Rick signs books at the PERCEPTO.COM booth in the SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL COMICON August, 1998. The booth was frequented by many RANKIN/BASS fans over the weekend including PLAYBOY model Victoria Silvstead. It was great meeting up with our west coast friends Taylor White, Duane Dimock, Paul Dini, Scott Jeralds, Dan Riba, Bud Plant, Bruce Timm, Martin Milner, Kent McCord, June Foray, Mark Pederson, Zorak (Craig) and the list goes on. This was GREAT fun and we hope to do it again with the upcoming Rudolph book.

DANNY KAYE Featurette Uncovered!

Recently, through Arthur Rankin and Maury Laws, we discovered a wonderful 6 & 1/2 minute featurette made for the networks to sell THE ENCHANTED WORLD OF DANNY KAYE to the networks. It contains footage of Arthur and Jules directing Danny and gives insight to the world of ANIMAGIC. It also has studio footage of Maury Laws conducting recording sessions in August of 1971. It is hosted by Arthur Rankin and Danny Kaye. This is a treasure trove of information.

Also contained is presentation art that Jack Davis did for the proposed titles that never would be. One title was made "The Emperor's New Clothes" and Danny became ill and had to abandon the series. I spoke to Jack recently (He is doing some art for the RUDOLPH book) and he vaguely remembered the piece.

I have been in touch with GOLDEN BOOKS to urge them to release this featurette along with HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL and THE ENCHANTED WORLD OF DANNY KAYE: The Emperor's New Clothes on DVD. Since SONY WONDER is in charge of the DVD releases, you might want to urge them (And GOLDEN BOOKS) as well via the address on the video/DVD boxes. From what has been released thus far, it seems that they are trying to appeal to children BUT the RUDOLPH DVD was a step in the right direc tion. I really believe that the collector's market is the place to go with these DVDs and the collector's children will enjoy the DVDs too.

We'll try to keep you posted. We are also going to begin taking Pre-Orders on the Excellent UNCLE BORIS statue soon! CIPRIANO STUDIOS has told us it will be shipping in early May. It has been solicited in PREVIEWS (Diamond) BUT if you order from us....you are likely to get it before it ever hits the comic shops. We are expecting a shipment straight from the boat.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Check out THE LEPRECHAUN'S CHRISTMAS GOLD for the holidays! Blarney (Art Carney) wishes everyone at RANKINBASS.com the Luck of the Irish!

Rick