BASS REEVES RETURNS IN AIRSHIP 27'S FRONTIER MARSHAL, VOL 2!!!

Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves was the real deal, so much so that some have called him (albeit erroneously) the inspiration for the Lone Ranger. That such attribution has occurred isn’t so surprising, for Reeves was as persistent and clever as John Reid when it came to hunting and capturing bad guys. In fact, he rounded up thousands of them, sometimes accompanied by Indian Scouts and always equipped with a handy rifle and/or pistol to ensure his success. However, as an African American/ex-slave, Reeves faced the fierce, racial tensions of his time, but miraculously managed to maintain his dignity despite the bigotry. 

More than a year ago, Ron Fortier's Airship 27 Productions presented the first anthology of fictional adventures based on Reeves's legacy (see February '16 review), and--hallelujah!--another compilation has finally hit print.

“Bass Reeves: Frontier Marshal Vol 2” is as thrilling an anthology as its predecessor, with tales penned by Michael Black; Milton Davis; Derrick Ferguson; and Mel Odom. In addition, the second volume is graced by wonderful, interior illustrations by Rob Davis and an effectively brooding cover by Marco Turini.

The stories are full of gusto and grit, with Reeves protecting a gold shipment fraught by confounding circumstances; wrestling with the dastardly Pritchard gang; tracking down the robbers of the train he rode; and teaming with Quickshot Katy Calhoun in defense of black settlers, threatened by a callous colonel. 

Not only does Reeves deserve the same respect awarded to such characters as the Lone Ranger and Hopalong Cassidy, but real-life icons like Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok. It's for this reason that Fortier's Airship 27 is publishing these fine fables. This latest volume is yet another honorable way to extend Reeve's legacy further into the American and (fingers crossed) global consciousness. 

Can’t wait for Vol 3!  

(The current entry is available at...https://www.amazon.com/Bass-Reeves-Frontier-Marshal-2/dp/1946183199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500841687&sr=8-1&keywords=bass+reeves+vol+2.)

Long live the legend of U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves!!!

FAREWELL, JOHN HEARD...

Though you weren't exclusively known for the offbeat and macabre (as fans of the cheerful "Home Alone" films can attest), you nonetheless left your mark on more than a few horror and fantasy entries: "Cat People '82"; "C.H.U.D."; "The Insomniac"; "The Seventh Sign", "Sharknado"; "Too Scared to Scream"; "Would You Rather?" and of course, the ever magical, "Big"; as well as a memorable guest appearance on the acclaimed "Battlestar Galactica" revival. 

You gave each of your roles an amiable, common-man touch, which your fans identified with and appreciated. We were with you every step of the way, no matter how humorous or terrifying the events, seeing through your eyes as each story unfolded. You did you're job well and then some, Mr. Heard, with a legacy that most actors can only envy. God bless...

RIP MARTIN LANDAU...

You were always there...always inspiring with a talent that was respected but often shortchanged of the praise it deserved. 

You impressed me first in "Mission: Impossible" and later "Space: 1999", but there were so many other performances I was to admire, including your guest roles on "Twilight Zone" (in "Mr. Denton on Doomsday"; "The Jeopardy Room"; "The Beacon") and "Outer Limits" ("The Man Who Was Never Born"; "The Bellero Shield"). And man, oh, man, did you ever give me joyful chills in Jack Sholder's "Alone in the Dark" and the Sun Classics edition of Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher". 

Your most remarkable performance was perhaps in Tim Burton's "Ed Wood", where you (at long last) gained a well deserved Oscar for your portrayal of the great Bela Lugosi. This led to your portrayal of Geppetto in two wonderful Pinocchio films, for which fans young and old are still in sentimental awe. 

You could perform it all--and did it all, Mr. Landau--and today the acting world is a significant degree less in its splendor for your passing. 

Collectible TIme #89: Planet of the Apes, The Original Topps Trading Cards Series Book

To coincide with Matt Reeves' "War for the Planet of the Apes", Abrams ComicArts has granted us evolved-simian fans an extra treat by releasing the hardback "Planet of the Apes: The Original Topps Trading Card Series": a chunky (6" x 1.7 x 7.2 ") collectible about a specialized type of collectible, which youngsters (and many adults) avidly consumed in '69/'75 and beyond. 

Author Gary Gerani (who's taken a similar approach for volumes on Topps' "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" trading cards) presents all three "Apes" series for our heartfelt delight.

The initial set stems from the Rod Serling/Michael Wilson adaptation of Pierre Boulle's "Monkey Planet, which hit mom-and-pop stores a year after Franklin Shaffner's "Planet of the Apes" became all the rage. 

The second is derived from the short-lived '74 CBS series, which spawned a profits bonanza which (as Roddy McDowall so astutely acknowledged at a Fangoria convention I attended in the '90s) could have sustained the show for an indefinite time. Oh, well...

The third set comes from the Tim Burton's controversial, though financially successful 2001 reboot, which in its own right, spawned a slew of toy and novelty tie-ins.  

What made the '60s/'70s sets particularly endearing was their convenient reproduction of story lines. VHS, after all, hadn't yet hit the scene, and the Super 8 "Apes" offerings were at best abbreviated and often in black-and-white. Through these cards, one could relive "Planet of the Apes" via a string of dynamic, mini stills and at an affordable, stick-of-bubble-gum-included price. 

Also, as with other such card sets, the "Apes" entries featured illustrated, back-of-card data on the characters and their related scenarios. The photo reproductions were for the most part clear and focused; and in the case of each release, designed similarly, with the '60s/'70s versions featuring curled captions at the bottom, right-hand corners. (The '70s release even allowed one to construct puzzles of scenes.) Though the Burton set has a border-less distinction, it nonetheless imitates the back-of-card format and included among its content (if one were lucky to land the right packs), authentic, autographs from the cast. Wow!

The book's graphic design is most pleasing, printed on high-quality stock and features such supplemental images as the cards' display boxes and fanciful wrappers. The book, itself, is adorned by a simulated card-wrapper jacket, taken from the '70s release. 

For those who experienced these sets (particularly the '60s/'70s ones), their pop-cultural impact goes without saying, but for those out of the loop, the "Apes" tie-ins (cards and otherwise) set the marketing standard for later merchandising sprees, including Fox's next, big franchise: "Star Wars". 

As an incentive, Gerani's book costs under $20, with each volume containing several, reproduced "Apes" cards: a nice touch to an homage that's certain to bestow readers with hours of enjoyment. Ah, how sweet those apocalyptic memories can be...

RIP GEORGE A. ROMERO...

Through "Night of the Living Dead"; "Dawn of the Dead"; and "Day of the Dead", you set forth a flesh-feasting pattern that others have copied, but never truly captured. Your variations on the theme, with your collaboration on Tom Savini's "Night...", as well as "Land of the Dead"; "Document of the Dead"; and "Survival of the Dead", only further cemented your fame as the macabre master of your game.

Your exquisite filmmaking skills also bestowed us with "The Crazies"; "Jack's Wife/Season of the Witch"; "Martin"; "Knightriders"; "Monkey Shines"; "The Dark Half"; "Bruiser" and the offbeat "There's Always Vanilla". Additionally, you left your mark on some of the finest, horror anthologies of our time: "Creepshow"; "Creepshow 2" and of course, "Tales from the Dark Side"; and let's not overlook your devilish hosting chores on "Deadtime Stories, Vol 1 and 2", as well as your delicious team-up with Dario Argento on the Poe-inspired, "Two Evil Eyes". 

You weren't afraid to push the envelope or offer social commentary in your mad dreams. Though your films were charged with carnage and fright, you graciously and poetically changed the way I looked at the world, and for that, I'll always be in your debt. 

MORE ADVENTUROUS CURVES AWAIT...FEMFORCE #178!!!

It took forever and a day for me to land a copy, but at long last I've obtained AC's FEMFORCE #178!!!

As with all Mark and Stephanie Heike publications, it's a true-blue winner, with plenty of high-flying adventure and sturdy curves galore!!! The issue's headlining beauties are Firebeam; Ms. Victory; Nightveil; She-Cat; Stardust; Synn; and Tara: a delicious line-up, indeed, and they're only the start of the gorgeous wonders contained!!!

Incidentally, my good buddy, Rock Baker lends his imaginative skills (as both illustrator and writer) to "Crystal Clear", "Masks in Lace", and the sensationally satirical "Super-Cutie: the Bare Facts": the latter a new concept in the FEMFORCE scene, which I, for one, hope continues. (Truly, it's too darn good to stay solo!!!)

For whatever odd reason, copies of this swell issue appear quite scarce; so visit your local comic shop or any number of fine, online establishments to see what's cookin'. (For what it's worth, I finally nabbed my copy at www.atomicempire.com.) You sure as heck don't wanna miss this one!!!

An Alternate Reality #17: I saw the Apes at War...

Matt Reeves' retelling of “Battle for the Planet of the Apes” wasn’t through, as we now know, for “War for…” takes elements of the ’73, so-called "final chapter" to a new, belligerent level. As with the original-cycle entry, this parallel “Apes” chapter determines whether simians or humans will dominate Earth. This time, however, we don’t have Gary Oldman’s Dreyfus standing in lieu of Severn Darden's Kolp, but instead Woody Harrelson’s Colonel McCullough. And man, oh man, is the ol' Colonel ever a determined bastard.

Considering what’s at stake in director/writer Reeves' sequel (coauthored by Mark Bomback), one can’t fault the military man, any more than one can fault Caesar (Andy Serkis) for amplifying the adversity. As in real-life, this alternate-reality take of an established alternate-reality history, demonstrates how explosive opposing sides can be. Under the Colonel, however, the humans appear on the upswing, though perhaps not for long. An onslaught of desires, contempt and bloodshed awaits both ends, with an unexpected faction ultimately entering to turn the story on its head. 

“War”, in this respect, lives up to its title. Even in its gentlest parts (and oh, there are many and so lovingly blessed by Michael Giacchino's sweet score), it stays hard-hitting. It honorably lifts “Battle’”s most confrontational scenes, but also pays homage to "Apocalypse Now"; “To Hell and Back”; “Hacksaw Ridge"; "A Walk in the Sun"; plus any number of John Wayne pictures, war or western based. 

At "War'"s start, we learn that Caesar has molded his apes into a well-oiled, fighting machine. The noble chimp doesn't wish hostilities to rise, but nor does he want his followers to be left unprepared in the event of attack. No matter how hard he tries, though, his people gain casualties and unfortunately, those close to Caesar's heart fall victim to the enemy. 

Despite this, the prospect of peace isn't entirely off the table, and its symbolism comes via a human girl (Amiah Miller), whom the apes discover along the way. She comes to be named Nova (a gracious nod to Linda Harrison's shapely character). Caesar, thanks to Maurice (Karin Konoval)'s insistence, comes to care for the lass, just as he does those of his kind. He's a well rounded "emperor", after all: one with an open mind, a caring heart, but at the same time, one who acknowledges the risk in growing soft, regardless of Nova's contagious innocence. 

Alas, for all his noble intent, Caesar soon finds himself in the Colonel's clutches. The two have an opportunity to talk, negotiate, but due to the Colonel's contempt, the fires of animosity get stoked ever higher. 

This is by no means surprising. Whether one likes it or not, tensions regarding who-rules-what are unavoidable, with war generally the result. Though this idea might unsettle many a millennial, it does appear to be the film's predominate theme and is a common part of existence, no matter what the "reality". In other words, that a peaceful outcome appears unattainable in "War" is realistic and makes the circumstances more credible throughout. 

As fans know, this no-nonsense approach has become an "Apes" tradition and can be found, to some extent or another, in any of the adventures. The Colonel may be insanely hardheaded, but that he holds his ground only sharpens the tale's merciless sting. The Colonel's stance allows others, on either side of the coin, to test their mettle, even if their reasoning sometimes proves as faulty as their hearts prove courageous. 

Because of this, "War'"s greatest strength lies in its purposeful participants. Isn't characterization, after all, the ticket to any quality drama? If we can't identify with (or for villainy's sake, resent) characters, why bother engaging in their journey? "War" makes us care. 

Beyond dispute, Caesar and the Colonel set the standard for this, but they're not alone in their influence. The eccentric (if not occasionally Gollum-like) Bad Ape (Steve Zahn) becomes the movie's scene stealer, just as Serkis' famous character had become in Peter Jackson's Tolkien films: quirky, charismatic and for a brief time, enigmatic. When push comes to shove, however, he does prove to be an asset to Caesar, and more than any other character in the film, epitomizes its nervous optimism and continual grasp for a satisfying resolution, to the point where one wonders why Reeves didn't introduce him sooner into the saga. 

Regardless of its strength of characterization, many will still debate whether "War" is the franchise's most profound chapter: whether in comparison to Pierre Boulle's "Monkey Planet"; the original theatrical series; or its alternate offshoots. However, no matter what its rank in the grand scheme, "War" stays tight and focused throughout: an admirable quality for any imagi-tale.

I only wish more films could march to the same beat. Too much hollow talk, just like too much hollow action, only goes so far, but identifiable characters and scenarios can sustain a saga for decades. I imagine that's why "Apes" has never slipped from the culture's collective consciousness. It's why its latest chapter (along with the film's contained archetypal personalities and "God damn you all to hell" destruction) won't be its last, which leads me to declare with war-ravaged gusto--Hail Caesar! Hail Bad Ape, the Colonel, Maurice, dear Nova and all the rest! Hail forever and always the incomparable Planet of the Apes! We've already gained much from this franchise, but we've so much more yet to learn, as "War" so generously exemplifies. 

AIRSHIP 27 PODCAST #29 (JULY '17): READY FOR TAKEOFF!!!

Captain Ron Fortier and Chief Engineer Rob Davis are back in flight with another exciting Airship 27 Podcast!!!

Episode #29 offers discussion on a number of New Pulp topics/releases, with special focus on Ron and Rob's latest collaboration from Moonstone Books...Black Bat/Purple Scar: Faces of Fear. (See my review: June '17.) The episode also contains inspiring updates on Franklin-Husser's Brother Bones movie.

Tune in for a lively hour of insightful thoughts and terrific tidbits!!!

https://www.facebook.com/zone4podcast/app/282096688512542/

HAUNTING CHEER ARRIVES IN MR. JIGSAW #15!!!

MR. JIGSAW #15 has arrived, and boy, oh boy, is it ever jammed with good ol' fashioned merriment!!!

Now, I must confess, as much as I'm a fan of Ron Fortier's work, this is my first, hands-on experience with his--and artist, Gary Kato's--creation: that is, I was familiar with Mr. Jigsaw, aka Charlie Grant, resident of Portland, Maine (who sprung from Charleton Comics and is now part of Rob Davis' Redbud Studio), but alas, only from afar. 

So glad I've finally gotten on the ball, for what makes Mr. Jigsaw (aka, Man of a Thousand Parts) so endearing is his throwback style. In fact, just last week I was discussing comics with some folks, who expressed their disdain toward the way so many popular characters have been mishandled in recent years, particularly Marvel's turning dear Cap America into a darn Nazi. This led us to reminisce on older comics, including those of Dell, Harvey and Gold Key, and I gotta say, Mr. Jigsaw embodies the carefree spirit of those latter companies to a tee. I mean, really, this one will delight readers of all ages, especially those of a nostalgic inclination. 

(Incidentally, in case one is unaware, Mr. Jigsaw's novelty is his ability to detach his body parts to assist in various situations: the sort of hero that Inspector Gadget fans might appreciate, only Mr. Jigsaw exudes an unmistakable, traditional, superhero vibe.)

The latest issue contains two adventures, the first being "Little Lost Ghost", where our champion is enlisted by an elderly woman, who seeks closure on a brother who vanished some ninety years prior. Along for the ride is a group called the Ghost Finders (a spoof of any such number of reality-show investigators). Before long, a spectral child surfaces, but it's the ever diligent Mr. Jigsaw who unravels the mystery. What follows is not only fun, but deeply moving.

In "Mile High Surprise", Mr. Jigsaw (accompanied by his buddy, Dan Miller) visits Denver's Rocky Mountain Comic Convention, encountering a couple eager fans who prove to be honorable crime-stoppers in their own right. Our hero is also approached by an admirer who'd like to publish a Mr. Jigsaw comic, no less, which naturally leads to lots of good cheer!

The stories comprise a 24-page expanse, with Kato's terrific, black-and-white artwork bringing Fortier's stories to bubbly life. BTW: The dynamic cover is by Darren Goodhart and Mort Todd and superbly captures (as one can clearly see above) the joyous panache of comical, comic covers of the past. 

If you have a taste for something different--different, that is, in light of the mean, modern scheme of things--you'll find Mr. Jigsaw #15 a refreshing alternative. 

Order your copy today at ... http://www.indyplanet.us/product/150721/. 

I saw Spidey Come Home...

After the mush-maddened and ticket-slipping "Amazing Spider-man 2", an overhaul seemed required for the webslinger’s cinematic image. Either the Marc Webb/Andrew Garfield format had to be revamped or Spidey needed to go into hiding a few years before a reboot (perhaps one even in the Sam Raimi vein) was summoned. The powers-that-be decided to move fast, however, with Sony, Marvel and Disney ironing out contractual concerns to make Tom Holland's Peter Park a spry, supporting part of "Captain America: Civil War". With Spidey’s significant but brief participation pleasing fans, he gained another headlining effort.

Jon "Cop Car" Watts was enlisted for this big revitalization, assigned to direct but also to develop the story, along with John Francis Daley; Christopher Ford; Jonathan Goldstein; Chris McKenna; and Erik Sommers. 

The result, "Spider-man: Homecoming", picks up where "Civil War" left off (well, at least after a couple flashbacks), its main carryover Avenger being Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. Stark again takes Parker under his wing, advancing the youngster's suit to an even greater level, but the entrepreneur also relegates the youth to Manhattan's confines. Despite the lad's amazing abilities, Stark doesn’t see Parker as full-fledged Avenger material...not yet, anyway. (For the record, per comic lore, Spidey is always glad to assist the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men and the like, but never yearns to be a permanent part of any team.)  

At any rate, Parker's need to impress Stark becomes the film’s predominate theme: the story of a boy who so desperately wants to impress his mentor by helping others that he stumbles along the way and well, you know the rest. (BTW: The film's subtitle implies Parker's coming to terms with his strengths and weaknesses, his notions of right and wrong, paving a symbolic path that will lead him home, so to speak.)

The script also focuses on Michael Keaton's Adrian Toomes, aka, the Vulture: a former salvage contractor, who after being financially stomped, grows a craving for conquest and with some extra cash (via some refurbished, alien technology) makes his ambitions a reality. It's sure fun to see Keaton in this ironic, villainous turn, though he more than tested the dark waters in "RoboCop ’15". It's also cool how the Vulture reflects Keaton's "Birdman" persona, which in its own right parodies his Caped Crusader portrayal, while simultaneously representing the type of baddie Batman would love to batter. 

Alas, there's no Daily Bugle to lure Parker and therefore no J. Jonah Jameson to berate him (pity, since the ol' hothead was physically non-existent in Webb's version). Stark's loyal pal, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) is there, though, as well as the alluring Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). Chris Evans also cameos as Cap America, along with Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts. 

In addition, the film features some new faces and reinterpretations of old favorites, which include Parker's this-time unrequited love, Liz Allan (Laura Harrier)--and don't let that darn surname fool ya--who's offset by cynical Michelle "M.J." Jones (Zendaya). There's also wide-eye, golly-gee chum, Ned (Jacob Batalon), who may or may not be the Bugle's Ned Leeds; naive Coach Wilson (Hannibal Buress); encouraging Mr. Harrington (Martin Starr); and trusty rival Flash Thompson (Tony Revolori), revised with copious smugness. 

Interestingly enough, Jennifer Connelly portrays Karen, the offscreen "Suit Lady", who guides Spidey through his fabric guise. For what it's worth, Connelly already held an Avengers link before winning the role, being married to Paul Bettany, who plays the Vision and prior to such, having voiced J.A.R.V.I.S.  Nonetheless, it's too bad we weren't granted a sly "Hulk" tie-in through the actress, but I guess the past is the past when it comes to certain ill-fated, Marvel ventures, though recasting is clearly okay. (Say, wouldn't Eric Bana make a terrific Kraven the Hunter?)

On the new henchmen end, we're introduced to Logan Marshall-Green's Jackson Brice/Shocker and Bookem Woodbine's Herman Shultz/Shocker (yep, two Shockers for the price of one!); Donald Glover's Aaron Davis, aka the Prowler; and Michael Mando's Mac Gargan, aka the Scorpion. (Indeed, lots of history is being spread here, but wasn't that also characteristic of the previous flicks? Sometimes this layering-the-tracks can be clever, but other times too much, too soon. We can only keep our fingers crossed for Watt's restart.)

As seen in "Civil War", Holland (despite that brief, far-too-cocky run-in with Cap) is likable as high-schooler and superhero. However, this finely tuned double standard wouldn’t have quite the impact if not for Keaton’s embittered villainy. 

The Vulture (one of Spidey's oldest foes, though others beyond Toomes have seized the alias) becomes the film's most ubiquitous persona. Keaton's intensity heightens the conflict, injecting an unreasonable angst that makes the story's primary nemesis as intriguing as its titular hero. For the beleaguered Parker, Toomes becomes a devilish obsession, in which we can take delight sharing. Indeed, we don’t want the Vulture to reign supreme, but we can appreciate the madman's decisive drive, while despising his misguided motives.  

This tottering dynamic gives the film a winsome spurt: a big relief since there's lots riding on "Homecoming'"s success. In fact, I had stated last year that if "Homecoming" adhered to "The Legend of Tarzan" format, it could succeed. However, “Tarzan” had several drawbacks that went against its hero's grain. "Homecoming" at least stays truer to its source, again retelling a tale that doesn’t need to be retold, but due to its faithful delivery, rises above expectations to retake its core audience. That’s not to say "Homecoming" is flawless or presents the perfect place and time for its hero, but even so, it respects the dutiful traits that Stan Lee/Steve Ditko invested in their creation. 

All the same, there must come a point when Spider-man truly becomes a man. Tobey Maquire and Andrew Garfield lost the chance to mature in their roles. With Holland, we’ll have to wait a decent spell for sure, due to the actor's overwhelmingly youthful guise. Will there be enough sequels for the new Spidey to reach logical adulthood? One can only hope...presume. Keep in mind, Kal-El didn’t remain Superboy his entire life. The same goes for Spidey, and this should be addressed on the big screen, just as it was on the short-lived (and inexplicably shamed) CBS television series.

If those now attached to the saga wish to do right by this character (i.e., get him ever closer to his symbolic home base), they must set forth a progressive path and maybe along the line implant some seriousness to the cause. More sophistication would allow the movies to improve, thus making the ongoing adventure more than a coming-of-age rehash and finally a franchise where the only costumed entity our hero needs to impress is himself.