...For Something New

I consider myself extremely fortunate that I have accumulated a sizable collection of Silver, Bronze, Copper and Modern Age comic books.

God has truly blessed and I give Him all the credit.  Trust me when I say that there was no way that I could have stockpiled such a collection on my own--I’m not that smart or wealthy.

Remarkably in all the years I’ve been collecting I’ve never paid more than $5 for any old comic book, and that was only once.

The balance of my collection I either bought the issues at cover price when they were published, had issues given to me, traded for them, found them or paid practically nothing for them at yard and garage sales.

No brag-just fact.

Scoffers may say that God had nothing to do with it.  I beg to differ.  I’ve seen and experienced things that by human standards would be considered impossible.

I see no reason why as a child of God that He wouldn’t grant me the enjoyment of collecting comic books-as long as He comes first.

My entire life is a testimony of the grace and goodness of God.  If it were not for Him I would not be here to enjoy His generosity and kindness.

Yes, there have been some rough times, but He’s always been there for me, even when it felt like He wasn’t.

To the point. 

As a comic book collector going on sixty years I consider myself fairly well versed on the hobby.

I’ve witnessed its highs and lows, its fads, the speculator fever pitch and the escalating prices for old comic books.

Everyone, it seems, who collects comic books is looking for ‘hot’ and ‘key’ issues.

That’s all well and good, but most are missing lesser ‘key’ issues.

It is my desire to start writing articles on a semi-regular basis that spotlight what I consider some ‘key’ issues that every collector should have in their collection.

I plan on picking out books from my own collection and briefly spotlighting what makes those particular issues important.

Most of the books are currently relatively inexpensive as compared to the ‘big’ ‘key’ issues, but they are important nonetheless.

Not quite a year after DC Comics instituted its Crisis On Infinite Earths maxi-series, the DC Universe was settling into its new streamlined continuity.

While Crisis set a base point by which DC characters restarted from, many of the finer details still need to be ironed out as far as character dynamics were concerned.

In Action Annual #1 writer John Byrne and artist Arthur Adams (some of his first DC work) collaborated on an unusual supernatural tale involving Batman and Superman.

Many consider this the first post-Crisis ‘World’s Finest’ teaming of the Dark Knight and The Man Of Steel.

In the annual the key differences between the characters are point one.

Superman was a glorified Boy Scout and Batman was the bad boy.

The two did not necessarily get along together or agree on crime-fighting techniques.

But, as the story progresses both Batman and Superman agreed to disagree and ultimately learned to respect each other.

Batman also saved Superman’s life.

The story centered on the activities in a small town where both Batman and Superman wind up investigating some mutual murders.  Batman arrived by intent, Superman (as Clark Kent) arrived because Jimmy Olsen’s car broke down.

Eventually the two heroes come across a young woman named Skeeter who was not what she appears to be.

It seems the murders involved her and her kin.  Fortunately Batman and Superman put a stop to her activities before she put the ‘bite’ on them.

I consider this a key issue because: it’s the first (or one of the first) post-Crisis team-ups of the two heroes, it features excellent art by Arthur Adams and sets up the dynamics between Supes and Bats for stories to follow.

My other ‘hot’ pick is 1978’s The Incredible Hulk Annual #7.

In this issue the Hulk teamed up with Iceman and Angel, took on the Master Mold and even bumped into Doc Samson.

The reasons I consider this a pivotal issue is that it showcases some of artist John Byrne's early X-Men and Hulk art and brings back the threat of the Sentinels.

Keep an eye out for some other ‘special’ appearances.

Both annuals feature early artwork by two of comicdom's premier artists, great stories and some important moments that would reverberate in the DC and Marvel Universes for years to come.

Yesterday

The Beatles: without question the most popular Rock and Roll group of all time.

During their reign the 1960s the group wrote and performed countless hits, influenced a whole generation and set the world of music on its collective ear.

Their long an illustrious music making genus (as a group or individuals) still influences musicians today.

The surviving members of the group (Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney still perform) and Paul still churns out hit records even into his 70s!

But, what if the group was completely forgotten?  What if they never performed or went on to worldwide fame?

In Yesterday, struggling songwriter Jack Malik discovers after a mysterious blackout that he is the only one who remembers The Beatles and their songs.

No one in the entire world knows of or remembers The Beatles.

Taking advantage of the situation Jack proceeds to bolster his career by performing The Beatles hits, labeling them as his own.

Soon his star is rising and he is getting all he ever wanted: fame and fortune.

But, deep inside his deception is eating away at him.  He knows, as much as the world cheers his success, it is unearned.

Will he choose to continue his charade or will he come clean?

Through it all he risks losing the one person who believed in him before the blackout: Ellie.

Will he make the right decision before it is too late to return to his old life?

Yesterday features spectacular renditions of The Beatles numerous hits along with amazing performances.

The newly released Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code Combo Pack from Universal Studios Home Entertainment also includes an alternate ending, deleted scenes and several featureetes including a visit to Abbey Road Studios!

Yesterday offers a fresh take on the fantastic music of The Beatles intertwined with a unique tale of fame, faith and ultimate redemption.

Rising Rampage Special Edition

Are you ready to ramp up your rage?  Are you seething with anger and anxious to knock a few heads?

Deep inside every Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game player is a beast about to break free and cause chaos and destruction.

Are you ready to let that beast go and win, win, win!?

If so, then Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Rising Rampage Special Edition is just the catalyst you need to release the beast!

Just look at what you get:

3 Rising Rampage Booster Packs
1 of 2 Super Rare variant Cards:  "Salamangreat Coyote" or "Marincess Battle Ocean"
1 of 2 Super Rare Variant Cards:  "Marincess Wonder Heart" or "Marincess Sea Angel"

It’s fury in a box and all you have to do is open it!  Let the carnage begin!

Hidden Gems

Comic Book collecting has become a big industry.  Comic book publishers cater to collectors using comic books with  variant covers, special events, crossovers, annuals, mini and maxi-series and so forth.

Often these books have the phrase; “Collector’s Edition” emblazoned on their covers.

Here’s a tip: if it says it’s a collector’s item-it ain’t!

More than likely its print run is more than a regular issue making it anything but rare.

The truth is comic book companies, like any businesses, are in business to make money-by whatever means necessary.

Don’t buy into the hype.

A true collector item as far as comic books go is determined by rarity, a genuine first appearance, how old a comic book is, condition and long-term viability-no flash in the pan.

Often collectors overlook what I refer to as “Hidden Gems’. These are comic books that go under the radar of most collectors, feature first appearances or pivotal occurrences, had relatively small print runs and were printed several decades ago making them more likely to have fewer issues.

For example:

Marvel Team-Up #55 featured the return of Adam Warlock to the Marvel Universe after being dispersed into space.  He also teamed up with Spider-Man.  Did I mention the Stranger and the Gardener also appeared in this issue?

With the huge interest in the Marvel Space/Cosmic Epic generated by the recent Avengers and Guardian Of The Universe movies people are clamoring for early issues featuring cosmic characters-Adam Warlock for instance.

Look for his other early appearances to spike in value and collectibility.

Speaking of Spider-Man, he also teamed up with Captain Britain (his first American comic book appearance) in Marvel Team-Up #65.

In that same issue the hit man Arcade was also introduced.

The next issue (#66) featured the first full appeared of Arcade. He would go on to be one of the X-Men’s most deadly foes.

Key issues such as those mentioned are sprinkled throughout older comic books.  Major key issues are fine but these unappreciated gems could very well become ‘must-have’ issues in the future.

Look at the first appearances of Cable, Deadpool and X-23, for example.  All were relatively cheap when they first came out.  Now each demands hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, to purchase.

Be proactive.  Buy smart, do your homework and you may reap the reward.

Dry...So Very Dry!

It happens.

There are times, as a pop culture collectibles reviewer, when review merchandise does not show up for extended periods-in this case over two weeks.

It can be frustrating, but it’s all a part of the process.

Holidays are the worse-especially long holiday periods like Christmas.

Natural disasters, like the near miss from a hurricane here in North Florida also messes with delivery schedules.

Whatever the reason for time lapses when no review stuff show up it can be tough.

Especially when I love writing reviews and I feel I owe it to my readers.

Visitors to my blog can only take so many retro-reviews and commentaries.  Who can blame them?

All I can do is trust God to provide, be patient and hope that a steady supply of review goodies eventually shows up.

It’s the waiting that’s the pits!

Dream A Little Dream....

Everyone has a dream.  I have two.

The first one is to find a stash of Gold, Silver and Bronze Age comic books and to write several review articles about them delving into their history, artists, writers and etc.

My second dream is to start receiving a lot more review items allowing me to write a large amount of reviews resulting in more readers.

They may not sound like to big dreams to some people, but I hope them come true.

Nothing

Hurricane bad-no mail, no Fed-ex and no UPS equals no reviews.  Need stuff-need to write reviews!