When Peter Jackson premiered his The Lord Of The Rings films Sideshow Collectibles was first in line to release licensed properties.
Sideshow produced a number of 12-inch, fully articulated figures inspired by the movie trilogy.
Aragorn as Strider the Ranger was one of the figures.
The figure comes in a special oversize Sideshow Collectibles box with twin gated flaps.
When opened the flaps reveal Aragorn and his impressive accessories and weapons cache.
The figure and accessories are encased in a form-fitting plastic cocoon with secure straps and are protected by a clear sheet of plastic for viewing. Also included is a sheet of tissue paper to protect the box flap panels from rubbing against the cocoon.
Aragorn’s face sculpt really captures the rugged, tired and weary look of the warrior. His dirty and oily hair hangs in strands down his face, beard stubble is present and the world-weary look of the figure’s eyes give the figure a well-traveled and worn appearance.
Aragorn’s facial features include a strong straight nose, deep set eyes, a stern purse to his lips and a square jaw.
Around his neck he wears a small silver chain.
His upper torso is covered by a white undergarment overlaid by a brown leather tunic consisting of rough and smooth sections of leather stitched together.
The rough tunic is secured in place by series of five leather strips down the front.
Over the tunic Aragorn wears a heavy, dark brown, leather overcoat with a small turned up collar, lower arm reinforcements for bow and weapon wear and cut-in cuffs that give his hands more freedom of movement when brandishing weapons. A belt for weapons is included.
His right hand is partially covered by a leather glove leaving his fingers free while his left hand is bare with a silver ring.
The figure comes with dark leather trousers and high top, pirate boots of brown with vertical and horizontal stitching. Weapons include a simple bow with leather string, a cluster of arrows with white feathers, an arrow sheathe with cross belt with buckles reinforement and a leather strap for carrying it over the figure’s shoulder.
A separate bedroll with tie offs, a silver dagger with leather handle, and an extra right hand with a ring for holding weapons are also included.
Aragon’s long sword with its silver pommel and segmented green grip and sheath decorated in gold and silver and wide brown leather carrying strap are also included.
A The Lord Of The Rings base with wire support helps when posing the figure.
Detailing on the weapons are extremely well done with lots of attention given to the sword and sheath and especially the straps, buckles, ties and other fasteners seen on all the weapon sheathing and bedroll.
Stitching on both the figure’s clothing and various carrying accessories are in scale and exact.
Clothing fits snug on the figure with no binding or bunching when the figure is posed. Clothing is easily removed and positioned.
Articulation of the figure allows it to pose in various action stances. The figure can hold and grasp each weapon without slippage.
Overall the Aragorn figure and accessories are stunning: well crafted, excellently executed and a perfect miniature duplicate of the full-size figure.
Do you have what it takes to outsmart an A.I.? Let’s hope so if humanity has any chance of surviving the supreme Link-6 @Ignister monster in Eternity Code! It’s human ingenuity against cold calculating artificial intelligence in an ultimate showdown
Konami’s new Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Eternity Code introduces some changes:
New Cards for Synchro, Xyz, and Fusion-based. New Cards for @Ignister, Ancient Warriors. Plunder Patroll! for easy access to the Extra Deck. @Ignister Link Monster is a Link-6 monster unaffected by all other Card effects and its ATK ranges from 3000 to 6000. New Cards for strategies from Rising Rampage, Chaos Impact, The Infinity Chasers, Fists of the Gadgets, and Mystic Fighters, plus the first Link-4 "Code Talker" and Dragonmaids! Duel Overload can pick up crucial Cards for Decks like Dinosaurs, Madolche, and Witchcrafters. General use Cards that can go into any Deck. A new Effect.
I’ve always been a big fan of Jack Kirby’s artwork. I first encountered it when he was drawing Marvel’s monster titles and really fell in love with his style during the Marvel Age of Comics starting with The Fantastic Four #1.
His pencils on The Fantastic Four and Thor were second to none. Besides drawing Jack also helped ‘write’ the stories since Stan Lee only gave him the basic storylines. Jack filled in the rest.
I loved it when he moved to DC Comics for his Fourth World series and even after he went independent and did work for smaller publishers.
When Jack Kirby returned to Marvel Comics after his DC Comics plans fell through in the mid-1970s, Stan Lee was sure to assign him titles that he could both draw and write. One such title was Black Panther. Kirby also contributed lots of covers for various titles.
In the series Jack basically ignored all the Black Panther storylines that came before and set about creating his own isolated Black Panther mythos.
A perfect example of this is in issue #8 where readers get to meet T’Challa’s (the Black Panther) family. And what a strange family they are.
No where else in the Marvel Universe are any of the family members referred to. In fact, a completely different family background is created for the Black Panther in the mainstream Marvel Universe.
That’s not to say the issue isn’t a fun read, it is, especially the beginning fight scene and the introduction of the issue’s villain. Kirby could still turn out some surprises.
It’s a unique take on the Black Panther with a Kirby twist.
Issue # 8 sells for around $4. Expect the issue to go up in value when the second Black Panther movie comes out.
With the sweeping galactic story lines inherent in the Star Trek Universe it’s very easy to bypass the small, pivotal and personal tales of various characters.
For insightful and close-up looks at some individuals and events that take place in the world of Star Trek: Discovery be sure to pick up a copy of Short Treks.
CBS/Paramount presents Short Treks-- a compilation of nine short tales comprising over three hours of content that also includes 50 minutes of special features.
There's even two animated Short Treks!
From Runaway to The Girls Who Made The Stars, Star Trek Short Treks delivers on so many levels. Also included is a featurette on the Making Of Short Treks.
Each Short Trek is accompanied by a special feature that really brings you into not only the world of Star Trek but also explores why and how each Short Trek was chosen and implemented.
My favorites are the first day Spock is on the Enterprise, the creation of the Tribbles and Harcourt Fenton Mudd's future adventures. This is a real DVD behind-the-scenes collection that succeeds in bringing characters and situations up close and personal.
It’s fun, informative and dare I say it, “Fascinating!”
After Jonny Quest my favorite Saturday morning cartoon of the 1960s was (and still is) Space Ghost.
Space Ghost, The Herculoids, The Impossibles, Birdman and other Hanna Barbera Saturday morning superhero fare glued me to our TV for half the day.
Over 20 years ago The Cartoon Network took old Space Ghost footage (and some new clips) and made Space Ghost a talk show MC. I was not amused. Don’t mess with Space Ghost!
But, one good thing did come out of the show.
Art Asylum and Toycom created a series of Space Ghost action figures starring Space Ghost and three of his dastardly villains: Zorak, Brak and Moltar.
The Limited Edition Collectible figures really capture the look of the animated characters.
The Space Ghost Coast-To-Coast action figure from Toycom duplicates Space Ghost to perfection.
Fully-articulated, the figure features Space Ghost attired in his classic white, black, yellow and red costume.
Check out his power belt, gauntlets, form-fitting cowl, and overly muscled physique.
Included with the bubble-pack figure are a desk, chair, index cards and an extra set of posable hands.
Pop this baby out of its bubble pack, pose it in a classic Space Ghost stance and utter his famous quote, “Space Ghost!”
Deathroke The Terminator was introduced in The New Teen Titans #2 and became an instant hit.
Since that time he has appeared in various DC Comics titles and animated series and as several action figures.
By far my favorite toy/action figures created of Deathstroke has to be DC Direct’sThe New Teen Titans Deathstroke Series 2.
This is the Deathstroke I love. He is clad in his fish scale chest armor, large orange belt with utility pouches and large silver buckle.
Also included on the figure are brown belt straps on both thighs, orange knee boots, orange full lower arm gloves, an ammo belt slung over his left shoulder and white eye patch covering his right eye.
Deathstroke's face sports his distinctive white goatee and wavy white hair.
The figure is full-articulated with easy to move joints with no binding.
Paint application is clean and crisp and the sculpting captures the rugged, determined look of Deathstroke. His features are sharp and almost gaunt.
Included with the fully posable figure are sword and a sawed off rifle. A base is also included.
Longtime fans of comic book penciller Arthur Adams started drawing comics when he was in his teens-rumor has it while he was still in high school. His first full comic book assignment was the Longshot mini-series for Marvel Comics.
From there he penciled a plethora of one-shots, mini-series, sort runs on monthly series, annuals and short stories in anthology series.
He is well known for his incredibly detailed illustrations and unique style.
If Adam draws it you know it will be good!
I had the privilege of meeting Adam a number of years ago and he is friendly, funny and absolutely loves Godzilla.
He also has a fondness for old monster movies, science fiction and fantasy.
A couple of decades ago Arthur produced a few one-shots for Dark Horse Comics.
One, appropriately enough, was The Godzilla Color Special.
Arthur’s love for Godzilla and all things Giant Japanese monsters shows through.
And talk about detail! You can see every scale on Godzilla’s body as well as his antagonist‘s. Be sure to check out the wraparound cover illustration.
Equally impressive is Arthur’s Creature Of The Black Lagoon movie adaptation.
It is a faithful adaptation of the film to comic book format and like Godzilla the book is jam-packed with incredibly detailed illustrations, totally unique character depictions and amazing location and object drawings.
For any Arthur Adams fan these are two examples of his greatest works really showcase his amazing talent.
There are two new 4K/Blu-ray/Digital Code, direct to video, animated movies just released by Warner Bros. Both are ‘R’ rated and filled with lots of action, fisticuffs, intrigue and more.
First up is a movie starring one of DC Comics most popular group of heroes.
Justice League Dark has created quite a buzz in the comic book community with their early appearances demand big bucks.
Consisting of some of DC Comics most memorable supernatural based characters with appearances by the original members of the Justice League the combined might of the heroes face off against DC’s greatest villain: Darkseid.
John Constantine joins the fray as the Justice League valiantly defends earth from Darkseid’s most recent attack. But will their powers be enough to stop him?
In the DC Universe Movie Justice League Dark Apokolips War heroes become villains, villains become allies and some are killed only to be reborn.
After the disastrous events in Flashpont timeline where the Flash went back in time to save the life of his mother nothing has been the same in the DC Universe.
Apokolips War is a direct result of the Flash’s interference in the timeline and ultimately it is up to him to make things right.
As Darkseid’s legion of Parademons (now genetically altered to take on Doomsday attributes) the earth has been conquered and ruled by the Dark God.
The surviving Justice League members, John Constantine and a few of DC’s supernatural heroes must unit to stop Darkseid and save mankind.
Look for betrayals, hidden agendas, unexpected revelations and a surprise ending.
This is the last DC Universe animated movie-taking place in the Flashpoint Universe.
Also included in this action packed package is a special DC Showcase Short about Adam strange.
Other extras include a Darkseid featurette, a commentary, three bonus cartoons and a sneak peek at the next DC animated movie.
In Mortal Kombat Legends Scorpion’s Revenge Hanzo Hasashi is resurrected as Scorpion, a lost soul under servitude to Quan Chi, to avenge the death of his family by Sub-Zero.
As the forces of Earthrealm and Outworld prepare to fight for the fate of both realms in Mortal Combat, things escalate to a fever pitch.
Warriors from the realms, plot, scheme and prepare for the battle to come.
Betrayals, false pretenses and deceptions all converge as the warriors make battle.
Many will die, some will be betrayed and ultimately the fates of both Earthrealm and Outworld will be determined.
Get ready for some spectacular martial arts combat, incredible powers, stunning visual effects and powerful soundtrack that combine to bring Mortal Combat direct to video.
It is the first Mortal Combat animated film to be produced in over 20 years.
Several featurettes about the making of the animated film are included as well as a character gallery, sound design, commentary and more.
It’s bone-crushing action and savage bloodletting combined with a pulse-pounding soundtrack that bring the video game to life.
I’m sorry to say I have not read any of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. So to review the new hardbound graphic novel collection of reprints from the original adaptation by Marvel Comics of Stephen King’s Dark Tower The Drawing Of The Three would not give the work justice.
I need to read the original novel or obtain the Marvel Comics series in order to give a proper context review.
What I can do is to review Gallery 13’sThe Drawing Of The Three Part 3 The Lady Of Shadows and Part 4 Bitter Medicine as standalone hardbound, slipcase compilations of the original Marvel series.
The books in of themselves are beautifully packaged with full color illustrated slipcovers, heavy paper stock and solid black book binding covers and high gloss inner pages that make the art pop.
Stephen King looked over the adaptation, Peter David provided the script, Robin Furth plotted and offered consultation, Jonathan Marks drew the beautiful illustrations, Lee Loughridge painted the color art and VC’s Joe Sabino lettered the words.
As an artist and graphic designer, former marketing director and teacher of computer graphics and drawing I can testify as to the high production standards these books demonstrate.
The images are haunting, the cover designs intriguing, the type unobtrusive and the adaptation of the novel is successfully condensed and broken down to tell the tale without compromising the original prose.
Stephen King fans are sure to love the adaptation and comic book collectors are sure to want to add them to their graphic novel collection.
There was a time when Wonder Woman was little more than a second string character in the DC Universe. Granted she is the original female super heroine and a unique creation.
But for years she played second fiddle to DC Comics’ two main heroes: Superman and Batman.
In her early career (especially during the Silver Age) Wonder Woman was often portrayed as a super powered lovesick damsel in distress. It was embarrassing!
She’s an Amazon Princess for crying out loud! She‘s every bit as powerful as Superman-maybe more so in some areas, and her intelligence and command of tactical combat equals that of Batman.
Thankfully over the last two or three decades the comic book community has taken notice of Wonder Woman and she has been elevated to the status she deserves.
With the advent of her first movie, and soon a second, Wonder Woman has proven herself to be a draw for adoring fans-male and female alike.
She is the ‘original’ strong, competent and resourceful woman. Is it any wonder Gloria Steinem considers her the face of feminism?
DC Direct’sSeries 1 action figures set based on Terry Dodson’s drawings really capture the Amazon Princess at her best.
Donna Troy as Wonder Woman features Wonder Woman’s younger ‘sister’ as a temporary replacement for Diana Prince: Wonder Woman.
Unique from the original Wonder Woman with her own distinct costume, Donna Troy looks stunning.
The full-articulated figure comes attired in twin-layer silver shoulder armor, black upper arm bands, silver gauntlets golden armor with a silver lower W accent and leather strip skirt with gold rivets.
She also wears silver knee guards, tri-level golden boots, a gold tiara with red star and silver elbow guards.
Donna Troy also carries a golden lasso and wears a large cape with exterior red and interior white.
A large ornate sword is also included and a red, black and yellow base.
Her long black hair halos Troy’s face. Her bright blue eyes stand out against her red lips, flesh color is smooth and color separation and sculpting details are crisp, sharp and nicely executed.
Circe, the villainess who steals Donna Troy’s powers, is one of Wonder Woman’s top nemesis.
The fully articulate, 6-inch figure is the most colorful of the four figures n the set.
Circle’s shocking red hair blows wildly over her left side, cascading over her black head and neck coverings.
She wears a long flowing purple cape and waist frontispiece.
Black shoulder armor, black corset, full arm gloves and form-fitting leggings that culminate in black boots give the figure a sinister slant.
A colorful waist decoration, weapon pouch and black handle silver sickle complete her entourage.
Only Circe’s upper arms and part of her chest and face are armor and cloth free.
Her shapely face has a small nose, upswept eyebrows, golden eyes and red lips.
Of all the figure’s Circe is the most colorful and elaborate. Articulation is almost invisible, hidden by the figure’s clothing and armor.
Paint application is clean, precise and colorful.
The figure has no slopover edges, rough articulation points overlays and easily stands on its base.
The Agent Diana Prince figure depicts Wonder Woman as a special law enforcement agent after she renounced her Wonder Woman title.
Diana is dressed in a form-fitting white and light blue outfit. The garments neck and upper chest, arm gauntlets, lower torso side strips and boots all are light blue.
Padded shoulder pads, white gloves, a single body suit front zipper, weapon shoulder straps and a utility belt with ammo and equipment pouches make up the balance of Diana’s outfit.
Her long black tresses are tied back and her bright blue eyes are shielded by silver sunglasses with red lens.
Included with the figure are twin collapsible fighting rods and a red, yellow and black bases emblazoned with the name Wonder Woman.
This is a truly stunning figure that really captures the grace, stature and dignity of Diana Prince in her civilian disguise.
Like all the other figures in the set articulation is amazing, easy to move and with no binding or loose fits.
Color application is perfect especially on her outfit and her face and features.
All of the Wonder Woman packaging consists of a bubble pack that can hang or sit on a shelf. It consists of a heavy paper stock backing with an illustration of Wonder Woman and an inner cocoon sleeve that keeps the figures cradled and protected.
The full view clean bubble pack also allows collectors to view the figures without any obstruction.
The prime figure in the collection is Diana as Wonder Woman decked out in her red, white, blue and gold outfit. Absolutely beautiful!
Diana has her hair down, is wearing her characteristic tiara, Wonder Woman (WW) insignia in gold on her chest and waist with white stars on a blue background trunk bottom, red bustier, silver gauntlets, red and white boots and her golden lasso.
Like all the figures, Wonder Woman can hold her accessories easily and firmly and articulation allows the figure to pose in various action stances.
Diana’s face is the real attraction with her striking blue eyes, red lips, chiseled features and strong and determined expression. Flesh tones are topnotch as are the various colors on the figure with crisp edges complementing the excellent sculpt.
Charles Dickens is one of the world's most beloved writers.
Every kid has thrilled to the story of A Christmas Carol and adults have been enraptured by his tales of Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield and others over the centuries.
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and artist Jannicke Hansen and writer Angela McAllister have adapted many of Dicken’s tales so that children may enjoy them in A World Full Of Dickens Stories.
Dickens's classics Oliver Twist, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Tale Of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Great Expectations, Nicholas Nickleby and Hard Times have been lovingly adapted for young minds.
The hardbound book has a very Edwardian/Victorian feel with its heavy cover stock, copper foil type and period cover illustrations in color.
Inside the period appearing illustrations serve to move the stories along and are sure to be a delight for young eyes.
It’s a wonderful collection of classics successfully updated and simplified so that young readers can enjoy them.
I really like the look and feel of the book. The illustrations are delightful and the text is simple, concise and successfully captures the prose of Dickens.
Back in the late 1970s and the early 1980s the Direct Sales Market was just starting to go full swing.
It allowed comic book publishers to sell direct to the consumer through comic books shops thus cutting out the middle man-the newsstand distributor and the costly return policy.
Comic shops could buy comics at a discount with the understanding that once bought there were no returns.
Comic books publishers loved the concept and shop owners had more control over what they ordered and how much that best fit their clientele. In 1983 a small publisher out of Texas (Texas Comics) had big plans and was slated to start a full-fledge comic book company.
Unfortunately finances and a licensing snafu ended the company after only one comic book being published: Justice Machine Annual.
What makes this issue so important is not only the appearances of the Justice Machine and guest stars the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents but a new feature that would continue under the Comico publishing banner.
That title, written and drawn by Bill Willingham, was The Elementals.
This is the same Bill Willingham that would go on to win accolades and awards with his outstanding script work on DC’s Fables and other titles.
The Elementals were a group of superheroes whose powers (you guessed it) came from the four basic elements: fire, water, air and earth.
It was a great concept and very controversial in its own right when it first published. It was by all definitions an adult comic book.
As popular as the Aliens movies were there was not a lot of merchandising when they came out.
There were some toys, a few collectibles and the like but very little in print.
In 1988 Dark Horse Comics published a six-apart, black and white Aliens comic book series with art by Mark A. Nelson and a script written by Mark Verheiden.
The story involved Newt, the young girl last seen in Aliens, as a woman and the reappearance of her worse nightmare--the Aliens.
It’s a taut, terrifying tale that successfully translates the horror story in space genre made popular by the various Alien movies.
As much as I love comic books there are times when I wish they were the same 10-cent Golden Age tales published specifically for kids.
There was something charming and feel good about many of the stories, especially Walt Disney based stories.
For a mere 25-cents kids could purchase the Dell Giant Stories, Walt Disney’s Christmas Parade edition that included tales starring all of Disney’s stable of characters including Donald Duck and his nephews, Goofy, Mickey Mouse Minnie Mouse, Chip and Dale, Gyro Goose and other licensed characters like Pinocchio and others.
Even old Saint Nick showed up.
There were puzzles, activates and other fun things kids could also do.
It’s a wonderful slice of nostalgia when things were simpler, more family oriented and consisted of good, clean wholesome fun.
I first encountered Astro Boy sometime back in the 1960s in my home state of Michigan.
I was flipping through the TV stations (all four of them) and come across a cartoon that I did not recognize.
It looked different than the normal Saturday morning cartoon fare. It featured a boy robot with incredible powers. For some reason the robot’s mouth movements did not always match what he was saying. I found out later that his voice had been dubbed in English from the original Japanese.
Astro Boy, known in Japan as Mighty Atom, is a Manga series written and drawn by Osamu Tezuka.
The Manga was produced for TV as Astro Boy, the first popular animated Japanese television Anime. The 1963 series was a big hit on TV in Japan and the United States.
Astro Boy is an android with human emotions who was created by Umataro Tenma after the death of his son. Astro Boy is adopted and has a robotic family of his own.
In 2004 Bandai released an Astro Boy set of six-inch action figures.
The Astro Boy Arm Cannon Astro is a clever, fully articulated figure that matches both the look, color palette and unique look of the original Astro Boy.
Astro Boy’s features include his spiked hair, large expressive black eyes, small, button nose and low set ears match the original.
The figure is dressed in a green and black pair of trunks and has Astro Boy’s characteristic oversize red knee boots.
The articulation and coloring on the toy is topnotch with no rough edges, clean crisp lines and the figures is easy to pose and position with no binding or stiffness.
Included with the figure are two left hands-one clenched and one open. They slide over the figure’s left arm hiding the light up arm cannon.
It can be activated by the push of a button on the back of the figure’s head.
The packaging is as colorful as the figure with a large Astro Boy blue and gray logo, a oblong and a plastic bubble that protects the figure nestled in its form-fitting cocoon.
A special Astro Boy trading card is also included.
A similar package holds the Atlas figure.
Atlas is also fully articulated with clever and hidden points of articulation in the waist, arms, legs and torso.
The Atlas figure comes dressed in heavy red and blue armor with oversize shoulder pads, large blue gauntlets with gloves and oversize blue knee boots with knew protrusions and red over the boot straps.
A series of blue circuit lines cover the figure’s chest and torso and large electrodes decorate the blue and red helmet.
Atlas's eyes are oversize and his nose, lips and face look angular.
Additional translucent blue lightning bolts attach to the figure's helmet and its eyes light up when a button on the back of its head is pushed. A trading card is also included.
It’s a cleverly designed figure with excellent details, slick articulation and cool lightning bolt attachments.
From Konami comes Yu-Gi-Oh! Speed Duel Starter Decks: Match of the Millennium & Twisted Nightmares.
Duel to rule in an exciting new facet of YGO that challenges each player to strategize, play to win and completely obliterate their opponent.
Match of the Millennium & Twisted Nightmares each contain: 2 fully customizable Decks. 4 brand-new Skill Cards. 2 Ultra Rare Variant Cards.
Yugi and Pegasus face off Match of the Millennium. 31-card Deck that can be modified. Each character having access to 2 brand-new Skill.
Twisted Nightmares pits two masters of the Shadow Realm against each other. Two 30-card Decks. 2 brand-new Skill Cards infused with the power of signature Spell Cards.
Match of the Millennium contains: 1 x 31-Card Yugi Deck 1 x 31-Card Pegasus Deck 4 Skill Cards 2 Ultra Rare Variant Cards Twisted Nightmares contains: 1 x 30-Card Bakura Deck 1 x 30-Card Marik Deck 4 Skill Cards 2 Ultra Rare Variant Cards
Set Sizes: 68 for Match of the Millennium 66 for Twisted Nightmares
Have you ever picked up a comic book and immediately upon reading was struck as to how much fun it was?
That’s what I experienced with I picked up a copy of Sirius Comics’ Akiko #1.
The comic book reminded me a great deal of some of the more popular Japanese Anime and Manga.
The art was simple but effective, the characters interesting and original and the story drew you in.
Akiko #1 took up where the Akiko graphic novel left off.
Akiko had returned to earth after her adventures on the planet Smoo.
She was settled in her daily life but still yearned for the adventures she had on Smoo.
When an ice cream truck appeaed in her neighborhood she, like all kids, rushed to get her goodies.
When Akiko arrived at the truck she recognized the driver. It was King Frop of Smoo with Bip and Bop and they had come to ask her to return to Smoo to see the Prince who missed her.
Akiko agreed and boarded the ice cream truck, which was actually a spacecraft.
She arrived on Smoo where there was widespread destruction. They rushed to Poog and Mr. Beeba and discovered that the King’s archenemy Alia Rellapor had kidnapped the Prince.
The King stayed behind and the rest set out to rescue him but not before they picked up Spuckler and his robot sidekick Gax.
Once Spuckler was aboard they set off only to come across Sky Pirates and were shot down crashing into the sea! And was all in the first issue!
An additional Spuckler & Gax short story was also included.
Akiko is a delightful story that both kids and adults will enjoy. It’s filled with all sorts of strange characters and locations and moves along at a nice pace with plenty of intrigue and adventure.
Issues can be bought for little more than cover price on Ebay and Amazon, save for the graphic novel and first couple of issue of the series.
In an attempt to enter the miniature superhero gaming sector Mattel Toys came up with a series of figure 2-packs.
However, Mattel dropped out of the gaming arena and instead introduced a new series of 2-pack VS. Fighting Figures in its DC Universe selection of toys.
While the figures are not 6-inch action figures they also are not as small as the HeroClix line of game figures.
The 3-inch figures are static and feature some nice sculpts and painting despite their small size.
The figures come two in clear plastic bubble packs with the DC Universe indicia and a gallery of the figures’ photos on the set on the backs.
After some research it appears only the first set of five 2-packs were produced. It’s too bad because the planned sets of figures look amazing.
Two-Face VS. Batman has the two facing off against each other. Two-Face holds an oversize scarred coin over his head ready to fling at Batman.
Batman comes with a special oversize Batarang launcher held high in his right hand.
Who will strike first? Will Two-Face fling his coin or will Batman take out Two-Face with his Batarang?
Push Two-Face’s switch or Batman’s button to see who wins the deadly match. Both figures come on special bases.
The Catwoman VS. Batman set sees Cabwoman about to launch into the air toward Batman. All it takes is the flip of her base stand.
Batman is ready to deliver the final blow. Hold him back and let him go and POW!, Catwoman is out for the count.
Batgirl takes on the maniacal Joker with his tongue-smashing weapon. One push of a button and a giant tongue lashes out and knocks over whoever is in its way.
Batgirl leaps into action and with a simple twist she delivers a knock out punch. And that’s no joke!
Two-Face is at again and this time his target is Robin The Boy Wonder. His weapon of choice is an oversize Tommy Gun that he whips into a front shot position by spring loaded action.
Robin counters with his Batarang launching golden super gun. Push the button and Two-Face is one down and out crook.
Superman joins the fray as he takes on the dastardly Darkseid in a battle of the titans.
Watch Superman as he flies straight at Darkseid with a flip his clear suspension stand.
Darkseid barely has time to react with his overhead swing of a giant piece of machinery. It’s metal against The Man Of Steel!
All five of the figure sets feature expertly crafted miniature figures. The sculpting is topnotch considering the diminutive size of the figures.
Paint application is especially impressive again because of the size of the figures.
Weapons and accessories are cleverly engineered and activate with no problem.
It’s a shame that future figures were not produced. I would have liked to have seen The Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, Lex Luthor, Scarecrow, The Penguin and Harley Quinn in action.
After John Byrne left The Uncanny X-Men as pecillier and co-scripter due to editorial and butting heads with fellow scripter Chris Claremont, Marvel Comics granted his request to pencil and write The Fantastic Four.
John’s run has been sited by a majority of FF fans as the best run on the title since Jack Kirby and Stan Lee held the creative reins.
I have to agree. Byrne’s FF is one of my favorite runs on the title.
His stories really fit the cosmic/science/adventure feel as originated by Kirby and Lee.
All of the stories were a blast to read, a joy to look at and just plain fun.
But, there are a few issues that are especially outstanding and I’m going to mention three.
In issue #244 Johnny Storm’s girlfriend Frankie agrees to become the new herald of Galactus in order to save the earth.
Frankie had already discovered she had ‘flame on’ capabilities like Johnny.
After agreeing to herald for Galactus, and abandoning her romance with Johnny she becomes a cosmic powered, super-version of her former fiery self. As Nova she completely loses her humanity.
It’s heartbreaking breakup story as far as Johnny goes, a shock that she would cavalierly cast off her humanity and relationship with Johnny and agree to become the herald for Galactus.
In issue #249 the FF faces off against the Gladiator: Praetor of the Imperial Guard of the Sh’iar Empire, in a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Man of Steel: Superman.
Gladiator is tricked into believing that his race’s enemy the Skrulls are masquerading as the FF and he attacks the real FF.
In an interesting examination of what it means to be ‘super’ the FF defeat Gladiator in the next issue by discovering his powers are mentally based, not completely physical based as believed.
Ironically John would soon take up the creative reigns of DC Comics' Superman after a spat with Marvel.
Jean Grey returns in issue #286 after the FF examine a strange solid white cocoon discovered by The Avengers in the same body of water Jean supposedly transformed into the Phoenix.
Taking the cocoon back to Reed's lab Jean returns unaware of the passage of time since she ‘transformed’ into Phoenix.
As it turns out she was never the Phoenix but placed in hibernation when the Phoenix force took her place.
This is one of several ‘returns’ of Jean Grey.
All three issues are landmark issues and receive far less attention than they deserve.
“I’m sick of this game!“ Or am I ‘sick from this game?’
It seems only appropriate being that everyone is quarantined at home because of the Covid 19 Virus that we should use some of our time to play a game about viruses.
Goliath Games’Virus! card game pits players against each other in a who will survive and rapid-fire game of organs versus virus.
Players get three cards each. On some of the cards are pictures of healthy body organs. The first player to get four different healthy body organs wins the game.
But here’s the catch; other players are trying to infect you, cause organ failure, neutralize or even cause your organs to fail completely.
It’s sick against well in a race to see who manages to survive.
Fortunately there are medicine cards and treatments cards (be careful they may cause more harm than good).
Pick up and discard cards and hope you outwit, outlast and survive while the other players try the same.
Being sick has never been so much fun. Try Virus!, it’s a ‘healthy’ way to spend your time while stuck at home.
The high-end figure manufacturer Tonner came out with a series of oversize characters based on DC Comics.
The Batmanfigure Tonner produced is based on the classic blue and gray uniform Batman dominate in the Silver and Bronze Ages of comic books.
The Tonner Batman figure stands 17 inches tall and is fully articulated and has lifelike features, slight variation skin tones and actual fibers for hair.
The head sculpt is the most distinctive feature of the figure with its bright blue eyes, chiseled features, full neck articulation and skin tone variations.
The hands look lifelike and twists at the wrists, as do the feet at the ankles.
The entire figure easily poses in various action positions made possible by the accompanying stand and wire support.
The blue and gray uniform is real cloth that fits snuggly and perfectly over the figure with plenty of extra fabric around the various articulation points like the knees and elbows to allow the figure to move freely.
Included with the premium figure are blue Batman gloves that slide over the figures’ hands and fit securely on the lower arms. Flexible blue knee boots made of vinyl and plastic slide onto the figure’s legs. The boots include working zippers.
The Batman cowl pulls over the head and features white out eyes and short tapered ears.
A Bat Symbol against a yellow oval decorates the chest of the figure and a yellow Utility Belt with gold buckle wraps around the figure’s waist securing the blue tights in place.
A full Bat Cape is also included that attaches to the shoulders and is held in place by the Cowl.
Packaging for the figure is a large black lidded box with the DC Stars logo on its lower front.
The figure is held securely in place with linen ribbons, soft foam sheets and the head is covered with a mesh to keep the hair in place.
Bubble packing covers the lower legs.
The boots, cowl, cape, and gloves come in plastic bags secured to the inside of the box as are stand and wire support frame.
The entire contents of the box are covered by tissue paper for protection.
The Tonner Batman figure is a high-end collectible and currently goes for about $250.
Unfortunately Tonner went out of business in late 2018. Look for Tonner dolls to escalate in price due to their rarity.
Marvel Comics’Captain America has been around before the United States entered World War II.
He was one of Timely Comics (Marvel Comics’ original name) ‘Big 3’ which consisted of Captain America, The Human Torch and The Submariner.
He has gone through a lot of changes. Probably more than any other Marvel Comics superhero.
He’s been by himself and with a partner, taken on other identities such as The Captain and Nomad, he’s become an Avenger, joined S.H.I.E.L.D., traveled to other worlds and other times, watched good friends die and yet through it all he has managed to stay true to himself and to his ideals.
A couple of Captain America issues that that until recently were common issues have suddenly sparked new interest in the comic book community.
In issue #341, from 1988, Cap (as The Captain) is seen fighting Iron Man on the comic book’s cover.
It is typical Marvel fare-meaning it’s not what it appears to be face value. Nothing is outstanding about the story-it’s a fun read but nothing earth shattering.
It’s the second tale that has attracted so much attention.
Cap’s black sidekick, Lamar, who took on the mantle of Bucky, has donned a new costume after Cap regains his Captain America attire.
He wears a red, white and blue outfit complete with a large star on his chest and a triangular shield-much like Cap’s original.
His new name is Battle Star-’nuff said!’
Ten years later in 1998 after Marvel Comics had worked out its bankruptcy problems and reestablished itself, Captain America was given his own ‘new’ series beginning with issue #1 of Steve Roger Captain America: part of the Heroes Return relaunch.
In the issue Cap travels to Japan and takes on Lady Deathstrike.
Cap’s change of location places him in an unfamiliar environment while he takes on a new threat he is unaccustomed to.
It’s interesting to see Cap’s initial reaction of being in Japan considering he fought the Japanese in WWII.
It’s a classic fish out of water story by writer Mark Waid and artist Ron Garney.
Back in the mid-1980s and into the 1990s comic book creator Brian Pulido struck gold when he created Evil Ernie The Homicidal Clown and his Smiley Face Button companion.
Evil Ernie became so popular that Brian tried his hand at creating other offbeat and evil characters with such creations as Lady Death, Purgatori and a plethora of other bad guys and even a few good guys.
So popular became the characters that Brian headed up his own to company called Eternal Toys in partnership with Diamond Select Toys and Art Asylum to make action figures based on his popular characters.
As with other toy manufacturers at that time quality, detail and articulation ruled. Eternal Toys lived up to each demanding category and churned out some truly outstanding figures such as Purgatori, Chastity, Jade and Lucifer.
Each figure came packaged in a clear bubble pack that could either hang or stand on display.
The packaging consisted of a hell flame background attached to a clear plastic display bubble. The figures were cradled in form-fitting cocoons.
A large Dark Alliance logo decorated the upper right while the name of the contained figure was in the lower right
The Jade figure was dressed in a slinky green kimono with a slit extending down from her right hip to mid-calve. Gold piping decorated the bottom of the dress near the hem and on the lower flared sleeves.
Her ample figure nearly burst out of kimono as evident by her bosom and belly that were partially exposed straining at the golden strands holding the dress together.
Her slightly off yellow skin belied her Asian ancestry. The figure was fully articulated with full appendage and waist and neck joints most of which were barely discernible. Her distinctive Asian features were accented by red lips, iris less eyes and large black sweeping eyebrows. On her head she wore a golden headdress with various wing protrusions.
Long black tresses of hair cascaded all the way down past her feet to tumble on the floor.
Jade had long tapered fingers with black fingernails. The figure also included a large translucent green dragon with working arms and jaw.
Chastity sported a short brown pageboy haircut, large red lips, heavily mascaraed eyes and a skin tight bustier of leather, a leather collar with silver accents and spiked shoulder pads.
She wore long black gloves, low slung black pants and visible thong underwear in black.
Her pale skin was accented by her black attire including black leather hip boots with silver toes and decorations.
Included with the figure were a three-prong leather bolo with silver balls, seven wooden stakes, a leather ammo belt, two large knives and an extra right hand for holding the weapons.
The Purgatori was the most revealing figure with her red skin barely covered by a gold and black thong bikini, snake coil thigh decorations, black and gold gauntlets, cobra knee boots with snake coils and high heels and a large Egyptian necklace.
Her twin horns were accented by golden rings and her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders framing her fang-like teeth, black lips and piercing iris less eyes.
Her hands sported black fingernails and her toes black toenails.
Purgatori’s large red, bat wings were open and were almost the length of her body.
A skull handle whip and an extra right hand for holding it were also included.
The largest of the Series I figures was Lucifer.
The Master of Hell was a massive heavy figure all in deep blood red.
His huge chest and torso bulged with muscles, tendons and veins.
His bald head sported long segmented horns, a large gaping mouth, a heavy brow, irisless eyes and a bearded chin.
Both his hands and feet had large discolored nails that looked like claws.
He wore a large cryptic necklace, oversize hanging waist decor and also had a large vertebra-like tail that culminated in a skull with a silver trident.
A real chain held three decapitated human heads, two of which have hair.
All the figures were excellent sculpts with lots of tight articulation, clean multi-tone paint application, incredible detail and accessories.
I especially like Jade’s dragon, Lucifer’s chain of heads, Purgatori’s wings and Chastity’s arsenal.
Figures range from $25 to $50 in their packages-if you can find them. As time passes the availability of the figures is growing scarce and the prices are escalating.
