The Original Graphic Novel Dracula

Having been too young to remember the EC Comics Publications I was old enough to enjoy the company's homage offspring published by Warren Publications.

 

Warren published a number of black and white magazines among them Eerie, Creepy and Vampirella.

 

Creepy and Eerie founding editor Russ Jones, along with writers Otto Binder and Craig Tennis and illustrated by Al McWilliams, were responsible for the paperback adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula published in the mid-1960s by Ballantine Books. It was the first Dracula graphic novel adaptation ever.

 

Vanguard Publishing has revised and expanded the historic first Dracula adaptation in all of its black and white gory glory into a high-quality hardcover with bonus material.

 

This beautiful hardbound book, Dracula - The Original Graphic Novel includes not only a history of Dracula and the graphic novel adaptation but also the history of illustrated Dracula stories in comics and graphic novel form provided by author J. David Spurlock. His new historic overview includes art examples from a who's-who list of legends including Steranko, Neal Adams, Bernie Wrightson, Al Williamson, Basil Gogos, Jack Davis, Manuel Sanjulian, Gene Colan, Gray Morrow and more.

 

Sir Christopher Lee, who famously portrayed Dracula in several Hammer Films from the 1950s to 1970s, provides an introduction while artist extraordinaire Frank Frazetta contributes an oil painting to adorn the cover as well as multiple interior works.

 

It's a beautifully designed and printed adaptation with a square-bound, Smyth Sewn hardcover binding, and lush, coated paper interiors that complements both the full color and black and white art.

 

The horizontal format of the book provides the best vehicle to showcase the art as originally produced.

 

Vlad the Impaler never looked so good.

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." — 1 Corinthians 13:6-8

Dare-Devil Aces, Commandos & Other Sagas Of War

Wallace (aka "Wally") Wood: one the greatest comic book creators of all time.

 

Wood got his start in the late 1940s doing whatever work he could find in the comic book industry. He apprenticed under both Will Eisner of The Spirit fame and Terry And Pirates by George Wundar.

 

It wasn't too long before editors and fellow comic book professionals recognized the stellar talent of the young Wood.

 

For us old comic book collectors, Wally Wood, or "Woody" as his friends called him,  is synonymous with the heyday of EC Comics and his incredibly detailed work on the various genres the company produced from science fiction, fantasy, horror and socially conscious suspense stories.

 

He was especially adept a war comics as detailed in Vanguard's recent Dare-Devil Aces book. In his introductory essay, Vietnam war veteran and famed GI Joe comics writer Larry Hama recalls how Woody was a stickler for details when it came to military paraphernalia, weapons and vehicles.

 

He had a huge library of swipe files taking up several filing cabinets.

 

His attention to details and mastery of the art form was second to none in all genres.

 

He was a workaholic often depriving himself of sleep, the proper diet and physical activity. As he grew older his output slacked off and his style became less detailed.

 

Still he was consummate professional and produced work on schedule until he suffered a stroke, loss of sight in one eye, and kidney failure. 

 

The doctors' prognosis of spending the rest of his life hooked up to a dialysis machine, unable to draw or earn a living, led to the WWII veteran to taking is own life. The loss of such a celebrated industry icon in late 1981, rocked the comics community to the core.

 

Over the decades Woody worked for a number of publishers, EC, Avon, DC Comics, Topps Cards, Galaxy magazine, Dell, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents for Tower Comics, Warren's black and white horror comics magazines.  

One of the popular comic book genres Wood excelled at was war comics. For a very brief period, between leaving his historic run at MAD magazine and landing at Marvel Comics where he revolutionized their new character Daredevil, Wood briefly produced a handful of war stories for Charlton. 

 

Everyone of which are included in Dare-Devil Aces. Charlton offered Wally the freedom to create comics on his own terms albeit with low page rates.

 

He proved himself to be adept at drawing military personnel, weapons, vehicles and the like in historically accurate detail accompanied by break-neck action and exciting fight scenes.

 

In Vanguard's Dare-Devil Aces, Commandos & Other Sagas Of War readers are privileged to enjoy his war comics from 1950 through 1972. Even at a young age his talent was evident, especially his story-telling capability. 

 

Look for full-color and black and white reproductions of his most stellar work encompassing wars and conflicts on the and, in the air and on the sea. Also included are stories from his creator-owned series: Cannon in collaboration with his close friend, Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko.

 

Commentary is provided by author J. David Spurlock, a foreword from Larry Hama, an article about his EC war comics work written by Thomas Burns as well as Rafael Medoff and J. David Spurlock's article examining Wood's innovative socially conscious work regarding The Holocaust for EC Comics.

 

Revel in the sheer talent of the man and be amazed by his technical expertise, ability to draw whatever the stories required of him and his passion for the medium.

 

Dare-Devil Aces is part of the ongoing Vanguard Publishing's Wally Wood Classics series and features a beautiful full-color cover with Wood's art and titles highlighted in spot varnish. Interior pages are on high quality coated paper stock making the illustrations and colors pop.

 

It's nicely designed package that is both visually and conceptually pleasing.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8

Flying Adventures

When I was a kid I loved all things aviation and space travel. At that time heavier than air aircraft had been around for only about 50 years.

Aviation and air flight were still considered exotic and something not everyone had experienced.

Many of the commercial airlines were still using prop aircraft. Jet powered aircraft was in its infancy.

Juvenile publications were ripe with stories of aviation, its heroes and adventures.

From 1909 to the mid-1960s many a kid thrilled to the literary adventures of brave pilots, flying aces and adventurers.

Author David K. Vaughan writes about the Juvenile Aviation Series Books In America From 1909 to 1964 in his new book Flying Adventures, published by McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers.

Broken down by decades the book highlights juvenile aviation adventures starting in the early days of aviation and proceeds to chronicle aviation during WWI, The Golden Age of Exploration and Adventure, The Golden Age Girl Series-Pilots as Professionals, Military Fliers, WWII, Flight Stewardess Series and Postwar and The Space Period.

I recall reading many of the series listed from Airstrip Boys to Steve Canyon.

All were exciting, informative and fun to read. The book provides an excellent guide and description of each series along with characters involved, locations and so forth.

For a wonderful aviation flight down Memory Lane, Flying Adventures delivers.

"Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'" — John 8:58

 

Diamond Previews, June 2023

 

 

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8

Frazetta Book Cover Art Definitive Reference

The first time I saw artist Frank Frazetta’s work was for the cover art for Lancer Books’ 1960s’ pulp reprints of Robert E. Howard’s Conan The Barbarian.

Frank’s luscious paintings captured the essence of the Cimmerian barbarian.

Enthralled and excited by his paintings I searched for other Frazetta work produced which included a whole series of Edgar Rice Burroughs paperback books from John Carter to Tarzan.

I learned Frank also did comic book work encompassing all genres. His early EC Comics work is highly sought after by collectors as is his pre-comic book code non-EC Work.

The Deluxe Slipcase Hardcover Edition: Frazetta Book Cover Art book, from Vanguard Publishing, contains not only his Conan and Burroughs covers but also encompasses his early non-fantasy, fantasy, science fiction and other book cover work spanning his long career.

For the first time ever his cover work is presented in chronological order providing readers the opportunity to witness and study his evolution as an artist.

His mastery of color combined with his eye for composition made the covers exciting and enticing, encouraging readers to purchase and read the books.

Frank’s use of colors made human (or otherwise) figures look real with soft shadows, glistening flesh highlights and the mastery of form, positioning and complexity.

Each painting was unique ranging from frozen wastelands to hot steamy tropics all reflected in the characters via their garb, weapons and poses.

What I find especially interesting about his work over the decades is how it changed.

At first his paintings (more like illustrations) consisted of line work with colors applied.

As his style matured more emphasis was placed on his color palette.  Shadow and light were painted using various color overtones. 

The complexity and details of his figures, their clothing, the settings and creatures also increased.

It must be noted that all of his work was done on board or canvas.  No computer technology was involved.

Many artists have tried to duplicate Frank’s style. Some have come close but none can match his stunning unique painting technique or flair for eye-popping designs.

The book offers a complete collection-definitive reference and also includes a special bonus section of some his frontis and title pieces.

The book begins with Chapter One: The Conqueror and then author J. David Spurlock provides an informative introduction in chapter one that delves into Frank’s work and career. 

Chapters examine the covers and includes where they were used, the date they was produced, are sprinkled with quotes from Frazetta and include other details.

If you are a fan of Frank Frazetta’s artwork this is book is a must-have edition.

The beautifully designed slipcase and hardbound book features Frank’s paintings and the interior pages printed on heavy coated paper stock complements his art work making it look as fresh and new as the day it was first printed. 

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” — Hebrews 13:5

Atlas Of Extraterrestrial Zones

Have we been visited by alien beings? Are they from ‘out there’ or somewhere else?

Why do certain locations around the globe get ‘visited’ or have sightings’ more than others?

Are there portals to other worlds? If they exist, why do aliens visit the earth? What is their purpose?

Join writer Bruno Fuligni and illustrator Francois Moreno in Schiffer Books’ Atlas Of Extraterrestrial Zones to explore the unknown.

Colorful aerial view maps pinpoint locations all over the world where strange and mysterious encounters have occurred.

From abductions to mass sightings each location is thoroughly examined complete with in-depth text, witness testimonies and personal and mass accounts.

UFO enthusiasts are such to want to get their hands on a copy of this book and the curious reader will walk away astonished at the numerous accounts recorded in its pages. 

"For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Cyberstorm Access

Are you ready to tackle a little digital danger? Pack up your gigs and bytes and prepare to enter the cybernetic arena with Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Cyberstorm Access.

Data comes fast and furious via a cybernetic storm and only the digital savvy have any hope of surviving. Watch our for new monsters, spells and traps.

Just look at what Cyberstorm Access Core Booster Set has in store:

• Powerful new monsters for your Extra Deck,.
• A brand-new Link-6 evolution of Firewall Dragon!
• Cyberse Link Summoning tactics with Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz.
• A “Code Talker” monster for a devastating one-two punch!
• A new Synchro Summoning strategy.
• Brand-new Cards for Tellarknights.
• Brand new Gong Strong and his Superheavy Samurai Dueling Cards.
• New Cards like Amazing Defenders and Photon Hypernova:
• Adopt a new Purrely monster.
• Reinforce your “Rescue-ACE” barracks.
• Meet a new “Mikanko” dancer.
• Photon Hypernova.
• Contains 100 new Cards:

• 50 Commons
• 26 Super Rares
• 14 Ultra Rare
• 10 Secret Rares

Download, reboot and get ready to shoot! 

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." — Proverbs 27:1

Cream: Clapton, Bruce & Baker Sitting On Top Of The World

Back in the late 1960s most Rock and Roll music was little more than bubblegum Rock, British Invasion and ‘message’ Rock.

Musicians were beginning to experiment with different arrangements, using new types of instruments and technology and taking Rock and Roll to the next level.

Several groups were at the forefront of the new music revolution.

Cream: comprised of Erick Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker burst onto the scene and set the collective ear of Rock and Roll on its musical side.

Back in Michigan a Rock and Roll magazine called Cream was extremely popular and is still highly sought after today.

Cream hits its zenith in 1968 when it played at two locations: The Fillmore Auditorium and Winterland.

The band’s live performances were the stuff of legends and set the stage for Psychedelic Rock with stunning visual backgrounds and pulse-pounding and ethereal music and vocals. Cream was truly on top of the world.

Unfortunately a fire at the the band’s label: Atlantic Records, destroyed much of the archival information about the concerts and very little exists chronicling the band’s momentous performances-until now.

Writer and archivist Eduardo Genzolini (along with Tony Palmer and Bill Halverson) has compiled newly discovered photos of Cream’s two performances in February and March of 1968 in San Francisco.

Witness the genesis of a legendary band with up close and personal photos of the band in action and close-ups of each member.

Included are art, articles, recollections, historical text and loads of other material about the band, its members, concerts and legendary status within the pages of the hardbound book.

Cream: Clapton, Bruce & Baker Sitting On Top Of The World, published by Schiffer Books, is the ‘Cream’ of the crop!

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord,I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:17-18

Make $#!+ Happen

What is it about celebrities that fascinate us as a culture? After all, they are just human beings like the rest of us.

Why do we catch ourselves wondering about their lives, where they go, where they live, who they are seen with and what will they be up to next?

We follow their every move, catch the latest gossip, seek their autographs and photos and listen to their music, watch their movies or TV shows and immerse ourselves into their lives. It’s the ultimate wish fulfillment.

Davis Factor knows all this and is able to capture the essence of said celebrities in a series of stunning (and sometimes controversial) images. His photography features some of the best celebrity portraits in the world and somehow manages to capture the personality and quirkiness of each famous person.

Factor’s Smashbox Studios is famous for taking photos of celebrities when they are all dolled up with cosmetics from Smashbox.

The name Factor may sound familiar-it should. Max Factor was the head of the premiere makeup studio to the stars in the heyday of Hollywood glamour.

Davis and Dean Factor are the great-grandsons of Max Factor.

Pictured inside the book are such celebrities as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Charlize Theron, Samuel L. Jackson, Angelina Jolie and many more.

Included with the photos is insightful text by the author recounting his experience, photos shoots and relationships with the various celebrities.

The enormous hardbound Make $#!+ Happen book is published by Rizzoli New York and features a stunning dust jacket, huge, full page black and white and full color, posed and candid photos and is written by Davis Factor, with contributions by Robert Downey Jr.

It’s a stunning piece of work worthy to grace the shelves of any library or brighten up any coffee table.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

 

Atlas Of Dream Lands

There are regions in the world that border on the mystical. For centuries explorers, writers and scholars have speculated about them.

What makes them so mysterious? Why are they steeped in legend? What is it about them which has fascinated mankind for millennium?

Come explore these legendary lands via a series of illustrations by Karin Doering-Froger and writer Domique Lanni.

Discover the history behind each mysterious land and read descriptions and accounts of famous and not so famous individuals.

Scattered across the globe the legendary lands of myth and mythos draw in the curious seeker to learn about their secrets.

Beautifully illustrated maps show the topography of each along with secretly whispered names of enchanted regions.

For a magical tour of mystical places Atlas Of Dream Lands, published by Schiffer Books, is your guide to the unknown, mysterious and places mentioned in hushed tones. 

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." — Proverbs 11:25

Fantasy & Science Fiction #767, May/June 2023

 

"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

Auto America Car Culture 1950s-1970s

Having been born in the early 1950s close to Detroit, Michigan I am very familiar with cars produced from the 1950s to the 1970s. I even owned a few.

My home town of Milford is just a few miles from the GM Proving Grounds. Many was the time when my friends and family would ride by the site and see new cars being driven and tested. I remember seeing an atomic powered car!

In Auto America Car Culture 1950s-1970s, from Rizzoli New York, with photos by John G. Zimmerman and written by Linda Zimmerman and Greg Zimmerman and Darryl Zimmerman, readers are treated to photos from the three decades showcasing cars, locations, behind-the-scenes, car shows, domestic gatherings and more.

The book is truly a trip down Memory Lane for me. So much looks familiar. I can practically smell the leather, oil, gas and accompanying scents and feel the air and locations pictured.

During The Golden Era of car design and culture (the 1950s to the 1970s) it was easy to identify one car manufacturer’s car from other manufacturers.

Cars had personalities, allure, offered unique experiences and the promise of the open road. America was on the move and Detroit’s cars fit the bill.

Forget self-driving vehicles, autos that are more computer than machine and mini-environments.

Back then cars were raw, powerful, easy to work on, parts were readily available and back yard mechanics flourished.

Included in the book are examples of car ephemera, advertisements, designs and so much more.

Cars were more than a mere form of transportation. They were a reflection of the times and society of their time. Cars were America from their flashy chrome bumpers right down to their custom hubcaps.

America ruled the auto industry and like its citizens American cars were diverse, came in all sizes and fit every budget-big or small. 

"Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." — Luke 17:33

Max Fleischer’s Superman

Barely three years after National Periodicals (DC Comics) introduced Superman: The Man Of Steel in 1938, the world went Superman crazy.

So successful was the character that a huge network of licensed merchandise could be found in stores all over the United States and the world.

Everything from toys, cloths, home goods to kitchenware carried either the image of Superman or the Superman logo. Superman was heard on the radio and seen in a movie serial starring actor Kirk Alyn as The Man Of Steel.

Anxious to expand its Superman merchandise and pop culture empire National Periodicals contacted a number of animation studios to create a Superman series of cartoons to be shown in movie theaters.

All turned it down. Max Fleischer Studios (Popeye and Betty Boop) agreed to do it, but for an exorbitant price. Fleischer figured National wouldn’t go for it but to Fleischer’s surprise, National agreed to the price.

Obligated to produce a series of 17 theatrical cartoons Fleischer Studios did just that and the money was well spent.

The original Superman cartoons are some of the finest examples of early film animation. They were produced from 1941 to 1943.

Every cent was spent on consistent character designs, amazing backgrounds, impressive special effects and a powerful soundtrack.

Superman was pitted against giant robots, mad scientists and more. His supporting cast was also included and Fleischer Studios captured perfectly the timid persona of Clark Kent and the powerful presence of Superman.

In fact decades later when the Batman Animated Series ran much of its design was based on the Fleischer Superman cartoons from set dressings, backgrounds and more.

Fleischer’s influence is evident in the Batman movies, much of DC Comics darker animated movies and shorts and in many of its movies.

Warner Bros./Discovery has gathered together all 17 episodes of the original Superman cartoons and has released the Blu-ray Max Fleischer's Superman that also includes an all-new featurette about Fleischer’s Superman cartoons along with two more featurettes.

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" — John 14:6

Legendary Collection 25th Anniversary Edition

Twenty Five years! Can you believe it!? Yu-Gi-Oh! the Trading Card Game is 25 years old and what better way to celebrate than with Konami’s Legendary Collection 25^th Anniversay Edition?

The very first Legendary Collection is reborn. Just look at what you get:

• 6 Booster Packs (1 Pack of Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon, 1 Pack of Metal Raiders, 1 Pack of Spell Ruler, 1 Pack of Pharaoh’s Servant, 1 Pack of Dark Crisis, 1 Pack of Invasion of Chaos.)
  
• 6 Ultra Cards (1 Ultra Rare Obelisk the Tormentor Card, 1 Ultra Rare Slifer the Sky Dragon Card, 1 Ultra Rare The Winged Dragon of Ra Card, 1 Ultra Rare Blue-Eyes White Dragon Card, 1 Ultra Rare Dark Magician Card, 1 Ultra Rare Red-Eyes Black Dragon Card.)
• Egyptian God Card Promos
• A sneak peek at a brand-new: The Quarter Century Secret Rare! (1 random Quarter Century Secret Rare version of 1 of the 6 special Variant Cards)

Come celebrate! YGO goes all-out with one the most anticipated 25^th Anniversary releases! Treasures of The Pharaoh return! 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." — Romans 15:13

Sexy Superheroine!: Wonder Woman X 6

Sexy Superheroine!

Periodically very special issues or series within a series of Wonder woman comic books are produced.

That is just the case in this instance.

Three issues tackle just who DC Comics' Donna Troy is.  One issue celebrates the 600th issue of Wonder Woman while another single issue brings George Perez back to pencil the Amazon Princess’s adventure along with an artist who emulated his style.

And finally a very special annual looks at who Wonder Woman is.

In the Wonder Woman Annual #1 several artists contribute their special styles to The Finale Of: Who Is Wonder Woman?  Where have I heard that before?

Of all the characters in the DC Universe Wonder Woman has had her origin tweaked and changed so many times (along with her costume) that it’s enough to make your head spin.

But, when you have superstar pencillers like Gary Frank and Terry Dodson (along with a few others) contributing their amazing artwork the Annual still is a fun read.

Longtime Wonder Woman writer and penciller George Perez returns to the title that spotlighted just how talented a scripter and artist he is.

In part of Paradise Island Lost, George teams up with artist Phil Jimenez (who is considered by many as George Perez’s artistic clone.

Check out the wraparound cover.

Like Wonder Woman Donna Troy has had her share of origin stories.

This time writer/artist John Byrne tackles her genesis in a 3-part tale that involves Wonder Woman, the original Flash the current Flash and every possible manifestation of Donna Troy through the decades.

Expect lots of surprises, plenty of action and of course that John Byrne magic.

In Wonder Woman #600 over a dozen writers and artists celebrate Wonder Woman’s landmark issue and it features an introduction by TV’s Wonder Woman: Linda Carter.

Wonder Woman has changed a lot over the decades.  She is the template by which other strong super heroines and characters in comic books get their inspiration from.

Strong, resilient, courageous, loyal and all woman, Wonder Woman is truly an Amazon Princess and inspiration.

"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 4:2

Wanted Dead or Alive Complete Series

Steve McQueen Western

Back in the 1950s a young man guest starred on the Western Series Trackdown as a bounty hunter.

The episode proved so popular that the young man, Steve McQueen, soon had his own weekly TV Western series: Wanted Dead or Alive.

When the series first began Steve was teamed with a ‘sidekick’.  While still a good show it became evident after awhile that Steve could carry the show on his own.

As the series progressed he demonstrated he was an actor with a wide range acting skills from humorous to dramatic.

Ninety-four episodes make up the series that ran for three seasons.  Over the course of its run a number of actors guest starred that would later go on to have stellar careers of their own in the movies.  They included James Coburn, Warren Oates, Lee Van Cleef and Dyan Cannon.

Other would make a name for themselves in TV series.  DeForest Kelley (Star Trek), Martin Landau (Mission: Impossible) and Mary Tyler Moore to name just a few.  

Several directors also got their start on the show and other Westerns-Richard Donner (Superman, Lethal Weapon, The Goonies) being just one of them.

As Jose Randall Steve McQueen personified a man’s man, yet he was gentle, courteous and a man of few words.  He preferred to let his actions speak for themselves.

For a fascinating look at his career before he became a movie ‘Superstar’ be sure to checkout this landmark series on DVD from Mill Creek Entertainment.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8