COLLECTIBLE TIME: MCFARLANE/DC DIRECT/PAGE PUNCHERS, CHRISTOPHER REEVE SUPERMAN

In honor of DC's Superman '78, "Page Punchers," comic-book series, McFarlane Toys and DC Direct has produced a 7" representation of Christopher Reeve's Superman, based on the applauded, Robert Venditti/Wilfredo Torres/Gavin Guidry, "what if" saga; and I'm as proud as a peacock to declare, I own one! 

The figure is detailed with distinct, comic-book "inking," with a "billowing," cloth cape and a striking, physique and facial resemblance to Reeve. 

The figure also comes with twenty-two, moveable parts, giving the figure a dynamic flair far and beyond what one may find among comparable, action figures. As a further treat, the package includes eight, extra hands (one fingering a Krypton crystal); a circular base; an art card; and an actual, Superman '78 comic (enclosed at the packaging's rear), featuring not only Reeve's Kal-El, but Margot Kidder's Lois Lane, Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor and special, guest star, David Bowie's Brainiac.

This is, indeed, a super release and one that any Superman: The Movie/Reeve fan must own.   

Get yours while the going's good. They're available at Amazon and any number of top-notch, novelty shops throughout this fine nation. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: DRACULAS

 

CHECK OUT CARA NICOLE: COSPLAY POWERGIRL

For those who love gorgeous, statuesque women, do yourself a favor and check out Cara Nicole, aka the AZ Powergirl! 

The Arizona resident (and star of such cult hits as The Detective's Lover and Unearthed: The Curse of Nephthys) is a legend in the cosplay field, covering DC/Marvel characters and beyond.

For the record, the curvaceous Cara also helms her own publications, Firebitch and Unstable Frequencies, featuring astounding artwork from her spouse, the super-talented Alfred Trujillo. In addition to her publications, Cara's captivating countenance graces prints/posters and calendars.  

What makes Cara so revered, however, is that she's one of us: a sincere fan of the fantastic wonderment we all hold near to our hearts.

Delve into Cara's prolific gallery at 

https://183degreestudio.com/

You're certain to come away seduced!

FOR THE FUN OF IT:

 

REMIND MAGAZINE (FEB '25) CELEBRATES 1965 & BEYOND

This year's initial, Remind issue (February 2025) brings an affectionate flashback of sixty years prior. 

The 1965 celebration highlights such memorable entries as Lost in Space, Hogan's Heroes, I Dream of Jeannie, Get Smart, Green Acres, The Big Valley, Wild Wild West, Thunderball, The Sound of Music, Dr. Zhivago and For a Few Dollars More, enhanced by a generous rundown of the stars who distinguished the period: Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Omar Sharif, Elvis Presley, Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Astrud Gilberto, Barbara Eden, Nick Adams, Eddie Albert, Eva Gabor, Robert Conrad, Bob Crane, Sonny and Cher, Bob Dylan, Herman's Hermits, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who. 

The latest Remind also visits other favorable mid-decades, including 1955, 1975, 1985 and 1995, covering the cinematic landmarks that characterized them: Rebel Without a Cause, The Seven Year Itch, Jaws, Back to the Future, Toy Story and Batman Forever.  

Reading Remind is rather like traveling in a time machine, and the February 2025 issue presses this notion to a new, joyous level. (Plus, on the supplemental side, the issue holds plenty of trivia and puzzles, as well as a sentimental reflection on Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, park attraction.)

A guaranteed way to enjoy Remind is to subscribe: 

https://www.remindmagazine.com/

Hop on board and soak up the sweet nostalgia!

PINUP TIME: ELEKTRA BY ALEXANDER MALEEV

 

HELLRAISER VIA FATHOM: REMASTERED RE-RELEASE

One of the macabre greats returns to theaters in remastered form to tear our souls apart once more, thanks to Fathom Events. The submission is, of course, Clive Barker's Hellraiser. 

The movie, based on Barker's Faustian novella, The Hellbound Heart, may have begun with modest acceptance, but soon ascended in popularity through video rentals and word of mouth. It spawned three, cinematic features; a subsequent line of direct-to-disc sequels; a Hulu reboot; Marvel/Epic and Boom! comic-book series; fan clubs; and a torrent of high-quality collectibles, most of which are still sought after today. 

The original movie wasn't only penned by Barker, but directed by him and offers an impressive cast (several members close to Barker's heart): Doug Bradly (Pinhead); Simon Bamford (Butterball); Nicholas Vince (Chatterer); Grace Kirby (the Female); Sean Chapman/Oliver Smith (Uncle Frank); Clare Higgins (Julia); Andrew Robinson (Larry), Robert Hines (Steve) ... and Ashley Laurence (Kirstie). This ensemble is, indeed, pleasing and helped to embed the erotic, Hammer-like charm that Barker desired, albeit with a sadomasochistic puzzle box for followers to test and adore. 

It hardly seems that almost forty years have passed since Hellraiser's release, but such only proves the movie has weathered the fickle test of time and beyond any doubt will continue to do so. After all, it has so many devilish sights to show ... over and over again. 

Hellraiser re-possesses cinemas February 5 & 6. Check local listings for showtimes, and oh, for sweet anguish's sake, be certain to bring your Lament Configuration to ensure the utmost, heightened effect. 

WISE WORDS:

 

DRONES: SO, NOW WE KNOW (SORT OF)

So, now we know the story behind the drones, at least a chunk of it. It's been a FAA, research-tech matter. There's still more to unveil, quite clearly (i.e., more questions to ask; more answer to be given), but we'll see; at least this is better than nothing, with the assurance that the formations aren't "the enemy."

Why, though, did it take until January 28th for this to be told? Why did the previous hierarchy, and those local governments presiding over the sightings, claim to have no idea of their origin, with some even laughing the whole thing off? Sure, the mystery didn't cause a mass panic akin to Rod Serling's "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street," but there were times when it could have, based on several proposed theories that purported extraterrestrial, Chinese and Iranian origins. 

It's also insulting that we were assured that the drones were predominately figments of our imaginations and/or the by-and-large misidentification of planes, helicopters, hobbyist devices and yes, even twinkling stars. On the other hand, in comparison to the disasters that have clamped parts of the nation throughout 2024, where citizens' needs have been ignored in droves (let alone that dire situation of our stranded astronauts), this drone phenomenon looks like a sorrowful drop in the bureaucratic bucket by comparison.