AIRSHIP 27 PODCAST (APRIL '19): READY FOR TAKEOFF (WITH MOVING PICS, NO LESS)!!!

Captain Ron Fortier and Chief Engineer Rob Davis deliver supreme, springtime fun, with another Airship 27 podcast.

The April '19 episode is different than most, for not only is it Airship 27's 50th (wow!), but it's the first where the guys can be viewed via YouTube--yes, viewed! That means folks can now absorb a stunning split-screen of Ron and Rob as the dynamic duo relays updates!!!

Among the topics, the fellas detail Fred Adams Jr's "sampler", "Pulp Writer", which is chock full of eclectic ingredients sure to please New Pulp fans. To sweeten the pot, the volume contains fab illustrations by Rob. 

Also, on the Adams' front, there's a swell scoop on his latest Ike Mars novel, "Bloody Key". According to Ron, it's "brilliant"!!!

The guys also reference Richard L. Kellogg's newest Barry Baskerville book, "The Buried Treasure", which contains spiffy pics by Captain Action entrepreneur, Gary Cato. (The Barry Baskerville stories are wonderful for children and adults alike: really, anyone at all who appreciates wholesome, mystery adventure.)

Last but not least, the fellas mention my sequel novel, "The Persona: Green-Fleshed Fiends", which is to hit print soon.  (Chris Rawding has finished the spellbinding cover, and Kevin Broden has only four, additional interiors to create.)  Terrific news, indeed; and it's so great to hear (and see) the guys chat about it.  I'm beyond flattered and excited as heck...

Give a listen/take a look at ...  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs4zj-mEyFI&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR061Lb9Np__rj5Uqep7uzNh-S3uXP44_s3tAv1Fomjztaw_fMcUViib_ss.

HAPPY ALIEN DAY 2019!!!

Gotham Ends? Perhaps, the Joke's on Us...

So, "Gotham" has ended. Do tell! In all honesty, I can see more exploits coming: perhaps movies-of-the-week or a miniseries or two down the line. Would that be so unreasonable, so far-fetched? I mean, come on, who we kiddin'? The writing is on the wall.

Though the Dark Knight finale was engaging as heck, it's too bad we didn't get all we desired, even with that ten-year skip. For that matter, the Joker was only just warmin' up, but in truth, the same could be said of any of "Gotham'"s anguished eccentrics: the Penguin, the Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Mad Hatter, Scarecrow, Hugo Strange, Poison Ivy, Bane, "Theresa Walker" (wink, wink); Lee Thompkins...Barbara Kean, Sr and Jr.  And though it was sure sweet to see Selina Kyle all grown up (albeit with an unavoidable casting switch) in full, Catwoman gear, we only got the tip of the claw, didn't we? Shoot...

At least the broad inconclusiveness reminds us that the door is open for other avenues, whether alternate-tracked retellings; big-screen epics; or those specialized passages within our multifaceted imaginations. 

No matter what the haters claim, "Gotham" (the whole, inherent Batman concept, for that matter) was--and remains--superior to other current DC incarnations and not because of the unfettered violence or wacky characters, but rather its resonating, moral core: most of it enforced by Jim Gordon, Lucius Fox and Alfred Pennyworth. Harvey Bullock, despite a hazy start, plays into this groove, too. Still, what good is any moral message, or the characters who endorse it, if cut short?

Fans kept "Star Trek '66", "Beauty and the Beast '87" and "Alien Nation" on the air beyond their initial cancellations. If folks express how much they care, resurrection is never off the table.

"Gotham" doesn't need an end, but a new beginning, which in a way, the finale gave us, and fans ought to raise holy hell to express their stance. Perhaps if they did, Fox's execs would see the light, and if not, maybe those trailblazing pencil-pushers at Amazon, Hulu, Netflix (uh, never mind) or the should-be-obvious DC Universe Online would. Then there's EPIX: that hip, fee-attached source that's giving us "Pennyworth", but if it wants to galvanize the "Gotham" legacy, the path is sure clear. 

Sure, one can speculate until the bats fly home whether more "Gotham" is in store, but one thing's for certain: The series might be "cancelled", but its luminous, dark spirit isn't likely to perish anytime soon. 

Time Travel Time: I saw Infinity War (Part 2)...

I thought the world of "Infinity War" (still do) and couldn't wait for its sequel, "Endgame": directed by the former's creators, directors Anthony and Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.  I, like most fans, wished to see matters mended after Thanos' dictatorial, Avengers-erased wake.  I had no idea how that mending might play, which was part of the anticipatory fun. Little did I realize how weepy, confounding and ponderous it would be. 

I thought our superheroic survivors would be hellbent on gaining vengeance upon their foe, plunging into a war to end all fictional wars. Didn't Doctor Strange imply an optimistic (if not cryptic) allusion to such at "Infinity War'"s end? Weren't we teased by prospects that Captain Marvel and Ant-Man would contribute big-time to an Avengers victory and across-the-board resurrection?  Indeed, fragments of those aspirations do reach fruition, but alas, they're hindered by their enveloping dullness.  

Still, even with that dullness prevailing, there are times when one can't help but be rocked by the film's sporadic and noisy CGI. However, these snazzy sidetracks (along with their obligatory, ooh-and-aah cameos) never last long enough--never add the necessary passion--to snuff the tedium. What hits big only hits at the climax: an explosive period for sure, but far too little, far too late. 

There are other times when, if only due to the story's time-travel motif, "Endgame" rides the inspiring crest of "Back to the Future", "Star Trek" and "Twilight Zone", but the warmth, depth and humor of those indulgences never conclude. At best, they only tease. 

To add to the agitation, as the movie progressed, I found myself caring less about who or what might save the day. 

For example, Ms. Marvel mirrors her solo outing with a prolonged lack of conviction. (Come now, is feminism that fleeting, stilted and drab?)  Though the time-heisting Ant-Man maintains his identifiable, everyman ways, his moments of glory are cut far too short. As for the virile, nowhere-around Doctor Strange--please! What good is sorcery if its main man isn't present to cast it? (My apologies to the Ancient One.) At least Hawkeye keeps his edge (even if it grazes madness), but his determination and resulting redemption get shortchanged in the shuffle of clashing subplots. 

I wanted hard-hitting, Avengers processions for this fling: gnashing teeth, fury and flame, not hints of what could (and should) have been.  From an early point, I actually caught myself rooting for the Infinity Stone-stealin' bad guy! Oh, the shame, but hey, I ain't to blame. The content is skewed that way.

Now that the big, ballyhooed matter is settled, I yearn for simpler times, when Captain America pounded Hydra clowns into the ground, when a bulging Hulk fought a chiseled Thor, when Black Panther hungered to avenge his father's death, when Tony Stark womanized till the cows came home, when Spidey shed his schoolboy ways to web a gallant cause, when Black Widow looked...well, sexy as hell and all for the eternal, snug-fitting sake of it. 

Ah, but what are the odds that those Marvel-ous days will return, now that "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" are (SPOILER) re-assembled, give or take a sacrificial push or pull?

Perhaps I'll seek something more basic to get my Marvel mettle back on track. Say, maybe "Logan" will do the trick. There's a superhero flick where the selfless guts pile high and if there's any cause for tears, they come in a roar, not a snifflin' sneeze.

NERATERRAE'S SUBSTANCE OF PERCEPTION: STRANGE CHANGE SPRINGS ETERNAL

When I reviewed Alessio Antoni/Neraterrae's album, Nhart Demo(n)s in Oct '17, I linked it to the season in which I listened: autumn. 

With the newest Neraterrae creation (produced under the Cycle Law label), it's spring, but don’t get the wrong idea. Though the season is perceived as a period of sweet, idyllic growth, it can also bud unusual sights and sounds. 

Neraterrae's The Substance of Perception is an album that, per its thunderous, burrowing tracks, emotes change, both in mind and body.

It's my stance, therefore, that Substance has the power to transform any repressed listener, but the best I can relay is my own humble experience, and so with reference to Antoni's converting tracks, the following I do share: 

...I let the sounds of substance build, until "Shadows of Regret" enshrouded me...

Through its whispered call, I caught the taunting traces of a petulant past. I wished to shake these remnants, pretend they had never occurred, but that damn, lingering regret reinforced my inability. Layering notes shaped symbolic shadows along the anxious trail. With each step, with each murky elongation, I pressed on.

I finally grew frustrated, ravenous and for desperation's sake, triggered the courage to "Reveal the Unseen". 

In a windfall of untamed calamity, I fell to my knees, the impact of the billowing sounds pounding my flesh. My limbs extended; my bones cracked. Renewed energy surged through my mind's soundtrack. I laughed and wept at the same time, for I was "Becoming the Nightmare" I had for so long feared yet desired. 

The air clashed as a raw clanging crashed. I lost control of my emotions and then wet my lips with lustful ambition.

A "Wicked Pulse of Consciousness", pampering though grating, followed me through flowered fields. My keen sight spotted a shape. I fancied her soft, scented skin as she plucked a precious pedal. My stomach quaked. 

My prey turned...saw me, but before the amber-haired morsel could flee, I sprinted, fangs bared... 

My victim's screams filled the air. I snorted and gnawed, performing the grisly ritual of "That Which Shall Not be Witnessed"... 

Though my stomach was full and the orchestration gentle, I stomped "Beyond" the carnage, into a dense forest, seeking mournful reflection. Alas, my "Echoing Scars" renewed the same regret. 

I'll try again when another dark season awakes...

So, there's my subjective take. 

Listen to Antoni's affecting album, so that you might also adapt a cathartic, strange change: 

https://www.cycliclaw.com/releases/neraterr-the-substance-of-perception-cd-138th-cycle.

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: THE INCREDIBLE MEETS THE FANTASTIC

FAREWELL, FAY MCKENZIE...

You lived a long, exciting life, having starred in productions of varied texture, adventure and appeal.

Your leading-lady status with the great Gene Autry is what many fans relish most: "Down Mexico Way"; "Sierra Sue"; "Cowboy Serenade"; "Hearts of the Rio Grande"; and "Home in Wyomin'".

In addition, you graced such productions as "When the Daltons Rode"; "Assassin of Youth"; "Breakfast at Tiffany's": "The Party"; "S.O.B"; and such popular, television shows as "Bonanza"; "Mr. Lucky"; and "The Millionaire". 

However, your extensive work with the troops was your beaming badge of honor, distinguishing you as one of the all-time, loving, considerate stars with a mighty, huge heart of gold.

May you find peace and joy wherever you travel, Ms. McKenzie. God bless and Godspeed...

HAPPY EARTH DAY 2019!!!

SO LONG, NANCY GATES...

You were a cowgirl supreme, Ms. Gates, a veteran of the cinematic West,  spanning such rollicking entries as "Gunfight at Dodge City"; "Rawhide Trail"; "Cheyenne Takes Over"; "Check Your Guns"; "Stranger on Horseback"; "Masterson of Kansas"; "The Brass Legend"; "Nevada"; "Comanche Station"; and the Red Ryder serial, "Roll, Thunder, Roll!"

You also covered such unique ground as "The Atomic City"; "No Man's Woman"; "Hell's Half Acre"; "Target Hong Kong"; "The Master Race"; "Hitler's Children"; "The Spanish Main"; "At Sword's Point"; "The Bottom of the Bottle"; "Magnificent Roughnecks"; "Suddenly!"; "Some Came Running"; "Death of a Scoundrel"; "Top of the World"; "The Great Gildersleeve" movies; and the science-fiction spectacular, "World Without End". 

On the small screen, you were just as dynamic, with guest starring roles on "Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre"; "Bonanza"; "Rawhide": "Maverick"; "Wagon Train"; "Tales of Wells Fargo"; "Laramie"; "Damon Runyon Theater"; "Alfred Hitchcock Presents"; "Burke's Law"; "Perry Mason"; "Hawaiian Eye"; "The Millionaire"; "The Mod Squad"; and "77 Sunset Strip". 

As you ride off into the sunset, be assured that you leave us a legacy of unequaled fun, excitement and bold adventure: the essential ingredients that all movie fans crave and will always celebrate.