WIZARD WORLD!

Whew! As I posted earlier, I attended the Chicago stop of the 2008 Wizard World comic/pop culture convention last Friday. I would have stepped up w/ a recap earlier, but I had relatives in over the rest of the weekend and blogger has had issues w/ uploading pics. If I had to describe the experience in one word...i'd probably go w/ overwhelming. If I could use two...overwhelming and AWESOME!

It's just that there was so much to see, do and (cha-ching!) buy, with the extra added pressure of having only one day to do it all in. I had the best intentions to hit up several panels, but only ended up making it to 'Mondo Marvel' where I got a preview of upcoming offerings from their writers/artists/editors. It was cool, but once they got into Q & A w/ the audience...I lost interest and hit the show floor again.

People-watching was a trip, as one could expect. I saw everything from Stormtroopers to entire families dressed up as the Justice League to chicks in some deliciously NSFW costumes of varying themes. A good majority of those pics came out way to blurry to post up, but you can always image search on Flickr to get the point. Full-scale geekery abound!

I nabbed a ton of free swag from DC/Marvel/Image/Dark Horse/Futurama booths, ponied up for a subscription to Wizard magazine, donated $20 to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and got this boss tee featuring Mike Mignola's HELLBOY in return...

...also picked up the New Frontier: Flash, Wizard World Exclusive Zoidberg and Hellboy figures...

...and best of all, I scoured a lot of the bins to get 50 to 75% off the following trade paperbacks...

The Goon, Hellboy, El Superbeasto & Godland (Celestial Edition)

Superman/Madman, World's Funnest, Catwoman & Justice (Vol. I)

As an extra added bonus, I met some new artists and old favorites in the 'Artist Alley' area. It was nice to be able to shake the hands of some of the folks whose work I find pretty amazing and get turned on to some new stuff in the process. No personal sketches were requested, but highlights were meeting...

Nathan Fox, Erik Jones, Art Baltazar & Geof Darrow

I could have spent 10X the dough and another full day of just browsing at all the cool stuff on display. Not only was it a bonanza of comic-related stuff, but everything from Japanese toys to vintage horror/sci-fi movie posters/memorabilia as well. Now that i know what to expect, i'll be ready to wreak havoc at next year's stop, currently slated for early August of 2009.

We'll be getting back to some useless pap not so comic book-centric starting tomorrow, so stay tuned...if you haven't already tuned me out! DOH!

MADMAN Across the Blogger

I was going to do an entire homage/retrospective to my favorite contemporary comic artist, Mike Allred, but decided against it. It's just i'm so enamored w/ the many facets of his work, that I ended realizing an all-encompassing deal would not allow the focus each one deserves. So, instead, i'll be focusing on his hallmark creation...Frank Einstein AKA MADMAN!

As I posted up earlier, while i've been aware of the Madman comic since it's start in the early 90's, it was stumbling across both a copy of the 'Oddity Odyssey' TPB and a sweet looking lunchbox at Half Price Books that kick started my current obsession w/ all things Allred. I've been slowly catching up and building a collection of anything by him I can get my hands on...at least, as much as my wallet will allow.

'Madman Volumes I, II & III (Image Comics)'

Mike's work on Madman is a perfect juxtaposition of a diverse range of artistic styles/influences I hold near and dear...from the pop/lowbrow art of Robert Williams and Gary Baseman...the classic-yet-over the top character development/illustration of the holy trinity of Lee/Kirby/Ditko...the hipper fringe work of Los Brothers Hernandez and Daniel Clowes...even classic sci-fi/monster movies and classic/modern rock music. He has stated in interviews, that Madman is an amalgamation of all the thing he loves and would want to see in a comic and it seems we have similar tastes.

The Reader's Digest version of Frank Einstein's origin consists of him being killed in a car accident, then stitched back together and brought to life by a pair of mad scientists (get it? Frankenstein?). This 'resurrection' leaves him with supernatural reflexes and a slight degree of precognitive/empathic power. He doesn't remember anything about his former life...more so a drove of faint, troubling memories relating to his death. Madman's costume is based upon the only positive thing he remembers from his past: a fascination with a comic book character called Mr. Excitement.

The rogue's gallery of antagonists ranges from his Moriarity-like foil in Mr. Monstatd, renegade robots from Dr. Flem's lab controlled by the mysterious and super-intelligent Factor Max, Mutant Street Beatniks, the diminutive alien Moonboys, a misunderstood adversary made up of Puke and a pair of G-Men straight from Hell. Sound pretty effed up and out there? That, true believers, would be 100% correct!

Madman has been distributed in some capacity by everyone from Oni Press to Darkhorse and seems to have found a home w/ Image via Mike's own label, AAA Pop comics. I've been catching up the old stuff via the trade paperback collections from Image and, lucky for us, the Volume 1 TPB of the current 'Madman Atomic' series hits the shelves in July.

Really, Mike's illustrations/writing combined w/ the beautiful coloring of his partner and wife, Laura Allred are a feast for both the eyes AND your mind. I'll be going into some of his other work over the next few weeks...all of it, equally as mind-numbing. If you are looking for a way to get into all the stuff I blather about here comic and art-wise...Madman is a great way to prep yourself. GINCHY!

Theme Song Plus Bonus Party Cut!

The Ramones versus Spiderman, courtesy of the 'Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits' compilation that was released sometime in the early/mid-90's.

Also worth checking out for the Juliana Hatfield/Tanya Donelly version of the 'Josie & The Pussycats' theme and Liz Phair w/ Material Issue doing the 'The Tra La La Song' from the Banana Splits.

THE MARVEL SUPER HEROES HAVE ARRIVED!

Most guys my age could probably sing the theme song from the opening of 1967 Spiderman cartoon note for note. That should come as no surprise, considering it aired on afternoon TV cartoon blocks well into the 80's. At least for me and my pals, along w/ daily dollops of Brady Bunch, Monkees and (best of all) Munsters re-runs it was a Channel 32 staple.

Not as equally as revered and/or remembered, was the Canadian-produced Marvel Super Heroes show that was originally syndicated to local TV the year prior. Loosely based on the Avengers, each episode featured The Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Sub-Mariner in their own separate mini-adventures...

The series had extremely limited animation produced mostly by xerography, a process where photocopied images are taken directly from the comics and manipulated to minimize the need for animation production. The cartoons were presented as a series of almost static comic-strip panel images...the lips might move slightly when a character spoke and the occasional arm/leg motion in the midst of a throw-down.

This rudimentary, not quite Clutch Cargo-esque animation combined w/ the uber-cheesy theme music, completely buries the needle on the kitsch-o-meter and, all things considered, still managed to maintain an irony-free coolness in my youth. Marvel announced the series in all of the November 1966 'Bullpen Bulletins' that:

'It won't be long before our swingin' super-heroes make their star-studded debut on TV, appearing five nights a week — that's right, five — count 'em — five nights a week, for a half-hour each night. So you've just got time to make sure your set's in good working order — check your local paper for time and station — and prepare to have a ball!'

So, 'have a ball' w/ the following roll-call of sorts (my favorite is the one for Iron Man):

More DC Action Figure Mayhem (w/ FABRIC CAPES!)

Before we get off the subject of DC and action figures...I forgot to post up w/ this a while back, but I picked up the above Toys 'R' Us exclusive two-fer to help bookend my armada of Marvel Mighty Muggs w/ two of DC's biggest icons. The more-contemporary-than-Mego design is based on the Justice League Unlimited animated series and, like the toon itself, I like the Bruce Timm aesthetic used in the look and feel. Plus, for $16...these are a steal.

If I come upon a Wonder Woman and The Flash in the same size, i'll probably throw down for that too. Unfortunately, not that I have anything against John Stewart (i'm voting for Obama for chrissakes), but I kind of wish there was a Hal Jordan/Green Lantern as well.

Speaking of VILLAINS...

...how about this big box 'o' baddies?! That's right, it's the Mego DC Super Foes! I had a whole bunch of these as a kid, including the Joker, Riddler, Batman, Superman and Spiderman. I think my favorite may have been the Joker, as he had a pretty fly set of wheels complete w/ a giant squirting lapel flower...

Plus, c'mon, it's a freaking VAN for chrissakes! Perfect for entertaining your favorite 'fully poseable' ladyfriend...

Awww yeah, baby...you know I like it when you leave those crazy boots and cape on. Errr, ahem, if that ain't enough of a trip for you, take a stroll through the entire universe of vintage Mego madness at the Mego Museum.

MADVILLAINY!!!

An amazing comic-themed music video featuring one comic-themed half of Madvillain, MF Doom. Not only is the video for the classic jam 'All Caps' badass, but Madlib drops a beat sicker than Gamma Radiation Poisoning!

Note the nods to both the Hulk AND Ben Grimm (AKA The Thing) whilest you bob your head, fool!

AMBFAD (Comic) Book Club

'Lobster Johnson: The Iron Prometheus'

Just so we don't get to bogged down in retro-nostalgia, I wanted to post up w/ some more recent work i'm enjoying as well. I've been a big admirer of Mike Mignola's 'Hellboy' since the film thrust the actual comic into the shelves of the more major booksellers. However, due to a current obsession w/ collecting the work of another artist we'll talk about later this week, I have yet to actually add an 'Hellboy' or 'B.P.R.D.' to my collection as of yet.

So funny enough, the first actual Mignola-related book on my shelf, while written by him, is actually drawn by someone else...Jason Armstrong to be exact. Within the Hellboy universe, Lobster Johnson was a clandestine vigilante who worked in NYC during the 1930s. Although the public believes that 'The Lobster' was only the hero of pulp serials and comics, he was a real man who faced gangsters, Nazis and even paranormal threats.

'Lobster Johnson: The Iron Prometheus' is the recently released trade paperback collecting issues 1-5 of his 2007 solo series into one book. The character draws upon a pulpy/b-movie serial mix of Indiana Jones...Doc Savage...The Shadow...The Rocketeer...all to amazingly fun results. The story throws everything but the kitchen sink at you, including (but not limited to) robots, giant snakes, Nazis, a mysterious Fu Manchu like villain and even a...wait for it...YETI!

Couple this rollicking story w/ Armstrong's eye popping artwork that, while leveraging the Mignola aesthetic, more than stands up on it's own and you've got yourself one hellofa good time! I think it just came out this week, so if you are looking for some Summer fun...rock w/ this Lobster, kids.

THE BULLPEN SPEAKS!

Staying with the previous Marvel-centric post, I stumbled upon a cool little gem on YouTube. In 1965, Marvel released a special flexidisc recording featuring the voices of the famous 'Marvel Bullpen' (the staff at the comic book company) to it's fan club members...AKA 'The Merry Marvel Marching Society'.

Anywho, seems Matt from The Happy Show put together a video to go with that recording...so you can get a picture for who's actually talking and see some vintage photos/comics/M.M.M.S. memorabilia in the process...

I've also posted a remastered version of mp3 courtesy of Doug Pratt in the sample area. Fun stuff...NUFF' SAID!

BRRRRR...STICK 'EM! HUH, HUH...STICK 'EM!

As I stated in my earlier post about that 'Wacky Packages' book, if there was one thing I enjoyed as a kid just as much as comic books...it was bubble gum cards/stickers. Needless to say, at the time, the melding of the two was one the best combinations since somebody accidentally dropped their chocolate in someone else's peanut butter.

In the mid-70's, Marvel Comics teamed up w/ the kings of cards, Topps, to pool their collective coolness into a fun set of stickers featuring a who's-who of the Marvel universe...

...as you can see, each sticker featured a heaping helping of the self-effacing, goofy Marvel humor not usually found in their rival DC. Granted, the jokes may not have you rolling in your seat as you read this, but just remember this was pure comedy gold to a grade school-aged sense of humor...

Plus, as Marvel was prone to do, they threw in an extra-added element of promotional/marketing genius. To goose you to keep buying cards until you had them all, not only did throw in the obligatory checklist...

...but the reverse side of each had a full-color section of a famous Marvel comic book cover! That's right, kids...collect all nine unique sections and you could jigsaw yourself together a complete cover. Keen!

I'm sure my folks didn't find them as cool when they had to scrub/scrape them for my bedroom walls and anything else I could plaster them to, but that is the sacrifice one must make for something so freaking cool to exist. At least I tossed that nasty gum out, rather than stick it underneath the coffee table.

New Frontier Plus Bonus Party Cut

'The New Frontier' was also released as an animated film on DVD back in February. I've been slacking on seeing it, but it's in the Netflix que. I have heard good things from trusted sources, both film fanatic and DC fanboy alike.

Here's the cool preview trailer that also gives some more exposure to the comic as well...

AMBFAD (Comic) Book Club

As I stated last week, I received a couple of books for Father's Day and one of them fits nicely w/ this week's 'all-comic' theme. I had been lusting over the Darwyn Cooke's 'The New Frontier: Absolute Edition' for almost a full year prior to my full-fledged return to comic book geekdom. I happened to see it at Borders and was absolutely blown away by the actual art and the unbelievably beautiful presentation it was contained within. It's hefty price tag and moderate level of fandom at that point, kept me from ever picking it up.

The limited series was actually published by DC Comics from 2003 to 2004, collected in two trade paperback volumes in 2004 and 2005 and the mind-numbing Absolute Edition i'm reviewing here in 2006. In fact, the timing of the gift of what looked to be the last copy at our local Borders couldn't have been more appropriate, as it seems to be out of print and going for almost double it's actual price online. That said, it's worth every dime.

The brilliantly thorough story takes place in the mid/late-1950's at the finish of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War...an Atomic Age where the notion of the 'superhero' in decline. Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman, the few standouts who survived the anti-hero sentiment of the Cold War, are joined by newly-minted heroes in fighter pilot Hal Jordan (The Green Lantern), scientists Barry Allen (The Atom) and Ray Palmer (The Flash) to battle the mounting threat of an alien presence on Earth.

These DC mainstays that would eventually become the initial formation of the Justice League of America are wonderfully interwoven w/ the real life issues present at the time, in the threat of atomic warfare, McCarthyism, racism and even the race to be the first country to achieve manned space travel. Additional authenticity and retro-flavoring is provided by the dozens of others characters from the '40s, '50s and '60s eras of DC Comics ranging from forgotten war-comic veterans The Losers to the professional adventurers in The Challengers of the Unknown, just to name a few.

The art that accompanies the story is equally as spectacular and has a retro aesthetic that ends up being a perfect match to the era serving as it's backdrop. Cooke's art style is influenced by Jack Kirby's squared fingers/muscles/jaws; the simple clean lines of Golden Age-era comics and the more modern deco-aesthetics of the recent Superman and Batman animated series (in which Cooke previously worked on as an artist prior to going into printed work). To note, however, the retro feel of the art still ends up coming off as fresh and definitely established Cooke as his own entity.

Finally, the treatment provided to the body of work in the 'Absolute Edition' is utterly phenomenal. A bound, hardcover, slipcased edition with cloth bookmark that houses the restored, corrected and recolored versions of the original work, reprinted at 8 inches by 12 inches. Additional frames cut from the original prints are added back in to achieve an even fuller story and followed up by supplemental materials regarding the creation of the work, including sketches, cover gallery, action-figure diagrams, etc. The crown jewel though, is the page by page annotation section at the end that serves as an excellent companion to the more subtle (but equally as a cool) things going on within the story.

Bottom line, 'The New Frontier: Absolute Edition' is just that...an absolutely perfect way to add this watershed example of how comic books can be true works of art to your bookcase. No blog post can do it justice and if you get the chance, thumb through a copy.

POW! AMBFAD COMIC BOOK WEEK!

As promised, true believers, in recognition of Wizard World Chicago this weekend...it's COMIC BOOK WEEK on AMBFAD! We have some pretty cool comic-related and actual comic book reviews, videos and other fun stuff planned.

So, get in touch w/ your inner geek and let's kick this off in bat-style...

Sorry Kids!

I meant to post up w/ a DVD review, but ended up sidetracked w/ this (and work, of course) most of the day:

'Rare Cult' Limited Edition 6-CD Box Set! Well, not the physical box set itself, but the killer tunes found within. It's out-of-print and a complete treasure chest for a huge Cult fan like myself. Sadly, I also read today that the band either left or was dropped from Roadrunner records. Hopefully they won't stop recording and touring...their most recent was stellar stuff.

Anyhow, i'll post a taste of said rarities and just ask you enjoy your weekend! Get ready for COMIC BOOK WEEK starting Monday!

I've Got a Golden Ticket...

Okay, maybe it's not so much golden as much as it's kind of a yellowy color w/ a ginchy lithographed sticker of authenticity. Regardless, next Friday I will be admitting defeat to my inner geek and heading to the Chicago stop of the traveling Wizard World convention.

While not quite the massive Comicon held every year in San Diego, it's the probably the biggest pop culture-themed convention in the Midwest encompassing TV, Movies, Comics, Toys, Games, Anime, Manga and Cards...especially comics. Outside of music, it pretty much crams everything I dig under one roof.

I'll be throwing down some cash for show exclusive merch like a special edition Dr. Zoidberg Futurama figure, this sweet tumbler/pint glass...

...and any other swell stuff I haven't seen out here in suburbia from the bazillions of shops/retailers in attendance. I'll also be checking out some of panel discussions from DC, Marvel and Image comics and hobnobbing w/ big-time celebrities like the WWF's Iron Shiek, George 'The Animal' Steele and the Honkey Tonk Man. All right up the road in Rosemont, IL at the Donald E. Stephens Convetion Center.

Mrs. Famous was cool w/ me going as long as I promised not to dress up as anybody. Maybe next year...

...or maybe not. In sort of a celebration of my attendance, next week's posts will be completely devoted to comicbook-related subject matter. I realize that won't seem that different than it has been for the past year or so, but we'll be getting really fanboy to get me primed and ready to go. Stay tuned, true believers!

Los Bonus Party Cut!

A fun video for 'Twist 'N' Grind' from the equally as fun 'Twist Party' album from 2006...featuring the always-suave Kaiser George and the delicious, World Famous Pontani Sisters. SWING, BABY!

LOS STRAITJACKETS

'Live in Concert'

Ever since getting an earful of their fantastic 2003 release, 'Supersonic Guitars in 3-D', i've always had a soft spot for these luchadore-masked purveyors of sweet, sweet surf-rock. Said 'soft spot' was fortified after catching them live at Milwaukee's Summerfest shortly thereafter. Not only did the music rock, but you have to respect anybody who can do an entire show in July heat wearing masks and black turtlenecks!

Gimmicks aside, Los Straitjackets are truly one of the most proficient surf (and more) bands out there today. Their recorded work speaks for itself, but one really needs to see/hear them live to understand exactly how badass they really are. Luckily, thanks to Yep-Roc records...you can now do both!

'Live in Concert' is a double-whammy of a release on both DVD and LP. Filmed/recorded in 2005 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco in luxurious Dolby 5.1 surround sound and crystal clear video...it serves as nice document of the band's tasty guitar hi-jinks, choreographed stage show and all-around showmanship. A healthy setlist of both their most excellent covers and equally as awesome originals makes for a satisfying viewing/listening for the entire family!

I'd recommend getting the DVD, but you can also get two-versions on iTunes (both standard LP and extended w/ additional tunes from the DVD). It's been out there a little bit over a month, so go get some today Daddy-O! As usual, call me your pusherman and take a hit in the sample area...surf's up, get hooked!

HULK (IS A) SMASH!

I went into the latest Marvel blockbuster w/ the slightly bitter aftertaste of the Ang Lee take on the Green Goliath still in my mouth. I'm happy to report, that the Mach 2 version of 'The Incredible Hulk' exceeded my expectations and ended up being a completely engaging flick from start to finish.

In one of the biggest differences between the 2003 version and this one, the CGI FX ended up being extremely well done...much better than the trailers let on. The fight sequences pitting the Hulk against military forces sent in to bring him in and eventual nemesis, The Abomination, were tight and resisted the temptation to be as overblown as the last flick. Bringing the main character and his equally-as-mutated antagonist to life is no short order and director Louis Leterrier did a great job making the computer-generated actors seem more human (to use the term loosely).

Just as enjoyable as the eye-catching FX was the story itself and the actors that brought it to life. Ed Norton did a fine job as Bruce Banner in a well-written script much more akin to the TV show than anything else. That said, i've always believed the success of these comic films is based equally on the strength of the villain(s) than the hero. Lucky for us, both William Hurt and Tim Roth end up fitting the bill w/ stellar results. Equally as fun, is the set-up for another classic Hulk baddie in The Leader and future friend/foe Doc Samson.

The film is also loaded w/ so many little 'easter eggs' in the way of references to other Marvel entities and well-placed cameos, that my bet is that even the most jaded fanboy cracked a smile more than once while viewing. This is the second self-financed production from Marvel Studios ('Iron Man' the first) and it looks as if the creative control afforded to them makes a huge difference in comparison to some of the earlier stinkers like 'Daredevil' and both 'Fantastic Four' movies. They are hellbent on weaving these franchises together as well on the road to a possible 'Avengers' film...a prospect both exciting and frightening.

Until then, I highly recommend you 'go green' and check this one out while it's on the big screen...well worth it and enough to tie me over until July's big event in 'The Dark Knight'. Enjoy, true believers!

Big Daddy of them All

Hey kids! Happy belated Father's Day to all those w/ anklebiters spawned from their loins. I had a great weekend that included a couple of free hours to go see a movie (review forthcoming), receiving a couple of tickets for both a Wrigley Field tour and a minor league game being played there by the Peoria Chiefs/Kane County Cougars AND a couple of killer books (reviews forthcoming) i've been lusting after.

Of course, while all that stuff is awesome...it pales in comparison to the awesomeness of my velociraptor-like sons and the lovely, patient Mrs. Famous who brought them forth upon society. Without either of them, I wouldn't be joining in the festivities outside of giving me own Pa the much-deserved kudos he deserves and equally deserved shout-out to other good Dads around the world.

They make me earn it, but i'm proud as hell of both O and Lo...honored every time they address me as 'Daddy'. RESPECT!

STAY TUNED!

I'm going to do some fine-tuning around here over the next few days, so if things get out of whack or goofy...stay calm. Read a book, go skinny dipping, build a time machine, whatever...we'll be back to bombarding you w/ piping-hot gamma rays and useless e-crap soon! THANKS FOR WATCHING!

Everybody Wants Some?

The one comic book/graphic novel-related flick hitting theatres this Summer I haven't actually posted about, 'Wanted' is starting to look like it'd be fun. Again, don't know if it looks fun enough to go see it in the theatre, but worth mentioning I suppose.

I didn't read the actual graphic novel it's loosely based on, so I don't have a full frame of reference. Might be for the best, because the plot line for the novel sounds way too badass to ever translate successfully to film...which is probably why the project has received a cautious, oft pessimistic, response from the bloggers and fanboys alike.

That said, for those of us who haven't read the novel, it looks like a fun little mega-buck hi-tech FX ultraviolence-infused action flick w/ some Angelina Jolie-supplied skin to move the needle on testosterone-meter even further. Hits theatres on 27-June, so I guess we'll see how good (or bad) it is then. I'm a sucker for a good action blockbuster and all, but i'll wait for the reviews.

My New Desktop Wallpaper!

Entire cast of 'Futurama'. Coolest thing i've seen since...well, this:

Let's Take a Look at the AMBFAD Doppler...

I'm no Tom Skilling, so this classic video for the equally as classic Cult tune will have to do. Stay dry everybody!

AMBFAD Book Club

Nobody does it better. Well, at least to my knowledge, nobody has done it better than Penguin Publishing. To coincide w/ the 100th anniversary of Ian Fleming's birth, they've given the Bond novels the much-deserved face lift the classic series deserves.

Artist Michael Gillette was commissioned to paint fourteen iconic covers and I can't think of any other way to describe them than: SEXY. Each cover taps into the iconic concept of the 'Bond Girl', made almost as famous as 007 himself thanks to Hollywood, done up in a colorful 60's vibe to eye-catching results.

Fourteen book biographies, one for each back flap, replaced the usual author biography (which is found on page one). A short extract from each book graces the back cover.

The books are also numbered on their spines for the completist who wants to savor each story in order. The extra touch of a coordinating female silhouette adds to the package as well.

I think I ended up checking out and reading just about all of these from the library as a kid, so it's cool to see such great stories get an equally great look to match. Unfortunately, while the swanky, demi-format hardbacks were published on 29-May, they are currently available only in the UK and the £210 it'll cost you to order the entire set comes out to ~ $400 USD! A little too steep for my blood.

Luckily, the most recent paperback versions currently available in the states are pretty damn retro-cool looking as well...

...and, as the excellent stories within are the most important part anyways, totally worth the $13 to add to your home library. Trust me, at least in this case, you CAN judge a book by it's cover...these read just as fun as they look.

If you want more info, check out the killer 007 microsite Penguin has set up HERE!

Flying Saucers Invade My DVD Player!

I got a little sidetracked by the whole Democratic primary thing and didn't have a chance to post a review, but over the weekend I had the opportunity to enjoy another retro sci-fi classic via Netflix in 'Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers'. Between the film being in glorious black and white, the mega-cheesy acting/dialogue and some of the dated FX...it was good old fashioned fun, in a 'Saturday afternoon TV movie' sort of way.

It's 1956, a year before the first satellite (Sputnik I) went into orbit and 'Project Skyhook', a U.S. effort to launch a dozen satellites (not Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), is visited by a flying saucer. Akin to those AT&T cellphone commericals, the head scientist (Hugh Marlowe) misses the aliens intergalactic booty-call about hooking up to trade science stuff and casserole recipes. Not quite missing out on Motorhead tickets, but it does lead to the visitors arriving unannounced and promptly being introduced to 50's flavored 'shock and awe'.

As expected, the visitors respond in kind by immediately attacking in retaliation with some bad ass disintegration rays. Events quickly spiral out of control (he said, it said) and leads to a full scale invasion on Washington, DC, Paris, London and Moscow. In the end, not to ruin it for you or anything, the alien saucers are defeated over the skies of Washington by a device using 'high-power sound coupled with an electric field' that stops the saucers' propulsion systems and crash into things like an old lady that can't see over the dashboard.

Fun stuff. Even though I earlier called the FX 'dated', the best characters in the flick end up being the Saucers themselves...brought to life by the legendary Ray Harryhausen ('Mighty Joe Young', 'Seven Voyages of Sinbad', 'Jason and the Argonauts'). While the stop-motion animation he made famous has been rendered obsolete by today's technology, it does a pretty admirable job of fucking up the White House years before Bill Pullman would be elected President.

Maybe i'm just a sucker for the retro-charm of it all, but I dare you take a look for yourself via the trailer below and not fall in love w/ those whirling, national-monument-destroying bastards. WATCH THE SKIES, BITCHES!