Diamond Previews, May 2025

 

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The CinemaScope Years

As modern movie-goers we are spoiled. 3D, surround sound, wide screens, incredible visual effects,-movies on the big screen almost seem real in their clarity, sound quality, colors, visual depth and clarity

In my younger days movies were usually shown on small screens, sometimes with questionable visual clarity, soundtracks usually weren’t in stereo and special effects questionable.

Then came CinemaScope and everything changed. Suddenly movie screens with wide to accommodate the sweeping vistas and everything seemed bigger, more realistic and detailed.

The proportions of a CinemaScope film allowed huge vistas and much more room for images on the horizontal.

I remember seeing my first CinemaScope film and was blown away by how much there was to see. Unlike conventional movie screens and later TV screens, CinemaScope films delivered with huge sweeping landscapes and immense horizontal canvases where actors and actors could move around taking a while room or rooms, train stations, theaters or whatever setting they were in.

Larger gatherings of people were able to be seen in their full scope. Just think of such films as Ben Hur, The King and I and other classics.

Dramas took on a more foreboding scope where shadow and light played out in full display, Westerns showcased the wide open spaces of out west, Horror films delivered even more horrific scares when so much of the danger could be seen by the audience and yet hidden to the actors in the films, Science Fiction movies used CinemaScope to portray vast and lonely outer space, Comedies provided more visual pratfalls and hi-jinks and Musicals had wide open stages delivered incredible music and dance numbers.

In author Aubrey Solomon’s new book: The CinemaScope Years Films That Revolutionized Moviegoing, 1953-1967, published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, the history of CinemaScope is examined along with dozens of films with full cast, crew, storylines and behind-the-scenes information provided for each. A glossary is included as well an addendum and chapter notes.

Discover how CinemaScope revolutionized the entire movie industry and how its introduction still influences movie today.

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

Star Wars Reflections II

Decipher Games at one point was producing an incredible amount of Star Wars Collectible Card Games: Star Wars Reflections II was one such expansion.

As the popularity of Star Wars has escalated over the years the discontinued star wars CCG from Decipher Games have shot up in value.

One set exceeds over $8,000 for a Box.

Refeolction II included previously released Cards.

It was the first reflective-style Set to include new Cards.

The Set contains a total of 105 Foil Cards: 

• 4 Ultra Rare
• 62 Super Rare
• 34 Very Rare
• 5 Premium Foil Cards 
• Boba Fett with Blaster Rifle
• Darth Vader (Japanese)
• Han with Heavy Blaster Pistol
• Leia with Blaster Rifle
• Obi-Wan with Lightsaber

Reflections II was known as "Expanding the Galaxy" as it included 54 New Premium Cards based on the Expanded Universe, and was the first to introduce such Cards. 

As the popularity of Star Wars grows due to new movies and Disney+ streaming series older Star Wars merchandise (including games) have become hot collectibles.

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

World Of Art Color In Art

Color and art-you can’t separate the two. Even though a piece of art may consist of only black on white it still incorporates color.

Color can signify a mood, represent an object, signify motion-you get the idea. Color is everywhere, not just in art. Fabrics, visual communication, home and office décor, signage, products-you name it-color is there.

World Of Art Color In Art, written by John Gage and published by Thames & Hudson, examines the ‘history’ of color by examining past works by many of the great artists.

Careful examination on how each artist utilized color to set a mood, make a statement or depict familiar and abstract objects brings the subject of color into sharp focus.

The oversize, softbound book is filled (you guessed it) with color reproductions of art through the ages along with commentaries on the how, why, where, what and who of each individual piece of art.

How color was used, its representation and the emotions it stimulates are examined. Color permeates our lives. Artists, craftsmen, architects and designers use color to send a message, whether it is to evoke an emotion or even sell a product, color is a universal language uninhibited by borders, languages and varying social norms.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in how to use color to convey a message and especially artists and art teachers as a helpful guide and teaching tool.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Astonishing X-Men #1

Buffy The Vampire Slayer creator/writer Joss Whedon and fan favorite artist John Cassaday combine their considerable talents to reimagine the X-Men.

After too long a period Kitty Pryde decides to go back to the X-Mansion to attend the opening day of a new class of young mutants.  She is to be part of the teaching staff at the mansion run by Scott Summers and Emma Frost.

Arriving at the mansion Kitty can’t help but reminisce about her time as an X-Men.

Unfortunately her trip down Memory Lane makes her late for the ceremony. A fact that Emma Peel is none too happy about.

After a brief apology the commencement begins.  Emma begins her speech and out of no where a group of Sentinels crash the event.

Only they were not real but a hologram projection intended to startle the students and make them realize mutants are feared and sometimes the victims of violence.

Later Wolverine interrupts Scott and Emma's in their bedroom resulting in Scott and Wolverine causing a ruckus for all the students to see.

After things settle down Scott realizes it is this sort of action that humans fear.

So he proposes that the X-Men (and mutants as a whole) present themselves as heroes much like The Avengers and The Fantastic Four.

Donning new costumes (sans the black) the group heads out to promote their new appearance.

Good intensions aside the new strategy may not work as about that same time a new mutant terrorist group strikes.

Things do not look rosy In Marvel Comics Astonishing X-Men #1. 

Matthew 21:22 - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

How To Be A Manga Artist

What better way to demonstrate how to be a successful Manga artist than by studying a book that is drawn as a Manga?

In How To Be A Manga artist Silvia Vanni and writers Balthazar Pagani and Asuku Ozumi (with pro tips from Fumio Obata), along with publisher Thames & Hudson, delve into the long history of Manga and the many styles of Manga, drawing tips, story-telling techniques and so forth.

Everything you need to know on how to produce a Manga is included. Learn about the industry, story-telling, publishing, printing, themes, story ideas, visual effects, the different types of Manga, promoting your Manga and much, much more.

The book is a treasure trove of information presented in an easy-to-understand format allowing would-be Manga artists to learn and apply valuable information.

Manga is hugely popular not only in Japan but the United States, In fact, Manga consistently sells especially to young readers. Pick up a copy of the book today and before you know it you’ll be on the road to Manga success.

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.

Quarter Century Stampede

Imagine! Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game has been around for 25 years-a quarter century-a long time!

I wish I was 25 years old!

Celebrate the big 25! It’s official, Quarter Century Stampede delivers the best-of-the-best Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards and fans had I lot to say about what would be in this commemorative Set.

Just look what you get!

• More than 10 Cards with new variant artwork.
• Two different Card Pools:
• A 200-Card Nostalgia pool.
• A main pool of 80 tournament-level Cards.
• 7 different varieties:
• Super Rare
• Ultra Rare
• Secret Rare
• Quarter Century Secret Rare
• Platinum Secret Rare
• Collector's Rare (Japanese version)
• Ultimate Rare (Japanese version)
• Variant art versions of existing Cards are only available as Quarter Century Secret Rare.
• Each pack contains 5 Cards with 24 Pack per Box (the guaranteed Platinum or Quarter Century Secret Rare is from the nostalgia pool and the remaining 4 are from the main pool):
• 1 Platinum Secret Rare or Quarter Century Secret Rare
• 1 Super Rare
• 1 Secret Rare (1-in-4 chance of being a Platinum Secret Rare or Quarter Century Secret Rare)
• 2 Ultra Rares (1-in-6 chance each of being a Collector's Rare or Ultimate Rare)

So get ready to celebrate! Hurry just like any stampede it only lasts for a short time!

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

I Am C-3PO

Actor Anthony Daniels recalls his many years as portraying the lovable golden robot C-3PO in the Star Wars films.

Who could ever imagined that playing a supporting role as a robot in a science fiction movies would blossom into a lifelong career, worldwide fame and a hefty paycheck?

Imagine playing the same character for over 40 years.

Rather than resent being relegated in everyone’s mind as a golden robot, Daniels embraced it, loved his fans and relished the opportunity to share his stories.

Daniels recalls first walking on the Star Wars set back in 1975 and continuing to play the character though nine Star Wars films.

The author proceeds to recount his experiences on the films, the trials and tribulations, working wit other actor (and creatures) and the various ins and outs of movie production.

From water-soaked sets to dry, desert wasteland Daniels donned the golden robot costume and endeared C-3PO to millions of moviegoers.

Despite the discomfort of the costume, limited mobility and field of vision Daniels soldiered on as he continually defined the character.

Included in the book are two color photo sections of behind-the-scenes shots.  I Am C-3PO The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels (with a foreword by director J.J. Abrams) is published by DK.

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

Young Frankenstein The Monster

Of all the actors to play Frankenstein's monster Peter Boyle seemed like an unlikely choice.

You may remember him as Frank, the father of Ray Romano in the TV series Everyone Loves Ray.

And yet, he pulled it off with panache.

Sideshow Toy (Collectibles) created a tree figure set of Young Frankenstein featuring Doctor Frankenstein, Igor and The Monster.

All three figures came in special clear front panel boxes with the Young Frankenstein logo prominent on their fronts.

The Monster fully-articulated figure is dressed in a gray and fuzzy (mole hair) jacket with not pockets or buttons, gray pants with no cuffs and a slid black shirt.  He also wears large black, platform boots with no 

The figure's features look exactly like Peter Boyle’s albeit with a heavy brow, a partially bald head, stitches and two heavy metal bolts protruding out of his neck.

The figure’s skin color is a pallid gray with heavy shadows.  His hands are large, as are his feet.

The figure’s articulation is well hidden beneath its cloth and posing the figure in various stances is easy with or without its custom made cobblestone base.

Included with the figure it and extra forearm and hand clutching a rat, two flower petals, a handle from a broken but, chained shackles and a large earthenware bowl. 

Paint application is clean and crisp.  Clothing is stitched and fitted to perfectly fit the figure with no unsightly bunching or wrinkles when the figure is posed.

Only 7,500 of the figures were created and as collectors clamor for earlier Sideshow figures the price continues to escalate.

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.

USS Arizona (BB-39)

It was a day that will live 

in infamy.
On December 7^th 1941 the Japanese attacked the United States Naval Station in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Thousands of lives were loss and many ships sank.

The most famous of these ships-the USS Arizona (BB-39) battle ship, was sunk and suffered the loss of most its crew.

Today the Arizona lays where it sank with its crew members still aboard.

In author David Doyle’s book, USS Arizona (BB-39), published by Schiffer Books under its Legends Of Warfare Naval indicia, readers can learn about the ill-fated ship from keel laying to Pearl Harbor Memorial.

Inside the author provides photos and text explaining and exploring in detail every deck, room and compartment of the ship including the armory, mess, command center and more.

See the ship as it was being built to its final days as a memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Photos recreate the deadly conflict of December 7^th with eye-witness photos and how the ship and its crew were honored and remembered.

It’s more than a book about a ship. It is a recounting of the deadly years of the war and the toll it took on the United States. Never forget.

1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The Savage Sword Of Conan Vol. 1

I never thought I would get so excited about a collection of new black and white, magazine size Conan The Barbarian tales reprinted in a trade paperback!!

But, we’re talking about The Savage Sword Of Conan for crying out loud!

I was a big fan of the original The Savage Sword Of Conan magazine from Marvel Comics published in the 1970s. For its time is it was revolutionary in its depiction of the Cimmerian, savage warrior barbarian: Conan. There was lots of blood, gore and more.

In Titan Comics/Heroics Signatures’ The Savage Sword Of Conan Vol. 1 trade paperback book, the first three issues of the the new black and white magazine filled with new stories is collected. The square-bound, softback, magazine-sized book has beautiful full-color paintings of Conan on its front and back covers.

Inside Conan fans are treated to the most savage, bloody, sexy and action-packed Conan adventures ever seen in print.  

Magic and mysticism, monsters, a werewolf, savage warriors, a dinosaur, beautiful women warriors, bloody swordplay and more-who could ask for more?

Roy Thomas provides the foreword and the Conan and Solomon Kane tales are written and drawn by the best in the business. Just look at the creator roster: writers John Arcudi, Jim Zub, Patch Zincher-also artist, Frank Tieri and Alan Quah -also artist, along with artists Max von Fafner, Joe Jusko, Richard Pace and Cary Nord.

Also look for written a short story, an essay, a character bio and cover reproductions. Writing and art styles differ but all are top-tier and perfectly capture the savagery of Conan and the deep emotional and spiritual conflict of Solomon Kane.

Pick up a copy 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.

The Harry O Viewing Companion

One of my mom’s favorite crime shows of the 1960s was The Fugitive starring actor David Janssen as physician Richard Kimble whose wife is murdered.

Although an innocent man Kimble was convicted of her murder. On the way to his permanent incarceration the vehicle he was being transferred in was in an accident and he escaped.

He used his freedom to track down his wife’s true killer while being pursued by the police.

After the series ended Janssen kept busy as a guest star on many TV series and in a few movies.

In the early 1970s he returned to network TV starring in the series Harry O as a retired cop now a private investigator: Harry Orwell.

The series lasted four years, won numerous awards and once more brought Janssen into the spotlight.

The series was known for is intricate plots, outstanding performances and especially Janssen’s portrayal as a cop turned P.I. who was world-weary and methodical in his investigation.

Authors Steve Aldous and Gary Gillies, along with McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, present the oversize softbound book: The Harry O Viewing Companion which includes the history and episode of the classic detective series.

Along with full episode guides, archival photos and fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes and information the book also includes actor, writer and creator film and TV credits, favorite episodes and much more.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Richard Kiel As Jaws Moonraker

The lovable giant with the metal teeth (Jaws) made his second appearance in the James Bond film Moonraker starring Roger Moore as James Bond.

The Jaws figure comes in a Sideshow Collectibles flip-lid box (slightly larger than conventional boxes because of the character's size) 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 14-inch figure is snug (along with its accessories) inside a form-fitted, clear plastic cocoon with plastic straps seen through a clear plastic viewing panel.

The massive figure captures the likeness of the actor perfectly with his huge, square head, large brow and deep-set eyes.  Jaws smiles and his metal teeth shine in the light.

The figure comes dressed in a long sleeve white shirt with a collar and cuffs, a green/gray tie and trousers and large brown shoes with heavy soles.

The articulation is smooth and even with no catching or looseness and the preset hands easily hold the various accessories that come with the figure.

They include an altitude watch that fits snuggly over the figure’s wrist, goggles that slid over the figure’s face and rests on the bridge of his nose and a cloth black parachute with straps, hooks and latches that fits over the figure’s shoulders.

The figure and accessories look very authentic like those in the film.  Cloths fit loosely on the figure so there is no bunching or unnatural folds in the cloth when the figure poses on or off its circular Moonraker base and wire support.

Stitching and tailor work on the clothing and parachute are to size and nicely done, clothing is of real fabric, the goggles and ‘watch’ look like the real things and coloration of the figure is lifelike with subtle variations in skin tone.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Chevrolet Corvette The Owners And The Cars

A good friend of mine from church is a huge Chevy Corvette fan. It is his dream car.

That’s why I have to be extra cautious when I show him author/photographer Mario Brunner’s new Schiffer Books publication: Chevrolet Corvette The Owners And The Cars.

He may want to borrow the oversize hardbound book to read and never return it!

To show you how old I am I was born the same year (1953) the first Corvette hit the showrooms. It was a huge success. The Corvette was America’s answer to to Europe’s sport cars. And boy, did Corvette knock it out of the park!

Inside this beautiful designed book is a complete text and photo gallery of the Corvette starting in 1953 to 2023. And what a gallery it is!

Not only does the book provide a fascinating short history of the vehicle, how it was made, who designed it and so forth. But, most importantly, it introduces many of the people, from all over the world, who own Corvettes.

You get to learn how and when they acquired their cars. They share their love of the Corvette and why the car means so much to them.

It might surprise you just how much effort it took to find their Corvettes and how the hard work it took to bring many of the classic cars back to pristine shape.

My closest brother to my age dreamed of having a Corvette. He never owned one but that did not stop him from loving the style, horsepower, performance and mystique of the Corvette.

Proverbs 23:18 - For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Maze Of The Master

Are you ready to be A’maze’d? Konami presents the ultimate YGO Deck exploration with its new Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Maze Of The Master.

Isn’t it time that you ‘master’ your own fate? But, can you navigate your way through the ‘maze’ of battle strategies and ideas from past Duelists?

It won’t be easy, but with a little determination, new Cards and imaginative thinking and strategizing you can come out on top.

Just look at what you get with Maze Of The Master:

• 10 new Egyptian and Trap Monster-themed Cards
• 7 new Cards inspired by Mizar’s Galaxy/Tachyon” Deck
• 7 new Cards inspired by Kaiba’s X-Y-Z monsters from Battle City
• 7 new Trickstar Cards inspired by Blue Angel’s Deck
• 7 new Performage monsters from Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V!
• Plus so many more
• 60 new Cards in all

The Maze of the Master Set contains 112 cards

• 6 Secret Rares
• 13 Ultra Rares
• 21 Super Rares
• 70 Rares
• 2 Quarter Century Secret Rares
• (16 of these Cards are also available as
  Collector’s Rares)

Each Booster Pack contains 7 Cards:

• 1 Foil Card
• 6 Rare Cards

24 Cards come per Box

Isn’t it time to take a chance, learn from the past and dominate the future!?

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.

ERMA Erfurter Maschinenfabrik 1924-2003, Vol. 3 Submachine Guns, Flare Guns, Civilian Products

Previously I reviewed two volumes about ERMA’s rifles and handguns. To say I was impressed with both does not give proper justice to the ERMA firearms.

In ERMA Erfurter Maschinenfabrik 1924-2003, Vol. 3 Submachine Guns, Flare Guns, Civilian Products by writer Holger Schlemeir and published by Schiffer Books, the author expands on the coverage of ERMA firearms.

Like the previous two volumes this oversize hardbound book features a stunning, high-gloss cover with full-color photos of the weapons spotlighted on its front and back covers.

Inside is a lengthy, comprehensive and highly-detailed examination of said weapons from 1924 to 2003.

Diagrams, exploded views, close-ups of parts, schematics, weapon machinery and accessories and more are explained in full detail accompanied by full-color photos.

Appendix, references and more give dates of production, variations, military and civilian versions and much more tech info for weapon’s enthusiasts.

It is remarkable that so much information is provided. A friend of mine who is a huge gun enthusiast looked at the previous two volumes and was blown away by the amount of attention to detail and information enclosed. I’m sure he'll be equally impressed by Vol. 3.

Mark 9:23 - Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.