The A-Team

Liam Neeson heads an all-star cast in the movie adaptation of the popular 1980s TV series The A-Team. Neeson plays Hannibal Smith, the head of a special units military team who are framed for a crime they did not commit, sent to prison and promptly escape.

The crime they were framed for involved stolen U.S. currency plates that they were sent to recover. Having recovered the plates, and the millions of dollars printed from them, The A-Team believes their mission is complete--until things go horribly wrong: the money is destroyed and the plates stolen

Six months later Hannibal masterminds escapes from the high-security prisons each A-Team member was sent to. The A-Team then sets out to find the true criminals, recover the plates and clear their records-if it were only that easy.


In typical A-Team fashion there are lots of bullets flying, bombs exploding, cars and planes crashing and enough thrills, chills and spills to keep the most diehard A-Team fan glued to the screen.


20th Century Fox's 'The A-Team' film pays homage to the original series and expands upon it with over-the-top action sequences and lots of explosions and destruction. This is a true tribute film that stays faithful to the TV series.


Look for lots of extras on both the regular DVD version and the special 2-Pack Blu-ray release. Featurettes, commentaries, behind-the scenes and much more make The A-Team the team to join. I love it when a plan comes together!

Tron Legacy

It's been close to 30 years since the original Disney Tron movie came out. My wife and I went and watched it. I immediately caught on how revolutionary it was for its time. My wife 'liked it' but wasn't really sure what to make of it.


Computer special effects were in their infancy and Tron was the first movie to use them extensively. Granted some sacrifices had to made in order to make its primitive (by our present standards) effects work. A good example of how new the technology was, actors were actually filmed in black and white with color added digitally later when they were integrated into the special effects. The Tron Cycle chase scene is still a classic.


While a technological success the movie was not a complete commercial success. It wasn't until years passed that the movie took on cult status. Fans of science fiction movies began to take notice. So much so that Disney has made a follow-up film, Tron Legacy, starring Jeff Bridges reprising his role as Kevin Flynn.


Spin Master Toys has acquired the toy rights to the new movie and have done a spectacular job of translating the film's characters and vehicles to toy form.


The Sam Flynn 3 1/2 inc figure, one of six Tron characters, captures the look of the film's character in fully-articulated miniature form. The coloring and details of the figure match the film's star right along with light up face and chest and the Base, Identity Disc and Baton that comes with it. An instruction guide comes with the figure and accessories sealed in a plastic bubble card package with a 'Try Me' hole to test the lights and a color photo of Sam alongside the Tron Legacy logo. Sculpting is tight with no flanges or sloppy joints and the color application is neat even around the figure's transparent helmet.


For a more dynamic Sam Flynn figure check out the 12-inch fully-articulated and ultra-detailed Ultimate Sam Flynn figure with light up chest with a face helmet that lights up and shows Sam talking. It also comes with a Identity Disc, Magnetic Baton and Katana.


This a tough figure that kids can spend hours playing with. It's also a perfect collector figure with its cool accessories and special light-up capability. The figure comes in a clear front display box with a flip open side panel with a full figure photo on the flipside detailing Sam's suit and weapons.


The highlights of the original Tron movie were the vehicles and Torn Legacy is no exception. It has taken the classic Tron transportation and made them ultra modern and super cool.


The Deluxe Light Cycle: Sam Flynn has Functioning Air Brakes, Figure-Activated Lights and Motion Activated sounds, including Engine noises. A Sam Flynn partially articulated figure comes with the Cycle and when placed on the Cycle it activates the lights. Look in the clever 3D viewer at the bottom of the display box to catch a glimpse of Sam on his Cycle in full 3D.


The Light Cycle: Sam Flynn Zero Gravity R/C can actually drive on walls. No kidding! Use the enclosed remote control to guide your Cycle up and along walls, seemingly defying gravity. You'll be even more amazed on how it leaves a light trail! It also drives upside down! I could use on of these during my drive to work.


The Deluxe Light Runner also lights up, holds two figures (not included) has Pop Out Blasters, Figure Activated Lights, a Cockpit that opens and is probably the coolest looking four-wheel vehicle I've ever seen! It super sturdy, looks awesome at any angle and looks exactly like its move namesake.


The white Light Cycle: Kevin Flynn is a slightly retro looking Cycle, reflexing the original movie design, with front opening Cockpit and when the Kevin Flynn figure (sold separately) is placed inside, it lights up. It also looks exactly like the film's version as do all the other vehicles after their movie counterparts.


All of the figures and vehicles are made of durable plastic, feature excellent paint and coloring and impressive articulation and fittings. Live the movie, buy the toys and go on your own Tron Legacy adventure courtesy of Spin Master Toys.

SHAZAM!

For a while during its run Fawcett Publications Captain Marvel (known now to DC Comic readers primarily as SHAZAM!) outsold DC Comics Superman. DC lawyers sued Fawcett Publications stating that Captain Marvel was a direct rip-off of Superman.

Both were tall and muscular white men with wavy black hair, could fly, were nearly indestructible, were incredibly strong and shared other similar powers and abilities. While Superman was an adult and his disguise was as mild-mannered Clark Kent, Captain Marvel's secret identity was that he was really a small boy, Billy Batson, who when uttering the word, SHAZAM!, transformed into the world's mightiest mortal.

Eventually DC Comics won its case, Fawcett closed its door and ironically DC Comics bought the rights to Captain Marvel some years back. He and Superman are now friends.


In SHAZAM! The Golden Age Of The World's Mightiest Mortal, published by Abrams Comicarts and written and designed by Chip Kidd with photos by Geoff Spear, readers are invited to travel back to the heyday of the Captain's popularity during the Golden Age of comic books


Through photos of Captain Marvel Memorabilia, archival written pieces, reprints of comic book stories and publicity stills of the Captain Marvel serial movie series Chip Kidd provides a nostalgic journey to a simpler time when heroes were need more than ever.


I was amazed at the mass amount of Captain Marvel collectibles that were produced, from toys to clothing and everything in between. All I can say is, "SHAZAM!"



Cartoon 360

I teach cartooning to my high school Drawing 1 and 2 classes. The hardest thing to teach them is drawing characters in 3-D poses. In other words, not straight on, directly to one side or back views. Learning how to rotate and pose characters so they look as if they have weight and volume isn't easy.

That's why I appreciate Harry Hamernik's new book from Impact: Cartoon 360: Secrets To Drawing Cartoon People And Poses In 3-D


Harry guides the reader through the basics of figure drawing: heads, hands, poses, clothing, etc. He then proceeds to demonstrate how to draw them in 3-D poses while keeping them in proportion and most importantly: making them look like the same character despite what pose they be in.


Lessons on inking, tracing and computer coloring are also included along with a pictorial supply list of what you need to use to cartoon. It makes for an easy-to-follow and understand guide on how to cartoon different characters in various poses.

Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection

Warner Bros. new Blu-ray/DVD Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection presents three classic network TV Peanuts holiday specials: A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, along with three bonus episodes: It's Magic, Charlie Brown, The Mayflower Voyagers and It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown, all in one Ultimate Collector's Edition.


An additional Backstory Featurette is also included and a as special added bonus look for three Peanuts Holiday Window Clings of Snoopy and Charlie Brown in holiday dress and a Snowglobe Lucite Lenticular starring the Charlie Brown gang in different classic holiday scenes when the globe is tilted in different directions.


Come celebrate the holidays with Peanuts and enjoy this very special DVD collection that the whole family can cherish. It's a holiday tradition!

The James Bond Girls File #2 The 1970s

I remember when the 1970s arrived and I found out that Sean Connery was returning to the role of James Bond in the next film in the series, Diamonds Are Forever, in 1971. I was thrilled. When the film came out I was overjoyed. It may not have been the best Connery Bond film but it was still excellent escapist fun.

In 1973 Roger Moore took over the role of Bond. I like Moore but his style was just a little too tongue-in-cheek for my taste at the time. His 1970s Bond films, Live And Let Die, The Man With The Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me (my favorite of the run) and Moonraker were good films, but not great films, in my opinion.

There were too many gadgets, gimmicky getaways and glib gabbing. The women however. Ahh, the women. The Bond Women of that era were gorgeous and you can see them all in 007 Double - O - Seven Magazine Archive Files: The James Bond Girls #2 The 1970s from each film in candid shots, studio stills and behind-the-scenes photos.

Included with each film synopsis and interesting Bond facts are lots and lots of photos of not only the women but the other key characters, locations and much, much more form each film. Jill St. John as Tiffany Case from Diamonds Are Forever shows off her package on the cover while on the back cover Britt Exland as Mary Goodnight from The Man With The Golden Gun shows off her 'ample talent'.

Moltenclaw's Invasion

Unfortunately Hasbro/Wizards Of The Coast's Heroscape Dungeons & Dragons Collection D3, will be the last Expansion Set made. Previous figures will be sold while supplies last. I'm sorry to set this game system go. For the miniature game player its a great way to have pre-painted sculpted figures at a reasonable price.


Four new Expansion Packs come in the D3 series and they include Heroes Of Fallcrest, Bugbears And Orcs, Valkrill's Legion and Icewind Scourge.


Each pack hold three to six figures, depending on their size. Look for lots of detail in the sculpts and paint application. I especially like the Ice Giant, Dragon and giant Orc. Look for dynamic poses, awesome outfits, wicked weapons and outrageous creatures and humanoids. What's not to love?

Call Of Duty: Black Ops Prestige Edition

The long wait is over. Call Of Duty is back and this time it's more realistic than ever with lots of violence, bloodshed, explosions and more. Become part of a Black Ops operation as either a single player or in a group. Your objective is to stop threats before they become a reality-by any means necessary.


Look for lots of gunplay, hand-to-hand combat, knife fights, artillery fire, airplane strafing and bombing, assassinations and every other little nasty deed that needs to be done when fighting as a special operative.


The folks at Activision and Treyarch have listened to what fans of Call Of Duty had to say and they've made some improvements in game play making it much more realistic. Actions breed consequences and Black Ops doesn't just let a player walk away from mayhem without repercussions.


The Currency System lets you purchase and customize your own play style. Where there's money there's wagering and you get to wager big time with the pay-off being survival.


Train before you fight, capture key moments to replay, fight zombies, play split-screen and escape to play another day.


You can also sabotage your enemies equipment without their knowledge and use it to your advantage.


Black Ops is an in-you-face combat experience where you can practically feel the heat of your weapons, here the zing of bullets flying overhead and smell the blood of your enemies. It's first-person action that plunges you into hostile situations in all kinds of climate, terrain and dangerous situations.


Character rendering is super realistic. Full 360 degree terrain and environments look as if you could walk right into the game and you never have to worry about lagging graphics or unexpected pauses. Black Ops is the ultimate combat game.


The Call Of Duty: Black Ops Prestige Edition comes with a mechanized rover complete with microphone and video feed, a LED Video Display Transmitter, a Limited Edition Black Ops Collector' Medal and an Exclusive X-box Live Outfit. Live the adventure of a lifetime-if you can survive!

Mouse Guard: Legends Of the Guard

Archaia Entertainment LLC. and artist/writer David Petersen have compiled every issue of the Legends Of The Guard mini-series into one hardbound book.

Legends Of The Guard consists of Mouse Guard stories as envisioned by fellow writer/artists. Centered on stories told in a pub, the book consists of stories envisioned by Petersen’s peers. The book contains stories drawn in similar and very different styles than Petersen’s which make it even more enjoyable.

Included with the new short tales are bios of the contributing creators along with their photos and preparatory sketches. All-in-all it’s a absorbing look at how different artists and writers envision a fellow artist/writer’s work.

Goldeneye 007

The very first N64 game my wife and I bought for our son for Christmas back in the 1990s was Goldeneye. At the time the game starred the likeness of Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.

My son and I would sit and play it for hours eventually going through every level. At the time nothing existed like it. The game engine was truly one of the first, if not the first, first shooter game where players actually saw the action as the main character.

Goldeneye is back from Activision and it is bigger and better than ever. This time is stars the likeness of Daniel Craig as James Bond and incorporates not only the Goldeneye storyline but throws in a few classic Bond villains such as Oddjob, Jaws and The Man With The Golden Gun.


Go it alone or switch over to multi-player. Whatever mode you choose you’re guaranteed fast action, travel to exotic locales, encounters with dastardly opponents, incredible chases and dangerous encounters and lots of explosions, gunplay and hand-to-hand combat.


Relive the classic Bond film Goldeneye with new visual interpretations of characters from the film such as Agent 006 and others. It is all-out action and adventure as you take on the mantel of 007 and battle your way through throngs of bad guys. Choose from a multitude of weapons, change your point of view from first person to full vista and get ready to experience the world of James Bond 007.


Play time is swift, refresh time is instantaneous, and environments are varied and sweeping. Play single screen or split screen with other players and pit you super spy skills against their. Rated ‘T’ for Teen.

Warhawk And Fieseler

Hasegawa Hobby Kits Introduces two more vintage airplane models. The American WWII P-40N Warhawk 'Natural Metal' is a Limited Edition model kit that looks every bit as real as the real thing--only smaller.


This is a 'big boy' model. No snap together parts or pre-painted pieces in this kit. Pieces fit easily together when gluing, decals are a snap to apply and by following the easy-to-understand painting instructions (and the box cover) you'll have your model looking like the real thing in no time.


Check out the tri-propellers, extra fuel tank, wing mounted guns and clear cockpit with pilot and look for full wheel assembly, highly-detailed body rivets and seams and parts that snap off their frames with little or no flashing. It's a beaut!


The German Fieseler FiL56C Storch 'Gran Sasso' is a light weight aircraft capable of carrying three passengers (included) with a large wingspan, single prop, three stationary landing gear and a long tapered body with multiple wing supports and an angular caged cockpit.


This plane is meant to fly low and slow for long distances as evident by its lightweight frame, minimal use of materials and unnecessary 'extras'. It's built for utilitarian use at low cost and high efficiency. It too is a Limited Edition model requiring glue, paint and decal application.


Both models are highly accurate reproductions that when completely assembled, painted and decaled are exact replicas of their larger namesakes.

Galaxie, Camaro, Patton, Star And Giant

I remember when I saw my first 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyline With Retractable Roof when I was a kid of six. I can still see it parked on the street and a man entering the driver's side. Suddenly, as if by magic, the hardtop roof started to separate from the body, slide back and quietly and smoothly folded itself into the car's now open rear trunk. I couldn't believe my eyes.


Revell/Monogram brings the past alive with its new 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyline With Retractable Roof Authentic Kit that works just like its namesake. You'll marvel at its engine and interior details, chrome wheels, bumpers and trim and the clear molded windshield and windows that, like it other parts, assemble with minimal flashing and a snug fit. Paint it up green and white and you have a facsimile of a much loved Ford classic automobile.


For a little more Motor City Muscle you'll want to check out the 2002 Camaro


2 'N 1 1:25 Scale model kit from Monogram that lets you choose either a snappy red and silver or yellow and black version of the powerful Camaro. Full engine details, tinted windshields and windows, front and rear lights and body details make either version a car lover's dream come true.


I love tanks and one of my favorites is the M48A2 Patton Tank. This heavy duty, treaded killing machine is all business with heavy body armor, swivel turret with gun and upper turret machine gun and driver mounted commander machine gun, communication antenna and accessories. It is one Love Bug that the enemy can never bat away. For an authentic replica of a land roving war machine nothing matches this model. Three figures are also included.


The F-80 Shooting Star jet fighter is one of the earliest American Air Force fighter jets made. The model completely disassembles revealing the full-length gas turbine engine. You can assemble it with landing gear up or down with the pilot in or out of the cockpit. Follow the paint and decal instructions to match the details seen on the original aircraft.


The HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant lives up to its namesake. This massive helicopter has a five fin propeller, an oversize extended rear stabilizing propeller assemblage and enough interior room to carry a sizable troop assemble and light artillery. It boasts extra armor, heavy maintenance and a camouflage paint scheme that made it difficult to spot during combat rescue missions in Vietnam.


I love the cockpit and body details as well as the landing gear assemblage, rear door ramp and extra fuel tanks, maintenance and body details.

Disney's A Christmas Carol

Actor/comedian Jim Carrey gives the performances of his career in Disney's A Christmas Carol. "Performances?", you might ask. "You mean performance."

No, performances. Through the magic of computer special effects Jim Carrey plays all the pivotal roles in the classic A Christmas Carol. From Ebenezer Scrooge to the Ghosts of Christmas, Carrey has a field day as he shows off his incredible talent.

A few liberties are taken with the story, which are easily forgiven considering how good the film is. The entire family will love this wonderful new adaptation of a timeless Christmas classic.


Disney's 2-disc set includes a Blu-ray and regular DVD. Special features are featurettes, on the set, deleted scenes and much more. The entire package makes for a terrific Christmas gift all wrapped up in a delightful film that is sure to become a Christmas classic in its own right.

Blood Stone 007

It was just announced that the next James Bond movie won't begin filming until 2012! What's a Bond fan to do!?


Fortunately Activision has the solution: Blood Stone 007. Written by a Bond writer, the Bloodstone video game (for all consoles and rated 'T' for Teen) is set up like an actual Bond film. Look for plenty of twists and turns, hidden agendas, surprise allies and enemies, loads of action, spectacular fight and car/plane/boat chases and women-lots of beautiful women.


Blood Stone features some of the most innovative and impressive James Bond action and adventure ever imagined for film or video games. Follow Bond as he tries to track down and stop a dangerous stolen biochemical project before it's too late.


Featuring James Bond, as depicted by Daniel Craig, Blood Stone has some of the most exciting hand-to-hand and weapons combat ever realized. Visual effects add to excitement as Bond races all over Europe and the Far East in various cars (including his famous Aston Martin) and travels to some of the most stunning vistas on land, sea and in the air.


More than any other James Bond video game before it, Blood Stone is like being in a Bond movie. Go it alone or with MI6 and take on the most notorious and dangerous assassins, gunmen and henchmen in the world.


You will be blown away by the fast action, realistic environments and breath-taking colors and effects.

Totally Tubular ‘80s Toys

To modern toy collectors the decade of the 1980s is a veritable goldmine of toys to 1970s, toy manufacturers recognized that not only were collect.
With the advent of the Star Wars action figures introduced in the late kids playing with toys but collectors were, well, collecting them.


Toy manufacturing technology took a giant leap in the 1980s with the introduction of electronics, video games, sound chips, interactive toys and better articulation, quality and variety.


Totally Tubular ‘80s Toys, written by Mark Bellomo and published by Krause Publications, examines the 1980’s toy phenomenon with an indebt look at the decade that changed toys forever.


Pages are brimming with full color and black and white photos of such favorites as He-man, Ghostbusters, Smurfs, Transformers, Star Wars, Cabbage Patch Kids, My Little Pony, early video games, Strawberry Shortcake, G.I. Joe and dozens of other toys for boys and girls.


Included with each genre of toys are written pieces tracking the history of the toys- including manufacturers, number of toys in the series, their popularity, special facts about each selection and more information about each series of figures, games and other interesting tidbits.


I especially enjoyed reminiscing about the movie/TV and comic book ties-ins such as The Ghostbusters, the Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles, Indiana Jones, Mork and Mindy, DC and Marvel Comics and Star Trek.


If you love toys, especially vintage toys, then you’re sure to love looking at this book. It’s a toy lover’s time travel trip to a timeless time when toys were tops with tykes.