Animation Congregation: The Openings You Couldn't Resist...

Redartz:  Hello everyone! I know it's been trying times for many of us these days, what with that irritating pandemic and all. So how about a big dose of Saturday morning goodness to lift the spirits a bit? 

For this overgrown kid, the opening sequences and themes for the cartoons were almost as much fun as the shows themselves. Hearing the first notes of the music, seeing the action on the screen; you just KNEW you were in for some great animated escapism. And seeing these today still gets me excited. So for your enjoyment, here are a bunch of my favorite openings, culled from the 60's to the 90's. Of course as an older Bronze Age baby (with apologies to Doug and Karen), my choices are weighted a bit to late 60's and early 70's shows. But the 1967 Spider-man and Fantastic Four cartoons, and certainly Jonny Quest, are classics that were shown for years after their debuts. So grab a bowl of cereal and  meet me in front of the tv...

King Kong (1967)

Spider-Man (1967)

Jonny Quest (1964)

Fantastic Four (1967)

Adventures of Superman (1966)

Batman: The Animated Series (1992)

Scooby Doo (1969)

Bugs Bunny Show (1962)

Drak Pack (1980)

 Josie and the Pussycats (1970)

Valley of the Dinosaurs (1974)

 Emergency Plus 4 (1973)

Now you've had a taste of my tastes; so let's hear about your favorites. What did you think of these intros, and what ones should I have included that got skipped this time?

Adventures in Comics: Pandemic Edition, or How I Spent My Quarantine...

Redartz: Greetings to one and all. Strange and uncertain times find us 'hunkering down', rabidly following news updates, and facing challenges physical, financial and psychological. And all of us, globally, are in this boat together. My story- laid off work for the duration, and engaging in the 'treasure hunt' of finding grocery staples. Case study: it took six stores over three days, but I finally scored a package of toilet tissue. Proof that it is possible...

But seriously folks, I'm feeling fine. And that's a blessing, during such a period of upheaval. Which leads to the topic of discussion: finding some positives among the negatives. 

Many of the things we share interest in here can be considered diversions. Reading comics and books, watching films and tv; listening to music: all these are great ways to take your mind off the world for a bit. Like many of you, I'm going to have quite a bit of extra time available for awhile. Time spent at home, as travel is  currently discouraged. And while I'll be tackling some neglected  household tasks, I'll definitely be spending some time with the above-mentioned diversions.

Specifically:  there are several tpb collections collecting dust on a shelf that I'll be tackling. Avengers by Stern/Buscema; DC Showcase edition of Brave and the Bold. Might return to Y: the Last Man.

As for video: will be binging on Amazon Prime's "Hunters". "Lost in Space" on Netflix. Aaaand, probably do some Jonny Quest episodes, just for fun.

Music: you folks have put many great suggestions out there in recent posts, which I'll be investigating. That, and sorting through the rest of the cd collection I bought last month.

 
So, for those among you who also will be spending some quality time at home over the days and weeks to come- how shall you occupy yourself? Share, and maybe you'll give the rest of us some more ideas.

And most certainly, be safe, be well, and take care of each other. 

Follow the Leader Episode 157: Of Bathroom Tissues and Other Issues...

Redartz:  Hi gang! Your humble host is traveling today, and therefore I've summoned the Leader to help request a topic for discussion. We know we can count on you to fill this space with clever conversation and amusing anecdotes; provocative posers and rewarding ruminations. And so, let your voices be heard!

Chew the Fat: Figures; Action and Otherwise...

Redartz:  Most of us have shelves full of books, comics, cd's, lp's, or any of a wide range of other objects of interest. And some of us also have, upon those shelves, figures representing those other interests.  "action figures", Theses figures may be 'action figures', such as Mego or GI Joe, or simply stationary statuettes designed to be 'just looked at'. And obviously those distinctions are rather arbitrary- you can 'just look at' your Mego figures, or you can create adventures with your pricey limited edition statues (very careful adventures). 

 


Personally, I never had any of those beloved Mego figures. Nor do I have any of the currently popular "Legends" figures, or any other superhero representations. Actually, the only one I do have is the 1974 Aurora Spider-Man model kit...





 



Now as for other types of figures, I do have several. One favorite is this small Robot B9 from "Lost in Space". He even speaks ( "Danger, Will Robinson").

 And then there's this set of Simpsons figures; America's favorite family (?) A bit of fluff from the 90's : 

 Finally, perhaps my most treasured figures are these incredible dinosaur figures from Schleich. Incredibly detailed, great poses, and strikingly colorful (and yes, I know a Plesiosaur isn't technically a dinosaur). Several times a year a local box store puts these on clearance, and I indulge in the addition of a couple more creatures to my prehistoric parade...

So that is a look at some of the  'friends' collecting dust around my house. What sort of beings and creatures occupy places of honor at your house?

Two Questions: Remnants of Youth and the Women of Comedy!

Redartz:  I've been 'hogging the mike' lately , so here's a chance for those of  you who've been saving up a good topic. We are dealing with two questions this week; I'm providing one,  you get to submit the other. Fair is fair, right?

Question 1: Do you still have any of your original comics /toys/books/memorabilia from your youth? 

For many of us, those old toys and comics went away with the trash years ago, or were donated, or sold (my Mom did annual yard sales, and that's where many of my items went). Some things just 'disappeared' . I've no idea whatever happened to my old baseball cards ; when I was about 9 years old a neighbor who was a big Cincinnati Reds fan traded me a whole box of late 50's/early 60's Topps baseball cards. All he wanted were the Reds players I'd picked up among my 1970 Topps cards. That old box of cards would be quite a find now; but it vanished inexplicably before I even reached ten. Alas...

 Nonetheless, I do still have a number of the actual things I treasured back then. Several old red line Hot Wheels cars still reside upon a shelf in my home.

Also, did manage to keep a Topps  Willie Mays coin pulled from a pack  in 1971 (Mays was my favorite player)...

And, I still have a fossil fish my Dad bought me during a trip to Colorado in 1971 (that must have been a memorable year for me)...

 So how about you? What vintage originals managed to remain in your possession over the years ? And, what is our spectacular second question ?