More recent and scarce additions to my collection from the vast archive of SuperFan William S. Wilson. The above double-page vintage promos from 1985 culled from the pages of weekly Variety are a Cannon Films showcase published during what could be arguably described as their prime. The announcement of Superman IV was quite the coup for new producers Menachem Golan and Yoram Globus who look rather pleased (along with the board, bottom pic) with their acquisition of the Superman Motion Picture Property from the Salkinds, shortly before slashing its intended budget and ultimately delivering the picture that would kill the franchise…
Due to unprecedented demand from fans the world over, Hot Toys has finally revealed the teaser photo above confirming their next figure to be Kal-El himself…!
Based on this preview offered some months ago in the now-defunct Toyfare magazine I was initially skeptical about the quality of this figure and only purchased it when offered for completest sakes. At first glance it seemed to be poorly rendered with only the barest resemblance to Gene Hackman but the accessories (choice of wigs/Kryptonite on a chain) nonetheless sounded compelling.
Imagine my surprise when the figure arrived (quicker than previous orders) and is arguably the best in the line so far. For whatever shortcomings the figure might have sculpt/paint-wise its clearer than ever these figures are produced with considerable love for the subject matter as exemplified in the details. Packaged in the familiar oversize transparent case as the other figures, look closely at the background card for a great rendition of Luthor’s Lair and the Train Station ‘Condemned’ door (serving as the lid of the accessories). The specifics extend to the figure itself with Lex’ tasteless 70’s suit adorned with lapel flower besides neckerchief and wristwatch. Even his gold ring is present and the chunk of Kryptonite is held menacingly in his hand. The case of accessories is as comprehensive as before (stand/2xpairs hands, 3xwigs) but the addition of the scale transparent plastic map of ‘Lexifornia’ simply has to be one of the most inspired Action Figure props of all time. And take another look at the close up of the sculpt – Its an infinitely more convincing Hackman than we were led to believe which highlights a real issue;
It was recently announced that this figure would conclude the line of figures based on Superman: The Movie due to what Mattel branded ‘poor sales’. The fact not one decent photograph nor single piece of sufficient advertising for the line was available in advance suggest Mattel should be astounded they managed to move any units at all. The desperately sad thing is (besides the Superman figure being the weakest of the set) is plans were officially in place to produce at least the remaining Phantom Zone Villains had the line been more popular. With that in mind I implore the ever-faithful fans who have purchased the entire set to let Mattel know (through their facebook page) what a mistake they have made and campaign to resurrect the run as based on the quality of this figure, they were just hitting their stride…
Internationally renowned British artist/sculptor Mike Hill has apparently unveiled his newest Christopher Reeve as Superman 1:1 portrait entitled ‘A Friend‘. Finished in silicone with punched hair, the figure is clad in an accurate uniform from Action Costumes. At this time it is unknown if this figure is a private commission or intended for public display…
He looked around him in distress, holding his book against him, wondering where he could put it while they were looking for the saxophone. He trusted Toadette but didn't want Mario to find it, in case he would come in the attic. He just tiptoed and put it on a beam, trying to remember to not forget it when the would be done. He then removed a bit of dust from his trousers and smiled to Toadette.
-"Sorry, heheh, it's just a book but, I have talked behind Mario's back in it so I didn't want this to be read or found... I don't even know why it was here, it's-a good-a job Mario doesn't come around too often... Fiuh!"
He rubbed his sweating forehead a bit reassured, before moving to another box. This time, he tried to think about the instrument shape and didn't stupidly open a small box. In fact, he opened a rather big one.
The view of the violin reminded him of the event. He remembered Mario used to play the violin and he used to play the saxophone for a special very short event happening in Peach's castle, but that was years ago!
-"Now I also remember Toad used to have some maracas as well!! Oh boy, memories. this shouldn't be far then! Probably the other big box just behind you!"
She turns back and open the big box Luigi was talking about. It was the right one and it had the saxophone in it. She does a big "Oh" of surprise and put the box in between her and Luigi to show him that she found it.
He smiled and stood up. The plumber removed his Electroblast from his back, quite releaved. Now they were done searching and opening boxes, he thought he didn't need it anymore and it started to be quite heavy on his back. He wasn't trained anymore!
He came next to Toadette and gently grabbed the instrument. He rubbed it a bit with his sleeve, cleaning the mouthpiece, looked at the mushroom for a second before blowing in the instrument.
It made an absolute HORRIBLE noise, AND it blew all the dust that was trapped in it after all this years, right in Toadette's face! Luigi got scared by his own noise and backed off, releasing the saxophone as if it was a monster, making if fall quite badly on the floor.
Toadette was surprised by what happened with her eyes greatly opened her eyes and coughed several times for having so much dust on her face. While doing so, the christmas balls fall on the ground and broke and surprised Toadette. She looks back to Luigi, worried.
"Oh uhm sorry for breaking them Luigi... *cough* Anyway, this saxophone was *cough* older than i through..... Is it why the noise coming from wasn't that good? ..*cough* "
She cleans her face with her right hand while closing her eyes. When she was finally done, she stopped coughing but had her right hand dirtied by the dust.
The man in green felt so sorry, he panicked again and patted Toadette, removing the dust from her at the same time.
-"I am a so sorry Toadette, really I should have let you try! You are the music expert. I think it was blocked by the dust, and also I probably didn't blow properly, I don't-a know, oh I hope I didn't break it..."
Toadette looked nervous while taking the saxophone but she tried to blow in it but wasn't capable to produce any sound from it. Her blow wasn't powerful enough to play it. She put slowly down the saxophone and looked back at Luigi.
"Sorry Luigi but I can't play saxophone.. It's too hard for me.. And this is also pretty heavy to be fair..."
He scratched his head and looked down at the instrument. He was a little bit disappointed but it could be understandable. It was already heavy and big for him, so he could easily imagine how it had to be heavy fier her! He nodded and smiled a bit, grabbing the saxophone and packing it back in it's box.
-"It's okie dokie Toadette, it doesn't matter, I'm sure there are plenty of other instruments we can use for our song!"
He rubbed his head, closing an eye. He started to be annoyed against himself, and against Mario. They built the house under Mario instructions, so things were not high enough for him sometimes!
After being hit twice at the same place, his body was starting to have a reaction. A little bump appeared on Luigi's head, pushing his hat a bit! He felt it and, pulled his hat back on his head, ashamed of how it looked like.
She looks at him worried then takes the lead and slides on the stairs, taking each side with one of her two hands.
Then, stop on the ground safely on her feets and wait for Luigi to walk down the stairs. She knows he wouldn't do the same and even hope he doesn't try. He has been injuried enough...
The green plumber followed her, slowly walking down the stairs. He was holding his hat with his hands, so couldn't even hold the banister while coming down for more safety, being even more careful with each step. It was silly so put himself in danger just because he didn't want to show his bump, but that was Luigi.
He reached her after a little while, looking around a bit anxious. He didn't want Mario to see him, because he knew for a fact his brother would sigh and make him feel bad about it.
He made no noise when he was downstairs and tiptoed to the house's main door without a word. That was weird.
Toadette followed him. She was happy he didn't fall on the stairs or something. Then she said quietly because she knew he was doing it quietly.
Luigi was happy and surprised Toadette followed him outside without asking any question. He felt a bit rude for not saying goodbye to his brother though, but really didn't want to heat bad things now. When they were out and safe, he looked at Toadette, releasing his hat which popped out of his head. The bump was even bigger! He caught his hat in the air and pulled it back on his head, sighing a bit and blushing.
-"Hooo... I suppose we have to, but do you know a doctor? I don't feel too comfortable with that thing on my head...
She was still following him, starting to realise there was something up with him and his brother. "To be fair.. I don't know anybody... I know your brother is a doctor but..." She doesn't want him to feel uncomfortable and knowing there was something with his brother, she tries to change the subject. "Maybe we can find someone in Toad Town?"
In all honesty, there was nothing wrong between the two brothers, but Luigi was terribly paranoïd and always sure Mario was going to blame him. So, he preferred avoiding him. He was fearing Toadette would talk about Dr Mario but hopefully, she changed the subject quickly. He smiled and nodded.
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