ROCK BAKER'S SHE'S THE TOPS! COLORING BOOK

Rock Baker's romantic, space exploit, She's the Tops! (see August post), has become a huge seller, and to propel Flora's sweet saga even further, Baker has released a coloring-book counterpart, courtesy of C.B. International. 

The 149-pg collectible is, in fact, She's the Tops! uncolored, so that one may add one's own pigmentation to Baker's exquisite illustrations. This is a clever idea. Even if one doesn't wish to apply one's crayons to the panels, this companion piece works as a swell, parallel version of the tale. In other words, if one is a true-blue, She's the Tops! fan, this supplemental edition is a must-have.

I've got to hand it to Baker. He's an artist beyond compare, who knows how to please his fans with the most innovative ideas. 

She's the Tops!: The Coloring Book is available (along with the original release) at Amazon, where other Baker products can be found, including his popular Cartoon Cuties.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJXQX5Q1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

ROCK BAKER'S SHE'S THE TOPS!

Rock Baker has outdone himself again, with an adorable adventure that mixes aspects of his popular Cartoon Cuties with interstellar romance in C.B. International Publication's latest release, She's the Tops!

Baker's concept (accompanied by Bert Delcoate's lettering and Michael Jensen's production design) centers on a presumed lost-in-space astronaut named Cliff Agar who lands on a planet called Arren, populated by anthropomorphic dinosaurs. Arren has been influenced by America's old radio and television transmissions, so that its saurian population speaks English and mimics identifiable, suburban routines. (Think along the lines of Joe Dante's Explorers, Star Trek's "A Piece of the Action" and Tales from the Darkside's "Distant Signals," where alien inhabitants are more in sync with American popular culture than not.) 

After having consumed an inebriating beverage, the intrepid Cliff awakens to find himself married to Flora, a beautiful, pink "triceratops," who loves him with all her heart, and it doesn't take him long to reciprocate the affection. However, there are obstacles to overcome, such as Flora's sharp horns, and then there's the matter of taking her to Earth. Will she be accepted on our big, blue world? Ah, the answer is all part of the poignant fun, but for the sake of a hardy hint, it does lead to a blastoff of curvaceous, galactic intrigue. 

The coupling of Cliff and Flora may strike some as peculiar, but for me, it references those passionate moments when James T. Kirk and William Riker had trysts with extraterrestrial females. Baker enhances the concept, giving it an endearing, sitcom charm, which references Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, where regular guys and supernatural gals engage in veritable relationships, though good ol' Cliff seems much more in sync with his situation than Darrin Stephens or Tony Nelson ever were with theirs.

Baker's artwork makes the ebullience jive, and his images are as enchanting here as they are in Cartoon Cuties. In this respect, he establishes a smooth stream of classic, Dell stylings with unmistakable, pinup panache. The result is new-fangled yet nostalgic, innocent yet provocative. 

If you appreciate starry-eyed, throwback storytelling, as well as romantic, interplanetary exploits, She's the Tops! can't be beat. Give it a try. The odds favor it'll rocket you into utter, orbital bliss.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HFYLH9WD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title 

ROCK BAKER'S CARTOON CUTIES: PICTURE PLAYS

The splendor of CB International's Creek Bend returns with artist/writer Rock Baker's latest, fun-filled compilation, Cartoon Cuties: Picture Plays.

Picture Plays' contents stem from the many Static-Mation shorts that Baker and his honorable friend, Mark Holmes, produced for YouTube. That makes this edition a sort of "best of" from that mirthful series, establishing a cute queue that gives readers a lovely glimpse into the life and times of Creek Bend's amiable Annies.  

There are eight segments in all for this volume, which display an array of delightful scenarios, including a couple of sweet, beach sojourns; goofy, movie hijinks; a picnic-intruding bear; a Lonely Hearts blunder; a birthday-cake mishap; a chase for a windswept hat; and last but not least, a daring rescue. Baker's most prominent Annies are on board, with pleasing appearances from Crissy, Minerva, Daisy, Yvette, the Baxter Sisters and more. 

Baker's creation is holding its own in the publishing world, gaining more fans with each issue. His idyllic mythology offers a wholesome yet highly imaginative form of escapism. Give Cartoon Cuties a chance (any volume, really, though Picture Plays is a great way to start), and you'll find the colorful shenanigans to be the perfect antidote for any blah day. 

Order Cartoon Cuties: Picture Plays at 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLWR5YP4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

CARTOON CUTIES #9: LAUGHS! ACTION! ROMANCE!

Artist/writer Rock Baker delivers more quaint charms from fabled Creek Bend in CB International Publications' Cartoon Cuties #9.

For the delightful contents, Baker gives us Crissy Carrots and Roger Ralphwit falling prey to a diamond-theft scam; Juanita Bunny and Vikki West embroiled in countrified, movie hijinks; Darlene Miller gets an unlikely inspiration for an art class; Becky Landis in a spy-sprung mystery; Minerva Mallen planning the perfect vacation; Beverly and Jeannie Baxter traveling their way to heartwarming generosity; and to cap off the joyful spree, further cheer from those good ol' Ralphwits. 

Baker is on top of his game with Issue #9, placing his Annies in a variety of sprightly scenarios, while keeping everything tied by an indelible and saturating sweetness. It makes this issue a pleasant throwback to happier times, and really, that's what Cartoon Cuties is all about.  

Order Rock Baker's Cartoon Cuties #9 at 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZYV53PD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

ROCK BAKER'S CARTOON CUTIES #7: JOYFUL CUTENESS OVERFLOWS

It's been a while coming, but the wait was worth it. Rock Baker's Cartoon Cuties #7 is another adorable smash in the acclaimed artist/storyteller's Creek Bend saga (enhanced with edits and lettering by Jim Ludwig). 

For #7, on her trip back from Britain, Doris endures a work-heaped vacation, as she prepares for a Queen of Space role (along with its many stimulating costumes). Jeannie Baxter takes part in a steamy photoshoot, followed by a hapless stint at tennis. Minerva Mallen, meanwhile, deals with pizza-publicity woes, which in turn result in a lively, home sojourn involving Wendy and Mala. The underdressed Trixie and Dixie slip under the hot lights, and Yvette must struggle with saucy pictures that could crash her career. Last but not least, Crissy and Roger get an unexpected visit from betrothed cousin Rosie, in what becomes a most welcome reunion.  

I can't praise Cartoon Cuties enough. Baker's brainchild holds a precious, throwback style, which captures classic Dell's carefree appeal, with a raconteur zeal that mirrors the best, moral-based sitcoms of old. In this age of consistent cynicism and despair, we need more products like Cartoon Cuties to boost our morale. In this regard, it warms my heart that Baker intends to keep his darling Annies thriving for years to come, and soon (by gosh) through an official, indie run. 

For now, enjoy the splendor of #7 by ordering at

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CZRD4WSY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=