Seems like there’s a lot going on lately. Let’s jump into it all, Bullpen Bulletins style:

ITEM: Two columns ago, I shined the spotlight on some wonderful Murphy Anderson illustrations from PS Magazine. My pal Craig Yoe pointed out that one clever image, with a yawing woman getting to retire for the night (it showed a tire to complete the pun) was probably inspired by an old Fisk Tire ad/log form the early 1900s. Who knew? Thanks, Craig.

ITEM: Ghost Machine’s Redcoat is more fun each issue. I was having a chat with a comic shop owner the other day who said it’s too wordy, and I vehemently disagreed with him. Like a carnival ride, each issue is over just as I’m getting into the groove. And kudos for Geoff Johns for keeping me on my toes. One issue had a big surprise that I didn’t’ see coming. I was thinking about it, in the back of my mind, for 30 days until the next issues. And then Johns pulled out the rug with a double surprise. It was so clever and I realized, in hindsight, that I should’a seen it coming. All the clues were there- hiding in plain sight.

I am enjoying Geiger from Ghost Machine quite a bit too. I’m surprised it’s not called Glowing Man, though.

ITEM: On Labor Day, my reward to myself for cutting the grass was reading an old issue of Adventures into the Unknown. I purchased it a while back and forgot about it. I always liked the lead character uniform, but the stories are either (a) charming in an old timey way or (b) incredibly painful to slog through. The first adventure in this issue is probably the former.

And it’s funny: there are so many spectacular creators in this comic, But each turns in mediocre work: John Buscema, Denny O’Neil, Kurt Schaffenberger, Chic Stone, and even Hy (Popeye) Eisman.

I’m a big believer of de mortuis nil nisi bonum, but I’ll make an exception here. Hy used to live in my old hometown and was kind of cranky.

Of particular note – The title of Hy’s story in this issue is “What Are You Going To Do About Your Future, Joe?” It chronicles the misadventures of a young guy who didn’t plan out his career, and instead joins the army. The really bad part about that choice is that the man stumbles across these alien horned dragons who are about to take over the world.

To add further insult to injury, the ad right after “What Are You Going To Do About Your Future, Joe?” is entitled “”GET AHEAD! Be an Auto Mechanic!”

ITEM: Kudos to Ron Marz, Dan Jurgens, and everyone involved in DC’s Zero Hour Anniversary Special. But I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that the Zero Hour event was thirty years ago. Seems like it was yesterday in so many ways.

ITEM: I rescued an old Heroes Convention Program from a bargain box at a local comic shop last week. This one is from the year 2000, and I must say, convention head honcho Shelton Drum sure knows how to do it right. This convention book is a keeper – it’s packed with so many wonderful illustrations from top creators.

ITEM: We’re almost to the end of Sugar on Apple TV+, and it’s been a slick, fun ride. Very Film Noir-ey. And it leans into film history too. The latest episode had one helluva surprise too. Maybe the biggest surprise/plot twist I’ve ever seen in a show, in fact.

ITEM: Hasbro did such a nice job with their Marvel Legends Super Adaptoid figure. I love it, but didn’t think anyone else would. Come to think of it – maybe they didn’t. I got mine at Ollie’s Discount Warehouse!