by Josh Crawley

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Unlike some months, I’m really excited about some of the cool stuff beyond the Comics & Graphic Novels section of Previews! Let’s take a look!

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Unofficial Cartoon Guide to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Unofficial Cartoon Guide to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

While technically unofficial, Busta Toons is one of the experts Mattel has gone to for help on their Masters of the Universe brand, usually in the form of series bibles (for more, check out episodes 31 and 32 of He-Man.Org’s Roast Gooble Dinner podcast). Honestly, any process junkie that’s a fan of the cartoon shouldn’t hesitate to order this book. While you’re at it, pick up a copy of cereal:geek #1, the amazing ad-free animation magazine by Busta Toons!

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Transformers Vault

Transformers Vault HC

These Vault-themed books are so much fun, and so are Transformers, so really, how could one go wrong? My guess; not even considering the option of buying it.

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Tokidoki X Marvel: Captain Lollipop Juniors T-Shirt

Tokidoki x Marvel: Captain Lollipop Junior’s T-Shirt

The only thing better than an adorable lady is – obviously – an adorable lady wearing an adorable Captain America T-shirt. Added bonus: the lollipop even has a bite taken out of it. McGruff would be proud.

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Blank Trexi 10-Inch Vinyl Figure

Blank Trexi 10-Inch Vinyl Figure

Honestly, I’m not just horrible at drawing; I’m just as horrible at customizing figures. That being said, a well-designed figure can still give me the itch to scribble and scrawl all over a nice virgin figure.

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Marvel Bishoujo Statue: Jean Grey

Marvel Bishoujo Statue: Jean Grey

I’m torn as to whether or not I like the base on this statue. The X-Jet looks awesome, but smoke is rarely done well. Sometime it looks – literally – like poo (did they really need to add the brown coloring?). However, some intrepid craftsperson with an airbrush could make that much whiter with relative ease (I presume). To balance that out, though, I think Jean looks amazing! Some of that may have to do with the costume (designed by Jim Lee), which can also be implemented poorly at times. Here, though, I think it’s been executed flawlessly!

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Tokidoki A6 Hardcover Notebook

Tokidoki A6 Hardcover Notebook

Because sometimes a guy just wants to take an old-fashioned analog note covered in cute & sexy; there are plenty more Tokidoki notebooks and notepads this month, but this is a nice hardcover with compact size.

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Pop Rock Vinyl Figure: Run-DMC - Jam Master Jay

Pop Rock Vinyl Figure: Run-DMC – Jam Master Jay

There are plenty of great vinyl figures this month, and even plush versions of the same designs… but as Jam-Master Jay didn’t get a plush, I wanted to spotlight his vinyl.

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Well, I think that’s where I’m going to cap off this column. This month really makes me wish I had Scrooge McDuck’s money bin. While I can’t afford all the super cool stuff I’d like this month, it makes me happy when there’s just so much cool stuff available!

I’m not sure what I’ll have for all of you to read next week, as I’ll be in Chicago for the retailer summit preceding Reed’s Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (A.K.A. C2E2). And if you happen to see me wandering around, possibly in my BAMF t-shirt, feel free to buy me a drink or a Chicago dog. I need to keep my energy levels high!

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Josh Crawley may or may not be the keyboardist for Everclear. He strongly suggests you not bet that he is.