Snowcolypse 2012

It's was going to blizzard like crazy on xmas, but now...now the weather models say NOPE.

That makes me sad.  

I love snow.  I mean, I LOVE IT!  I love to play in it.  I love to shovel it.  I love to build things out of it.  Things like snow forts, snow walls, snow people, snow Daleks, snow Hutts and I get better at it everytime I get a chance to play in it.

I even enjoy getting the action figure out and playing with them.  IN THE SNOW!

Snow makes those Star Wars Hoth related toys even more awesome!

So everyone think, "Snow for Jen" and maybe, just maybe it'll work and I will get some snow.

If you want to see more snow action figure pics, check out my Flickr.

Art Toys

Sometimes toys are art and art is toys.  To understand what I mean, look at the pic above.  It looks like a toy, right?  It is, but it's more than that.  Several artists including Josh (Shag) Agle and Joe Somers (of Squibbles Ink) collaborated to bring this piece to life.  They made 100 pieces called Gallery Prototype Editions and they were available to those who showed up at the art opening for $90 each. There will be another edition available to the general public in 2013.  You might scoff, but this is no more or less art than Rodin's Thinker or DaVinci's Mona Lisa.  Gen X'ers love toys.  We refuse to give up those things that brought our imagination to life.  Art like this is a way for many Gen X'ers  and others to collect art that really speaks to them.  They buy it because they like it, not necessarily because it is any sort of investment.  I love this trend in art.  I hope it isn't just a trend and that it becomes a permanent part of art.  For more interesting art pieces go check out Rotofugi.

******update*******

I apparently missed someone who also was involved in this piece!  Apologies to Scott. Scott Wetterschneider (Shinbone Creative) was right in there on this with Josh and Joe.  

$10 Star Wars Leather Bound Novels

Go, right now to Barnes and Noble and pick up your $10.00 Leather bound edition of the Star Wars novels of the original trilogy!  It's an awesome edition of the books with a sweet leather cocover featuring Darth Vader.  From now until December 16th or while supplies last, you can pick this up for $10.  Any Star Wars fan would love this addition to their collection!

Buy one get one 50% off

If you are still looking for that thing to get the autistic or aspergian kid you know for the holidays, here's something that will help!  Entertainment Earth has buy one get one 50% on all their in stock model kits!

They have dinosaurs.

Cool vans!

Rockets!

And more!  

This sale runs December 5 to December 11, 2012.

Hellboy in HELL!

If you haven't been keeping up with Hellboy, you've missed something important.  I won't tell you what, but let's just say it has led to the fact that Hellboy has now gone to Hell.  Yep, he's in Hell.  The first issue of Hellboy in Hell came out this week.  If you're lucky, your comics shop will still have some.  If they don't, but you can't wait to read it, you have a second option: Online comic.  There's a sweet trial look if you aren't sure about reading a comic online.  Darkhorse has done an amazing job with the Hellboy comics online.  The online price is the same as the tangible paper copy: $2.99.  It works on the Android OS as well as Apple's OS, so you have no worries there.  The only problem you might encounter is if you want to read it on Kindle.  At this time, there's no Kindle support.  Sorry kids.  However, laptops and desktops are also a way you can read it.  So really, the Kindle is the ONLY thing it won't play on, pretty much.  Go, get you a copy now!  Look how far behind you are on reading one of the most amazing comics ever!  Go!  Hellboy in Hell!

New Marc Ecko Star Wars Shirts!

Just in time for the Holidays, Ecko has 3 new Star Wars shirts priced at $24.95.  The online site has some great deals.  25% off your order of $50 or more.  Go check them out!  There are some awesome hoodies and jackets as well!

Star Wars Wampa Ice Scraper

Think Geek again!

The Wampa Ice Scraper

100% Polyester.

Machine Washable!

17" x 8.5" (Mitt) 3" x 4" (Scraper)

$24.99

TARDIS Mini-fridge

Thinkgeek has it!  

Holds up to 6 cans of 12 oz. soda!

Plugs into a standard USB outlet or a 12v Car charger outlet.

Cooler on the inside.  

TARDIS sound effect that can be turned on/off.

$79.99

Doro US Tour!

The Metal Queen is going to do a quick sweep of the US to promote her newest release "Raise Your Fist"!

She has already been touring over in Europe.  Here's a clip of some of the performance and reactions from her fans.

If you are anywhere close to a city she is playing in, I urge you to get tickets!

Here opening act is Sister Sin.  If she decides to do what she usually does, she will also include some local bands to open as well.  Tickets are super affordable.  

There are more dates on her website: Doro

I'm still hoping she will come to Oklahoma or North Texas or even Kansas City, but it doesn't look like I'll get that lucky this time.  If you are one of the lucky ones near a show, don't miss it!

Flickr

It's been a while since I tooted my own horn about my Flickr page, so that's just what I'm going to do.

Not only can you see stuff like the photo above, but also action figure shots and my art work.  

There are turtle pics and Museum trips and even Convention photos.

If you haven't yet, stop by and take a gander.

I even have photos of a Cicada emerging from it's Pupa stage!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artistjentucker/

Sideshow has the Classic Mumm-Ra for $15!

This is the 14 inch Mezco Mumm-Ra with 8 points of articulation.  Originally a $35.00 figure!

Snag him before Sunday!

Ecko BOGO now!!!

Everything over at Marc Ecko's site is Buy one, get one free.  Free shipping included.  Star Wars fans take note!  This is a fantastic deal!  You can get this awesome Boba Fett jacket for $180.00 and then pick up the R2-D2 one for free. 

 Or get a sweet Vader shirt and pick another awesome Ecko limited Star Wars shirt for free.  I was going to say pick up the Skywalker one I bought, but apparently those are sold out and gone.

It's only through Sunday!  Go check it out now!

NASA shirt

Oh, I love this. 

LOVE it!  I'm a huge NASA fan.  I still shed a tear now and again over the lose of the shuttle program.  Ugh.  I can't believe we have to hitch rides to the space station that everyone else is building.  

It's offered by Thinkgeek.

It's a little pricey at $79.99, but apparently, that is not really pricey for bicycle gear.  That is what this jersey is.  It's a bicycle jersey.  It's has space age (Don't you love that phrase.  No, me either) fabric that supposedly keeps moisture off and odors away.  

So, if you bicycle and love NASA, then this is your dream jersey.  If you should bicycle, but don't and love NASA, then you are in the same boat as me.  

Flash -Ah-a!

Oh yeah.  It's a Flash Gordon shirt.  Just like Flash saved the Universe in.

$15.99 here.

Art and Special Effects How To's

Curious about how to sculpt monsters, draw monsters, fabricate armor, or any of those other cool movie prop type things?  Stan Winston's School has an online school.  You can pay to learn.  They also have a pretty awesome blog and a Facebook page you can follow.  If you have some cash and a burning desire to learn how to get into the movie biz making cool props or monsters, this is a great way to start.

Here's a small sample of what you can learn:

RAISE YOUR FIST!!!

Doro's new album is available right now!  It is also available to listen to via Spotify in case you are curious to have a listen.  Seriously though, she's the Metal Queen.  The Ronnie James Dio tribute song "Hero" is awesome enough for the price of the whole album.  "Revenge" is pretty frakkin' sweet, too.  "It Still Hurts" is another fantastic ballad with bad boy Lemmy.  Let me tell you, no one writes Ballads like Doro Pesch.  They will tear your heart out.  In a good way.  EPIC.  Then there's the German songs.  Good lord, how I love a woman that speaks German.  I love that Doro always includes her native language on at least one if not more songs.  Sometimes there's a translated song, sometimes not.  She finishes this one up with a cover of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" and it is haunting.  Hauntingly beautiful and kick ass.  Once again, Doro proves why she is and always will be the Goddess of Metal!!!!  \m/

Bad Days, Hellboy, World of Heroes

Over on Youtube neat things are happening.  There are new shows popping up all the time.  It's am amazing creative outlet for anyone with the time and tools and desire to make something happen.  Recently, Stan Lee, yes THAT Stan Lee, started a little channel that takes a comical look at heroes and their lives.  Go check this one out:


It's a funny look at a bad day on the job with Hellboy.  

Stardust: The Gift Edition

How much does your girlfriend love Neil Gaiman?  Almost more than you, right?  I mean, the reason you haven't ever taken her to one of his book signings is because you're pretty sure she'll run away with him or realize you're no sexy mysterious author person like Gaiman.  Well, lucky for you, he just released a special edition signed copy of Stardust.  It's $150.00 retail, but Amazon has it cheaper and you get her a signed copy without ever getting near the dude.  See?  Genius.

Lumpy Space Princess

I adore the animated series Adventure Time.  It's funny and crazy and awesome.  One of my favorite characters is the Lumpy Space Princess.  She has quite the attitude.  And is HI-larious.  For realz.



Hahahaha...see?  So I decided to find as much Lumpy Space Princess Merch as possible for you.  wasn't that cool of me?  All the Lumpy Space Princess stuff in one place.  Feel free to send me some.  Thanks.

First off, is the Hot Topic Lumpy Space Princess SPLAT! toy.  She's made from that gooey stuff that splats on things.  She's only $6.50!

Next up is the 7 inch plush from Jazwares Toys.  This one will run you $12.99.  You can find it on Ebay, Amazon or here: Toywiz

There is also the 16 inch deluxe pillow cuddle from the same place & maker

for $44.99.  Good lord!  That's a little overpriced.

If you want items not made by forced child labor, Etsy has quite a few choices.

(Lumpy Space Princess Apron on Etsy)

Toys R Us has the Adventure Time Toy line 

that includes at least one figure of the Lumpy Space Princess.

$7.99 in stores or online.

Then there's the shirt.  "Oh my Glob! Lump OFF!"

Hahahaha!  You can find them for around $20 online.

Macho Man Randy Savage. Oh, yeah.

I won't lie.  At one time in my life I was totally into Pro-wrestling.  I even went to bouts.  I bought merchandise and I cheered on my heroes.  It was fun.  I didn't care if it was real or not.

I don't think the magic sky wizard that judges everyone is real, but you don't see me pointing and laughing at the people who enjoy the community and culture of that belief.

I digress.  Hot Topic has a great old school Pro-wrestling shirt from one of my old school favorites.  Macho Man Randy Savage.

It's hard to believe the guy isn't out there body-slamming people still.  If you know a "wrasslin'" fan that loved the old school WWF (now WWE), I promise you they will love this shirt.  They run $20.50 to $22.50 depending on the size.  

I know a certain local stand-up comic I'd love to get this shirt for.  

11th Doctor's cool coat!

Matt Smith has got to be my favorite Doctor ever!  Well, next to Tom Baker.  No one will ever surpass Tom.  Still, if anyone could, it would be Matt.  He's single-handedly brought back the bow-tie and made it cool. (Not really.  you will never convince me that bow-ties are cool.)  If you want a prop replica from Doctor Who that makes you look snazzy and  does more than collect dust on a shelf, I have just the thing for you.  head over to Think Geek and check this out!

It's the 11th Doctor's double breasted, six-pocketed, 100% mole-skin fabric greenish officially licensed Pea-coat.  The price: $329.99.  Hey now, this is a for real jacket.  Lined and everything.  Go google pea coat.  They aren't cheap.  And this is the Doctor's pea coat.  Okay, I know...it is a little over-priced.  Still, it's cool!

Solstice Gifts Anyone?

No matter who you are or what you believe, this time of year at least one person in your family EXPECTS a gift.  You can tell people not to get you things, but someone always ignores your pleas.  So, if someone HAS to get you something or you HAVE to give, here are a few ideas.

Entertainment Earth has these for $16.99 right now.

Dr. Who fans...look!  A TARDIS ornament.

Also at Entertainment Earth for $17.99.

The Chewbacca purse..er, um...Messenger bag.  The only 

purse, uh-hmm, I mean messenger bag I'd be caught dead carrying.

It seems pricey at $89.99, but my female friends tell me that purses...I 

mean messenger bags are pretty pricey things to buy.  

Find it here: Chewie's Purse

If your greedy friend that refuses to not expect gifts from you happens to be a Lord of the Rings fan, I have the perfect gift.  The Gollum "My Precious" globe sculpture.  Nothing says greedy jerk quite like Gollum.

It's $97.50 though, so you might reconsider.  If you're compelled to give gifts this nice, I want to be your friend, too.

NaNoWriMo

 

What am I doing?  Well, writing a novel of course.  it's November which is also National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo.  What?!  You've never heard of NaNoWriMo?   Seriously?  Have you been living under a rock?  Go check them out here: NaNo

Now, leave me alone. I have a word count to complete.  50,000 words, here I come!!!

News flash! Lucasfilm to be Bought by Disney!

WHAT?!?  What just happened?  I can't see straight.  The room is all spinning.  Lights...flashing.  I can't breath.

You read it correctly.  George Lucas is done.  He's had enough Nerdrage.  He's selling it off.  All of it.  

Star Wars is soon to be owned by Disney.  Princess Leia will be added to the Disney Princess roster.  There are already plans underway to begin work on the next Star Wars film.

I...I...I can't believe it.

I didn't see it coming.  

Some fans are beyond excited.  Others using hyperbolic metaphors like "rape".  Um, shame on you.  

That's being a little ridiculous.  Star Wars is a huge part of who I am, how I believe, and what I do, so don't try to justify that comparison to me.

I, myself, am right now, just caught off guard and a little shocked.

As soon as I can think it through, I'll let you know how I really feel.

***********************************UPDATE***************************************

Okay,  so the shock has worn off and I've thought about it.  I'm happy.  What better security for the legend then Disney.  No, I don't think Disney will make a horrid Star Wars film with Selena Gomez and Zac Effron. They aren't stupid.  Also, Lucas still has 40% of the decision making.  His CEO is still running the show, she just reports to a different boss.  This is about making sure that Star Wars is secure.  That before George Lucas leaves this earth he has it in safe hands and in a direction that is positive and nurturing so that it lasts way beyond him.  So many people have created things and died unexpectedly, thinking their children would take it and keep it going.  Jim Henson comes to mind.  His son ran the Muppets into the ground.  Luckily, Disney was interested in the property and saved it.  From that, we got that last Muppet film, which was fantastic!

(tee-hee)

There's a whole lot of Fanrage/Nerdrage right now.  I have to wonder about these people.  They spout hate and negativity and accuse the creator of the thing they claim to love of being evil.  Seriously?!  Are you people for real?  Hate, anger and fear are of the darkside.  You are nothing more than Sith.  Scared, weak, pathetic Sith.

George Lucas has given so much to the world and to his community.  The money he has poured into creating, art, and technology is amazing.  Not only that, but do you know what he said he was going to do with that 4 billion he is getting?

"George Lucas has expressed his intention, in the event the deal closes, to donate the majority of the proceeds to his philanthropic endeavors."

Explain to me how on earth anyone could call this guy evil?  You want evil?  Look at big oil.  Look at the gas companies and their waste water frakking.  Look at Wallstreet.  Look at what is happening in front of your eyes.  George Lucas isn't evil.  George Lucas is one of my heroes.  If it wasn't for him, my life would be very different.  As would millions of others.  I think of the thousands, if not millions of people employed just because of him.  People that have created medical technology or engineering feats because they were inspired by Star Wars.  Artists, toy sculptors, writers, fan film makers, composers, and the people that those people work for or support.  Evil doesn't create.  Even in Christian Mythology it is clearly stated that the Devil can NOT create.  

So, yes, I think this is an amazing deal.  Sure, it caught me off guard, but wow!  Holy cow!  Star Wars will live forever.  That makes me happy.

P.S.  Dear fanboys/girls...you loved the Avengers, right?  Disney owns Marvel, too.  Remember?

Arrow

I'm not usually much of a CW viewer, but I'll admit, they got me this season.  They reeled me in with Arrow. I've always been a fan of Oliver Queen aka Green Arrow from DC Comics.  I had some great Green Arrow/Green Lantern team comics.  Neal Adams and Dennis O'Neil were my intro to the character.  I loved finding Green Arrow's at garage sales.  I stayed with Green Arrow through some of his dramatic changes.  They were good changes.  I was there when Ollie met Black Canary.  It made my heart swell.  Those two were perfect together.

So, when I saw CW was doing a series based on Green Arrow I thought I'd give it a shot.  Why not?  I loved Smallville.  Best Superman series ever.  So far, I have not been disappointed.

Arrow's writing is SOLID.  The writer's know their character and the actor is PERFECT.  Stephen Amell really embodies a young Oliver Queen.  The Direction is wonderful and it looks as if they have spared no expense in production, which is really nice to see.

If you liked Smallville, or enjoy superhero shows, check it out.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Ada Wong

Resident Evil is a game that came out in 1996.  T & I bought a copy.  It was the most expensive game I had ever purchased.  It was like $20.00 or something.  Which was a whole lot for us at the time.  Our rent was $225.00 and I made like $4 an hr. at my part time job, was paying for college, art supplies, books, my car and T was working for min. wage at Arby's.  Still, it was one of the best purchases we ever made.

We spent countless hours playing Resident Evil and screaming out loud when zombie dogs or other things would jump out of nowhere to kill us.  We played as Jill Valentine and took turns working our way through.  T ultimately beat it and we cheered!  It was a very bonding experience.  The couple that plays together...stays together.  We've played nearly every single Resident Evil since.  Occasionally getting lucky enough to be blessed with co-op instead of one player!

The thing I remember most (other than Claire's cry of "Leon") about Resident Evil 2 was Ada Wong.  She was mysterious and sexy.  You didn't know if she was good or bad.  Well, Hot Toys new Ada Wong is awesome!

Hot Toys continues to release superb sculpts of figures, toys, movie figures, game figures, etc.  Honestly, no one beats them.  Not only that, but you can see the artisans behind these sculpts on Hot Toys Facebook page.

Sideshow Collectibles has Ada Wong available now for pre-order.  She ships June 2013. 

She's a sixth scale figure meaning 12 inches tall.  She has 25 points of articulation, 7 interchangeable hands, guns, crossbows, daggers, a suitcase and so much more.  Her price isn't too bad at $199.99.  Hot Toys are, after all, a work of art.  Art ain't cheap kids.

Anime Suggestion

Sailor Moon, Utena, Project A-ko, Ghost in the Shell, Gatchaman, Space Battleship Yamato, Strawberry Panic, and more.  All Japanese Animation I adore.  Some old, some new.  Hulu and Netfix have a pretty good selection of anime.  I just finished the first season of "Birdy the Mighty: Decode" and I gotta say...I LOVED it.




The story starts with Birdy, our heroine, trying to capture some bad guys in space.  She ends up getting assigned to earth because they are hiding out on our planet.  She accidentally kills a young human boy.  Well, she mangles his body all up.  She manages to "save" him by bringing his consciousness or awareness into her body as the people she works for repair his.  So it's two people in one body.  She continues her search by night because she has to trade out with him during the day so he doesn't flunk out of school.



There's plenty of action, but the characters are awesome.  You really do get involved and care.  The thing I love best about Japanese Animation is that you really never know who will live or die.  Including your main protagonist.  I've watched anime before that left me utterly heartbroken, yet completely satisfied.  The sacrifice was justified and epic.    I have no idea how Birdy will end, but the end of the first season was intense.

So, if you love Anime, check this one out.  If you have never seen any Japanese animation, then this is a fun one to start with.  It's on Netflix right now.  It's dubbed (I like mine subtitled) but the dubbing is excellent.  Great voices that match the characters perfectly.  

Labyrinth Worm

C'mon, you know you want this.  That darn Labyrinth worm is so creepy cute!  When people come over they will squeal with terror joy! You can use it as part of your Jareth the Goblin King costume as well.  Stick it on your shoulder like a parrot and run around screaming that there's a worm on you.  Or, use it as your tea buddy.  Labyrinth worms love tea parties!  This plush is 13 inches long, 9 inches tall and 5 inches wide and so cuddly, you'll wonder how you managed to sleep before.  You can order it online at Entertainment Earth.

Limited Edition Batman Hoodie

Marc Ecko has made a kick-ass Batman Hoodie that is super limited and super cool.  It sports injected padding to buff you up if you happen to be a pencil neck. The hood pulls over just like the Dark Knight's so you can mask your identity and fight crime!  Its a 60/40 Cotton/poly fleece blend, so it's sure to keep you at just the right temperature on those long cold crime fighting nights.  It's $149.50 with free shipping.