Three Dragons, Icarus and Chicken

It’s easy to see why Safari Ltd. is the leader in producing small figures for toy stores, hobby shops and various retail stores.  You’ll even find many of its dinosaurs, prehistoric and animal figures in museum gift shops.

I just received five new figures and they include three dragons, Icarus and The Life Cycle of a Chicken.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to see Safari Ltd.’s dragon figures you are in for a treat. All are absolutely beautiful figures featuring superb sculpting, impressive color and paint application and are truly unique. This time around three new dragons have been released.

They include Dragon King, a two-head bright yellow and orange scaly monster with three-toe feet, sharp burnt orange claws and horns and piecing red eyes. Its large, massive jaws show off equally large teeth.  Take a moment to appreciate the incredible detail of this beauty.

I’m especially impressed with the careful attention that was given to put each and every scale on the creature, right down to its serpentine tail.

Another Safari Ltd. beautiful dragon is the Golden Dragon.  Modeled in two-tone gold, the long, serpentine dragon sports batlike wings, a large fin on top of its head and upper neck fluted between its curved gold horns.  The red eyes and maw accent the four-leg monstrosity with its curved and undulating body and its sweeping, curing tail ending in a golden fin.

The dog-like Good Luck Dragon is white with light brown accents on its fur and scale body.  Long fluffy ears sweep off its furry head and maw and its pink nose and pink trimmed eyes give it a puppy dog-like appearance.

Its six legs covered with fur hold up the long flexible body ending in a canine tail with a fur tufted end.

The tragic figure of Icarus is duplicated perfectly in miniature with his leather strap wings, short tunic, sandaled feet and long, lean and muscular body topped by a handsome face with blue eyes and tuft of dark brown hair.  Just look at the detail on his face!

For the science-minded comes the Safariology Life Cycle of a Chicken that breaks down the life cycle of a common chicken starting with a nest of eggs, then to a hatching struggling out its shell, a cute yellow hatchling ending with a fully mature white chicken with red crown and yellow beak and feet.

Fangoria #329, January

If you need more gore, have the need to bleed and want a glut of guts then be sure to pick up the latest issue of Fangoria magazine that’s been ‘The First In Fright’ since 1979.
Here’s what you can expect to find in issue #329 for the month of January 2014.

IN MEMORIAM: PHILIP NUTMAN A salute to the great writer and longtime Fango contributor, taken from us too soon.
MINIFEATURE: ANTONIA BIRD Remembering the individualistic director of the cannibal cult fave “Ravenous.”
RETROSPECTIVE: “PET SEMATARY,” PART ONE Covering the Stephen King-film shoot required a graveyard jaunt and a bit of subterfuge.
PREVIEW: “I, FRANKENSTEIN” Director Stuart Beattie reveals how he and the “Underworld” team are rethinking a legend.
PREVIEW: “FEAR FORCE FIVE” Giant monsters get up to gory business in Jack Perez’s new on-line series; who can stop them??
PREVIEW: “CRAVE” Venture with filmmaker Charles de Lauzirika deep into a damaged mind seeking salvation.
INTERVIEW: GREG NICOTERO He started off making up “The Walking Dead” and has ended up giving them their marching orders.
INTERVIEW: GEORGE A. ROMERO The zombies hit New York in his “Empire of the Dead” comic, and you’ll want to be a part of it. Plus: John Russo’s double feature on the page.
PREVIEW: “HALLEY” Actor Alberto Trujillo offers an introspective take on living death in the festival fixture.
INTERVIEW: FRANCISCO BARREIRO With “Here Comes the Devil” and “We Are What We Are,” he’s becoming a staple of Mexican madness.
INTERVIEW: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN Presenting ultimate evil in “The Exorcist” was a matter of faith, according to its director.
INTERVIEW: ELIZABETH SHEPHERD On a wing and not a prayer, she became an Antichrist victim in “Damien—Omen II.”
FEATURE: BILL MOHALLEY This year marked three decades in design for our longtime art director.
INTERVIEW: JIM VANBEBBER The maverick filmmaker went Ogre the top to match images with Skinny Puppy’s “Spasmolytic.”
DIARY OF THE DEB: “SERIAL KALLER” AND “AXE TO GRIND” It’s age before booty as Debbie massacres her way through these two flicks.
FEATURE: DANIELLE K L ANATHEMA Twisted—and therapeutic—visions haunt her photographic canon.
MINIFEATURE: LIISA LADOUCEUR She’ll teach you everything you need to know about Goth—and “How to Kill a Vampire.”
WEIRD WORDS: “QUEENY’S LAST RUN” The first of three top entries from our second short-story competition.
INTERVIEW: STEVEN-CHARLES JAFFE Having taking us to “Hell” and “Dark,” he now turns his producing eye toward macabre artist Gahan Wilson.
INTERVIEW: GILMER McCORMICK As a sympathetic nun, she tried to prevent a “Silent Night, Deadly Night.”
FEATURE: WHERE ARE THE WOLVES? A look at why lycanthropes haven’t gotten the same onscreen due as their bloodsucking brethren.
FIRST RITES The devil made him love it
POSTAL ZONE Defending the Dream
MONSTER INVASION Previews of “Open Grave,” “Banshee Chapter,” “The Pick-Axe Murders Part III” and “Speak No Evil”
THE VIDEO EYE OF DR. CYCLOPS Reviews of “Crawlspace,” “Snuff,” “Byzantium,” “Jug Face” and others
MONSTER OF THE MONTH The “Humanoids from the Deep”
DUMP BIN DIARIES Millennium’s “Snake Attack 4 Film Pack”

Mastering Manga 1 and 2

Author/artist (creator of Akiko) Mark Crilley serves up two books on how to draw, ink and color Manga with a decidedly American flair.

 

Both book (published by Impact) delve into the how and how-to of creating Manga.

The first volume begins with the basics such as faces, figures, movement, body types and environments.  Each of the 30 drawing lessons leads readers through careful instructions and tips on how to create their own Manga characters and world.

Different types of Manga are introduced as are how to cloth figures, fighting, action, perspective, types of drawing supplies need and the various techniques of drawing that can be used.

In the second volume Mark takes readers one step further in their instruction with an additional 30 drawing lessons that up the ante of quality and technique.  More attention is given to the Manga figure, hair, story-telling trick and tips, composition, light and shadow, layouts, panels, inking and bringing all the various elements of Manga creation together to a cohesive whole.

For the aspiring Manga artist both books are invaluable resources to help them along the way.

Star Wars Death Star Imperial DS-1 Orbital Battle Station Owner’s Technical Manual

Authors and designers Ryder Windham, Chris Reiff and Chris Trevas have combined their considerable creative talents to layout, draw and explain the deadliest weapon in the Star Wars Universe: the Death Star!

 

Haynes, Lucas Books and Del Rey have joint published the Star Wars Death Star Imperial DS-1 Orbital Battle Station Owner’s Technical Manual and it contains everything you need to know about the formidable world destroyer.

Did you know that there were pre-prototypes for the Death Star and that the Death Star II is considerably bigger than Death Star?  Hard to believe!

The book begins with the history of the Death Star and the spacecraft that preceded it which include the Trade Federation Battleship, Trade Federation Core Ship, Eye of Palpatine, Torpedo Sphere, The Tarkin and the Death Star Prototype.  Each ship is examined closely with illustrations of each.

From there the book dissects the Death Star deck-by-deck covering each and every facet and nook and cranny of the impressive planet killer.  You’ll learn about its propulsion, weapons, personnel, security, command center, surface trenches and defense weapons, air shaft and other key locations and functions.

From there you’ll proceed to the Death Star II and a handy size comparison chart allows readers to size up just how large each spacecraft or station is.

Beside full color illustrations, charts, diagrams and photos the book also contains historical and informative text about each and every craft.  If you’re a Star Wars fan you MUST have this book.  If only the Rebel Alliance had such a book-many lives would have been spared.

JAL, Dragonfly, Shark, Pirate, Tech and Hospital

Hasegawa Hobby Kits does it again with a brand new batch of Limited Edition plastic model kits that are sure to make any model maker swoon regardless of the type of model they love.  And what’s not to love!?

With every release of Hasegawa models I’m more and more impressed.

First let’s talk about details.  No one matches Hasegawa’s talent for details.  Regardless of scale each and every model made duplicates every detail of any vehicle right down to the rivets and seams!  Ships, aircraft, cars, motorcycles, and spacecraft-you name it, Hasegawa never skimps on details.

You’ve got to hand it to Hasegawa’s creative team-they do their homework! Each and every component is accurate in scale and shape.  Take a moment to look over each model’s instructions.  You’ll always find historical and spec information on the vehicle recreated.  

Speaking of instructions:  putting together Hasegawa Hobby Kits is not for the feint of heart.  Have no fear.  Follow the easy-to-understand instructions and before you know it your model will be painted, decaled and assembled in no time and proudly displayed for all to see. 

Parts detach easily from part trees with minimal or no flashing requiring no trim work.  Parts fit together snuggly leaving no unsightly open seams or offset connections.  Decals are clearly marked and apply smoothly with little or no fuss.  Clean up is a snap!  

Scaled at 1:200 Hasegawa’s Japan Airlines Boeing 777-200ER scale model is simple aeronautic design brought to its most sophisticated level.

With its increased fuel capacity, the long-haul overseas jet passenger aircraft can stay in flight for just short of 9,000 miles.  Pretty impressive.

Equally impressive is the fact that it can carry hundreds of passengers and is only a twin-engine aircraft. Long and slender, the solid white jet is emblazoned only with Japan Airlines logos and type.  Four exit doors are on each side and the engines are mounted mid-wing.

Although the aircraft looks simple it is far form simplistic.  Sophisticated radar and instrumentation make it extremely safe, reliable and super-efficient.

Like the aircraft the model kit is uncomplicated in appearance but appearances can be deceiving.  Clean, aerodynamic and smooth lines of any aircraft are hard to duplicate.  Parts must be precisely engineered and duplicated to exact specifications in a model kit or the clean lines are lost amidst mismatched parts.

No worry when it comes to Hasegawa’s model kit.  Parts fit together precisely duplicating the smooth lines of the aircraft.  No easy feat.  Decals apply smoothly with easy repositioning when first applied.  Paint application is minimal but necessary and like the assembly and decals it can be matched perfectly using the enclosed instructions.

Another 1:72 Scale model is the A-37B Dragonfly Black Eagles twin kit.  Yes, you read right-twin kits!

From 1994 to 2007 Korea's Air Demonstration Team, "Black Eagles", amazed crowds of spectators with their aeronautic acrobatics of daring do. Powered by twin engine Cessnas, the straight winged, subsonic Black Eagles have proven themselves extremely reliable and safe, especially considering the dangerous acrobatics they perform.

The long, flat bodies of the aircraft look small compared to the oversize cockpits.  Jet air intakes hug each side of the fuselages while fuel/stabilizers tip each wing.  Equally large are the rear wings and fins.

Their distinctive red, white and blue decorations make them easy to spot at air shows and demonstrations.

The twin-set models can be assembled with wheels up or down. The tri-window cockpits are a bit of a challenge but with careful maneuvering they fit into place perfectly.

Display the models side by side on a dresser or bureau or string them up as if flying in close formation.  Either way they look awesome!

The Chinese (especially the Chinese military) are not known for following the rules and guidelines set up by the world community when it comes to weapons and military aircraft.
Their PRC J-15 Flying Shark super-sonic fighter is a perfect example of this.  Violating international copyright laws and agreements the Flying Sharks are the arsenals of the skies.  With 12 air-to-air missiles and autocannon whose going to argue with you over a few ‘minor’ infractions like copying the Sukhoi-33?

Ironically the aircraft carriers that launch the Flying Sharks were also modified and upgraded unlawfully.  Is it any wonder the Chinese are known for their rip-offs of Western technology and products?

Regardless of your political leanings you have to admit that the Flying Shark is an impressive aircraft.  So is Hasegawa’s 1:72 Scale plastic model fashioned after it.

As I mentioned in the earlier review of the 777-200ER making a model that maintains clean unbroken lines with no imperfection on a long fuselage aircraft is difficult.  It is equally difficult to match up and keep smooth surfaces when creating an aircraft model with oversize, large surface area wings such as the Flying Shark’s.

But, Hasegawa does it again and it’s a perfect job with no unsightly seam lines or mismatch adhesion points between wings and fuselage.

The swept-back wings seamlessly merge into the rear fuselage, stabilizing rear fins and twin rear-mounted jet engines.  Two small front stabilizing wings just under the large main wings and front fuselage give the model the look of a predator: a predator of the skis!
The single pilot cockpit is barely a bump on the fuselage with full interior details. The body of the aircraft shows every flush seam and panel. Missiles are discreetly tucked under the aircraft and the autocannon melds perfectly with the fuselage.  I love the way the twin jets sweep below the fuselage giving the aircraft a tilt-forward profile.

Decals include the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Code: 554 and swimming sharks.
Manga/Anime fan favorite Captain Harlock is known by the spacecraft he commands.  
  
Hasegawa has recreated the massive Space Pirate Battleship Arcadia 2 complete with its skull-decorated bow.  Scaled at 1:1500 you can imagine how big the real ship is.

Built to defend mankind from the invading alien Mazone the semi-sentient ship is nothing to be trifled with.

With its Pulsar cannons and decks bristling with firepower the one-ship fortress is read to take on the most dangerous of foes.  Watch out for its grappling hook!

Recreated in glorious 3D the Space Pirate Battleship Arcadia 2 plastic model is a sleek weapon of destruction with its curved hull, impressive battery of cannon, shielded command deck and powerful engines.  Side wings integrated into the engines give the ship an ‘old world’ feel especially when combined with the ancient mariner, rear deck, captain’s quarters emblazoned with the pirate flag.  Conning towers and sensors complete the package of this stygian gray master of the space ways.

A special grappling arm base suspends the ship several inches off any surface.  Did I mention the gun turrets move!?

The model is a marvel of imaginative engineering.  From a thing of pure imagination the Hasegawa craftsmen have successfully translated the 2D spacecraft into a real 3D model model-makers will be proud to display.

The 1:12 Scale Yamaha YZR500 (0WA8) Tech 21 1989 Limited Edition motorcycle model from Hasegawa is sleek machine of a different sort.  While not space worthy this motorcycle looks like it could take off at any moment.

 Japan’s famous Tadahiko Taira was but one of the riders who road the Tech 21 to ten world championships.  

The sleek, wraparound canopy hides the powerful engine, impressive suspension and high-tech innovations of the motorcycle.  

Decorated in multi-colors the Yamaha YZR500 (0WA8) Tech 21 model captures the look and feel of the real motorcycle.  Every gear, sprocket, engine component, steering linkage and inner workings are present as are rubber-like tires, custom wheels and tucked in driver seat with front gas tank and rear cushion and back support.

To assemble this model presents a challenge as model makers must meticulously assemble each part (carefully marked and labeled on part trees) to make this two-wheel dynamo turn out perfect.  Heavy on paint and decal application the time spent assembling this model is well worth it.  Check out the custom kickstand display also provided. 

I saved the best for last.  The Hasegawa Hobby Kits’ 1:350 Scale IJN Hospital Ship Hikawa Maru is a massive model that makes for a delightful and fun challenge to any diehard model maker.  This ain’t your Momma’s model!

Dubbed the Lucky Lady of the NYK Line the Hospital Ship Hikawa Maru was considered one of the most luxurious ocean liners in the 1930s.  When WWII broke out it was refitted and used as a hospital ship.  She lived up to her ‘lucky’ name by surviving numerous mine strikes and after the war was temporarily converted back to a passenger ship and eventually wound up as a floating museum.

The model is impressive to say the least.  Here’s something new.  The ship comes packed in two layers in its box.  The hull of the ship floats on a specially designed cardboard carriage above the ships other parts.  The instructions (which I almost mistook for a poster) is rolled up in the ‘upper level’ of the model.  

A large number of part trees holding almost 400 parts.  Lifeboats, cranes, railing, faux wooden decks, anchors, deck levels, a single smokestack, mast and much more upper deck paraphernalia come with the model.  The body of the ship has pre-drilled portholes, hull plate delineations and areas for the propellers and rudder.

Instructions guide you through paint and decal application that include Red Cross symbols and green, white and brown hull paint.  Twin gold circular bases hold the ship model approximately three inches from any surface.  

Imagine seeing such a craft plying the waterways.  Take a moment to look over the classic design of the decks, hull, rigging, passenger quarters and conning tower.  It’s a thing of beauty lovingly recreated in small scale and Hasegawa even throws in some photoetched parts for even more detail.  That’s what I call ‘ship shape.’ 

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction #711, January/February

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction offers some great articles by new and veteran sci-fi and fantasy writers.  Look for these articles this issue.

NOVELLAS
In Her Eyes      

NOVELETS
The New Cambrian
The Man Who Hanged Three Times
The Via Panisperna Boys in "Operation Harmony"
Out of the Deep
The Museum of Error

SHORT STORIES
The Story-Teller
The Lion Wedding
For All of Us Down Here
We Don't Mean To Be 

DEPARTMENTS
Books to Look For
Books
Plumage From Pegasus: The Very Last Miserabilist in Paradise
Films: Virtual Gravity
Science: Rover the Superdog
Coming Attractions
Curiosities        

CARTOONS
 Arthur Masear, Danny Shanahan, Bill Long

COVER
"Ambush" by Ed Valigursky