Michael Eury’s book was on prominent display at the TwoMorrow’s booth and Michael himself had a book signing on Friday.  TwoMorrows also sold out of the copies they brought of their new book on Murphy Anderson.  I took the opportunity to buy another copy of Michael’s great book and had the two Silver Age greats Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson sign it.  My wife was also able to talk Mr. Infantino into drawing me of picture of my favorite hero, Captain Action.  Mr. Infantino did not speak to highly of the good Captain (“Who’s that? Do you why this thing failed because it’s the stupidest doll ever.  Why do you want me to draw this? Get Murphy Anderson!”) But for all his talk he was a gentleman and made my day with the picture.
 

Games and Beyond’s favorite toy company had a great showing at this years Comic Con.  In addition to their Batman and Peanuts toys, I was blown away to see what had to be that stand out new toy of the Con; PM’s new line of ‘Flickers.’  These are a new spin on an old favorite – flicker rings.  Rather then just re-issue rings from the 60’s PM has designed metal rings with embossed characters and triple flicker action.  Best of all, the rings feature the Marvel Super-Heroes!  The first series has 6 Spider-Man, 2 Hulk, 2 Daredevil and 2 X-Men (Wolverine and Cyclops).  As with all PM’s toys the packaging is exceptional and they’ve even designed a Wobbler Stand to display the flicker action.  I wouldn’t be surprised if a few Captain Action rings find there way into these cool display cases.  Overall the choice of artwork is great and the ring design itself has a nice vintage feel.  The triple flicker action gives nice opportunities for going beyond the superhero/secret identity motif. 

PM’s new flickers, watch for them in 2004!

In addition to seeing their great toys, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Bob Plant and Michael Murphy.  They’re two of the creative force behind the latest great PM toys and of course, PM’s Captain Action.
 

A cool company who has been doing limited edition sets utilizing GI Joe bodies and custom heads and uniforms.  At the show they had their Sgt. Rock Easy Company, Marie and Black Hawk figures for sale.  For anyone who hasn’t seen these sets, they are the highest quality custom work on the market.  The sets also have a nice gift box feel with a long box figure and carded uniform packaged together.  They also had on display their prototype Miss Fear action figure.  Overall an exceptional showing of some great toys.
 

Following in the footsteps of Dreams and Visions Hasbro has started moving away form the 5 Panel and Window Boxed Timeless Collection sets to now packaging long boxes and carded uniforms.  Although I am a fan of the Timeless collection, these new sets leave them in the dust.  Retailing between $34.99-$39.99 these sets will please the most discriminating vintage GI Joe Collector.  I’m told most sets will widely available with just the 40th Anniversary Foot Locker (Target) and the 40th Anniversary Medic (Wal-Mart) being exclusives.  Watch for them starting this August.
 

Last on my list of Con Coolness are a few items from the Topps vault.  They had a nice display of original art and rare cards.  Some of which will soon be auctioned on-line.