The Amazing Toys Of Marvin Glass 1950s To 1974

Call me weird, but when I was a kid the crazier the toy the more I liked it. And nobody designed crazier toys than Marvin Glass.

Just a few examples of his designs were Operation, Great Garloo, Kissy Doll, Time Bomb and dozens of other for kids of all ages.

Knock about, chase, spring loaded-you name it and Marvin Glass designed and manufactured via toy companies such as Hasbro, Mattel, Marx and many others.

If it was colorful, wacky, loony, action-packed and oddball Glass had them.

Author Joyce Grant and Schiffer Publishing proudly present the full-color, hardbound book featuring the wildest and most wonderful Marvin Glass toys created in the 1950s to 1974.

Pages are packed with color photographs and informational text about every way-out creation from dolls to games, robots and every other conceivable toy imaginable.

Also included and prices and chapters broken down by type of toy or game and which company produced what.

Relive the magic with The Amazing Toys Of Marvin Glass 1950s To 1974.

"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" — 1 Corinthians 4:7

Top Trumps Quiz With A Twist Marvel

OK, I got this! After all, I’ve been reading Marvel Comics since they first premiered back in 1961 with The Fantastic Four.

I’m about to find out if I’m as clever as I think.

This oversize Quiz With A Twist Marvel double, flip-lid, plastic container holds two full-decks of cards with movie photos from various Marvel Cinematic films, along with five questions. 

One side of each card has the questions and the answers are on the reverse side. Both sides have a color photo. 

The main body of the container is a metallic, shiny red with a large marvel logo on its top with debossed Top Trumps Quiz text on each side. Very classy!

The cards are made of semi-gloss, paper stock with rounded corners (prevents bumped and damaged corners and for easier handling). Full color photos spotlight characters, locations, etc. seen in the many Marvel Cinematic Universe of movies.

Have as many players as you like. Each player gets five cards. Let the questions fly and after 10 minutes see who got the most correct answers!

I surprised myself with how many answers I knew. There were some tough questions. It was a mighty Marvel mind twister!

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

PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat Commanded By LTJG John F. Kennedy

I attended public school during the 1950s and 1960s.

I remember when John Kennedy was elected President in 1961. During his tenure it was termed “The Age Of Camelot”.

As our youngest President he was adored both by the young and the old. In school we were taught how Kennedy commanded the PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat during World War II. The exploits of Kennedy and his crew were legendary.

Their exploits aboard the PT-109 was chronicled in the book “Profiles In Courage”, written by Kennedy, and later adapted to film.

It’s been a long time since I’ve built a ship model kit. It was way back in the late 1960s when I used to purchase them at The Shutter Shop hobby store in Michigan. Time to dust off my model making skills.

The 1:72 Scale PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat Commanded By LTJG John F. Kennedy model kit from Revell is graded for ages 13 years old and up, Level 5. Glue and paint are required. See the easy-to-follow instructions as to the model making tools needed to complete the kit.

As always take your time, detach parts off the part trees as needed to avoid losing parts or accidentally gluing them. Paint application is best done before assembling the model kit. Decals should be applied last.

The new PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat kit comes packaged in a long rectangular box complete with a full-color naval action scene on the front. Specs and additional photos are on the sides of the box.

Inside five clear plastic, sealed bags hold a total of eleven-part trees (10 gray, one clear) and two parts to the ship's hull and deck.

Parts detach easily from the part trees. I suggest you use an Xacto knife or model snips to remove the parts. Very little flashing is needed to be cleaned up along with the detach points on the pieces.

Parts fit snugly together and are easily assembled by following the instructions and referring to the numbered parts.

It’s best to use specified military naval color paints. Once assembled and painted aging and weathering can be done giving the boat a battle worn look.

I am impressed by the accuracy of the parts right down to the torpedo tubes, deck details, armament and overall look of the boat. Military model kit enthusiasts are sure to love the look and historical accuracy of the kit, especially when displayed.

Relive the turbulent years of the war with the authenticity of the PT-109 Patrol Torpedo Boat Commanded By LTJG John F. Kennedy model kit.

"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

The Golden Dragon

What happens when Bitmax the robot (along with his friends) come face-to face with a dragon?

I gotta say I really love the writer/artist team of Copons & Fortuny. They provides hilariousness stories complemented by one of the most original art/cartooning style I have ever witnessed. What talent!

Discover what happen when the forest denizens and Bitmax discover hunters in the woods looking for a golden dragon?

The same dragon the woodland creatures encounter.

What happens next is a rumble tumble of mistaken identity, faux dragons and hunters who think twice about hunting dragons.

The Golden Dragon is an imaginative, fantasy and fun-filled adventure filled with shenanigans, slight of hand and silliness.  

Kids will love it, courtesy of Schiffer Kids!

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts." — Proverbs 21:2

Top Trumps Limited Editions 007 Every Assignment

Get ready to “flip” over James Bond-literally!

Top Trumps Limited Editions 007 Every Assignment game cards come in a flip lid plastic box with a stunning silver casing and clear plastic viewing panel.

Simply remove the cellophane, pull up on the clear plastic card holder and viola!, you’re ready to play!

The 007 card game is fast, fun and full of trills with some unexpected twists and turns.

Learn some fascinating facts of Bond's friends and foes.

Here’s a short description of how to play the game:

• Any number of people can play. Shuffle the 30 cards and deal face down.
• Holds your cards face up so you can see the top card only.
• The player left of the dealer starts.
• Read the top card’s stat. The other players do likewise.
• Whoever has the highest stat wins the round. They take the top cards and place them at the bottom of their deck.
• They choose the next stat.
• If no stat matches, two players have the same stats or the data is unavailable. All cards are placed in the middle.
• Try again and read the same stat from the next card. Whoever’s stat is higher wins all the cards, including the middle.
• Whoever has all the cards at game’s end-wins!

Back to the cards themselves.

Cards features one particular character on each seen in the various sanctioned Bond films.

Stats include Power and influence, Technology and Gadgets, Brute Force, Allure and Charm, Treachery and Top Trumps Rating.

The cards have rounded corners, are printed on semi-gloss, medium weight card stock and feature beautiful full colors photos of Bond film characters.

Gamers will love this set of stunning cards and 007 fans will want them for their collection.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." — Psalm 19:14

1956 Ford Thunderbird

As a young man the one car I wished I had owned was the 1956 Ford Thunderbird. I loved its two side circular windows, two-seat design and enclosed spare tire exterior carrier.

One of my older brothers 

owned one and I got to ride in it several times. I was in heaven!

I have to hand it to Revell. Its 1:24 Scale 1956 Ford Thunderbird model kit is one nicely designed package.

The full color photo on the box spotlights a pink Thunderbird with a white convertible roof parked in front of a vintage Route 66 motel complete with neon lights and other 1950s autos and objects surrounding it. It brings back lots of fond memories.

On one side of the model kit box several photos of the completed model are shown including left and right profiles, the undercarriage, the interior and the engine compartment. Full specs and a brief history of the vehicle is on the other side panel.

The model kit is best assembled by model makers over the age of 12 years old with a Level 4 experience. Paint, glue, decal application and model kit assembly tools are required.

While the image on the box is pink and white I may change the color of my particular kit body, but leave the convertible top white.

Included inside is a set of very comprehensive and easy to follow assembly instructions. Even a crusty old man of 71, like myself, can understand them. I recommend you pre-paint the parts, use tweezers, snips and other precision modeling tools to assemble the model. It makes for a much nicer finished product for display.

A word of advice-take your time, carefully follow the instructions and keep your work area clean and organized.

Inside the model kit comes with a complete body. Four white part trees come in a single clear plastic bag. Four tires and rims are in another bag. The hood and convertible top come in another. Chrome pieces and clear parts come in two more.  A decal sheet is also included.

All the numbered pieces are easily identifiable using the instructions. Use an Xacto blade to detach the pieces from their respective trees. Very little trimming is necessary as the parts are nicely and neatly molded. For the larger pieces use a model kit snipper.

Don’t remove parts from trees until your are ready to use them. If you remove too many parts it’s easy to lose them or (gasp!) have them get stuck to other parts that are glued. Trust me-I’ve made that mistake before on other model kits.

I can’t wait to see what my 1956 Ford Thunderbird will look like once it is finished.

Checkout the cool chrome accents, side mirrors, rear spare tire cover, white wall tires, sleek design, impressive and clean interior and especially the opening front hood that displays the chromed out engine.

And don’t forget to look at the undercarriage that is a work of art unto itself. Roof off or on the 1956 Ford Thunderbird model kit from Revell is a real eye-pleaser!

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life." — Psalm 143:8

General Ursus

The first time I saw the apes in Planet Of The Apes film I was scared silly.

When the gorilla General Ursus showed up in Beneath The Planet Of The Apes I was even more frightened.

The General Ursus 12-inch fully articulated figure comes in a Sideshow Collectibles flip lid box with information about the movie on the inside of the flap.

The cover of the box is a recreation of the movie’s poster.

Inside the 12-inch figure is snug (along with its accessories) inside a form fitted clear plastic cocoon and secured with plastic straps seen through a clear plastic viewing panel.

Can you imagine coming face to face with a leather-clad gorilla that only wants to imprison you and use you for target practice!

The figure is so elaborate in its multi-piece leather outfit that only one accessory comes wit the figure (not counting the circular base and support wire).

General Ursus carries a brown automatic pistol that fits in the holster that comes with the character's outfit. The figure’s preset hands hold the weapon tightly with no slippage or tilt.

General Ursus comes dressed all in black with knee high black boots molded to fit his simian feet, black cloth trousers and a long sleeve black shirt.

The Gorilla General wears a heavy leather helmet with leather side flaps and inscribed with symbolic ape insignia worked into the leather.

He wears a heavy chest piece with tooled shoulder and neck guard, upper arm armor plate, a full front and back tooled leather armor and thick black leather gloves.

Despite being decked out in heavy leather the figure moves easily under the uniform with no awkward disheveled armor pieces, unsightly and unnatural cloth folds or creases.

The sculpt of the ape face is exactly like the movie General with his flaring nostrils, large muzzle and dark, deep and foreboding eyes all framed by his full black beard just below his chin.

"When I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me." — Micah 7:8

Frankenstein Alive, Alive! #1

The late comic book artist Bernie Wrightson first made a name for himself drawing horror anthologies eventually moving on to pencil DC Comics Swampthing.

But, when Wrightson created his Frankenstein illustrated plates special the world took notice. His art was incredible and extremely detailed.

Unfortunately as Wrightson grew older his eyesight started to fail and his output dwindled.

One of his final comic book illustrated tales was Frankenstein, Alive, Alive!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Frankenstein monster after his story ended in the famous novel?

In this iteration from IDW, by writer Steve Niles and artist Bernie Wrightson, Frankenstein winds up in a freak show as a sideshow attraction eking out a modest living with his fellow freaks.

After a brief interlude with the freaks, Frankenstein recollects what happened since his last act in the novel.

It seems he survived his self imposed exile, reunited with his creator, succumbed to depression and decided to end his own life.

In the last panel of issue #1 he buries himself in a mudslide, seemingly ending his existence. But how do you kill something or someone who isn’t really alive in the first place?

Bernie Wrightson’s illustration genius shines through as he provides some spectacular art. Sadly not too long after completing this mini-series and a couple more for IDW Bernie passed away.

However his legacy lives on in his art.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." — Romans 12:2

Comics Book Nerd #1

Comic books have often been the brunt of jokes. 

TwoMorrows Publishing’s Comic Book Nerd Magazine #1 pokes fun at collectors and readers.  Ouch!

Ok, OK I can take a friendly jab.  Much of what it lampoons is true if I and other comic book nerds will just admit it.

Over the decades comic book publishers have made fun of themselves and other publishers.  Marvel did it with Not Brand Echh!,  DC took a few digs with Plop! and even Image managed a few shots.

But no one has made fun of publishers AND comic book fans.

TwoMorrows Publishing one-shot Comic Book Nerd #1 unmercifully made fun of not only publishers but also individuals who read, collect and deal in comic books.

All you have to do is take a look at its front comer and you know what’s in store inside.

Magazines about comic books are the target of parody with names like Whizzer, Comic Book Meat Market, Comic Buyer’s Guise and so forth.

Monster and wars comic books make easy target, hot lists, the top ten the Silver Sage, Bagged Issue!, Ultra Ego, Mr. Muncher, Scrawl instead of drawing lesson, Charlatan Comics, Purviews and every other publication, editorial, collectors’ list are lambasted, lampooned and laughed at.

If you’re the sensitive type it’s best to avoid Comic Book Nerd.

"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

LEGO DC Superheroes Visual Dictionary

"LEGO my DC Comics superhero figures!"

At first glance DK Books’ LEGO DC Super Heroes Visual Dictionary looks like it’s just for small kids.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Much of fandom knows LEGO is a big hit with collectors of all ages.  

Combine the bricks with DC characters and you’re bound to get a cool and iconic combinations.

The oversize hardbound book has colorful cover depicting many of DC Comics mainstay heroes and villains running toward the reader.

Included with the book is a small clear plastic section containing an exclusive Yellow Lantern Batman LEGO figure.  How cool is that!?

Just like other Visual Dictionary DK Books this particular book describes characters, locations vehicles, weapons-you name it that (in this case) populate the DC Comics Universe.

Full color photos of DC Universe characters include the various versions released over the years.  Every completist needs this book to make sure they get each and every LEGO figure, etc. 

Every aspect and character of the DC Universe is included along with full descriptions.  Also included is a behind-the-scenes section of how the various LEGO DC figures, etc. were created.

Get ready to explore and enjoy this very special tour of the DC Comics Universe.

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

Timothy Dalton As James Bond

You have to give Timothy Dalton a lot of credit.  Although he had been offered the role as James Bond while he was in his twenties Dalton refused because he felt he was not mature enough to handle the role.  Instead the role went to Roger Moore.

But, after Moore left the Bond franchise Dalton was once more considered for the role of Bond and this time he accepted.

Dalton brought a unique take on he role. He made Bond a very flawed and human figure.  He had his weaknesses, vices and failings.  He played him as a hired assassin and government attack dog.

Dalton as Bond was very much a tough and ruthless person when he needed to be.  He still loved the ladies and fine food and attire.  However he preferred hands-on espionage and did not always trust the latest spy gadgets.

Dalton’s first Bond film: The Living Daylights, was an enjoyable film.  He was getting accustomed to the character of Bond.

But, Dalton’s second Bond foray: Licence to Kill, really allowed the actor to shine. In the film Dalton nails the literary version of Bond-right down to his ruthlessness and ability to go completely cold emotionally.

The film also allowed Dalton to explore Bond on a more personnel level with a minimum use of trick gadgets.  The film was much more fists and fighting as opposed to using gadgets to thwart the bad guys.

The 12-inch Dalton as Bond figure comes in a flip lid box with a miniature reproduction of the film’s promotional poster on the cover.  Photos of the action figure and from the film decorate all the sides.  Actor bios and a film synopsis and a cast list are included on the inside flap and on the back of the box.

The Sideshow Collectibles' Timothy Dalton figure comes dressed in a solid black suit with a white shirt, a black bow tie and black shoes.

The shirt has black buttons down the front and on the cuffs and the white the lined jacket has two buttons with two waist pockets without flaps.

The figure’s hands are preset to hold the various weapons and accessories.

A circular Licence To Kill base with a wire support is included from posing the figure.

The figure’s similarity to actor Timothy Dalton’s facial features is striking.  The combed back black hair, deep-set dark eyes, heavy eyebrows, small straight nose, square jaw and cleft chin match Dalton's face exactly.

Skin tone variations make the face look almost real.

Included with figure is the custom attaché case provided by Q in the film.

Inside the briefcase is the ‘custom’ camera used by Bond, that includes a tripod, scope, extended rifle barrel, an ammo clip disguised as a film reel and various small attachments.

The pieces fit snugly in the form-fitting interior of the briefcase.

Also included is Bond’s Walther PPK handgun.  All the accessories and weapons are precision crafted and accurate miniature reproduction of the items as seen in the movie.

Detailing on the ‘camera’ is perfect with attachable parts that allow the ‘camera’ to be set up and broke down.

All the accessories fit snugly into the Bond figure’s preset hands.

The figure moves and poses with no binding or slippage of the clothes.

"'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.'" — Jeremiah 29:11

Comic Book Artist Issue #1

Neal Adams and Alex Ross were featured in the first issue of Top Shelf’s Comic Book Artist magazine.

Both artists had a tremendous impact on the comic book industry.

Unfortunately Neal Adams passed away in May of 2022 at the age of 80.

Both Neal Adams and Alex Ross were given full color insert sections along with text, photos and art in the main body of the magazine.

Issue #1featured a Superman Adams/Ross collaboration cover.

Other articles in the square bound magazine included Stan Lee in the 1970s, a Craig Thompson sketchbook, an Arcade cover gallery, an examination of the life of Bill Griffith, a look at Super Green Beret, Michael Moorcock’s book and comic book work and a look at Barry Windsor Smith’s early work.

Also look for back issue goodies, the comic book marketplace and much much more.

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." — Proverbs 14:29

Tee Hee

One of James Bond’s chief adversaries in the film Live And Let Die was the hook for a right hand bad guy named Tee Hee.

While not on of Bond’s most memorable foes’ list Tee Hee did manage to bring a sense of danger to the film.  His smiling face, sadistic manner and knack for ending any discussion with the snip of his razor-sharp, scissor appendage made him dangerous.

Who’s tall, wears a bright red blazer with double gold buttons and large flared collar, light gray slacks, black pointed patent leather shoes and a gray shirt with silver button and a red and yellow tie?  Why Tee Hee of course!

This dark skin giant of a man is the enforcer for the notorious Mr. Big in the James Bond film Live And Let Die.

His weapon of choice is his large metal right hand with its pincher/scissor blades for fingers.

His jovial smiling face belies the fact that he is a ruthless killer who likes to ‘snip’ off body parts of his boss’s enemies.

The Sideshow Collectibles Tee Hee 12-inch figure comes packaged in a flip lid box with movie and character descriptions (along with photos) on the inside back and sides.

A single piece of tissue paper protects the clear plastic viewing panel from scuffing and the figure with accessories are secure in a form fitting plastic cocoon with plastic coated wires.

The second release movie poster from the film decorates the front of the box.

Included with fully-articulated and fully-posable figure are a circular Live And Let Die base and wire support for posing the figure, a small alligator, a chicken quarter and Tee Hee’s reflective sunglasses.

Clothing fits the figure with no bunching or unnatural folds or creases.  Color application is lifelike with variations of flesh tones,

The left hand holds the various items while the right hand with its claws can be posed open or closed.

Clothing details such as buttons, stitching, pockets, etc are in scale and function.

Tee Hee is definitely nothing to laugh at.  If you do, the jokes on you!

"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

B-17 flying Fortress, Vol. 1

Imagine flying over enemy lines during WWII. All that is between you and their artillery fire is the fuselage of a bomber aircraft.

The brave men of the flight crew, despite the danger, flew on dangerous bombing raids to ensure the freedom of all people and to squash the Axis forces of the German Nazis and Japanese military might.

Let’s be honest, most of us would have been scared witless to fly into combat on such an aircraft.

Be it as the pilot, copilot, gunner or any other crew member you were trusting your life to the Flying Fortress.

As advanced as it was, the mere thought of flying into enemy territory, straight into enemy gunfire and knowing the odds of being shot down had to be a harsh reality to deal with.

In author David Doyle’s new book: B-17 Flying Fortress, Vol. 1 Boeing’s Model 299 Through B-17D In World War II, part of Schiffer Publishing’s Legends Of Warfare Aviation, you’re introduced to the aircraft is dazzling detail.

Exterior and interior photos examine every nook and cranny of the aircraft from the pilot cockpit to the bomb bays.

Picture flying this powerful, four-engine bomber with its full crew, bomb bays loaded with destructive power and praying you hit your target and return home safely.

The B-17 was an example of America’s technical ingenuity and rugged determination to win the war at all costs.

"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

The Art Of...

The images, costumes, locations, special effects and characters seen in Marvel Comics movies are amazing!

Have you ever wondered how they were created?

In Marvel Books' The Art Of... series of hardbound books the conceptual and final art that inspired the movies are shown in great detail.

I was fortunate enough to have come across most of the books in the series at my local used book store where I just happen to have a lot of credit.

Needless to say I snatched the books up in a flash.  I highly recommend them, especially if you are interested in the how and by whom the magic for the films was created.

"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

Diamond Previews, January 2024

 

"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" — 1 Corinthians 4:7