Memorabilia: 1999

• Several antiquated-looking items bearing the Fantastic Four's likeness have been made, I believe, by Tin Signs USA. Available are a 7.5" x 6" x 2.75" lunch box (no thermos), a 10" high wastepaper basket, and an eyeglass case.
• Randy Bowen Studios released a Thing sculpture in December. At 11 inches tall and 12 inches wide, it has a limited run of only 4,000 pieces.
• Parker Brothers released a Marvel version of Monopoly. While you won't be able to buy Pier 4 or the Avengers Mansion, it may be your best chance at picking up a copy of Marvel Mystery Comics #1! The playing pieces are all miniature heros, one of which is the Invisible Woman.
• Marvel opened theme island in May. It is located in Universal City, Florida as part of the Universal's Islands of Adventure. Some of the attractions include: Dr. Doom's Freefall (a 200 foot drop), the Hulkcoaster (which lasts 2:15 and reaches speeds of 60 mph), a Spider-Man adventure ride, and an X-Men Adventure (perhaps similar to the Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland). I have yet to see it first-hand, but they have set up high expectations using "never-before-seen technologies." Also in the park are the Cafe 4, the Captain America Diner, and Kingpin's Arcade.

  Below is a map of the enitre park.

  
• Toy Biz had plans for a Marvel Monsters series. Each set would include one 6-7" monster, several 1" heroes, and a background diorama, all of which was to be based on original artwork by Arthur Adams. One of the first sets under consideration was the Fantastic Four versus the Mole Monster. I believe this idea has been scrapped entirely, but I do not yet know why exactly.
• Published in March was the Fantastic Four Roster Book from TSR. "The heroes of the World's Greatest Comics Magazine come to life! The pages of this book feature more than 100 best known friends and associated foes of the Fantastic Four -- plus the cosmic quartet themselves. From the Mole Man to Galactus, those powerful beings will enliven any Marvel game."