More Collectible Exclusives and Freebies at the Upcoming 2013 San Diego Comic-Con International

What follows is Part Two of Collector's Shangri-La's favorite San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives that have been announced to date. Some companies are offering pre-ordering on their exclusives, which you may then pick up at Comic-Con. Click here for our first batch of favorites!

Super Alloy Batman By by Jim Lee 1/6 Action Figure
SUPER ALLOY 1/6 SCALE “BATMAN BY JIM LEE” The new Dark Knight comes to life in the form of the Super Alloy 1/6 Scale Collectable Figure "Batman by Jim Lee". Based on Jim Lee's unique vision, this Batman figure features a more armored suit comprising at least 85% die-cast metal alloy, with more than 50 points of articulation. Featuring a detachable and posable fabric cape, grappling gun and batarang accessories, and a magnetic dragon gargoyle display base, the Super Alloy 1/6 Scale Collectable Figure “Batman by Jim Lee” is a limited edition piece for collectors. EVENT EXCLUSIVE EDITION. Available at the Yes Anime Booth 4729.
Price: $300.00

See our our original art, limited editions, and autographed Batman collectibles here.

Yoda Dog and Cat Ears
The Force is strong with you and your pet. Stop by Petco’s booth for a sneak peek at their exclusive Star Wars Pets Fans Collection debuting in-store September 1st – including Chewbacca dog hoodies, Millennium Falcon cat teaser toys and more. Plus, get free Yoda ears for pets, while supplies last. Available at Petco Booth 2913.

Price: $0.00

See our our original art, limited editions, and autographed Star Wars collectibles here.

Comic-Con Mad Libs
Don't miss this limited Mad Libs edition, created solely for San Diego Comic-Con. Will feature two Comic-Con-inspired stories, in addition to Adventure Time, Skylanders, Star Wars, Poptropica, and Star Wars LEGO Stories! Available at Penguin Group (USA) Booth 1028.

Price: $0.00

Schleich Rollerblading Snoopy Figurine
This 3" rollerblading Snoopy figurine was originally created by Schleich many years ago in full color. This year, Schleich has relaunched their classic Peanuts figurine in gold exclusively for Comic-Con. Available at Peanuts Booth 1637.

Price: $10.00

See our our Charles Schulz Peanuts limited editions and original art here.

BATMAN Classic TV Series Batusi Batman™
It’s the dance craze that swept the nation! For the first time ever, this Batusi Batman™ figure recreates the iconic dance from the Batman™ Classic TV series! Sculpted with authentic likeness and featuring a fabric cape, this figure has unique articulation and an internal mechanism that allows it to perform the Batusi. The diorama package features vintage-look art from Shag, and a sound feature plays music with a ‘60s vibe to perfectly capture the scene where Batman™ shows off his unique Batusi moves. The package is designed so the Batusi dance moves can be activated without removing the figure. Available at Mattel Inc. Booth 3029.

Price: $30.00

See our our original art, limited editions, and autographed Batman collectibles here.

The Twilight Zone Henry Bemis Book Box and Replica Glasses - Convention Exclusive
From the intriguing The Twilight Zone episode "Time Enough at Last," this marvelous replica includes a stack of Henry Bemis' precious books and his signature glasses with black frames and thick, clear lenses! Also included is removable/reusable film that can be placed over the lenses to resemble Henry’s cracked glasses, as seen in the end of the episode. The full-color book stack opens at the top to serve as a storage box. Available at Entertainment Earth Booth 2343.

Price: $100.00

See our our autographed Twilight Zone items here.

Farewell to Writer Richard Matheson - Collector's Treasure of the Day

The Incredible Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson

Farewell to fantasy, horror, and sci-fi author Richard Matheson (1926-2013) who passed away this week at the age of 87. He is perhaps best known as the author of What Dreams May Come, Steel, I Am Legend, several episodes of the The Twilight Zone, and The Shrinking Man (filmed as The Incredible Shrinking Man). He was a true legend and will be missed. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is the The Shrinking Man Easton Press Collector's Edition Signed by Richard Matheson. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Farewell to Devo Drummer Alan Myers

Drumhead Signed by Devo

Farewell to Alan Myers, the New Wave band Devo's most prominent drummer, who passed away this week of brain cancer at the age of 58. Known for his precision, his playing was featured on Devo's first seven albums, including Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! and Freedom of Choice, which included the hit single "Whip It." Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is a 12 inch REMO Tom Tom drumhead that has been hand-signed by DEVO's Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Bob Casale, and Alan Myers. Each drumhead is a unique piece of DEVO art, signed in a crazy creative way by each member of the band, and may differ from the one pictured. In fine condition. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Our Favorite Exclusives at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013

What follows is Collector's Shangri-La's favorite San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives that have been announced to date. Some companies are offering pre-ordering on their exclusives, which you may then pick up at Comic-Con. Check back for more companies and more exclusives!

Aardman: Superman Action Figure
Created by Aardman, the British brains behind “WALLACE AND GROMIT,” the Aardman Superman Figure is their own unique take on the Man of Steel. Based on the popular interstitial shorts shown during DC Nation on Cartoon Network, designed by Rich Webber and sculpted by Phil Ramirez. The Aardman: Superman measures approximately 6.5” tall. Available at the DC Collectibles Boutique at the Graphitti Designs booth #2315, next to the DC booth.
Price: $24.95

2014 Leela/Amy Lobrau Calendar Pin-up
It's another exclusive "Girls of Futurama" calendar pin-up featuring Leela and Amy from the Planet Express crew. Available at Bongo Comics Group Booth 2519.

Price: $10.00

SDCC 2013 Robby The Robot Die-Cast Figure -- Previews Exclusive Purple Version
Forbidden Planet’s signature ‘bot comes to vivid die-cast life in this exceptionally detailed and extremely limited purple edition! Available at Diamond Comic Distributors Booth 2401.

Price: $74.99

Doctor Who 10th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver Pen
Free with the first 20 purchases every day (one per family please) this wonderful plastic model of the 10th Doctor's sonic screwdriver worth over $20 at retail. It has the same extendable feature and size as the long deleted original, and now with a fully working pen!! Available at Fanfare / The Who Shop Booth 3947.

Price: $0.00

Star Wars® The Black Series 6-Inch Boba Fett™ Action Figure with Han Solo™ in Carbonite Accesory
In 2013, Hasbro takes collectible STAR WARS action figures to the next level with the introduction of THE BLACK SERIES action figure line! For the first time ever, Hasbro is introducing a 6-inch scale of the greatest characters from the STAR WARS universe, and fans will have their first opportunity to start their BLACK SERIES 6-inch figure collection at San Diego Comic-Con with the BOBA FETT action figure which comes with HAN SOLO IN CARBONITE accessory. Available at Hasbro Booth 3329.

Price: $44.99

Creature From the Black Lagoon 9 inch Glow-In-The-Dark Variant
Mezco’s award-winning design team journeyed deep into the unexplored depths of the Amazon jungle searching for fossils…instead they discovered The Creature! Mezco Toyz brings to life The Creature, from Universal’s sci-fi, horror gem, The Creature From The Black Lagoon. This Creature variant is cast in Glow-In-The-Dark material. The phosphorescent properties of this formulation put past glow items to shame. Like the lure of the mysterious deep-sea angler fish, its powerful incandescence pierces the darkness of even the blackest lagoon. This iconic scaled terror from the deep stands 9” tall and captures the intricate detail of the pre-historic gill-man; from his mysterious amphibious eyes, to his claw tipped webbed hands. With 11 points of articulation he’ll be able to take out any scientist who dares to come between him and his true love. The Creature is packaged in a full color, collector friendly window box perfect for display. Available at Mezco Toyz Booth 3445.

Price: $60.00

Portal 2 Starfield Deco Turret LED Flashlight w/ Sound
Aperture Investment Opportunity #3: Turrets Want to make your Portal-loving friends green with envy? (Other shades of green are a sign of ingesting poisons during testing. Please do not lick anything in the Enrichment Center.) The Starfield Deco Turret is black with glittering silver and a bright red LED that lights up when you give it a squeeze. Just like our traditional Turret Flashlight, it plays sound effects straight from the Portal and Portal 2 games. Just remember to treat it with care, because it's special. Product Specifications: Limited Time Con Appearance Exclusive! Bring a bit of Aperture Science home with this turret flashlight Bright red LED light will help you find all life's lemons Real turret sound effects from the Portal & Portal 2 games Gift box looks just like the one in the Aperture Investment Opportunity #3 video Officially licensed Portal / Portal 2 product Dimensions: Approx. 3.5" tall. Available at ThinkGeek Booth 5541.

Price: $15.00

Fantasy Calendar 2014, Autographed by Artists Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell
The perennially bestselling Fantasy Calendar reflects the vision of husband-and-wife team Boris Vallejo, America’s premier fantasy artist, and Julie Bell, designer of the popular Dragons of Destiny series. Here are thirteen all-new paintings, tied together with an engrossing original narrative, that take you to a world of swirling landscapes, fearsome monsters, and bold, beautiful women rendered with exacting anatomical detail. The calendar will be accompanied by a Comic-Con exclusive sticker with dragon illustration and both artists' autographs. Available at Workman Publishing Booth 2913.

Price: $12.99

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Remembering Jean-Paul Sartre

Five Plays Limited Edition Book Signed by Jean-Paul Sartre

Today marks the birthday of French playwright, philosopher, and Father of Existentialism, Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980). He refused his 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature as well as other official honors, explaining that "a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution". Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is the Franklin Library Edition of his book Five Plays. This volume includes the classics ''No Exit,'' ''The Flies,'' ''Dirty Hands,'' ''The Respectful Prostitute'' and ''The Condemned of Altona.'' This leather-bound limited edition published in 1979 has been hand-signed on a bound-in page by author Jean-Paul Sartre. Fine condition. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Farewell to Fantagraphics Co-Publisher Kim Thompson

Collector's Shangri-La is sad to announce that our friend Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thompson has passed away. The text of their official release follows:

Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thompson died at 6:30 this morning, June 19. "He was my partner and close friend for 36 years," said Gary Groth.

Thompson was born in Denmark in 1956. He grew up in Europe, a lifelong comics fan, reading both European and American comics in Denmark, France, and Germany. He was an active fan in his teen years, writing to comics — his letters appeared in Marvel's letter columns circa early 1970s — and contributing to fanzines from his various European perches. At the age of 21, he set foot, for the first time, on American soil, in late 1977. One "fanzine" he had not contributed to was The Comics Journal, which Groth and Michael Catron began publishing in July of 1976. That was soon to change.

"Within a few weeks of his arrival," said Groth, "he came over to our 'office,' which was the spare bedroom of my apartment, and was introduced by a mutual friend — it was a fan visit. We were operating out of College Park, Maryland and Kim's parents had moved to Fairfax, Virginia, both Washington DC suburbs. Kim loved the energy around the Journal and the whole idea of a magazine devoted to writing about comics, and asked if he could help. We needed all the help we could get, of course, so we gladly accepted his offer. He started to come over every day and was soon camping out on the floor. The three of us were living and breathing The Comics Journal 24 hours a day."

Thompson became an owner when Catron took a job at DC Comics in 1978. As he became more familiar with the editorial process, Thompson became more and more integral to the magazine, assembling and writing news and conducting interviews with professionals. Thompson's career in comics began here.

In 1981, Fantagraphics began publishing comics (such as Jack Jackson's Los Tejanos, Don Rosa's Comics and Stories, and, in 1982, Love and Rockets). Thompson was always evangelical about bandes dessinées and wanted to bring the best of European comics to America; in 1981, Thompson selected and translated the first of many European graphic novels for American publication — Herman Huppen's The Survivors: Talons of Blood (followed by a 2nd volume in 1983). Thompson's involvement in The Comics Journal diminished in 1982 when he took over the editorship of Amazing Heroes, a bi-weekly magazine devoted to more mainstream comics (with occasional forays into alternative and even foreign comics). Thompson helmed Amazing Heroes through 204 issues until 1992.

Among Thompson's signature achievements in comics were Critters, a funny-animal anthology that ran from 50 issues between 1985 to 1990 and is perhaps best known for introducing the world to Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo; and Zero Zero, an alternative comics anthology that also ran for 50 issues over five years — between 1995 and 2000 — and featured work by, among others, Kim Deitch, Dave Cooper, Al Columbia, Spain Rodriguez, Joe Sacco, David Mazzuchelli, and Joyce Farmer. His most recent enthusiasm was spearheading a line of European graphic novel translations, including two major series of volumes by two of the most significant living European artists — Jacques Tardi (It Was the War of the Trenches, Like a Sniper Lining up His Shot, The Astonishing Exploits of Lucien Brindavoine) and Jason (Hey, Wait..., I Killed Adolf Hitler, Low Moon, The Left Bank Gang) — and such respected work as Ulli Lust's Today Is the Last Day of the Rest of Your Life, Lorenzo Mattotti's The Crackle of the Frost, Gabriella Giandelli's Interiorae, and what may be his crowning achievement as an editor/translator, Guy Peelaert's The Adventures of Jodelle.

Throughout his career at Fantagraphics, Thompson was active in every aspect of the company, selecting books, working closely with authors, guiding books through the editorial and production process. "Kim leaves an enormous legacy behind him," said Groth, "not just all the European graphic novels that would never have been published here if not or his devotion, knowledge, and skills, but for all the American cartoonists he edited, ranging from Stan Sakai to Joe Sacco to Chris Ware, and his too infrequent critical writing about the medium. His love and devotion to comics was unmatched. I can't truly convey how crushing this is for all of us who've known and loved and worked with him over he years." 

Thompson was diagnosed with lung cancer in late February. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Emmert, his mother and father, Aase and John, and his brother Mark.

Peter Bagge's Other Stuff Cover Original Art Signed by Peter Bagge

Pictorama Original Preliminary Cover Art Signed by Kim Deitch

Art of Tony Millionaire Original Cover Art Signed by Tony Millionaire

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Remembering Wally Wood

Detail from Mad Magazine "Strangely Believe It!" Original Art by Wally Wood and Ernie Kovacs

Today marks the birthday of comic artist Wally Wood (1927-1981), best known for his work on EC Comics's MAD and Marvel's Daredevil. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is a page of original art written by TV pioneer Ernie Kovacs (1919 - 1962) and drawn by Wood. The two teamed up for a series of Ripley's Believe It Or Not! parodies, beginning with MAD Magazine #33. This wild page is from the next-to-last issue to feature them, and has Wood drawing on textured bristol. Some great Wood women in the panel shown in this detail -- wait, is one of them Little Orphan Annie?! Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Wally Wood's Weird Sex-Fantasy Limited Edition Portfolio Signed by Wally Wood

Vampirella #9 Page 7 Original Art by Wally Wood

NCS Portfolio of Fine Comic Art Limited Edition Complete Set (Vol. 1,2,3) Signed by 22 Comic Pioneers with Rare Bonus Prints

Ernie Kovacs-Owned Bow Tie, Shirt Collar and Record Collection

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Happy Birthday Waylon Jennings

Highwaymen Guitar Autographed by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson

Today marks the birthday of country musician Waylon Jennings (1937 - 2002). Some of us also remember him fondly as the narrator for The Dukes of Hazzard, and the composer/singer of the show's theme song. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is this stratocaster-style electric guitar, signed  by Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash (1932 - 2003), Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings (1937 - 2002). Accompanied by a photo of Kristofferson signing the guitar. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Happy Birthday Marla Gibbs! No Reserve Auction!

TV Land Program Signed by 17 including the late Sherman Hemsley and Larry Hagman

Happy 82nd birthday today to actress Marla Gibbs, best known as the sarcastic maid Florence on the TV comedy The Jeffersons. The Collector's Treasure of the Day is the Official 2003 TV Land Convention Program, hand-signed by 17 of the participants: the late Sherwood Schwartz (creator of Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island), Dawn Wells (Gilligan's Island), Barry Williams (Brady Bunch), Tim Conway (Carol Burnett Show), Carl Reiner (creator of the Dick Van Dyke Show), the late Sherman Hemsley (Jeffersons), Marla Gibbs (Jeffersons), George Schlatter (creator of Laugh-In), Gary Owens (Laugh-In), Sid and Marty Krofft (creators of Land of the Lost, etc.), Billie Hays (H.R. Pufnstuf), the late Ned Wertimer (Jeffersons), Lloyd Schwartz (producer Brady Bunch, etc.), Noel Neil (Superman), Alan Sues (Laugh-In), and the late Larry Hagman (I Dream of Jeannie, Dallas). Crisp clear signatures on a mint program. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La plus third party authentication. We are currently offering this treasure as a "no reserve" action on Ebay starting at 99 cents!

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Happy Birthday Malcolm McDowell

A Clockwork Orange Anniversary Print Signed by Malcolm McDowell

Happy birthday today to actor Malcolm McDowell, best known for the films If...., Caligula, and the Stanley Kubrick film A Clockwork Orange, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Alex DeLarge. This 12 x 24 inch print celebrates the 40th anniversary of A Clockwork Orange. Produced in a numbered limited edition of 100, it has been autographed by star Malcolm McDowell. Authenticity guaranteed for life by Collector's Shangri-La.

Droog Leader Limited Edition Statue Signed by Malcolm McDowell

Ultimate Horror Weekend Limited Edition Print Signed by Malcolm McDowell

Fangoria Limited Edition Print Signed by Malcolm McDowell

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Happy Birthday Jason Mewes

Jay and Silent Bob: Chasing Dogma Hand-Signed Limited Edition

Happy birthday today to Jason Mewes - the actor best known as Jay - the loquacious half of the duo Jay and Silent Bob in Kevin Smith's films. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is the limited edition hardcover book Jay & Silent Bob: Chasing Dogma. The graphic novel features the segue between films Chasing Amy and Dogma. Limited to just 5000 copies, each features a special, numbered color plate hand-signed by Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes and artist Duncan Fegredo.

Clerks: The Limited Hardcover Book Autographed by Kevin Smith and Jim Mahfood

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Happy Birthday Gene Wilder

Willy Wonka Autographed Cast Photo

Happy birthday today to actor Gene Wilder - best known for his roles in the films Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Producers, Silver Streak, and Young Frankenstein. Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is an 8 x 10 inch color glossy photo from the classic 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that has been hand-signed by stars Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), and Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde). Provenance Hollywood Show Cast Reunion.

Collector's Treasure of the Day - Happy Birthday Maurice Sendak

Dracula Limited Edition Print Signed by Maurice Sendak

Today marks the birthday of Maurice Sendak (1928 - 2012), the incomparable writer and illustrator of children's literature, best known for his book Where the Wild Things Are (1963). Our Collector's Treasure of the Day is a rare broadside with full-color design for the centenary exhibition of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula at the Rosenbach Museum and Library. Printed on fine textured drawing paper, autographed by Maurice Sendak in ink and limited to 100 numbered copies.

Herman Melville’s Pierre Dustjacket Design Color Proof Signed by Maurice Sendak

Brothers Grimm Limited Edition Print Signed by Maurice Sendak

Adventures in Autograph Collecting with Jackie Chan

Last Monday evening, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - the folks who hold the Oscars - gave a salute to martial arts superstar Jackie Chan (Rush Hour, Kung Fu Panda, Rumble in the Bronx, Shanghai Noon, Legend of Drunken Master). I was lucky enough to be in the second row for the onstage conversation between Jackie and founder of the Los Angeles Times Hero Complex film festival and EW's CapeTown Geoff Boucher. It was an incredible evening followed by a screening of the Academy's print of Police Story III - Supercop (1992). They showed the full version released in Hong Kong with 10 extra minutes - not the truncated version that was released here in the U.S.! Ok, I'm showing my true "film nerd" colors here. However, what really made it all so special was Jackie's engaging storytelling during his onstage interview. Jackie Chan is so naturally personable, so funny, so animated - it was a blast to see him in person.

What touched me the most was his answer to the question about his favorite movie. Was it some kick-ass martial arts flick? No, it was the classic Hollywood musical The Sound of Music. He said that he'd seen it countless times. When he was a child, even though he didn't understand the English dialogue he could still follow the story. He loved the music, too, and started in with a rendition of "Do-Re-Mi". He even had a poster from the film in his office, which he wished he could get autographed by the cast. He didn't think that was possible, though - he didn't have any idea where they all were. Were they even still alive? I almost jumped out of my seat! I had just the thing for him!

Last year, all of the actors who played the Von Trapp children got together for a reunion at The Hollywood Show in Burbank, CA. Collector's Shangri-La still had one cast photo left signed by all 7 - Charmian Carr, Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Kym Karath.

Sound of Music Photo Signed by Cast of Seven

I thought of approaching him after his talk, but he was mobbed by autograph hounds and quickly ushered backstage. I think he may have had time to sign something for a couple of children in the audience, but certainly didn't have the ability to chat with me.

Coincidentally, I had a friend working on set with him the next day for a film shoot, but she wasn't in a position to approach him. Luckily, the Academy was able to connect me with his agent over at the William Morris Agency, and we arranged to trade a few of Jackie's own autographed photos for The Sound of Music photo. I dropped it by Jackie's hotel today in Beverly Hills, just in time for him to head back to Hong Kong tomorrow. I like to think of it hanging up in his office next to his prized poster. That's the mission of Collector's Shangri-La - connecting people with their passions. I hope I made Jackie's day. He certainly made mine.

Jackie Chan Autographed Photo

Many Rolling Stones Autographs Were Forged by Other Members of the Band

The Rolling Stones, Hyde Park, 1969 by Barrie Wentzell

In a new interview with Rolling Stone magazine, former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman reveals the secrets of the band's autograph sessions in the 1960s.  He acknowledges that the band would all sign each other's names on memorabilia to cut down time spent signing items. What do you think - is a Bill Wyman autograph signed by Mick Jagger worth more or less than the "authentic" one?

According to Wyman, "...there were stacks and stacks of autographed books, programs to be signed, and we just used to grab a bunch each and sign everybody's name. We all learned to sign each other's signatures (laughs). Except for Charlie. He wouldn't sign anything. But me, Keith, Mick and Brian all could sign each other's autographs. When I see them now for sale, I know that, you know, two of them are not theirs – originals and all that. But it was the only way to do it, because you couldn't pass this stuff around. You didn't have time. You were onstage in 10 minutes."

This sort of practice isn't all that uncommon. Classic movie star Jean Harlow famously had her mother sign many of her autographs, but experts know that her mother had a very bold way of writing while Jean's writing was more of a scrawl. This just goes to demonstrate how important it is to know the signing habits of a particular celebrity if you (or your trusted autograph dealer like Collector's Shangri-La) aren't there in person to witness the actual signing.