"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." — Psalm 19:14
When Krypton is destroyed Kara Zor-El is sent to earth to join her baby cousin Kal-el who was sent there earlier by his parents.
As Kara’s spacecraft leaves the doomed planet Krypton and her mother it is struck by a piece of the exploding planet’s debris and knocked off course.
It enters a time warp and arrives on earth after Kal-el has grown up to be Clark Kent/Superman.
Superman tries to help Kara adjust to her new home and powers, but as Supergirl she causes more damage than good.
In the hopes of training her to control her powers Superman takes her to the 31st Century to enroll in The Legion Of super-Heroes Academy.
While there she meets Brainiac 5 and the other Academy cadets.
When the Dark Circle attacks The Legion headquarters while the senior member of The Legion are away on assignment it is left up to the cadets to stop them from obtaining the most powerful weapon in the universe from the Legion’s secure vault.
But, what is the Dark Circle and who leads its? Supergirl and the other cadets are soon to find out and face the greatest challenge of their lives.
Also included with the DC Universe Legion Of Super-Heroes 4K Ultra HD/Bu-ray/Digital Code Combo Pack are featurettes about the making of the animated film, the story of Supergirl, a meet up with the Legion, a look at the legacy of Brainiac and two classic bonus cartoons from the DC Vault.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." — Philippians 2:3
Asian superstar actress and martial artist Michelle Yeoh guest starred as James Bond’s Chinese secret agent counterpart Wai Lin in the movie Tomorrow Never Dies.
Wai Lin was every bit as resourceful, clever, capable and dangerous as 007-something that intrigued James Bond.
The two hit things off rather bumpy when they both investigated the shady dealing of a media tycoon bent on ruling the world through his mega enterprise.
A full-color upper torso photo of Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin graces the front of the figure’s Sideshow Collectibles box.
The beautiful exotic Chinese actress brandishes a handgun. An additional small inset photo of the movie poster also graces the cover of the box.
Solid gold letter spelling out ’ Tomorrow Never Dies’ and a gold Sideshow logo and gold trim around the inset photo make the cover pop.
Additional photos of Wai Lin figure and photos from the movie are on all sides and on the back of the box.
Wai Lin’s bio and a cast list and synopsis of the film are on the inside flap and on the back of the box.
The figure, along with its accessories, are snug inside cradled in a form fitting plastic cocoon and held in place by plastic straps.
Both the figure and accessories are protected by a large clear plastic sheet and a full size sheet of tissue paper.
A circular ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ base and wire support are also included.
The raven hair Asian beauty has delicate features with large black eyes and small up-swept eyebrows,
The realistic hair is pulled up and back similar as Wai Lin’s hair was seen in the movie.
She wears a 3-piece solid black outfit consisting of a vest with Velcro, pockets, latches and buttons, a long-sleeve black collarless shirt and black trousers.
She also wears black leather tennis shoes with black laces.
Her small hands are preset to hold the accompanying black machine gun with clip, 2-sets of four red tipped bullets and two silver throwing stars.
The machine gun comes with a strap for carrying over her shoulder or securing on her arm. It also has a pullout stock and barrel grip.
Figure coloration is multi tone with emphasis around the figure’s high cheek, lips and eyes.
Articulation is smooth and secure and does not bunch or crease the clothing when posed.
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." — Psalm 150:6
I’ve used Adobe’s animation in Photoshop with some success but I’ve never tackled Adobe’s Animate.
I am totally in the dark on this one. As I mentioned before I tackled some very basic animation in Photoshop. I’d like to do more.
With Peachpit Press’s Adobe Animate Classroom In A Book by Russell Chun as a guide I am determined to take on Animate.
It looks absolutely fascinating.
Full color illustrations guide readers through 10 lessons and with the additional access to downloadable lesson files, the web edition that includes puzzles and videos it looks like it will be clear sailing to animation.
Starting with the basics the lessons slowly guides you through the many capabilities of the program and the mastering of its menus, functions and tips and possibilities.
I am impressed on how well the book is laid out, the examples contained and the ease of following the precise, clear and informative instructions.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get animated with Animate and with Peachpit’s Classroom In A Book the mysteries of animation are solved.
"Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'" — John 8:58
However Adobe Illustrator has some advantages over and capabilities Photoshop does not offer. I especially like that Illustrator lines are vector-meaning that whenever you design an illustration, logo, etc., it always scales up without fuzzy lines.
I admit it, Illustrator has always given me a problem. To me at least it is more difficult than Photoshop. Using Peachpit Press’s Adobe Illustrator Classroom In A Book I hope to change all that.
Author Brian Wood provides official training in a workbook from Adobe.
I haven’t been so excited about trying software in a long time.
By the looks of it the book it is a great visual guide broken down into 17 lessons that explain the how and how to of the program starting with the basics.
There’s lots of tips and techniques included along with downloadable lesson plans, a web edition with videos and extras and more.
It’s so easy to follow even an old codger like myself has no problem following along.
The large softbound book contains lots of screen shots with projects in the process of being worked on.
The text is clear, concise and to the point.
It’s an extremely well designed book with uncrowded pages making it easy to read, with little chance of losing your place and nicely designed, especially for visual persons such as myself.
With any luck I’ll have the latest version of Adobe Illustrator in my possession soon. I can’t wait to get started,
In the meantime I look forward to delving into the book, watching the videos and prepping myself to take on the world of Illustrator with confidence.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." — Romans 12:2
A license to kill!
It’s no small feat to stay current with popular culture over the decades.
Most literature, movies, TV shows are reflections of the eras they were created in. Very few manage to stay current and relevant.
The James Bond films are the exceptions.
Created by Ian Fleming, James Bond came right out of the late 1950s as a Cold War thriller. Ask most young people today what the Cold War was and very few, if any, could give you a correct answer.
I know of it simply because I lived through it.
James Bond was created as the ultimate counter intelligence spy. He was a glorified assassin, not exactly the most charming person you would meet and his was good at his job which also included taking out his enemy counterparts.
Bond was first seen on the small screen in a American anthology show. It wasn’t until a few years later that Bond appeared on the Silver Screen beginning with Dr. No.
Sean Connery played Bond-not the author’s first pick, and while retaining much of the literary Bond’s persona, he also injected much of himself into the roll: sexy, a bit of humor and a lady killer.
So successful was the first Bond film that more followed over the years with the last film starring Daniel Craig as Bond in No Time To Die-the swansong for his particular Bond.
In James Bond And Popular Culture, McFarland & Company, Inc, Publishers, with essays edited by Michele Britanny, the Bond phenomenon is examined in the great detail.
In the book Bond’s literary adventures, influences on film, TV and literature, popular culture, fashion, moral norms and much more are carefully scrutinized and explained.
For over 50 years James Bond has dominated the film industry, translated from one actor the next, set the standard for spy and action films and has continually been on the forefront of visual and practical effects and the ability to transform the character to fit the times.
The book offers a fascinating look at the spy who changed the world on multiple-levels and still managed to surprise audiences with each film.
A pop culture phenomenon has been born out of the series with novels, merchandise, fashion and more touched by the spy with the license to kill.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" — Romans 8:31
When it comes to YGO the bigger, badder and the stronger win and that’s just what you get with the Amazing Defenders!
Think of it as defenders in steroids! You don’t believe me!? Check out what you get:
The Booster Set includes:
Each Booster Pack contains 7 Cards:
First off-I’ve started designing again and I have to admit I’m a little rusty.
I’ve began a series of book illustrations using Photoshop (albeit it is an old version).
You may be asking yourself what has that got to do with Peachpit’s Photoshop book?
First and foremost I need to get up to speed on Photoshop and I know of no better source to do so that than with Peachpit Press’s Photoshop book which includes a free web edition with a video.
Peachpit offers the very best instructional books on all of Adobe’s products along with a vast library of instructional books on a variety of other computer programs.
My second reason for requesting the book is that it is my hope to get the newest version of Adobe Photoshop soon. I need to know ahead of time as to what to expect.
Authors Nigel French and Mike Rankin make it easy to understand Photoshop. Having worked in the program before I am familiar with many of its capabilities.
But, a lot has changed with the program over the last few years, including offering new functions, effects, etc.
The book uses lots of visuals combined with step-by-step comprehensive instructions and explanations.
I intend to keep this book close at hand as I learn and relearn the intricacies of Photoshop. Trust me, I’m that rusty. But I’m sure by using the Visual Quickstart Guide I’ll be up and current in no time at all.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." — John 14:27
Fights In Tights!
If you’re new to reading and collecting comic books it can be a real challenge to get up to date on the dozens-hundreds-of superheroes titles in print from the Big 2 to other publishers.
Gerald Jones’ and Will Jacobs’ The Comic Book Heroes book from Crown Publishing Group, T.H.E./Prima brings readers up to date up until the late 1990s.
Beginning with the Silver Age the book examines the following decades up until the late 1990s.
Subjects include characters, events, publishers, industry trends and a plethora of information about comic books published from that period.
The book provides concise and fact-filled text examining the various trends, titles and developments within all the large and small publishers.
It offers a great way to get up to speed not only about characters but their stories, events and backgrounds as well.
I use the book as a quick reference tool and it has proved itself an invaluable aid.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7
The large hardbound book: The Winston Effect, written by Judy Duncan and published by Titan Books, features a foreword by director James Cameron and a beautiful full color montage cover photo of the various creatures created by Stan Winston Studios.
Inside the author leads you through the history of Stan Winston studios from its humble beginning creating mostly facial alterations of actors and actresses until its big break with the first Terminator film and beyond.
Full color photos, interesting text, with commentaries and behind the scenes secrets, guide readers through the decades as the Stan Winston Studio craftsmen perfect their craft.
Look for production sketches and art, concept to completion photos of various creatures, details on armature and interior mechanics and electronics and more.
It’s mesmerizing collection of photos of some of the most iconic creatures and characters in movie history all brought to life by Stan Winston Studio artists and craftsmen.
From simple makeup to gigantic mechanized monsters seen in Jurassic Park and Aliens this book covers them all.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7
McFarlane Toys nabbed the Austin Powers toy license for the films and turned out some of the most hilarious, clever and well-done figures at that time.
I’ve chosen two figures from the first series of figures: Austin Powers and Dr. Evil.
The sculpting work on both match the look of the characters as played by Mike Myers is amazing.
Both figures are partially articulated and come with small sound boxes that spout famous phrases from both figures.
Along with figures are special Austin Powers display stands that hold the sound mechanism and a small tab that hold the figures upright when posed.
The packaging consists of a clear plastic front with interior plastic cocoons for holding the figures and stands along wit individual accessories.
The colorful card hangers can also set on shelves.
The Austin Powers figure is posed in Austin’s swinging sixties stances: with both legs slightly bent, arms drawn to his sides and hands pointing.
The figure comes dressed in Austin's trademark red velvet suit with frilly collar shirt, Nehru jacket, tight pants and pointed black boots.
Austin wears his black rimmed glasses and sports his silly grin-bad teeth and all.
Included with the highly detailed figure are a British flag, book and an extra hand holding a gun. “Yeah baby, yeah!”
“Why must I be surrounded by Frinkin' idiots?”
Does that phrase sound familiar? It should, it’s one of Dr. Evil’s catchphrases and it’s exactly what the 6-inch, McFarland Toys 1st Series Dr. Evil says.
Dr. Evil is dressed in his drab gray suit with its long doctor frock suit coat and white shoes.
The Dr. holds his right pinky to his mouth and looks as if he is about to utter, “One billion dollars!”
Included with the figure are a bundle of money, Mr. Bigglesworth the bald cat, with collar.
Paint application on both figures is clean, smooth, has no rough edges and matches their namesakes coloring.
Articulation is well hidden on the figures.
The Series 2 Carnaby Street Austin also is posed in one of Austin Power’s outrageous outfits. Legs slightly bent with his right hand flailed out and his left on his hip the laughing figure has brand new fixed teeth, shaggy hair, and black rimmed glasses.
He comes with an elaborate dental kit of toothpaste, a toothbrush and various picks and cleaners.
He’s dressed in a loud white, light blue and dark blue stripped two-piece suit with blue and white neck kerchief, red shirt and pointed high heel ankle boots.
“What do you think of my shag pad darling?” is his catchphrase.
“Welcome to my moon base” is the phrase the Series 2 Moon Mission Dr. Evil plays.
Dr. Evil comes in a full body, silver suit spacesuit with heavy boots, striated gloves, a large breathing/communication chest mounted apparatus and a clear fishbowl space helmet.
The Dr. stands saluting with two fingers.
Included with the figure s a silver suitcase full of cash and a tube containing Austin Powers’ mojo.
Sexy Series 2 Vanessa Kensington is all business; “You can address me as Agent Kensington.”
Decked out in a solid black leather body suit with the chest zipper pulled seductively low the Vanessa figure smiles her pearly whites and stands with legs slightly apart with her right handed posed to hold the accompanying champagne glass.
Included with the figure are a champagne bottle, a magnifying glass and a laptop computer with her boss’s face on it: Basil Exposition.
She’s a raven hair beauty with plenty of brains and Austin is crazy about her-too bad she’s a Fembot!
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a
good name in the sight of God and man." — Proverbs 3:3-4
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Adventurer Rex Morgan is the ultimate thrill-seeker and will take on any assignment or challenge for the right price.
But when he steals a powerful artifact, The Orb Of Ra, from millionaire Simon Stagg he gets far more than he bargained for
The Orb transforms Rex’s body into a little conglomeration of elements.
Reluctantly Rex takes on more assignments for the millionaire (Who promises to one day cure him) mostly so he can court his lovely daughter Sapphire over the objections of Stagg’s ape man assistant Java,
Follow Metamorpho in some the most outrageous and imaginative adventures ever to see print in comic books.
DC Comics presents Showcase Presents #1 Metamorpho The Element Man that reprints his early adventures starting with The Brave and The Bold #57 into his own title,
Plus see him take on some of the most diabolical villains in the DC Universe and teaming up with other DC Comics heroes.2
Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Everything you ever want to know about Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is contained in No Strings Attached.
Proverbs 18:22 (NKJV) “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.”
Psalm 16:8 (NKJV) “I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.”
The Avengers, The Champions, The Guardians Of The Galaxy, The X-Men and The Inhumans battle a sudden surge of monsters that are on a destructive path to destroy every corner of the Marvel Universe.
But, is it just monstrous stampede or is someone behind the monster mayhem?
Be sure to check out the oversize hardbound book from Marvel that includes incredible monstrous vistas, some spectacular art and full-bleed pages printed on high gloss paper,
Marvel Comics’ top illustrators contribute to the story with some spectacular, in-your-face art complemented by dynamic colors.
Here's the best part: I bought it for $7.99 plus tax at Ollie's!
Galatians 6:7 (NKJV) “ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”