The Caped Crusader Shows Off Mezco Toyz 60’s Batmobile PlaysetPassersby in midtown Manhattan had a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not moment when what to their wondering eyes appeared in Times Square but the 1960’s Batmobile. The sleek black finned icon slid into the lobby of the 42nd Street Odditorium with the Caped Crusader tucked behind the wheel and caused quite a buzz as the stunned crowd snapped photos by the dozens. Classic TV Batmobile Set Includes The Dynamic Duo Mez-itz (Photo Courtesy of Mezco Toyz)
The event was held to announce the launch of Mezco Toyz’ newest Mez-itz, 2 inch figures based on the Classic ABC TV Batman. That’s the Adam West and Burt Ward Batman and Robin. Items which collector’s have been clamoring for for ages. This year the clouds parted, the flood gates opened, the licenses were signed, and the faithful are being rewarded with an ark load of goodies to choose from. Another Fine Mez…
Mezco enters this market with a must have set that includes miniature West and Ward Batman and Robin characters and a sweet representation of the iconic George Barris designed auto. All the details of the black and red beauty are there from the cherry top, to the rear pipes and bat emblazoned hubcaps. The boxed set will hit the store shelves in July. They’ll also be a host of villains for the dynamic duo to thwart including The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler and Catwoman. The TV figures join Mezco’s other DC Universe related toys, including their Dark Knight film series and, coming in August, New 52 Justice League of America and Girls of Gotham figures. New 52 JLA Mez-itz Are Due in August 2013SkeletonPete Says…
Like so many others my age, the 1960’s Batman TV series is fondly remembered. My family was one of the first on our block to have a color TV, and our living room filled up with friends, young and old, when the show aired in its first run. Displaying these little reminders of those days will be a great treat.
DC’s Green Lantern Gets an Anime Make-Over from Square Enix/Play ArtsThe Future’s So Dark I Gotta Wear Blades…
The roll out for Square Enix/Play Arts roster of DC Universe figures, as previewed at NY Toy Fair 2013 in February, has begun with The Dark Knight Trilogy Batman and Bane currently available. Catwoman Selina Kyle as portrayed by Anne Hathaway, and Heath Ledger’s Joker will follow in the coming months.
Arkham Gals Won’t You Come Out Tonight…
Rounding out the Batman related characterizations, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy will add a twisted feminine touch to the Batman Arkham City series. Both are scheduled for mid-June 2013 release.
Ani-makeovers…
Also scheduled for release throughout spring and summer are the Anime-esque “Kai” Variants of DC’s revered heroes and heroines. Along with a samurai sword wielding Batman, the series will include sleek and angular spins on Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and down the road Batgirl and Flash. The latter two were displayed in early prototype pre-painted versions that I think highlighted their beautiful geometric look. That said, The Flash should be spectacular in full color.
SkeletonPete Says…
Many of the characters were displayed with a host of swappable parts, including hands, weapons and masks. Please keep in mind that all photos here were taken of prototypes – in some cases still pending licensor approval. Final products may vary. You can see the official product images of these and other Square Enix/Play Arts collectibles at their website.
"Leaping Tall Buildings" Graphic Novel Discussion at Housing Works CafeOn the cusp of the release of “The Dark Knight Rises” The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe (126 Crosby Street, New York, New York) hosted an enjoyable and informative panel discussion aimed at graphic novel/comic book fans. The event shared it’s name with the recently released hardcover Leaping Tall Buildings: The Origins of American Comics published by Powerhouse Books. Authored by writer Christopher Irving and photographer Seth Kushner, previously of the Graphic NY website, the volume features interviews with key figures in the industry from golden age to underground. In addition to the book Irving edits an online ‘zine The Drawn Word, which is of equal interest to genre fans and collectors.
DC’s Dynamic Duo, The Other One…
Graciously on hand for the charitable event were writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams who discussed their early 1970’s revitalization of Batman and Green Arrow. Though the popularity of the 1960’s Batman TV series boosted the caped crusader’s profile in popular culture the “Biff, Bang, Pow” campiness and commensurate decline in quality of the actual comic books soon left the DC editors with a less than compelling character.
In 1971 Editor Julius Schwartz brought the writer and artist together with an intention to “avoid the crap.” O’Neil created a set of guidelines harking back to the stealthy crime fighter of the earliest Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson stories. Noting Science Fiction author Alfred Bester’s “obessed” characters as inspiration O’Neil outlined a psychological key to the Dark Knight persona. This consistency of personality was a giant leap beyond the “anything goes” loopy spin of DC scripts at the time. As O’Neil said during the panel talk “Batman doesn’t fight dinosaurs… doesn’t time travel.” He deliberately avoided using outre villains like The Joker, Riddler and Two-Face. Adams’ sinewy depictions perfectly complimented the reality driven stories and a real life DC dynamic duo was born. O'Neil and Adams inscribed "Leaping Tall Buildings" for Fans. All Proceeds went to the Housing Works CommunityClearly iconoclasts in a time when drug stories and ethnic diversity in comic books was nearly unheard of O’Neil and Adams went on to create now classic barrier breaking moments in comics history. During the evening the two gave an extemporaneous good cop/bad cop view of those accomplishments and behind the scenes business. Adams generally leaned toward unvarnished recollections with “F-Bomb” punctuation, while O’Neil was willing to apply a bit of balm to the memories – though he did believe ignorance of writer Alfred Bester a knock-out worthy offense. They both enjoyed teasing the audience with supposed spoilers based on their premiere night viewing of “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Publisher Powerhouse Books donated copies of Leaping Tall Buildings which quickly sold out as attendees took the opportunity to have them inscribed by Adams, O’Neil and the authors. All proceeds from the event went to the benefit of Housing Works.
How It Works, How You Help… Housing Works is a not-for-profit organization the mission of which is “to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts.” The Cafe offers a regular series of talks on an eclectic number of subjects and serves to draw attention to the charity, which is exactly what it did for me. All proceeds from the cafe and the various satellite thrift shops throughout NYC’s boroughs go directly for support. Please consider a donation to Housing Works whether it be monetary, volunteer work or salable items, or drop by the cafe to have a brew and buy a book, CD or DVD. Dennis O'Neil, Neal Adams, Christopher Irving, Amanda Bullock, Seth KushnerSkeletonPete Says…
The event was a great introduction to the programs at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and the organization’s cause. It was also a wonderful opportunity to hear the anecdotes and opinions of two respected graphics professionals, catch up with Chris Irving and share some personal remeniscences with like-minded folks. It was a sweet reminder of the spirit of early 70’s NY ComiCons and a perfect example of how fandom can come together for a good cause. Simple but effective everyday heroism. Thanks to Amanda, Director of Public Programming at the Bookstore Cafe, for the warm welcome on my first visit.
Ken Pierce of the PiercingMetal website was also on board to cover the event. He’s a long time comics fan and collector and you can read his coverage here.
Another Fine Mez…
