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Thursday, April 28, 2022

Every Genre Imaginable: Comic Book Encyclopedia

Are you looking for a quick reference guide to comic books?  With the ever-expanding world of comic books it’s pretty smart to have an encyclopedia to stay current with characters.  

While no encyclopedia can cover every character, most can provide reasonable information on major players.

I have a number of comic book encyclopedias but this particular book is one of the best.

The oversize hardbound book comes with a full color dust jacket with images of popular comic book characters.

Inside, in alphabetical order, comic book titles are examined and complemented by full color illustrations and covers.

Key characters are given larger sections, such as Superman and spider-Man).  Characters origins, creators and history are all included.

I especially like the fact that I can pick up the book, quickly flip to a particular character or titles and read the most pertinent information about said character or title.

It’s makes for a quick and easy way to pull up research.

Author Ron Goulart has done and excellent job and Harper Collins published a lush and colorful (and fun) reference book about comic books with Comic Book Encyclopedia.

2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

"It's Clobberin' Time!": The (Ever-lovin' Blue Eyed) Thing #1

It’s been said that when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created The Fantastic Four that Jack Kirby’s favorite character was The Thing.

Many believe that Jack loved the character so much because The Thing reflected his own personality and upbringing.  The Thing even had a New York accent like Jack's.

In 1983 Marvel Comics published a The Thing comic book series written by John Byrne and drawn by Ron Wilson.

The first issue delves into Ben Grimm’s past starting with his life on Yancy Street and his gang affiliation.

It’s a great character study and an insightful look into the life of one of the most tragic figures in the Marvel Universe.

The Thing has always been my favorite Fantastic Four character.  While he presents a wise guy Bronx kind of persona The Thing is actually very tender, emotional and cares a great deal about his friends and family.

He is much smarter than he lets on.  After all he was the top of his class in college, a lettered athlete, a pilot and military man.

This series really delves into Ben Grimm the man and how he deals with becoming The Thing.

Imagine being an ordinary guy suddenly transformed into a powerful freak, battling super beings, traveling to other worlds, times and dimensions and trying to live a ‘normal life’

The first issue’s story finds The Thing visiting his old stomping grounds on a mission to talk to a friend's son who belongs to The Yancy Street Gang.

Ben recounts his time with the gang, the death of his parents, the love of his uncle and aunt and his slow rise out of the gutter and on to bigger and better things. 

Ben hopes his story will straighten the young man out who is going down the same dangerous path he once went down and managed to escape.

Watch out for this issue.  If The Fantastic Four movie Disney is planning on releasing does well look for key FF issues to start rising in value-especially those that delve into the origins and early lives of the FF members.

Isaiah 41: 10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Sunday, April 24, 2022

'Suicide Is Painless' TV's Favorite Sitcom Dramedy: The Complete Book of M.A.S.H

It’s been almost 40 years since the television series M.A.S.H. went off the air.

Since that time we’ve lost a lot of the actors from the series: Larry Linville (Frank Burns), Wayne Rogers (Trapper John), McLean Stevenson (Henry Blake), Harry Morgan (Sherman Potter), William Christopher (Francis Mulcahy) and David Ogden Stiers (Charles Winchester III) and others.

The Complete Book of M.A.S.H
, published by
Harry N. Abrams, Inc. and written by Suzy Kalter, lists all the seasons with complete episodes synopsizes.

I especially like the season intros written by various members of the cast containing their memories, personal experiences and how the legacy of M.A.S.H has affected their lives.  It’s all very insightful.

For those of your unacquainted with the show M.A.S.H revolutionized TV comedy.  M.A.S.H was no brain drivel slapstick but what would soon be labeled a dramedy.

Unlike military situations before it M.A.S.H dealt with real human tragedy and how the doctors and nurses dealt with it.

There was humor but never at the expense of the horrors of war, death and destruction.  Humor was a defense mechanism that aided the military/medical staff to deal with their surroundings and situation.

M.A.S.H boasted some of the best writing in the business and is still considered a high point that other comedies with serious undertones seek to ascend to.

The book is filled with episodic photos, behind the scenes shots and engrossing text that is not only about the episodes but the productions, actors and production team and much more.

The final episode of the series grossed the highest audience of any TV show before or since, except for one Superbowl.

While M.A.S.H took place during the Korean War its anti-war theme reflected the turmoil of the Vietnam War that ended shortly before the last episode of the series.

While the Korean War only lasted three years, M.A.S.H broadcast for eleven years.  It’s as relevant today as the day the episodes were aired. 

1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Thursday, April 21, 2022

High Priced Comic Books--How The Silver Age Got Started: DC: The New Frontier #1

The late artist/writer Darwyn Cooke loved comic books-especially their history.  What many consider his penultimate work was the DC: The New Frontier #1 part of the mini-series from DC Comics.

Cooke begins his tale with the origin of Green Lantern and slowly and methodically presents the origin of each member of The Justice League Of America and the League’s eventual formation.

It’s fitting that both Hal Jordan’s and Barry Allen’s origins are chronicled first.

After all The Flash and Green Lantern were the first two superheroes to be re-launched by DC that began The Silver Age.

Cooke brings back the wonder and awe of the Silver Age DC characters with great origins retold, spectacular art, amazing color work and a real grasp of what made the books so great in the first place.

The first issue deals primarily with Green Lantern and Jonn J’ozz’s (Martian Manhunter) arrival on earth.

The story starts out on a deserted desert island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.  

Longtime DC fans will recognize the name The Losers- a ragtag group of military misfits who miraculously survive a shipwreck and find themselves on the island.

What they believe to be a safe haven is anything but as they discover the island is populated by dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts.

At the end of the first issue is a text piece about the United States attempts to stop and curtail any superhuman activities-including that of heroes.

Daryl Cook’s art shines.  It is some of the most innovative and well-designed sequence of layouts, character designs and compositions seen in modern comics.

While it reminds me a little bit of Warner Bros.’ various DC Comics animated TV shows and movies it is much more reminiscent of artist/writer Will Eisner’s work on The spirit.

It also harkens back to such artists as Alex Roth and Doug Wildey.

It’s an incredible mini-series lovingly done by a man who cherished old comic book art and stories.

Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Constantine The House Of Mystery

I love it when Warner Bros. expands on some of my favorite DC Comics characters with its animated films-in this case animated shorts.

In the Blu-ray/Digital Code Combo Pack from Warner Bros. Constantine The House Of Mystery, John Constantine has to solve how he can stop getting killed over and over and over again.

As punishment for messing with time and the course of the universe The Spectre sentences John Constantine to The House Of Mystery.

Banished for eternity John is forced to watch, as his loved ones are transformed into flesh eating demons and kills him repeatedly for centuries.

But, we’re talking about John Constantine and he always devises a way for slipping out of bad situations.

Three additional shorts are included.

Charlton Comics Blue Beetle fights along side and with the various Charlton heroes and villains as animated in the style of the legendary artist Steve Ditko.

Kamandi The Last Boy On Earth searches for a savior in this Jack Kirby inspired adventure and The Losers battle their way off a mysterious island filled with prehistoric beasts.

All four tales make up The House Of Mystery anthology much like the DC Comic Book title it is named after.

A special featurette examines the quartet of tales and why Warner Bros. Animation decided to compile the four tales.

Psalm 19:14 (NKJV) “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

Gender Identity: Earth X Thor Goddess Of Thunder


Not to long ago the power of Thor was transferred to Jane Foster making her the first ‘official’ female Thor.

In a maxi-series by Marvel Comics entitled Universe X there was another female Thor.

What would Thor look like as a woman?  As handsome as the male Thor is the female Thor is just as stunning.

Loki The God of Mischief is delighted when Odin The All-Father decides Thor needs a lesson in humility.

Thus, he changes Thor into a woman so that he might understand and comprehend a woman’s plight when considered only an object of lust amongst men.

Sure that he can now best Thor Loki is surprised when as a woman Thor is every bit as powerful and capable as when she was a man-thus proving that men and women are equals when it comes to courage and valor.

Artist Alex Ross is considered one of the finest artists ever to illustrate superheroes.

His meticulous attention to detail translates into spectacular art.

Using his formidable 2D skills Alex successfully designed the Female Thor Bust for Diamond Select/Dynamic Forces/Marvel.

What makes this bust slightly different than most busts or statues is that it consists of three different materials: bisque, wood (or is it?) and metal.

The scupt on this figure is amazing as is the coloring, texturing and design.

The figure comes in a large box decorated with the Earth X logo and photos of the enclosed bust.

The bust is packaged inside a form-fitting Styrofoam cocoon taped shut.  My particular bust is #137 out of 2,5000.

The bust stands just over six inches.

The bust ends below Thor's bustline and upper arms and is mounted on a square wood(?) base with the words ‘Thor Goddess Of Thunder’ on its front.

Thor wears a silver metal helmet with a pike and with large silver wings coming out from both sides.

Her face has a stern expression on it.  Her eyes are bright blue with small eyebrows and her nose is small and straight perched over her deep pink lips.

Her hair cascades over her shoulders and two large golden braids extend below her bust.

Thor also wears a black, sleeveless and collarless shirt(armor) with pointed shoulders, twin silver discs over her breasts and twin silver upper arm bracelets.

A large red cape attaches to the back of the shirt and falls down her back.

The bust is quite heavy for its size and very stable due to its base and weight.


Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Saturday, April 16, 2022

The Madder He Gets-The Stronger He Gets--Mean, Green Fighting Machine: The Incredible Hulk

What are some of the hardest early Marvel Comics comic books to find?  If you thought it is The Fantastic Four or The Amazing Spider-Man you would be wrong.

The original 6-issue run of The Incredible Hulk is the winner.

Stan Lee presents and writes The Incredible Hulk oversize softbound book from Fireside/Simon & Schuster.

The book features the complete Hulk stories in Issues 1-6 and many of the Hulk stories of the anthology title: tales To Astonish.

In the Hulk stories the Green Goliath faces off against The Avengers The Toad Men, The Fantastic Four, The Leader and other classic Hulk foes and fellow heroes.

Each tale is in full color and separate text pieces are included written by Stan Lee.  One spotlights Hulk 1-6 and the second focuses in on his adventures in Tales To Astonish.

It’s a great collection of early Hulk tales all for the price of a single book.

Philippians 4:4 (KJV) “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Friday, April 15, 2022

Albaz Strike

Dive into the story of Fallen of Albaz in the Structure Deck: Albaz Strike!

In Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Albaz Strike Structure Deck the Fallen of Albaz reruns and this time he who strikes first-wins!

Originating in the Fallen of Albaz from Rise of The Duelist Alraz has been played out in Cards since the falling.

Taking on different dragonic Fusion Monster forms, the Fallen of Albaz Fusion Summoning effects lets him absorb enemy monsters to transform and expand his power.

He’s not someone you want to mess with.

In the Albaz Strike Structure Deck this is what you get:

Five total special Tokens that you can use as whatever type of Token you need with new art.

Delve deeper into the stories of Fallen of Albaz!

Burst of Destiny and Battle of Chaos Cards.

Structure Deck: Albaz Strike contains 46 Cards (40 Main Deck + 6 Extra Deck)

5 Ultra Rares
3 Super Rares
38 Commons
5 special Token Cards
1 Double-sided Deluxe Game Mat/Dueling Guide

Psalm 19:1
(NKJV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Dealing With The Times


If you’ve been a regular reader of my blog you’ve probably noticed something.

Most of my reviews are of older objects whether they are comic books, books, toys, etc.

There are good reasons why.

During these hard economic times publishers, manufacturers and businesses have cut back on the number of review items they send out.

With the rise of shipping and manufacturing costs it’s easy to see why,

Although I review a lot of old objects I do review new items when provided by manufactures and publishers.  I have to admit the amount is dwindling.  So it goes.

I suppose I could have stopped writing reviews a long time ago but I do so love writing.  Why not review my own personal collection of things?

I’m grateful to those companies that do provide review samples.

I hope that those who do read my reviews enjoy them.  I would love to increase my audience.  Tell your friends-I would appreciate it.

To those companies that wish to have their products reviewed all I ask is that you send samples.

I don’t review PDFs, streaming videos and games or from press releases.

Would you ask a food critic to review food from photos?

I am what many refer to as a ‘tire kicker’.

I want to see the object, to hold it, to examine it up close and then write my review.

I’ve written thousands of reviews over the years and I hope to write more.

I believe I provide good, solid and truthful reviews.  I do not take my responsibility as a writer lightly.

Matthew 5:16
(NKJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Cloths Make The Crimefighter: Ragman #1

A supernatural superhero made from rags!?  Seems implausible and almost laughable.  Trust me it’s neither of those things.

The city-a father and his son run a second hand store or as it is affectionately known as a ‘Rag’ store.

When organized crime tries to muscle in on the shop to launder its money and sell drugs the old man refuses.

The mob kills the old man and injures his son.

As the son lies in an alley near death from his injuries he decides to avenge his father’s death.

Somehow he survives and sets in motion his quest for vengeance.  As ex-military he knows search and destroy tactics.   Masked and prepared to begin his quest he suddenly finds himself engulfed by the spirit of The Ragman.

Clothed in strips of rags, he seeks out those that feed upon the misery of others and metes out vengeance.

Ragman #1, written by Robert Loren Fleming and drawn by Pat Broderick from DC Comics, features a cover by the legendary Joe Kubert.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Golden Age Heroes Return: All-Star Squadron #29

One of my all-time favorite artists: Jerry Ordway, guest penciled DC Comics All-Star Squadron issue #29 back in 1984.

Jerry has the uncanny ability to draw huge groups of people, give them their own individual looks and personalities and do it in style. His art is clean, crisp, realistic and very polished.

In issue #29 a very special event took place.

The story begins in WWII. The Shining Knight mounted on his flying horse and brandishing his magic sword defeated some German aircraft attacking England.

Returning to London he met with Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

He recounted to the Minister his earlier exploits with his former team mates: The Seven Soldiers Of Victory consisting of himself, The Star Spangled Kid, Stripes, The Crimson Avenger, The Green Arrow, Speedy and The Vigilante.

One of their adventures involved the maniacal, power hungry Dr. Doome.

Doome had transported from the past several infamous military leaders: Nero, Attila The Hun, Napoleon Bonaparte, Genghis Khan and Alexander The Great.

With their help and his time-traveling power rod he planned to rule the world.

Dr. Doome trapped The Seven Soldiers Of Victory back in time and disappeared back to year 1942.  They escaped and cornered Doome who managed to escape to the future.

Roy Thomas provided an intriguing and powerful script and Jerry Ordway did an excellent job illustrating the time traveling tale.

Jerry Ordway's art really made this issue stand out.  His mastery of human anatomy, clothing, backgrounds and page layouts made for an exciting tale.

Jerry is one of the most polished and talented artists in the comic book industry.  His work has the classic look and feel of past illustrators and anything he does he puts 100% into it.  I’ve never seen a shoddy job done by him.

I wish there were more books illustrated by him.  He deserves a title of his own.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Monday, April 11, 2022

Winding Down--I'm An Old Man

I hate to admit it, but, I’m old.  I turned 69 in January and if my family linage holds true I’ll probably pass away in my 80s.

It happened so fast.  One minute I’m graduating high school and the next minute I’m married (43 years) have two great grown kids and two awesome grandkids.

I’ve accumulated so much stuff from writing reviews I’ not sure what to do with it all.

Some I’ll leave to my kids and their families.  Other stuff I’ll probably sell, give away, donate to my church or alma mater or leave behind.

I’m at the age that I wonder when the end will come.  Will I go first or will my wife?  If I go first  I’ll leave a lot behind for my wife to deal with.

If she goes first, I know I will be devastated, heart broken and all alone.

All of my immediate family has died: my dad, my mom and my siblings.  I’ll have my kids of course, but they have their own lives.  I don’t want to impose on them.

I’ll still have my church family and friends.

More that likely I’ll sell off most everything or do what I mentioned above.  

I’m pretty certain I’ll sell the house and move into a small apartment or home.  I’ll probably travel, visit old friends and family and that should just about do it.

If I go first my wife has her sisters and family.  My kids will make sure she is OK.  She’ll probably cope better than I would.  She’s a strong woman.  

She’s the love of my life, my best friend and she’s helped me in more ways that I can list.

If it were not for her I’m sure I never would have gotten married, I would have had a lonely life and would pass away and no one would care.

I’m so grateful to her and for God sending her my way.  We’ve had a blessed life.  So many wonderful memories.  God has been so good to us.  

Regardless of who goes first I know we’ll be together throughout eternity-for that I thank God with all of my heart.

Revelation 21:4
(NKJV) “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Kids Cartoons to Comic Books: Future Quest Volume 1

A few years back DC Comics decided to bring back the superhero and adventure stars of the animation studio Hanna-Barbera.

The original animated series premiered in the 1960s and Warner Bros./DC Comics have updated the characters for the 21st Century.

In Future Quest Volume 1 a mysterious energy vortex has increased in appearances over the past few years.  Doctor Quest has been tracking the phenomenon and collecting artifacts its left behind.

Unfortunately his arch nemesis Doctor Sin has also tracked the phenomenon hell-bent on not only collecting artifacts but determined to control the unknown power.

As a kid I loved watching the Hanna-Barbera heroes on TV.  I still do. Space Ghost, Birdman, The Impossibles, Jonny Quest, The Herculoids, Frankenstein Junior-and on and on.

What a wonderful reintroduction to the characters.  Granted they are updated but the look and the feel of the characters remains pretty much as I remember them.  It’s nice to see them back in action.

One of favorite artists: Steve (The Dude) Rude, contributes artwork to the book.  His earlier work on Space Ghost really captured the look and feel of the animated series-it does here as well.

Besides the collection of the firsts issue of the HB/DC series the collected Universe set also includes sketches, covers and a writer commentary.

Far from just nostalgic the Future Quest books updated the characters and with any luck they'll crop up again in other DC Comic Books.

Philippians 4:4 (KJV) “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Dick Van Dyke: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang



Did you know that James Bond’s creator Ian Fleming wrote a much-loved children's book?

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang stars an inventor's and his lady love’s adventures in his wonderful flying car.

The book was made into a movie starring Dick Van Dyke.  Coincidentally the movie was released not long after Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins film also starring Van Dyke.

It, like Mary Poppins, featured song and dance numbers and a heavy fantasy element.  The main villain is played by the same actor who played Auric Goldfinger in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

The diecast and plastic automobile, from Corgi, comes in a small rectangular box decorated with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang colors and illustrations.

Inside the car is secured to a faux cloud base and can be seen through a clear plastic panel.

Like the film’s car the body is mostly red with a silver hood strapped with a black leather belt, gold radiator and headlights, swept over front and rear fenders, an open passenger compartment with four red leather seats and a full interior instrumentation including a black steering wheel.

A flip down gold rimmed windshield, red wooden spoke wheels, a front mounted spare tire, extended red bumpers with a silver boot and gold rear light and a set of flip out red wings hidden under the car’s chassis make up the rest of the car.

A single rider dressed in a blue coat and pants with black gloves, a blue hat and goggles sits on the right front seat behind the steering wheel.

The entire ensemble is a perfect small-scale version of the famous car from the film. 

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Star Trek X-Men/Star Trek The Next Generation X-Men

Seems like an unlikely combination: the crews of the Enterprise and Marvel Comics merry band of mutants: The X-Men.

But, that’s just what happened, not just once, but twice!

First the classic, original Star Trek TV cast teams up with The


The X-Men meet Star Trek: The Original Series and then Star Trek: The Next Generation joins Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Storm.

To say the meetings were memorable is an understatement.  Imagine the X-Men teaming up with Kirk and Picard.  Now that’s a team-up!

When Star Trek was at the top of its popularity in the mid-1990s Marvel Comics was granted the rights to produce a line of Star Trek comic books by Paramount Studios.

The first collaboration teamed the crew of the Starship Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk.

In the story the Enterprise is investigating a spatial rift.  The ship’s sensors indicate two spacecraft exiting the rift.  One ship holds the X-Men. The other The Imperial Guard of the Shi’ar Empire.  Kirk’s ship is stopped in its track with one punch by The Gladiator of The Imperial Guard.

It appears Deathbird is tracking the X-Men who have transported to the Enterprise.  Aiding Deathbird is the combined power of Proteus and Kirk’s former best friend Gary who gained godlike powers when the Enterprise entered the energy field at the edge of the galaxy (see ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before‘).

Only the combined might of the Enterprise and The X-Men manage to stop Proteus/Gary.  Marc Silvestri supplies the art.

An additional Star Trek Pin-Up Gallery is included.

In the second book Jean Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise have a ‘Second Contact ‘ with Marvel's merry mutants.

The story takes place just after the events of the First Contact Star Trek movie where Picard and crew defeat the Borg and their queen.

The Enterprise, though damaged, manages to return to Earth-but to a different type of Earth where Shi-ar technology exists as does the X-Men.

The time discrepancies are explained by the arrival of Kang The Master of Time.  Throw in some Borg, the Sentinels, the Thunderbolts, the return of Wesley Crusher, the Traveler, alternate timeline X-Men and a surprise ending and you have a classic crossover tale.

Both tales are fun reads and mark a point in Marvel Comics history when the company was exploring new territory.

Matthew 11:30 (NIV) “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Monday, April 4, 2022

CSI: Vegas Season One

After far too long CSI is back and it stars a number of the actors from the original series.

The reboot brings back two familiar faces tackling new crimes using the latest and greatest technology.

Old meets new as the veteran team of Crime Scene Investigators teams up with the new generation of crime fighters.

Combining their skills the reformed team investigates crimes in and around Sin City from the bright lights casinos to the dark alleys and the underbelly of society.

CBS/Paramount presents on DVD CSI: Vegas Season One that brings back the crime show that started a whole new trend in criminal investigation.

Also included on the DVD a featurette, a new look, seeing is believing and deleted scenes.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Sunday, April 3, 2022

The Doctor Is In: Doctor Who Sonic Screwdrivers, Watch and More


I stopped watching the BBC’s Doctor Who TV series two Doctors ago.

I did not like the cantankerous Doctor and the female Doctor is just not working.  I nice idea, but poorly executed and too much Social Justice Warrior garbage.

A number of years ago Underground Toys released a plethora of Doctor Who toys and merchandise.

I was fortunate enough to be on Underground Toys review sample list and I received a large number of items.  Most I’ve given away, except for a few items.

In my procession I have a number of Sonic Screwdrivers and other small items.

First up is the 9th Doctor's Vortex Manipulator & Sonic Screwdriver.

The Vortex Manipulator comes in a faux leather wristband with oversize storage area with four rivets and flip open lid.

Much like a wristwatch the Vortex Manipulator has an adjustable band with buckle and multiple punched holes.  It’s sturdy, well done and looks identical to the Vortex Communicator as seen on the Doctor Who TV series.

Open up the small lid with yellow interior and the Vortex Communicator comes into view with its three ports and blue LED light.

Included with the Vortex Communicator is the Doctor's most used tool: his Sonic Screwdriver.

Looking much like an oversize writing pen the Sonic Screwdriver has a silver shaft partially covered by crackled, rough textured off white sheath.   

On one end is the Screwdriver itself with a blue LED light and the other an adjustable slip sections for activating the Screwdriver.

Both the Sonic Screwdriver and Vortex Manipulator come in an attractive full color display box.  Both units are covered by a form fitting plastic covers that hold them firmly in place.

The Dalek Whizz Watch is a miniature marvel of Dalek technology.

Besides a cool watch with the photo of a Dalek for its cover, a special included device allows watch wearers to control a miniature Dalek.

Just watch as the miniature black and white Dalek with weapons at the ready zips around at your command.  

That’s a first-a Dalek taking commands from a human!

An additional loop and ring allow wearers to customize their watch and Dalek.

Hang them from a belt, backpack or key chain.  There’s even a special tool included for fine tuning you watch and Dalek.

The 10th Doctor who has the best of the batch.

In one set his Sonic Screwdriver is included along with a small leather case containing the Journal Of Impossible Things with all sorts of notes and illustrations. Twenty-one additional pages are included in the Journal for taking you own notes.

Where would the 10th Doctor be without his custom Sonic Screwdriver with ultraviolet light and working writing pen, telescoping light chamber and an additional black ink pen nib.

The Screwdriver’s button activates the light and two Sonic Sounds FX straight from the Sonic Wave Emitter.

Both 10th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver sets come packed in colorful boxes with form fitting plastic cocoons holding the Doctor's equipment firmly in place.

Batteries are included as are his Wipe Clean Psychic Paper and Wallet.

All of the Doctor Who toys I just mentioned are in scale, nicely done with perfect sculpting, clever light and sound capabilities and rugged enough to take wherever you want.


1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Friday, April 1, 2022

Speed Duel GX: Duel Academy Box


You’ve heard the expression, ‘It’s In the Bag?’

In this case Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Speed Duel: GX Duel Academy Box it’s in the box!

Time to go back to school to learn and use some new trick and tactics in this brand new Box filled with eight ready-to-play Decks.

It allows up to 8 players to jump into dynamic tournament experience.

Includes a static pool of around 200 Cards to construct popular strategies.

Brand-new Skill Cards introduce legendary Duelists from the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX anime to Speed Duel: Jaden Yuki, Aster Phoenix and Dr. Crowler plus more.
    
New Cards for Speed Duel to add to the Speed Duel Deck you already have.

Discover new strategies to try out.
    
Duel in style with Secret Rare Variants of popular GX-era Cards.

8 Secret Rare upgrades from a Set of 24.

20 Skill Cards.

And much, much more!

Luke 12:32  (NKJV)Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”