Tag Archive for: sci fi

Dear Galaxy I Love You #NotAshamed

We all have a story behind our pop culture loves that indefinitely link us to the toys we hold so dear. One world that is big in our store is Star Wars. We carry action figures, original 70s/80s/90s and new, memorabilia, promotional items, unique items, you-think-it-and-they’ve-probably-made-it items, enamel pins and everything in between. To the point, we love Star Wars. I love Star Wars and my connection to it goes back to, yes, when I was wee.

My father started it, my connection with Star Wars. It was the late 80s by the time I discovered his copy of the original VHS release of the trilogy. I was already familiar with the figures. We had quite the collection: action figures, an Ewok mask, a cork board featuring the cast, a lunchbox and even a tiny, kid-size Star Wars desk. The movies, however, blew me away. And even though I was of the in between generation, between the release of Episode IV-VI and the release of the prequels, I loved them all.

Those original three movies drew me in, as it did so many others, but why? Was it that it took you on an adventure over and over? Was it that good always won out no matter how appealing the dark side became? Was it the ridiculous creatures that somehow captured our hearts? For me, I believe it was all of the above. It didn’t matter how clunky some of the machinery or droids seemed to be, it didn’t matter how many side swipes jumped you from story to story, it had passion and heart from everyone who touched those films. It was the love of the people making those films that I believe in turn reached me and unleashed my imagination. It whisked up my hair into oversized cinnamon buns and said, “hey, this is pure fun and it’s alright.” And still to this day, the amount of ultimate joy I get by seeing a Jumbo Kenner-inspired Gamorrean Guard by Gentle Giant is an extension of that welcoming imagination. The figures and collectibles allow that rush of feeling, of love, and of awe I received from those films to wash over me like a kiss from a Bantha.

February is a month for many celebrations, but I think as we talk about love around Valentine’s Day we should speak about the love of our passions. After all, the love we feel for the movies, tv shows, and comics that made us is forever. To the artists who made them, we love you. You are astounding and we are not ashamed to say, yes, we probably will be dressed in head-to-toe cosplay and sleep in a several day, nay week(s), line the next time a Star Wars premiere is releasing in theaters and we are allowed to go.

Until then…

Stay Classy, Friends

– Movie Marathon Diane

Why We Love NECA’s 8-Bit Video Game Figure Line

NECA’s 8-Bit Video Game Figure Line hits so many of our joy buttons. They are retro, nostalgic, but modern and so rad. Honestly, I want them all. We currently have several of these action figures in store along with our other collectibles from NECA. For those that we don’t currently have– like the Jason Voorhees V. 1, which was an SDCC exclusive years back– we are always on the lookout to swipe them up. So, it’s always good to keep a pulse on our store for that special item you’re looking for! Here’s a highlight of 5 of our favorite 8-Bit Video Game Figures from NECA’s line.

#1. Batman

Flying in at #1 and standing 7″ tall is Batman! Based on the 1989 NES Game following the Michael Keaton BATMAN (1989), this dark knight brings all that 80s-awesomeness from the side-scrolling game that we absolutely love. He’ll have you saying, “POW! BAM! BANG!” all-day-long no matter your age.

 

#2. Mohawk

He’s up to no good in your neighborhood, it’s Mohawk from the GREMLINS 2: A NEW BATCH (1990) NES Video Game! He wreaks havoc at 7″ tall and is painted to replicate the game’s pixelated look. This one we definitely recommend getting wet and feeding after midnight.

 

#3. RoboCop

Call him Murphy. He’s here in his 8-Bit blues to serve the public trust, defend the innocent, and uphold the law while being totally tubular. He’s part man, part machine, and all heart. Yes, please!

 

 

#4. Godzilla

Stomping in above 6″ tall and nearly 12″ long from head to toe, Godzilla is rockin’ his 1980’s look. His paint deco is a throwback to the pixelated look from the 1988 classic video game. RAWR hell yasss! This guy is going to fight all my action figures.

 

#5. Freddy Krueger

The man of our dreams, Freddy Krueger, looks amazingly killer in his classic video game colors. He’s fully articulated like the other action figures in this line and even comes with his dashing smile. It’s prime time!

 

 

 

NECA’s 8-Bit Video Game Figures Line makes me so happy I think I may break out the NES, grab some Tab and Pixie Stix, sit curled up surrounded by these action figures, and live my best narly vintage life. Who’s totally boss? NECA.

Stay groovy friends!

8-Bit Diane

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Give us a call at 818-557-7724 or Email us at blastfromthepastinc@yahoo.com to learn more about what NECA figures we have in store. You can also hit us up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blastfromthepastinc, Instagram @Blastftp, or on Twitter @BlastFTP.

10 Sci-Fi Shows to Binge Watch

There’s no better time to grab a cozy blanket; prep the munchies; and re-watch, or finally start watching, that Sci Fi tv show you’ve always wanted to watch but didn’t have the time.  Bazinga!  It’s an amazing way to escape and unwind.  “And it’s also a great way to stay in shape! (Family Guy)”  Here are our top 10 picks on binge-worthy Sci Fi series (in no particular order):

10. Lost In Space

This image should be worthiness enough to watch the original Lost in Space but in case you aren’t convinced yet… this 1960s Sci Fi series had 3 Seasons.  It was originally released on CBS and was a mix of the novel The Swiss Family Robinson and Gold Key Comics’ Space Family Robinson. The theme music was also composed by John Williams! And, it. Has. Robots. ‘Nuff said.  Plus once you are done, you can head over to Netflix and watch the remake also titled Lost in Space.

9. SeaQuest DSV

Below the sea, in the mid-90s, there was SeaQuest DSV which originally appeared in 45-minute increments on NBC.  It consisted of 3 Seasons and 57 episodes. It also starred, at least early on, Roy Scheider (he found a bigger boat!) and Jonathan Brandis (pictured above).  Plus, look at that cute lil’ dolphin!? The first 2 Seasons were executive produced by Stephen Spielberg, as well — another connection for you Jaws fans.  The show follows a high-tech submarine in the near future, starting in 2018, and it’s United Nations-like-crew when the earth’s natural resources have been depleted to the point of forcing colonies to form on the ocean floor.

8. Lost

I’m not talking about how most of us probably feel at this moment in time, though I definitely am starting to feel I probably look like a few of these characters, caked in grunge and bewilderment.  I am talking about the ever confusing yet hard-not-too-watch ABC Sci Fi series Lost, which aired 2004-2010.  It follows plane crash survivors on what appears to be an inhabited tropical island.  Which sounds pretty good to me at this point… the tropical island, not the plane crash.  It’s easily one of the best rated Sci Fi shows of all time, though I will say, don’t blame me if you don’t like the very last episode.

7. Highlander

With 6 Seasons and 119 Episodes there’s plenty of Highlander to keep you entertained for a while.  Making a run from 1992 – 1998, this show was actually an alternate sequel to the 1986 feature film by the same name.  It features immortals, swords, time travel, and fun lighting effects. Better yet, if you enjoy Highlander, there’s also several spin-offs which means even more fun time with this sci-fi world.

6. Twilight Zone

There are several Twilight Zones to talk about when mentioning this iconic series.  Let’s start with the original series released in 1959 – 1964.  Hosted by Rod Serling, this show takes you into a different spooky world each episode out of it’s 156 original episodes.  It makes you ponder such things as, am I the only one who sees that beast on the wing of the plane? And, the world can end as long as I have my books, now where are my glasses?  It’s also fun to spot all the young celebrities of that era! Hello, Captain Kirk. If you enjoy the original series, you can also go on to watch The Twilight Zone (1985 – 1989) and Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983).  The ‘80s series has 3 Seasons and 65 Episodes and the movie is an anthology that stars actors like John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, and Albert Brooks.  Not enough? The Twilight Zone made a comeback in 2002 -2003 for 1 Season and 43 Episodes.  CBS did it again in 2019, yup, Jordan Peele co-developed it and narrates all 10 Episodes of the First Season.  I cannot comment on how the latest series holds up as of now, but as a huge fan of the original series, it’s worth checking out.

5. Doctor Who

Now this is a big one.  Doctor Who has been produced by BBC since 1963!  Which means that Doctor Who, a time-traveling extraterrestrial being who appears human, can be seen saving civilizations and helping people in 38 Seasons, 861 Episodes, 1 Movie, and numerous Specials.  Excuse me while I pick my jaw off the floor. Who’s in this to watch from the very beginning with me? This show promises to bring fun into any situation from the bubblewrap space suits of the ‘60s to the more advanced technology of the more modern series, but whatever you do… don’t Blink!  You may end up missing something, or even worse, be sent back in time to a gorgeous countryside.

4. Star Trek: The Original Series

There’s certainly an abundance of Star Trek Series, Movies, and Specials to watch if you want to venture further into space after watching the original series.  However, speaking only to Star Trek: The Original Series, which has been remastered and distributed by CBS, this is definitely a must watch.  It has 3 Seasons; 79 Episodes; forged innovative Sci Fi entertainment roads; and more importantly, it shows how no matter what situation, and no matter who you are or where you come from, we can all come together.  Well, unless you are Khan, but then, he also has his buddies.

3. Twin Peaks

Enter the zany world of David Lynch with Twin Peaks.  Though technically labelled as a mystery, drama, horror, I’m adding Twin Peaks to this list because it does contain other worldly elements and demands that the mind stretch its concept of reality.  The original series, released in 1990-1991, aired on ABC and consisted of 30 Episodes. It was followed by a movie, Fire Walk With Me, in 1992, and then with a 3rd Season which was released on Showtime in 2017.  The latest season was made up of 18 Episodes. This series is filled with lovable, crazy characters and a charming odd pulse that may at times be hard to put a finger on, but it’s enthralling nevertheless.  I heart it so!

2. The X-Files

One of my all-time favorites, The X-Files, has 11 Seasons and 218 Episodes!  Created by Breaking Bad’s Chris Carter, this series follows Spooky Mulder (David Duchovny) and his sceptic side-kick Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they navigate through over-looked or possibly secret-on-purpose FBI files bringing them into the world of the weird and unexplained.  The series was followed by 2 Movies, The X-Files (1998) and The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008).  Personally I recommend watching the TV Series till Season 6, then watch the first movie, finish the series, and then watch I Want to Believe.

1. Battlestar Galactica

Ending our list is Battlestar Galactica!  The ever-engrossing Sci-Fi Channel 2004 Hit Series, Battlestar Galactica will have you wanting to watch the next episode regardless of the hour.  It had 4 Seasons, 76 Episodes, and beyond that was preceded by a 2-part miniseries in 2003 and the original 1978 series Battlestar Galactica and it’s spin-off Galactica 1980.  There’s also an additional episode in between Seasons 3 & 4, called Razor and after Season 4, called The Plan.  You might also be inclined to watch the spin-offs Caprica and Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome.  If you love shows with robots and with a focus on character-driven plots, this one’s for you.  There is plenty of action but the human experience is definitely what makes this show have such an impact.

‘Til next time, friends…  try not to let the Tribbles cause you trouble.