Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle Of Rum!--Blackbeard The Pirate

For a short period Sideshow Collectibles expanded its 12-inch action figure line to included historical, military and classic TV characters.

One such historical character they released as part of Sideshow’s Live By The Sword series was Captain Edward Teach “Blackbeard The Pirate”.

Eight figures were created for the series, the regular 12-inch Blackbeard The Pirate being one of them.  A separate Prestige version was also released.

I’m a big fan of pirates.  There’s something about their freewheeling and scallywag ways that appeal to me.

I love Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean films and many of the early pirate films Hollywood turned out in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

Sideshow has done an excellent job of capturing the buccaneer bad boy Blackbeard decked out in his pirate regalia.

The Blackbeard figure is one of the most elaborate figures Sideshow had created early in its company’s history.  It really is remarkable in its costuming and accessories.

Starting with the face sculpt the figure features a remarkable degree of detail.

The figure wears a tri-corner brown hat with twin rows of silver piping all around it and a large red ribbon.

Blackbeard wears a bandana underneath.  His long hair is braided in gray and ends in blunted ends with embers that smoke to intimidate his crew and enemies.

He has a long mustache and an equally long beard.  His beard has four braids ending in bright red ribbons-emulating red embers.

Blackbeard’s face s a study in fury with his heavy black eyebrows, scowling eyes, wrinkled brow and mouth agape with jagged discolored teeth.

His beard flows over his chest and he wears a red buccaneer coat with large upturned cuffs with three gold buttons each.

His coat hangs open and goes past his waist.  

A long row of gold buttons cascade down the front right of the coat and two large pockets with flaps also has gold buttons.

Over the coat two leather belts crisscross over his chest.  They hold the three ornate single shot pistols.  Attached to one belt is a brown ammo/powder container with a single brass button.

All three pistols sport wooden handles and elaborate silver firing mechanisms.
 

One firearm (more like a small rifle/blunderbuss) is larger than three pistols.    It also is of wood and metal.

The three pistols attach to the leather straps and the larger firearm is tucked in his looped belt with gold buckle.

Underneath his coat Blackbeard wears a light brown tunic with a row of gold buttons.  It appears to be made of a rough fabric almost like burlap.

His pantaloons are of a similar fabric only they are a light brown and end mid-calve.

Under the pantaloons he wears burgundy socks /inner pants.  His shoes are dark brown, almost black, and have large discolored buckles.

Also included with the figure is a large curved sword with a large wood and metal pommel and guard.  It is blood splattered.  

The figure and accessories are secured in a clear plastic cocoon and covered by a clear plastic sheet for viewing.

The box holding the figure showcases Blackbeard on its front and its lid opens up to reveal the figure and accessories.

Figure articulation is smooth, easy to pose and allows the figure to easily stand on its own.  The figure’s hands are well suited to hold the weapons and the fabrics slide smoothly over the figure with no resistance.

Folds and stitching look natural, as does the fit of the various articles of clothing.

It’s a remarkable figure with outstanding accessories.

Take a moment to look at the details on the weapons and the clothing.  Each and every button has a corresponding buttonhole and the belts actually function.

The price of this figure continues to rise over the years.  Currently the figure goes for $200+.

Teenage Trouble!--Zits Screentime

Back when I was a teenager screentime referred to the amount of time an actor or actress was on the screen of ether a movie or TV show.

My, times have changed.  Screentime is now available to everyone via cell phones to laptops and any other form of social media.

Selfies, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, websites-screentime is rampant and it  continues to grow.

In Zits Screentime, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, the creators of the comic strip Zits examine what screentime means as it pertains to today.

In the middle of it all is their main character Jeremy along with his friends and family.  The comics strip collection of dailies and Sunday strips takes a good long hilarious look at what it means to be a teenager today and how social media has affected every generation.

Look for some truly laugh out moments as the collection looks at junk drawers, teenagers’ insatiable appetites, online ticket sales, the generation gap, modern movies and much more.

It’s a clever collection of comic strips that pit today’s youth against their not so hip parents.

Discover what happens when the analog generation tries to cope in the Digital Age.

An Inexpensive Alternative--Boxes For Storage Of Collectibles From Uline

I’m a collector: comic books, toys, diecast, trading cards, etc., I collect it.

As a writer of pop culture reviews you may imagine just how much merchandise I receive to review.  I love it!

But, where and how do I store it all?  Where is in whatever space I can find in my house or garage.  How is in boxes.

But specialized storage boxes for collectibles can get expensive.

But here is an inexpensive solution.

Uline, a premiere box/container/package manufacturer has an excellent selection of storage containers and they are a lot less expensive than specialized hobby collectibles containers.

Recently Uline sent me two items: a 15 X 9 X 11" magazine storage box with a lid.  It arrived flat but in just a few moments I assembled both the box and lid and had it ready to store some of my magazines, comic books and other publications.

It’s a sturdy box, stackable and just the right size for my needs.

For normal storage I also received a Uline’s 15 X 12 X 10" Economy Storage File Box.  It also shipped flat and with a few simple fold I had all the flaps secured and ready for storage.

It just so happens that it is the perfect size for deluxe 12-inch action figure boxes, easily storing three to a box.

Of course both boxes can be used for various storage need from antiques, collectibles, paperwork, household goods-you choose.

Uline has a huge selection of storage containers made from cardboard to plastic.  The prices are some in the best in the industry.

If you’re choosey about how you spend your money and want more bang for your buck then Uline’s storage boxes and containers fit the bill.

Skrullduggery: Fantastic Four Annual #17

Have you ever wonder what ever happened the Skrulls that Mr. Fantastic hypnotized and had them change into cows way back in the early days of the FF?

Read on and you’ll be shocked what happened.

Sharon Selleck, longtme friends of Julie who is Johnny Storm’s current girl, borrowed Julie’s car and subsequently breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

She tries to wave down a passerby with no luck.  So, she decides to hoof it to a nearby town-a town surrounded by a large chain link fence.  She climbs the fence and discovers a stage crop of plants being fed by---milk?

Soon after she is captured by some local townsfolk straight out of L’il Abner.  They take her back to town where she checks in with the police and gets a hotel room’

And then strange things begin to happen.  She explores the town and the next day calls her friend Julie.  In the middle of the conversation the line goes dead.  

Later Sharon sneaks out of town to find a phone booth and to call the Fantastic Four hoping to talk to Johnny Storm-the line goes dead.

Julie contacts Johnny and he convinces the rest of the Fantastic Four to investigate.

They go to the town, but no Sharon.  But, there is a town filled with people who transform into hideous monsters and attack.

It seems the Skrulls who were turned into cows and were ‘milked’ passed on their shape changing ability via the milk to the townsfolk-who have plans for the shape-changing milk-big plans.

What fun story.  Adventure, hints of horror, mystery, monsters, missing persons-what’s not to like?

John Byrne both wrote and drew The Fantastic Four Annual #17 from Marvel Comics and as always delivered a greet story.

Phantom Of The Opera: Masque Of The Red Death

Lon Chaney Sr., the man of a thousand faces. first starred as cinema’s Phantom Of The Opera.  Since then several adaptations both on TV and movies have adapted the operatic horror Story.

The story has also been adapted as a successful musical play generating several top songs and bringing a haunting love story into the mix.

Sideshow Toys/Collectibles created a fully articulated 12-inch figure of the famous Phantom.

A flip open lid box holds the figure and accessories secured in a form fitting clear plastic cocoon and protected by a clear display panel.

I’m not sure which is more frightening the Phantom’s dead white distorted face or the grotesque mask he wears as the Masque Of The Red Death.

The Phantom’s face is a twisted, distorted and horrific visage with pulled back lips, long white teeth, a drawn up nose with large nostrils and deep set eyes etched with deep shadows and his high forehead barely covered by black receding hair.

His mask is a skull with a huge number of teeth emphasizing its grisly grin, a white bone nose and deep sunken eyes with high cheekbones and oversize brows.

The Phantom’s solid red outfit is an impressive example of down-scaling clothing from its stitching to it ruffles and fit.

The figure wears a short waist jacket with puffed sleeves at the shoulder, ruffles at the neck, a cinched waist and fold over lapel.

The coat’s sleeves are cuffless and fit tightly to the wrists.

The waistline of the coat tapers over the red puffed bloomers that have large folded pleats that are cinched at the just above the knees.

The Phantom wears red tights that end at the ankles and red leather jester shoes that curl slightly at the top.

He also comes with a large rim black hat with a huge red plume of feathers.

The figure looks even more menacing when it holds it large silver and black serpentine staff with a skull pommel.

A cobblestone base is included with a small tab that fits into the figure’s foot holding it in place.

Articulation is smoothly and unencumbered by the clothing with no binding.

Clothing folds, pleats and wrinkles appear normal and the entire outfit fits the figure perfectly.

The Phantom's hand holds the staff without slippage and his large hat fits snug over his head.

Rage Of Ra

Whenever I hear the word Ra I always think of a high school football cheer, ‘Ra, Ra, Sis Boom Bah!”

In the case of Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Legendary Duelists Rage Of Ra the phrase does not apply.  Or does it?

I suppose a good ‘Ra!’ might signify a win when playing YGO.

I know, I know, I’m stretching it!

With 5 Cards per Booster Foil Pack and 36 Packs per Box, Rage Of Ra is something to celebrate!  Especially when there’s a Ghost Rare God Card!

It’s time to delve into the realm of Darkness.

Yugi faces his final foe in the Battle City Tournament: Marik Ishtar, famed leader of the Rare Hunters and master of The Winged Dragon of Ra!

Seven new Cards in this Set offer the impossible.  Are you brave enough to take the chance to acquire them?

The Set contains 57 Cards:

1 Ghost Rare
9 Ultra Rares
8 Super Rares
10 Rares
30 Commons

Alan Moore's Classic: Swamp Thing #50

Leave it to writer Alan Moore to take readers on a very ‘British’ tour of Hell and the afterlife.

In July of 1986 Swamp Thing joined in the ultimate battle between good and evil (light and shade).

Accompanying him were John Constantine, Zatanna, The Phantom Stranger, The Demon, a host of recognizable supernatural figures, Mento and more.

Look for Cain and Abel, The Spectre, Doctor Fate, Sargon and Deadman.

Artist Bissette, Veitch and Totleben provided the incredible art for one the strangest, scariest, unusual and unexpected journeys ever attempted in comic books.

It’s a stunning and disturbing tale made all the more intriguing by the art.  

The classic story typifies the incredible talent of Alan Moore’s ability to write stories unlike anything seen in comic books before.

DC Comics celebrated the anniversary of the 50th issue of the ground-breaking Swamp Thing comic book.  It was Swamp Thing by Moore and artists that ushered in the Vertigo line of comic books from DC.

Near mint raw copies go for around $20 and slabbed for $60.

James Bond's First Film Adversary: Dr. No

Joseph Wiseman played the very first James Bond cinematic bad guy.

In the first James Bond film: Dr. No, James is pitted against a German/Chinese madman who seeks to disrupt the Project Mercury space program of the United States.

Dr. No belongs to the secret criminal organization SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion).

Dr. No set the standard by which Bond villains would be portrayed.  Egotistical, self confident and totally ruthless, he is nonetheless a gentleman, sophisticated and brilliant.

The Dr. No film set the template for future Bond adventures with lots of action, Bond’s gambling, womanizing and man of the world persona.

While the action and suspense built slowly the movie soon kicks into high gear as Bond meets Honey Ryder (she would provide the template for future Bond girls), mixes it up with the C.I.A. (and introduces his long time associate Felix Leiter) and comes face-to-face with the infamous Dr. No.

Along the way Bond kills an assassin, debugs a room, avoids a poisonous spider, takes part in a car chase, blows up things and gets the girl.

The Sideshow Collectibles Dr. No figure comes in a flip lid box with inner figure protective cocoon and clear plastic viewing panel.  The figure is held in place by plastic straps.

The cover of the box recreates the original theatrical Dr. No poster while on the back photos from the film and action shots of the Dr. No and James Bond figures are displayed.

The Dr. No figure duplicates the Germanic/Asian features of the Dr. including his sharp nose and chin, slightly slanted eyes, deep set black eyes, heavy eyebrows and short cropped black hair.

Both hands of the figure are black mechanical devices as seen in the movie. All points on the body move including the neck, head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, knees and ankles.

A special Dr. No base and support wire come with the figure.

Dr. No comes dressed in a white jacket with Nehru collar, white trousers, black socks, off-white slip-on loafers, white rubber boots and a clear plastic helmet with rebreather and a clear plastic protective suit.

The figure moves easily in its white outfit as well as when clothed in its clear plastic protective outfit.

The decontamination outfit is large enough that it easily slips over the white cloths of the Dr.

Movement is smooth and the figure can stand on its own or with the assist of the base and wire stand, depending on the pose.

TV Memories and Magic: Prime Time Cartoons and Gomer Pyle

If you are a child of the 1960s like I am you probably have fond memories of many of the down-home and comfortable comedies seen on TV at that time.

Chief among them was The Andy Griffith show about a small town sheriff dealing with the town of Mayberry’s rather odd collection of characters and those that visited the quaint town.

One of the most endearing characters of the series was Gomer Pyle, the local gas station attendant with the heart of gold, gentle soul and who was the town goof as played by actor Jim Nabors.

Gomer Pyle became so popular with fans that the a new show staring Gomer premiered a few scant years after The Andy Griffith Show aired.

It featured Gomer enlisting in the U.S. Marines and his constant tit for tat with his tough and rough sergeant (who incidentally really had a tender heart) and his fellow Marines.

The show became an instant hit.    It was so popular that even the U.S. Marines gave it enthusiastic thumbs up.

Author Denny Reese and BearManor Media a wonderful literary examination of the hit TV series with Gomer Says Hey! Inside The Manic And Much-Loved Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

The book lovingly examines the show, including an interview with one of the last surviving members of the cast, character bios, insider behind-the-scenes anecdotes and a close, personal look at the star of the show Jim Nabors.

Over the last few years personal information has leaked about Nabors some might find distracting.

But, the man was much loved by his fellow cast members, loyal to each and every one and was a kind and gentle soul who never took his fame for granted.

He loved his fans and even after the show ended Jim would crop up on various TV shows and specials.

 Also included are descriptions and comments about the most popular episodes, lots of photos behind and in front of the camera and much more.

It’s a long overdue tribute to one of America's favorite TV shows.

Once again as a child of the 1960s I was privileged to witness and watch one of the most important and trend-setting occurrences in TV history.

TV viewers today are well acquainted with prime time animated series such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.  They are fairly commonplace.  That was not always the case.

Hanna-Barbera Studios, the company behind some of Saturday mornings most famous cartoon series, with names like Huckleberry Hound, Yoga Bear and the like took a big risk when they entered the prime time animated TV show arena.

Never before had animated series been presented for both kids and adults.

During the 1960s shows like Jonny Quest, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Top Cat and The New Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn thrilled audiences with their clever storylines, animation and slick production values.

In Hanna-Barbera’s Prime Time Cartoons, written by Raymond Valinoti, Jr., readers are treated to how the shows were created, what the reactions were from the critics and viewers, episodes breakdowns, how the shows hold up today and more fascinating information.

If you love cartoons, especially prime time cartoons, and want to explore their genesis then this is the book you must read.
 

An Unappreciated Classic: The Futurians #1

While Dave Cockrum was on his second stint penciling The Uncanny X-Men for Marvel Comics he was also creating his own group of superheroes.

The Futurians was one of the first of Marvel Comics new Epic Graphic Novel line titles and migrated to a Lodestone Publishing comic book title shortly thereafter.

The Futurians consisted of a group of individuals who were transformed into super beings.  An organization in the future sent genetic information into the past to certain individuals.

Called Terminus, the organization had hopes that individuals would use their new powers to stop an impending threat in the 20th Century.

Another future inhabitant, Vandervecken, sent his consciousness into the past and took control of a hobo’s consciousness.  He leads The Futurians.

The Marvel Graphic Novel did well and went through three printings.

Unfortunately Dave Cockrum, the creator of the series, instead of staying with Marvel and continuing the series through Marvel’s Epic imprint decided to go with a smaller publisher who offered a prosperous deal that never came to fruition.

Later Cockrum would lament that he had stayed with Marvel the series may still be published today.

The Futurians really showcased the artistic maturity of Cockrum’s art and writing skills.

He already had the reputation of being one of the best character designers in the industry (he designed The New X-Men) and his professionalism spoke for itself.

The Futurians only last four issues with the fourth issue difficult to find.

Currently issue #1 goes for between $5 to $10 for a raw copy and there are no listings for a slabbed copy.

Sexy Superheroine: Shanna The She-Devil #1

Writer/artist Frank Cho caught the attention of comic book and comic strip lovers with his Liberty Meadows comic strip he first began publishing in college.

Soon the comic strip became a hit in no small part to Frank's depiction of its lead character: the voluptuous Brandy.

From that point on Frank was and is considered one of the top ‘good girl’ artists.

That is no more apparent than when he penciled the Shanna The She-Devil mini-series for Marvel Comics.

WOW!  The jungle woman never looked so good!

In this version of Shanna’s origin several plane crash survivors come across a hidden Nazi laboratory on an island.

Upon entering the complex they inadvertently activate the incubation chambers-one of which contains a full-grown woman.

That woman: Shanna, starts to awaken and only the quick action by one of the survivors saves her.

At first she is afraid of them and speaks perfect German.

After they calm her down they explore the complex and unfortunately meet the other inhabitant of the compound-a raptor dinosaur, that proceeds to kill and maim several of the expedition's members.

Only the superhuman strength Shanna saves the others.

A beautiful woman, a Nazi compound, dinosaurs and a long lost island-what a combination.

Frank Cho’s art never looked so good and Shanna is absolutely gorgeous.

For some good old fashion fun be sure to pick up the entire 4-part mini-series: Shanna The She-Devil, from Marvel Comics.

Classic GI Joe: GI Joe Action Soldier Masterpiece Edition The Ultimate Collectible!

  

When I was a kid I got a 12-inch GI Joe action figure for either Christmas or my birthday.  This was during the early 1960s when GI Joe was first introduced.  

As the toy grew in popularity various equipment, accessory and weapons packs could be bought.  Eventually several types of GI Joes were available.

One of my friends was a huge GI Joe fan and I, along with another friend, would visit him about once a week and bring our GI Joes with us.

My friend who was a big fan had ALL the GI Joe gear, weapons, vehicles and every GI Joe every created along with the GI Joe footlocker for holding all of his stuff.  He even saved the packages the merchandise came in.

My other friend and I only had one GI Joe and a couple of other Joe related items each.

We would set up huge battle scenes and spend the entire afternoon engaging in make believe warfare.

Several years ago Chronicle Books published a very special tribute to the original 12-inch GI Joe with its oversize, hardbound book: GI Joe Action Soldier Masterpiece Edition The Ultimate Collectible.

The flip-open panel ‘book’ is actually a large colorful box with a hinged cover that holds two very special items.  

On its cover is a huge full-color painting of the original GI Joe with several of the images duplicated on the back.

Flip open the box and there is a capsulized history of GI Joe, a fully articulated 12-inch reproduction of a vintage 1964 GI Joe action figure and a information packed book all about GI Joe.

The 12-inch GI Joe figure comes dressed in khaki military pants, shirt (with buttons), neck and pant snaps, plastic brown boots, a green cap and dog tag.

Joe’s characteristic face scar is present; articulation points are on the wrists, elbows, waist, neck, hips, knees and ankles.  

The figure stands easily on its own with no assistance.  A small booklet and insignia stickers are also included.

The figure is secured in place in a black, open lid box with plastic straps and comes with a clear cover for viewing.

A clear plastic sheath covers the book perched on its black platform.

The hardbound book with slipcover is filled with archival photos of the various GI Joes, equipment and vehicles.

The book is packed with information about the creation of Joe, his design, various versions, how he was promoted and produced, who created him and much more.

It’s a wonderful nostalgic journey to a time when military toys were all the rage with young boys and it was OK to play soldier and war.

Times certainly have changed.

Diamond Previews, October 2020

No More Procrastination: Clean up Time!

I put it off as long as I could.

The other day a good friend of mine came to visit.  We talked about the usual things: politics, finances, growing old and collecting-specifically toys and comic books.

Like me my friend has accumulated quite a stash of collectibles-more than the room to display them in.

I mentioned to him that in a mere three years I'll turn 70 years old and it was time to start thinking of downsizing my collection.

After my friend left I kept telling myself that there was no need to downsize now-I had plenty of time.  The problem is-I don’t.

I’ve grown old and to be honest things aren’t as easy to do as they used to be.

I get tired quickly, hurt longer and take more time to heal, forget things frequently and I’ve come to realize if I don’t do the things I want to do now, there will come a day when I can’t.

So...I decided to clean out my man cave.  

First I tackled my comic books and surprised myself when I cleared out ten long boxes of approximately 3,000 comic books.  

 I made a place in the garage to store them and come this next summer (or sooner) I’ll put them out to sell at a yard sale.  I may even take a few to my local used bookstore and use them as trade.

Next I went through all the toys and figures I had in my room and weeded out over 100 Sideshow 12-inch figures and other assorted toys.

I went to a few local stores and picked up some banana boxes and (like the comic books) stored the toys and figures in the garage to sell later.

While I was in the garage I went through the toys already stored there and picked out a few toys I wanted to keep.  

Between my man cave toys and the toys in the garage there is veritable stack 12 feet high, 8 feet deep and at least 20 long.  Add to that to the trading cards and other collectibles stored in the garage and I barely have enough room to park my car in a two-car garage.

I’ve already taken one box of comic books to the used bookstore, given three boxes of magazines to a friend at church for her daughter and son-in-law, sold a long box of magazines and comic books to my friend and put aside a box of toys for him to purchase later.

I’m on my way, but I still have a long way to go.

It felt good to get something done and now comes the really, REALLY, hard part.

I need to go through what comic books and toys I kept and glean more out to sell.  Ouch!

My wife and I have talked about getting older and what we plan to do.  As it stands now we will probably downsize to a condo or smaller house, sell or give away many of our belongings, travel more and set things in order for when we pass on.

It is our sincere hope to have things set in order for our kids so they don’t have to deal with much when we die.

Life is uncertain and there’s no telling which one of us will go first.  Regardless, we've planned ahead and hopefully the transition will not be as difficult when it comes to finances and the like.

It’s true when they say that you can't take it with you.  My wife and I know where we will spend eternity.  We’re both Christians and saved and we often remind each other that this life is just the beginning.

Nostalgia: Adventures Of Mr. Frog and Miss Mouse

The other day I was looking through some old comic books that my friend gave me.  One of the comic books: Dell Junior Treasury #4 Adventures Of Mr. Frog and Miss Mouse, published in 1956, caught my attention.

Flipping through its pages there was something about the art that seemed familiar.  Where had I seen that style before?  Who was the artist?

Suddenly it hit me-Walt Kelly the creator of Pogo The Possum!  Of course, I recognize that style anywhere.

Now I'm not 100% certain but I’m pretty sure that it is Kelly’s work.

The animals’ renderings look familiar, the poses, the page compositions and the attention to detail all fit.

A quick personal observation: as much as new comic book work is touted today I’ve discovered that much of the comic book art from the 1950s and 1960s far outshine much of today‘s work.

Back in those times the artists were paid a pittance as compared to today’s pencillers.  There were no benefits and the artists were often not credited for their work.

And yet if you take a look at some of the funny animal, humor, and superhero licensed properties and other genres it becomes obvious that quality was a number one priority.

Artists drew because they loved to.  They weren’t so much concerned about making a name for themselves or receiving a big paycheck.  They put their heart and soul into their work and it shows.

I marvel at the attention the artist gave to each and every page.  It’s some of the nicest illustrations I’ve ever seen for children’s tale.

Everything clicks with this issue.  The art (bordered and unbordered), the page layouts, the subtle text and fancy headlines, the coloring and even the map.

The artist shows a mastery of not only drawing cartoon animals, but settings, environments, perspective, nature, interiors, exteriors and various objects.

Far from stagnant figures the characters emote feelings, body language and a real sense of space and interaction with one another.

It's a delightful tale told in a touching, humorous and well crafted manner.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the story and marvel at the illustrations.

Currently a raw, mint copy goes for around $50.  It is well worth it.

Classic James Bond: James Bond 007 Thunderball

Sean Connery will always be the ultimate James Bond in my mind.  He was the first cinema 007 and all the actors that followed him were mere shadows of his take on the character.

The other actors did well and a couple almost matched Connery’s charisma-but not quite.

Connery starred in several Bond films: Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger (my favorite), Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever, Never Say Never again (a non-cannon Bond film produced outside ‘real’ James Bond film franchise) and Connery lent his voice to the From Russia With Love video game.

No one could pull off Bond like Connery and Thunderball starred Connery as his best take on the British superspy.

Thunderball had everything; girls, gadgets, exotic locations, dastardly villains, a killer song sung by Welch singing sensation Tom Jones and some of the most spectacular special effects and stunts ever attempted in a Bond film up until that point.

It also featured the very first mega-underwater fight sequence and breathtaking location photography.

A number of years ago Sideshow Collectibles acquired the rights to produce 12-inch James Bond figures, including his villains and allies.

I have most of the set and being a big James Bond fan they are some of my favorite figures.

The James Bond Thunderball figures comes packaged in an oversize flip lid box with the movie’s original poster on its cover and with Bond photos on its sides and back along with a Sean Connery film listing.

On the inside of the lid there is a brief Thunderball movie description along with a list of cast members.

The Sean Connery James Bond 007 figure and accessories are secured in place by clear plastic ties and a molded plastic encasement.  Bond and accessories are displayed through a clear plastic, full-box acetate sheet.

Bond comes dressed in his Thunderball diving outfit that includes a rubber waist up and long sleeve, red wetsuit

The wetsuit conforms tightly to the Bond figure with a lower strap covering the groin section to the turtle neck (Nehru) collar.

Bond also wears white fabric shorts and a diving wristwatch on his left wrist.  

Sideshow did a marvelous job duplicating Bond’s features from his close-cropped hair, heavy eyebrows, stern look and chiseled features.

Flesh tones are subtle and bring out the figure’s features.

Articulation is of the usual high quality Sideshow type with realistic bends in the arms and legs, pivoting ankles and wrists, a realistic head swivel and waist and hip movement that is not inhibited by the wetsuit or shorts.

Included with figure are a Thunderball Base with black shaft support, blue Flippers, a blue Facemask with clear lens, a Harpoon Gun with Harpoon Arrow, a blue handle Knife in a black Sheath and twin Scuba Tanks attached to a Motorized Propeller Unit where the Harpoon Gun attaches.

Take a moment to look over the details of the Knife, Harpoon Gun, Mask and Flippers.  All are perfectly scaled, nicely detailed and look real.

The ultimate attention to detail is given to Tanks and Propeller Unit. Hand controls and frame are painted silver, as is the Harpoon Gun mount. The Drive Unit is white with a gold propeller guarded by a flanged encasement and two gold horizontal stripes decorating the Drive Unit.

Twin white Tanks attack to the Unit that includes values and silver secure straps.

It’s a remarkable example of miniaturized mechanics that fit comfortably over the Bond figure without displacing the weight once the figure is displayed in a diving configuration.

It’s one of the nicest Bond figures in the Sideshow collection.

Humor In Print: Evolution Is Hard Work and The Gangs All Here!

One of my favorite contemporary comic strips is Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey.

Sherman is a shark, but a shark like no other.

Oh sure he eats  everything from fish to people but in his heart he’s a lovable and cuddly predator.

In Evolution Is Hard Work: The Twenty-Fifth Sherman's Lagoon Collection from Andrews McMeel Publishing, Sherman learns that evolution is not all its cracked up to be.

Some of his adventure includes a social media Flipper app, a mechanized Trash Wheel, a Time Machine, a shyster alligator, a garden gnome, a conscience, Orcas, sea pox and much, much more.

Trust me, you’ve never met anyone like Sherman or his aquatic friends.

Its underwater shenanigans offering plenty of laughs, twisted cliches, ‘sharp’ humor and even a few society pokes in the ribs.

Jaws has nothing on Sherman.

Growing up I was raised on Peanuts.  No, I’m not referring to the nut variety. I’m taking about the daily and Sunday comic strip adventures of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the ‘Peanuts’ gang.

In Peanuts The Gang’s All Here! two deluxe books come in one package.

Peanuts’ creator Charles Schulz was a genius.  His portrayal of young kids and their many adventures thrilled readers for 50 years.

In this brand new Peanuts Collection each page features either a daily or Sunday strip in color starring Charlie Brown and his supporting cast.

It’s a delightful collection that provides readers hours of reading pleasure.

Get ready for chuckles, poignant observations and even a few moments of reflective pause.

It’s classic Peanuts and its as relevant today as the day each strip was first published.

Game On!: Dragons Of Legend

There be dragons!  Those scaly, scary, claw and fang, winged lizards have been the stuff of legends for centuries.

Practically every ancient civilization mentions them.  All feared them.

Are you afraid of dragons or do welcome the opportunity to meet them, befriend them, fly upon them and fight with them?

It is the stuff of dreams and Konami’s Dragons Of Legend Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game has so many dragons of all types it’s enough to take your breath away!

Take flight with Dragons Of Legend: The Complete Series.

Dragons of Legend: The Complete Series features colorful Ultra Rares and Dark Magician Girl the Dragon Knight and Timaeus Fusion from "Waking the Dragons" storyline, have brand-new art!

Each Box has 2 x 18-card Dragons of Legend: The Complete Series Booster Packs, with 3 Ultra Rares and 15 Commons per Pack.

Each Box contains:

1 Secret Rare
6 Ultra Rares (2 standard Ultra Rares, 4 colorful Ultra Rares)
30 Commons

The Complete Series Set contains 150 Cards total:

7 Secret Rares
30 Ultra Rares
113 Commons

As abonus, each Dragons of Legend: The Complete Series Box has 1 of 3 collectible Dice featuring one of the Legendary Dragons: Timaeus, Critias, or Hermos.

Marvel Comics: Marvel Pop-Up

I collect comic books.  I have about 15,000 of them.  I also have a room and part of a garage full of comic book related collectibles such as toys, books, trading cards-well, you get the idea.

One set of unique comic book collectibles I find especially interesting is a set of three books.

In 2007 Candlewick Press created a series of three Pop-Up books about Spider-Man, The X-Men and The Hulk.

What makes these three books especially intriguing is that they not only feature killer art in all three titles but also Pop-Up action each time you turn a page.

Take The Amazing Spider-Man book for example.

The hardbound book is cut in an unusual manner-sort of an offset square.  It has a large binding with a unique double hinge design.

While the spin of the book is straight, indented front and back covers allow the book to open as to not tear away the POP-Up function.  The same goes for the other books.

Inside The Spider-Man book are double-page spreads consisting of pivotal scenes from Spider-Man’s impressive run of comic books.

The first page pops out Spider-Man and includes a flip-open side panel.  A pullout tab includes extra text.

The second twin page spotlights the Green Goblin with a similar side panel and pullout section and so it goes for the entire book.

Each double-page spread features Spider-Man fighting one of his classic villains.  It’s like reading a comic book in full 3D.

The X-Men and Hulk books follow the same format.

The trio of books is pretty impressive and is their clever binding and engineering feats.  It took a lot of effort and creativity to publish the books.  Sadly only three books exist in the set to my knowledge.  

Whether more were planned I have no idea.  It would have been nice to see an entire set of Marvel Comics Group Pop-Up books

Fantasy & Science Fiction #751, September/October 2020

 

Barry Windsor Smith: Rune #1

Comic book superstar artist Barry Windsor Smith created a most unusual anti-hero for the 1990s: Rune!  Leave it to Smith to make a bloodthirsty, totally depraved and rip you throat out demi-god a hero!

Malibu Comics, based out of California, published Rune.

For a short time Malibu’s roster of titles were selling like hotcakes.  Top writers and artists flocked to Malibu for the chance to see their creations published.

At the time of its existence Malibu led the way in computer coloring.  They were so successful that when the comic book industry in the early 1990s collapsed Marvel Comics purchased Malibu's roster of characters and its coloring technology.

Marvel eventually phased out Malibu’s characters

It is believed that Marvel was primarily interested in their new coloring technology, its California location and that the characters were only an afterthought.

Rune by Barry Windsor Smith featured some of the best work he had done up to that point for mainstream comics.  His coloring technique-later used on Marvel Presents’ Wolverine origin tale, was stunning for the time.

Like most of Barry Windsor Smith’s story scripting the Rune series relied heavily on graphics with very little exposition-none was necessary because of Smith’s talent for telling tales visually.

Issue #1 took part in Malibu’s Origins Month promotion.  In a nutshell the book explained who Rune was and what his motivation consisted of.

The character of Rune is basically an ages old vampire of a slightly different sort.  He has existed for centuries and requires the life energy of others to survive.

Although the Rune title only had a short run it is an excellent example of a comic book legend’s later work.

The Red Baron: Snoopy

Of al the characters in the Peanuts comic strip Charlie Brown’s beagle: Snoopy is by far the most popular.

He started out as a cute little puppy with snippets of inner dialogue to a full-grown dog with a smart-aleck attitude and a knack for getting in some outrageous situations.

I’ve always been a big fan of Peanuts and for a long time I never missed its daily or Sunday comic strips.

I had to stop when daily papers hit the $2 mark.

Playing Mantis/ Memory Lane turned out some classic Peanuts toys back in the early 2000s and they are what I consider some of the best Peanuts toys ever created.

The Snoopy As The World War One Flying Ace Deluxe Playset, part of It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown series is one of my favorites.

The large box container features a clear plastic panel on its top and front.

Inside Snoopy comes dressed in his WWI Flying ace outfit complete with red scarf, green pilot’s cap and brown goggles.

Snoopy stands next to a large pumpkin patch with several of pumpkin’s decorated with faces.

Included is Snoopy’s red doghouse that sits amongst the pumpkins.

The entire playset is held in place by form-fitting clear plastic extrusions, wire and by the display box itself.

It’s like seeing snoopy in 3D!

The craftsmanship n the top is perfect.

Snoopy’s doghouse has his name, in black, above its open doorway.   The doghouse is so detailed you can see the seams between the boards.

The pumpkin patch has vines and leaves intertwining between the nine pumpkins.  The vines, leaves and pumpkins are painted in several tones of color giving the whole pumpkin patch a natural organic look.

Snoopy is perfect both in scale and look.  His squint eyes and slight smile match his comic strip namesake.  

Included with the playset Halloween stickers to decorate the doghouse and by pressing a certain pumpkin the playset lets out airplane sounds and lights up the pumpkins.

A number of Peanuts playsets, figures and figure collections were put out and all of them are great fun and do the Peanuts legacy proud.

Horror Comic: Chamber Of Darkness #7

Any comic book that features a Bernie Wrightson cover and interior art can’t go wrong.

In the early 1970s Bernie was just beginning his stellar penciling career.  He bounced from publisher to publisher drawing short stories.  Much of his work was for DC Comics, Warren Publications and Marvel Comics.

In Marvel Comic's Chamber Of Darkness #7 Bernie contributes a scary tale of a Golden Gargoyle with a horrifying twist ending.

A Steve Ditko classic tale is reprinted in which a criminal with a mask discovers that often a mask doesn’t hide but reveals one’s true nature.

Tom Sutton provides a short two-page tale where a monster created form the dead turns on his master.

Finally Jack Kirby tells the tale of the real story behind the abominable Snowman.

Chamber Of Darkness #7 gives readers four classic horrific stories for the cover price of 15-cents.  So much horror, so little cash!

Hit TV Show: Bull Season Four

Bull!  That’s a lot of Bull!  Don’t give me any Bull.  Bull: a large male steer.

That's not the kinds of Bull I’m referring to.  But...considering the main character of the Bull TV series from Paramount/CBS all of those references may just apply.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Bull TV series it stars onetime NCIS star Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, a head strong, determined and crafty psychologist and trial-science expert who heads the Trial Analysis Corporation (TAC), a jury consulting.

He makes sure a fair jury is selected for his clients.

In Bull Season Four Jason discovers his ex-wife is expecting his child, plays office an political hopscotch when an ex-employee discovers his affair with his sister and one of the most difficult defense cases in the firm’s existence tests everyone’s abilities.

DVD extras include a Season Four featurettes, commentaries and more all on four discs.

It’s a lot of Bull and that’s the way the fans of the show like it.  Michael Weatherly hits it out of the park in the role of a lifetime.

Tin Of Lost Memories

The mystery unfolds.

The contents arrive in a small gold tin box decorated with archaic Egyptian hieroglyphics.  But, what do they mean?

The enscribed lid is opened revealing three Tin Of Lost Memories Foil Packs from the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game from Konami.

The Mega Packs contain 18 Cards each.  Upon closer examination this is what is discovered:

Cards from Savage Strike, Dark Neostorm, Rising Rampage, and Chaos Impact

4 new Cards, including 3 World Premiere Cards: "Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon", "Successor Soul", "Strength in Unity" and "Destined Rivals".

Each three 18-Card Mega Pack includes:

1 Prismatic Secret Rare
2 Ultra Rares
2 Super Rares
1 Rare
12 Commons

A full Set is comprised of 249 Cards:

27 Prismatic Secret Rares
50 Ultra Rares
37 Super Rares
21 Rares
114 Commons

It is a true golden treasure that’s sure to excite YGO players.

James Bond Cars

In every James Bond films one of the highlights is when James either drives a classic or new car filled with gadgets.

There have been a number of memorial cars throughout the years in the James Bond films.  Some are James’ and some are not.  

There were high-tech motorized models and classic and ordinary streetcars.  But all of them played an important part in the James Bond mythos.

Back in the late 1990s Johnny Lightning/Playing Mantis released a series of diecast cars fashioned after the famous vehicles seen in the James Bond films.

Let’s start with the first film in the series starring whom I consider to be the best James Bond: Sean Connery.  

In Dr. No a 1957 black Chevy Bel Air convertible showed up and it was a beauty!

Heavy on the chrome trim, wheels and bumpers the solid black Bel Air had rear wings decorated in white and silver trim.

It also had a solid black interior with black dash and steering wheel.

Like all the James Bond diecast cars it boasts a solid diecast body and chassis, Mag wheels and rubber like tires.  It also includes a trading card.

You get all this on a hanging card with plastic bubble protecting both the car and card.

Next up are two vehicles from what many consider to be the ultimate James Bond film and is credited with being the template by which all other Bond films are fashioned: Goldfinger.

Tillie Masterson's white Ford Mustang convertible miniature has a red interior with bucket seats. It seats four and features full chrome trim and a two-door design.

The most famous car in the world: the Aston Martin DB5 is a two door solid silver bullet on wheels with a black interior and sunroof.

While this miniature does not include all the accessories and weapons of the original car it also includes a trading card of Oddjob.

Although George Lazenby played James Bond only once in Her Majesty’s Secret Service he did have his fair share of gadgets, glamorous girls and sporty cars.

The bright red two-door 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible driven by Countess Teresa "Tracy" di Vicenzo was a real show stopper with its solid black interior, bucket seats, streamline design a full integrated rear bumper with lights.

Roger Moore played the next Bond after Sean Connery’s one-shot return in Diamonds Are Forever.

Mr. Moore has the distinction of playing the Silver Screen Bond for the most films.  In Octopussy a real scene-stealer was the 1969, solid white, German Tourist Volkswagen Beetle.

The diecast celebrates 40 years of 007.

It small, it’s fast and it’s the most unlikely James Bond of all.  No gadgets, no extras and almost no chance of outrunning the bad guys.

After Timothy Dalton’s two-film jaunt as Bond, Pierce Brosnan took up the 007 moniker and starred in four Bond films.

Goldeneye briefly introduced the metallic blue BMW Z3 two-door convertible.  It’s a honey of a car with a light beige interior, side vents and lots of horsepower.

In The World Is Not Enough James Bond gets to show off the gadget packed silver, two door, black interior with bucket seats 1999 BMW Z8.

Loaded with ‘extras’ the Z8 is compact, fast and deadly.

George Perez: Isaac Asimov’s I-Bots #1

Another new title George Perez took on the penciling for was I-Bots.

The time is the not too distant future.  Technology has accelerated at an unbelievable rate.  There are those factions who are for the advancement of technology and those that are against it.

Written by Stephen Grant, the series was part of the Tekno Comics Line with a storyline taken from science fiction writer Isaac Asimov’s original concept.

As always the artwork by George Perez delivers in every panel.  The early computer generated coloring while a little bright and muddy in a few parts nonetheless is a forerunner of the computer coloring that would soon dominate comic books.

Joseph Rubenstein and Mike Witherby inked George’s pencils.

In the mid-1990s George turned out some of the best work of his career.  He was at the top of his game.

He refined his pencils beginning in the mid-1980s and as the decade progressed his talent for page layouts, character design and story-telling pacing and dynatism continued to improve.

Comparing his work to his earlier art from the 1970s is like comparing night and day.

I-Bots sees George at his best.  Issue #1 can be purchased for around $5.

Star Wars: Ice Planet Hoth

One of my favorite locations in what I consider the best star Wars film: The Empire Strikes Back, is the Ice Planet Hoth.

The setting was strikingly different than anything seen in the previous Star Wars film: A New Hope.

The most dramatic action sequence in the film is when the giant Imperial Walkers trudge across the Ice Planet of Hoth to attack the Rebel base.

Back in the mid-1990s the now defunct toy company Galoob created a line of MicroMachines Playsets based on the original Star Wars Trilogy.

Called the Star Wars Action Fleet the series featured single vehicles and spaceships, small triple sets, small sets of figures and small and large Playsets.

Of the large Playsets the Ice Planet Hoth Action Fleet Set is my favorite.

It’s is a huge Playset, with lots of extra goodies and playtime action.

What’s remarkable about the Playset is the ingenuity, creativeness and imagination that went into to create it.

The mechanics alone of figuring how to fit the entire Playset into a foldout Carrying Case is impressive.  Talk about some serious engineering!

The Carrying Case features a painted Ice Planet Hot scenario on both sides. When you open the Playset it splits into two equal halves that lay horizontally.

In the middle is a pop-up section featuring the interior and exterior of the Rebel Base itself.

All of the features on the Ice Base are expertly sculpted, feature nice color application with no rough edges.  The same goes for the pieces themselves-there are no flash or rough edges and the pieces move easily with no binding or looseness.

On the exterior of the Ice Base the is an opening Ice Fortress Door, a five section Power Generator, a pivoting Ion Cannon that fires spring-launched Missiles, pivoting Tripod Blasters, a disabled AT-AT with secret opening hatch, a removable Anti-infantry Battery with spring fired Missiles, a Wampa Cave that holds a captive and Rebel Ice Trenches and Bunker.

The interior of the Ice Base has a working rotating Refueling Boom, a Troop Transport, a pull-out Command Center with lots of controls and screens, a Control Center with screen, a Rebel Scout Lookout that raises and lowers, a Bacta Rejuvenation Tank, a fully-functional rotating Crane and Hoist, movable Weapons Containers and a Storage Compartment that holds the Playset’s Missiles and Figures.

Also included in the Playset is a Battle -Damaged Snowspeeder with working cockpit hatch, a Rebel Pilot, the medical Droid 12-1B, a Wampa Ice Creature, Princess Leia Organa, a Tauntaun and Luke Skywalker.

It an astounding Playset with so many extras it will keep kids and Star Wars collectors busy for hours.  

It is a remarkable feat of engineering and technical accomplishment made even more impressive with its attention to detail, high-quality sculpt work and paint application and wonderful playability.

The packaging is made of heavy cardboard and is embellished with Star Wars illustrations.  In the upper right-hand corner a clear plastic side and front wraparound section encases the Snowspeeder and figures.

It’s tough and well made.  I’ve had the Playset since 1995 and it has held up remarkably well.