Collectible Time #74: Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez's Dark Side--REVEALED!!!

Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez has really outdone himself with an original nod to an old, iconic favorite and just in time for the latest "Star Wars" release. 

"Dark Side - REVEALED" is a 11" x 17" experimental tribute to the Dark Lord of Sith, inspired by (Gonzalez has informed me) a R2D2 "bleeding" composition his friend, Scott fashioned. Thank goodness for inspiration, I say, for this one is a winner all the way. 

What's works for "Dark Side - REVEALED" is its symbolic angst. In other words, it represents the pain and rage of Anakin Skywalker and his ultimate descent into that hellish titan known as Darth Vader. The bleeding element also symbolizes (at least to me) Vader's harbored sadness: perhaps a mad, tearful yearning to return to a clear-headed mode, while still being shackled by contempt. (I also appreciate the print's hip "Rogue One" insignia and the simulated, air-brush quality of the image, which would look "impressive...most impressive" on a van or car hood.)

I'm honored to have this captivating composition for my collection; Gonzalez was even kind enough to install it in a stylish black frame for me. (If you wish to touch base with the artist to obtain a print of your own, you can reach him at https://www.facebook.com/nathaniellgonzalez.) 

Collectible Time # 37: JAKKS 48" Talking/Battle-Buddy Darth Vader and 12" Hasbro Kylo Ren figures

As part of the September '15 release of "Star Wars" collectibles (anticipating the December "Force Awakens" premiere), I found this sterling 48" JAKKS Talking/Sound Effects, "Battle Buddy" Darth Vader at Walmart!!! Gosh, the 31" version is a stunner, but this son of a gun is on a whole other, looming level!!! (Really, you can't comprehend the majestic bulk of the thing until you're standing next to it.)

When one touches the chest-panel buttons, the figure utters either "friend" or "foe" statements (though coming from Vader, is there really any distiction?), which include: "Join me and together we can rule the galaxy"; "You are beaten. It is useless to resist"; "Impressive, most impressive"; and "Your skills are complete". The figure also emits lightsaber and blaster sound effects.  (A motion sensor can automatically generate the vocalizations/sounds, if one desires.)

From what I've read, these suckers are selling as fast as they hit the shelves and are now going for "scalper" prices on a number of Internet sources. So glad fate favored me to find one, sparing me what may have been an arduous (and ultra expensive) quest. 

Also, from a sojourn soon thereafter at my local Kmart, I came across a 12" Hasbro Kylo Ren. This dark, mysterious entity is destined to make a profound impression in "Force Awakens", and I'm pleased to have obtained this homage so far ahead of "Episode VII'"s release!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 2015!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM DEAR OL' DARTH VADER AND ME!!!