Bond Villains...The Book Of...Cars & Vehicles

It’s hard to believe that James Bond has been around over 60 years on film beginning with Doctor No.  In that time the character has developed a style, an interesting story, lots of excitement, a bevy of topnotch villains and driven a plethora of cool cars and vehicles.

Back in 2010 DK Books published released a number of small hardbound books celebrating the films of James Bond.

Each book contained black and white archival photos from the various James Bond films up until that point in time.

The Book Of Bond explores the life of James Bond and is much more personal than the other books in the series.

Readers learn about his style, his story and the exciting assignments he went on. Informative text provides concise and to the point information about every aspect of the superspy’s life.

In Bond Villains the bad guys are given their due.  Evil Genius, henchmen and their master plans are all detailed including their inevitable demise.  Look for Doctor No, Goldfinger and other memorable madmen.

Where would James Bond be without his fabulous cars, amazing vehicle and breakneck chases?

In Bond Cars & Vehicles readers travel along with Bond on all of his exciting and dangerous assignments.

I have three of the four books in the set by Alastair Dougal, Bond Girls is the one book I’m missing.

Psalm 118:24 (NIV) “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

Babe Ruth

Without a doubt Babe Ruth was one of the best baseball players in professional sports.  To commemorate his legend McFarlane Toys created a special Babe Ruth New York Yankees Cooperstown Collection Collector’s Edition 6-inch figure.

Although McFarlane Toys still produces the occasional professional sports action figures there was a time in the early 2000s when things were much different.

Todd McFarlane is a huge professional sports fan so it’s easy to understand why he chose to produce sport figures through his toy company.

At one time McFarlane Toy produced a plethora of sports figures that included baseball, football, basketball and hockey.

Figures included single carded figure, collectible boxed figures, figure sets, miniature full teams and more.

The McFarlane Toys Babe Ruth figure comes in a small, flip-open front lid display box with Babe Ruth figure photos on the front and sides and photos of other Cooperstown figures on he back.

On the inside of the lid is a short bio of Ruth and his career.  Encased behind a clear plastic viewing panels is the Ruth figure housed in a form-fitting plastic cocoon.

Ruth is clothed in a classic New York Yankees uniform with striped pants and shirt, small blue cap and knee stockings, low cut shoes and belt.

Included with the figure are a bat and a home base base that the figure attaches too.

The figure is posed as if striking a ball.

The figure’s features capture the look of Ruth and the sculpt work displays every wrinkle and fold in his uniform.

Paint application is first-rate with precise uniform lines, subtle tonal changes to the figure’s skin, texturing on the bat and base and the figure’s shoes, belt and stockings.

It's a striking figure the really captures the New York Yankees #3.

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

Guardhouse Sentry Premium Toploader 3" x 4"

Trading cards are big business.  Sports or non-sports trading cards collectors take great pride in their collections and are very protective of their rare and valuable cards.

It’s important to have the proper protection for such cards.

That’s why Transline Supply Company has created its Guardhouse Sentry Premium Toploader 3" x 4" card sleeves.

Here's the link:
https://www.guardhouseholders.com/guardhouse-un-sentry-3x4-premium-toploader-20pt-cards-66 8397.aspx

Its durable and clear toploader sleeves make protection for trading cards safe and secure.

With their easy load tops with a slight lip in the back the toploader sleeves make sliding cards in and out easy and trouble free-no bumped edges or misalignments.

The 25 Pack comes in a plastic bag with an easy to open and close flap.

Card specs are:

OD: 102.7 x 76.6 mm
Thickness: Back 0.5mm/Front 0.4mm
Opening for 20 pt cards
Ultra-clear

While I am not a sports card collector I do have a rather large collection of autographed, special and rare non-sports cards.  Most are stored in plastic card boxes and sleeve pages.  I plan on taking my most valuable cards and placing them in the Sentry Premium Toploaders.

With their high quality construction, semi-flexible and easy to insert card design I’ll feel much more secure as to the safety and preservation of my prized cards. 

Psalm 19:1 (NKJV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Comics Scene Special #1

Long before the Internet was a thing, comic book collectors depended on magazines to get the latest news.

One of the premiere comic book themed magazines back in the 1980s was Comics Scene from Starlog.

Actor Christopher Reeves as Superman takes center stage on the cover of Comics Scene Special #1.

Inside John Byrne's Superman reboot is examined, the latest X-Men shenanigans are explored and Frank Miller introduces Lone Wolf and Cub.

See how the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson was fairing and the Grey Hulk origin was revealed.

Other news included the Teenage Mutant ninja Turtles, Mike Grell’s Jon Sable, Mike Baron’s Punisher, Archie Goodwin, Cerebus, the Watchmen film, Stan Lee’s past, Will Eisner’s spirit, the live action Flintstones film, Jonny Quest, Adam West and much more.

It was a jam-packed issue all about comic book news in 1987.

1 Peter 5:6  (KJV) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”

Glamour Road

There was a time in America that cars (from all the manufacturers) were little more than cookie cutter copies of each other.  Truthfully, it’s hard to tell a Ford from a Chevy from a Chrysler to foreign cars.

While today’s cars are fuel efficient, aerodynamic, packed with extras including lots of safety feature and other goodies, cars manufactured in America in the 1940s to the 1970s had a certain style of their own.

When you bought a car back then it was easy to differentiate from a Ford, Chevy, etc.

Lots of chrome, fins, long bodies, big trunks, plenty of legroom, fancy interiors and a comfortable ride were what you expected in a car back then.  

Forget about gas mileage and the cost of fuel or maintenance, Americans longed for the open road, driving in style and most importantly: looking luxurious as they did so.

During the 1940s to the 1970s a curious phenomenon came about.

Car manufacturers took note that more and more women were entering the workplace, suburbia was on the rise and fashions, along with new gadgets around the house were all the rage.

What better way to sell more cars, especially to women, than by making cars more fashion centered, sleekly designed, luxurious and yes: glamorous?

In Glamorous Road, by Jeff Stork and Tom Dolle and published by Schiffer Books, readers learn all about the color, fashion, style and the mid-century automobile.

Pages are packed with archival photos, promotional material and examples of color swatches, fabric selections and the accessories that made designing autos for women so profitable.

Each of the major American car manufactures had their luxury models and all are showcased in retro-style complete with ads, historical text, interior and exterior photo shoots with gorgeous models in fabulous gowns and dresses and famous celebrities and much more.

Travel back in time when automobiles were more than just a means of transportation.  They were symbols of prestige, social status, fashion, glamour and were an intrical part of any modern home’s color, style and fashion. 

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

The Essential Bond

From Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan The Essential Bond book examines each and every facet of the James Bond world.

Bond started out in books by author Ian Fleming.  His first screen appearance was on a TV anthology series adaptation of Casino Royale.  

James was renamed Jimmy and he was an American.

It is remarkable that the stories of a British secret agent could generate so much fan fervor and loyalty.  For someone who is supposed to be undercover spy James Bond has had more worldwide exposure than most public figures.

While different actors have imbued James with a variety of personality traits he is, despite his glamorous surroundings and accouterments, a licensed assassin.

In the James Bond books by Ian Fleming, James is tough, resilient, resourceful and deadly.

The Essential Bond The Unauthorized Guide To The World Of 007, by Lee Pfeiffer and Dave Worrall and published by Harper Entertainment, features photos of Connery and Brosnan on its cover.

Each authorized Bond movie from Dr. No to Tomorrow Never Dies is given full coverage.

Besides a complete movie breakdown each film expose mentions the production and cast, behind-the-scenes occurrences, marketing, gadgets, locations, box office draws and much more

Black and white photos from each film, candid shots and merchandise and collectibles are also showcased.

Look for posters, product tie-ins, a list of the 007 film personnel, behind the scenes tidbit, the literary James Bond, other spy movies and the unofficial Bond films.

It’s a jam-packed book 007 extravaganza that is filled with 007 facts and more.

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” 

My Brother Richard

Richard Bicknell, my half brother, passed away just over a month ago.  He was the last of my siblings.  He lived to be 80 years old, beating both of my other half brothers, Dallas and Jim, who passed away at 78 years old.

We used to kid about it.  He was bound and determined to reach 80.

Their wives also passed away, leaving only my nephews and nieces and their children.

I moved away from Michigan in 1973 and have been living in Florida since then, with a brief two-years spent in Texas.

Richard was the closest to me in age.  I’m 69.  Over the past 15 years or so we’d grown especially close.  I visited him several times over the years. The last time was not quite two years ago.

While visiting we talked about our lives, families, faith and final destination.

Rich was saved, as am I. We agreed that that when our time came we wanted no big fanfare-just a simple family goodbye and cremation.  

Rich told me not to attend his funeral, as he preferred to say his goodbye in person.  Somehow I knew that the last time I saw him, it would be the last. I believe he did too.

His family gave him a memorial. I did not attend, per his wishes.

His eldest son, Rick, contacted me and told me that they sold his father’s house and was in the process of going through his things.

He told me that my brother wanted to make sure that I received a few items from him that I would appreciate.  Just like Rich to think of others first.  This review/tribute is about him and the items he sent.

Rich knew I was a big Star Trek fan.  He made sure my nephew would send me two pewter Star Trek Enterprises: one from the original series and one from Enterprise.  Also included was a small original series plastic Enterprise and large Enterprise in a snow glob that lights up.

Both of the pewter Enterprises come on swinging displays with sound chips of quotes from each series.

I won’t take the time to go into a great deal of detail about the miniature ships other than to say they are accurate to the ships and are pretty cool to look at.

I have them displayed in a place of honor in my mancave.

My nephew also sent me a framed picture of my three brothers and three of just Rich along with his voter I.D. Card.

I miss my brothers.  Rich was the last and I couldn’t have asked for a better brother or friend.  We kept in touch over the years and called each other almost every week.

This last year was pretty rough.  His health declined and I know he was in a great deal of pain.  I’m so glad that he was saved and now resides in heaven with his savior and is reunited with his two brothers, mom and other relatives and friends.

This is not good-bye, rather it’s “I’ll see you later.”

Love you Rich and thanks for being there.  

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.”

Toyer and Skullboy

 

Are you ready for a little skullduggery?  I am and there’s no bones about it!

Get ready for some skeletal shenanigans with Toy2R’s The Mighty Skullboy Army from Dark Horse and Toyer 8-Inch Diamond Previews Exclusive Vinyl Figure.

It’s rib-tickling funny bone fun.

The Mighty Skullboy Army comes packaged in a decorative small rectangular box with clear plastic front viewing panel.

Inside Skullboy leers out with his two large black eyes with white iris.

His bony white head is bald with a black nose, no ears and large teeth.

He wears a black bowtie, cream colored jacket with two buttons, a white shirt, cream pants and black boots with cream soles.

The figures stands with hands on its hips with a look of indignity on its face.  

Toyer 8-Inch Diamond Previews Exclusive Vinyl Figure also comes in a small rectangular box with clear viewing panel.  It head is a skull with large sharp upper jaw teeth (there is no lower jaw) and solid black eye holes and nose.

His entire body is white including his griper hands and toeless feet.

He wears a pair of blue overalls with three white buttons, belt loops and pocket.

Included with figure is an aqua colored cell phone with light green buttons.

Both figures are vinyl, smooth with no rough edges, nicely colored with clean crisp paint lines with no slopover and downright adorable.

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

Marvel Collectors’ Item Classics #1

Have you ever found yourself wanting some of the early Marvel Comics?  Most are far out of range when it comes to price.  Have you seen what early Marvel Comics are going for!?

Way back in 1965 Stan lee realized that finding, let alone affording, classic Marvel Comics would soon prove to be difficult and expensive.

How right he was!

Since back in 1965 comic books were primarily found on magazine racks, the chances of finding early issues after the magazines were switched out was nearly impossible.

So, the ever-loving’ Marvel Bullpen decided to reprint many of the early classic Marvel stories.

It was a great deal with four complete tales for a mere 25 cents.

In issue #1 of the King-Size Bulletin Book Marvel Comic book fans got reprints of The Fantastic Four #2, The Amazing Spider-Man #3, Tales To Astonish #36 and Journey Into Mystery #97.

I can remember having each of the issues back in the 1960s.  Of course back then comic books were a disposable form of entertainment.  No one thought they would become the high price collectibles they are today.

I recently traded a toy for issue #1 of Marvel Collectors’ Item Classic and it was fun looking through the old stories.

Ironically issue #1 is now considered a collectible and sells for around $35 for a near mint Raw copy and a whooping $110 for a near mint Slabbed copy.  Unbelievable!

Colossians 3:23 (KJV) “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;’

Upcoming!! Diamond Previews, April 2022

Crisis On Infinite Earths #2

The DC Comic Books Universe was forever altered and redefined in the massive maxi-series Crisis On Infinite Earths back in the mid-1980s.

Marv Wolfman wrote the epic and who else but the artist known for group book: George Perez drew it.

Issue #2 of the series may not be as well known as issues #7 and #8 (the death of Supergirl and the Flash) but it is important nonetheless.

George provided a spectacular cover as always and his interior was some of the finest he’s ever done.

He is well known for his group comic books and Crisis On Infinite Earths pushed his talent to the edge.

While the first issue of the maxi-series was printed in a new experimental technique that left the colors washed out and blurry the second issue and the remaining issues were printed in the traditional way.

Issue #2 delved into the disruption of time in the multi-universe. The Monitor explained the threat of the Anti-Monitor, the Flash warned Batman and The Great disaster, Lyra followed the Monitor’s instruction, the baby Lex Luthor was discovered and Harbinger came face to face with the Psycho Pirate.

Heroes and villains from all the alternate Earths converged as the forces of the anti-Monitor readied for the arrival of their master‘s arrival.

It’s a jam-packed issue filled with dozens of characters from all times and dimensions.

Remarkably George was able to give each character an individual look not just physically but by the way their bodies moved and posed.

Get ready, for the party is about begin!

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

Rick And Morty The Complete Seasons 1-5

Five, count them, five whole seasons of Rick And Morty the animated TV series starring a genius, alcoholic grandpa and his naive, gullible grandson.

But they’re not your ordinary grandpa and grandson-they are the time-traveling, space-faring, dimension hoping, duo that go on some the wildest, most outrageous, dangerous, hilarious and mind-blowing adventures ever imagined.

Join Rick And Morty through five full seasons of episodes that are definitively not meant for kids and liberally spiced with foul language and questionable antics and uncensored content.

Space monsters, evil doppelgangers, alien races, and more greet you in each episode.   Rick and Morty are joined by their dysfunctional family, weird friends and crazy creatures as they manage to mess up the universe, time, space and just about anything else they can get their hands on.

Warner Bros. presents the entire five season collection with it’s Adult Swim Blu-ray/Digital Code Rick and Morty Complete Season 1-5.

Extras include an exclusive poster, commentaries, deleted scenes, featurettes and more.  Reality just got a boot in the rear!

Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”

Marvel Universe

Back in 2020 Marvel Comics released a free magazine dubbed Marvel Universe.  It showcases some of the new titles expected to be released that year.

Each title ties into the Empyre! storyline.

Look for character conceptual designs, weapon schematics, Empyre art, a gallery of classic Marvel Comics that led up to Empyre, an Empyre Checklist and spotlights on each Marvel title tied into the Empyre storyline.

Free preview art from various titles are shred as well as other goodies. 

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

Hidden Arsenal: Chapter 1

Over ten years!  That’s how long it’s been since Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Hidden Arsenal began. In Hidden Arsenal: Chapter 1 historic Cards from the first four Hidden Arsenal sets can be obtained, but like they’ve never been seen before!

Gamers can learn the history and story behind Hidden Arsenal.

Just look at some of the goodies you get:

Freezing Chains with even more “Ice Barrier” Cards.
New “Fabled” Cards that were featured in Blazing Vortex!
“Dragunity” cards from the Hidden Arsenal era.

Each Hidden Arsenal: Chapter 1 Box contains:

1 Secret Rare Card
6 Duel Terminal Technology Ultra Rare Cards
2 Duel Terminal Technology Common Cards
28 Standard Common Cards
1 Hidden Arsenal Storyline Insert
1 Special Collectible Dice

1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Jessica Priest & Mr. Obersmith

Beauty and the beast.  It’s a term many people are familiar with.  But in the case of McFarlane Toys’ Jessica Priest & Mr. Obersmith action figures it’s no tale of unrequited love or a Disney animated movie.

In this case beauty is far more deadly than any beast, especially when the beast is a slave to the beauty.

As part of McFarlane Toys Curse Of The Spawn series of toys the Jessica Priest & Mr. Obersmith two figure set is an amazing bit of sculpting, design and paint application.

Mr., Obersmith (the beast) swivels at the waist and has an arm span over 9-inch wide.

Jessica comes dressed in shredded gray fabric that covers her chest, inner shoulders, waist and hip area.  Shreds of cloth cling to her legs and arms, forearms, thighs, ankles and upper feet.

She has red hair, blue eyes, deep red lips and earthen decorations around her eyes.  Several bloody cuts are all over her body.  Included with Jessica is a handgun with scope, barrel extension and elongated clip.  

She can also hold a long real metal chain that attaches to Mr. Obersmith's spiked neck collar.

The Mr. Obersmith figure is a huge, partially articulated and primarily light brown in color.

It’s face look like a twisted hairless and earless dog with huge teeth jutting from and through its jaws.  

The skin of the creature is stretched and pulled over its jutting skeletal structure.  It is so thin that the muscle strands can be seen along with large patches of cluttered circular patches of skin.

Both arms are long and have bone protrusions from the elbows, clawed three finger hands and are articulated at the shoulders and wrists.

The creature is bent over making the huge bony spikes that jut from its spin clearly visible.  Articulation is at its waist.

The spikes continue to the back of its hips.

Its tremendously powerful and muscled legs bend at the knees.  Articulation is at the hip joints.

The lower legs look more animal than human with their unusual turn back at the heel and long clawed and three toe feet.

Color variation is nicely done with lighter and darker patches of brown and a light application of black that looks wiped away producing deep grooves in the creatures wrinkled skin.

The figures come displayed in a a form fitting clear plastic cocoon inside a fully open plastic bubble on a card that can be both hung and set flat for display.

1 John 4:8 (NIV)”Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”