Mark Bellomo?

[A.V.A.C.]

Forgive me if this has been discussed before, but does anyone know the background of the author of the ultimate guide. My girlfriend gave me that book when it came out and it's almost in shreds. I carry that book everywhere with me, everywhere. I know he's on the boards and maybe here, I don't know. Does he go to the cons, i wish he would do a presentation on his experience putting this thing together. How do you guys feel about the book and how does it fare with the others. Maybe he should do a revised version with updated prices, cause ebay is blowing those prices away!

Anyway, he is responsible for reviving my interrest in being a completist, at least from 90-94. The easily lost pieces is a great addition. Before I got the book, my mind was still in the frame of collecting Joe from 82-91/2000-present. My vintage collection has quadrupled since I got his book. I am even falling for the neon. :)

[CrazyBones]

Last I heard, he was working on another installment. (he posts on yojoe.com from time to time)

I agree though. His book is the Joe bible.

[A.V.A.C.]

yeah, he gives a shout out to yojoe in the book, but i wonder if he lurks here undercover.

[General Hawk]

Mark has been involved in the online Joe community for a long, long time, and yes spends some time on the boards, though mostly as a lurker. He was at the Convention in Minneapolis and gave a terrific presentation in regards to unreleased items and research for his book.

He's a full blown member of the YoJoe boards under his own name, he just doesn't post quite as much these days.

He's also a Patriots fan, so he gets bonus points for that... ;)

Justin

[KrymsynGardImmoral]

I think i remember reading he was raised by wolves....Very literate wolves. In a circus, somewhere...Or a gulag.

[bluebikerboy1]

^^^
Lol

marks book is the bible for gi joe collecting. ive owned 2 so far cause ive worn my first out. deffently the man imho.

[MWB]

Well, hello. I'm the lurking Mark Bellomo.

As regards my background? Could you be more specific? I'll answer any questions you ask...

-- MWB

[flash70]

Mark,

So what are you working on for the new joe book???

[Shin Densetsu]

Well, hello. I'm the lurking Mark Bellomo.

As regards my background? Could you be more specific? I'll answer any questions you ask...

-- MWB
Mark,

Welcome aboard man! Hope you enjoy hisstank. I, too have your book on joes and it is one of the best sources of joe reference on the market. Especially for me because I like drawing joes.

[A.V.A.C.]

wow, hi mark, good to see you on the tank. i was wondering as well about another book endeavor. you really did a bang up job on the first one, i can't wait to see another. it's a modern day sears wish book minus the ability to order anything.
when i first got the book, i was surprised to find out how much i missed after 1990. maybe i should already know this, but are all the things in the book yours, or did you get some help from friends and the like? are you still collecting ,and if so, what are your thoughts on the 25th line. did you ever set your collection on fire, and how is boo boo kitty? thanks for the awesome book, its been invaluable to have by my side. happy x-mass!

[KrymsynGardImmoral]

Well, hello. I'm the lurking Mark Bellomo.

As regards my background? Could you be more specific? I'll answer any questions you ask...

-- MWB

YOU can't really be Mark...I heard the REAL mark Bellomo is 12 feet tall, rides a full sized Trouble Bubble where ever he goes, and his tears cure illiteracy...But he never cries.:)

Glad to see you 'Tank-ed, Mark....

[flywheels]

As a Joe and Transformer fan, I really enjoyed both of the guides you did. It's always nice to be able to hold such a great wealth of information in your hands and be able to take it anywhere you go.

Look forward to future installments of either toy franchise.

[CG76]

I just picked up his Tranformers and GI Joe books on Amazon. Looking forward to reading them. :)

[C.I.A.D.]

YOU can't really be Mark...I heard the REAL mark Bellomo is 12 feet tall, rides a full sized Trouble Bubble where ever he goes, and his tears cure illiteracy...But he never cries.:)

Glad to see you 'Tank-ed, Mark....



You forgot to mention that MB eats CORPS! figures and poops out PDDs, and that his Trouble Bubble is fueled by the tears of Fanboys. (myself included, LOL).

[MWB]

...teared up watching the final episode of Season 4 of The Wire.

GREATEST TELEVISION SHOW EVER.

And I wasn't riding a metaphorical horse.

-- MWB

BTW. 2nd Edition of The Ultimate Guide: April 22, 2009 (am writing it as we speak... finally found my 3 3/4" Live Action Poster). MANY corrections. Dioramas. Extra pages. Fold-out USS FLAGG pics, etc. UPDATED PRICES!!! (2005 was a looong time ago).

Also, have an Ultimate Guide to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe/She-Ra and the Princess of Power out in late 2009.

No jokes, Kevin. No jokes, please about She-Ra.

Okay, jokes...

Heh.

[shipwreak73]

Thanks for posting, Mark! Great, great book! With finding your Live Action Poster, I assume that means you will be adding that to the new book? I would love see a Joe book with all the non-toy merchandise that Hasbro (or whomever for that matter) put out. Not that I'm saying your book is not perfect already =). Thanks for making such a great book and it sounds like 2009 is going to be a fun Joe Year, can't wait!!!

[KrymsynGardImmoral]

I heard that once, while visiting an Eternian zoo, Mark Bellomo and his crowd of scantily clad, Shakespeare-quoting concubines, came upon a large, green feline, Pussycaticus Battlecaticus, that had gotten out of its' cage. It attached and bit Mark....And started talking immediately. The feline was later given a position at a Prominent Eternian University, Professor of Big Green Cat Studies...

The feline says that to this day, no matter how many Orko's he eats...He cannot get the taste of mark's massive vocabulary out of his mouth.

[Cksport]

Mark, I received your book for Christmas, and I just wanted to say that you have done a great job with the book and I look forward to the next installment in 2009.

I do have a few questions:
-Will the new book contain the 12" Hall of Fame or 8" Sigma 6's?

-Will it contain side profiles of vehicles in addition to top-down views?

-When I am using the book for reference, I find myself flipping back and forth between the vehicle picture's that reference the driver included, and the figure pages. I know I would enjoy a small picture of the included driver with the vehicle picture and description. Any thoughts?

-Will the new book contain new sculpts and un-produced figures?

[flywheels]

[QUOTE=MWBAlso, have an Ultimate Guide to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe/She-Ra and the Princess of Power out in late 2009.[/QUOTE]

Sweet! Are you planning on covering the "modern" line as well as NECA's mini-statues in the guide? With the announcement of the modern MOTU cartoon coming to DVD in early 2008 I've been on a MOTU high, ignoring my beloved Joes and TFs in favor of gobbling up MOTU I originally skipped!

[Stygian]

To which book are we referring here and where might a wide-eyed fan obtain a copy?

[C.I.A.D.]

To which book are we referring here and where might a wide-eyed fan obtain a copy?

Sty, other than references to upcoming titles, we're referring to Mark's Book, The "Ultimate Guide To G.I.Joe 1982 - 1994".

It's already been said, but I know I speak for most when I say the book is regarded as a bible.

You can pick up your copy here:

Ultimate Guide - Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-G-I-Joe-1982-1994/dp/0873416694/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198941646&sr=8-2)

[Stygian]

Sty, other than references to upcoming titles, we're referring to Mark's Book, The "Ultimate Guide To G.I.Joe 1982 - 1994".

I just ordered this bad boy! And at $16.00, what a friggin' steal!

Thank you immensely!

[Stygian]

This 'bible' arrived yesterday, and I was completely engrossed in its contents for the rest of the evening! This thing is absolutely fantastic, and blows all other related publications out of the clear blue water!! Thanks for putting this book together, Mark, and making it available to fans the world over.

[C.I.A.D.]

Right? The book is absolutely redonkulous!

[Stygian]

Right? The book is absolutely redonkulous!

Absoluma'!!

The only complaint I have (if it can even be called that), is that many of the vehicles are only shown from their top view. I understand page space considerations and such, but at least one or two side views would have enhanced my enjoyment of the vehicle portion. Also, for future volumes, it might be nice to see a card art gallery. Seeing the figures is fine of course and I love that aspect of this toom, but the card art was such a huge part of the appeal of these figures, that to not include that art somewhere in this volume seems remiss. But again, only a minor nit that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of this book at all.

[MWB]

...will have corrected vehicle pics, some card artwork, many changes...

-- MWB

[Stygian]

...will have corrected vehicle pics, some card artwork, many changes...

-- MWB

Hopefully my comments didn't come across as criticism, Mark, as they were merely meant to be insights from someone who refers to this wonderful book almost daily since its welcomed arrival. Thanks again for creating it!

[Cksport]

Hopefully my comments didn't come across as criticism, Mark, as they were merely meant to be insights from someone who refers to this wonderful book almost daily since its welcomed arrival. Thanks again for creating it!

Same goes for me.. definetly a great book!

[MWB]

...then you have EVERY right to criticize it. How else am I going to know what needs to be corrected for the 2nd edition?

-- MWB

[Scoop]

Hello Mark, I just received your book in the mail yesterday and I must say it is one of the best purchases that I have ever made. I have loved Yojoe for many years now. It is a bit difficult to get an internet signal on the road (especially at a show), so now being able to bring your book along as a reference will be great. I have pretty much memorized which accessory goes with what figure for the ones I own. This book is a great guide for me when picking up new recruits I'm not sure of.

One last thing, and I don't mean to criticize as well, but like every book I'm sure your book has it's fair share of spelling errors and gramatical mistakes. Hey we all make them, and I'm sure I have them in this post so that part doesn't bother me. What does bother me are visual errors, like on page 52 you either have a picture of Xamot for Tomax, or somebody fliped the image on you and printed Tomax inverted. Hopefully this is corrected for the next edition. By the way I love the idea of including all of the file cards and card art. That would be perfect.

Keep up the good work Mark, and thank you for this holy grail.

[KrymsynGardImmoral]

Mark Bellomo LOVES criticism....He uses it to fuel his desire to consume all inferior collector publications. He eats crappy toys books, and poops out hope...Hope for a better collecting tomorrow.

[Crimson Guard]

Just to throw in my thoughts, I bought this book when it came out, and its probably the best reference book that I've ever purchased. I have truly enjoyed the book, and look forward to the updated edition. Thanks to Mark for all the hard work that you put into these books.

[Shin Densetsu]

Mark Bellomo LOVES criticism....He uses it to fuel his desire to consume all inferior collector publications. He eats crappy toys books, and poops out hope...Hope for a better collecting tomorrow.
Dude that was completely random but utterly awesome! Bravo ftw. Mark's Transformers book is an enjoyable read too.

[Shin Densetsu]

Hey Mark will the photos in vol2 have every photo in focus, or consistent focus? This is one of the only criticisms I have, and its from your Transformers guide(which is addicting to read, I bought it for drawing reference, but man is it a good read!).

[MWB]

...I'm taking a photog class and working on aperture, white balance, micro and macro focus, etc.

The 2nd Edition of the book is going to be VEEEERY different. I'll probably have to reshoot nearly all of the vehicle pics. And decide what to put in the "fold out" section of the book.

Although I haven't even rec'd a contract from Krause for this yet (I ususally get them late Spring), I'm already shooting photos, finding new info, talking with Messrs Hama, Rudat, Dorman (sorry, Kev... I know, I know...), etc.

It'll be an ENTIRELY different book, containing "in essence" the same info, but it'll be... prettier. Heck, I'm a G.I. Joe guy at heart, but if you compare the design and content of the Joe and TF G1 guides I've done--the TF G1 book is better designed and written.

Dang it all. Well, with this second edition, I'm sure that I may be more satisfied.

-- MWB

[Shin Densetsu]

...I'm taking a photog class and working on aperture, white balance, micro and macro focus, etc.

The 2nd Edition of the book is going to be VEEEERY different. I'll probably have to reshoot nearly all of the vehicle pics. And decide what to put in the "fold out" section of the book.

Although I haven't even rec'd a contract from Krause for this yet (I ususally get them late Spring), I'm already shooting photos, finding new info, talking with Messrs Hama, Rudat, Dorman (sorry, Kev... I know, I know...), etc.

It'll be an ENTIRELY different book, containing "in essence" the same info, but it'll be... prettier. Heck, I'm a G.I. Joe guy at heart, but if you compare the design and content of the Joe and TF G1 guides I've done--the TF G1 book is better designed and written.

Dang it all. Well, with this second edition, I'm sure that I may be more satisfied.

-- MWB
That sounds very awesome Mark, I will buy it and it sounds like it will blow the first one away(which I have). The first one came in handy for reference(for a freelance illustration project) and leisure reading. Sounds like the second one will be incredibly awesome.

[SHIPWRECK"N"POLLY]

Guess i thought i had read mark's book but i checked and the book i have is "the complete encyclopedia to gi joe" by Vincent Santelmo has anyone read that work? Also what is the title of marks book so that i may purchase it....thanks........shipy and little green friend

[Paul]

I'm looking forward to the second edition.

The Complete Encyclopedia is... uh... not as good if you are only into the 3 3/4ths Joes.

You can see my review if you'd like:

www.toybender.com/book-review-the-complete-encyclopedia-to-gi-joe-3rd-edition/

[CLIFFjump3r]

Guess i thought i had read mark's book but i checked and the book i have is "the complete encyclopedia to gi joe" by Vincent Santelmo has anyone read that work? Also what is the title of marks book so that i may purchase it....thanks........shipy and little green friend

The title to Mark Bellomo's book is, "The Ultimate Guide to G.I.Joe 1982-1994".
The book is perfect for noting to collectors easily lost weapons and vehicle accessories.

I can't wait for your sequel book, Mark. And your Masters of the Universe/She-Ra one also. Keep up the great work.

[soundwavempl]

Also, have an Ultimate Guide to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe/She-Ra and the Princess of Power out in late 2009.


Sweet, I'm so getting your Ultimate Guide to MOTU/POP! Will it include just the vintage line or will you be able to include the New Adventures and 2002-2003 lines as well?

I love your Joe and TF guides. Keep up the great work - I'd love to see Gobots and M.A.S.K. guides... and even Thundercats and Silverhawks!

[CLIFFjump3r]

Sweet, I'm so getting your Ultimate Guide to MOTU/POP! Will it include just the vintage line or will you be able to include the New Adventures and 2002-2003 lines as well?

I love your Joe and TF guides. Keep up the great work - I'd love to see Gobots and M.A.S.K. guides... and even Thundercats and Silverhawks!

I agree. In fact, a guide for pretty much everything in soundwavempl sig would be great. lol.

[Snow cat]

Well, hello. I'm the lurking Mark Bellomo.

As regards my background? Could you be more specific? I'll answer any questions you ask...

-- MWB

Welcome to the tank.

I also have your book and use it as my joe bible. I also hear that you drive a hiss tank every day. LOL

[Snake Eyes-Joe Ninja]

I have never even heard of your book, but it seems like something I must pick up. Welcome to the Tank.

[shockblast]

I have never even heard of your book, but it seems like something I must pick up. Welcome to the Tank.

This is a must have book the TF book is great too. I am very much looking forward to the He-Man book too.


I would like to ask if there is any chance we get a guide to foreign Gi Joes ?

Also if you really want some complaints.....

Remind your publisher that many people use this book as a field guide a stronger binding would be nice. Also close ups of the hard to find parts would be nice too.

Thanks for the great books I look forward to more !!!!

[MWB]

1) Have already mentioned the book's "stinky" binding to the design team. Many, many, many times... heck, when I was drafting the 2nd edition, I wore out the binding of two copies in two months.
2) I've passed on my suggestions re: which "easily lost parts" photos need to be enlarged... we'll see what design does with them...
3) Until a He-Man & TMOTU film is "in production," don't plan on seeing a He-Man & TMOTU guidebook...

-- MWB

[quintonarledge]

Mark,
Your book is awesome and I've had mine for several years now. I can't wait to pick up the 2nd Edition and the upcoming MOTU/PoP guide. Here's two quick questions:
1.) will the MOTU book have "Adventures of He-Man" or the Four Horsemen designed 200X action figures and NECA station figures?
2.) Any chance at a "Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1997-2008"? -- I could really use one as the glut of GvC/Spy Troops/VvV product from 2002-2005 seems like a big blur to me. A book designed like your 1st guide would really help me out with my collection!
--- Thanks, Quinton

[AMERICAN_Hero7]

Mark,
Your book is awesome and I've had mine for several years now. I can't wait to pick up the 2nd Edition and the upcoming MOTU/PoP guide. Here's two quick questions:
1.) will the MOTU book have "Adventures of He-Man" or the Four Horsemen designed 200X action figures and NECA station figures?
2.) Any chance at a "Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1997-2008"? -- I could really use one as the glut of GvC/Spy Troops/VvV product from 2002-2005 seems like a big blur to me. A book designed like your 1st guide would really help me out with my collection!
--- Thanks, Quinton

I too would like to see a 1997-2008 (or 2009 depending on when it's published) "Ultimate Guide to G.I. JOE"...please?

[lister]

Hey Mark, just wanted to say I got your book as a gift awhile back and I love it. Eagerly awaiting the next one. I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered already but are you planning on including file cards this time around?

[Squirrel Lips]

[QUOTE=MWB;34830]

Also, have an Ultimate Guide to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe/She-Ra and the Princess of Power out in late 2009.

QUOTE]



I'm looking forward to the He-Man & She-Ra guide, been waiting for one for a long time! Can't wait!


I have your GI Joe & Transformers guides, along with the "pocket sized" Transformers guide, all 3 are awesome! Thanks for making these things happen, they are much appreciated!




On a side note, will you ever do a guide on 80's/early 90's figures (not just GI Joe & Transformers, but on many other well known & not so well known lines)? (Other than the "pocket sized")

[Mandingo Rex]

Just got this book, and Lars Pearson's "Now You Know" from my girlfriend for Valentine's Day...

Both are fantastic, and I've only begun to delve into them. She got a little mad that I was a little too interested in the book. Hey, I was showing appreciation, right?

Can't wait for the second book. Between YoJoe.com's archives (which showcase post-1994 figures) and this book, they're the end-all references you'll need on GI Joe figures.

I will have to get the 2nd edition (is it still coming out in 2009?), and the previously mentioned TF book too.

[Money-B]

Is there a release date for the 2nd edition?

[supercmen]

is this it?
Amazon.com: The Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1982-1994: Identification and Price Guide (Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1982-1994: Identification & Price Guide): Mark Bellomo: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-G-I-1982-1994-Identification/dp/0896899225)

[MWB]

June 30th, 2009.

-- MWB

[Shogi]

June 30th, 2009.

-- MWB

I can't wait! :D Thanx for the info man

[xhairs]

welcome my man i cant wait to talk to you agin at the joe con in Canada this yr. last yr was great.

[Money-B]

is this it?
Amazon.com: The Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1982-1994: Identification and Price Guide (Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1982-1994: Identification & Price Guide): Mark Bellomo: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-G-I-1982-1994-Identification/dp/0896899225)

Yes. It is. Thanks.

June 30th, 2009.

-- MWB

Thank you. I can't wait to get it.

[IceWolf]

Just got this book, and Lars Pearson's "Now You Know" from my girlfriend for Valentine's Day...

Both are fantastic, and I've only begun to delve into them. She got a little mad that I was a little too interested in the book. Hey, I was showing appreciation, right?

Can't wait for the second book. Between YoJoe.com's archives (which showcase post-1994 figures) and this book, they're the end-all references you'll need on GI Joe figures.

I will have to get the 2nd edition (is it still coming out in 2009?), and the previously mentioned TF book too.

Thats funny, I got mine for Valentine'd Day also from my wife! I absolutely love it and eagerly await the 2nd version! I assume the release date on Amazon is correct? Earlier in this therad it says 4/2009.

Mark, is the MOTU book on hold?

[Tennyson]

How is the 80's toy guide coming?

[MWB]

Amazon.com: Totally Tubular Toys Of The '80S (9781440212826): Mark Bellomo: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Totally-Tubular-Toys-Mark-Bellomo/dp/1440212821/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272484952&sr=8-2)

I'll have a BUNCH of photos from the new book at the Joe Con...

[Derek2783]

Awesome :D

[Zartanman]

somewhere on here there was a link to some videos on youtube. Somebody on the Tank had video tapped Mark while he was making that latest book and photographing his collection. It even showed one of his storage buildings full of toys.

[xhairs]

very cool cant wait to see the pics at the con.

[MWB]

Directed by Chad Hucal of Flophouse Films:

YouTube - COLLECTABLE SPECTACLE 1 OF 18 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCe-p8lCbPk)

-- MWB

[SH0CKWAVE]

Great book.

[supersonicshion]

Just got the book, 2nd edition, it´s incredible Mark. Just wanted you to know! :)

[Money-B]

Has he said whether he will be at Joe Con?

[KuuKuuSon]

Mark's guide was the largest and final nail of inspiration to get my guide produced. You can blame him.

[KuuKuuSon]

*double post.

[Gatchaman]

I LOVE Mark's book. I have the new 2nd edition and it already looks 20 years old because I look at it so much.

Thank you Mark!

[fireflyguy]

Mark's guide was the largest and final nail of inspiration to get my guide produced. You can blame him.

I am still highly anticipating your newest book!

And of course I gave Mark's book. I even have his on the nook for the iPad, so I literally do carry it with me wherever I go.