The Avengers And Me

Several years back I purchased at a used book store: Patrick Macnee’s book The Avengers The Inside Story.

It made for a fascinating read.

After looking over the book I discovered that it was a re-issue of Patrick’s earlier book: The Avengers And Me published by
TV Books.

I was determined to get the original version and to my surprise I found it a couple years later at that same used bookstore.

I purchased it and to my surprise when I got it home and opened it to the front page I discovered it was autographed by Patrick himself!

He died not long ago and this book has become a special part of my The Avengers collection.

Of all the British TV series The Avengers has been and always be my favorite.

The Avengers And Me offers a unique and up close and personal appraisal of the TV series by one of the actors who starred in the series: Patrick Macnee.

Patrick made quite a career and name for himself on the series.  Not bad for starting out in a second-tier British TV series that originally was about a doctor seeking revenge against those that killed his wife.

When the series star left the series Patrick was confronted with the opportunity to star in the show.  His partner would be a woman.  Her part was originally to be played by a man.

Instead of changing the dialogue and action to reflect that of a man, the producers decided to keep the original version.  Honor Blackman played Cathy Gale.

She was tough, resourceful and deadly in her own right.  She became one of television's first liberated women. Later Diana Rigg replaced her as Emma Peele.  Originally another actress was to play Emma but producers replaced her because she didn’t seem to fit the role.

Later still another actress took over after Diana left the series.

While The Avengers offered a glamorized look at English life and the country, the book delves more into the people who made the show possible.

Patrick offers insights into the behind-the-scenes maneuverings of the show from its early concept as a simple revenge and bring to justice format to the super spy parody it later evolved into.

To be sure Patrick talks about his various leading ladies. I’ve always enjoyed Patrick's work.  He genuinely seems to enjoy himself and he is very modest when it comes to his career.

No showboater, he gives other actors. actresses and production people their just due.  Perhaps that’s one of the reasons he was so well l liked with cast and crew.

He truly appreciated the fact that he had steady work, a paycheck and was realistic about his acting talent and his styling power.

The book examines all of the various stages of The Avengers from its original concept to its re-introduction over ten years after the original series  ended as The New Avengers-again starring Patrick Macnee as John Steed only this time with two fellow agents-one male, one female.

Pages are brimming with black and white and color archival photos both in front of and behind the cameras.

It’s a delightful insight into the quirky and trend-setting series from the actor who starred in each phase-Patrick Macnee.

The Punisher Magazine #1

Way back in the 1970s Marvel Comics was no longer restricted on what type of comic books it produced.

It began featuring more hard-edged characters in its comics like Wolverine, Morbius and The Punisher.

Issue #129 of the Amazing Spider-Man saw the first appearance of The Punisher.

The character became so popular that Marvel Comics gave him his own black and white magazine in 1976.  Marvel Super Action #1 was all Punisher!

Previously he appeared in Marvel Preview Presents #2 as part of anthology black and white collection along with a story about Dominic Fortune.

Unlike his appearance in mainstream Marvel Comics, his magazine allowed him to be as ferocious and violent as necessary.

It’s in this magazine that he showed just how deadly he really is.

In the lead-in story The Punisher recounts his origin to a certain lady of the night.  He tells of his family’s death at the hands of the mob and how he exacted his revenge.

Too bad this particular lady never got to consummate their encounter.  Turns out this lady is more interested in his death than sex.

Did you know that Marvel Comics had their own Huntress character?  This issue features her premiere.  She’s not a lady you want to tackle with.

A long article on the various Destroyer type characters popular during the 1970s are examined and a special Weird World tale is also incuded.

Upcoming!! Diamond Previews, July 2021

 

DC Coming Attractions #85, Dec. 1983

Long before the Internet and social media existed comic book publishers had to find way to promote their product.

DC Comics distributed for free at local comic book shops its DC Coming Attractions newsletter.

While this may not seem like a big deal with all the social networking and over abundance of promotion online nowadays, it was a big deal back in the 1980s.

Very few publications existed that promoted comic books.  Oh sure, you had the ‘official’ price guide, a couple of magazines like The Comics Reader, The Comics Journal and the like, and that was it.

But, usually when the periodicals were published they were out of date.

DC Direct actually notified comic book collectors and readers what to expect in stores on a specific date.  Diamond Previews did not exist yet, so comic book publishers put out their own promotional material.

DC had Coming Attractions, Marvel had Marvel Age, a few of the smaller publishers had newsletters and occasionally companies would release press releases to comic book shops.

In fact, my local comic book shop gave away copies of DC Direct to its customers.

It really comes a no surprise with today’s hunger for first appearances in obscure publications that early issues of DC coming attractions have now become sought after collector items.

DC Coming Attractions #85 had first looks at Infinity Inc. and a new George Perez New Teen Titans poster.  There was not a lot to talk about that issue but follow-up issues offered some real winners.
 
For example issue #85 now sells for a whooping $25 on E-bay.  Not bad for a giveaway!

Godzilla Vs. Kong

Get ready for the ultimate smack down as the twin titans of Godzilla and King Kong battle it out for supremacy.

After their successful relaunch movies it was inevitable that the giants of destruction would duke it out as humanity helplessly stands by-that is until Mechagodzilla shows up.

On land, at sea and in the air the dynamic duo of destruction go head-to-head in some of the most spectacular fight scenes ever seen in a movie.

Stunning visual effects, a powerful soundtrack and acting, both by the human cast and Kong and Godzilla, results in a spectacular movie fans of both Kong and Godzilla are sure to love.

Warner Bros. proudly presents the Godzilla Vs. Kong movie on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code with lots of extras including a commentary and featurettes about making the movie the classic movie.

In the movie Kong’s protectors journey to return him to his island home along with Jia a small orphaned girl who has a unique bond with Kong. Along the way they encounter Godzilla as he leaves a path of destruction behind him.

The two titans clash as orchestrated by an unknown force.  Who will triumph as the battle shifts to deep within the Earth’s core where gravity doesn’t exist?

The two creatures combine their power to fight Mechagodzilla and after a heated battle the twin titans grudgingly admit respect for one another.

It’s giant creatures galore all set in exotic and amazing vistas ripe with mystery and danger.

It’s the battle of the century and viewers are invited along for the ride.

Thor #411 and # 412

For a real rompin’ stompin’ slugfest featuring Thor and Juggernaut then be sure to pick up copies of both Thor #411 and 412.

This is one the best Juggernaut stories every created in my opinion.

You really get to see just how powerful old Juggy is.  Only the mystic power of Thor’s hammer stopped his rampage and that was by teleporting him to another location.

Oh, and as a side note for you key moment collectors out there issues 411 and 412 also introduced to the Marvel Universe The New Warriors consisting of Speedball, Namorita, Firestar, Kid Nova, Marvel Boy and Night Thrasher.

The issues also contain a continuing Beta Ray Bill adventure.

Both issues were put out in 1989: 42 years ago!   Hard to believe since I bought them off the newsstand.  How time flies.

Happiness Is a Mood, Positivity Is A Mindset

If you’ve read the title of this review you’re probably thinking, “Say what?  Has he gone all philosophical and cosmic on us?”

Well, sort of.  I’ve come to realize as I’ve old (I'm pushing 70 years old) and that my mind is not quite as sharp as it once was-especially my memory.

Plus, since I am older I have a lot more to do than when I was young-especially around the house, going to weddings, funerals, etc. and keeping doctor, dentist and other appointments.

Honestly I do more things now that I’m retired than I ever did when I was working.

Anyway, back to my point.  I need a way to keep track of my time, tasks and appointments.

Sure I could write it down on paper or or post-it notes.  I could even spring for a cheap planner-but what fun is that?

Andrews McMeel Universal/Publishing has come to my rescue.  The company has produced a great, small, colorful, wire bound planner that not only includes each month listed starting in September 2012 to December 2022, it also includes come great extras.

Besides looking cool the Positively Present Planner is packed with all sorts of colorful quotes, challenges and places to keep notes.  

Why settle for a plain old planner when I can have one that stimulates my mind, presents a few challenges, is small enough to take it wherever I go and brings a smile to my face?

Keeping appointments and planning my time has never been so much fun!

Patriot Lock Set

OK-I’m seriously geeking out here!

As many of you know that read my blog postings I am huge fan of spy, detective and crime movies, TV shows and novels.

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by the exploits of the individuals of those particular occupations-especially when it comes to stealth and digging up clues.

Practically every spy, detective and private investigator carries a handy little tool along with them that they use to break into bad guys’ hangouts, dig up clues or investigate crime scenes.

You know what I’m talking about!  All of them carry lock picks.  So cool!

Well, for all you sleuth wannabes out there and fellow patriots who are concerned about their own security and of their family comes The Patriot Lock Set courtesy of the company with the same name.

In this handy little kit comes a variety of locks to practice on with instructions on how to use the various tools in the set.  The kit comes with 17 tools and 29 parts making up the 3 clear locks.

What a great hobby than is challenging, fun and educational!  Locksport is all the rage and it is perfectly legal and great way to add to your own security and peace of mind. The Patriot Lock Set is a Beginner Practice Lock Set.

The company name comes from the founders’ love for veterans and Locksport.

Do you have what it takes to pick locks?  If you are then practice, practice, practice!

Three separate lock mechanisms come in individual plastic, snap lid, clear boxes. A handsome and durable black zipper pouch holds all the lock picks.

What are you waiting for? Start practicing!

McFarlane Toys' Robocop

Few people know this but the original Robocop movie was meant to be a parody and not to be taken seriously.

The movie featured a policeman who is gunned down and presumed dead.

Scientists put him back together as an automated policeman-more robot than human. Fortunately his program did not stick.

McFarlane Toys produced an amazing 12-inch articulated figure of Robocop and looks every bit like the original full size version only shrunk to 1/6th scale.

He’s big, he’s bad and he’s made of high-tensile metal.  He’s a gun-totting, no nonsense lawman who metes out justice to those who break the law.

He’s Robocop; the cyborg sentinel of justice and McFarlane Toys has him.

You have to hand it to McFarlane Toys.  They did a great job of translating the cyborg lawman to 1/6th scale.

The figure comes in a large rectangular box with a clear viewing panel on its front and partially on top.

This allows toy enthusiast to see the figure completely, along with its accessories.

The figure is held in place, by a clear plastic cocoon, as if he is walking with his head slightly turned.  Additional wire/plastic ties hold the figure in place.

Full color photos of the figure decorate the sides and back along with the Robocop logo on all sides and on the top.

The figure’s head is encased silver/blue metal casing with a single line black visor, hinged jaw and ear coverings.

A back chinstrap covers the lower face-the only part that is still human.

The neck is covered by a segment of flexible back sleeve than extends into the large metallic chest area with a flared rib cage and a flexible black sleeve for the waist and abdomen extending to the crotch area covered by wrapped under the legs extruded piece of metal.

Both the head and chest have burn marks, bullet holes and jagged ripped sections of metal.

The arms fit into the hollowed out shoulder joints and have large inset circular hinge areas for shoulder joints,

The upper arms are multi-layered duplicating the look of biceps and triceps.  They slip into the lower arm sleeves with circular pivot joints.

Both hands are solid black gloves extending up and almost covering the lower arms.

The upper legs attach similarly as the shoulders to the hip joints.

The upper legs are large with weapon and equipment caches hidden by upraised metal sections.

The knee joints are hinged and the lower legs also bristle with various extrusions and depressions.

The ankle joints flair and partially cover the large metal feet that feature one section for the large toes and one for the smaller toes.

The figure’s hands are pre-positioned-one in a fist-the other to hold the massive handgun made of black metal.

Included with the figure is a base emulating a section of concrete flooring, a small cardboard box and a cardboard and plastic wrapped pylon mold.

The figure is partially articulated and attaches to the base for posing.

Detailing is impressive-especially the legs and arms with their various layered sections and the hydraulics for the lower legs.

Paint application is varied in tone wit lots of silver and blue highlights and areas of damage.

Especially clever are the ankles and feet that move easily, as do the arms and legs.

Sculpting is spot on duplicating the look of the actual Robocop figure but in 1/6th scale.

Everything about this figure shouts quality and superb craftsmanship.

Shadowpact #1

Writer and illustrator Bill Willingham (The Elementals, Fables) tackles the supernatural as only he can with DC Comics’ Shadowpact.

I’ve always enjoyed Willingham's art.  I first encountered it in some old D&D ads.  Not long after my first exposure to his art he began writing and drawing The Elementals (first as part of a Texas Comics Annual and then as a monthly series from Comico Comics).

The series lasted a good period and after it ended Bill kept busy with other projects for various publishers.

He hit it big when he created Fables for DC Comics and after that series ended he kept busy with other projects.

In Shadowpack #1 a ragtag group supernatural second-tier characters band together to fight evil. The group consists of the Enchantress, Ragman, Detective Chimp, Blue Devil, Nightshade, and Nightmaster,

The misfit magical members of Shadowpack got their start in The Day Of Vengeance mini-series and proved so popular with fans that DC Comics awarded them their own title.

In the first issue Shadowpack teams up with Superman and The Phantom Stranger to take on a new supernatural threat.

Of course things do not go as planned as the misfits of Shadowpact aren’t exactly adept and coordinated as a team.

In typical Bill Willingham fashion the story is funny in a bizarre sort of way and features some the best art of his career.

Shadowpact is a fun read.  Unfortunately Willingham gave up the art chores but happily kept up the writing.  The series lasted 25 issues.

For The Dark Justice League fans Shadowpact is a worthy predecessor.

Egyptian God Deck

Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Egyptian God Decks brings the mysterious secrets of the pyramids, the pharaohs and mummies to play as the powerful Gods of Egypt battle it out.

Slifer the Sky Dragon Deck:
Uses Token-generating effects to gather the 3 required Tributes.
Power it up with Thunderforce Attack Cards to draw more Cards.

Obelisk the Tormentor:
Tributing 2 monsters control and wipe your opponent’s monsters off the field.
Self-replicating monsters to provide Tributes and protect your Life Points.
Crush opponent’s monsters all at once.
The Spell Card, Fist of Fate, can negate a monster’s
Activate Main Phase and crush all opponent Spells and Traps.

Egyptian God Decks include 1 Egyptian God Card and 5 new Cards: 4 unique new Cards as well as 1 copy of Soul Crossing, a Quick-Play Spell.

Each Deck comes with a Dueling Guide.

Each Egyptian God Deck contains 40 Cards:

4 Ultra Rares
4 Super Rares
32 Commons
1 Deluxe Game Mat/Dueling Guide

Batman The Long Halloween Part I

Someone (the Holiday Killer) is knocking off Gotham City’s Falcone crime family (along with a few others) on the holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year‘s Eve).

Batman, District Attorney Harvey Dent and Police Commissioner Jim Gordon join together to stop the killer.

Time after time the killer thwarts their plans to stop him.  No one knows who he is.

Throw in the Joker, Solomon Grundy, the Calendar Man and Catwoman and you have a crime drama like no other in Batman The Long Halloween Part I courtesy of Warner Bros.

The DC Universe Movie comes on Blu-ray and Digital Code and includes some awesome extras such as classic Batman cartoons, a new The Loser short cartoon, several previews of Warner Bros. animated full-length movies both past and upcoming (Batman The Long Halloween Part II) and more.

This is a much more somber and dark animated Batman movie with a moody soundtrack and sinister plot. The animation is topnotch and the voice talent captures the personalities of all the characters.

Star Trek Designing Starships The Kelvin Timeline

When director J. J. Abrams rebooted the Star Trek film franchise in 2009 a lot changed in the series.

The costumes, equipment, environments and especially the Spaceships changed-some slightly-some radically.

In Eaglemoss Collections’ Star Trek Designing Starships The Kelvin Timeline (The Official Starships Collection) readers witness just how much the various spacecraft changed.

Get ready for some truly incredible designs from Federation Starships to the Klingon Empire’s Bird of Prey.  Of course the Romulan Warbird shows up as do many other Federation member and non-member planet Starships.

The book successfully outlines just how much work goes into designing the various ships let alone the sets, etc.

People tend to forget that the initial design of each ship took dozens of preliminary sketches and lots of brainstorming to come up with the final designs.

When it was decided by Paramount Studios to greenlight a new Star Trek movie several things had to be considered.

First and foremost the original TV show cast members were too old.  In the Generations movie Captain Kirk had died, in real life James Doohan (Scotty) and Deforest Kelley (Bones) had both passed away and Majel Barrett/Roddenbery was ill.

Most young moviegoers were unfamiliar with the original TV series so the Starship Enterprise and the Star Trek Universe needed a reboot.

J.J. Abrams (the director) and the writers decided to introduce a new timeline for the series that took place at the same time of the original Enterprise Star Trek TV show.  

They recast the main characters and were smart enough to include a tag to the old timeline with Leonard Nimoy reprising his role as an older Mr. Spock from the original timeline.

This allowed the film to revamp and update the Starfleet ship designs, the sets, uniforms, weapons and other technology for the new film while still paying homage to old series.

The movie was a resounding success.  The book delves into the new ship designs, provides vital background information, tweaked historical changes and how the mew computer generated images and technology made the film relevant to a new audience.

Old and new Star Trek fans alike are sure to enjoy the inside look at the redesigning of the Star Trek Universe with all of its complexities and challenges.

Stargate SG-1 The Ultimate Visual Guide

My favorite science fiction TV show next to the original series Star Trek is Stargate SG-1.

What started out as a TV adaptation of the Stargate movie evolved into its own unique creation.

My favorite episodes involve Richard Dean Anderson as Colonel Jack O-Neill and his original crew of Teal'c, Samantha Carter and Daniel Jackson.  While episodes without Anderson were good, they were not great.

The chemistry between the original four Stargate explorers are by far the best and memorable.

The camaraderie, tit for tat and the love demonstrated between them was evident from the start.  They played off each other perfectly with each, as time passed, picking up bits of the other team member attributes.

Stargate SG-1 The Ultimate Visual Guide book covers the first nine seasons of the show (there were ten total) and includes a DVD with lots of behind-the-scenes goodies.

Starting with a brief catch-up of what the series is about the book delves into the many characters in the series (both good and bad) technology, weapons, locales, spacecraft, key events and much more.

Full color photographs accompany the text with additional segmented blocks expounding in more detail about important people, places, things, etc.

It’s a very comprehensive overview of the TV series courtesy of DK Publishing written by Kathleen Ritter with a foreword by Richard Dean Anderson.

Renfield

Sideshow Toys (Collectibles) presents its 12-inch, fully articulated collectible figure of Renfield from the original Dracula movie starring Bela Lugosi,

The Renfield figure recreates the troubled, crazy and reluctant human pawn of The Prince Of Darkness: Count Vladmir Dracula.

The Renfield figure comes in Sideshow’s flip lid display box with inner plastic cocoon for the figure and accessories and a clear plastic sheet to view and protect the contents.

The original Dracula poster from Universal Studios is recreated for the front of the box.  On its back is a large black and white photo portrait of Renfield grinning his maniacal smile.

This time I’ll start with the accessories.  Included with the figure is a facsimile of the deed seen in the film. Along with the deed is leather briefcase with twin straps, buckles, a locking latch and handle wit gold hinges.

An oil-burning lantern is included that has a long metal curved carrying handle, metal latticework over the glass globe and metal circular base.  

For positioning and posing the figure a cobblestone base is included that has a slip in section for wedging one of the figure’s feet into the raised circular grove.  This holds the figure and allows it to pose without toppling over.  The figure's hands are also positioned to hold the briefcase and lantern.

“The lights are on but nobody’s home.”  That’s the look on the Renfield figure’s face.  It has a large pulled back grin, eyes that look upward staring at nothing, raised eyebrows and crease lines around the mouth and cheeks.  Its hair is dark brown as are its eyebrows.

The figure wears a button-down collar white shirt, a dark brown suit coat with two pockets with flaps and buttons, brown pants with cuffs, black socks and black low-cut shoes with laces.

The figure is secured (as are its accessories) in a plastic form fitting cocoon and its legs are strapped down with a plastic strip.

What makes this figure frightening is its grin and blank stare.  The accessories are detailed and look dated,

The pewter lantern is especially nice with its tarnished aged look and intricacy,

The briefcase looks like real leather and the small deed appears slightly yellow and aged.  There’s not a lot to this figure but it’s well done and crafted.

Resurrection

Imagine being one of Jesus Christ’s disciples or followers and having your whole world crash around you when you Savior is captured, tortured, crucified and buried in a borrowed tomb.

Christian were reviewed as a threat to the Roman Empire as well as the Jewish religious leaders.  Between the two they conspired to send Jesus to his death along with his followers.

When Christ died many of his followers either abandoned their faith, fled or went into hiding afraid for their life.

Many questioned their faith and belief Christ was the Son of God sent to save mankind and pave the way that they might be forgiven and be assured a place in heaven after they die.

It had to be devastating.

In Resurrection, the new film (Blu-ray) released by Warner Bros. and produced by MGM and LightWorkers, movie goers are witness to a story that speculates about what happened to the followers of Christ.

Hunted, persecuted and ridiculed the surviving followers’ lives were turned topsy-turvy.

As a bad as Christ’s death was, imagine what it must have been like when Jesus arose from the grave.  The sheer jubilation, joy and evidence of their faith were overwhelming.

They could hardly believe it.  But, what now?  Jesus died, rose again, returned and told him he must leave again to prepare a place for them.

What must it have been like to see your Savior alive again only to be told that he must leave?

In the film all of these questions are asked and answered.  The events are dramatized and brought to a human level with real people recreating real events.

While many of the events are speculative they are based on true events.  Some artistic license is incorporated and some liberties.  But, the message remains the same: Christ died, rose again and offers free salvation for anyone who believes.

It’s a powerful film, historically accurate as possible and succeeds in portraying historic people as living breaching and emotional individuals.

Supernatural: Magik #1

Peter Rasputin’s (Colossus of the X-Men) little sister Illyana discovered she is a mutant.  Not just any mutant by a powerful mistress of magic, perhaps as powerful as Dr. Strange and a host of other magical beings in the Marvel Universe.

In the 4-part Storm and Illyana Magik mini-series the demon god Belasco has his sights on Illyana and not even the X-Men can stop him.

His plan falls into place even when the X-Men think they have won.

Taking up from the story in Uncanny X-Men #150 the X-Men find themselves in the demon god (the Devil?) Belasco’s realm.

They encounter alternate timeline versions of themselves that have been trapped in the dimension for years.  Some have remained good, others have succumbed to Belasco’s magic and turned evil and some are no longer human.

Belasco is after Illyana who he hopes to prepare as his heir apparent.

Unfortunately he succeeds as chronicled in future issues of the X-Men (after #150).  But, not as he had hoped.

John Buscema provides the powerful pencils, Tom Palmer polishes them up and longtime X-Men scribe Chris Claremont tells the tale.

It is one of the X-Men’s most powerful storylines and comic book collectors on the know realize that the issues are soon to escalate in price.

The reason: Magik is slated to enter the X-Men movie franchise.  Watch out for this 4-part mini-series.  Comic book and X-Men fans should have them in their collections.

Issue #1 goes for only about $5 and the entire set can be bought for less than $20.

Terminator 3 Rise Of The Machines Official Magazine

Both the original Terminator movie and the second Terminator: Judgment Day movie were huge successes so it was no surprise when a third Terminator movie was announced.

Terminator 3 Rise Of The Machines introduced a female Terminator.

A lot of Terminator fans pooh-poohed the movie, but I liked it.  It was a clever twist to the Terminator franchise.  It followed the life of John Connor after he became a man and what led up to him becoming the savior of mankind against the Terminator threat.

Having failed to kill Sarah Connors as a young woman and later her son John Connor as a young boy, Skynet sent a female Terminator (Terminatrix) back in time to kill John as a man.

Once again another Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenagger) was sent back in time to save the lives of John and his future wife.  

Beckett released an embossed cover Terminator 3 Rise Of The Machines magazine which has a Terminatrix photo embossed on its cover.

Inside is a short synopsis of the film, a behind-the-scenes look at making the movie, an interview with actress Kristanna Loken who played the Terminatrix and a history of Skynet,

Also included is a look at Arnold’s career, Claire Danes talks about her role as John Connor’s future wife, the Stan Winston Studios gives a tour of its facilities, actor Nick Stahl talks about what it was like preparing to play John Connor and there’s a discussion about the possibility of time travel.

A special comic book feature showing the training of the Terminatrix and check out the full-page color photos from the film sprinkled throughout the magazine are also included.

Times Have Changed

When I first began Boyce McClain’s Collectors’ Corner (originally Comics Corner) I produced one of a few self-published newsletters.

Other than larger publications like The Comics Buyer’s Guide and smattering of fan publications, Collectors’ Corner was unique.

After a great deal of work and research I had compiled a respectable list of contacts in comic books, toys, books, games, etc.

Via snail mail and early e-mail I would request review samples and received more than I requested.  Believe me, it was pretty daunting going though everything.  Often I would come home from work and be faced with a small mountain of merchandise.

As time progressed more and more contacts were established through the Internet.  As a result more and more other individuals started their own blogs, YouTube channels and other social media outlets.

Review samples dwindled and arrived less frequently.

As I write this I receive very few review items.  Sadly because so many sites have been created (most of which only update or post sporadically) it has affected how much I receive to review.

It’s ironic that the very hobbies I promoted grew and prospered only to relegate my blog as a small potato.  Never mind the fact that I consistently turn out reviews and have been writing reviews almost 30 years.

Larger sites snag most review samples and even those are receiving fewer and fewer as publishers and manufacturers establish their own sites and skip product promotions via other sites.

What printed review samples that do arrive are PDFs, video games and movies are streamed and most other pop culture collectible manufacturers don’t even bother to send any type of review samples-digital or physical.

But, I still have hope that things will turn around.  I’ve seen stranger things happen.

As it is I review what items I do receive.  Mostly I pull from my own collection of books, comic books, toys, diecast, etc. and write ’retro-reviews”.

I like to write and it’s better to write about what I do have than not write at all.

I’ve attempted to branch out and review items other than collectibles with limited success.

It’s a pity because those companies that do send out review samples like my reviews and often comment that my reviews are unlike the majority seen online.

I tend to personalize my reviews, add a few interesting notes and delve into the more than just the objects themselves.  Since my background is in graphic design and marketing I tend to look at merchandise as much more than objects.

I delve into packaging, printing and production.  I look at product quality and the skill it took to create such objects.

Perhaps one day publishers and manufacturers will realize my reviews offer much more than, “Gee and golly! Aren’t these objects great!” reviews.

And so it goes.

Sweethearts Of ‘60s TV

They’re sassy, smart, sexy, sweet, swanky, sirens and spies.

They’re the Sweethearts Of ‘60s TV and St. Martin’s Press and author Ronald L. Smith have them in a book by the same name.

Back in the 1960s I had my favorite female characters from TV shows.

Like many young men I adored Mary Jane on Gilligan’s Island, fell head over heels for Yvonne Craig as Batgirl, had the hots for Lieutenant Uhura from Star Trek, was mesmerized by Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie, thought Emma Peele was the coolest chick around and was ‘bewitched’ by Elizabeth Montgomery.

Honey West was my kind of private detective, Agent 99 could spy on me any time, Ellie May made me want to move to the country and Sally Field as Gidget was just plain cute.

Little did I realize at the time that each of these female characters were carefully groomed and educated on how to be the perfect females that guys would go ga-ga over. 

The network TV bigwigs, producers and casting directors knew exactly what they were doing when they introduced each and every one to national TV audiences.

All the lovely ladies just mentioned (and others) are spotlighted in Sweethearts Of ‘60s TV.

Inside each lady is given her due in comprehensive pieces about their careers and lives.  Photos are included.

For nostalgia buffs this book fits the bill, especially when it comes to some of TV’s top female performers.

Categories include:

Girls Next Door
Dream Wives
Comic Cuties
Fantasy Figures Women Of Action

Whatever female star you liked (or all of them) this book is a wonderful tribute to their contribution to TV history.

Lightning Overdrive

Rev up your engine, put it in drive, burn rubber and get ready to go into Lightning Overdrive!

Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Lightning Overdrive is about to shock the gaming world by introducing new Cards and incorporating characters from the Yu-Gi-Oh! animated series!

Look for:

A brand-new version of Number C39: Utopia Ray.
A new suite of supporting Cards that Summon Utopia.
Fetch “ZW” monsters and “Rank-Up-Magic”.
An upgraded Akiza’s Black Rose Dragon to aid your Synchro Summons.
A monster-themed amusement park.
The “War Rock” World Premiere.
Cards for strategies in Phantom Rage, Genesis Impact, and Blazing Vortex. Tri-Brigade Deck enhancement with a new Link Monster
Three new “S-Force” Cards.
Drytron Mu Beta Fafnir: a Rank 1 Xyz Monster with 3 incredible abilities.
New monsters for Traprtrix, Plunder Patroll, Scrap, and Paleozoic Decks.
The Diviner of the Herald, an new monster for Fairy and Ritual Decks.
Plus more.

The 100 Card Lightning Overdrive Booster Set contains:

50 Commons
26 Super Rares
14 Ultra Rares
10 Secret Rares

Nine Cards come per Pack with 24 Packs per Box.

So what are you waiting for?  It’s time to go into overdrive and hit the lightning road and witness the roses rebloom!

James Bond's Greatest Adversary: Ernst Blofeld

One of the most controversial James Bond movies starred George Lazenby as Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

George was slated to replace Sean Connery as Bond in at least three James Bond films but bowed out after one film when his agent gave him some bad advice.  He’s regretted it ever since.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service also starred Diana Rigg (Emma Peel from British TV series The Avengers) and Telly Savalas as Ernst Blofeld-Bond’s chief nemesis.

OHMSS also had the distinction of having no vocal song, only music, fewer gadgets and some of the most spectacular stunts and locations of any Bond film up to that point in time.

Sideshow Collectibles made two figures from the series: James Bond and Ernst Blofeld.

The 12-inch Blofeld figure box features the movie's poster for a cover and the flip-open lid contains information about the film and cast members list on its inside cover.

The figure and accessories are stored safely in a plastic, form-fitting cocoon with a clear plastic protective cover for viewing.

A special ONMSS base and wire support are also included for posing the figure.

The figure is a dead ringer for actor Telly Savalas who played Blofied in the film.

Telly Savalas seems like an odd choice for Blofeld but somehow he pulled it off.  It’s his different take on the character that provided a few surprises and shocks.  His lead female henchman (woman) also provided a few shockers-especially her ruthlessness-she killed Bond’s wife Tracy.

The head and hand sculpts for the figure are excellent.  Color variation on the face gives it real depth and character. 

Blofeld’s heavy face and jaws look formidable combined with his deep brow and intense eyes.  Sideshow incorporated a subtle reflective glare for the eyes giving them a very realistic look.

Blofeld wears a brown jumpsuit with an open collar jacket/pullover, with no cuffs and shoulder pleats for easy movement.

Underneath the jacket the figure wears a white turtleneck shirt.

The jacket is secured with a wide brown belt with a gold buckle and has extra wide belt loops.

Short riding trousers end at the figure’s knees where brown knee socks dip into brown half boots with laces.

Accessories included with the figure include an automatic pistol with separate clip.  Also included are a leather gun holster with a large flap, yellow goggles with plastic lens, two hand grenades with pull rings, a pair of black binoculars with a black hard carrying case with lid and hinges and a long flare tube.

All of the accessories are perfectly scaled to the figure, feature incredible details and fit snuggly into the figure’s hands.

The figure may be posed using the special OHMSS stand and wire support or on its own.  Clothing fits loosely but securely and offers no resistance or bundling when the figure is posed.

Articulation is in all the joints, torso and neck and when combined with the James Bond figure the set make an impressive display.