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Preview: Dave Stevens The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition

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Dave Stevens The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition

(W) Dave Stevens (A/CA) Dave Stevens
In Shops: Apr 27, 2022
SRP: $150.00

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the debut of The Rocketeer in comics with this beautiful book showcasing the art of one of the masters of the!
In April of 1982, The Rocketeer debuted as a backup feature from Pacific Comics. From those humble beginnings the artistry of Dave Stevens caught the imaginations of countless readers and became a worldwide sensation, even being turned into a big-budget feature film! And in 2010 when IDW launched its award-winning Artist’s Edition series, The Rocketeer was the inaugural release, even winning two coveted Eisner Awards that year. The book quickly sold out and went into a second printing. Now, more than ten years later, is soaring back with a new 40th anniversary printing.

As with all Artist’s Editions, the pages reproduced in this book have been meticulously scanned from the original art. Readers will be able to peruse these pages and see all the quirks and nuances that make original art so unique-blue pencil notations, white out, gradients in the ink, and so much more. Unless you were looking over Dave’s shoulder as he painstakingly drew these pages, this is your best chance to see the art of The Rocketeer as close to the originals as possible!

Dave Stevens The Rocketeer Artist's Edition

Preview: The Rocketeer: The Great Race #1 (of 4)

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The Rocketeer: The Great Race #1 (of 4)

(W) Stephen Mooney (A) Stephen Mooney (CA) Gabriel Rodriguez
In Shops: Apr 06, 2022
SRP: $4.99

CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VERY FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE ROCKETEER!

Ace stunt pilot Cliff Secord has returned from his New York Adventure to a West Coast steeped in paranoia over the looming war in Europe. Having finally had enough of his near-death scrapes as the high-flying Rocketeer, the only thing in Cliff’s crosshairs is The Great Race: a prestigious, winner-take-all air race that runs from California to France! Maybe it’s finally time to smarten up and fly straight . . . by taking his best girl Betty to Paris! But other parties want to win the race for their own nefarious ends, and Cliff will need to decide which prize is truly the most valuable of all.

BONUS FEATURE: Each issue will contain an oral history-featuring Dave Stevens’s friends, family and fellow artists-all culled together by Kelvin Mao, longtime friend of Stevens’s and the director of the forthcoming documentary on the beloved artist!

The Rocketeer: The Great Race #1 (of 4)

Preview: The Rocketeer: The Great Race #1 (of 4)

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The Rocketeer: The Great Race #1 (of 4)

(W) Stephen Mooney (A) Stephen Mooney (CA) Gabriel Rodriguez
In Shops: Apr 06, 2022
SRP: $4.99

CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VERY FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE ROCKETEER!

Ace stunt pilot Cliff Secord has returned from his New York Adventure to a West Coast steeped in paranoia over the looming war in Europe. Having finally had enough of his near-death scrapes as the high-flying Rocketeer, the only thing in Cliff’s crosshairs is The Great Race: a prestigious, winner-take-all air race that runs from California to France! Maybe it’s finally time to smarten up and fly straight . . . by taking his best girl Betty to Paris! But other parties want to win the race for their own nefarious ends, and Cliff will need to decide which prize is truly the most valuable of all.

BONUS FEATURE: Each issue will contain an oral history-featuring Dave Stevens’s friends, family and fellow artists-all culled together by Kelvin Mao, longtime friend of Stevens’s and the director of the forthcoming documentary on the beloved artist!

The Rocketeer: The Great Race #1 (of 4)

IDW Celebrates 40 Years of The Rocketeer in April

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This April, IDW Publishing invites pulp adventure fans on a trans-Atlantic journey in The Rocketeer: The Great Race! A brand-new four-issue comic book miniseries commemorating 40 years of Dave Stevens’ iconic hero, The Great Race soars to stratospheric storytelling heights courtesy of New York Times bestselling writer/artist Stephen Mooney!

In The Great Race, stunt pilot Cliff Secord returns to a West Coast steeped in paranoia over the looming war in Europe. Having finally had enough of his near-death scrapes as the high-flying Rocketeer, the only thing in Cliff’s crosshairs is a prestigious, winner-take-all air race that runs from California to France! Maybe it’s finally time to smarten up and fly straight… by taking his best girl Betty to Paris! But other parties want to win the race for their own nefarious ends, and Cliff will need to decide which prize is truly the most valuable of all.

As an additional bonus, each issue of The Rocketeer: The Great Race will contain an oral history featuring Dave Stevens’s friends, family, and fellow artists, all culled together by Kelvin Mao, the director of the forthcoming documentary on the beloved artist!

The debut issue of The Rocketeer: The Great Race will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A by Gabriel Rodríguez, Cover B by Stephen Mooney himself, a Blank Sketch edition for Cover C, and a Retailer Incentive edition featuring virgin artwork by Rodríguez.

April 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of The Rocketeer’s debut as a backup feature in 1982’s Starslayer #2. In addition to The Great Race, IDW will celebrate “Rocketeer Month” with an encore release of Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition, a new printing of the inaugural release in IDW’s multiple award-winning Artist’s Edition line. Long out of print, this completely redesigned reissue of the long-out-of-print Artist’s Edition reproduces an integral work of comics history, meticulously scanned from the original art.

Underrated: Five 90’s Comic Book Movies

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This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week:  Comic Book Movies From The 90’s

With the cinematic landscape jam packed with comic book inspired movies these days, I had to wonder what the 90’s looked like, and whether any of those movies held up today. So I asked myself, I said “self, are there any movies that you feel are, for whatever reason, somewhat underrated?”

Turns out, there is.

A few things before we start; firstly, these comic book movies may have been well received when released, but may never have garnered as much attention as they deserved. Secondly, some of these movies I’m probably viewing with the rose tinted glasses of nostalgia so be prepared for some potentially foolish claims. Thirdly, this isn’t a complete, or inclusive, list and it is completely subjective.

phantom.jpg

The Phantom (1996)
This is probably one of the only comic book movie on this list with an actual spandex bodysuit in it, and Billy Zane does admirably well in the roll. I haven’t seen this movie since the 90’s, but not for lack of trying – it is very tough to track down for a reasonable price. The Phantom is a hugely enjoyable movie, so long as you take it for what it is (Guardians of the Galaxy, it is not), you can’t fail to not enjoy it. But do yourself a favour and skip the two part mini series released in 2010.

Batman Forever (1995)
Joel Shumacker ruined the Batman movie franchise with Batman and Robin, that’s no lie, but before he did that he made Batman Forever. I still enjoy this flick to this day. It echoes the Adam West TV show of the 1960’s, updating the camp foolishness of that time into a slightly more modern and darker time, bridging the gap expertly between Tim Burton’s films and the TV show. The movie stars because of its villains; Tommy Lee Jones’ Two Face and Jim Carry’s excellent portrayal of the Riddler.  No, the film isn’t the best batman movie out there, but it isn’t as bad as Shumacker’s other offering.

crow.jpg

The Crow (1994)
The Crow is a certified cult classic at this point, and with a new adaptation of the source material coming in the near future, I thought it would be worth familiarizing myself with one of my favourite movies (and was the genesis of this column). Brandon Lee is a revelation in this film, and the tragedy of his untimely death during filming only adds to the overwhelming sense of sadness and the themes of love that are woven through the movie. The film is a love story at heart, with just shy of half a dozen characters’ fates being intertwined through their actions; you’ll also notice some of the cinematography and visuals having an influence on some of the darker comic book movies that would follow.

rocketeer.jpg

The Rocketeer (1991)
A film in the vein of Indiana Jones and the adventure films of the 80’s, The Rocketeer is an entertaining romp set during the late 30’s as war brews in Europe. A stunt pilot finds a secret weapon, the jetpack, and struggles to win back his girl and stop the weapon from falling into the wrong hands. A genuinely entertaining film that you can watch with your kids (assuming you watch the adventures of Dr. Jones with them), The Rocketeer has long held a special place in my heart.

The Mask (1994)
Jim Carry’s rubber face is on full display in this outrageously fun and completely stupid offering. You can’t watch this without either laughing or rolling your eyes because The Mask is a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously at all, and nor should you take it seriously. Just watch it and enjoy the fun.

That’s all we have for this week, folks. Come back next time  when there’s something else Underrated to talk about.

Diamond Select Toys Reveals Collector Con Releases

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Walmart has long been known as a great place to get collectible toys, but now it’s gotten even greater! Walmart has partnered with Diamond Select Toys on four exclusive products, all launching during Walmart’s Collector Con, and all slated for release this fall! Read on for details, then head over to Walmart.com to order yours!

Marvel Animated Unmasked Spider-Man – Walmart Exclusive 6-Inch Bust – Walmart.com – Walmart.com

The ‘90s are alive and well with Diamond Select Toys’ animated-style busts! This bust of Peter Parker, Spider-Man, firing a webline with his mask removed, is exclusive to Walmart, and measures approximately 6 inches tall. Limited to only 3200 pieces, it includes a numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Barry Bradfield, sculpted by Paul Harding.

Marvel Gallery Statue Dr. Doom – Walmart Exclusive 9-Inch Collectible – Walmart.com – Walmart.com

It’s Victor Von Doom vs. prehistory in the newest Marvel Comic Gallery Diorama! The Fantastic Four foe stands on top of a pile of dinosaur skulls, his fists glowing as if preparing to take on even more giant reptiles. Measuring approximately 10 inches tall, it features detailed sculpting and paint applications and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Alterton!

Rocketeer Deluxe VHS Action Figure – Diamond Select 7-Inch Collectible Walmart Exclusive – Walmart.com – Walmart.com

The Rocketeer flies onto video with this exclusive 7-inch action figure! Packaged in a replica VHS clamshell case, this figure of the Rocketeer includes a removable jetpack, removable rocket blasts, and interchangeable hands. Featuring 16 points of articulation, it also features an exclusive, vibrant movie-poster paint scheme! Designed by Yuri Timg, sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios.

The Crow Deluxe VHS Figure – Walmart Exclusive 7-Inch Collectible – Walmart.com – Walmart.com

The Crow returns in exclusive VHS-style clamshell packaging, with authentic movie artwork on front and back covers. This version reflects his first appearance in the 1994 film, and includes his gravestone, the crow, and a poster for a Halloween night performance of The Hangman’s Joke! The action figure includes 16 points of articulation and a black display stand with the movie’s logo. Designed by Yuri Timg, sculpted by Chris Dahlberg.

Diamond Select Toys’ NYCC 2020 Exclusives are Revealed

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New York Comic-Con 2020 has gone online and joined the Metaverse, but you can’t stop the NYCC exclusives! Diamond Select Toys is offering five exclusives this year, including four available through a variety of retailers and one that is only at shop.diamondselecttoys.com! To check out the exclusive Gallery dioramas and Vinimates vinyl figures based on Marvel Comics, Godzilla and the Rocketeer, read on, then find a comic shop or place your order online!

Rocketeer Vinimates Rocketeer Noir NYCC 2020 Vinyl Figure

Extra! Extra! The newsreels are alive with footage of the latest homegrown hero, the high-flying Rocketeer! This 4-inch Vinimates vinyl figure features an all-new black, white and silver paint scheme, to resemble the newspaper photos and film footage of the day. With an articulated head and a pose straight from the movie, this exclusive Vinimate comes packaged in a full-color box, and is limited to only 300 pieces. Only at shop.diamondselecttoys.com! Designed by Barry Bradfield! A Diamond Select Toys release! (Item #NOV198148, $9.99)

Godzilla Vinimates Fire Rodan NYCC 2020 Vinyl Figure

Rodan returns! As seen in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, the winged Kaiju Rodan is re-animated as Fire Rodan, with an all new paint scheme on his Vinimates vinyl figure! Measuring approximately 4 inches tall, this Vinimate features an articulated neck and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Limited to only 1,000 pieces! Designed by Barry Bradfield! A Diamond Select Toys release! (Item #JUN208517, SRP: $9.99)

Marvel Comic Gallery Lady Deadpool Unmasked NYCC 2020 PVC Diorama

This Diorama is a beauty! Lady Deadpool removes her mask for this exclusive Marvel Gallery Diorama, revealing her beautiful, unscarred face. Measuring approximately 8 inches tall, this sword-brandishing sculpture is made of high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Limited to only 1,000 pieces! Sculpted by Alejandro Pereira! A Diamond Select Toys release! (Item #APR208467, SRP: $49.99)

Marvel Comic Gallery Venom Glow-in-the-Dark NYCC 2020 PVC Diorama

They are Venom! Eddie Brock reunites with his partner in hate, the alien symbiote, to become Venom once more in this exclusive Marvel Gallery Diorama! Measuring approximately 9 inches tall, this sculpture depicts Venom mid-merge, with Brock visible under the symbiote, and features glow-in-the-dark paint details! It is made of a high-grade PVC with detailed sculpting and paint applications and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Limited to only 2,000 pieces!  Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Phil Ramirez. A Diamond Select Toys release! (Item #DEC198501, SRP: $49.99)

Marvel Comic Gallery Jubilee Bubble NYCC 2020 PVC Diorama

The X-Men’s resident sparkler kicks butt and chews bubble gum in this exclusive Gallery Diorama! Wearing her trademark yellow coat, this version of Jubilee blows a bubble as she dodges the Danger Room’s attacks. The X-Woman stands approximately 8 inches tall, and is made of a high-grade PVC with detailed sculpting and paint applications. She comes packaged in a full-color window box. Limited to only 1,000 pieces! Designed by Uriel Caton, sculpted by Alejandro Pereira. A Diamond Select Toys release! (Item #JUL198251, SRP: $50.00)

Diamond Select Toys In Stores This Week: Castlevania, Cthulhu, and More!

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Summer may be winding down, but things are heating up at your local comic shop! This week, Diamond Select Toys is shipping seven sizzling new items to your nearest store, and there’s something for everyone! Castlevania action figures, DC Comics dioramas, Rocketeer and X-Men busts, and creepy sculpts of Cthulhu and Annabelle! It’s the best of all worlds! Read on for details, then reserve yours at your local comic shop or favorite online retailer!

Castlevania TV Action Figures Series 2 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! We’ve seen the heroes, now meet the villains of Castlevania! From the hit Netflix animated series come three all-new action figures of Dracula and two of his generals, Carmilla and Godbrand! Each figure features up to 16 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Each comes packaged in a full-color blister card. Designed by Eamon O’Donoghue, sculpted by Richard Force. (Asst. #DEC192334, SRP: $19.99/ea.)

DC Comic Gallery Penguin PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Oswald Cobblepot gets the Gallery treatment in this new diorama of the Penguin! Batman’s feather-loving foe looks menacing with his umbrella piercing a Batarang, and a rocket-propelled penguin by his side. Made of high-quality PVC and featuring detailed sculpting and paint applications, it comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Alterton. (Item #DEC192332, SRP: $49.99)

DC Comic Gallery Poison Ivy PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Every rose has its thorn, and this one has Poison Ivy! Rising out of a giant flower, a green-skinned Pamela Isley greets the morning sun in this sultry sculpture from the DC Gallery Diorama line. Based on her comic-book appearance, this approximately 9-inch diorama is made of high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. Packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Shawn Knapp, sculpted by James Marsano. Formerly a GameStop exclusive. (Item #FEB202412, SRP: $49.99)

Horror Movie Gallery Annabelle PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Annabelle is coming home! The Gallery line of PVC Dioramas dives into the world of horror movies with this sculpture based on the Annabelle series! Depicting the doll Annabelle sitting in a rocking chair, this sculpture measures 9 inches tall and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. Packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #DEC192338, SRP: $39.99)

Legends in 3D Movie Rocketeer 1/2 Scale Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! The high-flying Rocketeer is now a Legend in Three Dimensions! The newest Legends in 3D Half-Scale Bust captures the hero of 1991’s The Rocketeer in a heroic 10-inch portrait, showcasing his distinctive art-deco helmet. Cast in resin and featuring detailed sculpting and paint applications, it is limited to only 1000 pieces and includes a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity. Packaged in a full-color box. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #DEC192336, SRP: $150.00)

Legends in 3D Cthulhu ½ Scale Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! The literary legend is now the latest Legend in 3-D! Part of the Legends in 3D “half-scale” bust line, this approximately 10-inch resin sculpture depicts the tentacled monstrosity as he is described in the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed and sculpted by Eli Livingston. (Item #JAN202458, SRP: $175.00)

Marvel Animated X-Men Jean Grey Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! The groundbreaking animated-style line of X-Men busts continues with the X-Men’s resident redhead, Jean Grey! Looking like she just stepped off the screen from the hit cartoon, Jean focuses her telepathic abilities in this 6-inch resin bust, featuring detailed sculpting and animation-inspired paint details. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color window box with a certificate of authenticity. Designed by Barry Bradfield, sculpted by Paul Harding. (Item #JAN202454, SRP: $59.99)

Diamond Select Toys On Sale Now: IT, The Rocketeer, and the Guardians of the Galaxy!

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This week, Diamond Select Toys is going small with its releases! Three new items hit stores today, and they’re all under 4 inches! First up is a two-pack of 3-inch D-Formz figures based on IT Chapter 2, followed by Series 79 of the 2-inch Marvel Minimates mini-figures, and topped off with the relatively monstrous 4-inch Rocketeer Vinimate! It’s the best (and smallest) of all worlds!

IT Chapter 2 D-Formz Pennywise Mini-Figures 2-Pack

A Diamond Select Toys release! Because two clowns are better than one! This two-pack of D-Formz mini-figures based on the new IT movie shows Pennywise the clown in his muddy human form as well as his monstrous demon form. The pair of mini-figures comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Barry Bradfield, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #JUL192659, SRP: $15.99)

IT Chapter 2 D-Formz Pennywise Mini-Figures 2-Pack

Marvel Minimates Series 79 Guardians of the Galaxy Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Guardians of the Galaxy unite in the record 79th series of Marvel Minimates! The assortment includes three two-packs, featuring Star-Lord with Adam Warlock, Gamora with Darkhawk, and Cosmic Ghost Rider with Angela. Plus, if you buy all three packs, you get the parts to build Moondragon! Each 2-inch mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable parts, and each two-pack comes packaged in a full-color window box. Assortment includes 12 two-packs, four of each style. Designed by Barry Bradfield! (Item #DEC192340, SRP: $9.99/ea.)

Rocketeer Vinimates Vinyl Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Stepping off the silver screen, this Vinimates vinyl figure of the Rocketeer is 4” tall and packs in a lot of detail! Sculpted in the classic Minimates block-figure style, it features an articulated neck and comes packaged in a full-color window box! Designed by Barry Bradfield. (Item #NOV192330, SRP: $9.99)

Diamond Select Toys In Stores This Week: Black Hole, Rocketeer and More!

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March has come, and the march of new toys continues! This week, six new items hit comic shops from Diamond Select Toys, and they’re all hot ones! The Disney Select action figures from The Black Hole and The Rocketeer are figuratively en fuego, and Jubilee and Ghost Rider are actually on fire! Add in the hotly anticipated Robin smokestack diorama and it’s a smokin’ good time at your nearby store!

DC Comic Gallery Robin PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! Tim Drake arcs over a smokestack in this dynamic new entry in the DC Comic Gallery Diorama line. Measuring approximately 9 inches tall, this sculpture of Robin is crafted of high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint details. Packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Shawn Knapp, sculpted by Joe Menna. (Item #OCT192536, SRP: $49.99)

Disney Select Classic Action Figures Series 1 Black Hole VINCENT and BOB (Item #MAY199069, SRP: $29.99)

Disney Select Classic Action Figures Series 1 Black Hole Maximilian (Item #MAY199070, SRP: $29.99)

Disney Select Classic Action Figures Series 1 Rocketeer (Item #MAY199071, SRP: $29.99)

A Diamond Select Toys release! The ultimate fan-demanded action figure line is here! Featuring characters from classic Disney action films, this assortment of 7-inch-scale action figures includes robot V.I.N.CENT (with B.O.B.) from “The Black Hole,” evil robot Maximilian from “The Black Hole” and, from his own film, the high-flying Rocketeer! Each figure includes multiple interchangeable parts, and the Black Hole robots each include part of a diorama base from the interior of the USS Cygnus. Each comes packaged in Select action figure packaging. Designed by Yuri Tming, sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios! (Assortment #AUG192721, SRP: $29.99/ea.)

Marvel Comic Gallery Jubilee PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys release! The X-Men’s resident sparkler enters the Danger Room in this new Gallery Diorama! Wearing her trademark yellow coat and dodging the Danger Room’s attacks, Jubilee stands approximately 8 inches tall, and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. She comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Uriel Caton, sculpted by Alejandro Pereira. (Item #OCT192543, SRP: $49.99)

Marvel Comic Milestones Ghost Rider Resin Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! Gaze into his penance stare! The original Spirit of Vengeance pulls off stunt worthy of the daredevil he is in this dynamic new statue from the Marvel Milestones collection! Seen as he swings a chain from the handlebars of his motorcycle, this approximately 15-inch resin statue is limited to only 1,000 numbered pieces and comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Designed by Nelson X. Asencio, sculpted by Mat Brouillard. (Item #JUL192672, SRP: $299.99)

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