SD80s reader Budda from Hall of Omens contacted me with interest in my Thundercat shoes. After seeing the Hall of Omens I knew that is where those shoes belonged. The hall is so great I wanted to share it here on the blog. The great thing about the Hall of Omens is that it isn't just toys but everything and anything Thundercats. Things I totally forgot about are there like the cool plastic puzzles, pencil sharpeners and even a amazing Thundercats big wheel. So if you love Thundercats than book your tour now to the... Hall of Omens!

cool crap, 80s, thundercats, toys,

A while back I drew the sword of Omens at work. While it isn't perfect(or striaght, hey I'm not a artist) it did come out better than I expected. I let it sit in my closet for about a year not knowing what to do with it or if I should do anything with it.

Brings us to today, I was hanging this old crappy Euro Thundercats or CosmoCats! I thought, this isn't worth Jaga's dick. I should just use it as a back drop for my sword. I then started to clip away! I came away with this!
 I'm pretty excited about this. Came out great. It did take some patience but it paid off. My free handed Sword of Omens pops right off the comics. I like this so much I think I am going to pull this off with my four 1st print issues of the Dark Knight Returns. I have a pretty beat up trade book I can cut up. Just finding the right frame will be the tricky part. I'll post if it comes out well.


thundercats, 80s, comics, art, cartoons, me room

Intros are what get you pumped. As a kid when these intros hit I was going crazy. Ready to jump into whatever world I was going to enter. I don't think today's intros are even in the same league as these. Hell some don't even bother with one. To me this is the best of the best. First lets check out what just missed the cut.

Pro Stars-Michael Jordan, BoJackson and The great one all team up. Great theme song.
Mario Bro 3- SMB3 now a Cartoon? sign me up.
Jem-I didn't watch this............every morning before school.
Cops-Very Raw intro, pretty good.
Sliver Hawks-Just missed the cut. Would be 11th. Lots of awesome rock.

10.American Gladators

It was always very late on a Saturday night. Around Midnight. My dad and I would watch the news and then some other crappy show(can't remember) and then bam! The intro of all these steroided freaks being introduced so they could go on to beat the crap out of the common man. My dad and I would bet dimes on the competitors... Ahh gambling with you're father over AG, heart touching memories.

9.X-Men

I had to run the whole way from the bus stop to make this intro. I always did too. I didn't want to miss the drama with the Phoenix Saga or if Logan was going score with Jean. I intro blasts you in the face with a catchy tune and all the x-men.

8.M.A.S.K

This Intro is very 80s. Reminds me of the soundtrack for the Transformers movie from around the same time. This is pure rock and its awesome. The show I felt was not as good as the toys. Loved the toys... The Show was alright.

7.Ducktales

Talk about catchy.. This thing used to get stuck in my head for what it felt like the whole episode. The show was great too.

6.Pee-Wee Playhouse

If you weren't awake yet on Saturday when this came on than you were after this intro. Talk about high energy. I loved the claymation that it starts out with. Pretty decent length as well.

5.Batman the Animated Series

There isn't many things that hit the tone and style of Batman on the head like the show and intro did in BTAS. I used to get so pumped when the Batmobile is rolling. Just an outstanding and dark intro that sets the tone for the show. I could easily do a top 10 BTAS episode list.

4.The Real Ghostbusters

It was hard putting this at 4 since I would go banana's when this came on. It was the number one show I look forward to for some time. The intro is great, we get Stay Puff, Ecto and everything with a a Ghostbuster theme that rivals the movies. They did change it up in season 3 or 4 when the show started to go south. The change was for the worse, along with song.

3.TMNT

Man this intro just kicks your ass. Not to mention how catchy it is. I remember it getting stuck in my head all day. Seemed like every kid at school was humming it too. The intro is a bit dark which is great and the way the show started but as season 3 came it seemed to get lighter.

2.Knight Rider

One man and one car driving through a desert is all I needed to get me hyped for Knight Rider. Not to mention one of the best 80s theme songs... Might be the best. Its my ringtone and listen to it on my phone as a MP3. Non fans know it. Match the theme song with some great shots from show and car flying in the desert and you had me sucked in. The voice over is perfect as well.

1.Thundercats

This was easily number 1. The "Thunder..Thunder... THUNDERCATS HO! Would have me running to grab my sword of omens to follow along in the action. Its such a action packed intro that it sucks you right in. Animation is outstanding and seeing things like the Thundertank ripping through the screen locks you into the show. For whatever reason I also loved the shiny logo at the end too. Just perfect.


80s,tv, thundercats, ghostbusters, top 10, knight rider, cartoons, super mario, tmnt,

-This movie is more about the new characters then Liono and his gang, which is bold considering the kids want the Lord of the Thundercats.

-They do a great job of packing in a ton of villains and other characters. It could be a mess but the pace is so fast and goes well within the story it works. They show everything 3rd Earth has to offer.

-Cheetara calls Lion-o "impetuous".. I'm sure the kiddos got that one.

-Lion-o looks like a smurf when Snowman finds him.

-They introduce a ton of new vehicles and toys here.

-Marketing was strong for a new toy line for the shelves.

-The Fistpounder was awesome toy. Loved it. Huge too.

-Cliff Hanger freeze frames. Must have been for the VHS release.
-Story telling is never a problem for Thundercats. Same with it here. We get more back story which dives us deeper into the universe that is Thundercats.

-I would love to know the official count on how many times Lion-o lost the Sword of Omens in the shows history.

-Action is non stop. The story telling still finds a way to be amazing.

-Thundertank vs Fistpounder!

-Lynx-o is very Jaga or Yoda. Like his blind angle.

-Lion-o throwing Mum-Mutt like a baseball is hilarious. Only thing that could have topped it was if he punted him, then Mumm-ra freaks out on the mutants about losing his dog.

-"hair caught"... lol

-I like how they call them Thundera Country Men.

-Panthro must be one bad mammer jammer, lives through the Thundertank laying on him.

-The ending was sorta like Guardians of the Galaxy. Mumm-ra just couldn't handle the power.

-Great moment when Lion-O makes the three new comers Thundercats.

God I wish I could see this in HD. It will never happen but man... How awesome. There is lots of reds so the poor quality can takes it tole on the eyes. Pretty odd how they took the first 5 episodes of season two and just boxed it into a VHS and called it a Thundercats Movie. Its the closet thing we got to one so I'll take it. I do think its very good. Non -stop action with good story telling. Not to mention you get a ton of characters.

RMT, thundercats, cartoons, 80s,

Random Movie Thoughts

Just finished up MOTU. Man what a trip and what a flop after the people behind this movie was promising it would be the star wars of the 80s.... Yup that didn't happen. Like I've mentioned before I enjoyed this Heman more then the cartoon version which I don't find to be that great. I am sure I wouldn't care for this movie if I didn't watch it so much as a kid because it has a ton of flaws but just find it fun to watch now. Watched it at work with some 10 year olds and they enjoyed it so it stands the test of time a bit.

-Let me get this out of the way first. This movie feels like a sequel to a movie that was never made. The first scene they drop you right into the action. Grayscull is now Skeletor's. Heman and his companions are out fighting for their lives. Why is the sorceress in a flashing beam? WHAT THE HELL DID WE MISS?!? We get zero origin on the events of what is going on in this world or who these people are and how they got there. Then you are thrown to earth where the movie is really about the two teens(boring). So to me this feels like we are picking up from the action of a prior movie... But we aren't. Odd. How kick ass would it have been if we had the first movie about the origin of Heman and how he came to be and in the end Skeletor takes over Grayskull leaving you hanging. Should have hired 5 year old me.

-Dolph is a good looking Heman but I don't know if he is a good Heman. To me he just seems like another side character. He has more of a role then Teela and Man at Arms but to me the movie isn't much about him.

-The scene with Heman listening to Skeletor's message to Eternia is pretty kick ass image.

-What is with this power that Skeletor is trying to get from the great eye? They just don't take the time to expand on any of this. Instead we are wasting time with the teens story at Robbie's Ribs.
-And why did this great power leave Skeletor when Heman broke his weapon? One moment you are shooting gold beams out of you're eyes at people and boom power gone. Couldn't tell you why.

-Bunch of odd characters that are not from the cartoon. Only cool one was Blade to me. The rest were forgettable.

-Frank Langella saves anything there is left to save in this movie. He kicks ass as Skeletor. He might be the only reason to watch this movie. He is scary, dark and merciless.
-No really.. Skeletor kick ass in this movie.

-I love the march anthem for Skeletor. I mean it isn't Darth Vader's but its pretty good.

-Gwildor adds some comic relief. Not much but the kids laughed at his car he outfits with some sort of Batmobile engine.

-How did he have time to outfit a Caddy with a Batmobile engine? I will never know.

-Special effects aren't bad for the time.

-Love the huge hover crafts Skeletor and his army march into earth on.

-Speaking of that march, where are the people in this city? The streets are empty. There are like no extras in this movie. Its like Batman 89.
- Skeletor's guards look like Darth Vader. Like these didn't even try.

-Heman steals their guns to much. To many laser shoot outs and not enough sword fighting.

-I want the cosmic key prop. It would look great by the family photos.

-Heman has zero fun in this movie. Again that just might be Dolph.

-Sword battle is little odd. Gets dark, no one else around. To short. Wish it was longer.

-The tone of the movie is pretty dark.

-When they show the wound on Cox's leg I always would close my eyes. It still grosses me out today.

-Light saber wip is cool.

-So now the key can travel back in time? If so when Julie is sent back... By Back to the Future rules there should be two Julies and two Kevins... Deal with that Gwildor.

-Good Journey
I still enjoy watching this movie. Its the Heman I have always enjoyed since I just think the cartoon can't hold a candle to Thundercats. Is it good? No, do I have fun watching it? Yes. If it was done a bit better with more of a Origin story and not on a budget(17 Mil) that kept everything on earth it would have been better. Leave the humans out and don't start the movie...in the middle of the story and we might be talking about a 80s classic.

Found two great Interviews with the actors of Man at Arms and Karg! (there is a blog for everything I swear)
Also a very good Interview with the Director who gives some great insight with all the challenges of making this film.


RMT, 80s, cartoons, heman, 80s movie,
-

My brother collects toys. So do I. But mine are found at flea markets, 99 cent ebay auctions, Toy R Us... My Brothers are found online only from Hot Toys and Neca and needs to be paid off with payments(yes this is true). These 12 to 18 inchers will cost you anywhere from $150 to $1000.

Hot Toys is probably the best money can buy. They have $800 Batmobiles and Delorean! These suckers are big! 1/6 scale. So they might be pricey but god damn.. People that you have over will be the same again!. To own Batman and Batmobile or Marty and the Delorean you are looking at over $1000. Not to mention you should have some kick ass display case to keep them safe. So yes Hot Toys imo has a level of detail that is jaw dropping.

Neca is a solid brand and you get lots of detail at a lot lower price. They do sell some things in Toys R Us. Their 18 inch Batman 89 is pretty amazing and won't break the wallet at around $150. Their stuff would be closer to what most people want to shell out for their favorite pop culture hero.

I went over to my brothers a few weekends ago and shot some of his things. If he ever decides to become a monk then these babies fall to me.

Batman- Batman Begins
This one is pretty sought after since it hasn't been produced for sometime. A lot of fans of the original suit from Begins. Going to run you $500+
Joker-The Dark Knight
This is the bank heist Joker and is a bit more affordable at $275
Robocop
Just got this bad boy and will cost you $300 and $400 if you want his chair. This thing looks amazing in person. The paint job is just astounding.
Michael Myers
This is a bunch of pieces from custom builders. Not sure on the value here but I'd guess $200. The mask has amazing detail.
Neca Batman 18 inches 
For $150 its pretty impressive. I'M BATMAN! Compare to the Hot Toys version and it isn't far off.
Randoms
Here are some things that mostly are Neca.
toys, hot toys, neca, robocop, batman, joker, 80s, cool crap, bttf, halloween,

I don't talk about Knight Rider much on here because... There isn't much to talk about. The series has been abused since it went off the air with Team Knight Rider, terrible movie rumors, Knight Rider 2000 and Knight Rider 2008. Some of my best stuff in my collection is Knight Rider stuff. It was the earliest show I remember watching. My mom said in fact it was my first show I would sit and watch. I really just fell in love with the car more then anything. The Kenner car was my favorite toy(which I own today..IN THE BOX). I always wanted a scanner for my bike but didn't get one until I was driving my 91 Saturn SL2, it was more a laugh then anything but we had fun in high school with it.

My son now loves this show. Hes 4 and we watch the same episodes one a weekly basis. He plays with his diamond select Kitt and turbo boosts so rough we have to tell him to take it easy on our coffee table. Not sure what this show had besides a awesome car that made it magical but it just had.."it". Devon,Bonnie(ok April too), KITT and Michael all just clicked and made TV love. The writing was good for the most part and seeing the same random actors play different roles was a bit odd but I think that was common practice than.  Its to bad it went out like it did. The show was still getting good ratings and everyone in the crew thought a 5th season was going to happen for sure but out of the blue it was canceled.

Thoughts on Knight Rider 2008
Just awful attempt by NBC. Outside the opening theme they got everything else wrong. Terrible acting, Kilmer brought no personality to Kitt, awful dash in the car, Transformer cars, story arc... I could go on and on. I enjoyed the first episode and that was it.

Thoughts on movie rumors
For it to be worth a damn it needs to be the original car and William Daniels doing Kitt. Or a car that is very close to the original Trans Am. Lots of people have wanted to make a farce out of the show like the dukes of hazard but that would again would be going all wrong and turn off the fan base. You would need a witty and charismatic driver like David brought so the normal names would come up. Tatum and Pratt but I think a good dark horse candidate would be Josh Holloway from Lost(Sawyer). His sarcastic tone would bounce well off Kitt. It also would need be a small team like the original. The Semi truck, a Devon like character and some hot chick mechanic. It will never happen and if does.. It will be all wrong I am sure.

 10.Killer Kitt
My son loves this episode. It might be the most action packed one of the whole series. A old employee of Knight Industries breaks into Kitt and loads a new program into his CPU that gives him access to Kitt via remote. Kitt gets a scary voice and turns on Michael. We also get to see SPM here which is always a treat. Teaser Trailer.

9. Knight of the Juggernaut
Season 4 starts of with of course Kitt getting his ass kicked in. Michael then runs into RC who brought a lot to the show I thought. He helps Bonnie install Super Pursuit Mode which I loved as a kid and so does my son. It was a gimmick but I thought it brought some excitement to something that was getting a little stale. The bad guy(same actor that is in Knight in Disgrace) with the strong hand is ridiculous but whatever. Again I think they kicked off the final season with a bang. Teaser Trailer

8.Knightmare
Michael hits his head and thinks he is Michael Long the police officer. Kitt is following him around like a puppy trying to jog his memory. Its sorta comical now watching it as he runs away yelling for Kitt to leave him alone. Also a highlight of this episode is Michael jumping like 4 stories off a balcony to land softly right into Kitt's driver seat. Teaser Trailer

7.Knight in Disgrace
Michael is suspended from flag for being busted with a bag of Colombian bam bam in his pocket. The episode leads you to believe this is really happening since even Kitt in not in on twist. It fun seeing Michael be a bad guy, even if its all a act. Teaser Trailer

6.Junk Yard Dog
This is another of my son's favorite. While trying to bust acid John(guy who dumps waste) Kitt is picked up by a fork lift and dumped into a acid pit. My son says this one makes him "nervous" since Kitt yells for help and sinks in the muck(which they use a model Kitt to do..looks awful). It takes a while to get Kitt back on his feet since he scared to be hurt again... Yeah..ok. Teaser Trailer

5.Scent of Roses
This one is pretty dramatic as Michael decides to quit the foundation and marry Stevie. Stevie is then gunned down on the alter and murdered. The episode is full of cheesy acting from Hoff and rage after her murder. You want him to beat him to death in the end but Kitt talks him out of it...unfortunately. This should have been the last episode of the series as it was canceled and Hoff fought for it to be that but the higher ups either didn't care or were idiots as they made one of the worst episodes(Voodoo Knight) of the 4 seasons the last episode. Trailer Teaser

4.Trust Doesn't Rust
Another favorite as a kid. Seeing a evil prototype Kitt was always fun. The two bums lead to some funny moments and their is some great stunt work in this one. This is easily the best episode of season 1 outside of the pilot. The voice acting is done by Megatron from the Transformer cartoons. Does a amazing job, Teaser Trailer

3.KITT vs KARR
Some how KARR survives flying off a cliff and blowing up. Not to mention Flag's lazy asses decided not to go recover their prototype killing super car who just got loose which leads to KARR being found by some 20 something year old dude and his girl friend(who looks like Amy Poehler). The final duel is pretty cool but of course has the terrible looking model smashing in the air with KARR being smashed to peices. They sorta leave it open by having KARR'S CPU still flashing(again will they just come recover their blood thirsty tech?). Teaser Trailer

2.Goliath part 1&2
The second season starts off with a bang! I think the duel with Goliath might be the best of the series. Again Kitt takes a beating here and Michael having to get into the manual to trouble shoot a way to get out of the desert is pretty awesome in my book. The scene of Michael driving a broken Kitt is pretty hilarious. Between Hoffs acting on the speed and the bruised and battered Kitt flying around, it is TV gold. I enjoy the story line with Garth being Knights evil son. Hoff running around with a stash and being evil is something that you could get away with in 80s TV. Teaser Trailer

1.Knight of the Phoenix part 1&2

Don't be sad.. You are hansom now.

The series starts of with a bang in this made for tv movie/pilot. The police man Michael Long gets his face blown off and he wakes up looking "beautiful and Hoff". Watching the chemistry build with Kitt and Michael is great and apparent from the start that it just clicks. I think this is really a darker edger Knight Rider then what most the series produced with Michael getting shot in the end and women villain shooting her self on accident. Another great moment is when Michael gets pulled over for sleeping behind the wheel and pretends to be deaf. I don't think many shows can say their best stuff was the pilot and I think its true here. Vintage Commercial


top 10, tv, knight rider, 80s