Can't recall the artist
And so we end 2025 and good riddance to the creep.
Bit of a story behind this. I was at a Christmas party a while ago, and one of the children in attendance stood and in a disturbingly good Christian Bale voice said "I'm Batman"
He then decided, after a few minutes, to repeat the stance and voice, only now declared himself a taco. The image stuck and thus here we are.
By Brian Christy Burke
Because why not? As we end this utter horror of a year, let's see the UK's Christmas spirit doing what he does best, handing out weapons.
Merry Christmas folks and take care of yourselves
Art by Bill Golliher
Back in the early 90's, Archie Comics did a series called Archie's Explorers of the Unknown, in which Riverdale's favorite redhead and his friends were reimagined as daredevil adventures. Here we have "Red" Andrews, leader of the team and daredevil
By Frank Salinas
Things are finally building to a head. The final showdown between King Slender and La Santa.
By Robert Atkins
Moving into the Robert E. Howard section of the art jam, here's the world's first Puritan swashbuckler.
I believe the artist's name was Flowers.
So yeah; some time ago there was an official crossover between the comic strips Dick Tracy and Funky Winkerbean. Rarely have I been so disappointed in a work. So much potential, utterly wasted as the main characters basically bump into each other and that's it. Even the mystery was lackluster.
Thus, here we have the infamous Flattop Jones leaving Montoni's Pizza after making owner Funky Winkerbean aware of the poor customer service he received.
Forgot the artist, my apologies.
Yeah, the least remembered Belmont. Had only two games on the Game Boy and a remastered version a few years ago. He's lost the Vampire Killer but was able to find the Cross.
So I'm doing something different with the art jam this year. Instead of updates every day, there's just going to be two every Friday. Mostly due to a bunch of factors that I have zero control over. Please, enjoy the art.
Diary of the Dead (2007), dir. George R. Romero, Artfire Films/Romero-Grunwald Productions
Another zombie film and a new one from the Master himself? There are sayings about sequels and wells children, and one should be mindful of both...
A History of Violence (2005), dir. David Cronenberg, BenderSpink/Media I! Filmproduktion/Munchen & Company
David Cronenberg and DC? Yeah, this was based on a 1997 graphic novel. I wasn't aware of that when I saw this.
The Apartment Complex (1999), dir. Tobe Hooper, Pacific Bay Entertainment/Sterling Pacific Films
Ah, dear Mr. Hooper. His career was not doing great at this point, but thankfully Showtime threw him a bone and on Oct. 31st that year they showed his latest flick. Would it be a nail in the coffin?
Night Visions (1990), dir. Wes Craven, Wes Craven Films/MGM Telecommunications
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Wes Craven's career was full of highs and lows. Which would this one be?
Village of the Damned (1995), dir. John Carpenter, Alphaville Films
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John Carpenter's career was in an odd state in the mid-90s. A few critically acclaimed and few busts in equal measure put him in a kind of grey zone, with this being more contractual obligation than passion.
Innerspace (1987), dir. Joe Dante, Amblin Entertainment
We've talk about nearly everything he did, but we did skip over a few things. Hopefully this rectifies things. By now Jow Dante was riding high thanks to Gremlins, so why not a sci-fi comedy?
Last Woman on Earth (1960), dir. Roger Corman, Filmgroup
Funny enough this predates the Vincent Price film Last Man on Earth by a good four years, although it has more in common with Arch Oboler's Five than the former.
Let's Kill Uncle (1966), dir. William Castle, William Castle Productions
Moving into William Castle's efforts, and yeah, this might be the darkest comedy I've reviewed.
Notorious (1946), dir. Alfred Hitchcock, RKO Radio Pictures/Vanguard Films
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Moving into the director section, and as per tradition we open with a Hitchcock film.
Baron Blood (1972), dir. Mario Bava, Euro America Produzioni/Cinematografiche/Dieter Geissler Filmproduktion GmbH & Co.
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How have we not talked about Mario Bava before? We're also ending our look back at zombies, so why not end with an Italian one?
Isle of the Snake People (1971), dir. Juan Ibanez and Jack Hill, Azteca Films/Columbia Pictures
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Actors rarely go out on a good note. If Targets had been the last film Boris Karloff did, it would be help up as probably the finest film of the 1960s but sadly Mr. Karloff followed that up with a series of four films released after his death. This would be the second to last.
I Eat Your Skin (1971), dir. Del Tenney, Del Tenney Productions
Funny how things work out. I Eat Your Skin was actually made in 1964 but no distributor would touch it. Director Jerry Gross, having just finished I Drink Your Blood, needed a second film for a proposed double feature and thus one name change (it used to be called Zombie) later the most infamous double bill was born.
Night of the Living Dead (1968), dir. George A. Romero, Image Ten
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What can I say that hasn't already been said by far more learned people than myself? Prior to 1968, zombies were still considered a purely folklore monster, a corpse or doomed person drugged into mindlessness for manual labor. Here? The rules changed and the bar was raised.
Revolt of the Zombies (1936), dir. Victor Halperin, Victor & Edward Halperin Productions
The Halperin's had a most unusual trajectory in Hollywood. 1932's White Zombie was a hit and brought the concept of the undead to the American popular culture. 1933's Supernatural was groundbreaking in its own way and might be a review here at some point. So why not look at those two and ignore everything that made them work?
Ouanga (1934), dir. George Terwilliger, George Terwilliger Productions
...And this might be the single most racist thing I've reviewed this year.
Maniac (1934) dir. Dwain Esper, Roadshow Attractions
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As we've done in the past, this section of the month will be focusing on a particular theme. In this case that theme is zombies and brother, what a pick today.
The Leopard Man (1943), dir. Jacques Tourneur, RKO Radio Pictures
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Ending our slasher feature, and we really haven't gotten to the works of Val Guest that much. He worked with RKO throughout the 40's and his output has been studied by intellects far greater than mine. This wasn't one of his, but he did produce it and the direction was handled by his frequent collaborator Tourneur.
Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence (1992), dir. Alan Smithee, First Look Studios/NEO Motion Pictures
'Directed by Alan Smithee' is always a sign. Rarely a good sign, I mind you. William Lustig wanted his name off. Did he have a good reason?
Halloween Ends (2022), dir. David Gordon Green, Miramax/Blumhouse Productions/Trancas International Films/Rough House Pictures
We're moving into the slasher section and what better way to begin than with an ending?
Hands of the Ripper (1971), dir. Peter Sasdy, Hammer Film Productions
And so we end our look back at Hammer Film Productions for this year; Jack the Ripper practically has his own little cottage industry of experts, tell all novels and quite a few films, so it is rather mystifying that Hammer only made one proper Ripper film, the Sister Hyde film that came out in 1971 notwithstanding.
Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde (1971), dir. Roy Ward Baker, Hammer Film Productions
We're nearing the end of our Hammer lookback and man. We've talked about Hammer's 1970's output and how they tended to be either poorly thought out or just out there but in a good way. This is defiantly one of the latter.
Prehistoric Women (1967), dir. Michael Carreras, Hammer Film Productions-Seven Arts
Also known as Slave Girls when it was released in the UK, Hammer opted to reuse the sets and costumes from One Million Years, BC, but would the success be repeated?
The Reptile (1966), dir. John Gilling, Hammer Film Productions
Hammer was still going strong in the 1960s, which makes this a rather odd duck as the film is remarkable similar to 1964's the Gorgon only with the some of the deader parts removed.
Renfield (2023), dir. Chris McKay, Universal Pictures/Skybound Entertainment,/Giant Wildcat
Ending our homage section, and why not end on a laugh? With the Mummy reboot being DOA, why not try a comedic take on an old tale?
The Phantom of the Opera (1990), dir. Tony Richardson, Saban Entertainment
Real name: Sean Smith
Years active: 2003-present
One of the few hosts we've mentioned this year who's still broadcasting. Hosting Midnight Massacre Theatre on Vegas 35 KVTE (although I've heard he moved to ROKU), the Sinister Minster along with a bevy of bewitching Altagirls watch the best and the worst.
A unique look, plus he's still active as best as I can tell so that puts him leagues ahead of other hosts.
The Leech Woman (1960), dir. Edward Dein, Universal International Pictures
And now, one for my baby and one more for the road. The lights have been turned off and everyone's gone home. After seeing this, yeah, probably the right call.
Real name: Mike Ward
Years active: 1997-2010
Hosting Cheap Thrills Theatre on SNCAT Channel 16 out of Reno, this might be the most honestly named host and show ever put to air. The show is so cheap the host can't even afford to be a character. Cheap or subtlety brilliant?
Seems to have vanished from the net too, which is a great shame.
Curse of the Undead (1959), dir. Edward Dein, Universal-International Pictures
Real name: Jim Parker
Years active: 1960s-1970
What a character. Former disc jockey and stock car promoter, the Vegas Vampire hosted Shock Theater on KHBV Channel 5 out of Hendersonville.
He would riff on everyone, up and to and including Richard Nixson (which allegedly got him in hot water, as one jabbing literally involved him sticking a bunch of pins into a Nixson voodoo doll). Costumes, puns, and he would end the reader mail segment by torching the mail.
You don't find acts like that anymore.
Monster on the Campus (1958), dir. Jack Arnold, Universal-International Pictures
We've mentioned the creative freedom that comes from the doomed and the occasional diamond in the rough one can find-this isn't one of those gems.
Real name: Wendall J. Brenner
Years active: 1958-1960
Now this was a guy who almost slipped my notice. Hosting Shock on KOLO-TV Channel 8 out of Reno, the Baron seemed to be your standard vampire type host.
Can't seem to find that much else about the fellow, but it is nice that that not all hosts were in Vegas.
The Thing That Couldn't Die (1958), dir. Will Cowan, Universal Pictures
The writing was on the wall for the Universal Monsters, but sometimes you can find some freedom when it doesn't matter anymore.
Real name: Danny Coker
Years active: 1990 to 2000
Moving West, we head to the Silver State and the count of cool himself, Count Cool Rider. Hosting Saturday Fright at the Movies on what was formerly KFBT-TV Channel 33, the Count was half vampire half Elvis.
Suave and actually had some films that weren't always public domain, the Count cracked wise with a bevy of undead beauties in between classic and not so classic.
He's also the same guy from Counting Cars. I didn't know that.
The Monolith Monsters (1957), dir. John Sherwood, Universal-International
Heading into the last roundup for Universal. Yes, the house that horror built had, at this point, regulated the much-vaunted monsters to the B-side; that is when they weren't making high camp of them.
Real name: Niels Erickson
Years active: 1990-1993
After Scarticia, Jackson wouldn't have another host until the 90s and here we go. Hosting Thriller Theatre Staring Margali, airing on WDBD-TV Channel 40 in Jackson, the pale mystic, along with a disembodied hand and unseen werewolf announcer, picked the worst movies.
Actually won a few awards. Seemed to be a pretty standard host, although the white motif was a change from the usual black fright wigs.
The show was also briefly syndicated in Georgia and Alabama but it started in Jackson and thus, a Mississippi host.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1968), dir. Charles Jarrott, Dan Curtis Productions
Beginning things this year, per tradition, with a mad scientist yarn and who madder than the tale of Jekyll and Hyde?
Real name: Unknown
Years active: 1971-1975
Kicking off another year of fright and fear and this time out we take a look at the Magnolia State. Yes, Mississippi is kicking things off this year and we look at one of the first hosts, Scarticia.
Her actual name? No idea, but she hosted Horrible Movies WAPT-TV Channel 16 out of Jackson. Not much info but it seems they roped the station secretary into the doing the job, but from all accounts she did a decent job.
Her character seemed a not quite Vampira and not quite Morticia but she was good with the snark. Seems she was replaced as host but a couple of a guys with chainsaws but I was unable to find anything about them.
Whirl
Ah, this guy. The only other Deluxe model, Whirl began life as part of the Special Armored Battalion Dorvack line. Going from robot to Bell Ah-1 Cobra hellicopter, Whirl was fairly unique. The Autobots didn't have many guy who had such a unique head.
The file card would set the standard. Basically he's nuts. Utterly reckless with no care for himself, thinks being crazy on the battlefield is the best strategy.
He only showed up in the UK series and never in the cartoon, although he offically is part of the Wreckers group, so there's that.
"Fight or Flee", the Transformers, Oct. 15, 1986
In which we met Sandstorm for the first time, again.
Cyclonus and Scrouge are chased through space and after a pitched battle find themselves on the planet Paradron. What is Paradron? Paradise as best as they can tell; it's a perfect mirror of Cybertron back in its golden age and populated entirely by Transformers like themselves only pacifists.
Figuring they hit the jackpot they quickly call Galvatron and soon the Decepticons are running rampant. Sandstrom, a young native, is the only one to see any issues with that.
When the Autobots finally arrive, can they save the planet?
Yeah, this was clearly supposed to be the introduction of Sandstorm but we met him earlier in "Starscream's Ghost". The Autobots don't come across any better here, as they decide the planet is far too gone and opt to blow it up, even with Rodimus cracking wise about it. Starting to see why fans prefer Optimus to be in charge.
"Broken Glass!" the Transformers: Headmasters#2 (September 1987), with credits to Bob Budiansky (script), Frank Springer (pencils), Ian Akin & Brian Garvey (inks), Nell Yomtov (colors), Pat Brosseau (letters) and Don Daley (editor)
So the peace of mind for Nebulos has been utterly shattered. Galan tries to keep the peace while Lord Zarak is clearly seeing profit. He and his followers manage to radio the Decepticons, bringing the war directly to Nebulos.
Galan and his people can't fully restore the Autobots, but he has an idea...
So yeah, that is how the Headmasters are born. With their new heads attached, the Autobots drive off the Decepticons but there is a personal cost...
Not bad, but honestly this feels like it could have bene part of issue one.
Warpath
I love this guy. While most Minicars are usually cars, this guy was a tank. A General Motors M551A1 Sheridan, to be specific. He only had one figure in the original line, but he was available via mail order in 1987.
His file card has him being raucous, a real life of the party kind of guy, but if his gun barrel is scratched he can be upset for weeks.
The comics had him has a member of Perceptor's resistance group. He was mostly a background guy, like many other characters, just popping up. He did occasionally blow things up, so good for him.
The cartoon set the standard. Voiced by Alan Oppenheimer with a bombastic tic, Warpath didn't get any episodes devoted to him, but he did show up mostly in season two, with subsequent seasons having him mostly be a cameo at best.
"The Big Broadcast of 2006", the Transformers, November 12, 1986
The Quintessons are looking for one of their lost journals but the good news is that they found it. The bad news, they found it on the planet Junk.
Yup, the Junkicons. Some Sharkticons are dispatched to Junk and are equally dispatched by the natives. The Quintessons opt for a more subtle approach, i.e. screw with their televison.
Those monsters
Yeah, they hijack the Junkicon's signal, hitting them with a subliminal message telling them to clear the planet up, also blaming other races for all their problems so they should really do something about that.
When both Autobots and Decpeticons are attacked, things quickly spiral out of control...
Yeah, this should have aired before "the Quintesson Journal" but eh, what can you do? Not awful, but it is nice seeing the Junkicons again.
"Ring of Hate!" the Transformers: Headmasters#1 (July 1987), with credits to Bob Budiansky (script), Frank Springer (pencils), Ian Akin & Brian Garvey (inks), Nell Yomtov (colors), Diana Albers (letters) and Don Daley (editor)
We open with a usual sight: a pitched battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Scorponk and his Decepticons are leading some Autobot prisoners to some smelting pits, but a group of Autobots lead by Fortress Maximus attack. The Decepticons flee and everyone is happy!
Well, everyone save Maximus. He's sick of everything and he announces his intention to retire. He takes his followers and splits for the planet of Nebulos. They arrive and from there we meet the locals. There are quite a few but the chief two are Galan and Lord Zarek. Galan wants peace and is perfectly fine with the Autobots being on the planet. Zarek, on the other hand, sees profit in war and wants to stir things up. They manage to turn the people against the bots when they magnitze Blur's arm and kick off a small riot.
Maximus and four other Autobots arrive in town and beg for peace. To prove their sincerity, they kneel down and tear their heads off.
Wow. A bit different than the show, for sure. I get wanting the leave the war, but why couldn't the Decepticons just follow them?
Venom
Another Deluxe Insecticon. This one started off as Beet-Zaguna cicada. He's officially the leader of the Insecticons, but his paranoid nature sidelines him most of the time. His main specialty is psychological warfare.
He only had a very brief cameo role in the UK comics and none at all in the cartoon. Pity, as he could have been an interesting foil. Bombshell did his role pretty the same though.
"The Ultimate Weapon", the Transformers, November 10, 1986
Bit of a mess
The Netherlands is apparently an abject hellhole with roving gangs terrorizing the streets. Things are so bad the call is made to the Autobots, who send the Protectobots. They might have fared well against the humans, but when the Decepticons attack Blades is injured.
While First Aid takes his comrade back to Metroplex for repairs, Galvatron threatens Rodimus with 'the Ultimate Weapon'.
Back at Metroplex, First Aid is confronted by Swindle, who's in the middle of stealing the city robot's transformation cog. First Aid is a pacifist; a fact Swindle takes advantage of rather easily and gets away with the cog.
Swindle returns to Galvatron with the cog in tow, they promptly install it in Trypticon. First Aid, guilty over what his inactions resulted in, leaves the team forever. Which is a problem, as the restored Trypticon easily crushes everything in his path, as it turns out First Aid is the only with the technical knowhow to fix Metroplex. Can First Aid overcome his principals in time?
Honestly could have used a rewrite or two. First Aid's whole deal comes across as Lifeline's issues from GI Joe.
"...All Fall Down!", GI Joe and the Transformers#4 (April 1987), with credits to Michael Higgins (script), Herb Trimpe (pencils), Vince Colleta (inks), Nelson Yomtov (colors), Joe Rosen (letters), Bob Harris (editors)
Autobots gather their Joe and Cobra allies together as earthquakes rock the area. Shockwave informs Bombshell that Dr. Mindbinder's services will no longer be required but thankfully the Baroness manages to save the mad doctor.
Ratchett arrives at the Joe base and with Mainframe's help they rebuild Bumblebee, who wishes to be called Goldbug from now on.
Back at the Autobot base, talks continue. The majority consensus seems that Power Station Alpha needs to be destroyed for the good of all...yet the minority has a concern. What if, thanks to the various shenanigans going on, the station is now alive? A small team of the Baroness, Goldbug, and Scarlet will sneak onboard and sabotage, the while rest fight off the Decepticons.
The station is launched into space and harmlessly detonated. All's well that ends well, right? There is still the matter of Senator Larkin and her ties to Cobra...
Pretty darn good and an ending scene that sticks with you.
Twin Twist
The other Jumpstater. The toy was the same as Topspin, only he transformed into a kind of twin drill. Same action, which while neat can lead to breakage. The file card shows him as kind of a maniac. Apparently enjoys drilling anything, be it a Decepticon or lamppost. Optimus is a bit worried.
He showed up in a crowd in the American comics, although I'm told his role was much larger in the UK comics. He never showed up in the cartoon.
Like Topspin, he was also a member of the Wreckers. Given his attitude actually makes a fair amount of sense.
"The Quintesson Journal", the Transformers, November 11, 1986
We open with a peace talk between two warring races. The Autobots are trying to play peacemaker. Judging from the all out brawl going between the ambassadors, things are not going well.
A Quintesson journal, meanwhile, is tumbling through space before it crashes onto a planet. Both the Autobots and Decepticons detect it and the race is on.
It swtiches hands quite a bit, with the Decepticons managing to get it open. Much to Galvatron's fury there is no top secret intel, just ecnomic data. Namely that the two races mention earlier? Yeah, their war is a result of the Quintesson's meddling.
After some back and forth, the Quintesson's announce they will be delivering their bombs to both planets as agreed, namely they intend to bomb the hell out of both planets. Can the Autobots stop them in time?
Not bad even if the animation is getting worse by the second.
"Ashes, Ashes...", GI Joe and the Transformers#3 (March 1987), with credits to Michael Higgins (script), Herb Trimpe (pencils), Vince Colleta (inks), Nelson Yomtov (colors), Joe Rosen (letters), Bob Harris and Don Daley (editors)
The Decepticons are making plans with their new allies Cobra, i.e. they plan to betray them at the first opportunity. After a brief meeting, Dirge goes with Cobra and Dr. Mindbender stays with the Decepticons.
Back with the Joes, Blackrock is busy briefing the team, also stressing they just killed Bumblebee. Mainframe (computer expert) disagrees about the last part.
Senator Larkin, who's been acting very suspicious these past two issues, is having a chat with the Baroness. Yup, turns out she was a Cobra asset this entire time. Hawk is not happy.
Back at the Joe base, Bumblebee is brought back online, sort of. His brain and voice box are fine, the rest of his not so much. Bumblebee is not happy.
Cobra and the Decepticons attack the Autobots base, but wouldn't you know it, somehow Dirge's gun jams and Cobra switches sides to help the Autobots. A sign of good faith, you see.
Yeah, the Cobra is now throwing with the Joes, since Cobra found out the Decepticons plan to turn Earth into a burnt husk. Since they keep their stuff there, that is a problem.
Good payoff and nice to see the world being expanded.
Tracks
Always had a soft spot for this guy. The toy started out as Diaclone car but the twist here is you can pull out his wings, making him one of the few Autobots who can fly. Being a Corvette Stingray helps too.
He got reissued for the Classics line with some new paint details but the oddest is the Action Master take. Doesn't look anything like him, plus it was only released in Europe. There's also a red variant.
His filecard paints an interesting picture. "Called a 'lousy Earth-lover' because he favors his sleek Earth form over his original form" is certainly a take. Other Autobots were shown to have an interest in Earth, Hound and Jazz in particular, but here we have an Autobot who is hated for his choices.
In the comics, Tracks was one of the few Autobots who was born on Earth. He was basically in the background until Blot shot him with an acid gun (#50)
The cartoon fared better. Voiced by Michael McConnohie, he was given a sort of Thuston Howell III type of voice and attitude. He mostly showed up in season 2 but he never really had an episode devoted to him. He did pop up and he did certainly do things. Mostly wearing an alien mask or crashing while shooting a movie.
"Power Struggle", GI Joe and the Transformers#2 (February 1987), with credits to Michael Higgins (script), Herb Trimpe (pencils), Vince Colleta (inks), Nelson Yomtov (colors), Joe Rosen (letters), Bob Harris and Don Daley (editors)
We open with the Aerialbots arriving on the scene and finding Bumblebee in pieces. They respond by forming Superion and threating to return the favor. The battle is underway when they get word that Prime has died (Transformers#24) thus they retreat.
Power Station Alpha is now under Decepticon control but Cobra opts to steal it. GB Blackrock witnesses this battle and his boat is sunk in order to act as a distraction for the escaping Cobra. Blackrock overhears the Cobra troops talking about giant robots and he realizes he might be able to help...
The kid Bombshell planted a cerebro-shell inside is about to undergo surgery to get it out of his brain.
The Decepticons and Cobra officially have a meeting but Dr. Mindbener starts to panic when he overhears two of the jets talking. They plan, not only to take the power station for themselves, their resulting actions will blow up the Earth!
Some slight continuity errors start to pop up but overall good. The stakes are now raised. How can our heroes handle this?
Topspin
Prior to this, we've been looking at most just Transformers. Sure, we had cars, minicars, jets, etc. but here we had an actual different line-toys that did something besides just change.
Jumpstarters! Vehicles that would flip on their own accord and transform-all by themselves! The catch is the parts need for this can wear down and break, so finding one in good shape nowadays is a bit hard.
Topspin, apparently some kind of hovercraft thing, only had one toy in all of Generation One. His file card paints him as a thrillseeker of sorts, beating the terrain is almost as important as beating Decepticons to him.
The comic paints him in a similar light. He only ever showed up in the UK books and was part of the Wreckers group, a sort of Dirty Dozen/Suicide Squad. This proved apt as Topspin got his head blown off by Megatron in one issue.
He never showed up in the cartoon.
"Webworld", the Transformers, October 20th, 19886
The one where Galvatron drives a planet crazy.
During a material raid, Galvatron spends more time firing on his own troops than the Autobots. Back at their base, Cyclonus ponders. If he doesn't do something and fast they could have a full blown rebellion on their hands. A Quintesson appears and mentions the planet Torkulon, renowned for their healing abilities.
Wonder what kind of insurnace they take?
Galvatron is lured there and the healing begins, or at least attempts. It seems Galvatron is just so darn crazy every technique the Torklons just makes him crazier. They have one last trick, however, and it is basically a lobotomy conducted by the entire planet.
Of course, opening the planet's mind to Galvatron's particular brand of crazy may not be the best idea...
Pretty good and a nice focus on Galvatron.
"Blood on the Tracks", GI Joe and the Transformers#1 (January 1987), with credits to Michael Higgins (script), Herb Trimpe (pencils), Vince Colleta (inks), Nelson Yomtov (colors), Joe Rosen (letters), Bob Harris and Don Daley (editors)
Like chocolate and peanut butter. Seriously, you'd think the two franchises would have crossed over before this but it seems back in the day Hasbro wanted both shows to be on equal footing before they crossed over. When Transformers was popular, Joe wasn't and vice versa.
For continuity, this takes place around Transformers#19 and G.I. Joe#50.
The Joe team has a new assignment: Protect Power Station Alpha. There are other parties interested, namely the Decepticons and Autobots. Bumblebee is picked, and the minicar spends most of his travel lamenting his lack of physical strength.
The Drednoks have been assigned to watch the power station but as is their want they got bored and kind of wandered off. They decide to highjack the station (it being mobile might have helped) but a group of bikers VS highly elite military fighting force isn't the most balanced battle.
Bumblebee is forced to exposed himself to avoid Buzzer's chainsaw but the gang manages to escape. Cobra Commander is most annoyed while Megatron is equally annoyed. The latter orders Dirge and Bombshell to take over the station.
Bombshell manages to infect the son of one of the station protestors and makes the lad walk into traffic. Bumblebee radios for backup and the Aerialbots are dispatched. The jets would never make it in time, so Bumblebee transforms and saves the boy.
This sadly puts him literally in the crosshairs of the Joe team who open fire and blast the brave scout apart just as the Autobot jets arrive. They are not happy.
Well, that's a heck of an opening. Good set up with a plot that could easily be on either show.
Thrust
Getting back into the jets and this time we're looking at Thrust. Much like the other series 2 jets, Thrust is just a recolor of the first wave jets only with VTOL fans on his legs. According to his filecard, he is a loudmouth braggart who attempts to 'psych out' his enemies by being as loud as possible. Basically, the worst guy you could have in the field.
Only one toy in all of Generation 1 although there would be others in subsequent lines.
The comics tell a similar story. In the UK books he is described as an elite warrior although in the American series he just pops up with no introduction and basically just acted as another thug until Blaster blew him up in #41, although he did show up in the background of issue#47.
Voiced by Ed Gilbert in the show, Thrust popped up with no explanation in season two. He was mostly just another jet, acting more or less just like Ramjet or Dirge. His biggest moment probably came from the film where he was first run over by Optimus Prime (set to "the Touch") then later eaten by Unicron.
He got better, popping up in season three.
Not the biggest character in the show but he was there.
"Ghost in the Machine", the Transformers, October 21, 1986
We see the return of Starscream's ghost!
He's still lurking about, this time possessing Scourge and acting amuck. Cyclonus follows but gives up, assuming his comrade has defected to the Autobots, but that isn't Starscream's goal. No, his destination is the severed head of Unicron, now acting as a moon to Cybertron.
Unicorn needs a few favors and if Starscream wants to be a whole robot again, he'd better do them. First order of business, some eyeballs. They steal Metroplex's eyes but one get busted during the theft, so with some trickery they manage to steal one of Trypticon's eyes.
The next task is to steal the transformation cog from Trypticon. Seems like he should have told them that while they were there but what do I know?
With Unicron's plans nearly completion will Starscream have a body again?
Honestly better than you'd think. Glad to see Starscream again even if this would be his last appearance in the series. They could have done quite a bit with a ghost transformer but it didn't quite pan out. More's the pity.
"The Night Transformers Saved Christmas" Women's Day (December 26, 1985) with credits to Bob Budiansky (script), Herb Trimpe (pencils), Nelson Yomtov (colors), and Ellen levine (editor).
A different yarn this time out, in that it was an exclusive insert in the weekly mag Women's Day.
Soundwave and Laserbeak are up to no good as they are stealing the power from the town of Midvalle's power station. Bumblebee manages to spot them and summons an Autobot war party. In the fracas the Perry family's car gets wrecked.
The family is thankfully unhurt, but little Meagn is going to be crushed that they won't be able to deliver presents to the needy of Midvalle now.
Not on Bumblebee's watch! He goes to town to help power the town's Christmas tree while the rest of the Autobot's fix the family's car.
Decent and seasonal. Low stakes and easy enough to follow.
Tech Specometer Eleven
Starting this one up again and yeah, got a weird one.
Made by Nasta and rebranded for the North American market, this is a basically a child's first multitool.
Included:
Telescope
Periscope
Magnifying class
Tape measure
Reflector
Altimeter
Compass
Flashlight
Whistle
Sundial
Counter
The Japanese version had a working AM radio instead of a reflector, but I guess somethings aren't meant to be. To my knowledge it never appeared in any other format or medium. I never cared for things like this, as the included tools were usually too small to be effective.
Teenage Catgirls in Heat (1993), dir. Scotty Perry, Midwest Productions Groups/Troma Entertainment
I shudder to think the kind of traffic this is going to bring.
House of the Rising (1994) dir. Timothy Hines, Acid Rain Filmworks/Troma Entertainment
This might be a first, in that it is the one Troma film no one seems to have watched. I can't find it anywhere or at least on any streaming service that I trust. The only info seems to be that it takes place at a retro themed house party.
Even the IMDB seems a bit muddle about the plot details. If you can find a copy, let me know.
The Troma System (1993), dir. Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman, and Jeffery W. Sass, Troma Entertainment
Huh.
Interesting, and while this isn't a feature film it is a pure Troma production so I'm counting it.
What is the Troma system? Why, only the handiest, dandiest system around! Yes, if you buy Troma films and related products, you too can change your life!*
We open with a gorgeous girl (Theressa Lynn) and a gorgeous guy (Ron Fazio) having an intimate moment, but they stop long enough to inform us that the next thirty minutes are going to blow our minds!
Yeah, this is basically an informercial asking you to buy from Troma directly. This aired a bit on Comedy Central in 1993. That was the new way of advertising back in the day but looking over the ad, you do get your money's worth. A VHS tape, signed poster, cassette, and a sticker. Not a bad haul for the money asked.
*Offer void in Tennessee and Guam, some restrictions may apply, results not guaranteed
Vegas in Space (1991), dir. Phillip R. Ford, Troma Entertainment
A first certainly.
A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell (1990), dir. Brett Piper, Chapter V Enterprises/R.A.P. Productions/Troma Entertainment
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You have my attention.
They Call Me Macho Woman! (1989), dir. Patrick G. Donahue, New Gold Productions/Troma Entertainment
Bringing this back.
10-30-1992
Reseda Country Club
Announcers: Craig DeGeorge and Captain Lou Albano
And we have a spooky episode for UWF Fury!
We open with a recap of Rampage. Herb Abrams comes out and thanks the crowd for everything and promises the St. Valentine Day Massacre will be even bigger!
Colonel Red has a special guest set up. David Strong comes out. He looks very annoyed and called out the Blackhearts. Both masked enter. Strong cusses them out for losing and making the Dogs of War look bad. "And you know what happens when THAT happens"
Jason the Terrible bursts through the set's wall and proceeds to lay both men out. Luna Vachon rushes and tries to help one of the masked men, but Jason chokeslams her through Red's desk. "Now that we got that out of my system, let's talk about getting OUR gold back gentlemen" Strong strolls away, Jason in tow.
Bad News Allan comes out. He's been the TV champ and that was nice and all, but for Christmas he only wants one thing-the WORLD title and he'll break every arm of every chump in this whole promotion!
Captain Lou sits down with Wendit Richter. She's quite pleased with being the champ again. She's had some talent brought in, but she's been in talks with some of the top talent from Mexico to Japan and there will be even more matches coming soon!
Reno Riggins VS Super Ninja
Winner: Reno wins handily while Colonel Red fumes. 6 mins total.
The Moondogs VS Ebony Experience
Winner: The man dogs put up a good fight but Booker T and bro Stevie easily tire them out in 10 mins.
Bam Bam Bigelow VS Barry Horowitz
Winner: not even a surprise, Bigelow slams Barry about for a solid seven minutes.
UWF TV championship
Handsome Stranger (c) VS Barry O
Winner: Champ retains in 8. Comes in fast and seems more determined than he has been before. Leaves after posing with the belt.
Captain Lou sits down with Lady Apache. She's been all over Mexico. She doesn't think too much of UWF but a chance to beat down Richter? Yeah, she's cool with that.
10-24-1992
Live from the Jacksonville Coliseum
Announcers: Craig DeGeorge, Captain Lou Albano
Special guest correspondent: Dr. Paul Bearer
UWF Tag Team Championship match
The Blackhearts (c) VS Kevin Von Erich and Jerry Lynn
Winner: Cashing in the marble, Von Erich and Lynn go back and forth but manage to get in sync enough to pin Destruction in 10. The Blackhearts freak out. David Strong glares at them from the back.
UWF Light Heavyweight Championship
The Lightning Kid (c) VS Barry Horowitz
Winner: Barry tries, he really does but the Kid is just too fast and one Shooting Star Press later, the Kid retains in 8.
Jason the Terrible w/David Strong VS the Patriot
Winner: Utter squash. The Patriot tries but his best attacks are ignored and the masked hero is thrown around and finally knocked out in 8. Jason punches down the barricade and ignores Strong as he wanders away.
UWF SportsChannel TV Championship match
The Handsome Stranger (c) VS Scott Anthony
Winner: Anthony opens up strong but tries to cheat. The Stranger catches the brass knuckles and goes ballistic. The ref catches HIM with the knuckles and DQs the Stranger. He retains but still loses. He snaps and beats Anthony's face in until security and Reno Riggins rush out and drag him to the back.
Rick Rude w/David Strong VS Bob Backlund
Winner: Backkund tries to start the match out with a handshake but Rude blows him off. Backlund starts out strong, forcing Rude to go to the mat and busting out the old school grappling style. Rude finally muscles out and nails the Rude Awakening in 18.
UWF Women's Championship
Wendi Richter (c) VS Bull Nakano
Winner: Bull is an absolute monster. Wendi is on the defense for a good chunk of the match but she isn't afraid. She manages to wear Nakano down, working the legs until she finally manages to get her in the figure four leglock and get the win in 20.
GWF/UWF Brass Knuckles championship
Cage match
Cactus Jack (c) VS Joshua Ben-Gurion
Winner: Just a bloody mess. Jack and Ben-Gurion start out wrestling but quickly just toss the technical stuff out and focus on whacking each other bloody. In 8 minutes both men are covered in gore when Cactus Jack tries to hit a flying elbow from the top rope but misses and nails the cage. He's left dangling as Ben-Gurion limps his way to the door and the title.
UWF World Championship
"Dr. Death" Steve Williams (c) VS Sabu w/Axe Bomber
Winner: Not even trying for a proper wrestling match, just two guys knocking the hell out of each other. Sabu keeps attacking from the top rope but Williams manages turn that into a backdrop. In 10 minutes Williams makes the pin but Axe Bomber rushes the ring to attack. A table is setup and the two manage to overpower Williams enough to slam him through it. We end on Williams slumped down in the wood and splinters,
10-23-1992
Reseda Country Club
Announcers: Craig DeGeorge and Captain Lou Albano
Countdown to RAMPAGE!
UWF Light Heavyweight championship
The Lightning Kid (c) VS Sam Houston
Houston cashing in his #1 and he loses after 15. He does his best but the Kid is just too fast for him.
UWF Television championship
The Handsome Stranger (c) VS Rip Rogers
The Stranger is a house of fire and takes the win in 8. He poses for the crowd.
Don Muraco VS Jason the Terrible
Jason in 8, A total bloodbath. Muraco bleeds heavily as his efforts are utterly ineffective. Jason wins via TKO and slips out through the crowd.
We have a rundown for the Rampage card
The Blackhearts VS Kevin Von Erich and Jerry Lynn
All the belts on the line!
Dr. Death VS a surprise opponent!
No HOLDS Barred
The Bounty Hunter VS Kevin Von Erich
Von Erich wins in 20 but he has to work for it. Mostly mat based but when the Hunter goes for some brass knuckles, Von Erich nails him with the Iron Claw. Jerry Lynn comes to the ring and helps him to the back.
Captain's Corner
The Captain sits down with Bob Backlund. Bob is feeling pretty good. He doesn't want any more titles but he's just pleased to be wrestling and seeing all the talent that's around. The interview is crashed by David Strong and Rick Rude. Rude wants a title shot and he'll take out the trash of the UWF first, starting with the old has been wasting away on the couch.
That's enough to rile Backlund up and security is quick to keep them separate. Herb Abrams comes out and makes a match for Rampage!
UWF Brass Knuckles championship
Cactus Jack (c) VS Reno Riggins
Lord, Riggins tries but Jack just manhandles him all over the ring. One hit with the flying elbow in 10 and that's it.
Colonel Red sits down with Dan Spivey. The former champ is a bit more laid back but don't mistake his attitude for laziness. He's taking a break, but be aware he WILL regain his title. Maybe from Dr. Death, maybe the next chump that beats him. Who knows?
Blue Demon King VS Johnny Ace
The masked challenger and Ace go back and forth but manages to overpower the former Dynamic Dude and powerbomb him for the win in 9
Rampage, coming 10-24!
10-16-1992
Reseda Country Club
Announcers: Craig DeGeorge and Captain Lou Albano
We open with "Dr. Death" and Colonel Red sitting down. Red asks him about the match last week, but Williams isn't bothered. He beat Lynn like that to send a message to the boys in the back. The belt is his and he intends to keep it. Anyone, marble or not, who steps in the ring with him is due for a world of hurt. It ain't personal, just business.
UWF Women's Championship match
Luna Vachon (c) VS Wendi Richter. Kevin Von Erich as special referee
Richter in 15. Luna comes close, but Von Erich calls it down the middle the entire time, much to her annoyance. Richter takes the belt and poses in the ring.
The Bounty Hunter rushes down the ring and starts to attack. Von Erich's stripped shirt gets torn in the fight. It's a bare knuckle brawl but when Von Erich puts on the Iron Claw, Rick Rude nails him with a steel chair. By the time a proper ref comes out, David Strong is demanding a pin. Herb Abrams himself comes out with security.
"Hell no! We all saw what happened and no way is a proper match. Next week, Bounty Hunter and Von Erich-NO HOLDS BARRED!"
UWF Television Championship match
Bam Bam Bigelow (c) VS the Handsome Stranger
Bigelow is clearly hurting from his match last week, so much so the Stranger is able to wear down and pin him in 10.
"Leaping" Lanny Poffo VS Super Ninja
Winner: The Leaper pulls off a win in 8. A bit flashy but he does a fair amount of high flying.
Backstage, Kevin Von Erich is confronted by Sabu and Ax Bomber. Do they want the number 1 contender for the tag team belts? Naw, they can get those belts anytime they want. They just don't think the Blackhearts are worth the trouble. They leave.
Herb Abrams comes out. Rampage is coming, October 24th! While other companies may have havoc on Halloween, only UWF will give you a rampage!
UWF Tag Team championships
The Blackhearts (c) VS Joshua Ben-Gurion and "Iron" Mike Sharpe
The champs retain in 15. No tricks either but the strength and skills of the new team work pretty well but not well enough.
Kevin Von Erich bumps into Sam Houston. He noticed the kid has some skill and guts. How about a hand up? He gives him the #1 contender to the Light Heavyweight title.
SD Jones VS the Viking
Winner: Jones takes a beating but manages to overcome the odds and slap a sleeper hold over the Nordic nomad in 10.
Cactus Jack is wandering about in a darkened room, the Brass Knuckle belt dragging behind him. He rambles. Marbles, marbles. Not many left, but what could Cactus Jack want? He has his title but could he also be a contender?
Von Erich is in the locker room when Jerry Lynn bursts in. He appreciates what he did, but he feels he let him down after failing to win against Dr. Death.
So, Lynn has a proposal. Why not take on the tag team champs at Rampage? Von Erich considers it but seals the deal with a handshake.
We end with a video promo for Rampage.
