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Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Season One NCIS: Hawai’i

TV viewers have always been fascinated by Hawaii, the 50th state.

Over the decades such TV shows as Hawaiian Eye, Hawaii 50 (both the old and new versions) and Magnum P.I. have drawn viewers in with their action, adventure, intrigue and colorful casts and locations.

The newest Hawaiian TV series NCIS: Hawai’i just celebrated its first season with the release of CBS/Paramount Studios Season One NCIS: Hawai’i TV series on DVD. The new series stars Vanessa Lachey as the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor.

She and her crack team of agents follow in the tradition of NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.

Get ready for plenty of action, suspense and thrills as the new NCIS team deals with high-stakes crimes involving military personnl, national security and other crimes committed on the sun-drenched island paradise of Hawai’i.

If you love a drama and crime TV series situated on an island paradise with lots of sun, surf, sand and breath-taking vistas then NCIS: Hawai’i is the TV series for you.

The DVD collection contains all of the Firsts Season’s 26 episodes and over 45 minutes of special features: extended and deleted scenes, a crossover episode with NCIS, a Season One Celebration, several featurettes and a gag reel.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”

Secret Weapons

Back in the heyday of Valiant Comic Books in the early 1990s the company was at the height of its popularity.  All of its comic books were selling well. 

But, on the near horizon a storm was brewing.  The nefarious comic book glut, fueled by profit-minded speculators, was about to strike a blow to the comic book industry.

Unfortunately Valiant Comics would be one of its victims.  But, just before that all happened Valiant relapsed a new title: Secret Weapons, that teamed Valiant's top heroes against the supernatural forces of Master Darque and his new henchman: Doctor Eclipse.

Secret Weapons was Valiant's version of Marvel Comics’ The Avengers and DC Comics’ Justice League Of America.

In mood and theme it more closely resembled DC Comics’ Justice League Dark with its supernatural slant.

The team consisted of Doctor Solar Man Of The Atom, X-O Man of War, Shadowman, Eternal Warrior, Bloodshot, members of the Harbingers and occasionally, Turok Son Of Stone.

Like Marvel’s The Avengers and DC’s Justice League the series teamed up all the heroes of the Valiant Universe.

It was an ambitious concept but unfortunately not long afterwards Valiant Comics would cease to exsit as the speculator glut practically destroyed the comic book industry.

Valiant like so many other smaller publishers disappeared leaving only Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse as the primary comic book publishers.

It would be years before the comic book industry fully recovered and Valiant would reappear, albeit in a slightly different form.

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Monday, August 29, 2022

Singer-Songwriters Of The 1970s 150+ Profiles

The 1970s was a great time to be a young person-especially as it pertained to popular music

Often referred to the Singer-Songwriter decade the 1970s saw some of the greatest songs ever released.

It was a time when musicians were branching out into all sorts of musical genres. More than individuals that could just play instruments the new wave of Singer-Songwriters not only played instruments but wrote and sung their own songs.

Greats such as James Taylor, Carol King, George Harrison, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Patti Page, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens and dozens of other young musicians were changing the face of popular music.

Their music influences pop music today and it is still as popular and well loved as it was when it was first released close to 50 years ago.

In author Robert McParland’s new book: Singer-Songwriters Of The 1970s 150+ Profiles, published by McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, he takes a look back at the 1970s and its music.

Each artist/musician is profiled including their past history, their hits and much more in-dept.

The 1970s was the decade I grew from a teenager into my 20s and to this day the music from that era is still my favorite.

I know most of the words to the songs. They hold a special place in my heart with their personal reflections, comments on society and the times in which they were written.

It’s difficult to believe it was so long ago and yet the songs seems as fresh and relevant as the day they were released.

Psalm 84:10 (NIV) “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

Sunday, August 28, 2022

The Avengers #110

Back in the age of Bronze writer Steve Englehart and artist Don Heck put Marvel Comics' The Avengers through their paces when they faced off against Magneto in issue #110.

After defeating The X-Men Magneto sets his sights on The Avengers.

How can you go wrong especially since the cover is drawn by the legendary Gil Kane?

It’s metal mind control as The Avengers and The X-Men are caught in Magneto’s magnetic mesmerizing mental manipulation.

Things start out with a bang, as it appears The Avengers are battling each other.  Never fear it’s just a training exercise.  Pietro (Quicksilver) and Crystal (of The Inhumans) show up and announce their impending marriage.

Wanda (the Scarlet Witch) has an announcement of her own-she and the Vision declare their love for each other.  Pietro is not pleased.

The Avengers get an urgent message and investigate.  It appears the X-Mansion has been attacked and The X-Men taken hostage.

The Avengers investigate only to fall into a trap-hatched by Magneto.

Suddenly The Avengers are attacked by dinosaurs from The Savage Land.  Their minds controlled by Magneto.

Before The Avengers can properly prepare Magneto takes half of them prisoners.  What nefarious plans does he have and how does those plans involve The X-Men?

Talk about a jam-packed issue.  The X-Men, The Avengers, Magneto and dinosaurs-who could ask for anything more?

Malachi 3:10 (NKJV) “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts,“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Saturday, August 27, 2022

The Amazing Spider-Man

To show just how old I am, I remember picking up Amazing Fantasy #15 that featured the first appearance of Spider-Man. The year was 1962 and I was nine years old

I remember reading the first issue and was shocked, enthralled and more than a little curious about a superhero with the powers of a spider--he was a teenager in high school!

Several months passed and then issue #1 came out guest-starring my favorite superhero team: The Fantastic Four. Who could ask for anything better?

As young as I was was I still recognized the unusual art style of the Spider-Man series drawn by Steve Ditko.

Spider-Man and his alter ego Peter Parker didn’t act or look like other superheroes. For one thing he was slim and muscular, but not musclebound. He looked like a teenager.

Peter Parker was also a nerd-an outcast-a wallflower. Guys made fun of him and girls shied away from him.

I bought and read the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series all through the Steve Ditko and John Romita art periods. By the end of the 1970s I still read about Spider-Man’s exploits but not on a month to month basis-more like an occasional issue or so.

I’ve always liked Spider-Man through all of his changes and the comic book issues he’s starred or guest-starred in.

The Amazing Spider-Man Web-Slinger, Hero, Icon book, by author Rich Johnson and published by Universe, examines Spidey’s long and illustrious crime-fighting career.

Each decade, key story lines and crossovers are closely examined complemented by comic book pages, covers, movie concept art, variant covers and other art spotlighting the Web-Slinger.

The handsome hardbound book is filled with color and black and white art, interesting and fascinating text and information about Spider-Man and close-up examinations of Spidey’s supporting cast, villains and new characters.

It’s a veritable web filled cornucopia of Spider-Man goodies that fans of the Web-Slinger are sure to enjoy.

So sit back, crack the book’s pages, marvel at the art, be intrigued by the text and enjoy hours of reading and visual pleasure.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Friday, August 26, 2022

Tactical Masters

When it pertains to games it’s important to know strategy and how to be able to predict what your opponent(s) are about to do.

It takes a special kind of individual to be a tactical master. It’s how to win in games, warfare, business and in life.

Move and counter-move, switching tactics and evaluating moves and strategy are put to the test in Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game Tactical Masters.

Seven Cards come per Foil Pack with 24 Packs to a Box.

The 60-Card Booster Set:

1 Foil Card per Pack.
6 Rare Cards per Pack.

Introduces 3 new strategies.
Change the Pendulum Monster Cards from Spells into monsters.

Change an opponent’s monsters into Spells.
Push an opponent’s monsters backwards.

Place an opponent’s monsters in a labyrinth full of pitfalls.
15 cards from the Set are available as Collector’s Rares.

The 60 Card Set includes:

10 Ultra Rares
15 Super Rares
35 Rares

John 14:6 (NKJV) “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Venom With Capture Web



Straight out of the Spider-Man 3 film comes Spider-Man’s main nemesis: Venom.

The alien symbiote villain has his own six-inch action figure courtesy of Hasbro Toys.

The Venom With Capture Web toy from Hasbro comes in a clear plastic hanger/standup container with a large image of Spider-Man running down the left side.

A Spider-Man 3 logo runs across the bottom horizontally.

Inside the figure is cradled in a form-fitting plastic cocoon along with his capture web sealed behind the figure.

The Venom figure is primarily deep purple in color with darker black areas around its lower legs and arms, chest and head.

Venom’s large serpentine tongue protrudes out of his large open maw with sharp white teeth.

The articulated figure has a stylized Spider-Man symbol on its chest and fairly ripples with tendons and muscles.

The figure’s preset hands can hold the capture web in whatever poses the figure is place in.

It’s nicely sculpted, cleanly painted and offers cleverly hidden articulation points.


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

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Elfquest Hidden Years Holiday Special

Warp Graphics celebrated 15 years of Elfquest with a very special one-shot issue.

The Elfquest Hidden Years Holiday Special teamed Elfquest’s creator Wendy Pini with one of the industry’s most prolific and creative artists: John Byrne.

Talk about an unusual creative team!

While Byrne did not provide the pencils he did do the inking over Wendi’s pencils.  The combination of her pencils and his inks is striking.

This is it as Cutter and Rayek have their final slugfest as long held hate surfaces and the final battle must be fought.

It’s interesting that Pini’s pencils took on a whole new level of ferocity and dynamism for this issue.

I surmise since John Byrne's style is so powerful that the collaboration of Pini's pencils and John’s inks upped the action as it were.

It’s sure both Pini and Byrne planned out the issue taking into account John’ contribution and that Wendy modified her style to suit his inks.

Regardless of the reasons the issue is a powerhouse of emotion, action and final resolution.

Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV) “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

 

Saturday, August 20, 2022

T2 T-800 Terminator




“Hasta la vista, baby.”

“I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.

“I’ll be back.”


If those quotes sound familiar, they should.  They were all uttered by the T-1000 Terminator in the hit movie T2 Terminator 2 Judgment Day.

Several years back Sideshow Collectibles put out its first of a long line of Terminator 12-inch, fully-articulated collectible figures.

After doing research online I discovered that that first T-800 release is rare if I read the signs right.

I was only able to find one reference to that particular figure being on sale.  It’s pricey.

On the cover of the flip open box is a mid-waist photo of the figure within.

The T2 T-800 Terminator photo is also on the sides of the box and on the back.  Additional informative text is on the back and the inside flap.

Inside the box the figure, with weapons and accessories, is snug in a clear plastic form-fitting cocoon held in place by plastic straps and protected by a clear sheet of plastic.

The T-800 figure is decked out in all black leather with sunglasses.

Included with the figure is a special T2 circular base and support wire for posing the figure.  The figure is one in a three figure set that also includes Sarah Connor and the T-1000 Terminator.

Accessories and weapons include:

A pair of black sunglasses (Taken off a biker).
A black automatic handgun with a slightly extended barrel.
A sawed off shotgun (Short wood stock and metal barrels and cartridge chamber with handle).
A broken pool cue (Two-tone brown with a black accent strip).
A dagger with a black handle and silver thumb guard.
A cigar (Like the one the biker used on the T-800 in the bar).
An extra right hand for holding the weapons.

The fully-articulated figure poses easily with no binding or loose joints.  Multiple articulation points (swivel, hinge, pivot, ball and socket) allow the figure to pose without bunching its cloths and causing unnatural fabric wrinkles and folds.

The resemblance to actor Arnold Schwarzenegger who portrays the Terminator is remarkable and very lifelike.  The figure’s heavy jaw and brow, slicked back hair and intense eyes set above his straight nose is a perfect match to the actor.  

Coloration is excellent with subtle shade differences around the features.  The pre-positioned hands easily hold the weapons and accessories.

The figure wears a black long-sleeved turtleneck shirt, a black leather jacket with pockets (one has a flap with a silver snap), a black jacket belt with a silver buckle and black leather pants with a brown belt with a silver buckle and solid black biker boots.

Detailing (especially on the jacket) is amazing with functioning zippers, belts, snaps and pockets.

The entire assemble looks exactly like the T-800 Terminator right down to the smallest detail.

Matthew 24:42 (NKJV) “
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Anatomy Of Comics

I’ve been reading comic strips and comic books since I was five years old. I began collecting comic books and collected comic strips compilations (along with newspaper clippings) for as nearly as lo

In just a few months I’ll be turning 70 years old. I’ve accumulated quite a collection, as you well can imagine.

Comics and comic books gave me my career. I started drawing cartoons at an early age and eventually I graduated from college with a B.A. in art.

Since then I was employed as graphic designer for close to 30 years with another 11 years teaching art and graphic design.  

I used my talent of drawing cartoons my entire career. Anyone outside the art world (specifically cartooning) has difficulty understanding comic strips and comic books.

In Damien MacDonald’s new book: Anatomy Of Comics published by Flammarion/Rizzoli, the art of comics and comic books is explained.

Filled with black and white and full color examples of comics and comic book art from over the decades the book starts at the genesis of each genre and follows the years up until the present.

Informative text, accompanied by art examples, lead readers through the years.

Besides containing historical text the book the also delves into the meat and bones of what makes comics and comic books what they are.

It’s a engrossing read filled with fascinating facts complemented with awesome art from all over the world.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Blue Bloods The Twelfth Season and NCIS: Los Angeles Season 13



Here’s an interesting TV fact for you.

Did you know that actor Tom Selleck has been starring in the CBS TV series Blue Bloods four more years than when he starred in Magnum P.I. also on CBS?

That’s right, for eight seasons Selleck starred in the 1980s crime thriller Magnum P.I. opposed to a full 12 seasons as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in CBS/Paramount Studios Blue Bloods.

That’s quite an accomplishment.

The twelfth season of Blue Bloods finds the characters in all sorts of situations.

Frank is dealing with an upswing in crime in the city and pressure from the local big brass to put a stop to it. His son Danny is still reeling from the loss of his two-year old son,

Other family members investigate a decades old crime involving a close friend while another is faced with the repercussions of shooting an unarmed suspect.

Each week the Reagan family not only bans together to deal with family issues but law enforcement, political and community events.

Blue Bloods The Twelfth Season also includes over 45 minutes of additional features such as deleted scenes, a gag reel and a featurette about the Reagans.

Fans of the original NCIS TV series celebrated along with cast and crew 20 years on TV.

NCIS’s first spin-off series is not far behind with 13 seasons under its belt.

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 13 take place in the City of Dreams where action, intrigue and crime never stops.

In the 13th Season the team continues to safeguard and protect our nation and its citizens from Chinese and Russian operatives, murderous online trolls, the Mob and white nationalist--among others.

Dealing with crime is one thing but when it occurs in the city of glitter and lights and dreams crushed or met there’s no telling what might happen.

The 12th Season DVD collection also has special featurettes, deleted scenes, extended scenes, a gag reel and more.

If you love crime, mysteries and detective tales then both Blue Bloods and NCIS: Los Angeles are the two series you must watch.

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Watchmen Silk Spectres



You have to hand it to director/writer Zac Snyder.  Tackling such a monumental task of translating writer Alan Moore’s dark superhero epic Watchmen was a daunting task.

In my opinion he did an excellent job.

Of course a few storyline incidents had to be modified but overall the movie mirrors the 12-part maxi-series from DC Comics.

The key superheroine figures in the movie were the original WWII Silk Spectre and her 1980s daughter who followed her mother’s superheroine path as Silk Spectre II.

DC Direct created a line of Watchmen movie 6-inch action figures and both Silk Spectres were included.

The World War II era Silk Spectre (Classic) figure is a fully articulated 6-inch figure that packs some serious sex appeal.

The Silk Spectre is dressed in a short yellow skirt with a wraparound low bust line top.  The skirt’s wide tipped in  ‘belt” extends up under the figure’s breasts.

Silk Spectre wears black mesh stockings held up by snap-on garter belts.

Her right arm is covered by a mid-arm black glove and her left wrist has a black wristband.

She wears a solid black choker that highlights her lush full face with ruby lips and large eyes with upswept eyebrows.

Her iridescent red hair is pulled back and hands in bangs on her forehead.

She also wears black knee boots with laces running the entire front of each boot.

The figure’s shoulders are bare, as are her upper thighs.

The redhead beauty is posed with hands at her side and with one leg posed in front of the other.

Included with the figure is a special metallic base.

Skin coloration is that of soft flesh and color separations between flesh and clothing is distinct, sharp and have no rough slopover edges.

The sculpt work of the figure is expertly done with wonderful details on the clotting folds and especially the figure’s head and hair.

The Silk Spectre (Modern) figure is every bit as alluring and sexy as the original Silk Spectre.

Like her mother the new Silk Spectre is beautiful but with a more angular face, long brown hair with bangs and a taller slimmer body.

She too wears a revealing costume with black stockings held up by waist clips, solid black laceless boots, a yellow and black body thong and black mid upper arm gloves.

She wears a silver belt complemented by a long silver zipper down the front of her costume.  A turned up small black collar completes her outfit.  She too comes with a metal base.  

Both figures come in rectangular hanger, shelf boxes with clear fronts.  The figures are secure in clear plastic cocoons and feature a graffiti background inside the boxes.  A large Watchman logo runs across the top of the boxes.

The Modern figure is nicely sculpted with subtle skin tones, cleverly hidden articulation points and an impressive pose.

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


Tuesday, August 16, 2022

The Champions #17

He may have not have drawn issue #17 of Marvel Comics’ The Champions but he did ink it.

Artist John Byrne (known as the artist that catapulted The Uncanny X-Men to superstardom and made Wolverine the mutant he is today) inked over George Tuska’s art in issue #17 of Marvel Comics' The Champions.

In a way it is the first work John Byrne did that featured characters from The Uncanny X-Men series (Iceman, Angel and the Sentinels).

John’s inks really livened up Tuska’s sometimes-stilted figures.

The cover features The Champions battling it out with the Sentinels and sports the appropriate blurb: The Champions Last Stand!

The Champion’s is a perfect example of overlooked Bronze Age titles.

While most collectors are looking for the ‘key’ issues there is a plethora of first-rate Bronze Age stories that have some important spotlight moments.  

The Champions #17 is a perfect example of this as mentioned above.  

I predict that this issue will become a collector’s item just for the fact that it contains some of John Byrne’s first X-Men work.

Add that to the fact that fan favorites like Black Widow and Ghost Rider also appear in the book and it’s a sure-fire win-win.

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.”

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Bib Fortuna

Boyce McClain's Consumers' and Collectors' Corner
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One of the runaway characters for the original Star Wars Trilogy film Return Of The Jedi was Jabba The Hutt’s right hand man Bib Fortuna.

The slinky, devious and none too bright Bib Fortuna has been recreated in perfect, full articulated,12-inch scale by Sideshow Collectibles.

The Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars figures come in a double hinge box that is slightly narrower than Sideshow’s standard box.

A snap flap lies over the right side of the box and when flipped open the box reveals a full panel holding the figure's accessories snuggly in a plastic cocoon with a clear plastic sheet-viewing panel.

A single piece of tissue paper protects the accessories section form running against the figure section with similar cocoon and viewing panel on the far right.

The inside of the slip lid expounds of the plot of The Return Of The Jedi and the small connecting panel between the accessories and figure sections has bio information about Bib Fortuna.

The 12-inch fully articulated figure from Sideshow Collectibles recreates the raven hair beauty in all her finery.

Sideshow’s Scum & Villainy Bib Fortuna Jabba’s Major-Domo 1/6th Scale Sideshow Exclusive feature a full color photo of Bib Fortuna on the box cover sides and back that also included scenes from the movie.

The figure’s pale squid-like head is bald with a large skull eye ridge, deep set pink eyes, a small nose, slightly protruding pink lips and pale yellow teeth.

Only small ear holes show and a large folded drape of flesh protrudes from the back of the cranium and lies over the right shoulder and drapes over to the left shoulder.

A large throat pouch of pink flesh almost obscures his chin and lies on his upper chest.

Two small flesh colored tubular section of flesh hand from the bulbous sack.

His full undergarment shirt and pants are a deep aqua as are his fingerless gloves.

Draped over the undergarment is a full brown rob that is covered by a loose fitting brown jacket with no cuffs or fasteners.

The garment wraps around his body and has a large flat collar and one huge pocket. His feet are obscured.

The figure’s hands are prepositioned to hold the various accessories.  An additional set of hands can be popped into place.  They are slightly open with he index fingers pointing much like seen in the movie.

Accessories include a twisted shaft with medallion head, a silver blade Nefarious Knife, a Drinking Cup and a small reptilian Jabba’s Frog-like Favorite Snack Food.

A base and support wire is also included for posing the figure.

The sculpt captures the likeness of the cowardly henchman with perfect realism.  Clotting hangs, folds and wrinkles perfectly in scale and the flesh and accessories paint application is smooth, crisp and clean.

The hands pop on and off easily.  Articulation is smooth with no binding or stiffness and the figure easily holds the accessories wit not slippage.

It’s a beautifully sculpted piece of work and does the character credit.

John 13:35 (NKJV) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”


Friday, August 12, 2022

DC Comic Book: The Shadow #8

It’s important to note that superhero comic books owe their very existence to the early pulp magazine characters such as Doc Savage, The Spider and The Shadow.

DC Comics had attempted to cement The Shadow into his own series on a number of occasions but unfortunately none of them stuck around for long.

In 1987 The Shadow was given his own series once again.   Beginning is issue #8 the title was helmed by writer Andrew Helfer and new artist Kyle Baker.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to see Kyle Baker’s artwork I encourage you to do so.  It is truly unique.

For such an offbeat title like The Shadow and being that the series stars a former Pulp hero his style works perfectly.

Baker breaks down pages in pretty much the standard array of panels-nothing outrageous or groundbreaking.

However it is his art that makes the panels pop. His unique talent for unusual panel layouts, character distinctiveness, portraying emotion and ability to add details is second to none.

While his line work is simple and his shadows are selective, it is his variety of character interactive poses that really attract the reader’s eye.

There are no wasted lines or unnecessary details.  The art is crisp, clean and easy to follow as the story progresses.

Baker’s art graced the pages of comic books for a relatively short period of time.  He went on to other projects.  More than a cartoonist, Kyle is an illustration and storyteller with a style all his own.

Psalm 119:11
(KJV) “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Static #1

In this age of social justice, equality and minority representation in film, print and on TV DC Comics was ahead of the trend when it introduced its Milestone imprint starring minorities in all of its titles.

One such title: Static, had the distinction of not only being a comic book but and animated series as well.  In fact, that was my first experience with Static.  

The character looked slightly different as the comic book version. The animated series was not quite as edgy but it was fun nonetheless.

The Special #1 Static release included a Static comic book, trading card, three posters and a placard.  All were sealed in special plastic sheath.

It starred an electrically charged black youth who lived in the inner city that fought crime.  It was edgy, relevant and promoted minorities as superhumans.

John Paul Leon provided the dynamic art and Noelle C. Giddings the color work.

As to the color work-it was slightly unconventional at the time, as it looked more like watercolors than computer or traditional comic book color work.

It gave the book a unique more realistic look.

A sealed in the bag comic book goes for around $150.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

The Outer Limits The Sixth Finger

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Illya Kuryakin from the Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Ducky from NCIS-those are the two roles I associate with actor David McCallum.

But, long before he rose to fame McCallum guest-starred on a number of TV shows-The Outer Limits being one of them.

In The Sixth Finger David played a young coal minor who agrees to be the subject of an experiment involving human evolution.

The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits were two of my favorite series form the early 1960s.

While The Twilight Zone concentrated on the hidden horrors and secrets jut outside of human sight, The Outer limits primarily focused on ‘what’s out there’ and ‘what if?’ situations.

Both shows featured an impressive roster of soon to be superstar movie and TV stars in the shows.

Sideshow Collectibles took one of The Outer Limits most beloved episodes and created a 12-inch figure based on the story's main character.

The Sixth Finger figure (Gwyllm Griffiths) looks like a ‘B’ 1960s science fiction movie alien.

His head is bald with a huge cranium to house his enormous brain.  

The skull ridges around his eyes are protruding and hard-edged.  His eyes are sunk deep in their sockets.

His nose is long and hangs slightly over his slit mouth just above his pointed chin.  The figure’s ears are large and pointed.

Each hand has six long fingers.  His hands and head are enlarged but his body is that of a medium height man.

He wears a two-piece outfit made of rough weave white fabric.

The shirt has high collar and a single pocket and has sleeves cuff.  The shirt hangs over the pants.

The pants are loose fitting and tip over the plain black shoes with slightly pointed toes.

Included with the figure are two books: Descent of Man by Charles Darwin and Bach Preludes For Piano.

Both books are leather bound volumes with metallic type.

The figure comes with a circular base and support wire for posing the figure.

The Sixth Finger is one of my favorite The Outer Limits episodes and has held up remarkably well over the decades.



1 Peter 5:6
  (KJV) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”

Saturday, August 6, 2022

NCIS The Nineteenth Season

If you are a big fan of CBS/Paramount’s NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) TV series like my wife and I then you were shocked at what happened during its 19th Season.

Several of the investigators faced life and death decisions, two new members were introduced, an old member returned and one agent left.

Repercussions from Gibbs attack of a man who trained dogs to fight only to kill them when they became useless sent ripples throughout the agency.

The 19th Season was a season of big changes, probably some of the biggest changes the series has ever had.

The DVD 5-disc set includes all the episodes from the 19th Season along with 45 minutes of special features such as featurettes, a cast of characters and a crossover with NCIS: Hawaii-the latest show in the NCIS series roster.

Get ready to be shocked, rocked, go half cocked, watch the clock, endure a few hard knocks and think outside the box in the latest NCIS episodes collection.

Proverbs 21:3 (NKJV) ‘To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

12-ich Figure: Dress Blues Gunnery Sgt, R. Lee Ermey

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Need some inspiration?  Do you need a good swift kick in your keister to get you motivated?

Well. you’ve came to right place.  Sideshow Collectibles' Dress Blues Gunnery Sgt, R. Lee Ermey 12-inch figure will jump start you plans and get your sorry behind into gear.

Moviegoers will remember him as the nard as nails sergeant in Full Metal Jacket.

The 12-inch fully articulated figure comes in a special clear panel box with a larger photo of Ermey on its cover.

The motivational sound figure features a one-minute sound chip with patriotic and motivational Marine phrases.

The face of the figure looks exactly kike Ermey’s with its deeply etched face and stern scowl.

The sculpting as well as the coloring it finely crafted and the articulation of the figure lets it stand independently on its stand.

Included with the figure is a white hat with a black rim and a gold metal Marine symbol and gold side buttons.

A ceremonial sword with a brass hand and pommel with a bronze tipped sheath is also included.

The figure wears a deep blue jacket with sergeant strips in yellow and red, four pockets with bronze button and red piping and a high button up collar and several ribbon metals.

The jacket is held in place at the waist by a white belt with bronze buckle.

The figure's pants are of a lighter blue with red piping running down the side of each leg.    Black highly polished shoes make up the rest of the assembly.

All of the cloths are exact duplicates of a Marine's dress attire.  Stitching is scaled to the clothing, as are the buttons, patches and pockets.

The cloths fit loosely enough so they do not wrinkle or bind when the figure is posed.  The hands easily hold the sword and sheath and the hat fits perfectly n the figure’s head.


Proverbs 18:10
(NKJV) “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.”

Friday, August 5, 2022

Power Of The Elements

How do you fight the elements? Air, Water, Earth and Fire are a deadly combination!

Can you harness the power of nature to your advantage or will you be blown away, washed away, get too hot to handle or get buried in game play?

directing the almost uncontrollable power of the elements.

Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Power Of The Elements sees Heroes Unleashed with nine Cards per Foil Pack and 24 Packs per Box. A Foil Card is guaranteed in each Foil Pack.

  • 100 Cards come per Set that include:
  • 10 Secret Rares
  • 14 Ultra Rares
  • 26 Super Rares
  • 50 Commons

Just look at what else you get:

  • Cards that will Summon powerful Elemental HERO Fusion Monsters.
  • A Earth Fairy-Type theme that recruits Earth monsters with strategies from the past.
  • Cards for strategies introduced in previous and upcoming Sets including The Grand Creators, Dimension Force and others.
  • A World Premiere theme focusing on an unexpected Type of Monster!
  • New members/support for various Archetypes that includes Morphtroni, Vernusylph, Spright, Tearlaments, Ghoti, Wingman and Mokey Mokey.

With the new Power Of The Elements will you have the ‘element’ of surprise?

Psalm 91:11 (NKJV)For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.”