MARVEL 616

 Let's talk a bit about, MARVEL 616.

“What’s that?”  It’s a show on Disney+.  I just finished the first season and I loved it.

There are 8 documentaries about Earth 616.  And, in the MARVEL Universe, World 616 is us – it is our home-world.  These documentaries, filmed by 8 different documentarians, examine, “the intersections of storytelling, pop culture and fandom within the Marvel Universe.”

Brief breakdown of the documentaries…

1.       “Japanese Spider-Man.”  There were 41 episodes of Spider-Man that were produced in Japan that the western world didn’t know of until about 2009.  Interesting story. OH, and if the rumors of a Spider-Verse movie are true Shinji Tôdô NEEDS to one of the Spider-Folks.

2.       “Higher, Further, Faster.”  Representation matters.  It is important that kids can look around and see a hero that represents them.  It matters a lot.  Further, there are more women working as writers, artists, and editors, too.  Worthy episode.

3.       “Amazing Artisans.”  Technology has made the world all the smaller.  This episode follows two Marvel artists – contributors to Miles Morales and Moon Girl, both live in Spain and both meet their deadlines.

4.       “Lost and Found.”  This one made me giggle and then laugh out loud.  Paul Scheer is on a search to reboot a forgotten team of Marvel superheroes.  Good luck with that.

5.       “Suit Up.” Is all about cosplay at the New York Comic Con. 

6.       “Unboxed.” This one explores, “the relationship between toys and comics.”  Seeing the inner workings of Hasbro and Funko was fun.

7.       “The Marvel Method.”  This is how Stan Lee wrote.  He would come up with characters, a villain, and a plot and then he would give it to artists to tell the rest of the story.  Most comic writers these days use a script, which makes things easier for artists, pencilers, letterers, and editors.  Dan Slott, who had a 10 year run on, “The Amazing Spider-Man” is not one of them.  He uses the Marvel Method.  I loved this episode.  If you like to write – you too will LOVE this episode.

8.       “Spotlight.”  I didn’t know that Marvel produced high school plays for the stage.  This final episode of the first season follows two classes of kids producing two different plays – Squirrel Girl and Ms. Marvel.  This one is all about theater and the process of collaborative storytelling.  I loved those kids and their teacher - but I speak too much - go see it for yourself!  I dug it.

I am looking forward to season two of, ‘MARVEL 616’.  And Disney+, if you're out there, PLEASE greenlight Season Two!  You must do so, for there are still so many stories from Earth 616 to tell.

 

Farpoint ...It's A Toy Store

The Human Adventure is Just Beginning...

Today is Farpoint …It’s a Toy Store’s Grand Opening.  Last night was the Black Tie, Preview Party.  Two TITANS are joining forces on this adventure: Farpoint Toys and It’s A Toy Store.  Between them are decades of experience in doing what they do.

“Toys?”

Yes, there are toys, lest there be no doubt – oodles of ‘em!  

Oodles, I say!

However, what Justin, Penelope, and Frank (Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman of their new founded Justice League) do goes far beyond going to a Toys-R-Us.  …No, they are curators.  Obtainers of rare antiquities.  Keepers of memories and mementos.  They are story tellers and story keepers.  Community builders who want to share their love of genre with others who share their love of genre.  Simply put, they are fans.  The wonderful thing about the new digs is that it is also a meeting place for fans & soon to be fans to come, to discuss, to have a cup of coffee, and to bask in the communal glow of shared memories and stories.  Yes, it’s a toy store – but Farpoint …It’s A Toy Store is much, much more.

BTW, that's an original Ken Kelly in the corner.

There is a quote from the film, “Serenity” where River Tam asks Captain Mal Reynolds about what the first rule of flying is.  Mal’s answer is on point for Farpoint.  He said, “Love. You can learn all the math in the 'Verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurtin' 'fore she keens. Makes her a home.”

Welcome home.

Today Farpoint …It’s A Toy Store officially opens!  Farpoint can be found at these coordinates; 5113 Harding Hwy., Mays Landing, NJ, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

Excelsior!  

The It's a Toy Store Annual Toy Show - 2016 Edition!

This Toy Show gets bigger every year.  It has grown exponentially over time and if you happen to be seeking that one missing piece in your collection the It’s A Toy Store Toy Show is not a bad place to look.  It is a boon for buyers and sellers.  If you are selling toys it is completely free to set up a table.  Frank is the master of ceremonies and he does a GREAT job for the fans.  It’s not just about toys with Frank, it’s about passion and joy and sharing that with others.   

Frank holding court with the Good Souls from Level Up Entertainment standing by

If you missed today’s Toy Show, take heart, it will return again next year.  In the meantime, may I humbly suggest, stopping in at It’s a Toy Store in Richland, NJ (It's A Toy Store on Facebook).  You will not be disappointed.  Frank’s place is like a pop-culture museum and you will be hit by waves of nostalgia.  The conversation is top notch too.  Frank is the curator of this museum and has a wealth of geek knowledge to pull from.  Go, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you It's A Toy Store ~ this year's show was, truly, something to see! 

Level Up Entertainment & Farpoint Toys

In the very beginning of the film, “A Christmas Story” Ralphie and his family are looking into the intricate holiday display at the local department store in rapt wonder at the trains, the toys and, of course, that Red Rider BB Gun.  The film is set in the fifties and is really a love letter to that period in time. 

Retailers these days could take a page from that old ‘five and dime’ store window.  It seems that the farther our drive and desire for material things comes the less imagination retailers use in their window fronts.  Their corporate entities must just channel all that creativity from the stores to their ad campaigns.

I am happy to report that my cynicism towards storefronts was put completely and utterly on hold this past week.  Yes, it’s true; I had a Ralphie moment and it all happened at the Hamilton Mall at the shop window of Level Up Entertainment and Far Point Toys & Collectables.  If you are a card-carrying geek such as myself you owe it to yourself to make the pilgrimage.   

This is not merely a storefront; NO, it is an assemblage of art.  The skill and forethought that went into the execution of this piece shows the depth of love for the subject matter.  I love the care that went into this piece – it all interconnects and tells this epic tale of comic book glory.  It is simply brilliant.  The pictures I took have the glare of the storefront window so it really is best seeing it up close and personal.  Of course you could also check them out on Facebook by clicking right here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Level-Up-Entertainment/65595896816 and here: http://www.facebook.com/farpointtoys. 

 

Level Up Entertainment and Farpoint Toys & Collectables, as you may have surmised, specializes in video games, comics, toys and collectables.  So if there is a piece missing from your collection, if you’re seeking a particular videogame or if you are looking for that last Avenger figure to complete the security for around your computer – then these are the people you need to see.  I went in to compliment the man who put the whole diorama together and, while in the process of geeking out, I let slip that I needed three stands for the Avengers figures that protect my laptop.  He was kind enough to give me some spares that he had lying around.  That was a kindness that I truly appreciated, Gentle Reader.  These guys get it.  They love what they do and they love sharing that love with the world.  That being said I wanted to share them with YOU. 

Level Up Entertainment / Farpoint Toys & Collectables is located in the Hamilton Mall, 4403 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, Suite 1129.  Their number is 609-569-9200.  They are located on the first level via the main entrance – make a right before the escalators and prepare to have your jaw drop.  Show ‘em some love. 

When you visit just ask me to move over so we can both share a Ralphie moment at the storefront window together. 

IT’S A TOY STORE

This weekend I had the distinct pleasure of discovering a toy and comic shop not all that far from the Chicken’s Coop. A friend of mine has been trying to get me to go but every time that I went, they were closed. I have impeccable timing.

Well, it just so happens that my friend and I had been working on my truck’s alternator, (mostly my friend since I have NO IDEA how to work on an internal combustion engine) and, as we were driving by, we saw that IT’S A TOY STORE was open. We turned around and had a look see.

I’m glad that we did.

Gentle Reader, if you have poked around these pages for any time you know that I am a bit of a Geek. No, that’s not right, I’m a GEEK. …No, that’s not right either – I’m an UBER-GEEK. Yeah, that’s about right.

Well if you are a bit of a Geek, a Geek or an UBER-GEEK, you will absolutely love IT’S A TOY STORE. It’s a toy/comic shop inside of a house in Richland, NJ. You’ll be able to see the eight foot tall Incredible Hulk on the outside if they are open. If you happen to see the Hulk pull in and check them out. The whole place is also a museum. Waves of nostalgia will smack you from all sides when you see all that they have on display. I’ve been looking for a Spinner from Blade Runner and a TARDIS too (I know that they would work well with the Fengshui of the computer room – Evil Chicken HQ) and have a sneaky suspicion that I could probably find what I’m looking for right here in Richland.

I picked up a card on the way out. IT’S A TOY STORE is located at 1256 Harding Highway (Route 40) in Richland, NJ 08350. They are open on Thursday and Friday from 12:00 – 6:00, on Saturday from 11:00 – 7:00 and Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00. Their number is 856-697-1348. They specialize in “New & Vintage Toys and Comics.” They, “Buy, Sell and Trade Toys.” The place will make you remember a simpler time and that can be a beautiful thing.

The visit is worth the trip.