George Perez Storyteller

It’s hard to believe that a young man who was totally untrained in art taught himself to draw and became one of the premiere comic book artists of all time.

I’ve followed George Perez’s career from the start when he was still developing his own style.

As the years progressed George proved himself to be reliable, fast and imaginative.

Never afraid to take up a challenge George churned out an astonishing amount of work sometimes penciling three to four titles a month-many of them team books!

George got his start at Marvel Comics with such titles as Man-Wolf, White Tiger, Logan’s Run and a smattering of second tier titles.

He soon graduated to The Fantastic Four, The Avengers and other high-profile titles.

When DC Comics called and offered him the Justice League of America, he was thrilled.  There was one condition: he must pencil the newly re-launched The New Teen Titans.  He agreed.

To everyone’s surprise The New Teen Titans was a huge success.  George did get to pencil a number of JLA issues.

Once on the Titans George’s style took a quantum leap in quality and complexity firmly establishing his reputation as a superhero team penciller and the master of ’stuff’.

It seems there was nothing that George could not draw.

His biggest challenge was penciling the groundbreaking Crisis On Infinite Earth maxi-series.

Later in his career he would pencil a number of epic maxi and mini series, return to Marvel to pencil The Avengers, branch out and publish his creator owned series and various titles for small independent publishers.

Unfortunately George had to curtail most of his penciling because of health concerns and he passed away surrounded by his family.

In George Perez Storyteller, from Dynamic Forces, George's incredible career is spotlighted and complemented by hundreds of black and white and color illustrations George penciled over the decades.

It amazes me that one person could have such incredible talent and an unbridled imagination and that he was able to translate all of it to drawn images.

Not only a visual storyteller, George was a respected writer in his own right with such titles as Wonder Woman and many other products under his belt.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

Hawaii Five-O The First Season

To me there is only one Hawaii Five-O TV series and that is the series that ran from 1968 to 1980 and starred Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett.

The two-hour pilot film introduced McGarrett and his fellow law enforcement staff.  The entire Hawaii Five-O First Season was released on DVD from CBS TV /Paramount Studios.

However the actor that played Dano in the pilot film was replaced in the series by James MaCarthur.

When the concept of Hawaii Five-O was presented CBS Studios TV executives were skeptical.

Nothing had been done like it before.  The entire show was to be produced in Hawaii and each week the final episode would be flown back the States for final approval.

At that time Hawaii was woefully unprepared for producing a weekly TV series.  Essentially there were no filming facilities available.

The Hawaii Five-O staff and actors made due with ramshackle facilities the first year with poor sound insulation, less than adequate sound studios and archaic filming facilities.

And yet, they pulled it off and Hawaii Five-O became a huge hit with much of the credit going to lead actor Jack Lord.

Lord was a consummate professional and did not suffer amateurs or unprepared actors lightly.

While a gentleman he was also a hard task master that was known to loose his temper-but not without a good reason.

He loved Hawaii and its people and was determined to make the best show possible.

He encouraged locals to audition for the show and showed great patience and would guide them through the filming process-to a point.

Over the course of the series Jack bumped heads with studio executives and fellow actors and actresses but only because he cared for the show so much.

The Hawaiian people loved him and appreciated the impact the show had on the Hawaiian economy.

It was said that the Hawaiian tourist numbers grew exponentially because of Hawaii Five-O.

While the first season episodes may seem a little rough around the edges, the stories are solid, the acting first rate and the location filming is breathtaking.

From the opening high-power musical soundtrack to the final resolution of each episode the show delivered on all fronts.

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." — Psalm 4:8

Black Panther A Cultural Exploration

Way back in the 1960s Marvel Comics’ Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced a character in The Fantastic Four comic book.

Dressed in solid black, a full face mask and possessing amazing strength. speed, cunning and fighting prowess it was revealed that the man behind the mask was a black man.

“Big deal!’ you say. Yes it was. The 1960s was time of cultural upheaval in United States. The Black/African American citizens were standing up for their rights, fighting against racial injustice and beginning to have a heavy influence on American culture and society.

The 1960s was decade of The Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr., race riots and an upheaval of the status quo.

While there had been Black characters in comic books before, the Black Panther was the first to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all the other superheroes.

Even more fascinating is that although he came from Africa, he was the king of a highly advanced tribal nation: Wakanda. Futuristic technology, an almost Utopian environment and powerful government and military made Wakanda a force and society to be reckoned with.

In Black Panther A Cultural Exploration, author Ytasha L. Womack and publisher Epic Ink, trace the history of the Black Panther from his first appearance to his legacy through the decades since then,

Intertwining art from his Marvel Comic book appearances and historical and cultural events through the decades the book is not just about a fictional comic book character but of Black history from around the globe.

Learn how the character evolved, his supporting cast and what real life events and people inspired stories by a group of writers and artists.

The stunning hardbound book is filled with photos, art and more dedicated to the Black Panther and those people and events that inspired stories throughout the decades.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." — Colossians 4:2

 

 

Streets Of Battle City

Konami's Shonen Jump Trading Card Game is hitting the streets in 8 ready-to-play Deck Speed Duel Streets Of Battle City.

Let the tournament begin in celebration of Yu-Gi-Oh!'s 25th Anniversary!

Get ready to rumble as you and your fellow gamers take on the roles of Yugi Muto and Joey Wheeler as they duel each other and other Duelists onl their way to the Battle City quarterfinals!

Speed Duel: Streets of Battle City includes:

• 8 ready-to-play Pre-Constructed Decks right out of the Box! Relive classic moments from the show.
• Brand-new Skill Cards and Cards new to Speed Duel.
• 8 Secret Rares that could including iconic Cards like Yugi’s Dark Magician Girl and Joey’s Flame Swordsman!

Each Speed Duel: Streets of Battle City Box contains 228 Cards:

• 200 Commons
• 20 Skill Cards
• 8 (of 24) Secret Rares
• 2 of the 8 Secret Rares in every box will be Slifer the Sky Dragon and Arkana’s Dark Magician.
• Includes 4 Deluxe 2-Player Game Mats featuring Yami Yugi and Arkana

To use a Card in Speed Duel it must have the Speed Duel symbol on the Card. Cards without the symbol are not legal, but Speed Duel Cards can be used in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG. Skill Cards may only be used in Speed Duel.

"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

Succession The Complete Series

Sometimes passing on a legacy is not all it’s cracked up to be!

When the owner/patriarch of one of the world’s largest media conglomerate decides to retire it’s a mad scramble by his children to run the business.

Built on graft, dishonesty, shading dealings an every other vice imaginable the business is as cutthroat as it can be.

The patriarch cannot be trusted, is unpredictable and ruthless. His children are just as ambitious as he is. All want a large pierce of the corporate pie or the whole pie itself.

Not only are the siblings vying for control but many outside forces, competitors and rivals also have their eye on the prize.

Funny, viscous, sharp, scathing and down and dirty Succession is binge-worthy.

All 39 episodes come on the Warner Bros./Discovery/HBO Succession The Complete Series DVD collection.

Extras include featurettes, character recaps, interviews and much more.

It’s time to get down to business-whatever it takes!

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

 

 

Batgirl

“Holy heroine, Batman!”  Batgirl came into her own in the 1960's  Batman TV show on ABC.

The Tonner Batgirl figure stands approximately 18 inches tall and features real fabric cloths. It comes in a special, black display box with the DC Stars logo.

Inside the figure is secure in the box with silk ribbon tie downs and foam rubber.  Accessories are in separate Ziploc bags and packets of silicon chips keep the moisture out of the box preventing damage to the figure.

A sheet of tissue paper gatefolds over the figure for protection.  A special circular base and wire support are also inside.

The Batgirl figure by Tonner is fully articulated a features a beautifully sculpted head with large brown eyes, full red lips, a small pert nose and long mane of red hair wrapped up and protected by a plastic hairnet and bag.

She has small and delicate feet and hands and wears a full light gray leotard with a large yellow bat symbol on her chest.

She also wears a wide yellow leather belt with a gold bat symbol buckle.

The cloths are form-fitted by remove easily with a little care.

Included with the figure are yellow, high-heel knee boots, yellow lower arm gloves with batwing tips, a blue faux lather cowl with neck covering and pointed ears and eye accents and a long blue cloth cape with stitched batwing tips.

All of the figure's clothing is real cloth with delicate small stitching and faux leather, also with minute stitching.

Even the bottom of her boots look like real shoe leather.

The figure’s flesh tones, especially on the face, looks real with slight tonal variations.

It’s a beautifully crafted figure of high quality and expert sculpt, coloring and accessories.

"He was pierced because of our rebellions and crushed because of our crimes. He bore the punishment that made us whole; by His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5

The Prisoner Vol. 1

Actor Patrick McGoohan had just come off the British TV series Secret Agent Man in the late 1960s.  He decided to create his own spy TV series and came up with The Prisoner and TV would never be the same again.

McGoohan starred as John Drake in the spy series.  When the show ended and he created The Prisoner he never gave a name to the lead character.

However, it was obvious that the character was John Drake.

The show began with Drake quitting the Secret Service only to be gassed and transported to an island where he was a prisoner. He was constantly prodded and harassed about why he quit the Secret Service.

Viewers never knew if his antagonists were with the British Secret Service or unfriendly foreign powers.

While on the island he was constantly bombarded by methods to reveal his supposed secrets.  He was given a number (6) and if he tried to escape a large undulating sphere would stop him.

The show reeked of paranoia and reflected the times it was produced during the Cold War.

Three episodes are included on the The Prisoner Vol. 1 collection that also includes several DVD features: a map of the island, trivia, the original trailer and more from A&E.

"And he said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'" — Job 1:21

Soulburning Volcano

Your soul, burning and volcano. Sounds like a nasty combination.

Everyone has a soul. Couple it with burning and a volcano and there’s bound to be some nasty and torturous things going down.

But, what if the burning soul controls the volcano? What a opponent that would be!

Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game: Legendary Duelists Soulburing Volcano, sparks the flame of battle just in time for YGO’s 25^th Anniversary.

The English First Edition turns up the heat and nothing can stand in its way.

Inspired by the animated YGO Anime series Souburning Volcano has:

• Salamangreat is back with new Cards capable of 8000 damage.
• The flames of battle burn bright in Legendary Duelists: Soulburning Volcano!  
• Three strategies inspired by the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime series.
• Reincarnation makes your monsters gain a new power by summoning a second copy of themselves.
• Axel Brodie is character is back!
• You can inflict damage to your opponent every time they Special Summon.
• New “Battlin’ Boxer” Cards are included.
• Add “Counter” Counter Traps straight from your Deck to your hand!
• Decks can use FIRE Warriors.
• Gamers can assemble 2 Level 4 monsters unleashing an Xyz Monster.

The Legendary Duelists: Soulburning Volcano Booster Set contains 62 Cards:

• 9 Ultra Rares
  8 Super Rares
  10 Rares
  34 Commons
  1 Ghost Rare

Five Cards come per Pack with 36 Packs per Box.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Rick and Morty The Complete Seasons 1-6

If you’ve been watching Warner Bros./Discovery/Adult Swim’s animated series Rick and Morty since season one then you know how creative, wild, wacky, unsettling, outrageous and hilarious it is.

Grandpa Rick takes his grandson Morty on some of the strangest adventures possible using his homemade space ship/time machine/dimension hopping flying saucer.

Along for the ride (willing or not) is often Morty’s mom, dad and sister.

Hey! Why not make insanity a family affair?

The Rick and Morty The Complete Seasons 1-6 Blu-ray Box Set brings all six seasons episodes in one package along with a special exclusive poster. (Be warned-it contains uncensored content.) (It’s definitely not for kids.)

Special extras include featurettes, commentaries, deleted scenes, animation challenges and more.

Join Rick and Morty as they explore space, time and dimensions in some of the strangest, mind-blowing and unconventional journeys imaginable.

Did you know that Rick and Morty was inspired by the Back To The Future film’s two main characters: ‘Doc’ Brown and Marty McFly? In fact actor Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown makes a special appearance as a live action version of Rick!

For adventures like no other TV has ever shown be sure to check out Rick and Morty The Complete Seasons 1-6.

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." — Philippians 2:14-15

Gold Pride

There’s nothing wrong with having pride-the right kind of pride. Haughty, self-centered and the feeling of being superior to everyone else is the wrong kind of pride.

Pride in your work, your morals, possessions, family, friends and community is a good.

Taking pride on how well you take care of your personal property is also good. It shows that you take pride in maintaining what you have, organization skills and cleanliness.

What better way to take care of your Konami Shonen Jump Trading Card Game Cards that by keeping them stored, organized and protecting them from rough or hard surfaces.

The 25^th Anniversary of YGO continues with a brand new Set of YGO accessories.

The 50 Tournament Gold Pride Carrie’s Crew Card Sleeves protect your precious YGO Cards with their clear front and double fish skeleton decorated fronts. Slip your Cards in and you never have to worry about them getting dirty, nicked or destroyed.

For extra protection and storage of a player’s Deck/Cards the 1^st Start! Card Holders have a capacity for over 70 Cards. It is the next step of protection.

For storing your YGO Cards when not in play the best way to do it is with the Gold Pride Photo Finish 9-Pocket Portfolio that holds 180 Card front and back.

It is beautifully decorated with the 1^st Start! logo type and cool fish skeleton images in multiple colors.

The heavy duty cover and tough plastic sleeves insure your Cards never get damaged or dirty. Plus its a great way to see what Cards you have at a glance.

Finally the Gold Pride Chariot Game Game Mat, measuring 24 inches by 14 inches, has a padded rubber back and slick smooth front decorated with a dazzling YGO character and vehicle image. It’s real eye pleaser.

So, protect, display and get ready to play with these great YGO accessories!

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It’s Saturday Morning!

A tradition has been lost.

It used to be that on Saturday mornings kids all over the good old U.S.A. would wake up early, grab a bowl of sugar-packed cereal while still in their pajamas and when finished eating would rush to watch the family TV.

Saturday morning was the time kids got to watch their fill of animated cartoons and shows (on all of the networks!). Superhero, funny animal and live action were all targeted to kids. No adults allowed.

From the 1960s to the 1990s kids’ shows ruled. Networks loved them because sponsors loved the money they racked in selling kids toys, gadgets, candy, cereals and much more. The more the sponsors made, the more the networks saw cash.

Writers Joe Garner and Michael Ashley, along with publisher becker&mayer! books, present It’s Saturday Morning! Celebrating The Golden Era Of Cartoons 1960s _ 1990s.

The beautiful, oversize hardbound book is absolutely packed with photos from classic shows such as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby Doo, Super Friends, The Smurfs, The Care Bears, G.I. Joe, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, Darkwing Duck and so many more!

Besides the photos fascinating text delves into the history of Saturday Morning kid fare, who created it, the voice actors, scriptwriters, animators, production and even the classic commercials that accompanied the shows.

Each and every show is lovingly covered and explored with delightful bits and bites of behind-the-scenes stories and secrets.

I grew up watching many of the shows and then my kids loved their own series created specifically for their childhood years.

What a wonderful and delightful trip down Memory Lane. The book brings back so many fond memories. It reminds me of how much fun it was to be a kid, plopping myself on the floor or couch, still dressed in my pajamas, a glass of milk or juice nearby and turning on the TV and loosing myself in the magic of kids' Saturday morning TV shows. 

"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

 

Fantasy & Science Fiction #769, September/October, 2023

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." — John 16:33

Secret Barcelona

Are you tired of looking at the same old travel guides that only seem to spotlight the ‘tourist traps”?

Do you crave some excitement and want to mingle with the natives of whatever country your travel to?

Why settle for the sites every tourist visits when you can explore the backstreets, small towns and off the beaten path attractions, restaurants and historical sites?

What better way to meet the locals, eat what they eat, visit the locations they frequent and discover ‘secret’ places only the residents know?

Authors Dani Cortijo and Rocio Sierra Carbonell invite you to explore Barcelona using their Local Guides and Local People book from Jonglez Publishing entitled Secret Barcelona.

Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia.

Wander the streets, take in the views, get to know the local residents and be sure to check out the secluded sites and hidden gems in this beautiful city.

This handy little softbound book/guide invites you to take in the sites and vistas and engulf yourself into the culture.

Take a tour of small hidden trains, visit the dissection amphitheater, a local shop museum, the impressive local library, a pots and pans mural, a hidden garden farm and so much more.

There’s so much to see and do that most tourists are completely unaware of.

Isn’t it time you don your explorer hat, pack a few snacks and necessities, bring along your appetite, let your curiosity guide you and explore?

"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

Smiling Friends Season 1

Everyone needs a friend. They encourage, correct, support and listen. A smiling friend brightens up your day, makes life a little more bearable and is great to have around.

What if you could rent a smiling friend (or friends)? Find out in the animated series Smiling Friends Season 1 Blu-ray, courtesy of Warner Bros./Discovery/Adult Swim.

Follow the employees of the small company Smiling friends as they attempt to bring happiness to a totally bizarre and colorful world of weird creatures and strange places. Company employees include Charlie, Pim, Allan, Glep, and the billionaire Boss who founded the company.

Season 1 finds the Smiling Friends helping a woman;s unhappy son smile again, attempting to get celebrity Mr. Frog out of hot water, saving a pathetic shrimp who was dumped, a new fifth Smiling Friend, Smormu is introduced and Pim ventureing into the forest to fetch firewood for the office Halloween party.

Famous food tycoon Simon S. is murdered, Salty, Pim and Charlie venturing into the mysterious Enchanted Forest by a princess and meeting an assortment of insane toon characters, rival business moves across the street and a beloved character dies.

Full of mischief, weird scenarios, unexpected moments and moose of the strangest characters and situations ever imagined for an animated series, Smiling Friends Season 1 takes bizarre to a whole new level.

Also included is a commentary.

On a personal note:  Recently I visited a fellow Christian friend in a rehabilitation facility.  He suffered a massive stroke a few years ago and was almost recovered. Six weeks ago he fell and broke two bones in his right leg.  He's in bad shape.

He so appreciated my visit and encouragement.  That same day I visited another housebound friend and he too was delighted by my visit.

My point is that all three of us benefited from each others' friendship, smiles and all.

 "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

 

Diamond Previews, September 2023

 

"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

Marvel Tarot Deck And Guidebook

Marvel is magic and I’m not referring to Doctor Strange, The Master Of The Mystic Arts or the Scarlet Witch.

Rizzoli Universe just released its boxed Marvel Tarot Deck And Guidebook featuring Marvel characters and various weapons and objects representing the various Tarot Cards.

The cards are beautifully illustrated by Lily McDonnel with gorgeous borders around each full color drawing.

Written by Syndee Barwick, the small, softbound Tarot Deck Guidebook that accompanies the cards delves into the upright and reversed sides of each card describing them and tying them in with the characters and objects that represent them.

Encased in a cleverly designed lidded box with an easy to remove upper lid, the enclosed cards also come with a guidebook.

Each card is described in full including its importance, meaning and words of encouragement, warning and future events.

The beautiful full color and foil ink box really pops and the heavy paper stock cards with their individual illustrations are extremely well done with luscious colors and fine line ink work.

As a born again Christian I don’t prescribe to Tarot but I can appreciate the amount of work that went into creating this Tarot Card Deck and Guidebook.

I’ve never taken much stock in white or black magic, divination and the like. Nothing good comes of magic in the long run.

Tarot card and Marvel Comics fans alike will enjoy the set.

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." — 1 John 4:16