Sunday, July 31, 2022

Bob Marley Wall Art Building Set


As I’ve grown older I’ve discovered something important. You’re never too old to keep your eye and hand coordination sharp. Also dexterity is a big plus as well as critical thinking skills and color and composition capabilities.

That’s why I am delighted that Brickcraft has introduced its Bob Marley Wall Art Building Set that is gauged for 18+ years and up.

The Bob Marley Wall Art Building Set consists of 2,025 pieces along with six base plates, a signature tile, a color indicator, a brick remover and a brick-crafted frames. Two hanging points allow you to show off your Bob Marley Portraits on a shelf or wall.

You can choose between two classic Bob Marley Portraits that measure 10 inches by 15 inches each.

The Art Building Set is licensed by Bob Marley, king of Reggae music and the Rasta lifestyle.

What a perfect way to chill out, relax, get creative and tune out the rush and roar of modern life.

The easy to follow instructions make creating the Wall Art Building Set a breeze.

I really like the packaging of the Wall Art. As a graphic designer I appreciate the time and effort it took to complete the Set.

Everything comes in a colorful, heavy paper stock, flip-lid box that securely closes and keeps the contents from spilling out.

All of the individual color spots, bases and the like are contained in individual sealed plastic bags. Once removed the plastic color dots can be placed in small containers or even Styrofoam cups allowing for no muss or fuss.

It’s a well crafted, carefully throughout design that is well organized that makes the whole experience of putting the Art Boards together stress-free and fun.

John 14:1-3 (NIV) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Magazine: Wizard Superman Tribute Edition

The super Boy Scout gets his own special courtesy of Wizard Magazine.

In the First Edition Wizard Special Superman is seen battling it out with Doomsday on the special, metallic foldout cover.

Inside the special tribute magazine begins with Superman's origin and long publishing history.

From there it proceeds to fill first time readers in on Superman’s story, his adventures through the years, a glimpse at different ‘Supermen’, a look back at writer Alan Schwartz Superman scripts and a talk with Elliot S! Maggin.

Superman’s role as a pop icon, his movie rolls, his friends and foes and some of the clunkers premiered in the various Superman titles are also covered.

Discover superman’s lesser powers, the perks of being Superman, a Superman quiz, a price guide to Superman titles, favorite Superman stories and what tit means to be superman are all covered.

Lots of art reproductions both in color and black white, archival photos and more greet readers in this very special issue.

Matthew 19:14 (KJV) “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Thursday, July 28, 2022

12-Inch Star Wars Figure: Mace Windu Jedi Master Order Of The Jedi

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It’s been said that actor Samuel L. Jackson petitioned to be in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy.  He even requested that his character Mace Windu Jedi Master Order Of The Jedi have a purple Lightsaber.

As always he turned in a great performance and the final battle of the Emperor Palpatine and Mace Windu was epic.

Sideshow Collectibles created a 12-inch articulated figure to commemorate Mace Windu.

The Sideshow Exclusive figure comes in Sideshow’s thicker double hinge box with photos of Mace decorating all sides, information panels on the inside flaps and spine and separate sections for the accessories and figure.

A sheet of tissue paper separates the two sections keeping both from getting scuffed or damaged.

Both the accessories and figure are encased in form fitting clear plastic cocoons and covered by single clear sheets of plastic for viewing and protection.

Accessories include a belt with Lightsaber Hook and opening pouches that look like leather, an Episode II and III Lightsaber Hilt and an Episode II and III Lightsaber Hilt with an ignited blade.

Also included is an Episode I Lightsaber with ignited blade, Jedi food capsules, Jedi Holoprojector and Jedi Comlink.

Interchangeable hands include left and right Lightsaber grip, a Forces gesture left hand and a severed hand stump.

The hands are easily removed and replaced-snap on, snap off.  Weapons and accessories stay firmly in hands’ grip and remain in position when the figure is posed using the stand and wire support.

The lit Lightsabers are a translucent purple and the Lightsaber grips are detailed exactly like Mace’s larger versions.

Also included with the Deluxe figure is Jango Fett’s silver and blue helmet with telescoping site.

The Mace figure looks exactly like actor Samuel Jackson including his characteristic scowl, baldhead and intense eyes.  Lips, nose, ears and facial structure are perfect miniature duplicates of Jackson’s features.

The figure is fully articulated and when posed the cloths do not bind or tear.  Wrinkles look natural, as do the folds and overlaps of fabric.

The figure comes dressed in traditional Jedi attire that includes a medium brown overcoat with long sleeves with no cuffs and has shoulder pleats ending at the large waistband.

The overcoat sleeves are wide at the bottom for free movement and a large hood attaches to the overcoat.

The overcoat splits below the waistband and duplicates the upper pleats.

A large brown leather belt with silver buckles and fasteners hold the overcoat in place.

Undergarments include a medium brown ‘vest’ over a light tan shirt with no collar.

Light tan loose fitting pants and brown knee boots with layered leather make up the balance of the outfit.

It is a remarkably done figure with accessories.  Expect to pay upward of $200 for the figure in the box.

Job 19:25 (NKJV) “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;”

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Book: All In Color For A Dime

Imagine if you will-a time when kids could travel t0 distant planets, have super powers, fight crime, find romance, visit the Old west and take part in dozens of adventures for a mere dime.

Authors Dick Lupoff and Don Thompson wrote one of the first critical historical books about Golden Age of comic books with their All In Color for A Dime book from Krause Publications.

Periodically updated the book offers the new generation of comic book collectors and readers a quick resource and guide to the Golden Age of comic books.

Composed of interviews and personal testimonies of those artists and writers who produced the books during the Golden age that book hoofers a first hand account of that particular time in comic book publishing was like.

Look for lots of fun facts, inside information including a full color section, and index and more as originally compiled in the early 1960s.

I believe to really understand and hobby or craft it’s best to learn as much about the history of whatever subjects you’re interested in.

That way you get a real appreciation of not only the craft but also those who created it, refined it and pioneered the hobby or craft.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Monday, July 25, 2022

Beware My Power!

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s I was used to Hal Jordan as earth’s Green Lantern.

In the early 1970s a new Green Lantern appeared: John Stewart, a ex-Marine living in the inner city and coping with the high crime rate and corruption in his neighborhood.

John was brash, full of bravado, intelligent, resourceful and most of all possessed a will of iron. It would be traits that perfectly suited him to become the new Green Lantern.

In Warner Bros. DC Universe Movie Green Lantern Beware My Power 4k Ultra HD/Blu-ray/Digital Code Combo Pack, John’s origin as Green Lantern is recalled and slightly revised.

When ex-Marine sniper John Stewart struggles with delayed stress syndrome he thinks he is hallucinating when he encounters a dying alien with a Green Lantern power ring. When the alien dies the ring selects John to be the next Green Lantern of earth.

From there John is sent to the Justice League headquarters where he faces off against JL members who, at first, fight him only to discover he is a Green Lantern.

The JL members (The Marian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl and Vixen) and John team up to discover what happened to earth’s original Green Lantern Hal Jordan.

Green Lantern and several members of the JL travel to two far away planets that are gripped in war.

While there they finds themselves enmeshed in the war and face off Against Sinestro of the Yellow Lanterns and several other super villains.

Beware My Power has lots of action, some great animation and a compelling story that delivers both the legend of the Green Lanterns and various DC heroes and villains.

Included in the Combo Pack is a John Stewart featurette and two bonus cartoons.

Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Sunday, July 24, 2022

12-inch Figure: Reservoir Dogs Mr. Brown




It’s not often a director of a film also costars in their film, especially one of their first films.

That’s exactly what Quentin Tarantino did in his bloody crime film Reservoir Dogs.

Tarantino is known for his over the top violent and bloody films and Reservoir Dogs tops the list.

Reservoir Dogs is a film about a bunch of guys who pull a jewelry heist only to have it blow up in their faces.  Lies, deceit, double crosses, hidden agendas, false identities and lots of blood and violence all combine to make the film a cult classic.

This is the first film by Tarantino which would establish him as one of the most unique movie directors of all time.  Told in a back and forth through time fashion the film breaks many of the film standards of the time.

Ironically Tarantino as Mr. Brown gets killed early in the film.

Palisades Toys released two series of 12-inch fully articulated Reservoir Dogs figures.  Mr. Brown comes from the first series.

The resemblance to Tarantino is remarkable right down to his pale skin, the slightly jutting lower jaw, heavy brow and dark eyebrows, the small intense eyes and the receding hairline match the actor/director to a tee.

The sculpt work on the face is well done.  The figure’s hands are preset to hold the various weapons and accessories that come with the figure.

Paint application is clean, well defined for each area and has subtle shade differences giving the face a more realistic look.

The figure, as well as the accessories, are held in place by a plastic cocoon and straps where necessary.  A special Reservoir Dogs stand is also included.

A clear plastic sheet covers the figure and accessories and when the flip lid of the box is closed only the head and upper chest of the figure can be seen.

Mr. Brown comes dressed in solid black suit with a three-button coat with four pockets, black shoes and tie and white shirt.

The cloths fit loosely enough so the figure can move easily with no binding or bunching of material.

Stitching and buttons are to scale and the quality of the figure and clothing is first rate.

Included with the Mr. Brown figure are a.45 automatic pistol, a .38 Snub Nose, a Shoulder Holster, a Pack of Smokes, a Cigarette, a Lighter, Sunglasses, a CD Case with CD and an Alternate Head with a bullet hole and blood.

Overall it’s an impressive package, nicely sculpted, painted and detailed and a great collector item.



1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Friday, July 22, 2022

Trading Card Game: Legendary Duelists Season 3

From Konami comes the latest and greatest Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game’s best of the best duelists in Legendary Duelists Season 3.

Collect Cards for heroes, villains, and heroes-turned-villains, in the same place!

Legendary Duelist Season 3 features Cards first introduced in Legendary Duelists: Immortal Destiny and Legendary Duelists: Magical Hero

Be on the look out for the Dark Magician, HERO, Synchrons, and more!

Each Box of Legendary Duelists: Season 3 includes:

1 Secret Rare

6 Ultra Rares come in the colors of the 3 Duel Academy dorms: 2 red Ultra Rares for Slifer Red, 2 blue Ultra Rares for Obelisk Blue, and 2 standard Ultra Rares for Ra Yellow.

A special bonus of several collectible Dice featuring famous monsters or symbols associated with Yugi, Jaden, and Yusei.

30 Commons

Do you have what it takes to become a Legendary Duelist?

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Magazine: Upcoming!! Diamond Previews, August 2022

 




Thursday, July 21, 2022

Sideshow Statue: Why Choose Homer Simpson?


For a short period in the early 2000s Sideshow Collectibles produced a number of Limited Edition Polystone Busts of some of The Simpsons characters.

Homer Simpson was the first and Sideshow managed to capture the beer-guzzling, dimwitted Homer in perfect miniature scale.

The Homer Simpson polystone figure stands approximately 8 to 9 inches tall.

The figure ends at the waist and is mounted on a pedestal of white with a tapered base.

Homer has a grumpy look on his face with his eyes looking slightly to his left and his arms crossed.

The figure is cradled in a plastic form-fitting cocoon and is clearly displayed behind a clear oval panel.

The box is rectangular and stands vertically.

The Limited Edition figure is heavily protected with interior Styrofoam in a heavy paper stock box and sealed in a plastic bag.  

Color application and sculpting are clean and crisp with no bleed over paint or rough sculpt edges.

Bart, Lisa and Marge figures are also available.

Get yours quickly as they have become much sought after collectibles. Doh!

John 14:6 (NKJV) “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

DVD: The Gilded Age

Human beings have the tendency to assume that human events that occurred decades or centuries ago that things were not as complicated or sophisticated as they are today.

That’s a false assumption. Men and women have always been complicated creatures.

Lust, greed, avarice, social status, haves and have-nots, politics, religion, bigotry, prejudice, hypocrisy and all the other less savory human traits have been around since mankind first walked the earth.

So too were generosity, compassion, charity and the more noble attributes of man and woman.

In Warner Bros. The Gilded Age The Complete First Season DVD collection shown on HBO, all of the aforementioned traits (both good and bad) are on full display.

It was a time when fortunes could be won and lost in an instant.

When a young orphaned woman moves into the home of her two aunts she finds herself caught up the world of the rich where class and wealth meant everything.

She faced a choice. Does she adapt to the ways of rich and powerful or did she choose her own path despite her aunts’ constant bickering.

She learned to mingle with powerful railroad barons, influential publishers, wealthy entrepreneurs and the upper class in their tit for tat war of social status.

Constant bickering, maneuvering and back-stabbing were the norm as well as other backroom bantering.

The series boasts incredible serious sets, classic costumes, impressive interiors and exteriors that capture the sheer exuberance and frivolity of the mid-19th Century Gilded Age.

The DVD collection contains all of the First Season episodes along with several featurettes about the creation of the series, characters, sets, costumes and more.

It’s a superbly acted period piece that lovers of rich and pompous lifestyles of The Gilded Age.

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Diecast: Is The Fendt 936 Vario The Best Choice For Farmers?


It’s time to bring in the crops!   The Fendt 936 Vario tractor is extremely versatile.  It can used for wood-chopping as well as the usual type of farming tractor work. It comes in a variety of models such as with or without rear power lift, rear PTO, front PTO, reversing driver station and a range of hydraulic, attachment and power lift and it is compatible with all common attachments.

The Schuco 1:87 Scale diecast comes in a small clear plastic container with a black base inside a light cardboard slipcase.

The vehicle is attached to the base to avoid slippage and damage.

It also keeps the vehicle stationary for display.

Painted a solid green with a white roof the vehicle has a clear glass cockpit with a black seat and interior including a steering wheel and instrument panel.

Black highset rearview mirrors, a flashing red roof light, a black extended chassis exhaust, large fenders with rear red lights, a trailer hitch, front grill with lights side ladders and a heavy duty plow and accessory attachment make up the balance of the cab and chassis.

Four large rubber tires with red wheels attach to the fully detailed chassis.

It’s an amazingly accurate miniature of the Fendt 936 Vario with excellent paint application, perfect detailing and movable parts and tires.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Sunday, July 17, 2022

More Doodles

 





Diecast: The P-38J--Lightning of Capt Robin Olds-Did It Work?


Imagine flying a WWII fighter aircraft that had the cockpit suspended between two fuselages.  This unusual design made the aircraft more stable but also more complicated to fly.  With its double fuselage it also had joined rear wings, a single large front wing and two tail wings.

It must have been exciting to test fly such a radically designed aircraft and a little frightening as well.

The P-38J 1:72 diecast aircraft model comes in a lidded box and is held in place with a clear and blue plastic cocoon.  Additional parts are sealed in a small plastic bag and the 3-part stand for displaying the model is snug in the cocoon.

The main fuselage of the aircraft is olive green with black and white stripes decorating the front wings and rear fuselage air intakes.

The rear stabilizer wings are tipped in red

The aircraft has a single cockpit (with pilot) protected behind a segmented windshield.

Various weapons, communication and other devices extend above and below the P-38J.

Each fuselage sports a tri-blade propeller with yellow tips.

The rear wing expansion has an airspeed indicator perched in its middle.

An extra set of wheels is inset on the top of the aircraft-one on each fuselage.

Under the aircraft are open areas where the detachable wheels may be attached.  If posed as in flight detachable plates cover the wheel wells.

Twin extra fuel tanks may also be attached below the fuselages.

It’s a beautifully crafted model-probably one of the best Corgi model diecast created by the company.

Romans 8:28-29 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”


Thursday, July 14, 2022

Captain Marvel #3-Does The Super Skrull Win?

When I first saw the striking green cover to Marvel Comic’s Captain Marvel #3 years ago I wanted the issue.  The fact that The Super Skrull was on the cover convinced me to purchase it.  That was back in the 1960s.

Defeated and captured by The Super Skrull, Captain Mar-vell feigns unconsciousness in the hopes of stopping the Super Skrull.

Unfortunately The Super Skrull removes the Captain’s helmet thus making his vulnerable to a huge explosion should Mar-vell fail to stop it.

Using a mind-sifting machine the Super Skrull reads Mar-vell’s mind and views his memories from the past few days.

After probing Mar-vell’s mind The Super Skrull learns a shocking secret.

Mar-vell manages to escape with The Super Skrull in hot pursuit.  He makes it back to his ship and despite his commander’s interference returns to earth to stop The Super Skrull.

The story ends with a battle and The Super Skrull mesmerized by his own super-hypnosis.

In this issue The Sentry makes an appearance as does Carol Danvers (the future Captain Marvel).

Roy Thomas provides the worlds and artist Gene Colan the art.

Gene was never too keen on drawing superheroes but despite that he turns in some spectacular art.  Later on in his career he would pencil The Avengers, Daredevil, and Howard The Duck and perhaps his most famous Marvel Comics work: Dracula.

Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV) “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

A Few Drawings

 I knocked out a few pencil drawings this morning.

I needed the practice. It's been awhile.