See this awesome sexy Sonja painting by Mark Beachum....WOW!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
THE MIGHTY SUPE-ULES !
Back in the 80's there was a period there where Superman flew out into space he found himself on a planet far from the yellow sun - His powers waining he was place in gladiatorial combat - soon his costume was in tatters and all that remained was his cape. Before you know it he was the spittin' image of a certain mythological greek demi-god. It mad me wonder. What if Hollywood way back when Batman with Adam west was on tv decided to use Steeve Reeves the first HERCULES of movie fame as Superman....I am sure it would have been a great tv show.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
the LOVES of HERCULES...JAYNE MANSFIELD.
What can I say...Jayne was absolutely a Hottie...back in her day her prime competition was Ms. Monroe...Now Marilyn was gorgeous and she had real natural curves and a vivacious figure...but Jayne..was sexier.
Her figure was more voluptuous and she was firmer of body and dare I say it?
Her boobs were much nicer.
Jayne was married to Mickey Hargitay a body builder who played Herc in one film.
In that film he got to play opposite Jayne. The corny fight with the Gorilla in the end of the film was ridiculous but entertaining as well.
If Jayne had not lost her life in that accident who knows what would have become of her. She like her contemporary set the stage for the vivacious vixens that followed and that breathy sexy speak combined with a PUT ON ditzieness added to the SEX factor. Jayne Mansfield is a true legend and absolutely THE sex symbol for all time...she was beyond her time and now she is in the great beyond.
Friday, September 18, 2009
HERCULES and WOLVERINE
Marvel Treasury Edition #26/2 (Jul 1980) –“At the Sign of the Lion”
Writer: Mary Jo Duffy; Penciler: Ken Landgraf; Inker: George Perez
Logan thinks about his confrontation with Cyclops while drinking a few beers at the Sign of the Lion, a drinking establishment far away from Westchester, New York. After receiving a come-on from a cute redhead, Logan makes the mistake of being rude. Before he can apologize, Hercules, the god, walks into the bar and immediately receives the attention of all the women. Hercules asks Wolverine to move to the end of the bar, since his own party is so large. Wolverine agrees to move but only for the redhead with whom he had spoken earlier. Hercules picks up Wolverine and tosses him into a chair because, well, he is a god. Wolverine, not taking kindly to the insult, hits Hercules without any discernible results. In response, Hercules knocks him across the bar, but soon finds himself up against Wolverine's claws. In mighty Marvel fashion, a fight ensues which trashes the entire bar and finally ends when Hercules suggests that the two warriors drink and carouse rather than fight. But as the two heroes sit down to share a beer, they realize that all of the women have fled the bar.
It is understandable that Hercules would not remember Wolverine from their earlier meeting when they fought the Leader since Wolverine is not in costume, but it is curious that Wolverine does not remark about that encounter as they trade blows.
Writer: Mary Jo Duffy; Penciler: Ken Landgraf; Inker: George Perez
Logan thinks about his confrontation with Cyclops while drinking a few beers at the Sign of the Lion, a drinking establishment far away from Westchester, New York. After receiving a come-on from a cute redhead, Logan makes the mistake of being rude. Before he can apologize, Hercules, the god, walks into the bar and immediately receives the attention of all the women. Hercules asks Wolverine to move to the end of the bar, since his own party is so large. Wolverine agrees to move but only for the redhead with whom he had spoken earlier. Hercules picks up Wolverine and tosses him into a chair because, well, he is a god. Wolverine, not taking kindly to the insult, hits Hercules without any discernible results. In response, Hercules knocks him across the bar, but soon finds himself up against Wolverine's claws. In mighty Marvel fashion, a fight ensues which trashes the entire bar and finally ends when Hercules suggests that the two warriors drink and carouse rather than fight. But as the two heroes sit down to share a beer, they realize that all of the women have fled the bar.
It is understandable that Hercules would not remember Wolverine from their earlier meeting when they fought the Leader since Wolverine is not in costume, but it is curious that Wolverine does not remark about that encounter as they trade blows.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
HERCULES vs POPEYE lol
Popeye Meets Hercules (1948) More at IMDbPro »
Taken from IMDB not my review.
"The first Olympics, starring Hercules (looking, but not quite sounding, like a really pumped-up Bluto), who challenges anyone to do the same feats as him. Popeye takes that challenge, of course. First, they battle animals, with Bluto pulling the skins off two wild elephants and Popeye turning three lions into a nesting set. The discus throw doesn't go well, with Herc's disc swooping Popeye into Herc's hand. The javelin is even worse for Popeye, with Herc throwing him all the way to the moon. This gives him a chance to go after Olive in typical Bluto fashion; her cries of help reach Popeye, who prays to the Greek goddess Spinachia, who delivers a can of spinach to him. Written by Jon Reeves {jreeves@imdb.com}"
Popeye ws always one of my favorite cartoons growing up. Having seen the Fleisher cartoons from the 30's I'd have to say Popeye meets Sinbad is probably my favorite episode of all time. But the Paramout pictures shorts from the late 40's and early 50's were every bit as entertaining.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Edge of Chaos by Pacific comics.
Another interestin' comic book that adds to the legend of HERCULES is this 3 ish-mini by Pacific back in the 80's.
Eric Cleese was a sailor who got caught in a Storm and wound up in a strange world. Little did he know but he was a distant cousin to the greek legend. He soon found out he had tremendous strength and could perform impossible feats with only his 2 hands. I asked Mr. Morrow the artist on this series at a con one year if there was ever going to be a regular series or even a trade...alas he said no. For whatever copyright purposes the Pacific titles at the time were locked. Why? Who knows but...It was a cool company and they put out some really good comics.
Eric Cleese was a sailor who got caught in a Storm and wound up in a strange world. Little did he know but he was a distant cousin to the greek legend. He soon found out he had tremendous strength and could perform impossible feats with only his 2 hands. I asked Mr. Morrow the artist on this series at a con one year if there was ever going to be a regular series or even a trade...alas he said no. For whatever copyright purposes the Pacific titles at the time were locked. Why? Who knows but...It was a cool company and they put out some really good comics.
Monday, September 14, 2009
HERCULES HERNANDEZ
Ray HERCULES Fernandez was a pro wrestler in the 1980's for the WWF/WWE he died in March 2004 . I was or am a fan of the sports entertainment spectacle they call Wrestling. Herc was one of my favorites even though he was a notorious rule breaker and often used his chain to choke people when the ref's back was turned due to some interference by his manager..Either..Blassie, Heenan or Slick. Even though Wrestling is fixed I still got upset or worried whenever Herc would begin to get the better of HULK HOGAN. After all...he was HERCULES the greek god of myth and legend.
The World of wrestling was more innocent back then. The guys pretty much improv'd their way through. Now the predetermined matches are choreographed and scripted and there is always some outside interference that always pisses me off. SO..I don't really watch it anymore. But once in a while I catch a Diva's match...stimulating.
( Raymond Fernandez (May 7, 1956 - March 6, 2004) was a professional wrestler who primarily wrestled in Florida and Texas before joining the World Wrestling Federation. He was best known by the ring name Hercules )
Steve Reeves....the man the myth...the real HERC!
uhnnmm...where to begin? here is a old picture I drew of my best Steve Reeves from when I was 15...I got loads of old drawings of Herc,Hulk,Conan and Tarzan...even a few of ol' RED !!! I put the drawing through the Befunky.com cartoonizer for a cool l'il effect to enhance my old drawing.
Accompanied with the drawing are 2 of my favorite pieces from my coollection of weird junk ,comics , toys , Pitchers and old posters and whatnot.
Dell four color copies of HERCULES and HERCULES unchained....the HERCULES book has artwork by none other than JOHN BUSCEMA hisself ( pre Marvel ) and what beautiful work it is and it is forever enshrined in the book for all to see ( whosoever has a copy ) and the second book has art by ( I believe ) Dan Spiegel. I may be wrong and I have heard it was Reed Crandall but I am a master of artistic analysis and execution and recognize some of the anotomical structures and line work as Spiegel. ( But I could be wrong ) If anybody knows for a fact who actually did the art...I'll need proof otherwise it's Dan Spiegel in my estimation.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
WHO the heck is ZHA-VAM ?
At the time these Supes comics came out DC had not yet attained the rights to Captain Marvel ( SHAZAM ) so they cleverly created a character kind of like him but not quite. ZHA-VAM resembled a HERCULES type if ever there was one. Looking a lot like a certain lord of lightning and father to the Olympian pantheon of Gods ZHA-VAM came out of the wood work to plague Superman with his array of godly attributes. He even forced Supes to scream aloud in his Super voice " ZHA-VAM is the greatest super hero in the universe ! "
Friday, September 11, 2009
Hercules - Kevin Sorbo
There are few actors who can claim to have launched an entire sub-genre of television series almost by themselves. To be sure, the producers, writers, directors, and all the other talented people who help create these shows give unequalled quality to the overall productions. But the charisma, charm, and smooth delivery of Kevin Sorbo popularized a contemporary interpretation of ancient Greek myth and legend. It was clear from the very first movie, "Hercules and the Amazon Women", that something different was happening. A fresh creative and artistic wind came sweeping across the Pacific ocean from New Zealand.
I'm not an Original. I rather wish I was, but in 1994 I had a lot of other things on my mind and I didn't watch much television. In fact, I still don't watch much television. But I came home one day, turned on the television set, and caught the tail end of an episode of HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS. Some girl was thanking Kevin (Herc) for saving her village.
Okay, the girl got my attention. What can I say? I was nonetheless hooked and made a note to be home the next week at what I thought would be the right time to catch the show. Unfortunately, I thought it was a half-hour show (don't ask why -- like I said, I don't watch much television and, frankly, my expectations were not high).
Well, catching the second half of an hour-long show isn't much fun, but the camp, the violence, the scantily clad women -- hey, it was worth arranging to be home a third week in a row just to see what the show was all about. I've been watching it ever since.
Since that time I've met so many Herc and Xena fans who started watching the shows after me I often wonder why Renaissance found the justification to start the first Herc season in the first place? Who watched all those movies (that I never even knew existed until I saw "Hercules and the Underworld" in 1995)?
As a side note, my (now) six-year-old niece Megan often watches Herc and Xena with me. She's been watching the shows since she was three. She'll notice right away if Iolaus is not in an episode, so I think she likes Michael Hurst more than she likes Kevin. Maybe I'm mistaken, though.
I've seen the movies now so I can describe them a bit and have formed some opinions.
Except for one episode I've seen the entire first season, and can say I watched the Xena Trilogy before most Xenites ever heard of her.
I got my introduction to online fandom through the Usenet but have since become acquainted with the Netfora, the Web sites, the mailing lists, etc. about as well as anyone.
Of course, no Kevin Sorbo discussion would be complete without mention of his work in the recent movie "Kull The Conqueror". Kevin took a daring step by reaching out to a whole new community of fans who are, it seems, rather discriminating in their views. I'm only marginally involved with the Robert E. Howard fans but they do have their passions, too.
Early in 1998, I received some email from Charles Edward Pogue, the first scriptwriter for "Kull the Conqueror". I've included here some of his comments so as to present a more balanced discussion of the movie. I owe Mr. Pogue a deep apology as at the time of our exchange I had anticipated updating this Web site within a matter of only a few weeks, but circumstances forced me to suspend work on Xenite.Org for more than a month. He went unheard for an inordinate length of time and I regret that outcome of our exchange, but it was by no means a situation related to his comments.
You may read Mr. Pogue's commentshere.
My passion seems to be over-involvement in all things fannish. But it helps fill the hours when I've nothing else to do. :)
Hercules fans got some bad news and good news in 1999. Kevin announced he would be leaving the show after six long years of hard work. Many of us had followed the rumors of the contract negotiations which led to the demise of the show. Kevin's contract extended only for eight episodes into the 1999-2000 season, and he and Renaissance Pictures were unable to reach an agreement. It has been said by some people who know him that Kevin was tired and homesick for America. It has also been said that had he been offered the money he was asking for, he would have stayed but he would only have done the work for the money, and that is not a very satisfying prospect for him or fans.
The good news is that Kevin was offered many projects to consider here in the states. He has entered into an arrangement with Majel Barrett Roddenberry to star in a Science Fiction series based on an idea left undeveloped by the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek. In mid-1999 rumors began circulating that Kevin might star in a new Trek, but these seem to have been loosely based on a report in The New York Times that a new Trek series, possibly to be set in Starfleet Academy, was being created. The Times retracted the story in August and confusion over Kevin's future plans among the fans seems to have been cleared up. He is said to have an interest in the new show, which should mean he will have a greater degree of control over it than he had with H:TLJ.
For her part, Roddenberry has had a rough time with fans of Earth: Final Conflict, who were immensely disppointed with the departure of the show's lead character (and actor) at the end of the first season, as well as the radical alterations in cast and storyline which ensued throughout the second season. It is to be hoped she will exercise tighter control over the quality of the new series and not let secondary producers get out of hand. But it seems likely that if Kevin were to leave this new series, it would be his own choice to do so. Hopefully, we'll get to enjoy seeing the Big Guy in the new show for years to come.
I'm glad I've gotten to see HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS and all the movies. I'm glad I got to see "Kull The Conqueror". I look forward to following Kevin's career through the years to come. Long after my Web sites are nothing more than memory I'll still be a fan. This guy doesn't ever have to be a great actor or win any academy awards. He just has to be Kevin, and that's all we ever asked of any good actor, isn't it? He's good. He's Kevin.
I'm not an Original. I rather wish I was, but in 1994 I had a lot of other things on my mind and I didn't watch much television. In fact, I still don't watch much television. But I came home one day, turned on the television set, and caught the tail end of an episode of HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS. Some girl was thanking Kevin (Herc) for saving her village.
Okay, the girl got my attention. What can I say? I was nonetheless hooked and made a note to be home the next week at what I thought would be the right time to catch the show. Unfortunately, I thought it was a half-hour show (don't ask why -- like I said, I don't watch much television and, frankly, my expectations were not high).
Well, catching the second half of an hour-long show isn't much fun, but the camp, the violence, the scantily clad women -- hey, it was worth arranging to be home a third week in a row just to see what the show was all about. I've been watching it ever since.
Since that time I've met so many Herc and Xena fans who started watching the shows after me I often wonder why Renaissance found the justification to start the first Herc season in the first place? Who watched all those movies (that I never even knew existed until I saw "Hercules and the Underworld" in 1995)?
As a side note, my (now) six-year-old niece Megan often watches Herc and Xena with me. She's been watching the shows since she was three. She'll notice right away if Iolaus is not in an episode, so I think she likes Michael Hurst more than she likes Kevin. Maybe I'm mistaken, though.
I've seen the movies now so I can describe them a bit and have formed some opinions.
Except for one episode I've seen the entire first season, and can say I watched the Xena Trilogy before most Xenites ever heard of her.
I got my introduction to online fandom through the Usenet but have since become acquainted with the Netfora, the Web sites, the mailing lists, etc. about as well as anyone.
Of course, no Kevin Sorbo discussion would be complete without mention of his work in the recent movie "Kull The Conqueror". Kevin took a daring step by reaching out to a whole new community of fans who are, it seems, rather discriminating in their views. I'm only marginally involved with the Robert E. Howard fans but they do have their passions, too.
Early in 1998, I received some email from Charles Edward Pogue, the first scriptwriter for "Kull the Conqueror". I've included here some of his comments so as to present a more balanced discussion of the movie. I owe Mr. Pogue a deep apology as at the time of our exchange I had anticipated updating this Web site within a matter of only a few weeks, but circumstances forced me to suspend work on Xenite.Org for more than a month. He went unheard for an inordinate length of time and I regret that outcome of our exchange, but it was by no means a situation related to his comments.
You may read Mr. Pogue's commentshere.
My passion seems to be over-involvement in all things fannish. But it helps fill the hours when I've nothing else to do. :)
Hercules fans got some bad news and good news in 1999. Kevin announced he would be leaving the show after six long years of hard work. Many of us had followed the rumors of the contract negotiations which led to the demise of the show. Kevin's contract extended only for eight episodes into the 1999-2000 season, and he and Renaissance Pictures were unable to reach an agreement. It has been said by some people who know him that Kevin was tired and homesick for America. It has also been said that had he been offered the money he was asking for, he would have stayed but he would only have done the work for the money, and that is not a very satisfying prospect for him or fans.
The good news is that Kevin was offered many projects to consider here in the states. He has entered into an arrangement with Majel Barrett Roddenberry to star in a Science Fiction series based on an idea left undeveloped by the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek. In mid-1999 rumors began circulating that Kevin might star in a new Trek, but these seem to have been loosely based on a report in The New York Times that a new Trek series, possibly to be set in Starfleet Academy, was being created. The Times retracted the story in August and confusion over Kevin's future plans among the fans seems to have been cleared up. He is said to have an interest in the new show, which should mean he will have a greater degree of control over it than he had with H:TLJ.
For her part, Roddenberry has had a rough time with fans of Earth: Final Conflict, who were immensely disppointed with the departure of the show's lead character (and actor) at the end of the first season, as well as the radical alterations in cast and storyline which ensued throughout the second season. It is to be hoped she will exercise tighter control over the quality of the new series and not let secondary producers get out of hand. But it seems likely that if Kevin were to leave this new series, it would be his own choice to do so. Hopefully, we'll get to enjoy seeing the Big Guy in the new show for years to come.
I'm glad I've gotten to see HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS and all the movies. I'm glad I got to see "Kull The Conqueror". I look forward to following Kevin's career through the years to come. Long after my Web sites are nothing more than memory I'll still be a fan. This guy doesn't ever have to be a great actor or win any academy awards. He just has to be Kevin, and that's all we ever asked of any good actor, isn't it? He's good. He's Kevin.
The Incredible - HERCULES - Lou Ferrigno
Hercules (1983)/The Adventures Of Hercules (1985) - The incredible Lou Ferrigno goes from green to Greek, playing the legendary hero in this fantasy double bill. In "Hercules," Ferrigno uses his strength to survive a variety of perils as he seeks to rescue the kidnapped princess Cassiopeia. Ingrid Anderson, Sybil Danning co-star. Next, only Ferrigno can recover the thunderbolts of Zeus, stolen by a trio of mischievous goddesses, in "The Adventures of Hercules," with Milly Carlucci and Sonia Viviani. AKA: "Hercules II." These films are available as a double feature on one DVD.
UNLEASHED with authority!!!
One of Hercules most intense battles with the HULK was in this special one shot. Having been stripped of his God-ness and super attributes and stamina as well as his ability to recuperate swiftly Hercules went toe to toe with the HULK and even though he was beaten and even though he was at a disadvantage..he kept on fighting. His face was a bloody pulp and his body was broken but his fighting spirit and warriors will kept him from staying down. He still had fight in him. Even in that weakened condition he could have defeated any villain who showed their ugly mug. But against the HULK...a being whose strength increases with rage and anger HERC just could not beat him. Even though HULK beat the tar out of HERCULES he still did not win the fight. HERCULES was not defeated...at least his spirit anyway...but he was definately T.K.O'ED!
THE HISTORY OF THE MYTH
Hercules is the son of Zeus, king of the gods of Olympus, and Alcmena, a mortal woman who lived about three thousand years ago. Recognizing the need for a son who would be powerful enough to defend both the Olympian gods and humanity from future dangers he foresaw, Zeus seduced Alcmena in the guise of her husband, King Amphitryon of Troezen. Thanks to Zeus' enchantment, Hercules was born with the potential for extraordinary strength, which he first displayed before he was even one year old by strangling two serpents which attacked him. As an adult, Hercules is best known for his celebrated Twelve Labors, which were performed in part to prove his worthiness for immortality to Zeus (one of these Labors, the cleansing of the Aegean Stables, was actually performed by the Eternal called the Forgotten One, who was sometimes mistaken for Hercules).
In the course of these Labors, Hercules provoked the wrath of three immortals who remain his enemies to this day. By slaughtering the man-eating Stymphalian birds, he enraged the war god Ares, to whom they were sacred. In temporarily capturing Cerberus, the three-headed hound that serves as guardian to the Olympian underworld (not to be confused with the shape-shifting giant of the same name), Hercules offended Pluto, the lord of that realm. By killing the Nemean lion, the Hydra, and other creatures spawned by the inconceivably grotesque and powerful monster Typhoeus, Hercules gained the bitter enmity of Typhon, the immortal humanoid offspring of Typhoeus and a Titaness.
However, it was the centaur Nessus who caused Hercules' mortal demise. Nessus kidnapped Hercules' wife Deianeira, whereupon Hercules shot him with an arrow. Feigning a wish to make amends, the dying centaur told Deianeira how to make a love charm from his allegedly enchanted blood, aware that it was now tainted with the lethal poison of the Hydra, in which Hercules had dipped his arrows. Some time after Nessus' death, Deianeira, distraught over her husband's latest infidelity, rubbed the supposed love charm into Hercules' shirt. When Hercules donned the shirt, the poison quickly worked and caused Hercules great pain. In an attempt to end this pain, he built a funeral pyre for himself and set it ablaze. Zeus intervened however, consuming the pyre with his thunderbolts and bringing Hercules to Olympus to be made a true immortal.
In the course of these Labors, Hercules provoked the wrath of three immortals who remain his enemies to this day. By slaughtering the man-eating Stymphalian birds, he enraged the war god Ares, to whom they were sacred. In temporarily capturing Cerberus, the three-headed hound that serves as guardian to the Olympian underworld (not to be confused with the shape-shifting giant of the same name), Hercules offended Pluto, the lord of that realm. By killing the Nemean lion, the Hydra, and other creatures spawned by the inconceivably grotesque and powerful monster Typhoeus, Hercules gained the bitter enmity of Typhon, the immortal humanoid offspring of Typhoeus and a Titaness.
However, it was the centaur Nessus who caused Hercules' mortal demise. Nessus kidnapped Hercules' wife Deianeira, whereupon Hercules shot him with an arrow. Feigning a wish to make amends, the dying centaur told Deianeira how to make a love charm from his allegedly enchanted blood, aware that it was now tainted with the lethal poison of the Hydra, in which Hercules had dipped his arrows. Some time after Nessus' death, Deianeira, distraught over her husband's latest infidelity, rubbed the supposed love charm into Hercules' shirt. When Hercules donned the shirt, the poison quickly worked and caused Hercules great pain. In an attempt to end this pain, he built a funeral pyre for himself and set it ablaze. Zeus intervened however, consuming the pyre with his thunderbolts and bringing Hercules to Olympus to be made a true immortal.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Freedom Force / Space sentinels / Super 7
In the 1970's there was a cartoon in which several famous heroes like Herc and Sinbad and Isis teamed with some new ones created for the show. Hercules was a blond dude who rode a flying horse ( Pegasus ) he kinda resembled . But one of the coolest creations on the show was Super Samurai. I did not really like the cartoon very much because in my eyes that was not Hercules.
Convention sketches/art
Here are a couple of drawings I obtained on my Legendary Journey I call my life. A drawing of the big guy by Big John Buscema I got from an in store visit he made to a place called 4th world comics in 1986 ...long before the current owner bought the place. John was kind enough to draw right into my 10"by 18" pad and use up almost all the page space for free. He also judged my Marvel try out Spidey pages and ruled me a second place. I was thrilled to meet the guy. He is after all my Hero. Then there is this cool little head sketch by Joltin' Joe Sinnott who also did his drawing right into my pad for free. Needless to say I cherish them and keep them heavily guarded and in between tissue paper in a portfolio. But for the first time ever....they see the light of day....and I am sharing.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Enter HERCULES
When Jack and Stan brought Herc from the brink of oblivion it was the beginning of a new era. A dawn of a new age....Only this guy could compete with the power that Marvel was building. He has proven himself time and again he is the Prince of POWER!
Titanic clashes
Hercules has just about battled every major powerhouse in Marvel comics. HULK , THOR , NAMOR and even his evil brother ARES GOD of war numerous times...he's won his fair share he's lost a fight or two..but he has always come right back. He has always been there with his fisks ready to do some combat and bestow the gift upon whoever deserves a good solid clout. He can take it and he can give it. You can beat on him but you just cannot beat him !
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