Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Private i

In the near future artificial intelligence and humanity has become almost inseparable and indistinguishable. So intertwined has mankind come with machines that their interplay is considered normal.

Imagine a world where each person has two internal voices-one human and on A.I. What are the ramifications? Where is the moral line drawn and can morality be applied to a non-human, mechanical mind...and soul?

For too many years Paloma has lived in seclusion. Arriving at her grandfather’s home she finds him beaten and dead.

Somehow someone has discovered her grandfather’s secret. His technological wizardry invented a machine intelligence named Marlowe. The same AI that share’s Paloma’s consciousness.

Both Paloma and Marlowe must flee for their live as unscrupulous individuals seek to exploit the special bond they share.

With Marlowe in their hands these same individuals could control the world. Paloma and Marlowe cannot let that happen.

With Marlowe’s aid Paloma has access to unlimited knowledge, instant instructions to locations, hidden facts and information and most of all a true friend albeit an A.I.

Join Paloma and Marlowe as they navigate, anticipate and ultimately come face-to-face to those who seek to exploit them both.

Private i explores the world of A.I. which even now is growing by leaps and bounds. Is it a godsend or a harbinger of the Apocalypse?

Private i, from authors Ashlei E. Watson, Jill Fain Lehman and Paul Pangaro, is a techno-thriller that begs the question, “Will A.I. benefit mankind or destroy it?”

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Gremlins

Whatever you do don’t feed him after midnight or get him wet!

When an inventor comes across and old Chinese curio shop he discovers a small furry creature called a Gremlin.  The shop owner refuses to sell the Gremlin called Gizmo but his grandson insists.

The inventor takes Gizmo home with strict instructions to keep him out of sunshine, which would kill him, not to feed him after midnight and never, ever get him wet.

Of course Gizmo gets wet and is fed after midnight resulting in a whole new batch of evil Gremlins being born.  Chaos ensues.

Joe Dante directed the film that went on to spawn a sequel.

The movie is one of only a few films that successfully combines humor with horror.  While the Mowgli (Gremlins) (as in the case of Gismo) are cute and cuddly, their offspring are anything but.  Add offspring from offspring and you have some of the most horrifying and frightening killer creatures imaginable.

Gremlins proved so popular that it achieved cult status.  Vast amount of Gremlins merchandise was produced and almost countless movie knockoffs.

Warner Bros/Discovery's Gremlins Special Edition DVD includes not just the movie but lots of special features such as extra footage, commentaries, a documentary, a gallery, storyboards, film highlights and more.

It’s a fun, family film with a fear factor built in.

James 4:6 - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Crabbily Ever After

Get ready to visit Sherman’s Lagoon for the 29th time in the hilarious comic strip’s latest collection by artist/writer Jim Toomey and published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

It’s a veritable underwater collection of fairy tales as Sherman the shark, his wife, child and a crazy menagerie of underwater friends get into some of the strangest situations above or below the water.

The black and white daily and full-color comic strip collections is sure to bring plenty of laughter and smiles as Sherman and company look at life from an aquatic point of view.

This time around you witness a shark diet, making a dog friend, a gourmet human smorgasbord, a Mexican visitor, a turtle’s memory, a whale of a friend and an assortment of under-the-sea chaos, strange encounters, ridiculous schemes and sea life shenanigans.

“And they all lived, “Crabbily Ever After!”

John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Friday, December 27, 2024

Conjuring The Spirit World Art, Magic, And Mediums

Back in the 19th and early 20th Centuries both Europeans and Americans were fascinated by seances, magic and spiritualism.

Many believed that by holding seances they could communicate with their deceased loved ones.

Predictably hucksters and con artists managed to fool the gullible and unsuspecting public with their slights of hand, parlor tricks, illusions and staged ‘ghost’ encounters.

Hand-in-hand with the seances was the popularity of magic show and magicians. Harry Houdini is the one most associated with magic at that time period but there were many other magicians who thrilled audiences by their magic, slight of hand and illusions.

Both seances and magic were big business and the public could not seem to get enough of either.

In Conjuring The Spirit World Art, Magic, And Mediums: the new deluxe, oversize hardbound book, written by George H. Schwartz and published by Rizzoli/Universe, (in conjunction with a Museum exhibit) the magic and seance phenomenon of that period are showcased and spotlighted.

Collectors all over the world generously allowed the writer and publisher access to their period promotional items and other ephemera from that time not that long ago.

Detailed text delves into the time period, those who practiced the deceptions and those who believed and partook in seances and much more.

Archival photos and collectible items are reproduced in full-color and black and white.

The publisher printed the interior pages on dull-coat paper giving the overall book the look of an older publication.

The book provides an insightful look at a forgotten time and how even then audiences were fooled by clever visual tricks and slight of hand.

Imagine what it would have been like if the perpetrators of such shenanigans had access to the technology we have today?

Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Speed Duel Battle City Finals

Big cities offer all sorts of things to see, do and visit. Some are good, some bad. Whenever you visit the big city it’s best to be cautious, aware of your surroundings and prepared for anything.

That’s especially true with Konami’s 25th Quarter Century Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Speed Duel Battle City Finals.

The stakes are high, danger and excitement abound and ultimately the goal is to win-and win big. As a duelist it’s up to you to play your cards right, strategize, anticipate and never give up.

Just look at what you can expect and get:

  • New dangers await Yugi and Joey at the Quarter-Finals of the Battle City Tournament.
  • Old rivals such as Seto Kaiba and Mai Valentine are also attending.
  • Yami Bakura and the mysterious Yami Marik are also in the game.
  • Prepare to harness the power of your Egyptian God Cards in a showdown in Battle City.
  • Recreate memorable Duels from the classic Yu-Gi-Oh! animated series
  • Use 8 complete Speed Duel Decks
  • 110 Cards are new to Speed Duel.
  • Speed Duel: Battle City Finals features:
  • Pre-built Decks for Yami Yugi, Seto Kaiba, Joey Wheeler, Mai Valentine, Yami Bakura, Odion, Ishizu Ishtar, and Yami Marik.
  • New Skill Cards for new and returning characters.
  • Expand your Speed Duel collection.
  • Build new Decks and power up ones you already own.
  • There’s a Set of Prismatic Secret Rare Slifer the Sky Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor, and The Winged Dragon of Ra to use for Yami Yugi’s, Seto Kaiba’s, and Yami Marik’s Decks.
  • 30 Prismatic Secret Rare cards to add to your collection such as Joker’s Knight, Lava Golem, Mudora the Sword Oracle, Doomcaliber Knight, Injection Fairy Lily, Breakthrough Skill, Swords of Revealing Light, and Maxx “C”!
  • 9 random Prismatic Secret Rares included in each Box.
  • Play with it on its own.
  • Play any other Speed Duel set you already own

Each Speed Duel: Battle City Finals Box contains:

  • 200 Common Cards
  • 20 Skill Cards
  • 3 Prismatic Secret Rare God Cards
  • 9 (of 30) Prismatic Secret Rare Cards
  • 1 Two-Player Deluxe Game Mat

Have you got the speed, cunning and skills to win? Find out in the Battle City Finals!

Psalms 126:5 - They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Monday, December 23, 2024

The Wrong Station

Lorna Raven never expected what was to happen when she accidentally got off at the wrong train station. Talk about starting things off with a bang!

The Wrong Station, (Mystery Chronicles of New York Women) written by Ilona Joy Saari and published by 211th Street Books, begins with one of the most inventive openings of any murder mystery I have ever read.

Things really pick up the pace as Loran Raven falls asleep on her train on the way home and gets off at the wrong station.

After seeking help, discovering two bodies and being pursued by killers she suddenly finds herself waist deep in a frantic-paced thriller where spies, murderers and assorted obstacles and individuals roadblock her attempts to solve a murder mystery, find true love and obtain the perfect cheeseburger.

The Wrong Station grabs you by the short hairs so hold on tight. It has so many twists and turns it will make your head swim.

Get ready for the ride of your life when adventure, intrigue and mystery all collide in a truly inventive novel.

It’s like walking a greasy tightrope with your eyes closed. Your next step could be your last!

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Battle Board Robin

To me one of the best DC Comics Batman toy adaptation was the series produced in 2003 by Mattel Toys that included the Battle Board Robin.

Robin looks like a buffed, tough and rough guy in his newly redesigned Robin outfit.

The figure comes on a standup/hanger package that is clear on three sides and with a large bat symbol in a spotlight predominant on the package.

This is a modern day Robin.  Gone are the impish small boy features.  Instead a confident young man with short-cropped black hair, a muscular body and the hard chiseled features denotes a warrior.

Dressed in a red leotard/upper armor outfit with a green short sleeve undershirt, a yellow utility belt, green leotards, black-heavy tread knee boots and black gloves that end just below his elbows, the black masked Robin also has a two-tone cape made of real cloth.

The interior is yellow and the exterior black.

His transport is a Battle Board upon which he stands and flies.

It is arrow shaped with a black and brown/copper body and black and silver tipped wings and tail. A large ‘R’ decorates both sides.

Included with the Battle Board is a brown/copper disc that ejects when the rear of the board is depressed.

The fully articulated figure is sharply sculpted, features crisp color application with no slopover edge or flashing and the articulation is well hidden.

The figure attaches to the Battle Board allowing it to stand. Or it can stand without it.

Deuteronomy 20:4 - For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Comics 1964-2024

Up until the year 1964 comic books/comics mostly offered clean, inoffensive and safe stories written mostly for children. American publishers in general stuck with superheroes, funny animals, detective, western, romance, science fiction, horror and similar themes familiar to readers.

There were a few exceptions in the previous decades.

In part, comic books emulated and copied trends in movies, novels and TV. That was all about to change when 1964 came about.

While it’s true comic books and comic strips were also produced in other countries, America was by far the leader of publishing said literature-maybe with one exception being Japan with its Manga series.

When the mid-1960s arrived America found itself in turmoil. Traditions long-held by the American family and society were being questioned. Young people in particular were questioning and rebelling against their parents' values.

The war in Vietnam, Rock and Roll, counter-culture literature, affluence, new trends in clothing, fashion in general and the preponderance of America’s youth and counter-culture movement headed by free-thinking novelists and film makers all contributed to the festering anti-establishment movement.

In Comics 1964-2024, published by Thames & Hudson, the world-wide counter-culture phenomenon that bled over into comics, comic strips and graphic novels is examined in full-detail.

Europe, Asia and America witnessed a plethora of innovative, anti-establishment and creative deluge of publications that dared to go against established norms.

For over six decades the comics community has witnessed underground comics, blatantly sexual and violent themed comics, historical and biographical releases and so much more.

The sky was/is literally the limit with themes and subjects touched upon that no one from pre-1964 would have dreamed possible, let alone successful.

This huge oversize book consists of a highly-detailed and informative historical text along with hundreds of black and white and full-color examples of art from all over the world.

The book is broken down into several different themes-all examined and explained in detail.

If you love comics and are anxious to expand your appreciation from the norm then this book will fulfill your expectations.

Psalms 39:7 - And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

Friday, December 20, 2024

The Big Books Of Peanuts All The Daily Strips From The 1990s

It’s hard to believe that Peanuts comic strip creator Charles M. Schulz passed away almost 25 years ago.

His comic strip Peanuts ran for 50 years and never ceased to delight and amuse readers for all of that time.

As Schulz matured so too did his strip. The strip grew more profound, often tackled current social norms in an offbeat sort of way and introduced a very diverse group of characters,

It came as no surprise that Snoopy, Charley Brown’s beagle, became the favorite of the strip.

Snoopy's imaginative journeys, wacky family, unique take on life and ability to confound every human around him delighted readers.

Andrews McMeel Publishing’s new oversize, hardbound book collects of all the Peanut daily strips from the 1990s.

The Big Book Of Peanuts, with its flashy red front and back cover with an illustration of Snoopy hugging Charlie Brown follows the mishaps and misadventures of everyone’s favorite bunch of kids.

During the 1990s Schulz broke a long-standing tradition and starting drawing the strip using a variety of panels from a full panel to four. His line work was at its best and his art took on a more sophisticated and polished look.

It was also during this period that time began to catch up to him and as the decade progressed his line work became a little more erratic and not quite as sharp.

Like all creative people Schulz started to slow down as he aged and the daily grind of producing the strip began to wear him down. Sadly when the year 2000 hit he ended the strip much to the dismay of the fans. He passed away not long afterward.

Still the genius of his work shines through in his last full decade of work and it’s all collected in one magnificent tome. Peanuts fans are sure to want to pick up this collection.

Romans 3:24 - Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Will Turner Pirates Of The Caribbean


Most moviegoers may disagree but in the original Pirates Of The Caribbean Trilogy of movies starring Johnny Depp as the pirate Jack Sparrow, Sparrow was not the main character.

Nor was it the damsel in distress.  Instead it was Will Turner the son of a pirate who became part of Davy Jones pirate crew. 

The Sideshow Collectibles/Hot Toys 12-inch figure is housed in a flip-lid box decorated with photos from the film.

Inside the figure is snug in its form-fitted clear plastic cocoon held in place with plastic covered wires.  Accessories, along with its circular base and support wire, are also held in place in the cocoon.

The box comes with a slip case, protective side card slats and both a fitted clear cover for the figure and accessories and a flat clear plastic that covers them all.

I was pleased when Sideshow Collectibles became the U.S. distributor of Hot Toys

Hot Toys figures upped the quality and details of the Sideshow collection of figures.  I have many in my collection.

While the company started out small it has become a juggernaut turning out figures on a monthly basis.

Figures produced include TV and movie figures and have branched out to include dioramas and vehicles.

Like the Will Turner figure all of Hot Toys figures look exactly like the characters they are fashioned after-right down to coloration, hair style, features and even to the sparkle in their eyes.

The Will Turner figure’s features are sharp, well-defined, expertly sculpted and look identical to the movie character.

The full- articulated figure is astounding in it ability to poses naturally like a human figure. Hands easily grasp weapons and accessories.

Clothing and footwear fit snuggly and are easily removed.

Cloths look natural with no unnatural folds or creases and when the figure is posed the move like natural clothing with no unsightly ceases or bunched up folds.

Cloths hang and drape naturally.

If you’ve watched any of the Pirates movie you know how elaborate the characters’ costumes are and how authentic.

The Will Tuner figure from Hot Toys matches Will’s clothing he wore in At World’s End.

The figure’s head is cradled in a plastic collar that keeps it stationary and protected.

The figure wears a deep purple shirt with ruffled sleeves.  Over that he wears a deep gray leather undercoat with silver button that is secured by a light brown leather belt with a black buckle and a colorful sash with frayed thread ending in deep yellow.  

The leather undercoat ends at his knees.

Over that he wears a deep brown rough fabric coat with large folded back cuffs and wit no collar.

Copper buttons run down the length of the front of the coat and on the cuffs.

His pants are deep gray and baggy and fit into his buccaneer boots that are folded down from the knees and have no latches or laces.

The shoes are heavy with thick soles.

Over his outer coat he wears black belt with pouches and a thick black buckle.

Included with the figure is a second right hand for holding weapons, a flintlock pistol with a wood handle, a solid metal knife (blade and handle), a knife sheath with stitching and a large saber with a bowl pommel and a finger guard and metal handle.  

Clothing details are in scale, leather and various fabric types and the weapons are period correct with accurate details.

Flesh coloring on the figure is subtle and multi-tone and the overall quality of the figure with accessories is first-rate.

A small pamphlet about the movie and character is also included with a base and a support wire.

Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing shall be impossible.


Tuesday, December 17, 2024

The Art & Making Of Spellbound

Picture this. You’re Ellian the young princess and daughter of the rulers of the Kingdom of Lumbria.

You’re parents are turned into dragons and your kingdom is in peril.

You must go on a dangerous and daring quest to save both your parents and your kingdom. Your transformed parents accompany you on your quest.

Only the magical waters of The Lake Of Light can cure your parents.

Along the way you encounter incredible creatures, traverse strange lands and face danger.

In Titan Books new book: The Art & Making Of Spellbound, by Ramid Zahed, discover the processes by which such a monumental movie is made.

The Skydance Animation film from Netflix uses the latest and greatest 3D animation techniques and technology to visually stun audiences.

Inside the book full-color concept art, 3D models and character and setting designs demonstrate the incredible amount of work and artistic cooperation needed to pull off such a film.

I love looking over the concept sketches, color and lighting studies, costume designs, creatures and monsters concepts, amazing environments visualizations, visual effects, physical objects and architectural details and shading, atmospheric templates and much more.

It’s a fascinating journey through the creative process all captured in a deluxe, hard bound book with interior art and text printed on semi-gloss paper that gives each image a warm inviting look.

You’ll truly be Spellbound.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Jigsaw & Jane



Cautiously enter the world of Los Angeles’ most famous and crime scene investigations headed by LAPD homicide detective John (Jigsaw) St. John.

Jane Howatt was a writer on a mission: to write a book about LA’s most celebrated cop: John (Jigsaw) St. John.

But, if she expected him to cooperate and sit still long enough to talk to the tenacious writer she had another thought coming.

In spite of starting out on the wrong foot, the pair soon became friends and confidants.

St. John shared his experiences and invited the writer to come along to see the dirty underside of society.

After awhile they formed a bond partially due to their own similar earlier lives of suffering and heartbreak.

Jigsaw & Jaw is a book about friendship, shared emotions and a dogged determination to make a difference.

Follow the stories as the unlikely pair created an unbroken bond of friendship, trust and a partnership, that despite the odds, flourished.

Forget fictional stories of crime and the dark side of society. Get the real scoop, with accounts of the crimes and illegal events most citizens never experience in Jane Howatt’s new book: Jigsaw & Jane from Chimney Road Press.

Experience thirteen years of murder & mayhem with badge number one.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Ashleigh The Raven Princess

CrossGen the comic book publisher had high hopes in the early 2000s.  The company’s owner tried to create a working environment where artists and writers could meet in one place, have steady incomes with benefits and prosper.

Unfortunately the grand experiment failed but not before it introduced to the world some fantastic artists and writers along with some great comic book characters-Ashley The Raven Princess from Dynamic Forces being one of them.

The statue is stunning with the Princess and her aid preparing for a fight.

Let me first say that this is beautiful statue.  The sculpt work is superb and the figures and their costumes coloring is clean, crisp, nicely detailed with washes and the poses of the two figures suit their character traits.  

Dan Lee did a killer job of coloring and sculptor Vincenzo Cucca did a bang-up job of capturing the characters’ look.

Even the faux stone steps with its broken segments and the chain shackles at the figures feet are nicely done.

My statue is #66 out of only 1,500.

The red hair Ashleigh figure wears a sleeveless black and red trim halter  with white laces running down the front.

Her red hair matches the color of her red skirt clinging to her right thigh.  

A large silver belt holds the skirt in place just below her navel.

She wears black leggings with silver and red segmented strips running horizontally down her legs.  Both knees have silver knee guards and she wears black shoes with silver tops around her ankles.

Both wrists have silver and gold bracelets and she wears a red choker with a black jewel.  

In her left hand she holds a large silver blade sword with a gold guard and pommel and black grip.

A small Lesser Race individual stands to her right.

His skin is green and his bald head has black tattoos on each side. He wears a brown vest with no shirt.

His pants are blue and beltless and he wears knee high black boots.  Both arms have multiple black armbands and his fingers wear several black rings. 

Princess Ashleigh stands slightly in front of the Lesser Race.  Her arms hang at her sides.

The creature stands behind her with his right arm partially raised and his left arm outstretched before him.

His legs are placed apart as if stepping forward.

Isaiah 40:28 - Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.


Thursday, December 12, 2024

Honor The Dead

Death. Murder. Drugs. Lies. Violence. A hidden treasure. An illicit affair.

They’re all in the new murder/mystery book: Honor The Dead, by author Amy Tector as part of her Dominion Archives Mystery from Keylight Books.

Doctor Cate Spencer needs a break. She seeks a restful peace in the Eastern Township of Quebec in Canada where she hopes to come to terms with her brother’s death.

Seldom have I read a murder/mystery novel that’s keeps me guessing right up to the end. Honor The Dead is one such book.

The author does an excellent job of describing the people, locations and overall atmosphere of the situation.

The characters are especially interesting, somewhat quirky and deeply developed.

Do you remember the old Newhart TV show on CBS? Bob Newhart starred as an inn-keeper in a New England Town. Along with him was an odd and quirky cast of characters. 

The town in the novel had a cast of characters that very much reminds me of the Newhart show. They’re not funny, quirky or bizarre, but they are definitely unique and interesting.

As the mystery develops more secrets are revealed, unexpected events occur and the complexity of the crimes begins to grow as more and more events from the past are revealed.

I enjoyed the novel and hope to read and collect more titles by the author.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Crossover Breakers

In movies, TV shows and comic books you hear a lot about crossovers. It usually refers to various characters ‘crossing over’ from one title, show or dimension to another and combining their various powers and talents to defeat a common foe.

In the case of Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Crossover Breakers latest 60-Card Booster Set it’s 3 brand-new Deck themes. With in-set Foil upgrades, you can get Foil versions of all the Set’s new Cards, right away!

Look for:

  • 10 Ultra Rares
  • 10 Super Rares
  • 40 standard Rares
    • Half the standard Rares can also be pulled as Super Rares in the same set.
    • 15 Cards can be found as Collector’s Rares, and several as Quarter Century Secret Rares

Ryzeals

  • Uses overcharged Level & Rank 4 Xyz Monsters to build an electrical loop.
  • Are open-ended and can work with almost any Rank 4 Xyz Monster.

Maliss

  • Head down the digital rabbit hole to the wonderful underland.
  • Discover several Maliss monsters (Pawns & Queens!) and Maliss Trap Cards. Link Monster’s Link Arrows pointing to another monster you get special benefits.

Ryu-Ge

  • The fight for the future led by Dinosaur, Sea Serpent, and Wyrm monsters.
  • The winner will ascend into a new Dragon that will create and rule the next world. Connect their realms and seek out to become the Dragon of your Deck.
  • Add Cards to your existing Dinosaur, Sea Serpent, or Wyrm Decks to boost their champion caliber.

Each Foil Pack contains 7 Cards:

  • 1 Foil Card per Pack
  • 6 Rare Cards per Pack

Are you ready to crossover to realms filled with danger, excitement and possibilities? The winner takes all!

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Epic! Cosmic Pizza Party

Pizza! Who doesn’t love pizza? Earthlings love pizza. But, did you know that inhabitants of planets all over the galaxy also love pizza of all sorts?

It's true. In Epic! Cosmic Pizza Party readers are invited along as the crew of the spaceship Pie-In-The-Sky traverses the galaxy for the very best pizza ingredients.

Along the way they encounter danger, aliens of all sorts, amazing sights and hot on their tail is Papa Roni who vows to stop their pizza journeys one way or another.

Meg, Suzie, Mohs and Al-N make a formidable team and nothing, not even the threat of annihilation, will stop them from their pizza quest, even Papa-Roni.

Join them on their intergalactic pizza quest as they encounter the Cheese Worm, enter the Quantum Realm, create trash food and play the ultimate game show: The Slice Is Right.

The creative team of Nick Murphy, Paul Ritchey and Bea Tormo proudly present the amazing Epic! Cosmic Pizza Party from Andrews McMeel Publishing, filled with amazing illustrations, superb coloring and the crew bio’s, their ship specs, recipes and quizzes.

It’s a pizza party like no other!

Psalms 13:5 - But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Monday, December 9, 2024

Bloodlines Vampire Stories From New England

Like many people my age (I’m 71) their first encounter with vampires was the Universal Studios black and white film starring Bela Lugosi as Vlad The Impaler or Dracula-the king of the vampires.

Since watching that film I’ve gone on to watch a number of vampire movies and TV shows and read a plethora of vampire tales-some placed in the past, in the present and even in the future.

I’ve read or seen films, TV shows and novels about horrific  non-human suckers of blood and even vampires that sparkle-go figure.

In Bloodlines Vampire Stories From New England, part of The American Vampire Series from Cumberland House Publishing/Turner Publishing Company and edited by Lawrence Schimel and Martin H Greenberg, haunting tales steeped in the New England region of the United States are collected as written by master storytellers.

Is it surprising so much vampire lore originates in New England? Not really.

The region is some of the oldest occupied territory in the United States and North America. Like vampires the fondness of ancestry is long-lived and cloaked in mystery in the northern regions.

Join 10 writers as they explore the dark, foreboding, dangerous and haunting, Stygian world of the vampire in some of the most chilling, unsettling and blood-curdling tales imaginable.

Beware as you traverse the back woods, ancient sites, dark and dank catacombs, buildings and back alleys lest you encounter the devils in the dark that will drain your blood and make you one of their own.

Vampires take many forms from agents of the IRS, actors and actresses, cursed, welcome visitors to small towns, unwilling victims, parasites, classic examples of blood drinkers, lovelorn and best left alone.

Find a well-lite corner in your house, away from the windows and never, never answer the door should a stranger dressed in black and whose skin is deathly pale and breath smells of blood.

You’ve been warned. There a certain lines you do not cross and Bloodlines in one such line.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 - Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Looney Tunes

Join Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam and all the other classic Warner Bros. Archive/Discovery animated characters in this stellar Blu-ray collection.

The Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Vols. 1-4 contains four discs with 97 remastered classic cartoons.

I’ve always been partial to the classic Warner Bros./Discovery’s Looney Tunes cartoons. While I enjoyed the Disney, Walter Lantz and other studios animated shorts the Looney Tunes characters and cartoons always delivered with offbeat humor, outrageous situations and irreverent content.

They were the rebels of their day. Nothing was sacred from the Opera, hunting, UFO’s, rural and suburban folks and norms and breaking the 4th wall where the characters were very much aware that they were cartoons. Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck were especially adept at taking the audience along for the ride.

The collection contains work by legendary animation directors/animators/giants such as Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Fritz Freleng and others.

Included are fan favorites, some rare, seldom seen and almost forgotten shorts.

If you are a fan of vintage Warner Bros./Discovery cartoons then this is the collection for you. Join your favorite animated characters as they turn the world and everyone around them upside down and backward. 

“What’s up Doc?” A whole lot of fun-that’s what.

Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Slice Of Mallow

Food that talks?! Better yet they have pets, hobbies and like to travel.

Join Mallow the Marshmallow and his friends Potato, Pizza and Donut in creator Adam Forman’s new book from Andrews McMeel Publishing: Slice Of Mallow.

Mallow and his pals introduce themselves to readers and not long after each of their pets disappears.

A mysterious letter arrives inviting them to the spooky basement where they meet a lonely Ghost.

Not long afterward Mallow travels to Mars and meets a rock-loving Robot.

On his way back home to Earth Mallow gets swallowed by a Space Whale, nearly collides with a friendly Star and once home is visited by an older version of himself.

What fun stories! I love the simple art style, use of bright colors and the clever text. Kids will too. What a great bunch of friends. I wonder if they would like a human as a friend?

1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Kids Of Cosplay

Cosplay. The general public is mostly unfamiliar with cosplay. But as pop culture begins to permeate almost every facet of modern day life more and more people are tuning into what cosplay is.

I first encountered cosplay when I attended several comic book conventions.

I was a little shocked at what I saw at first.

All around me were adults and children decked out as their favorite comic book, Anime, Manga, movie and TV characters. Some of the outfits were highly-detailed and very impressive.

Why cosplay? It’s a form of escapism. What could be more fun than to dress up as your favorite fantasy character and briefly leave the real world behind?

Cosplay has become so popular that are people who have become professional cosplayers and companies that manufacture outfits, accessories and materials that cosplayers purchase as full costumes or make their own.

Follow 70 common folk as they dress up as their favorite characters placed in ordinary locations such as kitchens, outside, various rooms and other unexpected everyday sites.

Author/photographer Thurstan Redding sets the scenes and lovingly crafts a book about how ordinary folks live out their wildest cosplay fantasies.  It's a worldwide phenomenon.

Also included are several commentaries and photographs and text journals of the several of the cosplayers.

It’s a captivating look inside the minds and imaginations of cosplayers, their fantasies, aspirations and dreams.

Kids of Cosplay is a large hardbound book filled with color photos from Thames & Hudson.

What’s your cosplay fantasy? Are you a superhero or villain, warrior, cartoon or Manga/Anime character at heart? Join the author and the cosplayers and live out your dress up fantasy.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Diamond Previews, December 2024

 




Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

The Calvin And Hobbes Portable Compendium Books 5-6

What’s compact, contains two volumes and is shrink-wrapped in a slipcase? It’s The Calvin And Hobbes Portable Compendium Books 5-6 by Bill Watterson and released by AndrewsMcMeel Publishing.

Once again the mischievous little boy Calvin and his imaginary pet tiger Hobbes bedazzle, confuse, confound and befuddle Calvin’s parents, other adults and kids.

Sold as a set the Compendium contains the daily and Sunday comic strips of Calvin And Hobbes dated July 1988 to November 1989.

Produced for only ten years Calvin And Hobbes captured the imagination of the public with its insightful musing about life, growing up, imagination and humor.

As popular as the day it was first introduced the strip is more than a humor strip. It’s a reflection of life as seen through the eyes of a young child. 

All the wonder, pain, sorrow, laughter, challenges and daily happenings are wonderfully captured via the perspective of a mischievous child.

The Compendium collection is a wonderful way to inexpensively compile a Calvin And Hobbes collection in a neat compact form.

Psalms 40:4 - Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.