The Outer Space Men at the New York Big Apple Comic Con

WE WILL BE AT THE NEW YORK CITY BIG APPLE CON ON OCTOBER 16, 17 AND 18. MAKE SURE TO COME BY AND PICK UP THE GRAPHIC NOVEL AS WELL AS THE NEW TEE SHIRTS AND SEE THE AMAZING DISPLAY OF VINTAGE OSM TOYS. THERE WILL BE MANY ITEMS FOR SALE INCLUDING COMPLETE SETS OF OSM AS WELL AS LOOSE FIGURES.

OSM TEAM MEMBER NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

Besides being focused on bringing THE OUTER SPACE MEN to worldwide prominence, TEAM OSM is constantly looking to explore other artistic avenues. Marc Borstel is one of those valued team members. As colorist/letterer for THE OUTER SPACE MEN Graphic Novel, Marc was an integral reason why the book received such critical acclaim. Marc has recently expanded his resume to include "writer." Having been excepted into the prestigious Zuda comics monthly competition, Marc is already receiving praise for his sci-fi/adventure webcomic "Tessyleia 2.0." I have a limited involvement in the project as well. While Marc's English continues to improve, it wasn't quite ready for a comic contest in an English format. I collaborated with him to simply polish-up an already intriguing dialogue.

So, get out there and support a TEAM OSM member in his quest for artistic super-stardom. Here's how to help.

1. Go to Zuda Comics.
2. Click 'sign up' in the top right
3. Open verification email and 'sign in'
4. Click VOTE on the Tessyleia 2.0 page
5. Add it your favs and give it a rating.
6. Make some comments in the thread below.
7. Spread the word and get friends and family to vote for him!

Visit Marc's blog for a step-by-step look into the artistic process of creating a webcomic. We all wish Marc the best of luck.

Can Mer-Man trace his ancestry back to Jupiter?

The similarities are startling! But it seems to be true. Mer-Man, a MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE action-figure, appears to have characteristics similar to Colossus Rex, THE OUTER SPACE MEN "Giant from Jupiter." Mer-Man made a name for himself as one of Skeletor's most trusted henchmen. Sworn enemy of He-Man and answering only to Skeletor and Beast Man, Mer-Man appears to be the King of a race of amphibious humanoids. These creatures seem to inhabit some or all of the oceans present on the planet of Eternia. Mer-man is characterized by his green, scaly skin and distinctive head fins that may also function as ears. Mattel originally released Mer-Man as part of the first series of their MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE collection in 1981-82. Execs at Mattel could not be reached for comment on the origins of Mer-Man. But the likeness to Colossus Rex is unmistakeable.

In recent years, Mer-Man has experienced a reincarnation of sorts. In 2008, Mattel contracted the amazing artists from Four Horsemen Studios to sculpt Mer-Man for their all-new MOTU CLASSICS line. The new characters "Real Name" is Squidish Rex. Apparently, their similarities have come to include their names. This new figures bio reads, "Ruler of the undersea realms of Eternia, Mer-Man was forced to serve in the armies of Skeletor after his kingdom was destroyed in a battle with rival ocean clans. His allegiance with Skeletor brings him to the surface world more often then he would like. Lurking deep beneath the Sea of Rakash, Mer-Man awaits the evil call to arms of Skeletor!"

For OUTER SPACE MEN fans, it is certainly comforting to see descendants of their mighty Jovian warrior still alive and kicking-butt today. Just as invulnerable to attack and invincible in battle as ever!

Don't forget, you can see Colossus Rex fight the enemies of Earth in the epic Graphic Novel, THE OUTER SPACE MEN!

Comic Search Blog

First, I'd like to thank Eric for the good work he has been doing here on the OSM blog recently.

Second, I'd like to call attention of readers to this other comic blog of mine here - which chronicles my years long quest to find a (early 1970s, likely reprint) comic of my youth.

If anyone has any "leads" please leave a comment at the Search blog.

Thank you.

- Nosecone 2008

TOYS GO BOX OFFICE BOFFO!

With the recent mega-success of Transformers 2 and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, could THE OUTER SPACE MEN be next? Transformers 2, the sequel to the 2007 box office smash hit Transformers, has ticket sales that make Hollywood execs feel good inside. While still in some theaters, the flick based on a popular toy property, has grossed $825 mil worldwide. Not too shabby when you consider the production budget was a mere $200 Mil. So, it shouldn't be surprising that Hollywood is snatching up toy properties and adapting them to the Big Screen. Especially when you consider the success of Paramount's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. After only a week and a half, this film, based on the iconic action-figures, has box office revenue that has already surpassed it's production budget by $20 mil!

Last February, Universal Pictures signed a six-year, four-picture partnership with Hasbro toys. Among the properties reported to be associated with this deal is flexible action-figure Stretch Armstrong. And Universal hasn't stopped with Stretch. Earlier this year, they announced plans to produce a film based on Major Matt Mason - Mattel's Man in Space. But don't make the mistake of thinking that Hollywood is "playing around" with these toy properties. Oscar Award winner Brian Grazer has been charged with the task of producing Stretch Armstrong. Universal also has assembled a talented team to bring Major Matt to the silver screen. Multi-Oscar award winning actor Tom Hanks is to star in the film that Emmy Award winner Graham Yost has written.

So why not THE OUTER SPACE MEN? Hasn't the time come to bring this incredible toy to movie theaters worldwide? Imagine an OSM film directed by Zack Snyder, or Robert Rodriguez. With the CGI technology available to today's creators, the possibilities are limitless. Isn't a movie featuring the greatest heroes our solar system has to offer more intriguing than a flick about Legos?

OSM CREATOR, MEL BIRNKRANT, IS ONLINE!

Toy legend and OUTER SPACE MEN creator Mel Birnkrant, has opened up his secret vault to share some never-before-seen OSM goodies! With the launch of melbirnkrant.com/outerspacemen.com, the newest wing of the Birnkrant "Internet Estate," insatiable OSM fans get a taste of the amazing original artwork that beget THE OUTER SPACE MEN. Stop by to see original concept sketches, unpublished interviews, vehicle prototypes, long-lost promotional material and tons of photos! If you are an OSM fan, than you need to check out this site.

Also on the web; THE OUTER SPACE MEN invade the blogosphere!!

T. Reed's Nightmare Sound Laboratory blog explores monsters, film, comics, toys, music and THE OUTER SPACE MEN. A perfect stop for THE OSM enthusiast.

Animator Jim Lujan talks OSM on his blog.

Sci-fi Super-site, io9 gives THE OUTER SPACE MEN some sci-fi love.

And finally, Collin David recounts his experience with THE OUTER SPACE MEN at NYCC '09 in his blog for CollectorsQuest.com.

THE OUTER SPACE MEN SAY "NO!" TO STEROIDS.

As action-figures around the world are suspiciously gaining muscle and losing body fat, THE OUTER MEN vow to "stay clean." A recent scientific study compared the physique of GI Joe action-figures from the 1960's and today. If the Joes from the 60's were 5 feet 10 inches tall, they would have a chest measuring 44 inches and biceps measuring 12 inches. Not too shabby! By comparison, a contemporary Joe would have measurements of 55 and 15 inches respectively. And at the same time a noticeable loss of body fat has occurred. Really?!

What affect might this type of unattainable appearance have on our youth? Adolescence in America is filled with enough angst already. Throw some body image issues on top and we have a psychological powder-keg on our hands. At a time when our sports stars are being exposed as steroid-using cheats. Must our super-heroes be dirty?

True to their time and place in history, THE OUTER SPACE MEN appeared fit. Not ridiculously muscle bound, chiseled and veiny. Expect more of the same when they make their eventual return to action-figure immortality! Saving Earth from those who might wish it harm keep them pretty trim. Besides which, the code of the Inter-planetary Security Council strictly forbids the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs.