New release: Richard Chopping's famous cover for Goldfinger is featured in an interesting new art book called Popular Skullture. Skeleton graphics have haunted the front of mystery and pulp fiction titles for decades. The use of a macabre grin or boney finger offered designers and illustrators an instantly understood symbol of danger and intrigue. Looking back at some of my own favorites from my Diabolikal image archive, I'd say The Shadow and the various detective pulps win the award for most skeletons employed. See my collage below for some faves from the world of James Bond, as well. I haven't seen a copy of Popular Skullture yet, but I would expect many of the images below appear in the collection. Book details from Bud's Art Books: "Edited and designed by award-winning art director Monte
Beauchamp- with an introduction by graphic design luminary Steven Heller. Consumers embrace the skull: Nike, Calvin Klein, Zippo, and
Crystal Head Vodka feature them as product lines. Skulls adorn artwork,
sneakers, candy, skateboards, jewelry, and even wallpaper. The skull is
everywhere in pop culture! Never before has a book addressed the skull as a
cover motif during the Golden Age of American publishing, from the 1930s
through the mid-50s. Monte Beauchamp is an award-winning art director and graphic
designer whose work has appeared in Graphis, Communication Arts, SPDA, Print,
American Illustration, and The Society of Illustrators Annual. He has received
numerous awards and honors, and has served as a juror for both American
Illustration and The Society of Illustrators. He is the founder and editor of the
graphics-illustration-comics annual BLAB! His books include: The Life &
Times of R. Crumb (St. Martin’s Press), Striking Images: Vintage Matchbook
Cover Art (Chronicle Books), The Devil in Design (Fantagraphics), New &
Used BLAB! (Chronicle Books) and many more." Below: Pupular Skullture cover, favorite skull images from Spy Vibe's Diabolikal image archive on Pinterest, and some favorite Bond designs with the skeleton motif. After hearing that Sting wrote the Synchronicity album at Ian Fleming's Goldeneye, I've often wondered if he was inspired by Richard Chopping's designs when he wrote the line, "There's a skeleton choking on a crust of bread." How about it, Sting? Popular Skullture Amazon page here.
Selected Spy Vibe posts: New Gerry Anderson Sets, New SECRET AGENT set, Art of Modesty, Avengers Blu-ray update, Tokyo Beat 1964, Polaroid Spy, Modesty Monday, Feraud Mod Fashion, Flint Scores!, Bond Danish, Home Movies, New Richard Sala Book, New 007 Comics, Designing Bond Books, Green Hornet Manga, Margaret Nolan Art, No 6 Festival, Barbarella Returns, 007 Audio Books Return, Designer: Gene Winfield, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Rare Avengers Scripts, Man From Uncle UK Comics, Mattel X-15, Thunderbirds Comics, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Avengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky Boots, George Lois Design & Mad Men, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, The Saint books return, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.
Sou track Release: Conrad Elfers' score to the Harry Palmer classic, Funeral in Berlin (1966/Michael Caine), has been newly mixed for CD from the original masters and packaged in a limited edition with rare tracks by Intrada. The second
Harry Palmer film, directed by Guy Hamilton (Goldfinger), found Palmer embroiled in an espionage tale set in cold war Berlin with operatives using funeral services as cover for defectors. All tracks from the original RCA stereo album appear. Previously unreleased
material includes a pre-title sequence ("Berlin"), a second version of
"Tension Among Mortuary Men - Reprise"), the original
album opening track ("Theme From Funeral In Berlin") performed by The
Puppets, and more. Liner notes by Jeff Bond, flipper cover
design by Joe Sikoryak. Konrad Elfers conducts. 21 tracks. More details here. A 17-track CD-R version (from 2012) is also available here.
Selected Spy Vibe posts: New Gerry Anderson Sets, New SECRET AGENT set, Art of Modesty, Avengers Blu-ray update, Tokyo Beat 1964, Polaroid Spy, Modesty Monday, Feraud Mod Fashion, Flint Scores!, Bond Danish, Louis Feraud, Roger Moore Day, Home Movies, New Richard Sala Book, New 007 Comics, Unseen Fleming in new 007 by Horowitz, Designing Bond Books, Foster Spies, Green Hornet Manga, Margaret Nolan Art, No 6 Festival, Barbarella Returns, 007 Audio Books Return, Harry Palmer Blu, One Million Prizes, Designer: Gene Winfield, Avengers Blu-Ray, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Diana Rigg at 76, Gerry Anderson Doc, Mr. Hulot's Box Set, Rare Avengers Scripts, Man From Uncle UK Comics, Mattel X-15, Thunderbirds Comics, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Batman News, Monty Python Fathom Spies, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Avengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky Boots, George Lois Design & Mad Men, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Big Fun Toys, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Mod Fashion Dolls, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, The Saint books return, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.
On the heels of our announcement that a new Complete Secret Agent/Danger man DVD set is coming from Shout Factory, the distributor has also listed sets from their upcoming Gerry Anderson Collection. As with Secret Agent, the sets will offer fans a chance to pick up out-of-print UK TV classics from 1960s. So far they are listing Captain Scarlet and Stingray box sets. With the "Collection" banner on the boxes, I hope the company is planning to follow up with UFO, Thunderbirds, and others. There is no mention of Blu-ray editions, which is disappointing considering some of the Hi-def work being done in England by Network. Hopefully we'll be seeing improved transfers compared to the old A&E prints, and released at the proper frame-rate for US viewers (i.e. no PAL-NTSC speed-up issues). I will definitely consider picking up new sets if they mean upgrading these fabulous Sci-Spy adventure shows. Details below. Related posts: License to Kill Puppets, Thunderbirds Comic Collection, Lady Penelope/U.N.C.L.E. Comics. Learn more: Fanderson, Official Anderson site, UK PAL DVD/Blu-ray Gerry Anderson sets and new documentary from Network.
Produced by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson in 1967-1968, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons is perhaps the best Supermarionation series the couple ever created. The technology had improved after Thunderbirds, allowing for more accurate proportions and fine articulation of the puppets themselves. Another bonus is the show's dashing lead character (a dashing puppet!) with a voice like Cary Grant. In addition to the original 32 episodes, bonus features include audio commentary, and process-related shorts with puppeteer Mary Turner, director Alan Perry, and scriptwriter (and Bond film alum) Shane Rimmer. From Shout: "Fate made him indestructible. Courage made him a hero. In the year 2068, Earth's greatest defense team, Spectrum,
is tasked with fighting a cosmic battle against an ancient race from the planet
Mars: the sinister Mysterons. Possessing the ability to recreate the exact
likeness of any object or person they destroy, the evil aliens set their sights
on Spectrum's number one agent- the intrepid Captain Scarlet. But when their
initial attack on Scarlet fails, the Mysterons discover they have awoken what
will be their most dangerous enemy. Obtaining the Mysterons' special power of
retro-metabolism, Captain Scarlet has been rendered virtually invulnerable…and
completely unstoppable in his quest to protect the Earth from any attack. Produced by the immortal Gerry Anderson (Thunderbirds,
Space: 1999, Stingray) and featuring his famous SUPERMARIONATION technique, all
thirty-two episodes of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons are here in one
convenient package, providing you 100% of your daily recommended allowance of
sci-fi and cult classic television. Join the fight to save the Earth with
Captain Scarlet!" Releases February 10th. Pre-order price on Amazon is only $26.94! Find out why Spy Vibe chose Captain Scarlet as #9 in our countdown of best set designs: full article, Scarlet post.
I didn't know what to expect going in to Stingray (1964-1965), but the series really won me over with its heavy use of spy conventions, secret lairs, and fiendish plots. In addition to the original 39 episodes, bonus features in the new set include audio commentary, stills gallery, and a Making-of short about the series. From Shout: "Stand by for action! We are about to launch…STINGRAY! Battle stations! Join the World Aquanaut Security Patrol in
a riptide of retro t.v. with the sci-fi adventure series Stingray. Created by
the immortal Gerry and Sylvia Anderson (Thunderbirds, Space: 1999) and
employing their classic SUPERMARIONATION technique, Stingray is a torpedo blast
of action for kids of all ages. The flagship of the World Aquanaut Security
Patrol (W.A.S.P.), Stingray is the world's most highly sophisticated submarine,
capable of speeds of over 600 knots and the ability to submerge anywhere on the
Earth's ocean floor. Under the command of the square-jawed and heroic Captain
Troy Tempest, Stingray explores the most treacherous depths of our waters and
protects the world from the perils that lurk undersea. Featuring all
thirty-nine of the original series episodes. What are you waiting for? Put on
your PJs, pour yourself some breakfast cereal and make anytime Saturday morning
with Stingray!" Releases January 13th. Pre-order price on Amazon is only $27.99! Below: Captain Scarlet lounges in one of the program's groovy sets.
Selected Spy Vibe posts: New SECRET AGENT set, Art of Modesty, Avengers Blu-ray update, Tokyo Beat 1964, Polaroid Spy, Modesty Monday, Feraud Mod Fashion, Flint Scores!, Bond Danish, Louis Feraud, Roger Moore Day, Home Movies, New Richard Sala Book, New 007 Comics, Unseen Fleming in new 007 by Horowitz, Designing Bond Books, Foster Spies, Green Hornet Manga, Margaret Nolan Art, No 6 Festival, Barbarella Returns, 007 Audio Books Return, Harry Palmer Blu, One Million Prizes, Designer: Gene Winfield, Avengers Blu-Ray, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Diana Rigg at 76, Gerry Anderson Doc, Mr. Hulot's Box Set, Rare Avengers Scripts, Man From Uncle UK Comics, Mattel X-15, Thunderbirds Comics, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Batman News, Monty Python Fathom Spies, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Avengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky Boots, George Lois Design & Mad Men, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Big Fun Toys, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Mod Fashion Dolls, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, The Saint books return, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.
Hot news: Shout Factory will release a new Secret Agent (Danger Man) DVD box set on December 9th! With the 2010 A&E complete box set out-of-print, we're excited to hear that Patrick McGoohan's early spy classic will be available again. In addition to the original 86 episode, the set will also include audio commentaries by writer Brian Clemens (The Avengers) and director Peter Graham Scott (The Avengers, The Prisoner), plus an interview with Catherine McGoohan! Press release: "'Every government has its secret service branch. America,
CIA; France, Deuxième Bureau; England, MI5. NATO also has its own. A messy job?
Well that's when they usually call on me or someone like me. Oh yes, my name is
Drake, John Drake.' Patrick McGoohan (The Prisoner) stars as John Drake in Secret
Agent, the popular television series from the Golden Age of Spy Thrillers, the
1960s. Traveling the world to capture international criminals, John Drake
rarely solved problems with a gun, preferring to use charm and wit over
violence to bring in the bad guys. Encompassing all 86 episodes from its successful broadcast
run, Secret Agent (known in the United Kingdom as Danger Man) is an essential
addition to the collection of any fan of the spy game. B&W and Color." This is one of my all-time favorite spy shows. So smartly written and intensely acted, each episode could stand as a short movie. The big question on everyone's mind is whether or not the new set will offer an upgrade to the past A&E NTSC box sets. Stay tuned! Shout Factory page. Thank you to Cinema Retro for putting this on our radar.
Selected Spy Vibe posts: Art of Modesty, Avengers Blu-ray update, Tokyo Beat 1964, Polaroid Spy, Modesty Monday, Feraud Mod Fashion, Flint Scores!, Bond Danish, Louis Feraud, Roger Moore Day, Home Movies, New Richard Sala Book, New 007 Comics, Unseen Fleming in new 007 by Horowitz, Designing Bond Books, Foster Spies, Green Hornet Manga, Margaret Nolan Art, No 6 Festival, Barbarella Returns, 007 Audio Books Return, Harry Palmer Blu, One Million Prizes, Designer: Gene Winfield, Avengers Blu-Ray, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Diana Rigg at 76, Gerry Anderson Doc, Mr. Hulot's Box Set, Rare Avengers Scripts, Man From Uncle UK Comics, Mattel X-15, Thunderbirds Comics, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Batman News, Monty Python Fathom Spies, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Avengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky Boots, George Lois Design & Mad Men, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Big Fun Toys, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Mod Fashion Dolls, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, The Saint books return, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.
