Archive Collections: Com 50's Gadgets
By: Andrew Bermudez
(Mustache Maniacs Film Co. Headquarters; May 1, 2014)
Today is the nine-year anniversary of our name change from Daniel and Andrew Film Co. to Mustache Maniacs Film Co., and we're here with another Archive Collections to commemorate it!
While he hasn't seen as much popularity online as he had previously, Com 50, our first original character, was certainly a major stepping stone for us, as it proved that we could create a new and distinctive, not to mention popular, character. He was so popular, he's actually going to make a cameo in Project U! Keep an eye out for him!
Today, we're lifting the veil on the secrets of Com 50's arsenal of gadgets, as seen in all three Com 50 movies! From his agent ID to his dart blower, it's all here! Let's get started!
Every secret agent needs a place to store all of his or her gadgets, and for Com 50, that need is fulfilled with this handy storage bag. Filled with identification papers, secret message markers, a telescopic pen, and an actual camera with film so special, it had to be custom ordered, this storage bag is actually a Spy University storage bag from Scholastic's series of puzzle books. In fact, many of the gadgets came from Spy University, including Com 50's lucky keys (which has an alarm system that never worked). As another note, the calculator that you see here did not originally come with the set, but is actually a free item that was re-purposed for the films.
These papers played a minor role in Com 50-3: Raid on Central Island and actually came with a different spy set (the name of which escapes me right now). Many of these documents mentioned a "Central Island," which turned out to be the basis for the said movie. These documents include, but are not limited to, a newspaper clipping, directions to a rendezvous point, a map of Central Island, and more.
In the early days of Com 50, with Com 50 and Com 50: Peril in Iran, he would wear this backpack to store all of his gadgets. Of course, it turned out to be pretty cumbersome, so it was ditched by the time Com 50-3 was made.
This is the fighter pilot helmet that Com 50 wears in Com 50 and 007 and Com 50-3: Raid on Central Island. Actually, it's supposed to be an astronaut helmet (the light on top can be pressed for light and sound effects), but it sadly doesn't fit the part well. Not featured is a shooting vest that was used as a flight vest.
Going back to the re-used contents from the Spy University club, this is Com 50's identification badge, used in all of the Com 50 movies. It's not seen often, but it does identify which scenes take place at Com 50's HQ, as the same locations were used throughout the saga. Interesting note is that, even though the name tag has Andrew Bermudez's name on it, Com 50's real name was going to be Steve Kenlow. However, this is no longer considered canon and the name has been given to a brand-new character that will make his debut in the upcoming animated film Alpha Team: Mission Deep Jungle.
Up next is Com 50's latter-day pistol, introduced in Com 50-3: Raid on Central Island. It's actually a squirt gun, but the tip broke at a time prior to production, making it unusable for shooting streams of water. Instead, it was used as a simple prop, with its funky colors meant to help exemplify its futuristic qualities. The aforementioned film was the only time this prop was ever featured on-screen.
Last but not least is the blow dart gun, which is actually a balloon pump that was re-used for the films. It had short roles in Com 50: Peril in Iran and Com 50-3: Raid on Central Island, though the re-release of Com 50 and 007 allowed this prop to be in that film as well.
So, despite the cancellation of the re-release of Com 50-3, we hope you enjoyed this look at this diverse collection of props. As "Global Explorations" approaches, we will be sharing more props and art from our archives, including one that I'm excited to share: the design process for Johnny Thunder 3's plant monster!
Previously:
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