Friday, July 26, 2013

"Gal" Friday! Adrianne Curry

Click for larger version
Model, reality TV personality and spokeswoman Adrianne Curry is best known as the first winner of the television series America's Next Top Model. She went on to pose for Playboy magazine, and she famously wed former Brady Bunch actor Christopher Knight, who was twenty-five years older than her (and technically career dead otherwise). Their relationship was the subject of yet another reality TV series called "My Fair Brady", and isn't that - sort of gag me - cute? Hey, we all do completely stupid and foolish things once in a while, but wasn't that "Peter Brady" guy one lucky bastard for a few years (before she wisely divorced his chump ass).


Adrianne is also quite the luscious geek, and she regularly shows off her smoking hot frame in convention cosplay. I suppose that we should just forgive her the whole "Peter Brady" gaffe and let it go, but as she claims to be bisexual; there's no doubt she has an infinite variety of better options available. Ms. Curry created quite a stir at the recent Comic-Con 2013 as "Mileena" from Mortal Kombat. She also regularly posts lots of stuff on Facebook and Twitter, so start surfing if you want to see more.





Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Jo-Jo, Congo King in "The Disappearing Bullets" (Fox; 1949)

This golden age jungle adventure called “The Disappearing Bullets” is from Jo-JoCongo King #28 (June 1949); originally published by Fox and illustrated by Matt Baker [per the GCD]. This story was later reprinted as “Bullets of Terror” in Star Publications, Terrors of the Jungle #8 (March 1954). The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle in "King Crocodile's Domain" (Fiction House; 1949)

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle stars in a golden age adventure from Jumbo Comics #119 (Jan.1949); originally published by Fiction House and illustrated by Robert Webb. The title "King Crocodile’s Domain" is taken from this issues cover. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus", as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Friday, July 19, 2013

"Gal" Friday! Seasick Mama

My original plan was to post at least one golden age comics story this week, but that plan got blown all to hell. Since it's "gal" Friday, I will go ahead and stick with this weeks lovely featurette; and make amends by posting an extra jungle girl adventure [or two] next week.

Seasick Mama is a singer/songwriter based out of Brooklyn, NY. After a year in the making, her debut EP “Dead Like Money” has been released. Seasick Mama says that the work truly expresses her desire to not be bound by a single idea. Each song stands on its own as a snapshot of our past, present, and future. Before releasing this first record, Seasick Mama developed a large following by playing major festivals including South by Southwest, Sweetlife, and CMJ, as well as touring with blues-pop sensation ZZ WARD. Onstage, Seasick Mama has emerged as an artist that pushes expression and freedom to new levels. Whether climbing to the rafters or tearing off her clothes (and I'm seriously all for that, at least in her case), she will not be bound by standard conventions. She has also previously curated gallery events, designed apparel and continues to develop new ways to bring creative types closer and closer together. Unfortunately that probably leaves me out of the mix. 

Trust me on this however, do a simple Google search and you will be able to find some generous images of her fantastic nude frame cavorting through various photo shoots. Her actual name is Marial Maher, and despite billing herself as "Seasick Mama", apparently that may also apply to the entire band which includes her as lead vocalist; heck if I know! I do know that she is one smoking hot chick, with an interesting and eclectic personality; plus a nice sultry vocal style that is definitely worth a listen.
Click on this for the larger version!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

1970's Flashback: The Human Fly

September 1977
The Human Fly was a young man of unknown identity who was severely injured during a car crash. After a long hospitalization, including a number of reconstructive surgeries in which much of his skeleton was replaced by steel, he took on the masked identity of the Human Fly. As the Human Fly, he performed daredevil stunts to benefit various charities, especially those helping children with disabilities.

His activities often drew him into conflict with criminals, who were often seeking to rob the charity events at which he performed. Additionally, he drew the attention of Spider-Man, who thought he might be the villain who shared the same name.

The character was based on real-life stuntman Rick Rojatt. The comic book carried the tag line "The Wildest Super-Hero Ever — Because He's Real!", and photographs of someone in a Human Fly costume appeared in the books. Jim Shooter, Marvel's former editor-in-chief and a member of their editorial staff at the time of publication, said in a 2007 interview that the photos were indeed of Rojatt.
Art by Eddy Newell

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Howard Chaykin's Buck Rogers (Hermes Press)

The adventure that started it all is back! Howard Chaykin’s ground-breaking tale of the new Buck Rogers comes to comic book stores in August!  Before Star Trek and Star Wars, Buck Rogers captivated audiences around the world and made science fiction a national obsession.  Now, over eighty years after the creation of the newspaper strip that became a household word, Chaykin has returned the character and his universe back to basics:  Buck Rogers, former World War I ace is accidentally suspended in time only to awaken to a new and different earth, 500 years in the future, fragmented by war and ruled by an omnipotent force— the Chinese.  Now, Buck along with Colonel Wilma Deering, begin a new fight, to free the United States!  You’re in for the ride of your life with this retelling of a classic tale! Chaykin’s revival of this classic feature sets the stage for new adventures — so stay tuned! Be sure to check out the premiere of this fantastic revival of a beloved pop culture icon, the first sci-fi hero!

If you are in attendance at this weeks San Diego Comic-Con, advance copies of both the regular edition [pictured] and a variant cover edition will be available at the Hermes Press booth; the book will be available in August 2013.

Friday, July 12, 2013

"Gal" Friday! Carrie Underwood

Photo copyright TV Shark.com
Carrie Underwood rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005; arguably one of the few times that this show actually managed to get it right [but I digress]. The smoking hot Underwood has since become a multi-platinum selling recording artist, a winner of six Grammy Awards, sixteen Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards and ten Academy of Country Music Awards, among several others. As a songwriter, she has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Underwood is also a two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year award and the first woman to win such an award twice (2009/10). Underwood was inducted into and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. She was also inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2009. She also manages to find to time to act in films and television; plus she's active in several philanthropic organizations. Can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to induct her into the Catacombs, but she has easily blown past many of our previous “gals” and comfortably settled into my personal top ten list for damn certain!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Camilla in “The Long Reach of the Hairy Arm” (Fiction House; 1949)

Today’s featured story starring Camilla is taken from Jungle Comics #109 (Jan.1949); originally published by Fiction House and illustrated by Matt Baker. I’m calling this previously untitled tale “The Long Reach of the Hairy Arm.” The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus", as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Friday, July 5, 2013

"Gal" Friday! Michelle Hanson

Today is National Bikini Day!

The Catacombs presents bikini competitor and fitness model Michelle Hanson for your viewing pleasure. She is a native Texan, and quite the popular blond bombshell; plus she presents one hell of a nice feast for the eyes. However, one has to wonder how a competing fitness model isn't disqualified for standing in possession of store bought boobs? Apparently the judges in that sporting bracket take their fitness with a grain of silicon.



Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Frank Frazetta: Art and Remembrances [Hermes Press]!

Finally, the ultimate book about legendary artist Frank Frazetta, Art and Remembrances, is here! Now the definitive work about the twentieth century’s greatest fantasy artist has been crafted by his son, Frank Frazetta, Jr.

Legendary science-fiction/fantasy artist Frank Frazetta created some of the most memorable and iconic images of all time. Filled with insights and anecdotes, this full color art monograph takes readers behind the scenes to chronicle this great artist’s life and work. Follow along and watch Frazetta develop his style and artistic sensibilities with never-before-seen photos, memorabilia, sketches, drawings, paintings, and early comic book work. This comprehensive look at Frazetta’s life is a very personal, detailed portrait of the man who created legendary images of Tarzan, Conan, John Carter of Mars, Buck Rogers, Vampirella, and others.

Regular Edition
Frank Frazetta, Art and Remembrances features 192 pages packed full of original artwork from the author’s personal collection, complemented with book covers, record album artwork, movie posters, comic book and comic strip artwork, and more for $49.99. It also features a foreword by metal god and Frazetta collector Kirk Hammett and an afterword by artist and WWE HoF inductee Jerry “The King” Lawler. An extra-Special limited Edition of 1000 copies with a special plate and different cover art than the regular edition with a special slipcase, and 224 pages, signed and numbered — by Frank Frazetta, Jr. will also be available for $125.

Deluxe Collectors Edition
This new publication will be premiering during the San Diego Comic Con at both Hermes Press (Booth #1821) and Famous Monsters of Filmland (Booth # 1509)! Frank Frazetta, Jr. will be on hand to discuss this historic tome and to sign copies.


Monday, July 1, 2013

Thun'da in "The Killer in the Dark" (Magazine Enterprises; 1953)

Today's jungle story comes from Thun’da #6 (1953); the final issue of this series which was originally published by Magazine Enterprises, and illustrated by Bob Powell. The King of the Congo comes to the aid of a washed up movie actress in the process of filming her big comeback picture and he is reluctantly convinced to participate. Unfortunately this puts him in the crosshairs of a jealous director in a neat thriller titled "The Killer in the Dark!" The Catacombs acknowledges "The Digital Comic Museum", as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!