I Remember That: The Amazing Spider-Man Bank (And The Amazingly Lengthy Post About A Bank)

The effortlessly funny Duck Dynasty (all the fuss appears to be legitimate) sparked one from the memory banks and put The Sci-Fi Fanatic in a nostalgic mood.

 

The massive Robertson family has a comedic gift.  Just about everything they say is amusing on sheer gift of delivery and timing (or editing) alone.  The group seemingly ad libs most of its footage and I suspect the mostly unscripted dialogue within the established script is simply edited together to abundantly clever effect.  However it's achieved the family is funny and filled with some real characters.

Old Uncle Si and Willie visit a family fun park and Si insists on winning a giant, purple stuffed animal.  He won't leave without it.  To do this, and we have all had our battles with these machines, he must play games within the arcade and win and amass tickets by the bucket load.  Ultimately he delivers a bountiful windfall of tickets. Thousands of tickets are placed on the counter to win that crazy stuffed giant.  It is no doubt scripted, but it's still damn funny and in a point of true wisdom Uncle Si essentially tells Willie there's nothing you can't do if you set your mind to it.  Done!  Prize won.  It's true.

Well, when I was a youngster we frequented the now closed amusement park by the sea Rocky Point Park (1847-1995).  Like any great park they had one building filled with these video game machines and ticket pushers.



What was always amazing to me is that you could virtually play for an hour, acquire a seemingly unruly mass of tickets, bring them to the front desk to claim a gift prize and essentially be told that your options were wither a plastic whistle, a toy watch or a rubber ball.  I mean what the heck?!  The sheer disappointment for all of the effort was massive.

Now mind you, today, I'm not really much of a Spider-Man fan.  I still haven't seen the last rebooted, Tobey Maguire-less film and have virtually no interest (I really should have stuck to my gut on The Avengers, but I would have missed Pacific Rim had I done that).  But, as a kid, visiting the amusement park, they had a wall of sparkling, seemingly unattainable prizes.  Those prizes seemed to smile down upon you and whisper to us, You got no chance kid. They were like the evasive brass ring on the carousel.  It seemed they were merely there to taunt our poor, fragile heads full of dreams and wish fulfillment. It was like the lights of heaven were shining down upon the one item you desired.  Even the glass cases were filled with shining gems.  Of course, it was always that damn bottom row of plastic baskets and bins filled with baubles and junk trinkets like whistles and silly toys that we were always pointed to and forced to draw from.  It was like the teenage attendant was an outtake from A Christmas Story speaking in slow motion to you.  You get to pick one item from the green baskets kid.  Ugh! Oh no. Not again.  Rarely, did it seem we had the opportunity to pull or pick from the cream of the crop toy prizes.  In fact, it seemed like an exercise in futility.  More often than not we were generally sent packing home with the lesson you can't always get what you want in life.  It was disheartening.  I remember piling into our blue recreation bus and sort of gazing out at the window with a sense of loss while kids jumped around from seat to seat, yelling, screaming, singing, throwing paper airplanes.  It was all going on and yet my world seemed in slow motion (sometimes).



Well, every summer we used to pay that local Little Red School House for a series of field trips.  Their blue rec bus would take all the kids to a given place of fun.  It was a ticket to freedom for some. It was also a great baby-sitting service for others.  Every year we were carted off to Rocky Point Park by the sea.

The journey down this long steep hill in through the arched entrance way was like entering heaven as a kid.  The firs thing you saw was kids on floating logs on their Flume ride. The park always tantalized the young easily persuadable mind with The Flume.  That ride screamed to us to get off the bus and get there.  For awhile, of course, one had to contend with that little wooden figure at the entrance of each ride that determined whether you were tall enough.  When it was close the fate of your happiness rested in the hands of a teenage attendant.  When they made the determination on whether you passed or not it sometimes seemed like an eternity.  The clock ticked.  Your lips smacked. Your mouth grimaced.  When the okay came it was pure, unbridled relief. They also had a giant salt water community pool. That always looked like a dodgy proposition.

Back to the point of this story. One day the lure of the haunted house (my favorite ride) and other madness like the dreadful Sky Diver (money always fell out of my pockets when we got to the top and they stopped it while you were upside down) simply could not sway me from my intended mission.

Note the wee little penny slot.



While all of my friends hit the rides I remained committed in the game house to win the plum prize of the summer - a certified mold of gold in the form of a plastic green The Amazing Spider-Man bank.  For whatever reason the bank was like the coolest thing I had ever seen and I simply had to have that bank to dump my spare change into at the end of a school day.  It was imperative that the green Spider-Man bank adorn my childhood bedroom.  Folks I spent almost all of my day in that arcade room.  But by God, as Uncle Si noted in Duck Dynasty, I achieved greatness that very day.  I had won (but did I really win?) the Spider-Man bank dumping everything I had into that arcade to win the tickets necessary to take that sparkling green gem of a bank home. What probably cost about two dollars to make went for a whole lot more that day.

Spider-Man himself was already painted but the webbing he sat against was not and I had big plans to paint the words The Amazing Spider-Man and the web he was set against.  With paintbrush and paint in hand - oh what a joyful day.



In the end, I still have that bank. To this very day it sits on my dresser.  The One To Be Pitied never makes mention of it or pays it any mind despite the obvious fact it is a hideous eyesore.  It is really kind of odd sitting in the room - a strange oddity - but a beautiful one.  I just can't throw it out.  It is connected and tied to one of the great days of my youth.  Winning that thing was no easy task and in the grand land of kiddom something of a minor miracle, a true achievement, was yielded that day.  That Spider-Man bank represents perseverance and persistence and a belief that you can have anything you want if you just set your mind to it.  I believe that and that Spider-Man bank is a reminder of that philosophy along with some great memories of simpler days gone by.

To think that bank was held in my hands as a much younger dreamer, and the lives and loves that have come and gone since and yet my plastic Spidey bank remains. I know. It's a geek moment, but gosh, I remember that like it was yesterday.

Well, gotta run, my spider-sense is tingling.

The Sci-Fi Fanatic BIG 10: Sci-Fi Vehicles

Cool.  My decision to finally give you the official BIG 10 Sci-Fi Vehicles is solely based upon one factor and one factor alone. This list is based strictly on COOL. The cool factor translates into two things: A. Do my eyes dance? B. Can a vehicle be molded into a toy and can it be flown through the sky between my hot little fingers? These are the key operating factors my friends. Here is my reasonable list of the best Sci-Fi Vehicles under the header of The Sci-Fi Fanatic's BIG 10 Vehicles. This is a complement to a list I posted spotlighting Sci Fi Now's list.

10.  Lotus Esprit a.k.a. Wet Nellie. This will no doubt top a more specific BIG 10 Sci-Fi Car list.  Nevertheless, the always gadget-heavy James Bond OO7 autos make for a world of escapist wonder.  Although not officially an air vehicle, this beautiful, white Lotus Esprit did go airborne off the end of that dock in The Spy Who Loved Me [1977].  It also glides splendidly through water as an impressive underwater submersible.  The Wet Nellie as it was referred by M16 was fitted by OO7's weapon's man Q.  It came equipped with bulletproof plexiglass, harpoon and cable reel, missiles and missile launchers, propellers and rudders, mine dispenser and limpit mines, ink jets, mud jets, cement jets, and finally a telescopic periscope with a 360 degree field of vision.  Did I mention it was fast?  0-60 in 6.8 seconds with speeds up to 138 mph.  It was matched only by the Lotus in For Your Eyes Only [1981] as a close second.  All of this and the fact it has been a Corgi die-cast release kicks off the countdown.  Mind you, this is also one of the few classics that could potentially be purchased and driven and owned sans gadgetry.  It's still a dream of mine friends.







9. The Argo.  My gosh who didn't love the transformation of a Japanese Yamato for this science fiction classic.  In America, we received Space Battleship Yamato [1974-1975] in the form of Starblazers [1979-1984] and The Argo.  Who wasn't thrilled by the whistle of the firing wave motion gun!  I ran home everyday for a dose of wave motion.  Never succumbing to the purchase of a bootleg copy of the 2010 Japanese film, I look forward to the release of its live action film counterpart hopefully in 2013.  Not to mention the animated series arrived in reboot form in 2012 with Space Battleship Yamato 2199.  I managed to pick up one of the Bandai Soul Of Chogokin GX-57 die-cast ships for the Fancave.







8. The Copperhead/ Black Boa.  These two beautifully designed ships hail from the underrated Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within [2001] film.  The ambitious, computer-animated motion capture, science fiction film bore no resemblance to the video game and somehow failed to draw notice.  But these two vessels are stunning.  Bandai released a plastic toy version of this Copperhead puppy, but as far as I know, sadly, there has never been anything for the Black Boa ever committed to mold officially.  I must tell you, this is like a geek crime.





7. Serenity. This is perhaps one of the most recent science fiction creations to make my list.  Joss Whedon's wonderful Firefly [2002] series, like Star Trek: The Original Series, planted the Serenity as the centerpiece of its browncoat family essentially establishing the ship as a character with intimate detail.  In its short series run the Serenity, Firefly-class vessel, was quickly established as a craft fitted for work, pleasure and living accommodations.  It's simply a welcomed piece of sci-fi perfection.  I don't actually own anything regarding the Serenity, but if I'm not mistaken my best chance to do so is a replica in the form of a Christmas ornament.  I best get a move on. But seriously, is that the best we can do?





6. Jupiter II/ The Chariot.  Flying saucers really didn't get more perfect than the lived-in accommodations befitting the Jupiter II on Lost In Space [1965-1968].  Each episode was a pleasure with the Jupiter II as homebase.  More often than not it wasn't flying but I was just as happy to see them go in and out of that ship like it was a house - a two floor Colonial.  Fantastic!  In fact, it was a bit like the Tardis in that ship.  The Chariot, part of the Jupiter II, was an equally impressive space version of the snow cat.  I loved that treaded wonder vehicle!  I don't actually own anything from this series.  There have been plenty of models made available and they are out there.  I did own the Johnny Thunder mini-die-cast set at one time.  I may still.  I'll have to check the Fancave.  They may still be down there but my memory fails me at the moment.  I'll have to send in Robot to check it out.







5. The Phoenix [including G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-4].  The fabulous Phoenix from Japan's Gatchaman [1972-1974] series arrived in a big way stateside as Battle Of The Planets [1978-1985].  The beautifully designed ship from Tatsunoko could transform or transmute into the fiery Phoenix when in an absolute pickle, but the ship in its original form is another for the ages.  I simply adore its color combinations and sleek design.  The ship was also fitted with four separate amazing vehicles for each of the Science Ninja Team Gatchaman members.  While they are all incredible I will admit as a young man I loved Keyop's G-4 space buggy.  It's still something special, but Jason's G-2 was also a favorite and remains the one to own if I had to pick.  It's another car, but it's absolutely sick.  In fact, I'm actually thinking about painting it for my latest watercolors creation.  As far as the Phoenix, I have a few Japanese die-cast versions of this one from Fewture, Bandai and others.  I've also hand painted a few resin kits as pictured.  I have a few garage kits to do.  Each is truly a magnificent delight.  But I need to stop buying them. I really must. Note to self: Stop buying the die-cast Phoenix and other Gatachaman collectibles!











4. Battlestar Galactica.  I'm not going to quibble between the new [2004-2009] and old [1978] series, because, quite frankly, I love both the Battlestars. They are amazing warships with distinct design differences.  I have a few die-cast representations of both in miniature form as part of the Titanium series and I have one larger version of the new Battlestar from that same series.  Both the whale-like classic and the new offer design perfection. Of course, who doesn't love the Vipers and the Cylon raiders.  I am partial to the original Cylon Raider.







3. U.S.S. Enterprise. Truthfully, once you get into my Top 5 it's very hard for me to pick the very best ship.  I could easily argue that the U.S.S. Enterprise deserves the number one slot. Our beloved federation ship was the culmination of many designs, but the one Roddenberry and company landed upon is the indisputably brilliant classic.  She's a beauty to quote The Tubes.  I have one Art Asylum plastic replica of the famous bird.  Even more impressive is a Corgi die-cast issued in Japan some years back.  I managed to pick one up a few years ago.  It's unique and slender just like the ship she's based on.  Ships like the Enterprise you simply never tire of feasting the eyes.  And while I enjoy the other franchises and the many variations on the Enterprise, there is no substitute for the original, immaculately conceived by Matt Jeffries and GEne Roddenberry.  It simply takes the breath away.







2. Thunderbird 2 [complete with T4, Recovery Vehicle, The Firefly or other rescue equipment].  Hailing from the land of Margaret Thatcher, chips and all things Britpop, Englishman Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds delivered big on vehicles.  Thunderbird 2 is arguably one of the best designed craft ever could easily go head to head with The Eagle or the U.S.S. Enterprise.  It's that good.  It's that classic. Obviously this International Rescue craft has arrived in a number of plastic and die-cast iterations through the years  and will no doubt continue ad infinitum.  I have since replaced some Matchbox collectibles with even more detailed Japanese Bandai Aoshima die-cast molds.  I have a small one along with the other Thunderbirds and The Mole that are about 3" in length.  More importantly I picked up a giant 15" Thunderbird 2 Bandai Aoshima DX / Deluxe die-cast ship and it's a beauty.  No kidding around, it's the size of a bloody turtle you might find in your local pond.  The details are magnificent.  It's a keeper.







1. Eagle One [all models].  Space:1999 [1975-1977] delivered perhaps one of the great space vehicle creations ever made and lands the top spot thanks to the expertise of one Brian Johnson.  Johnson assembled something of beauty, practical functionality and utter believability.  Brilliant. There are so many models of the Eagle One and this wonderfully designed spaceship throughout the series.  There's medical and scientific, but the base model is indeed my favorite.  Still, the variations on the theme are amazing and I never tire of holding a die-cast Eagle.  I have a few from Aoshima/ Carlton/ Product Enterprise and they are stunning in their level of detail especially when you consider the complexity of design for the Eagle.  And there you have it, two Gerry Anderson-sponsored creations making the top of the heap.







There's much to choose from out there. Blade Runner's Spinner Police cars. That flying police hovercraft from Minority Report as well as that Lexus [if I can't get the Lotus Esprit I'll take that sci-fi-tailored Lexus].  Farscape's Moya. The Event Horizon. The BeBop.  The Hammerhead. The Swordfish. The many classics from Star Wars including the Millennium Falcon or Boba Fett's Slave 1.  Stargate's vast arsenal of spaceships and much more all come to mind.  I even love the Tardis despite walking around the house with a flying British phone box. Actually, I've never done that, but I should. How is that cool?  But if I'm to be honest, the BIG 10 I offer here about sizes up the very best for me.

     

   



A separate, more specific list for Sci-Fi Cars, Robots/ Mecha will be forthcoming.  In the meantime, let me introduce you to my vehicle mechanic.  Yeah, I know.  I know your question is, but can she fix vehicles?  My answer to you is... honestly, who cares!

   

Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind Gunship

I'm a sucker for mecha design. In fact, more specifically, and especially, when they come in the form of diecast collectibles.

This is a beauty from Bandai. It's a rendition for collectors of Nausicaa's Gunship from Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind. It was released in 2011 for a limited time and has since been discontinued. It is loaded with moving parts. Fans of the film would no doubt adore this fine craft. And honestly, who doesn't love moving parts?

I know. Does it come auto-sized?

Dinky Toys [Gerry Anderson's Alternate Diecast Universe]

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... the wonderful world of Gerry & Sylvia Anderson was commandeered by an empire called Dinky Toys and Space:1999, UFO and Thunderbirds would never be the same. Alternate designs were made to the amazement of children everywhere.

It's FAB FRIDAY people where all things green are blue or white are green and nothing is ever what it seems. Yes, once upon a time, Dinky Toys took liberties with those classic vehicles of yesteryear, The Eagle Transporter [1975], The Eagle Freighter [1975], The Interceptor [1971] and Thunderbird 2 [1967]. Dinky Toys was in no short supply of blue and green paint at their disposal and they were going to make damn sure that one day these children's toys would become fabulously collectible.

I had the blue Thunderbird 2 complete with plastic yellow Thunderbird 4 many yarns ago. I recall a chance at purchasing The Eagle from an antique shop outside of Bath, England way back when too, but the price then was too exorbitant for my shallow pockets to justify.
Yes, this was like art or commerce imitating life. It was Star Trek: The Original Series' Mirror Mirror meets the world of metallic toys. In fact, even the original Klingon Battle Cruiser [1977] wasn't safe from those merciless Dinky spray guns.

Dinky Toys, which beat Corgi Toys to the licensing deal with Anderson on diecast fun, was established in 1931 and was based in Liverpool, England. How fitting that Dinky should also be from the home of the FAB four, The Beatles, and land a deal to make all things FAB for the Andersons.

Well, Dinky Toys also made Lady Penelope's FAB 1 [1967], Ed Straker's Car [1971], S.H.A.D.O. 2 Mobile [1971] and the USS Enterprise [1971], though the company was more faithful in its representation of the iconic designs... sort of.

Details and designs were certainly simple but these highly sought after vehicles still remain popular. Finding items in mint condition can prove difficult to be sure, but they do exist even though Dinky Toys closed its doors in 1979.

For more faithful productions of some of these classic vehicle designs be sure to look out for castings from Product Enterprise, Ltd., a company that has designed vehicles for UFO and Space:1999 at great cost. It won't be long before those vehicles are suffering paint loss like those vintage Dinky. Saying Dinky is even FAB. Dinky.