Christopher Elam's OWARI

Floaty Firegirl

2012-01-28T00:38:00.000-06:00

Wait, this is the second consecutive entry with art by Kabuki Katze? What madness is this?

Kabuki has been running a special offering certain commissions for only $20. I thought this would be a great opportunity to have her do another Firegirl pic, and chose to have her depict Roxy using her "lighter than air" powers. This might even tie into that one story which introduced this power. Maybe.

Not much else to say about my thinking on this one. It really did turn out fabulous, and may be Kabuki's best Firegirl pic to date. You can comment in the usual location. Oh, and if you are interested in getting a $20 commission, there are still two slots open.

Tex and Jinx

2012-01-25T23:27:00.001-06:00

If you read the Owariverse Encyclopedia last year, you might have noticed the (hopefully) exciting new backstory for my character Tex Truman. The premise of this piece by Kabuki Katze was to further explore that backstory and the dynamic with Gabrielle "Jinx" Fitzgerald. And what better way to do that than a faux cover?

The difference this time is that this is not a faux comic book cover, but rather a faux paperback cover. I dunno, the vibe I wanted for these two was a pulpish, adventure novel type of thing. Y'know, the sort of book you might have found at the drugstore or at a roadside Stuckey's.

I really think Kabuki came through once again. Look at that layout! Look at those poses, and especially those expressions! Look at the cowboy and sexy girl in a catsuit! And especially, look at those little details that flesh it all out and make it pop.

(If you are wondering - yes, the title is a indeed a reference to a certain spy movie we discussed not long ago. And the tagline is a reference to a certain other movie's trailer.)

As always, Kabuki has this available on dA for comment.

Alert The Media! ROJ Updates!

2012-01-24T11:34:00.000-06:00

I went ahead and removed Return of Jetman from a blogroll on this site, because there will be a lot fewer updates in its future. However, today is one of those updates! I have completed the revision for "New Return of Jetman" Episode 1's Notes and they are now back online. You can check them out via this link. Note that it helps to have actually read the story in terms of making heads or tails of them.

More Production Notes should be coming in the months ahead!

Crack Comics #63

2012-01-23T14:34:00.001-06:00

I picked up a copy of Crack Comics #63 (yes, the Mike Allred cover) last week, so I thought I'd say a few words about it. It is part of Erik Larsen's "Next Issue Project" from Image, and this time the creators tackle a book from the old Quality Comics line. As a result, a few of the public domain heroes are ones who have played roles of varying importance in DC books over the years. I dunno, I just found the very thought of this to be novelty enough to justify a purchase.

As you would expect in an anthology, this is a comic that is all over the map. I'll focus on what I personally enjoyed the best. Tops would definitely be Alan Weiss crafting a fabulous Captain Triumph story that manages to be both knowing and loads of fun. Seriously, can I get a Weiss-written and illustrated Captain Triumph one-shot? I also got a big kick out of the stuff that Terry Austin and Herb Trimpe created for the book. It was nice, even if in service of characters plucked from obscurity. Oh, and I did rather like Larsen's 5 page story of intrepid cabbie Hack O'Hara, though I'm not precisely sure if I'm meant to take it at face value or not.

This comic came out a couple of months ago, but I would be unsurprised if it's still lurking on shelves. Worth the price just for the fake and/or vintage ads alone! And look, I made it through the whole review without a snide remark about the name "Crack Comics," too!

...Damn.

Lincoln Monsters

2012-01-20T23:08:00.000-06:00

I've linked you cool cats to the site "Plaid Stallions" in the past, but today, we'll take a trip to lincolnmonsters.com. Oh, it's part of the site, but it's a dedicated showcase of the 8 inch line of monster figures that haunted our dreams. Well, maybe that's a bit strong, but it's way cool to see all the pictures of these now-rare toys.

There are plenty of additional action figure galleries linked on this site, including several for monster figures from other companies. I dunno about you, but I just love checking out all the assorted Frankenstein and Dracula figures that have come down the pike. Plus, if you have some you're looking to sell (lucky!), the site will remind you they're "always buying!"

Happy toy watching!

John Hiatt's "Little Head"

2012-01-19T23:06:00.000-06:00

There is not a lot about 1997 I remember fondly, but listening to "The Wave" when I was making one of my then-frequent trips to DeRidder/Leesville is an exception. I should point out that KROK no longer calls itself "The Wave" and has even switched numbers on the dial, but it is still essentially the same low-budget radio station it was then. The fact that their official website is a Tumblr should bear that out. Absolutely charming.

Anyway, "The Wave" introduced me to a lot of music that I was missing at the time, thanks to Lake Charles' two primary non-country stations BOTH programming an "Adult Contemporary/Easy Listening" format. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea? I wasn't even a regular listener and I still managed to hear "Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong" enough to last me a lifetime. I think there were even times when it was playing on both stations simultaneously.

"The Wave" was a nice tonic to the repetitive blandness of Lake Charles radio at the time. One of my favorite discoveries was John Hiatt's "Little Head". It was my first exposure to Hiatt's music, in addition to being hilarious to me. Sadly, it seems to have tanked with the critics and the public. Neither the album or the song are available for legal download as near as I can tell. However, that doesn't stop me from posting a video for it!

...With The Fishes

2012-01-18T20:21:00.001-06:00

I pass a store that specializes in tropical fish every day on my way to work. This in itself wouldn't warrant a mention, but this store is a little unusual. For starters, I have never seen a customer at this store.

Let me explain in a little more depth. This particular tropical fish store is located on the outskirts of town, just a couple of miles from the city limits. It's not exactly what I would term one of the more affluent neighborhoods in the area. I'm not judging, but pointing it out because this doesn't seem like the part of town that would support such a business. Yet, this store has been open for as long as I can remember.

The tropical fish store shares a building with an engine repair shop. You read that correctly. The fish store is in the front, while the rear houses this engine shop. Now, perhaps you have made the leap that both are owned by the same individual and the engine shop supports the tropical fish store. This is not a bad theory, except that I have only seen activity in the engine shop on rare occasions. It is often just as unoccupied as the fish store.

I said I have never seen a customer at the fish store. This is true. However, one of my co-workers did stop there once with her husband to see what they had. She tells me that the selection is sparse and all the merchandise is old and covered in dust. I'm not even sure they have any fish in there, but you would think they almost must. I asked her if the clerk looked surprised to see anyone shopping in there and she agreed that he did.

Basically, what we have is a niche store with little product, in an area that cannot support it financially, which never seems to have customers during its operating hours. However, it stays open. Draw your own conclusions.

Tumblin'!

2012-01-17T10:34:00.001-06:00

Rather than try to think of a new way to phrase this, here's the text from the final post of Pictures of Naomi Morinaga.

The End Of The Adventure

This Tumblr was born out of both whimsy and cynicism. I had noticed that an entry about Naomi Morinaga on my regular blog OWARI got views every single day. I reasoned that a Tumblr dedicated to nothing but pictures of her would definitely satisfy a need among a certain segment of the Internet.

It turns out I was right, but my interest in maintaining this side project has waned. Rather than letting the whole thing sit while people wait for it to update again, I’ve elected to announce today that Pictures of Naomi Morinaga is coming to a close. I have completed the photo set that launched the site in May, and this will be the final post here.

I appreciate everyone who has followed, liked, reblogged, or just paid attention to this modest little image blog. Most of all, I’d like to thank Naomi Morinaga for being so awesome. Pictures of Naomi Morinaga may be ending as an ongoing project, but it will remain for those of you looking for photos of this fantastic lady. There’s no reason to delete it, so I won’t.

For those of you who would like to continue to follow me on Tumblr, I have just opened the OWARI Tumblr Annex. I am uncertain how I will be using that account, but I figured I needed a “regular” one. I’m sure you will be seeing me lurking on Tumblr when and where you least expect it.

Sayonora, Naomi Morinaga fans.

If you would like to follow the all-new OWARI Tumblr account, you will find the link in the quoted text or in the blog's sidebar. My intention is for it to be a general audience Tumblr, akin to what you might find here. How much use I get out of it remains to be seen.

Knight Watchman: Skeletons In The Closet

2012-01-16T16:59:00.001-06:00

The interesting thing when reviewing a new Big Bang comic is I not only have to assess the merits of the book, but I also must take into account people's preconceived notions of what "Big Bang" really is. You see, Big Bang was originally conceived as an entire universe, stretching from the Golden Age to the present. It just so happened that the retro stuff came out first, and it so captured the imagination of people that it wound up being what defined Big Bang Comics in the minds of many readers.

I was one of those readers. I was VERY resistant to anything they did that smacked of a "modern" (post-60s) sensibility. Yes, even their forays into the Bronze Age were not welcomed quite as enthusiastically by yours truly. Gradually, though, I came around and have been able to appreciate and even embrace those Big Bang books that are more contemporary than nostalgic.

I bring all this up because Knight Watchman: Skeletons In The Closet is very much a modern style superhero book. However, it's quite a good one! There's some clever writing and moody, finely-crafted artwork. The whole thing fits into the ongoing tapestry of the Knight Watchman's big story without getting bogged down in a lot of flashbacks. In short, I liked it a lot.

However, be forewarned that this is also a gruesome comic. I wouldn't call it excessive or over-the-top, but it is also not for the squeamish. If you don't expect a happy Silver Age type story, you should not be overly shocked.

Knight Watchman: Skeletons In The Closet is being made available through IndyPlanet as a POD book. You can order it via this link. I'm pleased with this first POD title from Big Bang Comics proper (Mort Todd published the Protoplasman book discussed last year), and am looking forward to further offerings. Meanwhile, check out the newly-remodeled Big Bang Comics Official Site either by this link or through the RSS feed in OWARI's blogroll!

Las Vegas Free-For-All

2012-01-13T21:39:00.000-06:00

I don't think I've ever posted this here, have I? Let's remedy that tonight.

LAS VEGAS FREE-FOR-ALL is the English language title given to the Crazy Cats comedy クレージー黄金作戦 ("Crazy Ogon Sakusen" - Crazy Gold Operation). It is a glorious, epic (over two and a half hours!) film that spans from Hawaii to Los Angeles to Las Vegas. And yes, I am pretty sure they went to all those locations.

One thing that isn't obvious from the trailer is that the film features PEGGY NEAL of THE X FROM OUTER SPACE and TERROR BENEATH SEA fame. What's more, you get to hear her real voice for once and you get to see her in a bikini. If you are a Peggy Neal fan, this is a must-see movie.

But there's way more than just Peggy Neal. There's a lot of surprisingly accessible comedy from the Crazy Cats, though the plentiful English helps a great deal. There's Mie Hama turning in another wonderful and sexy performance. And there's even a musical number by the Peanuts!

The Humpty Dance

2012-01-12T23:10:00.003-06:00

Oh man, I loved Digital Underground's "The Humpty Dance" from the moment I heard it in 1990, and that love has not abated over time. It is just so endearingly goofy and catchy and wonderful. It is one of the prime reasons I have sometimes joked I don't remember anything from the 1980s but rap song lyrics.

I never saw the music video back in the day, and didn't really have the chance to keep up with Digital Underground beyond that single. When I learned years later that "Humpty Hump" was an alternate identity of the group's frontman Greg "Shock G" Jacobs rather than a real person, it was akin to the whole Santa Claus thing. Still, give credit to the man for crafting a memorable, enduring character. He spoke about the legend that is Humpty Hump (and told some hilarious tales!) in this interview.

Embedded below is the music video for the song. If you'd prefer to hear the uncensored version instead, it can be found here.

"Shiera...Has Made Friends With Another Nurse, Diana Prince!"

2012-01-11T19:13:00.000-06:00

This is sort of a follow-up to yesterday's entry, since it springs from a poll that Nickyflamingo recently had on her dA page. The topic was "What are some of your favorite shoujo-ai/ yuri/ femslash/ girly love couples?" If you don't understand what any of those terms mean, you should probably just stop reading now. The rest of you, consider yourselves sufficiently warned.

Anyway, I'd wager most of you reading this blog are aware of Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy as a pairing. I mean, Harley/Ivy is almost canon, isn't it? But being me, I hauled one out from the Archives. Literally!

Going waaaaay back in time, there is some serious girlcrush action going on between Wonder Woman and Shiera (original Hawkgirl) Sanders in the issue of All-Star Comics where Diana joins the JSA. My imagination, it runs wild.

The issue in question is All-Star Comics #11 (June-July 1942), edited by Sheldon Mayer. The sequence itself is only one page, with script by Gardner Fox and art credited to Jack Burnley. Below you will find some excerpts as reprinted in All-Star Comics Archives Volume 3, with cutesy captions added by yours truly.

Some of you will say I am taking things out of context. Some of you will say I am reading entirely too much into these panels. Some of you will say this is ridiculous. You are absolutely correct. But it's still fun!

"--And come join me back in our cabin!"

"She's my *ahem* friend, Hawkman!"

"Dangling! Tee Hee!"

"Now kiss me already!"

Getting Closer by Nickyflamingo

2012-01-10T15:30:00.001-06:00

Nickyflamingo is an artist that has been on the periphery of my awareness for awhile, but I'd never gotten around to watching her work until recently. Which is a pity, since she has an appealing style and loves drawing beautiful ladies. To partially make up for my extreme laziness in following her art, I recently commissioned her to do a picture for me of Shelly Ericson and Firegirl, my two principal female characters.

Wow. You can see the absolutely gorgeous results of this commission. I knew Nicky would do a good job, but this turned out to be beyond just "good"; it's amazing. My only regret is that it took me so long to give the lady some love, but I suspect this won't be the last time you see her art in these quarters.

Why not go lavish some praise on this piece over on deviantArt?

Divine Dames: A Review

2012-01-09T19:10:00.001-06:00

Well, it is a rainy and miserable day here, but that is the perfect weather to curl up with a good book (especially if you are not interested in college football in a state absolutely bonkers about it). I can assure you that you will not find a better book for your curling up and reading needs than Kayleigh Lebak's Divine Dames. It is entertaining, educational, and absolutely beautiful.

Kayleigh Lebak is, of course, a familiar face in OWARI-Land, and Divine Dames is her latest foray in putting together a book. This time, she's assembled 26 goddesses from a wide range of pantheons across the globe. Each is given a full-page pinup in a distinctive and appropriate style. That's right, you get to see all sorts of approaches in depicting comely and cosmic ladies.

The best part is that Kayleigh has finally broken out her writing skills for the world. Y'see, I've often thought that she has quite a talent for wordsmithery, but it doesn't get used as much in contrast to her ever-developing art abilities. Well, she gives background on each of the beauties in the spotlight. Divine Dames is a feast for the mind as well as the eyes!

You can order Divine Dames via Lulu for the print edition. You can contact the divine Ms. Lebak herself through her site if you are interested in a PDF version! As always, tell her OWARI sent you!

Shelly's Story: The Picture

2012-01-06T23:33:00.001-06:00

Gosh, "Shelly's Story" is already a year and a half old. So it was a seriously belated decision when I commissioned Kabuki Katze recently to do a companion picture for it. But the logic behind that decision will become clear...I hope.

Kabuki did a masterful job in turning back the clock on Shelly's distinctive style, to find where she might have been when she first arrived in Major City. And if you get a THAT GIRL/MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW vibe from this pic, well, that's purely intentional. Also, I would like to point out the sterling work on the USAF duffle bag Shelly carries. Little details!

By golly, look at that, this piece is on deviantArt, too!

When Boredom Attacks

2012-01-05T23:35:00.000-06:00

Idle hands might not really be the Devil's Workshop, but boredom leads me to have strange ideas.

If You Were Looking For A Site About A Japanese Country Music Singer...

2012-01-04T23:41:00.000-06:00

...I have just the thing for you!

Beau Yatani arrives straight from LEGEND OF THE DINOSAURS and into your heart!

(True story: I genuinely thought "Beau Yatani and his the Last Longhorn Band" were an entertaining piece of fiction created for that movie. Upon further review, I have no idea what led me to this conclusion. I mean, a Japanese country & western group is random enough, but to make one up just for a film?)

I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman

2012-01-03T12:45:00.000-06:00

Given the on-going mania over all things Batman, I imagine it's just about time for Whistling Jack Smith's "I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman" to be rediscovered and lionized by a certain segment of comics fandom. I breathlessly await the latest issue of one of the "New 52" in which Kaiser Bill instructs Batman to stop Lex Luthor from stealing 40 cakes. That will increase sales tenfold!

But seriously, what in the blue hell does this title even mean? Kaiser Bill? Who? And why is this whistling person his Batman? My questions, they are legion.

Santo vs. la Invasion de los Marcianos

2012-01-02T01:05:00.001-06:00

SANTO VS. LA INVASION DE LOS MARCIANOS trailer

One of my great sorrows as a follower of oddball cinema is that I've never really been able to get into Mexican wrestler movies. To be sure, I love the idea of them, and have even appropriated it here and there in my own work. And it seems like a slam dunk for someone like me. I like superheroes, I like(d) pro wrestling, and I like strange low-budget films. Yet, I cannot really get myself worked up over these luchador adventures. This is definitely my loss.

Above is the trailer for SANTO VS. LA INVASION DE LOS MARCIANOS ("Santo vs. the Invasion of the Martians"), which melds 1950s-era science-fiction with championship grappling. See, this is why I find these movies so fascinating. Masked wrestler vs. alien interlopers! Get ready for all the pesos!

If only I could love them the way some people do.

Oh, and before you mock the Martians for forgetting their shirts during their invasion, I'd like to point out that their nemesis isn't wearing one either. They're just trying to keep things fair. It's not a bold new fashion statement from our neighbors on the Red Planet. OR IS IT?!?!

This movie came out on English-subtitled DVD a few years ago, believe it or not. While it's now out of print, copies can still be found for reasonable prices. In fact, the low price looks like someone quite familiar in these parts. I didn't conceive this entry as a means to help him sell his copy, but if it helps, all the better!

Don't Forget...

2012-01-01T12:51:00.003-06:00

This guy?

Always funny.

(Another screenshot from SEX IN THE COMICS.)

That Was The Year That Was

2011-12-31T23:34:00.097-06:00

The changing of the calendar page from one year to the next is always a time for reflection in these parts. By a quirk of circumstance, it also neatly arrives at roughly the same time as this blog's anniversary. I don't have any celebration for the latter planned, but let it be noted that OWARI is entering its fourth year in 2012. No one is more surprised by this development than yours truly.

My goal for 2011 as far as this blog was concerned was to manage at least 20 posts a month, for a minimum of 240 entries on the year. Well, I didn't quite reach that projection - I faltered to just 13 posts in May (ironically, this would have been one of my better months in 2009!). However, I compensated during the other 11 months to reach what will be 288 entries when this one is published. That includes two months (July & November) where there was a post every day and stretches of 36 and 55 straight days where I got something on here. I find this positively mind-boggling.

I also seem to have accidentally published a book during 2011. Seriously, Captain Satellite: Number Zero was a fascinating creative experience. I hadn't opened the year intending to do anything of the sort, so it was just as much of a surprise to me as anyone else that it happened. Kudos to all involved who helped make it happen, especially illustrator/instigator/friend Kayleigh Lebak (a.k.a. Kabuki Katze). Much of what I do with my characters would not be the same without her efforts.

Of course, there are some loose ends from the year that didn't go quite as planned. I should wrap those up. To wit:

1) Back in April, I mentioned that 2012 would see the release of a book entitled Captain Satellite: Life & Times. I'm not as sure about that now. Work stalled on it during the year, and it has some structural problems that need solving before I deem it fit for public consumption. It MAY still happen in 2012; then again, it may not happen at all. I'm exploring my options.

2) I never did post any other pictures from this year's Chaos Theory art show, did I? Regrettably, I never made it back during the show's run, and the paltry few pics I do have still sit on my camera. Sorry about that.

I don't think anything else qualifies as a "loose end" just yet, but I'm sure someone will remind me if I'm wrong. For the record, I'll be continuing both my discussion of that Dr. Fate book and my survey of OWARI's fanzine years in the coming months.

I'm not quite certain what this new year holds. Well, I do know one thing - I will be turning 40. This is strange to write and even stranger to think about. I'm going to try not to worry too much about that, and other things that are out of my control. I just want to take one day at a time, and hope to discover greatness along the way.

See you in 2012.

Penguins Is Practically Chickens

2011-12-30T00:46:00.000-06:00

I recently did a small favor for Kabuki Katze, and in return, she created an ACEO for me. Rather than electing to have another card done of one of my personal characters, I instead asked for The Penguin!!!

No, not that guy.

This Penguin is a 1940s Canadian superhero. He toplined Wow Comics for Bell Features and was created by Adrian Dingle. His alter ego may (or may not!) be Bruce Baron, but he definitely is a champion of justice dressed like a penguin.

Well obviously, the Canadian Penguin is such a daft idea that I have to love him. I had been keeping him in my backpocket as a possible commission subject should the time ever be right. I judged the time to be right, and unleashed Kabu on the guy.

I didn't request a tiny comic book cover, but am positively delighted by it. She did an amazing job re-creating the look of those Canadian "whites" with only a few images. And hey, she gave the Penguin a top hat! In an oversight I can scarcely believe myself, it does not appear he wore one in the old comics. Clearly, this needed to be remedied.

The Penguin is a character I have always found awesome, and now I have a version of him to treasure for myself. Tell Kabuki yourself how cool she is!

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section III - Civilians (U-Z)

2011-12-29T01:19:00.000-06:00

Velvet Verity: Velvet Verity is a world-famous supermodel who has managed to run afoul of super-villains on more than one occasion. Her sometimes reckless behavior makes her an easy target for those seeking valuable hostages, and she has required rescue several times in recent years. Sadly, she is not one to learn lessons.

Ivan Walters: Ivan Walters is a prominent film and television producer based in El Oceano. He is best known for producing the hit Cat-Man TV show, and the subsequent blockbuster movie series based on that comic book hero. Among his other credits are the TV series The Deacon and the cult classic sci-fi film The Blue Ooze. Paul Mann believes in Walters enough that he has been financing several of his recent projects. They have joined forces to form the production company WAM Films.

Basil Whittaker: Basil Whittaker is the British millionaire and daredevil adventurer who originally financed Paul Mann when he mysteriously appeared a number of years ago. Mann considers Basil his mentor, and the two have a surrogate father/son relationship that is perhaps so obvious that it led to the non-revelation that ended Paul Mann and Roxanne Prize's relationship. When not tending to his business interests or off on some boondoggle like circling the Earth in a hot air balloon, Basil is one of the foremost art collectors in the world. He specializes in pieces that are considered “grotesque” by the population-at-large.

Bruce Yee: Bruce Yee is C.H.I.E.F.'s Hong Kong bureau chief, and one of the most highly respected officers in the organization. He assisted Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson in their initial tangle with Titan Khan, and continues to keep watch for unusual threats throughout Asia. In spite of certain Western stereotypes, he is most comfortable relying on his crack marksmanship in battle.

Merry Christmas From OWARI HQ

2011-12-24T22:25:00.035-06:00

A happy holiday doodle of Kendal (Amazing Girl) Rose supplied by Kabuki Katze leads off this Christmas Eve entry. This particular version comes from her blog, so a) this saves me the time & energy of scanning it myself and b) it's already marked and everything!

This past week has been particularly draining, which is usually the case for me leading up to the holidays. Therefore, I'm taking a few days rest from blogging. But worry not! I shall return before the coming week has completed. I can't send you into 2012 without a freshly-baked batch of OWARI goodness.

And now, here's a little number that has rapidly become one of my favorite Christmas songs. In fact, it's catchy any day of the year. It's the Waitresses, the band responsible for "I Know What Boys Like" and the theme to the TV series SQUARE PEGS, with "Christmas Wrapping"!

"Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses

Altered Egos: The Untold Story

2011-12-23T13:41:00.003-06:00

I have commissioned Kabuki Katze to do many art pieces based on my characters. Among the most popular with the public at large is a series I dubbed "Altered Egos." The gist of Altered Egos is to depict the civilian guise of one of my characters, with the background being their super identity.

Here's a handy checklist of the pictures in the Altered Egos series so far:

Paul Mann

Shelly Ericson

Xolani Shabangu

Roxanne Prize

Kendal Rose

Beth Gordon

One thing I sort of glossed over in introducing this series was its origins. You see, this particular layout did not come to me out of a void. In fact, it was inspired by some earlier pieces Kabuki had done for me in 2008-2009.

To backtrack, the two pictures seen below of Reiko Hayasaka (Blue Swallow) and Etsuko Oishi (White Swan) of Return of Jetman fame were done as giftart. Other than choosing the characters and the premise, I didn't really plan these out. The wallpaper formatting with the headshot serving as background did, however, plant the seeds in my mind for what became Altered Egos.

For the record, this is not how Reiko and Etsuko are usually costumed. I asked Kabuki to create sexy lingerie-style outfits for them based on their standard uniforms. This was an outgrowth of a picture of Kei Mizuno (Green Wyvern) that had been done a couple of months earlier by Sara. And so, the process continues. Every project feeds into another one, whether we know it or not.

Anyway, without further ado, here's Reiko Hayasaka in "Sing, Bluebird" and Etsuko Oishi in "Swan Song! They are the beginnings of Altered Egos! Don't forget to click them for full-size!

Mail-Order Mysteries

2011-12-22T18:51:00.075-06:00

Folks, I am pleased to report that I did obtain my copy of Mail-Order Mysteries as discussed in this entry. Furthermore, unlike the cheap junk the book celebrates, I found Mail-Oder Mysteries lived up to my expectations. In fact, it surpassed them!

Kirk Demarais (I am too embarrassed to check whether I misspelled his name last time) has not only put together a fine and fascinating book, but he has done a quality service for mankind. I am glad someone has documented the truth behind things like X-Ray Spex, Sea Monkeys, and the 100 piece toy soldier set. Heck, he has even uncovered a genuine Raquel Welch pillow! These sort of novelties are just as much a part of the fabric of comic book history as Superman and Spider-Man, so it's nice to have a celebration of them in all their tackiness. It also serves as a reminder that, yes, ads can and do mislead you. How else to explain something like the U-Control Ghost?

My comic book mail order experience was remarkably low key for someone who consumed so damn many comic books and was endlessly fascinated by the array of ads contained within them. Besides the obligatory comic book dealers, the only time I can recall sending away for anything through a comic book ad was for comic character flip flops. Why this, of all things? Search me, as I cannot even adequately remember the characters on this fancy footwear. I received them, and they were exactly as advertised (a reputable company? NO!), but I think the wait involved scared me off from going crazy on such deals. Wasn't it something like eight weeks? The sad truth is that flip flops insulated me from the disappointment that would have been mine had I dived headfirst into fulfilling my comic book ad fantasies.

Kirk Demarais understands this, and he's here to help. Mail-Order Mysteries is a cavalcade of fun, even if some of the products were outright frauds. In fact, I daresay that this is one of my favorite books in recent memory. If you consider that an endorsement coming from me, hey, why not order a copy?

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! If you act now (or y'know, anytime, really), you can read The "Lost" Mail-Order Mysteries! It's a look behind the scenes (if you will) on one of the more satisfying book purchases I've ever made.

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section III - Civilians (T)

2011-12-21T20:16:00.018-06:00

Nicola Tanihara: Nicola Tanihara is an esteemed Professor of Mathematics at MTI. She first encountered Mortimer (Blue Behemoth) Kane and Danny (Drone Man) Graham when she joined the faculty of the university, but neither of them had the nerve to talk to her while they were graduate students. More recently, Graham has not only asked her out, but there are signs that sparks might fly between them.

Debbie Truman: Debbie Truman is the teenage daughter of Tex and Gabrielle Truman, and younger sister of Dean (Ultimate American) Truman. Unlike the rest of her family, she has shown no affinity for a life of action. Quite the contrary, she is shy and withdrawn, and would much prefer solitude over hanging out with her peers. Tex and Gabrielle are hopeful that she will at least come out of her shell one day, even if she never becomes part of the family’s fighting legacy.

Gabrielle Truman: Formerly Gabrielle Fitzgerald, Gabrielle “Jinx” Truman was a C.H.I.E.F. codebreaker when she met and fell in love with Tex Truman. Despite his advanced age (offset by his youthful appearance & vitality) and lingering doubts (due to his failings during his first marriage), she and Tex were wed, and she retired from active duty to raise a family. Tex and Gabrielle have two children together, Dean and Debbie. Though she seems content with the life of a housewife, Gabrielle can still draw from her martial arts training in a pinch.

Joe Truman: Joe Truman, the son of Tex and Anna Truman, was recruited by C.H.I.E.F. while still in college, and joined the organization after earning his degree. He served as an agent for several years, but found working for the government too stifling. He resigned from C.H.I.E.F. and struck out on his own as a freelance operator specializing in paranormal investigation.

Joe found fame and riches both in selling his services to the highest bidder (which ironically often included C.H.I.E.F.) and promoting himself through the media. His tactics in advancing his newfound career led to considerable friction with his father Tex. They finally had a major falling out after Tex divorced Joe’s mother, and the two refused to speak to one another in the aftermath.

Joe Truman disappeared under mysterious circumstances 25 years ago. He has not been seen or heard from in the intervening years.

Tex Truman: Tex Truman (his legal name) is a larger-than-life cowboy hailing from the plains of west Texas who has devoted his life to fighting for his country. Given his somewhat eccentric nature, it was probably inevitable that he was eventually assigned to C.H.I.E.F. as a special agent. After all, most G-Men don’t go around wearing a ten gallon hat and a pair of six-shooters.

Tex has distinguished himself over the years as a C.H.I.E.F. operative, including uncovering a raft of Third World agents in the organization’s ranks. For meritorious service in that case, he was promoted to director of the bureau after the forced resignation of his predecessor. He remained at the post for 9 years, and rebuilt C.H.I.E.F. from the ground up after initiating a thorough housecleaning. Since stepping down, he has continued to serve as a special consultant. Tex was never one for a full retirement.

Tex has been married twice. He wed his first wife, the former Anna Malone, while still in his 20s, and they had a son together named Joe. After a lengthy marriage, the two eventually drifted apart and divorced, citing irreconcilable differences. Tex remained single until Anna’s death by natural causes nine years later. Within a year, he was engaged to fellow C.H.I.E.F. agent Gabrielle Fitzgerald.

Tex currently stays involved by serving as C.H.I.E.F. liaison to the Invincible Alliance – the very group his son Dean leads as the Ultimate American. Otherwise, he helps his wife Gabrielle raise their teenage daughter Debbie. He is uncannily spry for being 96 years old. Perhaps that time 60 years ago when he vanished in the mountains of Tibet for a month has something to do with that?

A Harmless Drudge

2011-12-20T11:46:00.003-06:00

I first became aware of Kory Stamper via the "Ask The Editor" videos on Merriam-Webster Online (my preferred internet dictionary). Was it the now-famous "octopodes" video? I do believe it was.

(Note to self: Firefox does not recognize "octopodes" as a word. Unacceptable.)

Now, don't get me wrong - Peter Sokolowski and Emily Brewster (the other editors featured on the M-W video page) are also quite rad. I think I noticed Kory's videos first because she was so amazingly expressive and funny in addition to being intelligent. If I'm being honest with myself, the purple hair probably influenced my decision to actually watch one of her videos, too. That was not exactly what I was expecting of someone who worked on a dictionary.

Kory Stamper talks about her own preconceived notions about the dictionary in the inaugural post on Harmless Drudgery, her newly-launched blog. I am very excited that this is happening, because I had been thinking since I started following her Twitter account that hers was a voice that would be fascinating in the blogging world. She's erudite and witty, but with a healthy lack of pretension about her craft and herself. She certainly handles being a "bewildered internet phenom" with more aplomb than I likely would. (Seriously guys? Calm down already.)

I'm glad Kory Stamper has finally succumbed to the terrible disease that is blogging. Be sure to read what she has to say, and perhaps we will encourage her to never find a cure!

Mental Hopscotch

2011-12-19T22:54:00.000-06:00

"Mental Hopscotch"

I always knew I liked the band Missing Persons, but I cannot get this song outta my head. Wow.

The Weed of Crime

2011-12-18T23:15:00.003-06:00

This English language trailer for the Toho crime film THE WEED OF CRIME is another video brought to my attention by a comment left by reader Cody Himes. Again, I had no idea. This one surfaced on a Something Weird collection, and while I have some ideas about these oddball items, I have nothing solid. Therefore, I shall restrain myself from uninformed speculation for the moment.

Cody also mentioned that another Toho crime film titled THE MERCILESS TRAP has appeared in the Sinister Cinema catalog. Damn. If this sort of movie was more my thing, I'd be all over this already. I'm still tempted as it is.

Toxic Duck

2011-12-17T18:02:00.000-06:00

Hi, my name is Chris, and I love to buy vending machine toys.

It's a funny thing - I have long since given up collecting toys. I make an exception for those little do-dads encased in plastic bubbles that can be had for just a few coins. I will go out of my way to grab a new one, no matter how cheap and tacky.

My favorite recent find was Toxic Duck.

I should note that there are color variations for Toxic Duck, as the display card within the machine had one who was green with a black symbol. You can see that symbol is what gives him his exotic name. Also, check out how tiny the little guy is!

I was so happy with Toxic Duck that now he has a posse.

From left to right we have Screwball Duck, Retired Duck(?), and (obviously) Unretired Duck(??). I can only surmise the monikers for the latter two are some reference to shooting galleries. I further suppose the number "4" ties into this, but if there is any other special significance, it is lost on me.

Berlin via the Metro

2011-12-16T23:37:00.020-06:00

Most people who are familiar with Berlin know the band exclusively for "Take My Breath Away". While I am a big Giorgio Moroder proponent, that particular song just never did it for me. Ergo, I didn't really give the band Berlin much of my time.

This was a mistake. It was, however, an understandable one. I don't think Berlin got any radio airplay locally except for "Take My Breath Away". As it turns out, that song is not really representative of the band's capabilities. Leave it to the world to make a song written by outside hands the ONE that embodies a group.

I suppose I had an inkling that Berlin had more to offer from an old cassette I owned. It was called Heat: Extended Hot Mixes from a label called JCI Records. I bought it for other reasons (*ahem* "White Horse"), but one of the songs was Berlin's "No More Words". If I had paid attention, I would have noticed sooner that Berlin's sound on that song was different from their later hit. Alas, I did not.

It wasn't until years later, when I was buying various and sundry compilation CDs, that I discovered songs like "Sex (I'm A...)" and "The Metro". That was when I realized that Berlin was far more than just a song from TOP GUN. Better late than never!

"Sex (I'm A...)" (somewhat NSFW)

"The Metro"

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section III - Civilians (O-S)

2011-12-15T20:02:00.001-06:00

Jimmy Olive: “Handsome” Jimmy Olive is one of the more colorful characters prowling the streets of the Minors in Major City. Known for his flamboyant attire, Handsome Jimmy professes that he loves “the ladies” and “kickin’ booty” (though not at the same time). He is also one of the most reliable informants in town for those seeking a hot tip.

Bobbi Prize: Roberta Prize (though usually just “Bobbi Prize”) is the ne’er-do-well older sister of Roxanne (Firegirl) Prize. Though she shares her sister’s stunning attractiveness, Bobbi is not quite as motivated to do the right thing as her sibling. To be frank, she’s a con artist, always on the look-out for a new angle. Though the sisterly love between Bobbi and Roxanne is strong, their relationship has been strained through the years due to Bobbi’s occasionally unscrupulous antics.

Kimber Rachelle: Kimber Rachelle (born Kimberly Rachelle Hackendorf) is a glamorous film starlet who got roped into the world of superheroes quite by accident. Cast in Ivan Walters’ big budget Cat-Man film alongside Bruce Chase (as “David Merryweather/Cat-Man”) and Alan Norby (as “Dr. Macabre”), Kimber’s big break involved replacing the retired Eve East in the role of “Katie Conn/Kitten.” Little did Kimber know it would also lead to her being targeted by mad scientist Dr. Sandor Varkoff when he unleashed the robot known as Elektroid on the set. It was ultimately Kimber who swayed Elektroid enough to break his programming and turn against Varkoff. Kimber has remained close to Elektroid since then, even as she has risen to international stardom. She refers to him as her “special friend.”

Archie Richter: Archie Richter is one of the top mob bosses in Major City. Between law enforcement and rival gangsters, maintaining a grip on his rackets is no easy task in the largest city in the nation. To make matters worse, instead of avoiding superheroes, he has chosen to tackle them head-on with little success. There has been persistent grumbling in his organization that it might be time for a change at the top. For that to happen, someone will have to dare trying to rub out the seemingly-untouchable Archie Richter.

Buddy Roswell: Buddy Roswell is known in most circles as “Major City’s Angriest Citizen.” It often seems he doesn’t have a good word for ANYONE. Buddy isn’t evil; he’s just a miserable person. He also subscribes to just about every conspiracy theory known to man. He has denounced Captain Satellite as trying to control his mind through “sub-ether radio transmission” (whatever that is).

Scary Metal People: The Scary Metal People are one of the richest and most esteemed rock groups in history. Unsurprisingly, they are also a bunch of nutters.

Scary Metal People lead guitarist, vocalist, and de facto leader Arthur Crudlip first came into the public eye as “Arthur Shoe Leather,” using the gimmick of a singing shoeshine boy. He scored a smash hit on the U.K. music charts with his debut record, “Shine Your Shoes (For Tupence).” Subsequent releases under the Shoe Leather moniker were unsuccessful, and Crudlip abandoned both it and the act itself, later calling that phase of his career “a giant cock-up.”

Left to his own devices (a dangerous proposition if there ever was one), Crudlip recruited Smythe Niblett (rhythm guitar), Geoffrey Toober (bass), and Nigel Null (drums) to form a band. This quartet dubbed themselves “The Scary Metal People” for reasons which are lost in a drunken haze, and went on to perform in the sessions that led to the Scary Metal People's classic debut album Wampeter For Trouble. Among the favorites on this strong maiden effort are “The Bees That Sting Me (Ouch)” (“Beeeeeeees are upon me/And they're stiiiiiiiinging”), “Big Ol' Brain” (“MY BRAIN!” x 6), and “Kill Them All And Fall Asleep” (unintelligible except for the chorus).

The line-up of the Scary Metal People (gleefully dubbed “The World's Most Obnoxious Band” by the rock press) has remained intact and unchanged since their formation, unusual for such a durable group and downright confounding considering their often peculiar life choices. They have recently been on tour promoting their latest album, Billion Pound Bootblack, and its single, the fourth new version of “Shine Your Shoes (For Tupence)” in the Scary Metal People's catalog. Crudlip insists that the album's title is a reference to all the money he has generated through his music career, and not to his burgeoning waistline.

During one particular stop of their tour, at the Indigo Mollusk in Major City, the Scary Metal People were attacked by one-time associate Zoragaza the Mystic. Fortunately, the Blue Behemoth was attending the show and subdued the mad magician with the aid of his allies in the Invincible Alliance. Grateful for the save, the Scary Metal People invited the Alliance to appear on-stage with them two months later at a benefit show organized by Paul Mann and Pat August at Miles Major Memorial Stadium. Blue Behemoth (playing guitar on his custom-made Fender Stratocaster), Drone Man (keyboards), Ultimate American (cowbell), Firegirl (tambourine), and Elektroid (triangle) accompanied the Scary Metal People on the brand-new song Crudlip wrote especially for the performance, “Wizards Are Wankers.”

SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY: Wampeter For Trouble, Matzahs Moody, Hardcore Bragging, Wreckful, Beware The Bowered Blowfly, Sextain Tacit, Hyena Thwack!, Peskier, Dazzled By The Microdot, Billion Pound Bootblack

Mondo Style: Mondo Style (obviously not his real name) is one of the more famous professional wrestlers of the last 25 years. He thought it would be fabulous publicity to challenge Blue Behemoth to a “superhero vs. wrestler” match for one of his grappling group's pay-per-view events. Deciding to “forget” the pre-planned outcome, he went into business for himself during the “contest”, and BB taught him a lesson in humility that was an entertainment bargain for fans everywhere.

Remembering The Blue Scarab

2011-12-14T18:56:00.043-06:00

While discussing the Azure Ant with Lewis over on deviantArt, I was reminded of another inspiration. This one is probably exclusive to me, so you're forgiven if this is all new to you.

Specifically, this particular episode of SCOOBY-DOO had a big impact on me. Yeah, I know, I know, but understand this: I was 7 when I watched it. I feel certain I saw it during that initial airing, though I have not seen it since. I still recall details from that episode, and I'm pretty sure I can't say that about any other episodes of that show. Well, maybe the ones with celebrity guest-stars like Mama Cass, but that's it.

One thing that particularly fascinates me is that, even at 7, I realized that the Blue Scarab was a parody of the Blue Beetle. I knew who Blue Beetle was even then, and also knew he wasn't being published by Charlton at that time. I wonder if this episode was one of those windows into how comic books worked. Well, sorta how they worked - I mean, it's rare for disgruntled comic creators to dress up as their characters and commit crimes.

A twist in the tale is that this episode is based directly on an issue of the Scooby comic book from a few years earlier. Both were written by Mark Evanier, so there's no shenanigans going on there. I cannot recall if the TV script was a rush job or not (possibly), but that could very well be why that script got reused. I must say, since I discovered this, I've been really curious to read the original comic book version of the story.

I do find it strange that the comic cover refers to the character as simply "the Scarab" and depicts him looking very un-Blue Beetle-like. Considering the synopsis uses the "Blue Scarab" name, I wonder if that was a strategic move by Gold Key. After all, BB's most recent comic book had only been cancelled less than a decade earlier. And hey, why the Blue Beetle anyway?

I should probably ask Mark Evanier himself, but man, that gent is certainly busy. Perhaps he will wander by here someday? I'm also relatively certain this was my introduction to the word "scarab", so he broadened my vocabulary as well! Thanks Mark!

Altered Egos: Beth Gordon

2011-12-13T11:35:00.021-06:00

Why yes, it's back for more! "Altered Egos", the series drawn by that stunning lady artist known far and wide as Kabuki Katze, returns to dazzle us once again. Today's subject is Beth Gordon!

(click for 1440 x 900)

As Kabuki put it: This time it's the capable West Coast babe Beth Gordon, AKA Muscle Woman. Beth was gifted with super strength after a run-in with the devious evil-doing gang "Third World." Now she's a divorcee working to get her life back on track with the added hitch of having to figure out how to make her new superpowers fit into her life.

Well, where to begin? Beth was not a typical character for Kabu, since she was more obviously muscle-bound than usual. Balancing that with the desire to keep her feminine was a challenge we both accepted. I think the results are really excellent!

The majority of the outfit was Kabuki's idea, playing off Beth's newly-conceived Hispanic heritage (maiden name Elisabeth Huerta). I did ask for the weightlifting belt to emphasize her strength, and somehow, it works quite well as a whole.

Will we see this series continue in the future? Probably!

My World : The Azure Ant

2011-12-12T00:29:00.000-06:00

Rip Witchell is a former officer in the Major City Police Department who was busted for corruption. Ousted from the MCPD, he broke out of prison with the help of his ingenuity and connections. Witchell then disappeared into the shady world of the underground to plot his next move.

The Azure Ant is the result of Witchell’s scheming. Donning the guise of an obscure comic book hero, Witchell’s goal is nothing less than taking over organized crime in Major City. Neither the authorities nor the current gangland leaders find the Azure Ant’s plan particularly appealing.

Given the nature of his ambitions, the Azure Ant has inevitably clashed with Captain Satellite and other heroes based in Major City. Somewhat oddly, he claims that his “secret weapon” in his battles is his steadfast devotion to the soft drink Kooba Cola. He says Kooba is “invigorating, refreshing, and delicious” and “gives him the pep he needs” in taking on his foes.

Before anyone asks, "Witchell" is not a typo, but a perfectly legitimate surname. It came to me in a dream, and I was just as surprised as anyone to learn it was real. I pretty much had to use it after finding out it was.

During both 2007 and 2010, I toyed with the concept of reviving an insect-themed villain or two from my past roster of characters. Alas, nothing ever clicked to my satisfaction. Then earlier this year, I hit upon the Azure Ant name (spinning out of an older character called the Albino Ant) and my mind went into a different direction than earlier attempts.

The Blue Beetle is a comic book character with a long and torturous history, but most of it is not important for our purposes. What is important is that I am a fan of the character in all his incarnations (if not all the stories, oh no) and the original Golden Age version is in the public domain. The "Blue Beetle" name and subsequent versions of the hero are owned by DC Comics, but the first claimant to the name is free for anyone to use.

Essentially, the Azure Ant is a parody/homage to the Blue Beetle, but with a helpful name change. BB's original secret identity was policeman Dan Garret, so my villain is a corrupt former cop out to take over the underworld. And there it was - a way to make this new villain distinctive enough to have a reason for existing.

...Oh, the Kooba Cola thing? Kooba Cola was a soft drink marketed by Victor Fox in the pages of his comics (including Blue Beetle) and the BB radio show. Though promo materials exist, there is a question as to whether it was actually produced. I had already integrated Kooba Cola into the Owariverse in a story that has not yet been released, so I liked pairing the Azure Ant with it. There was also some inspiration found from Captain Beefheart's apparent addiction to Pepsi.

(And no, that color scheme isn't strictly speaking "azure" in hex code. I went with something that mirrored the Blue Beetle and just regarded the word as a synonym for "blue" in this instance.)

Ironfinger: Booted Babe, Busted Boss

2011-12-11T02:14:00.020-06:00

Last week, we had this. If you click that link, you will see the bombshell link reader C.T. Himes dropped on me. But for your sake, I'll embed it here.

This is the trailer for IRONFINGER: BOOTED BABE, BUSTED BOSS. The what of what? IRONFINGER: BOOTED BABE, BUSTED BOSS is the English-dubbed version (courtesy of William Ross & Frontier Enterprises) of the sequel to 100 SHOT-100 KILLED. I had seen this title in Stuart Galbraith IV's The Japanese Filmography (as well as IRONFINGER for 100 SHOT-100 KILLED), but hadn't really given a lot of thought to it. I mean, it's not like these movies got released anywhere outside of Japan, right?

Well, uhhhhh, now I don't know what to think. It makes sense that Toho International marketed them, but does this mean someone somewhere bought it? I guess part of my brain knew these dubs existed, but I never expected one of them to surface. It doesn't sound especially awe-inspiring as far as English dubs go, but I'd take it if I got the chance to see it!

ROJ Episode 14 Notes Are Live!

2011-12-10T12:17:00.008-06:00

In nearly every respect, this felt like the thing that refused to be written. I finished the episode discussed eight years ago. Now, and only JUST now, you can read the corresponding notes to Return of Jetman Episode 14. It's taken me nine months to follow up the previous set of notes on the site. Let me repeat that: NINE MONTHS.

I sincerely hope I can be a little more on the ball with the updated notes to New Return of Jetman.

Anyway, without further ado, here is the fruit of far too much labor for such a meager readership - ROJ Episode 14 Notes!

Shiera Sanders Is Still Hawkgirl

2011-12-09T02:19:00.002-06:00

Hey there! Remember there was a commission piece of the Earth-2/Golden Age incarnation of Hawkgirl in these parts not long ago? Now there is another! This one is by Sean Moore, and was done as part of a trade for some issues of Hobby Japan. I actually let him choose whatever version of Hawkgirl he wanted to draw, and he elected to go with this version, too. Oh, and he tried some new things in this piece. I think it came out pretty snazzy myself!

Sean's dA page for this piece is right here. Show the man some love!

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section III - Civilians (E-N)

2011-12-08T21:48:00.000-06:00

Eve East: Eve East co-starred on the TV series Cat-Man as the hero's beautiful battling sidekick Kitten. In later years, she left acting behind and entered the arena of politics. She was recently elected mayor of El Oceano, California - the largest city on the west coast, and entertainment capital of the world. She is proud of her one-time career, but a little nonplussed when it’s all people want to talk about when they meet her.

Manon Etienne: Manon Etienne is the owner and general manager of the stylish Chez Café. In addition to its many well-deserved accolades, the Chez Café is where Paul Mann and Shelly Ericson had their first face-to-face meeting (it wasn't really a “date”). Manon’s restaurant holds the reputation as one of the places to eat in Major City. It is said that she knows all the movers and shakers in town on a first name basis.

Albert Fannick: Albert “The Panic” Fannick is a basketball star who first rose to national prominence at Magnifica University on the west coast. Signed by the Major City Electrics out of college, Fannick has gone on to have a sensational pro hoops career. His most astonishing achievement to date was scoring 75 points in a game against the El Oceano Liners. He is Shelly Ericson's favorite player, and possibly the only person in the world capable of rendering her starstruck.

Howard Fein: Howard Fein is the current President of the United States. He was eager after taking the Presidential oath of office to associate his administration with the rising popularity of Captain Satellite and the Invincible Alliance, just as he had during his term as the mayor of Major City. Critics have charged him with engaging in publicity stunts for his own gain. Fein, on the other hand, contends that he truly believes in the idealism represented by this wave of superheroes.

Curt Koorey: Curt Koorey is more than just a disc jockey; he's an institution of the airwaves. A noted radio personality and voice actor, Koorey has spun records over the years from artists as diverse as Flint Nickell, the Wee Reptiles, Billy Popcorn, Solar Cyclops, and the Scary Metal People. Disco Ball holds a personal grudge against him due to Koorey's refusal to add the works of Vance McGuire (Disco Ball's alter ego) to his playlist. And the countdown rolls on!

Dick Major: Dick Major is the wealthy scion of the venerable family that founded Major City centuries ago. Though the rest of his clan has either embraced or at least accepted Paul Mann, Dick resents what he feels is the diminishing of his family's legacy due to Mann's rise in stature in town. He is a proud (many might say arrogant) man who refuses to accept what he sees as the devaluing of the Major name. He isn’t above using unethical and possibly even illegal means to drag Paul Mann down…so long as he can’t possibly be connected to any shady dealings.

Jay Morita: Jay Morita is the Editor-in-Chief of The Major City Courier, the number one newspaper in both Major City and the country as a whole. Morita is known for his fearlessness and integrity, which is how he was able to survive the scandal that brought down reporter Roxanne Prize. Still smarting from his lapse in judgment in giving the green light to Prize's story, Morita has been working tirelessly to bolster the reputation of the Courier and fend off rival newspaper The Major City Progress.

Monica Nostro: Monica Nostro (née Monica Major) is lauded as being among the most generous philanthropists in Major City, and indeed, the nation. One of the heirs to the sizable Major family fortune, Monica has chosen to help others through charity rather than finance an extravagant lifestyle for herself. Her cousin Dick Major objects vigorously, considering Monica’s activities a waste of good money. Dick is even more perturbed by Monica’s insistence on associating with Paul Mann and Shelly Ericson, both of whom he considers bitter enemies.

The Fickle Finger Of Doctor Fate, Part 1

2011-12-07T14:16:00.139-06:00

We usually talk about how certain old comic book characters were much more popular back in the 1940s. Whether it's Blackhawk or Captain Marvel or the Sub-Mariner, there are just some four color heroes who hang in there despite their heyday being well in the past. However, they seem destined to never reach those lofty heights again.

Dr. Fate is something of the opposite case. He was essentially a highly-touted also-ran during the Golden Age. He appeared on some covers, qualified for the Justice Society, and was published for a few years. But? He never broke out as a star. Contrast that with his fortunes since his revival in 1963. He became one of the mainstays of the revived JSA, rising to become arguably one of the most popular of the bunch. He has starred in several solo series and been immortalized in toys, cartoons and even live-action television. He's still a second-stringer, but a reliable one who turns up often. Not a bad showing for a guy who couldn't even hang onto the cover spot for More Fun Comics.

As you might expect, Dr. Fate proved popular enough to earn an Archive of his Golden Age exploits from DC Comics. But Golden Age Doctor Fate Archives Vol. 1 is an Archive with a difference. It is a hardcover (the product page is wrong in this respect) that collects EVERY SINGLE Dr. Fate solo strip from the 1940s. It is not cheap, but it's almost 400 pages of rare stories starring a classic character. I finally scored my copy earlier this year.

The fascinating thing about this book is to watch the progression of the strip through its four year lifespan. The Dr. Fate that debuts in More Fun #55 is only superficially the same Dr. Fate that takes his final bow in More Fun #98. Therein lies a story that I think is worth exploring.

Doctor Fate first appears with no explicitly spelled-out backstory. By this, I mean we are told a background for him, but it is not shown. What's more, it varies from story to story. In this initial conception, the good Doctor is apparently ancient. He is also quite otherworldly.

One of the things that struck me about the first year or so of Dr. Fate is just how inherently bizarre it is. Much has been made of Fletcher Hanks and his Stardust the Super Wizard, but I would contend that Dr. Fate approaches that level of surreal crazy. The key difference is that both the story (by Gardner Fox) and art (by Howard Sherman) are clearly superior for Doctor Fate. Which isn't to say they aren't strange. Both the plots and the dialogue are rather unnerving and (dare I say it?) even a little creepy for the era. The art is compressed into small panels that tell the story in the limited space provided but add a sense of claustrophobia to even the grandest of events. If I had a word to describe the travails of Dr. Fate and his female companion Inza, it would be "unease".

Oh yes, Inza. Her Golden Age portrayal is a revelation. While frequently a damsel-in-distress, she is a strong and capable one. While her relationship with Dr. Fate is not one you could characterize as "romantic" at first, it's clear he both loves and (more importantly) respects her. For her part, she is ready and willing to participate in Fate's insane adventures, which is quite a switch from the characterization attributed to her during the 1970s and 80s. How did THAT happen, anyway? To give you an idea of her perceived importance in the strip, there are several stories in which she receives a special billing on the splash page! I can't recall many girlfriends who ever merited a "co-starring" in their hero's strip.

For whatever reason, some tinkering with this formula was felt to be necessary. Inza was absent for the tale where Dr. Fate must turn back the challenge of invading fish men, but her removal was only for one story. There was something bigger in the offing. More Fun #66 features a story with a leopard girl, and everything is...different. The panels are larger. The tone is much more down-to-Earth, albeit still in the realm of fantastic. Even the mysterious Doctor Fate comes across as more approachable. This is accentuated by the end, in which he removes his helmet and reveals his secret identity of Kent Nelson to Inza.

I cannot overemphasize what a fundamental change the last was in the strip. Not only had Dr. Fate never removed his helmet on-panel prior to this, but there was never any indication that he HAD an alter ego! Until this story, he was just Dr. Fate, and that was that. Kent Nelson's first appearance here seems a signal that they want to humanize the hero and make it easier for kids to relate to him.

This is the approach to Dr. Fate utilized throughout the Silver Age and Bronze Age, which is why it is surprising to realize it only lasted for six months in the Golden Age. The next story (#67) relates an origin story for Fate that had previously been deemed unneeded. This is the foundation for his character in later years, though it does seemingly contradict his portrayal during most of the prior year's worth of stories. Not to worry, this was addressed in later retcons (some ingenious, some not so much).

Thus begins the much more obvious romance between Kent Nelson and Inza Cramer (whose surname fluctuated). Heck, they even go on a date where Kent WEARS HIS GOLDEN DR. FATE CAPE WITH HIS DRESS CLOTHES. Kent and Inza's relationship would be pretty consistent through the latter-days of the feature.

Issues #69-#71 form a probably accidental sequence that paves the way for yet another new direction. In #69, we meet Ian Karkull and he ends up getting trapped in the form of a shadow. In #70, Karkull returns for Round Two, and teams up with old Fate foe Wotan. Wotan's return is odd in itself. He appeared in the first two Dr. Fate stories, but not again until he inexplicably returned over a year later (his red outfit and green skin being supplanted by a purple suit and Caucasian skin in the process). This teaming is foiled by Our Hero is what feels like a climax. And then, in #71...

Remember how I said it was obvious in #66 that things were different? I get the same vibe from the story in #71. This story very much feels like it could be about ANY superhero, and just happens to feature Dr. Fate. I realize that could be said for much of the output of the Golden Age, but I don't think I'm barking up the wrong tree when I contend those early Dr. Fate stories had a flavor all their own. That is missing here. The artwork and everyone featured in it look the same. But the characters sound different. They act differently. Dr. Fate wins in the end, but you get the impression of him being just another long underwear type instead of an enigmatic sorcerer.

Things were about to change radically in the Dr. Fate strip. And the surest sign would be a slight alteration in his costume. That will be where we pick this up in Part 2 (whenever that may be).

ACEO on Fire!

2011-12-06T13:17:00.001-06:00

See, Firegirl? I told you that there would be an ACEO of you by Kabuki Katze. Would I lie to a sizzling redhead like you?

You're also on deviantArt. Isn't that grand?

Shaolin vs. Frankenstein

2011-12-05T20:30:00.085-06:00

Disclaimer: A screener copy of the "Shaolin vs. Frankenstein" DVD was sent to the owner of this blog for review.

Back in the carefree 1990s, when we rode our dinosaurs to the post office to pick up the latest issues of our favorite fanzines, Damon Foster surprised us all when he began reviewing KOREAN sci-fi movies in the pages of his Oriental Cinema. Later, I even acquired a few of them (not from Damon) during those madcap video trading days. They were just as oddball as he'd said, and more than a little bit hard to follow. I don't think I own any of those tapes today, but I never forgot my exposure to those movies.

Fast forward to the present, and Damon has gifted us with his new video, SHAOLIN VS. FRANKENSTEIN. SHAOLIN VS. FRANKENSTEIN is built around footage from THREE (count 'em!) different Korean movies. This is very much a good thing, because while these films always have some points of interest, they are also filled with a lot of stuff that is just a waste of your time. Damon has smartly solved this dilemma by weaving the plots of three separate films together into one. Amazingly, it is pretty much at least as coherent as the originals were separately.

I won't attempt to recap the plot, but I will tell you this movie features:

* Monsters! Including Dracula and the Frankenstein monster!
* The giant monster Yongary!
* The superhero Golden Bat!
* A Shaolin priest!
* An utterly moronic lead character in Shim Hyung Rae's "Young Gu"!
* Juvenile humor at its most juvenile!

SHAOLIN VS. FRANKENSTEIN is a little slow out of the gate, because there is only so much Damon and company can do with the expository portion of the proceedings. Still, there are good gags to be found. However, when things kick into gear, they REALLY kick into gear. Imagine if you will a superhero fight intercut with the Shaolin priest battling monsters intercut with Yongary on a rampage. It was as if everything cool had a giant mash-up party!

Damon Foster deserves a lot of credit for seriously improving on what were at best minor video curios and making them not only watchable but entertaining. I hadn't given these flicks much thought in ages, so it was a pleasure to rediscover some of their idiosyncratic charm in a more palatable form. In many ways, it hearkened back to the time when we watched movies just because they were different.

Caution: SHAOLIN VS. FRANKENSTEIN is not for everyone. Some of the dubbed humor may offend, but that is Damon's M.O. and I wouldn't change it. There are also some scenes from the Korean movies that may surprise you in their gross-out factor, considering these were originally marketed as being for kids. Oh, and there is one laughably cheap but disturbingly graphic (if that makes a lick of sense) sequence that I won't spoil here.

SHAOLIN VS. FRANKENSTEIN is a worthy addition to Damon's collection of unusual video projects. You can check those out on his video page. SHAOLIN VS. FRANKENSTEIN is not for sale juuuust yet, so keep your eyes peeled at Damon Foster's Page! When available, it can be yours for the modest price of $10!

100 Shot-100 Killed

2011-12-04T00:18:00.059-06:00

My pal David McRobie over at Xenorama recently devoted the month of November to discussing spy movies. One video I found during his cavalcade was the above, and since it didn't make the cut on the Xeno-Blog, I thought I'd spotlight it here.

As it happens, I've seen the first "100 Shot-100 Killed" (literally 100発100中) film. I absolutely loved it for its good-natured sense of humor and fairly exciting action. Akira Takarada shines as "Andrew Hoshino" (but is he really Andrew Hoshino??) and Mie Hama is at her absolute zenith. I mean, check out the amazing chemistry between those two as evidenced in the trailer alone. Plus, if Mie Hama in a bikini firing a machine gun doesn't have some effect on you, check your pulse. Throw in the likes of Ichiro Arishima and Akihiko Hirata and you have a spy movie that successfully bridges the language barrier due to pure thrills and sheer likeability.

The above video also includes some pictures after the trailer, before segueing into the trailer for the second film (albeit with the theme song replacing the audio). Its title 100発100中黄金の眼 translates as (no kidding) "100 Shot-100 Killed: Golden Eye", and it looks like the equal of the first film in terms of awesome. The new leading lady is Bibari Maeda, who is best known (if at all) for being in SON OF GODZILLA. Incidentally, both "100 Shot-100 Killed" films are directed by Jun Fukuda, and they give you a new perspective on him if you've only seen his Godzilla work.

If you are inclined, check out this video on Youtube. It even has the option of HD there!

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section III - Civilians (A-D)

2011-12-03T00:08:00.001-06:00

Pat August: Pat August is the president of Mann Creations, and the one who runs the day-to-day operations of the company. Though Paul Mann founded the company, and is the principal owner and CEO, it is Pat who keeps it humming along. He is probably Captain Satellite's most valuable and trustworthy confidante besides Shelly Ericson herself. Pat is involved with a number of charities and community programs both in his official capacity and as a private citizen, including serving as chairman for the Major City Council on African-American Affairs (MCCAA).

Karma Bando: Don't let Karma Bando's hippie girl name and slight appearance deceive you - she is an ace auto mechanic and expert car customizer. Captain Satellite enlisted her aid in creating his Rocket Racecar, and she has an exclusive contract to maintain the specialized vehicle. Her reputation has only grown with her association with Cap, and she has been able to franchise her Lightning Cars business around the country as a result.

Rudy Boemer: Rudy Boemer is the current mayor of Major City, and something of a political maverick. He has a very blue collar approach to city governance, in line with his roots in Middleburg (largest metropolis in the Midwest). He is still not as sold on the concept of costumed do-gooders as his predecessor, Howard Fein, was while he was in office. However, he has demonstrated a willingness to work with the superhero community in his constituency.

Bruce Chase: Bruce Chase is famous as the star of the popular and trendsetting TV series Cat-Man on the DeKalb Television Network. Noted for his exaggerated and overdramatic delivery, he was perfect for the role, and that landmark program has defined his career. Though he went on to play the title character in the cop show Lomax! (also aired on DeKalb) for several seasons, success as a serious movie actor - what he really desires - has eluded Bruce. He is still doggedly optimistic, and convinced that all he needs is the right part - such as that of Captain Satellite in the film adaptation of his life story. Meanwhile, he continues to cash sizeable checks for reprising his Cat-Man role in a series of top-grossing films.

Rex Coronado: Rex Coronado is the executive director of C.H.I.E.F. The son of Mexican immigrants, he is deeply proud of the United States, and will fight to defend it with his last breath. He wears sunglasses at all times to disguise the fact that he has a glass right eye. Rex is cantankerous seemingly beyond reason, but has been known to display a sharp sense of humor when least expected. Never one to be underestimated, he will do whatever it takes to accomplish his mission.

Whitney DeKalb: Whitney DeKalb is the current heir of Ladd DeKalb, founder of both electronics manufacturer DeKalb Laboratories and the trailblazing but perennial also-ran DeKalb Television Network. A member of the DeKalb Network board of directors, Whitney has been seeking a way for her network to better compete with the Major Broadcasting System (MBS) and the United Broadcasting Company (UBC). She thinks she has finally found one by forging a strategic alliance with Paul Mann’s corporation, Mann Creations. She is also the president of the independent production company Thirteen Media, supplier of programming to both her own network and to other channels as well.

What Can You Do? You're In A Stew!

2011-12-02T00:30:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure, but lyrics like "You're my kinda meat" and "Eat me, eat you, incredibly delicious too" won the Grammy that year, right?

Altered Egos: Kendal Rose

2011-12-01T00:51:00.000-06:00

In October 2010, I ran a series called "Altered Egos" on this blog, wherein Kabuki Katze depicted some of my heroes alongside their civilian identities. Well, the thought had always been in the back of my mind that I'd like to return to my own personal A/E someday. Well, "someday" has arrived! Our first contestant is the one and only Kendal Rose!

(click for 1440 x 900)

Quoth Kabuki on dA: This time it's the adorable, co-ed Kendal Rose, also known as Amazing Girl! Amazing Girl's powers include telekinesis . . . which comes in handy when you're juggling a full courseload and a secret super-identity.

Kendal was an intriguing character, because I felt Sara created a pretty good foundation for her look in 2007. Kabuki and I wanted to build off that and visualize Kendal in such a way that preserved Sara's intent and matched up with the rest of the universe as it's been established. We both incorporated certain cues to do this, and the result is that Kendal Rose lives and breathes and is a real person. Maybe more than is immediately obvious, in fact.

Altered Egos will continue with...?

Jetman: The Magazine

2011-11-30T10:49:00.007-06:00

Here's one of those things that probably only interests me. During the closing credits of the sentai series CHOJIN SENTAI JETMAN, the commander (played by Mikiko Miki) is shown reading a magazine. Finally, my curiosity drove me to take a screenshot to see what it said.

Third In A Series

2011-11-29T22:09:00.001-06:00

This is not me.

I am pretty sure I couldn't contort myself into most of those positions.

(His company is the Misnomer Dance Theater.)

EDIT: Video link replaced.

Divine Dames: Now Available for Ordering!

2011-11-28T00:12:00.027-06:00

You read that right, friends! That illustrious illustrator Kabuki Katze now has her SECOND art book available for pre-order! Yes, it's true! Divine Dames can be yours for a mere pittance!

Wait, there's more! Additionally, through a special-limited time offer, you can receive a personalized copy for LESS than list price! Can you believe it? But hurry! This landmark deal absolutely, positively ends at the stroke of midnight on December 9, 2011! The book will still be available, but your chance for an autographed copy is only during pre-orders!

For more information on Divine Dames, please visit this entry on Kabuki's blog! Call...er, e-mail now! Operators are standing by!

Don't Be That Way, Firegirl

2011-11-27T00:49:00.000-06:00

I'm sure your day will come.

(A bonus doodle that accompanied the recent sketch cards created for me by Kabuki Katze. You can learn more about it here.)

Another Actual Conversation

2011-11-26T13:41:00.009-06:00

C. Elam: The All-Christmas music format is bad enough, but Dan Fogelberg is just rubbing my nose in it.
Gonzo Rev: It makes me very angry, sir.
C. Elam: I would pay to never hear "Same Old Lang Syne" ever again.
Gonzo Rev: My man bits tingle at the thought of such a possibility.

A Love Greater Than Any Continuity

2011-11-25T19:57:00.000-06:00

CARTER HALL + SHIERA SANDERS 4-EVA

From All-Star Comics #23 (Winter 1944-5), as reprinted in All Star Comics Archives Volume 5. Writer: Gardner Fox. Artist: Sheldon Moldoff. Hawkman & artwork © DC Comics.

Andrea True Is A War Machine

2011-11-24T13:18:00.022-06:00

Those of you out there with long memories may recall my endorsement of Andrea True Connection from last year. One of the lines that I tossed off in that review was the following:

Alas, Andrea's foray into a more punk rock sound (really) appears lost in the vinyl wilderness. One supposes that project is well beyond whatever commercial appeal True's music still possesses.

You'll never believe what I found the other night.

This is an honest to God music video for Andrea True's "War Machine", from the album of the same name. The description claims it was only released in Italy. And while the video quality is terrible and the video is pretty corny, I find myself surprised to say this...is not bad. It stacks up well against what Blondie was doing at the same time. It's perhaps not true punk, but it's a good song. I would have happily bought that album!

I was hoping to end this entry on that upbeat note, but I learned while putting it together that Andrea True passed away earlier this month. I genuinely enjoyed her work, and I'm sad to discover that she's left us. R.I.P. Andrea True.

OWARI #4 (April 1999)

2011-11-23T19:28:00.097-06:00

Time has a funny way of playing tricks on our memory. Before I actually sat down to examine OWARI #4 for the first time in awhile, I had no recollection that I had been entertaining thoughts of reviving my fanzine prior to taking the plunge with it. Digging a little deeper, I think I can connect the dots and follow my thought process at the time. But that is something of a continuing subplot that will be finding its way into these reviews (he said ominously).

So it seems the thought HAD occurred to bring OWARI back, despite having declared it finished at some point in 1998. Then I remembered what a pain it had been to produce and ship the 'zine, and that killed the idea. Or did it? I distinctly recall being on campus of my old school to pick up my sister and letting my mind idly wander while I waited on her for some reason. As it did, I thought about OWARI and remembered how August Ragone and company's Henshin! had been distributed as a free newsletter. That meant plenty of publicity for the eventual launch of their full-scale magazine (which never happened, but that's a story I don't know).

That was when the thunderbolt of inspiration struck. Why not revive OWARI...as a free newsletter? It had never made any profit, so the goal was mainly to get it out there to the public. With this resolve, I was reinvigorated, and decided the time was right for OWARI to return. I set forth my goal of having it ready for April 1999 by dating it as such at the outset (it was still March) and began my work.

Astonishingly, it took a grand total of ONE WEEK to go from initial idea to finished product. I was never that fast either before or after this issue, but I was inspired and it drove me. The end result is the one time I can say I was truly satisfied with an issue. And it came out a month early!

I opened with the editorial seen on the front of the newsletter above. Yeah, covers were gone in this format switch. I was working on a word processor rather than a typewriter, and that freedom allowed me to experiment. It was far from perfect, but it looked much smoother than the results I'd previously been able to achieve. I explained a little of the whys of OWARI's disappearance and return, and even came clean on that little fiasco in #3. However, I would like to assure you that the sub-headline was solely intended to be tongue-in-cheek.

I opened up the contents proper by reviewing RED DWARF Series 8. Well, more like the first three episodes of Series 8. I'm still not sure the last two series of that show were a good idea, but they have strong points. Next on my list were the two Godzilla CDs issued by GNP/Crescendo, and this write-up recounts a funny story I'd totally forgotten: the trying-to-be-helpful clerk who pointed out to me that they were NOT the soundtrack to the American Godzilla movie. Poor guy, he had no clue why I'd want those instead.

For the first time, I profiled Big Bang Comics, which was still being published by Image in those days. I also alluded to a "manuscript" about BB in this piece, which ties into those pre-revival thoughts and the running subplot. So more on it next time.

Look at that, I talked up a VHS tape on the early career of pro wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler that I'd unearthed in a now-closed video store. Then I scratched my head over the film BRUCE LEE AGAINST SUPERMEN, which needs to happen again one day. I next promoted my friends in spotlighting both Lewis Smith's now-defunct "House of Hardcore" website and David McRobie's Xenorama fanzine. Finally, I did a humor thing on a Superman statue that is probably going to be recycled one of these days.

I closed things out in this brief 5 page newsletter with an op-ed section I dubbed "Tilting at Windmills with a Toothpick". I had latched onto this name in the preceding two years, but this was the first time it made it into print. And that was a wrap for the long-awaited fourth issue.

With the benefit of hindsight, it's easy to see that this newsletter is sort of a proto-blog. It jumps around with little rhyme or reason, but I like to think that has been one of my trademarks here. It hits on most of the subjects we cover now on a regular basis. In many respects, OWARI #4 is still serving as the blueprint for OWARI as a whole, just like it did when I mailed it out into the world over 12 years ago.

There would be more OWARIs to come, and the fanzine version never again would please me as much as it did right at this moment. But for one week, I was on fire, and there was literally no stopping me from creating and publishing my own fanzine. It was an amazing burst of creativity after wondering if that chapter of my life was closing.

Secret Fun Blog

2011-11-22T16:50:00.000-06:00

Secret Fun Blog is a place I encountered, lost, and then recently rediscovered. It is an extension of the site Secret Fun Spot, and both sites live up to their names. In other words, they are filled with FUN! They are loaded with classic junk culture and Americana of the finest order. In fact, if I haven't added the Secret Fun Blog to my blogroll by the time you read this, it will be there soon.

The whole reason I found this wonderful site is because they are created by Kirk DeMaris, who is also the author of a book called Mail-Order Mysteries. Mail-Order Mysteries is devoted to the stuff that was being made available in old comic book ads, and answers a lot of age-old questions. There is even a trailer(!) for this book, which I've embedded below. I covet this book, and it shall be mine soon.

Pason

2011-11-21T00:06:00.062-06:00

Who is Pason? Well, the photo above is Pason, my friend. She is an actress making her mark in the film/TV entertainment field, and I think she has the mix of beauty, talent, presence & dedication to be one of the biggest stars in the business. But hey, you don't have to take my word for it. You can check out the lady's demo reel and see the range of roles she's already tackled in her career. In just under a year, she's wrapped 9 feature films, 3 music videos, 2 shorts, a comedy skit on LOPEZ TONIGHT, the web series “Under the Doghouse” & been featured twice on Nick Swardson’s PRETEND TIME (Season 2). This lady is taking the industry by storm!

My personal favorite of what I've seen so far? Probably the Southern comedy clip. Pason is JUST. SO. SASSY. Plus, as the owner of a genuine Southern accent, it's always a pleasure to hear a real one. Pason is originally from Georgia/Tennessee, you see, though she has a number of accents at her disposal.

Are you intrigued? I think you just might be! Well, your source for All Pason, All The Time is Pason's website Pason Actress. There you will find way more photos, videos (including an interview!), and even a storefront to buy autographed photos. I recommend it highly!

There is so much more to Pason and her talent than I can do justice to in a single entry. She has studied acting for 13 years - privately the past few years with Amy Lyndon - and believes you should always be honing your art. All I can say? Check out what Pason is up to these days, and discover her unique charm. She has a charisma and screen presence that I find unbeatable!

Oh, and a special hat tip to Pason herself, for supplying me with her headshot and a more complete list of credits. Thank you for making this entry even better than it would have been without your help!

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Interlude 1

2011-11-20T13:36:00.001-06:00

We'll be taking a breather from the Owariverse Encyclopedia this week (and possibly next week) as I work out the order for Section III. This particular portion of the project is especially exciting to me, as it will feature more all-new profiles than Section II. The characters might not be quite as colorful, but that doesn't mean that their backstories can't be intriguing.

This brings up something that I feel I need to remind my readers. Though there is much in the Owariverse Encyclopedia that is familiar, there is plenty of new stuff lurking in these profiles. Give them a read, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Maybe you'll even discover a new favorite!

Back soon!

Otherside (Revisited)

2011-11-19T14:38:00.019-06:00

I've been sort of surprised to discover that this entry gets traffic regularly. I say "surprised" because the search term that leads people to it is almost invariably..."german expressionism in music". Who knew?

Unfortunately, the Red Hot Chili Peppers video for "Otherside" will not play anymore - at least not in the United States. The message I get on it is that it isn't available in my country. This is a bit annoying, since that channel seems to have a degree of authorization (the video is still there; I just can't access it) and "Otherside" was not available at the time on RHCP's official channel.

However, all is not lost. The video is on the official channel now. Therefore, because I think that highly of it, I once again link you to "Otherside" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

(Embedding disabled upon request. Rats!)

Evil Maposaurus, Prepare To Meet Your Doom

2011-11-18T19:35:00.000-06:00

Say, remember this Garmin commercial that debuted during the 2007 Super Bowl?

I went BANANAS when I saw this loving homage to Japanese giant hero shows in the vein of Ultraman. It's quite the attention getter, and even caught the notice of fans in Japan.

There's also the little matter of the song. I learned it was by Steve Grimmett, a British metal guy probably best known for being in the band Grim Reaper. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that there is a longer version of this commercial presented as a "music video" for Steve Grimmett.

Crazy Horses

2011-11-17T22:15:00.001-06:00

My latest song discovery is a little number called "Crazy Horses". The twist is that it is by a group I didn't think interested me that much. Who? The Osmonds, that's who. Here they are, going absolutely mental.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

Where Have You Gone, Duke Mitchell?

2011-11-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

A few months ago, I featured a screenshot from a movie called SEX IN THE COMICS. For a variety of reasons, you probably won't be seeing a review of this film anytime soon. Trust me, you should be grateful.

One point of contention that I saw come up in discussions of this flick was whether one of the masked male performers (don't ask) was Duke Mitchell. It seems a couple of folks thought they recognized his voice beneath the latex. But who, you ask, was Duke Mitchell?

Duke Mitchell is best known, if at all, for co-starring in the film BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA. He was the stand-in for Dean Martin to Sammy Petrillo's ersatz Jerry Lewis. He also directed and starred in something called THE EXECUTIONER, which may be even more insane than Duke being turned into a gorilla.

Did you watch the video from THE EXECUTIONER? The older hit man is Duke. You heard his voice, and you saw what he looked like in the 1970s? OK, let's see that picture from the beginning of this entry again.

This is another screenshot from SEX IN THE COMICS, a film from around the same time as THE EXECUTIONER. That bartender is totally Duke Mitchell. I can't post an audio clip for you, but trust me, it's the exact same voice. I think people may overlook Duke's unmasked role in this sketch movie after later seeing him in one of those hideous frightmasks. But, it's him. Of course, his one-time partner Sammy Petrillo appeared in Doris Wishman's KEYHOLES ARE FOR PEEPING, so it's not as if this should be shocking.

Media Blasters' Destroy All Monsters - The Whole D.A.M. DVD

2011-11-15T15:44:00.002-06:00

Since I wrote this entry, I've had the chance to finish the DVD. Well, almost - I don't think I need to check out the Japanese 5.1 track since a) I have a regular old school TV, and b) I have already watched the movie four times. I would assume that, for me, 5.1 would be like 2.0, only much louder. So take that into consideration as you read the rest of my report.

First, an observation that may be exclusive to me. Has anyone else had an issue where the disc was not "recognized" by the player? This has happened on every single first attempt I've made with the DVD. However, it always plays on the second attempt. This has occurred both when I ejected the disc and tried again and when I just pressed the Open/Close buttons in rapid succession without removing the disc. My DVD player is pretty old, and prone to being eccentric with discs at times. It is entirely plausible to me that this is an issue with my equipment more than the DVD itself, but I thought it merited mentioning.

All right, so MB deserves accolades for having five separate audio tracks on a Godzilla DVD: the aforementioned Japanese 5.1, Japanese 2.0, two different English dubs (relax, more on this in a bit), and a commentary track. The commentary, by Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle, is quite informative and mostly well-executed. There are a couple of gaffes in it (I'll let you find them), and I think they are unduly harsh when discussing the "International" version. But more on that when we discuss it proper in a paragraph. My biggest complaint is the way that certain quotes from filmmakers are integrated into the commentary. We are introduced to some segments as being excerpts from taped interviews. We briefly hear the beginning (very low), and then a translation is read to us. The problem is that the use of the excerpts is superfluous since they are mostly inaudible. I realize that translation is an issue here, but if the tapes are to be used, it would be preferable to subtitle them so we can hear them. If you're going to talk over them, why bother utilizing them at all?

The default track on the DVD is the English dub prepared by William Ross and his Frontier Enterprises - the so-called International version. This is interesting considering the beating it takes on the commentary track. But, is it that inferior? Well, actually, I would argue that it is not. Most viewers do not care about the quality of the English dubbing; they just want the movie in English. In that respect, the work of Ross and company is perfectly serviceable. The U.S. dub is probably more artistically successful, and has better actors, but dubbing is an inexact science at best. I do not think the average person would notice or care about the differences. Frankly, the mystique of the U.S. dubs owes more to nostalgia than their being wildly better, and I say this as someone who DOES prefer them in most instances!

Ross and company acquit themselves adequately. No one would mistake their dubbing for a work of genius, but they usually get the point across. I watched this dub with the subtitles for the Japanese version, and in instances where the translations diverged, I found the dub script phrasing to be more interesting than the subtitle phrasing at least 50% of the time. Considering how often those scripts get hammered, I think that's pretty good! Things do go off the rails a bit more as the movie wears on, though. The sequence where the dubbing crew is obviously totally at sea is the usage of all the technical terms pertaining to the Moon (probably an addition to the script by director Ishiro Honda). Things like "Cassini crater" and "Montes Alpes" clearly confused them, and they just winged it, leading to at least one reference to "Mount Cassini" slipping into the dialogue. Overall, though, I think their dub is acceptable.

As mentioned in my first post on this disc, the AIP dub was a big selling point. I am happy to report that it is largely fine after a shaky beginning that likely owes to damage in the source print. But honestly, I have NEVER SEEN a copy of the AIP version that wasn't missing at least some minor piece. Yes, the sound is lower than any other track, and yes, there is background noise. Guess what? If you want this dub track, you'll just have to deal with it. At this late date, I would imagine you'd be hard-pressed to find any print that is in pristine shape, and it's not like we'll be gaining access to the original elements.

It is a great dubbing track, with interesting voices throughout. Hal Linden voices the hero, and definitely gives original lead Akira Kubo a run for his money. And I would just like to put this out there right now - narrator Norman Rose was not only clearly blessed with a better voice and delivery than the International version narrator, but I would also rate him higher than the Japanese narrator. He hits the right note on every single word.

Oh, you wanna know about the Japanese track? Very good! The subtitles are well-done, with very few of the missteps that have characterized previous attempts at subtitling such films. I do have a couple of quibbles, and those nitpicks will get a little airtime. One, while "Bonin Islands" is technically correct, I question its use in the one context where EVERYONE refers to that island chain as "Ogasawara". Second, when the board in the defense HQ reads in English "District 14", etc., why would you use Roman numerals in the subtitles? Referring to "District 8" as "area VIII" manages to be simultaneously lazy and too complicated. Still, in the grand scheme of things, these are minor issues compared to the almost startlingly literate and accurate subtitles. Heck, I even learned some things! (Why did Rodan let the SY-3 escape? Because they left the atmosphere, that's why.) After enduring years of sloppy subtitles with misspellings, bad grammar, and full-blown errors, I am always delighted to report when a company does a good job.

(Aside: My "favorite" subtitling head-scratcher came in one of those fan-made efforts when there were repeated references to a "cyborg refrigeration unit". Since there were no cyborgs in the movie that I noticed, and I couldn't figure out why they'd need to be refrigerated if there were, this left me stumped for a little while. Only later did I dope out that the translator had mistaken 細胞 - saibou - for "cyborg". "Saibou" means "cell" in the biology sense, so a cell refrigeration unit makes more sense than a place for cyborgs to cool off.)

The picture quality is excellent, derived from the Japanese print rather than the International print. It does have the somewhat muted color that characterizes Toho's efforts at film preservation, and a cursory check revealed that this particular film has not been released as part of their new masters on Blu-Ray over in Japan. It could probably be improved, but still far and away superior to what we've dealt with in the past.

I discussed the extras in our first post on this subject, and that hasn't been altered. I should probably add that there are also trailers for other Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock releases. Among them is the upcoming GODZILLA VS. MEGALON, though the original Japanese trailer isn't subtitled to explicitly promote that release. Strange, I thought. I understand the Blu-Ray has a handful of exclusive extras, including the English language main titles for the International version. I may end up getting that release too, just for the goodies.

Heck, this is a great release, and one I am happy to own. I mean, isn't it nice to have a DESTROY ALL MONSTERS DVD with an on-screen menu? With chapters? The old DVD was practically obsolete when it was issued, so this is a welcome replacement.

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section II - Heroes and Villains (U-Z)

2011-11-14T19:23:00.000-06:00

Ultimate American: The Ultimate American - The Faceless Defender of Democracy! An ordinary young man named Dean Truman was given the identity of Ultimate American by the U.S. government in response to the proliferation of super beings following the debut of Captain Satellite. Truman was considered an ideal candidate to assume the mantle based on the prior service of his father Tex Truman and half-brother Joe Truman in battling unusual threats.

Ultimate American made his first appearance during the case that led to the formation of the Invincible Alliance. He soon found himself elected leader of that group, despite having the least experience of any of the founders. He continues to serve in that role, and does his best to keep the wild personalities of his teammates in check.

In addition to his duties with the Invincible Alliance, Ultimate American seeks to learn the fate of Joe Truman, the half-brother he never knew. There have been few clues since Joe’s disappearance 25 years ago, but Ultimate American perseveres in his search. He has sworn to one day find the answer, no matter how long it takes.

Urban Nightmare: After the debut of Captain Satellite as a very public hero based in Major City, it was perhaps inevitable that a counterpoint to him would emerge sooner or later. Urban Nightmare is that counterpoint. He is a street level crimefighter who stalks the inner city of Major City, referred to as “The Minors” by locals. No one knows his true identity, though there are some potent rumors in circulation. Few suspect that the Urban Nightmare is actually respected civic leader Xolani Shabangu.

Urban Nightmare shuns publicity, and appears in the limelight only with great reluctance. His most famous adventure was his part in combating the Macro Warrior invasion of Major City that resulted in the founding of the Invincible Alliance. Though considered a charter member of that group, he only operates with them when it suits him - in other words, rarely. He is not an active member of the Alliance, but is instead respected and feared as an effective and enigmatic force of justice.

Sandor Varkoff: “Mad science” is still not a recognized discipline, but if it ever is, Dr. Sandor Varkoff would be an excellent candidate for accreditation in the field. Varkoff has a vast body of knowledge in a wide range of specialties, and is unquestionably a genius. Unfortunately, this brilliant man is also extremely twisted, and has a penchant for hatching plans that can only be called “crackpot.”

Dr. Varkoff's career path as a mad scientist has led him to butt heads with Captain Satellite, Shelly Ericson, and the Invincible Alliance. He has never been particularly successful in any of these clashes, but he's persistent. You have probably heard the popular wisdom on doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Dr. Sandor Varkoff's chief claim to fame is being the creator of Elektroid, the robot which rebelled against him and later joined the heroes of the Invincible Alliance. Varkoff was also responsible for unleashing Gargantua Maximus, the size-changing giant gorilla, on an unsuspecting world before losing control of the beast. Notice a pattern here?

Volcano Monsters: No one is quite sure how the Volcano Monsters exist in the first place. They are apparently a small tribe of semi-intelligent, rock-based humanoids that live within certain volcanoes scattered around the globe. The logistics of how this works are mind-bending.

When the Invincible Alliance journeyed to Japan to investigate suspicious activity originating from Mt. Aso, they had no idea that the case would change one of their members forever. But that is exactly what happened when the Volcano Monsters emerged from the simmering crater. Firegirl took the full brunt of a blast of magma from a Volcano Monster and tumbled into the boiling lava below.

Not only did Firegirl miraculously survive this experience, but she somehow gained the ability to manipulate heat and fire through her body rather than her Pyro Pistol. Blue Behemoth and Drone Man would later theorize that the Volcano Monsters’ magma possesses special properties that interacted with innate alterations in Firegirl’s body chemistry due to prolonged exposure to the Pyro Pistol. Firegirl sort of nodded silently at that explanation.

Using her newfound flame powers, Firegirl aided the rest of the Alliance in turning back the threat of a Volcano Monster rampage, and the creatures retreated back into the earth. There have been no subsequent sightings of the Volcano Monsters since that incident. However, it just seems like a matter of time until they crawl out of another venthole somewhere.

Zoragaza the Mystic: According to Zoragaza the Mystic, he is centuries old. While this may be the case, what has been officially documented is his lengthy career as a con man plying his trade in carnival sideshows, seedy dives, and dilapidated storefront theaters. His first brush with fame came decades ago when he was featured on the album cover Forests of Mind Wizardry for the highly-regarded progressive rock band Solar Cyclops. This indirectly led to a series of concert gigs creating illusions for the rival music act the Scary Metal People. Zoragaza later described his services during this time as that of “spiritual guru,” but Scary Metal People guitarist and lead singer Arthur Crudlip calls those allegations “bollocks” and characterizes Zoragaza as “a daft old bugger.” Strong words indeed coming from Crudlip, who is known to chew on glass during his all-night benders.

Zoragaza's entertainment endeavors were short-lived, and he found himself back in his familiar environment. While at the pawn shop looking for money to purchase the cheapest wine that comes in a brown paper bag, he acquired an amulet known as the Green Sun which grants its possessor powers of actual sorcery. Using the Green Sun for malevolent purposes, Zoragaza embarked on a public and flamboyant campaign of crime. That decision has led to conflict with Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson, much to his regret.

Is Zoragaza the Mystic truly an ancient magician reclaiming his lost talents? Or is he just an opportunistic carny with a new weapon and delusions of grandeur?

Not The Bees

2011-11-13T12:59:00.004-06:00

Yep, it's the bees.

Dick Dillin's Originals - The Freedom Fighters

2011-11-12T22:55:00.000-06:00

I've discussed my love of Dick Dillin's artwork here in the past, so it shouldn't be a big secret. Tonight, we'll shine a spotlight on the ORIGINAL ART from Justice League of America #107 (Sept-Oct. 1973). This comic marked the first appearance of the group of old Quality Comics heroes known as the Freedom Fighters.

We start with page 6, then hurtle headlong into 7 and 8 together! Page 9 comes next, and then we skip to page 19. We conclude with the splash page to #108, the conclusion of the two-parter.

There may be more art from this story lurking on Comicartfans, but that was all I found this evening. Still, sometimes the thrill is in the hunt!

Media Blasters' Destroy All Monsters - Initial Thoughts

2011-11-11T23:26:00.000-06:00

You could've knocked me over with a feather when I learned that Diamond Comics Distributors would actually be shipping the Media Blasters release of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS the same week it came out. Diamond's usual procedure is to ship movies whenever they happen to get them. Promptness is not to be expected. I am pleasantly surprised.

I'm also pleasantly surprised that the disc does (finally!) contain the AIP English dubbing track. Yes, it is a bit wobbly at the outset, and yes, the sound is not as fine as the other language tracks. But hey, it's not like they had access to vaults for the original masters. It sounds to me as if the source is a 16 mm film print, and good luck finding one of those in perfect shape. I'm about halfway through and it sounds perfectly acceptable to me. Not perfect, but perfectly acceptable.

I think I have managed to work my way through most of the extras, and brother, there are a lot of them. I don't quite get the repetition in the image galleries, but I would imagine there are variations there I'm just not seeing. Kudos for including both the AIP and Japanese trailers on the disc, as well as a French(!) trailer that is beat to hell but still welcome.

I'll try to give my full impressions of this DVD next week. But for now, I'll just say Media Blasters has done a great job so far.

Major City ACEOs

2011-11-10T23:31:00.000-06:00

Our friend Kabuki Katze recently took a handful of commissions for the ACEOs that she had previously been creating on her own. "ACEO", incidentally, stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals", and is as far as I can tell just another name for what we've been referring to as PSCs (Personal Sketch Cards). A rose by any another name, and all that.

Anyway, as you have likely surmised, I commissioned a pair of cards of that intrepid pair of mine, Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson. KK chose to do them as a puzzle set that fit together, and elected to use the backdrop of Major City to link them. And hey, get a load of the detail, huh? Sure looks like physical media is working out pretty well for her.

As always, you can take a look over at deviantArt, too. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the next time this type of commission is open if you want some of your own! I know I'M one satisfied customer!

Ambassador Dentures

2011-11-09T19:36:00.001-06:00

Ambassador Dentures by ~celamowari on deviantART

...I am sure someone is wondering what this is all about.

Essentially, the name "Ambassador Dentures" popped into my head after reading (or misreading) a sign in Lafayette. I filed it away, thinking I might do something with it one day. And lo, I did.

I had originally intended to scan this as pencils only, but it was rendered invisible. Hence, it is inked, but I didn't go to the trouble of cleaning up the scan.

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section II - Heroes and Villains (T)

2011-11-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

Third World: The origins of the organization dubbed “Third World” are shrouded in mystery to this day. What is definitely known is that they arose during the years after World War II. Whispers say that among its founders were former Nazis, and the trappings of the group would seem to bear this out. But Third World has followed its own peculiar agenda, far separate from that of Hitler and his ilk.

Third World's goal is complete and utter world domination. This has been complicated by the numerous splinter and spin-off groups that have formed from it. Still, they work tirelessly to achieve their rather lofty goal. What they plan to do after they take over the world is still open to debate, since they don't seem to have a clear idea themselves.

Third World employs a number of super-science devices in their arsenal. They sought to kidnap Paul Mann and force him to aid them in creating more such weapons. These foiled attempts led directly to the birth of Captain Satellite, who is now the biggest thorn in Third World's side. Not good thinking on their part, was it?

Third World Leader: No one has ever learned the identity of the original Third World Leader. For all anyone knows, the current Third World Leader might be the original, rather than a successor. There have been a host of confirmed imposters, so there is no way to be certain who holds the “legitimate” claim to the title at any moment.

Whoever he is, the Third World Leader is the guiding hand behind that nefarious network. As to the question of whether this is a good thing or not for Third World, well, that is a hotly-debated topic in certain quarters. Let's just point out that Third World still hasn't established that dictatorship yet.

Thunder Man: “HE'S THUNDER-RIFIC!” the newspaper headlines proclaimed in 1938. Archaeologist Ray Bancroft announced to the public that he had discovered a survivor of the lost continent of Atlantis in a tomb nestled in ruins that had recently surfaced from the ocean floor. That survivor had proven to be Thunder Man, a super-powered champion who had been unable to prevent the Atlantean disaster. Seeking to atone for his failure, Thunder Man pledged to protect the modern world as he had his ancient homeland. The seemingly-unaging Thunder Man's amazing deeds would go on to become the stuff of legends as the decades progressed.

At least, that's how it went somewhere else.

Thunder Man is from a parallel Earth, not the one that Captain Satellite calls home. The two heroes first crossed paths when Hugo Beaumont hijacked Thunder Man from his proper universe and mesmerized him with the Hyper Hypno Coin. Captain Satellite and Thunder Man clashed until the Captain unwittingly uncovered the truth and freed his adversary from Beaumont's manipulation. The duo then joined forces to foil Beaumont's scheme.

Thunder Man repaid Captain Satellite months later, when he used his Volt Vimana craft to rescue the Captain after he had been stranded in the Unknown Zone. Since that day, the two have become true cross-dimensional allies. There are still occasions when they find themselves on opposite sides, such as the time they had to engage in a cosmic boxing match with the fate of Thunder Man's Earth at stake due to the machinations of the Astro-Giants. But usually, the pair teams up when they are on the same case.

Titan Khan: When C.H.I.E.F.'s Hong Kong bureau chief Bruce Yee (yes, he's heard all the jokes a million times) contacted Captain Satellite asking for assistance about a problem he had encountered, he didn't dare elaborate further. Why? Because he had uncovered a sinister plot against the hero masterminded by Asia's newest and deadliest crimelord, Titan Khan.

Titan Khan is an enigma. He first surfaced in Macau, but has been sighted all over Asia. He refers to himself as “Khan,” but his garb recalls that of the samurai of Japan. No one knows his true nationality, or whether he is even Asian. He has demonstrated fluency in over a dozen languages, but his “voice” in each is different and clearly mechanically-processed. Shelly Ericson suggested that he sounded like he was “badly dubbed.”

Captain Satellite, Shelly Ericson, and Bruce Yee managed to overcome Titan Khan and his confederates, but it was a monumental task. They even confiscated one of his fearsome Fire Swords, but it's a sure bet that the crimelord has more to go with the vast array of weapons installed in every inch of his armor. Titan Khan's current whereabouts are unknown, but it seems certain he will return one day.

Tregaa the Tree-Thing: Theories abound as to the origin of the being that refers to itself as Tregaa the Tree-Thing, but none have been confirmed. And let’s face it, it’s hard to pry information out of a belligerent ambulatory tree if it doesn’t feel like sharing. All that is known for certain is that Tregaa appeared in western Canada and went on an impressive rampage before being subdued by Captain Satellite, Shelly Ericson, and a new weapon dubbed the Fire Chainsaw.

There was a concerted effort to gather the remnants of Tregaa after the battle, but it seems likely that at least some pieces of wood were overlooked. Will the intelligence of Tregaa the Tree-Thing persist in random splinters? Will the monster find a way to resurrect itself? You probably shouldn’t bet against it.

Bishojo Kamen Poitrine

2011-11-07T16:04:00.001-06:00

So recently over on deviantArt, I've had the chance to talk about the live action magical girls that have come down the pike in Japan. Probably my favorite (based on limited exposure) is BISHOJO KAMEN POITRINE. And the reason boils down almost entirely to star Yuko Hanashima.

Hanashima wins out over many more "mainstream" Japanese superheroine actresses for me because she has a presence that is absolutely amazing. While certainly attractive, it's not her looks that draw my attention; it's her attitude. I have described Poitrine as "arch", and I can't think of many other Japanese superheroines who fit that description at all. Yuko Hanashima is a talented actress, especially considering she was only 18 when this show was filmed.

Another point in Hanashima's favor is that she's actually a pretty good singer. Usually, when the stars are allowed to sing, it's more...well, that's nice. But no, I really like her vocals regardless of whether she's the star or not. Here she is with the original end theme of the show.

But possibly even better is the second end theme, "Anata dake Change me". Here is a recap of the first half of the series set to it.

And this is from the series' final episode.

For those of you who read the Return of Jetman stories, everything you need to know about Green Wyvern in my head is encapsulated at 1:38 in that last video.

Bad Weather Football Games

2011-11-06T22:07:00.001-06:00

It doesn't come up as much here, but I find pro football terribly fascinating. And the big games? Why, they are even more fascinating! Especially when you throw in the added dimension of bad weather.

Here from the NFL's website is a list of the Top Ten Bad Weather NFL Games. Even better, they have footage from all of them!

10. "Red Right 88"

9. 1979 Bucs vs. Chiefs Monsoon

8. The Sneakers Game

7. The Snow Plow Game

6. 1948 NFL Championship

5. 1975 AFC Championship

4. 1981 AFC Championship

3. The Fog Bowl

2. "The Tuck Rule"

1. The Ice Bowl

Happy football! Now, back to this Steelers/Ravens game...

Who Is Dawn Again?

2011-11-05T22:57:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, my dose of AMERICAN TOP 40 - THE 70s was an episode from 1970. One of the featured hits was "Candida" by Dawn. No, not Tony Orlando and Dawn; they were just called "Dawn" at this point. In fact, I knew the story that Tony Orlando originally didn't want to be credited as vocalist due to a possible perception of conflict of interest. I didn't know that Joyce Vincent and Telma Hopkins were not on "Candida", but it didn't surprise me. However, there was something that did surprise me, and I'm still trying to figure it out.

Casey Kasem of 1970 said that Dawn was four guys: Frank, Ricky, Joe, and Dave. To which my reaction was "Huh?" My best guess is that Bell Records (Dawn's label) toyed with the idea of putting a band out there as "Dawn", whether any of them played on the hit single or not. Plans went in a different direction when Tony Orlando decided to take the credit for singing a hugely popular song, and the rest is history.

Except who WERE "Frank, Ricky, Joe and Dave"? I have yet to find a reference to their identities, and it seems they aren't the actual session musicians who recorded "Candida". Who were these four guys that almost became Dawn?

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section II - Heroes and Villains (N-S)

2011-11-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

Neptoids: The Neptoids seen on Earth are part of an advance scout party sent by alien invaders intent on taking over our world. The Neptoids are not actually from the planet Neptune, but maintain a base there to better strike at Earth. The similar name, they insist, is purely a result of our poor Earthling comprehension of their language.

The Neptoids have run afoul of Captain Satellite and the other heroes of Earth on more than one occasion. During the first such encounter, Cap and Shelly Ericson realized they were in love while they were held captive aboard a Neptoid flying saucer. No word on the Neptoids' opinion of the relationship, but the adventure didn't work out for extraterrestrial interlopers that day.

The Neptoids are dogged in their determination to conquer our globe, or at least set the stage for such a conquest. To fail would mean returning home having accomplished nothing. That probably wouldn't go well.

Phantom Rogue: The Phantom Rogue isn't in the super villain game for the power, and he isn't in it for the thrills. He's in it for the money. Cold, hard cash, please. True, he took control of a splinter faction of Third World once, but that was just the means to an end. He's after riches, pure and simple.

The Phantom Rogue has no special powers or gimmicks, though he sometimes leads people to believe that he does. No, his primary abilities are incredible greed, astonishing sneakiness, and an improbable ability to escape from danger at every turn. It's assumed that he adopted his ghost trappings to reflect his elusiveness.

The Phantom Rogue's true identity is unknown. He has impersonated assorted people, both real and of his own invention. Among his best-known capers are the time he stole Miles Major Memorial Stadium using a dirigible during a Major City MCs/Middleburg Triangles pro football game and holding the United States for ransom with the Stupendo Death Ray. He has run afoul of Captain Satellite several times, but always manages to find some means of escape.

Psychedelic Man: Dr. Clive Frye was considered a maverick among his fellow scientists at an obscure west coast facility. He had become obsessed with the wild idea of tapping into alien dimensions in the search for alternative fuel sources. The other researchers warned Frye of the dangers of tampering in areas he didn't fully comprehend, but he refused to be deterred.

It all went horribly wrong one day, and Dr. Clive Frye paid a terrible price for his hubris. What precisely happened - what Dr. Frye saw and experienced - remains unknown to this day. The result, however, was that “Clive Frye” effectively ceased to exist. In his place was a being that called itself “The Psychedelic Man.”

The Psychedelic Man is not human, but rather a type of organic color. His “body” is actually a largely translucent shell that contains his true form - a kaleidoscope of swirling and changing colors. He can alter his physical form according to his whims, and has displayed the ability to stretch and even split off body parts.

Clive Frye's mind was twisted by the process that transmuted him into the Psychedelic Man, and his chief goal now is destruction. He has clashed with the duo of Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson, and with the Invincible Alliance. Though defeated and seemingly destroyed on more than one occasion, the Psychedelic Man always returns.

Sultura: She's bad. She's ambiguously European. She's famous for being infamous. She's Sultura, and she's a constant thorn in the side of those who fight for justice.

Sultura is a safecracker, thief, kidnapper, counterfeiter - the list is seemingly endless. The most consistent trait in her career is her vanity. Her motto “I make being bad look damn good!” is not just a catchphrase, but her goal in life. Most people would not go so far as to print up fake money with their own picture on it, but most people aren't Sultura. She may end up redefining narcissism, if anyone ever discovers what the limit of hers actually is.

Sultura has particularly earned the wrath of Shelly Ericson for taunting her as Captain Satellite's “concubine” during one brazen heist. Shelly has promised that there will be payback each and every time she gets her hands on the femme fatale. And Shelly isn't the sort to make such a promise and not fulfill it.

Godzilla Tanjo!

2011-11-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

On this date in 1954, a little movie entitled ゴジラ debuted on movie screens in Japan. "Gojira", of course, is better known as "Godzilla" in the West, and served as the launching pad for a true pop culture phenomenon - the Japanese monster movie.

I don't talk as much about Japanese sci-fi as I once did, but I never forget that OWARI was originally born in 1995 to celebrate that genre. It's been 57 years, and still Godzilla endures as an icon. Here's the trailer for ゴジラ - the very first glimpse audiences had of the monster that would shake the world. You can even watch it in HD if you like!

How Much For Just One Comic Book?

2011-11-02T01:42:00.001-05:00

At some point in the last couple of years, I purchased a stack of vintage Overstreet Comic Book Price Guides. The most recent is from 1984, and the earliest is from 1974. To put that into perspective, the latter is only the fourth edition of a book that is now in its 41st edition. It is a fascinating gateway back into what was undoubtedly both a simpler and yet far more difficult time for the hobby I love.

Though I had never gotten around to it before, I'd really like to discuss these artifacts of a different age for fandom. Today, we'll take a look at the 1973-74 era prices for some key Marvel comics in Mint (near perfect) condition. Remember, at this point in history, none of these books were even 15 years old.

Fantastic Four #1 (first FF) - $70

Amazing Fantasy #15 (first Spider-Man) - $40

Incredible Hulk #1 (first Hulk) - $30

Journey into Mystery #83 (first Thor) - $20

Tales of Suspense #39 (first Iron Man) - $15

Amazing Spider-Man #1 (first issue) - $40

Avengers #1 (first Avengers) - $14

X-Men #1 (first X-Men) - $10

Avengers #4 (first Silver Age Captain America) - $5

Daredevil #1 (first Daredevil) - $9

I know those prices were probably outrageous to some in 1974. Still, wouldn't you like to jump in a time machine and go buy some $10 copies of X-Men #1? Or how about scoring a like-new copy of Avengers #4 for the princely sum of five dollars(!)? As of right now, Lone Star Comics will offer you $336 for X-Men #1 -- in FAIR condition. Meanwhile, Avengers #4 could net you $123 -- in VERY GOOD condition. And those are just the prices that a major online retailer is offering for them, not what YOU could expect to pay to BUY them.

Oh, there's also at least one Bronze Age Marvel stalwart hidden in this 1974 Price Guide. In the listing for "Spider-Man" (they didn't recognize the "Amazing" until later), the prices go up through #130. And what is the price for Amazing Spider-Man #129, the first appearance of the Punisher?

20¢. In other words, cover price.

The Prism Infra-Man

2011-11-01T14:02:00.000-05:00

Here is the clamshell box that housed Prism Entertainment's VHS release of INFRA-MAN. Oddly, this particular tape eluded me the entire time it mattered to me. Oh, I had the short-lived Sinister Cinema semi-widescreen version, and I later picked up the LP speed Goodtimes tape. That one, by the way, included a new sequence in the opening credits that highlighted the monsters right at the outset. I have never quite figured that out. Was it done because Power Rangers mania was in full bloom at the time? Or was it a strategy to establish definitive copyright? The world...may never know.

Prism's INFRA-MAN had no such foolishness, at least as far as I'm aware. It was just a straight full-screen transfer of the venerable Shaw Brothers superhero movie in its English-dubbed Joseph Brenner version. Assuming it is complete, that would make it the closest thing to the original release. Sinister's copy looked great, but it was missing a minute or two. And we've already talked about Goodtimes. I wonder if this particular iteration of INFRA-MAN will see a legitimate release? And by that, I don't mean having a mono version of its soundtrack tacked onto the Hong Kong edit. That was welcome, but it wasn't the American version.

Halloween Tunes

2011-10-31T12:17:00.001-05:00

Well, if my Internet will hold out (no guarantee), I will pass along a few Halloween-themed songs you might not know. I doubt they get much play on the radio.

I would embed "Morgus The Magnificent" by Morgus and the Three Ghouls for you, but that is disabled for this video. This tribute to the New Orleans-based horror host is a nifty little piece of regional rock. And by the way, one of the "Three Ghouls" was none other than Mac Rebennack - Dr. John to you and me.

"Bo Meets The Monster" by Bo Diddley is perhaps one of the most entertaining "monster" songs from the 1950s. It has a sense of humor, but also plenty of Diddley attitude. Makes you wonder if anyone saw THIS coming when the original Purple People Eater debuted.

"E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) by Blue Öyster Cult is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. BOC is heavily-identified with Halloween anyway because of songs like "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Godzilla", so I thought I'd trot out this song instead. It is filled with plenty of references to flying saucer lore, and that's just as much a part of this holiday as ghouls and goblins. Well, at least to me.

Have a happy Halloween!

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section II - Heroes and Villains (M)

2011-10-28T01:16:00.000-05:00

Macro Warriors: The Macro Warriors are giant robots created by Third World, and are the crowning technological achievement of that subversive organization. Of course, that doesn't mean they aren't a little buggy from time to time.

The most notable appearance of the Macro Warriors was when Third World launched a full-scale attack on Major City with a squadron of the mechanical monoliths. This epic battle led to the formation of the super team the Invincible Alliance, which is another example of Third World's exceedingly bad planning.

At least one Macro Warrior has been captured intact and is in the custody of the authorities. This refurbished robot was called into action to subdue a rampage of the giant ape Gargantua Maximus.

Masked Menace: The Masked Menace first appeared in 1941 as a foreign saboteur who fought Thunder Man on the parallel Earth they both call home. Though his initial scheme to blow up American dams was foiled, the Masked Menace quickly established himself as Thunder Man's arch-enemy in the minds of virtually everyone by sheer persistence. And when the United States officially entered World War II, he began to more blatantly express his allegiance to the Axis powers - particularly the Third Reich.

The Masked Menace's true identity was a matter of considerable interest to the U.S. government, due to his fifth columnist activities and apparent ability to travel across the world at will. Suspicions eventually zeroed in on one Wilhelm Krupp, a member of the German American Bund. However, as federal agents sought the Bundist for questioning, they discovered him murdered in his apartment. That evening, Thunder Man caught the Masked Menace planting TNT at a munitions factory.

The end of WWII did not spell the end of the Masked Menace. His anti-American rhetoric faded away, to be replaced almost entirely with a focus on crime. The Masked Menace continued in this vein until 1948, when he was gunned down by his own gang. That seemed to spell the end of the infamous villain.

Somewhat inexplicably, the Masked Menace returned in 1954, claiming to be the original and refusing to explain his resurrection. He briefly espoused a belief in Communist doctrines quite at odds with his wartime views, but later became entirely intent on elevating himself to a position of power. He eventually challenged Thunder Man to a “final” battle in 1977 that ended when he accidentally stabbed himself with his own knife and plummeted from the top of a skyscraper. This seemed sure to be the last chapter, but the Masked Menace's body was not recovered afterward.

The Masked Menace made one final comeback in 1984, and engaged Thunder Man in a fierce duel to the death. He lost, and as he clearly died for at least the third time, the Masked Menace crumbled to dust. He has not returned since, but if history is any indication, it is only a matter of time.

Mr. Metal: It's a story we've all heard countless times. Two business rivals compete in the same arena. One of them is far more successful in his endeavors. The other lags behind and declares bankruptcy. One blames the other for his company's failure and vows revenge. Usually, the results aren't worth discussing. The case of Paul Mann and Louis Schmidt is the exception.

The reasons why Louis Schmidt lost out to Paul Mann had nothing to do with a lack of skill on Schmidt's part. They also weren't due to any unethical behavior on Mann's behalf, but that wasn't the way Schmidt saw it. He felt that Mann's gains in their sector had to be because he was cheating. To Schmidt, there could be no other explanation. He was clearly superior to Paul Mann in every way - at least in his mind.

Especially galling to Louis Schmidt was Paul Mann's career as Captain Satellite. Schmidt complained loudly and often that reporting the Captain's exploits constituted free advertising for Paul Mann's business interests. He demanded equal time, but was rebuffed at every turn.

Bankruptcy was the last straw for Louis Schmidt, and the end of anything passing as “reasonable behavior.” Whether he snapped completely or just was consumed with a lust for vengeance is academic. Schmidt used his company's resources to kitbash the armor that would make him into a super-villain. Now known as Mr. Metal, he swore that he would destroy Paul Mann just the way Paul Mann had destroyed him.

Mr. Metal has never quite achieved his stated goal, but he is a powerful force of villainy. He has been known to form a team-up of convenience from time to time with fellow felon Disco Ball. Neither is very happy with the arrangement, for differing reasons.

Muscle Woman: Elisabeth Huerta (“Beth” to her friends) was an excellent student and promising athlete at El Oceano State University when she gave it all up at the age of 19. Why? So she could run off and marry Len Gordon, a man 12 years her senior.

Unfortunately for Beth, throwing caution to the wind didn’t exactly work out for her, and she wound up being another divorce statistic by 21. Attempting to piece her life back together, she enrolled at Magnifica University (unable to face returning to her former college) and set about the business of graduating. She retained the married name of Beth Gordon both out of convenience and as a reminder to not stray from the task at hand again.

What Beth Gordon could never have anticipated was being kidnapped by Third World agents and subjected to a process they hoped would make her a weapon in their quest for world domination. And remarkably, Beth did not die after being dosed with any number of chemical potions and bombarded by several different unknown rays. Instead, she found that she had gained fantastic strength far greater than possible by normal means.

Third World’s brainwashing techniques were just as efficient as usual (i.e., not very), and Beth soon broke free from her captors with her super strength. Determined not to let them get away with their nefariousness, she threw together a costume and single-handedly broke up the Third World branch that had abducted her. During this case, she coined the name “Muscle Woman” for herself.

Muscle Woman has continued to fight crime and injustice and garnered considerable fame in El Oceano. She keeps her alter ego a secret despite the promise of glamour and fortune, desiring mainly to further her education and maintain a low profile as Beth. However, she does hope to one day meet the superheroes of Major City and work with them to crush Third World once and for all.

Mystery Spaceman: He first appeared in the skies of Major City one crisp autumn afternoon, and alighted atop the towering Mando Building. Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson were called in to investigate, and the Captain dubbed the stranger “Mystery Spaceman” due to the symbol etched into his uniform resembling a question mark. Shelly is still annoyed that her suggested name was shot down: “Space Face.”

The Mystery Spaceman is a riddle. No one has ever been able to discern a motive for any of his actions on Earth. It doesn't help that he (it?) doesn't communicate in any manner recognizable to humans. Mystery Spaceman simply is, and mankind just has to deal with it.

Upon learning of their existence, Captain Satellite postulated that the Mystery Spaceman was an emissary of the Astro-Giants. This theory was demonstrated to be spurious when the Spaceman inexplicably joined Cap in driving the cosmic entities away from Earth. All that case ended up proving was that alien beings can have their own agenda, separate from anything we might comprehend.

Grocery Store Toy Department

2011-10-27T01:22:00.001-05:00

This is the toy department in a local grocery store. It's worth mentioning that this is a regional supermarket chain, not a national one. The toy selection is a fascinating array of cheap rack toys, with the occasional well-known brand slipping in somehow. Most of the "name" items are things like Uno (seen more clearly in the picture below) and Monopoly.

They also carry dice. Which, I guess I can see that. There are plenty of perfectly innocent diversions that call for dice.

They even stock items that help teach a trade to the youth of America.

Shiera Sanders Is Hawkgirl

2011-10-25T19:59:00.001-05:00

I've asked Kabuki Katze to do numerous commissions for me over the years, but they have almost always been of characters I had either created or shepherded through most of their existence. Hawkgirl is clearly not either of those things. So why?

Well, I have always liked Hawkgirl. I especially love the Golden Age Hawkgirl, the original incarnation of the character. She was (I believe) the first girlfriend who transitioned into the role of superheroine. Roy Thomas did some wonderful characterization with her in All-Star Squadron while I was reading that book. In fact, Roy was the first writer to use her in her costumed identity since the Golden Age.

Though I think the Silver Age Hawkgirl design is great, I vaguely resent it retroactively superseding the Golden Age style. Due to the vagaries of DC rewriting their continuity all the time, it was declared at one point that Shiera Sanders Hall was both the Golden Age and Silver Age Hawkgirl. As a result, the more familiar outfit originally identified with the Thanagarian heroine (seen in the Justice League cartoons in that form) became the default Hawkgirl outfit.

I had been thinking about Hawkgirl and how much I wished she had made even a token appearance in costume during the All-Star Comics run that I love so much (she does appear as Shiera a few times). I asked Kabuki to do a picture of her as a result, but specifically requested the Golden Age, Earth 2 version. That meant she would have:

*brown hair & eyes
*one of the older style helmets (though not the beaked model that obscured her face entirely)
*the red top with a bare midriff

There were other references, but the main one was this illustration done by Steve Rude for DC's mid-80s Who's Who series. Of course, Kabuki was given the flexibility to do certain things on her own. You can probably pick those out yourself.

I am quite tickled with the results of this commission, and I do believe Kabuki is, too. Why not go peep out her page for it on deviantArt while you are at it?

"Basketball"

2011-10-24T15:51:00.000-05:00

With the NBA lockout dragging on with no end in sight, let us return to a happier hoops era. The year was 1984, and Kurtis Blow decided to gift us with one of the first rap songs I ever heard. Yes, boys and girls, they're playing "Basketball", because we love that "Basketball".

It's sort of important to qualify that this song is from 1984. How could Kurtis Blow have known that one of the biggest stars in basketball history was only just entering the NBA that year? Yeah, Michael Jordan is conspicuous by his absence, especially considering players like Nate "Tiny" Archibald and Bernard King get name-checked. Not a knock on those guys, but they are nowhere nearly as well-known as Jordan. For that matter, how could Kurtis have known that Ralph Sampson was about to become second fiddle on the Houston Rockets to an even better big man named Hakeem Olajuwon?

I don't know why, but it never occurred to me until recently to wonder if there was a video for this song. Well, as it turns out, there is:

...I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, to be honest. I suppose I pictured it with more still photos highlighting the people and events celebrated in the song. There is some of that, but I would have guessed more.

The cheerleaders miming to the background vocals make sense. The crotchety-looking announcer guy does, too. I don't know why I needed a big chicken or a fat guy with a hot dog, but fine - mascots and fans are part of the game. And there's both a pick-up game and a (pretend) "organized" game. All of that is logical.

But why is there martial arts going on in a music video about basketball?

My World : Muscle Woman

2011-10-21T23:21:00.002-05:00

Elisabeth Huerta (“Beth” to her friends) was an excellent student and promising athlete at El Oceano State University when she gave it all up at the age of 19. Why? So she could run off and marry Len Gordon, a man 12 years her senior.

Unfortunately for Beth, throwing caution to the wind didn’t exactly work out for her, and she wound up being another divorce statistic by 21. Attempting to piece her life back together, she enrolled at Magnifica University (unable to face returning to her former college) and set about the business of graduating. She retained the married name of Beth Gordon both out of convenience and as a reminder to not stray from the task at hand again.

What Beth Gordon could never have anticipated was being kidnapped by Third World agents and subjected to a process they hoped would make her a weapon in their quest for world domination. And remarkably, Beth did not die after being dosed with any number of chemical potions and bombarded by several different unknown rays. Instead, she found that she had gained fantastic strength far greater than possible by normal means.

Third World’s brainwashing techniques were just as efficient as usual (i.e., not very), and Beth soon broke free from her captors with her super strength. Determined not to let them get away with their nefariousness, she threw together a costume and single-handedly broke up the Third World branch that had abducted her. During this case, she coined the name “Muscle Woman” for herself.

Muscle Woman has continued to fight crime and injustice and garnered considerable fame in El Oceano. She keeps her alter ego a secret despite the promise of glamour and fortune, desiring mainly to further her education and maintain a low profile as Beth. However, she does hope to one day meet the superheroes of Major City and work with them to crush Third World once and for all.

Muscle Woman was created in the late 1970s/early 1980s as a female partner for a character named Muscle Man. I am sure I drew inspiration from the likes of Hawkgirl and Bulletgirl in this artistic decision, but the reason I chose Muscle Man for a distaff counterpart is a mystery to me today.

Anyway, I never did much with Muscle Woman even at the time, and she would have been consigned to the limbo of unused characters permanently alongside Muscle Man had it not been for the twin towers of Sara and Kabuki again. Sara, in particular, wanted to use all the superheroines I had ever created, but it took time for me to concoct a backstory that I felt worked. Credit also to Kabuki Katze for her amazing work in updating Muscle Woman's look for a new century.

Speaking of that backstory, there are elements of it that were devised in tandem with Sara back in 2009. This necessitated some creative thinking on my part when I decided to go in a different direction than I had originally envisioned. Specifically, Muscle Woman wasn't always Latina, and I had to then figure out a reason for the "Beth Gordon" name when I decided she should be. This led me to a whole origin story that hadn't been in the cards until I stretched my mind a little. I'm pretty happy with the result.

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section II - Heroes and Villains (G-L)

2011-10-20T19:40:00.000-05:00

Gargantua Maximus: Ladies and gentleman, children of all ages, presenting the wonder of our age -- Gargantua Maximus! This size-changing, often giant gorilla is another creation of the mad Dr. Sandor Varkoff. Gargantua Maximus is not inherently evil or belligerent, but can become violent when provoked. At giant-size, he is nothing less than a menace that must be contained. On one occasion, Captain Satellite used a confiscated Macro Warrior to accomplish that task.

Gargantua Maximus has been relocated to a small island in the South Pacific. It is hoped he will remain there.

Girago: “RAAAAWR! Flee, puny Earthlings! I am Girago, of the planet Goomador! I have arrived to conquer your planet and enslave the human race! Resistance is futile! Not even your Captain Satellite can save you from my awesome power! Soon, all of you shall bow before GIRAGO!”

Will Girago triumph? Or can our heroes Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson thwart this terrorizing titan? Well…what do you think?

Invincible Alliance: It was the day when it seemed that Captain Satellite would surely lose. Third World had launched their most outrageous and potentially devastating raid of all time. An entire squadron of the mammoth Macro Warriors landed throughout Major City and threatened to tear the hero's home base apart. Against one or two of the giant robots, the Captain might have stood a chance. But six? While Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson unhesitatingly leapt into the fray, they knew their chances of survival, much less winning, were slim.

But just as Third World found strength in numbers, so did the forces of good. From out of the “Minors” district came Urban Nightmare. From MTI's campus came the trio of Blue Behemoth, Drone Man, and Firegirl. And from our nation's capital, the government dispatched the Ultimate American on his very first mission. Gathered as a united front, these seven heroes defeated the Macro Warriors, and dealt a blow to Third World's plans.

After the dust had settled, a proposal was put forth by Drone Man. Why couldn't they join together on a full-time basis as a team? His partners Blue Behemoth and Firegirl agreed that they would come on board such a venture, and Ultimate American too allowed that the idea had some merit. The other heroes, however, weren't quite so sure. Captain Satellite offered that he could join on a part-time basis, but he was so busy that he couldn't make any commitments (never mind that one of the other potential members was his ex-girlfriend). Shelly Ericson, on the other hand, flatly declined to be part of what she termed their “glorified pajama party.”

And Urban Nightmare? He merely cryptically muttered that he would call them if he ever needed them before slipping away.

Despite this slightly shaky start, the Invincible Alliance was officially formed at this impromptu meeting. Captain Satellite and Urban Nightmare would be listed as part-time members on its roll call, with the Nightmare's parting statement interpreted as an acceptance of membership. Captain Satellite deferred the offer of leadership of the group, nominating Ultimate American in his place. Ultimate American was voted into the role handily, much to his dismay. His fellow Alliancers apparently think he has been on the job a lot longer than he has, and don't realize he is essentially the rookie.

Since then, the Invincible Alliance has grown and prospered in its fight against evil. Captain Satellite joined them on select cases, but was just as unable to be a part of the group's nucleus as he predicted. Eventually, he resigned his membership entirely, and recommended the robot Elektroid as his replacement in the ranks. Elektroid's membership led to some friction with Blue Behemoth, but eventually the man-beast came around. Even the Urban Nightmare has returned to fight alongside the IA on rare occasions, solidifying his nebulous place on their roster.

The Invincible Alliance has been organized as a non-profit foundation through donations by Paul Mann and other wealthy individuals and interests sympathetic to their cause. It is not aligned with any country (despite Ultimate American's ties to the U.S. government), and it carries on its activities through a United Nations charter granting it special status. This allows the Invincible Alliance to function as a truly global troubleshooting force, and to tackle such disparate problems as dinosaurs emerging from the streets of Paris, space invaders appearing in Tokyo, and the dreaded Backwards Plague in Bulgaria.

The Invincible Alliance has established a string of embassies across the world, to allow them to have a central base wherever they need to go. You can be sure to find Blue Behemoth loafing around at whichever embassy is serving as the IA's current headquarters, and Drone Man trying to make sure his buddy doesn't cause too much trouble. Firegirl is usually out enjoying the good life, and Elektroid is trying to satisfy his curiosity about the human experience. As for Ultimate American? He does his best to hold it all together. That's a full-time job.

King Zaur: King Zaur is the emperor of the Reptile People, a race of humanoid dinosaurs that dwells in a mysterious kingdom referred to as “The Hidden Empire.” While the gateways to this realm are scattered all over the globe, the Hidden Empire itself actually occupies an other-dimensional plane where physical laws operate somewhat differently.

King Zaur first appeared on Earth with designs for conquest 40 years ago, and he was bested by the ingenuity and cunning of Joe Truman. This led to a series of showdowns between the two opponents which culminated in a battle in Antarctica that ended when King Zaur was trapped in an iceberg off the coast of the continent.

However, King Zaur measures his lifespan in millions of years, so decades are of little consequence to him. He broke free from his frozen tomb recently, and subsequently butted heads with the Invincible Alliance. This adventure was further complicated by the fact that the IA's leader Ultimate American is the brother of King Zaur’s old foe Joe Truman, though the reptilian rogue has no way of realizing this twist.

The Alliance turned back the challenge of King Zaur after a hard fight, but the wily dinosaur man slipped away. Now our heroes must prepare for his return, and the one person who could give them advice on how to defeat the villain is missing in action.

High Seas Hijack

2011-10-19T20:11:00.002-05:00

It's tempting to say that no one has ever seen HIGH SEAS HIJACK. That's untrue, of course, but I have never talked to anyone who has seen it. What makes this odd is HIGH SEAS HIJACK is a Toho special effects film - though I don't know how long it took for the Japanese sci-fi fandom to recognize this fact. I'm still not sure that it does.

It begins with 東京湾炎上 ("Tokyo-wan Enjo"), a 1975 film directed by Katsumune Ishida, and already the confusion starts. See, this title has caused no end of problems for people over the years. I don't think I've come across Toho's actual international title, but "Conflagration" seems a likely candidate. I just can't see that word coming up otherwise without some Toho involvement. As for a translation, it seems pretty obvious to me that the best choice is "Tokyo Bay Inferno". Remember a little movie called THE TOWERING INFERNO? I highly suspect Toho was gunning for something reminiscent of that American blockbuster.

As you might have guessed, TOKYO BAY INFERNO was another Toho disaster movie. After SUBMERSION OF JAPAN in 1973 and PROPHECIES OF NOSTRADAMUS in 1974, it makes sense that they would make a play for another big, splashy disaster flick. All I know about it is what I've gleaned from written sources (book and online) and the following videos which I recently discovered. I can tell you that it stars Tetsuro Tanba and Hiroshi Fujikoa and features the likes of Kenji Sahara, Kazuya ("Zone Fighter") Aoyama and gaijin favorites Willie Dorsey and Osman Yusuf. In fact, as you will see below, Fujioka and Dorsey get a chance to face off with one another again after crossing paths in 1974's ESPY.

A word about the first video, and an explanation of the title HIGH SEAS HIJACK. It is claimed that this is a trailer, but sure looks more like edited highlights to me. It has the familiar Hong Kong English dubbing, but accompanied by subtitles. The title given is HIGH SEAS HIJACK. This was the name given the film for its obscure U.S. release by "Cinema Producers Alliance, Inc.", though again, I wonder if perhaps Toho had a hand in this moniker. What is not obvious at all from the clips is the inclusion of newly-shot footage starring Peter Graves. Given the very nature of this project, I am certain it is not a highlight of his filmography - if he even remember it at all.

(None of this was a new idea, going as far back as Raymond Burr's insertion into the first Godzilla movie. However, the likely influence at play here was Lorne Greene's appearance in TIDAL WAVE, New World Pictures' re-edited version of SUBMERSION OF JAPAN.)

Here then is a taste of HIGH SEAS HIJACK:

The Arabian Light is being hijacked!

This next video shows up from the same user and gives the title TERREUR SUR LE MONDE and year 1978. This appears to be highlights from a FRENCH-DUBBED version of the same film. Would 1978 be the release year in the U.S. as well? (The IMDB thinks so.) Anyway, this looks like one of those "what if?" scenarios that crops up occasionally, in the obligatory Japanese conference. I don't think the disasters depicted herein "happen" in the movie, but are speculated as what MIGHT happen. It is an easy way to have a disaster movie while downplaying the actual disaster.

It will be bad, mmmmkay?

HIGH SEAS HIJACK is the kind of movie I'd kind of like to see if I had the chance, but have no real burning desire to seek out. I've seen Toho disaster movies, and they are...interesting, but usually not quite my thing. It's nice to see Teruyoshi Nakano and his staff given the chance to do exciting things, but it's not a genre that would appeal to me at all without some added incentives. Still, it's part of the Japanese SPFX film history, even if only a footnote.

Where Did The Avengers Go?

2011-10-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

As you may recall, I had made a project of reading all 7 volumes of Essential Avengers. There were several entries pertaining to the Avengers as a result, but the last of these came at the end of June. What has happened in the interim?

Well, the last entry discussing Avengers came while I was reading Volume 6. I started Volume 7 shortly afterward, and made my way through a good portion of it. Then, I just sort of...stopped. And I haven't found the motivation to return to the book, despite being only about 10-12 issues short of the conclusion.

Why? Boy, I don't know. I just hit a wall shortly after end of Steve Englehart's tenure as a writer, and it became increasingly harder to get into the story. There's also the little fact that I was hitting the thirteenth year of the title by the time I stopped. There was an undeniable fatigue that set in on me, especially since Marvel comics never, ever end. No, Marvels just almost unfailingly lead into the next story. This inevitability can be a strength, but it can also be a weakness.

I'm sure I'll finish this book eventually. I'd probably even buy another volume. But man, how do people keep going on the same book for thirty years? I don't think I could.

"Life is a trip"

2011-10-17T19:18:00.000-05:00

"I mean, who is a hippie? We were stoned freaks. Noise-wise, we're sonic warriors working the outer limits of sci-fi rock."

"We've raised funds for brain scanners, and actually saved four rhinoceroses in Zambia. The game warden sent us pictures. We've yet to meet them, but look eagerly forward to it."

"[...] We use our computers as a barbarian would. [...] The music moves, you know, like a ship - a spaceship - sailing along the seas from one setting to another. Like life itself, it's all alike. But everything is different. I don't know if there's progression. We've been at sea now for what seems like light-years. I hope there is progress, but sometimes I wonder."

"I'm not bothered by people being stoned out, but we're not encouraging it. Personally, I don't need them. Life is a trip."

--Selected quotes from Dave Brock of the band Hawkwind,
From Cult Rockers (Fireside, 1995)

Dogs Wearing Bow Ties & Why Lou Reed Is Great

2011-10-14T23:47:00.000-05:00

I have been joking with my sister Amy that I want to see her dogs wearing bow ties, because that would make me happy. If you knew her dogs, you'd realize this isn't much of a stretch. They are...well, crazy. But the good kind of crazy.

So earlier this evening, she sent me the link to Bad Dog Hats, and lo, it seems possible that my wish may be granted. The top hats would be amazing, but I'm not sure they would last 10 seconds. And it seems even these people cannot figure out how to fit a dog with a monocle. Probably just as well.

In other news, I got 5 hits today for this specific search:

why is satellite of love by lou reed such a great song?

It just is, and anyone who says otherwise is a liar.

Oh, and to the person searching for "Sally G/Ringo Starr", "Sally G" is a Wings song. I don't know if you are confused, trying to confuse me, or if there really IS a version of it by Ringo. Just throwing that out there.

I'll be back...sooner or later.

Possibly The Only Avatar Content You Will See Here

2011-10-13T02:27:00.010-05:00

...But this is too good a video to pass up.

Y'know, I might sit through the movie if it were like this.

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section II - Heroes and Villains (E-F)

2011-10-12T20:18:00.027-05:00

Elektroid: Mad scientist Dr. Sandor Varkoff had the best plan of his life. He had created an electronic android - an “Elektroid,” in his terminology - that was powered by its own mini-generator. He would send his Elektroid to disrupt the set of a movie produced by Ivan Walters through funding from Paul Mann, and demand a sizable sum of money to prevent further such attacks. Yes, this was his best plan ever. We told you he was “mad,” didn't we?

Unfortunately for Dr. Varkoff, his plan hit a series of snags:

1) Paul Mann and Shelly Ericson were visiting the set the day Elektroid arrived. That meant the robot's rampage was challenged by the might of Captain Satellite and his more-than-capable partner.

2) Elektroid had a design flaw that caused it to short-circuit. This did not disable it, but instead allowed the machine to discharge excess power from its generator via its computer brain. This development would have been advantageous if not for...

3) The short-circuit and subsequent power bursts irreparably altered Elektroid's computer brain. When the robot cornered film starlet Kimber Rachelle, it did not attack her as ordered. It instead realized it was being used for evil purposes and permanently broke its original programming.

Captain Satellite and Elektroid joined forces to locate Dr. Varkoff's secluded lab and fended off the mad scientist's last ditch efforts to stop them with prototypes hastily converted into Elektroids nos. 2-5. But when the case was over, there was yet another snag. Elektroid had developed free will, and he was still around - faulty artificial brain and all.

Captain Satellite's solution was to introduce Elektroid to the Invincible Alliance and recommend the electronic man as his replacement on the roster. Although Blue Behemoth grumbled a little that Cap was using the IA to babysit the robot, the entire membership welcomed Elektroid with open arms. In time, Elektroid was accepted by the public due to his association with the respected Alliance.

Today, Elektroid, nicknamed “The Robot With The Exploding Brain!” by the hyperbolic press, continues to seek his place in a world never meant for something - someONE - like him. He has kept in touch with Kimber Rachelle since their first encounter, and though both deny being more than “just friends,” there are those who wonder.

Enemy Alien: There have been two different Enemy Aliens on planet Earth. Though virtually identical to the casual observer, their circumstances are far different.

The original Enemy Alien was an explorer whose starship crash-landed on the outskirts of Major City only two months after the debut of Captain Satellite. Though suffering from partial amnesia, the extraterrestrial astronaut still remembered enough to know that he needed to repair his vehicle and return home. Spied by witnesses as he gathered the necessary raw materials for this task, he was immediately labeled “Enemy Alien” in sensationalistic reports. Concerned by the UFO sighting and subsequent accounts of its occupant roaming the countryside, Captain Satellite decided to investigate the area.

Unfortunately for both Captain Satellite and Enemy Alien, gangsters found the marooned traveler's ship first. The criminals extorted the hapless Enemy Alien into battling Captain Satellite by threatening to blow his ship up with crates of TNT they had stolen from a local ammunition dump. During the resulting fracas, the gangsters were collared, but not before Enemy Alien's starship was accidentally blown to smithereens. The explorer disappeared into the night, uncertain of whether he could ever return home.
Enemy Alien eventually reappeared, misunderstandings were explained, and he was even able to collaborate with Captain Satellite in finding a method to get back to his world. He has retained the Enemy Alien name in his dealings with the select Earthlings that know his true nature, as his proper name is unpronounceable by humans. He is, however, content to never return to Earth.

Months later, Enemy Alien inexplicably showed up stealing rare gems in select locations around the globe. Puzzled by this bizarre behavior, Captain Satellite contacted his friend by space wave transmission and learned that the Enemy Alien responsible for the crime spree was a new claimant to the name. He was an outlaw who had stolen both a ship and a pressurized spacesuit from the exploration corps that the original Enemy Alien oversaw. His reasons were simple - he was eluding the authorities on his planet, and he saw Earth as an easy mark.

Both Captain Satellite and the Invincible Alliance have shown the second Enemy Alien the error in judgment he made in targeting Earth for larceny. Still, he is persistent, and an expert at rocketing away before he can be captured. He knows that it isn't jail that awaits him, but a one way ticket back into space

Firegirl: Fiery reporter Roxanne Prize was not only one of the first people befriended by Paul Mann when he arrived in Major City, but she soon became his girlfriend as well. Outwardly, they seemed the very picture of a happy couple, but both of them were keeping secrets. Roxanne's secret was that she was trying to dig up clues to the mystery of Paul Mann's background.

Although Roxanne had initially become involved with Mann to learn more about him, she grew to genuinely love him. That made it a gut-wrenching decision when her research was finally completed and she had reached her conclusions. Should she release the story, or should she just forget it? In the end, her (somewhat unethical) journalist side won out over her personal side.

When Roxanne's exposé on Paul Mann broke, it drove a wedge between the two of them that was impossible to overcome. To make matters worse, it soon became clear to everyone that Roxanne's reasoned deduction of Mann's “true” identity was, in fact, wrong. Having lost both the man she loved and her already iffy journalistic credibility due to her deception, Roxanne more or less went into hiding. She retreated to the west coast and began writing for celebrity gossip magazines under an assumed name.

When Paul Mann later created his Captain Satellite persona, Roxanne Prize saw an opportunity to make amends for what she had done. Returning to the east coast on “special assignment” for one of her client publications, she turned up on the MTI campus ostensibly to interview Mortimer (Blue Behemoth) Kane and Danny (Drone Man) Graham on their recent exploits. But she had an ulterior motive - she pleaded with the two newly-minted heroes to make her a superheroine.

After considerable convincing and arm-twisting, Kane and Graham relented and pooled their resources to help Prize develop her own super identity. The result of their efforts was the flame-discharging gun tagged the “Pyro Pistol.” With this weapon in hand, Roxanne fashioned her own flashy heroine costume. Weeks later, Blue Behemoth and Drone Man had a new partner in their crusade when Firegirl, the Princess of Pyro, made her debut.

Firegirl has sought to use her return to the limelight to redeem herself for her past transgressions, and perhaps make the world a better place in the bargain. She is known far and wide as a strong woman who is ingenious, courageous, and more than a little flirtatious. She even has her own super powers now, as an especially bizarre case gave her mastery over fire and rendered the Pyro Pistol superfluous. Firegirl is a founding member of the Invincible Alliance, and has distinguished herself time and again.

Captain Satellite and Firegirl appear to have finally made peace with each other over their failed relationship. However, Roxanne seems oblivious to the crush that the Blue Behemoth harbors for her. Will the blue-haired beast with the mind (and heart) of a man be able to confess his true feelings?

Sean Moore PSCs Return, Part 2

2011-10-11T19:15:00.002-05:00

As you might recall, last week I posted a trio of new PSCs from Sean Moore. Well, here's the promised Part 2! It includes Amazing Girl, Muscle Woman, and Black X.

Wait, Black X? But he's not part of the Owariverse, right? Well, not right now, but who knows what the future might hold?

Thanks again for your amazing work, Sean!

Is She Really Going Out With Him?

2011-10-10T18:11:00.000-05:00

Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street

--Joe Jackson, "Is She Really Going Out With Him?"

I happened to hear this song on the radio one day when my mind was working in overdrive. The result was that I began to muse that the first line fit my characters Blue Behemoth and Firegirl almost perfectly. This led me to wonder if my friend Kabuki Katze would be interested in depicting the pair on a date.

I almost didn't ask. I mean, it was a little bit of a crazy idea. But when I broached the subject to her, she was all for it! You can see the truly amazing results here! Or, you could check it out here!

There Were Seven Soldiers of Victory

2011-10-09T23:33:00.003-05:00

The Seven Soldiers of Victory don't get a lot of respect compared to their Golden Age contemporaries in the Justice Society of America. That largely stems from the fact that the JSA was the first super team, while the Soldiers were more of a "me too" operation that couldn't even count (they had eight heroes show up every issue) or decide on a name (paging the Law's Legionnaires). There's also the little matter that they are the superhero group equivalent of the Village People, with the Knight, the Cowboy, the Archers, and such. So the meme developed over the years that the Seven Soldiers of Victory were second-rate, and this accepted wisdom even found its way into at least one DC "Greatest Stories" collection (was it the Team-Ups or Golden Age?) which dismissed their entire run out of hand.

After putting together a set of all three Archives of the stories from the pages of Leading Comics, I have to add my voice to the collective that feels this is an undeserved reputation. Yes, the Soldiers lack the power levels and fame of the JSA (Green Arrow is the most famous member). No, I don't think these stories represent some kind of watershed moment for the comics medium. HOWEVER, there is a lot of good (and occasionally great) artwork, and several of the stories turn out to be exceptionally clever.

For example, in "The Treasure That Time Forgot", the usually cordial Soldiers end up fighting among themselves. This sort of superhero battle through misunderstanding become commonplace with Stan Lee and Marvel Comics in the 1960s, but it was practically unheard of among the more straightforward mystery men of the Golden Age. I swear, the darn story is like a blueprint, and I'd almost be half-inclined to wonder if Lee had read it (not that he would remember if he had).

There's also the little matter of "King of the Hundred Isles", in which the various heroes get paired off with different partners than usual, and in one case, two sidekicks get paired off together. Given the dynamic of the Soldiers (three of the eight are sidekicks), it's an ingenious way to wring a new story idea out of what had by then been established as a set formula. Given the nature of these sort of books (promoting features in other anthology titles), I'm actually surprised they got with it at all.

So yeah, the Seven Soldiers of Victory turned out to be much better than advertised when you take the time to read the stories. Who knew?

Dorf on Gorf

2011-10-08T19:58:00.000-05:00

Dorf on Gorf

Yes, this joke is probably only funny to me.

"Wild Thing" by Fancy

2011-10-07T23:26:00.001-05:00

The somewhat unusual cover version of "Wild Thing" by the band Fancy was another of my weekend AT40 discoveries. I was so enthralled with it, and vexed by my inability to buy it on mp3, that I went ahead and purchased the reissue CD of Fancy's first album. And guess what? Despite some misgivings, I really liked it!

The thing that strikes me about Wild Thing the album is the same thing that caught my attention about Fancy's "Wild Thing" the song - namely, that it would not have been at all out of place during the "new wave" of the latter part of the 1970s. Though Fancy was originally a studio creation, their sound was very much new wave before there was such a thing.

I am thinking I may now need to invest in the reissue of BOTH albums from Fancy on import. Here are the liner notes from that particular release, with more insight into this band. And here's a little something from the site of one of the people who made it all happen. Finally, you'll find videos below of both "Wild Thing" and "Touch Me" (Fancy's follow-up hit). See what you think!

"Wild Thing" by Fancy

"Touch Me" by Fancy

Owariverse Encyclopedia: Section II - Heroes and Villains (C-D)

2011-10-06T21:18:00.000-05:00

C.H.I.E.F.: C.H.I.E.F. (Command Headquarters International Espionage Force) is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government which is primarily charged with investigating and, if necessary, addressing what are deemed “anomalous situations.” They are responsible for handling reports of UFOs, monsters, super-villains, and other out-of-the-ordinary phenomenon. Due to Third World's reliance on unorthodox tactics and weapons, C.H.I.E.F. has also been charged with containment functions in opposition to that subversive organization.

C.H.I.E.F. was formed in 1947, under circumstances which are still classified. It has been acknowledged, however, that C.H.I.E.F. is the successor to a branch of the government referred to only as “Department 27.” Department 27 was established at some undetermined point prior to the United States' entry into World War II. It is best known for its unique countermeasures against Axis weapons based on both super-science and sorcery.

C.H.I.E.F. has offices in major population hubs across the United States, and maintains bureaus in many nations. C.H.I.E.F. cooperates with other U.S. government agencies, and with intelligence services abroad. In light of a dearth of similarly-equipped organizations specializing in paranormal occurrences, C.H.I.E.F. has been called into action on foreign soil on a number of occasions at the request of the country in question.

Though C.H.I.E.F. engages in numerous covert activities, its existence is well-documented to the public at large, and many of its more notable cases have been widely reported in the press. Though the agency's heyday was during the “spy hero” era, it still plays a vital role in both national and global security. C.H.I.E.F. works closely with the new breed of superhero that has emerged in recent years, and was responsible for the training of Ultimate American (who acts in the role of independent contractor for the organization).

Rex Coronado is the current director of C.H.I.E.F., and is based at their central offices in Pongo, Virginia. He answers to the President of the United States and the top secret Monarch-12 executive committee that oversees C.H.I.E.F.'s operations.

Devil Dynamite: Harrison Otto (“H.O.”) Godfrey is a former Third World agent who decided to strike out on his own. Stealing a prototype copy of Captain Satellite’s digital powersuit from a Third World laboratory, he christened himself “Devil Dynamite” and launched a noted career of villainy. Due to his origin as Devil Dynamite, H.O. Godfrey holds the distinction of being a rival of both Captain Satellite and Third World.

Devil Dynamite styles himself as the Captain's “evil opposite.” His more outlandish claim is that he is actually Captain Satellite's counterpart from a parallel universe. This particular yarn is his attempt to conceal his true identity, and play mind games with the hero. It is effective enough that Cap has gone so far as to quiz Thunder Man (an actual native of a parallel Earth) as to whether Devil Dynamite hails from his world.

The one saving grace for everyone is that Devil Dynamite’s ambition outstrips his effectiveness. The prototype powersuit he wears is notoriously unreliable and prone to malfunction. This leaves him perpetually in danger of dropping like a stone in mid-flight, which would make a more prudent thinker reluctant to take to the sky.

Devil Dynamite has thus far been unsuccessful in his efforts to rally his own paramilitary force dubbed the “Anti-Satellite League” (ASL). His powersuit currently on the fritz, he has recently been reported as making his living in the wrestling rings of Mexico as the masked luchador Diablo Dinamita. He makes no bones about the fact that he is plotting an elaborate comeback scheme.

Disco Ball: Disco never died! At least, that's the premise of Vance McGuire, who has chosen to call himself Disco Ball.

Disco Ball is on a crusade to discover the evil possibilities of disco. Which are legion, as you might imagine. Utilizing weapons powered by his Discotech System, he has racked up some impressive criminal credentials. He made world news with his takeover of the famous Studio 69, declaring that he would turn it into “Studio 86” if he wasn't paid off extravagantly.

Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson put a stop to that plan. Disco Ball has soldiered on though, in spite of the setbacks. Sometimes he works solo, sometimes in tandem with villain Mr. Metal, and sometimes commanding henchmen he insists on referring to as the Boogie Knights. The henchmen are why he carries a swagger stick. And yes, it's a “swagger stick.” Not a pimp cane.

Doppelgirl: Doppelgirl is the codename used by Judy Gourrier, a C.H.I.E.F. agent gone rogue. Or is she really a deep cover agent infiltrating the underworld through deception? If the latter is true, C.H.I.E.F. director Rex Coronado isn't talking.

Doppelgirl is an unparalleled disguise expert. She boasts that she can impersonate anyone, male or female, regardless of age. She is fluent in an array of languages, and an uncanny mimic. Though not a trained or disciplined fighter, she is lithe and athletic, and more than capable of giving an opponent a run for their money.

Doppelgirl first surfaced as part of the super-villain community under the alias of “Spookette.” Working as an underling for the Phantom Rogue, she was captured by Firegirl during an ill-fated robbery. Turned over to the authorities, Spookette disappeared from her holding cell overnight. No explanation has ever been offered.

After that first encounter, Doppelgirl turned up using her familiar identity and outfit. More recently, she has been reported as calling herself “Madame Troika” and claiming allegiance to Third World. Is she truly affiliated with Third World? Or is this merely another ruse by a woman who has mastered the art?

Drone Man: Everyone at MTI knew that Danny Graham was a technical whiz. They also knew he was a total flake. Despite being a certified genius, the only one of his graduate student colleagues who even deigned to associate with him was Mortimer Kane. And Mortimer was just as lacking in social skills as Danny.

Things started getting interesting for Danny when his friend Mortimer was transformed into the creature who became known as the Blue Behemoth. Kane's attitude changed along with his appearance, and this worried Graham. This so-called “Blue Behemoth,” his formerly mild-mannered friend, was going off and taking lots of crazy chances. Danny designated himself the Behemoth's watchdog, but keeping up with the big lug proved to be no easy task. Danny Graham decided that the best way to handle his problem would be to create a super identity of his own, based on his affinity for gadgets and gizmos. And bees.

Thus was born Drone Man! OK, not the most awe-inspiring superhero name. It points up the fact that, while Danny has a good heart and brains to spare, he falls a little short in the sense department sometimes. In fact, the only reason he even settled on “Drone Man” was because Blue Behemoth managed to talk him out of his first choice. The blue-furred man-beast didn't think “The Bumbler” would strike anyone as impressive.

Drone Man's uniform is equipped with, but not limited to, the following specs: body armor, insulated helmet, two-way radio antennae, multi-purpose compound lenses, anti-gravity boosters, navigation wing pack, and sting beam disc system. So you see? He has the skills to create a dynamic and powerful set of gimmicks; he just can't come up with a catchy name for himself. That's the way it goes sometimes.

Drone Man joined Blue Behemoth in his crimebusting, and the pair earned considerable praise for their good works. He also assisted Kane in creating a super alter ego for reporter Roxanne Prize. Drone Man was one of the founding members of the Invincible Alliance, and is considered among the core members of the group. When not out doing the hero bit, he can usually be found at Alliance HQ, still doing his best to keep Blue Behemoth out of trouble.

Oh Hey, Chaos Theory

2011-10-05T23:20:00.000-05:00

So I opened up my newspaper this past Friday morning and discovered this on the front of the entertainment section.

And THAT, lads and lasses, is "St. Alia" from the Saints of Dune series by our friend Kabuki Katze in the Lake Charles American Press. As I observed on Twitter at the time, I have imagined many things, but seeing my pal Kayleigh's work on the front page of my local paper's entertainment section was not one of them.

The opening of the show went great - there were plenty of people and plenty of fantastic art. I am still hoping to document as much as I can, but I elected to hold off Friday night due to the crowd.

I did, however, manage to capture this:

"The Saints of Dune", hanging together and being awesome. Is that a vicarious thrill for you? It was for me.

If you are in the SWLA area, there's really no excuse NOT to see Chaos Theory if it sounds like your speed. It's free, it runs until November 11, and they MAY even give you cookies (no promises, though). You can read more about it at the Chaos Theory Fan Page!

Sean Moore PSCs Return, Part 1

2011-10-04T21:59:00.001-05:00

I recently commissioned our pal Sean Moore to do another batch of sketch cards of my characters. Here we see Tregaa the Tree-Thing, Girago, and the Azure Ant in all their eeeeeevil glory. In fact, this is the first rendition of the Azure Ant at all! But I do have a pic in the works of him. And yes, any resemblance to someone else is purely intentional.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

The Eagle of Heavy Metal

2011-10-03T18:06:00.001-05:00

Here's what I don't understand. You're making a movie called HEAVY METAL. It's based on the eponymous magazine, but there's also an entire genre of music that carries the name "heavy metal". In fact, you've enlisted several famous artists of heavy metal music to contribute to the soundtrack. Why is it then that when deciding on the film's title song, you slam your fist on the desk and say, "Get me DON FELDER!"

No offense to a talented musician like Don Felder, but he wouldn't even be the 18th person to spring to mind when I think of "heavy metal."

Chaos Theory Is Here

2011-09-30T00:07:00.001-05:00

I don't know what YOU folks are going to be doing this Friday night, but I have a pretty fair idea of where I'm going to be hanging out. I'll be at the Henning Cultural Center for the opening of the art show "Chaos Theory Volume Three". I was intending to go anyway, but then I helped a certain someone we know and love here at OWARI submit some work for the show. THERE MUST BE PICTURES TO DOCUMENT THIS OCCURRENCE!

Information on the Chaos Theory show can be found on Henning's website or on the Chaos Theory Art Show Facebook Fan Page. I'll be making an attempt to photograph as much as possible for the folks that can't be there in person!