Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Bronze Age Babies

Doug: We want to wish all our readers the very best of the season, and that goes right on into the New Year. Thanks for spending time with us each day. Peace to you and to your loved ones.

Who's the Best... Santa Claus Comic Cover?

Doug: Do you have a favorite Santa Claus cover? Or, how about an interior appearance?

 

Discuss: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree...

Karen: A big part of the holiday season for me is music. I start feeling that Christmas spirit when I hear any of the tunes off of the Vince Guaraldi "Charlie Brown Christmas" album. That has to be my number one, all-time favorite Christmas music. But there are a lot of other songs I really enjoy. I like the  traditional tunes like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and old crooners like Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole, but it's great hearing traditional songs with a twist. Surf guitar slingers  Los Straitjackets have a great album, "Tis the Season for Los Straitjackets," where they combined traditional Christmas tunes with classic surf songs like "Pipeline" and "Walk Don't Run" to create unique sounds. I absolutely love this album, as it hits two of my favorite genres.

Karen: Last year I was thrilled to run across a little gem in Best Buy - "A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector." This album is a real beauty. It has holiday classics performed by The Crystals, The Ronettes, Darlene Love, and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans. If you're a Phil Spector fan, or a girl group fan, or just a fan of 60s pop singing groups, this is a terrific album.

Karen: There have been a lot of original songs over the years that I've grown fond of, but none rocks harder than the Kinks' "Father Christmas."

Karen: There are so many more I enjoy -"Little Saint Nick" by the Beach Boys, the schmaltzy synth of "Wonderful Christmastime" by Sir Paul, "Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight)" by The Ramones, "Christmas Is" by Run-DMC...it seems like everyone has put out a Christmas song. What are your favorites?

Holiday Wish Lists -- Whatcha Want?

Doug: As it seems things have slowed down on yesterday's holiday decorating post, we'll use that topic to segue right into a discussion on comics-related goodness for which you'd appreciate landing on the receiving end.

Doug: As I've been saying for quite some time, I've become enamored of Ed Brubaker's run on Captain America. I'm not ready to branch out yet into his Batman and other work, as I'd really like to complete my reading of the Cap/Winter Soldier material. So in that vein I've added The Marvels Project from the main Cap team of Brubaker and Steve Epting. And based on the recommendation of Edo and some others I've also requested that a gift of Captain America: Forever Allies by Roger Stern and three artists.

Doug: I also mentioned in yesterday's post that I have several Hallmark ornaments from years past. This year there is a bevy of choices and I hope I'll get at least a few. I'm always a sucker for a good Captain America ornament, but also of great interest in this year's batch are the Batman '66 and Lynda Carter Wonder Woman ornaments. The upside-down Spidey with the scarf and gifts is a great sculpt as well.

Doug: In the area of books, I've spied a couple of pricey tomes that I'd love to see -- but that's just it. I think I'd be satisfied in merely having a few hours to leaf through them and see all of the nostalgic goodness. I'm speaking of The Full-Color Guide to Marvel Early Bronze Age Collectibles: From 1970 to 1973: Third Eye, Mego, F.O.O.M., and More (Full-Color Guide to Marvel Collectibles) (Volume 2) and its predecessor, The Full-Color Guide to Marvel Silver Age Collectibles: From MMMS to Marvelmania. As I said, each book is only over 150 pages yet retails for close to $40 -- that's a bit much. But I'm sure they're quite nice!

Doug: So what about you, kids? What goodness will you be asking for/hoping to receive?

An Oral (Well, Written) History of Christmas Decorating

Doug: Happy day-after Thanksgiving, friends -- or as some say, Black Friday. Meh...

Doug: Yesterday our well wishes featured a few comments about decorating for the holidays. Among others, Humanbelly suggested --

HB: Hmmmmm-- is our topic range expansive enough to touch on some sort of discussion of holiday decorating? Perhaps from the perspective of childhood memories vs. current things folks do? I kind of like the fact that we have a sizable international contingent to weigh in on something like that. . . 

Doug: Why, yes -- our topic range is! So there's your prompt for conversation today (and maybe into the weekend). One thing I recall about my youth was that we always had a real tree. However, it wasn't too long into my marriage that my wife and I decided that we both found that to be a hassle and have had artificial trees for the past 20+ years. It's just so much easier to leave the lights on them and with just a bit of bending and twisting we're ready to go the next year. We really only decorate our porch as far as outside goes -- we did lights on our shrubbery for a few years, but rabbits chewed through the wires. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I've pictured a "family heirloom" that's now come to my house from my mom's. Yes, that's a Coca-Cola Santa Claus. We have had that on display at Christmas time for as long as I can remember, and I love it. When my mom gave it to me a few years ago my sons thought it was a bit creepy. So now we playfully refer to him as "Chucky Claus". Sort of took the luster off of it for me, but what the heck.

Doug: OK, enough about me -- let's hear from you now.

UPDATE: Late today HB sent us a few photographs from his weekend decorating. If you've not been to the comments section, these photos accompany his comment from 8:45 pm.

UPDATE #2: Overnight (to me anyway), Edo Bosnar sent a few photos of the city of Zagreb to reinforce a comment he left in today's post. Thanks, Edo!

Your Loot... Report Out, on 3!

Doug: Happy Holidays again, friends! For many of us, family travels are prolonging the celebrations. With that in mind, we waited a day to do our annual query on our readers' reports on Christmas cheer received. So it's open for you this weekend -- what wonderful gifts (comics-related or otherwise) did you receive? And shoot -- if you gave something cool, tell that, too! Thanks in advance, as always, from both Karen and I for stopping by and making this a wonderful community.

Doug: As I mentioned the other day, our celebrations this year are falling over several days. In fact, I'll probably be back either late Sunday or on Monday with a follow-up report. Our "nuclear family" (that sounds so 1950s, doesn't it?) shared gift-giving yesterday. It was great, and please understand that in no way are we dreading our son's impending marriage; quite the contrary. But we were able to "do" Christmas one last time with just the four of us. I think everyone treasured the experience. In comics-related presents, I received the Hallmark Adam West Batman ornament, as well as a copy of Rob Kelly's Hey, Kids - Comics! paperback. I've heard nothing but great things about the latter, and am really looking forward to reading it over break. My "big gift", which came from my sons and future daughter-in-law was a soundbar for our family room television. It was really easy to hook up, and while we're still getting used to it and tinkering with some of the settings, I'll say that cosmetically it makes the room look wonderful. It replaces a large 5-disc changer that doubled as a receiver and DVD player, with six satellite speakers around the room. That the new soundbar is wireless and can operate other devices via bluetooth technology really cleaned the place up! I should also mention that I gave a treasure away, too. My oldest son was the recipient of the Fantastic Four Masterworks that reprints #s 51-60. I remarked to him that he might hold in his hands the single greatest 10-issue run in all of comics. High praise indeed.

Karen: Out here in the desert, it was just me and my hubby this year. We'd had enough of traveling, and everyone else was staying put too. But that was fine with us -we are happy just spending time together. My guy spoiled me with some terrific gifts this year. Nothing comics-related specifically, but I'll toss out a couple: this incredible Bruce Lee Hot Toys figure I have drooled over for ages, but am too much of a cheapskate to buy for myself; and this awesome Frankenstein bust with eyes that light up and has the voice of Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) proclaiming, "It's alive! It's alive!" when you throw the switch in front (all accompanied by electronic buzzing sounds). We'd seen this at a convention two years ago and I really wanted it but did not pull the trigger. So my husband tracked it down. It's just perfect! He really outdid himself this year. What a guy.

Karen: Your turn!

Sin Boldly, Vice Squad, Whatever...

Doug: The holidays -- very unkind to one's mid-section! However, the taste buds demand more-more-more!

Doug: So what are those treats, and I don't necessarily mean sweets, that really get you into trouble during this period around the holidays (and we can certainly stretch this back to Thanksgiving if you'd like). Think of this six week run or so of family, office parties, going out to dinner, special breakfasts, etc. -- sheesh, I'm making myself hungry just typing all this -- and fill us in on your particular vices.

Doug: One tradition we have, and it's really quite simple, is to enjoy Pillsbury cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Christmas morning. I think we started it when the boys were young because it was simple -- pop those babies into the oven as we were about to commence gift giving and they'd be done around the time we were finished. As I helped the boys wade through the mountains of torn gift wrapping, making certain to not throw anything valuable away, my wife could finish up and prepare to serve. Man, I love those things, and now that the boys are men there are never enough to go around!

Doug: There are of course other treats that you only seem to find during the holidays. Here's another one that's pretty simple, but that I can honestly recall eating around the holidays my entire life. Take a couple of slices of Buddig roast beef, slather a little cream cheese on it, place a dill pickle on one side and roll it up. Then slice it into 3/4" pieces and set on a plate like an hors d'oeuvre. Man, those are good. My mother-in-law makes crab rangoon that is out of this world, as well.

Doug: So here we sit smack in the middle of Christmas gatherings, with New Year's Eve and -Day a week away. What's your poison?

Merry Christmas from the Bronze Age Babies!

Merry Christmas from Doug and Karen!

Wishing you and yours all the best this Christmas. Have a wonderful holiday!

Discuss: Christmas-Themed Covers and Comics

Karen: Happy Christmas Eve, everyone! We hope these bring back some fond memories.

Wish List Time!

Doug: With the "big day" about two weeks away, what are you hoping to find under the tree? Feel free to be realistic, or just really cut loose and tell your BAB friends what you'd like to find!

Doug: And as a public service, I'd like to tip our readers to another great discount seller with whom I've recently done business. Head on over to eBay and check out the listings of seller dheader. Shoot -- save time and just click here!

Books and/or Magazine Articles to Recommend?

Doug: Happy weekend, kids. I'll tell you -- these become times most prized as my life marches on. Though retirement is still the better part of a decade away, I have really come to treasure leisure. You know what I'm saying?

Doug: Hey, a couple of weeks ago author Todd Frye reached out to Karen and I and asked if we'd like an examination copy of his book Marvelous Mythology: How the World's Greatest Superheroes Were Created. Well sure! I'm always open to checking out comics history, even if it's someone's editorial viewpoint. And let's face it -- comp talks! So Todd was nice enough to send me a copy of the tome you see pictured at right. You can see the book for sale at Amazon.com, in paperback or Kindle edition. Todd also has the first chapter posted online, and you can read it here.

Doug: I plan to give Todd's book the "BAB Book Review" treatment later in the month (hopefully), but told him we'd give him a plug since he thought enough of us to ask us to review his work. I'll say this now, though: While you might find the first half of the first chapter to be rife with Timely/Atlas/Marvel/Goodman/Lee/Kirby facts you already know, the narrative does pick up steam as Todd puts down his thoughts on the impact of Fantastic Four #1. I'm looking forward to chapter 2, and beyond.

Doug: We can also use this space today for recommendations of comics literature you've read in the past few months or so -- what should the rest of us be reading? Everyone have a great weekend, and Happy Holidays to those who have developed wonky celebration schedules due to family, travel, etc.

The Gifting of Comic Book Love

Doug:  Well?  What did you get along the lines of products interesting to your fellow Bronze Age Babies?  Today we're going to brag on the geeky gifts bestowed upon us by our loved ones.

Doug:  In the "strange but true" category, I did not receive any Hallmark ornaments for the comic book tree this year.  I really can't tell you when the last time was that I could say that.  But it's fine -- there weren't any that I wanted.  But, if I see one at half price here in the post-Christmas clear-out I may break down and pick one up for myself.  What I did get were two tpbs: The Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin, George Perez, and Ron Lim, and Justice by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, and Doug Braithwaite.  I also received the 2013 edition of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.  It's been many a'year since I estimated the value of my collection, and as I'm still strongly considering selling it in some fashion I wanted to know a rough idea of what dealers would command for the books I own.  My mom bought me two pairs of socks -- a Superman-colored blue pair with the "S" shield at the top, and a black pair with the Batman logo at the top.  Lastly, my boys bought me the Marvel t-shirt you see pictured -- it's a great shirt, nice and soft!

Karen: I got some wonderful things for Christmas, but most of them were not at all comics-related. I did however get the book I had on my wishlist, Star Trek: The Art of Juan Ortiz and it is fabulous! I spent at least an hour on Christmas day poring over that book, and certainly will spend some more time this weekend. The graphic design elements are very cool and it's fun seeing how Ortiz incorporates certain images (like the Enterprise's saucer-shaped hull) repeatedly into the posters, but in different ways.

Karen: I also got a really goofy and cool (not to mention hefty) Frankenstein Monster mug/stein! My husband knows me all too well. I'll be taking good care of this baby, as I drink my tea, soda, and what have you out of Frankie's big green noggin!

Karen: So spill -what cool stuff did you get?

Merry Christmas from the Bronze Age Babies!

Doug:  All the best of the season to our readers and their families.  May you enjoy peace now, and in the year to come.  Thanks for hanging out with us all these years!

About Santa. We Have Something to Tell You...

Doug:  One of the rites of passage of youth, at least among those of a Christian background, is the "finding out" that Santa Claus just ain't real.  Today we're asking you to reflect on that moment, or perhaps for you it was an evolution of thought, when you found out that ol' Saint Nick wasn't really coming down your chimney.

Doug:  To be honest, and this may be hypocritical of me, I don't recall when or how I found out.  I'm going to cop out and say it was on the playground, because after all -- isn't that where many of us learned all of the important "facts of life"?  So instead of my experience, I'll relate a tale of how we informed our younger son.

Doug:  He's such an innocent guy -- really to this day as a college sophomore he's still a loyal, sympathetic kid.  So when he was around 8- or 9-years old, and still a believer, my wife and I decided that we needed to tell him before he got into an embarrassing situation at school.  What's that expression?  "The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach"?  So we take the little guy to our local Barnes & Noble and serve him up a big hot chocolate and a huge cookie.  We sit at a counter with our backs to the other patrons and begin the process of rocking his little world.  It was humorously painful (if there is such a thing) to watch his face as the weight of our words became realization for him.  He quit eating and just sat for what seemed like a very long time.  And then we could see a light come on, and a whole new level of disdain cross his face -- "Does this mean the Tooth Fairy isn't real, either?!?"  Poor guy...

Doug:  How about you?  Got a story?  And for those of you celebrating, a very Merry Christmas from us to you!

Who's the Best... Christmas Movie?

Karen: Which movie (we'll leave cartoons out of the discussion since we debated it last year) is your favorite at holiday time? Many people go for the classics, like It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, or any of the many versions of A Christmas Carol (the 1951 Alastair Sim one is my own favorite). Others like  more modern films, like A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, or Scrooged. What do you like to watch during the season, and why?

What to Get Your Favorite BABer This Holiday Season...

Doug:  With the holidays nearly upon us, we thought we'd take a minute to give a few thoughts to what we'd like to find in our stockings or under the tree come the end of December.  And in this mythical drawing of names and exchanging of gifts that we'll pretend today, be sure to comment on your "needs" this year!

Doug:  On my radar for several months, but no trigger pulled by me yet, is the Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD trade paperback by Steranko & Co.  I'll confess -- I don't own any original copies and have only one reproduction of Steranko's SHIELD work.  When I first saw this advertised on Amazon.com several months ago, I wanted it immediately.  This will make it on to some list that goes out -- bank on it.

Doug: As I've mentioned briefly in passing a time or two over the past few months, I am interested in selling my comic books.  With that in mind, there are several mini-series that I'd like to replace with compendiums.  The Alex Ross/Jim Krueger/Doug Braithwaite series Justice is now collected in one trade paperback; it formerly had been released in three smaller volumes.  Of course, if I had a gift giver with a bottomless well, I'd ask for the Absolute Edition -- not happening, so I'll settle.

Doug:  Lastly, I think I'll put it out there that an Amazon gift card would be nice.  For my birthday my wife got me a Kindle Fire HD (the 8.9" screen).  I've never purchased any movies for it, but would like to have The Avengers, maybe Logan's Run, on it.  And now, let me re-introduce you to your co-host, newly blogging after her well-deserved vacation!

Karen: I'll just mention that I would love to get the two volumes of Inhumans Masterworks. Although I have most of the Amazing Adventures issues, I have only a couple of issues of the short-lived 70s series. I'd also be thrilled to find Star Trek: The Art of Juan Ortiz under the Christmas tree. Ortiz has created posters for each episode of the original Trek series and many of these are striking works of graphic design. One last plug: I really adore the artwork of painter Eric Joyner, who specializes in scenes of robots and donuts -yes, together. I already know I will have a calendar of his fantastic work for next year, because I ordered it as a gift for myself!

Doug:  OK, I had never seen that art before -- but I love it!  Robots and donuts -- who said everything was better with gorillas?!