2001 A Space Odyssey (1968) Silver

Lets make a start then.

What we're looking at here is your standard spacesuit as seen in multiples through the first half of Kubrick's movie masterpiece.

It's a lovely space-age silver with a white helmet and blue chest and back units.  They're mainly seen at the excavation of the moon monolith and again over a few establishing moonscape shots.

They've influenced several generations of imitators and become almost the industry standard for the fictional spacesuit.

We'll be back with more words and more colours.

Steve

Flash Gordon and the Martian Model Kit (1965)

Isn't this just an amazing bit of art work.  I would have loved this model kit as a kid but alas I wasn't on the planet back when Revell first released it.  Somebody should think to re-release it now and if they could sell it at 1965 prices I'ld be very happy.


Steve

Die Schneider Krankheit (2008)

In this short Spanish film by Javier Cillon, a Soviet space ship has crashed in West Germany. The only passenger is a cosmonaut chimpanzee who spreads a deadly virus all over the country.  Its a black and white mockumentry that captures the 1950's style with aplomb.   And that's about all you need to know really.


Steve

2001 A Space Odyssey (1968)

Another placeholder blog for yet another truly iconic suit design that has barely been covered in these here parts.  We will be back this way soon and when we do they'll be multiple posts for all the pretty colours seen above as well as the silver version.  We'll also take a look at the different backpack designs and track down the one that had a secret career beyond what Kubrick intended.


Steve

Alien (1979)

This is just a bit of a placeholder post because I haven't as of yet actually blogged on the Alien spacesuits and they are truly iconic.  We'll be back this way just as soon as and with more words and pictures.

Something to consider between now and then is the possibility they these suits may have been inspired in part by the design of the Planeta Bur spacesuits.  This was suggested by Madmyk in a recent comment and it's indeed food for thought.  As an aside to that; I don't actually seem to be able to comment on my own blog at the moment so can't reply directly to such things however, your thoughts and opinions are always welcome so keep them coming and feel free to debate these issue amongst each other until I can sort this problem out and join back in.


Steve

Outland (1981) Comic

Heavy Metal Magazine published an adaption of Outland beginning in June 1981.

Usually such things can be rather perfunctory and lacklustre affairs but this has art by the great Jim Steranko who knows a thing or two about rendering a spacesuit.

There is a marked difference between this and the film design because firstly Jim is like a god and can do whatever he pleases and secondly because, as you may have previously noticed, comic artists love a fishbowl helmet because it allows them the opportunity to convey facial expressions far more clearly.

Steve.

Outland (1981) film poster

Just a lovely bit of work, this.

As ever with these things the artist isn't as easy to find as the image but I'll edit when I find who it is


Steve

Night in the Museum 2 (2009)

A monkey in a spacesuit; what more do you want from a film?

Actually it's a surprisingly entertaining sequel to the original with a star turn by Hank Azaria as Kahmunrah...and there's a little tiny monkey in a spacesuit


Steve

Planeta Bur (1962) Gallery 2

It's time to post some more pictures from this Soviet cinematic feast for the eyes.  I don't do multiple posts for many spacesuits but every time I see these I just want to share them again.  Beautiful are they not.  Enjoy again.

Steve

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD Vol 2 #16 and #17 (1990)

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD Vol 2 #16.  Published October 1990.  This is a rather nice visual tribute to the slick and sexy suit design featured on Vol 1 #6

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD Vol 2 #17  Published in November 1990.  Less sexy and slick but still a nice look all be it quite retro by the time we're in the 90's


Steve

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD Vol 1 #11 (1969)

Another Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD cover.  This is the 11th issue of the first volume and is from 1969 though it's not anywhere near as cool as the cover to issue 6.


Steve

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD Vol 1 #6 (1968)

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD issue 6 published by Marvel Comics in November 1968. This is just one of the many great and iconic covers by Jim Steranko.


Steve

Capricorn One (1978) film poster

We'll do the film itself at some point in the future but now enjoy the poster.

Steve

WWF The Monkey Returns (2010)

Can't believe I only discovered this a few minutes ago but it's too cool not to share right away.

The images are screen grabs from the video for Australian musician Ben Lee's single Song For the Divine Mother of the Universe and it was made in collaboration with WWF Australia.

It's the story of a space monkey returning to Earth after 65 years and finding its home world to be a very different place from that which it left all those years previous.

Its a good cause, a stunning video and a rather addictive little song that grows on you much quicker than you would expect.

I don't do links so you'll have to go look it up in all the usual places.  It should take you about five seconds to find and leave you with images to last a life time.

It's pop music video as an art form.

Steve