SUPERMAN Vs AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1976) NM ...NOW ON SALE @ PRESENT MAGIC COMICS! [UPDATED]

You can probably tell by our embarrassing lack of new posts that your buddies here at the Home Office have had quite the week, can't you? (You can, huh? Drats!) Well, we weren't planning on keeping it a secret, anyway; seriously, how could we? We've spent our waking weekday hours inside the Present Magic Comics Shop on eBay - which, as dabblers know, is the place where abbracadabbling makes magic happen! 

Here's just a few of the amazing new items currently posted:

• GREEN LANTERN #47 (1966) 1st Dr. Polaris HIGH GRADE 9.0
• SUPERMAN Vs AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1976) DC/Marvel - NM
•  LEGION OF SUPERHEROE​S #1 Paul LEVITZ SIGNED w/COA - NM

[UPDATE 13 JUNE 2010
Strike the Paul Levitz signed Legion of Superheroes #1, dabblers! We're pleased as punch to report that the very collectible comic has found a new home. An abbracadabbling congratulatory shout-out to Kevin from Tampa, Florida - thanks, dude!]

Did we mention that our Blackest Night action figures from DC Direct are also on sale? Check 'em out here:

• Blackest Night INDIGO-1 + BOODIKA Lantern MOC - Sale!
• Blackest Night BLACK LANTERN Lot of 3 MOC Figures -NEW! 

The store's packed with so many incredible comics collectibles, we'd never believe it if it wasn't ours. But it is - and because we're the boss, we're gonna get your Saturday off to a great start! abbracadabbling is stoked to offer all dabblers who follow our daily blog an additional 10% off the sale price of one item at the Present Magic Comics Shop -- just be sure to mention this sweet little dealeo at your time of checkout and we'll have ya covered! 

So take a few and go strolling where the prices are low and it doesn't take magic to get a great deal -- the Present Magic Comics Shop, on eBay.  Members, sign in to eBay [here] and visitors to the Comics Shop, welcome. Please enter [here]. Thanks, dabblers!

10% abbracadabbling discount good thru 15 June 2o10

No Need For New Plates: James Bond's Finest Drive Is Up For Sale

If you're a dabbler in need of new wheels, look no further. James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 from the original Goldfinger movie is now up for sale to the highest bidder.  And it's already been outfitted with everything an abbracadabbling spy guy would need: hidden machine guns that pop out from the side, revolving license plates that actually work, oil slickers and smokescreen makers and even a bullet proof windshield.  The car's original ejector seat comes standard, too; it just doesn't work. Still, when it comes to automotive safety, there's not a car out there that could hold a candle -- or a sub machine gun - to this baby. Of course, this is 007 we're talking about, and the Aston won't come cheap. The estimated final sale price -- over five million. [via]

Weekend T: Rock Unique With TONY STARK and The THUNDERKITTYS

Some are already calling The WEEKEND T(Shirt) 'the Home of comics couture', but we pay little attention to the time-traveling contingent.  Our attentive peepers are instead focused on finding the  hot internet T-spots with the coolest comics on cotton that make sure everybody will see what you body is saying.  After all, Dabblers don't roll to "I'm With Stupid" when "I understand the cryptic nature of Shimizu's Kitty and can masterfully utilize current retro-fadtrending  and Thundercats so as to create a pop-cultural dichotomy that's at once pan-temporal and funny as hell" really just says it better -- and in a fashion-forward sort of way.  To put it simply: from the emphatic to the sublime, tees are personal statements that must equally be said well and wear well. And when dapple dabblers wanna wear awesome, they comicsblog  The WEEKEND T.

Spun Dry - $20 - Glennz [get spun Spidey]

Emerald Warrior - $30 - 80s Tees [vintage green is keen]

Stark Ironworks (Iron Man 2) - $24 - UberTorso  

[always lovin' logos]

Batman Rock - $25 - RedBubble [rad bat]

Designed by SevenHundred [more700]

And as theorized and scrutinized up top and also from SevenHundred,this week's Model T:

Hello Thunderkittys (Custom)  - $50 - RedBubble [meow]

Designed by SevenHundred [more700]

Get Ready To Play: The ATOM Logo Tee Tops Off Our Day

For fans of DC Comics' tiniest titan, The Atom, and to celebrate this diminutive hero who - despite the flurry of recent comicsblogosphere controversy (that we are, for the moment, keeping clear of) - stood tall and proudly proclaimed, "I Am An Abbracadabbler!" the new Atom Logo Tee at SuperheroStuff.com is a perfect fit. We're all over those colors, and once payday rolls around, we'll have our order in lickety-split. In light of today's Aquaman humor, that sounds a little dirty, but when you imagine all day like we've been, your graphic imagination just can't help but go South.

That's it for us - and imagine all day - on the comicsblog for this late May Saturday, but you better be here tomorrow and then next week, when we've got another new surprise for dabblers near and far. One day next week - hell, maybe even two - we'll be taking another special time-out. Why? So we can play all day, silly.  Much more to come....always!

Buy your size of The Atom [here].

COMING SOON!

COMICS BUBBLE Makes For Enlightening Decor

Another testament that it's not only comic books' superheroes that are popular; their 'parts of speech' are, too. First a tee-shirt, and now thanks to our Comics Merchant, this awesome Speech Bubble Wall Lamp that's perfect for every comic book nook.  Barcelona designer Daniel Benito Cortázar says the idea behind the lamp is to ‘Illuminate your thoughts and ensure those important messages get noticed,' and since the LED Speech Bubble lamp can also be used as an erasable whiteboard, we can't imagine anyone wouldn't.  We'd love to have one in every room, and two over the bed for the nights when we're not speaking. A single Bubble will set you back $300, though, available from Northern Lighting [here].

How Did You Feel The Day DISNEY Ate MARVEL?

31 August 2009: a day that will live in infamy, and be forever remembered as comics' own Black Monday.  Nine months later, the blow may have softened, but the punchline has yet to be delivered. Whether you choose to reflect on the past or face the future, the same sentiment is felt by all: Dismay. It's unavoidable, so we say why not make it fun, too? Your friends will think you're either emo or clever, while you give the Mouse your middle finger.  Just $25 at Red Bubble, [here].

You're Not Alone

"

In A Comic T-shirt for $12 on sale at Threadless [here]

Funko Fresh!! New JUSTICE LEAGUE Plushie Buddies ...So You'll Never Be Alone Again

Those Marvel Minimates were so nasty even our souls felt dirty. We'd just made appointments for an emergency baptism when these four adorable Justice League plushies caught our eye -- and suddenly, we felt the love.  

That love, and our redemption,  comes courtesy of the company already known for their Wacky Wobbler Bobbleheads -- Funko.  Funko put its push to enter the plushies market on display at Toy Fair 2010 in February, and it's clear that our four friendly fellows from the Justice League won't be alone when they make it into stores this June. 

Standing (or slouching) at a full seven super inches each, Superman, Batman, Flash, and Green Lantern round out Funko's third wave of plushies in 2010. Alice in Wonderland (Wave 1) arrived in stores just last Friday, and the Rat-Fink (Wave 2) series is due later this month. Future waves of Funko plushies will include Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Wizard of Oz.

At just $10 each, there's no way in heck we'll settle for anything less than a full League.  We'll take them with us everywhere - to the dentist, the gym,  movie premieres of their superhero namesakes, you name it.  And don't forget, these little guys make perfect gifts...for you to send us. What??? 

All we're saying is that you'd be wise to order early;  we've got a feeling these comic book quadruplets will fly, swing, and run off store shelves in flash. Treasure Seekers Gifts has all four heroes on sale at a great pre-order price. Check them out online [here].

CoMicsMerchant: Four Ways To Celebrate STAR WARS and Still Look Better Than A Wookie

Confession time on the comicsblog....Not one of us here at the Home Office has finished Joe Schrieber's brilliant Star Wars: Death Troopers,  but from the way we blogged about it at Halloween, you'd think we would have, wouldn't you? The book's a horrific mash-up of Star Wars and zombies - two of our favorite things, by dabble - but the scribe eventually overwhelmed each of us with his Awesome. We've been too scared to read the last few chapters - it all seemed so real.

But a new year has arrived and by golly, we've got to grow a pair -- even Raley, the next door neighbor chic. (The way that girl wrestles, she probably already has a pair - but you didn't hear that from us.)  Okay, okay, we're joshin'.  We're just playing;  those nuts and bolts that we need to finish up were grown weeks back so we'd be in proper form to look cool in Shanty Shawn's latest -- The Imperial Undead Star Wars T-Shirt.   (Dude must be reading the same book we are!)

Seriously, peeps: Greedo geeks and fans of the undead will both be happy to have that tee hanging in the closet. It's a guaranteed chick magnet -- and it was, like, born to worn by people reading Death Troopers.  Girls like literary guys - you know we're right! Better get reading - and grab yourself that tee while you're at it. You'll be out $24 once you rendezvous at Red Bubble [here].

 

Of course, big spenders like The Dabbler don't settle for just a t-shirt, however cool it may be.  He goes for the 'complete look' - and these funky-fresh Star Wars LEGO watches will tell every dabbler that you know what time it is. That's what we're sayin'! The Star Wars shop has LEGO's latest in larger-size for adults and in kid-size for the, well, younger folk.   The adult watches sport a nearly 1.5-inch bezel and adjustable band that will never need to be re-sized; the LEGO-pieced band allows you to just snap in some extra pieces or remove as needed to fit! Both lines of the sweet timepieces feature quartz movement, mineral crystal glass, and water resistant to 50 meters. And, of course, they each come packed with a LEGO Star Wars mini-figure! For an easy $30, you can find a variety of 'em [here].

If you've ever tried on a tee-shirt in the dark, chances are it'll be on backwards  because that's just the kinda s*$! that happens to guys like us.  So don't even go there; illuminate with a Star Wars Remote Controlled Lightsaber Wall Light before you even slip the tee over your head.  That's common sense, though the Lightsaber Wall Light is most certainly not.  But it is primo mood lighting, guys, and it's remote controlled.   And it's a lightsaber. What we're saying it that it cuts through the dark as quickly as it cuts through your next potential sexual experience  - and with 7 different color effects you can change at the push of a button, how can you possibly go wrong? It's due out this fall, and you can pre-order this $25 puppy [here].

Now that you're feeling the full power of the Force with your new shirt, new watch, and a well-lighted home with Lightsaber Wall Lights on each wall, you're no padewan, that's for sure. In fact, you're all set  to head off to one of the largest official Star Wars fan events ever -- the Star Wars Celebration V, 12-15 August  2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.  

Star Wars Celebration V will be the first  event co-produced by both LucasFilm and the Reed Pop Group, which is responsible for the successful New York Comic Con and the new Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2). Celebration events bring together the best of the Star Wars universe under one roof for three days of programming fun including cast and crew celebrities, fan-run events, costumes, music, live entertainment, screenings, autographs, collectibles, panels and sneak peaks into the future of Star Wars.

If you haven't heard about LusasFilm's national and international Star Wars 'parties,' don't feel too bad; they're new to us, too.  Considering that this year's event will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of our fave SW flick - The Empire Strikes Back - as well as the hit  animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Orlando's looking like the place to be in August. 

The way we figure,  too many nasty Wookies at the party means an easy (but stealthy) commandeering of the nearest Imperial shuttle craft and then its just a quick jaunt over to Disney World.  Chances are excellent, though, you'll have a blast. Tickets have been on sale for a few months, but sell-out shouldn't be a problem. Use the Force and find your way [here] for tickets and all the info to plan the best summer getaway you'll find in this - or any -galaxy.

Get Current: AC/DC's IRON MAN 2 Album Is Out Today And It's An Alternating Mix of Good and Bad

When it comes to heavy metal, there's none heavier than the armored Avenger most folks call Iron Man.  The same can definitely be said about one of our longtime rock 'n roll faves, AC/DC, so it makes perfect sense that the they're the guys who'll be amping up Iron Man 2's soundtrack when the blockbuster movie opens in May.

The 15-track album - available on CD, double LP, or as a Deluxe Collector's set (pictured below) - is out today from Columbia Records, although pre-orders have been taken through Wal-Mart and Amazon.com  since Marvel first announced their Iron Man 2/AC-DC partnership in January.   The soundtrack includes their greatest hit (also featured in the first Iron Man film) Back In Black, plus Highway to Hell and 13 other classic AC/DC songs selected from ten of the band’s studio albums, ranging from 1976 to 2008.  The group also filmed a new video for their soundtrack's first single, Shoot To Thrill,  back in December 2009  while in Buenos Aires for their Black Ice World Tour. 

(The video, which can be found on You Tube [here] incorporates exclusive footage from  Iron Man 2, made its debut earlier this year.  Shoot To Thrill was originally recorded for the band's 50-million selling album Back In Black, one of the best selling albums of all time.)

We think it's pretty cool that an iconic band like AC/DC involved themselves with superhero cinema, yet another testament that the group's still going strong after two lead singers, twenty albums, and over four decades on the rock circuit.   Iron Man 2 marks AC/DC's  second soundtrack compilation; the first, Who Made Who, was completed  in the mid-1980's for the Stephen King movie Maximum Overdrive.

But unlike Who Made Who, AC/DC's Marvel movie album doesn't offer fans any new tracks. The album does provide a great survey of the band's high-energy sound and gives great tracks from both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, but ardent listeners won't find any new material or maybe any reason to even purchase the soundtrack.  Even one new song would've added considerably to their newest release,  giving AC/DC's fans that don't dote on Iron-clad superheroes a reason to go out and buy.

Movie and comics fans who don't rock out should find the soundtrack a fun time, even if die-hard AC/DC'er's might be a bit bored.  But with songs like Cold Hearted Man, TNT, Have a Drink On Me, Guns For Hire, Evil Walks, and even a track titled War Machine,  it's almost as if the band's been channeling Tony Stark and his team for decades. The tracks are perfect fits for Jon Favreau's film -- a fact that certainly didn't escape his notice from before the first film hit in 2008 --  so we almost understand why AC/DC may have thought they didn't need any new sounds for his film's soundtrack.

The Iron Man 2 soundtrack is just one more example of the fantastic marketing machine wielded by Marvel; as far as they and Iron Man fans are concerned, the album's a spot-on tie-in that fits their latest film seamlessly. For Columbia Records, AC/DC, and legions of rockers, maybe not so much.  Rock and roll music may find a few new fans from the electric group's latest release, but the band and its managers missed all the benefits of this great cross-promotional opportunity by forgetting the fans who have followed them the longest. 

Premiering on 07 May 2010, Iron Man 2 is one of a continuing slate of films being produced by Marvel Studios based on the Marvel characters, including Thor on May 6, 2011, The First Avenger: Captain America on July 22, 2011 and The Avengers on May 4, 2012.  

_  _  _  _  _  _ 

AC/DC's official website is [here]. Record shoppers wanting to be the proud owner of Iron Man 2's Deluxe CD/DVD Collector's Set need to visit Sony Music Digital's online specialty shop [here].

USS Enterprise WebCam Will Get You Noticed!!

When our ComicTech-nicians discovered abbracadabbling's plans for our next Saturday Matinee, they couldn't hide their excitement.  Trekkers all, we think that at least some of their ecstatic jubilation must come from owning their brand-new, fresh out of dry-dock Star Trek USS Enterprise Webcam.  

We've got to admit, the ship looks pretty sweet - and that it actually works is a major plus, too. So we bought one ourselves, and dabblers, we're glad we did.  As you'd expect for any Star Trek gadget, Enterprise is fully PC /Windows and Mac OS/X compatible, and setting it up was as easy as plug (via USB) and play. 

The light-up engine nacelles and the focusable camera found in the deflector dish  (kinda just like in the TV show!) are what makes the Enterprise Webcam the most fun, though.   You can warp it around the room when the USB's unattached, or cruise it down to impulse and put it on the desk where it belongs. Of course, the webcam's so lightweight that it can also be mounted on the side of any computer monitor, thanks to an adhesive Star Fleet insignia.  Doing that not only gives you the best view of Enterprise, but allows for you to angle the ship's deflector so it can get the best view of you, too.  (At least, it made us look good.)

Measuring 50 x 15 x 20.5 cm, this cool Trek cam's plug-and-play functionality means that no drivers are required.  It’s compatible with virtually all video chat applications including Skype, Google Chat, MSN and Yahoo...and did we mention it does video conferencing? 

We just wish it had its own force field - to keep all our Ferengi-like friends from walking out with our new purchase. Then again, for around $45, even a Ferengi would know a good deal when he sees one.  If you'd like to see all the Enterprise's specs, you can do that. Just leave ours alone and buy one of your very own - HERE.

BOOM! STUDIOS 20% OFF THRU 07 APRIL 2010 - Check Them Out!

Boom Studios has really put itself on the comics publishing map, especially since they brought Mark Waid into the fold as Editor-in-Chief two or so years back. Boom's now counted among Top 10 comic book companies out there, and they've found real success publishing both creator-owned titles, like their awesome flagship book Irredeemable (written by Waid), as well as comics based on several key licensed properties. Perhaps the biggest of those is Disney, with titles  like Walt Disney Comics and The Incredibles  helping Boom to even begin their neat new Boom! Kids line.

From that same 'licensed' camp, though, The Dabbler's really enjoying 28 Days Later, an ongoing series by Michael Alan Nelson and Leonardo Manco that's based on the zombie flicks of the same name, as well as writer Chris Gorak's NOLA, a four-part series set in New Orleans just after the Hurricane Katrina blew the city down.  Both comics feature an African-American female as their protagonist and heroine, as few comics do or have, and each does so really, really well.  Dabbler definitely recommends both comics, and he gives Waid's Irredeemable, as well as The Anchor by Phil Hester, serious high props, since they're among his top reads of the month.

It's absolutely no joke that Boom's got a major sale going on right now - and our CoMics Merchant has the coupon code at the top of our blog!

Use it and get 20% off anything by Boom -- and as we've just said, there's plenty of great stuff to choose from. 

Jump on over and go Boom! right now - and tell 'em The Dabbler sent ya!

SHERLOCK HOLMES On DVD Today is Worth Your Investigation

Highly recommended by every dabbler within a ten mile radius of our Springfield Home Office is Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law.  The film's available on DVD and Blu-Ray/DVD combo today from Warner Bros Home Video, and if you didn't catch the good detective at Christmastime, now's your chance to do so.

 

Ritchie's Holmes is far less Agatha Christie or even strict Conan- Doyle than he is super hero, just the type of character that Downey Jr's getting used to playing quite well. Holmes' detective skills verge on the level of super-genius if not super-human, yet the character is anything but a super man.  And like any good (super) hero, he's much better with a sidekick at his side - in this case, Law's Doctor Watson.  The two share an immense fascination with each other that's funny to watch and wide open to subtextual interpretation.

Without being experts on Sherlock Holmes' many earlier incarnations, whether in literature or on the screen or stage, we're hard pressed to say if the current film's subtext is a theme that's new to the character or one found elsewhere.  But Downey Jr's own Holmesian take is clearly unique, and he meets the time-honored seriousness of Arthur Conan Doyle's detective tongue pressed firmly against cheek.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson have enjoyed many adventures before their most recent outing on the Big Screen, but this latest movie may be the biggest departure from canon that the characters have experienced.  Instead of just tweaking the type of hats they've worn (shown in part but oh-so-well here by The Many Hats of Sherlock Holmes 1962-1983 via), Ritchie's wrangled with his character's deeper aspects, creating new truths for old heroes.  Our official DabbleRating:3 1/2 Magic Hats.

CoMicsMerchant Says He's GLAAD There's No Time Like The Present

As often as we've claimed our day to bring all you comicsblogees brand-new blogs is Friday, we'll make an exception for Saint Patrick's.  And though it may be St. Paddy's, Pay Day (one of our favorite holidays) is so close we can smell the money.  If you can, too,  then this is place you want to be and our resident CoMics Merchant is the dude you need to meet   He's got a knack for the new that'll knock your socks off; he's the merchant with a penchant for spending other people's cash.  Will he succeed putting you in the poor house tonight? Only one way to find out: Let's go shopping - abbracadabbling style!

Just like the awesome Iron Man MacBook Decal we featured a few months ago, this cool Green Lantern MacBook Decal will add a gaggle of green comics color to your MacBook or MacBook Pro. The full-color decal of DC Comics' most famous Green Lantern is perfectly positioned so that your (and CoMics Merchant's) MacBook's apple light gives good glow and makes Hal Jordan's power ring sparkle with emerald energy.  Movie Magic Man's up to his old tricks, but when it comes to Green Lantern, we'll let him work that old black magic anytime he wants. He's even designed the decal to fit 13 inch, 15 inch and 17 inch laptop models -- and we'd bet good money he's got an iPad design waiting in wings.  For just $15, your Mac can become the next member of the the Green Lantern Corps HERE.

Superheroes may rely on masks to protect their identities when on the job, but we all know an MP3 player and headphones serve the purpose even better. Now, Coloud, the 'new name in music', has given us the best of both worlds with these soon to be hot-off-the-assembly-line Marvel Headphones! Coloud's new Marvel-themed headgear features a range of Marvel heroes, from Iron Man and Hulk to Punisher and Wolverine! -- and there's even an X-Men version, so how can we not be psyched? Fans of Daredevil, you're out of luck.  But for everyone else, CoMics Merchant  says Christmas is coming early this year. Get in line and pre-order your MP3's next super-accessory for just $39.99 HERE. 

Alan Cumming - X-Men 2's big-screen, blue-skinned Nightcrawler - hosted the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York last Saturday, which you already know is the annual ceremony that honors all forms of media - including comics - which elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) stories, issues, and people.  Joining fellow GLAAD Award recipients Joy Behar (LMAO co-host of The View) and Ms. Aliens herself, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Kane won this year's GLAAD Award in the Outstanding Comic Book category for her portrayal of Batwoman in the ongoing DC Comics series Detective Comics.

Well, okay, Kate Kane and her alter-ego may not exist (that we know of), but DC's Detective Comics, the longest published series in comics, did earn this year's honor for featuring lesbian superheroine Batwoman in the publisher's flagship title.  That alone wouldn't have been enough for the title to win an award; the book's  creative team of writer Greg Rucka and artist J.H. Williams III  is that magic that's consistently put Detective Comics over the top and earned the series copious amounts of critical attention since the modern incarnation of Kate Kane began headlining the Batman-related book in June 2009.

After nearly a year of headlining Detective, Batwoman nabs GLAAD's award just as she's about to exit the book in order to make room for the return of a back-from-the-past Bruce Wayne.  While a short hiatus may be in her solo future, so's her solo title, which Rucka and Williams will launch later this year. But our CoMics Merchant doesn't see any reason for you to wait to find our what everyone's been so GLAAD that you've been missing. Head down to your local comics shop and find out just how the comic book industry is tackling LGBT issues, as the red-haired spunky Batwoman is about the best example going right now. Insightful -- and a good read with plenty of eye-pleasing pictures thanks to Williams' decorative flare.

With abbracadabbling being the official comicsblog of Present Magic Comics, we're the authority on the power of being present. But living in the moment can be difficult for even the most tempered dabbler among us. Thank goodness for the timely arrival of the CoMics Merchant! He's always watching out for us, and now we'll never have trouble keeping it current thanks to Yanko's Past, Present, Future Watch. The 'PPF' watch is designed to remind its wearer that ‘there is no time like the present’ as it only displays the present time,  with the current time always moving around the dial and always being displayed at the top of the watch in the present time.  

This watch seems like it was tailor-made for followers of our blog, and to all those devoted to the philosophy of Present Magic across the globe. Yanko's tapped into our Flow, but  we almost didn't notice. Our attention's locked on their Fall line-up of watches - three nifty little gizmos that won't tell you what time it is, but what time it will be three hours and twelve seconds down the road.  You know, way too much to look forward to, but just one great $95 wristwatch to buy in the HERE...and now.