PINUP TIME: STACEY DASH

LARRY JOHNSON'S THE COMPLETE MADAME BOOGALA, VOL 2

Earlier this month, I reviewed artist/author Larry Johnson's The Complete Madame Boogala, Vol 1, a black-and-white compilation of introductory issues. Now, I offer a rundown of Vol 2, which, if the truth be told, is as enjoyable as the first. 

Madame Boogala is a captivating character, a Brookston, tea-room proprietor in league with the Magic People, who takes the conniving reins in each yarn, much in the way of Fu Manchu, but in another way, she's rather like Carl Kolchak in reverse. In other words, she doesn't seek out strange affairs, as much as she prompts them, sometimes with frightful outcomes and at other times, offbeat hilarity. 

The 205-page, Vol 2 spans Johnson's installments from 2001 - 2004, covering such unearthly topics as a shape-shifting, wrestling match; odd, astral love; a necromantic television and the flamboyant guest it summons; a vicious, talking horseman; a man whose body parts reside in a jar; a wandering, Triffid/Audrey Jr.-like plant; otherworldly, curio-shop statues; chilling, demonic manifestations; and as extra-special treats, "The Black Widow" and "Escape Too," Johnson's mesmerizing works of illustrated, Boogala fiction, supplemented by the artist/author's thorough introduction. The culminating brew is wild and fun, especially when Boogala's bumbling son, Goomar, or the inquisitive Lew Brown get involved. 

Madame Boogala is an indisputable original, thanks to Johnson's clever know-how. Delve in, and you'll see why the madame is the talk of the metaphysical town.  

Vol 2 can be purchased at 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C87QH3GQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

FOR THE FUN OF IT:

 

COLLECTIBLE TIME: SUPERMAN TONYK/EAGLEMOSS CHESS PIECE

Mel and I were discussing our hopes and expectations for James Gunn's Superman. She commemorated the in-depth chat with a Kal-El surprise. 

The item is, in fact, a 5.5", DC chess piece, from the Tonyk/Eaglemoss line, featuring Superman performing a symbolic nod to Atlas, positioning the Daily Planet globe above his head.

Though I could not discern who sculpted this super piece, I can confirm that it possesses genuine heft, being made of a special, metalized resin. The paint job is spiffy, too, flaunting fine, careful detailing, which further brings this representation to life, as Superman stands on an elegant, square, grey base. 

I have a number of smaller, Superman pieces in my collection, which are of varying quality. There's no question that this nifty novelty is relegated to the higher echelon. 

Thanks for commemorating our discussion, Mel. You always know how to hit the collectible spot. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: CURUCU & THE MOLE PEOPLE

 

SO LONG, JOE DON BAKER

You kicked it into high gear with a two-fisted gusto that any true man would admire. 

The original Walking Tall, in which you play the legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser, was your biggest (and some would say your best), but you seized other significant achievements throughout your career: Mitchell; Charley Varrick, Congo, Mars Attacks!, The Shadow of Chikara (Curse of Demon Mountain), Wild Rovers, Junior Bonner, Guns of the Magnificent Seven; Edge of Darkness, Ring of Steel, Cape Fear 1991, Complex of Fear, The Underneath, Golden Needles, Mud, Fletch, Framed, Felony, Panther, Power, Framed, Wacko, Checkered Flag or Crash, Speedtrap, The Dukes of Hazzard 2005, Vegas City of Dreams, Poodle Springs, Strange Wilderness, Final Justice, The Grass Harp, The Children 1990, Reality Bites, Joe Dirt, The Distinguished Gentleman, The Pack, The Commission, The Outfit, The Natural, That Certain Summer, The Abduction of Kari Swenson, To Kill a Cop, Citizen Cohn, George Wallace, The Siege of Ruby Ridge, To Dance with Olivia, Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke, Mongo's Back in Town, Cool Hand Luke and then there's that fabulous, 007 trio, The Living Daylights (with Timothy Dalton), GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies (with Pierce Brosnan). 

You piled up a big chunk of television guest shots, too, with Lancer, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, The High Chaparral, Iron Horse, The Outsider, Mission: Impossible, Honey West, Judd for the Defense, The Felony Squad, Mod Squad, The F.B.I., Bracken's World, The Streets of San Francisco, Doc Elliot, Ironside, Screen Two, The Cleaner, The Most Deadly Game, In the Heat of the Night and as the series' titular lead in Eischied. 

You lived a long, full life, Mr. Baker, with your many accomplishments now set to live well beyond you: the surefire sign of a man who's proven his worth. 

WISE WORDS: