Conan and his Spear by Neal Adams!
I was always a fan of anything drawn by Neal Adams, but his Conan pieces deserve special recognition. Click on the photo to see a spear-worthy-sized version.
Source: Into the Weird.
“The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story” (2006) / Z-View
The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story (2006)
Stars: Dusty Rhodes, Dick “the Bruiser” Afflis, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, Eric Bischoff, Tully Blanchard, Gerald Brisco, John Cena, Ted DiBiase, Ric Flair, Terry Funk, Superstar Billy Graham, Mike Graham, Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heenan, Jerry Lawler, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Vince McMahon, Dick Murdock, Gene Okerland, Pat Patterson, Roddy Piper, Bruce Prichard, Harley Race, Dustin Rhodes, Ron Simmons and Hulk Hogan.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
The life story of Dusty Rhodes. Born the son of a plumber in Austin, Texas, he became one of the most beloved professional wrestlers in the world.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Dusty Rhodes, at one time, was one of the highest paid and most successful wrestlers in the world. Everywhere he went Rhodes rose to the top. Even when Dusty Rhodes was older, he was wanted as a writer and booker for promotions.
What I admire about Dusty is that he was able to figure out how to make each situation he was in work. Even when Vince McMahon gave Rhodes a silly persona and a polka-dot outfit, Rhodes was able to make the character a fan favorite.
Rhodes was king on a microphone. His “hard times” speech is considered a classic by wrestling fans. One of my favorite Rhodes’ quotes is: “I have wined and dined with kings and queens and I’ve slept in alleys and dined on pork and beans”.
The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story (2006) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Lono & Dizzy from 100 BULLETS by Dave Johnson!
Anyone else remember when Dave Johnson used to do con sketches on cardboard stock? Here’s a cool one (they all were actually) of Lono and Dizzy from 100 Bullets.
“White Zombie” (1932) starring Bela Lugosi / Z-View
White Zombie (1932)
Director: Victor Halperin
Screenplay: Garnett Weston based on THE MAGIC ISLAND by William Seabrook
Stars: Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, Robert Frazer, John Harron, Brandon Hurst, Clarence Muse and Frederick Peters.
Tagline: With These Zombie Eyes he rendered her powerless – With This Zombie Grip he made her perform his every desire!
The Plot…
Madeleine Short (Bellamy) and her fiancé Neil Parker (Harron) arrive in Haiti. They are guests of Charles Beaumont (Frazer) and staying on his huge plantation. Charles secretly loves Madeleine and wishes she would marry him. Desperate to have Madeline, Charles visits ‘Murder’ Legendre (Lugosi).
Murder is the owner of a huge plantation. Everyone knows that Murder’s plantation is worked by Haitian zombie slaves. Murder has the ability to turn people into mindless beings that follow his every command. Charles wants Madeleine to love him. He believes Murder can make this happen.
Murder agrees to help. But the truth is he has other plans for Madeleine.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
White Zombie was filmed in less than two weeks on a budget of $50,000.00. Reportedly up to 10% of the budget was Lugosi’s salary.
White Zombie was one of Bela Lugosi’s favorites of the films he made.
Beware of poor copies since the film went into public domain in 1960.
White Zombie (1932) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Jungle Woman by Adam Hughes!
It didn’t take Adam Hughes long to become known as THE artist for great women drawings. Of course Adam can draw, pencil, ink, paint and color anything. Here’s a vintage sketch that shows how he developed that reputation.
“Tarzan and the She-Devil” (1953) starring Lex Barker, Joyce MacKenzie & Raymond Burr / Z-View
Tarzan and the She-Devil (1953)
Director: Kurt Neumann
Screenplay: Karl Kamb, Carroll Young; based on characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Stars: Lex Barker, Joyce Mackenzie, Raymond Burr, Monique van Vooren, Tom Conway, Michael Granger, Fred Aldrich, Ben Astar, Ben Astar, George Barrows, Robert Bice, Mara Corday and Henry Brandon.
Tagline: TARZAN FACES HIS GREATEST PERIL!… when he clashes with the ruthless, alluring Queen of the Ivory Thieves… in the BEST of all the Tarzans!
The Plot…
Vargo (Burr) convinces Lyra, the She-Devil (van Vooren) to take her “soldiers” and join him on an expedition to kill a large herd of elephants for their tusks. Vargo isn’t worried about Tarzan.
But he should be.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The fifth and final Tarzan film starring Lex Barker.
I wish the movie was a nice as the poster.
Tarzan and the She-Devil (1953) rates 2 of 5 stars.
RIP: Ron Ely
Yesterday it was announced that Ron Ely died of natural causes on on September 29, 2024, at the age of 86.
Mr. Ely was best known for his role as Tarzan on the NBC series of the same name. The series ran for 57 episodes over the course of two seasons. Mr. Ely performed most of his stunts throughout the series and suffered multiple injuries.
Prior to Tarzan, Ron Ely appeared in supporting feature film roles and guest spots on television series. After the series ended Mr. Ely continued acting on television and feature films for the rest of his career. Although Ron Ely retired from acting in 2001, he came back to appear in the television movie Expecting Amish in 2014.
Ron Ely also authored two excellent detective novels, NIGHT SHADOWS and EAST BEACH.
Television projects that feature Ron Ely include: Father Knows Best; Steve Canyon; Playhouse 90; How to Marry a Millionaire; The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis; The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp; The Aquanauts (18 episodes); Thriller; Tarzan (57 episodes); The Courtship of Eddie’s Father; Ironside; Marcus Welby, MD; Wonder Woman; Face the Music; The Love Boat (3 episodes); Matt Houston; Hotel; Fantasy Island (5 episodes); Blacke’s Magic; Sea Hunt (22 episodes); Superboy; The Hat Squad; LA Law; Hawkeye; Renegade (2 episodes); Sheena and Expecting Amish.
Feature films that Ron Ely appeared in include: South Pacific; The Fiend Who Walked the West; Night of the Grizzly and Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.
I probably first saw Ron Ely in Tarzan. I loved that Mr. Ely’s Tarzan was not only physical but also intelligent. I have great memories of watching the series with my grandfather. Then going out to play Tarzan with my other friends. After the series ended I enjoyed seeing Mr. Ely in television roles and movies.
Mr. Ely was also an excellent writer. I own his two detective novels and always hoped there would be more.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Rob Ely’s family, friends and fans.
“Making Manson” – The Trailer is Here!
The trailer for Making Manson is here. I’m glad this is a series since there will be access to all of those original recorded interviews.
Deal me in.
Making Manson is streaming November 19 on Peacock: https://pck.tv/45hBP6q
Synopsis: An explosive series offering unfiltered insights into America’s most notorious killer, Charles Manson. Through 20 years’ worth of never-before-aired conversations, those closest to the case have their views challenged as Manson talks openly about his part in the infamous crimes, as well as his upbringing, criminal youth and his true feelings about “The Family.”
Manson reveals the cruelty he suffered in reform school and the childhood experiences that made him who he was. Former “Family” members listen to the exclusive conversations and are taken back to the time when they “would do anything for Charlie.” Manson recounts the early crimes that led to the murder spree in the summer of ‘69, laying out an explanation of loyalty and brotherhood that pushes against the accepted motive: his desire to incite Helter Skelter. In the final moments before his death, Manson reflects on his life in prison and shows rare tenderness for the man who spoke to him across the decades.
Cowboy Sheriff / Clint Eastwood by Paul Gulacy!
Paul Gulacy is best known for his work on Master of Kung Fu with Doug Moench. It was the series that kept me in comics when I hit the age where girls and sports became more important. But today we’re not looking at Shang Chi. Instead we have a Gulacy painting of a cowboy sheriff (Clint Eastwood?).
Wolverine (and that scary smirk) by John Byrne!
I was lucky to collect comics when John Byrne was king. Anything the man drew (and later write) was an automatic purchase. My favorite Byrne character was Wolverine. Just look at the smirk on Logan’s face!
“The Eichmann Trial” (2023) directed by Elliott Levitt / Z-View
The Eichmann Trial (2023)
Director: Elliot Levitt
The Plot…
Fifteen years after the end of World War II, Nazi Adolf Eichmann was captured where he was living in Argentina. Eichmann was then transported to Jerusalem to stand trial. Eichmann was charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes against the Jewish people, and membership in a criminal organization.
The trial lasted 56 days and garnered world-wide coverage. Over 100 witnesses were called. There were thousands of pages of documents. Eichmann admitted that he didn’t like Jews and viewed them as the enemy. Eichmann further admitted he made the statement: “I will leap into my grave laughing because the feeling that I have five million human beings on my conscience is for me a source of extraordinary satisfaction.” Eichmann claimed his statement was about the Soviets. Eichmann’s defense was that he hadn’t personally killed anyone and he was just following orders.
Eichmann was found guilty on 15 counts of crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes against the Jews, Poles, Slovenes, and Roma, and membership in three criminal organizations (the Gestapo, the SD, and the SS). The judges ruled that Eichmann had not simply been following orders but had been a Nazi true-believer and one of the key principals in genocide. Eichmann was sentenced to death by hanging.
Appeals for clemency were heard by the Israeli Supreme Court and Israeli President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi to no avail. Adolf Eichmann was executed by hanging on June 1, 1962.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Eichmann Trial is an excellent documentary. Kudos for director Elliott Levitt for his use of trial, news and other vintage footage to not only cover the trial but to place its importance in a historical context.
The Eichmann Trial (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars.
Conan Triumphant by Michael Golden!
Conan’s popularity is on the upswing. The folks in charge need to get Michael Golden to do some covers, pinups, and if we can dream, a story.
The drawing above is one of my all-time favorite Michael Golden pieces. Take a gander at that and tell me you don’t want to see more Golden Conan art!
“Man on Fire” (2004) written by Brian Helgeland, directed by Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning & Christopher Walken / Z-View
Man on Fire (2004)
Director: Tony Scott
Screenplay: Brian Helgeland based on MAN ON FIRE by A. J. Quinnell
Stars: Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony, Giancarlo Giannini, Rachel Ticotin, Jesús Ochoa and Mickey Rourke.
Tagline: You don’t need a saint… You need a savior.
The Plot…
Ex-CIA operative John Creasey (Washington) is in a bad way. He’s burnt out, out of shape and drinks too much. Creasey’s guilt over past missions makes him question living. Then an old CIA buddy, Paul Rayburn (Walken) throws Creasey a lifeline.
Samuel Ramos (Anthony), a wealthy Mexican, needs protection for his young daughter Pita (Fanning). Kidnappings in Mexico are on the rise. Ramos’ insurance policy requires a full time bodyguard. Creasey is reluctant to take the job, but needs the work. Initially cold and professional to Pita, she slowly wins him over. Creasey stops drinking as much. His attitude towards life improves.
Then the unthinkable happens.
As two crooked Mexican Federales block the street kidnappers come for Pita. Creasey kills four but is shot repeatedly as Pita is kidnapped. Negotiations for Pita’s return go on as Creasey recovers. Ten million dollars is the demand for Pita’s return. When the ransom drop goes sideways, the money is taken, but Pita isn’t returned.
The family gets a call from the kidnappers. Because of the ambush, Pita will be lost forever.
Still not fully recovered, Creasey promises to kill everyone involved in Pita’s kidnapping.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Screenwriter Brian “LA Confidential” Helgeland was in a video store. He asked the clerk to recommend a good movie. “Man on Fire” (1987) was suggested. The clerk who suggested the film was Quentin Tarantino.
For filming in Mexico, bodyguards were provided for the stars. Tony Scott had been warned his production had been targeted. Several crew members ended up being robbed at gunpoint. Mexico City’s Chief of Police served as a consultant. It was his hope the movie would raise awareness about the rash of kidnappings.
The novel takes place in Italy, but when this version was being made, Mexico had become infamous for kidnappings. So the location was changed.
If you enjoy noir, then Man on Fire is for you.
Dakota Fanning is amazing in this role. Watching her and Denzel Washington in their scenes is like viewing a masterclass of acting.
Christopher Walken has a great line when he says about Denzel’s character: “A man can be an artist… in anything, food, whatever. It depends on how good he is at it. Creasy’s art is death. He’s about to paint his masterpiece.”
Man on Fire (2004) rates 5 of 5 stars.
SANCTION by Ray Fawkes, Mark Irwin, Antonio Fuso, Emilio Lecce and Dave Sharpe!
Dan Panosian’s cover for Sanction caught my eye. So I took a closer look. Here’s the lowdown…
Sanction is by Ray Fawkes (Author, Creator), Mark Irwin (Creator), Antonio Fuso (Illustrator), Emilio Lecce (Colorist) and Dave Sharpe (Letterer).
To catch a rampaging serial killer in Soviet era Leningrad, two detectives must match wits with the murderer while battling the oppressive rules of their own police force and a greater, hidden enemy.
Leningrad, 1987. When a woman’s corpse is discovered on New Year’s Day, a hungover Detective Pavel Smirnoff hands off the case to his partner, Detective Boris Dimitrovich, hoping he’ll close it without fuss. Instead, Dimitrovich uncovers a connection to an old, unsolved crime, dragging them both into an investigation that puts their careers – and possibly their lives – at risk.
The Spirit by Darwyn Cooke!
Click on the art above to get a better view of Darwyn Cooke’s Spirit piece. We lost him far, far to soon.
