#movienovelization

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #333: Let’s End 2021 by Wrapping up the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization (Part 19) and Talking Toy Updates

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #333: Let’s End 2021 by Wrapping up the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization (Part 19) and Talking Toy Updates

https://archive.org/download/podcast-333/Podcast%20333.mp3

This is the last show of 2021! We’re finishing up the year with a few toymaking updates and finishing the reading of the Howard the Duck novelization.

If you celebrate Christmas, hope y’all had a good day. We tend to follow the Latin American tradition of extending Xmas to at least Three Kings’ Day in January since, with young children, it seems to work out best to not give ALL the presents on one day. And it make it a bit more relaxed. Speaking of the holidays, check out this cookie my brother, Jeremy, decorated showing a soaring Logan. There’s even an infinity sign lest yon man soaring over and through lofty peaks be mistaken for a mere snowboarder.

Speaking of Logan, about a year ago, I made my first real custom action figure – a fairly well articulated Logan from The Thirteenth Hour from an old GI Joe and the head of a character from Treasure Planet (I think).

This year, I’m about 80 percent done a similar, but in some ways more complex project – casting and making a number of copies of Logan and Aurora in Kenner-style 5 points of articulation form. The fine detail and touch up work is still yet to be done, but even so, it’s a simpler look with less moving parts. The simplicity allowed me to think about being able to cast all the parts and attempt to piece them together.

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A post shared by Joshua Blum 📘🎨 Author & Artist (@the13thhr)

I still have two more separate figures to make as well as accessories and packing to figure out but will discuss more next week when discussing 2022 goals.

One goal I had this fall was to read a longer movie novelization on the show (I read a movie novelization of Spacecamp before, but it was pretty short). I was wondering if a 200 page book would drag. But done in little bits, it was fun to do, especially this one. After 19 episodes, reading roughly a chapter a session, we have finished reading the Howard the Duck movie novelization. It was quite an enjoyable experience, as I’ve mentioned before. In some ways, similar to the comic – part satire, part social commentary – as well as a healthy dose of existential angst exhibited by Howard almost making it part philosophical treatise – clearly, this Duck is more than meets the eye.

A few excerpts I liked:

And (spoilers ahead), you can’t beat this ending:

It’s been a nice activity to complete while working on the Beverly figurines.

Next week, the first episode of 2022!

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Protect yourself and others with the Thirteenth Hour mask combo package on Etsy. This fall, it became really hard to find good quality masks for our kids as they were going back to school. There are still long wait times for some of the companies we like best, so I thought, why not try to find an alternative? I eventually settled on the triple layer masks available for printing on by the company Flashbay. They were one of the few companies I found that were transparent about their third party safety data (Junior: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Junior_REACH.pdf?v=1617870020, Adult: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Sky_Performance.pdf?v=1603078812), which is nice. I was impressed by how well these masks performed on the filtration tests, even after repeat washings. Also, I really liked how both the ears and nose piece could be adjusted for a good fit.

The Thirteenth Hour mask combo also comes with Thirteenth Hour hand sanitizer! (But of course.)
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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #332 and Like a Hood Ornament #41: Toymaking Updates, the Christmas Rocketeer Episode (20), Rocketeer Unboxings, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 18

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #332 and Like a Hood Ornament #41: Toymaking Updates, the Christmas Rocketeer Episode (20), Rocketeer Unboxings, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 18

https://archive.org/download/podcast-332/Podcast%20332.mp3

This week, we’re getting ready for the holidays by opening some presents my brother sent, watching the Rocketeer Christmas episode, discussing a few toymaking updates, and, of course, reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization.

As far as updates go, I’ve been sanding and painting, then sanding and painting some more. I’ve got the parts laid out for each figure and have been painting parts of them piece by piece.

This is a preliminary idea of what Logan will look like. Not all the colors have been painted in, obviously, but that will be the fun part – when all is painted and it’s ready to glue it all together.

Speaking of toys, my brother, Jeremy, who was last on for the Red Sonja episode, sent some Rocketeer gear, and I thought it might be fun to open it up on the show:

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A post shared by Joshua Blum 📘🎨 Author & Artist (@the13thhr)

Then, we watch the Rocketeer cartoon Christmas Star episode. A few screenshots:

Now, check out the Hughesville Mayor’s Rocketeer sweater!

And check out these ornaments! Disney, take note!

Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a holiday gift, please consider checking out the Thirteenth Hour mask combo package on Etsy. This fall, it became really hard to find good quality masks for our kids as they were going back to school. There are still long wait times for some of the companies we like best, so I thought, why not try to find an alternative? I eventually settled on the triple layer masks available for printing on by the company Flashbay. They were one of the few companies I found that were transparent about their third party safety data (Junior: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Junior_REACH.pdf?v=1617870020, Adult: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Sky_Performance.pdf?v=1603078812), which is nice. I was impressed by how well these masks performed on the filtration tests, even after repeat washings. Also, I really liked how both the ears and nose piece could be adjusted for a good fit.

The Thirteenth Hour mask combo also comes with Thirteenth Hour hand sanitizer! (But of course.)

Lastly, we are also reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization. We are almost done! Only two more chapters to go. This past one has some humorous mid 80s satire/commentary on politics of the day (Ronald Regan economics and priorities, the Cold War, etc).

Next week, we finish Howard! Have a good holiday, everyone!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #331: Toymaking Updates, Shoutouts, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 17

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #331: Toymaking Updates, Shoutouts, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 17

https://archive.org/download/podcast-331/Podcast%20331.mp3

This week, we’re discussing a few toymaking updates, reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization, and thanking some people!

Last week, my daughter and I tried our hand at making a resin bookmark – it worked (kind of), though one half of the resin still is a bit tacky. I’ve been letting it sit in the garage, since day by day, it get less and less sticky, and it can do its stinky off-gassing there! I probably didn’t mix it thoroughly enough. However, in the meantime, another kind of resin came in the mail, and this kind is a lot easier to use (plus, it’s odorless). So we’ve tried again, with better results. This batch also came with a bunch of little jewelry and charm molds, which was pretty sweet (since there is always extra resin left over after you’ve poured what you intended to).

Here are all the different Thirteenth Hour action figures primed and ready for painting. Same with the Beverly Switzler figures. Painting is the part I like least, but I think that once I get started, it will go fine. I’m going to do these all assembly line style – painting all the arms, the legs, the shoes, etc. rather than each figure head to toe.

One other thing about priming is that it helps bring out the details when the resin is translucent. Compare these two Rocketeer packs – the primed one on the left, the unprimed one on the right.

Now, some thank yous. Thanks to Colin from I Used to Like this One for leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. If you haven’t checked out their show, please do so; Colin and Shawn cover a lot of the same kinds of films I talk about on here, they do good work, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them over the years. You can listen on their website or on most of the major podcasting platforms. If you like what they do, consider supporting them on Patreon and become a producer of their show.

Another show that you may want to check out, this time a martial arts one, is First Cup with Jeremy, the founder of Whistlekick. Jeremy and I have worked together for a number of episodes for his main show, Martial Arts Radio, but this little morning show is one I only recently discovered. I really like the community that Jeremy and the other folks at Whistlekick have worked to create – one based on curiosity, focusing on the positive, open mindedness, and the sharing of information. Have martial arts questions or ones that might make for interesting discussion? If you join the Facebook group, you can leave a question for the show!

Jeremy recently modeled one of The Thirteenth Hour masks and gave the pod a shoutout. Glad it fits well and hope it helps this winter!

The Thirteenth Hour mask combo also comes with Thirteenth Hour hand sanitizer! (But of course.)

Lastly, we are also reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization. This part of the novel has some really great writing. The author really beefed up what would have been a pretty thin novel with some humorous bits that elevate the usual pot-boiler status of these kind of books to something actually unique and fun that can stand firmly on its own, even if you haven’t seen the movie.

And in this section, the word “chowderhead” is mentioned (Rocketeer reference! Though, to be fair, Howard the Duck predated The Rocketeer by 5 years)

Next week, the Rocketeer cartoon holiday special!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #330: Toymaking Updates, Resin Bookmarks, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 16

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #330: Toymaking Updates, Resin Bookmarks, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 16

https://archive.org/download/podcast-330/Podcast%20330.mp3

This week, we’re discussing a few toymaking updates, reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization, and talking about a new resin side project.

My daughter recently got interested in making resin bookmarks as gifts, so after making an initial mold, we made a trial bookmark with Alumilite resin. I don’t know if that’s the best one to use, since I find it overall difficult to work with, but it’s what I had and does dry hard and clear, which I think should work.

Alumlite is messy, viscous to use, and smelly, so we did this outside and went though at least 4 pairs of gloves. This is what we ended up with, so hope it cures! I did order some more resin that is often used by jewelry makers, that will hopefully be a bit easier to work with, so if this is a fail, we’ll try again. I think it’ll be fun it we can do it!

It’s tedious, but I’ve been making some slow progress on the Lego Rocketeer figures! The Cirrus X-3 packs now have attachments to go over the Lego minifigure neck peg (instead of magnets, like I originally thought). They are now primed and ready for silver paint. I have to cast a few more, but my goal is to make at least six minifigures. There are always a few that are collateral damage, so to speak, in the creation process (parts get broken, something doesn’t go as planned, etc).

If you’re looking for a holiday gift, please consider checking out the Thirteenth Hour mask combo package I recently put on Etsy. This fall, it became really hard to find good quality masks for our kids as they were going back to school. There are still long wait times for some of the companies we like best, so I thought, why not try to find an alternative? I eventually settled on the triple layer masks available for printing on by the company Flashbay. They were one of the few companies I found that were transparent about their third party safety data (Junior: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Junior_REACH.pdf?v=1617870020, Adult: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Sky_Performance.pdf?v=1603078812), which is nice. I was impressed by how well these masks performed on the filtration tests, even after repeat washings. Also, I really liked how both the ears and nose piece could be adjusted for a good fit.

The Thirteenth Hour mask combo also comes with Thirteenth Hour hand sanitizer! (But of course)

Lastly, we are also reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization. This part of the novel has some interesting commentary on 80s attitudes (I’m guessing, added by the author, since it’s not really part of the movie). Here’s the section in the film (the part with the ultralight plan / car chase):

We’re just a few chapter away from finishing the novelization!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #329: Toymaking Updates, Aurora Inspiration -“Saving the Best for Last” by Daniel Horne, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 15

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #329: Toymaking Updates, Aurora Inspiration -“Saving the Best for Last” by Daniel Horne, and Reading the Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 15

https://archive.org/download/podcast-329/Podcast%20329.mp3

This week, we’re discussing a few toymaking updates, discussing one of the inspirations for one of Aurora’s outfits from The Thirteenth Hour, and reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization.

As I was preparing the first run of Thirteenth Hour action figures, I was reminded of where one of Aurora’s outfits came from. Back when I was a kid, you’d occasionally see fantasy art used in advertisements for video games and TSR Dungeons and Dragons material. This was one that I think was used in an ad in this copy of a tattered DnD magazine I think that was called Dragon. I’m not even sure it was credited, so I didn’t know the name of the painter or the painting for decades. But I loved the painting – the tension, the imagery, the fact that it tells so much in just one picture. Eventually, I somehow learned the name of the painting (I think by eventually figuring out who painted it), and learned it was done by Daniel Horne, and the name of the piece is “Saving the Best for Last.” The title, too is perfect (referring to the archer’s last arrow. I can literally feel myself tensing up internally seeing the threat looming up in front of the archer and the fact she has no more visible armament left). Here is the transcript of an interview I found with Daniel Horne back in 2011.

And if you like this picture, you can buy a copy of your own on the artist’s website (just like I did).

I recall sketching the hell out of this picture when I was a teenager, trying to capture the dynamic nature of the story depicted in the painting. I was inspired by the setting, her outfit, her bow, the big hair (it was 1987, after all), the “oh, snap” expression on the archer and wanted to pay homage to this painting and how much it meant to me in The Thirteenth Hour, just like all those other 80s influences I’ve talked about ad nauseum on this podcast and website. This character in Daniel Horne’s painting is probably the only other visual inspiration I had for Aurora other than Beverly Switzler’s hair in Howard the Duck. Even before I had written this part of The Thirteenth Hour, I had already created the scene and background for it in my mind and sketched out an early draft of the picture that would later become the one that would show up in the book below:

The same outfit showed up in the magnet dolls I made about a year ago (I still have to figure out what to do with these; I think some will come with a future Thirteenth Hour special edition album).

@13thhr

Magnet dolls of characters from The Thirteenth Hour w/ outfits & gear. Made from a magnetic sheet. For an upcoming special edition LP. #craftingideas

♬ Keyboard Cat (Synth Cat) – Technix

This was the first custom action figure I attempted – a tiny rendition of Aurora in her archer’s garb, the same one in the picture with the dragon above and, of course, the one inspired by the archer’s outfit in “Saving the Best for Last.”

And here is the Kenner-style 5 POA versions I’m in the process of painting. The parts are primed so far, so it’s just sanding, painting, repainting, and the final process of fitting the pieces together.

@13thhr

At this point, I’ve made 8 figures plus a few trial ones, so now comes the rough part – painting! #customactionfigure #toymaker #actionfigures

♬ The Thirteenth Hour Theme (Synth Orchestra) – Joshua Blum

You can now find the Aurora and dragon picture as a 4″ x 5.5″ flexible magnet on The Thirteenth Hour Arts store.

On the same store, you can also find the Thirteenth Hour mask combo package I recently put on Etsy. This fall, it became really hard to find good quality masks for our kids as they were going back to school. There are still long wait times for some of the companies we like best, so I thought, why not try to find an alternative? I eventually settled on the triple layer masks available for printing on by the company Flashbay. They were one of the few companies I found that were transparent about their third party safety data (Junior: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Junior_REACH.pdf?v=1617870020, Adult: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Sky_Performance.pdf?v=1603078812), which is nice. I was impressed by how well these masks performed on the filtration tests, even after repeat washings. Also, I really liked how both the ears and nose piece could be adjusted for a good fit.

The Thirteenth Hour mask combo also comes with Thirteenth Hour hand sanitizer! (But of course)

We are also reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization.

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #327: Toymaking Updates and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 14

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #327: Toymaking Updates and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 14

https://archive.org/download/podcast-327/Podcast%20327.mp3

This week, we’re discussing a few toymaking updates and reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization. Some toymaking stuff first:

I recently finished the resin hoverboard for the mini Logan I made awhile back. Lightning, Logan’s magical hoverboard, has this shiny aqua console in front that I wanted to make out of resin but wasn’t sure how to do. I eventually got a passable result with Alumilite resin with blue mica powder mixed in. After a fair amount of fiddling and polishing, then painting, repainting, etc Lightning came out all right. I’d like to do something similar for the 5 POA Kenner style figures I’m making, since that’s Logan main accessory. I’m not yet sure if it will be similar or different, but this was a good trial run. You can sort of see it below next to one of said Kenner style figures, which itself is made from parts that didn’t really work for the other figures I had. The resin in some of these limbs came out too squishy to really be used, but can’t let it go to waste, now, can we? I’m still going to put this one together and paint it.

Below, you can see how Aurora’s torso comes out of the mold. As you can see, there’s a fair amount of clean up needed.

Some of the figures made so far, prior to priming and painting. I’ve made two others since and am working on a third.

Some shrunk down rocket packs done with bits of resin left over casting the limbs to the figures (more to come shortly). This technique uses mineral spirits added to the mold mixture. The mineral spirits slowly evaporates away, shrinking the mold. You can see here how much these Rocketeer packs shrunk down compared to the original one made for a Reaction Rocketeer figure.

Since there’s always leftovers, I often pour them into other small molds, too. The hoverboard above is actually the one of the left, minus the paintjob, front console, and the peg for the figure to stand on. The synthesizer on the right is the same one I used to make one for Logan to play on – the first custom action figure I did – and used to make crayons and recycled plastic keyboards:

I added QR codes on the back of these miniatures for songs from The Thirteenth Hour soundtrack and figured they could be kind of like 3D business cards.

For example, I thought they’d be fund additions to a Thirteenth Hour mask combo package I recently put on Etsy. This fall, it became really hard to find good quality masks for our kids as they were going back to school. There are still long wait times for some of the companies we like best, so I thought, why not try to find an alternative? I eventually settled on the triple layer masks available for printing on by the company Flashbay. They were one of the few companies I found that were transparent about their third party safety data (Junior: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Junior_REACH.pdf?v=1617870020, Adult: https://static.flashbay.com/images/certificates/Sky_Performance.pdf?v=1603078812), which is nice. I was impressed by how well these masks performed on the filtration tests, even after repeat washings. Also, I really liked how both the ears and nose piece could be adjusted for a good fit.

The Thirteenth Hour mask combo also comes with Thirteenth Hour hand sanitizer! (But of course)

We are also reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization.

Next week, my brother, Jeremy, joins the show as we talk about the 1985 film, Red Sonja. Stay tuned!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #326: Toymaking Updates, Watching The Crow Part 2, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 13

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #326: Toymaking Updates, Watching The Crow Part 2, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 13

https://archive.org/download/podcast-326/Podcast%20326.mp3

This week, we’re discussing new toymaking updates, reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization, and watching and discussing the second part of the 1994 film, The Crow.

Toymaking stuff first: I have a handful of Logan and Aurora 5 POA Kenner-style action figures that are ready for priming, painting, and final touches:

We are are reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization.

Then, we are wrapping up talking about The Crow:

As mentioned in the episode, the score by Graeme Revell provides a haunting backdrop to the film that sets the tone perfectly. You can find both the regular and deluxe editions on Youtube:

Although I believe there was a Crow skin you could download for the game Max Payne (which was very Crow-like in many ways), there were not video games made of the first film. There was one made of the sequel, though. Check out the hilarious AVGN review.

If you want to stay within the world of the first film, checking out the TV series, which is different from the film in some ways, is not a bad way to do it. The first episode is basically a retelling of the film with some adaptations to make the series continue.

Thanks for listening!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #325: Toymaking Updates, Watching The Crow Part 1, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 12

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #325: Toymaking Updates, Watching The Crow Part 1, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 12

https://archive.org/download/podcast-325/Podcast%20325.mp3

Welcome to the second part of the Halloween editions of The Thirteenth Hour podcast! This week, we’re discussing a few toymaking updates, reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization, and watching and discussing the first part of the 1994 film, The Crow.

Toymaking stuff first: I have some working prototypes of the Logan and Aurora 5 POA action figures:

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A post shared by Joshua Blum 📘🎨 Author & Artist (@the13thhr)

Another slightly related thing and a preview of coming attractions (hopefully helpful for this winter) is there will be some Thirteenth Hour masks for kids and adults coming soon:

We are are reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization.

Then, we are wrapping up Halloween by starting a two part segment on The Crow:

There is some great free running that happens on the rooftops in this film, as evidenced by this scene.

This is one of my favorite solos of all time and such a great example of how you can use music to convey heartfelt emotions without resorting to verbal exposition. This solo was inspiration for one of the tracks on a upcoming Thirteenth Hour soundtrack, entitled “Mourn of the Midnight Phoenix.”

The score done by Graeme Revell is great. One of my favorite tracks on the score is this one.

To be continued next week!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #324 and Like a Hood Ornament #40: Toymaking Updates, Watching the Rocketeer Cartoon Episode 19, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 11

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #34 and Like a Hood Ornament #40: Toymaking Updates, Watching the Rocketeer Cartoon Episode 19, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 11

https://archive.org/download/podcast-324/Podcast%20324.mp3

Welcome to the first part of the Halloween editions of The Thirteenth Hour podcast! This week, we’re discussing a few toymaking updates, reading the next section of the Howard the Duck novelization, and watching the Halloween episodes from The Rocketeer cartoon.

Toymaking stuff first: with the spare resin that comes from making other things, I’ve been saving a bit for these little helmets to become (once finished) to Rocketeer helmets for the Lego Rocketeer minifigures to be donated to charity auctions:

There’s always resin left over after a project, so I generally pour it off into another easy to use mold, like this one. Some of those projects:

The Beverly minifgures – still got to clean up the flashing along the seam lines and touch up a bunch of other parts (basically consisting of lots of filing, sanding, etc. edges and other parts, perhaps also strengthening the guitar necks). Then they will be ready for painting (at least the non glow in the dark ones).

Lastly, it’s rough, but I finally have a prototype cast Logan made from flexible Smooth-On Smooth Cast 45 D resin for the limbs and head and Smooth-On Smooth Cast 300 resin for the torso. I might try to make one that is all made of 45 D since I might be able to make it translucent, which would be fun. Now, it’s just a matter of fine tuning the casting process to make sure the limbs can reliably fit inside the torso – which they did on the initial non-cast prototype but somewhere along the lines, something got lost in translation after casting and tolerances that were tight are no longer.

We’re also watching the next episode of the Rocketeer cartoon (number 19) … the Halloween episode! Some screenshots:

You can see Kit’s dressed up like a WW1 pilot for Halloween, making her look just like Cliff in the beginning of the film or in various pages of the comic by Dave Stevens.

We are are reading the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization.

The author added another humorous aside calling back to our episodes on The Wizard of Loneliness, where “Lord, love a duck” was a frequent utterance.

Happy Halloween!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #323 and Like a Hood Ornament #39: Toymaking Updates, Watching the Rocketeer Cartoon Episode 18, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 10

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #323 and Like a Hood Ornament #39: Toymaking Updates, Watching the Rocketeer Cartoon Episode 18, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 10

https://archive.org/download/podcast-323/Podcast%20323.mp3

This past week, I have been waiting for some new resin to arrive for the Logan and Aurora Kenner style figures. In the meantime, I have been working on these Lego Rocketeer minifigures to be donated to charity auctions. Here’s what I’ve got so far:

The packs and helmets are being resin cast. As I mentioned in the episode, I think I will use magnets to attach the rocketpacks, at least the ones not intended for kids. (Rare earth magnets and small children are a bad combo).

We’re also watching the next episode of the Rocketeer cartoon (number 18) … Some screenshots:

… and readung the next section of the Howard the Duck from the movie novelization.

The author added this especially humorous segment:

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #322 and Like a Hood Ornament #38: Toymaking Updates, Watching the Rocketeer Cartoon Episode 17, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 9

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #322 and Like a Hood Ornament #38: Toymaking Updates, Watching the Rocketeer Cartoon Episode 17, and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 9

https://archive.org/download/podcast-322/Podcast%20322.mp3

This past week, I made a mold for the Logan and Aurora Kenner style figures. There will need to be another one, since the torso halves are being made with different resin.

Make molds can be messy business …

These guys are about to be slimed …

Like this: https://www.tiktok.com/@13thhr/video/7016844956908244230

@13thhr Oh snap! The Thirteenth Hour #actionfigures are happening! Pouring the first mold … @Smooth-On, Inc. #customactionfigures #thethirteenthhour ♬ Searching for Forever (Instrumental) – Joshua Blum

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We’re also reading the next episode of the Rocketeer cartoon (number 17) …

And starting the next chapter of Howard the Duck from the movie novelization!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #320: Toymaking Updates and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 8

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #320: Toymaking Updates and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 8

https://archive.org/download/podcast-320/Podcast%20320.mp3

This past week, I have finally got around to making the mold for the Beverly Switzler minifigure. I made a two part mold that attempted to protect what I figured would be a delicate area of the figure (the neck of the guitar) but the realized after the facts that certain other delicate parts, like the guitar strap, would probably get caught in the mold and not make it out successfully. So that part I may have to add later. Here are some steps involved:

Add a clay backing to make one half…

Then preparing for the second layer, including adding a bunch of air vents …

A quick video showing the pouring of the mold:

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A post shared by Joshua Blum 📘🎨 Author & Artist (@the13thhr)

And now, speaking of which, back to the duck! The zaniness continues in this eighth reading of the movie novelization Ellis Weiner, based on the screenplay by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz. This is the infamous section of the story where Howard and Beverly almost hook up … or do they? 🙂 It’s handled here in the novel much less awkwardly than in the film, I must say!

Lastly, all proceeds to The Thirteenth Hour Studio on Etsy over Sept will be donated to the Red Cross (RedCross.org) for Hurricane Ida Relief. Check the link below to support those affected, still in the midst of the pandemic, with 80s retro art (music-books-toys). Your purchases help those in need get back on their feet!

https://etsy.me/34VP4tf

Stay tuned for more!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #319: Toymaking Updates and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 7

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #319: Toymaking Updates and Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 7

https://archive.org/download/podcast-319/Podcast%20319.mp3

This past week, I’ve made some toy progress: 1.) on my Alumilite resin experiment – just finished this translucent metallic blue Rocketeer (Pledge Floor Polish really helps to bring back the sheen after sanding), as well as 2.) with the 5 POA Kenner-style Logan and Aurora from The Thirteenth Hour. Logan is basically ready to go. Aurora needs a few more details but is about 80% complete. Once these guys are done, it will be time for making the molds and casting the pieces. The exciting part will be assembling the pieces to see how they all fit together.

Also, I want to thank all of you who took the time to write in and leave reviews on Apple Podcasts. The process of doing so should be easier than it actually is, especially for all the non-Apple users. Don’t worry if you tried but it didn’t work. Just posting it on social media and tagging me works great, too, and frankly, is probably a hell of lot easier. Game developer Antonio Scacchetti, who left one of the reviews, was on the show twice before (see episode 123 and the 2 parter: 252 & 252). Check out Dev9k for more info on their projects!

And now, speaking of which, back to the duck! The zaniness continues in this sixth reading of the movie novelization Ellis Weiner, based on the screenplay by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz. This is the section of the story where Howard rage quits, gets in a bar fight, and reunites with Beverly.

This week’s bit of 80s trivia comes in the form of inventor and entrepreneur Sir Clive Sinclair, who sadly passed away recently. He was instrumental in developing the pocket calucator and personal computer for the masses. He also happened to shar a last name with a certain actor in the 1991 film of The Rocketeer, so I used that as a way to throw in a bit of 80s trivia in the short story, “The Last Rocketeer,” which you can read here. It always seemed to me that Cliff Secord would have liked video games if they’d been invented in his day, so I figured why shouldn’t he get to enjoy them in his golden years? 1983, to be exact.

https://etsy.me/34VP4tf

Stay tuned for more!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #318: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 6

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #316: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 4

https://archive.org/download/podcast-318/Podcast%20318.mp3

This past week, I’ve been experimenting with a new clear resin made by the company Alumilite, testing it out with some of my old molds just to get the hang out it. It takes a lot longer to cure and is a bit more fiddly / messy than the others I’ve used, but each resin has its own personality, so to speak, and I like the option of being able to make clear or translucent figures, which is what this one can do. Here’s an example of a Rocketeer one I started:

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A post shared by Joshua Blum 📘🎨 Author & Artist (@the13thhr)

At this point, I have a prototype of the 5 POA Kenner-style Logan from The Thirteenth Hour (I was running low on primer here and just had a bit or blue and silver paint/primer left, leaving him looking like the Tinman from The Wizard of Oz, though that will mostly get sanded down in the finishing process). There is also the start to one for Aurora (made so far from a She-Ra torso and legs – picked because it was one of the few figures like this that came with a skirt – and an Erica (from Red Dawn) head (since she has the great 80s big hair).

Logan here post sculpting, pre priming …

Post priming, pre sanding …

Aurora is kitbashed from two Reaction figures, as mentioned above. I thought they did a really nice job on the head sculpt. Usually these figures look kind of generic, but this one actually looks like the actress (Lea Thompson, who, ironically was Beverly in Howard the Duck). Since Aurora’s personality and hair was modeled in part on Beverly from Howard the Duck, it was a nice coincidence that I could find a head sculpt that worked for this figure. More to come in the coming weeks …

And now, speaking of which, back to the duck! The zaniness continues in this sixth reading of the movie novelization Ellis Weiner, based on the screenplay by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz. This is the section of the story where Howard storms out of the museum, strikes out on his own, and tries to get a job.

Totally random, but check out this Kool-Aid ad / pamphlet from probably the late 80s or early 90s. My mother in law saved it, and it made its way to our house. I thought, “I must share these gems with the world.” And here it is … enjoy! And if anyone has tried a blue Kool Aid – Jello smoothie, I would love to know what you thought.

https://etsy.me/34VP4tf

Stay tuned for more!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #317 and Like a Hood Ornament 37: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 5, Rocketeer News, and Toymaking Updates

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #317 and Like a Hood Ornament 37: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 5, Rocketeer News, and Toymaking Updates

https://archive.org/download/podcast-317/Podcast%20317.mp3

Some interesting news this week. The Rocketeer is supposedly getting a sequel! Now, I am not holding my breath, since there have been sequel rumors for years, and so far, they have all died on the vine. But it is exciting, nonetheless. Even if nothing comes of it, if it generates some interest in Dave Steven’s original comics and the 1991 film for a new generation, I view that as a win.

One thing that does seem more tangible, since it is slated for a release next month, is a beautiful Rockeeter board game. Now, I gotta be honest, board games have never really been my thing. Half the time, when I read the instructions, I go, “What? I don’t understand what the hell you are supposed to do. Who wrote these things?” Also, maybe once my kids are older and we can all play them together, it will be a different story, but most of the ones more complicated that Candy Landy require a level of concentration pretty much making them a no-go for the little ones. But … that is not to say that will always be the case! Plus, game or no game, I would buy this one for the little miniature Rocketeer figurines alone (which I was thinking of trying to make a few months ago – this saves me the trouble)! I will be looking forward to this one this fall for sure.

Speaking of The Rocketeer, I am using a Reaction Rocketeer figure as the base of the body for a 5 POA Kenner-style figure of Logan from The Thirteenth Hour. The head will be modified from a figure of the Charlie Sheen character from Red Dawn. Just need to do a few more touch ups and then make it all go together smoothly. More to come shortly.

Here are a few pictures of the Beverly minifigure I have been working on for the past few months: Just about done, I think. Just a few touch ups here and there.

And now, speaking of which, back to the duck!

This is the section in the story where Howard meets Phil (a young Tim Robbins). There are some really funny asides the author, Ellis Weiner, added for this segment:

https://etsy.me/34VP4tf

Stay tuned for more!
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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #316: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 4

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #316: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 4

https://archive.org/download/podcast-316/Podcast%20316.mp3

This week, we’re again taking a short break from the 30th anniversary of The Rocketeer by celebrating the 35th anniversary of my another of my favorite films, Howard the Duck. The zaniness continues in the movie novelization of Howard the Duck by Ellis Weiner, based on the screenplay by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz, though with a number of humorous and satirical additions that were unique to the novelization. Some of those are also found in the three part comic adaptation that came out about the same time as the film and novel. A few screenshots:

As mentioned in previous weeks, there is a Howard the Duck documentary, Howard the Doc, currently being created with interviews from some of the original writers / cast / crew. I do believe it is the only one that has ever been attempted for this first of all Marvel movies.

It is in the final stages of production. Their team needs some love / support / bucks to help complete the project, and you can support them on Indiegogo. Some crowdfunding platforms don’t result in any funding going to the creators if the final goal is not met, but in this case, the filmmakers will get it every penny that you contribute even if the final target is not met. If you have love for the 1986 film, comic, the original cast/crew, or 80s movies in general, please consider taking a look at the campaign, sharing on your social media, or contributing. Hopefully, then we can all see the final product!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/howard-the-doc-documentary-finishing-funds

Some screenshots of the production with Ed Gale (who was inside Howard), Jeffrey Jones (a.k.a. the principal who get booted in the face in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), and Lea Thompson.

The minifigure that I am making of Beverly, along with a portrait of Howard, is now a perk if you contribute at the $125 level. Check out the fundraiser above; I believe it is ending on 8/30, so spread the word!

Stay tuned for more!
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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #315: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 3

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #315: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 3

https://archive.org/download/podcast-315/Podcast%20315.mp3

This week, we’re again taking a short break from the 30th anniversary of The Rocketeer by celebrating the 35th anniversary of my another of my favorite films, Howard the Duck. The zaniness continues in the movie novelization of Howard the Duck by Ellis Weiner, based on the screenplay by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz, though with a number of humorous and satirical additions that were unique to the novelization. So far, I’m liking the novel version of Howard more than the movie version (some screenshots below from the film of this segment).

In this part of the chapter, we learn a little more about Beverly Switzler, the frontswoman of Cherry Bomb, an all female band essentially created for the film. Howard, sleeping in a garbage can, meets Beverly, who has just played a disappointing gig and gets accosted by some overly intrusive “fans.” He fakes some “quack fu” and scares the things away, though as in the film, Bev hardly sits passively at the sidelines.

I found some drawings I believe done by Joe Tompkins, the costume designer for the film. There’s a collection of sketches he did that you can see from the film for Beverly and Howard (click below for more info):

Speaking of the film, there is a Howard the Duck documentary, Howard the Doc, currently being created with interviews from some of the original writers / cast / crew. I do believe it is the only one that has ever been attempted for this first of all Marvel movies.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/howard-the-doc-documentary-finishing-funds

Some screenshots of the production with Ed Gale (who was inside Howard), Jeffrey Jones (a.k.a. the principal who get booted in the face in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), and Lea Thompson.

Stay tuned for more!
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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #314: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 2

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #314: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 2

https://archive.org/download/podcast-314/Podcast%20314.mp3

This week, we’re again taking a short break from the 30th anniversary of The Rocketeer by celebrating the 35th anniversary of my another of my favorite films, Howard the Duck. The zaniness continues in the movie novelization of Howard the Duck by Ellis Weiner, based on the screenplay by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz, though with a number of humorous and satirical additions that were unique to the novelization. So far, I’m liking the novel version of Howard more than the movie version.

An example of some of the bits of humor thrown in by author Ellis Weiner that doesn’t make it onto the screen. Sometimes these movie novelizations were kind of phoned in, but so far, this one really goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Here is the section where we meet our heroine, Beverly. There is a little more detail about her and her band mates here than in the film, which is one of the nice things that these movie novelization did when done well.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/howard-the-doc-documentary-finishing-funds

Some screenshots of the production with Ed Gale (who was inside Howard), Jeffrey Jones (a.k.a. the principal who get booted in the face in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), and Lea Thompson.

Stay tuned for more!
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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #313: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 1

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #313: Reading The Howard the Duck Movie Novelization Part 1

https://archive.org/download/podcast-313/Podcast%20313.mp3

This week, we’re taking a short break from the 30th anniversary of The Rocketeer by celebrating the 35th anniversary of my another of my favorite films, Howard the Duck. When I was creating the Aurora character from The Thirteenth Hour, Beverly from the film was one of the influences I used in creating Aurora’s character. Awhile back, I found an old copy of the movie novelization so figured this would be the perfect time to read it on the podcast. It’s based on the screenplay by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz, so I’m thinking it may give some background info that might help explain some parts of the film. And this intro section does not disappoint – it is totally bonkers!

If you’re a member of the Patreon, check out the exclusive podcast they dropped this past weekend for more on the making of a Beverly minifigure. Will be posting periodic updates as the initial clay sculpt gets finished and the molding / casting process gets underway.

Stay tuned for more!
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