Thundercats

     Thundercats have to be one of my all-time non-military toy lines from the late 1980s.  Not only that, they were paired up with a really great cartoon series that I still enjoy to this day.  Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, I set out on a mission to obtain all the characters from the Thundercats toyline for a reasonable price.  To this day they are still some of my prized action figures due to their cartoon realism, their vibrant colors, and their unique battlematic action features.  Distributed by LJN, they carried with them a lot of the similar action features seen in the Dungeons and Dragons toyline from the same company.  By activating a lever on the figure's back, one could move the arms to simulate sword slashing, punching or grabbing.  The Berzerkers, a band of evil pirates, had some even more unique features like spinning or zipping across the floor on an embedded wheel in the chest.  The vehicles from the toyline are a little cheesy and large but do resemble their cartoon counterparts as well. To this day, I do not own a Cat's Lair and probably never will due to its size and lack of playability features. I actually prefer Mumm-Ra's Tomb playset as it has the transformation chamber and two of the four Ancient Spirits of Evil from the cartoon.
    An unfortunate side effect of the plastic used to manufacture this series is that over time they may yellow in color, become speckled with brown spots, or suffer from stickiness. ( I recommend displaying them in a case and not handling them.  This kills me because they really are an awesome toy line.)
    In the above pictures, you can see the entire figure run.  The top shelf shows all the good Thundercats and their allies and companions.  The middle shelf focuses on the Evil Mutants and their allies.  I have even been fortunate enough to obtain a MOC Stinger and a Driller figure (Two of the harder figures to obtain from the third series).
   I will add names at a later time.  Until then, enjoy a trip down memory lane with the Thundercats.
Thunder! Thunder Thundercats Ho!

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 23

Chapter 23

 I had barely slept the night before due to the anticipation and excitement of my new assignment as well as Pathfinder’s current medical condition.  Dangerous, could sense my anxiety, and rub repeatedly against my legs.  After feeding him, I looked over the confines of my quarters one last time trying to ascertain if I was leaving behind anything of value.  My feline friend made short work of his breakfast as I reached into my desk drawer to retrieve a protein bar and some trail mix.  I contemplated getting a coffee but didn’t want to risk any uncomfortable stomach rumbling on the ride over.  A few minutes later, the phone in my room rang.

“Hello.”  The voice on the other end informed me that the humvee had arrived and was ready for loading. “Alright, buddy.  Say goodbye to your room.” 

I folded his travel crate and secured his working harness around him. 

“No leash today boy.  You’re gonna have to walk next to me.” 

The cheetah let out a vocal chirp and waited obediently by my left side as I picked up my duffle bag and his folded crate.  I placed them close to the door as I opened it and propped it open with my boot. After placing everything in the hallway, I flipped the inside door knob lock and closed my room door. 

“Time to go, buddy.”

Dangerous and I made the trek down the hallway to the elevator together.  Each of us had been informed that the humvees would be parked in the loading zone outside of Entrance 2C.  As the doors of the elevator opened, I was surprised to see Mayday standing holding her gear.  Having had no previous encounters with her, I had no idea where her quarters were located in the complex.  She was a more experienced Joe team member so it made sense that her room would be on a higher floor in the Pit.   

“Good morning, Sergeant.”

I dropped my bag and saluted her before entering. 

“At ease PFC, and good morning to you as well. Please pick up your bag.”

 I immediately complied and stepped into the elevator with Dangerous close to my side.

 “That’s a rather large cat you’ve got there. Is he friendly?”

“Only to people he likes.” I smirked as I replied.

“Great! Well, I’m allergic. So, if you can keep him at least ten feet away, I’d greatly appreciate it.” 

Dangerous made another chirp as I asked him to heel and as he enjoyed meeting to new people I could tell that he was displeased.

“What about dogs? Junkyard is part of the task force as well.”

“Yeah, dogs too. Pretty much anything that has fur.  She reached into her pocket and retrieved a pill bottle.

“Look, I love animals. The problem is my allergies don’t.  When I was a kid, I had a snake and fish as pets.  Less mess and no fur.  Oh, and please call me Mayday.”

She removed the cap from an unlabelled bottle and shook out two yellow pills which she placed in her mouth and swallowed. 

“Thank God for over the counter medications.” 

I smiled in response.  I too had had allergies growing up as a kid, but I was one of the lucky ones who had outgrown them.  The elevator came to a stop a short time later and the doors opened.  Out of respect for both her rank and her gender, I waited for the Sergeant to exit before me.  My parents had raised me properly in terms of manners and the military only further reinforced these practices.

Claymore, Bombstrike, and Muskrat had already loaded their bags onto their humvee and were talking nearby.  Once they saw me, they motioned for me to join them.  I also spotted Stretcher, Mace and Long Arm loading their gear onto their assigned transport.

“Good morning guys and girls.”

“Hey Buddy, I was wondering when you’d show up. You’re on our humvee.  Are you ready for this?”

“I barely slept last night, but absolutely.  So, who else is taking our ride?”

“Luckily not Mutt and Junkyard, I could really do without needing a flea bath later, but it’s the four of us and Cutter.  It was listed on the back window.”

We all enjoyed a good chuckle, and I took a minute to load my duffle bag and Dangerous’ folded crate into the rear of the Humvee. 

Major Morris emerged out from the passenger door of the second Humvee just as Mutt and Junkyard exited the building.   General Hawk gave him the thumbs up signal that everyone was present and accounted for.

“Good Morning members of the D.E.F. I’m so happy that we are all on time and ready to move out.  I just wanted to give all of you a quick briefing before we load up.  We will be taking the humvees over to Brighton Air Strip and boarding a single transport plane to our new base of operation. We should be arriving in under four hours.  Are there any questions?”

Bulletproof looked out upon the assembled team, but no one had any.

“All right troops. Fall in!”

We each boarded our respective vehicles and it was a mere twenty-minute ride to the army airstrip.  I wondered briefly why we hadn’t just flown out using the Pit’s airstrip, but I’m sure there had to be a legitimate reason for it.  After parking, we disembarked and grabbed our gear in order to board the unmarked military transport plane.  The interior was surprisingly comfortable and a bit unexpected.  Parachutes were available on the back wall in case of an emergency but the plane had been outfitted with two dozen oversized seats with built-in video monitors, a wide aisle and a larger screen at the front.

“OK D.E.F team, we will be airborne in about twenty clicks.  We are scheduled to arrive at 1300 hours, 1600 hours Eastern Time, give or take fifteen.  Light food and drinks will be available during the flight, but I highly encourage each of you to watch the training video programmed into the plane’s video monitors.  Headphones are available in the seat backs.  Sit back and enjoy the flight.” 

The major took a seat near the front of the plane and it was only a few minutes before the captain’s voice came over the intercom and asked us to find our seats and buckle up for takeoff.  I opted to watch the video after only being in flight for twenty minutes.  It was an informative narrative focusing on the mission of the D.E.F and the ongoing war on drugs, starting as far back as the 1960s.  The video concluded with profiles of some of the world’s most notorious drug lords and the location and names of their associates and cartels.  Some, like Los Muertos and the Sinaloa Cartel, I had heard of. Others like Chepe Diablo and the Headhunters were completely foreign to me.  I absorbed as much of the information as I could and when the video ended I decided to watch it a second time.  

Dangerous spent the majority of the flight pressed up as close to me as possible.  It was apparent that the great cat did not enjoy flying which was evident from his flattened ears and intermittent nervous chirping.  I rubbed him behind the ears trying and spoke softly to him trying to quell his anxiety. Eventually, he calmed and spent the rest of the flight napping soundly next to my seat.

The plane landed close to its scheduled time and I actually managed to sneak in a nap between watching the video and prepping for landing.  I felt slightly refreshed after having not slept much the previous night. As the cabin door opened, we all grabbed our gear and disembarked from the plane.  The airstrip was small and as we walked out the door and down the extended aluminum ramp, the major made an announcement, welcoming us to the Garden State.

 “Whoah, whoah! We’re in Jersey?  No way!”

“That’s right Armed. Welcome home.”

I couldn’t believe it, my task force was going to be operating out of my home state.  I looked around the airfield trying to find telltale signs of my location. It wasn’t Teterboro, I was very familiar with that airport. I thought about other smaller airstrips and figured that we were either in Morristown, Lakewood Township or Atlantic City.  The surrounding vegetation seemed to match. We boarded a modern-looking silver bus at the bottom of the ramp. After a fifteen minute ride down on a dirt road, the bus came to a stop and parked in front of a rather indistinct two level brick building. There were no identifying signs posted on the building itself, only the following alphanumeric code, N2C-T7. A heliport was visible off to the left as well as a small parking lot with a free-standing matching brick, three bay garage.  A large satellite dish surrounded by a barbwire-topped fence completed the location.  My time on the G.I.Joe team had sharpened my observation skills, and I could glean from the information, that the site was much more than it first appeared at a cursory glance. We exited the bus and followed Bulletproof through the front doors of the building.

“Welcome to N2C-T7 or base camp everyone.  Private quarters and showers are on the second floor. Two roomies per suite. Conference room, computer room, cafeteria, gymnasium, laboratory and weapon’s locker are on the main floor.  The bomb shelter is in the basement.  It’s not grand, but this is what you will be calling home for our time spent here.  Pick a room, unpack and meet me in the conference room in an hour.  Any questions?”  

“No, sir!”

Muskrat and I opted to share a bunk across the hall from Claymore and Cutter.  The ladies bunked together down the hall.  Only one room was already occupied and clearly labeled “Bulletproof director.”  I set up Dangerous’ travel crate and unpacked my personal items into the footlocker on the left.  We then flipped a coin for the top bunk, I lost.  The room was larger than our quarters at the Pit, but it did have to accommodate two people. 

“I’m going to go check out the cafeteria and the gym.  You coming?”

“I’ll be down in a few, just gotta feed the kitty.”

“Alright, I’ll wait.” 

We made our way back down to the first floor.  The floorplan was basic and the various rooms were easily identifiable.  There was a gym with a universal, an elliptical, a treadmill and a sparring mat.  The conference room was large enough to seat up to twenty people with a long table, folding chairs, and a projection screen.  Directly across the hall was a small but antiseptic laboratory.  The cafeteria at the end of the hall was more like a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave. sink, two vending machines and several tables for sitting. The amenities were not brand new, but everything was quite cozy. 

It wasn’t long before the other members of the task force joined us in the conference room.  Major Bulletproof Morris entered about ten minutes later carrying a laptop.

“Welcome once again.  I trust you all have had a chance to settle in and see the facilities.  I would like to take this opportunity to brief you on the recent goings-on.  Yesterday, one of our informants, Jimmy the Leech, was shot execution style on one of the Newark piers.  He had connections to a local drug ring known as the Headhunters. Our sources have also reported a firebombing at a small dive bar in Connecticut earlier today known to be a hangout for some of the local drug-dealing riff-raff.  At the moment, we’re not sure if the incidents are connected, but we will need to run further surveillance to see if the two are linked.”

Everyone in the room looked on as the footage streamed across the big screen at the front of the room. 

“A camera secured to a phone pole across the lot caught most of the activity but was out of range to run facial recognition software. No one was killed by the blast and we’re checking local traffic and security camera footage to see if they captured anything else.”

“Would you like me to put a drone in the air over the Newark piers? sir?”

“Negative Bombstrike.  The piers are in close vicinity to Newark International Airport and we would have to get military clearance from the state and local government in order to do that.”

“Do we have any other assets that are willing to talk? Or anyone that I can make talk?”

Claymore pounded his closed right fist into the palm of his left hand loudly.

“Right now, we have no one else willing to share intel with us, but I have a bad feeling that something big is going down.  I’ve got our resident tech specialist working on it.  Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Hacker.” 

A tall lanky fellow with glasses, a baseball cap and a superhero shirt walked into the room.  He looked like a comic-con attendee, but with a little better hygiene.

“Hi everyone. I currently have ears in ten different known meeting places for the local drug rings.  If anyone is talking, I’ll hear them.  But right now, it’s as quiet as a church mouse out there.” 

“I hate sitting on my hands waiting for something to happen, but the hit on Jimmy was completely unforeseen.  He was virtually an underling, wasn’t much more than a gopher in the drug world.  Someone used him to send a message to someone who obviously poses a much larger threat and I need to find out who that someone is.  So in the meantime, I am asking you all to hit the web and do some research.  See if we can’t find some answers.  Mace and Long Arm take Mayday with you in the cruiser and hit the streets.  Clock’s ticking people.  Jimmy was an informant with ties to the drug world, but he was still a father, a husband, and someone willing to put his neck on the line in order to make the streets safer. So let’s move out and keep me posted!”

Enter the Headhunters Book 2 Links to all Chapters

Below you will find chronological links to all chapters in Book II of the Armed and Dangerous series: Enter the Headhunters.  Cheers!
Drakov

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 1

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 2

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 3

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 4

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 5

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 6

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 7

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 8

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 9

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 10

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 11

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 12

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 13

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 14

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 15

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 16

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 17

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 18

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 19

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 20

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 21

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 22

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 23

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 24

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 25

Enter the Headhunters Epilogue


If you would like to peruse Book I "Armed and Dangerous" follow the link here:

"Armed and Dangerous" Book I Chapters

Armed and Dangerous Book 1 and 2 "Links to all chapters"

Below you will find chronological links to all 17 Chapters of "Armed and Dangerous," A G.I.Joe Origins Story.  At the bottom of the post is a link to all the chapters in "Enter the Headhunters," Book 2 in the series. These is the first two books in what will be a three-book story arc.
Cheers!
Drakov

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 1

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 2

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 3

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 4

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 5

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 6

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 7

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 8

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 9

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 10

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 11

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 12

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 13

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 14

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 15

Armed and Dangerous Chapter 16

Armed and Dangerous Epilogue

Follow the link below to get to Book II "Enter the Headhunters"

"Enter the Headhunters" Book II Chapters

Blackstar Galoob

     Hello everyone.  Here is another oldie but a goodie from my standpoint at least.  Back in the 1980's, Galoob released a quirky toyline designed to compete with Masters of the Universe called "Blackstar."  It featured a couple of unique playability features like laser-light (which was created by activating a roller-type cigarette lighter feature on the back of the figure) and glow-in-the-dark weapons and accessories.  The action figure line lasted for about two years and included two series of figures and several boxed vehicles and monster mounts.  I have included the pictures above that show off some of my collection, as a lot of my other items are packed away MIB/MOC in storage at the moment.
     The top picture includes starting from left to right: The evil Lava Loc, a reptilian-like molten lava creature with a club (series 2 1984).  Mara, good female spellcaster (series 1 1983).  Tongo, the cat-man (series 1 1983).  Meuton, an evil wasp-like creature (series 2 1984). 
Back row: Klone, in cloud cat costume (series 2 1984) and front row: Vizir, an evil wizard (series 2 1984).  Only series two figures had the laser light feature, and most of the series one figures with the exception of Mara were re-released with it. A portion of the figure's torso was constructed from translucent plastic and when you flicked the roller switch it would create sparks from a flint-like material, in much the same way as an empty cigarette lighter would.
     In the bottom picture: John Blackstar, the hero is on the far left (series1 1983).  Next to him is Gargo, the vampire (series 1 1983). and to the far right, you can catch a glimpse of Neptul, the fish-man (series 1 1983).  The very front rows show off a couple of the solid PVC figures from the line that were included with the poseable figures.  There is a red and blue demon which is most commonly acquired in their yellow-green coloration, Balkar, a good Trobbit, is located between them.  All the way to the left in the front in the first photo is another evil creature that I'm not sure was named.  (Help me out if you know.)
     Most of the above characters appeared in the animated series that aired for only one season in 1983 titled "Blackstar."

I hope you enjoyed a look back at this iconic toyline.

Cheers!
Drakov

Enter the Headhunters Chapter 22

Chapter 22

The Mechanic had made great strides at renovating and reconditioning the outdated facility.  In a matter of only two weeks, he and his team of assigned technicians had installed six heavy duty automobile lifts, a new conveyor belt drive, a maintenance elevator, and two isolation labs.  Various light fixtures and the electrical panel were updated to code. The entire lower level had been converted into a bomb shelter lined with lead panels and a panic room door.

The Headman’s overseer office was outfitted with the necessary wiring and routers to serve as the central hub for the warehouse’s wifi, security cameras, and computer servers. The Mechanic had installed a blind wall on the southern wall that would obscure the Headman’s actual office from view.  This room would also be equipped with a perimeter alarm and a hidden door for private entry and exits.

Other Headhunter recruits were busy on the exterior of the building hanging advertising signs, updating lighting and applying fresh paint to various surfaces.  The building had undergone a major transformation and was beginning to take on the appearance of a legitimate shipping corporation.  The project was moving along ahead of schedule and it would only be another week before products could be both synthesized and shipped from the site.  The rear overhead garage door opened to allow a box truck to enter.  The driver backed into one of the service bays and two additional delivery men emerged from the back of the truck wielding hand trucks.

“Excuse me, but where would you like us to unload the petroleum products?  We’ve got thirty cases of heavy weight motor oil.” 

The mechanic waved at the worker and then sent a headhunter named Ramirez to see to the situation.  At about the same time, a tractor-trailer hauling a steam shovel and two large oil tanks pulled up in the back lot. 

“Excellent, the gas pump and tank installation team is here.”  He rubbed his hands together happily and walked out the exit door.

“Hi! Are you the guy we see about burying these fuel tanks?”

“That would be me.  Will you also be laying the concrete and installing the pumps?  I had specifically requested a team that could do it all.”  The driver reached down and produced a written work order outlining the extent of their job participation.

“This document gives the details of our involvement.  It also provides you with a tentative timeline.  We will be doing the digging.  In about an hour our electricians and plumbers will be working together to outfit the tanks for fuel dispersal.  Afterward, a team of masons will be sealing the pad so that tomorrow our installation technicians can install the pumps and overhang.  A fuel truck is scheduled for a 1500 hour delivery tomorrow.  It says here that you require diesel and a 93 octane gasoline.  Does all that meet your approval?” 

The Mechanic took the form from the driver and scanned over the details and then focused on the name of the fuel company.

“I don’t recognize this fuel supplier.  Are they new?”

“Who is this Hiss Oil?  Look, buddy, the job went out to bid and they came in with the best price and reputation.  They’ve been distributing petrol to the midwest and southern states for over a decade now.” The driver looked at his wristwatch and reached for a pen to hand to the burly man dressed in an automotive jumpsuit.

“Look I don’t mean any disrespect, but can I get a signature so we can start digging?  We’re on a strict time frame.”  The Mechanic took the pen and signed at the bottom of the last page then handed the contract back to the driver.

“Alright, there’s an area marked with hazard cones on the southern side of the building where the gas tanks are slated for installation.  I’ll be by around 1600 hours to check on your progress.”  The driver smiled and put the truck back in gear.

“Don’t worry our part will be done by then and the second team will be here.” He waved and drove off towards the southern side.  The Mechanic watched as the tractor-trailer parked and the passenger exited the cab to unchain the steam shovel.  A dump truck and a backhoe drove around the back of the complex a few moments later and parked near the dig site.  Each vehicle team was quick to get to work excavating the area.  The hired technician walked back into the warehouse in order to oversee and direct the activities taking place inside.  Mr. Skee would be pleased and if things continued to progress at this pace, he would be deserving of a bonus. 

As Charles exited Bacro industries he was visibly frazzled.  On the way down the elevator, he had already sent off two private messages instructing Gristle to meet him in the parking garage with a unit of Headhunter Stormtroopers.  An ice cream truck with the “Yummy Bunny” logo was parked in the lot awaiting his arrival as he exited the double glass doors.  His second in command was standing just outside and escorted him to the back of the ice cream truck. After he opened the latched door, both men entered the rear of the vehicle where six heavily armored soldiers dressed in black and gold with bug-like helmets brandished IWI Tavors. The men immediately rose in order to salute their commanding officers.

“Sit down, sit down!”

The troopers immediately sat down holding their assault rifles firmly across their knees. 

“We have an issue that needs to be taken care of immediately.  We need to pay the Weasel a visit a little earlier than planned and I want answers.”

The tone of his voice indicated that he meant business.

“Get me that little bottom-feeding scumbag on the horn now!”

Danimal took out his phone and dialed the contact’s number on speaker. the line trilled once, twice and a third time before the man answered.

“Yeah, what is it? I’m kind of busy.” 

The voice was gruff and hinted at being mildly annoyed.

“Hello, Rodney.” The cartel leader’s demeanor had steadied and calmed by this time and no longer indicated his underlying rage.

“It’s the Headman.” 

The voice on the other end immediately softened its tone.

“Oh, um..I’m sorry, boss.  To what do I owe the pleasure? I mean.. aren’t we supposed to be meeting up later on today?”

“Plans have changed.  We need to move things up. I need to see you now.  You’ll need to stop what you’re doing and meet me at the location.” 

“But boss, I’ve got other clients waiting. I...I can’t just blow them off.”

“Have someone else handle it.  I’ll be there in thirty. Don’t make me wait.”  He ended the phone call and looked over at his constituents.  “He either answers all my questions, or we take him out today!”

“Boss is there something else going on mon?  I know the Weasel is a character, but he’s not that much of a threat.” 

The well-dressed man turned abruptly and pulled out his gold-plated gun aiming it directly at his second-in-command’s face.

“Do you dare question my actions? Jimmy the Leech is dead! I heard the whole thing go down over the phone. It ended with some unknown player calling me out to the docks for a talk.  I don’t find this to be a coincidence as it comes on the heels of your previous argument with the Dreadnok pirate!  Learn to shut your mouth and take orders!” 

Gristle immediately threw up his hands in surrender and made no move to retaliate.  The stormtroopers in attendance made no move to assist.

“I...I’m sorry, boss. I wasn’t aware of the situation.  I came as soon as you requested. Please.  Haven’t I always been a loyal supporter?  I’ll take care of this.”

“No. No, you won’t.  You’ve done enough already.”

“But boss...” With the gun still inches from his face, the Headman glared at him while speaking through clenched teeth.

“I’ll take care of it.  You’ll make sure the mess doesn’t get any bigger.  Am I understood?” 

Gristle offered up no further resistance.

“Yes, boss.”

“Alright, let’s go pay the Weasel a little visit.  Gristle you’re driving me.  Epsilon, take off your helmet and trail us in another vehicle to the site.  Once we get there, put on your private comm links.  If I say the word ‘blindspot’ that’s your cue to move in and remove the threat.  Any questions?”

The squadron and Gristle all answered in unison.

“No Headman, for your reign is supreme!”

There was no conversation between the two drug dealers on the way over to the meeting.  Charles had entered into a meditative trance clearly going over multiple scenarios in his head prior to meeting with the slippery asset.  He wanted answers and wasn’t afraid to use excessive force get them, but if the altercation could be avoided and the asset spared, that scenario was acceptable as well.  Gristle announced their arrival then put the car in park and opened the rear door for his boss.

The Headman scanned the area for any signs of deception.  Two cars were parked outside of the tiny rustic bar.  Each vehicle showed telltale signs that their owners were in the street business being adorned with a few inconspicuous window decals or bumper stickers that only other gang members or rivals would notice.

“How I despise those foreign imports and their lowered suspensions.  What a waste of a car!” 

Gristle did little more than nod as continued to scan the area for any signs of deception.  The two men walked into the bar to find their asset sitting comfortably at a side table.  Five other thugs sat strategically around the room clearly packing heat, ready to spring into action should things go sideways.  The alleged traitor stood up as he recognized the Headman entering the establishment.

“Hello Charles, so good to see you again.”  The Headman smiled and motioned for the man to sit.

“Hello, Rodney. Or should I say, hello, Weasel?”

“Whoah, Whoah! No need to get derogatory. I assure you I have been nothing but loyal to your organization.  In fact, I initially asked to meet with you to discuss a new client and a possible increase to my share of the take.”

“Don’t play coy with me.  There’s been a situation and I need to know who’s behind it?”

The Headman pulled out a knife from his belt and stabbed it into the wood of the table before the man. The room remained calm although, he thought he heard the faint sound of a gun safety being switched off.

The Weasel shifted uncomfortably but made no move to attack instead he placed his hands up above the table in full view of his visitor.

 “I assure you, I know nothing about any incidents and wouldn’t dare make a move against you, boss.  I honestly only want my fair share of the profit.” 

Charles narrowed his eyes and relaxed his posture as he took a seat in front of the man.  Gristle remained standing off to his boss’ right, but more than ready to draw his weapon if needed.

The Headman after sitting started over.

“There has been a situation in Jersey and at least one of my informants is dead.  Are you assuring me that you, and no one at your disposal, have any information on this?”

The Weasel shook his head in response, but another voice answered from the side of the room.

“And what if he did? What are you really going to do about it, huh?” 

The Headman and everyone else in the room turned to regard the speaker.

“I don’t even know that guy. I swear.  He was sitting here when we arrived having a drink.”  

The Headman leaned in across the table and through gritted teeth made an accusation.

“And neither you nor your men thought to clear the room when you got here?” 

The Weasel could do little more than shrug.

“And who pray tell, do I have the privilege of addressing?”  He turned back to the man across the table.  “Our meeting is adjourned.  You and your boys can leave. Shows over.”

“No one is leaving! Every foot soldier in the room drew their gun and trained it on the stranger at the bar.  The man didn’t make any move to draw a weapon and continued smoking his cigarette.

“I was sent here with a message for the lot of you.  These streets belong to Vargus so you need to either join us or step aside.  My boss grows tired of you and your so-called Headhunters thinking the drug business is theirs.”

His tone was even and confident.

The Headman had heard the name Vargus, but they were a South American cartel with few if any ties to the United States.  He stood up and approached the seated man. 

“Vargus, you say? Never heard of them.  Let me ask you this friend. Was it your employer who took out Jimmy the Leech? Because if he did, we have a problem.”

“Like I said before, what if we did?”  The shadowy man now turned his steely gaze upon the well-dressed man.  “Here’s the deal, I walk out of here unscathed, or you’re all dead.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, it is.  Look up at the rafters.  See the Christmas lights?” 

The Headman looked upwards. 

“Ever seen purple bulbs before?  Those purple lights are a string of detonators.  The room is wired to explode with enough force to kill everyone here and anyone parked outside in the parking lot.  So, what shall I tell my employer?”

The Headman looked around the room one more time and contemplated his options before responding.  He had planned for a gunfight, not a bomb, and if his adversary really wanted him dead, he would have done it already.

“Tell him, I look forward to our meeting tonight.”  He tipped his hat at the man and walked casually towards the door.  “Come on boys.  Time to go.”

“I said no one is leaving!”

“Oh, dear boy.  I’m not a no one and I am leaving. Cheerio chap.” 

The Headman wanted to turn and put a bullet right in the arrogant man’s head but restrained himself as he didn’t know the nature of the bomb’s detonator. The other men in the room followed his lead calling the man’s bluff.  As the last man exited the bar, there was a crackling and popping sound. 

“Everyone get down!”

Everyone immediately hit the dirt as the building erupted in a giant fireball behind them.  Gristle jumped and used his body to shield his boss as the shockwave knocked both men from their feet.  A second explosion occurred about thirty seconds later indicating the building’s gas line had also ignited.  One of the Weasel’s henchman lay very still to his left while a second man was screaming and rolling around frantically in order to put out the flames that had engulfed his clothes. Six heavily armored Stormtroopers appeared within moments in order to protect their fallen comrades. One grabbed the body of the fallen man on the ground quickly carrying him to the safety of the armored ice cream truck. Gristle quickly helped his boss up to his feet. 

“Are you alright boss?” 

The well-dressed man looked down at the dirt that now soiled his expensive designer suit, and pushed off the help of his second in command.

“Find out everything you can about this Vargus guy. This means war!”

Arco, "the Other World Collection"

     The above collection was a labor of love for me.  Back in the mid-1980s, I received an unexpected set of action figures for my 10th birthday.  Having a deep fascination with LJN's Dungeons and Dragons figure line, my mom and grandma decided to supplement my birthday present with a three-figure set from Arco's The Other World (1983).  The set I received had King Zendo, Hondu and two mogs.  They were apparently part of the villain line for this series and came complete with glow in the dark weapons.  Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a sucker for any toyline with a glow in the dark feature.  the figures were soft rubber with internal wires that allowed the figures to bend, similar to the old Gumby line.  The following Christmas I received Froggacuda and then for about a decade, I forgot about the toyline.  In the late 90s and early 2000s, I started frequenting vintage toy shops and Mega Toy shows.  It was here that I discovered other figures from the Other World and I slowly became obsessed with completing the line.  To this day, I am still missing the weapons rack and a couple glow in the dark boulders, but I have found and purchased all the other figures and accessories that you can see above.  I will continue to add information to this post detailing each figure and creature included, but this is all for now.
Cheers!
Drakov

     O.K. so here is a little more information for you.  Bottom shelf starting at the left:  Antor the Stinger being ridden by Skitzo the two-headed man.  Next to him is Yurus the Terrible, being ridden by Jurka the warrior.  Next to them, Sir'Cobra. Moc, the rock thrower is next and all the way to the right is the two-headed Gaifand dragon being ridden by Hondu, the Hatchetman.
     Next shelf up begins with Kamaro being ridden by Raidy who is squaring off against the Weapon Master riding Sharkoss. Ronin is hanging out in the far background with some purple Mogs and orange Jipps.  The lava man is next in the lineup followed by Princess Kreena riding aloft Kontory the great bird.
     The top shelf is home to the greatly coveted "Castle Zendo."  I scored a MIB specimen back when no one else was searching for them at a cost of $39.99.  The castle is rather basic but has really cool glow-in-dark features.  King Zendo is looking out from the balcony over General EssGee and his small army of Jipps.  Froggacuda, the swamp monster stands at the ready to defend the exterior from the threat.  Throw in a couple of Rock Lords, "Just because they Rock!" pun intended and you have the awesome display you see here.  The only item that still eludes me is the weapon rack which came with the weapon master figure.  One day I'll track one down. 
     Another interesting fact about the toyline is that many of the figures were repackaged with other characters to create "Battles in a Box."  I am fortunate to own a MIB specimen of "Fighting Terrans."  In this set, Raidy and Ronin are packaged with their respective weapons, a couple of Jipps and the mighty Gaifand Dragon.  in addition to the awesome figures inside the back of the box was adorned with an illustrated comic.  Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane with a little appreciated toyline from 1983.

Cheers!
Drakov