Pop Artifact! French "Fantastic Voyage" movie poster

Vintage Comic Book Ad



See the Secret Origins of Captain Action over at Dial B for Blog.

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 28, 2006

Dirk Deppey's much-missed comics news blog Journalista is back.

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Chris' Invincible Super Blog covers it's ears at "The Unfortunate Sound Effects of The Savage She-Hulk."

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Jart in My Head looks at some TV show-based paperbacks of the 60s and 70s.

Today's Best Song Ever: "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" - Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans



What do you get when you combine Walt Disney and Phil Spector? A thoroughly unlikeable fellow, I'd imagine. A megalomaniacal,gun-toting lunatic who lives in a fantasy land? No wait. That's just Phil Spector.

But musically, the combination is sublime. Slowed way down, the tune is given a cool groove you wouldn't imagine possible. Layers and layers of sound, of course, over which the trio of Darlene Love, Bob B. Soxx (Robert Sheen) and Fanita James put down the infectious vocals of a tune first featured in Disney's 1946 film, "Song of the South."

The Soxx single hit #1 on the U.S. charts in December 1962 and was followed up in 1963 with "Why Do Lovers Break Each Other's Hearts?" and "Not Too Young to Get Married".

Sample it on Amazon

Availability:
Phil Spector Back to Mono 1958-69

Previous Best Song Ever

Upcoming Doc Savage and Shadow reprints

Nostalgia Ventures Inc. continues its official reprinting of the Doc Savage and Shadow pulp novels with these releases:

DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOLUME 1
“Fortress of Solitude” and “The Devil Genghis”
The Man of Bronze returns as the pulps' greatest superman confronts The Devil Genghis, John Sunlight, a mad genius armed with incredible scientific inventions stolen from Doc Savage’s Fortress of Solitude. Doc Savage and his Iron Crew return in two thrilling novels by Lester Dent writing as Kenneth Robeson. This double-novel volume reprints both appearances of Doc Savage's greatest enemy, the diabolical John Sunlight.

This 7"x10" trade paperback marks the return of Lester Dent's original Doc Savage novels after a 15-year hiatus. Doc Savage Magazine was one of the most popular of the hero pulps, published from 1933 through 1949 by Street & Smith as the sister publication to The Shadow Magazine. The Doc Savage pulp novels were reprinted by Bantam between 1964 and 1991, and created a publishing sensation as the first numbered series of paperback adventure novels.

Doc Savage #1 features the original pulp cover paintings by Emery Clarke from the October and December 1938 issues of Doc Savage, along with the original interior illustrations by Paul Orban. Doc Savage #1 also comes in a variant cover edition featuring art by James Bama. Both cover versions will reprint both of the original pulp covers in smaller size on the back cover. Nostalgia Ventures, softcover, 7x10. B&W, $12.95

Fans may notice strong similarities between a certain blockbuster summer film and the plot of Lester Dent's 1938 novel, "Fortress of Solitude." Clark Savage Jr., the Man of Bronze, was a major influence on the creation and development of Clark Kent, the Man of Steel, including of course his arctic "Fortress of Solitude." This double-novel volume reprints both appearances of Doc Savage's greatest enemy, the diabolical John Sunlight. "If Street & Smith had not published The Shadow and Doc Savage, there might never have been any Superman or Batman," observes popular-culture historian Will Murray, who collaborated with Lester Dent on seven posthumous Doc Savage novels and provides historical commentary in these new volumes. "Between them, Walter Gibson and Lester Dent created the archetype of the superhero, and most of the fiction formulas and trappings of the eternal battle between superhero and supervillain that has come to dominate popular culture in the last 75 years. I like to call Lester Dent 'the Father of the Superhero' because, while Superman and Batman had other influences, both borrowed liberally from Doc Savage, the original owner of the Fortress of Solitude."


THE SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOLUME 2
“The Chinese Disks” and “Malmordo”

The greatest avenger from the legendary hero pulps returns in two more classic novels by his creator, Walter B. Gibson.

The Shadow's crime-fighting organization became fully-formed in “The Chinese Disks,” the novel which introduces his agents cabby Moe Shrevnitz, reformed former-crooks Hawkeye and Tapper, Pietro and the giant African Jericho Druke. The novel is a sequel to Gibson's first novel, “The Living Shadow,” and features the return of The Shadow's first major foe, Diamond Bert Farwell. Thus, “The Chinese Disks” is not only one of the most significant Shadow mysteries, but also one of the most satisfying,” observes pulp historian Will Murray in his historical commentary to the story.
“Malmordo” is the final Shadow novel completed by Walter Gibson before his 1946 departure following a contract dispute, and ended his initial 15-year run chronicling The Shadow's adventures. Murray observes, “In a very real sense, the series that had finally come together in The Chinese Disks culminated with Malmordo, one of Gibson¹s top tales of the 1940s, and one which features the slimiest villain 'Maxwell Grant' ever created.”
THE SHADOW Volume Two features the original pulp cover by George Rozen and interior illustrations by Tom Lovell, who went on to become one of the 20th century's greatest illustrative painters.
Nostalgia Ventures, softcover, 7x10. B&W, $12.95


THE SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOLUME 3
“The Red Blot” and “The Voodoo Master”

The Knight of Darkness returns in two more classic pulp thrillers including “The Voodoo Master,” voted the favorite novel in a 1937 Shadow Magazine readers’ poll and again acclaimed as one of the top Shadow novels by pulp fans nearly a half century later. Walter Gibson’s 1936 novel introduces The Shadow’s arch-foe Dr. Rodil Mocquino, the master of black magic who returned in two subsequent novels and several Golden Age comic book stories.

In “The Red Blot” (1933), Lamont Cranston first meets Commissioner Weston (setting up the friendship that would be featured in the famous radio series) and investigates a series of crimes orchestrated by a malevolent mastermind who leaves a bloody mark as his calling card. The trade paperback also features the original pulp covers by George Rozen, all the interior illustrations by Tom Lovell and historical commentary by Will Murray, principal author of "The Duende History of The Shadow Magazine." Nostalgia Ventures, softcover, 7x10. B&W, $12.95


DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOLUME 2
“The King Maker” and “Resurrection Day”
Doc Savage returns in two more great pulp adventures by Lester Dent writing as Kenneth Robeson.

In “Resurrection Day” (first published in 1936), the Man of Bronze perfects a method for resurrecting a dead human being but only one person can be revived. Who will Doc choose?

In “Repel (1937), a strange new element is expelled in a South Pacific volcanic eruption, but falls into the hands of Cadwiller Olden, Doc Savage’s most formidable foe.

The trade paperback also includes a foreword by Peter David (Star Trek, The Incredible Hulk), the original pulp covers by Robert Harris, interior illustrations by Paul Orban and historical articles by Will Murray who collaborated posthumously with Lester Dent on seven new Doc Savage novels published by Bantam.
Nostalgia Ventures, softcover, 7x10. B&W, $12.95


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The reprints will be available via Amazon (click the above links) and local comics shops.

They can also be ordered directly from: Anthony Tollin (via check, money order, or Paypal).
1 book: $12.95 plus $3 (first class) or $2 (media mail)
2 books: $25.90 (cover price) first class postpaid
All 3 books/Early October releases: $35 postpaid via priority mail.

Subscriptions are also now available for either THE SHADOW or DOC SAVAGE:
Subscriptions: Six issues for $72 (first class) or $66 (media mail).
Anthony Tollin; P.O. Box 761474; San Antonio, TX 78245-1474; sanctumotr@earthlink.net.

See complete lists of Shadow and Doc Savage books available via Amazon.

Pop Artifact! Mary Marvel statue

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 25, 2006

20th Century Boy looks at some Australian Marvel Comics reprints from the early 1960s.

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The son of Wonder Woman creator Willian Moulton Marston is opening a museum dedicated to the hero. In his basement.

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Dial B for Blog continues his supercool look at Captain Action.

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Seeing a bat in his home, Fred Hembeck is inspired to don a bat costume and battle crime, because criminals are a superstititious and cowardly lot.

No. Wait. Fred is scared of bats...

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Dark Horse Comics has signed a direct-to-DVD deal to make animated films.

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The U.S. Postal Service has released its DC Comics stamps. Now it's Marvel's turn. Out next year, we'll see superhero stamps featuring:

• Spider-Man
• The Incredible Hulk
• Sub-Mariner
• The Thing
• Captain America
• Silver Surfer
• Spider-Woman
• Iron Man
• Elektra
• Wolverine

Today's Best Song Ever: "5-4-3-2-1" - Manfred Mann

A harmonica- and organ-driven rave-up, this killer single hit #5 on the British charts in February 1964--right around the time the U.S. was first meeting the Beatles. Too bad, we yanks took so long getting up to speed, because we really missed out. (Especially those of us who weren't born yet). The group's "Do Wa Diddy," however, hit #1 over here in July '64.

The tune, co-written by keyboardist Mann, singer/harmonica-ist Paul Jones and drummer Mike Hugg, was a theme song of sorts for the Manfred quintet. It was later picked up as the intro piece for Britain's "Ready, Steady Go" pop TV show.

The great thing is, anyone who can count backwards can shout along with the chorus. But you gotta be able to do it fast!

Sample it at Amazon

See them sing it on YouTube


Availability:
Very Best of Manfred Mann



Previous Best Song Ever

Series 2 Hanna-Barbera figures out in December

From McFarlane Toys:

HANNA-BARBERA SERIES 2

Capturing the antics some of cartoons' most memorable characters in eye-popping color and caught-in-the-act poses, our Hanna-Barbera Series 2 brings you seven different figures and one deluxe boxed set. Scheduled to be on store shelves in December.


I need the Jonny Quest figure! Click links to pre-order from CMD.


--CAPTAIN CAVEMAN


--FRED FLINTSTONE & DINO: "Welcome Home"


--JOHNNY QUEST


--MAGILLA GORILLA


--PENELOPE PITSTOP & MUTLEY


--TOM & JERRY: "The Mouse Gets the Cheese"


--YOGI BEAR: "Smarter than Your Average Bear"


--THE FLINSTONES AT THE DRIVE-IN Deluxe Boxed Set

--Complete Set

Hanna-Barbera series 1 figures:
--Set of Five
--Fred Flintstone Chopper
--Hong Kong Phooey
--Quick Draw McGraw
--Tom and Jerry Music
--Tom and Jerry House

DVD: Police Squad - Complete Series

Out Nov. 7, this single-disk collects all six episodes of the short-lived but much-loved Leslie Nielsen cop show spoof.

The show was much funnier than the movies that followed and--bonus!--don't feature O.J. Simpson in a guest role.

Extras include a new interview with Nielsen, behind-the-scenes featurettes and a gag reel. You can pre-order the disk now from Amazon.

DVD: Bewitched - Complete Fourth Season

Out Oct. 24, this set collects 32 episodes on four disks. It's available for pre-order now from Amazon.

DVD: Alfred Hitchcock Presents - Season Two

Just in time for Halloween, season two of the Hitch-presented anthology series is out Oct. 17 and features 39 episodes of five DVDs. You can pre-order it now from Amazon.

Actors featured during this season include Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Rip Torn, Claude Rains, Pat Hitchcock, Alan Napier and Dick York. Two of the episodes are directed by Sir Alfred himself.

Pop Artifact! Captain Marvel board game

Vintage Captain Marvel House Ad

"Lost" season 3 poster

Something to keep you going until October.



More Lost.

Fantastic Four diorama from Sideshow Toys

Out later this year:

The Sideshow Exclusive version of the Fantastic Four Diorama features a unique display option, where you can choose which version of the Invisible Woman to display. You will receive Sue in her solid form, same as the regular version, and a bonus partially invisible version available only from Sideshow Collectibles!

You can pre-order it now.

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 24, 2006

Backwards Beatles is the theme of the latest Beatlegs podcast. More Beatles.

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Billboard has info on the third Shins album.

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Via Boing Boing: An alphabet illustrated with superheroes ("A" is for "Aquaman," etc.)

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Booksteve sings the praises of the Other Good Duck Artist, Don Rosa. More Duck comics.

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Soul man Solomon Burke is cutting a country disk.

On September 26, indie label Shout! Factory will release "Nashville," the soul titan's first all-country recording, which includes duets with the likes of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Patty Loveless.

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I can't wait for this one:



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Dial B for Blog details the Secret Origin of Captain Action.

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Another amusing interview with comics scribe Grant Morrison.

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Today's Best Song Ever: "Que Vida" -- Love

This tune pretty much sums up the softer side of Love. There's no garage-rock aggressiveness as on "My Little Red Book" or "Seven and Seven Is." Instead, we get goofy, philosophical nuggets like "With nickels and dimes, you will soon have a dollar" and "I see no need to swallow or catch a plane to travel, my mind's not made of gravel" over a pleasant backdrop of guitar arpeggios, organ chords, flute and the occasional "pop" sound of somebody plucking an index finger from inside his cheek. It ends with sleigh bells.

Featured on the band's "Da Capo," the tune, along with "Orange Skies" hints at what's to come on the brilliant Forever Changes LP.

Hear a sample from Amazon.

Availability:
Love - Da Capo

New and upcoming action figures Aug. 24, 2006


Sideshow Toys Star Wars figures, see below

Complete List of Marvel Legends Action Figures
Complete List of DC Direct Action Figures

Here's a look at action figures available via your local comics shop or via the TIP!-supporting links below:


Buffy the Vampire Slayer
--Sunnydale High School Playset
--Buffy the Vampire Slayer Action Figures: Xander, Cordelia and Xander w/ Patch
--Buffy the Vampire Slayer Action Figures: “Destiny” Angel and “Destiny” Spike Set of 2
--Buffy the Vampire Slayer Action Figures: Pylean Princess Cordelia
--Buffy the Vampire Slayer Action Figures: Angel and Spike Hawaiian Shirt Box Set

DC Direct Action Figures

Alex Ross Justice League Action Figures Series 3
--Green Lantern
--The Joker
--Plastic Man
--Wonder Woman
--Poison Ivy

Alex Ross Justice League Action Figures Series 4
--Shazam
--Black Adam
--Hawkman
--Zatanna
--Solomon Grundy

Batman Dark Victory
--Batman
--Commissioner Gordon
--Scarecrow
--Robin and Penguin

Batman/Superman: The Return of Supergirl Action Figures
--Supergirl
--Superman
--Batman
--Darkseid
--Corrupted Supergirl

Crisis on Infinite Earths Series 3
--Weaponer of Qward
--Doctor Light
--Superboy prime
--Batman
--Huntress

DC Direct Reactivated Action Figures
--Batman
--Wonder Woman
--Lobo
--Superman

DC 13-inch Figures
Deluxe Edition 13-inch Green Lantern
Deluxe Edition 13-inch Lex Luthor
Deluxe Edition 13-inch Two-Face
Deluxe Edition 13-inch Aquaman

Elseworlds Action Figures Series 2
--Red Son Batman
--Red Son President Superman
--Kingdom Come Jade
--Kingdom Come Spectre and Norman McKay
--Gotham By Gaslight Batman

Green Lantern Action Figures Series 2
--Manhunter Robot
--Guy Gardner
--Shark
--Saalak
--Sinestero

Infinite Crisis Action Figures Series 1
--Powergirl
--Omac
--Mongul
--Earth Prime Superboy
--Alexander Luthor

JSA Action Figures
--Mr. Terrific
--Hawkgirl
--Dr. Midnite
--Hourman
--Golden Age Atom 2-pack

Who's Who in the DC Universe Miniature Figures Series One

Hanna Barbera Action Figures
--Set of Five
--Fred Flintstone Chopper
--Hong Kong Phooey
--Quick Draw McGraw
--Tom and Jerry Music
--Tom and Jerry House

John Lennon
--JOHN LENNON 18" Action Figure

Marvel Figure Factory Sets
--Angel
--Beast
--Black Costume Spider-Man
--Deadpool
--Invisible Woman
--Silver Surfer

Marvel Legends Action Figures

Hasbro Marvel Legends Figures Series 1
--Emma Frost
--Ultimate Iron Man
--Movie Beast
--Planet Hulk
--Banshee
--Hercules

Hasbro Marvel Legends Action Figures Series 2
--Wolverine
--She-Hulk
--Yellow Jacket
--Quick Silver
--Lord Asgard Thor
--Magneto Xorn
--X3 Jean Grey
--First Appearance Storm

Marvel Legends Series 14
--Original Armor Iron Man (variant)
--Longshot
--Baron Zemo (variant)
--Luke Cage: Powerman
--The Falcon (variant)
--Psylocke

Marvel Legends Series 15
--Mandarin
--Beta Ray Bill
--Moon Knight
--Spider-Woman (variant)
--Quicksilver (variant)
--Thor-Buster Iron Man
--Wasp (variant)
--Captain Marvel (variant)

Marvel Legends Exclusive Giant-Man Series
--Giant Man
--Ant Man
--Havok
--Sabretooth
--Captain Britain
--Kitty Pryde
--Thor
--Weapon X
--Warbird
--Sentry
--Weapon X variant
--Sentry Variant

Marvel Legends Masterworks Sets
--Spider-Man Vs. Green Goblin
--Fantastic Four Vs. Mole Man
--Hulk Vs. The Thing
--Galactus Vs. Everybody

Marvel Legends Showdown
--Mister Fantastic and Mole Man
--Colossus and Magneto
--Ghostrider and Vengeance
--Logan and Chopper
--Namor and Shark
--Green Goblin
--Beast (variant)
--Juggernaut (variant)
--Elektra (variant)
-- Silver Surfer
-- Spider-Man and Thing
-- Wolverine and Hulk
-- Dock Ock
-- Black Costume Spider-Man
-- Punisher
-- Doctor Doom
-- Captain America
-- Human Torch

Marvel Mega Morphs
--The Thing
--Iron Man
--Magneto

Marvel Select Figures
--Spider-Woman
--Moon Knight
--Cloak and Dagger

Best of Marvel Select Figures
--Grey Hulk
--Thanos
--Ultimate Spider-Man
--Green Goblin

Marvel Studios
--Dr. Doom with Mask
--Dr. Doom unmasked

Star Wars Sideshow Toys 12-inch action figures
--Salacious Crumb
--Jabba the Hut
--Leia Boushh
--Bib Fortuna
--Boba Fett

Star Wars Transformers
--Millennium Falcon With Han Solo and Chewbacca

X-Men 3 Action Figures
--Air Strike Wolverine
--Angel
--Stealth Cyclops
--Tech Gear Beast
--Phoenix
--Colossus
--Nightcrawler
--Iceman
--Rogue
--Avalanche
--Sabretooth