Marvel Graphic Novel No. 4 The New Mutants

When The New Mutants was first introduced there was some resistance from comic book readers.  Some loved the idea and some were appalled that Marvel Comics would have the audacity to tamper with the holiest of holies: The Uncanny X-Men.

With the growing popularity of The Uncanny X-Men writer Chris Claremont was under pressure to follow up with another mutant titles.

After all, if one mutant title sold well, surely another would sell equally as well.

Writer Chris Claremont teamed up with artist Bob Macleod and introduced The New Mutants in Marvel Graphic Novel No. 4.

Comprised of Cannonball, Karma, Moonstar, Wolfsbane, and Sunspot the new team members were under tutelage of Professor X who sought to teach them to harness and control their unique powers.

Their powers were put to the test as the Hellfire Club attacks and ultimately The New Mutants proved their ability to work as a team.

The New Mutants would become extremely popular as the years passed new members would join, old members would leave and join other teams or strike off on their own.

The New Mutants would reach new height so popularity in the early 1990s when artist Rob Liefeld drew their adventures and eventually transform into a new team: X-Force. 

"For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." — Hosea 6:6

The Sandman King of Dreams

Sweet Dreams Are Made
Of These!

Did you know that Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman series from DC Comics Vertigo line of comic books is the only comic book series ever to win the prestigious World Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction?

Although the series only ran a mere seven years it is still considered one of the most influential comic book series ever created for the medium.

Chronicle Books and author Alisa Kwitney present The Sandman King Of Dreams hardback book that examines the award-winning Vertigo series.

What makes the book so informative is that it not only describes each character, but also give story synopsis, plots and creator notes.

Also included are sketches, pencil art, inked art, cover art and color interior pages.

For best lowdown and description of the award-winning Sandman series the book is an invaluable resource not only providing information about the series but also an inside look at creating a comic book series. 

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

Diamond Previews, July 2023

 

 

 

"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

The Ultimate Gangster: Scarface

“Say hello to my little friend!”  Who can forget that famous phrase uttered by Al Pachino in the movie Scarface!

Sideshow Collectibles' Scarface comes in a special box with large photos of the Scarface figure on its front, sides and back.

A small hole in the back of the box lets toy collectors push a button n the figure to cause it to say famous saying from the film.  

The flip lid box has information about the character and film on the inside flap and the figure (with accessories) is displayed behind a clear plastic panel in the main box.

The figure, circular base with wire support and accessories are held in place by a clear plastic form-fitted cocoon and clear plastic straps.

The figures comes with a silver pistol with a wooden handle, a large knife with black handle and five packs of wrapped 20-dollar bills.

The figure’s pre-postioned hands can hold all of the accessories with no slippage or wonkiness.

The figure’s face looks exactly like the actor with short-cropped black hair, deep eyes, sharp nose and scowling expression.

Coloration and sculpt work are lean, crisp, precise and very realistic.

Scarface wears a white open collar suit coat with white buttons and a single pocket with a deep red handkerchief, a white vest with white buttons, white pants, a deep red shirt with a large collar open at the neck, a gold chain and brown shoes.

All are made of real fabrics, are stitched with small stitching, expertly scaled down to fit the figure and are loose enough to let the figure pose without bundling or unsightly folds or creases.

It's an impressive ensemble of one the silver screen’s most notorious mobster figures.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23

The Brand New Microbots #1

Time Travel Travails!

Sometime in the future.  Man has devastated the Earth and only a few survivors manage to hold on to life in an underground cave bunker.

After several years a few of the survivors attempt to leave the cave and start a new life.  A scientist and his young son decide to stay behind and enter two experimental suspended animation cells.

As the world changes around them the two sleep only to be awakened millennia later by a young primitive boy out exploring.

He takes them to his people's camp and the village is attacked by a mutated monster.  In the may lay the father is killed and both boys are banished from camp and must set out on their own.

While out they come across a large preprogrammed ancient battle tank that attacks them and chases them to the village.  

The boys and their robot sidekick manage to destroy the tank but not before it destroys the village.

Reunited with the ‘cave boy’s’ people they and the villagers set out to build a new life.

With a great cover, clever story and nice interior art The Brand New Microbots #1 was a welcome introduction to a new series from Gold Key Comics way back in 1971.

"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

Wild Survivors

Do you have what it takes to survive regardless of the situation? Are you prepared to fight tooth and claw, to use every dirty trick in the book and fight insurmountable odds to come out on top?

It’s time to use your game smarts: who do you trust? Are they friend or foe? Do you go it alone or manipulate game play to come out on top?

In Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Go-Oh! Trading Card Game Wild Survivors gamers test to their limits in a no-holds barred competition that decides who survives and who doesn’t.

Are you ready to stake your soul!

The Wild Survivors 60-Card Set introduces three new strategies. Gamers decide which fits them best.

Take a peek at what you can expect:

• New Vanquish Soul monsters with two unique effects.
• Tag out your smaller Vanquish Soul monsters to bring in your Level 7 and 8 ones.
• Build a Nouvelles Deck for protection them targeted effects and attacks.
• Giant Dinosaurs that have evolved to use different types of Summoning.

The Wild Survivors Booster Set contains:

• 10 Ultra Rares
  15 Super Rares
  35 Rares

15 Cards in the Set are also available as Collector’s Rares

Each Booster Pack contains 7 Cards:

• 1 Foil
• 6 Rare

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19
 

The Artist’s Mind

Be prepared, we’re about to visit someplace strange, different and somewhat unsettling: the artist’s mind.

I can state such a bold claim because, I myself, am an artist. My professional career consisted of art, graphic design and teaching both.

Trust me when I say entering an artist’s mind is not for the faint of heart.

All kidding aside author Kathryn Vercillo’s new book: The Artist’s Mind, published by Schiffer Publishing, explores the creative minds and mental health of famous artists.

What is it about artists’ minds that set them apart from others? Why do they see the world differently, experience emotions so intensely and become obsessed with drawing, painting, sculpture and other forms of art?

Accented by pen and ink and water color portraits of artists, both living and passed, the book delves into the lives and thought processes of each.

What quirks dominated/dominate their lives? How did/do they channel their creativity? What forces or events influenced/influence their creative process?

What exactly made/makes them who they were and are? Were/are they mentally challenged? Were/are they afflicted with strange mental dysfunctions? How did/do they manage too operate and function in society?

So much is revealed about each artist in a captivating examination into the creative mind.

Were/are they on drugs, depressed, melancholy or slightly mad?

What connection has mental health and creativity have to each other?

Speaking as an artist we are often categorized as “a little strange”. And that’s OK.

Where would the world be without the genius and eccentricities of creativity? 

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

The Venture Bros. The Complete Series

Over 20 years in the making! For the first time ever the complete series of The Venture Bros. animated series from Warner Bros./Discovery/Adult Swim has been compiled in a deluxe DVD set with uncensored content.

The beautiful slipcase collection features a skull with archaic carving facsimile cover in which the DVD case slides into.

The award-winning original adult animated series has shook up the animation world ever since its debut. Coupled with a stellar voice cast the animated series delivers.

Eighty two episodes comprise the series that started in August, 2004.

Look for loads of adventures, memorable bad guys, amazing heroes and more.

Travel to space, take part in a scavenger hunt, beware as a secret society threatens, encounter ghosts, discover gadgets, take part in getaways and so much more.

From parodies to tributes the series covers it all. Is it any wonder it has garnered such a loyal fan following?

Besides all of the episodes the DVD Collection also includes some cool extras. They are: awww, that would be telling!

When trouble erupts, whom are you going to call! Anyone but the Venture Bros.! 

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:14-15

Secret Cities Of Italy

We’ve all seen the travelogues, YouTube videos, brochures and other advertisements encouraging travelers to visit Italy.

Most spotlight Rome, the cathedrals, museums and other tourist traps packed with sun burnt visitors from all over the globe.

But, Italy is so much more. There’s so much to see, visit and experience off the beaten path.

To be honest I never pictured myself going to Italy. Quite frankly I was turned off by all the tourist tripe. That is, until I looked and read the book: Secret Cities Of Italy.

Author Thomas Migge and Schiffer Publishing reveal the many hidden wonders of Italy in 60 charming towns of the beaten path..

It opened up a whole world of possibilities to me. I am excited about what a trip to Italy would offer.

I saw new places, beautiful countryside, exotic beaches, stunning cathedrals and castles and restaurants offering some of most mouth-watering food selections I could imagine.

What a visual treat! The color photos are stunning, the informative text pieces cut to the chase and deliver on-point descriptions and fascinating tidbits of little known facts and the book’s structure takes readers from region to region in Italy.

Get ready for trips to the coast, to the four corners of the compass, to small towns and large cities, quaint country inns to world famous resorts, restaurants and religious sites.

Roam the ruins of ancient Rome, discover the modern delights of Italy and most of all grow to appreciate the heart and soul of the Italian people.

I feel as if I’ve traveled to the Mediterranean and disembarked onto the shores of Italy and its many delights.

Beautiful bound with a full color photo hardback cover the interior coated paper pages make the photos pop and bring Italy alive. 

"As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart." — Proverbs 27:19

Understanding Superhero Comic Books

Comic Book superstar Jim Steranko provides the foreword for author Alex Grand’s new book from McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers: Understanding Superhero Comic Books: A History Of Key Elements, Creator, Events And Controversies.

I love superhero comic books. I’ve been reading and collecting them since I was five years old. I’m seventy years old now.

As much as I love superhero comic books I also love reading about the history of the genre.

As a graphic designer and artist the history behind the art and writing of superhero comic books fascinates me.

I have a vast library of books about the history of superhero comic books (and other genres), the publishers, artists, writers and the inner workings of how they were produced and more.

In Understanding Superhero Comic Books the early genesis and history of comic books are explained and examined,

From there the book delves deeply into the birth of the “modern’ comic book format beginning in the early 20^th Century and then proceeds to examine each ‘Age’ of comic books.

The author then explores the superhero genre as envisioned by DC Comics, Marvel Comics and other publishers starting with the Golden Age, then the dawn of the Silver Age up until the Modern Age.

Key creators are given their due such as Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, John Byrne and many others.

A fitting tribute is given to those creators who have passed on, women comic book artists and writers, black comic book characters and much more.

It’s an extremely well-written and researched book which to my delight contained information I did not know.

I enjoyed each section (peppered with art) and learned a great deal. 

"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

Dreary & Naughty: The ABC’s Of Being Dead

Who would ever think that being dead would be so lively? Certainly not I.

But I was proven wrong after reading John LaFleur and Shawn Dubin’s illustrated book: Dreary & Naughty: The ABC’s Of Being Dead.

Dreary, the son of The Grim Reaper and Naughty, the daughter of Hades Gatekeeper have a problem.

Neither one of them wants to follow in the father’s footsteps.

Dreary is a pacifist and loathes the horrific deaths his father takes part in and Naughty, as devilish as she is, wants no part of taking souls to their final resting places.

Both approach their fathers about their concerns and aren’t surprised by their responses.

Still the two deathly teens convince their dads of their wish to find themselves. They even manage to convince some of their dead friends that are in similar situations, to follow their desires.

The small blood red hardback book: Dreary & Naughty: The ABC’s Of Being Dead, comes courtesy of Schiffer Publishing.

As grim as it may first appear, the book is actually about one finding oneself despite the expectations of others.

It’s touching, poetic and tackles the questions everyone has, “Why am I here and what is my purpose?”

"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

Wizard Special Edition Avengers

If you’re into the history of comic books like myself any book or publication about said history is a must have.  Such is the case with Wizard’s Special Edition The Avengers.

What I always enjoyed about the Wizard magazine specials is that each and everyone took great care to provide lots of details and hidden gems about whatever superhero they covered.

The Wizard Special Edition The Avengers is no exception.

George Perez provided the cover art and inside the Kurt Busiek and George Perez run on The Avengers get the heavy spotlight it deserves.

Each Avengers member is examined, along with various animated series, Avengers variations, key events and more.

Colorful, entertaining and fun to the read the special publication also includes a free preview of Marvel Comics New Warriors.

Be sure to check out the schematic of Ultron and take The Avengers 101 Tour.

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

SHAZAM! Fury Of The Gods

He’s back! Billy Batson returns as SHAZAM! the super-powered guardian of the earth and he’s brought his whole SHAZAM! family with him.

He’s going to need them as he faces off against a supernatural threat as they take on a trio of ancient female gods determined to retrieve the magic stolen from them eons ago.

Determined to retrieve the power staff of the wizard who gave Billy Batson and his friends powers the three goddesses seal off the city, revive a giant tree with seeds containing mythical beast and free a giant dragon.

When one of the goddesses decides to take powers into her own hands she ‘kills’ one of her fellow goddesses, strips the powers from another and sets out on a siege of destruction.

She plans to subjugate mankind to her whims until SHAZAM! faces off against her and pays the ultimate price.

Look for lots of mystical beasts including unicorns, a cameo by Wonder Woman and visits to some of the most imaginative magical locations imaginable.

Incredible special effects, a killer soundtrack and lots of action are sure to delight viewers. It’s magical!

More than a superhero slug-fest the film showcases the importance of family and friends, courage in the face of insurmountable odds and a heroic sacrifice.

Be sure to take time to watch the spot after the credits-it’s a hoot!

The SHAZAM! Fury Of The Gods Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code Combo Pack from Warner Bros./Discovery also includes some cool extras: a commentary, special featurettes, deleted scenes and so much more! 

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." — Isaiah 40:31

Army Of Darkness S-Mart Exclusive Ash

The Dead Live!

Get ready for this very special Ash figure courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles.  The character of Ash made actor Bruce Campbell a household name and cemented his career.

The Army Of Darkness S-Mart Exclusive Ash 12-inch, fully articulated figure comes in a special Shop Smart! Great S-Mart Value display box with a clear front panel and photos of Ash decorated all sides.

On the back are short text pieces about Ash and S-Mart accompanied by a photo of the figure, with rifle in hand, posing.

The likeness to Ash as seen in the film is astounding right down to his characteristic cowlick strand of black hair.

His narrow face, long straight nose and small thin lips look exactly like Bruce Campbell's features.

Coloration has subtle varied shades of flesh tone.

The hands are pre-positioned to hold lever action rifle that is included.

The rifle has a heavy wooden stock and hand-grip and the bullet chamber is silver with a long swing action pump-much like The Rifleman’s rifle as seen in the TV Western.

Also included is a leather rifle holster that is attached to a belt and shoulder strap that the Ash figure wears.

Ash wears a dark blue, long sleeve shirt accompanied by a red, white and blue stripped tie.

Over the shirt he wears a light blue, short sleeve, large cuffs with red strips on the end of the cuffs and on the top of the collar, S-Mart frock.

On his right breast he wear his name badge.

The left pocket holds the white pocket protector with a red tipped pen.

The figure wears black slacks and shoes and comes with a circular base and wire support for posing the figure.

Ash’s right segmented hand is mechanical and made of steel-perfect for killing the undead and demons.

All of the limbs, neck and appendages are articulated and when posed the real fabric cloths do not bind, bunch or strain.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." — Genesis 1:1