New Years Party Fun!!!

Sometimes, on New Year's, to get things rolling, it's fun to start off with a party game. This year, you could try this: Star Wars Mad Libs. Mad Libs have always cracked me up. Mad Libs had been the cause of some of the hardest laughing I have ever been a part of. Who doesn't want to end one year & start the new one with laughter. ThinkGeek has them in stock now & for only $3.99!

Swiftwind

Okay Masters of the Universe & She-Ra collectors, listen up! You absolutely have to have this one! It's She-Ra's faithful steed Swiftwind from the Master's of the Universe Classics line!

You can order it from the Big Bad Toystore for $47.99 plus S&H, Brian's Toys has it for $79.99, Amazon has them from $42 - $60, Ebay has them listing from $17.00 on up. Some of the Ebayers have Swiftwind combined with the MOTU Classic She-Ra.

I would also like to point out a cool shirt you might want to snag if you are a big She-Ra fan. ThinkGeek has it & I think it is exclusive through them. It's a two-sided She-Ra Costume Babydoll. It ranges from $20 to $21 depending on what size you need.



If you play your cards right, you could be a Princess of Power this holiday season!

Sick

Hello viewers! Welcome back. Here at Art, Love & Action Figures we have been experiencing the bacterial infection from hell for nearly a month. It has been traded back & forth, subsided & then returned like a screaming Valkyrie from Vahalla. While I feel better than I did last Thursday, Friday & Saturday, I have learned that the nasty little bugger might just be laying another clever trap for me, or it knows it doesn't have to work as hard to destroy me, since the old people faculty do a great job of that themselves here at my j.o.b., and that it will make another victorious return & try to conquer me once & for all. It's been quite the battle. I'm exhausted.

To make matter worse, my sweet puppy is also sick.



She went to the vet today. I am anxiously awaiting results.

So, if you've noticed a lack of Action Figure related posts lately, now you have an explanation. As soon as I can kick this things ass, my puppy is all fixed up, and my house is in order, I promise I'll be right back to posting as much as I can.

Batwoman Comic

I've read quite a few comics in my life. I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but probably somewhere above an amateur comics reader. Not quite a Professional comic reader, but close. I don't know a bunch about certain artists & writers, but I do have a few favorites. Probably the first comics writer I ever paid attention to was Ed Brubaker. I mean REALLY paid attention to. I had read Daredevil for years, but Brubaker made him more than a comic. He made Daredevil a real person. Deep, emotional, with real world problems. Mr. Brubaker was at the last Wizard World Texas Con I went to. I skipped his workshop, something I really regret, to get or see something else. Luckily, T went to the workshop, so I got a pretty good account of his workshop from her. I think it was Mr. Brubaker that really put the writing bug in T's ear.

There are few comics that really grab me. I like great writing & complex characters combined with good to freaking fantastic art. Brubaker's Daredevil had both. They were top notch. I really miss them. Mike Mignola & Eric Powell are the other two who light my comics fire. I have yet to ever pick up a B.P.R.D., Hellboy, or Goon that I haven't loved. I have almost everything Mr. Mignola & his team have ever made. I'm catching up on Mr. Powell's Goon.

So where does Batwoman fit into all of this? I'll tell you what, for me...she is right up there with these guys. DC's new 52 relaunch didn't really change anything for Batwoman, other than her issue number. She was just re-launched Spring of 2006. There was tons of media hype about how DC had made the character a lesbian & blah, blah, blah. I actually avoided picking it up at first because I didn't want anyone thinking I was buying it just because she was a lesbian.

Once I did pick it up, I was awed by the art. It was gorgeous. Stunning. I had to see more. The writing was pretty good to boot. With the new 52 Batwoman, not only is the absolute beauty of this title still intact, but the writing is better. It is co-written by J.H. Williams III & W. Haden Blackman, with the art also being composed by Mr. Williams III. I say composed because that's what it feels like as you move across the pages. Mr. Williams had been the artist on the Batwoman graphic novel "Elegy". Personally, I hope he never leaves. This guy is a master.

I realized, after reading Batwoman, that it was really refreshing to see that even though there was tons of media hype about Batwoman's sexuality, it didn't really translate into the comic. It's written much like Brubaker's Daredevil. Real world problems & real world situations. How refreshing. A strong female lesbian character that isn't being forced. I know women just like Kate (Batwoman). Her sexuality doesn't define her, it just happens to be part of who she is. No big deal. Batwoman has a thing for cops & Batman has a thing for cat burglars. It isn't the main thread of the story.

If you haven't picked Batwoman up yet & you enjoy great writing combined with fantastic art, I suggest you go grab the first three issues. I can't wait to see where these guys go with this. I think it's going to be one of the best comics of 2012.

New Xena Fan Video

Dutch Schaefer Sideshow Figure

Now available for $349.99, the Dutch Schaefer premium format figure from Sideshow Collectibles. This figure is available with the flexpay option, which means you can pay it out in installments of $105.00 a month. The piece is 20.5 inches tall & weighs in at 13lbs. The exclusive version comes with a separate head or "additional portrait with cigar for alternate display" as listed on the Sideshow page under the summary tab.

Funko Maleficent

These aren't my bag, but quite a few people are really into the Funko type toys. Here is my favorite Disney Villain of all time available through Entertainment Earth for $9.99. Looks like they have her available in December, but I bet you might be able to get your hands on one before then if you just google around a bit.

Adventure People by Fisher Price

Here we have a cool picture that my Flickr buddy Skip the Frogman put together of the complete line of Adventure Time figures released by Fisher Price from 1975 to 1985. I loved these figures. Skip helped me finally identify a figure I have kept all these years. I always wondered where he came from, but wasn't positive that he was with this line because he was a robot.



He fit right in with my Star Wars collection though. Anyone else out there have any of these awesome figures?

Slideshow

A Bit More Progress on the Xena Painting

Well, I've really started in on the metal work on the painting now. This should be interesting.

Xena Painting...Finally, Two Eyes!

Whew, man, there was some serious anxiety about getting that second eye done. I was sure I was going to screw up the whole painting. Nope, in fact, the second eye looks better than the first! Now, back to work! She's getting there!

Captain America

I just finished watching the latest Marvel movie Captain America. Two thumbs up, five stars, excellent job Mr. Johnston! I was never a huge fan of Cap, but let me tell you, I LOVED this movie! Marvel has perfected their superhero movie. DC really needs to take a cue & learn how to keep a character true while still making the hero accessible to everyone. Red Skull was perfect, as was Cap & the rest of the characters and cast. The pacing was good and the climax was satisfying. I would have liked to see Cap punch Red Skull in the face though. That's my one complaint. It was a beautifully shot film and also had an excellent score. I cannot wait for the Avengers. I expect it to break all previous box office records.

Xena Painting Update: Hello November!

Started in on the shoulder guards & some of the metal. Finished up the background. Not sure I want to keep it. I almost want something more abstract & geometric. We'll see.

Wonder Woman & the New 52 from DC

DC Comics recently decided to revamp their entire comic line. All your beloved favorites get re-hauled, re-tooled, etc. The one I was most looking forward to was Wonder Woman. For years, DC has shied away from who the Amazon Princess really is & where she came from. They've been uncomfortable with what it is to be an Amazon. They have hesitated to play with the mythologies laid out in front of them. Unlike Marvel's Thor, who has always been in touch with his Gods, DC always tries to stick Wonder Woman in our time & strip her of any link to her past & her culture. I was happy to find that Writer Brian Azzarello, so far has NOT decided to follow in those past footsteps.

There is a costume change. Honestly, I like the change. Not too dramatic, pays homage to the old, and doesn't try to apologize by adding pants. Thank you for that.



Now, there are a few problems I have with the New 52 Wonder Woman, but not many. Of course, we are only 2 issues in. Okay, you MUST get your mythology right. Sure, you can play around with it, but make sure you have a damn good reason for changing it & don't just change it to change it. For example, in the picture above, you can bear witness to a female Centaur. *sigh* Alright, alright, there were very scarce references to female centaurs, but generally speaking Centaurs are thought of as an all male species. I'll let that one slide, since, technically there are both males & females. They did get the female one right on, though. She was considered to be a white Centaur. So that one is just nit-picky of me really. Let's not screw too many myths up though, okay?

The next thing though really chaps my ass. Hippolyta has, was & should ever be dark haired, raven tressed, possessing of locks as dark as the night. NOT BLOND. OMG, WTF. Wonder Woman's mom is now blond. Seriously? I'm blond myself, but the Queen of the Amazons is not. First of all, how many blonde Greeks do you know? I don't like it. It cheapens Hippolyta. CHANGE IT BACK.



I also dislike it when characters take control of humans to do their bidding & then without any reason kill them, when it's obvious that they might need them again for the same purpose. I call it Gratuitous Death. We already have this in issue 1. Really? Look, have the god take them prisoner in his giant mansion of a penthouse, or keep a godly spell on them, but to just have him lure them up, use them & kill them without any sort of care in the world, well, honestly that OMG impact you wanted in the story you were writing...yeah, didn't happen. I didn't get to know them enough to give a crap. So really, the whole scene ends up completely pointless emotionally. Yeah, I got the info, but man, was that a completely overdramatic way to deliver it or what?



The writing is not bad. It could be a little tighter. There are a few pages where I had to read twice because the dialogue seemed really choppy. The panels didn't seem to pull off exactly what was being told either. The art is average. Nothing to be awed by, but not just puked out either.

Things I love? Diana's attitude. Diana NOT shying away from WHO she is. The naughty Amazon jokes. The feeling that this time, DC is going to embrace their Amazon Princess & let her be who she should have always been. Push the boundaries a little.
Make her mythology part of her story. Take us into her world rather than plucking her out & putting her in ours and making her forget where she came from.




So, if you have ever wanted to read Wonder Woman & didn't really know where to start, please go grab issue 1 & 2 of the New 52 Wonder Woman at your local comics shop. Go on! It's 15 to 20 minutes of fun each month for $2.99 a comic. I think this could possibly end up being the best Wonder Woman run ever. You wouldn't want to miss it would you?


(All images in this post copyright by DC Comics)

3:30AM-ish and I'm still at it. Xena Painting.

More progress made. Got one of those baby blues done. I have to admit, the eyes on this painting have got to be right on or it isn't going to look like Lucy. Xena/Lucy has very well known eyes. You can't achieve the Xena look without them. So, lots of anxiety trying to get these eyes right.

Xena Warrior Princess Painting Update

Work done as of 10.29.11 16 x 20 Acrylic

New Xena Fan Video

Yep, I made another one.

Happy Birthday (you sexy statue you).

The Lady Liberty was unveiled on October 28, 1886. Her image was created by the Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.



The Statue was a gift from France to America to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. Benefit theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights assisted in providing needed funds in America, while the French used public fees, various forms of entertainment, and a lottery as methods of building money to complete the project.






Lady Liberty was built in France, then transported by the French ship "Isere" to New York Harbor & arrived in June 1885. It took 4 months to assemble her on her pedestal for the whole world to see.



I love this statue. I'm sure their is some bias in my love for her since I was born American, but the whole idea of her is romantic. A beacon of hope for those who struggle to be free. The torch lighting their way to a land of Freedom & Opportunity. Can you imagine what the sight of her standing in that harbor has meant to millions who have managed to reach her shores?

One day I will stand at her feet & weep. I don't care who sees me. I will weep for the idea to create her. I will weep for the effort to raise money to make it real & those who saw to give to a cause of creating art. I will weep for those fought so hard & braved so much to get here, and for those who didn't make it. I will weep for the joy that she was not one of the targets on 9-11. I will weep for all those that made it possible for me to have the Liberties I have, even though for me, they are less than some in my country. I will weep for her as she watches liberties being stripped away from women as we descend, falling backwards, rather than moving forward. I will weep knowing that I was lucky enough to live in a time & place in the universe where she stands & where what she stands for exists.


(photo by murphydean)


Happy Birthday Lady Liberty. May you stand for countless ages to come.

Bow Ties Are Cool. (Not really, but whatever.)

Okay, Whovians, Thinkgeek has the Bow Tie of Bow Ties for you! The 11th Doctor's Bow Tie to be exact! Unfortunately, it looks as though they are already out of stock! However, you can get on the e-mail list to be notified when more show up. It fits necks 15-20" & when combined with any old tweed jacket & a sonic screwdriver, will complete your 11th Doctor Halloween costume! However, if you desire to have an exact replica of the 11th Doctor's jacket, you can fork over $329.99 for that at the same place, Thinkgeek. It too has sold out right now. Holy cow! Really?!



Lucky for you, Entertainment Earth has both as well. The jacket is available for $309.99 pre-order due to arrive in November & the bow tie is available to arrive in November for $29.99. Unfortunately that's after Halloween, but who cares, right?! You can dress as the Doctor any day!

The ENTIRE Jem Series on DVD! Outrageous!

Finally, all 65 episodes of Jem in one place! Rhino Entertainment had released 3 sets prior to SHOUT releasing this boxed set, but Rhino never finished out the series. Finally, not only do you get all 65 episodes in one box set, but this box set is also loaded with extras!

There are a few issues with the new set however. Apparently, past the third season, the master tapes sat on the shelf for 25 years untouched. SHOUT did what they could, but the quality is still less than perfect. Still, at least they are out there. Hopefully in the future, if sales are good, they can clean them up a little more.

Amazon.com has the box set ready to purchase right now here: JEM

The Power of the Future is in Your Hands!

Today I'm changing it up a little bit. I'm going to bring to your attention some Blu-ray & DVD releases. Some that you can go ahead & pre-order right now.

First up, the entire Captain Power series. Captain Power came out in the late 80's and dealt with some pretty serious issues. It was dark & gritty. It was also a combination of live action & computer animation. Also, in each episode there was a segment that included visual and audio material which interacted with toys produced by Mattel. My brother had one of the ships. It was pretty neat.



So, if you've never seen Captain Power or you just want to relive those post-apocalyptic storylines, make sure to head over to Amazon.com & pre-order your copy right now.

Another great 80's animated series coming to DVD is M.A.S.K. or(Mobile Armored Strike Kommand). It was a Japanese animation distributed by DIC Enterprises which was also accompanied by a toyline. Kenner toys produced 2 inch figures and vehicles that were really pretty cool. Again, head on over to Amazon.com to pick up the entire series on DVD.





If those weren't your cup of tea, hold on, I still have more! Also, now available on DVD, Skeleton Warriors. Skeleton Warriors ran 13 episodes and was by Landmark Entertainment Group. It originally aired in 1993-1994. It was one of those unfortunate shows that would have thrived in the 80's, but the 90's rejection of anything 80's or fantastical killed it. If you love fantasy good vs. evil stuff & never saw this one, you should check it out. It is also available over on Amazon.com.

Battlestar Galactica Viper Pilot Helmet

This retro Battlestar Galactica helmet is a replica of the helmets worn by the Pilots Starbuck & Apollo in the 1970's series.

The helmet is an exact screen worn replica. It is limited to only 500 pieces worldwide and has a numbered plaque hand signed by both Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict!

You can find them online at eFx Collectibles and over at Entertainment Earth for $599.00.

The Warrior Princess Painting

It was inevitable. I have started a Xena painting. Small 16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas. It's in the same style as my Wonder Woman painting. I'm trying to get it done for the Xena 2011 Movie Campaign's Art Contest. The deadline is the 17th. I am bound & determined to make it.

Ghostbusters Demon Dogs

Just in time for Halloween, Diamond Select has unleashed the giant demon dogs from hell in the form on light up statues. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until next Halloween to use them. They are only up for pre-order right now & showing an availability of sometime in February. However, if your sweetie is into devil dogs, this will make a great Valentine's gift! These puppies are 7 inches tall and run $67.99 ea. over at Entertainment Earth.

Battlestar Galactica "Top Gun" Stein

Here's something all you fangirls & boys have been asking for. The Battlestar Galactica Top Gun Stein as used by "Kat" & "Starbuck" in the relaunched Battlestar Galactica series.

The Stein is 9 inches tall and 4 3/4 inches wide at the base. It is reasonably priced at $59.95 & available through Quantum Mechanix as well as Sideshow Collectibles.

It is a kiln fired piece with a cast metal lid & it is recommended that you hand wash it, rather than sticking it in the dishwasher to keep the hand-painted details intact.

New Dark Crystal Merchandise

Not only does Knucklebonz Products put out Rock god statues, but they also have some sweet limited edition Dark Crystal sculptures coming out. The first one shown here is the Jen statue as he prepares to heal the Dark Crystal with the crystal shard. Limited to 3000 pieces, this statue can be pre-ordered from the Knucklebonz Products homepage for $124.00. I didn't see a size on this statue anywhere on their page.



The next Dark Crystal statue is of Kira & Jen. Kira sacrificed herself to help Jen in his quest & this statue is from the moment right after the scene represented by the first statue. I also did not see a size on this statue, but it is also limited to 3000 pieces & runs $149.00 on the Knucklebonz Products homepage & is available now for Pre-order. There is no release date for either statue at this point.

Rush's Neil Peart Statue

I'm not a big Rush fan. Honestly, I'm not a fan at all, but I do appreciate & understand the amazing man that Neil Peart is. He is a drum & percussion god. If you do happen to be a Rush fan or if you are just a collector of Rock God statues, then you're going to want this one. Limited to only 3,000 copies made, this Rock Iconz statue produced by Knucklebonz Products is around 9" tall & comes on a wooden base. It is available for pre-order right now at both Entertainment Earth for $114.99 and on Kucklebonz Products homepage for $115.00.

Xena Sword & Scabbard

I know, I know, ANOTHER Xena post?! Yep, sorry, but I'm excited. I finally got my prop replica Xena sword & scabbard. So I have to share! Licensed by Universal in 2004. Limited to 3000. Numbered. The weight is good & it feels nice in my hands. The scabbard is well made & looks exact. Sword is cast aluminum & one solid piece. Not sharpened. Wouldn't be hard to sharpen it right up though, but aluminum doesn't hold up to any sort of actual swordplay. You need tempered steel for that. It's a really nice piece to have & I'm excited to include it in my collection!





Now all I need is an ICON Chakram & Gabrielle's sais & staff.

Xena 2012 Calendar

It's that time of year again! Time to find that calendar to decorate your space with. This year, guess who showed up in her own calendar again? That's right, the Warrior Princess herself, Xena. It looks like Universal is starting to put some Xena Merch out there, which bodes well for those of us interested in a movie. The calendar has all your favorite characters from the series, one per month for all 12 months of 2012. You can find it over at Amazon.com from $10 to $12 bucks.

Robby the Robot Model Kit

I don't know if I've mentioned this before or not, but I love model building. I love the scraping, sanding, filling, gluing, & painting. I love the tiny parts on models. I find them absolutely fascinating.

This model, by Round 2 , is something I really want to get my hands on. Robby the Robot is the most iconic robot there is.

Robby first showed up in the film "Forbidden Planet" and made numerous appearances afterwards in shows like "The Addams Family", "Lost in Space", "Columbo", "Wonder Woman", "Mork & Mindy", "Doctor Who", "Futurama" and more. He's been in movies, video games & commercials as well.

This model of Robby stands at 7 1/2 inches high & is labeled as a skill level 2 for ages 10+

He sells for $19.99 over at Entertainment Earth or around $14.00 on Amazon.com

Sideshow & DC Comics

At last! Sideshow has acquired the rights to make DC Universe comic hero figures, statues & more. Check out their official announcement video above.

Doctor Who Merchandise Alert!

These cute little wind-ups are only $9.99 ea. ThinkGeek has them now! You better hurry though. I bought two TARDIS' myself.

Fear of Legitimacy

This post was inspired by one of my beautiful friends. Several of my friends are creatively blessed. Some take photos, some write, some paint, some make music, & some do all four or a combination of some.

Most of them hesitate to accept themselves as legitimate creators though. They refuse to call themselves Musicians, or Writers, or Artists, or Photographers. Why? I think it's because of three things.

One, they enjoy it & don't take it too seriously & haven't tried to make a career or money out of it.

Two, people fear that a "real" artist, musician, writer, or Photographer will call them out.

Three, society says you have to choose one thing & that's what you are. You can't be an IT tech & a writer. What you call yourself, if you do both, is determined by how much money you make at both. If you get a steady paycheck at the IT gig, and only make $20 off an article, then you are an IT Tech, but you're not a writer.

I call bullshit.

When you are IT'ing, you're an IT Tech, but man, when you are writing...you're a freakin' writer. Period. Even when you are IT'ing, you are STILL a writer. You write. That makes you a writer. Artists art, Painters paint, photographers take pictures, musicians make music, and writers write.

Be proud of those creative things you do. Don't sell yourself short. If I never sold anything in my life & worked my 8 hr. a day job for the rest of my life, would that make me less of an artist? Hell no! I might not ever be considered a Professional artist, but I'd still be an artist. We need more creatives in this world. So please, if you create be proud. Don't hide it. Don't deny it. Come on out into the sunshine.

Godzilla Shirt & Other Munsters

Show your love of the King Monster of all monsters! Find this awesome shirt Here.

$18.99 & 100% cotton!

Prefer a different kind of Munster? Like models? Check out this Polar Lights model of the Munsters relaxing in their family room!



Glow in the dark 1:16 scale for $24.99

Not Saints...and Certainly Not Angels

Charlies Angels, a reboot of the 70's show, premiered last night on ABC at 7pm central. Drew Barrymore produced so I had somewhat elevated expectations. They lost me in the first 5 minutes. Bad dialogue, horrible direction, cardboard characters & a lousy plot. Sure, the 70's show wasn't brainy, but it had something. Something besides pretty chics kicking butt. Honestly, these girls looked like they needed to taken to an all you can eat buffet & kept there for a couple days. Eat something for god's sake & keep it down! These girls are extremely cliquey & unlikable. The script was juvenile, the technology they were supposed to be using was laughable, and seriously...the girls were really unlikable, save the Eve character. Even Eve's character felt tied up & not allowed to really break through & make us care. I know, it's the first episode, but it's a bad sign when your very first episode is lame & had to be re-written once just to get it to the point it was. Which was still lame. I won't be returning for episode two.