The Flintstone Flyer

In the last few years my view of the The Flintstones has changed dramatically, almost to the point of a Paradigm Shift. Maybe it's because I was use to the reruns of the latter episodes, when much of the initial joy of the show(and indeed, much of Hanna Barbera) evaporated, leaving little fun in its place. Like many, my view was changed by the words of John K. who,with concise words and actual pictures, made me recognize the finer qualities of the show--the backgrounds, the relationships between Fred and Barney, and the funny movements--I had long overlooked. With that in mind, I can fully understand the point of view of snooty film historians who condemn Hanna Barbera for their later gutted shows, so much so that it overshadows their great first few years. Not that it's right, but I can understand. Then again, perhaps if they were real professionals, such a mistake wouldn't happen.

With the exception of the Huckleberry Hound Show, nowhere is the funny first years epitomized than with the first Flintstones episode, The Flintstone Flyer. Keeping the singularity, the animation itself was done by one man*, Carlo Vinci, who I have also discovered(in name, not necessarily work) fairly recently. His work is thrilling ,and makes me want to practice all the more intensely. For it is is possible to create good animation and good times for your audience by yourself if you are smart and talented about it. But enough words, let the images of this fruitful few words speak for themselves.

*=Not to mention the brilliant designs of the one and only Ed Benedict.

The Flintstones: The Flintstone Flyer

(Note: while handy, this file isn't perfect. The logo is the right corner is annoying, the pause button is somewhat slow, and I think the image could be a bit sharper. I''m also curious about the colors, they seem a but duller than they should be . Nonetheless, the fact that it is free and the full screen makes it easy to pause and analyze the images more than compensates. Who knows, this may evidence enough to buy the wonderful first season DVD.)

Bonus:
Some good points from John K. about this particular episode:

Here and Here

Trains are apparently very tasty

Above art by Noriyoshi Ohrai

Done for a new box set by Toho coming out in Japan. Will we ever see it? Probably not. But at least Rodan and War of the Gargantuas are coming in new bi-lingual dvds. Gorath being released would also help.

Bonus:
Pictures/filmography of many Japanese rubber suit monsters(and King Kong):
Monster Index

Something a little different

(The above picture has nothing to do with the rest of the piece. I just done want anyone to feel left out. That, and I just love a good drawing.)

I'm not one to espouse my opinions, at least not political ones. Not before today that is. And even now I feel a little bad because I’m perhaps being a bit too colloquial. And I'm merely linking to another site. So be it though. (Also, I need something before Thanksgiving break).

Believe me, nothing disgusts me more than forced political messages from people, especially animation, which has become burrowed with sub-par flash videos or redubbed 80's cartoon. To quote another man( Warren Beatty, who did make a fun and political film, Bullworth) "Movies are fun, but they're not a cure for cancer", which I take to mean that it's ok to have a opinion about something and say it(with solid knowledge) but realize that what you are doing as a creative person is not changing the world.

That doesn't mean people can't do both, look at Ralph Bakshi with Coonskin, Ishiro Honda with Gojira/Godzilla, or Stanley Kubrick with A Clockwork Orange. Social issues can be represented well in cartoons and so forth if you do passionately and expansive enough. But to really change something, you have to be aware and show pertinent judgment in terms of supporting the actual people who want to and can do something good. People who actually look at the world and, void of conservative (in the dictionary sense) party pandering, want to make it work. That’s why I'm throwing my hat in for Kucinich, a person a fellow politically aware cartoonist informed me of. This is more than just about a president election at a specific period. This is about voting for someone that actually --and openly-- states the ideas that will help everyone lead their life void of fretless interference(no war on drugs, free education, so forth). That is something timeless, that everyone should get behind.

And here's the proof:

The Left Coaster: A Vote For Dennis Kucinich

Update: Gore Vidal has throw his hat in the ring for Kucinich as well, making some good points about "wasting" our vote.

Dennis Kucinich: Gore Vidal

Tygers of Pan Tang double shot (live 1981)

The Tygers is, as stated in the Metal,:A Headbanger's Journey, a definitive NWOBHM band. They advanced the art of the twin guitar(especially here with the great John Sykes), they got more glam and syrupy in the later 80's (a fate also shared by Saxon and ,more perversely,Def Leppard) they never got the recognition they deserve, and they still pump out great material in the struggling 21ist century. Short and sweet, yes, just like their music.

I-Raised On Rock (03:23)

II- Love Don't Stay (04:27)

Four Fabulous Comic Covers

Sadly, not written by Steve Gerber.

The original and the best.

Not my favorite incarnation, but a funny picture nonetheless.

This is Frank Frazetta as we know him.

These and much more available at Tom Heroes(be sure to check out his Nintendo Ads as well).

Labyrinth

Why couldn't the Marvel comic be as good as the poster? Ridiculous, since a former Marvel Talent --the great Mike Ploog--designed most of the puppets and such. Not even the covers for the comic are good.

Click to enlarge.

Kaspar the Dead Baby

"From Crazy #8. I believe it was written by Marv Wolfman and drawn by Marie Severin. A particularly vicious parody that warped a lot of kids back in the '70s. It won a Shazam award for Best Humor Story in 1974."
-Robyn (scans_daily)

Now I really want there to be an Essential Crazy from Marvel. Also, Marie Severin is a damn good cartoonist(John . K was right). Mark me down for an Essential Not Brand Echh! too.

Yor: The Hunter from the Future (Poster)

I've never seen this movie, but I sure do enjoy this poster( and yet have no idea who it's by). But, if its as "bad"* as such great films as Commando, Halloween III: Season of the Witch(essay forthcoming), and Fire and Ice, I might check it out as soon as I can.

*As claimed by CHUD