Retro Toy Chest: Introducing Nubia (1976)

 Nubia was introduced to DC Comics readers in the winter of 1972-3 in the pages of Wonder Woman, as Diana returns to Paradise Island (now Themiscyria), and is shocked to discover she has a "twin sister", who has the appearance of an African-American. I Ching, Diana's mentor when she was powerless, is killed off in the same issue to create the transition.

In 1976, Mego added Nubia to their line of action figures, as part of a sub-line with Diana and her on-again-off-again beau, Steve Trevor. Check this ad:

That it took nearly 45 years for DC and fans in general to be reacquainted with Nubia should say something about how things have changed.

Animated World of DC Comics: A New Year's Toast (The New Batman Adventures, 1997)

 From the episode "Holiday Knights":

Batman (Kevin Conroy) makes a point of ringing in the new year with Commissioner Gordon (Bob Hastings) every year. Whodathunk the Dark Knight actually would drink coffee?

Happy New Year!!!!

Tooniversary: Superman in Arctic Giant (1942)

 Here's a perfect winter adventure with Superman, as he faces "The Arctic Giant".

Rating: A.

You Know The Voice: "Mr. Magoo" meets his clone? (What's My Line?, 1971)

 Jim Backus is on the panel for this installment of What's My Line?, which was in syndication, and airing in daytime in the 518. The mystery guest? Impressionist Rich Little!

I think I'm going to have to find that Truth or Consequences episode Rich referenced that he & Jim did together......

Sunday Funnies: The Muppet Reindeer discuss Christmas plans (The Ed Sullivan Show, 1968)

 Not all of Santa's legendary reindeer made the trip to New York for The Ed Sullivan Show. Then again, these are Muppet reindeer, courtesy of Jim Henson and friends, who modified a sketch first shown on The Kraft Music Hall with Perry Como three years earlier. Play this for your kids today. They'll love it.

Merry Christmas! We'll see you Monday.

Retro Toy Chest: Kreskin's ESP (1964)

 The Amazing Kreskin earned a reputation as a mentalist in the 60's, making frequent appearances on talk shows, and even hosted one himself.

But, a board game? Yup.

In 1964, Milton Bradley reached a licensing deal with Kreskin to produce a board game, Kreskin's ESP. I wish, aside from the commercial, I could tell you more, but the product was off the shelves by the time I first walked into the toy section of a department store.

Ghost of Christmas past, anyone?

Countdown to Christmas: American Bandstand's Christmas show (1969)

We've got a Christmas episode of American Bandstand from 1969. Yes, it was recorded in color, but this tape appears to have been a black & white kinescope. Anyway, the singer-songwriter team of Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart and Family Affair's Kathy Garver (who later got into voice acting) are among the guests. Includes in-show ads by host Dick Clark for Certs and Neet, and is otherwise sponsored by Dr. Pepper. Bill Woodson narrates an ad for The FBI.

Update, 2/6/24: Had to change the video, as Times Past Television lost its YouTube account (which sucks).