She’s back!!! It’s the Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn; the brand new Birds of Prey Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code release from Warner Bros.
Badguy Roman Sionis and his head henchman Zsasz have targeted a young girl by the name of Cass.
Mayhem rules, bullets fly and blood spills as the city is turned topsy-turvy in their effort to find the girl.
After being kicked out by the Joker, Harley cuts her hair, gets drunk and is rescued by Doc. She adopts a Hyena and proceeds to start a new life as a roller derby queen.
Unknowingly one night she insults and hurts one of Roman Sionis (the Black Mask) employees and she finds herself with a price on her head.
Eventually she is caught and agrees to capture a young girl who stole a diamond Roman wants. The girl is in jail.
Harley breaks into the jail, frees the girl and sensing a kindred spirit Harley Quinn takes it upon herself to save the girl.
Harley’s path crosses the paths of Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya and after a few ‘misunderstandings’ the ladies team up to take on Roman.
Get ready for some serious liberated ladies’ mayhem as the unlikely team of the Birds of Prey metes out some justice and plenty of punches, kicks and bloodletting.
It’s lady's night out and the guys don’t stand a chance!
It’s an action-packed, never catch your breath, glued to your seat movie with enough spills, chills and humor to satisfy the most diehard comic book fan.
Harley's back and this time she’s brought company. Who needs the Joker when Harley Quinn is in town?
Extras include several featurettes about the making of the film, a gag reel and more. It’s crazy, unpredictable and loads of fun. It’s the Birds of Prey with Harley Quinn in the spotlight.
Back in the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s TV Westerns were a mainstay.
The ’50s and ’60s were their heydays and eventually they almost completely disappeared when the mid-1970s came around.
Since then a few Western TV series have cropped up now and then but few lasted more than a couple of years.
That was not always the case. When Westerns were first introduced on TV they garnered huge audiences.
At first they catered to children but after a couple of years Westerns with more mature themes began to surface. They prospered and at one point almost 40 Primetime Westerns were on the airways at one time.
‘Adult’ Westerns such as Cheyenne, Wyatt Earp and Have Gun, Will Travel paved the way for Primetime adult oriented Westerns.
One of the very first premiered originally as half-hour episodes. The lead role was offered to movie actor John Wayne. Wayne politely declined the offer. But, he did recommend a young actor in his acting troupe for the role of Matt Dillan: U.S. Marshall of Dodge City in the classic TV series Gunsmoke.
That actor was James Arness. Arness was a huge man and very commanding both on and off the screen. He was the consummate professional; kind and generous but fully dedicated to his craft and it showed on Gunsmoke.
His fellow actors were just as professional.
Gunsmoke ran for 20 years and to commemorate its 65th Anniversary CBS/Paramount has released Gunsmoke The Complete Series boxed set.
Six DVD collections are included broken down by episodes: 1-4, 5-7, 8-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 16-20. A separate Gunsmoke The Final Season DVD collection has also been released.
If you’re a Gunsmoke fan, such as myself, you’ll relish each and every episode of the classic series.
Join Matt, Doc, Kitty, Chester, Festus and a plethora of guest stars and cast members (Burt Reynolds and Glenn Strange among them) in this classic series of episodes about the Ol’ West.
Gunsmoke actors, directors, production staff and writers prided themselves of the authenticity of the series. Never candy-coated each episode showed the West as it really was: gritty, dusty, dirty, difficult and dangerous.
Hard work and family values were emphasized and scoundrels, thieves, killers and the like were given no quarter. The American Indians (Native Americans) were respected, as were different ethnic groups, religions and individuals.
Gunsmoke taught a whole generation the values of honesty, hard work and the difference between good and evil.
It’s an incredible collection complemented by several special features. Look for an homage to actor James Arness, original sponsor spots, audio commentaries, previews, photo galleries and featurettes about the series.
Beautifully packaged in a hard case display box and emblazoned with the Gunsmoke logo and cast photos all 635 episodes are included and are digitally remastered for high quality viewing.
Giant robots, a futuristic battle suit, aliens and time travel-what more could ask for in a movie?
Alliance Entertainment proudly presents the Bravestorm movie on DVD.
The remake of the classic 1970s TV series Silver Mask and Super Robot Red Baron brings five surviving siblings of mankind in the year 2050 to stop the alien race known as the Killgis.
The Killgis dispatch their giant robot, Black Baron, to alter the earth’s atmosphere to be like their home planet.
The siblings hatch a plan to send three of them back in time to 2013 to stop the alien invasion before it gets started.
The three siblings each have a special power: psychic abilities, a device to identify aliens and a Silver Mask power suit.
With them they take the plans for the Black Baron robot and then contact the world’s leading robotics expert to manufacture a Red Baron robot from the plans with additional capabilities.
The scientist's younger brother pilots the robot and he, along with the three siblings, face off against the alien invasion.
Bravestorm is an in your face, the action never lets up, special effects and battle supreme film that keeps you at the edge of your seat.
It’s use of cleverly designed robots and aliens, miniatures and practical and visual effects combine to make this a film that is fun and exciting to watch.
A few key issues of DC Comics include two The Brave and Bold Anniversary issues and one Action Comics Anniversary Issue.
Celebrating the 150th issue of The Brave and the Bold, Batman dares readers to identify who is the co-star is this issue. You’ll be surprised
Are Batman and Bruce Wayne battling a foe they cannot defeat?
The Brave and the Bold #200 features the Silver Age Batman and Robin and the modern Dynamic Duo against an enemy that spans the decades.
Art is by Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons with a follow up story by legendary Batman artist Jim Aparo on a special sneak peek of the Batman And The Outsiders series.
It’s a first appearance any Batman must have.
Action Comics #544 celebrates the series 45th anniversary.
A superstar gallery of artists present the origins of the ‘new’ Lex Luthor and Braniac.
In the lead story Lex Luthor now has a real reason to hate The Man of Steel.
In the Brainiac tale the once humanoid Brainiac transforms into a mechanized killer.
All three issues are important anniversary issues every DC Comics fan should own.
With the current Covid-19 scare and social distancing phenomenon occurring worldwide I thought I might talk about survival.
It seems everyone is hoarding supplies-the main items being toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
People are panicking and acting as if doomsday was around the corner.
But, what if something happened that really caused doomsday? What if suddenly there was a short supply of food, money was worthless and people had to fend for themselves? How would they survive?
Campers, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, explorers and survivalists have learned to deal with living off the land and surviving even in the harshest conditions with little more than their wits and whatever they have available around them.
In author Joe Vogel’s book: The Global Outdoor Survival Basic To Advanced Guide Skills For Every Environment, published by Schiffer Publishing, readers are given first-hand knowledge of how to survive in any environment.
Every temperate environment is explored along with a variety of terrains and weather conditions.
Readers learn how to forage for food, obtain drinking water, build shelters, stay warm, build a fire, survive an animal attack or venomous bite or sting, how to navigate back to civilization and so much more.
Sections talk about developing certain survival skills like using a knife, preparing animals and plants for food, when to travel, how to avoid injuries and how to collect and prepare an emergency pack should you ever find yourself stranded or lost.
The book gives step by step instructions, includes photographs and is so organized that finding information for a certain situations is quick and easy.
It’s a great book to keep at home, in your car, when traveling and whenever you venture outdoors for recreation or for an extended stay.
Way back in 1999 when I had expanded my coverage in my printed newsletter (Comics Corner) to include toys I came across a series of toys in Walmart that completely blew my mind.
The toys (or more appropriately sculpted action figures) were in the First Series of Sideshow Toys Classic Edition’s 9-inch Universal Monsters figures.
I credit Sideshow Collectibles (Toys) with turning me on as to how ‘action figures’ could be collectible pieces of sculpture art.
I’ve selected two figures to review. From Series I I’ve chosen Boris Karloffas the Frankenstein Monster. From series 2 I've picked Elsa Lancaster as Frankenstein’s Bride.
I’ll start with the Frankenstein Boris Karloff figure. The likeness to the late actor’s face is astounding, especially when you consider that the figure is only nine inches tall!
The green complexion, the tight draw skin, the flat head with its black pageboy haircut, the scars, the deep set eyes, the large brow and the metal bolts protruding out of its neck match the cinema monster to perfection.
The figure is dressed in a large, deep-gray coat that strains at its buttons because of the monsters size. Under the coat is black collarless shirt. Both the shirt and coat barely cover most of the monster’s arms, leaving his wrists and part of his lower arms visible.
Loose back pants and large black boots with thick soles and heels make up the rest of the monster’s attire.
The wrinkles, wear and stitching of the clothing are perfectly scaled and look realistic.
Articulation is hidden by cloth folds and are barely visible on the monster’s wrists, knees, etc. The use of pin and hinge articulation points allow the figure to bend and twist realistically. It’s a clever design choice and works perfectly.
Included with the figure is a stone base, twin shackles made of metal and a torch with realistic looking translucent flames.
The creature’s hands are positioned as to hold both the chains and torch easily with no slippage.
Elsa Lancaster as The Bride Of Frankenstein nine-inch figure captures the features of the actress accurately.
Like the Frankenstein figure clever articulation points are practically invisible on the figure. Waist, arm, leg, wrists, shoulders and neck points mesh with the Bride’s mummy-like attire. It’s an amazing bit of figure trickery that foreshadows what Sideshow Collectibles fans will see years later on its larger figures.
The Bride’s face is ghostly white with large blood red lips, deep set eyes, large forehead and her characteristic swept back black hair with twin white side streaks. Look at the incredible detail on the hands and features.
Included with the figure is a real cloth gown that drapes over the figure’s shoulders, a stone base, a separate wrapped head and an electric power pole with a green voltage amplifier and silver electro on its tip.
It’s a beautiful and haunting figure and is one the best nine-inch Sideshow figures produced, in my opinion.
Both figures come in clear plastic bubble hangers with color photos of the individual figures on the back and a gallery of the other figures in the series on the back.
I’ve been a big fan of Marvel Comics since way before The Marvel Age Of Comics started with Fantastic Four #1.
My interest in modern Marvel Comics has waned over the years due mainly to lackluster stories, too much Social Justice Warrior garbage and the increase of prices now at $3.99 to $4.99 per issue!
As a kid I got a kick out of the monster anthology series Marvel (Timely Comics at the time) put out in the 1950s.
Many of those anthologies went on to host a number of new Marvel Comics heroes. What made them especially exciting to me was that for a mere 10 or 12 cents I got two stories in one comic book!
For a kid on a tight budget, it couldn’t get any better!
In this age of the ‘what’s hot’ mentality and ‘first appearances’ and ‘key comics’ the comic book community has slowly come to the realization just how important these Marvel Comics anthology series are.
Sure, there’s always the clamor for the first appearances of Iron Man, Thor and Doctor Strange but for the most part many of the books have been collectively ignored by fans.
Tales To Astonish, Strange Tales and Journey Into Mystery deserve to have their places of honor right along side the ‘big’ key issues of Marvel Comics.
In Tales To Astonish #60 The Incredible Hulk returns in his own series after his initial six issue run and brief guest appearances in other Marvel titles.
Steve Ditko provides the art as the Hulk takes on an almost indestructible robot. It’s a classic Hulk tale.
Eventually the accompanying Giant Man feature would give way to a brand new Namor: The Submariner series.
In Tales To Astonish #64 Giant Man faces off against the Submariner’s mightiest foe: Attuma and the Leader’s Humanoid Horde tackles the Hulk.
Both issues #60 and #64 Tales To Astonish comic books are great fun and while you’re at it take a look at the classic covers of upcoming Marvel titles in each comic book.
Before Sideshow Collectibles obtained the distribution rights for Hot Toys it produced a series of 12-inch Star Wars figures priced for about $80 each.
When Hot Toys joined the Sideshow team it took over the Star Wars figure line and the prices increased dramatically.
Still, Sideshow Collectibles’ original Star Wars figure line is highly prized and sought after-especially the original Star Wars key figures such as Han, Luke, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2.
After Sideshow’s first wave of Star Wars figures it produced what is referred to as the ‘Black Box’ series.
It’s Heroes Of The Rebellion line included the Princess Leia As Boushh The Bounty Hunter figure as seen In The Return Of The Jedi.
Of the Black Box series this is probably my favorite.
The figure comes in an oversize rectangular black box with a magnetic latch, double-hinged front section.
The width of the box is approximately five inches wide that when opened two-thirds of the way contains the figure and the remaining one-third contains some of the figure accessories.
Large color photos of Leia with and without the Boushh helmet in several poses decorate all sides of the box.
On the back of the box is a series of horizontal photos of key scenes featuring Boushh.
Opening the box the entire assembly of flaps lay flat and feature short informative text pieces about the film and Boushh in particular.
The figure looks exactly like Carrie Fisher who played Leia.
The face sculpt is amazing in its details with subtle skin tone variations, and precise feature scultp-especially with its eyes, mouth and cheeks.
Leia’s hair is pulled back revealing both ears.
The head tilts and swivels on the articulated neck.
Fully articulated, the figure swivels and tilts at the waist, bends and slightly swivels at the knees and elbows, freely moves at its shoulders, hands and feet tilt and rotate from ankles and wrists all of which allow the figure to pose in various action and stationary positions.
Many poses can be accomplished without the use of the circular Star Wars black base and wire assist.
The figure comes dressed in brown and tans.
Around Leia’s shoulders and chest is a large protective piece of leather very much in the same style as Darth Vader’s
A soft, light tan tunic covers her chest, waist and upper arms.
Like a surgeon’s gown, it folds over itself to one side.
It is held in place by a wide gray belt with a right shoulder strap holding various weapons and electronic devices. A large functional gray belt buckle secures the belt and shoulder strap.
Under the belt is a dark brown wraparound waist support that is partially hidden by a tan weapons belt with dark brown pocket attachment.
Leia wears full-length leather pants with lower loose pleats that culminate in half calve boot chaps covering dark brown boots.
Her lower arms are covered by dark brown striated cloth gauntlets that extend over her hands in to fingerless gloves. Her fingers are bare.
She also wears a knee-length cape attached to her tunic.
Her Boushh helmet is included. The helmet fit can be interchanged with her head and includes the extended brow eye slits and silver breather mask as seen in the film.
Accessories include a Thermal Detonator and Electrostaff that fit tightly into her partial spiked gloved hands.
Several dull silver cylinders are also included that slide into place on her shoulder strap.
All weapons and accessories are scaled to fit the figure and look identical to their Silver Screen counterparts.
Details on the clothing and accessories are spot on and feature tight stitching, a secure fit on the figure with realistic folds and wrinkles, variations of fabrics, clear distinction between the various weapons and accessories, clean and precise color application and lots of dirtying up of cloth and accessories.
The figures clothing and accessories look used and slightly dirty. I especially like the overlapping folds of cloth and the details on the gloves and helmet.
It’s a totally realistic looking figure that is sure to be prized by any Star Wars fan.
Clear plastic sleeves protect the contents of the box and a separate piece of tissue paper prevents scuffing and scratches when the box is closed.
In 1985 Marvel Comics attempted to expand its base and readership by diversifying its comic book line.
The staff at Marvel surmised that the best way to do that was to emulate many of the comic book titles from other publishers that were successful.
One such company was Harvey Comics known for such characters as Richie Rich, Casper, etc.
Marvel launched Star Comics consisting of new and original characters and some licensed properties.
Two such licensed titles were Droids and Ewoks based on characters from the original Star Wars film trilogy.
Catering to younger readers Droids and Ewoks cutified the characters and placed them in more juvenile situations.
Ewoks often delved into the spiritual or magical side of the Ewoks society and Droids expanded on C3PO and R2-D2’s earlier adventures pitting them against various mechanical menaces and alien interlopers.
Both titles offered good clean fun for younger readers and while the runs of each title were not long they were memorable.
Star Wars completists are starting to take notice of the titles (especially the #1 issues) and prices are slowly starting to rise.
Konami has gathered it mechanized army and is ready for some serious nuts and bolts battle.
The Machina army is out for vengeance and is on a rampage.
The latest and greatest Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Structure Deck: Mechanized Madness, is back with a whole new arsenal.
Just look what you get:
A massive 3000 ATK and a Quick Effect.
An EARTH Machine.
Machina Air Raider.
Control and salvage scrap to Special Summon.
Machina Irradiator can accelerate itself.
Machina Air Raider disrupts opponents with its Quick Effect.
The Structure Deck: Mechanized Madness contains 42 Cards:
37 Commons
3 Super Rares
2 Ultra Rares
1 Double-sided Deluxe Game Mat/Dueling Guide
I made a living creating art for going on 40 years. As a graphic designer, illustrator and cartoonist I’ve learned that when it comes to cartoons adding lots of details doesn't necessarily make good illustrations.
A good cartoonist learns to refine their art and to break down illustrations to their core. Drawing simple cartoons is an art. Note I said ‘simple’ and not ‘amateurish‘.
Too often children's books will be illustrated by individuals that make their drawings too childish and crude. Drawing like a child detracts from any story.
A good children's book illustrator has learned to minimize their art while still retaining interesting characters and locales.
It’s not easy. Ask any minimalist artist.
Artist and writer Mike Wu has successfully honed his craft down to its bare bones with just enough text and delightful illustrations using ink and watercolor to tell the tale of Ellie the artistic elephant.
In Ellie Makes A Friend a new animal joins Ellie and friends at the zoo. Named Ping the panda, she is a talented artist.
At first Ellie is jealous but as she gets to know Ping she comes to appreciate her artwork. She also realizes how much alike they are.
Soon Ellie and Ping become friends and learn from and appreciate each other.
Ellie Makes A Friend is a delightful tale of making friends and opening oneself up to other possibilities. Look for other Ellie books by Mike Wu and Disney/Hyperion.
Anyone who knows me knows that the original Star Trek TV series starring Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Chapel, Rand, Chekov, Sulu and Uhura is my favorite.
As a kid I thrilled to the adventures of the Enterprise NCC-1701 Constitution Class Starship of The United Federation of Planets.
I remember how fascinated I was with all the gadgets seen on the TV show.
You have to remember this was over 50 years ago and things like Communicators (cell phones), monitors (flat screen TVs), Tricorders (laptops/tablets, Phasers (lasers) and the other assorted tech goodies on the show were way ahead of their time.
A few years back actor William Shatner (Captain Kirk) hosted a TV show where he took credit for the modern electronic devices we take for granted nowadays. Jokingly he stated that the cell phones, etc, were all created in Star Trek TOS.
It was funny, but so true.
Back in the early 2000s Diamond Select Toys released a trio of Star Trek TOS technical goodies. Perfectly in scale and looking absolutely authentic to the originals seen on the show, the minute I saw them I had to have them.
I swapped some toys with the local toy store to get them.
When I was in my late teens and early 20s AMT Model kits released a tri-pack of Star Trek TOS instruments including the Tricorder, Phaser and Communicator.
I owned them at one time but unfortunately they are long gone.
But, take heart. Diamond Select Toys have faithfully recreated all three and they are awesome!
The Communicator is a perfect replica of the original featuring the same surface textures and features.
The Communicator has a rotating array, working lights, a working red alert button and features the voices of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty and Uhura.
The Phaser Pistol has an authentic Phaser beam light and sound action and the Type-2 Phaser Pistol has a removable Type-1 Hand Phaser that snaps in and out of place quickly and easily.
It’s like holding of piece of Star Trek TOS TV history! Everything is correct from the dark gray body of the Phaser to the silver emitter array and transparent ray emitter, the black handgrip, silver button.
The Type-1 Hand Phaser has silver piping and grid and a power switches for power settings and trigger activation.
The classic Science Tricoder is the cream of the crop and (in my opinion) and tops the list of the Star Trek TOS replicas.
The solid black case with silver piping has three flip open access points.
The top points include the miniature monitoring screen complete with energy charts and readouts. A small silver mesh speaker screen and three lights and dials make up the section.
Below in the second section are various power controls and a large power readout screen.
The third flip open compartment is for storage.
A separate Electronic Science Scanner with working light stores in the lower section.
The Tricorder also includes sounds and phrases from the TOS including the voice of Spock. A leather shoulder strap is also included.
I love the detailing on the Tridcorder with silver handles, trim and instrument back panels. Everything looks authentic.
The Phaser, Tricorder and Communicator are made of touch resilient plastic with excellent paint application, careful attention to detais and lots of fun light and sound extras. Batteries are included.
It’s like being a part of a way team and equipped with the latest Federation hardware.
“Beam me up, Scotty!’
A couple of The Fantastic Four issues you might want to take a look at and add to your collection involve a wedding and an anniversary.
In issues #150 of The Fantastic Four the long and turbulent romantic relationship between Crystal, the weather controlling Inhuman, and Quicksilver, the fast as lightning mutant, culminates in a grand wedding.
Longtime readers of The Fantastic Four remember Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) and Crystal were a hot item back in the Silver and Bronze Ages.
When she fell for Quicksilver Johnny did not take it well. In this issue Crystal and Johnny reconcile and Johnny wishes her the best.
Also in this issue Ultron makes his final attack and The Fantastic Four show up as do The Avengers and other Marvel characters.
Artist/writer John Byrne’s run on The Fantastic Four has been compared to the legendary run Stan Lee and Jack Kirby had on the book.
In issue #236 John pulls out the stops in an oversize extravaganza celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the title.
In this issue the FF take on Doctor Doom in a harrowing tale of vengeance, deception and ultimate tragedy.
John represents the origin of the group albeit with a twist and a very special Jack Kirby animated FF story is lovingly recreated.
It’s a giant size extravaganza of the ol’ FF magic and check out the cover with a plethora of Marvel superstars standing alongside the FF!
The Criminal Minds The Complete Series DVD collection collects fifteen years worth of 324 episodes equaling 229 hours and 9 minutes and 17 hours of bonus material all on 85-discs.
The beautifully packaged collection contains four large inner cases all wrapped up in a display box and protected by a plastic covering.
Impressive, most impressive.
How do you gauge the mind of criminals? Is it possible to delve into the deep and dark recesses of their minds and start to understand them and anticipate their moves?
Is it possible to go too far and start to think like criminals? But not just any criminals-the most dastardly, despicable, violent, vicious and totally evil criminals to ever exist?
That’s what the task force of Criminal Minds face each and every week as they delve into the foreboding and formidable minds of individuals who care nothing for the welfare of others and who exist only to satisfy their insatiable desire for violence and debauchery.
CBS/Paramount proudly presents the entire run of each episode of the ground-breaking TV series that dares to explore the depths of the criminally insane, psychotic and most evil minds mankind has ever spawned.
The cast has changed over the years with most of the original actors sticking with the series through its entire run.
To exist as a highly rated TV series for 15 years is impressive, unusual and outstanding, especially in this age of come and go TV series that are lucky to last more than five years-most even less.
Besides the release of the entire series an additional standalone 15th and Final Season DVD collection is also available with lots of special features.
If you are a fan of the series this collection is the perfect way to catch up on episodes you missed, re-watch your favorites and introduce others to the outstanding acting, suspenseful stories and thrilling and often disturbing criminal cases as portrayed on the show.
About the time that George Lucas remastered and added digital special effects and some slight changes and additions to his original Star Wars Trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi) Galoob Toys upped its output of Star Wars toys.
Galoob’s MicroMachines Space Star Wars Galaxy Battle Collector’s Set consists of 12 vehicles and figures from the original Star Wars Trilogy.
Each miniature is a highly detailed recreation of a classic Alliance or Empire spacecraft or character.
Paint application is remarkable considering the size of the miniatures. Sculpting is tight and surprisingly precise especially on the figures-even their features are distinguishable.
Form-fitting alcoves hold vehicles and figures in place in a plastic molded sleeve. Additional plastic-covered wire ties are used if the spacecraft are larger.
The Collector’s Box features a clear plastic front panel. Both the MicroMachines and Star Wars logos display prominently.
Vehicles and Spacecraft include an X-Wing Fighter with pilot and Droid, the Millennium Falcon, a Y-Wing Starfighter with two crew and Droid, Luke Skywalker with Blaster, a Rebel Pilot, Han Solo with Blaster, an Imperial Star Destroyer, a TIE Fighter with pilot, Darth Vader’s Tie Fighter with pilot, Lord Darth Vader with Lightsaber, Imperial Pilot and an Imperial Stormtrooper with Blaster.
The Rebel Pilot, Imperial Pilot and Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter are exclusives only to this set.
The Star Wars The Death Star Playset features a unique push button and flip open design.
The Death Star Playset slides into two sections revealing the inner workings of the deadly killing machine.
The lower panel includes a Space Vehicle Docking Bay, a Pivoting Tractor Beam that telescopes in and out and a Rotating Gun Station.
The Upper Section includes the infamous Death Star Trench and destructive Beam Emitter. Push a small button and a section of the Death Star pops open revealing the Death Star Core.
Vehicles and figures include and X-Wing Fighter, R2-D2, Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Lord Darth Vader.
The Death Star Playset is a remarkable miniature feat of engineering and design with clever devices, nice sculpts and fun action.
Two other Playsets are available: Ice Planet Hoth and Endor. Separate figure and vehicle packs are also available.
Get ready for a seat of your pants thriller as America faces a new threat. But does it come from without or within or both?
In The American Crusade A Political Thriller, written by Mark Spivak and published by TCK Publishing.com, America faces a new threat.
Radical Islamics have successfully carried out a number of lethal bombings killing thousands of Americans.
In an eerily familiar scenario the author mirrors the events of 9-11 using different names and locations with a far too familiar sequence of events.
While terrorists threaten the country from without a different type of conflict threatens the nation from within.
An inept President, a power hungry Vice-President, a foppish religious leader and other characters of questionable ethics steer the United States toward war.
All have their own secrets and agendas.
It’s politics and power at their worse as tensions build and the world stands on the brink of catastrophe.
For a frightening depiction of what goes on in the halls of politics and the theater of the world powers The American Crusade offers an eye-opening expose of what happens when the lust for power controls the thoughts of the world’s leaders.Procrastination,
a poor self image and the fear of the unknown-these and other things are
obstacles that can keep you from fulfilling your dreams and potential.
What if I told you that in a mere 21-days you could double your productivity, finish projects and map out a successful plan for you life in a totally focused way?
That’s just what you can do using author Michel Mackintosh’s new book: Get It Done.
In this age of rush, rush, rush it’s important to note that being busy doesn’t necessarily translate to being productive.
The author demonstrates by focusing on one task at a time and living in the NOW, people from all walks of life can obtain their goals, ambitions and live fully productive lives.
His techniques not only relate to work and home but also demonstrate how to enjoy time off and living for the moment.
By focusing on the present the past has no hold on you and the future becomes more clear and obtainable to all aspects of your life.As
I’ve grown older (I’m in my late 60s) I’ve noticed I have a tendency to
forget things. Part of it is because of old age and part from lack of
attention.
I’ve always prided myself on how much I read, explore and my curiosity. Still, it would be nice to work on my memory skills.
After I read Unlimited Memory by Grandmaster Kevin Horsley I put into practice his program on how to learn faster, remember more and be more productive. It works!
Using his simple instructions, imagination and location hotspots I’ve seen my memory improve drastically.
The author outlines six powerful memory systems, how to obtain impressive strings of memories, how to be confident taking tests and exams, how to improve focus and concentration and how to remember names.
Using the simple techniques outlined in the book you can master you thought processes, use you imagination to its best advantage and train your mind to do things you might have previously thought were impossible.
Back in the mid-1980s a certain little independent black and white comic book came out.
You might have heard of it: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
It’s subsequent success created a firestorm of artists that hoped to cash in on the Black & White comic book success of TMNT.
For a while dozens of titles premiered featuring everything from hamsters to Fish Police.
The period was dubbed The Great Black & White Glut. It nearly destroyed the comic book industry. Thankfully it did not last long.
Several small publishers surfaced during that period. All disappeared-except one: Dark Horse Comics.
Dark Horse took a different approach. It produced a bevy of titles that were unique, some were commercial tie-ins and successful.
One of the first titles produced by Dark Horse was Dark Horse Presents.
Throughout its impressive run a number of title of characters were introduced-many that went on to be huge successes-such as Sin City and Hellboy.
In issue #1 a unique creator-owned character was introduced that went on to achieve cult status.
Artist/writer Paul Chadwick had worked with Marvel Comics primarily on Marvel’s The Dazzler book.
Unhappy with the editorial and creative decisions at Marvel Paul struck out on his own.
He introduced Concrete, the story of a middle -age man who was abducted by aliens and who has his brain and mind transferred to a super strong and nearly indestructible creature aptly named Concrete.
Concrete offered stories not so much of the superhero genre but tales of human interaction, isolation and coping with often unsettling and bizarre situations.
Concrete would soon go on to star in his own ongoing series.
One of my all-time favorite super bad guy costumes was created for Tiger Shark who premiered in Marvel Comics' Prince Namor The Sub-Mariner #5.
It is a stunning and amazing design created by artist John Buscema.
One can really sense the menace and dangerous nature of the character as typified by his costume.
Tiger Shark was an Olympic swimmer who is injured and agrees to undergo an experimental procedure that turns him into the half man/half Tiger Shark villain.
Namor certainly had his hands full dealing with him.
Tiger Shark is still spotted occasionally in Marvel Comics with a slightly modified costume.
OK collectors, it’s time to geek out. If you are a collector of pop culture items such as myself you know how thrilling it is to see some of the stuff in your particular collectible category in price guides or in person.
Schiffer Publishing has always provided the collector the resources they need to recognize, categorize, monetize and fantasize about owning collectors of all types.
James Bond, the super spy who has the license to kill.
What if I told you that James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming, purposely choose the most bland and common name he could come up with to name his literary super agent?
It’s true, James Bond gets his name from all people: an expert on birds.
Writer Jim Wright explores how the pilfering of his name changed the life of The Real James Bond. It’s a true story of identity theft, avian intrigue & Ian Fleming.
“A bird expert!” you say. “How droll!”
Not so fast buster. James Bond was much more than a bird expert.
We‘re talking about a guy who is disinherited, goes off on adventures, packs a sidearm in case of trouble and establishes himself as a world class explorer.
Does that sound dull?
Add that to the fact that he and his wife kept in contact with Ian Fleming. Not only was James name used but many of the locations and influences for the Bond series of books can also be attributed to him.
This is a fascinating book, jammed full of photos, recollections and plenty of goodies about James and his fictional name sake along with author Ian Fleming.
I am proud to say I owned a number of original G.I. Joe 12-inch action figures back in the 1960s. Never mind the fact that they were really dolls for boys.
G.I. Joe led the way for action figures and in the 1970s Joe was as popular as ever.
Of course imitations abound and soon new lines of action figures: superhero, Western, spy, etc. were filling toy shelves.
In John Marshall’s G.I. Joe and Other Backyard Heroes: An Unauthorized Guide 1970-1979, action figure enthusiasts are in for a real treat.
Not only is the book filled with Joe photos, descriptions and prices there are also other action figures from that period represented.
Look for MEGO figures, Buck Rogers, Star Trek, superheroes, war heroes, monsters, Micronauts, the Wild West, Archie, Saturday morning cartoon figures and other playtime goodies.
It a virtual visual journey down toy Memory Lane and readers are invited to come along.
I was a big Aurora Universal Studios Famous Model Monster model kit collector when I was a kid.
I loved them and had each and every one. Too bad I ‘grew up’ and got rid of them. If only I could have them again.
Collecting Monster Toys by John Marshall understands my plight and has provided me a wonderful collection of monster toy photos, information and prices all wrapped up n one big book.
Besides the Universal Monsters that I so loved there are space aliens, Godzilla and cast and every conceivable type of monster imaginable on each page.
From classics to modern, they’re all here bound up in one book.
Star Wars Toys A Super Collector’s Wish Book by Geoffrey T. Carlton is like a wish come true.
Never in my wildest dreams did I realize just how much Star Wars memorabilia is out there.
It would take a lifetime (make that several lifetimes) to collect everything pictured in this marvelous oversize hardbound book.
Toys, games, puzzles--it’s a veritable cornucopia of Star Wars goodness!
Pages are jam-packed with color photos of every conceivable type of item. There are pictures of product variations and rare hard to find collectibles, descriptions galore to help collectors know what they are purchasing and lots of fun facts for the trivia buff.
Readers can spend hours looking through this massive book and discover something new on almost every page.
OOOOOHHHH! Sparkly and shiny! Get ready for Konami’s latest Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game All-Foil Booster Packs with eight Cards per Pack and 24 Packs per Box. It's Secret Slayers!
Shhhhh! Can you keep a secret? There’s a new way to slay and nobody is supposed to know about it. I’m letting you in on the secret so you can’t tell anyone. It’s our little secret.
The secret is...wait! Who’s that!? Wait, what are you doing? ----------------
The secret is safe, I’ll guess we’ll never know---unless you get Secret Slayers. Just look at what you get...
Introduces the "Adamancipator", "Eldlich", "Eldlixir", "Golden Land" and "Rikka" archetypes.
Includes new members/support for the "Guardian" archetype.
Bolster strategies with Cards from Duel Devastator, Duel Overload, and more!
A full Set consists of 60 Cards:
40 Super Rares
20 Secret Rares
Are you ready to uncover some Hidden Treasures? But, be careful, some secrets demand a high price!
When Marv Wolfman and George Perez introduced The New Teen Titans comic book series from DC Comics back in 1980 it was not expected to last more than a half a dozen issues.
To everyone’s surprise and delight the series became a certifiable hit and when head to head against Marvel’s Uncanny X-Men title, sometimes even surpassing it in monthly sales.
Since that time The New Teen Titans have remained a fan favorite.
DC Direct created a series of action figures based on the original New Teen Titans members and their villains.
Two of the figures: Starfire and Cyborg are among my favorites.
The Cyborg six-inch figure is fashioned after the original Cyborg design as drawn by George Perez.
The fully-articulated figure includes a silver half face with red eye, mid-upper arm to hands silver mechanics, upper body silver casing with a partial flesh chest, utility belt in silver, silver briefs and silver upper leg straps culminating into a full lower upper legs to feett silver metal casings.
Flesh and metal Cyborg parts are nicely painted with no rough edges or spill overs to each section.
Cyborg’s face includes an open mouth, partial black hair, sharp features and distinguishable left side Cyborg parts and right side human flesh and hair.
His shoulders and upper arms are flesh as are most of his upper legs.
The silver utility/accessories belt features controls and containers and his right Cyborg hand can be replaced by a multi-function weapons/sensor/ array.
His left open hand includes a replacement.
The figure is fully posable and stands independent of any base.
The Starfire figure features the character standing slightly tilted with arms at her side.
Starfire’s face and head are her most predominate features with her large purple pupiless eyes, deep red lips and long semi-transparent orange hair that cascades down her back into a flame stream once the additional hair extension is attached.
The hair ends in a pool of flame at the figure’s feet, once assembled.
Starfire’s characteristic orange/tan skin makes her scant purple outfit stand out making it to appear to shine.
Attire includes a beaded neck and shoulder bracelet, over the breast purple strips culminating into a bikini bottom with gold buckle and a centered single red jewel.
The figure also wears twin lower arm bracelets and knee to toe purple boots.
A single gold medallion with a red jewel lies between her breasts.
Once assembled the fully articulated figure appears to hover in mid-air.
Both figures feature superb articulation points and carefully hidden by cloth and cybernetic parts.
