Meet my friend Emu. Not the easiest pal to have around; he can be a little temperamental, to say the least. Sometimes friendly, just watch out for that beak to curl – it’s a sure sign that things are going to go downhill fast…
By the power of Grayskull!
Masters of the Universe exploded into popular culture – and my young, impressionable mind – to become one of the greatest toy lines of all time. The characters and mythology of Eternia – built through toys, comics and an unforgettable cartoon series – has become a classic of popular culture.
The genesis of these toys has been documented elsewhere: I can thoroughly recommend the excellent documentary “The Power of Grayskull”, which you can watch on Netflix.
So here, I’ll take the opportunity to reminisce about the MOTU toys that I have in my collection – most of which have been with me since they were first released.
Prepare for full on, raw and dirty NERD MODE.
Let’s make things a little easier, and focus on just one selection of MOTU figures for now – the Heroic Warriors.
It all began with my purchase of the lead character: He-Man. He looked so cool, very detailed for the time and a totally new size and type of design. I was a dedicated Star Wars collector as a kid, so decided I’d buy just one MOTU figure, and that would be He-Man, of course.
But things never work out that way, and the main man would soon be followed by many friends and enemies.
The He-Man figure shown here is my original from the early eighties, complete with weapons (axe not shown) and in pretty good nick.
I never got any of the toy lines vehicles or playsets. But I did buy He-Man’s trusty comrade, Battle Cat. My young mind was blown by a hero who rode around on a giant green tiger!
The Battle Cat in the picture is not my original. That one mysteriously went AWOL whilst these toys were stored in my parents’ loft. This is a decent replacement that I picked up on eBay for an affordable price.
There are still no suspects for the theft of my original toy(s), other than the blokes who fitted some flooring in their loft a few years back. Bastards.
Anyway, I mentioned He-Man’s buddies – and in the next pic you can see some of the earliest heroic figures to join He-Man’s quest. Here we have Man-At-Arms, another original and complete.
There’s also Teela, who is complete though I forgot to photo her with accessories. Teela was actually my sisters figure, who has found a home in my collection (sorry, Sian).
The next photo of Heroic Warriors includes Man-E-Faces, Ram Man, Zodac and Orko.
Zodac was the earliest release of these, though I only bought him recently (2019) at a Comic Con. To be honest, I thought I already had him. Zodac is only in fair condition; he’s a bit grubby and has no weapon.
I loved Man-E-Faces as soon as I saw him – a mild mannered actor, he was cursed by Skeletor to become a monster or robot at random. Or something like that, anyway. Turning the button on his head revolved Man-E-Faces to one of the three less desirable versions of himself. Great character with loads of playability! Bought him when he came out.
Ram Man was very familiar to viewers of the cartoon as he appeared regularly. Portrayed as a non-PC in the modern age dimwit, he never the less had power as well as comedy value. The figure came with a spring loaded leg feature to enable Ram Man to become a human battering ram. Another I’ve owned since the dawn of time.
Orko was a figure I picked up much later, only a few years ago. As the comedy side kick of He-man, and one of the major recurring characters in the cartoon, Orko was a necessary purchase – but one I didn’t get round to back in the eighties.
Finally, the remaining heroic characters in my collection are all ones I’ve purchased in later years – Moss Man, Sy-Klone, Fisto and Buzz Off. I picked them up cheap and added them to my collection.
Whilst Buzz Off and Fisto are decent figures, Moss Man takes the Mattel staple of re-using existing parts to a new low: he’s just Beast Man painted green and given a furry flock effect.
There is one more pic: I couldn’t forget Prince Adam, could I? My Adam figure was bought in more modern times, I never had him as a kid. Unfortunately he’s missing his attractive waistcoat, but never mind – you can’t really re-enact the MOTU cartoon without this guy, can you? 
Plus, removing Battle Cat’s armour gives us his fearless friend, Cringer!
Not a bad collection of Heroic Warriors – though the biggest gap is Stratos, who I thought I actually owned till I did a stock take recently. I’ll keep an eye out for him…
I still love these toys, and they’re still played with – my daughter and I have been known to have a battle or two.
Next time, I’ll share pictures of the Evil Warriors – including everyone’s favourite skull faced villain, Skeletor!
Spacetrucker – Smooth Orbit
Self released, Dewar PR
Release Date: 17/08/2018
Running Time: 51 mins
Review by: Alun Jones
9.5/10
“Have a listen to Spacetrucker! I think you’ll like them,” came the recommendation from Rick at Ever Metal HQ. So I did. And he was right – the “Smooth Orbit” album is one of the most exciting listens I’ve had for a long, long time.
These psychedelic space monkeys have created a superb stoner rock classic that’s right up my space lane. Throw in some fuzzy grunge and classic rock and Spacetrucker have achieved the almost impossible: put a huge, acid-warped grin on my ancient, grumbly mug.
First track “Sample of a Sample” warms the jets up nicely for take-off with a trippy lead and some bongos. Yes, bongos! Past the two-minute mark it erupts into a face-melter of a riff that had my cranium nodding like an Easter Island statue after some herbal refreshment.
Mike Owen (guitar/vocals), Rob Wagoner (bass/vocals) and Del Toro (drums) seem to be able to magically conjure up the grooves with uncanny ease. “Meat Wagon” is another brilliant track with a pulsating, infectious riff.
In true lazy journo style (hey, I’ve had a few), Spacetrucker combine the stoner slouch of Fu Manchu and early QOTSA with classic Sabbath and Purple, mixing in some Mudhoney and Melvins fuzzy sludge on the way. Perfect, in other words. If any of those bands get your hyper drive firing, this is for you.
There are some Iommi-esque shorter numbers and experimental sounds that add a further dimension to the proceedings, constantly keeping the listener on their toes. “Vanishing Point, Science of Us” has an almost Nirvana Unplugged vibe before bursting into a crushing rocker. This is followed by another monster riff with “Pulling Teeth”.
Plus the final track, “Lost in the Sauce”, is over ten minutes long! An extended jam floats in and builds beautifully, never rushing but enticing the listener along on every step.
This might not be the most critical review I’ve composed, but I don’t care. “Smooth Orbit” is a triumph of an album and I love it. The only reason it didn’t get ten out of ten is it needs more references to skateboards and 1970s muscle cars. Other than that, I need a vinyl version, please.
If any of the above references to sub-genre labels and other bands resonates with you, I urge you do a Boba Fett and track this album down now.
All of this “space trucking” talk reminds me my days working with Deep Purple back in the early seventies. I was working as the band’s roadie/driver when one time, in the middle of the night in the Arizona desert, we got a flat. I left the Purps partying in the back whilst I went out in to the freezing, dusty highway to change the tire. I was distracted for a moment, and I swear bling that I saw several lights zipping about in the sky at unbelievable speeds. “UFOs!” I thought.
I rushed back onto the bus and dragged the band out to take look (all except Roger Glover, who was busy knitting). Except when we got outside, the lights had vanished. The Purps weren’t amused and blamed it on me overindulging in peyote. Gillan was very gentlemanly about it all and even gave me a hand with the tyre. Blackmore had a tantrum about the delay and docked me a day’s pay. The bastard.
This review appeared on the Ever Metal website and is reproduced here for your enjoyment. Click here to visit the Ever Metal website.
OK, so Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub is not a dating service. What it is, is me spending an evening playing through my ever growing stack of 45 rpm vinyl singles and having a drink or three.
Here’s the latest batch of 7 inch goodness:
The selection above was, as always, determined by whatever was next on the pile. There’s no choosing songs involved, it’s just playing the records in order.
But what a great selection that was! Not one, but two 1980’s Page 3 legends; plus a load of tunes from classic rock to pop, country and soul.
By the way: What’s Madonna and a piece of toilet paper got in common?
They both get into the groove! HAHA!
I had a great time spinning these tunes, more soon.
Cauldron – New Gods
Dissonance Productions
Release Date: 07/09/2018
Running Time: 42 mins
Review by: Alun Jones
7/10
Listening to Canadian trad metallers Cauldron, I can almost feel my Converse hi-tops sticking to the carpet in a dingy 80’s rock club. Swigging from a rapidly warming bottle of Newcastle Brown, clad in an Iron Maiden T-shirt and waiting for my mullet to grow out into a full length rockin’ hairdo. Them were the days, eh?!
Yes indeed, Cauldron are proud paid-up members of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal club. Or proper metal, if you prefer. In other words, if Angel Witch and Diamond Head are your thing, you won’t go far wrong here.
Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t want to accuse these Toronto terrors of ripping anyone off, or being stuck in the past. In fact, it’s quite refreshing to listen to old school heavy rock they way it used to be played. This sound isn’t as prevalent as it should be nowadays.
“Prisoner of the Past” starts things off with a suitably meaty riff, and the best news is – you can bang your head to it! Like, properly nod that noggin to the beat as you drive along. Throw some horns too, if you want. Cauldron ain’t gonna judge you, let yourself go!
Appropriately the second track is “Letting Go”, and it’s obvious that the band are able to weld together some sharp melodies to the music. Band members Jason Decay, Ian Chains and Myles Deck have obviously studied their influences hard and can unleash the goods with precision. “No Longer” rides another infectious intro and you can be sure we’re on exciting, though safe, ground.
“New Gods” follows pretty much the same formula throughout; though the final part of fourth track “Save the Truth – Syracuse” (maybe it’s just the “Syracuse” bit?) adds some experimentation that reminded me of Van Halen’s “Sunday Afternoon in the Park”. After that, another blazer of a song in “Never Be Found”.
Unfortunately, Cauldron do blow it with “Together As None” – a nearly-power ballad, the track that would’ve been extracted for a single. Here the band manage to add too much fromage to their fondue. This is the lighter waving, last dance smoocher that no-one needed to be reminded of. Almost-not-quite good enough for the Rocky IV soundtrack.
Thankfully they get their shit together to finish the record with a spritely, Iommi style instrumental (“Isolation”) and a final, Priest style rocker in “Last Request”.
Whether you admit it or not, you love old school rock and metal. Of course you do. And “New Gods” is more honest celebration than cliché. However, please be warned that some of the ingredients may be fast approaching their Best Before date.
This review appeared on the Ever Metal website and is reproduced here for your enlightenment. Click here to visit the Ever Metal website.
Liverpool Comic Con
Friday 8th March – Sunday 10th March 2019
Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Welcome back to my over view of Liverpool Comic Con. Last time, I shared photos of some of the amazing Cosplay outfits to be seen at the event. This time, I thought I’d share some pics of the eye-popping props on display.
The selection of display items at this convention was another selling point, with plenty to view.
Star of the show was a full scale X-Wing Fighter, which dominated the exhibition hall on entry. It was spectacular: the size and detail both being extremely impressive. Even though, as I stated previously, it was a Disney Star Wars ship and not the version from the classic trilogy, it was pretty cool.
Just imagine how ace it would’ve been if it was a full scale Incom T-65 X-Wing Fighter, as flown by Luke in Episode IV?! If only.
There were several vehicles from film and TV also, including BA’s van from The A-Team and KITT from Knight Rider. Both awesome.
I’ve seen a Back to the Future DeLorean before, but it’s always a treat. This one was, of course, tricked out with other props from the film too – like Marty’s hover board. 
In addition to vehicles, I also saw costumes from Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century – two Glen A Larson classics from my childhood. I was pretty stoked to witness these first hand, being a huge fan of both television programmes.
Not to mention there was a ton of Star Wars costumes, helmets and gadgets that I didn’t get round to photographing. I did take a pic of my all time hero R2 D2 though (and one of Johnny 5 from Short Circuit, another star of the day).
I assume all the props I saw were reproductions rather than actual items used in filming (I could be wrong). However it was still a thrill to see them. If only I could’ve actually sat in the vehicles…
Visit the Liverpool Comic Con Website here.
Liverpool Comic Con
Friday 8th March – Sunday 10th March 2019
Exhibition Centre Liverpool
The Albert Dock was under ferocious attack from strong winds as I made my way to the Exhibition Centre for Liverpool Comic Con. It was bitterly cold, the sky was grim – I wondered how the American guests would enjoy the weather on this visit?
Not to worry though, inside the event all was transformed into a safe refuge. Getting in seemed very straight forward and hassle free, and as with all things Liverpool, there was a great atmosphere from the start.
This was my first visit to Liverpool Comic Con, though I’m very familiar with the city from numerous gigs, nights out and shopping trips. Great place. My buddy Adam was going to the convention and I tagged along to check it out.
Inside, my first impression of the huge event hall was of the life size X-Wing fighter on display – smack bang in the middle. Sadly it was a pretend X-Wing from the new films, not a proper Episode IV to VI Incom T-65 – but it was impressive none the less.
Also on display were the A-Team van, a Back to the Future DeLorean and KITT from Knightrider (amongst various other replica vehicles and props). It was a real thrill to see all of the cool items and grab some photos.
I’m always a big fan of investigating the merchandise stalls at a Con, and this was no exception. There was plenty to see and spend some cash on. Sadly there’s never enough cash, otherwise I’d have spent a fortune. As it was I picked up some Masters of the Universe figures and Marvel comic books, so all good.
The guests were interesting, though none of them particularly appealed to me so my wallet stayed closed there. Top of the bill were Teri Hatcher (Lois Lane), Dean Cain (Superman) and Burt Young (Paulie from Rocky) – so an impressive calibre of stars.
The real stars however were the Cosplayers. There were some fantastic Cosplayers of all types and ages, displaying amazingly talented creations. I tried to get as many photos as I could, which you can see here. Thanks to everyone who posed for a photo!
All in all, Liverpool Comic Con was a great day out with enough entertainment for everyone. I’ll definitely try to visit again next time.
In Part 2, I’ll share some pics of the props that I photographed. In the meantime, enjoy these shots of the awesome cosplayers.
Visit the Liverpool Comic Con Website here.
It’s been far too long since we last took a peep into the collection de tat at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub. So lets examine another fine piece from the assembled items of dubious taste and quality which I humbly possess. And this one is a beauty, make no mistake.
ITEM: Jo Guest Strip Pen
Description: one of those ink pens that feature a picture of a woman on the side, wearing a bikini. The clothing “disappears” when tilted so that the lady is naked
Cost: Free with copy of Men’s World magazine
Bought: location n/a
Reason for buying: n/a
When I was about twelve, a friend of mine (who was a few years older) went to the seaside and was allowed to buy one of these “tip and strip” novelty pens. I was thoroughly shocked by this.
Years later, a similar pen came into my possession. This is the one featured here, which features images of lovely 90’s pin up/page three girl/nudey mag legend, Joanne Guest.
Jo was a popular glamour model in the mid 1990s, and regularly appeared in top-shelf magazine Men’s World. This pen was a cover mounted free gift with a particular issue. Of course, I didn’t buy the magazine (or any other, similar publications) – this item was given to me as a gift, honest.
It’s quite a neat little item to own. Guesty looks very cute on the pen, even though the image is tiny. The tip and strip action is still working well and the pen even writes. Owning one of these pens would be an envious item in any stationery stockpile, the fact it’s glam queen Jo Guest emblazoned in all her (naked) glory makes it even more desirable.
I’ve censored Jo’s rudey bits in the above pic, 
as you can tell.
For anyone who has trouble remembering the 90s, on the right is a pic of Jo from back in the day to refresh your memory:
To see more from my tat collection, go to the right hand side menu and click on “Tat”. Scroll through for the goodies.
Disclaimer: in no way does Platinum Als Virtual Hot Tub admit to owning, viewing or buying any gentlemen’s periodical/jazz mag.
Another review I wrote recently for Ever Metal, reproduced here for any stragglers:
Torqued – Resurgence EP 
Self released
Release date: July 2018
Running Time: 34 mins
Review by: Alun Jones
7/10
AAARRRGGH!! Run for your lives! The machines have risen, they’ll destroy us all! Humanity can never survive the relentless, cruel onslaught of metal machinery in revolt!
Wait, no – it’s OK. It’s just the start of the first track, “Forgotten Soul”, on Torqued’s brutal “Resurgence” EP. Phew, thank goodness for that…
Bursting out of the gates, this “groove laden heavy metal” trio call the southern UK their home. This is their debut EP, one I was keen to review having caught them live at last year’s Pentre Fest.
Both the opening song and the follow up, “Follow Me”, rage with a Machine Head like power. It’s full on, crunching metal – like Robocop driving a Mustang full-pelt into a tin can factory. Lead vocals are barked by Marc, who also handles the bass duties in satisfyingly chunky fashion.
Third track, “Overload, I Die Inside” changes gears with a spellbinding instrumental opening section. I really loved the slow build up, starting with Kurt’s tribal pounding as Rimmy’s melodic guitar begins to chime. It builds to an Eastern sounding riff, before settling into a huge groove that would make classic Pantera jealous.
“Hollow Core” then shifts the pace up a bit, with another fierce yet catchy riff. Great spooky breakdown in the middle, too!
The final two tracks are live versions of tracks 3 and 4. Usually I’m sceptical about live tracks as just filler, but here they do serve to demonstrate that Torqued can dish this stuff up in a live setting.
The “Resurgence” EP is a great introduction to a band with a hell of a lot going for them. I’d like to hear a full album rather than just an EP, but have no fear – the next EP is on its way very soon. In the meantime, enjoy this initial sampler from Torqued. Before your toaster or lawnmower try to kill you.
Visit Ever Metal for all your Rock and Metal action!
Visit Torqued at https://torqued.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Torquedband/
I had another great night recently, playing a load of old 7″ singles. What happens is, I acquire these singles from record fairs, charity shops or maybe contributions from friends – and I spend an evening playing through the pile. The’re stacked in order of how long I’ve had them – oldest near the top – and not organised in any way.
So I get a few drinkies down me and play the records in the order they reveal themselves. Which can be fun – no skipping, play whatever’s next in the pile.
This system always means that no matter how many cool songs I play, there’s always a few dodgy tracks in there too. But then let’s just call those less aspirational songs “guilty pleasures”, and enjoy them for what they are.
Last time, I claimed that the rest of the stack of 45 rpm magic wouldn’t reach as high a standard. I was wrong. Here’s the playlist, which includes some absolute monsters…
Fantastic stack of singles! Some absolute classics with a couple of cheesy horror stories. Any playlist that includes AC/DC and the Beatles can’t be half bad. I’ll be doing some more of these singles nights soon, stay tuned!
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 