Walt Disney produced "The Black Hole", & it has been described as the most unscientific film ever made. Certainly I would not attempt to read the back panel sections on these sets, titled "Science Fiction • Science Fact", because they are more than a little misleading & sometimes outrageously false.
Similarly misleading is the claim on the front covers, that you can "collect the picture cards — 3 in each pack". While this is true in one sense, these cards are not additional to the background card: you have to cut them out of it yourself, which is certainly not what kids have in mind when they're told there are cards to collect. And they might reasonably wonder what to do with the cards once collected… although I concede that's a different issue. Still, where else are you going to get a card of Ernest Borgnine? Not to mention "the attractive and tough lady Ph.D.", distinctively dressed completely in pink…
As so often with the Letraset transfer sets of this late era, the backgrounds are of markedly better quality than the transfer sheets — as I expect you will agree.
This cardboard stiffener was included in all four of the Black Hole sets, & I imagine the object is for you to colour it in:
Many thanks to Mark Howard, without whose photos we would have had nothing at all to show you of Parts 2 & 3. Until now, since we've unexpectedly acquired examples in their original & unopened cellophane wrappers!
Once again, I urge you to pay no attention to the misleading "Science" on these back panels…
It's most unusual to see a vertical background, & in fact I think this one may be unique. It certainly works very well; a striking & effective design.
Image courtesy of StellarX
Okay, wow — NO. This is the most shocking disinformation. Purge it from your memory before it seeps into your unconscious! Go & read a copy of New Scientist or something before it's too late!
Image courtesy of StellarX
Since StellarX' copy of this set (above) is used, I thought you might like to see Mark Howard's used background as well, to get a better overview from their combination, while we wait to get an unused set.
Image courtesy of Mark Howard
By the way, don't forget we also have a page on the Findus Crispy Pancakes Black Hole promotion!
Picture Credit: The SPLAT Scan Archives — StellarX/7 Wonders — Mark Howard – Tom Doyle
© Tom Vinelott 2007-2024