General Ursus

The first time I saw the apes in Planet Of The Apes film I was scared silly.

When the gorilla General Ursus showed up in Beneath The Planet Of The Apes I was even more frightened.

The General Ursus 12-inch fully articulated figure comes in a Sideshow Collectibles flip lid box with information about the movie on the inside of the flap.

The cover of the box is a recreation of the movie’s poster.

Inside the 12-inch figure is snug (along with its accessories) inside a form fitted clear plastic cocoon and secured with plastic straps seen through a clear plastic viewing panel.

Can you imagine coming face to face with a leather-clad gorilla that only wants to imprison you and use you for target practice!

The figure is so elaborate in its multi-piece leather outfit that only one accessory comes wit the figure (not counting the circular base and support wire).

General Ursus carries a brown automatic pistol that fits in the holster that comes with the character's outfit. The figure’s preset hands hold the weapon tightly with no slippage or tilt.

General Ursus comes dressed all in black with knee high black boots molded to fit his simian feet, black cloth trousers and a long sleeve black shirt.

The Gorilla General wears a heavy leather helmet with leather side flaps and inscribed with symbolic ape insignia worked into the leather.

He wears a heavy chest piece with tooled shoulder and neck guard, upper arm armor plate, a full front and back tooled leather armor and thick black leather gloves.

Despite being decked out in heavy leather the figure moves easily under the uniform with no awkward disheveled armor pieces, unsightly and unnatural cloth folds or creases.

The sculpt of the ape face is exactly like the movie General with his flaring nostrils, large muzzle and dark, deep and foreboding eyes all framed by his full black beard just below his chin.

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

Frankenstein Alive, Alive! #1

The late comic book artist Bernie Wrightson first made a name for himself drawing horror anthologies eventually moving on to pencil DC Comics Swampthing.

But, when Wrightson created his Frankenstein illustrated plates special the world took notice. His art was incredible and extremely detailed.

Unfortunately as Wrightson grew older his eyesight started to fail and his output dwindled.

One of his final comic book illustrated tales was Frankenstein, Alive, Alive!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Frankenstein monster after his story ended in the famous novel?

In this iteration from IDW, by writer Steve Niles and artist Bernie Wrightson, Frankenstein winds up in a freak show as a sideshow attraction eking out a modest living with his fellow freaks.

After a brief interlude with the freaks, Frankenstein recollects what happened since his last act in the novel.

It seems he survived his self imposed exile, reunited with his creator, succumbed to depression and decided to end his own life.

In the last panel of issue #1 he buries himself in a mudslide, seemingly ending his existence. But how do you kill something or someone who isn’t really alive in the first place?

Bernie Wrightson’s illustration genius shines through as he provides some spectacular art. Sadly not too long after completing this mini-series and a couple more for IDW Bernie passed away.

However his legacy lives on in his art.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." — Romans 12:2

Comics Book Nerd #1

Comic books have often been the brunt of jokes. 

TwoMorrows Publishing’s Comic Book Nerd Magazine #1 pokes fun at collectors and readers.  Ouch!

Ok, OK I can take a friendly jab.  Much of what it lampoons is true if I and other comic book nerds will just admit it.

Over the decades comic book publishers have made fun of themselves and other publishers.  Marvel did it with Not Brand Echh!,  DC took a few digs with Plop! and even Image managed a few shots.

But no one has made fun of publishers AND comic book fans.

TwoMorrows Publishing one-shot Comic Book Nerd #1 unmercifully made fun of not only publishers but also individuals who read, collect and deal in comic books.

All you have to do is take a look at its front comer and you know what’s in store inside.

Magazines about comic books are the target of parody with names like Whizzer, Comic Book Meat Market, Comic Buyer’s Guise and so forth.

Monster and wars comic books make easy target, hot lists, the top ten the Silver Sage, Bagged Issue!, Ultra Ego, Mr. Muncher, Scrawl instead of drawing lesson, Charlatan Comics, Purviews and every other publication, editorial, collectors’ list are lambasted, lampooned and laughed at.

If you’re the sensitive type it’s best to avoid Comic Book Nerd.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” — Hebrews 13:5

LEGO DC Superheroes Visual Dictionary

"LEGO my DC Comics superhero figures!"

At first glance DK Books’ LEGO DC Super Heroes Visual Dictionary looks like it’s just for small kids.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Much of fandom knows LEGO is a big hit with collectors of all ages.  

Combine the bricks with DC characters and you’re bound to get a cool and iconic combinations.

The oversize hardbound book has colorful cover depicting many of DC Comics mainstay heroes and villains running toward the reader.

Included with the book is a small clear plastic section containing an exclusive Yellow Lantern Batman LEGO figure.  How cool is that!?

Just like other Visual Dictionary DK Books this particular book describes characters, locations vehicles, weapons-you name it that (in this case) populate the DC Comics Universe.

Full color photos of DC Universe characters include the various versions released over the years.  Every completist needs this book to make sure they get each and every LEGO figure, etc. 

Every aspect and character of the DC Universe is included along with full descriptions.  Also included is a behind-the-scenes section of how the various LEGO DC figures, etc. were created.

Get ready to explore and enjoy this very special tour of the DC Comics Universe.

"As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart." — Proverbs 27:19

Timothy Dalton As James Bond

You have to give Timothy Dalton a lot of credit.  Although he had been offered the role as James Bond while he was in his twenties Dalton refused because he felt he was not mature enough to handle the role.  Instead the role went to Roger Moore.

But, after Moore left the Bond franchise Dalton was once more considered for the role of Bond and this time he accepted.

Dalton brought a unique take on he role. He made Bond a very flawed and human figure.  He had his weaknesses, vices and failings.  He played him as a hired assassin and government attack dog.

Dalton as Bond was very much a tough and ruthless person when he needed to be.  He still loved the ladies and fine food and attire.  However he preferred hands-on espionage and did not always trust the latest spy gadgets.

Dalton’s first Bond film: The Living Daylights, was an enjoyable film.  He was getting accustomed to the character of Bond.

But, Dalton’s second Bond foray: Licence to Kill, really allowed the actor to shine. In the film Dalton nails the literary version of Bond-right down to his ruthlessness and ability to go completely cold emotionally.

The film also allowed Dalton to explore Bond on a more personnel level with a minimum use of trick gadgets.  The film was much more fists and fighting as opposed to using gadgets to thwart the bad guys.

The 12-inch Dalton as Bond figure comes in a flip lid box with a miniature reproduction of the film’s promotional poster on the cover.  Photos of the action figure and from the film decorate all the sides.  Actor bios and a film synopsis and a cast list are included on the inside flap and on the back of the box.

The Sideshow Collectibles' Timothy Dalton figure comes dressed in a solid black suit with a white shirt, a black bow tie and black shoes.

The shirt has black buttons down the front and on the cuffs and the white the lined jacket has two buttons with two waist pockets without flaps.

The figure’s hands are preset to hold the various weapons and accessories.

A circular Licence To Kill base with a wire support is included from posing the figure.

The figure’s similarity to actor Timothy Dalton’s facial features is striking.  The combed back black hair, deep-set dark eyes, heavy eyebrows, small straight nose, square jaw and cleft chin match Dalton's face exactly.

Skin tone variations make the face look almost real.

Included with figure is the custom attaché case provided by Q in the film.

Inside the briefcase is the ‘custom’ camera used by Bond, that includes a tripod, scope, extended rifle barrel, an ammo clip disguised as a film reel and various small attachments.

The pieces fit snugly in the form-fitting interior of the briefcase.

Also included is Bond’s Walther PPK handgun.  All the accessories and weapons are precision crafted and accurate miniature reproduction of the items as seen in the movie.

Detailing on the ‘camera’ is perfect with attachable parts that allow the ‘camera’ to be set up and broke down.

All the accessories fit snugly into the Bond figure’s preset hands.

The figure moves and poses with no binding or slippage of the clothes.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" — Jeremiah 29:11

Comic Book Artist Issue #1

Neal Adams and Alex Ross were featured in the first issue of Top Shelf’s Comic Book Artist magazine.

Both artists had a tremendous impact on the comic book industry.

Unfortunately Neal Adams passed away in May of 2022 at the age of 80.

Both Neal Adams and Alex Ross were given full color insert sections along with text, photos and art in the main body of the magazine.

Issue #1featured a Superman Adams/Ross collaboration cover.

Other articles in the square bound magazine included Stan Lee in the 1970s, a Craig Thompson sketchbook, an Arcade cover gallery, an examination of the life of Bill Griffith, a look at Super Green Beret, Michael Moorcock’s book and comic book work and a look at Barry Windsor Smith’s early work.

Also look for back issue goodies, the comic book marketplace and much much more.

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." — Proverbs 14:29

Tee Hee

One of James Bond’s chief adversaries in the film Live And Let Die was the hook for a right hand bad guy named Tee Hee.

While not on of Bond’s most memorable foes’ list Tee Hee did manage to bring a sense of danger to the film.  His smiling face, sadistic manner and knack for ending any discussion with the snip of his razor-sharp, scissor appendage made him dangerous.

Who’s tall, wears a bright red blazer with double gold buttons and large flared collar, light gray slacks, black pointed patent leather shoes and a gray shirt with silver button and a red and yellow tie?  Why Tee Hee of course!

This dark skin giant of a man is the enforcer for the notorious Mr. Big in the James Bond film Live And Let Die.

His weapon of choice is his large metal right hand with its pincher/scissor blades for fingers.

His jovial smiling face belies the fact that he is a ruthless killer who likes to ‘snip’ off body parts of his boss’s enemies.

The Sideshow Collectibles Tee Hee 12-inch figure comes packaged in a flip lid box with movie and character descriptions (along with photos) on the inside back and sides.

A single piece of tissue paper protects the clear plastic viewing panel from scuffing and the figure with accessories are secure in a form fitting plastic cocoon with plastic coated wires.

The second release movie poster from the film decorates the front of the box.

Included with fully-articulated and fully-posable figure are a circular Live And Let Die base and wire support for posing the figure, a small alligator, a chicken quarter and Tee Hee’s reflective sunglasses.

Clothing fits the figure with no bunching or unnatural folds or creases.  Color application is lifelike with variations of flesh tones,

The left hand holds the various items while the right hand with its claws can be posed open or closed.

Clothing details such as buttons, stitching, pockets, etc are in scale and function.

Tee Hee is definitely nothing to laugh at.  If you do, the jokes on you!

"He was pierced because of our rebellions and crushed because of our crimes. He bore the punishment that made us whole; by His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5

B-17 flying Fortress, Vol. 1

Imagine flying over enemy lines during WWII. All that is between you and their artillery fire is the fuselage of a bomber aircraft.

The brave men of the flight crew, despite the danger, flew on dangerous bombing raids to ensure the freedom of all people and to squash the Axis forces of the German Nazis and Japanese military might.

Let’s be honest, most of us would have been scared witless to fly into combat on such an aircraft.

Be it as the pilot, copilot, gunner or any other crew member you were trusting your life to the Flying Fortress.

As advanced as it was, the mere thought of flying into enemy territory, straight into enemy gunfire and knowing the odds of being shot down had to be a harsh reality to deal with.

In author David Doyle’s new book: B-17 Flying Fortress, Vol. 1 Boeing’s Model 299 Through B-17D In World War II, part of Schiffer Publishing’s Legends Of Warfare Aviation, you’re introduced to the aircraft is dazzling detail.

Exterior and interior photos examine every nook and cranny of the aircraft from the pilot cockpit to the bomb bays.

Picture flying this powerful, four-engine bomber with its full crew, bomb bays loaded with destructive power and praying you hit your target and return home safely.

The B-17 was an example of America’s technical ingenuity and rugged determination to win the war at all costs.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." — 1 Corinthians 10:13

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

Diamond Previews, January 2024

 

"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" — 1 Corinthians 4:7

ClanDestine #1

Imagine a family consisting of individuals whose parents consists of an immortal and a Djinn.

Blessed and cursed with unusual powers, the family is shunned and feared by the general public.  Thus, they keep their activities hidden, for the most part.

There are occasions however when they interfere with human events that pit the good against the bad.

In the ClanDestine five-part mini-series, written and drawn by Alan Davis, from Marvel Comics, readers were introduced to the various members of the ClanDestine.

The opening two-panel free for all was Alan Davis at his penciling best.

You were immediately drawn into the melee until you realized it is the imaginative musing of a young member of the family.

The series immediately stepped into the shadowy world of a secret organization tracking the members of the ClanDestine.

Its investigations were sinister and unbeknownst to the ClanDestine.

Meanwhile after a few family squabbles the family decided to set personal feelings aside and prepare for the visions experienced by their immortal father.

Danger awaited and only by banding together could the ClanDestine hope to survive.

Alan Davis created a very intriguing title with an unusual premise.  His artwork sparkled as did the inks by Mark Farmer.

While the mini-series led to a monthly series ClanDestine only lasted for a short time.

Marvel would be wise to bring them back as an X-Men offshoot.

It would be interesting to see Marvel’s mutants team up with them. 

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:31-32 

PBY Catalina

Is it a boat or is it a plane? How about both?

Did you know that at one time both passenger and cargo aircraft mostly landed on water before there were huge mega-airports?

Sounds frightening and challenging.

PBY Catalina Consolidated Flying Boat OF WWII, part of Legends Of Warfare Aviation by David Doyle and publisher Schiffer Publishing, takes a close look at the versatile aircraft that could both land on land and water.

It had too. Whether transporting troops, supplies, weapons, or surveying enemy strongholds and performing rescue missions the Catalina was designed to take off and land where most other aircraft could not.

Rugged, dependable and made to perform various tasks the PBY Catalina was the workhorse of the U.S. military.

The book provides a visual tour of the aircraft from stem to stern examining the cockpit, instrumentation, weapon stations, cargo areas and other vital locations throughout the aircraft.

Discover how the aircraft design came about and how it was constructed, tested and flown.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1

A Special Wizard Publication Dark Book ‘98

When authors Alan Moore and Frank Miller introduced their more realistic darks series: Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns respectively it has had a profound effect on the comic book industry ever since.

Back in the 1990s Wizard magazine ruled the roost when it came to covering comic books and associated pop culture collectibles.

What better way to commemorate ‘The Dark Side’ than to produce a special about the ultimate preview of 1998’s hottest villains?

And what villain stands out as one of the best (or is that the worst?) than none other than Doctor Doom: Marvel’s resident mad genius?

Inside get ready for necessary evil, masters of evil, villains in a league of their own, villains that cross the line, Hollywood's rogues gallery, bad boys, rogues galleries, villains masquerading as heroes, loser villains, a criminal tools and accessories catalog, the worst of the worst and a super villain reunion.

Any way you slice it this book serves up more villains than you can possibly imagine.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Hollywood Cafe

Imagine sitting down to enjoy a cup or coffee with one of your favorite TV or movie stars.

There is nothing like a cup of Joe, especially when you’re having it with your favorite celebrities.

Whether on set, in a quiet cafe someplace, a small restaurant, on the back lot, at a fund raiser or event I picture myself having a cup of coffee with celebrities from Hollywood.

Author Steven Rea’s new book: Hollywood Cafe Coffee With The Stars, published by Schiffer Publishing, is a collection of black and white photos of famous TV and movie stars sipping coffee from all the way back to the silent era of films.

I wish I would had opportunity to sip java with the likes of Jimmy Stewart, Rita Hayworth, Charlie Chaplin, Woody Allen, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine and dozens of other classic TV/movie stars and starlets.

Short descriptions tell where the photos were taken and who the stars are.

If you love Hollywood nostalgia and TV and films in general then pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of Joe and enjoy the famous company.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." — Proverbs 3:3-4

LED Hanging Magnetic Light

Have you ever had an occasion where you wish you had a small light that you could either hang or magnetically attach to a surface (say a car hood) to see and work on some project?

For a mere $1.25 Dollar Tree has a LED Hanging Magnetic Light that is perfect for just such occasions.

Made of plastic the light opens up in the back for inserting three AAA batteries.

A single on and off switch activates the light. A small strip of LEDs light up providing enough light to accomplish your tasks.

On the bottom of the long handle is a magnet for attaching to any metal surface.

Designed to look like a hanging, conventional caged light the LED Hanging Magnetic Light also comes with a small hook used for hanging from wires, etc.

I use mine for my closet and when I want to spotlight areas in my car’s engine or other household hard to see corners and niches.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." — Psalm 150:6