ClanDestine #1

Imagine a family consisting of individuals whose parents consists of an immortal and a Djinn.

Blessed and cursed with unusual powers, the family is shunned and feared by the general public.  Thus, they keep their activities hidden, for the most part.

There are occasions however when they interfere with human events that pit the good against the bad.

In the ClanDestine five-part mini-series, written and drawn by Alan Davis, from Marvel Comics, readers were introduced to the various members of the ClanDestine.

The opening two-panel free for all was Alan Davis at his penciling best.

You were immediately drawn into the melee until you realized it is the imaginative musing of a young member of the family.

The series immediately stepped into the shadowy world of a secret organization tracking the members of the ClanDestine.

Its investigations were sinister and unbeknownst to the ClanDestine.

Meanwhile after a few family squabbles the family decided to set personal feelings aside and prepare for the visions experienced by their immortal father.

Danger awaited and only by banding together could the ClanDestine hope to survive.

Alan Davis created a very intriguing title with an unusual premise.  His artwork sparkled as did the inks by Mark Farmer.

While the mini-series led to a monthly series ClanDestine only lasted for a short time.

Marvel would be wise to bring them back as an X-Men offshoot.

It would be interesting to see Marvel’s mutants team up with them. 

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:31-32 

PBY Catalina

Is it a boat or is it a plane? How about both?

Did you know that at one time both passenger and cargo aircraft mostly landed on water before there were huge mega-airports?

Sounds frightening and challenging.

PBY Catalina Consolidated Flying Boat OF WWII, part of Legends Of Warfare Aviation by David Doyle and publisher Schiffer Publishing, takes a close look at the versatile aircraft that could both land on land and water.

It had too. Whether transporting troops, supplies, weapons, or surveying enemy strongholds and performing rescue missions the Catalina was designed to take off and land where most other aircraft could not.

Rugged, dependable and made to perform various tasks the PBY Catalina was the workhorse of the U.S. military.

The book provides a visual tour of the aircraft from stem to stern examining the cockpit, instrumentation, weapon stations, cargo areas and other vital locations throughout the aircraft.

Discover how the aircraft design came about and how it was constructed, tested and flown.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1

A Special Wizard Publication Dark Book ‘98

When authors Alan Moore and Frank Miller introduced their more realistic darks series: Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns respectively it has had a profound effect on the comic book industry ever since.

Back in the 1990s Wizard magazine ruled the roost when it came to covering comic books and associated pop culture collectibles.

What better way to commemorate ‘The Dark Side’ than to produce a special about the ultimate preview of 1998’s hottest villains?

And what villain stands out as one of the best (or is that the worst?) than none other than Doctor Doom: Marvel’s resident mad genius?

Inside get ready for necessary evil, masters of evil, villains in a league of their own, villains that cross the line, Hollywood's rogues gallery, bad boys, rogues galleries, villains masquerading as heroes, loser villains, a criminal tools and accessories catalog, the worst of the worst and a super villain reunion.

Any way you slice it this book serves up more villains than you can possibly imagine.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Hollywood Cafe

Imagine sitting down to enjoy a cup or coffee with one of your favorite TV or movie stars.

There is nothing like a cup of Joe, especially when you’re having it with your favorite celebrities.

Whether on set, in a quiet cafe someplace, a small restaurant, on the back lot, at a fund raiser or event I picture myself having a cup of coffee with celebrities from Hollywood.

Author Steven Rea’s new book: Hollywood Cafe Coffee With The Stars, published by Schiffer Publishing, is a collection of black and white photos of famous TV and movie stars sipping coffee from all the way back to the silent era of films.

I wish I would had opportunity to sip java with the likes of Jimmy Stewart, Rita Hayworth, Charlie Chaplin, Woody Allen, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine and dozens of other classic TV/movie stars and starlets.

Short descriptions tell where the photos were taken and who the stars are.

If you love Hollywood nostalgia and TV and films in general then pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of Joe and enjoy the famous company.

"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

LED Hanging Magnetic Light

Have you ever had an occasion where you wish you had a small light that you could either hang or magnetically attach to a surface (say a car hood) to see and work on some project?

For a mere $1.25 Dollar Tree has a LED Hanging Magnetic Light that is perfect for just such occasions.

Made of plastic the light opens up in the back for inserting three AAA batteries.

A single on and off switch activates the light. A small strip of LEDs light up providing enough light to accomplish your tasks.

On the bottom of the long handle is a magnet for attaching to any metal surface.

Designed to look like a hanging, conventional caged light the LED Hanging Magnetic Light also comes with a small hook used for hanging from wires, etc.

I use mine for my closet and when I want to spotlight areas in my car’s engine or other household hard to see corners and niches.

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

Boeing 747

I remember vividly my first and only flight aboard the jumbo aircraft, the Boeing 747.

It was a one-way, direct flight from Detroit, Michigan to Miami, Florida way back in the early 1970s.

The 747 that I flew on was HUGE! There were maybe 25 people flying that day and the humongous aircraft was nearly empty.

With row after row of seats, a lounge and a full meal provided I felt as if I were flying aboard a first-class luxury hotel.

In Boeing 747 A Legends Of Flight Illustrated History, part of Schiffer Publishing’s Legends Of Flight series, author Wolfgang Borgmann offers a complete tour of the aircraft along with its history.

Inside photos detail the interior and exterior of the 747, its engines, cockpit, passenger and luggage areas, galley and more.

Complete cutaway schematics show just how massive the aircraft was and photos highlight just how many airlines used the impressive aircraft.

Learn all about the history of the 747 from its conception, development and final assembly.

It is truly amazing how versatile and accommodating the 747 was.

"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

Mini-Fan

Sometimes when I’m reading a book, writing, working on my computer, lounging outside enjoying the weather or sitting in my car a comfortable cool breeze would work wonders.

The only problem is that most fans need to be plugged into a wall power receptacle, tend to put out too much air and can be noisy.

Dollar Tree’s Mini-Fan stands just under six inches tall, runs on two AA batteries, churns out a comfortable small breeze via its three fan-blades and tilts up and down on its sturdy plastic stand.

It’s portable, quiet, comes in several colors and can also be used to circulate warm air when the temperature gets a little chilly.

Easy to set-up and to put batteries in the Mini-Fan delivers big value at only $1.25!

"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

The Forest Robot

What happens when a robot arrives in the forest. Will he be accepted or rejected?

Bitmax the robot is having a bad day. He’s all smashed up and being hauled away in a dump truck.

On the outskirts of town close to the blue forest the truck hits a bump and Bitmax falls out.

Fortunately for him two of the forest’s residents: Mus the mouse and Wagner the bear find him and decide to take him home to repair him.

They do so and the other forest residents shy away from Bitmax.

But as time passes Bitmax does what he does best: helping people (and animals) and before long he is accepted in the forest.

Bitmax & Co The Forest Robot, by Copons and Fortuny and published by Schiffer Publishing, is a delightful tale that kids will love.

It’s fun and easy to read, is filled with memorable characters and beautifully illustrated.

I know my grandson (who is a big robot fan) is sure to love it. What better recommendation can give than that?

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

What I Want For Christmas and 2024

What do I want for Christmas and 2024 as it pertains to my blog?

Here's my list:

• More readers
• Coffee table books from more publishers
• 12-inch collectible figures
• Toys for all ages
• Statues
• Trading cards
• Anime and Manga
• Household items
• Auto supplies
• Camping/survival supplies
• Diecast
• Electronics/computers/peripherals
• Music
• DVDs/Blu-rays
• Sports collectibles
• Model Kits
• Comic books
• Magazines
• Table top and video games/consoles
• ...and more!

"I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13

Silicon Straw

I’m a stickler for cleanliness. I’m also all in for conserving natural resources.

To me plastic and paper straws are wasteful. Why not have a straw you can use over and over again, clean and store to use at home or when traveling?

Dollar Tree’s Silicon Straw is the perfect solution.

The straw comes in an oversize, screw top, pill-shaped container with a handy little hanging strap.

Included with the straw is a wire handle brush for cleaning out the straw. I keep one in my car for myself and I plan on buying one for my wife.

What a great little product for use at home, while camping or traveling.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7

Fire Kings

It’s time to return to Fire King Island in Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Fire Kings Structure Deck.

Feel a chill in the air? Never fear with Fire Kings snow and ice melt and things heat up.

Game play is red hot and duelists are ablaze with a flaming good time! Are you hot, or not?

Caution, things are about to get hot! Just check out these hot items you can expect:

• Unleash the true destructive power of a new version of the Fire King High Avatar Garunix!
• The Continuous Spell Card that can place Fire King Island from your Deck into your Field Zone.
• The new Trap Card summoning 3 FIRE monsters.
• The new Rank 8 Xyz Monster that shines bright.
• Grab popular Cards that aid your existing Deck to the next level!

Structure Deck: Fire Kings comes with a total of 48 Cards:

• 5 Ultra Rares
• 3 Super Rares
• 40 Commons

Also included are:

• 1 Rulebook
• 1 Dueling Guide with tips
• 1 Playmat

"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

USB Mini Vacuum Cleaner

Computers-ya gotta luv ‘em! Laptop, desktop or tablet-they are all marvels of modern technology and they have the tendency to get dusty keyboards, vents and hard to clean places.

Dollar Tree has the perfect solution with its USB Mini Vacuum Cleaner.

This adorable, tiny device plugs into any USB port that supplies power. It’s long cord makes it easy to reach all around your desktop computer and with a handy power adapter for a wall socket you can even use the vacuum wherever there is a power supply.

How about those hard to reach nooks and crannies in your car or other small hidden places that accumulate duct-viola! you’re covered!

Measuring roughly six inches long the USB Mini Vacuum Cleaner is not powerful but it has enough of a pull to clean most keyboards and other small areas.

The Vacuum’s nozzle comes off when you push the button on the top next to the on and off switch. A little filter detaches for cleaning.

I bought one for my computers but I plan on buying another to keep in my car.

For a mere $1.25 this little gem is cute, nicely designed and perfect for those ‘little’ messes.

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

Babylon 5 The Complete Series

Imagine a space sci-fi series where united planets/regions stave off hostile alien invaders and other dangers in space, features an international and interplanetary crew and is at the crossroads of interplanetary commerce and trade aboard a space station.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine? Star Wars? Battlestar Galactica? Nope, none of them.

It’s Babylon 5-the epic space opera from Warner Bros./Discovery and writer/creator J. Michael Straczynski.

The popular five seasons television series ran from 1994 to 1998 for a total of 110 episodes and is considered one of the most groundbreaking, original and critically acclaimed sci-fi TV series ever produced.

Starting with the pilot film The Gathering the series began one year later with each season representing one year in real time.

The five-year story arc paved the way for later series.

In 2258 CE five adversarial federations control and dominate the outermost space regions.

An uneasy peace is established on a lone space station: Babylon 5.

The stellar cast, writers, production staff and studio turned out a first-rate series on a limited budget.

Despite its budget restrictions the series successfully turned out stellar episodes with plenty of action, intrigue and impressive special effects.

Both the pilot movie and the full five seasons of the series are included in the deluxe Blu-ray collection: Babylon 5 The Complete Series celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of the series and Warner Bros/Discovery. 100^th Anniversary.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." — Numbers 6:24-26

Roger Moore As James Bond

Following in the steps of Sean Connery to play James Bond is not an easy act to follow.

George Lazenby tried and failed after one film.

Sean Connery’s old friend Roger Moore, the star of The Saint TV series, took on the British super spy persona after Lazenby’s disastrous turn.

While Connery was more a rough and rugged James Bond, Moore brought a touch of humor, upper class refinement, irreverence and mischievousness to the roll.

His first film as James Bond was in Live And Let Die.

Paul McCartney supplied the killer theme music, Jane Seymour starred as the sexy female in distress and the film featured some of the most outrageous stunts and gadgets seen in any Bond film up to at point.

The figure comes in a standard Sideshow Collectibles flip lid box.  A Live and Let Die original movie poster miniature decorates the front, with photos of Roger Moore figure on the sides and back complemented by photos from the film.

On the inside of the flip panel is a description of the film along with the cast list.  On the back of the box is text about Roger Moore, Bond and his gadgets.

The figure and accessories are displayed behind a clear plastic panel and snug and secure in a contoured plastic cocoon with additional security provided by wire/plastic ties.

The figure is accompanied by a special Live And Let Die circular stand and wire support for posing the figure.  A sheet of tissue paper covers the clear panel to avoid scratches and damage.

Clad in solid black slacks, shoes and long-sleeved turtle neck shirt the Roger Moore James Bond figure also comes with a black belt with silver buckle and a silver wristwatch with a black face.

Over the figure's left shoulder is a holster with an additional black belt strap with a silver buckle around the figure's neck.

The fully articulated figure fits nicely under the cloths with no binding, unnatural folds or creases and with plenty of room for various poses.

Articulation is tight enough for stationary poses yet smooth enough not to bind or stick.

The cloth fabric holds its stitching and is resilient enough to hold its zipper and attachments.  

The various belts look like real leather and the small silver watch is detailed to the point that the numbers and hands can be plainly seen.

The features of the figure look exactly like Roger Moore’s with his light brown hair, blue eyes, square jaw and slightly lined face.

Coloration looks natural with variation of flesh tones.

The figure’s preset hands hold the various accessories.

They include a long barrel silver revolver with brown wooden handle, a machete, a small metal silver slip lid box, a green and white stripped snake and a red tipped detonation device.  All appear to look like their movie counterparts.

Overall the figure is impressive, as are the accessories and packaging.

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

The Little Drawing Workshop

For eleven years I taught Drawing 1, 2 &3 plus AP Drawing at a local high school.

For new students learning to draw can be intimidating.

Learning how to use the various drawing tools, compositions, perspective, shading and the dozens of other techniques, subject matters and the various do’s and don’ts of drawing is a lot to take in.

I tried simplifying things as much as possible and after a few lessons students lightened up and began to enjoy the whole process.

In Magali Cazo and Michel Lauricella’s new The Little Drawing Workshop book they provide 52 weeks of drawing lessons and skill building.

This Schiffer Publishing book makes a great guide for both novice and season artists. It never hurts to brush up on things. I know I need to occasionally.

The oversize, horizontally formatted, paperback book is filled with lots of great information and tips along with drawing samples both in color and black and white.

From figure drawing, linear sketches, shading and so much more the book guides hopeful artists through the process of creation and how to transfer images seen with their eyes to their hands to paper.

There are sections on setting up a studio, the use of various medium and plenty of reference drawing, photos and more to guide artist along.

It’s a fun and easy way to learn how to draw.

"'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.'” — Acts 16:30-31

Valiant Smashers

Get ready to smash your foes in Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game’s Valiant Smashers.

The 1^st Edition 25^th Anniversary Celebration Booster Box comes with 7 Cards per Foil Pack and 24 Packs per Box with 1 Foil Card guaranteed per Pack!

The monsters from the past return more powerful and dangerous than ever thanks to the Mementolan netherworld realm!

Just look at what you can do and get:

• Send a infinite number of monsters to wear down your foes.
• Recycle the pieces to Summon the new 5000 ATK Level 11 Boss monster, Tecuhtlica!
• Build a magical mecha golem warbot.
• Play monsters right from the Continuous Traps deck.
• Summon them from there to the Monster Zone.
• Build up to an awesome Level 12 Synchro Monster.
• The Pendulum & Link strategy gives you a non-stop series of split decisions.

The Valiant Smashers Booster Set contains 60 Cards:

• 10 Ultra Rares
• 15 Super Rares
• 35 Rares
  
  
• 15 Cards in the Set are also available as Collector’s Rares.
• 3 Cards in the Set are also available as Quarter Century Secret Rares.

Smash! Bash! Crash! What could be more fun than that?

"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

 

Books! Books! Books!

 Here is just sampling of my library.

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." — Ephesians 6:11

Fantasy & Science Fiction #770, November/December, 2023

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." — Psalm 73:26

Tales To Astonish #82

The Sub-Mariner discovers ‘The Power Of Iron Man!’.

Due to ‘misunderstanding (that happened a lot in early Marvel Comics, Iron Man and Namor, The Submariner face off against each other in Tales To Astonish #82.

Having recently replenished his strength by submerging in water Namor was at his mightiest.

Iron Man is packed full of power in his new armor.

Iron Man landed the first blow but Namor recovered and attacked and so it went tit for tat as the two battled it out.  It was only the untimely arrival of Attuma; Namor’s sworn enemy, the ended the battle.

The first few pages were penciled by Gene Colan and for some reason (probably a rushed deadline) Jack Kirby took over the pencils.  Either way, it was a pulse-pounding tale of fisticuffs as only Marvel could have delivered it.

In the second tale The Incredible Hulk was teleported back to the surface world to face The Boomerang.

The Hulk materialized in a military missile testing range and, of course, he thought the army was attacking him.

When he is spotted General Thunderbolt Ross is notified and he prepared his troops to take down the green goliath but not before he rescued his kidnapped daughter from the Secret Empire and their lackey Boomerang.  

The Hulk crossed paths with Boomerang who had Betty Ross (another convenient coincidence) and the battled it out.

The Hulk won of course, Betty is saved and General Ross was still ticked.  Ya gotta love those old Marvel Comics tales.

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." — Jeremiah 33:3

Secondary Superheroes Of Golden Age Comics

Cat-Man, The Shield, The Black Terror and The Black Cat? Those names don’t sound familiar?

To most people they aren’t, but to die-hard Golden Age comic book fans they are just a small sampling of superheroes from the Golden Age of comic books

From the beginning to the end of the Golden Age (the late 1930s to the mid-1950s) there was a huge assemblage of lesser known superheroes.

Most were at the height of their popularity during the World War II years.

But many of them survived into the Silver, Bronze and Modern Ages of comic books.

Superheroes like The Green Hornet, The Blue Beetle and several more were either re-introduced in their original form or updated with new origins for modern times.

In author Lou Mougin’s book: Secondary Superheroes Of Golden Age Comics, published by McFarland,& Company, Inc., Publishers, superheroes from the Golden Age of comics are given their rightful recognition.

While it’s true many have not survived to modern times that does not mean they were unimportant.

Times change, comic book readers’ tastes shift and some of the superheroes were best suited for another time.

In the book every comic book publisher that existed during the Golden Age is spotlighted along with its group of superheroes.

Each hero is examined from their origin, their powers and creators along with their individual contributions to the superhero genre of the Golden Age.

To really understand how superheroes came about it’s important to know their history.

This book delves into the little known past of the secondary heroes complemented by art and more.

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