#Marvel Masterpieces 1992

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

"THE RED SKULL HAS BEEN SPREADING HIS VIRULENT BRAND OF EVIL SINCE WORLD WAR II..."

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on assorted shots of 1992 Skybox Marvel Masterpieces trading card #80 -- Red Skull. Artwork by Joe Jusko.

MINI-BIO: "The Red Skull has been spreading his virulent brand of evil since World War II. As an avowed opponent of liberty and proponent of tyranny, the Skrull has clashed repeatedly with the man who more than anyone is a living symbol of freedom, Captain America. Recently invigorated in a new body that was cloned from that of his long-time arch-enemy, the Skull has built a globe-spanning criminal empire as the conduit for his latest sinister schemes... with the ultimate goal of nothing less than absolute world domination!"

-- MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP/SKYBOX, c. 1992

Source: https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1992-marvel-masterpieces-80-red-skull_77867587.

[captain-levi-universe]

ᖴᗴᗷᖇᑌᗩᖇƳ 2024

Growing up my Tomb Raider console game collection,in this mounth with the Legend edition .

Chronology List :

Tomb Raider Legend ( 2006 ) PSP

Tomb Raider Anniversary ( 2007 ) PSP

Tomb Raider Definitive edition ( 2014 ) PS4

Rise Of The Tomb Raider ( 2015 ) PS4

Shadow Of The Tomb Raider ( 2018 ) PS4

Superman Holo Series Trading card ( 1996 )

No.19 Girl of Steel

1992 Marvel Masterpieces trading cards : Mr. Sinister and Kang

2024 Marvel Calendar

Alice Never After no. 5 Dani variant

[retroscifiart]

Art by Joe Jusko for Marvel Masterpieces Trading Cards (1992)

[xmencovered]

Marvel Masterpieces - Series 1 (1992) #29 Gambit / Artist: Joe Jusko

[c-schroed]

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) Or Why The Probably Most Accurate Movie Adaptation Of Dracula Still Is Not Accurate Enough

I mentioned some time ago - while salivating over the marvellous razor scene of Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula adaptation - that there is quite some stuff to unpack here. And now I found some time to unpack. So let's begin. I'll start with the good stuff, firstly the good stuff that's not in the book (i.e., the Flourishes), than the good stuff that's true to the book (the Well-Conserved). Thirdly, I'll make note of things that were, unnervingly, changed (by which I mean They Came Back Wrong), and then I'll deal with what is unfortunately left out from the book (the Missing). And finally, finally I'll rant over that two bad things that never were in the book in the first place (a section I'll call JUST WHY?).

So. A tragedy in five acts. Here we go.

Act I - The Flourishes

The razor scene. I think I dealt with this enough by now. It's perfection and I'll die on that hill.

The music. Obviously, Bram Stoker's gothic lil masterpiece is lacking some gorgeous score. But mourn no longer, because Wojciech Kilar cooked up some dashing, pushing tune for us, fitting perfectly to this dark tale of spreading darkness and deepening madness.

Some basic knowledge about blood groups. Yeah, Stoker can't be blamed for this, but still. It's a nice addition to remind us that we do indeed live in a world where blood groups exist.

The Westenra Estate. As much as I pity that the lovely town of Whitby did not make it into the movie, I do love Lucy Westenra's house. Because I'm a sucker for hedge mazes. Simple as that.

Those glasses. Those. Fucking. Nice. Glasses.

Act II - The Well-Conserved

The plot in general. Yes, there are a lot of maddening differences, as we will see soon. But still, this movie at least makes the impression that most of the people working on it had indeed read the darn novel. Which is something that I can't say about many other Dracula adaptations I have seen.

The costumes, the sets, the atmosphere. Well done, everyone!

The Actors. The good thing about being not native in a language is that one is not very prone to dialects that seem off. And as I happen to not be a native speaker of English, I have little problems with Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder adding some US touch to what should be very, very, v e r y British characters. I even find Reeves perfectly fitting for the oh so darn young Jonathan Harker. And the rest of the cast is marvellous, too (with the exception of Winona Ryder, see below for details). Especially Tom Waits, who is hard-wired to the name of Renfield in my brain ever since I first saw this movie. And Gary Oldman as Dracula… Well. I think I already made clear what opinion I have about that sexy bastard.

Some lucky few of lovely quotes made it over to the film. Dracula's welcome. The Fowl Bauble of Human Vanity, of course. And Qunincey almost making me faint when saying "Little girl" when I least expected it.

Act III - They Came Back Wrong

The dates. Goshdarnit, the dates! It's an epistolary novel, so why make the effort of making up completely new dates for events that already had a precise date in the novel? I just don't get it. And it unnerves me. Every. Fucking. Time.

Time in general. Watching the movie after Dracula Daily makes it feel so very, very hasty. Jonathan travels to Castle Dracula like it's no thing at all. And the first few days in Castle Dracula are condensed into one weird evening.

Dracula meeting Mina before Jonathan is back. I really, really loved the book for avoiding the most terrible tropes. And then comes this movie, and struts right into this terrible pitfall.

Mina. I'm sorry, usually I love the work of Winona Ryder, but here she was way too bland. Maybe it was because her character had quite a revamp (ha. ha.) and no one cared to tell her what new approach she should take. But whatever reason, the clever, adorable train fiend of the original did not deserve this!

Act IV - The Missing

The Voyage of the Demeter is way too short. Where is "But I am captain, and I must not leave my ship"? Where is the poor sea captain tying himself to the wheel? And where is his funeral? Oh, I really missed all that. And, I mean, I don't mind hearing Anthony Hopkins read the lines, but would it have been such an expense to at least hire an additional actor to voice the correspondent or the sea captain?

Jonathan Holding Mina By the Arm. That's really not an objectively big issue. That's just me who fell in love with JonMina after reading this chapter. And almost no one does it properly. They deserve justice!

(Thanks a ton to @smieska for capturing my mood just perfectly!)

Act V - JUST WHY?

Elisabeta. Don't get me wrong here: All of the oh so tragic Drac backstory they invented for this movie is terribly unnecessary. But in this sea of uselessness, the tragically deceased wife of Vlad Țepe�� that just so happens to perfectly resemble Mina Murray is an audience-insulting island of unoriginality. I mean, yeah, I guess someone wanted to add some romance to the story of Vlad the Fucking Impaler. Because, well, nineties or so. But Mina, of all women? Why not invent some new character that can be bothered with such stuff? Why ruin an all-nice JonMina ship? I don't get the whole new backstory, and I especially don't get this aspect.

Dracula raping Lucy in his shitty werewolf form. Everything about this is wrong. And it has no relevance for the plot. Just. Blergh.

Epilogue

It's cruel to watch Francis Ford Coppola's take on Dracula right after finishing @re-dracula. I know that now. Everything is still too fresh. It's a good movie, after all, but especially because it's quite good it is frustrating to be so terribly aware of all its shortcomings. In a few weeks or so, I would recommend it, again, I guess. As long as it's still Dracula Off-Season. 7 out of 10 points.

[libraryofbaxobab]

August 20, 2024:

This is so fucking funny.

I read this because of Dan Olson's description of it in his marvelous video "The Future Is A Dead Mall" and I was curious about how the original Metaverse was actually conceptualized.

This strikes me as a very intelligent author said "How can I write the dumbest book possible?" This should not imply that the book is bad! Just like, the Cool Guy mode was turned up to 11 and everything was so awful and gritty and dystopian that it became silly. I laughed out loud. I read introductory paragraphs to my friends. I live-reacted on Snapchat because this story is HILARIOUS and it is played one hundred percent straight. Every character takes themselves soooooo seriously riding around on their little high-tech skateboards through openly racist anarcho-capitalist neighborhoods, spouting barely-comprehensible yet extremely-plausible futuristic skater slang. Masterpiece of hilarity, no notes.

What I will offer a note on, is the weird second half gets wayyy into religious mysticism? Really took me out of it. I didn't care about whatever central mystery the characters were researching. I wanted more big dumb car chases, more "hacker" shit (in this world, "hacker" just refers to... anyone who can code), more pointless Mafia side-quests, more strikingly accurate depictions of today's technology dreamed up all the way back in 1992. In short, I wanted to see more of this world.

Weirdly enough, we didn't even spend a lot of time in The Metaverse™️ for this book being the thing that named the concept. It made it even funnier for me that this story's outside world more closely resembled our real life failed "Metaverses" in that everything was compartmentalized, financialized to the extreme, and governed only by corporations; meanwhile the Original Metaverse was a fantasy of a walkable city with public transportation and no cars. Incredibly insightful social commentary.

I had an absolute blast reading this, and even my friends howled when I read them selected passages in my best Cool Guy voice.

8.5/10 #WhatsKenyaReading

[librarycomic]

Masterpiece by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev. Dark Horse, 2024. 9781506730493. 175pp including a cover gallery and some sketchbook pages by Maleev.

Masterpiece Lawford is arrested by "FBI agents" during class in front of her high school classmates. Turns out the agents are goons in the employ of a rich a-hole who just discovered she exists, and who still wants revenge on her parents for what they stole from him fifteen years ago, and despite the fact that everyone is pretty sure they're dead. He wants Masterpiece to hit a wealthy target of his choosing just as hard as her parents hit him. Masterpiece decides to bring them both down, since the target seems like an awful person, too.

On her side is the person who raised her, plus a really good friend who wants to help, and maybe The Paragon, a masked vigilante known for beating the crap out of famous bad people. And that's is just the beginning of Masterpiece's crew.

Bendis and Maleev created my favorite run of Marvel's Daredevil, and I loved their Scarlet and Spider-Woman books too. This graphic novel feels like the love child of my three favorite heist movies: Ocean's Eleven, David Mamet's Heist, and 1992's Sneakers. It's fun, it has a brilliant teenage protagonist, and the twists and turns are fun. (And for some reason it has me mourning River Phoenix's death all over again.)

bookreview #graphicnovel #graphicnovelreview #yagraphicnovel #crime #heist #revenge

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #647

Top Ten Superhero Cartoons

It’s been a good year for animated series based on mainstream superhero comics. Well, I say that; it’ll probably have been a good year by the end of the year. Why? Well, because X-Men ’97 came out of nowhere in the Spring and totally blew everyone away. Do you… Remember It?

Sorry, too soon.

Also, next month – in fact, next week– Batman: Caped Crusader launches on Prime Video, a 30s-set noir-drenched take on ol’ pointy-ears, presided over by Bruce Timm. He should do alright, because thirty years ago he tried to make a Batman cartoon and it was only flippin’ the best thing ever made, ever. So expectation are slightly high.

Anyway, all this exciting animated action has got me thinking about superhero series past and present. Because one thing that’s been true since, oooh, at least the 1960s is that comic books translate very well to the animated medium. Maybe it’s the bright colours; maybe it’s the tendency towards melodramatic narrative; maybe it’s because it’s easier to draw a giant purple-helmeted man trying to eat a planet than it is to actually realise it in live-action.

This list, therefore, represents my favourite animated series that are based on an existing superhero property. And I'm going to say right out the gate that all of them are mainstream; they’re all Marvel and DC series. The Tick was just bubbling under, but frankly I’ve never loved any non-Big-Two animated superhero show. I have not, I will confess, watched Invincible; rightly or wrongly I just don’t think it’d be my cup of tea, for the same reason I’ve never watched The Boys: I just don’t like nihilistic superhero stories. Or, for that matter, particularly violent ones. Maybe that’s just me. I’m often reminded of Grant Morrison saying they never really got on with X-Men because they didn’t like the fact that the characters argued; despite that, Morrison wrote some pretty damn good X-Men stories.

Another thing I had to have a mental chat with myself about was whether the Fleischer Superman series could be counted on this list; and I decided that yes it could. That was a series of cartoons; yes they were released theatrically, but nobody really had TVs in the 1940s. I feel like they were a product of their time and the medium available to deliver an adaptation; just like how the Spider-Man or Incredible Hulk animated series from the sixties reflect their era, or the nineties “Saturday morning cartoon” animations reflect theirs, or even how the likes of streaming-first series such as What If...?, Invincible, or Caped Crusader can be seen to reflect the here and now. Also it lets me have Batmand and Superman as number one and number two, just as all things should be.

Oh, and Turtles... I dunno. I just don’t think of it as a “superhero” show, even though there’s very little difference between an episode of TMNT, an Avengers, a Justice League, or even something like Transformers: Earthspark. So no Turtles. Sorry.

Batman: The Animated Series (1992-97): just a flat-out masterpiece; from writing to design to casting, every single aspect is brilliant. A mature handling of the character but still fun and exciting for kids (I know; I was there). Arguably the only show on this list that is generally regarded as the best all-round interpretation of a character.

Superman (1941-43): okay, so it’s a series of shorts released cinematically; but what shorts. Absolutely beautiful, some truly astounding pieces of Golden Age animation, telling stories that just feel so archetypically Superman; the visual of him punching a laser beam back to its source is an iconic emblem of the character.

Teen Titans Go! (from 2013): surprisingly divisive in its irreverent treatment of its characters, this is the greatest superhero parody of all time. Wild, weird, anarchic, the supremely meta fourth-wall-breaking jokes come at an extreme rate; the gags run the gamut from random DC ephemera to Hollywood references to entire plots about the Illuminati. “Bonkers” doesn’t come close.

X-Men ‘97 (from 2024): returning to a series thirty years after its original run, there’s absolutely no reason for this to be so good. Taking the themes of the original but giving them both a complexity and a maturity not allowed by a kids’ show in the nineties, this excels in all areas; some episodes will be remembered for decades. Exceptional.

Justice League and Justice League Unlimited (2001-06): almost feels a cheat to include the variety of spin-offs and semi-sequels from Batman: TAS; the “DC Animated Universe” was an early and successful shared universe. These two conjoined series really just get these characters, delving deep into DC lore to give us great stories and even better character work. Some of my favourite DC moments are from this show.

Harley Quinn (from 2019): I’m not a fan of “adult” animation; I tend to find it edgy and try-hard. Somehow Harley wins me over; it’s probably a combination of a surprisingly nuanced take on the character, some amusing yet respectful twists on DC characters, and a very good gag rate. It really is very funny; it earns a place just for Bane alone.

Spider-Man (1967-70): no, I’m not just including this because you could strongly argue that the theme tune is the most iconic thing any of these shows have ever produced; but that is true. No, this is both a great example of its era, and also just a fun interpretation of the character; it nails his voice and his humour and does a good interpretation of Romita’s art style.

Teen Titans (2003-06): although the insanity and inanity of TTG vaults the original, it still should be lauded for its fresh take on the genre. Heavily influenced by anime – including a fantastic J-Pop theme tune – it was, for its time, suitably wacky and funny, and did a great job conveying the familial nature of the comic book Titans.

Spider-Man (1994-98): the two great Marvel animations of the nineties were Spidey and X-Men, and it’s hard to split the two. But this is the one I think I loved most at the time; its huge multi-part epics were great, and it really went to some superb comic-y places. Introduced me to so much of Spidey lore, and also did a multiverse team-up thirty years before Spider-Verse.

DC Super Hero Girls (2019-22): this earns bonus points for its connection to the Super Best Friends Forever shorts, also a production of showrunner Lauren Faust; the characterisation, the art style, and the general tone is indicative of most of her work (especially My Little Pony). An upbeat, friendship-focused female-led show, it has great interpretations of the characters, it looks lovely, and it’s very funny. More of this sort of thing, please.

[sammitchell-photography-ba3]

10 portrait inspiration

Masahisa Fukase was born in the town of Bifuka in the Nakagawa District, Hokkaido, Japan in 1934, the son of a successful local studio photographer. He graduated from Nihon University College of Art’s Photography Department in 1956, and became a freelance photographer in 1968 following brief stints at the Nippon Design Center and Kawade Shobo Shinsha Publishers.  In the mid 1970s he set up a photographic school, The Workshop, with Daido Moriyma and Shomei Tomatsu.

Fukase is considered as one of the most comprehensive and experimental photographers of the post-war generation in Japan. He became world-renowned for his photographic series and  ensuing publication Karasu made between 1975 and 1982 in the wake of his wife Yōko Wanibe divorcing him. The visual narrative of the series revolves around the anthropomorphic form of the raven, which is widely celebrated as a photographic masterpiece. And yet a majority of his work remained largely inaccessible to the public for over two decades. In 1992 Fukase developed  permanent brain damage after a tragic fall, and it was only after his death in 2012 that his archives  of work were gradually disclosed to the public. Since then a wealth of material has surfaced that had never previously been shown.

His work has been exhibited widely at institutions such as MoMA, New York, the Oxford Museum of Modern Art, the Foundation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, and the Victoria & Albert Museum London. His work is held in major collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and The Getty Museum. He is also the winner of prizes including the 2nd Ina Nobuo Award, as well as the Special Award at the 8th Higashikawa Photography Awards.

At a first glance, Masahisa Fukase's Bukubuku might feel like an amusing , diverting, however shows a darker take on the self portrait.  childhood memories of playing around in the bathtub. However, delving deeper into his biography, the black and white images of the Japanese photographer, taken in 1991, alone and submerged in his bathtub are symbolic of the isolation and loneliness he felt at the time.

Once a primary focus of his work, his marriage to second wife Yōko Wanibe, gaining him recognition as a photographer who only photographed his wife and reflecting on this again aafter his divorce on in his work Karasu.

Each individual project made by Fukase has a totally different matrix and subject. He did not use the same printing styles nor photography techniques for each project. This is most unusual and it is one of the elements that makes him so very special,” says Hoppen. Explaining his fascination with the work, which took him eight months to acquire, he explains, “I initially found myself being reminded how similar the Japanese and British sense of humour is (when viewing Bukubuku). The work seemed flippant and comical. But on closer inspection and after speaking to many close acquaintances of Fukase, I learnt that he saw this very much as a performance piece of work and this it was shaped by Fukase as an introspective and mournful soliloquy to his ex-wife Yoko, just after he learnt that she had gotten remarried.”

Taken over a two-month period with a Nikonos camera, Bukubuku was Fukase's last ever published photo book, with the prints never seen outside of Japan – instead, remaining secure in a box after they were first shown in Japan in 1992. Hoppen adds, “The work was made on a marvellous camera designed for underwater photography and had a flash incorporated into the camera. The flash, when used, utilises the wonderful refractive qualities that water has. It is quite brilliant in every sense.”

[pickon7]

Black Panther Story Review: Marvel Movie, Why Vibranium is so important for Wakanda

Black Panther Movie Review | Credit: Getty images, Pickon Black Panther Story Review: Black Panther (2018) is a MCU 18  Action/Adventure movie and Directed by Ryan Coogler. Ages ago, a miracle stone "Vibranium" touched the ground of Wakanda, Africa. Inexplicably if any human uses that stone, they turn into black panther or get similar powers! Since then Wakandians have been using Vibranium wisely as a result wakanda is now the most tech savvy and developed country in the world! Scene shifted to1992, King T'chaka (the king of Wakanda) comes to a person named N'jobu (related to the king's family) who is accused of selling Vibranium outside Wakanda. King T'chaka ended up killing him. This scene is finished by showing a little boy playing around.

Black Panther Story Review, Rating and Budget

IMDB Rating: 7.3 Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi  Country: USA Duration: 134 min. Audience: Family outing, Teens, Kids Also Visit: Guardians of the galaxy 3 | upcoming marvel movie Present time, T'challa "Black Panther" ( son of T' chaka) is the only heir and in order to become the king, he has to compete with other tribe's leaders. Eventually He successfully becomes the king yet at one hand T'challa is challenged to stop the Vibranium illegal trafficking and at another hand the sudden appearance of Eric Killmonger ( the villain of the movie) makes the situation even worse. Later we got to know Eric Killmonger is the same little boy who was shown during the 1992 event and he is the son of N' jobu. Eric Killmonger is now back and claiming the king's position. T'challa and Eric fight against each other, unfortunately T'challa loses and is brutally thrown down the waterfall by cheating only to come back by the support of his family and other tribe's people who give him herbs to regain his powers. Black Panther Story Review Marvel Movie, Release Date, Movie Parts and Budget  Budget: $200 Million  Network: Marvel Studios Year: 2018 Movies: - Black Panther 1 2018 - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 2022 At the climax, we see Eric is ready to initiate the illegal trade of Vibranium and later some amazing fighting scenes between black panther and Eric are cherry on the cake! T' challa regains his crown by defeating Eric. At last wakanda made a decision to share its Vibranium with the world for mankind at the UN.  Black Panther is a masterpiece like the technology, storyline was just perfect. The movie has surely entertained all kinds of people. Sadly, we lost the main character "Chadwick Boseman" but the show must go on and Marvel has released its 2 part " Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It will be interesting to find the next Black Panther. If you already watched it then don't forget to share your thoughts on this one. Black Panther Story Review and Where To Watch, Similar Movies Where To Watch: - (Near by Cinemas) - Vegamovies  - Katmoviehd  - Bolly4u  - Khatrimaza - Yomovies Similar Movies Like Black Panther: - Avengers: Endgame (2019) - Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - Deadpool (2016) - Aquaman (2018) - Venom (2018) Also Visit: KatmovieHD Bollywood Hollywood South Hindi 480p 720p Movies

Who is the Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever villain?

Namor the sub Mariner, the ruler of the underwater kingdom, Talocan. He is a mutant who can live on the surface and in water as well. In Marvel comics he is the ruler of Atlantis. Before You watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Play Black Panther Movie Quiz. Play Black Panther Quiz

FAQs

Who is the Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever villain? Namor the sub Mariner, the ruler of the underwater kingdom, Talocan. Which is the biggest secret of Wakanda? Answer: It is Technologically Advanced Name the material that made Wakanda rich and developed. Answer: Vibranium Read the full article

[josephfthompson]

City of Barcelona- Small Group - 9 July 2024

As a world traveler, I was fortunate to embark on a journey through Barcelona's iconic landmarks in the company of an intimate group, cruising comfortably aboard a motor coach.

The adventure began with a leisurely drive through the old Gothic Quarter, where the ancient stones whispered tales of centuries past, setting the stage for the wonders that awaited.

Our knowledgeable guide led us on a captivating tour of the city, offering insights into Barcelona's rich history and vibrant culture.

We marveled at the majestic 13th-century La Seu cathedral in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, its spires reaching skyward in a testament to Gothic grandeur.

But it was the sight of Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia basilica, that truly took my breath away.

The soaring Gothic spires and intricate facades of this Roman Catholic basilica stood as a testament to Gaudi's genius, a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and spirituality that transcended time and space.

Ascending Montjuic Hill, we arrived at the Mirador del Alcalde gardens, where panoramic vistas of Barcelona unfolded before us in all their splendor.

The city sprawled below, a tapestry of colors and shapes, while the Mediterranean Sea shimmered in the distance, a beacon of serenity amidst the urban bustle.

Our journey continued with scenic photo stops at the Olympic Ring complex on Montjuïc Hill, where we savored breathtaking views of the city and soaked in the legacy of the 1992 Olympic Games.

Each snapshot captured a moment in time, a memory to treasure and revisit long after our tour had come to an end.

From the exquisite beauty of the Sagrada Familia to the historic charm of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona's landmarks left an indelible mark on my soul.

The city's vibrant spirit, artistic legacy, and scenic wonders combined to create a tapestry of experiences that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

"GENETICIST MIGUEL O'HARA FOREVER CHANGED HIS LIFE WHEN HE WAS ACCIDENTALLY BOMBARDED WITH THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF A SPIDER."

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on Marvel Masterpieces 1993 trading card #41 -- Spider-Man 2099, artwork by Joe Jusko for Skybox/Marvel Entertainment Group.

First Appearance: "Spider-Man 2099" Vol.1 #1 (November 1992)

Created by Rick Leonardo & Al Williamson

MINI-BIO: "Trying to rid himself of an addiction to the drug Rapture, Alchemax geneticist Miguel O'Hara forever changed his life when he was accidentally bombarded with the genetic structure of a spider. Granted superhuman strength and agility by his ordeal, as well as razor-sharp barbed talons on his fingers and arms, Miguel adopted the identity of one of history's greatest heroes -- Spider-Man! Now, the Spider-Man of 2099 roams the streets of New York, protecting the innocent from the variety of villains that exist in this malevolent metropolis!"

-- MARVEL MASTERPIECES 1993, Skybox/Marvel Entertainment Group

Sources: Comic Art Fans, eBay, & Trading Card Database, various, etc...

[captain-levi-universe]

Stuffs From

November 2023

[xmencovered]

Marvel Masterpieces - Series 1 (1992) #40 Iceman / Artist: Joe Jusko

[pragatidwivediblogs]

10 Gujarat Temples: A Journey Art, Magnificence in 2024

Gujarat, known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, is home to some of the most magnificent temples in India. These temples not only showcase exquisite architecture but also hold immense spiritual significance. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of 10 famous Gujarat temples that are sure to mesmerize you with their artistic beauty and divine aura.

1. Somnath Temple:

Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Saurashtra Built-in: Dates back to ancient times, rebuilt several times Built by: Various rulers, including the Chalukyas, the Maitrakas, and the Solankis

The Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple's magnificent architecture and serene surroundings make it a must-visit destination for devotees and tourists alike.

2. Dwarkadhish Temple:

Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Location: Dwarka, Gujarat Built-in: 15th-16th century Built by: Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna

Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed to be one of the holiest places for Hindus and attracts millions of devotees every year. The temple's architectural grandeur and spiritual aura make it a must-visit destination in Gujarat.

3. Ambaji Temple:

Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM Location: Ambaji, Gujarat Built-in: Dates back to ancient times Built by: Not known, considered to be a Shakti Peetha

Ambaji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Amba, a manifestation of the Supreme Goddess. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is a place of great spiritual significance and attracts devotees from all over the country.

4. Sun Temple, Modhera:

Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Location: Modhera, Gujarat Built-in: 11th century Built by: King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty

The Sun Temple at Modhera is an architectural masterpiece dedicated to the Sun God. It is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is a fine example of ancient Indian art and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Rukmini Devi Temple:

Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM Location: Dwarka, Gujarat Built-in: 12th century Built by: Not known

The Rukmini Devi Temple is dedicated to Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. It is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

6. Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar:

Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat Built-in: 1992 Built by: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)

Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar is a modern architectural marvel dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and peaceful surroundings. The temple complex also includes a cultural center, a research institute, and a theme park.

7. Bhalka Tirtha:

Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Location: Veraval, Gujarat Built-in: Ancient times Built by: Not known

Bhalka Tirtha is a sacred pilgrimage site near Veraval, Gujarat, where Lord Krishna is believed to have been hit by an arrow. The place is marked by a temple and a sacred tree. It is a place of great historical and spiritual significance.

8. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad:

Opening hours: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat Built-in: 1822 Built by: Lord Swaminarayan

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Ahmedabad is the first temple built by Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. It is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by devotees from all over the world.

9. Sachiya Mata Temple:

Opening hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM Location: Osian, near Jodhpur, Rajasthan (but often included in Gujarat temple tours) Built-in: Dates back to ancient times Built by: Not known

Sachiya Mata Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Sachiya Mata, a Kuldevi of many Rajput clans. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. It is a place of great religious significance and is visited by devotees throughout the year.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:

Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Location: Dwarka, Gujarat Built-in: Ancient times Built by: Not known

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga on earth and holds great religious significance. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture and serene surroundings.

Conclusion:

Gujarat is a land of diverse cultures and rich heritage, and its temples are a testament to its glorious past. These temples are not just architectural marvels but also hold immense spiritual significance for millions of people. A visit to these temples is not just a journey through art and architecture but also a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

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Bank of America Plaza: Where Innovation, Design, and Atlanta's Spirit Converge

Atlanta, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and impressive skyline, boasts a remarkable architectural landmark that stands as a testament to the city's growth and innovation. The Bank of America Plaza, piercing the sky at 1,023 feet, is more than just a towering structure; it's an embodiment of Atlanta's spirit, an icon of design excellence, and a symbol of the city's ongoing pursuit of progress. As the tallest building in Atlanta and a prominent feature of its skyline, the Bank of America Plaza is a true marvel that seamlessly blends innovation, design, and the essence of Atlanta.

A Towering Legacy: Rising to New Heights

The Bank of America Plaza's rise to prominence began in the late 1980s, as part of Atlanta's fervent push to modernize its downtown district. With aspirations of creating an architectural masterpiece that would redefine the city's skyline, architects and designers embarked on a journey to craft a building that would capture the essence of Atlanta's ever-evolving identity. Completed in 1992, the skyscraper stands as an enduring testament to this vision.

Design Excellence and Innovation: Sculpting a Skyline Icon

At the heart of Bank of America Plaza's allure lies its architectural brilliance. Designed by renowned architect Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates, the tower's sleek and elegant design evokes a sense of modernity while paying homage to the city's historical roots. The building's exterior features a distinctive use of reflective glass and aluminum, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also creates a dynamic interplay with the changing light and weather conditions. The iconic concave design of the tower's crown contributes to its unique identity, setting it apart from other structures around the world.

In an era when innovation was rapidly transforming skylines, Bank of America Plaza introduced cutting-edge design principles that made it an architectural trailblazer. Its eco-friendly design incorporates energy-efficient systems, further solidifying its position as a forward-thinking creation. The plaza's architecture seamlessly marries form and function, serving as a testament to the power of design to both inspire and adapt to the evolving needs of a dynamic city.

A Symbol of Atlanta's Spirit

Beyond its captivating façade, Bank of America Plaza embodies the very spirit of Atlanta. It stands as a symbol of the city's unwavering determination, resilience, and ambition. From its inception, the tower became a beacon of progress, signaling Atlanta's commitment to growth and development. Its towering presence reflects the city's aspiration to reach new heights – not only in terms of physical elevation but also in economic, cultural, and social spheres.

Connecting Communities: The Role of Bank of America Plaza

Bank of America Plaza isn't just a skyscraper; it's a dynamic hub that fosters connections and interactions within the community. Housing various businesses, offices, and institutions, the plaza plays a pivotal role in shaping Atlanta's economic landscape. It provides a space where commerce and culture converge, facilitating collaborations and sparking innovation.

The plaza's strategic location within Atlanta's bustling downtown makes it a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike. It's a place where business deals are struck, ideas are exchanged, and the vibrancy of Atlanta comes alive. Moreover, the plaza hosts a variety of cultural events, from art exhibitions to community gatherings, contributing to the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Bank of America Plaza isn't just a structure that punctuates the skyline; it's a living legacy that will continue to shape Atlanta's future. Its impact goes beyond its physical presence; it inspires generations to dream big and chase their aspirations. The plaza's story serves as a reminder that with bold vision, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, cities can transform into epicenters of innovation and progress.

In conclusion, Bank of America Plaza stands as a remarkable fusion of innovation, design, and the very spirit of Atlanta. It's a testament to the city's evolution, a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity, and a symbol of Atlanta's limitless potential. As the sun sets behind its reflective glass windows, casting a warm glow across the city, the plaza continues to inspire, captivate, and unite – a true embodiment of where innovation, design, and the essence of Atlanta converge.

Experience the Legacy: Discover Bank of America Plaza's Splendor

If you're visiting Atlanta or simply want to experience the grandeur of Bank of America Plaza firsthand, we invite you to explore its architectural marvel and the vibrant energy it brings to the city. Whether you're captivated by design excellence, drawn to Atlanta's dynamic spirit, or simply seeking inspiration, a visit to Bank of America Plaza promises an unforgettable experience.

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