Once Upon a Geek

The Battlestar Galactica Colorforms Adventure Set Deluxe Edition was released in 1978.  I remember playing with these and other Colorforms sets for hours and hours.  Somewhere along the line I lost my BSG Colorforms, but my good buddy Ravenface was kind enough to supply me with a set he bought in a garage sale back in the late 1990s.  I think he got it for $1.  Nowadays you can find them online with prices ranging from $23 – $36.

What a gorgeous cover!  I used to have a poster of that image!  Loved it!  The set is huge too – the box measures 12.5″ x 15.5″.  Above you can see the exterior of the box with the quote, “Create exciting scenes from BATTLESTAR GALACTICA with Coloforms plastic that Sticks like Magic.  Can be used over and over again. Never wears out.”  I don’t know about “never”, but 30 yahrens later and they still sort-of stick.  However, the typographical error on the box cover is driving me mad!  On the fourth line the word “Sticks” is capitalized.  There is no reason for that!  Arrgghhh!  The proofing Nazi in me is unforgiving.  With that said, my grammar is terrible, so I really can’t fault them.

Below you’ll see the interior of the set.  I always loved the booklet as  kid.  You could see example play-scenes and other available products.  In this booklet they are advertising: Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, Ernie & Bert, Cookie Monster, Barbie, Holly Hobbie, Batman, and Raggedy Ann.  There is also a note to the parents worth repeating:

To the Parent – Colorforms’ toys help your child develop and improve these six important skills: 1) Finger dexterity, 2) Sense of spatial relationship, 3) Size matching, 4) Building ability, 5) Color Sense, and 6) Sense of neatness and order.

Who knew we were learning while having fun?!?!?

Here is a close-up of the yellow Colorforms.  The dork in me can easily recognize the characters.  I’m pretty confident that is Baltar, Cassiopeia, and Apollo.

Close-up of the blue Colorforms.  Clearly the Cylons.  I like their big meaty helmets.

Here we’ve got Athena, Muffit the Daggit, and Starbuck.  I’m pretty sure this one is Starbuck based upon the longer hair and the cape.  It’s possilbe that I’ve got Apollo and Starbuck backwards, but does anyone but me really care that much?

Here we’ve got Boxy and Ovion bug monsters from the casino on Carillon.

And finally, here is the playset depicting one of the greatest moments of Battlestar Galactica.  It’s the … It’s the… Escape from Hoth?  WTF?  I have no idea what this setting is supposed to be.  Turrets and a crazy looking X-Wing fighter?  Maybe someone from the 20th Century Fox studio got drunk and barged into the Universal City Studios Colorforms department.  Yeah, that’s makes sense.

There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with tribes of humans who may have been the forefathers of the Egyptians, or the Toltecs, or the Mayans. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive somewhere beyond the heavens…

Mattel’s DC Universe Classics line has a new Blue Devil action figure coming our way this spring!  Check it out below.

This figure is part of DC Universe Classics wave 13 and will be available this spring or summer at Wal-Mart.

If you’re a long time reader of ONCE UPON A GEEK, then you know I’m a big Blue Devil fan.  Part of me is really excited about this figure, part of me is disappointed.  I’m excited because Blue Devil deserves the recognition and anything that puts him in the limelight helps to speed his return to monthly comics.  I’m disappointed because this figure just doesn’t look quite right to me.  It seems that toy manufactures have a hard time capturing Paris Cullins’ Blue Devil likeness.  Click here to see previous Blue Devil action figures.  Below you’ll find Paris Cullins’ Blue Devil.  Maybe it’s just me, but new figure’s face, horns, and muscle bulk doesn’t seem to match.  What do you think?

Pic and release information from Comic Book Resources.

Check out this advertisement for Star Wars toys available from Kenner.  This ad appeared in comic books in late 1979.  I owned nearly all of these toys.  The only item on this page I didn’t own was the Imperial Troop Transporter (it wasn’t in the film, so I wasn’t interested).  Given the amount of Star Wars product on the market today, it’s hard to remember a time when there wasn’t much available.  The idea of owning all Star Wars products nowadays is nearly inconceivable.   Ahhhh… the good ole days.

Click the image to enlarge.

I love me some Back to the Future.  Being a time travel nut, I can’t help but love these movies!  While I was cleaning out my step-son’s room this past weekend, I stumbled across the toys below.

I’ll be honest, I have no idea where the DeLorean on the left came from.  I suspect it was some fast-food giveaway in 2005 when the DVDs of the films were released.  The DeLorean in the middle came from a 1989 Back to the Future Texaco Havoline Gas Station Micro-Machine playset (the set also came with a future Police car). The DeLorean on the right came from McDonald’s in 1991 promoting the Back to the Future animated series.

I guess I’d seen all of these at one time or another, but seeing all three together surprised me. I didn’t think there were a lot of toys for the movies.  Then I decided to Google “Back to the Future toys“.  Holy crud!  I had no idea there were so many toys associated with these films.

The DeLorean on the right got me thinking about the animated series.  I never saw the cartoon, but was always curious about it.  Then I checked out YouTube for the “Back to the Future” cartoon.  First up are the opening credits to Season 1 of the Back to the Future animated series.

Second up are the opening credits to Season 2 of the Back to the Future animated series.

Well… that cured me of my interest in seeing the animated series.

Here are the Doctor Who Time Squad figures from Character Options.  Aren’t these the cutest geek toys ever?!?!  Apparently they came out back in March, but somehow I missed them.  Now I’m going to have to get my hands on some.  If anyone finds a good source here in the United States to order them from, please let me know.

Released so far are (from back to front, L to R): Pyrovile Centurion, Scarecrow, Supreme Dalek, Clockwork Man, Weeping Angel, Sontaran, Sycorax, Bronze Dalek, Natural Ood, Slitheen, The Doctor, Black Dalek, Vashta Nerad, Cyberman, and Davros.

The image above comes from Flickr.

I recently participated in a team-up between my Firestorm blog and a friend’s Green Arrow blog.  That inspired me to dig out the various Green Arrow action figures I own.  There are TONS of Green Arrow action figures out there.  Click here to see how many come up on Google Images if you don’t believe me.  I don’t own even a fraction of them.  However, I’m pleased with the ones I have and thought I would showcase them today.

The Green Arrow figure below is from the DC Direct Hard Traveling Heroes line released back in 2000. They did a great job capturing Neal Adams’ Green Arrow.  The figure stands about six inches high and includes a boxing glove arrow, a drill arrow, and a handcuff arrow.  Love it!  Without a doubt this is my favorite Green Arrow action figure.

The classic Green Arrow action figure below came out in 1999.  It was in the DC Super Heroes Silver Age Collection, and was designed to emulate the classic Mego style.  He stands about nine inches tall.

The Connor Hawke Green Arrow figure below also came out in 1999 as part of the Total Justice line of action figures.  He stands nearly five inches tall.

The figure below isn’t really an action figure, it’s a posed PVC piece of Green Arrow.  It’s from the DC Direct Justice League of America PVC Set.  He stands about four inches high.

The final item below is a Heroclix of Green Arrow.  It stands nearly two inches high.  I purchased it in 2003 while at DragonCon and got Judd Winick to sign it (he was the writer of the Green Arrow comic).  In my own defense, I didn’t realize what a tool he was at the time.  It was actually during that convention when I realized it.  Cool looking Heroclix though.

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For more Green Arrow excitement, be sure to follow the Green Arrow blog – Dispatches from the Arrowcave!

In case you missed it yesterday, there was an awesome crossover between fourteen different blogs celebrating the 25th anniversary of Kenner’s Super Powers Collection.  In fact, it was so well received that other blogs joined in!  Check these sites out:

• Michael over at The Legion Omnicom jumped in with both feet and did his own entry into the crossover on the Super Powers Tyr figure!
• Rick was kind enough to promote the crossover on his blogs, Mail it to Team-Up and Plastic Man Platitudes.
• Bubba Shelby gave us a shout-out over at his outstanding toy blog, Toyriffic.
• Finally, Matt over at No Cure for Comics discussed the crossover and even included a Super Powers TV commercial!  Matt moderates the fantastic Comic Blog Elite toplist.

Some of the bloggers involved have plans to make further posts celebrating the Super Powers Collection.  So keep visiting these blogs and others for additional posts: The Aquaman Shrine, Crimson Lightning, Bat-Blog, and …nurgh….

I’m still reeling from all the great information put forth by everyone involved in the crossover.  Below is the list of all the blogs involved in the crossover.  If you haven’t checked them all out, I strongly encourage you to.  There is some great commentary, neat collectibles, and some funny stuff.  Well worth your time.

• Rob (the blogger who inspired most of us to start our own superhero blogs) rolls out the pomp and circumstance for the King of the Seven Seas over at The Aquaman Shrine.
• Frank investigates J’onn J’onzz, the Manhunter from Mars, at Idol-Head of Diabolu.
• Tommy applies his detective skills to the Batman universe of characters over at the Bat-Blog.
• The Clowny Princess brings us a different view at her blog dedicated to the Clown Prince of Crime, Love Dat Joker.
• Kelson types the fastest blog alive and covers the Flash over at Speed Force.
• Running side-by-side with Kelson is Dixon’s Flash blog over at Crimson Lighting.
• Frank explores the figures and mini-comics that might have been for Justice League Detroit.
• Luke provides the rundown on the winged wonder, Hawkman, over at the cleverly named blog Being Carter Hall.
• Doug puts a new spin on the adventures of Red Tornado over at his Doom Patrol blog, My Greatest Adventure 80.
• Adama keeps Green Arrow’s aim true over at Dispatches from the Arrow Cave.
• Michael provides up, up and away coverage of Superman over at the Fortress of Baileytude.
• Frank tackles as many Super Powers mini-comics today as humanly possible over at his blog called … nurgh …
• Finally, I tackled Firestorm’s Super Powers antics over at my other blog, Firestorm Fan.

My thanks to everyone involved in the crossover and to anyone who enjoyed reading it!

*** UPDATED WITH MORE LINKS ***

CELEBRATING DOCTOR FATE (AND NEARLY BLUE DEVIL) IN THE SUPER POWERS COLLECTION!

Fourteen different blogs have combined forces today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kenner’s Super Powers Collection! While we’ll be looking at Doctor Fate here (as well as the proposed Blue Devil figures), every other blog in the crossover will cover different action figures or mini-comics from the Super Powers Collection.  Back in 1984, Kenner released the first wave of Super Powers action figures based upon heroes and villains from DC comics. While there was a fairly large marketing campaign, I doubt they realized just how celebrated these figures would become.

ACTION FIGURES

The first wave of figures had characters like Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman, Hawkman, the Joker, Lex Luthor, Brianiac and the Penguin.  Two more waves were released, bringing the line to a total of 33 figures.  One of the primary reasons the Super Powers Collection became so successful was that the molds were very good. These figures actually looked like the characters in the comics. That may sound like a no-brainer in the age of DC Direct and McFarlane Toys, but keep in mind prior to the Super Powers Collection adherence to characters likeness wasn’t exactly a priority. Another reason for the line’s success was the inclusion of popular heroes and some relatively unknown characters (I mean, who really demanded a Tyr figure anyway?). This mixture proved to be popular with comic book fans and kids alike. Finally, some people will argue that the “Power Action” hidden gimmick in each figure was a big selling point. I don’t necessarily agree with that, but hey, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, right?

The Doctor Fate action figure was released as part of Wave 2 in 1985. This figure was really the first tangible piece of Doctor Fate merchandise, outside of his comic book appearances. To this day, I still think his helmet looks phenomenal!  Check out the Super Powers Collection Doctor Fate action figure below!

Below-Left is a picture of the Super Powers Collection Doctor Fate still on the card. This is the Canadian version, which I’ve seen advertised recently on the card for as much as $369 in near-mint condition.  Below-Right is the file card found on the back of the packaging explaining more about Doctor Fate.

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Each of the Super Powers figures had a hidden gimmick, referred to as “Power Action”. In Doctor Fate’s case it was a “Power Action Mystic Spell Cast”. By squeezing his legs together, his arms would move up and down. I suppose this was to simulate Doctor Fate casting one of his trademark Ankh Bolts. While the gimmick was nice (especially since it didn’t disrupt the appearance of the figure), it really wasn’t necessary to the character.

To see the “Power Action Mystic Spell Cast” in action, check out the Super Powers review site done by Cool Toy Review. Go to the bottom of the page and roll over the photo to see Doctor Fate in action.

MINI-COMICS

The first two waves of Super Powers action figures each came with a mini-comic book starring that particular character. These comics were 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches, and had 13 pages of story.

Not much information exists about who the writers and artists were for these mini-comics.  Paul Kupperberg (writer of the full-sized DC Super Powers mini-series from 1985 and 1986) had this to say about Kenner’s Super Powers Collection mini-comics, “I wrote only one of the Kenner minis, for Steppenwolf (#13). Alas, I have no real memory of having done it. Art looks to be Jose Delbo. The rest were probably written by the likes of Jack Harris, Rozakis, and the like. Wish I could remember more about them: don’t even recall who the project editor was…probably Barry Marx, who worked under Joe Orlando in Special Projects.“  Special thanks to The Aquaman Shrine for the quote!

Doctor Fate had his own mini-comic in which he battled the brainwashed Superman and Martian Manhunter.  The mini-comics served to introduce the characters to new readers, as well as to promote other action figures in the line. While both Superman and Martian Manhunter co-starred in Doctor Fate’s mini-comic, they also had figures of their own in the Super Powers line. In the same vein, Doctor Fate appeared in the mini-comics of Steppenwolf, Kalibak, Desaad, and the Parademons.

Here is the Doctor Fate Super Powers Collection mini-comic in its entirety:

For more Superman Super Powers coverage, be sure to check out Michael’s blog today, FORTRESS OF BAILEYTUDE.  For more on Martian Manhunter’s Super Powers activities, be sure to check out Frank’s IDOL-HEAD OF DIABOLU blog today.

I remember at the time being very confused by Doctor Fate’s mini-comic and his appearance in the full-sized 1985 DC Super Powers mini-series.  In both stories, Doctor Fate (who was from Earth-2) was interacting freely with characters from Earth-1.  This made no sense to my youthful continuity-laden brain.  While I knew there were rare crossovers between the two Earths, it would have been worth mentioning if the good Doctor had indeed crossed the multiverse.  The truth behind Doctor Fate’s presence would become apparent five months later when Crisis on Infinite Earths began to wrap up.  The multiverse was destroyed, leaving one unified Earth in which Doctor Fate coexisted with all the other DC characters.   However, for those five months I was one confused kid.

Doctor Fate also appeared in the Paul Kupperberg written Steppenwolf mini-comic.  I have to say that I found it interesting that the mystical guy is the one who reparied the computer problem.  Unusual.  For more on Red Tornado’s contribution to the Super Powers Collection, check out Doug’s Doom Patrol blog today, MY GREATEST ADVENTURE 80. Below are a few Doctor Fate-centric pages from the Steppenwolf mini-comic:

In the Kalibak mini-comic, Doctor Fate does some trippy mojo and creates demonic illusions of Superman and Red Tornado in order to scare off Kalibak.  Just a reminder, for more Superman Super Powers action check out FORTRESS OF BAILEYTUDE; for more Red Tornado Super Powers action check out Doug’s Doom Patrol blog today, MY GREATEST ADVENTURE 80.  Below are a few Doctor Fate-centric pages from the Kalibak mini-comic:

In the Desaad mini-comic we get to watch Doctor Fate get his butt handed to him.  Don’t worry, he eventually gets rescued by Green Arrow and Robin.  For more Green Arrow Super Powers coverage, be sure to check out Adama’s blog today, DISPATCHES FROM THE ARROW CAVE.  Head on over to Tommy’s BAT-BLOG today for more on Batman & Robin’s activities in the Super Powers Collection.  Below are a few Doctor Fate-centric pages from the Desaad mini-comic:

For Doctor Fate’s involvement in the Parademons mini-comic, check out FIRESTORM FAN today for all the details.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a Doctor Fate comic tribute without showing some Ankh Bolts!!!

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UNPRODUCED BLUE DEVIL AND SHOCKWAVE SUPER POWERS FIGURES

Many people don’t realize this, but there were additionally planned, yet unproduced action figures for the Super Powers Collection. Turns out that Kenner was working on several figures for release after the third wave. You can read all about it, see presentation artwork, and mock-up figures by clicking here.

Two of the unproduced figures were Blue Devil and Shockwave (a Blue Devil villain). While we don’t know when they were hoping to release them, we do know the Shockwave figure got fairly far along in the manufacturing process.  A prototype for the Shockwave figure was found by a collector and can be seen below.  The detail is amazing on this prototype!

Below is a custom mock-up of what Blue Devil’s Super Powers action figure could have looked like.  Nicely done by Jason Geyer. It makes me sad these figures never came to be.  They would have been a revered part of my childhood.

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CRISIS ON EARTH-BLOG  **UPDATED**

As mentioned, fourteen different blogs (**UPDATE** fifteen) have teamed-up today to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Super Powers Collection. While I’m featuring Doctor Fate and Blue Devil here on my site, you can visit these other character-specific blogs to see how they spotlight their own favorite characters today. Be sure to check out:

• Rob (the blogger who inspired most of us to start our own superhero blogs) rolls out the pomp and circumstance for the King of the Seven Seas over at The Aquaman Shrine. Also, thanks to Rob for the excellent “Crisis on Earth-Blog” logo!  **UPDATE** Rob followed up a couple days later with an additional post on the Super Powers Give-A-Show projector.
• Frank investigates J’onn J’onzz, the Manhunter from Mars, at Idol-Head of Diabolu. **UPDATE** Frank followed up with four additional posts.  (1) Doctor Fate mini-comic, (2) Mantis mini-comic, (3) Martian Manhunter Super Powers action figure, and (4) Super Powers #1 Martian Manhunter biography.
• Tommy applies his detective skills to the Batman universe of characters over at the Bat-Blog.  Also, special thanks to Tommy for the fantastic “Super Powers 25th Anniversary” logo!  **UPDATE** Tommy did eight separate Super Powers related posts. (1) Super Powers 25th Batman & Robin Wallpapers, (2) Batman-related spin-off products, (3) The Penguin action figure and mini-comic, (4) The Joker action figure and mini-comic, (5) Batman, Robin and Riddler toys, comics and vehicles, (6) Super Powers Batman-related cup holders, (7) a post with links to all the other participating blogs, and (8) Super Powers action figure and vehicle original production art.
• The Clowny Princess brings us a different view at her blog dedicated to the Clown Prince of Crime, Love Dat Joker.
• Kelson types the fastest blog alive and covers the Flash over at Speed Force.
• Running side-by-side with Kelson is Dixon’s Flash blog over at Crimson Lighting.  **UPDATE** Dixon followed up with four additional posts. (1) Super Powers Flash action figure, (2) Super Powers TV commercial with Flash, (3) Super Powers #2 comic book cover, and (4) complete Super Powers Flash mini-comic.
• Frank explores the figures and mini-comics that might have been for Justice League Detroit.  **UPDATE** Frank has followed up with two additional posts, one on the Super Amigos Vibe mini-comic and the other on the Super Amigos Vixen mini-comic.
• Luke provides the rundown on the winged wonder, Hawkman, over at the cleverly named blog Being Carter Hall.  **UPDATE** Luke followed up with another post on Super Powers Puffy Stickers.
• Doug puts a new spin on the adventures of Red Tornado today over at his Doom Patrol blog, My Greatest Adventure 80.
• Adama keeps Green Arrow’s aim true over at Dispatches from the Arrow Cave.
• Michael will be providing up, up and away coverage today of Superman over at the Fortress of Baileytude.
• Frank tackles as many Super Powers mini-comics today as humanly possible over at his blog called … nurgh … **UPDATE** Frank managed to get through all the mini-comics!  Starting with #1-8, then #9-16, and finally #17-23.
• Finally, today I’ll be tackling Firestorm’s Super Powers antics over at my other blog, Firestorm Fan.
• **UPDATE** A surprising fifteenth entry appeared by Michael over at The Legion Omnicom covering the Tyr Super Powers action figure from the Legion of Super-heroes.  Thanks for joining in Michael!

While the following blogs are not participating in today’s crossover, I’d like to thank them for their support.  For various reasons, they were unable to join us today but have been very supportive of the project.  Thanks!

• Ryan over at Green Lantern Spotlight
• **UPDATE** Rick was kind enough to promote our blog crossover on Plastic Man Platitudes and Mail it to Team-up
• **UPDATE** Bubba Shelby was also kind enough to promote our blog crossover on his site Toyriffic.  In September, Bubba Shelby did a post on the Super Powers Parademon action figure.
• **UPDATE** Matt over at No Cure for Comics and PopCultureShock discussed the crossover and even included a Super Powers TV commercial!
• **UPDATE** Reis over at About.com Guide to Action Figures talked about our blog crossover.

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CONCLUSION

What a great series of action figures!  For those of us who owned some back in the day, we’ll never forget the magic of these toys.  My thanks to all the bloggers involved today in this crossover event!  Happy Birthday Super Powers Collection!

I got my Blue Devil DC Direct action figure a couple weeks ago, but this is the first chance I’ve had to write about it.  The figure looks great!  Below you’ve got a picture of the Blue Devil packaging.  This figure is part of the History of the DC Universe series of figures, all based upon George Perez artwork.  While Perez is a master artist, it would have been nice if the figure had been based on the Paris Cullins drawings.  Oh well, I guess I should just be happy that we got a new Blue Devil figure at all.

The next picture is Blue Devil out of the package.  Of course I took him out of the package.  I’m not a collector of toys, I’m a guy who wants to play with his toys.  The details and colors on this figure are really great; the horns, the earring, the devil design on the outfit, the goatee, etc.  I especially love the trident.  They did a really good job getting the trident’s shape correct.  The only disappointing aspect of the figure are the red eyes.  While I’m sure Blue Devil had red eyes at some point or another, his eyes were a normal white for 99.9% of his appearances.

Finally, the back of the package had little blurbs on each figure in the series.  Below is the blurb about Blue Devil:

You should be able to find the DC Direct Blue Devil figure in your local comic shop.

A while back my wife picked up these cute Star Wars Muppet pvc figures for me at one of the Disney theme parks.  They are adorable!  Characters include:

• Fozzie the Bear as Chewbacca  (brilliant casting!)
• Rizzo the Rat as Yoda  (love the green ears!)
• Gonzo as Darth Vader  (hilarious!)
• Kermit the Frog as Luke Skywalker
• Beaker as C3PO  (too funny!)
• Miss Piggy as Princess Leia

These little figures look great on my desk! You can pick up a set yourself at the Disney Parks or online. For more on Star Wars Muppets, click here for StarWars.com or click here for the Muppet Wiki.