Previews, April

It's no April Fool joke when it comes to Diamond Previews April Catalog solicitations.

Check out these cool new comic books with DC's Batman & Robin #1, Dark Horse's Werewolves On The Moon: Versus Vampires #1, Image's Berserker #21, Marvel's Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia #1 and many more.

Magazines to buy include CBG, Torchwood, Doc Savage, Geek, HorrorHound and Star Trek.

Books to read are The Essential Guide To G.I. Joe, Comic Book Design, Transformers: The Art OF the Movies and How To Cosplay.

Trading cards to collect are Battlestar Galactica: Season 4, X-Men Archives and WWE Slam.

Toy around with Cinema OF Fear, Tonner DC Stars, Marvel Universe, Marvel Legends, Transformers, Halo and Star trek.

Are you game? Then get ready to play Talisman, Axis & Allies, Warcraft, D&D and YGO.

Audi R8

The Audi R8 STM Safety Car is a real Edition: 1:43 beauty. Nicely displayed and secured on its solid black pedestal base and covered by a five side, clear canopy, the miniature car is a showcase of miniature sculpting and design.

The Schuco Audi R8 is a sleek little two door car that hugs the road with its oversize custom wheels and tires and low body style.

The silver car comes with full decal details, front and rear windows, open side windows, front and rear lights, side mirrors, roof lights, complete inside details with dash, steering wheel and seats and rear mounted, high-performance engine that is visible through the rear window.

Body detailing is impressive with lots of to-scale decals, body detailing around the doors, side panels, front and back. Paint application is crisp and clean with blotting or clumping and the sculpting is first rate and perfectly in scale.

Mission Impossible: The Sixth TV Season

By its Sixth Season Mission Impossible was down to three of its original members and one newcomer. Barbara Bain, Martin Landau and Leonard Nimoy had all come and gone. Veteran members Greg Morris, Peter Graves, Peter Lupus and newcomer Lynda Day George as makeup artist Casey rounded out the team.

The Sixth Season also brought about a slight change in the direction of the show. The IMF team focuses on targets outside of traditional law enforcement circles. Stand out episodes include the IMF crashing a top syndicate leaders meetings atop a mountain, searching for a fortune beneath the oceans, infiltrating the music business, faking an island off the shores of Africa, pitting loan sharks against one another on an island and turning a syndicate boss against his cohorts.

Six discs containing 22 episodes from the Sixth Season make up the DVD set from CBS/Paramount. Mission accomplished.

Terminator Salvation: From The Ashes

The new movie, Terminator Salvation, promises to jumpstart the Terminator series and send it into an exciting new direction.

In anticipation of the new movie, Titan Books and author Timothy Zahn present a prequel to the film called Terminator Salvation: From The Ashes.

The book sets in motion the events leading up to the new Terminator movie in which John Connor and his wife Kate begin to assemble their resistance forces for the final showdown between humanity and the Skynet.

Slowly, inevitably, John and Kate discover that the Terminators are far more clever and devious than either originally thought. Events are set in motion so that the Terminators John was raised to believe would exist have been replaced by Terminators of a different, far more dangerous sort.

Readers are introduced to a group of new characters that will prove critical in the war with the Terminators. Two lost kids, Kyle and Star, along with a crusty, jaded Marine are witness to the birth of a new generation of Terminators-ones that will prove to be formidable foes to the Resistance. The future is not what was expected.

Suikoden: Tierkreis

Konami presents the first handhled edition to its popular RPG video game series Suikoden in Suikoden: Tierkreis for Nintendo DS.The epic continues as your player attempts to reunite the 104 Stars Of Destiny using the four they start out with.
Players must attempt to gather the Stars in order to stop the almighty Sole King from creating total chaos across the unverse.Using Suikeden: Tierkreis’s unique wi-fi capabilities, players may interact with other characters via online to complete various quests-eventually returning to their own party with new abilities and treasures.
As players progress through the story new locations and cultures will be made available as they cross over to the various parallel worlds. The game features a large cast of new characters, stunning vistas and locations with clean, crisp graphics, effects and a pulse-pounding soundtrack that accents the adventure. Game play is smooth and seamless with quick transitions, ease-of-use and invigorating game play without over complicated maneuvers.

Planes And Cars

The Piper PA-18 Super Cub is a classic private single prop airplane that is rugged, reliable and a mainstay of the airplane enthusiasts. First introduced in the 1940s, the plane ended production in the 1990s, but is still available and sought after today.

The Revell 1;32 Scale model is rated Level 2 requiring moderate modeling skills applying glue and paint. Beautifully crafted, the model comes easy-to-assemble, sectioned much like a real plane and includes full cockpit details and engine compartment access. The AT-6/SNJ Texan training aircraft was mass produced and used for decades by the Navy.

Ruggedly constructed, the Texan is a single prop trainer with a top speed 207 mph with a range of 665 miles.

Mounted over its front wings, the Texan is highly maneuverable, dependable and capable of flights up to 24,200 feet. The model boasts easy-to-assemble parts, paintable in two color schemes, includes decals and can be posed with wheels up or down. A reinforced clear plastic canopy gives modelers a clear view of the interior seat, controls and gauges.

Scaled a 1:48, the Mil-24D Hind Helicopter model is a level 2 model with full exterior and interior details, twin cockpits, rocket launchers, forward mounted guns and capable of speeds up to 200 mph.

The gunship is a massive machine measuring in a nearly four car lengths, sports five rotating blades, rear stabilizer blades, rear passenger compartments, radar, tri-wheels, anti-tank missiles and camo paint. Assembly, paint and glue is required.

Revell presents three new muscle/pony cars with chrome wheels, bumpers, trim and engine details. All feature rubber tires, full interior details including steering wheel, dashboard, instrumentation, seats and door accessories.

The '69 Camaro 7/28 SS is pre-painted and requires no glue. Full details are on all sides, including the under carriage.

The '70 Dodge Challenger 2 'n 1 can be painted red or yellow in R/T or T/A modes. Both have amazing engine detailing with chrome parts, wiring, tubing and even batteries.

From it Monogram Slot Car Assembly line of kits comes the 1:32 Scale red Ferrari 250 GTO/LM with complete parts to assemble a rarin' to go slot car! Model makers will get a kick out of assembling it as will slot car racers. Either way its a cool car with lots of zip and get up and go!

Bus, Truck & Cars

Even as a young child I've always been fascinated by mass transit, specifically buses. Schuco introduces the Setra S8 "Reisedienst Medenbach", a faithful reproduction of one of the first buses to have a self-supporting body, first produced in 1967.

The Limited Edition (1,000) red and cream-color diecast is constructed on one solid piece of metal with snap-in axles with rubber wheels. Included with the bus is a reproduction of the original Piccolo box it was sold in.

The Edition 1:43 Mercedes-Benz 319 transport van is painted a bright orange with red, white and black trim. The DUNLOP van diecast is a fine example of precision modeling craftsmanship with crisp paint lines, careful attention to detail, full chrome grill and mirror details, body trim, windshield wipers at half window position, full interior detail, rubber tires mounted on orange wheels.

Be sure to pay particular attention to the rear door details, tight body paint application roof chrome trim, front Mercedes logo grill and twin plastic lights and windows. The diecast comes screw mounted to a black base and covered by a clear plexi-glass top.

Also a Edition 1:43, the Mercedes-Benz 300 Sl is the classic Mercedes sports car that every collector would love to have. The reproduction is solid silver, sports wing doors, a black and white interior and clear plastic lights and windows. Large number 445s decorate all sides, front wheel well air vents give the 300 SL a sleek, aerodynamic look while the low to ground, and the curved body shape makes the car look ultra-modern even though it was introduced decades ago.

The protruding front and rear chrome bumpers and curved front chrome grill give the car a elegant feel and the custom, vented wheels with rubber tires accented by the front and rear wheel well fins make the car appear as if it is moving while standing still.

The Lamborghini Gallardo is a white bolt of lightning masquerading as a car. The Edition 1:87 diecast is wedge-shaped, fully detailed with rear engine vents, accented front and rear lights, clear plastic windshield and windows, oversize wheels and rubber tires.

The Porsche Carrera GT is also a Edition 1:87 and also painted white. The convertible has a black interior, rear raised silver seat accents, rear airfoil, tapered front, low body style, full light and windshield details and oversize tires and wheels.

Limited to 1,000 pieces the Limited Edition Mercedes-Benz 170V limousine "Taxibal" has a solid metal body, cream and black paint scheme with chrome bumper, wheel, body trim and grill taxi roof sign and working wheels. A reproduction of the original box is also included.

Crimson Crisis

Konami presents its latest booster set, Crimson Crisis, for its Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game. Consisting of 100 cards, the set breaks down into 48 Commons, 20 Rares, 14 Super Rares and 10 Ultra Rare. The 1st Edition comes nine cards per pack and introduces new cards, one of which allows players to upgrade their decks to a more powerful assault mode.

Originally halted for release due to Konami's decision to end its association with Upper Deck, Konami released the cards on its own. Delighted fans can find the cards in retail and hobby shops.

Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG lives and players can thank Konami for its resuscitation. From the four packs I opened I received an impressive selection of cards.

Quantum Of Solace

When Daniel Craig accepted the role of James Bond many Bond fans squelched the idea. Although Craig resembled the literary profile of Bond with his craggy good looks and cool demeanor, his blue eyes and blond hair were no-nos.

When his first James Bond movie, Casino Royale, broke all Bond movie records, the public and his detractors warmed up to him. But, was he a one-hit wonder?

Quantum Of Solace proves that Craig has nailed the Bond persona on the head. His cavalier attitude, tough-as-nails ruggedness and powerful emotional and physical performance proves that he is the James Bond for the 21st Century.

Quantum Of Solace takes up immediately after Casino Royale ends. Bond is after the mysterious organization responsible for the death of the woman he loved and whose fleeting shadow falls over some of the most insidious criminal activities imaginable. His investigation leads him to the criminal organization known only as Quantum and face-to-face with environmentalist Dominic Greene.

Greene's plans involve overthrowing a small country's government by controlling its water supply. Bond, without the help of M16 , must stop him with the aid of Camille, a young woman on her own path of revenge.

Quantum Of Solace is a non-stop whirlwind of action, suspense and thrills. The 2-disc DVD contains the movie, featurettes, a music video, crew files and much more from MGM.

Previews, March

Lots of goodies are coming your way this May and Diamond Previews gives you a first-hand look at each and every one.

Comic books to go crazy over are The Unwritten, Rapture, Olympus, New Mutants and Fusion.

Magazine to muse over are Terminator: Salvation, Torchwood, Super hero Collection, Geek, CBG, Starlog, Fangoria, Fantastique and Doctor Who.

books to go bonkers over include The Ultimate Illustrations, How To Draw Manga, About time and Utopia Illustrations.

Trading cards to care about are Star Trek: The New Movie, Transformers 2 and Lost Season Four.

Toys that tickle your fancy starts with Marvel Select, Hot Wheels Star Trek, Ghostbusters, Stargate SG-1, Back To The Future, Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Blacula, Battlestar Galactica, Day Of The Dead, Hellboy II, Naruto, Harry Potter, Qee, Snoopy, Watchmen and ending with Batman.

Game on with Android, D&D, Warcraft, Pokemon and Star Wars.

Watching The Watchmen

Anticipation is high for the upcoming release of the movie adaptation of the ground-breaking Watchmen comic book maxi-series. Comic book and movie fans have great hopes concerning the movie that like the series itself it will break traditional superhero ground, only this time at the movies.

Series co-creator Dave Gibbons (along with Chip Kidd and Mike Essl) and Titan Books have released an impressive collection of Gibbon's preparatory work never seen before. Page after page are filled with sketches, final inked images, color studies, page layouts and character, setting and equipment designs Gibbons compiled that he used while designing the series, along with writer Alan Moore.

For an in-depth examination as to what it takes to turn out such a massive project, Watching The Watchmen in a treasure trove of the how and why behind the series. Inside you'll read about the original concept, unused character designs and storyline fragments. Discover how the series was marketed, what changes, deletions and additions had to made, what the series was originally based upon and why Gibbons and Moore collaborated to turn comic books on their collective ear.

It took a tremendous amount of work and effort to pull it off and Watching The Watchmen is no less impressive than the series.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

It had to happen-Dreamworks Animation released another Madagascar computer animated film this last summer and it is now on DVD.

All of your animated animal castaways favorites are back and this time they’re in Africa. When the gang of zoo misfits board a reconstructed plane manned by the penguins they should have known there would be big trouble ahead.

Miraculously the cobbled together wreck manages to stay airborne—until its fuel runs out over the ocean. The plane takes a nosedive and by some quirky twist of fate crash lands in Africa-the ancestral home of Alex the lion.

Everyone survives and soon discover an oasis of water populated by thousands of animals-two of which are Alex’s parents, who assumed he was dead after being kidnapped by hunters when he was a cub.

The happy reunion is short-lived when Alex is put through his long delayed right of passage and promptly gets his furry behind kicked. His disgrace and defeat force his father to step down and be banished with his son.

Meanwhile the other plane passengers must cope with trying to meld back into the wild-something none of them are prepared to do.

Eventually the friends reunite Alex and his father save the day and all is well-yeah, right! Madagascar; Escape 2 Africa is not quite as funny as the first Madagascar film but it still has its moments. Check out the running shark gag and the head Penguin’s unrequited love for a windshield hula girl. The plane crash and volcano sequences are especially funny.

The 2-disc DVD set includes the entire movie and extras on one disc with Nickelodeon’s The Penguins Of Madagascar cartoon sort with extras on the second disc. Both the film and the cartoon shorts are cleverly written, nicely animated and fun to watch for the whole family.

Agent Crimson

To be honest I had never heard of Triad Toys until a few months ago. I spotted an article written about the company accompanied by several pictures of its figures. I was hooked. I immediately looked up the company's website and surfed its pages. I've seen 12-inch, fully-articulated figures before, but nothing like these!

From Gunn 4 Hire comes Agent Crimson, part of Black Wolffe International Witness Security Protection & Relocation. The male figure stands 12 inches tall and appears Asian.

The figure, with accessories, comes packaged in a two-side, flip open crimson red box. The figure is secured in a form-fitting plastic sarcophagus, held in place by wires. Accessories are held in place in a smaller plastic cocoon inserted in the opposite lid. Tape keeps the accessories from shifting.

The figure is constructed of flesh-colored plastic with cleverly hidden articulation points in the neck, torso, legs, arms, ankles, wrists and waist. Cloths fit nicely on the figure that when moved do not bind or strain the form-fitting attire.

The face is painted in several flesh tones simulating real flesh. The eyes, ears, nose, lips, eyebrows and hair are expertly sculpted and painted with no rough bleed over edges or sloppy paint application. The hands are positioned to hold the accompanying weapons.

Clothing consists of a light tan tweed two-piece suit with double buttons and hidden snap. The coat is pleated with two pockets. The figure comes in a white dress shirt with brown tie, a belt that actually functions, black socks and brown leather dress shoes with real laces. All of the clothing is nicely stitched and assembled and look real to scale.

Accessories include a black and gray flax jacket that fits easily over and around the figure. A leather shoulder holster with ammo pouches, an automatic with two clips, an extra black bowtie and black wraparound sunglasses are included. All are minutely accurate in scale and accuracy.

My opinion? I think it is a very done and executed figure with accessories. I hope to review more Triad Toys in the future.

Roto-Plush Leatherface

Who can ever forget the frightening first appearance of Leatherface in the classic horror flick, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Leatherface set the standard by which other psycho, demented killers had to come up to. Jason, Freddie and Michael and a whole legion of bloody butchers owe a great debt to Leatherface.

Mezco Toyz has up-sized Leatherface to their new Cinema Of Fear Roto-Plush series and he looks even scarier than before.

The partially-articulated figure is dressed in a bloody butcher's apron, pin-strip, short sleeve shirt, black, white and gray tie and deep blue dress pants with heavy, black knee boots.

Covering his face is a human skin mask roughly stitched together and hanging loosely on his face. His insane eyes and leering mouth show behind the raged skin holes. Both bloody hands are sculpted to hold the equally bloody chainsaw, hammer and knife. A oversize bucket holds body entrails and bone.

Sculpting of the figure is tight with even the figure's veins and tendons showing in each massive arm. Articulation points are nicely hidden in arms and legs with the torso and head pivots free enough not to bind with the figure's clothing.

The clothing is made of real cloth and is loose enough not to restrict any movement. The hands easily and firmly grasp any of the weapons and paint application is crisp with no jagged blend edges and mismatching sections. Blood splatters appear real, much like random splatters would-application is random and not systematic.

Accessories are in-scale with the figure. The chainsaw appears rugged in build and authentic in appearance with its jagged teeth, yellow body and worn handles. The hammer and knife also look worn and well-used. The knife looks home made with its tree limb handle, leather strap and twin screws holding the blade in place. The bucket appears well worn and the entrails within it look disgustingly real. Ewww!

Back Issue #32

If you love older comic books like I do and appreciate the artists and writers of yesteryear, you're sure to love TwoMorrows' Back Issue #32.

In this issue, travel back in time to see Green Lantern then and now, enjoy a Joe Staton art exhibition, travel the space ways with ROM Spaceknight and learn all about the legend of Bill Mantlo.

See what it took to create the DC and Marvel Universe Who's Who editions, dial up a hero, get inventive with Richie Rich, travel to the Metropolitan Museum Of Art to see Superheroes: Fashion And Fantasy and learn the secret history of All-American Comics, Inc.