HAPPY NATIONAL GORILLA SUIT DAY 2020!!!

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE(S): ANGIE BOWIE/BEN CARRUTHERS (BLACK WIDOW/DAREDEVIL: THE SERIES THAT NEVER WAS)

In 1975, David Bowie's spouse, Angie (aka Jipp Jones), obtained the rights from Stan Lee/Marvel to produce a television series featuring the Black Widow and Daredevil. The Man Without Fear was to be played by Ben Carruthers of "The Dirty Dozen", while she tackled the ravishing, Russian agent.

Of course, the show never came to be, but Terry O'Neill's test photos distinguish this one from other alleged, television prospects, like Mike Henry's Batman and Richard Egan's Sub-mariner series, which may or may not have been in a veritable pipeline. (As an interesting side note, Ms. Bowie auditioned for Wonder Woman in '74: a role that ultimately went to Lynda Carter.) 

Collectible Time: Mad Max Lobby Cards/Poster

Varoom!!! At a weekend, garage sale, I landed a trio of original lobby cards commemorating the George Miller/Mel Gibson "Mad Max" trilogy, plus a popular poster marking Miller/Tom Hardy's energetic revival.

The initial card springs from Spain and spotlights Gibson's Max Rockatansky and Steve Bisley's Jim Goose: a cool, relaxed view of the actors/characters, considering the cataclysmic circumstances that await them. 

The next card stems from Germany and promotes "Mad Max 2", aka "The Road Warrior", with emphasis on a tense Max at the wheel. I like the grim contemplation of this one: basic and representative of the iconic hero.   

The third card salutes "Beyond Thunderdome", with a regal shot of Tina Turner as the conniving Auntie Entity. This entry is from France and features vivid color to enhance the barbaric pageantry. 

To cap off the set, I grabbed a 24" x 36" "Fury Road" reproduction poster, depicting Hardy in an apt, forlorn pose, capped by the sardonic slogan, "What A Lovely Day".  

I think the world of the Mad Max franchise, and I'm pleased to the max to have these terrific tie-ins in my collection. 

MR. JIGSAW: THE EARLY ADVENTURES

Thanks to creator/writer Ron Fortier and Rob Davis' Redbud Studio, The Adventures of Mister Jigsaw #1 has hit print and presents the superhero's earliest adventures.

The volume contains Fortier's classic, 1982 origin of  "the Man of a Thousand Parts" (aka Charlie Grant), along with "The Job", "The Apartment", "Lt. Boltz", "A Day in the Park", "Up on the Rooftops", "Secret Identity" and "The Icemen Cometh", each brought to detailed life by faithful Jiggy artist Gary Kato. The stories are breezy, dynamic and above all, brimming of cheer.  (Issue #1 also includes a "Just for Laughs" overview by Fortier on how Mr. Jigsaw came to be.) 

One can purchase The Adventures of Mister Jigsaw #1 at
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083XTH61G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

Beyond a doubt, The Adventures of Mister Jigsaw #1 is an essential, historic addition to any quality, comic-book collection!!!

TRENTON PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET: WINTER EDITION 2020 (TRENTON WAR MEMORIAL)

GOODBYE, JOHN KARLEN...

You were an essential essence of a pop-cultural craze, fashioning one of the best, nuanced characters for television's "Dark Shadows". As such, Willie Loomis was more than just a vampire's sidekick, but a demonstration of how a character could develop with full, identifiable range.

You resumed your portrayal in the stylish, feature films, "House of Dark Shadows" and "Night of Dark Shadows", in addition to a lead part in one of the most sensual vampire sojourns of all time: "Daughters of Darkness".

You also gave strong performances in "Pennies from Heaven"; "Racing the Moon"; "Native Son"; "Impulse '84"; and "Surf Ninjas", in addition to a mass of small-screen appearances, which included your ongoing role on "Cagney & Lacey". 

You were hands down one of my favorites, Mr. Karlen, and because of your spirited skills and humble charm, you will always remain so.

GREEN-FLESHED FIENDS: PAPERBACK & AUDIO REIGN SUPREME!!!

Sales for my Airship 27 Productions novel, "The Persona: Green-Fleshed Fiends" continue to mount. (It became the company's biggest seller for its third quarter.)

Copies are available through Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Persona-Green-Fleshed-Fiends-Michael-Housel/dp/1946183644/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=green+fleshed+fiends&qid=1579647304&sr=8-1.
and Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-persona-green-fleshed-fiends-kevin-broden/1132744068?ean=9781946183644.

The New Pulp adventure is adorned by an exquisite Chris Rawding cover and stunning, interior illustrations by Kevin Broden.

A six-hour, unabridged audio book is also available as a download or as a six-CD box set through Radio Archives. Paul Curtis does a masterful job performing the text:
https://www.radioarchives.com/The_Persona_Green_Fleshed_Fiends_p/ra784.htm.

Expand your extrasensory perception by joining the Persona's latest mystical, mystery tour today. 

FAREWELL, GENE LONDON...

You taught me to imagine, Mr. London, to savor words and ideas, to tell tales high and passionate.

Your televised adaptations of "King Kong" and "Frankenstein" still haunt my dreams, and your powerful performance of Samson's legend remains one of the most stirring and startling segments I've ever experienced.  

Thank you for all the wisdom and fun you gave me. To those who had the pleasure to enjoy your genius (not to mention meet you in person), you will never ever be forgotten. God bless you, Gene London!!!

Picard Returns

"Picard" is the new CBS All Access "Star Trek" series: a "Next Generation" continuation that not only features Patrick Stewart in his most famous role, but other assorted friends, such as Geri Ryan's gorgeous Seven of Nine. 

I honestly don't know how on target this sequel will be. Considering some of the skewed, revisionist takes on nostalgic entries as of late, I do suspect this incarnation could instill a mythology-messing agenda. 

On the other hand, why not rejoice in its basic premise? Jean Luc Picard is back and based on promotional bits, so is Jonathan Frake's Will Riker, Marina Sirtis' Deanna Troi and Brent Spiner's Mr. Data. 

Though folks won't admit it, there was a time when the "Next Generation" characters didn't always please the consensus, and (shock of shocks) Picard was one. Comparisons to William Shatner's James T. Kirk might be to blame, but I do believe because Picard stood as his own man (i.e., held his unique ground to impress), he was able to reach an iconic status that still stands to this day, thus the new series. 

Alas, to watch "Picard", one must pay. All the same, shelling out is a tempting prospect: one that Trekkies will likely embrace.

For better or worse (and let's pray it's the former), "Picard" arrives on Jan 23. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: PIZZAZZ PALS

GOODBYE, LAN O'KUN...

You brightened children's lives by collaborating with your sister-in-law, Shari Lewis, enlivening the likes of Lamb Chop, Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse, in addition to being a mighty fine pianist,  lyricist, Streisand musical arranger and playwright.  

Your talent with words had particular impact on the television realm as well, with sparkling scripts for "The New Twilight Zone", "Star Trek: the Next Generation"; "Highway to Heaven"; "Apple's Way" and "Insight", not to mention the lovely, ethereal classic, "The Littlest Angel."

However, I and many of your fans remain fondest of your 1982 adaptation of the famous fable by Anatole France, "The Juggler of Notre Dame", which I, for one, view every Christmas season.

Your work held great meaning and depth for generations of viewers, Mr. O'Kun. Thank you for all the cherished memories you've inspired, and through them, your warm, insightful mastery will live on. 

WITH ETERNAL RESPECT AND GRATITUDE: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY 2020

I saw Loon Lake...

I recently had the immense pleasure of discovering a wonderful, atmospheric chiller entitled, "Loon Lake". 

Directed by Ansel Faraj, who co-wrote with Nathan Wilson, "Loon Lake" brings to mind ghostly, puritanical cinema of the past, combining elements of "Let's Scare Jessica to Death"; "Witchfinder General"; "Mark of the Devil"; "Blood on Satan's Claw"; and "Night of Dark Shadows", but with a pronounced, character-study slant.

The story concerns Louis Olson, portrayed by the aforementioned Wilson, who heads to Minnesota for some peace and quiet, though more so to cope with his wife (Sierra Schermerhorn)'s death.

In wandering the vicinity of Loon Lake, Louis discovers a disturbing history (based, I might add, on a genuine legend), where a young woman named Mary Jane Terlinden, played by Kelly Kitko (who's also one of the film's producers) was beheaded in 1880, due to her child-of-nature (witchy) ways. In truth, her murder was prompted by the lust-ridden Pastor Owen Janson, portrayed by "Dark Shadows'" David Selby.

Selby also plays Janson's descendant, Emery, a kind man who does his best to thwart Louis' suspicion that he has stirred Mary Jane's specter by crossing her grave three times.

Through his ordeal, Louis has visions of his blood-soaked wife, while befriending a young woman named Gracie (Brittany Benjamin). Though affection mounts between the two, Louis' fears interfere, leading to a surreal and unsettling climax. 

On the surface, "Loon Lake" may strike one as a traditional ghost story, but it's so much more, intertwining concepts of acceptance and prejudice, faith and doubt, cowardice and courage. 

These concepts work due the film's cogent direction and script, Christopher Lange's lush photography, Bill Wandel's moving score, and the across-the-board, quality performances, with Wilson granting an identifiable guise, which separates this entry from those run-of-the-mill, over-the-top horror films. Kitko's performance is also remarkable: a powerful mix of pathos and mystical sensuality. (It's hard to pull one's eyes off her; she's truly that magnetic.)

Selby is also in top form, giving two of the best performances of his career, and that's saying a lot, considering his impeccable queue. Kathryn Leigh Scott, also of "Dark Shadows" fame, cameos as the Pastor's wife, giving one of the flashback segments a sentimental yet intense ambiance.

It's rare that I have an immediate hankering to revisit a film after viewing it, but "Loon Lake" is so well executed, so meticulously constructed in its subtle approach, that I'll be plunging in again this evening. 

"Loon Lake" is available through Amazon Prime. I urge my readers to check it out. I promise, you will not be disappointed.