World’s Greatest Toys!

I am so excited for this year’s Wizard World convention in Los Angeles. I’m a HUGE fan of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Wizard is boasting an appearance by none other than… drool… Summer Glau!

I hope to see you the weekend of March 16-18. For more information about the show, check out the official site:

Wizard World

Better yet, click the cool banner to the left! I hope to see you there.

Geeks with kids, you may rejoice! Wizard World Los Angeles, the family friendly comics and pop culture extravaganza at the L.A. Convention Center March 14-16, announces it’s brand new “Children’s Area” on the show floor for the youngest fans.

In an effort to make the Wizard World experience the best possible one for all attendees, Wizard has expanded programming and events for children and added the following specifically for the 10 and under Wizard fan.

Be sure to bring your cameras for photo opportunities with an official Marvel Spider-Man character appearance as well as with Stormtroopers and Rebels from The 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist, The World’s Definitive Imperial Costuming Organization.

All Jedis-in-training will have a chance to participate in Lightsaber instructional classes taught by members of the New York and L.A. Jedi.

A slew of prize packages will be handed out as well as free comic books during our coloring and kids costume contest. Kids will also be able to sit down with friends to play games.

Mike Kunkel, winner of the 2007 Annie Award for best Character Design in an Animated Television Show and creator of the two-time Eisner Award-winning comic book series Herobear and the Kid (shown at right) and the critically acclaimed book “The Land of Sokmunster,” will be on hand doing sketches.

“We have always prided ourselves on making every Wizard World convention as family-friendly as possible,” said Senior Vice President of Operations Joe Yanarella. “By designating an area for our younger guests we hope to build a whole new generation of fans who share our love of comics and pop culture.”

For a complete list of events, registration forms, guests, activities, ticket prices and times, visit www.wizardworld.com.

It’s show-time again!

Rob Chatlin (editor of Mego 8″ Super-Heroes: World’s Greatest Toys!) and I will have a dealer table at this Sunday’s (02/17/08) Los Angeles Comic Book & Sci Fi Convention at the Shrine Auditorium.

As with last month, we will have a broad range of Mego figures — MOC, MIB and Loose — on display and available for purchase. We’ll also have vintage Kenner, Mattel, Popy, Medicom and more. It will be a vintage toy lover’s dream. I will also have copies of the Mego book on hand and can sign books for anyone interested in acquiring an inscribed edition.

If anyone out there in Blogland is in Southern California, we’d love it if you stopped by the show. We actually have THREE tables this time, and we’d love to see you there. Here’s the info:

Shrine Auditorium Expo Center
700 West 32nd St.
Los Angeles, CA

The official Web site for the con is here:

Los Angeles Comic Book & Sci Fi Convention

Guests include stars from TV’s Jericho, Katy Sagal and Teen Titans Year 1 Writer Amy Wolfram.

Hope to see you there!

Benjamin

During the four years that I worked on World’s Greatest Toys, editor Rob Chatlin and I developed a fantastic system for photographing his mind-boggling collection of Mego Super-Heroes toys. Rob has since sold off some of these toys, which he amassed during more than ten years of serious toy hunting.

Fortunately for all of us, Rob made his immaculate collection available for the book. Nearly every weekend, I would drive over to his house on the West side, and we would chow down on some scrumptious Dim Sum. By the way, if you’re ever in L.A., I strongly urge you to seek out “V.I.P. Harbour Seafood” (I believe it’s located in Westwood). The restaurant is almost always packed, but it’s well worth the wait.

After stuffing face, Rob and I would retire to his house to pack up yet another case of rare, vintage Mego goodness. Here’s a snapshot from one of those days.

Just marvel at the top row!

Each week, it was like this for me. I drooled over his Circle Suit Spider-Man figures (there are several!). I stared longingly at his Montgomery Ward-exclusive “Secret Identity” outfits… his Minty-fresh Super-Heroes. His collection of unique and special figures seemed endless. These are memories I will cherish forever.

Cheers to you, Rob. You went above and beyond — countless times — and your efforts are much appreciated.

Benjamin

Lucasfilms, Heroes, Screenwriting, Marvel, DC, Top Cow, The Incredible Hulk, Mega Movie Panel and Much, Much More!

Wizard has a lot of exciting panels and events for this year’s WWLA. Here’s the run-down of great stuff happening. I hope to see you there!

STAR WARS AND INDIANA JONES: WHAT’S HOT FROM LUCASFILM
Lucasfilm’s Steve Sansweet will showcase the exciting year that’s coming for fans. Enjoy sneak peek into the eagerly awaited animated television series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” hearing insights from those closest to the creative process. Glimpse game play from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, the ground-breaking new game from LucasArts that promises to make players feel like they are inside the next chapter of the Star Wars Saga. And in the Indy world, hear inside news on the upcoming “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

Benjamin’s Book Recommendations:

• Stephen Sansweet’s incredible “Star Wars Action Figure Archive”

Benjamin’s DVD Recommendations:

• Star Wars - Clone Wars, Vol. 1

HEROES TV PANEL
Join Co-Executive Producer Jeph Loeb as he discusses the smash NBC TV hit. Find out about the deadly virus that has plagued season two of the series and hear what’s in store for season three’s “Villains” storyline.

Benjamin’s DVD Recommendations:

• Heroes - Season One

THE ULTIMATE SCREENWRITERS PANEL, PART 1 & 2
Want to know the secret to writing a great screenplay? Or maybe how to get your screenplay sold? Or just hear from legendary screenwriters? We bring together a pair of decorated screenwriters in Academy Award-nominated Bob Gale (“Back to the Future” and sequels) and Marc Guggenheim (“Law and Order,” “CSI: Miami,” “Eli Stone”) who also happen to be big-time comic writers (both will serve as rotating writers on Amazing Spider-Man). Additionally, hear from, Zak Penn (“The Incredible Hulk,” “The Avengers”), Mark Verheiden (“Teen Titans”) and John Cox (“Sgt. Rock”). This two-part panel represents a rare opportunity for a budding screenwriter to gain first hand knowledge from some truly amazing professionals.

ULTIMATES DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY
Joe Madureira has returned to comics and he’s doing it grand style, teaming with legendary writer Jeph Loeb to take a turn on the superteam The Ultimates, created by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. This will truly be an event as you’ll get to hear Madureira/Loeb dissect their first few issues of The Ultimates and tease what’s to come in this rare Madureira con appearance.

X-MEN PANEL
With the end of Messiah Complex and the future of the X-Men in doubt Craig Kyle, Chris Yost and Marc Guggenheim will provide insight into what lies ahead for the mutants in the Marvel Universe.

Benjamin’s Comic Book Recommendations:

• X-Men: Messiah Complex

DCU: COUNTDOWN TO CRISIS
Dan DiDio, Senior VP—Executive Editor DCU, and Bob Wayne, VP—Sales, are confessing secrets for a panel that’s not to be missed. The Sinestro War has passed, the Countdown is nearly over, and a Final Crisis looms! What lies ahead for our favorite heroes? Find out here!

Benjamin’s Comic Book Recommendations:

• Geoff Johns’ and Dave Gibbons’ Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, Vol. 1

TOP COW 2008
Join Guest of Honor Marc Silvestri and the hottest creators from Top Cow as they give you a tantalizing sneak peek into Top Cow’s universe-altering 2008 plans! Find out about the buzzworthy new teams on Witchblade and The Darkness, check out the new candidates for Pilot Season 2008, and get the first hints about Top Cow’s super-secret summer event! Plus, every attendee will receive a FREE exclusive gift!

THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETROSPECTIVE WITH LOU FERRIGNO
Legendary TV personality Lou Ferrigno takes a unique interactive look at “The Incredible Hulk,” one of the most groundbreaking superhero-based shows in TV history. Featuring a riveting mix of video clips and photos, let Lou tell you about the makeup, fight scenes and dynamic with star Bill Bixby. Bonus: Hear Lou’s thoughts about June’s “Incredible Hulk” film!

MEGA MOVIE PANEL
Get ready for the next wave of comic movies. From “Iron Man” to “Incredible Hulk” to “The Dark Knight” to “Wolverine” to “Watchmen,” get the full scoop straight from Wizard Entertainment Editor Rickey Purdin on the movies that’ll be rocking the box office in the future. Bonus: Special guest appearance by “Wolverine” producer Jeff Katz!

“This could be one of our most amazing schedules of programming ever,” said Senior Vice President of Operations Joe Yanarella. “This year there is definitely something for everyone from the hardcore comic fan to aspiring filmmakers and those people who want the inside scoop of what is happening in the world of TV and feature films.”

For a complete list of events, registration forms, guests, activities, ticket prices and times, visit www.wizardworld.com.

Heading Up A Panel With A Sneak Peek Of The Sexy Psychological Thriller From Lakeshore Entertainment “Pathology”

Earlier today, Wizard World Los Angeles, the family-friendly comics and pop culture extravaganza at the LA Convention Center March 14-16, announced that Milo Ventimiglia (”Heroes,” “Rocky Balboa”) has joined the impressive list of celebrities attending Wizard World. Ventimiglia, star of “Pathology” from Lakeshore Entertainment, will be joined by cast mates Alyssa Milano (”Charmed”), Michael Weston (”Scrubs,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Garden State”), and Lauren Lee Smith (”Trick R Treat,” “The L Word”) along with writer/producer David Neveldine and Brian Taylor (directors of “Crank,” “Game,” “Crank 2″) at 12:30 pm on Saturday, March 15th for a very special panel to discuss his sexy psychological thriller “Pathology.”

Mego Benjamin’s Awesome Amazon Recommendations: Heroes - Season One Rocky Anthology (Rocky / Rocky II / Rocky III / Rocky IV / Rocky V) (DVD) Charmed - The Complete Series (DVD) The L Word - The First Four Complete Seasons (DVD)

Pathology follows the story of medical student Ted Gray (Milo Ventimiglia), who after graduating at the top of his class joins one of the nation’s most prestigious pathology programs. With talent and determination, Ted is quickly noticed by the program’s privileged and elite band of interns who invite him into their crowd. Intrigued by his new friends he begins to uncover secrets he never expected and finds that he has unknowingly become a pawn in their dangerous and secret after-hours game at the morgue of who can commit the perfect undetectable murder. As Ted becomes seduced into their wild extracurricular activities the danger becomes real and he must stay one step ahead of the game before he is the next victim.

Immediately following the panel, Milo Ventimiglia, Alyssa Milano, Michael Weston, Laura Lee Smith, Neveldine/Taylor will hold an autograph session at the Golden Apple Comics Booth (Booth #207).

“We love to bring our fans sneak previews and first looks at upcoming projects. We are very pleased to have partnered with Lakeshore to get Milo, the cast and creative team of Pathology to Wizard World,” said Senior Vice President of Operations Joe Yanarella. “All of Milo’s fans from Heroes will get a chance to see him in a very different kind of project.”

For a complete list of events, registration forms, guests, activities, ticket prices and times, visit www.wizardworld.com.

In the spirit of yesterday’s Blog about Christmas catalogs and Mailer Boxes, I have a wonderful opportunity to continue discussing Christmas memories. Back in the 1970s, Christmas was a rare opportunity for most kids to finally get the toys they’d been pining over — and begging for — all year long.

I devoted an entire chapter of World’s Greatest Toys! to Christmas catalogs, this wondrous time of year, and the joys-’n-toys the season brought. Here’s a snippet from the book (page 54, for those reading along), followed by a scan of the cited page-spread:

Mego World’s Greatest Super-Heroes toys appeared in a variety of Christmas catalogs between 1973 and 1981. 1976 marked the last time a retailer promoted new characters; Montgomery Ward added Green Goblin and Lizard from the 3rd Wave, but passed on any of the 4th Wave heroes, including Thor, Conan and the Fantastic Four. Introducing Isis as a “special” in 1976, Montgomery Ward opted against promoting the Teen Titans in 1977. While no American retailers promoted the line past 1980, the Canadian arm of Sears featured four of the remaining characters in their 1981 catalog.

Want to read more? Buy Mego 8″ Super-Heroes: World’s Greatest Toys! Just $32.97 (save 34%)

I think it’s safe to say that all Mego-heads have vivid memories of Mego and Christmas. However, few of us actually have childhood photos to supplement our recollections and collections. Mego super-collector Mike Armes is incredibly fortunate to have both memories and pictures! As you will see in the forthcoming series of Photo Blogs, Mike enjoyed a particularly Mego-centric childhood. When Mego implored consumers to “Collect ‘em all,” Mike’s parents really took it to heart!

Without further ado, I present Part 1 in a series (woo-hoo!) I am calling:

The Mego book includes three photos from Mike’s family photo album, including this shot of Mike holding his RC Batman on Christmas morning in 1973:

Here’s a detail of Mike’s Mego goodness:

What the book didn’t include is a picture from the night before this picture was taken… Christmas Eve 1973. Mike’s parent allowed him to open one toy that night. Mike chose wisely, but before going to bed, he put the toy back in its original packaging and placed it under the tree, to enjoy on Christmas morning:

Dig that vintage Speedaway sled! Here’s a detail of the Mego goodness underneath the Christmas tree, an RC Batman in the 2nd Version box (issued shortly after the original Solid box, which Mego revised to add an acetate window):

I want to thank Mike for sharing these incredible mementos with us.

Mike and I were intrigued by the large, yellow price sticker afixed to the box front. Mike’s father told him the toy was likely purchased at either “Weston’s” or “Jamesway” in upstate New York. I have no memories of either retailer, so I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to post your thoughts and comments on the Mego Museum message board (NB: links to a specific thread about this subject). If you’re not already a member of the Mego Museum, now is the perfect time to join!

I have more great blogs lined up for the near future, including more “Mike Armes’ ’70s Christmas Spectacular” entries. Until then, I’ll see you on the boards!

Benjamin

Blog Credits and legal stuff: Images published by Benjamin Holcomb, Mike Armes and TwoMorrows Publications. All rights reserved. Images may not be reprinted or published without prior written consent from the publishers.

John Borger is a life-long comic book collector. Having recently made out his will, John has decided to donate his entire comic book collection to the University of Minnesota’s Elmer Andersen Library.

John’s wife, Judith Yates Borger, wrote a beautiful Blog about this, and it’s worth a read:

U of M Gets Major Collection — of Comic Books

It’s wonderful to know that this history will be preserved. Even nicer that it will be available to anyone who is interested and able to travel to Minnesota.

Benjamin

We now continue our series of Mego Memories blogs from yesterday, which revealed pictures of the Armes family Christmas in 1973. Today, we skip forward one year, to 1974.

In the book, there are three photos from Mike’s family photo album, including this one:

The caption in the book reads:

Young Mike Armes enjoys the spoils of a Mego-centric Christmas morning in 1974. Mom Jerri Lyn proudly displays boxed Batman and Robin figures (note the box variants and the mini-catalog inside the Batman box) while Mike prepares to open the boxed Batcave behind him or the Platform carded Batmobile in front of him. Mike confirmed he never owned the Batcopter or Batcycle, the only other vehicles Mego distributed on the scarce Platform card.

Here’s a detail of that photo:

The third and final photo in the book:

The caption in the book reads:

Late Christmas morning 1974, and Mike has already manged to lose the green cardboard insert to his boxed Robin figure.

Want to read more? Buy Mego 8″ Super-Heroes: World’s Greatest Toys! Just $32.97 (save 34%)

Here’s a detail of that photo:

Later that same day, Mike changed out of his pajamas and into a blue NASA-style jumpsuit. Mike, who is now a professional musician and television editor, demonstrated an early aptitude for guitar:

Mike also displayed an early passion for Mego packaging, as evidenced by this photo of Mike and his little brother. While Mike’s brother enjoys his loose, Kenner “Duke The Super Adventure Dog” toy, Mike is content to keep his Mego Robin mint in box!

Of course it wasn’t ALL Mego for Mike that year. Earlier in the day, he opened his Playskool “Familiar Places” McDonaldLand playset.

In the foreground, note the super-cool Amazing Spider-Man playset, which featured cardboard stand-ups of Spider-Man characters.

I think the Spider-Man playset was manufactured by either Amsco or Milton Bradley Ideal, but I’m not sure (UPDATE: Mike tells me it was manufactured by Ideal, in 1973). If you have anything to add, please post your thoughts and comments on the Mego Museum message board (NB: links to a specific thread about this subject). If you’re not already a member of the Mego Museum, now is the perfect time to join!

I have more great blogs lined up for the near future, including more “Mike Armes’ ’70s Christmas Spectacular” entries. Until then, I’ll see you on the boards!

Benjamin

Blog Credits and legal stuff: Images published by Benjamin Holcomb, Mike Armes, Mike Armes, Sr., Jeri Lyn Armes and TwoMorrows Publications. All rights reserved. Images may not be reprinted or published without prior written consent from the publishers.

Professional illustrator and Aquaman aficionado Rob Kelly has posted a nice review of the book, along with an interview he conducted a few weeks back.

Read the Blog.

Thanks, Rob!

Benjamin