Oh Boy! Volume 2

Volume 2 of the "Star Comics All-Star Collection" is out. For those unfamiliar, when Harvey Comics originally ceased publication in 1982, all of the artists and writers bailed out to Marvel Comics' new fledgling Star Comics line. While many of the Star Comics were just licensed properties like "Alf", "Heathcliff" and "Rocky and Bullwinkle", a few original comics were produced. Volume 1 and now 2 have reprinted the best of those from "Planet Terry", "Royal Roy", "Top Dog" and Wally the Wizard".

Bunny Fan Club Picture

Ok everyone, I am looking for the pinback button and membership card and pictured in this ad from "Bunny" #4. Please let me know if you have ever seen or better still OWN one....

"THFT!" #73 Out Now!

Here's the latest issue of "The Harveyville Fun Times!" #73. Only two more issues to go before I pack it in for good. It's been a good run of 20 years, but with the Internet and declining circulation, it's not worth for me to publish anymore. The invitation is still out there for someone else to take over with #76 and I will help them out to ease the transition. Please let me know...

I'm a Tippy Teen Fan!

A couple of years ago, I decided to pursue obtaining buttons and other souvenirs advertised in old comic books, mostly pre-1980. What I found out was, most of these souvenirs either were made in very small quantities or don't even exist at all. Here is my latest acquisition, the "Tippy Teen P.A.L. Club" button as advertised in the pages of "Tippy Teen" back in the 1960s. An obvious Archie rip-off, the artist on this button is most likely to be Samm Schwartz who also did a lengthy run on "Jughead" for Archie.

I'm still looking for the elusive "Bunny Ball Fan Club" button from the pages of Harvey's "Bunny". Let me know if you have one or have seen one.

Decent Song for a Greater Cause

Julian Lennon puts out his first release in almost a decade. "Lucy" is a tribute to the girl that inspired The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds", even though some wags still feel that it was LSD. Here's the proof: a reproduction of the original drawing by Julian Lennon is included with the disc and in some cases, Julian's autograph. My copy unfortunately did not have the autograph. As for the music, it is very pleasant and open to repeat listenings. However, those pining for the John Lennonish-type vocals that graced Julian's first couple of albums will be sorely disappointed. Julian has a fine singing voice, but no longer any of the nasal quality that his father had. Overall, not the best material Julian has ever done, but far from the worst.

As far as the greater cause is concerned, the real Lucy died recently of Lupus and royalties from this release will be donated to Lupus research.

"THFT!" Blow-Out Sale

In recognition of me ending "The Harveyville Fun Times!" with #75, I am once again blowing out all of my back issue inventory. This means that for $5.00 I will send you 10 random assorted back issues! There is no expiration on this and I will try to accommodate requests, but once they're gone, they're gone, and I won't be reprinting them (at least in magazine format). If interested, please Paypal $5.00 to thft@att.net

Thank you everyone for your support all these years.

Marvel's "Star Comics All-Star Collection"

Marvel's "Star Comics All-Star Collection" is out as of last week. The $19.99 trade paperback compiles all the stories from "Planet Terry" #1 and 2, "Top Dog" #1 and 2, "Royal Roy" #1 and 2, and "Wally the Wizard" #1-2. It even reprints ads promoting the lines from that time including one for "Royal Roy" that has been unaltered and you can see why Harvey got mad at the time since he looks exactly like Richie Rich, complete with original face and blond hair!!!

THFT! to End with Issue #75

I've made the decision to stop publishing and editing "The Harveyville Fun Times!" next year with 75 issues and 20 years unless someone else wants to take on the editing and publishing chores. Any takers? (cover is of recent issue #72)

Saratoga History Museum Honor

If you haven't read on Facebook or the jillion other places I promote myself, I'm being honored as one of 100 famous Saratogans at the Saratoga History Museum now through January. This Friday, November 27, at 6pm, they are having an open house to show the museum. Other honorees include Stephen Spielberg, Olivia De Havilland, Kerri Walsh, Ed Solomon, Lance Guest, Bill Hasselman, among others. I will be there if you are in the area. The Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum located at Saratoga Historical Park: 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Saratoga, CA.

Yay! Casper in Hardback and in Color!!!

The "Casper 60th Anniversary Special" is out today featuing the complete St. John "Casper" #1" and complete Harvey "Harvey Comics Hits" #60 (which actually is "Casper" #6). Incidentally, the copy of "Casper" #6 used in the book is my copy. I shipped it to Leslie Cabarga for scanning and he sent it back. Just FYI, as my name wasn't mentioned in the book. The best part besides being in color and a hardback is that it's only $9.95! What a deal! Finally, some respect for lowly Harvey.

Good Evening New York City

Paul McCartney has just released his 347th album since leaving The Beatles, where he sings "Let Me Roll It" for the 45,652nd time in his career. The 94-year-old ex-Beatle said of the release, "I just need to milk it one more time before I join John and George in the sky!"

Ringo commented that he was more impressed with "Two Virgins", and has now approached Paul to be an All-Starr, as this album now qualifies him.

George Martin was quoted as saying, "What?"

McCartney hopes to outsell (and outlive) Yoko Ono's new CD, "I'm Screaming My Head Off and I Don't Know Why". Available at better record stores and Goodwills everywhere.

If You're Stumped About What to Get Me for Christmas

It's the entire Beatles catalog on a handy Apple-shaped USB!!!

Christmas is Coming! Buy My Books!

Didn't mean to scare you...

Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Christmas CD

I saw this on CD for the very first time when I went to Border's yesterday. Does this mean that the other long out-of-print and never issued to CD Hanna-Barbera albums are due out soon?

Hey Hey I'm a Be-Atle!

Me playing the guitar on the new Beatles Rock Band with my friend Grant Grothaus on vocals.

1000 Comic Books You Must Read

Here is yet another book that I assisted with about the information on Harvey Comics. My friend Tony Isabella has written an excellent volume as it covers all types of comic books, not just the superheroes. My highest recommendation!!

Josie and the Pussycats

My Josie and the Pussycats article will be appearing soon in "Back Issue" magazine #40.

Fun Ideas Productions News

In case you didn't hear it (or I haven't bragged about it enough to you in person or on Facebook), here is my appearance on the November 4th edition of "The Dan Shahin Show" on KSCU in its entirety.

http://www.vimeo.com/7448204

I'll be posting my appearance on "The Howard Stern Show" from the same day as soon as I get a copy of it.

Also, while I have your attention, please be sure to stop by The Saratoga History Museum anytime from now through January as I'm being honored as one of 100 famous Saratogans. The museum is located at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in Saratoga (obviously). It is normally open Fri, Sat and Sun from 1-4pm. There will be an open house reception on November 27 at 6pm. All are invited. I'll be there.

And, for my East Coast friends. If Saratoga, CA, is too far away, you might want to attend the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art at 594 Broadway #401 in New York, on November 19, at 7pm, as they have an opening reception for "The Art of Archie Comics", which I helped coordinate. I don't think I'll be in attendance that day, but the show does run through February 28, 2010, so I may make it out there before the show concludes its run.

Archie Finally Does it Right!

After years of ignoring their past, Archie is FINALLY doing it right, by reprinting their older material in a format intended for collectors. Above you see the cover of the first volume of the collected newspaper strips. These will be followed by various volumes of comic book material focusing on a particular artist or characters in hardback collections. Also, there are now DVD-ROMs that compile a goodly amount of Archie comic book material in archival form.

Who says that material like this has to be only about superheroes. The clincher on this is that the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) in New York is running an art show featuring original artwork from the 40s to the present. The show runs from November through January and features contributions by yours truly, who also brought you the Harvey Art Show last year.

Let me know if you need any further information about any of these Archie products or shows.

Mark Arnold LIVE! on KSCU (Nov. 4, 2009)

I'm scheduled to appear as a guest to talk about my book and other projects live on KSCU radio 103.3 on Wednesday, November 4, at 9pm. Listen, if you're local.