So, this extended trailer for the new Man from U.N.C.L.E. film was just released…
And it sold me. I am a HUGE fan of the original series (I even kinda like the horrible third season… kinda) and I was incredibly skeptical about the idea of doing a remake. But I am now convinced it will work, and I will be there opening day.
Reading online reaction to the new trailer, I saw this article that linked to something I remembered from my youth… an article in Dragon Magazine that provided stats to the “super spies” that players can use in the role playing game Top Secret. Not only did I read the article when it came out, I played a round of Top Secret as Napoleon Solo!
That alone blew my mind… Then I saw who wrote the original article. Allen Hammack.
Allen Hammack was somewhat seminal figure in my young geeky youth. Allen worked for TSR, and after his time with them ended he opened up a book, game and collectibles store in Birmingham that was my first exposure to “geek culture.” The Lion and Unicorn was AMAZING, and I spent quite bit of my allowance there (when I could get there – I didn’t start driving until I was 19 because of a very overprotective mother). I never knew he wrote this article until just now.
Here’s the master stats table for all the spies:
Here’s Napoleon Solo’s description:
Here’s Illya Kuryakin’s details:
And here’s a bonus from the article, Number Six from The Prisoner:
You can get the full issue of Dragon Magazine, with Allen’s article, is here.
(Hat tip to Ace of Spades).