Flash Gordon Rocket Range

King of the Impossible and King of the drugstore toy aisle, Flash really got around.

Pod Stallions 50: Listener Request Show

For our 50th show we put it to you, our wonderful audience and boy did you have some good ideas, seriously you gave us a year's worth of topics, Jason and I don't have to do any thinking in 2017 and we thank you because we hate thinking.

But for this show we chose these three themes:

• Who we are in the real world?
• What are our holy grails in collecting? 
• Charo?

OK, Charo isn't a question, we just discuss Charo.

It's one of our more interesting episodes and we have all of you to thank. Enjoy and look for many of your suggestions

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Show notes:

• This is the worst thing ever. Seriously, click on it at your own risk. This was on TV, it was one of three choices you would have had on a Friday night. You'll never decry having too much choice again.

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Pod Stallions 39: The 2015 Retro Awards

Happy New Year! It's time for our annual salute to all the things that made us happy in 2015, especially those that harkened back to our childhoods and brother, did we have a lot to smile about.

The 2015 Retro Awards salutes the movies, books, magazines and toys we raved about this year and we also talk about special events and end by mourning some of the folks we lost.

  Download the Show Here

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Show notes:

• Massacre Mafia Style is the indy 70s production by Duke Mitchell that Brian mentioned.
• Jason chose Beatles One as his favourite DVD of the year.
• Both guys understandably  loved the Bif Bang Pow Flash Gordon line.
• Mego Meet is June 17 this year in Skokie Ill.
• Brian is a big fan of Figures Toy Company's Superfriends line.
• Shock Cinema Magazine is Brian's pick for the year.
• Famous Monsters is Jason's personal choice for best magazine.
• Mego 8 Inch Superheroes: World's Greatest Toys has been reprinted and available at Figures Toy Company.

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Flash Gordon Pistol by Lonestar

It should come as no surprise that this was submitted by my pal and podcast partner Jason Lenzi. According to him, this is the only toy that bears any connection to the movie.

It's pretty tenuous as the gun itself is a mix of parts from licensed products made for shows like "Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons" and others.

So strange how little merchandise this movie got, (luckily it's been remedied) I know as a kid I kept hoping and waiting....

Flash Gordon Winners Announced

Well, we got a lot of love for our Bif Bang Pow! Flash Gordon action figure spotlight contest last week and while I can't give everyone a set, my pal (and podcast partner) Jason kicked in a second set so we could have two winners!

And they are:

Andy Raab (who said Flash himself is his fave)

Chris Franklin (More of a Vultan guy)

Congrats to both of you and thanks to everybody who played!  For everybody else, you can buy this set at Entertainment Earth right now.

Spotlight: Flash Gordon Action Figures by Bif Bang Pow!

It's been a good summer for me and new toys, as two lines based on retro properties came out and tickled my fancy (better than last summer's zero).

This week's is a slightly bigger deal to me as it's based one of my absolute favourite movies of all time, 1980's cinematic adaptation of Flash Gordon.

Indepth photo review, a contest and some scant blathering after the jump.

Mattel Flash Gordon action figures

This is another toy line that I'm smitten with but just don't have the money, space or time for. I especially covet that whacky inflatable rocket ship.  I'll circle back to you someday my precious....

If you haven't checked out the cartoon series this is based on, do so immediately!!!!!

More on this:

Flash Gordon and Ming Hawk City Scene 3 3/4-Inch Figure Set - Convention Exclusive

I don't spend a lot of time talking about new things on PlaidStallions but dammit, this is the toy I've wanted since I was ten!-BH

Flash Gordon and Ming Hawk City Scene 3 3/4-Inch Figure Set - Convention Exclusive

Evil Emperor Ming is out to destroy Earth but not to fear. Flash is here to save us all... in 3 3/4-inch scale, that is! From Bif Bang Pow! comes the Flash Gordon Hawk City Scene 3 3/4-Inch Figure Set - Convention Exclusive. The action figure set includes both Flash Gordon and Emperor Ming. Each detailed figure has 9 points of articulation and comes with its own sword accessory. Packaged in a unique full-color box that includes a fold out diorama of Hawk City, this Entertainment Earth convention exclusive gives fans the chance to recreate the memorable Hawk City scene from the 1980 film Flash Gordon. Will Ming emerge victorious or will Flash save the day once again? It's up to you, but not for long. This is a limited edition of only 2,400 pieces, each of which comes individually numbered. Available for the first time on July 8, 2015 at the Entertainment Earth booth #2343 at San Diego Comic-Con, fans will have the first opportunity to grab this individually numbered and limited edition exclusive! Not attending San Diego Comic-Con 2015?  *PRE-ORDER your Flash Gordon and Ming Hawk City Scene 3 3/4-Inch Figure Set - Convention Exclusive at Entertainment Earth now! (*NOTE: Pre-orders made before San Diego Comic-Con 2015 are not guaranteed to be fulfilled based on limited supplies. Available units will ship after Comic-Con 2015 while supplies last.) Other Entertainment Earth exclusives include a Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Tina Fey & Amy Poehler 3 1/2-Inch Action Figures Set of 2, Adventure Time Traveling Jake Tin Tote Gift Set - Convention Exclusive, the Batman Classic Chair Cape - Convention Exclusive and more. More than 25 Entertainment Earth convention exclusives will be announced until San Diego Comic-Con. Visit Entertainment Earth and all of our social media networks for the latest Entertainment Earth and San Diego Comic-Con news. Twitter: @entearth  Facebook: entertainmentearth  Google+: entertainmentearth  Pinterest: entearth  Instagram: entearth  Tumblr: entertainmentearth   See more of our Flash Gordon collectibles here!

About Bif Bang Pow! Bif Bang Pow!™ designs and develops first-rate memorabilia from well-known licenses such as The Big Lebowski, DC Comics, KISS, Flash Gordon, Penny Dreadful, Mike Tyson Mysteries, The Big Bang Theory, Star Trek™, Saturday Night Live, Adventure Time, Regular Show, and The Twilight Zone™.  Founder Jason Lenzi is a seasoned television producer and the ultimate fan of cultish pop culture, so when he created his company in 2005 he took the fan's perspective.  His idea was to bring items to the marketplace that he himself would want to own.  Cultivated from TV, movies, books, comics, music, and more, Bif Bang Pow!'s mission is to provide high-quality action figures, toys, and collectibles to the massive cult audience (and kids of all ages) that wishes these toys were already in their collection. About Entertainment Earth®, Inc. Entertainment Earth® - entertainmentearth.com - is the preeminent pioneer and innovator in the worldwide online retail and wholesale toy, gift, and collectibles industry, offering unparalleled expertise and an ever-expanding selection of over 22,000 licensed products.  Founded in 1996 and based in Simi Valley, California, Entertainment Earth is renowned for its popular website and print catalog, and its groundbreaking best practices that include a Mint Condition Guarantee™, Risk Free Shopping, and Hassle Free 90-Day Returns.

Larami Toys 1981 Catalog

In 1981, Larami was celebrating it's 20th year of bringing low cost licensed "Rack Toys" to children around the world.

This year was no exception with licenses like the DC and Marvel comics Superheroes, Barbie, Fat Albert, Flash Gordon, Dick Tracy, Mighty Mouse and the ever present Popeye, Larami had something for any kid to beg their parents for while they shopped.

Visit the 1981 Larami Toys Catalog here

And more Larami here:

Gordon's Alive! @ BifBangPow!

For me the most anticipated thing at Toy Fair 2015 was how the 3 3/4" Flash Gordon line was going to turn out. I was elated to see BifBangPow had released this teaser image of the line a day early.

They've really taken that retro feel and ran with it IMO, making some gorgeous figures that really look like the actors yet still feel at home next to my Star Wars and Buck Rogers. 

This is going to be a pricey year.

Flash Gordon Galaxy Aliens

These "Galaxy Aliens" are from the planet "RecyclusToyMoldus IV".

Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings is a limited edition 144 page book from the creator of Plaid Stallions. Order from us and get three free promotional post cards.

Flash Gordon and Bif Bang Pow! Team Up Again!

From the "Hell and Yes" department, my friends at Bif Bang Pow have announced that they are righting a toy wrong. Like a lot of people my age, I was permanently scarred by the fact that I could never find 3 3/4" Flash Gordon figures to play along side my Star Wars and Black Hole men. 

I have it on good authority that these figures will be awesome and while very much embracing the retro vibe, they will also resemble the cast.

FLASH GORDON IS BACK! BIF BANG POW! AND KING FEATURES SYNDICATE ANNOUNCE NEW LICENSE AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FLASH GORDON

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 23, 2014) - After a four year hiatus, Bif Bang Pow! proudly announces a return to Mongo with a new license from King Features Syndicate to release a series of brand-new products and collectibles from the 1980 sci-fi cult-classic film Flash Gordon.

"Bif Bang Pow! is well positioned in the character toys and collectibles market and we are delighted to have a new agreement with them," said Jarred Goro, North American Licensing Manager for King Features. "Flash Gordon and the other classic characters in his world are cultural icons. Bif Bang Pow! crafts quality merchandise with incredible attention to detail. The fans are going to love this new and expanded collection!"

  

Bif Bang Pow! is thrilled to return to Mongo, working on new Flash Gordon action figures and collectibles to add to its ever-expanding lineup of iconic branded products. Bif Bang Pow! will debut the first-ever line of 3 3/4-inch movie action figures to include Flash Gordon, the dreaded Ming the Merciless, Princess Aura, Prince Barin, Dr. Zarkov, and other popular characters from the film. In addition to new "retro" scale action figures (and possibly even vehicles this go 'round!),Bif Bang Pow! will add prop replicas, journals, tin lunch boxes, drink ware, license plate frames, and more to the Flash Gordon line of collectibles. Merchandise is scheduled to hit the marketplace throughout the term of the license.

"We're excited to be working with King Features Syndicate once again," said Jason Lenzi, co-founder of Bif Bang Pow! "Fans have missed our Flash Gordon products, and have always wished we had taken things further than we were originally able to. Now, with a renewed interest in that colorful cast of characters, thanks to projects like Ted and a brand-new Flash Gordon movie in the works, we believe now is the perfect time to introduce new collectibles to veteran and novice fans alike. It would seem that the rest of the world has finally caught up with us Flash Gordon true believers, and to paraphrase the words of the immortal Queen, 'the continuation is OURS for the making'!"

Scheduled for initial release in early 2015, the entire Flash Gordon movie line will be exclusively distributed through EE Distribution (www.eedistribution.com), a division of Entertainment Earth, Inc., and sold direct to consumers at www.entertainmentearth.com and other fine specialty retailers.

EE Distribution

1-818-255-0090 x147

sales@eedistribution.com

End cap of cheap joy

I'm super tired tonight, so here is an awesome store display of Larami goodies circa 1981.  I vividly remember that guy on the gun box. He kinda looked like my third grade teacher. 

Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings is a limited edition 144 page book from the creator of Plaid Stallions. Order from us and get three free promotional post cards.

Pod Stallions 11: Flash-Ahhhh!

Well, the subject of this episode can't really be a surprise to anyone who has listened in the past. 

Episode 11 is dedicated to Flash Gordon, not just the (wonderful) file from 1980 but the character itself and our first introductions to him, either from serial or the amazing Filmation animated series.

We delve into the merchandise (and lack therefore of), the fact that we initially bonded over this film, the soundtrack, Get Carter and the singing career of Peter Wyngarde.

Download the Show Here

Listen here

Show Links:

• Filmation's Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of all is on Youtube, see it while you can!
• The Mattel Flash Gordon figure line was awesome but could have used some ladies.
• Mego made a wonderful line of figures based on the Alex Raymond artwork.
• The amazing theme to "Get Carter" by Roy Budd
• These puffy stickers are some of the only merchandise for the 1980 film.
• The Alex Ross cover to the DVD release of Flash Gordon that Jason had a hand in.
• The Italian Prince Barin play suit Jason mentioned on the show
• The custom Rocket Sled for Bif Bang Pow figures.
• Peter Wyngarde who played Klytus also released some records, here is Neville Thumbcatch, if there is one thing you do today, click that link.
• Flash Gordon Paint by Numbers set based on the Filmation show.
• This Ming Pistol by Mattel may be the rarest item Jason owns.
• The TV version of The Spirit starring Sam Jones is now available from Warner Archive.

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Galaxy Glow Putty

Collecting glow in the dark silly putty knockoffs could really be a thing, I think almost every major licensed property had a variation of this. Flash here seems very pleased to find this, now he can copy Beetle Bailey!

1980 Funstuf Catalog

Naming a toy company "Funstuf" is a pretty bold statement, luckily the company more than lived up to it's namesake during the 1970s and 80s. During the late 1970s, the company was best known for it's "Aniforms' line of figures which were a unique concept that involved a rubber figure and an air pump.

Funstuff utilized the hot licenses of the day including the Marvel Superheroes, comic strip characters and the Universal Monsters. Seeing as they released figures of Dracula, Frankenstein and Monster Heroes Thing and Hulk, they were the prime company to kick off the monsterous month of October here.

OK Popeye isn't a Monster but he's kind of homely.....

1980 Funstuf Catalog

More Monster dolls and 1980 fun from Past Updates

He'll save everyone of us!

I've never really understood what possessed Mego to make these beautiful action figures based on the Flash Gordon comic strip, it was two years before the movie and animated series and while I admit I knew who the character was as a kid, I just didn't see this being a hit.

Anyway, I'm really glad they did, 'cause they're awesome! They're at a slightly larger scale then the Superheroes which allowed more detail in the outfits as well they come with a ton of stuff. I'm of the mind they are the best action figures ever made of the classic characters.

Speaking of Flash Gordon: One of my favourite modern Toy producers Bif Bang Pow! is releasing a set of Mego like 8" Flash Gordon figures based on the 1980 movie. If you read this blog, you'll know I am somewhat obsessed with that fine film, so it goes without saying that I'm pretty pleased.

Hopefully I can drive sales to convince Jason Lenzi to make an 8" Prince Vultan, I need a Brian Blessed doll in a bad way and so do all of you...

Check out Ming and Flash at Entertainment Earth.

Colouring Book Theatre: Flash Gordon

Colouring Book Theatre is back and I'm happy to announce that for the next two segments we have a guest reviewer (which means I'm still snug in my Sunday morning bed) , here to take us to the world of Mongo is a man who knows the terrain, Jason Lenzi from Bif Bang Pow! will show us the highlights from this classic colouring book:

‘ADVENTURES OF FLASH GORDON’ Coloring and Activity Book, by Rand McNally, 1979.

Filmation’s ‘Flash Gordon’ animated series from 1979 has a special place in my heart. It was a Saturday morning addiction, and as a kid I collected all the action figures and ships that Mattel put out, and anything else I could get my hands on. When the live action movie came out in 1980 I nearly burst with excitement, only to be profoundly disappointed there were no toys released from it. (It took over 25 years, but I’m proud to say I finally got my ‘Flash Gordon’ movie toys).

I remember walking to the drug store up the street from where I lived, thumbing through this coloring book for about 3 weeks, until I finally got the 60 cents needed to buy the thing. I treasured it, and colored every page and did every activity. Many years later I found a mint version of the book and grabbed it, along with two others I never knew existed. All the artwork is based on the Filmation series, and the ‘activities’ are super cool. Check it out:

Wow! What a Page One shot of Zarkov’s ship, right from the show opening, blasting right out of the book.

Yes, they ARE good friends. Which is why Flash and Dale can share clothes whenever they want.

A Metal Man! How cool is THIS design? I loved these guys, and was always mad they never made them as action figures. Can someone out there please make me a custom?

Look, we all know one of our formative crushes as kids was Ornella Muti as Princess Aura from the FG film. But for my money, THIS is the version of her that got my 9 year old loins burning with desire. And to be frank, isn’t that the most risque’ outfit to make it into the world of children’s animation? (Editor's Note: Just wanted to butt in and totally agree with Jason RE: Cartoon Aura, virtual high five)

Look, when you’re trapped on a strange planet being hunted by an evil despot, you want to make friends and alliances as quickly as possible. Please don’t judge, we have no idea what led up to this scene

Ok, here’s where the activities begin. A game! I mean, no one actually ever released a game for the series, so this had to do. Ok, it’s not exactly RISK, but for a nine year old, it was more challenging than Mahjong.

Ok, come on, now how wicked is this? The other side of this page had four more panels, and when put together, presto! Your very own Big Little book. (Well, with a little help from mom. I couldn’t sew as a kid, could YOU?) I must have had the collecting bug even at nine, because I remember holding off on cutting this out and making it for the longest time, thinking I should buy a SECOND coloring book to keep safe! Ha!

The Big Finish: The Make a Scene-A-Rama. Man, this was the most awesome thing ever. Again, I took my time, but dammit I made this and displayed it for ages. The background also doubled for use with the Mattel figures. This book only confirmed for me that ‘Flash Gordon’ was the greatest show on television, bar none.

I always liked the books that gave you more for your money. Punch Out and Make It books, activity books, Cut Out and Make It’s , etc…, and the ‘Adventures of FG’ didn’t disappoint. The others in the series are more standard coloring books, but this baby is the Holy Grail. And it’s as fresh to me today as it was all those years ago sitting on the rack at Payne Ivy Drug Store.

Thanks Jason for the epic review, check back next week when Jason is going to take a look at the Raiders of the Lost Ark Colouring Book!

Previously reviewed Colouring Books

If you have a colouring book you'd like to guest review, I'd like to hear from you!

Encounters with Batman, Robin, Apes and Flash Gordon

Fantastic new images for the Superhero Mall Appearance Gallery this week starting with Lou's contribution. This is from a "Meet the Superheroes" review show like the one featured here. Lou promises more photos soon, I personally cannot wait.

Jason from BifBangPow! who provided last week's cool Darth Vader Signing at B Dalton feature is back this week with some more modern shots of himself with some cool 70's icons at last week's San Diego Comic Con. Here he is about to get clonked by Solider Apes.

Here's Jason with man himself, Sam J Jones during a signing of his new action figure (from BifBangPow! ) hanging with Flash Gordon, I'm jealous. Sam is in a lot of my favourite things and I regret not meeting him last time I was at SDCC, in addition to me watching every episode of "Code Red!" back in the day, I loved him as the Spirit and the Highwayman!

Thanks Lou and Jason! If you have a mall appearance photo from back in the day you'd like to share, please drop me a line!

Flash Gordon meets Mork and Mindy

A two for one today, the uber cool Flash Gordon toy line based on the Filmation cartoon and the Mork and Mindy toy line which is made of 100% recycled ideas!