Disney Kingdoms: Seekers of the Weird

By Nick

I was late to the party. Again. I didn't hear that Marvel and Disney had teamed up to bring fans graphic representations of Disney attractions until people all over Facebook started posting pics of the cover of Figment #1, which caused a lot of excitement, not only because it showcased the beloved purple dragon, it also featured the beloved Dreamfinder!

When I investigated and discovered it was actually part of a new comic book imprint called Disney Kingdoms,  I immediately looked into what, if anything, had already been published!

What I discovered was weird. Seekers of the Weird to be more precise.

I bought the graphic novel from Amazon, when it was inevitably released in that preferable format for me, and fully intended on reviewing it for Halloween time, which I thought would be appropriate considering the macabre subject matter.

Obviously, that didn't happen. But I digress.

Seekers of the Weird is based on concept art created by Imagineer and Disney Legend, Rolly Crump, for an attraction that was to be located at the end of The Haunted Mansion, a Museum of the Weird.

This attraction was so far along in the planning stages that it was featured on the Disneyland 10th Anniversary Show, with Walt Disney himself speaking to Rolly about the concept.
The show is on the Walt Disney Treasures-Disneyland USA DVD box set, and it is readily available on YouTube. As an added bonus, Marc Davis discusses concept work for the Haunted Mansion in the same segment.

As for the story in Seekers of the Weird, it is indeed weird. It reminded me very much of the odd horror comics I would read while at the doctor's or dentists office as a kid in the early 70s, or the Vertigo line of comics from DC I bought in the early to mid 90s. This isn't a bad thing, just surprising it's coming from Disney, and it may be off putting to an audience not accustomed to this coming from Disney. Not that the Haunted Mansion isn't on the dark side, come to think of it!

The artwork is good, and fits well with the story. The artists involved did a nice job paying homage to Rolly Crump's concept work.

This is an interesting read, but, to be honest, if not for the historical ties to Walt Disney era Imagineering, it would not have caught my attention. The same cannot be said for Figment, one of my favorite Disney characters, and I've already pre-ordered that graphic novel, which comes out in May.

Epcot Center Opening Day Guide

by: Nick

I've seen this guide book listed on eBay as the Opening Day Guide, although there is nothing on the cover to indicate as much. When I bought it at an antique store many years ago, the white label that someone annoyingly put on the cover, and which, as you can see, I unsuccessfully removed, stated that it was a pre-opening guide. I payed $10 for it.


The inside cover.


Page 1.


The back cover.


Regardless of what it is, I love it. It is like a time capsule, showing many beloved attractions, some still with us, others changed or extinct, pavilion sponsors, and those terrific Epcot Center logos.



Some of the companies that were sponsors don't even exist any longer.


I miss Dreamfinder. Who am I kidding, I miss the whole original ride!


And perhaps my all time favorite ride, Horizons.



On the World Showcase side, the artwork is even more stunning.





There is even a preview for 3 nations that were planned, announced, but never made it.



Finally the book ends showing some of the workmanship that went into what I consider a Wonder of the World, Epcot.



Because of the wonderful photos, and a glimpse back at classic Epcot Center, this is one of my favorite pieces of Disneyana.

Epcot's 30th Anniversary Mystery Pins

On October 1, 2012, Epcot celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Disney released lots of great merchandise, but the items that most interested my wife and me were these mystery pins. For one, they all feature our favorite purple dragon, Figment. Plus, they feature classic Epcot symbols AND some popular characters, such as Mickey Mouse, and the much missed Dreamfinder.

I bought this pack at the pin cart in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Retro coloring on the box, gives it an appropriate 80's vibe.

A look at the pins in the collection.

There are some I like more than others, but since they all feature Figment, I'm happy! 2 pins for $13.95 isn't bad!

The wonderful Cast Member at the booth, Chloe, couldn't have been friendlier, and was happy we'd found these, the last box at her station.

I opened the box, and each pin was wrapped in a black bag, adding to the suspense! What can it be?

Chloe even had a pair of scissors to help me open the bag.

First pin out of the bag was none other than the pin I wanted most! Figment and Dreamfinder!

And the next pin was my second choice, Mickey and Figment! Mickey is even in his silver jumper with a rainbow on it!

This was one of the most memorable experiences on my trip, thanks to Chloe. A great Cast Member experience can be the most magical moment on a vacation. Thanks Chloe!