Thursday, June 1, 2023
Collectible Time: Aurora's Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde Moebius Reissue Kit
Though I already had the kit built/painted and on display for a number of years, it was still fun to purchase Moebius Model's reissue of Aurora's 1964, styrene Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde kit.
Jekyll/Hyde is a wonderful entry in the popular series and has always been in my top-five, Aurora monster kits, though how can one pick favorites among favorites? They're all so grand!
Eddie Hyde sports a Frederic March resemblance, though perhaps more so on the box artwork, which was rendered by the great James Bama. Even so, those March-esque/Neanderthal-ish features do shine through on the facial sculpt, and from the model's perfect positioning, one can feel the fervid anguish of Henry Jekyll's transformation into his uninhibited alter ego.
The lab, consisting of flasks, table, chair, rat and floor-base, accentuates the figure to an ideal degree, making the finished product a semi-diorama. (The re-issue also comes with a reprint of the original, Aurora instructions; for this post, I lifted the pages from other sources. Also, the kit's pieces have been retooled for better fitting, though the 1964 design remains intact.)
If you grew up with Aurora's awesome character kits, the possession of any such submission is a major, nostalgic win. This particular reissue goes for under $40, which isn't bad considering today's general, uber-expenses. Why not splurge? Mr. Hyde sure would!
*PPFSZT! #51: DEVILISH SCI-FI
By Jim Main's special request, I'm composing a story for *PPFSZT! #51. The issue will be steered toward Space Age science fiction, and as such, my tale will reflect the endeavors of that entertaining period.
My submission will also hold a creature that's close to my heart, since it's said to reside in my backyard, but I've twisted the folklore a tinge.
I can't reveal the actual angle, but think along the lines of Gamma-One's Snow Devils. Also, think of The Six Million Dollar Man's Bionic Bigfoot, but the specimen I've highlighted isn't yeti or sasquatch. Does it spring from Area 51, a planet that might be mistaken for Hell or a hodgepodge of myths? In this regard, is my fable an Event Horizon, Galaxy of Terror, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica or Alien-prequel knockoff? Maybe one or the other or all or none of the above. Ah, only time will tell.
Keep checkin' Bizarrechats for further hints, as well as general *PPFSZT! #51 updates. 👿
Collectible Time: Guardians of the Galaxy Ultimate Guide (Hollywood Spotlight)
I dig James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy and consider Vol 3 one of the best movies released so far this year. When I stumbled upon Hollywood Spotlight's The Ultimate Guide to Guardians of the Galaxy, I couldn't resist, and writers Allia Luzong, Bryan Reesman, Matt Sullivan, Neil Turitz and Jules Wilkinson (along with their crackerjack, artistic team) made it all worth the universe-jaunting while.
Not only is Vol 3 highlighted in this commemorative issue, but its previous chapters, as well as the series' outlandish characters and the diverse stars who portray them: Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Zoe Salanda as Gamora, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Pom Klemtieff as Mantis, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Sean Gunn as Kraglin and Rocket (at least when it comes to the latter's swagger), Bradley Cooper as Rocket's sly voice, Maria Bakalova as Cosmo, Dave Bautista as Drax and Vin Diesel as Groot. Some of these good folks even offer insights on how the blockbuster franchise impacted their lives.
The edition also covers those important, guest-starring rogues (some unscrupulous and others a tad wily), including Lee Pace's Ronan, Chukwudi Iwuji's High Evolutionary, Will Poulter's Adam Warlock, Kurt Russell's Ego and Sylvester Stallone's Stakar Ogord. (If only the Kurt and Sly would team in a sequel, we'd have a near-veritable Tango & Cash reunion! Ha ha!)
As a bonus treat, the Guardians Ultimate Guide bestows a gracious glimpse at the gang's heartwarming Holiday Special. (Star Wars, move over!) And as an another cool boost, it salutes our heroes' supplemental protagonists (in particular, Thor and Iron Man), while paying homage to ten terrific, superhero teams, which (of all daring things) extends well beyond the Marvel Multiverse!
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I had great fun delving into this Ultimate Guide and so will you. Pick up a copy at your local drugstore or supermarket to experience the galactic joy!
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