Favorites and Unappreciated Classics

I’m 73 years old. I’ve been reading comic books since I was five years old. I’ve collected, sold collections and collected more comic books than I can count.

I’ve whittled my collection down to those titles I enjoy the most. But, there are a few comic books in my collection I consider unappreciated classics.

Any comic book collector worth their salt knows all about ‘key’ comic books. Most are priced far out of range for average collectors.

More and more people are getting into the hobby-mostly for the wrong reason-cash, dinero, mullah-it all comes down to greed.

But what about reading comic books? Over the years I’ve had my favorites-most of which are not on the ‘hot’ list.

They are great comics. The art and stories mesh perfectly and leave lasting impressions-at least to me they do.

I’d like to share those comic books. I intend to do so by using cover art and a short explanation as to why I think that those particular comic books are vastly unappreciated and underestimated.

I plan to do this in stages-a few issues at a time over however long it takes.

I’d like to start out with 10 independent smaller comic book publishers’ titles.

First up is Doc Frankenstein that takes a different approach to the Frankenstein monster. In this case he’s a good guy that fights evil backed by fellow warriors. Great story and art by Steve Skroce and The Wachowski Brothers from Burlyman Entertainment

Shaolin Cowboy featured Geof Darrow’s martial arts cowboy that engages in some of the most detailed, gory, incredible and visually stunning fights imaginable-published by Burlyman Entertainment.  The fight sequence where he takes down a huge assembly of 'bounty hunters' out for his blood is amazing

Doomsday #1 from Charlton Comics was a post apocalyptic series that John Byrne both wrote and drew before he made the jump to Marvel Comics.  Published in the mid-1970s the art by Byrne already reflected his unique style.

Steed & Mrs. Peel adapted the classic, clever, ground-breaking and quirky British TV spy series The Avengers to the printed comic book page from Boom! Studios.

Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip was adapted to a comic book series from Kaboom! Studios containing several short tales by various writers and artists. The best adaptation of Peanuts to comics ever achieved.  The subtle wit, heart warming and often poignant observations from the Peanuts gang are all there.  What a delight.

Elementals, both written and drawn by Bill Willingham, featured a superhero group that derive their powers from the four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. They face-off against The Destroyers. Published by Comico. The series pre-dated Willingham's DC work.

Another Comico title: The Gumby’s Summer Special one-shot, brought everyone’s clay animation figure and his sidekick Pokey to comics courtesy of Art Adams. This one-shot has everything from pirates, to spacemen to monsters and more!  Adam's work shines.

Yet another Comico title, Space Ghost, by Steve Rude, brings back the specter of space to comic books. It’s like watching the Saturday morning animated TV show in print. All of Space Ghost’s deadliest enemies appear.  Rude really captured the look and tempo of the animated series.

Art Adams adapts The Creature From The Black Lagoon movie to comics. Published by Dark Horse Comics, the one-shot faithfully translated the film to print made even more amazing by Art Adams’ art.  Some of his best work.

Comic book artist Art Adams presents his love letter to Godzilla, the king of all monsters courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. The one-shot pits Godzilla against the resurrected god Gekido-Jin. Wow!  Adams was/is a huge Godzilla fan.

While I’m talking about comic books I’d like to approach the subject of comic book storage and protection.

I’ve been a comic book collector for a loooong time. I’ve heard all the stories about changing out your comic book bags and boards every five years or so, submitting books for grading and comic book boxes.

Here’s the lowdown. I have comic books stored in the same bags and boards for 40+ years. None of them stick to the plastic, nor do the bags stick to each other.

I’ve stored comic books with no bags or boards stacked on top of each other with alternating spines. No problem.

I keep my comic books in beat up old comic book boxes (they new ones cost too much for cardboard-get serious!) I store my comic book boxes in a cool dry place away from sunlight. The comic books are like they were purchased yesterday-no problem.

Sure most of the boxes are acid free but I also store my comics in plastic totes, regular boxes and in steel filing cabinets. No problems whatsoever.

It’s all a sham to get you to spend all your money on supplies. Use common sense.

As for grading. Forget modern issues. Sure if you have a comic book worth thousands of dollars you may want to have it graded. But here’s the kicker. For example, if you have comic book that is worth $5,000 raw and get it graded let's say as a 9.2 according to the ‘experts’ that book is now worth in excess of $25,000.

Here’s the problem. If you remove it from its plastic protective case it plummets back down to $5,000. So, is the book worth $25,000 slabbed or is the plastic slab worth the additional $20,000?

Who decides? What makes the graders experts?. Let me tell you of a grading incident I encountered a few years ago.

A good friend had a book graded. It came back as a 9.8. I took a look at it and I immediately spotted that the cover was printed crooked and part of the cover image was cut off. What?!

Who is really making money on old comic books? The graders, that’s who. The more ‘expensive’ a comic book is the more it costs to grade it. What a racket.

What about signatures? Grading companies decide if a signature is legit if they witness the signing? What if you have a book that was signed before the grading companies started verifying signatures? Does that mean the signature is illegitimate? Again, who decides?

Here’s another point. Let’s say you have an Avengers #1. You get it graded and slabbed. Whose to say that the slabbed book you receive back is nothing more than a Avengers #1 cover wrapped around and Archie Comic book?

Now comic books have all sorts of grade and condition types? Who comes up with this stuff?

Here’s another point. Again let’s pretend you have a slabbed comic book that is priced at $600. You go to sell it at a comic book shop. If you’re lucky the shop may offer you 25% of its value. You go to sell it online and after you pay the fees, settle for a lower price and ship it you may come away with $200. Are you kidding me?!

OK, one more rant. How is that Silver and Bronze Age comic books (especially keys) have skyrocketed in value? Do yourself a favor and before you purchase a comic book that’s expensive go online and see how many copies of that book is on sale on E-bay or some other selling site. Look at the sold prices.

Give me a break! There is no way realistically that a Silver Age comic book that sold for $300 a mere five years ago would all of a sudden jump to $30,000!

It’s all about greed-nothing more, nothing less. I'm on a budget. I'm retired.  There is no way I could afford to buy what some comic books are selling for.  In my opinion the price hikes are driving collectors out of the market.  Investors are taking over the hobby.

My advice is to buy what you like, read it, use sensible storage practices and quit blowing your money on outrageous costly supplies, expensive grading and unrealistic prices.

Most of the people who are online touting certain books want you to buy from them. It’s called business and they are trying to sell you something. Many times a ‘retailer’ has an overstock of a particular book and by parading it as a ‘key’ issue they hope to rack in some more money.

Variant covers-forget it-the interior art is the same as a regular issue. I’ve seen boxes and boxes of variant comic books for sale in shops for cover price after the 'got-to-have-it' heat wears off.

I’ve visited some comic book shops that have books on their walls that are $5 comic books at best and they’re asking upward of $50. Get educated. Do your homework, avoid the hype and enjoy the hobby. Don’t get caught up in the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) mentality. Rant over.

Hebrews 4:12For 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.

What Do I Want?

First and foremost I want my family and friends to get saved. Next, I want to serve God in whatever capacity he sees fit. Third, I want my life to have meaning.

I want to love more, forgive more, be thankful more and especially love God more.

As a old curmudgeon who loves to collect I’ve often asked what do I want to find to complete my collection bucket list? So here goes:

I want to have all of Marvel/DC and other comic book publishers Bronze Age and Silver Age comics books. A few Golden Age comic books would be nice too.

I’d love to find all of the original series Star Trek collectibles I had as a teenager-trust me, there were a lot.

The original Star Wars toys, play-sets and vehicles would be nice.

Other movie and TV/movie memorabilia I would like to have include Lost In Space, The Wild, Wild West, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, James Bond and The Batman TV series.

Several DVD collections I would like to own include all of Canon, Mannix, The original Hawaii 50, Barnaby Jones, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, Have Gun-Will Travel, Lost In Space, Murder She Wrote, Simon and Simon, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Time Tunnel, Land Of The Giants, Beretta, Ironsides series, the original cast Star Trek movies, The Teen Titans first animated TV series and The Legion of Superheroes animated TV series

Several books I’m looking for are Taschen’s DC Bronze Age and its giant DC book, TwoMorrow’s 1940’s and 1990s comic book history, Mike Benton’s Horror book, DK’s releases of pop culture and comic book history.

Of course I need comic book supplies, a few bookcases and oh-I’d love to get a steady supply of Hot Toys and Sideshow 12-inch figures, the Toy Biz Marvel figures, old model kits, toys, diecast, magazines, 1960s and 1970s singer/songwriter albums and trading cards.

Since my blog now has a readership of over 200,000 a month, not counting my Linked-In, Facebook, X and Goodreads sites, I’d like to expand my blog to review even more merchandise-of all types.

Sure, I know it’s a big ‘wish list’, but I figure why not dream big?

I know that it would probably be easy to go out on E-bay or any other collectible merchandise site and find and buy everything I have listed.

The only problem is, I don't have the money and even if I did I wouldn't spend it on my want list.  

I'm a nickle an dime sort of guy.  I would rather wait and find the items I want at a yard sale, in a trash heap or trade for them with collectible items that I already have.

As a married man the money belongs both to me and my wife.  I would never dream of spending large amounts of money on my hobby when our money would best be spent on paying bills, helping our family, tithing and meeting financial responsibilities.

Don’t get me wrong I already have a respectable collection. Still a few more goodies would be great.

But, wanting somethig is a far cry from needing something.  Priorities must be set.

I appreciate all the publishers and manufacturers that support my blog and especially my readers. 

Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

Musing To My Ears

I am no prophet, muse, expert, philosopher or zealot. I’m just a guy, writing down his thoughts and attempting to share what we all feel, know and experience.

I’ll attempt to unravel a few questions we all ask and delve into what exactly qualifies us as human beings.

True, I have my own beliefs about God (I’m a Christian), but I have no intention of shoving my beliefs down anyone’s throat. So I’ll make it brief.

Here is what I believe in a nutshell: Man is a God created being. We started as perfect beings, messed things up and because God gave us a free will we reaped the results of making a bad choice.

God is love so he made a way of escape and redemption for us through his son Jesus Christ.

Jesus the Messiah came to earth, sacrificed his life for humanity and took the collected sin of all mankind, past, present and future, on his back. He died, rose again and thus established a way we all can go to Heaven.

It’s really simple. We have to admit we’re a sinner, ask for forgiveness and for God to save us. He keeps his promise. Salvation is not through our own power or good works but through the grace of God. It takes faith and it is not ‘easy believism’ as so many call it.

I keep God’s commandments not because I have to, but because I want to. It pleases God-could I do anything less but to thank him for saving me?

OK, preaching time is over-on to the meat of this book.

Existence

Have you ever taken the time to find a quiet corner of a room, comfortably set in a chair, gather yourself and just think about things?

I’m not talking about day-to-day activates like family, work, what to eat, etc. I’m talking about deep thoughts, pondering the possibilities of existence and what life is and why you’re here, among other things.

Take the time to look past yourself, to explore new areas you’ve never speculated before. Time, eternity, creation, death, life after death, final destination, your abilities-tapped and untapped, how you can shape your life and benefit the lives of others-the door to everything is wide open.

It’s fun to speculate, dream and be awestruck by the possibilities. Nothing is impossible for God! I truly believe as humanity we have barely began to realize our full potential-God willing.

Have you ever wondered about creation? People have all sorts of theories.

I believe God created man. Evolution is pure speculation.

Think about it. How is it possible that life springs from something that is not alive?

Just look at the complexity of the human body. How is it possible for all the cells in the body to coordinate with each other in all the systems in the body? By chance? Hardly. The body is designed as are all the living things on the planet.

Take the DNA-it’s a code-very much like a computer program. What are the odds that by pure trial and error such a complex structure could exist-let alone operate? Again how can life spring from un-life?

I’m not trying to persuade anyone. Everyone has their own opinion and my point of view or others will not change. Why argue? I will say that no matter how you mix chemicals together, shoot it with electricity or other ‘scientific’ paraphernalia, life will not be created. You may get a few molecular bonds and groupings, but life? It’s never going to happen.

Do you realize that human beings are essentially made from dirt, sunlight and water? Our bodies are nothing more than biological machines that transport our consciousness about.

You’ve heard of mind over matter. We are perfect examples of it. How is it possible that our minds can trigger electrical responses that course out to our limbs and organs causing them to move and function? Some are voluntarily, and some automatically. Imagine having to tell yourself to breath, pump blood, digest food, saturate your body with oxygen or a thousand other functions we simply take for granted.

Our brains are nothing more than containers for our spirits/souls.

When we die our consciousness lives on. What happens to solids when they break down? That’s right, energy remains and our consciousness is energy-spiritual-but energy.

Life is complex-far too complex to have been formed by evolution.

Think about that for a moment. In order for evolution to exist every living thing all over the entire world would have to evolve at the same time. It could not start with one organism. For a fish to walk on land is impossible. Sustenance, bodily functions, symbiosis, everything would have to be already in place for an entire ecosystem to exist.

For one thing the fish has no idea what land is. How would fish know to sprout legs and breath air? It wouldn’t. We give nature too much credit for intelligence right down to the cell level. Does a cell have a brain-of course not.

What would be the point for the fish to evolve to walk on land? Water is its environment. It’s sustenance exists in the water. Why would it need to move to land? It would have no idea what to do to survive, let alone eat. How would it reproduce? There would be no other landfish to reproduce with. The whole idea is absurd!

Why is so hard to believe that the creation of the universe needs a creator? Why do science and God need to be separate? After all, God created everything. Doesn’t it makes sense that he is the chief scientist?

Did it never occur to anyone that God created everything to appear aged? He didn’t create Adam and Eve as babies-but as full-grown adults.

Why Are you Here?

Everyone in some time during their life asks that question.

Here’s what I think-it’s not about you.

I used to think that my sole purpose in life was to be happy, accomplish my goals and satisfy my wants and needs.

Now I know that I am here to contribute to society, to uplift others, to serve God and to put other people’s needs before my own. Think about it. If everybody had those goals in life everyone’s needs and many of their wants would be satisfied.

“But, what about my wants and needs?’ you might ask.

I’ve discovered if I put my selfishness aside and aim to help, uplift and encourage other people that my wants and needs are always met. It’s a win, win.

Let’s face it. We’re only on this earth for a short time. We can spend our time accumulating stuff, chasing fame, fortune, accomplishments and the like. But, in the end it all means nothing. We can’t take it with us.

My old pastor used to say, “I’ve never seen a hearse hauling a U-Haul trailer.”

Be honest. If you have food to eat, cloths to wear, a place to stay, your health, friends, family and the basics of life, what more do you need?

As I grow older I find I need less and less clutter in my life and that includes stuff, activities, caustic people and ‘me’ time.

Having the most toys means nothing. Everything eventually turns to rust or dust.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s wise and prudent to plan your finances, set goals and provide for your family. But, isn’t family your first priority? Isn’t a friendship worth more than its weight in gold?

We all experience up and downs in our lives. You have to go into the valley to appreciate the mountaintop experiences. No one likes suffering, loosing a loved one, sickness or other bad experience or catastrophe. After all, we are human.

Considering how short life is, why not make the best of it?

I am blessed. God has given me so much. I can’t possibly thank him enough. It took a long time for God to knock some sense into my brain. It’s not been easy and I’d be lying if I said I went along with God’s plans all the time. I’m a work in progress.

Body/Mind/Spirit/Soul

As humans we are a complex, multi-layered species.

We have a physical body that needs care and attention, a mind that must be kept active, a spirit that needs guidance and a soul that is eternal.

I’d like to talk about our thoughts specifically.

As I mentioned earlier we all have thoughts-most of them about routine day-to-day stuff. We get caught up on life’s ups and downs, events, issues and the like. We spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about our body, pampering it, spoiling it, catering to its wants and needs and just surviving.

But what about our thoughts?

Do you think deeply and ponder? Do you attempt to look past everyday thoughts and expand your understanding of all that is around you? The things seen and unseen?

Over the past few years I’ve attempted to learn new things, read about subjects that in the past I skittered over and to look further into my mind, my motivations, capabilities, limitations and so forth. It’s really quite fascinating.

I allow my mind to wander. To look at other’s opinions with a fresh mind. To reach out to understand, learn and grow.

Spend time with yourself. Sit. Think. Use your time to better yourself and in the process you’ll not only benefit from your efforts but pass those benefits onto others.

How do you break out of your mundane, daily train of thought?

Dare to try new things, explore, read, try to solve problems, look outside the box, try to solve problems from a different direction.

It can be a bit scary and intimidating. But, how else can you see things from a different point of view unless you try? Success comes one step at a time. Take your time, allow your mind to wander, see things as they are, speculate, don’t play it safe by falling back on the way things have always been done. Do they work? Can they work better?

Dig in, step up, take a chance and reap the rewards.

If you’re a soft spoken person-speak up. If you tend to be in-your-face, step back and let someone else talk. Listen, speak sparingly. See people for who they are. Appreciate those around you. See what God sees-all people are precious to him. Take in all creation and enjoy each moment-time heeds to no one.

Dare to ask questions. Is there life on other planets? Is time travel possible? Does magic exist? Does God exist? I’m just offering a few examples. Asking questions and pondering challenges your mind.

Events

Do you know the difference between dreams and goals?

Dreams tend to be the pinnacle to what we can believe we can do, accomplish and wish. Sort of the ultimate wish fulfillment.

Goals are things that we want to accomplish set to a time table and require work, perseverance and patience.

For example, I could dream to be a great artist. But in order to accomplish my dream I must set a goal to learn the basics of art, put in the time at a drawing board or easel and slowly build up my ability and techniques.

So often our dreams get waylaid or dashed. That’s life. Sometimes our goals are delayed, put on hold or abandoned due to circumstances.

Life is a great distractor. Personal problems, work struggles, family tragedies, changing locations, illness-there a lot of unexpected events that can disrupt or curtail goals.

Pain and pleasure are feelings we all experience. Both can be beneficial.

Pleasure comes from doing or accomplishing things we desire-with certain restraints and moral stopgaps.

Pain can can cause us to stop and reflect, correct our behavior, teach us how to avoid toxic and detrimental people, places, practices and things.

Have you ever had the urge to travel? To see the world and all of its wonder? Make plans to do so. Experience life as other people do all over the world. Try new foods, attend events and social gatherings, wander, soak in the people and places.

Domestically connect with a distant relative or friend. Climb a mountain, swim in the ocean, travel trails, visit a city and take a train, call an Uber, hike-your native country offers so much.

Like a geographical journey your life can be a journey with plenty of ups and downs, surprises around each corner, exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, fun, dangerous, exciting, rewarding and filled with wonder.

Life is full of possibilities. It offers endless moments of learning, sharing and infinite variety. A life unfettered by the past, hopeful of the future and content for the present is a full life that overcomes any obstacle placed before it no matter how debilitating or distracting.

What are your talents? Learn to identify them, appreciate them, apply them, share them and direct them to achieve great things.

Every painting starts with a single brushstroke. Each song begins with one note. Every journey embarks with a first step.

Achievement is not measured by fame, fortune and sacrifice. It is about finishing the course, helping others, living life to its fullest and most importantly thanking our creator for the years we have been granted, the people we love and life itself.

Here’s a piece of advice: love yourself. No, I;\’m not talking about vanity or thinking of yourself more than you should.

What I am saying is that you need to like yourself-God does. You’re just the way God wants you to be. There are no mistakes with God. Sure we may need to loose a little weight, perhaps we could use more exercise but to God’s eyes we’re beautiful.

Who has the right to say to you you’re not attractive enough, smart enough or good enough? No one!

I figure it this way. I might as well like myself because I’m stuck with me the rest of my life.

 Another thing. Not everyone is going to like you. There are people out there that will simply dislike you because of how you look, your voice, your behavior or because you might remind them of someone who they had a bad experience with.

Face it, there are people who are mad about everything. They complain, fuss and are never satisfied. Avoid them. They’re caustic and the last thing you need is negativity in your life.

Time/Eternity

Everyone experiences time and its results. We grow older and eventually pass away. We have a set limit to our days and we have no control over when, where and how we die. And that’s OK-everyone experiences life and death.

But, what if I told you that life is eternal? Whether you believe in Heaven and Hell, life after our physical death goes on. It never ends. Where will you spend eternity is completely up to you. You choose.

What happens after death? What now?

Will we exist as an eternal spirit or ghost or occupy a new body? Will our new body be restricted by time, space, physical and mental limits? Will there be no limits as to what we can do?

Interesting questions? I wish I had all the answers.

Life is about change, adaptation, interaction, conflict, controversy and perseverance.

Will your life be productive or destructive? Will you reach new heights or sink to new lows with no hope of climbing back out?

We’re all given free will. What we do with that free will is up to us. No one can substitute for another, live another person’s life or experience their highs and lows. We can sympathize, empathize and help.

Inevitably we will all answer for our own life. Our final destination is determined by our choices. There will be no second chances.

It is my hope that you choose the path I have chosen. If so I can promise an excellent eternity. If not, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I’ve About Had It!

For years I wrote and published a printed review newsletter. Readership was impressive at about 30,000 readers.

When the digital age went into full swing I created a website and it too had impressive readership numbers.

As product reviews shifted more and more to blogs I created the blog you’re reading now.

At first the blog readership numbers were good-hovering around 5,000 visitors a day. My Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter (X), Amazon and Goodreads social sites still have good numbers.

But, my blog (https://bamcc-bam.blogspot.com) readership each day is like a roller-coaster-up and down, mostly down lately. I’ve tried keywords, phrases, cross promotion and other attempts to keep the readership consistent.

Honestly, I don’t know what to do.

Those that visit the site love it. Manufacturers and publishers are pleased with the reviews. Still, I can’t get the numbers to increase despite all attempts to do so.

I need more readers and more companies to send review items.

I’ve prayed about it, asked advice, expanded my social media outlets and still-zilch!

If anyone has any suggestions as to how I can get my readership up and get more review material by all means contact me.

I will not do YouTube videos. Video broadcasting is not my forte. Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest and Tik Tok aren’t suitable for my needs.

I love writing reviews, but if things don’t improve soon I may have to call it quits after 32 years of publishing.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

The Art Of...

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

Have you ever wondered how they were created?

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

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

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

"And he said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'" — Job 1:21

What I Want For Christmas and 2024

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

Here's my list:

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

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

Books! Books! Books!

 Here is just sampling of my library.

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

How?

Have you ever wondered why some individuals excel?

Why is that some people absolutely knock it out of the park when in comes to science, math, sports, art, music and other professions and pursuits?

The other day I was crusin' the Web looking at some comic book artists' work.  For the sake of brevity I'll pick out one particular artist: John Byrne.

John got his start professionally in comic books back in the mid-1970s.  From there he soon found himself one of the most sought after artists in the comic book industry.

After drawing some second-tier titles he soon graduated to the larger titles such as The Fantastic Four, Superman, Woman Woman and so forth.

Not only did he draw the various books but he wrote them, usually inked them and more often than not lettered them.

The man was a comic book creating machine!

While it's true that his comic book art is seldom seen in comic books anymore John is anything but idle.  He still produces plenty of art-primarily for himself.

My point is--how in the world could he produce so much art and stories of such high caliber?  Take a  look at some of his art commissions?  Incredible.

His imagination and story-telling knows no bounds.  Why? Obviously he's talented, but it's more than that.

He's a creative genius, plain and simple.

How can one person have so much talent?  Hard work?  Consistency?  Determination?  A superior memory?  Probably all of those combined and more.

Personally I'm a little jealous.  I can draw, but not at John's scale.  I have a pretty good imagination-but not equal to the level of his story-telling talent or scope.

As I said before, there are many talented people out there-especially when it comes to visual art.  What's their secret?

If someone finds out, let me know.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10

Lights, Lights, Lights!!

One of my all-time favorite stores to visit is Dollar Tree.  Or should I say Dollar and Twenty Five Cents Tree?

Anyway, I love to walk through its aisles and check out the latest inexpensive gadgets and merchandise it offers.

Two of my favorite sections art the Arts and Crafts aisle and the Tool and Lights section.

Dollar Tree's LED Lights section has some interesting items.  I've picked out four that I think are the coolest.

First up is a blue lantern with an adjustable knob to turn op the intensity of the LED light strip.  The lantern also has two side arms that when folded up allow it to be hung from hooks, branches, etc. 

It's surprisingly bright and sturdy.

Second on the list is a multi-color frosted globe that when turned on shifts through a rainbow of colors  It's very soothing and gives a nice ambiance to any room.

The third light is a small handheld flashlight that boasts not only a front bulb but also a large side bulb with reflector that is incredibly bright.  You can light up a whole room with it.

The fourth light is a small tabletop light that emulates a candles flicker.  Simply turn on the light hidden under the black base an viola!, you have a flickering candle. 

It's great for special occasions and the holidays.

All of the items are well made, inexpensive and are battery powered, save for the flickering candle that is solar powered.

I highly recommend each for handy little lights around the house, while camping or on a trip.

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

Been There, Done That

One of the biggest challenges I've discovered as I've grown older is dealing with boredom.

Let me elaborate.

After so many decades of life things tend to get routine and if not careful they can become boring.

Each day tends to be like every other day. Get up, dress, eat, tend to chores around the house, shop, come home, watch TV, read a book, maybe go for a walk, watch some more TV and go to bed.

Day after day after day. It's easy to get caught up in a mundane routine.

While I don't pretend to know everything certain activities can get tedious and repetitive. Reading for example.

After reading so many mysteries, westerns and other forms of fictional literature you start to notice a pattern. You find yourself skipping though pages and nine times out ten you never finish a book because you've already figured out what will happen.

The same thing goes for TV shows and movies.

Conversations become a chore. Mostly because you're tired of hearing other peoples' same old stories, as well as your own.  It's too easy to get a one track mind. You get tired of your own voice.

Exercise, travel, family, friends, social activities, entertainment, etc. can all take a hit and become commonplace and repetitive.

But, knowing this there is a way (or ways) to stay active and alive. Here are just few examples:

• Break your routine. Change your day-to-day activities.  Sleep late, get up early, exercise in the morning instead of the evening. Read more non-fiction books. Challenge your mind to learn new things.
• Don't be afraid of changes. Accept them, enjoy them and move on. Shake things up a bit. Reject regrets.
  
• Meet new people, travel to places you've never been before and do things you never imagined.
• Go back to school-earn a degree. Get a part-time job.  Volunteer for a cause you believe in.
  
• Learn new things. Take up music or dance lessons. Try new activities. Go to an opera. Take in a play. Slow down, enjoy each moment. Get tired, work hard, play hard.
  
• After all, you're older. You have nothing to prove. Take up art. Start writing. Begin a journal. Document your life for future generations to read. Downsize. Don't hold onto 'things'.  Impulse buy once in awhile. 
• Try a new wardrobe. Get in shape. Try new foods. Challenge yourself. Push yourself. Love more. Give more. Live more.
• You only have one life-enjoy it. Be kind, trust people, attend church or a club. Get to know people you normally wouldn't hang out with. Don't act your age. Laugh. Cherish every moment.
• Let people know you care about them. Help a friend. Buy someone lunch. Give a gift.
• Stand up for what you believe.  Never be afraid. No one is better than you and you're no better than anyone else.  We're all equal in God's eyes. Forgive others. Forgive yourself.
  
• Take the time to really listen, see, feel. Take in the aromas of life. Taste and eat food you've never eaten before.
• If you're not into professional sports, give them a try-you may like them. Make the library you're second home.  Read, read, read. Learn all you can. Keep moving. If you don't use it, you lose it.
  
• Appreciate your talents and strengths. Don't worry about what you can't do. Appreciate other people's talents and gifts.
  
• Your body may be getting older but your spirit is still young. Face it, we are little more than dirt or ashes in the wind.
• Get dirty and make an 'ash' of yourself. Learn to laugh at yourself. Forget the past, don't dread the future, embrace now.
• Love God, your family, your friends and strangers. Learn to see the value of every human life.
• Don't gossip. tell the truth even though sometimes it hurts.  See yourself for who you are. Never pretend to be someone you're not. Admit your mistakes, apologize if you're in the wrong.
  
• Dare to be yourself. It doesn't matter if no one else likes what your like. You have no need to apologize.
• Appreciate what others enjoy. Give them some space and slack.

I could go on.  It's too easy to get in a rut, especially when you get older. 

I'm 70 years old.  

One of my favorite sayings is, "I may be getting older, but at least I'm immature."

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28

Be Prepared--Life Is Short

This last January I turned 70 years old. My wife is one year younger than me. We’ve been married for 44 wonderful years.

We have two kids, their spouses and two grand children: one boy and one girl.

Both my wife and I are in good health. We exercise, watch what we eat and get plenty of rest.

We’ve had a couple of health issues but nothing serious: I had some cancer on my right ear and my wife has had some respiratory concerns.

Other than that we‘re fit with the usual aches and pains associated with age along with the signs of getting old.

We’ve always been frugal and wise with our money and property. We’ve paid off our house, car and other expenses.

My wife is the financier in our family and she makes sure the monthly bills are paid.

We’ve set up our final estate making sure our kids will split up our property and funds. Final funeral arrangements are made-both of us are to be cremated.

Since my wife takes care of the bills and finances I’ve made a list for myself on where our money is, expenses, etc.

I’m the tech guy, so I made another list of passwords, computer procedures, etc. for my wife.

Our son, the oldest, knows where our important papers are, where our money is and what our final wishes are.

It’s not been easy preparing these things. No one likes to think about their own death, let alone preparing for it. But it must be done, death is a part of life. No one escapes it. We all grow old and die eventually.

As healthy as my wife and I are all it takes is a blood-clot, fall or other accident or medical condition and our whole lives could change, even death.

Both my wife and I are saved. We know we will spend eternity with our savior Jesus Christ. He has supplied all our needs and more.

We pray everyday for the saving salvation of our children and grand children.

As to my collectibles. I’ve already started weening down the collection beginning with selling off most of my trading cards and pulling boxes of books from my library which I am selling.

Next up is my toys and finally my comic books. Hopefully I’ll have most of it gone before I die.

Should I die first I don’t want my wife and kids having to deal with the stuff. If all of it isn’t sold off before I die my son promised me to make sure it is taken care off.

Other than a few items My kids and grand kids want I plan on liquidating my collection.

As they say, “You can’t take it with you.”

I hope to be around for a few more years along with my wife. We both want to see our grand kids grow up, graduate high school and start their lives and careers.

With God’s grace and his permission we’ll be allowed to do so.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8

 

Times Certainly Have Changed-But Is It For The Better?

A lot has changed since I first started writing reviews over 30 years ago.

I began writing just comic book reviews and soon expanded into writing reviews about pop culture items and then added consumer products.

Long ago the majority of contacts I had with publishers and manufacturers were by mail and some e-mail.

The internet was just coming into use and most companies did not have a website.

Although my review readership was less than 10,000, I mailed a physical newsletter out to the companies and distributed the newsletters to shops and businesses.

Review items arrived almost on a daily basis and I was very busy writing reviews.

As the internet began to take hold and social media became common place the amount of review items dwindled considerably.

Companies began to cut back on samples and many sent only PDF's or photos, along with press releases expecting me to review their products.

Honestly, how could I possibly be expected to review products from photos?

When YouTube arrived more and more people began to post video reviews of products.  The majority of the reviews were amateur at best and failed to go into any amount of detail about said products other than the usual fanboy gushing over a toy, comic book, etc.

More and more sites turned to collecting and how much objects were worth.

I do not consider myself a video reviewer.  I find most video reviews lacking in any kind of solid, nuts and bolts, tire-kicking kind of content.  Most are superficial.

Unfortunately many publishers and manufacturers are content to have their products showcased on YouTube never realizing that few people make the decision to buy a product simply from watching a video.

Most consumers want to dig into the guts of a product, examining its quality, how much bang for a buck they get and product specs.

It's a sad state of affairs when a legitimate review blog, such as mine, that has been around for decades and offers more than the 'fad of the week' review, is pushed aside and grouped with 'smaller' review sites.

A word of wisdom to publishers and manufacturers.  Just because a site boasts huge audience numbers does not make it so.  There are many ways to fabricate numbers making it appear a site is getting more views than it actually is.

I love writing reviews.  I wish I had more support from publishers and manufacturers.  My reviews offer good solid examinations of products-regardless of what they are.

I hope things turn around. 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." — Colossians 3:23-24

Christmas Wish List

At this time of year nearly everyone has their own 'Wish List' of things they want for Christmas. 

I'm no exception. So I thought I'd share my list by priority.

• I pray that all of my family and friends would accept Jesus Christ as their savior and get saved.  

Christmas is a celebration of Christ's birth.  What better gift to give someone than salvation and the wonderful hope of spending eternity with Jesus?

• I pray God will show me how to use my talents to serve him to see people saved.

Now as to material wants:

• A new laptop and tablet
• A bigger audience for my reviews
• A consistent and varied supply of review items
• Old comic books, toys and collectibles
• Comic book, magazine and collectible supplies
• The eventual sale of my collectibles so that the money goes to my family and church
  
• A generator/inverter
• A back-up power supply for my computer
  
• Bookcases
• Shelves
• Large toolboxes with wheels
• Wheel platforms
• A handgun with a holster and concealed weapons permit

I'm sure there are other items, but these are the ones I can think of right now.

Quite a list.  But, I figure I might as well ask big-you never know.

Regardless if I do or do not receive any of the material 'want' items, I leave the final outcome to God.  I've discovered over my lifetime that it's best to leave the details to God.  After all, he knows all, owns all and knows what I need or do not need.

I already have the greatest gift of all: the assurance of my salvation and eternal life.  Who could ask for anything more? 

God said to ask Him for needs and wants and to trust him.  It's entirely up to Him what happens.  

I do not abide by the 'name it and claim it' Christianity that is so prevalent today.  It's a false doctrine.

Any and everything I ask for needs to glorify God.

I hope and pray that the above material items I asked for can be used to spread the message of salvation, be it through reviews, giving, etc.

The salvation of my family and friends is the priority and also as to how I can serve Him.

Read below what God says about asking for things:

• Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. – John 14:13–14
• If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7
• I chose and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. – John 15:16.

 

 

 

 

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