Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle Of Rum!--Blackbeard The Pirate

For a short period Sideshow Collectibles expanded its 12-inch action figure line to included historical, military and classic TV characters.

One such historical character they released as part of Sideshow’s Live By The Sword series was Captain Edward Teach “Blackbeard The Pirate”.

Eight figures were created for the series, the regular 12-inch Blackbeard The Pirate being one of them.  A separate Prestige version was also released.

I’m a big fan of pirates.  There’s something about their freewheeling and scallywag ways that appeal to me.

I love Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean films and many of the early pirate films Hollywood turned out in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

Sideshow has done an excellent job of capturing the buccaneer bad boy Blackbeard decked out in his pirate regalia.

The Blackbeard figure is one of the most elaborate figures Sideshow had created early in its company’s history.  It really is remarkable in its costuming and accessories.

Starting with the face sculpt the figure features a remarkable degree of detail.

The figure wears a tri-corner brown hat with twin rows of silver piping all around it and a large red ribbon.

Blackbeard wears a bandana underneath.  His long hair is braided in gray and ends in blunted ends with embers that smoke to intimidate his crew and enemies.

He has a long mustache and an equally long beard.  His beard has four braids ending in bright red ribbons-emulating red embers.

Blackbeard’s face s a study in fury with his heavy black eyebrows, scowling eyes, wrinkled brow and mouth agape with jagged discolored teeth.

His beard flows over his chest and he wears a red buccaneer coat with large upturned cuffs with three gold buttons each.

His coat hangs open and goes past his waist.  

A long row of gold buttons cascade down the front right of the coat and two large pockets with flaps also has gold buttons.

Over the coat two leather belts crisscross over his chest.  They hold the three ornate single shot pistols.  Attached to one belt is a brown ammo/powder container with a single brass button.

All three pistols sport wooden handles and elaborate silver firing mechanisms.
 

One firearm (more like a small rifle/blunderbuss) is larger than three pistols.    It also is of wood and metal.

The three pistols attach to the leather straps and the larger firearm is tucked in his looped belt with gold buckle.

Underneath his coat Blackbeard wears a light brown tunic with a row of gold buttons.  It appears to be made of a rough fabric almost like burlap.

His pantaloons are of a similar fabric only they are a light brown and end mid-calve.

Under the pantaloons he wears burgundy socks /inner pants.  His shoes are dark brown, almost black, and have large discolored buckles.

Also included with the figure is a large curved sword with a large wood and metal pommel and guard.  It is blood splattered.  

The figure and accessories are secured in a clear plastic cocoon and covered by a clear plastic sheet for viewing.

The box holding the figure showcases Blackbeard on its front and its lid opens up to reveal the figure and accessories.

Figure articulation is smooth, easy to pose and allows the figure to easily stand on its own.  The figure’s hands are well suited to hold the weapons and the fabrics slide smoothly over the figure with no resistance.

Folds and stitching look natural, as does the fit of the various articles of clothing.

It’s a remarkable figure with outstanding accessories.

Take a moment to look at the details on the weapons and the clothing.  Each and every button has a corresponding buttonhole and the belts actually function.

The price of this figure continues to rise over the years.  Currently the figure goes for $200+.

Teenage Trouble!--Zits Screentime

Back when I was a teenager screentime referred to the amount of time an actor or actress was on the screen of ether a movie or TV show.

My, times have changed.  Screentime is now available to everyone via cell phones to laptops and any other form of social media.

Selfies, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, websites-screentime is rampant and it  continues to grow.

In Zits Screentime, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, the creators of the comic strip Zits examine what screentime means as it pertains to today.

In the middle of it all is their main character Jeremy along with his friends and family.  The comics strip collection of dailies and Sunday strips takes a good long hilarious look at what it means to be a teenager today and how social media has affected every generation.

Look for some truly laugh out moments as the collection looks at junk drawers, teenagers’ insatiable appetites, online ticket sales, the generation gap, modern movies and much more.

It’s a clever collection of comic strips that pit today’s youth against their not so hip parents.

Discover what happens when the analog generation tries to cope in the Digital Age.

An Inexpensive Alternative--Boxes For Storage Of Collectibles From Uline

I’m a collector: comic books, toys, diecast, trading cards, etc., I collect it.

As a writer of pop culture reviews you may imagine just how much merchandise I receive to review.  I love it!

But, where and how do I store it all?  Where is in whatever space I can find in my house or garage.  How is in boxes.

But specialized storage boxes for collectibles can get expensive.

But here is an inexpensive solution.

Uline, a premiere box/container/package manufacturer has an excellent selection of storage containers and they are a lot less expensive than specialized hobby collectibles containers.

Recently Uline sent me two items: a 15 X 9 X 11" magazine storage box with a lid.  It arrived flat but in just a few moments I assembled both the box and lid and had it ready to store some of my magazines, comic books and other publications.

It’s a sturdy box, stackable and just the right size for my needs.

For normal storage I also received a Uline’s 15 X 12 X 10" Economy Storage File Box.  It also shipped flat and with a few simple fold I had all the flaps secured and ready for storage.

It just so happens that it is the perfect size for deluxe 12-inch action figure boxes, easily storing three to a box.

Of course both boxes can be used for various storage need from antiques, collectibles, paperwork, household goods-you choose.

Uline has a huge selection of storage containers made from cardboard to plastic.  The prices are some in the best in the industry.

If you’re choosey about how you spend your money and want more bang for your buck then Uline’s storage boxes and containers fit the bill.

Skrullduggery: Fantastic Four Annual #17

Have you ever wonder what ever happened the Skrulls that Mr. Fantastic hypnotized and had them change into cows way back in the early days of the FF?

Read on and you’ll be shocked what happened.

Sharon Selleck, longtme friends of Julie who is Johnny Storm’s current girl, borrowed Julie’s car and subsequently breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

She tries to wave down a passerby with no luck.  So, she decides to hoof it to a nearby town-a town surrounded by a large chain link fence.  She climbs the fence and discovers a stage crop of plants being fed by---milk?

Soon after she is captured by some local townsfolk straight out of L’il Abner.  They take her back to town where she checks in with the police and gets a hotel room’

And then strange things begin to happen.  She explores the town and the next day calls her friend Julie.  In the middle of the conversation the line goes dead.  

Later Sharon sneaks out of town to find a phone booth and to call the Fantastic Four hoping to talk to Johnny Storm-the line goes dead.

Julie contacts Johnny and he convinces the rest of the Fantastic Four to investigate.

They go to the town, but no Sharon.  But, there is a town filled with people who transform into hideous monsters and attack.

It seems the Skrulls who were turned into cows and were ‘milked’ passed on their shape changing ability via the milk to the townsfolk-who have plans for the shape-changing milk-big plans.

What fun story.  Adventure, hints of horror, mystery, monsters, missing persons-what’s not to like?

John Byrne both wrote and drew The Fantastic Four Annual #17 from Marvel Comics and as always delivered a greet story.

Phantom Of The Opera: Masque Of The Red Death

Lon Chaney Sr., the man of a thousand faces. first starred as cinema’s Phantom Of The Opera.  Since then several adaptations both on TV and movies have adapted the operatic horror Story.

The story has also been adapted as a successful musical play generating several top songs and bringing a haunting love story into the mix.

Sideshow Toys/Collectibles created a fully articulated 12-inch figure of the famous Phantom.

A flip open lid box holds the figure and accessories secured in a form fitting clear plastic cocoon and protected by a clear display panel.

I’m not sure which is more frightening the Phantom’s dead white distorted face or the grotesque mask he wears as the Masque Of The Red Death.

The Phantom’s face is a twisted, distorted and horrific visage with pulled back lips, long white teeth, a drawn up nose with large nostrils and deep set eyes etched with deep shadows and his high forehead barely covered by black receding hair.

His mask is a skull with a huge number of teeth emphasizing its grisly grin, a white bone nose and deep sunken eyes with high cheekbones and oversize brows.

The Phantom’s solid red outfit is an impressive example of down-scaling clothing from its stitching to it ruffles and fit.

The figure wears a short waist jacket with puffed sleeves at the shoulder, ruffles at the neck, a cinched waist and fold over lapel.

The coat’s sleeves are cuffless and fit tightly to the wrists.

The waistline of the coat tapers over the red puffed bloomers that have large folded pleats that are cinched at the just above the knees.

The Phantom wears red tights that end at the ankles and red leather jester shoes that curl slightly at the top.

He also comes with a large rim black hat with a huge red plume of feathers.

The figure looks even more menacing when it holds it large silver and black serpentine staff with a skull pommel.

A cobblestone base is included with a small tab that fits into the figure’s foot holding it in place.

Articulation is smoothly and unencumbered by the clothing with no binding.

Clothing folds, pleats and wrinkles appear normal and the entire outfit fits the figure perfectly.

The Phantom's hand holds the staff without slippage and his large hat fits snug over his head.

Rage Of Ra

Whenever I hear the word Ra I always think of a high school football cheer, ‘Ra, Ra, Sis Boom Bah!”

In the case of Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Legendary Duelists Rage Of Ra the phrase does not apply.  Or does it?

I suppose a good ‘Ra!’ might signify a win when playing YGO.

I know, I know, I’m stretching it!

With 5 Cards per Booster Foil Pack and 36 Packs per Box, Rage Of Ra is something to celebrate!  Especially when there’s a Ghost Rare God Card!

It’s time to delve into the realm of Darkness.

Yugi faces his final foe in the Battle City Tournament: Marik Ishtar, famed leader of the Rare Hunters and master of The Winged Dragon of Ra!

Seven new Cards in this Set offer the impossible.  Are you brave enough to take the chance to acquire them?

The Set contains 57 Cards:

1 Ghost Rare
9 Ultra Rares
8 Super Rares
10 Rares
30 Commons

Alan Moore's Classic: Swamp Thing #50

Leave it to writer Alan Moore to take readers on a very ‘British’ tour of Hell and the afterlife.

In July of 1986 Swamp Thing joined in the ultimate battle between good and evil (light and shade).

Accompanying him were John Constantine, Zatanna, The Phantom Stranger, The Demon, a host of recognizable supernatural figures, Mento and more.

Look for Cain and Abel, The Spectre, Doctor Fate, Sargon and Deadman.

Artist Bissette, Veitch and Totleben provided the incredible art for one the strangest, scariest, unusual and unexpected journeys ever attempted in comic books.

It’s a stunning and disturbing tale made all the more intriguing by the art.  

The classic story typifies the incredible talent of Alan Moore’s ability to write stories unlike anything seen in comic books before.

DC Comics celebrated the anniversary of the 50th issue of the ground-breaking Swamp Thing comic book.  It was Swamp Thing by Moore and artists that ushered in the Vertigo line of comic books from DC.

Near mint raw copies go for around $20 and slabbed for $60.

James Bond's First Film Adversary: Dr. No

Joseph Wiseman played the very first James Bond cinematic bad guy.

In the first James Bond film: Dr. No, James is pitted against a German/Chinese madman who seeks to disrupt the Project Mercury space program of the United States.

Dr. No belongs to the secret criminal organization SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion).

Dr. No set the standard by which Bond villains would be portrayed.  Egotistical, self confident and totally ruthless, he is nonetheless a gentleman, sophisticated and brilliant.

The Dr. No film set the template for future Bond adventures with lots of action, Bond’s gambling, womanizing and man of the world persona.

While the action and suspense built slowly the movie soon kicks into high gear as Bond meets Honey Ryder (she would provide the template for future Bond girls), mixes it up with the C.I.A. (and introduces his long time associate Felix Leiter) and comes face-to-face with the infamous Dr. No.

Along the way Bond kills an assassin, debugs a room, avoids a poisonous spider, takes part in a car chase, blows up things and gets the girl.

The Sideshow Collectibles Dr. No figure comes in a flip lid box with inner figure protective cocoon and clear plastic viewing panel.  The figure is held in place by plastic straps.

The cover of the box recreates the original theatrical Dr. No poster while on the back photos from the film and action shots of the Dr. No and James Bond figures are displayed.

The Dr. No figure duplicates the Germanic/Asian features of the Dr. including his sharp nose and chin, slightly slanted eyes, deep set black eyes, heavy eyebrows and short cropped black hair.

Both hands of the figure are black mechanical devices as seen in the movie. All points on the body move including the neck, head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, knees and ankles.

A special Dr. No base and support wire come with the figure.

Dr. No comes dressed in a white jacket with Nehru collar, white trousers, black socks, off-white slip-on loafers, white rubber boots and a clear plastic helmet with rebreather and a clear plastic protective suit.

The figure moves easily in its white outfit as well as when clothed in its clear plastic protective outfit.

The decontamination outfit is large enough that it easily slips over the white cloths of the Dr.

Movement is smooth and the figure can stand on its own or with the assist of the base and wire stand, depending on the pose.

TV Memories and Magic: Prime Time Cartoons and Gomer Pyle

If you are a child of the 1960s like I am you probably have fond memories of many of the down-home and comfortable comedies seen on TV at that time.

Chief among them was The Andy Griffith show about a small town sheriff dealing with the town of Mayberry’s rather odd collection of characters and those that visited the quaint town.

One of the most endearing characters of the series was Gomer Pyle, the local gas station attendant with the heart of gold, gentle soul and who was the town goof as played by actor Jim Nabors.

Gomer Pyle became so popular with fans that the a new show staring Gomer premiered a few scant years after The Andy Griffith Show aired.

It featured Gomer enlisting in the U.S. Marines and his constant tit for tat with his tough and rough sergeant (who incidentally really had a tender heart) and his fellow Marines.

The show became an instant hit.    It was so popular that even the U.S. Marines gave it enthusiastic thumbs up.

Author Denny Reese and BearManor Media a wonderful literary examination of the hit TV series with Gomer Says Hey! Inside The Manic And Much-Loved Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

The book lovingly examines the show, including an interview with one of the last surviving members of the cast, character bios, insider behind-the-scenes anecdotes and a close, personal look at the star of the show Jim Nabors.

Over the last few years personal information has leaked about Nabors some might find distracting.

But, the man was much loved by his fellow cast members, loyal to each and every one and was a kind and gentle soul who never took his fame for granted.

He loved his fans and even after the show ended Jim would crop up on various TV shows and specials.

 Also included are descriptions and comments about the most popular episodes, lots of photos behind and in front of the camera and much more.

It’s a long overdue tribute to one of America's favorite TV shows.

Once again as a child of the 1960s I was privileged to witness and watch one of the most important and trend-setting occurrences in TV history.

TV viewers today are well acquainted with prime time animated series such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.  They are fairly commonplace.  That was not always the case.

Hanna-Barbera Studios, the company behind some of Saturday mornings most famous cartoon series, with names like Huckleberry Hound, Yoga Bear and the like took a big risk when they entered the prime time animated TV show arena.

Never before had animated series been presented for both kids and adults.

During the 1960s shows like Jonny Quest, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Top Cat and The New Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn thrilled audiences with their clever storylines, animation and slick production values.

In Hanna-Barbera’s Prime Time Cartoons, written by Raymond Valinoti, Jr., readers are treated to how the shows were created, what the reactions were from the critics and viewers, episodes breakdowns, how the shows hold up today and more fascinating information.

If you love cartoons, especially prime time cartoons, and want to explore their genesis then this is the book you must read.
 

An Unappreciated Classic: The Futurians #1

While Dave Cockrum was on his second stint penciling The Uncanny X-Men for Marvel Comics he was also creating his own group of superheroes.

The Futurians was one of the first of Marvel Comics new Epic Graphic Novel line titles and migrated to a Lodestone Publishing comic book title shortly thereafter.

The Futurians consisted of a group of individuals who were transformed into super beings.  An organization in the future sent genetic information into the past to certain individuals.

Called Terminus, the organization had hopes that individuals would use their new powers to stop an impending threat in the 20th Century.

Another future inhabitant, Vandervecken, sent his consciousness into the past and took control of a hobo’s consciousness.  He leads The Futurians.

The Marvel Graphic Novel did well and went through three printings.

Unfortunately Dave Cockrum, the creator of the series, instead of staying with Marvel and continuing the series through Marvel’s Epic imprint decided to go with a smaller publisher who offered a prosperous deal that never came to fruition.

Later Cockrum would lament that he had stayed with Marvel the series may still be published today.

The Futurians really showcased the artistic maturity of Cockrum’s art and writing skills.

He already had the reputation of being one of the best character designers in the industry (he designed The New X-Men) and his professionalism spoke for itself.

The Futurians only last four issues with the fourth issue difficult to find.

Currently issue #1 goes for between $5 to $10 for a raw copy and there are no listings for a slabbed copy.

Sexy Superheroine: Shanna The She-Devil #1

Writer/artist Frank Cho caught the attention of comic book and comic strip lovers with his Liberty Meadows comic strip he first began publishing in college.

Soon the comic strip became a hit in no small part to Frank's depiction of its lead character: the voluptuous Brandy.

From that point on Frank was and is considered one of the top ‘good girl’ artists.

That is no more apparent than when he penciled the Shanna The She-Devil mini-series for Marvel Comics.

WOW!  The jungle woman never looked so good!

In this version of Shanna’s origin several plane crash survivors come across a hidden Nazi laboratory on an island.

Upon entering the complex they inadvertently activate the incubation chambers-one of which contains a full-grown woman.

That woman: Shanna, starts to awaken and only the quick action by one of the survivors saves her.

At first she is afraid of them and speaks perfect German.

After they calm her down they explore the complex and unfortunately meet the other inhabitant of the compound-a raptor dinosaur, that proceeds to kill and maim several of the expedition's members.

Only the superhuman strength Shanna saves the others.

A beautiful woman, a Nazi compound, dinosaurs and a long lost island-what a combination.

Frank Cho’s art never looked so good and Shanna is absolutely gorgeous.

For some good old fashion fun be sure to pick up the entire 4-part mini-series: Shanna The She-Devil, from Marvel Comics.

Classic GI Joe: GI Joe Action Soldier Masterpiece Edition The Ultimate Collectible!

  

When I was a kid I got a 12-inch GI Joe action figure for either Christmas or my birthday.  This was during the early 1960s when GI Joe was first introduced.  

As the toy grew in popularity various equipment, accessory and weapons packs could be bought.  Eventually several types of GI Joes were available.

One of my friends was a huge GI Joe fan and I, along with another friend, would visit him about once a week and bring our GI Joes with us.

My friend who was a big fan had ALL the GI Joe gear, weapons, vehicles and every GI Joe every created along with the GI Joe footlocker for holding all of his stuff.  He even saved the packages the merchandise came in.

My other friend and I only had one GI Joe and a couple of other Joe related items each.

We would set up huge battle scenes and spend the entire afternoon engaging in make believe warfare.

Several years ago Chronicle Books published a very special tribute to the original 12-inch GI Joe with its oversize, hardbound book: GI Joe Action Soldier Masterpiece Edition The Ultimate Collectible.

The flip-open panel ‘book’ is actually a large colorful box with a hinged cover that holds two very special items.  

On its cover is a huge full-color painting of the original GI Joe with several of the images duplicated on the back.

Flip open the box and there is a capsulized history of GI Joe, a fully articulated 12-inch reproduction of a vintage 1964 GI Joe action figure and a information packed book all about GI Joe.

The 12-inch GI Joe figure comes dressed in khaki military pants, shirt (with buttons), neck and pant snaps, plastic brown boots, a green cap and dog tag.

Joe’s characteristic face scar is present; articulation points are on the wrists, elbows, waist, neck, hips, knees and ankles.  

The figure stands easily on its own with no assistance.  A small booklet and insignia stickers are also included.

The figure is secured in place in a black, open lid box with plastic straps and comes with a clear cover for viewing.

A clear plastic sheath covers the book perched on its black platform.

The hardbound book with slipcover is filled with archival photos of the various GI Joes, equipment and vehicles.

The book is packed with information about the creation of Joe, his design, various versions, how he was promoted and produced, who created him and much more.

It’s a wonderful nostalgic journey to a time when military toys were all the rage with young boys and it was OK to play soldier and war.

Times certainly have changed.

Diamond Previews, October 2020

No More Procrastination: Clean up Time!

I put it off as long as I could.

The other day a good friend of mine came to visit.  We talked about the usual things: politics, finances, growing old and collecting-specifically toys and comic books.

Like me my friend has accumulated quite a stash of collectibles-more than the room to display them in.

I mentioned to him that in a mere three years I'll turn 70 years old and it was time to start thinking of downsizing my collection.

After my friend left I kept telling myself that there was no need to downsize now-I had plenty of time.  The problem is-I don’t.

I’ve grown old and to be honest things aren’t as easy to do as they used to be.

I get tired quickly, hurt longer and take more time to heal, forget things frequently and I’ve come to realize if I don’t do the things I want to do now, there will come a day when I can’t.

So...I decided to clean out my man cave.  

First I tackled my comic books and surprised myself when I cleared out ten long boxes of approximately 3,000 comic books.  

 I made a place in the garage to store them and come this next summer (or sooner) I’ll put them out to sell at a yard sale.  I may even take a few to my local used bookstore and use them as trade.

Next I went through all the toys and figures I had in my room and weeded out over 100 Sideshow 12-inch figures and other assorted toys.

I went to a few local stores and picked up some banana boxes and (like the comic books) stored the toys and figures in the garage to sell later.

While I was in the garage I went through the toys already stored there and picked out a few toys I wanted to keep.  

Between my man cave toys and the toys in the garage there is veritable stack 12 feet high, 8 feet deep and at least 20 long.  Add to that to the trading cards and other collectibles stored in the garage and I barely have enough room to park my car in a two-car garage.

I’ve already taken one box of comic books to the used bookstore, given three boxes of magazines to a friend at church for her daughter and son-in-law, sold a long box of magazines and comic books to my friend and put aside a box of toys for him to purchase later.

I’m on my way, but I still have a long way to go.

It felt good to get something done and now comes the really, REALLY, hard part.

I need to go through what comic books and toys I kept and glean more out to sell.  Ouch!

My wife and I have talked about getting older and what we plan to do.  As it stands now we will probably downsize to a condo or smaller house, sell or give away many of our belongings, travel more and set things in order for when we pass on.

It is our sincere hope to have things set in order for our kids so they don’t have to deal with much when we die.

Life is uncertain and there’s no telling which one of us will go first.  Regardless, we've planned ahead and hopefully the transition will not be as difficult when it comes to finances and the like.

It’s true when they say that you can't take it with you.  My wife and I know where we will spend eternity.  We’re both Christians and saved and we often remind each other that this life is just the beginning.

Nostalgia: Adventures Of Mr. Frog and Miss Mouse

The other day I was looking through some old comic books that my friend gave me.  One of the comic books: Dell Junior Treasury #4 Adventures Of Mr. Frog and Miss Mouse, published in 1956, caught my attention.

Flipping through its pages there was something about the art that seemed familiar.  Where had I seen that style before?  Who was the artist?

Suddenly it hit me-Walt Kelly the creator of Pogo The Possum!  Of course, I recognize that style anywhere.

Now I'm not 100% certain but I’m pretty sure that it is Kelly’s work.

The animals’ renderings look familiar, the poses, the page compositions and the attention to detail all fit.

A quick personal observation: as much as new comic book work is touted today I’ve discovered that much of the comic book art from the 1950s and 1960s far outshine much of today‘s work.

Back in those times the artists were paid a pittance as compared to today’s pencillers.  There were no benefits and the artists were often not credited for their work.

And yet if you take a look at some of the funny animal, humor, and superhero licensed properties and other genres it becomes obvious that quality was a number one priority.

Artists drew because they loved to.  They weren’t so much concerned about making a name for themselves or receiving a big paycheck.  They put their heart and soul into their work and it shows.

I marvel at the attention the artist gave to each and every page.  It’s some of the nicest illustrations I’ve ever seen for children’s tale.

Everything clicks with this issue.  The art (bordered and unbordered), the page layouts, the subtle text and fancy headlines, the coloring and even the map.

The artist shows a mastery of not only drawing cartoon animals, but settings, environments, perspective, nature, interiors, exteriors and various objects.

Far from stagnant figures the characters emote feelings, body language and a real sense of space and interaction with one another.

It's a delightful tale told in a touching, humorous and well crafted manner.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the story and marvel at the illustrations.

Currently a raw, mint copy goes for around $50.  It is well worth it.