Quiet please. I am analyzing.

Forbidden Planet is a 1956 MGM/Warner Bros. release that features a number of Oscar-nominated special effects, groundbreaking use of an all-electronic music score, and the first screen appearance of both the famous Robby the Robot and the famous C-57D flying saucer starship. Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest, although the plot is very different, the film notable is its effective use of well designed sets and matte paintings.

In the early 2200s, the United Planets Cruiser C-57D is sent to the planet Altair IV, sixteen light-years from Earth, to determine what happened to the Bellerophon expedition some twenty years earlier. As they arrive, the crew detects an immense power source scanning the ship.

They are contacted by Dr. Edward Morbius, the Bellerophon's sole survivor (along with his daughter), who warns them to leave without providing any reason. Upon landing, they are met by Robby the Robot, who takes them to Morbius' home. Morbius explains that after the expedition's arrival, an unknown force wiped out everyone in his party and vaporized the Bellerophon. Only he, his wife (who later died of natural causes) and infant daughter survived. Morbius fears that the same fate may await the crew of the C-57D.

Commander Adams and his crew meet Morbius' daughter Altaira, who is now nineteen years old and has grown up bereft of the knowledge of any male except her father. Morbius informs them that he has been reconstructing the history of the Krell, the long-extinct natives of the planet, who had possessed a technology far in advance of that of the humans, but had all died 200,000 years before in one mysterious night of destruction. The crew are shown an intact & self-maintaining underground Krell laboratory, dubbed a "nursery", which includes a "plastic educator" brain-booster machine that resulted in the death of the captain of the Bellerophon. Morbius explains that his attempts to use the educator put him into a coma for almost two days, but also resulted in a significantly increased IQ, enabling him to build Robby the Robot and other inventions.

Following the mysterious murder of the Chief Engineer, and the deployment of perimeter security devices, the invisible intruder (dubbed a “chimera” by Dr. Ostrow) returns to the ship the following night, and is revealed by the energy neutron-particle-beam guns found to be a huge, roaring, leonine biped. The attack kills Lt. Farman, Science Officer Doherty and Gunner's Mate Ellis.

Commander Adams and Doc Ostrow go to confront Morbius, allowing Ostrow to use the Krell educator machine. However, before he dies from its effects, Ostrow gasps out that the machine creates monsters from the id; the true explanation for the extinction of the Krell, the death of the Bellerophon’s crew and now, the attacks which are being caused by Morbius himself.

Although Morbius' conscious mind was not strong enough to control the machine, his subconscious was and did. His deepest desire is simply to be left alone to study the Krell, and his subconscious is using the Machine to fulfill that wish. Ultimately, Altaira chooses to leave the planet with Commander Adams, despite the risks posed by this defiance of her father.In the climactic attack, the monster breaks into the Krell nursery to which they have fled. Morbius, finally accepting the awful truth, throws himself between the monster and his daughter. After he is mortally injured the monster instantaneously disappears. He directs Adams to put the Krell machine into overload to initiate the destruction of the planet, realizing that the machine is too dangerous to be used by any race that cannot fully control its subconscious desires. Altaira, Robbie, and the surviving crew members escape to a safe distance where they witness the destruction of the Altair IV, and then prepare for the trip to Earth.

Trivia: Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry has credited Forbidden Planet as being a major inspiration for his own classic sci-fi series. * The post title is a line said by Robby the Robot in the film.

We shall be waiting for your answer.

Produced in the wake of World War II, with the world leery about atomic bombs in the early days of the Cold War, The Day the Earth Stood Still is a classic 1951 sci-fi film released by 20th Century Fox that tells the story of a humanoid-alien who comes to Earth to warn humanity not to take their conflicts into space, lest they will face devastating consequences. The film strongly and iconically addresses issues of violence, politics, and the fear of global annihilation.

Klaatu’s spaceship lands in Washington, DC. where he declares that he has come in peace on a mission of goodwill, however when he activates a small device that opens with a snap, Klaatu is shot and wounded by a nervous soldier. In response, a large robot called Gort steps out of the spaceship and melts all weapons present without harming the soldiers, until the wounded Klaatu orders him to cease. Klaatu explains the "weapon" was a gift to the President and could have been used to study the other planets.

Taken to Walter Reed Hospital to recover, Klaatu is rebuffed in his attempt to organize a meeting of world leaders, instead he is held prisoner; although he later easily escapes into the night.

Befriending the residents of a boarding house, Klaatu endeavors to understand humans through this interaction and is told by a young boy, Bobby, that the greatest person in the world today is leading American scientist, Professor Barnhardt, who lives nearby. When the professor is absent, Klaatu solves an advanced mathematical problem written on a blackboard, before leaving his address with the housekeeper. Later, Klaatu warns the professor that other planets know that human beings have developed atomic power and will not allow this to endanger them. Klaatu accepts an offer to speak at a meeting of world scientists that Barnhardt is organizing, but the scientist is stunned when Klaatu declares that if his message is rejected by the leaders of the nations, "Planet Earth will be eliminated." The professor soberly pleads that Klaatu first provide a minor demonstration of his power as a warning.

Following a worldwide demonstration of his vast power, Klaatu is shot dead by the army. Bobby’s mother Helen follows his earlier instruction to tell the robot Gort, "Klaatu barada nikto," if anything had happened to him.

Gort then retrieves Klaatu's corpse, brings him back to the spaceship, and using equipment on board, miraculously restores him to life. Klaatu steps out of the spaceship and speaks to the assembled scientists. He tells them that Earth's penchant for violence and first steps into space have drawn the attention of other space-faring worlds. These worlds have created a race of robot enforcers like Gort, and given them absolute power to deal with any outbreak of violence. He warns that Earth can either abandon warfare and peacefully join other space-faring powers – or be totally destroyed. "The decision rests with you." He then enters the spaceship and departs.

Trivia: The post title is a quote spoken by Klaatu (Michael Rennie) during the films clmactic speech.

From the Dust Bin: Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 6

From November 1969, the all-reprint Amazing Spider-Man Special [Annual] # 6 was my first exposure to the Secret Six, a collection of Spidey's most disturbing foes - bound by their mutual loathing of everyones friendly neighborhood wallcrawler.

Dr. Octopus, Kraven the Hunter, the Vulture, Electro, Mysterio and the Sandman presented a united front in their nefarious attempt to quash the arachnid hero once and for all, but you already know who won out.

This collected trio of previous Ditko tales (including Spideys 1st meeting with the Fantastic Four) was one of a handful of silver age gems that helped hook me into a lifelong love of comics.

I'll use the third tube.

Yesterdays Associated Press report about a Texas UFO siting caused me to reminisce about some of the cool sci-fi movies over the decades, so I will do a few posts on some of my favorites.

This Island Earth was released by Universal Pictures International in 1955. The Technicolor film is credited with paving the way for more ambitious genre films. In the well-regarded script, Dr. Cal Meacham receives an unusual package in lieu of what he had actually ordered. He receives a kit to build a very complex communication device called an interocitor. When finished, Meacham receives a message on it from a mysterious man named Exeter, who tells him he has passed the test he was given to participate in a special research project Exeter is running.

Intrigued, Meacham visits Exeter's facility, and finds an international group of top-flight scientists already present--including his old flame, Dr. Ruth Adams. However, Cal is immediately suspicious of the peculiar-looking group of men leading the mission.
Cal and Ruth decide to slip away from the facility, but as they take off in a small plane, they watch as the facility and all its inhabitants are incinerated, and their plane is drawn up inside a flying saucer. Inside they learn that Exeter and his band are aliens from the planet Metaluna, who’ve come to Earth seeking scientists to help them defend their planet in the war against the evil Zagons.

They arrive to find Metaluna under full enemy bombardment and falling quickly to the Zagons. Exeter's leader now intends to relocate their population to Earth and insists that Meacham and Adams be subjected to the Thought Transference Chamber in order to subjugate their free will. Exeter decides to help the humans escape, thus revolting against his own kind, before they enter the brain-reprogramming facility.

Cal overpowers the mutant creature accompanying them (but not before it wounds Exeter) and the three escape back to Earth. Upon entering Earth's atmosphere, Exeter sends the two on their way in their small plane, but he is too wounded to continue. With his ship nearly depleted of energy, he allows the saucer to crash into the sea.

Trivia: Many critics cite the films special effects as the strongest element in This Island Earth, which were ground breaking for their time and are still considered by many film buffs to be comparable to modern special effects. * [Note] The post title is a quote made by Exeter in the film.

Large silent object with bright lights was flying low and fast

It's 2008, and in the wake of last years Civil War crossover in the Marvel universe, anything is apparently possible.

No? Just ask Spider-Man.

He used to be married, his best friend was dead, his aunt was about to be [again] and everybody on the planet knew his "secret" identity, after he foolishly unmasked on television at the behest of billionaire/idiot Tony Stark.

Now the Associated Press is reporting that a UFO has been seen repeatedly over the past few weeks in Stephenville, Texas. Since the report is copyrighted, you'll have to seek it out for yourself, but the obvious source behind these wacky news reports is government testing of a brand-spanking new S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier.

I'm just saying!

Strike tailguns the JLA

As you can see, there were some mixed emotions present among the mighty members of the Justice League of America upon hearing of Warner Bros. Studios likely delay on the proposed movie version of their venerable team.

Justice League producers and Warner Bros. will decide whether to begin shooting from the script "as-is"or backburner the whole project until after the Hollywood writers' strike. Warner Bros. has to make the call by tomorrow – January 15th – in order to green light the film for a spring production start for a summer 2009 release, or else shelve it (along with any rewrite) until after the pesky strike is resolved. Adding insult-to-injury, the sequel to Superman Returns has been pushed back to 2010 (also due to the writer’s strike).

Only the Man of Steel, already heavily burdened by his awesome duties, appears to relish the extra downtime that this eventuality will allow him to enjoy over the next couple of years.

My 1st Comic Book Convention

One of the first full blown comic book conventions that ever I attended was the 1984 Heroes Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. I had previously been to smaller mini-cons, most of which had been held by Heroes Con founder/organizer Shelton Drum, but after a stint in the Air Force, the '84 show was my real introduction to "larger" scale comic conventions.

Among many standout guests who appeared that year (including Star Trek's Ensign Chekov- Walter Koenig and Cerebus creator Dave Sim) were the DC comics "Superman trifecta": Julius Schwartz, Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson. I must admit that I've tended to judge every subsequent comic pro that I have been fortunate enough to meet against these three men.

They really made quite a positive impression on me!

"Julie" Schwartz continued to appear at Heroes annual summer con for many years up until his passing and Anderson has appeared several more times there as well, but sadly Curt Swan passed away the very summer that he was set to make a return appearance in Charlotte.

These men and so many of their peers, folks who created the golden and silver age of comics that has thrilled generations of fans were always courteous, jovial, engaging, respectful and humble towards their fans every time that I observed them. Schwartz was somewhat bombastic, but that seemed to be part of who he was, Anderson & Swan were surprisingly humble in the face of fan adoration. Their contributions to the Superman Legacy, DC comics and fandom in general has been more than adequately (and justifiably documented), but one thing that summed up the impression that they made on me beyond those traits that I've already cited was their ... professionalism. These men never came across as primadonnas, and if any such group of pros could have deserved to suffer such an affliction, it would have been the legendary "Swanderson" team and their minority whip, Julie.

I have continued to be a regular Heroescon attendee and have also been to venues in much larger cities. At this point, I couldn't even really tally up the number of celebrity comic creators that I've had a chance to meet . . . . . this is a great hobby after all, but that 1984 Heroes Convention is, has and will remain one of my favorites ever. And let me add a "thank you" to my pal, Shelton for hosting all of those shows over the years AND for bringing so many awesome comics pros to the Queen City of the Carolinas.

1970's Flashback (?): She-Hulk

Jennifer Walters is the small, somewhat shy cousin of Bruce Banner (aka the Incredible Hulk) and the daughter of Los Angeles County Sheriff William Morris Walters. Agents of crime boss Nicholas Trask, who had crossed paths with her father, shot and seriously wounded her on a day when Banner happened to be visiting. Since there were no donors with her blood type available, Banner provided blood for a transfusion; although his radioactive blood transformed Jennifer into the green-skinned She-Hulk when the mobsters tried to finish her off at the hospital.

As She-Hulk, Jennifer possessed powers similar to those of her cousin, but at a reduced level. She also possessed a less monstrous appearance and was also never prone to the type of rage-induced rampages of her famous cousin. Although initially, her transformations to She-Hulk were triggered by anger, Jennifer eventually gained control of her transformation when Michael Morbius cured her of a lethal blood disease.

Eventually, Jennifer decided that she is going to remain in her She-Hulk form permanently - preferring the freedom, confidence, and assertiveness that it gave her compared to her more timorous and fragile "normal" form. After a brief solo career, She-Hulk joined The Avengers and participated in the Secret Wars - sparking her long standing rivalry with the newly empowered Titania. Following Secret Wars, she temporarily replaced the Thing as a member of the Fantastic Four.

During her tenure with the F. F., the She-Hulk was instrumental in preventing a radiation leak aboard the downed S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. However the radiation exposure had a drastic effect on Jennifer: she could now no longer transform back into her original form. However, this was an agreeable turn of events for her since she preferred being She-Hulk anyway, but it was revealed much later that her inability to transform was purely psychological.

Trivia: Although The Savage She-Hulk # 1 is cover dated February 1980, its Christmas holiday-themed advertising makes it clear that it was released late in 1979. Therefore, the She-Hulk is perhaps the last major creation of Stan Lee during his most prolific and critically acclaimed period, the 1960s and '70s.

Review: The Twelve # 1

Writer J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5) and artist Chris Weston (Enemy Ace: War in Heaven) just debuted the first issue of their year-long, twelve part Marvel Comics series called, The Twelve.

Billed as "A Thrilling Novel Of Tomorrow", The Twelve reintroduces an even dozen of Marvel's largely forgotten, golden age characters from way back in the 1940's when the company was known as Timely Comics. The Black Widow (the lone female hero), the Blue Blade, Captain Wonder, Dynamic Man, Electro the Robot, the Fiery Mask, the Laughing Mask, Master Mind Excello, Mr. E, the Phantom Reporter, Rockman and the Witness fall victim to Nazi scientists at the close of WWII and are left in suspended animation for the subsequent decades between then and now (August 2008; per the story).

Upon awakening, the heroes quickly ascertain the truth of their situation and slowly begin to acclimate to the present day. Narrated by the Phantom Reporter, the tale effectively informs the reader of the heroes powers (or lack of same) and then jumps right into what is to be the maguffin. One of their number is apparently found murdered on the last page of this issue, but therein lies the rub. Despite adequate media indications that this very thing is the crux upon which the series will spin, the overall manner in which it plays out in the introductory issue is jarring to say the least.

The Phantom Reporters narration reveals that the "death" takes place much, much later than what we've just read of the heroes return to the world in this very issue, and also after they've just been encouraged to again take their places as heroes for the nation [in the wake of the huge Civil War crossover, to boot]. Indeed the physical appearance of the Phantom Reporter is certainly different on that last page, as is that of his obviously deceased former compatriot. As much as I was looking forward to this issue, the break took me immediately outside of the story that Straczynski was weaving - - - and unnecessarily so, in my opinion.

Fortunately the art is very good by Weston and it alone will draw me back for more of the mystery, but I hope that we aren't going to be similarly yin & yang'ed for ten more issues before everything is all-too-neatly tied up in the final issues denouement.

Either way, these quirky heroes are welcome back. Let's just hope that they all don't bite the bullet during the course of the series.

1970's Flashback: The Falcon

The Falcon (Sam "Snap" Wilson) first appeared in Captain America Vol. 1, #117 (Sept. 1969). Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, the Falcon most frequently works with Captain America, and also later became a member of the superhero team the Avengers.

The Falcon debuted nearly three years before Luke Cage, Marvel's first African-American solo series superhero. The Falcon is also the first superhero of African descent not to have the word "black" as part of his superhero name, preceding the John Stewart/ Green Lantern by over two years. Although the Falcon traded in his original green outfit and adopted his more familiar red & white costume at the onset of the 70’s, it wasn’t until Captain America # 170 (February 1974) when the Black Panther and his Wakandan scientists created artificial wings for the Falcon, providing him with the power of flight, that Sam Wilson really lived up to his avian name.

Trivia: The Falcon's deceased nephew Jim Wilson, was the Incredible Hulk's sometime-sidekick and one of the first openly HIV-positive comic-book characters.

1970's Flashback: Warlock

Adam Warlock originally appeared in the two part Fantastic Four #66-67 (1967) as Him; an artificially created being produced by the scientific trio known as The Enclave. Him subsequently appeared as an adversary in Thor #165-166 before he was totally revamped as an allegorical Messiah figure by writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane in Marvel Premiere #1 (April 1972).

This version featured Warlock on the genetically engineered planet Counter-Earth (located on the far side of the sun) for two issues before spinning off into its own title, The Power of Warlock, which ran through issue #8 (Aug. 1972 - Oct. 1973). After yet another quest appearance, this time in The Incredible Hulk # 177-178, Warlock received another reprieve under writer-artist Jim Starlin. In the critically acclaimed storyline "The Magus Saga",which began in Strange Tales #178-181 (Feb.-Aug. 1975) and continued into the revived Warlock series for issues #9-15 (Oct. 1975 - Nov. 1976), Starlin wrote, penciled (eventually co-penciling with Steve Leialoha, and initially self-inked an epic arc involving Warlock in war with a corrupt, religious space empire, his demagogue future self, and the cosmic super villain Thanos.

1970's Flashback: Ms. Marvel

As a qualifier,this week there will be four "1970's Flashbacks" focusing on Marvel Comics characters who originally appeared in the 1960's, but who achieved their greatest prominence beginning in the disco decade of the 70's. First up Carol Susan Jane Danvers aka Ms. Marvel.

The character first appeared (as the non-super-powered Carol Danvers) in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (March 1968) and then as Ms. Marvel in Ms. Marvel #1 (January 1977). Danvers is a retired U.S. Air Force Intelligence agent turned NASA Security Chief, and a romantic interest to the extraterrestrial hero Captain Marvel. After she is caught in the radiation emitted by the explosion of the Kree "Psyche-Magnitron" device (technology which was derived from Marvel’s Kree home world), Carol gains superhuman strength and the ability to fly, among other talents, and becomes Ms. Marvel. During her series' short life span, Ms. Marvel was portrayed as a distinctly feminist hero. Following periods where she was involved with the Avengers & the X-Men; during which she was known as Binary and Warbird, Carol has returned to her identity of Ms. Marvel and is currently leader of the Mighty Avengers team.