Diamond Previews, April 2023

 

 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13

Rick and Morty Season 6

They’re back and their adventures continue where we last left them.

Rick and Morty once again are at their lunaticiest (is that even a word?) in Warner Bros./Discovery/Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty Season 6 Blu-ray

For animation at its looniest, bizarriest (look Ma, I invented a new word!) and craziness look no further than the adventure of Rick and Morty, their family and their strange friends and foes in 10 brand new episodes.

Here’s just a sampling of what you can expect:

• Everyone travels back to their own dimensions.
• Morty gets trapped in a virtual reality game.
• Space Beth and Beth have an affair.
• Rick and his family create Night Persons with catastrophic results.
• Jerry discovers a new kind of fortune cookie.
• Dinosaurs return to earth and take over.
• Fictional characters enter the real world.
• Rick battles/becomes the Pissmaster.
• Morty becomes a king.
• Morty’s new lightsaber is accidentally dropped vertically and bores into the earth threatening destruction.

And those are just the tip of the iceberg.

Get ready some the wildest, wackiest and incredible adventures imaginable brought to life by some killer animation, incredible creature and special effects and totally off the wall dialogue and story plots.

The Blu-ray set also includes some uncensored exclusive special features best viewed by adults only. 

"For I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm." — Jonah 4:

Japan

Here in the United States we tend to forget that our country is young as compared to other nations around the world.

Japan has a long and illustrious history filled with traditions, customs and social norms foreign to most Westerners.

On the one hand Japan is a modern nation filled with the latest technological, architectural, transportation and entertainment products and services.

On the other hand it is also a country steeped in tradition where ceremonial weddings, martial arts, strict social rules and etiquette, deeply held religious practices and locations dedicated to quiet inner contemplation and stillness.

Japan, by writer Hans Sautter and published by Schiffer Publishing, is a huge hard bound bound book with a wraparound full color cover featuring the back of a colorful Geisha.

Inside the many aspects of Japan are explored from its bustling cities where every inch in put to use. Buildings and roadways intermingle along with small neighborhoods, lower income shops and dwellings, small parks, bustling and bright entertainment areas and more.

Japanese cities are ablaze with lights, images and vehicles.

Other areas the book covers are small villages, shrines, temples, carefully manicured parks and rest areas and most importantly the people of Japan.

From Anime and Manga inspired cos-players to conservatively garbed traditionalist ranging from fishermen to businessmen.

Full page and double page full color photos showcase the beauty and mystery of Japan and its people.

It’s a gorgeously compiled book of photos and interesting and informative text.

Stunning is the best word to describe the book. After looking though the book I walked away with a better understanding and appreciation of Japan and its people. 

"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

The Doom That Came To Gotham

Batman rules! 

DC Comics' Batman (The Dark Knight) is my favorite superhero. Albeit he really isn’t super. He has no super abilities. He can’t fly. He’s not invulnerable. He’s not super strong, etc. etc. etc.

And yet of all of the DC Comics' characters Batman is the only one who successfully took out each and every member of the Justice League, managed to thwart and defeat the most powerful of villains and has tackled everything from magical beings, inter-dimensional threats and more.

What Batman has is smarts. He’s trained himself to be the near perfect human specimen. He’s a master at most fighting techniques, is a computer and tech genius and most of all he’s always a step ahead of whatever or whoever his opponents are.

In Warner Bros./Discovery’s DC Animated Batman The Doom That Came To Gotham on the 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray/Digital Code Combo Batman/Bruce Wayne exists in an alternate timeline of the early 20th Century.

He journeyed all over the world after his parent were killed 20 years prior to his globe-trotting.

His most recent adventure takes him to frozen wastelands in search of an expedition.  What he discovers is death and something supernatural.

Bruce Wayne brings with him a trio of orphaned street kids (a sort of a trio of Robins).

Returning to Gotham City they take on sinister crazies backed by magic, demons and Old Gods. Can Batman and the Robins save Gotham City? Will Batman have to die to do so?

Look for alternate versions of some of Batman’s most sinister foes such as Poison Ivy, Penguin, Clayface (?) and others. Also keep you eyes out for some familiar DC heroes such as the Demon.

The Dark Knight faces the dark night in a horror and mystery story combining traditional and computer generated art to produce a truly chilly Batman epic.

Are you ready for a new era of adventure?

Also included are a featurette, a commentary and two Bonus Cartoons from the DC Vault. 

"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

Space Hardware

Space-The Final Frontier!

I was born in 1953. I was there when the Space Race first took hold of the American psyche and the United States and Russian vied to be the first in space travel.

Russia (The Soviet Union) beat America to the punch early in the Space Race.

But it didn’t take long for the good old red, white and blue to catch up and surpass the Russkies.

It’s difficult to describe how exciting it was to witness the first space launches and the triumphs and tragedies that NASA experienced.

It seemed like almost every week new frontiers were being conquered.

Looking back at the early spaceships, equipment and ground support facilities they all seem so primitive.

Bulky, clunky, heavy, a hodgepodge of wires, circuits, nuts, and bolts, fastened together metal and plastics space capsules, rockets, control panels and the like looked like something out of a Dr. Frankenstein laboratory.

And yet they worked-so well in fact that man, barely 50 years after the Wright Brothers took their first flight at Kitty Hawk, was walking on the moon.

From there space exploration branched out into space stations, the Space Shuttle, sophisticated satellites and probes and more.

Space Hardware, written and research by John Gourley and published by Schiffer Publishing, is a brand new hardbound book that examines the artifacts, equipment and sites from the American Space Program.

I have to admit I was excited when I opened the book and began to flip through the pages.

Photographs, charts and illustrations chronicle the space program starting with the very first man-made satellite: Sputnik to the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions.

Both exterior and interior shots examine the spacecraft, the rockets, control panels, exploration vehicles, satellite and space probes, space stations, shuttles and much much more.

Accompanying text delves into the history of space travel and examines each craft and component in full detail.

As a child of the Space Age I am thrilled at the in-depth look at the United States Space Program.

Back then there was a spirit of exploration as the nation gathered together to witness the pioneers of space travel boldly stepping out into the unknown. 

"For I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, One who relents from doing harm." — Jonah 4:2

Sketchbook Traveler Southwest

Long before photography existed travelers chronicled their travels in word and with illustrations and paintings in journals or sketchbooks.

There is something special about illustrated journals. No matter the traveler their chronicle of the journey is highly personal and unique. Think of them as visual journals or diaries.

Author James Lancel McElhinney and Schiffer Publishing present Sketchbook Traveler Southwest that captures the look and feel of the old travel journals artist created while chronically their trips and explorations.

Beautifully illustrated predominantly in pencil and water color  the book contains actual journal entries by the writer complete with travel notes.

Additionally the history of the visual journals is included demonstrating how the old travelers from the past set about creating their journals.

Suggestions on how readers can create their own sketchbook journals is also included as well as encouragement and blank pages, a list of materials needed and how to get started. 

"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

Twistwood Tales

Once in awhile a truly unique collection of illustrated stories comes along that redefines humor, beauty, loyalty, friendship and family.

Twistwood Tales, by writer/artist A.C. MacDonald and published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, collects several stories from the hit comic series.

Where else are you going to find such a weird, wacky and dark set of characters like a scarecrow who loves birds, a frightened ghost, a bucket head boy, a rock head girl, dog constable, robber duckies: Fingers and Toes and other memorable characters?

Wonderfully creepy tales of magic, enchantment and adventure await within.

Beautifully illustrated and colored the collected comics are a fun and fascinating read for adults and kids alike.

As an illustrator/graphic designer/writer I appreciate the imagination, craftsmanship, story structure and wonderfully wackiness of it all.

The small hardbound book also comes with a foldout poster: Cuthbert’s Map Of The Twisted Forest and Beyond. 

"And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" — Acts 20:35

Creative Flow

As a artist/graphic designer/writer I can attest to the fact that sometimes tapping into creative energy is difficult.

There are times of massive creativity and production. There also times when the well of creativity seems to have run dry.

How does someone flip on creativity?

Creative Flow, by author Roberta Bergmann and Schiffer Publishing, offers 40 prescriptions for tapping your creative impulses.

Anyone can be creative. In fact, everyone is creative, whether they think so or not.

Everyday activities like picking out a wardrobe, arranging your food on a plate, the type of car your drive, where you shop, the people you hang out with, your preference for color, food and activities-all involve creativity.

People don’t call it that, but that’s what it is.

The book provides encouragement on how to stir up, activate and use your creativity.

The hardest part about creativity is getting started. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, take chances, explore now ideas and boldly step into arenas of stimulated creativity you’ve never visited before.

Ideas and stimulus for creativity are everywhere from media used, locations visited, new ideas and so forth.

Plan, think, perceive, question, challenge, explore and open yourself to new possibilities.

Every aspect of creativity, along with ideas, suggestions, the do’s and don’ts and so much more are included in the hardbound book complete with art, photos, tips, trick sand more.

So get going! Get creative! Nothing is stopping you! Your imagination is given free reign! 

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." — 1 Corinthians 15:58

Strange New Worlds

At the risk of repeating myself too often Star Trek: The Original Series is my favorite Star Trek TV series. I was a loyal fan when the series first aired in 1966 to 1969

The classic crew of Captain James T. Kirk, First and Science Officer Mr. Spock, Chief Medical Officer Leonard McCoy, Chief Nurse Christine Chapel, Yeoman Janice Rand, Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott, Communications Officer Nyota Uhura, Navigator Pavel Chekov and Helmsman Hikaru Sulu were, in my opinion, the best crew of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.

While I enjoy the live action adventures of The Next Generation, Voyager, Enterprise, Deep Space Nine, Discovery and Picard there’s something about the original series that is special.

CBS TV/Paramount Studios has managed to recapture the wonder and excitement of the original series with its new Star Trek Strange New Worlds series that takes place aboard the Enterprise before Captain Kirk took command.

Kirk’s predecessor Captain Christopher Pike commands with a different crew save for a young Mr. Spock, Uhura and Nurse Chapel.

Star Trek fans will recognize the name Christopher Pike. He appeared in the first Star Trek pilot: The Cage. Actor Jeffrey Hunter played Captain Pike. The pilot also aired as a two episodes in the original series called The Menagerie.

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Season One, on DVD, contains all the episodes from the new series along with featurettes, a gag reel, deleted scenes and an audio commentary.

It’s funny, fascinating and really brings back the feeling and look of the original series.

Viewers learn all about Pike, his crew and witness some amazing first contacts, adventures and conflicts. Look for lots of ‘Easter Eggs”, tributes to the original series, tie-ins to the original pilot and much more.

It’s a delight to watch. As an original “Trekker” It was a real treat for me to see so much of what made the original series so special.

Get ready for a lot of surprises, revelations and some awesome special visual and creature effects, plenty of action and some revealing character moments. 

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." — Psalm 20:7

Milk & Mocha

Who doesn’t love cute and cuddly bears? Especially when they are drawn Manga style.

The Milk & Mocha Comics Collection Our Little Happiness collects everyone;’s favorite cuddly bears online comic strip into one small hardbound book.

The book follows cheerful Milk and patient Mocha's day-to-day adventures by writer /artist Melani Sie and published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Polar opposites the bears are dear friends and tend to look at life quite differently from one another.

Little snippets of their lives demonstrate their fondness for each other, the simple things in life and most of all friendship, happiness and joy,

For a warm, fuzzy feeling Milk & Mocha delivers with relatable moments, sweetness and most of all love.

Though the illustrations are simple, the colors soft and pleasing to the eyes and the dialogue sparse one but can’t help walking away with a profound feeling about life, true friendship and precious moments.

Several pages of stickers are also included. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9

Dreadstar Omnibus/Slipcase Set

Thanos, Mongul, Gamora, Drax The Destroyer-familiar names to Marvel and DC Comics fans. All creations of one man: Jim Starlin. He is also responsible for many other creations-all owned by Marvel and DC.

Jim got his start back in the 1970s working for Marvel Comics on such titles as Warlock and Captain Marvel.

Jim’s tenure on both titles completely transformed each character and their supporting cast. Jim in no small part is responsible for ushering in the galactic epic at both DC and Marvel Comics.

As a writer and artist Jim took the comic book industry by storm and was a golden boy at Marvel and DC.

The only problem was he was creating memorable characters for both companies, none of which he owned.

That changed when he introduced his own original comic book series: Dreadstar, through Marvel’s Epic imprint in 1982.

The Dreadstar series introduced to the world Vanth Dreadstar a sword of power wielding hero, along with his supporting cast of the cyborg/sorcerer Syzygy Darklock, the cybernetic telepath Willow, the cat-like humanoid Oedi and freebooter Skeevo.

Vanth was the sole survivor of the entire Milky Way galaxy and along with his cast of supporting characters struggled to end an ancient war between two powerful, evil empires: The Church of The Instrumentality, run by the Lord Papal; and the Monarchy, administered by a puppet king. 

There's lots of strange aliens, robots, bizarre bad guys, lots of future tech and spaceships in the epic space opera.

I love Jim’s work at Marvel and DC (they’re still part of my comic book collection) and I was thrilled when he introduced Dreadstar via Marvel’s Epic imprint.

After his Marvel contract ran out Jim’s Dreadstar moved to First Comics and then to several other small press publishers.

For the first time Jim’s entire Dreadstar series is reprinted courtesy of Ominous Press in a huge Omnibus/Slipcase Set collection of three trade hardbacks.

Both the slipcase and the three volumes feature brand new Starling covers.

The Dreadstar Omnibus/Slipcase Set starts with the Metamorphosis Odyssey series first printed in Epic Illustrated, then The Price Epic graphic novel and then the Dreadstar series.

Look for a foreword by Jim Starlin, cover reproductions, character designs, new original art and more!

I have most of the original series but I am missing many of the small independent publishers’ issues.

The high quality paper and color of the Omnibus makes the art pop and Jim’s stories are just as fresh and exciting as when they first saw print.

It’s a great way to own one of the most ground-break comic book series every created all in one huge collection. 

"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins." — Proverbs 10:12

Maze Of Memories

Memory has often been described as a journey through a maze of time. That’s never more true than in Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Maze Of Memories.

Who knows what long lost memories will suddenly pop into your mind, especially as it concerns YGO history?

Get ready for lots of surprises, reliving the early years of YGO and the opportunity to go back to class using a Field Spell.

Here’s a just a few of the past moments to relive in the present:

• Witness the advent of Yugi’s first Ritual Monster: Black Luster Soldier – Legendary Swordsman!
• Return to class with the Duel Academy Field Spell
• Speed it up with Accel Synchro Stardust Dragon!
• New World Premiere Cards that revitalize the Paradox Brothers’ Gate Guardian! Combine Kazejin, Suijin, and Sanga of the Thunder to Special Summon brand-new Fusion Monsters!
• It also includes memorable tournament-level cards from the past as well as modern-day mainstays!
• You’re given another chance to smash the competition with the powerful Synchro Monsters: Baronne De Fleur!

The Maze of Memories Set contains 67 Cards

• 42 Rares
• 15 Super Rare
• 10 Ultra Rares
• (15 cards also available as Collector’s Rare)

Each Booster Pack contains 7 Cards:

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

It’s A-Maze-ing!

"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." — Isaiah 41:10

The Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania In Pictures

When I was in my early teens my best friend and I would often take the locale train to Detroit, Michigan.  

His parents would drop us off at a small town train station about 40 miles from Detroit.

My friend’s parents would journey to Detroit about twice a year to attend to some business and afterwards go shopping at one of the large shopping centers in the city.

The Detroit train station was not far from the shopping center and we would walk over from the train station to join my friend’s family once we arrived.

I still remember the thrill of sitting in a passenger car, listening to the clack, clack of the train as it traveled into the city past residences, factories and businesses. This took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

I’ve always held a fascination for trains and I am thrilled that Schiffer Publishing sent me a copy of their new small hardbound book (in full color) of The Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania In Pictures.

Although the book is small it is jam-packed with full-color photos of the trains in the museum.

Closeups and full shots of the interiors and exteriors of trains dating back to the early days of rail transportation are included along with fascinating text about the trains and the history of trains and railroads.

If you are a fan of the rails then you’re sure to love this fascinating book about the mighty machines that changed the face of not only the United States but the world as well.

"Throw all your anxiety onto Him, because He cares about you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Hellboy II

Actor Ron Perlman was and always will be the perfect Hellboy movie character in my opinion.

He nailed it when it came to Hellboy-especially his attitude.

The last Hellboy film left me disappointed mainly for two reasons-too much violence and a lame story.  I don’t fault the actors-the script was just not there.

Mezco Toyz released several Hellboy II Toy figures and sets.  This time around I’ll be reviewing the Johann Krauss figure and 3 3/4 Inch Box Set consisting of four figures from the film: Liz Sherman, Johann Strauss, Hellboy and Wink.

Other than Liz Sherman, Hellboy and Abe Sapien, my favorite Hellboy movie character is Johann Krauss.

In Hellboy II Johann was a scientist who died and transferred his spirit to an eco-suit with a complete pressurized helmet and various apparatus to help him walk and move about.

At first he and Hellboy did not get along.  In fact, in the movie they had quite a scuffle and Johann pretty much cleaned Hellboy’s clock.

Mezco Toyz produced a 6-inch articulated action figure of Johann that included plasma emitting gloves and a shattered dome for his helmet-courtesy of Hellboy.

Johann is much sought after Hellboy II figure and prices range from $60 up.

The packaging is a typical bubble pack, which can hang or stand on shelves.

The HBII logo and the name of the character is on a large label at the bottom of the plastic bubble.

Inside, the figure (and accessories) are safely and snugly protected in the plastic cocoon and secure in place.

The figure appears to be clothed in a modified deep sea diving outfit in dark and light brown leather, heavy brass and aged couplings around the neck, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles, heavy diver boots and weighted diver’s belt with red buckle and side pouches.

Johann’s helmet consists of a clear dome with inner mechanism for talking, a voice box, two rebreathers and a flexible neck section.

On Johann’s chest rests a large valve apparatus with oversize handle to one side and a large corrugated tube on the other side.

His hands are gloved and can be removed and replaced with the additional plasma emitting hands.  The plasma is a translucent white and looks as if it is emitting in rounded puffs.

The additional dome (like the additional hands) can replace the other dome and hands with a simple pull and click.

It is a remarkably detailed figure with articulation hidden by the clothing folds and equipment attachments.

Paint application is nicely done with clear distinctions between various clothing and apparatus.

Special coloring effects makes the clothing and equipment slightly aged and dirty.

The 3 1/2-inch Box Set of four Hellboy II figures is a long rectancular box with a clear viewing panel on the front.

All of the small figures are held in place by a plastic cocoon for easy viewing.

All four miniature figures come with bases for attaching the figures to for posing and display.

The Johann Strauss figure is an exact miniature duplicate of the larger 6-inch action figure including an additional plasma cloud.

The monstrous light blue Wink figure stands with his massive arms poised for battle.

Wink’s right hand and lower arm are encased in metal with large rivets, like the one seen in the film.

Wink comes dressed in leather leg strappings, a leather lower body tunic with a large aged medallion in the front and strips of leather over the crotch area decorated with rivets.

His feet are shod in heavy leather sandals with metal rivets.

His massive mace fist also comes with a real chain.

The figure is fully articulated and painted in subtle and varied shades to give it a look of realism (like the other figures in the set).

The Hellboy figure comes dressed in his trademark trench coat, black leather pants with wide belt and buckle and heavy heeled boots.

The red devil also comes equipped with his favorite weapon: Samaritan Big Baby Shotgun.

The final figure in the collection is the fire controlling Liz Sherman.  Her left hand is lit up with a translucent flame emitting from it

She is dressed in a solid black leather body suit and carries a B.P.R.D. handgun.

She wears a black belt with a large buckle with pouches and heavy black boots.

He black hair is cut short and she wears a necklace around her pale neck.  Her complexion is light emphasizing her black outfit and raven hair and eyes.

All of the figures are fully articulated, pose easily, feature realistic folds and creases in their garments and have perfectly scaled accessories and weapons.

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." — Psalm 150:6

The Signs Of James Bond

James Bond-the name is familiar to just about everyone on the planet.

He’s the British super-spy employed by Her Majesty’s Secret Service who is trained in espionage, counter-intelligence and when necessary assassination: a license to kill.

A creation of writer Ian Fleming, James Bond is the ultimate action hero.

His methods of operation, taste for wine, women and the finer things in life is legendary.

He is, for all intends and purposes, an icon of conservatism, tradition, masculinity and sex appeal--a man’s man.

But is that all he is?

In author Daniel Ferreras Savoye’s new book: The Signs Of James Bond, from McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, the persona of James Bond is closely examined.

The James Bond novels and films are well known for their formulaic storylines: megalomaniac madmen (or organizations) thirsting for world domination, clever gadgets, thrill-a-minute fights and escapes, femme fatales and Bond's thirst and hunger for fine drink and food, fast cars, exotic locales and beautiful and seductive women.

But, the James Bond novels and movies are far more than that-they are cultural snapshots of society throughout the decades.

Bond is the ultimate company man dedicated to protecting the status quo-or so it seems.

But Bond’s very existence promotes hedonism, free love, secularism and anti-establishment.

The Bond phenomenon is examined on many different levels, pulling apart the mythos of the character and stripping the veneer of stoicism to reveal a hidden side of Bond.

It’s a semiotic exploration into the world of 007. 

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13

Cyber Units

With all the interest in Anime and Manga-especially cybernetic warriors and robot, McFarlane Toys, early in the 2000s, created a series of Cyber Unit 001, 6-inch, articulated action figures.

Six figures come in the the set but in this review I will be focusing two: Brut Unit 001 and Battle Unit 001.

You’ve got to hand it to the sculptors and artists at McFarlane Toys.  They really came through with some amazing designs.

Each unit is complex, has cleverly hidden and varied articulation points, features both matte and gloss paint application, clever aging and wear and tear effects and some of the most ingenious accessories and capabilities of any action figure.

Packaging is simple but effective.  The packaging consists of a clear hanger/stand up with interior cocoon for holding each figure.

A large ‘Cyber Unit’ logo is on the front of the packages and on the back of each is a gallery of all the figures in the set.

My favorite figure of the series has to be Battle Unit 001.

Talk about radical and unique!

The blue metallic and black Unit is a marvel of mechanical engineering-let alone toy manufacturing.

It bristles with weapons and attachments.

While the body is a standard humanoid it features all sorts of gadgets, attachments, equipment implants and reinforced limbs and torso. The head is vaguely humanoid.  

The head is long, has no discernible nose or mouth and features a textured surface with various ridges and small hollows.

Attached to the Unit’s shoulders is a massive flared contrivance with sectional panels, large reinforced shoulder pads and a neck brace.

Extending from the flared shoulder ‘wings’ are various articulated arms ending in sharp points, grips and hydraulics.

All can be moved and positioned.

The right arm ends in a large twin barrel weapon bristling with hoses, power packs and protected by a split shield.  The left arm has a fully functional mechanical hand, a large lower arm power pack and contrivance.

Both legs have reinforced knees and end in lower legs consisting mostly of cables, sectional reinforced metal lattices and large shielded feet that move at the ankles.

There are so many devices, articulation points, and various various bric a brac and tech attachments that you can examine the figure for hours without running out of things to see.

It is an extremely detailed figure with lots of goodies, excellent coloration, amazing articulation and totally unique.

The big boy of the Cyber Units 001 is the metallic green and matt black monstrosity bristling with weapons known as Brute Unit 001.

The head of Brut looks like a desiccated human skull mounted between two massive shoulders consisting of over lapping sections of green and black metal.

Numerous wires attach to Brute’s skull just behind the cranium.  Hydraulics and various metal support rods hold the head in place.

The huge shoulders overlap the arms with rounded sectional shoulder guards and upper arm flaps.

The right arm ends at the elbow.  From there it melds into a rotating twin barrel weapon with a power pack.  The left arm also ends at a pivoting elbow and then culminates into a multi-barrel canister of green with an indicator light.

Brute’s chest is mostly black mechanics with a number of large tubes and wires wrapping around to the back on both sides.

Twin vertical strips of green metal overlap with sectional green and black metal replacing the ribs.

The waist is a large curved green basin of metal with both legs attached just below the waist.

The upper thighs sweep back, much like an animals, and two large pedestal legs of green and black end in feet resting on multi pods that are more than likely jet engine exhausts.

Two pieces of weapons/equipment are included that attach to each shoulder and can pivot and move.

It’s an extremely intricate and complicated piece of Cyber technology melding man and machine.  Additional identifying decals are on the legs, chest and arms.

Paint application is well defined and clean with no slop over edges and the sculpt work is sharp, extremely well constructed and complex.

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” — Matthew 22:37-40

Fantasy & Science Fiction #766, March/April 2023

 

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'" — Mark 10:27