Sandman (DC Comics/Vertigo Comics)

Sandman
DC/Vertigo Comics
1989-1996

Though Sandman originally appeared in volume one of the series in 1974 (as The Sandman), the critically acclaimed series from writer Neil Gaiman which launched in 1989 was only the same iteration in name - Though it was still technically a re-launch of the series.  Gaiman had been working on a treatment for the revival of the series, and mentioned it in passing to then editor Karen Berger, but it wouldn't be until months later that he was offered the chance to actually produce the books.

With the green light on the series, Gaiman drafted an eight issue outline which he passed along to Dave McKean and Leigh Baulch.  The duo quickly went to work on concept sketches which were turned over to Berger for review.  McKean had a very strong vision for the book, insisting that the main character didn't need to appear on every cover.  This allowed the series to have some of the most unique covers in the history of comics.

With concepts approved, artist Sam Keith went to work on the series.  Gaiman describes the first issue as awkward for the group because none of them had ever worked on a regularly released series before.  For reasons unknown, Sam Keith quit as artist after issue five.  This was the beginning of what would become a revolving door of artists for the seventy-five issue series.  Artists such as Et Al, Dave McKean, Kelley Jones and Michael Zulli (just to name a few) tried their hand at the series.

As a whole, the series helped to put DC Comics sister company, Vertigo Comics on the map as one of its flagship titles.  Though this didn't happen until issue number forty-seven.  Each book chronicled the adventures of Dream (of the family The Endless), who rules over the world of dreams.  He returns to his domain after being trapped and held prisoner for 70 years and embarks on a quest to regain the powers he once possessed.

While it was a continuous series, several "chapters" are spread across multiple consecutive books, chronicling specific stories.  This in turn allowed new readers to the series to easily jump on board at any point.

Sandman was a critical success winning several awards, and being named on the New York Times best sellers list.  This is a rare occasion for any comic book, as the NYT typically wouldn't give comic books the time of day as they weren't (and to an extent still aren't) considered true forms of literature.

When Gaiman left the series Sandman was cancelled.  This was due to a line item in his contract which stipulated that the series would end upon his departure.

Join us next time when we take a look at The Dark Night Returns!

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News From The Toy Box - Figures Toy Company Retro Batman Series 2

Figures Toy Company is moving full speed ahead with their retro Batman eight inch line based on the vintage Mego designs.  We've already gotten a peak at series one, and a collectible carry case.  Now they've provided photos of the upcoming series two set.

 

The second wave will feature four "dolls", most impressively are the Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne ones.  What makes these two special is that when they were initially released through Mego, they were Montgomery Ward exclusives, and only released as clothing packs that came with the heads.  You couldn't get the bodies as it was intended that you would remove the head from your Batman and Robin figures, replacing them with these, and then put the clothing on them.  To see actual figures of them is actually pretty awesome.

 

Also coming with wave two will be The Penguin and Catwoman.

 

 

 

We still aren't 100% sold on this line as a whole, but for those of you out there who love the vintage Megos, but not necessarily the price tag attached to them, this could be the series for you.

 

Until next time, this has been News from The Toy Box.

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The Maxx (Image Comics)

The Maxx
Image Comics
1993-1997

The Maxx, one of Image Comic's first series quickly became one of its most popular.  Created by Sam Keith, the series spans thirty-five issues between 1993 to 1997.

The story stars The Maxx who exists on two plains of existence.  In the real world he lives as a homeless man who often times is helped by a freelance social worker, Julie Winters.  In the alternate realm, The Outback, The Maxx serves as the protector of The Jungle Queen - coincidentally also Julie Winters, though she is unaware of this duel plain of existence.

When Mr. Gone is introduced, he starts making obscene phone calls to Julie.  Convinced he's just a strange nut, she ignores him.  In reality, this serial rapist is quite aware of Julie, and has access to both hers and many others Outbacks.  When The Maxx involves himself, saving Julie from Mr. Gone, he turns his intentions on the big purple guy, unleashing his canniblistic Isz creatures on him.  These various battles take place in both the real world, and The Outback.

Eventually Gone makes Julie see the truth of her past, and how The Maxx came to be.  Several more aspects of her are revealed over time in various back stories.  One of the most important being about when she was raped by a hitch-hiker who also beats her, leaving her to die.  This in turn leads to the most vital to the story reveal of her past when she hits a homeless man with her car, and rather than help him drags him to an alley, and covers him with trash.  Julie also leaves a lampshade in the trash which brushed with The Outback.  When it touches the man it forms a mask, and the man becomes The Maxx.

Later in the series the story switches focus to a teen named Sarah who has been sent to Julie for counseling by her mother.  Her mother is concerned about Sarah's well being, and disciplines her constantly in hopes that she won't grow up to be like her father, who is eventually revealed to be Mr. Gone.

With the conclusion of this story, the series leaps forward several years focusing on Sarah (now spelled Sara), and a giant murderous banana slug from her Outback.  Julie and Dave (The Maxx) have vanished.  When they return, a deeper tale unravels regarding Julie and her son Mark.  Julie wants him to believe she is dead so he will stop looking for her due to the dangers of The Outback.

Time is unraveling for the group, and various alternate realities begin opening.  In the end the characters are all changed.  Some for the better, some for the worse, but all with a small knowledge of their past, but not enough to put all the pieces together.

In 1995 MTV optioned the rights to produce an animated series which closely followed the comic book story.  Sadly, it only lasted seven episodes, and doesn't cover the entire comic series.

Join us next time when we take a look at Sandman!

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News From The Toy Box - Masters Of The Universe Classic The Spirit Of Hordak Figure

If you enjoy being the brunt of someone else's joke, then head on over to MattyCollector.com where you can spend hours, days, weeks, or more searching their website for a hidden Hordak symbol.  Upon finding said symbol, you can be one of the very few who get the opportunity to purchase Hasbro's first official "chase" figure, The Spirit of Hordak.

These figures started showing up on the site last week, and while rumors were flying, there was no official announcement from Hasbro until just recently;

"We just released the first ever MOTUC chase figure, Spirit of Hordak™! He’ll appear unannounced in our Shop throughout the year so everyone will have a chance to find him. And if you’re a subscriber, we’ll have a small amount available during Early Access starting 5/14 at 8 a.m. PT. He’s subject to sellout during Early Access (purchase limit has been reduced to four per subscriber) and won’t be available to the public on 5/15, but watch for his logo in the Shop – you never know when he’ll sneak back in."

There has been no official word as to just how much the figure costs, but eBay has already been lit up by people trying to get over a hundred dollars for the figure.  So how will you get yours?  Will you take the easy route and pay a scalper?  Or will you tough it out and spend endless time on the site?

Until next time, this has been News from The Toy Box.

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News From The Toy Box - Transformers Metroplex

Nothing says "wow!" like an over two foot tall Transformers toy.  That's what Hasbro has lined up for fans with their fall 2013 release of the ultimate Metroplex figure/vehicle/playset.  This beast will be the ultimate edition for any Transformers fan, featuring multiple points of articulation, lights, panels that open and close to reveal hidden compartments, and of course, the ability to transform.  As a triple changer, Metroplex will have the ability to be in robot form, a wheeled vehicle, and of course, a massive fortress playset.

Hasbro is boasting this as "THE" largest Transformer to date, and at only $125.00, that's a fairly reasonable price.  If you're a Transformers fanatic, then this is a "must have!"

Metroplex in Fortress Mode

Metroplex in Vehicle Mode

Until next time, this has been News from The Toy Box.

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News From The Toy Box - NECA San Diego Comic Con 2013 Jason Voorhees

NECA has announced that at 2013 San Diego Comic Con they will offer an exclusive Jason Voorhees figure.  Here's the catch.  The figure will be decked out to resemble his 1989 NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) counterpart from LJN.

We personally think this is awesome, and wouldn't mind at all if NECA were to somehow obtain the rights to produce figures based on several NES classics such as Mario, Kid Icarus, Mega Man, etc.  Though we're sure the only reason they're producing this Jason figure is because they have been producing said figure many times over for several years now.  Still, it's a nice nod to the classic days of gaming.

The figure will only be available at the show for $25.00, so grab him while you can.

Until next time, this has been News from The Toy Box.

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The Watchmen (DC Comics)

The Watchmen
DC Comics
1986-1987

Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, The Watchmen was a story set in an alternate reality which closely mimicked that of the contemporary world in the 1980's.  It begins with the death of The Comedian, which sparks concern from antihero Rorschace.  As he presses his investigation, he brings his concerns to each of his prior comrades as he feels that they too are marked as targets.

The series introduces us to characters such as Nite Owl, The Silk Spectre, Ozymandias, and Doctor Manhattan, with the latter becoming the focal point, and eventual climax to the story.  The dramatic mystery unravels in a tale that will both save and condemn the world.

Issue one launched in 1986 and the story concluded in 1987 with issue twelve.  The series elevated the comic book world of superheroes into the real world realm of classic literature.

As of today it has been reprinted several times in graphic novel format, and remains one of DC Comics most popular collected works.  With the release of the 2007 film, the series has only grown more in popularity.  The film has also been commemorated for being one of the most faithful adaptations from writen word to screen, with little Hollywood "filler" added.

Join us next time when we take a look at The Maxx!

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