JLA/Titans

What happens when you pit DC Comics top two superhero teams against a common foe?

DC Comic Books fans were treated to a massive crossover event starring the Justice League of America and The New Teen Titans in 1998.

Something is headed to earth.  Along the way it has disrupted anything technology biased.

Several JLA and Teen Titans members have faced the technological monstrosity face-to-face and have failed to slow its progress.

Any attempts to slow it, especially by technilogical means, have failed.

For some unknown reason the entity is harvesting the Teen Titans, both past and present, and placing them in incubation bubbles that making them take part in virtual reality worlds.  The Matrix anyone?

As the entity nears earth it launches drones as the mother ship engulfs the moon.

This is an epic story-one that had repercussions through the DC Universe and drastically changed the team dynamics of both the Teen Titans and the Justice League.

When the final culprit is revealed the resulting revelation set in place a mistrust of the superhuman sector with the general public.

This was capitalized on with the various ‘Crisis’ mini-series that followed and contributed to the many ‘rebirths’ the DC Universe went thorough over the following years.

I believe many of the elements that took place in the mini-series affected the DC Universe far more than most people realized at the time.

Like so many of the late 1990 and early 2000 ‘events’ JLA/Titans contributed to the evolution of the DC heroes and villains.  It helped set in place many of the future reboots and reimaginings of the DC brand-some good, some bad.

In years to come many of the proto-event mini-series will be looked back on as important creative engines of change for not only the DC Universe but other comic book publishers universes as well.

Success breeds success even with competitors if they follow the same formula.

Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

He Always Hears

A big “Thank You!’ to Crossway Books for providing a review copy of their book: He Always Hears, by writer Alyson Punzi and illustrator Tyler Charlton.

Before I begin my review I want to throw in my two-cents worth when it comes to writing and illustrating a book for youngsters.

As an illustrator, graphic designer and writer I can testify that both writing and drawing a kids’ book is not easy.

Some may say, “Oh, it’s a book for children so the writing is simple as are the illustrations.” That’s true to some extent.

However, writing simple prose and creating simple drawings is not easy. In fact, in my experience it is harder to tone down writing and drawing than it is to over complicate and detail things.

Here’s why. Trimming back on writing and illustration takes skill. You have to know how much to trim back and still tell a convincing story using words and art.

I’ve found, with my own writing and art, that telling a story with words and art for kids forces me to cut back to the bare essentials. It takes a solid knowledge of proper story structure and drawing techniques to pull it off.

I’ve written and drawn a couple of kids books myself-it was a bear! My inner ‘too much detail’ instincts had to be curtailed and stream-lined. 

My congratulations to both the writer and artist of He Aalways Hears. I especially like the simple prose and subtle and softly blended backrgrounds and figure drawings.

Everyone experiences disappointments, hurts and losses.

In He Always Hears: A Story Of Loss And The Hope Of Things Made New, little Jane learns to trust God when three bad things happen. First her stuffed dinosaur toy gets all dirty and no matter how much scrubbing and washing it can’t get completely clean.

Then her best friend moves away and Jane experiences missing her friend.

Later her daddy gets sick and has to go to the hospital. He might not get better.

Jane’s mom and grandma remind Jane that God loves her and hears her cries and worries. 

Despite what life may throw at us God always listens and promises that he will always be with us. He gives us hope.

He Always Hears is a gentle reminder to both kids and adults that God is our loving father. When we hurt, he hurts and longs to comfort us and be our heavenly Father.

Be sure to check out Crossway’s other books on their website at: https://www.crossway.org/.

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

Justice League #1

During the late 1980s DC Comics was on a winning streak.  The company had successfully been reborn with such titles as Crisis On Infinite Earths, The Killing Joke, The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen and various Vertigo titles.

Many of DC titles had been relaunched including Superman, The Flash, etc.  So, it was only natural that DC’s major team title: Justice League, would get the reboot treatment.

Boy, did it get a reboot!  Gone were the heavy hitters such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.  Instead the team consisted of some second and third tier characters like Black Canary, Mr. Miracle and others.

Also gone was the heavy storylines.  The title concentrated on humor with some world threatening menaces and drama thrown in for good measure.

I have to admit when I picked up the first issue I was totally unprepared for the story and art.  It only took a few pages and I was hooked on the book’s new direction.

Other than the inclusion of humor in the title the other thing that impressed me about it was the artist.

Kevin Maguire had the uncanny talent for depicting each character as an individual.  Their facial structure, body language and the way they conducted themselves were unique to each member of the team and those they came in contact with.

Equally impressive was Kevin’s mastery of facial expressions.  He went far beyond such simple expressions as angry, happy and sad.  The figures’ facial expressions served to reflex what each character was thinking and feeling at any given time or situation.

Terry Austin providing the inks didn’t hurt either.

Justice League #1 by Giffen, DeMatteis, Maguire and Austin is a classic example of how the right creative team can invigorate, re-imagine and offer a fresh take on a particular title.

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.

The Glass House

As a graphic designer and artist I am always impressed when I see a book that takes that ‘extra step’ to make it’s interior design stand out.

And that’s exactly what author Helene Druvert’s and Thames & Hudson’s new book: The Glass House does.

The thin, hardbound book features gorgeous art, intricate laser-cut stencil pages and a clever, clear plastic sleeve that protects the book-much like a pane of glass.

Holly is an explorer. She loves to explore the city around her. One day while walking about she discovers a hidden glass house.

Curious she enters it only to find an incredible collection of plants still alive despite the cold winter days and nights.

Holly tends to the garden that is in desperate need of care. Soon her friends help and soon discover the magic of the garden.

Better still they unknowingly spread the seeds about the town culminating in the proliferation of beautiful plants and flowers throughout the city of stone and glass.

Psalms 37:5 - Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Teen Titans Go! Two Robins and Beast Boy

One of my all-time favorite Warner Bros./Discovery/DC Comics animated TV series is Teen Titans Go!  Not the new version, but the original version featuring more realistic figures-not Chibi!

I love the series music and lyrics:

When there's trouble, you know who to call (Teen Titans!)

From their tower, they can see it all (Teen Titans!)

When there's evil on the attack

You can rest knowing they got your back

'Cause when the world needs heroes on patrol

Teen Titans, go!

With their super powers, they unite (Teen Titans!)

Never met a villain that they liked (Teen Titans!)

They got the bad guys on the run

They never stop 'til the job gets done

'Cause when the world is losing all control

Teen Titans, go!

Teen Titans, go!

If your heart is black, you better watch out

You cannot escape the team

When they catch you, there won't be any doubt

You've been beaten by the teens

Beaten by the teens

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

T-e-e-n! T-i-t-a-n-s! Teen Titans! Let's go!

When there's trouble, you know who to call (Teen Titans!)

From their tower, they can see it all (Teen Titans!)

When there's evil on the attack

You can rest knowing they got your back

'Cause when the world needs heroes on patrol

Teen Titans, go!

Teen Titans, go!

One, two, three, four, go!

Teen Titans!

Members include Robin (the leader), Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven and for a short period Terra.

Bandai Toys produced a series of Teen Titans Go! Action Figures.

The Action Sound Robin recreates Batman’s teenage sidekick in perfect, fully articulated, 6-inch scale.

The figure appears as a 3D duplicate of the Teen Titans Go! Robin including his distinctive hairstyle, black mask, red, green yellow and black outfit (With a ‘R” chest symbol) and his utility belt and short cape.

Robin is nestled in a form-fitted clear plastic cocoon and protected by a clear plastic bubble front and sides attached to a Teen Titans Go! hanger/standup backing.

Press the button on Robin’s back and he makes Power Sounds such as “Titans Go!”

A Special Teen Titans communicator and a batarang launcher with two robin projectiles are also included.

Paint application is very precise with no slopovers or rough edges.  Articulation is smooth and allows the figure to pose in lots of action stances.

Sculpt work is perfect and the accessories, clothing and figure are detail packed.

The Robin Deluxe Feature Figure is packed similar to the Action Sound Robin albeit a slightly larger hanger. standup.  The plastic cocoon and clear plastic cover are included, as is the Teen Titan logo.

The figure itself is identical to the Action Sound Robin albeit with a lot more points of articulation.  Color, sculpt, articulation and details are of the same high quality.

The figure has Swing Kicking action and comes with a stand with a breakaway wall.

Included with the figure are Robin's various hand weapons including his two-part staff, nunchucks, and twin attached clubs.

Three special Teen Titans trading cards come with the figure and accessories.

A special Electronic Game Play circular device allows toy collectors to unscramble the enclosed three cards’ codes, call the Teen Titans to action and help Robin advance to next game level.

The Beast Boy Deluxe Feature figure is the same height as the Robin Deluxe Feature Figure.  The packaging is similar as are the form fitting cocoon, plastic covering hanger/standup and package backing.

The figure has as similar stand, three trading cards and a Battle Communicator.

Articulation is not quite as complex but the coloring, sculpt and accessory and figure details match that of the Robin figure.

Included with the black and purple clad, free face and figure Beast Boy are three attachable animals which Beast Boy can hold.

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

Comic Book Apocalypse!

There was a time when censorship in comic books was almost non-existent. 

Most comic books during the Golden Age (the late 1930s to about the mid-1950s) were pretty self-governing and censoring and were primarily aimed at young boy readers.

However as comic books became more popular (and lucrative) publishers began pushing the boundaries of taste, graphic images and themes.

Perhaps the greatest creative force behind the more graphic and shocking titles was EC Comics.

EC was well-known for its bloody and gory horror titles, shocking crime comic books and cutting edge science fiction and fantasy titles. Other publishers soon followed EC’s example.

While verbiage was mostly obscenity free many of the images depicted decapitated bodies, horrific and gory blood fests, unsettling graphics and in-your-face sexual innuendos, violence, witchcraft and other themes best left to more mature minds.

Dr. Fredric Wertham in his book: Seduction Of The Innocent, capitilized on the graphic nature of some comic books tying their contents to juvenile delinquency, criminals and crime in general.

In fact his conclusions led to a congressional meeting resulting in the formation of the Comic Code Authority that dictated struck guidelines as to what was acceptable in comic books.

The result? Many comic book publishers ceased publication and mathose that survived watered down and diluted their titles so that any horror, despicable act or questioning of authority was affectedly terminated.

In Comic Book Apocalypse! The Death Of Pre-Code Comics And Why It Happened, 1940-1945, written by David J. Hogan, with a foreword by Maggie Thompson and published by Schiffer Publishing, the entire history of the various ‘questionable’ comic book titles is examined, accompanied by full-color cover and interior art are shown in this oversize hardbound book.

Learn how the Comic Book Authority came about, why it was formed, the key figures of its opposition, the main title ‘culprits and much more.

It was a turbulent and transforming time when kids who loved comics suddenly found their hobby censored, suspect and deemed a threat to society.

Violence! Horror! Torture, And More! It’s A...Comic Book Apocalypse!

Genesis 6:11

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

Blood Of The Demon #17

Without a doubt writer/artist John Byrne is my favorite comic book creator.  Over the decades he has transformed comic books and always turned out stellar stories.

In the early 2000s John re-imagined and re-engineered Jack Kirby’s Demon.

While paying tribute to the past John brought a number of twists and tweaks to the property.

Unfortunately the book failed to generate the audience it needed and was cancelled with issue Blood Of The Demon #17.

Whenever it comes to John Byrne and any property he tackles it’s never really clear why he leaves a title.

Some say it’s his curmudgeon personality.  I prefer to think its his creative standards.  He does not suffer fools and will oftengo face-to-face against the higher powers.  He is notorious for burning bridges behind him.  Perhaps that explaiins why is currently doing no work for the ‘Big 2“.

Blood Of The Demon was completely different than the previous or follow-up series about the charcter.

John Byrne both wrote and drew the series and it was bloody and violent.

It was so violent it’s a wonder DC Comics did not put it under its Vertigo imprint.

Byrne delved heavily into the hellish world of the Demon.  His vivid imagination conjured up all sorts of demonic nasties.

As violent as the series was, Byrne took time to delve into the personalities and motivations of the main character and supporting cast.

Like all of his comic book work John strove to give each individual character their own look and personality, strengths and weakness.  Readers ‘felt’ for the characters-whether good or bad.

In issue #17 John ended the series. The Demon ‘dies’ sort of, and his human friends and acquaintances go on with their lives, especially Jason Blood, the human vestibule for the Demon.

It’s a fitting end to the series that left further stories of the Demon open to other creators.

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

Untamed The Psychology Of Marvel’s Wolverine

He’s the best there is at what he does and what he does isn’t nice.

What is it about Marvel Comics’ fiesty, five-foot three-inches tall, Canadian berserker with adamantium claws and a fast healing ability: Wolverine, that resonates with comic book fans?

Is it his total disregard for authority? His brutal honesty and transparency? How about his unswerving pursuit of justice, vengeance and loyalty regardless of the cost?

Whatever the reasons Wolverine started out as a one-shot character in The Incredible Hulk issues 180, 181 and 182. He was a throwaway character.

It wasn’t until he reappeared as a member of the ‘New’ X-Men that the feisty fighter gained popularity. Artist Dave Cockrum and writer Christ Claremont got the ball running but it wasn’t until Canadian artist John Byrne explored the past and savage nature of Wolverine that his popularity skyrocketed resulting in his own mini-series, series and a plethora of guest appearances in Marvel’s other titles.

In Untamed The Psychology Of Marvel’s Wolverine, written by Suzana E. Flores and released by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, the popular anti-hero is explored from his early appearances to his dominance in Marvel Comics today.

With over four decades of adventures tucked under his belt Wolverine’s popularity has only grown proving that a flawed superhero strikes a cord with the comic book and pop culture loving public.

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

Mega-Bundle and Mega-Tin

Have you ever wanted to go big? I mean real big! Tremendously big! Huge! 

Here’s your chance with Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game with its 2025 Mega-Pack Bundle and 2025 Mega-Pack Tin!

Check out what you get! It’s big-really big!

In 2025 you have a choice: the annual Mega-Packs with or without the metal Tin.

Whatever your choice (Tin or Bundle) you get 3 Mega-Packs inside, each Pack with a guaranteed variety of Card rarities.

Either way, you still get your 3 Mega-Packs, but the 2025 Mega-Pack Tin has a couple extras:

• 1 Metal Tin, “Heart of the Cards.
• 3 Deck Dividers.

The 2025 Mega-Pack Bundle and Mega-Tin come with:

• 3 Mega-Packs, each containing 1 Starlight Rare, 1 Prismatic Secret Rare,
• 3 Ultra Rares, and 8 Common Cards-13 Cards in total.

Save a little cash and buy the Mega-Pack bundle or if you like a few extras: the Mega-Tin.

Either way you get a load of goodies, lots of cool Rares and exciting game play!

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.

Huxley

I’m jealous. I consider myself a decent artist but there are times when I come across another artist’s work (specifically a graphic novel artist) that is far superior than my own work.

Pencils, inks, colors and page layouts by stellar story artist and writer Ben Mauro who produced an incredible piece of work with his post-apocalyptic saga: Huxley.

Thames & Hudson has compiled Volume One of the Huxley Saga in an oversize softbound book.

When two soldiers: Max and Kai, came across an ancient sentient robot named Huxley they had no inkling as to the epic adventure and mystery that they were about to take part in.

On a planet devastated by nuclear war a special breed of clones was created to enforce law and order. Aided by A.I. the soldiers performed their duties.

But, like all biological beings they aged and were replaced. New, younger clones continued the programmed procedures in the wastelands.

Eventually robots, clones and A.I. formed different city-states. It is within one such city-that the Huxley Saga begins.

Wow! I am impressed! what a beautifully illustrated epic with an amazing color palette, powerful story and stunning visual effects.

Adding more spice the mix the book also contains the original pencil scans of the epic demonstrating just how talented the writer/artist is. I can only to hope to obtain the level of illustrative and color mastery as Ben Mauro has one day.

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Goldeneye Famke Janssen as Xenia Onatopp

James Bond almost meets his maker when he tackles with Russian bad girl and killer Xenia Onatopp as portrayed by the lovely Famke Janssen in Goldeneye.

The thigh crushing female killer proved to be a formidable foe who always liked ’a good squeeze.’ 

Sideshow Collectibles created a 12-inch, fully articulated collectible figure of Xenia Onatopp, as part of its James Bond film series of figures.

The Xenia figure comes packaged in a solid black flip lid box with a stunning full color photo of Xenia is a slinky evening gown on its cover.  A small Goldeneye movie poster is an insert on the lower right.

Other photos of Xenia decorate the sides and back of the box and a full movie synopsis and Xenia bio are printed on the inside flap and on the back of the box.

The Xenia figure, along with her weapons and circular base with wire support, are displayed behind a clear plastic panel.  The figure and accessories are held in place by a clear plastic cocoon with plastic straps.

The figure comes dressed as Xenia did in her last appearance in the film.

Her attire consists of a black mesh top with elbow length sleeves, no collar, leather breast guards and a short waist.

She wears black loose-fitting trousers with leather straps and silver buckles used for descending out of a helicopter.

The pants end at the knees tucked inside knee height black boots with full height laces.  

She wears black gloves, has her raven hair pulled back--which accents her high cheekbones, bright red lips and cruel dark eyes.

Included with figure is no stock machine gun with wooden grips, an air-cooled barrel, a large curved ammo clip and custom site.  

The weapon fits snuggly into the figure’s preset hands with no slippage.

Facial coloring is multi-toned especially around the cheek and features.  The hair looks realistic with strands even though it is fashioned out of plastic. 

Figure articulation tight and the clothes move smoothly and unencumbered over the figure making various poses easy to position.

Details on the weapon and clothing are excellent with special attention taken with the belt, loops, buckles and the firing mechanism on the machine gun.

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

Avengers For Dummies

Did you know that Marvel Comics’ Avengers were unintentionally formed ‘much to his displeasure’ by Loki The God Of Mischief? Talk about a unlikely and monumental origin!

As a kid my cash flow was at a minimum. I had to make every penny count. The only problem was my collecting bug far outpaced my budget. Still, like it or not I had to be especially selective when I bought comic books.

Marvel Comics were by far and away my favorite. Unfortunately I could not afford to buy each title every month. What to do?

My little brain finally came up with a solution. Since I enjoyed all of Marvel’s titles what better way to read some adventures featuring most of my favorite Marvel Comics superheroes that by purchasing a title that included most of them?

My solution? Buy The Avengers title each month. Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, Antman and dozens of other rheroes at one time or another joined The Avengers over the years. I still have many of the issues.

Over the decades The Avengers roster has grown, spawned various Avengers titles showcasing some incredible art, superior writing and some incredible stories.

Wiley Brand’s and author Gene Selassie’s Avengers For Dummies book contains anything and everything you need to know about The Avengers.

Look for the team’s origin, members, villains, character bios, storylines, crossovers, team-ups, spin-offs and more all complemented by a gallery of full-color interior and cover art.

“Avengers Assemble!”

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Jungle Betty Page

In the 1980s comic book artist Dave Stevens reintroduced to the world the ‘good girl’ model Betty Page in his Rocketeer comic book series.

Sadly Dave seven passed away a number of years ago.  He was a young man.

For some odd reason photos of women dressed in leather loincloths and carrying spears or other jungle weapons while posing in a tropical jungle setting was alluring and sexy during the 1940s and 1950s.

Never one to pass up a trend Betty Page had her own portfolio of jungle shots. 

The Dark Horse Comics Jungle Betty Page toy features Betty in a leopard skin swimsuit with a spear and a leopard at her side amongst a jungle scene.

The box is all 1950s with its funky design and color scheme.

The articulated figure captures the look of Betty perfectly.  With her long black hair and its short bangs, creamy skin and captivating smile the figure is as sexy and provocative as Betty herself is.

Dressed in a real faux leopard skin bikini betty’s midriff and belly button and ample bosom are  displayed in all of their sexy glory. She poses with a cong wooden spear with twin red feathers and a seated leopard figure to her left.  

She also comes with a African native shield and both Betty and the leopard sit on dirt base with hints of grass a few plants, some fallen coconuts and twin palm tree trunks with hanging coconuts serving as a backdrop. 

Betty also wears a silver anklet on her right ankle and a silver upper arm bracelet on her right arm.

It’s an extremely well-crafted figure and set with tight sculpting, clear color application and time period appropriate accessories and clothing.

John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Top Secret

I am a huge fan of spy movies, novels and TV shows. Espionage, danger, double agents, inventive gadgets and all the usual ‘spy’ goodies make for thrilling stories.

But like most things literary  fictional spying has its roots in reality.

Spies and secret agents have been around since the dawn of civilization. Their missions: gather information, plant false information, assassination and covert activities. Both men and women have been spies.

In Top Secret The Book Of Spies And Agents by Soledad Romero Marino and Julio Antonio Blasco and publisher Little Gestalten, Kids follow spies and agents as they enter the dark world of espionage where deception and death go hand-in-hand.

Inside this large, thin, hardbound book are spotlighted accounts of spies from all over the world throughout history.

Children learn about their tactics, tools of the trade, strange alliances and their missions. Follow them as they decipher forbidden codes, pass along secrets and when some are discovered and ‘dealt with.”

The book is illustrated in a semi-realistic style in pen and ink and colored in flat hues. Discover the secret world of spies and the intrigue, danger and thrills it all entails.

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

Batman Vs. The Incredible Hulk

What happens when DC Comics’ Dark Knight tackles Marvel Comics’ Green Goliath?  Find out in Batman Vs. The Incredible Hulk.

Throw in the Joker and a certain nasty space alien and sparks are sure to fly.

Somehow Batman holds his own against the Hulk.  It’s a true battle between brains and brawn.

The Joker breaks into a government compound to steal a piece of equipment.

What he didn’t count on is that scientist Bruce Banner is employed there in hopes of using the device to stop his transformation into the Hulk.

When The Joker unleashes his laugh gas Banner dons a radiation suit with its own air supply.  But, when a scuffle occurs the suits helmet is shattered and the resulting shock turns Banner into the Hulk.

Batman tracks The Joker and winds up tackling the Hulk.  Somehow he manages to survive.

What exactly is going on and what does The Maker of Worlds have to do with it?

The Joker warps reality, the Hulk and Batman face their greatest fears and it seems everything, everywhere has turned topsy turvy.

That is until Batman and the Hulk combine their brain and brawn to take down the bad guys.

Writer Len Wein turns in one the strangest stories of his career and artist Jose Garcia Lopez proves that he is one of the best comic book artists around.

It’s brawn and brains versus insanity in the ultimate DC and Marvel Comics team-up.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

The Treasures Of Tutankhamun

Back in the first half of the 1960s I was a young boy. During that time my mother and I would take the Greyhound bus from Detroit, Michigan to Dayton, Ohio each summer to visit my aunt, uncle and cousin.

One summer they took us to the local museum where it was hosting an exhibit of the Egyptian boy king: Tutankhamun.

The exhibit featured all of the treasures found in his tomb nearly 60 years before. Most of the artifacts were made of pure gold including his death mask and sarcophagus.

I was mesmerized and amazed at the display. I didn’t want to leave the museum because I was so caught up in the display. I was fascinated by it. I still am today.

Publisher Thames & Hudson has compiled a small hardbound book: The Treasures Of Tutankhamun, containing stunning full-color photos of all of the objects I saw as a young boy (plus more) and archival photos of the discover of Tut’s tomb.

Accompanying the photos are descriptions of each object, a short history of their discovery and a family tree of Tut and more.

Printed on semi-gloss interior pages the photos pop and every detail is seen.

The cover features color photo of Tut’s mask that is embossed against a black background with gold title type and on the back of the book cover is a rear photo of the mask.

Take the time to look over this fascinating collection of photos and text and I’m positive, just like my young self, that you will be enthralled, drawn-in and fascinated with what you see and read.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

TV Guide October 16-22, 1999

In October of 1999 TV Guide Magazine celebrated “TV’s 50 Greatest Characters Ever!”

Years ago TV Guide Magazine with a small tabloid publication that would list the TV shows airing on the major networks.  Eventually it included cable shows, etc.  There were no streaming series listed-that Internet function did not exist.

In order to draw in more readers TV Guide began producing ‘special’ issues with various covers-sometimes a great deal of various covers for single issues.

In the late 1990s the writing was on the wall when it came to print publications.  Indications were that the Internet (then in its infancy) would eventually replace print (or most of it).

Magazine sales were lagging, as were other forms of print.

In this particular issue as mentioned above TV Guide decided to celebrate TV.  It discovered that special issues tended to sell more copies-so why not cater to what the public wanted and at the same time whet the appetite of collectors?

While the October 16-22, 1999 issue primarily consisted of TV show listings it did feature a significant photo and text gallery of the top TV characters as decided by the public.  Of course it also spotlighted the shows they were on-two for one!

Sadly TV Guide has shrunk (at least in content) and has transformed into a regular size magazine-most of which consists of fluff and celebrity stories.

Still, here was a time where practically every household that had a TV also bought TV Guide every week.  Circulation numbers were in the millions.  Not so today.

Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,