frozentundraguy

I don't have a lot of Christmas covers, but this Western cover should work here. #73

Neat books, a splendid array of Christmas covers. (thumbs u

Thanks Stevenrams, Speaking of Batman books with cool covers, "The King of the Cats" seems exceptionally gifted.

Just received this book in the mail today.

I see there is a crossover between these Harvey War books and Showcase 42, as the artist for all is Lee Elias. (thumbs u The third issue has a wrinkled effect that I cannot recall seeing before. Impeccible books as usual.

Well worth another peek Hepcat. (thumbs u Thanks to Silver for posting this book not too long ago. Another recent acquisition. Has anyone seen Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn in the 1938 film 'Brining Up Baby" recently? It makes me wonder if Grant was the inspriation for Superman. In the movie, when Grant has a hat and glasses on he looks like Kent, and a bit like Superman when they are off. A quick check on the Wiki article on Clark Kent confirms this has been noticed before.

Aarghh The last one I need for this incredible (and I mean that literally) 3-issue run. What I like about Pirana is that there are so many absurdities, starting with the name. "Pirana" on the cover is an accepted variant of the spelling, though most times I've seen it in print it's Piranha . Leave that aside it's a freshwater fish. Rivers and lakes. This guy spends all his time in the ocean. His sidekicks are two barracuda, imaginatively named "Barra" and "Cuda". Barracuda are known for fearsome sets of dentures, so these guys spend their time "bumping" the bad guys. Pirana would be better off with a couple of electric eels. (thumbs u This cover.I like the way the "bubble trail" from the sinking or sunk boat breaks up the CCA stamp. Cute. What I have difficulty working out is the perspective in this drawing. The "Human Anchor" (I'll get to him in minute) is standing on the sea floor, attached via a chain to a boat. Is this on the surface? Can't be, bubbles present. Underwater some distance away? Umm yes, but seems to be below the anchor. How can that be if he's on the sea floor? Undersea mountain range? I haven't read this book, but I need to know, frozentundraguy, what is the Human Anchor's story? Just grabs random ship anchors and drags the boats to Davy Jones' Locker? Duffman, What is the Human Anchor's Story. He is a hired thug for Brainstorm. He and the Brainstorm look nearly identical, but for the Human Anchor's extra girth, and the stars that revolve around the Brainstorm head that is. As it turns out the Brainstorm has quite a few tricks to dole out to the Pirana. Chief among them, and I'm not making this up, is Murderina Mermaid. She is turned loose on the Pirana, and he falls for her hook line and anchor. As far as the Human Anchor, he is dealt with by Bara and Cuda, though they need some extra gadgetry to tackle him. He does attempt to drag the Pirana's boat under at one pont in the story, so the action depicted on the cover is present in the story. The book really departs from the norm with the letter page, as the characters of the book give voice to their thoughts, including bara and Cuda, along with Pirana's girfriend Betty, who doesnt even appear in the story. Since #3 was the last issue, there wasnt a chance for feeback from the readers. Hepcat, Thanks for the "kudos".

I have seen this issue lurking in the box with Harvey, Gold Key, an and other assorted comics since this summer at the LCS. Curiosity finally got the better of me. I wasn't even sure if the title was Thrill-o-Rama or Pirhana until I got home. Thrill-O-Rama # 3 Dec 1966

Dad just bought a much BETTER one!! Cool, a duplicate of a Key #1 issue, a "problem" we would all like to have.

For Hepcat & the other "cool cats" around here. Since its only 10 days to Christmas I might as well share my somewhat long. but remember, I was aiming to produce an "epic" Christmas poem. Based loosely, on the goings on in my family at this time of year. So grab a cold one settle in and enjoy. Read it outloud, with the proper pace, if no ones within earshot. A Modern Christmas Poem – 2001 by Frozen Tundra Guy It was the month before Christmas, while out at the mall, The shoppers were splurging, then … they were ready to haul. The Explorer’s and Suburban’s, were all set to leave, onto highways and expressways … where they will madly weave. While at home children, sat eerily entranced As tv’s, Nintendos, and computers all danced. With the latest entertainment, pop culture, and an awesome web site, the kids were merrily multitasking … well into the night. While back on the freeways, the vehicles were all stuck, in monstrous backups and tie-ups, we wish the other guy good luck. But then in a wave, of holiday cheer, perhaps granted by some drivers, who’d glanced in their mirror. The traffic abated, and started to flow, as frustrated, frazzled drivers … started gradually to go. Three weeks before Christmas, there were lights to be bought, in packed places like Target, where weary consumers battled and fought. The shelves in the stores, were piled high with all sorts of stuff, as batches of buyers … tried tentatively, not to be gruff. Upon arriving back at home, with armfuls of gear, grateful husbands, they tried to say clear, of determined housewives, filled with fanatical zest, ready to make their houses stand out … apart from the rest. There were lights to be strung, plastic Santa’s to place, along with lighted candy canes, reindeer, and snowmen from space. There were trees to be climbed, and circled with layers of light, and stockpiled string’s of outdoor lights … to be hung for the night. Two weeks from Christmas, everyone needs a tree, so lots are scoured, from Okeechobee to Menomenee. The trees are plentiful, of balsam or pine, they must be tactfully trimmed … with no regard for time. Strung out on the den floor, are bird nests of light strings, these must be untangled, while everyone … gleefully sings. Then oodles of ornaments, from Hallmark they came, in odd shapes and colors … though none were the same. Then plentiful presents, which are stacked all around, must be gathered up, no matter where they are found. They are all placed under the tree, with the utmost of care, so no presents are crushed ... nor suffer any wear. One week before Christmas, there are parties to throw, so faithful friends can gather, and sit all in a row. Each with a beer, a highball, or glass of wine, all set to party … and have a tremendous time. The fridge was well stocked, though mostly with beer, but there was room in the house, for hearty … holiday cheer. The table was set, with crackers and cheese, most folks attending, ate all … with alarming ease. The mistletoe was strung, from the ceiling in the hall, where unsuspecting guests, were sure to heed the call. There were many startling stories, and jokes to be told, so folks full of liquor … wouldn’t be left out in the cold. There is no time left till Christmas, it’s finally here, frayed nerves abound, it’s painfully clear. The check book is empty, the money all spent, wallet’s and purses depleted … who will pay the rent? The children are excited, for a minute or so, the toys are examined, but there is no place to go. The malls are silent, shut and locked tight, there’s no trendy teenagers, not a single one … in sight. Now it’s the day after, and we are ready to trade, as shopper’s return to the malls … where the deals are all made. When that task is complete, we can stop making tracks, sit down, with a good book … and begin to relax.

Hepcat, Those cat's sure look busy.

This is one of my earlier Detective books. I dont believe I have posted this before. Tha Planet Master has a utility belt that has the Batman on the run.

That was the issue that topped my Batman most wanted list until I scored a nice enough copy five or six years ago. Not only do I remember buying that at Ken's Variety on Wharncliffe Road as a kid, but the cover is just so wild! It's the third. The first was Detective 327. Thanks Hepcat, I knew I was in the "ballpark". Excelsior, Your very fortunate that you LCS is getting in S.A. Batman books. I vistit one nearby where I live and it's like watching a glacier move... not much changes.

It is startling to say the least, in how Ebay has evolved in recent years. I know of a few folks who refused to do business there any more once the P-Pal became a requirement. Ebay has now added additional fees on shipping charges. There is also talk of the government stepping in to "finally" tax e-commerce. If that occurs, my prediction is that autions would drop from around 15 percent down to about one or two. (A current check of Silver age books shows 200,000 total, of which 30,000 are auctions, the rest are BIN.)

Hepcat, A couple of years back I "tackled" the task of honoring Paul Revere. A midnight beer with Paul Revere One eerie Halloween night, sitting worn from drinking, Paul Revere alone, was lost in wishful thinking, Where are those sturdy lads of years gone past, who hoisted petards of rum as I rode so fast? "Why so bleary ye", a stranger asked, "tis a fine night for beer", "thank you kindly" replied Paul, "I'll have some with my tear", "Aye" murmured the stranger, "why the forlorn look?" "Why I'm Paul Revere, penniless, and I've yet to write my book." Out of the shadows, several fellows ambled in and stood by Paul's side, "Well how about it Paul, tell us of your midnight ride", So began a tradition, in that desolate dark inn, The annual toast to the ride that saved our nations skin. As the years flew by, those gatherings grew, so did the friends, and the quantity of brew, It was six if by sea, and twelve if by land, and more, if you could still manage to stand, So gather round lads, and chug down a brew, To honor the man who warned us of that British crew.

No, I've resisted any such temptation to this point. Interesting! About eight years ago I wrote these two sonnets just to demonstrate to myself that I could do it: The hues, the colours, of the misty dawn I watched and hoped that they would quickly spawn Deep thought, soft words, fine verse in record time In me, this servant of the metred rhyme. When faced with beauty bold yet so sublime Speech not in verse would be a horrid crime. But no, alas, those words, they would not come That would describe all aspects of the sum To me, this wretch, this serf, this forlorn one The words with which to frame the rising sun. But then a revelation from above "While you my cherished son I truly love Within your heart the sin of pride does lurk You dare to praise, to judge, my finest work?" Looking back at my first attempt here's what I did right. I nailed the metre. The stress is very properly on every second syllable. Now here's what I did wrong: 1. Rhyming couplets are the most facile possible rhyming scheme. 2. Too many of my rhymes are too similar e.g. "time, rhyme, sublime, crime" and "come, sum, one, sun". Mixing up sounds is preferable to repeating them. 3. There's too much repetitious filler just to sound "poetic" or make the metre work e.g. "The hues, the colours" and "But no, alas". The italicized words do not impart a shred of additional imagery let alone meaning. So why are they there? If you're going to say something, don't just repeat yourself. 4. A lot of it is really sappy e.g. "To me, this wretch, this serf, this forlorn one." 5. I didn't know where I was going with the poem from the start. I penned the first ten lines quite quickly and then got stuck, before I fixed on ending the thing with an ecclesiastical homily. That too might be sappy. I have mixed feelings about whether it works. In fact, I should rewrite lines seven to ten completely. Of course, I never said that I was any kind of a poet. I just penned the sonnet in what turned out to be a futile effort to get people on another forum to stop posting unstructured and incredibly sappy drivel and calling it poetry. My second effort: Since I'm not one for feelings deep nor thought Mere tears and hopes and fears impress me not. To me good verse must have that metred rhyme. So heed my words to pen a verse sublime! Those poems without compelling rhythmic beat With ne'er a rhyme to make the trick complete If truth be told they're naught but vapid prose Too often filled with cries of angst and woes. But should you want your words to long endure Inspiring minds and hearts of men obscure Your words must flow as does a stream so swift Which ripples deep within a valley's rift. And if your words do skip with bright delight Forever read they'll be by candle light! Alfred Lord Hepcattyson Sir Hepcattennyson, Valiant efforts. I thought the second poem was better, but point 2 on the first poem seems the most valid criticism, but it's not what I would term a glaring defect. Excellent efforts. (thumbs u I did write a Christmas poem a few years back. It's 5 times better if read aloud with the proper tone, inflection, and all of that. But it's a tad too early to share yet.

I know,. I have been watching for the Zebra and the Negative Batman, but can't find one I like as of yet. Here is a "new look" cover. This might be the third or fourth entry of these if memory serves me correctly. One thing is for certain, the cover colors appear to be richer and brighter than many of the Detective comics I have seen.

I know the Hepcat is a football fan. I wonder if he indulges in fantasy football. I have been involved, or at least in a league for around 10 years now. I combined that along with a penchant to write utterly useless poems, with a glint of humor. My adaptation of Ghost Buster for Fantasy football. "Guru Busters" If your down on your luck and your teams stuck in the muck Who you gonna call? Guru Busters! If your trade requests are left alone and no one will answer when you phone Who you gonna call? Guru Busters! If your down by twenty and your 'sweatin' plenty Who you gonna call? Guru Busters! If your main guy is on a BYE and you know your team is going to fry Who you gonna call? Guru Busters! When you feel your team ... is on a roll and ready to inflict ... a serious toll you'll find yourself ...pitted against a team that's gotten hold ... of a serious dream Who is that team? Guru Busters! If you're seeing things running over your team Who can you thank? Guru busters! An invincible Team dancing on your head Oh, who you gonna call? Guru busters!

WOW! If I went there, it would by like dying and going to heaven. Ok, maybe not, but it would still be overwhelmingly cool. Thanks, I remembered I had taken some photos during my visit. One thing that struck me was how many planes you could see in the fields in person, versus how few show up in the photo. You still might be able to get a glimmer of it if you havent visited there in person. The musuem also had a mockup of the X-15 and a few jets also. Tuscon air museum circa 1990. Lets start with the inside. Followed by a few outside shots. B-17 Sentimental Journey Link to the Tuscon Air Museum http://www.azcaf.org/pages/sentjourn.html

I also read the article on the B-17 flight, that was great. I remember visiting the air Musuem in Tuscon about 20 years ago. That kept me busy for 2-3 hours. Across the street and stretching seemingly for miles, was about 1/2 of the U.S. aircraft used in WWII. Forty thousand planes if I recall correctly. Hope no one minds an occasional Charlton. I didn't think so.

Im inclined to agree. I just have not seen that issue for sale too often myself. I have another recent acquisition, from 1959. Normally books from the late 50's are less plentifull. It could be just a statistical fluke, but there are quite a few for sale recently. Doesn't Congorilla seems to nearly dominate this cover, despite the fact that he is squeezed into the lower corner of the book. The first appearance of Congorilla.

Thanks Silver, I have a few more new additions to my collection, but before I get to those I have a couple of low grade favorites from the 150's. The forgotten or down and out Superman was a theme that occurred a few times in the S.A. I seem to recall this green and purple dragon appeared on at least three covers.

Hepcat & Silver, Some very nice issues there. I particularily like Superman # 173. It seems like every Brainiac cover is excellent. (thumbs u In addition you have to like Muto the Monarch of Menace in Action 338. I recently acquired this issue. Luthor does not appear to be overjoyed with Superman as his lawyer.

Hepcat, Greate run of The Man from Uncle books. (thumbs u I noticed that there are at least 4 Man from Uncle games and even one for Illya Kurakin in the boad game book by Scarpone. I have few more Gold Keys. # 20 I wonder if Gold Key didn't have the rights to Neptune? # 73 # 58

Here's a cover from August of 1969. I think they did an excellent job with great covers throughout the series. It appears they could have used some help from Magnus Robot Fighter.