This week is the 40th anniversary of the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System in the United States. To celebrate, I'm looking back at some old posts featuring Mario. Today, the only game in which Mario ever played the bad guy: Donkey Kong, Jr.

Happy *maybe* 45th American anniversary to Pac-Man? (apologies to those who liked my original attempt to celebrate the possible anniversary. The original post I shared was blocked for some reason, prompting this second attempt.)

Happy Helenaween! Celebrate by reading my thoughts on her origin story, as told in DC Super-Heroes #17 symbol-pending.blogspot.com/2025/10/hele... #helenaween

Can you believe that the 30th anniversary of the Transformers franchise was, itself, more than a decade ago? This week, we look at the Sandstorm toy released for the occasion. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/10/thri...

An interesting look at censorship in comic books, presented (somewhat surprisingly) by the Presbyterian Church (USA):

It begins….

The JSA first appeared in 1941, but faded away after about a decade, and didn't come back to star in their own title until late in 1975, introducing new characters to the team. I'm celebrating the 50th anniversary of the JSA's "Next Generation." blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/10/cele...

Happy 40th Anniversary to the original MacGyver! (First aired September 29th, 1985)

I have the honor of being a guest on the latest episode of the DC Secret Files podcast.

I started out writing a feature on the G1 Technobot, Strafe, but quickly realized that there's just not a lot of say about this isolated combiner team member, so I also have a look at some later toys that share Strafe's name. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/09/g1-s... #Transformers

I've just learned of the passing of writer Ron Friedman. Not only did he write for the 1986 animated Transformers: The Movie, but readers of my blog may remember that he also wrote the screenplay for "Fall of a Legend," an episode of UPN's Legend that I covered a few months ago. Rest in Peace

Listen to Pete.

DC Secret Files #DCSFP The Definitive Podcast of the DC Universe 1993-2011 Episode V: Superman & Batman Magazine #1 with guest The Irredeemable Shag rolledspine.wordpress.com/2025/08/29/d... Amazing-Man ✪ Icon ✪ Dian Belmont ✪ Spy Smasher ✪ Grim Reaper ✪ Bulletman ✪ Jenny Sparks ✪ Scarab & More!

New JSA IN THE 90s PODCAST now available! Devin Clancy & Shag discuss JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #9 (1993) by Strazewski & Parobeck! The JSA is on the run when the entire world turns against them! Plus, Alan Scott vs Guy Gardner! fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/jsapres...

This week, I reminisce a bit about the Fraggle Rock toys available with McDonald's Happy Meal back in 1988. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/09/frag...

Would you believe that the comedy classic, Get Smart, is now 60 years old? Here's a tribute I wrote a decade ago, when it was merely the show's *50th* anniversary. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2015/09/cele...

The correct anniversary of the Transformers franchise is, of course, the comic release (if not, in fact, commercials for it that aired even earlier!)

Now Available! Our journey through Marvel #StarWars comics continues with STAR WARS #45! Jarrod Alberich, The Yard Sale Artist & Shag dive into the first original comic after EMPIRE by Archie Goodwin & Carmine Infantino! #starwarscomics #marvelstarwars fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/swe2...

It turns out that today is National Video Games Day! Or, at least, someone said it was, and so it is (I always take these things with a grain of salt). Still, it's an excuse to talk about Ms. Pac-Man.... blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/09/cele...

From the archives: An old discussion on the economy featuring lessons from Uncle Scrooge. transformingseminarian.blogspot.com/2012/03/mone...

m.facebook.com/story.php?st... Sad news regarding my 8th grade Social Studies teacher (better known to the rest of the world as Mrs. Don Rosa).

I first learned that Hasbro was finally going to release a comic-accurate version of Jhiaxus from Transformers: Generation 2 just as I was recording the last episodes of my podcast in 2022. Today, I finally get around to featuring the figure itself: blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/09/lega...

Once upon a very long and geeky time ago, I drew some entries in DC’s “Who’s Who” books. The folks at the @onceuponageek.bsky.social and the @fwpodcasts.bsky.social are revisiting those misty days of yore at fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/whos-wh...

Over a decade ago, I discussed the Atari 2600 version of Pac-Man, and noted that history hasn't been kind to that game. This week, I'm looking at a homebrew that attempts to show what the 2600 is capable of with modern tech and no external limitations. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/08/atar...

I'm hosting a Doctor Who Game Show on Zoom! And there's a $100 grand prize. Want to be a contestant? Learn more at the link. #DoctorWho www.patreon.com/posts/doctor...

Your favorite TV & movie stars from the DCU: Captain Boomerang from #TheSuicideSquad, Elasti-Girl from #DoomPatrol, Weather Wizard from #TheFlash, Animal Man with the best TV theme song, plus more! New WHO'S WHO REVIEW PODCAST available now! fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/whos-wh...

From 10 years ago, some musing on the Transformers Generation 1 Tech Specs: blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2015/08/all-...

This week, a focus on one of my favorite British game shows, Pointless, as well as a video demonstrating how I adapted the format to a college faculty event. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/08/mock...

The thought that Michael Bay might be returning to make more live-action Transformers movies makes me scream internally. But I have to admit that the success of at least some of those efforts has enabled many toys to exist that would not have existed otherwise. Here's an example: buff.ly/XYetlZL

A few years ago, I was a guest on “The BitGeek Podcast,” as we discussed some favorite game shows. While discussing Pyramid, I led both Ron and Nick through a round. This link should take you directly to the round we played, which is only a few minutes of the much longer video.

After just 12 episodes, spanning less than four months, Legend on UPN came to an end. Join us as we finish out our 30th anniversary celebration as we take a look at the final episode: "Skeletons in the Closet." blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...

This week, I'm discussing the Super Powers figure of Firestorm! blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/05/supe...

Transformers Chronicles: The Marvel Years - Episode 061: Transformers #61 (Marvel) Available on all Podcast Apps, Spotify and: youtu.be/IkxuPPQ_aGA

Nicodemus Legend helps a young woman find her family while "Clueless in San Francisco." blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-...

The legendary Jon Bogdanove joins me this week to talk about the animated version of Reign of the Supermen. It was a fun conversation that covered both the movie and Jon’s time on the #Superman titles. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...

New JSA IN THE 90s PODCAST now available! Justin from the Fanholes Podcast & Shag present a spotlight on JIM CORRIGAN THE SPECTRE! We discuss Spectre's significant appearances across the 1990s, with special focus on THE SPECTRE #1-4 by Ostrander & Mandrake! fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/jsapres...

This week, Nicodemus Legend is falsely accused of murder as we review "Fall of a Legend." This one may be of interest to Transformers fans, as the teleplay was written by Transformers:The Movie screenwriter Ron Friedman. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-...

Now Available! Our journey through Marvel #StarWars comics begins with the EMPIRE STRIKES BACK comic adaptation! @apleyland.bsky.social & Shag dive in with this extra-long episode--covering all 6 issues, movie/comic differences, YOUR feedback & more! fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/swe2...

Something a bit different this week. I'm trying to promote my ability to host game show events for different situations. Here's a game I hosted for a college kick-off event a few years ago, pitting teams of department chairs against each other in a quick version of "Family Feud." buff.ly/4v12aVK

Check out The Many Odd Origins of EVEN STEVEN by Karl Kesel on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/122...

Happy 4th of July! "The Memoirs of Nicodemus Legend" returns this week with a reflection on 19th-century international relations as seen in the episode "Revenge of the Herd." blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-...

I've just learned of the passing of comics legend Jim Shooter, who left an undeniably huge impact on the industry. For me, he stands out for having created much of what the Transformers franchise takes for granted today. Here's a post I wrote 15 years ago (to the day!) with details: buff.ly/xqC3V79

Your favorite TV & movie stars from the DCU: #Superman coming to theaters soon, STARGIRL's Brain Wave, GOTHAM's Professor Hugo Strange, and JUSTICE LEAGUE cartoon's Manhunters, plus more! New WHO'S WHO REVIEW PODCAST available now! fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/whos-wh...

Blackrock's Toybox returns to its roots this week, with a look at a third-party homage to one of Mirage's pre-Transformer toys. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/06/newa...

In this week's "Memoirs of Nicodemus Legend," we recap the episode "Bone of Contention," in which efforts to solve a murder lead to the discovery of a dinosaur skeleton! blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-...

Engaging in a bit of a reconstructive project. Taking orphaned Atari 2600 PCBs and orphaned cartridge shells and putting them back together with new labels. They're not intended to fool anyone into thinking they're originals, but they ARE intended to blend in with them. Hope I found the balance.

Spend Father's Day with Johnny & Jesse Quick, plus Rex and Rick Tyler on the latest episode of JSA IN THE 90s PODCAST! We discuss JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #8 (1993) by Strazewski & Parobeck! fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/jsapres...

There's a lot going on tomorrow. I know. If you need to give your attention to something else, I understand. But perhaps you're actively looking for some counter-programming? If so, you may want to consider watching "The Game Show Game Show," on which I'll be a contestant tomorrow afternoon.

"The Memoirs of Nicodemus Legend" returns! 30 years ago, UPN hoped to generate extra publicity by airing this week's episode, "The Gospel According to Legend," right after Star Trek: Voyager. The episode also features Robert "Freddy Krueger" Englund. blackrockstoybox.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-...

"The Memoirs of Nicodemus Legend" will return tomorrow (rather than on Friday) this week, paralleling the fact that this episode, "The Gospel According to Legend," aired on Monday (right after Star Trek: Voyager) for the first and only time. Check out this advertisement from back in the day!