Friday, October 11, 2013

5 YEAR BLOGGIVERSARY!
-or-
The "BEST OF" vol 5: 2012-2013

---

WELCOME to a VERY SPECIAL POST!

With limited time (and zero talent), I’ve somehow managed to make it to FIVE YEARS of producing a fair-to-middling amount of "content" (all of varying quality) for this blog!
(This, on top of the many years - since 1997 - of my being an omni-present commenter/ know-it-all loudmouth on others’ blogs, message boards and random street corners.)  

So, now, in the vein of anniversary episodes of various television shows or GIANT-SIZED ANNUALS of old, I would, once again, produce a “best of” post - thus revisiting a few of the "high-points" of this past year's blog-post entries.

Disclaimer: What might constitute "High-Points" may differ from person to person. I'm sure we can ALL agree that when the average content level is a mere "meh", anything above snore-inducing is a "high-point".

OK, seriously...
Well... seeing as how I began my official blogging on one random October day in 2008, any semblance of a calendar-year can be tossed right out the window. So, we will focus on what I blogged from OCTOBER 11, 2012 to OCTOBER 11, 2013.

Feel free to use this opportunity to peruse some of these old posts - whether you have read them already or not, there is actually some really good stuff in here.

Let's see:

--- 

As a (primarily) DOCTOR STRANGE blog, I wrote several posts detailing the many aspects of his origin, history and subsequent treatment by Marvel – for good – or (sometimes, unfortunately) ill.

And since this is my 5th bloggiversary, let's begin with a tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the character.

- 50 YEARS of DOCTOR STRANGE - [HERE]

And to keep the fun in a more... current timeframe:

- DOCTOR STRANGE - the 1st MARVEL NOW Comic - [HERE]

And what could be more fun than battling against death itself? Alright, so it's NOT fun, but unlike most heroes, Dr. Strange has fought against the actual embodiment of Death several times.

- ... TO THE DEATH - [HERE]

Not that WE as mortals don't also do so (at least once), but it should be known that many times, when we do, Doctor Strange is there fighting with and for us.

- 12/12/12: IF THIS BE DOOMSDAY - [HERE]
- 12/21/2012: IF THIS BE DOOMSDAY (Revisited): Weep for the Soul of Man- [HERE]

Although, as a blog that ALSO shows love to a few other heroes, my "Founding Fathers" (ROM; Spaceknight, MAN-THING and DR. STRANGE), I would be remiss if I didn't highlight when all 3 of them helped us from fiery death from the sky:

- ASTEROID 2012 DA14 - Armageddon Outta Here! -or- Kiss Your Asteroid Goodbye! - [HERE]

While some discussions were about those who stand by the Master of the Mystic Arts, those who help him BE who he is.

- (ANCIENT ONE) ...MORE THAN A FATHER - [HERE]
- (WONG) LABOR DAY: MASTER and SERVANT - [HERE]

Or an entry (the first of a new series) looking at the foes who also do so, yet from an... inverted perspective.

- When Black Smoke Turns White, is Then Forged a SILVER DAGGER - [HERE]


---


There were also other articles and entries to long-running series, as well as revisits to previous discussions.

- STRANGE CLOTHES Make the Man... STRANGE (Revisited) - [HERE]
- STRANGE CLOTHES Make the Man... STRANGE (Revisited - REDUX) - [HERE]

After a two-year dry-spell, there was a return to a titillating, long-running favorite series, which saw two entries this year!
*(While not necessarily N.S.F.W., I'd probably wait til you got home to open these next two links)

- CLEA LOVES SEX: Ménage à Trois x3 - Three Three-Ways to Sunday - [HERE]
- CLEA LOVES SEX: Mother’s Day MILF Special Edition- UMAR LOVES SEX- [HERE]


---


Interested in collectibles and comic swag? Sure! In fact, that was the main reason for my even starting this blog in the first place! We saw a return to my blogging about my collection this past year, and as such, there were a few nifty entries.

Several such entries were about various forms of Dr. Strange comic-themed apparel, which are a part of a long-running series of such posts (links to which can be found within the Supplemental Entries).

- MYSTIC GARB (Supplemental Entry #5) : GRAIL ITEM - [HERE]
- MYSTIC GARB (Supplemental Entry #6) : CUSTOM CONJUROR's CAP - [HERE]
- MYSTIC GARB (Supplemental Entry #7) : FCBD INFINITY shirt & poster - [HERE]


and even begun a new sub-series of the MYSTIC GARB series; ARTIFACTS of FLAIR...

- MYSTIC GARB: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR - Part 1: PATCHES of POWER - [HERE]
- MYSTIC GARB: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR - Part 2: BUTTONS & PINS - [HERE]
- MYSTIC GARB: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR - Part 3: AMULETS & MEDALLIONS - [HERE]
- MYSTIC GARB: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR - Part 3a: EYE of AGAMOTTO - [HERE]
- MYSTIC GARB: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR - Part 4: MAGIC RINGS - [HERE]


Along with some of the FLAIR entries, here is another One-of-A-Kind item which also features a glimpse within my Sanctum:

- DR. STRANGE FRISBEE - [HERE]


While not quite 1-of-a-Kind, this Strange 2-part entry of official Doctor Strange swag from the U.S. GOVERNMENT feature UBER-RARE items:

- Part 1: MASTER of the MINTED ARTS; DR. STRANGE SILVER COIN– [HERE]
- Part 2: The POSTMAN Always BLOGS TWICE – [HERE]


I am elated that I have resumed cataloging entries in my long-running (and sadly long-absent) series of Action Figures, Statues and assorted "IDOL PURSUITS" (get it? the Pursuit of IDOLS? Idols are statues, and... oh heck... just check them out)...

IDOL PURSUITS SERIES ENTRIES:
- IDOL PURSUITS RECAP & "TOYS NIGHT OUT" - [HERE]
- MASTER of the PLASTIC ARTS # 5 : Dr. STRANGE "Spider-Wars" figures- [HERE]
- SPECIAL EDITION: DR. STRANGE BOARD GAME - PRINT out & PLAY- [HERE]

That Dr. Strange Board Game entry was but one of several posts wherein I gave "GIFTS" of a sort to my readers.

Here are two more entries wherein I give swag to YOU:

- BIRTHDAY GIF(ts) from ME to YOU - [HERE]
- SECRET GIFTS from the SANCTUM SANCTORUM (from ME to YOU) - [HERE]

And lastly in the SWAG category, let’s not forget my New Year's Day addition to my long-running - MARVEL CALENDARS SERIES – [HERE]

---

And speaking of “New Year’s Day”, while not quite as extensive (or always as serious) as my essays, there are also a bunch of HOLIDAY POSTS wherein I might display a little razzle-dazzle (or a facsimile thereof) for your general enjoyment. (I won’t list them all, but will showcase the best of them here)!

- (Thanksgiving)  DO's & DONT's for a HAPPY THANKSGIVING - [HERE]
- (Christmas) – GIFTS FROM CHRISTMAS PAST! - [HERE]
- (St. Valentine’s) – DOCTOR LOVE; Master of the Mystic HEARTS - [HERE]
- (Earth Day/Arbor Day: Green Week)   Be GREEN, Like MAN-THING - [HERE]
- (Independence Day) – HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA, Thanks to DR. STRANGE [HERE]

---

Of course, SOME comic-blog readers actually like to read about... oh, I dunno... comics!
So, here are some reviews:



- DEFENDERS # 12 - ...and THEN...and THEN... The IMPOSSIBLE END - [HERE]

- NEW AVENGERS v2 # 31 : END TIMES Part 1 - [HERE]
- NEW AVENGERS v2 # 32 : END TIMES Part 2 - [HERE]
- NEW AVENGERS v2 # 33 : END TIMES Part 3 - [HERE]
- NEW AVENGERS v2 # 34 : END TIMES Part 4 - [HERE]

---

And, of course, we here at the Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog also have our own "Awards Show", the "SANCTUM AWARDS".
I present "Sancty's" to deserving "Best of" and Worst of" categories of the previous years’ releases (so the Sancty post of 2013 is for 2012 releases).
Sometimes this is the only place where I may discuss certain titles, storylines or collectible products.
Other times, I am revisiting older posts with my votes.
Either way, a thorough overview of the year's official product output is reviewed.
- The 5th ANNUAL SANCTUM AWARDS - can be found - [HERE

---

And lastly, submitted for your approval are three posts featuring more intimate looks at the INNER SANCTUM...

- MEET MacGOOT: SENTRY of the SANCTUM - [HERE]

- PUTTING on a NEW FACE: MEN CALL HIM... DORKTER STRANGE - [HERE]

The last (but not least) being an illustration that was a commission which I drew for a reader/fan/friend.

- DRAWING on the MYSTIC ARTS - [HERE]

---

I would be remiss if I didn't thank the many friends, fans, readers, followers, fellow-bloggers and wonderful souls out there who have helped, inspired, cajoled, cudgeled and commented. Thank You all!


And creators without whom this blog would be about my collection of rare molds, spores and fungus':
- 
- Steve Ditko -
- Jack Kirby -
- Stan Lee -
- Steve Englehart -
- Gene Colan -
- Marshall Rogers -
- J.M. DeMatteis -
- Steve Gerber -
- Dan Green -
- Michael Golden -
- Paul Smith -
- Mike Ploog -
- Dan Adkins -
- Steve Rude -
- Bill Everett - 
- John Byrne -
- Peter Gillis -
-Roger Stern -
- Frank Brunner -
- Kevin Nowlan -
- Chris Warner -
- P. Craig Russell -
- Gerry Conway - 
- Sandy Plunkett -
- Alan Davis –
- Jeff Parker -
- Mike Allred -
- Mark Buckingham -
- Howard Chaykin -
- Kurt Busiek -
- Mike Weiringo -
- Al Milgrom -
- Rudy Nebres -
- Tom Sutton -
- Steve Mellor -
- Ian Akin and Brian Garvey -
- Sal Buscema -
- Bill Mantlo -
and many, many, MANY more!

And that should do it.
Sure, there are more blog entries - but not all of them are merit-worthy, or while they may be good, are just silly hit-and-run style posts.
Some are to showcase new products or comics that were to be released, and others are tongue-in-cheek bits of whimsy, or tips of the hat to various holidays. 
I have a lot like that - some quick Photoshop, an Action figure or comic scan and what passes for "wit" = a quick blog post.

But if you like that sort of thing, open up the blog-history drop down lists and just jump around.

I'll catch you all in a few.  I have lots more planned for YEAR 6!
Join me, wont you?

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

IDOL PURSUITS: MASTER of the PLASTIC ARTS
Part 5: 1996 DR STRANGE “Spider-Wars” Action Figure
(Spider-Man Animated Series – ToyBiz)

---

Welcome to another entry in the long-running “IDOL PURSUITS” series (and of the “Master of the PLASTIC Arts” sub-series {a complete run-down of previous entries can be found [HERE] or individual links can be found at the end of this post})!



Today’s entry features the DOCTOR STRANGE Action Figure from the “Spider-Man: the Animated Series” line. (AND all its VARIANTS!)



Released from ToyBiz in 1996, as a part of the “Spider-Wars” assortment (along with BLACK CAT, HYDRO-MAN, DOPPLEGANGER SPIDER and CYBORG SPIDER-MAN), this is the first true DOCTOR STRANGE action figure! *(See footnote below)



This figure, like most in the "Spider-Man Animated Series" line, is based upon the guest-appearance of the character (in this case, Doctor Strange) in an episode of the 1990's era Spider-Man animated cartoon. Doctor Strange appeared in the first episode of the "Sins of the Fathers" story arc, appropriately entitled; "DOCTOR STRANGE".

Also appearing in the episode are Wong, Baron Mordo and Dormammu (who, while Doc and Wong are in but this one episode, the two baddies both reappear numerous times over the story arc).
While neither Wong nor Mordo ever got a figure, Dormammu would indeed (at a later time, and not quite as a part of this line, which we'll get to in a near-future post).

I’ll confess, while there have been several other Dr. Strange action figures released after this one – some with far greater detail and points of articulation - this figure is my personal favorite. **(See the 2nd footnote below)

Doctor Strange possesses 10 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, waist, hips, knees, ankles) , a dynamic sculpt and clean, crisp paint applications. This figure also features a “super-power”: via a specially-designed Cloak of Levitation, due to a clip that fits around his waist and a hidden metal wire in the base of the cloak (billed as a “Mystical Morphing Cape”), the cloak can support the weight of the figure, allowing for “gravity-defying” poses.






Also included are two accessories: a plastic pin / standee, and an “Orb of Agamotto” crystal ball.

The “pin” features a Doctor Strange logo superimposed over the Doc’s head and hands, and a clip on the back that pivots out to act as a stand (or clips back down for use as a pin {one of the many pins and buttons showcased in a previous post [HERE]}).



The “Orb” is a clear ball on a sculpted base that features a demon’s head (as if being scryed upon or summoned by the good Doctor).


Early versions had a monochromatic all-yellow "demon" head in the orb.
The final version had a green head with a full paint scheme.
But I'll get to that in a moment while discussing "VARIANTS".

While variants are a common and popular practice today, they were seldom seen in 1996. Some variants are intended as such; “chase” figures which are short-packed in assortments. Others are the by-product of mid-run alterations. This is the sort of situation that garnered this figure not one, not two, but THREE additional “variants”!


The original-run figure had clear/white joint-pegs in the articulation points of his limbs and the “orb” included a yellow base-color demon-head.



The first adjustment saw the arm joint-pegs colored blue to match his tunic, but the legs pins in his knees and ankles were overlooked and they remained the original clear-white. It still had the one-tone yellow demon head in the “orb”.


The next alteration gave the figure joint-pegs appropriately colored to the paint application where they were located; blue for his arms, black for his legs. However, it still had the yellow base-colored demon head in the “orb”.


The final tweak had not only the appropriately colored joint pegs, but a new green plastic mold and a colored paint-application for the demon head.

Of course… I have to have all four... both IN package as well as loose.
Such is the collector-monkey on my back.

The paint application seemed to start off excellent (the face is exceptionally detailed in the 1st run; his eyes have been outlined and the mustache is perfectly painted. Each subsequent alteration saw a decline in paint apps. By the 3rd version, the paint application is a spotty mess. Luckily, by the final version, they seemed to care again and with the appropriate colored pegs, and the painted demon head, the paint application for the main figure also saw a raise in quality.

Designed by famed artist Michael Golden, the figure was originally intended to have an additional accessory: snap-on magic spells, made from translucent vac-formed rubber. In the design notes, Golden also suggests light-up hands and a glow-in-the-dark Eye of Agamotto amulet (both of which would have been awesome additions to an already great figure).


With design drawings by an illustrator of Michael Golden’s magnitude, why his illustrations were not used for the package - instead of the sub-par artwork that did make the card - is a mystery.

I have seen notations that the design of this sculpt won awards, yet I have yet to discover what awards that might be. Most likely, some toy industry award of which I am unfamiliar.

---
*Footnote # 1 (FUN FACT: )

After multiple entries in the IDOL PURSUITS series (and of the “Master of the PLASTIC Arts” sub-series {a complete run-down of previous entries can be found [HERE]}) we are FINALLY able to showcase a Doctor Strange figure that is BOTH an ACTION figure AND made of PLASTIC (as opposed to rubber, metal, or paper as have come before). Sure, the 1991 Doctor Strange PVC figure (seen [HERE]) is technically made of plastic, but it is in no way an “action” figure. Oh, I hear you matter-of-factly reminding me that the MEGO Doctor Strange figure was both “action” and plastic, but sadly, while it was originally intended to be a Doctor Strange figure (to cash in on the hopeful success of the Dr. Strange TV movie pilot in 1978), it was never released as such, and became instead (in 1981) a Jordache Male Fashion Model figure (as sadly related [HERE]).

As opposed to the failure of the Dr. Strange TV pilot securing an ongoing series, Spider-Man has always had better luck at mass media exposure. Thus, when the 1990’s SPIDER-MAN: The Animated Series was on the air, it was able to secure a plethora of ancillary wares of the star and his numerous villainous and heroic guest stars – which luckily for us included Action Figures!
  ---

**Footnote # 2 (FUN FACT of  a FUTURE FEATURE):

As a testament of how much I love this particular figure, come back NEXT time to see all the CUSTOM action figures that I made using it as a base. Back in the late 1990’s I was dead-set on producing a custom of every costume and appearance of Doctor Strange. While not every custom used this figure as a base, many did. Come check them out – NEXT TIME!


---

Previous entries in the
IDOL PURSUITS (and MASTER OF THE PLASTIC ARTS) series:


Part 1) - 1979 Ben Cooper “dangler-jiggler” figure – [HERE]

Part 1a) - ADDENDUM:  The pre-“Action Figure” figures
(Marvel World standees and "Rub-n-Play" standee) – [HERE]

Part 2) – The DOCTOR STRANGE MEGO figure that almost was – [HERE]

Part 3a) – Gaming figures: TSR Standees – [HERE]

Part 3b) – Gaming Figures: TSR Metal Figurines – [HERE]

Part 4) – The PVC Figurines: DOCTOR STRANGE – [HERE]

Part 4a) – The PVC Figurines - addendum 1: “MAN-THING” – [HERE]

Part 4b) – The PVC Figurines  - addendum 2: “DEFENDERS” – [HERE]

---

SPECIAL EDITIONS:

Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT "action figure" toy – [HERE]

Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT model kits: full size and bust - [HERE]

Idol Pursuits: DR. ORPHEUS bobblehead - [HERE]

Idol Pursuits: DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME - [HERE]


Of course, there were OTHER entries in the IDOL PURSUITS series (mostly ancillary and preview posts), but if you want to see ALL of the entries in the series (in reverse order) just click [HERE].