Comics Great Neal Adams Dies At 80

Above, Neal Adams and yours truly at the 2012 Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles.

by Armand Vaquer

Very sad news!

It is the kind of news that forces one to shout, "Aw, f*ck!"

Comic book artist great Neal Adams has passed away at age 80. He was the man who created the definitive Bronze Age Batman for DC Comics.

Don Glut posted the following on Facebook:

I just heard the sad news that artist Neal Adams -- who  back in the 1960s changed the look of comics -- has died at 80.  Neal illustrated one of my earliest professional stories, "Goddess from the Sea," in VAMPIRELLA #1. What a thrill it was for novice me to open that magazine and find that Neal had done the art for one of  my stories - and made it so much better than it actually was. And I'm so glad that last year -- finally --  in his Crusty Bunkers comic book shop right here in Burbank, CA, he autographed my original copy of that issue.

He also posted:

FYI, I just received this email message from Jim Steranko: Yeah, I was the first that Chris Adams called with the bad news. No prolonged suffering; he died in his sleep about 2-3 in the morning. Don't believe I can accept it—just cannot imagine the Comix World without Neal. At last weekend's show, a couple fanboys mentioned stories about he and I being adversaries—completely fabricated for PR hacking. Even though we were both hard-headed, opinionated SOBs, we NEVER had a negative word between us. Never!!! And I attributed that mostly to Neal!"

I was privileged to meet Neal Adams at the 2012 Comikaze Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  

I heard he was in ill health in recent months, but this was totally unexpected, at least to me. This is a big loss for comic book fans.

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. 

Art Bell Dies At 72

by Armand Vaquer

Back in the 1990s while working the "graveyard shift", the time would pass very quickly whenever Coast-To-Coast AM with Art Bell would have an interesting topic or guest. My mom had told me about Bell's show and I listened regularly to it during that time.

It has been reported this morning that Art Bell passed away at age 72 (ironically, on Friday the 13th).

According to Radio NK:

One of radio’s most successful syndicated hosts has died. Both the Las Vegas Review Journal and NBC TV in Las Vegas are reporting that Art Bell died at his home in Las Vegas on Friday, April 13. The Nye County Sheriff’s Office announced that an autopsy will be done later this week to determine the cause of death. 

Bell’s paranormal-themed overnight show, “Coast to Coast AM,” was syndicated on hundreds of stations by Premiere back in the 90’s. He left the show in 2002. He also had a show on SiriusXM in 2013. Bell was 72 years old. Most recently Premiere was syndicating Bell’s show Somewhere In Time which was the best in classic Art Bell shows from 6pm – 10pm on Saturdays.

The article is incorrect as Bell died at his home in Pahrump, Nevada, in Nye County, not in Las Vegas.

Coast to Coast AM continues today with George Noory, but it has never been the same without Bell. 

The Tim Burton movie, Mars Attacks!, gave Bell a "tip of the hat" by having the initial meet-up between the Martians and earthlings take place in Pahrump.

To read more, go here.

New Toy Tuesday! Gremlins, Marvel Meets Anime, Death Never Looked So Good! & More

Source: Entertainment Earth

Gremlins Stripe Craft Label Statue

Somebody's a little gluttonous!
Must-have Stripe Statue for any Gremlins fan.
Don't feed him after midnight!

This Stripe Craft Label Statue portrays him wreaking havoc at the candy store. The mischievous one stands approximatly 11 3/4-inches tall, is constructed of polyresin and imitation fur, and comes on a themed display base. Bring him home, but don't feed him after midnight!

In Stock Now! Price: $87.99

X-Men Phoenix Bishoujo Statue

If you like Marvel superheroes and anime, the X-Men Phoenix Bishoujo Statue is a top-notch interpretation of Jean Grey's intergalactic alter ego, complete with gravity-defying hair and a swell display base. Clad in her trademark green almost-a-costume, this sexy space girl is sure to light up your desk.

If you'd rather she darken your desk, we suggest the X-Men Dark Phoenix Bishoujo Statue. Based on the same great sculpt, this figure features her alternate costume!

East meets West!
Translucent parts!
Based on illustrations of Shunya Yamashita!

In collaboration with Marvel comics the popular character has been redesigned or shall we say, "re-mixed" with Japanese Bishoujo taste! Based on an illustration created by Shunya Yamashita, know for his unique & beautiful pin up style women designs. The exceptional situation base uses the motif of flame in connection with her imagery! The sexy Marvel Girl comes pre-painted standing over 9-inches tall and in 1:8 scale, which is the golden scale for many bishoujo figures and packaged in an attractive window box.

Coming in September 2010! Preorder Yours Today! - Price: $59.99


DC Chronicles The Sandman Death Statue

Death has had many faces. The skeletal grin of the Grim Reaper is one of the most famous. The pasty white mug of William Sadler in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey is another favorite. One of the most unusual, though, was that of Death as portrayed in the Sandman comics-- an affable, chipper young lady. The DC Chronicles The Sandman Death Statue brings her to life-- so to speak-- as a nifty resin statue. If you've read the Death and Sandman comics, be sure to get the statue. And if you haven't read them, run (don't walk) to your local library. (And then come back to order the statue.)

Based on Neil Gaiman's acclaimed graphic novel!
Sculpted by Michael Locascio!
Limited edition!

As one of the seven siblings from The Endless, The Sandman has epitomized the very essence of the Vertigo line: smart, serious and edgy. Written by New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman, The Sandman saga opened new horizons for comics and graphic novels. This DC Chronicles statue has a retro-style logo on the base that further gives the piece a sense of the period from which it originated. This limited edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statues measures approximately 7 3/4-inches tall x 5-inches wide x 3 1/2-inches long. Packaged in a 4-color box with certificate of authenticity. Order yours today!

Coming in November 2010! Preorder Yours Today! - Price: $89.99

Vampirella Grave Beauty T-Shirt

Vampirella Grave Beauty T-Shirt. You'll definitely want to watch your neck around Vampirella…she's got quite the appetite! The sultry comic vixen is featured on this 100% cotton, high-quality, pre-shrunk black t-shirt. Machine washable. Order yours today!







Coming In April 2010! Preorder Yours Today! Price: $18.99


See Also: New Toy Tuesday! - The Creature, The Wolfman, Lovecraft Dragons And More!