WHAT EVER! #3: HARD COPIES READY TO SHIP

Hello, "bizarrechats" followers! Here's a friendly scoop: Main Enterprises' WHAT EVER! #3 has left the printer's, but according to Jim Main, supplies are limited, so it's best to act now if you desire a copy. 

WHAT EVER! #3 focuses on post-apocalyptic, adventure sagas, with articles on Kamandi (by Buck Oviatt), Thundarr (by Will Murray), "The Omega Man" and "The Last Man on Earth" (by yours truly), with accompanying illustrations by Tom Doyle; Kevin Dale Duncan; Marc Haines; Verl Bond; Steve Shipley; George A. Lane III; Michael Neno; and John Lambert. (The issue also holds a number of crisp black-and-white and color stills, geared to please.) 

Copies of this collectible salute can be purchased for $8.50 each (U.S. distribution only). Make your check out to Jim Main: PO Box 93, New Milford, CT 06776. 

This epic, earthquaking issue is not be missed!!!

WHAT EVER! #3: MAIN ENTERPRISES' POST-APOCALYPTIC CELEBRATION!!!

Main Enterprises' WHAT EVER! #3 hits the post-apocalyptic scene with a big bang, spotlighting Kamandi, Thundarr, "The Last Man on Earth", "The Omega Man" and more!

Will Murray supplies "Origins of Thundarr the Barbarian": a comprehensive article on Steve Gerber's enduring, New Earth hero (and the 1980 animated series that shot him toward Saturday morning stardom), embellished by the wondrous illustrations of John Lambert, George Lane III and Michael Neno. 

From Buck Oviatt comes "Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth: A Review of the Series", a powerhouse article that covers the genesis and pop-cultural expansion of the DC/Jack Kirby/Earth A.D. saga, fueled by the gripping artwork of Verl Holt Bond and Steve Shipley.

The essay, "The Last Omega Men: A Comparison of Legends" springs from yours truly: a tit-for-tat based on the earliest film adaptations of Richard Matheson's terrifying novel, "I am Legend". There are vivid photos on display for each movie, and Kevin Duncan and Marc Haines grant awe-inspiring, full-page tributes that will leave folks drooling with mutating vim!

In addition to the above, there's Main's "This & That" column and comic-book reviews by Derek Bishop and Michael Waggoner, plus a colorful, front cover layout by Haines and a dynamic, Kamandi back cover by Lane.

To order this historic, 48-page issue, send $8.50 per copy via check ("postpaid in the USA") to Jim Main, PO Box 93, New Milford, CT 06776. 

What Ever #3 is a full-fledged must-have for all post-apocalyptic fans!!!

ANOTHER LAST OMEGA MAN TEASE (FOR WHAT EVER! #3)

I can't help myself. Jim Main has shared another image for What Ever! #3, and now I must share on "bizarrechats". 

It's a Marc Haines tribute to "The Omega Man", which will accompany my comparative article, "The Last Omega Men".

Haines does an outstanding job recreating the faces of Charlton Heston, Rosalind Cash, Anthony Zerbe and Lincoln Kilpatrick (each surrounded by fiery trimming) in what could be taken as an alternate, theatrical poster for the 1971, horror/science-fiction release, based on Richard Matheson's acclaimed novel, "I Am Legend".  

Haines' striking image, along Kevin Duncan's superb "Omega Man"/"Last Man on Earth" crossover illustration (see June post), has me most excited for What Ever! #3's big, post-apocalyptic premiere. 

It's coming soon, Main claims, and when it hits, it's certain to be a real doomsday stunner. (Keep checking "bizarrechats" for updates.)

A LAST OMEGA MEN TEASE (FOR WHAT EVER! #3)

What Ever! #3 will contain my essay, "The Last Omega Men" (an in-depth comparison of "The Last Man on Earth" and "The Omega Man", both based on Richard Matheson's eerie novel, "I Am Legend"). As a teaser treat for such, publisher Jim Main has just revealed the above illustration by the talented Kevin Duncan. 

I love the way Duncan crosses the movies' prime heroes and adversaries alike, with Anthony Zerbe, Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Charlton Heston and Vincent Price each featured. 

More post-apocalyptic wonders are in store for What Ever! #3.  From what Main claims, its release is right around the bend.

HOUSEL FOR WHAT EVER!: ISSUES 2-4

As "bizarrechats" readers know, What Ever! #2 includes two posts that I wrote: one commemorating the late Natalie Trundy and the other a review on the recent BBC/Netflix "Dracula". 

For Issue #3, I'll be contributing an article on Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend": how the novel shaped "The Last Man on Earth" and "The Omega Man".  

For What Ever #4, publisher Jim Main is forming an animation special, in which I'll supply a retrospective on Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta's "Fire and Ice": no doubt my favorite animated picture of all time. 

I owe Mr. Main much thanks for letting me participate in his newest creation. The assignments are challenging and therefore rewarding. 

Keep checking "bizarrehats" for updates. (For info on how to obtain past, present and future What Ever! issues, email mainjim@gmail.com. You'll be pleased as Punch that you did.)

MICHAEL HOUSEL CONTRIBUTES TO WHAT EVER!

I like to keep folks in the groove with my writing and thought my readers might like to know that Jim Main's What Ever! #2 will feature a couple surprise submissions from me.  For What Ever #3, I'm now composing an article that compares the initial set of movies based on Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend."

"The Last Man on Earth" and "The Omega Man" are two of my favorite post-apocalyptic flicks, but then I do hold the Matheson source (and its irony) in high regard, regardless of its reinterpretations.  

It'll be a while before the above referenced submissions hit print, but as with all of my material (fictional or factual), I'll be sure to keep my readers updated. 

GOODBYE, PAUL KOSLO...

You were a character actor for all character actors to learn from and aspire to be, Mr. Koslo: cool, creepy and kind. 

You especially shined in pulpy, hard-hitting cinema, covering the bases to an exhausting extent: "Nam's Angels/the Losers"; "Love and Bullets"; "The Stone Killer"; "Mr. Majestyk"; "Joe Kidd"; "Rooster Cogburn"; "Cleopatra Jones"; "Freebie and the Bean"; "The Drowning Pool"; "The Annihilators"; "Bootleggers"; "Inferno '99"; "Vanishing Point '71"; "Loose Cannons"; and the ominous "Omega Man".

You also made your way through a slew of television series, including "The Incredible Hulk"; "The Fall Guy"; "The A-Team"; "Galactica 1980"; "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century"; "Mission: Impossible"; "The Dukes of Hazzard"; "Longstreet"; "T.J. Hooker"; "Quincy" and "Hunter".

To many (myself included), your stand-out role came as the mad, Russian antagonist, Alexander in the cult classic, "Robot Jox". Man, you should have won an Oscar for that!!!

Without question, your varied personas and stupendous skills will inspire whatever exciting sectors you may now roam. As for our terrestrial realm, you left an incomparable legacy, to be relished for years to come. 

I saw Joshua Kennedy's Alpha Omega Man...

There's good reason why I praise Joshua Kennedy as a filmmaker. As I indicated in my review of "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" (see March '17), Kennedy remembers--remembers the style and structure of movies of the past, and time and again, he recaptures their essence to an impeccable degree in each of his Gooey Film Productions.

Kennedy just released another marvelous example of his sterling skills (now present on YouTube) in his Pace University thesis project, "The Alpha Omega Man": a tribute to Boris Sagal's 1971 adaptation of Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend", about a "futuristic", vampire plague, or in this instance, a ghoulish, hippy-zombie sect that the dynamic hero, Robert Neville, seeks to destroy (and perhaps even cure). 

Though "Omega Man" may not be the most faithful adaptation of Matheson's 1957 novel, it's considered among many (myself included) to be the most entertaining (and I guess, therefore, the best) version of the tale, from its Ron Grainer score to its astute inclusion of Charlton Heston.

Sagal's film has a memorable style, and because this style is so specialized, so iconic, it's ideal for spoofing, which is what writer/producer/director Kennedy does whenever the occasion arises, particularly through his gutsy, Heston impersonation. On the other hand, Kennedy's comedic flair never becomes nasty or snobbish, remaining respectably subtle and heartfelt throughout as he recaptures the moody, lonesome feel of the '71 original. He even allows Grainer's rousing score to saturate the atmosphere: a wise choice, indeed, that any "Omega Man" fan will surely savor.

The film also contains quality supporting performances, which includes Laura Laureano as Kennedy's spunky, leading lady (paying impressive homage to Rosalind Cash's legendary Lisa), along with Xander Pretorius; Nick Ries; Dexter John Scott; Traci Thomas; and good, ol' Femforce contributor, Mark Holmes in sturdy supporting roles. Kennedy's sister, Kat Kennedy, also empowers the action, giving a magnificent reinterpretation of Anthony Zerbe's Matthias, a ghoulish guru. Her performance comes across as steady, intellectual and creepy, adding an air of credibility to her interactions with not only Neville, but to those she rules. 

What I always appreciated about the Sagal film was its emphasis on irony, which though prevalent in the other "I Am Legend" adaptations, rises higher in "Omega Man", accentuating the concept of Neville as a perceived monster among the actual monsters. Kennedy obviously understands this distinction and through a series of beautifully articulated scenes, emulates the idea that screenwriters John William and Joyce Corrington nailed so well decades past.

That Kennedy so expertly rekindled the original film's essence is just further proof of his talented sensibility. I can only image what he would do with a completely original, big-budget story in the '70s vein, for this film (like others he's produced) demonstrates his varied and masterful insight toward cinematic lore: the foundation upon which his greatness will assuredly expand.

I highly recommend fans of the original film to give this one a whirl, and even if one hasn't seen the Sagal movie, "Alpha Omega Man" is still worth a view: a guaranteed, slick, fast-paced hour of fulfillment by an extraordinary, up-and-coming filmmaker. 

You can view "Alpha Omega Man" presently at...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt3bdvtoVpE.  Trust me, folks, you won't be disappointed.