The OMAC Project

Imagine creating a computer program placed in an A.I. satellite that was meant to protect the world from superheroes should they go bad.

Imagine that same program kidnapped and used to create an army of human OMAC (One Man Army Corps) that threaten to take over the world.

That’s the quandary Batman found himself in as he, along with other superheroes, must battle his creation that was meant to stop them should they go rogue.

Checkmate’s Black King Maxwell Lord devised a plan to eliminate the world's superbeings-or at least those that chose to oppose him.

When Blue Beetle discovered his plan Lord killed him in cold blood thus setting up the events in the Infinite Crisis maxi-series and it ramifications.

There are those in the Checkmate organization who disagreed with Maxwell's plan and unsuccessfully tried to stop him.

But, one individual had the foresight to notify Batman that Maxwell Lord had taken over Batman’s OMAC satellite but not before Maxwell activated it.

The OMAC Project was the prelude to one of the biggest events in the DC Comics Universe back in 2005.

The results of the events that happened are still being felt n the DC Universe today despite the ‘New 52’ and ‘Rebirth’ sagas that have since taken place since.

The events almost tore the Justice League apart as the members learned about Batman’s preparation to take out the other JLA members should they go rogue.  

Matthew 19:26 (NIV) “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

The Jedi Path

The life of a Jedi is not an easy one.  It’s a convoluted and precarious path as it starts with childhood and continues an entire lifetime.

Jedi’s must learn to put their feelings aside along with their own personal wants and needs.

A Jedi is to serve the greater good and never use the power of The Force for their own gain.

Those who do not follow that edict are susceptible to the Dark Side and its corrupting and seductive power.  

In The Jedi Path book, from Chronicle Books, readers learn all there is about The Force-both the good and the bad.

Contained in the little blue hardbound book is the history of the Jedi, what a Padawan is, how to become a Jedi Knight, fighting techniques, the various powered manifestations of The Force and so forth.

Learn about the galaxy, the aliens and beasts that inhabit it, the various cultures, customs and civilizations that are scattered across it and the multitude of locations of important Jedi temples and structures.

For such as small book it’s packed with information.

“Judge me by my size, do you?”

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

DC Comics One Million #1

Is This The DC Universe In The Future?

What happens when descendants of today’s top DC Comics heroes travel back in time almost a million years to request the help of their ancestors?

Things look on the up and up but looks can be deceiving.

The JLA receive a telepathic message from the far future.  It seems the descendants of the JLA wish them to take part in a celebration of the Prime Superman returning to earth form his Fortress of Solitude in the sun.

Telepathic scanning indicates the future JLA are telling the truth-or so it seems.

Each member of the original JLA team up with their future counterparts in preparation for the event to take place in the future.

The first to team up are the Batman and his future version.  Suddenly Batman is incapacitated by the future Batman.

As the individual members of the current JLA enter the future time stream they are in for a shock.

It seems Vandal Save and Solaris have teamed up to not only to take out the JLA, but to conquer mankind as well.

Now that the core members of the JLA are incapacitated, who will save them?

To find out pick u the entire DC Comics One Million 4-part mini-series to find out.

Only the mind of writer Grant Morrison could dream up such a tale.  Get ready for some unexcited events and surprise appearances.

Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.”

Magazine: Upcoming!! Diamond Previews, January 2023

 

 "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life." — Psalm 143:8

Black Adam

Truthfully-the DC Comics movies haven’t always been met with huge successes.

Personally I like all of them. The new Batman movie hit it out of the park and Aquaman surprised everyone and was a smash success.

The Wonder Woman movies (especially the first one) did well and the Justice League movie did justice to the Justice League.

Still, DC movies have not fared as well as Marvel Comics movies.

That’s about to change.

When Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson stated he wanted to play the anti-hero Black Adam going on 10 years ago, fans were skeptical.

But, Dwayne persevered and successfully launched Black Adam on the silver screen.

Along with him he brought the Justice Society and gave the DC Universe movies a huge boost.

Black Adam follows the origin of the anti-hero and his ‘rebirth’ in modern times where he must choose to use his powers for good or evil.

Things get a little bumpy in the beginning when Black Adam tackles the Justice Society. In the end Black Adam pursues his own form of ‘justice’ in the modern world.

Packed with incredible action scenes, impressive special effects and some kick butt fights Black Adam rejuvenated the DC Comics movies so much so that Warner Bros. has decided to revamp the whole movie franchise and set in motion-its own 10-year plan, headed by director James Gunn.

Remarkably Dwayne Johnson needed no muscle suit in the film but instead pumped himself up to the best shape of his life and filled out his Black Adam outfit to near bursting.

The Black Adam Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code Combo Pack from Warner Bros./Discovery also includes special features: a history of Black Adam, a look at the Justice Society, featurettes on Black Adam, costume designs and much more.

The future looks bright for DC Comics superhero movies and Black Adam is just the beginning.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him,and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5-6

Spider-Man The Spider-Verse Unfolds

In anticipation of the new Marvel Comics Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse computer animated movie from Sony Abrams Books For Young Readers presents the new Spider-Man The Spider-Verse Unfolds book retelling the tale of the first Spider-Verse movie.

Miles Morales is an ordinary teenager. He goes to school, tries to stay out of trouble and attempts to look cool-especially to girls.

He’s ordinary. That is until the day he starts displaying unusual powers such as sticking to walls, tremendous strength and other spider-like powers.

When a rift in space opens up alternate Spider-Verses young Miles meets the original Spider-Man: Peter Parker.

Not long afterward other Spider-People begin appearing including Spider-Gwen, who Miles immediately falls for.

Miles and the other Spider-People team-up to discover what has caused the rift and to find a way home for each of them.

The only problem is someone wants the rift open and they will do anything and use super-powered villains to stop Miles and his fellow Spider-People.

The deluxe hardbound book features a die-cut cover spotlighting Miles in his Spider-Man costume,

Inside cleverly constructed fold-out hinged pages connect to tell the entire story as seen in the movie.

Beautifully illustrated and written so even young children can understand it the book is a cleverly designed book to be loved by kids and Spider-Man fans of all ages. 

 Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Showcase Presents SHAZAM! #1

The Big Red Cheese! That’s what Dr. Silvan called SHAZAM! (Captain Marvel) in Fawcett Publication’s Captain Marvel series introduced not long after DC Comics Superman premiered.

DC Comics now owns the rights to SHAZAM! and the character has become a important part of the DC Universe.

Back nearly 80 years ago DC Comics (then known as National Periodicals) owned the rights to Superman.

When Fawcett Publications created Captain Marvel (SHAZAM!) with similar powers and abilities National sued Fawcett.

The legal tit for tat lasted for months eventually forcing Fawcett to concede and stop publishing Captain Marvel.

Years later DC Comics would purchase the Fawcett library of comic book characters that also included Captain Marvel.

In the 1970s when Marvel Comics created its own Captain Marvel DC changed their character’s name to SHAZAM! named after the phrase young Billy Batson spoke when he changed into Captain Marvel.

In the 1970s SHAZAM! got his own DC Comics series and enjoyed a respectable run.

He also appear semi-frequently in other DC titles.

Since that time SHAZAM! has resurfaced as a key player in the DC Universe spawning two movies and numerous mini-series and guest appearances.

Showcase Presents SHAZAM! #1, from DC Comics, contains the numbers 1 through 33 of the SHAZAM! comic book series reprinted in black and white.

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.”

Heroes

September 11, 2001-we honor those that lost their lives when terrorist flew two jet airlines into the Twin Towers in New York City and a third plane into the Pentagon.

An additional plane never made it to its intended target thanks to the heroic efforts of its passengers.

Instead in crashed and burned in a field in Pennsylvania.

In this very special issue September 11th is commemorated and honored by some of the comic book industry’s top talents.

It’s been twenty-one years since the carnage and America has become complacent and divided.

Does anyone realize that is just what the enemies of the United States want?

Included with the various prose dedications is art by many of the industry’s top talent.

Just a few of the artist’s work to look for include Sam Keith, George Perez, Frank Miller, Neal Adams--the list goes on and on.

Heroes, from Marvel Comics, features a Alex Ross front cover and ends with a Joe Quesada/Todd McFarlane back cover.

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

Monster Masterworks

Monsters Attack!

Long before Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and other Marvel Comics creators revolutionized the comic book industry with their superhero creations, they drew and wrote a very different type of comic book: monsters.

Martin Goodman, the owner of Atlas Comics (now Marvel Comics) had one philosophy when it came to comic books: make them fast, cheap and follow popular trends.

Editor Stan Lee just that.  He wrote Westerns, Crime, Romance, War and whatever other genre was popular with the public for years.

When the country was caught up with the “Red Threat’ of communism Hollywood churned out a plethora of monsters and creatures from outer space movies-a metaphor for the threat of annihilation and paranoia.

Stan Lee, along with his artists: Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Don Heck and a smattering of others churned out monster comic books by the dozens.

Comic book collectors look back with fondness at the pre-Marvel monsters.

Favorites are Fing-Fang-Foom, The Hulk, Groot and many more.

In the Monster Masterworks trade paperback reprint of the classic tales Marvel Comics has compiled the various monster menaces into different categories from space to mystical.

Fans are sure to get a kick out of the crazy names and the stories and early art work from Kirby, Ditko, et al.

Walt Simonson provides the wraparound cover.

Psalm 107:20 (KJV) “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Sandman Mystery Theatre #1

The Original Sandman
Pre-Neil Gaiman!

It was only natural with the popularity of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series that DC Comics would produce a few spin-off series and mini-series.

Sandman Mystery Theater was one such spin-off series.

Here’s what makes this first issue interesting.  It’s not about Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, but instead the original gas gun-totting Sandman from the Golden Age.

Just how did the Sandman come about-this tale delves into his origin.

The series is drawn and colored emulating a Golden Age comic book.  It gives the series an authentic feel.  The text is to the point, very descriptive and ripe with period vernacular.

The story takes place in the 1930s, barely 10 years after prohibition. Gangsters, the upper crust and the police intermingle in a steeped in mystery tale.  

When a wealthy businessman’s daughter is kidnapped and subsequently murdered both the police and a mysterious figure wearing a gas mask investigate.

What makes this book especially interesting is the time period in which it is taken place, the feeling of Film Noir and the effort to flesh out the characters.

The art style fits the story. It does not distract from the story and successfully captures the look and feel of 1930s America.

Period costumes, cars, locations and the heavy emphasis on shadow and light make it an intriguing read.

The dialogue is crisp and realistic, the characters multi-faceted and the settings authentic.

It’s a well-done series that is steeped in nostalgia and yet feels modern and relevant.

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.”

The Incredible Hulk #377

Something amazing happens in Marvel Comics The Incredible Hulk #377.  Bruce Banner’s various Hulk persona battle it out in his mind-and Bruce Banner wins!

For the first time The Hulk has the brain and intelligence of Bruce Banner and it’s in control.

The Incredible Hulk #377 is a fan favorite with its bright green cover and the image of the Hulk against it in stark black and white.  The Hulk logo in contrasting purple/red really makes the cover pop.

Inside writer Peter David pits the different persona of the Hulk against each other in a round table discussion, of a sort, conducted by Doc Samson.

As the doctor delves deeper into the Hulk’s psyche disturbing images emerge along with violent outbursts from each Hulk and a mysterious being erupts.

Ultimately Bruce Banner is forced to deal with his abusive childhood and in the end take control of the Hulk freeing him to have the mind of Banner and the body of the green Hulk.

“Honey, I’m home.”  His wife Betty Banner is more than surprised.

Artist Dale Keown delivers a one-two knockout with his pencils. His mastery of the human figure and facial expressions is second to none along with his command of 3D space and settings. 

Job 19:25 (NKJV) “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;”

Combo #1

Combo: no I’m not talking about the newest snack.  I’m talking about Combo magazine that was all about comic books, gaming cards and other pop culture collectibles and fads.

When Wizard the magazine came out promoting comic books in the early 1990s and became a huge success other publishers took notice such as Century Publishing Company.

Angelina and Spawn share the front cover of Combo #1 from Century.

The magazine covered the latest news and the prices for comic books, non-sports cards, action figures, video game, gaming and more.

Each category was broken down by company starting with comic book titles then sections including an interview with Todd McFarlane, Ken Kelly’s trading cards, Tekno Comics, what’s hot in comic books and then a huge section on the various price guides.

Following that up was what’s hot in non-sports cards, Magic, the new look of Batman, Skybox, Disney collectibles, action figures, cartoons, video bits, gaming and a whole lot more!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) “Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

The Marvel Age Of Comics 1961-1978

The Birth Of Marvel Comics!

As a Christian I am constantly amazed how God provides for my family and I, protects us, blesses up and loves us.

I especially love when once in a while God surprises me.

That happened the other morning when I rode my bike to the local used bookstore to trade in some DVDs.

The instant I walked in the door I spotted a book I have been looking for for years.

There it was and only $20!  I grabbed it immediately and used my credit to pay for it.  What a surprise!  I love it when God does that.  Thanks God!

So far I’ve looked through this book at least a dozen times and still manage to find new stuff to read and look at.

I’m talking about Taschen’s The Marvel Age OF Comics 1961-1978 by Roy Thomas.

I was raised reading Marvel Comics’ Silver and Bronze Age comic books.

It’s hard to describe the thrill of reading these early books.

I remember reading about the first appearance of Galactus and the Silver Surfer, the introduction of the Black Panther, the first issue of The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Thor, Daredevil, The Avengers, etc.

The Bronze Age brought Wolverine, The Punisher, Morbius and so many more memorable characters.

I watched the first Marvel cartoons, the live action TV series like The Hulk and Spider-Man and I even owned a few of the early toy tie-ins.  I was even a member of M.M.M.S (The Merry Marvel Marching Society) with a membership card and all.

The oversize hardback book features a huge gold metallic and red ink title with the first issue cover of Spider-Man as its cover.  On the revise side is an image of the first issue of The Hulk.

On the inside cover and first page and the inside back cover and last page is a chronological timetable listing the key events in the world and Marvel Comics from 1961 to 1978.

Appropriately the book begins with The Fantastic Four since it kicked off The Marvel Age of Comics.

From there each of the key characters and titles introduced in the Silver Age are examined in text complemented with full color interior art and covers.

Sprinkled throughout are photos of original black and white art and promotional products created during that time period.

From the Silver Age the book then expounds of the Bronze Age with its introduction to more ‘mature’ storylines and the expansion into horror, the supernatural and other subject that were allowed when the Comic Book Authority guidelines were eased up.

What a great book!  Roy Thomas did an astounding job compiling the massive amount of images and provided fascinating text filled with all sorts of insider notes and recollections.

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

Barnaby Jones The First Season

Life After The Beverly Hillbillies!

Fresh off his successful run as Jed Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies actor Buddy Ebsen tackled a completely different kind of role.  That of private detective Barnaby Jones.

The story evolves around Barnaby.  When his son is murdered while on assignment Barnaby takes it upon himself to solve the case.  Recently retired he once again resumes his practice with the aid of his son’s widow played by Lee Meriweather.

Buddy Ebsen proved he still had the acting chops to pull off the lead in a TV series despite his age.

In this First Season collection the pilot as well as the 60-second promos are included.

Quinn martin produced the show that showcased Buddy as the milk drinking, slow to the draw, bulldog determined and craft old fox Barnaby Jones.

The show lasted a respectable number of years.  Buddy was well into his 70s when the show ended.

Fellow actors were amazed at his capacity for a hard day's work, his kindness and professionalism.

After the show ended Buddy kept active and lived to be a ripe old age of 95.

Luke 11:9-10 (NIV) “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Christmas Wish List

At this time of year nearly everyone has their own 'Wish List' of things they want for Christmas. 

I'm no exception. So I thought I'd share my list by priority.

• I pray that all of my family and friends would accept Jesus Christ as their savior and get saved.  

Christmas is a celebration of Christ's birth.  What better gift to give someone than salvation and the wonderful hope of spending eternity with Jesus?

• I pray God will show me how to use my talents to serve him to see people saved.

Now as to material wants:

• A new laptop and tablet
• A bigger audience for my reviews
• A consistent and varied supply of review items
• Old comic books, toys and collectibles
• Comic book, magazine and collectible supplies
• The eventual sale of my collectibles so that the money goes to my family and church
  
• A generator/inverter
• A back-up power supply for my computer
  
• Bookcases
• Shelves
• Large toolboxes with wheels
• Wheel platforms
• A handgun with a holster and concealed weapons permit

I'm sure there are other items, but these are the ones I can think of right now.

Quite a list.  But, I figure I might as well ask big-you never know.

Regardless if I do or do not receive any of the material 'want' items, I leave the final outcome to God.  I've discovered over my lifetime that it's best to leave the details to God.  After all, he knows all, owns all and knows what I need or do not need.

I already have the greatest gift of all: the assurance of my salvation and eternal life.  Who could ask for anything more? 

God said to ask Him for needs and wants and to trust him.  It's entirely up to Him what happens.  

I do not abide by the 'name it and claim it' Christianity that is so prevalent today.  It's a false doctrine.

Any and everything I ask for needs to glorify God.

I hope and pray that the above material items I asked for can be used to spread the message of salvation, be it through reviews, giving, etc.

The salvation of my family and friends is the priority and also as to how I can serve Him.

Read below what God says about asking for things:

• Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. – John 14:13–14
• If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7
• I chose and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. – John 15:16.

 

 

 

 

Time Masters Vanishing Point #1

Batman Is Missing!

In a major DC Comics' JLA battle with Darkseid Batman was blasted by Darkseid's  Omega Beams.  Supposedly Batman was killed but it was later discovered that he was actually transported through time.

It was left up to The Justice League members (Superman, Green Lantern and Booster Gold) and Rip Hunter to find him and bring him home to the present.

Issue #1 began with part of the Justice League contacting Rip to help them find Batman.

As the Justice League and Rip traveled through time they discovered clues as to Batman’s presence in the Stone Age.

Did I mention Despero and Per Degaton (The Time Stealers) Goldstar and Supernova were also present?  Oh, before I forget Vanishing Point had been destroyed-things aren’t looking good.

Things got even worse when Rip Hunter wound up face-to-face with Claw The Barbarian.

It seems time was a turmoil and the fate of Batman was small potatoes compared with time itself becoming unraveled.

The Search For Batman Began-if only there was enough time.

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.”

Dark World

The Dark: things that go bump in the night, strange noises, skittering shadows, hidden dangers and the threat of the unknown.

Man has always feared the dark. Try to imagine a world made of the shadows: Dark World.

What kind of creatures dwell there? What are their abilities? Are the friendly or dangerous?

Konami introduces players to its Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Dark World with its new Structure Deck.

Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World returns! This is what players can expect:

• Reign-Beaux Level 8 monster can Special Summon itself from the Graveyard.
• The dragon lord Grapha is a Fusion Monster Summoned using a DARK monster.
• You can hijack an opponent’s Normal Spell/Trap Card or monster effect.

The Dark World army awaits you!

Each Structure Deck contains:

• 5 Ultra Rare Cards
• 3 Super Rare Cards
• 37 Common Cards
• 1 Double-sided Deluxe Game Mat/Dueling Guide

Are you afraid of the dark? You should be!

James 1:19 (NIV)”My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”