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Super Incredible, Who
Loves And Pirate Tale
Mom's Choice Awards Honoring Excellence Choice recipient I
See Me! books presents a quartet of books that makes children the stars
of its books.
Writer Jennifer Dewing and illustrator Jill McDonald present two The
Super Incredible books. One
celebrates becoming a big brother, the other being a new big sister.
Both contain clever art that appears like paper cutouts and can have the
name of a specific child printed in key points of each story. Now that's
cool!
Who Loves...? by writer Jennifer
Dewing and illustrated by Maria Carluccio, celebrates the life of a child
and how important he or she is to those that love them. It glorifies the child by comparing them
to all things around him or her, concluding they are worth far more than
the universe around them to those who care for them.
My Very Own Pirate Tale by Maia Haag and Lisa Falkenstein allows
children to imagine being a pirate and visiting with various sea animals
and creatures. Visit a desert isle
and play the coin game using the images from the Sea Animal Encyclopedia.
The book makes for a delightful tale of imagination kids are sure to
love.
Fu-Manchu And Houdini
Titan Books present two new series
of books. One is an authorized
reprint of a world famous series. The other is a brand new collection of
stories starring a past world famous magician.
The Mystery Of Dr. Fu-Manchu and The Return Of Dr. Fu-Manchu stars Sax
Rohmer's super-villain Fu-Manchu the sinister agent of the Si-Fan League Of
Assassins.
The first of the Fu-Manchu novels, The Mystery Of Dr. Fu-Manchu follows
the Asian assassin as he vies for leadership of the League Of Assassins and
outwits Commissioner Denis Nayland Smith and his assistant Dr. Petrie.
Fu-Manchu is credited as being the blueprint for such sinister villains
as James Bond's Doctor No and Smith and Petrie make admirable comparisons
to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
In The Return Of Dr. Fu-Manchu the 'Devil Doctor' returns to London to
subvert the British government and have Chine gain its rightful place as
the leader of the world-with him in charge.
Each volume features an essay by Leslie S. Klinger, the author behind the
new annotated Sherlock Holmes and Dracula books.
The Harry Houdini Mysteries, written by Daniel Stashower, contain brand
new adventures of the most famous magician of all time.
The adventures of the young Houdini starts with The Dime Museum
Murders. The young struggling
Houdini is trying to break into the entertainment industry in New York City
in the latter part of the 19th Century.
Called upon to solve the murder of a toy manufacturer, Harry and his
brother Dash discover the victim was seemingly killed by a magic trick.
In The Floating Lady Murders Houdini investigates what went wrong with
his master's latest magic trick.
Along with his brother Dash and his wife Bess, Houdini must solve the
mystery how his master's assistant died from drowning rather from a fatal
fall.
 Star Trek: The Rings Of Time
I love reading or watching time travel stories. I love the original Star Trek TV
series. So, it should come as no surprise
if you combine the two together I’m in sci-fi heaven.
All five of the Star Trek TV series and movies involved time travel at
one point or another. But, to me,
the original series did it best.
Who can forget the classic City On The Edge Of forever?
In the new Pocket
Books Star Trek novel: The Rings Of Time, Captain Kirk and the crew of
the Enterprise once again have to deal with time travel and its
repercussions throughout the time stream.
While on a rescue mission to save a mining colony stationed on one of
the moons of a ringed planet almost identical to our own Saturn, the
Enterprise encounters a strange space buoy. The buoy appeared just as the planet’s rings began to
deteriorate.
Beaming the buoy aboard, Captain Kirk touches it and is immediately
transported to the past where a similar incident is happening to Saturn.
Switching bodies with one of the crew members of the first spacecraft to
explore Saturn, Kirk finds himself trapped in the past while the crew
member of the Saturn spaceship finds himself in the far future.
The Earth crew of the past had witnessed the same alien probe as
Saturn’s rings contracted. One of
their crew went to investigate the alien probe, touched it, and…..
Both Kirk and the Saturn mission crew member find themselves trapped, in
another person’s body, with no way of knowing how to return safely to their
own times, who sent the probe and why both ringed planets’ rings began to
decay.
The Rings Of Time is a rip-roaring romp through the corridors of time
that delivers plenty of thrills, unexpected events and good old-fashioned
fun. Rings Of Time is written by
Greg Cox.
 Pieter Bruegel
Norman Rockwell-that name may seem out of place when talking about Pieter
Bruegel-the 16th century Netherlands artist. But not really. Bruegel, like Rockwell, was a chronicler
of his times. Much of what we know
about the customs, costumes, architecture and daily life of the 16th
Century is culled from Bruegel’s work.
Known primarily for his ‘peasant’ work, Bruegel was meticulous in his
depictions of the daily lives and occurrences of Medieval folk. His sprawling vistas of the countryside
or cities were filled with common and royal folk going about their lives
amidst their surroundings.
Bruegel also was adept at spectacular battle scenes, breath-taking
landscapes accented by castles, villages, mountain ranges, lush forests and
powerful rivers and quiet streams.
Like many artists of his time he painted religious scenes-primarily of
Jesus Christ and Mary but his talent didn’t stop there. He was equally adept at pencils,
engraving and frescos that depicted
a wide variety of subject matter.
The other type of art Bruegel is famous for are his depictions of both
Heaven and Hell. Like his predecessor, Hieronymus Bosch (whom he admired
and emulated), Bruegel’s imagination seems to have no bounds.
His paintings of the afterlife, especially of Hell with their ghastly
scenes of eternal torment, both frightened and fascinated patrons, much
like it does today.
Recently a lost painting of Bruegel was found (The Wine Of Saint
Martin’s Day) sparking new interest in the artist’s previous work.
Author and art historian Larry Silver, along with Abbeville Press, has released a coffee
table edition of Pieter Bruegel’s work consisting of photos of all of his
paintings, engravings, drawings and sketches.
Complete descriptions are given to each accompanied by Mr. Silver’s
insightful and fascinating text on the life and work of the famous
artist. After looking through the
book’s pages and reading the text I almost felt as if I knew Pieter Bruegel
personally. History comes alive and
Bruegel becomes more than just a historical figure, he seems like someone I
would meet and befriend.
In my opinion this is the ‘ultimate’ examination of the artist and
contains the most complete and comprehensive compilation of his work. I teach drawing and design at a local
high school and I plan on using the book and sharing its contents with my
students.
 Star
Trek Book Of Opposites
Join the crew of the classic TV series
Enterprise as they Explore Strange New Words.
Author David Borgenight and Quirk Books look at the world of opposites
with some help from Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and the rest of the crew and
creatures from the classic science fiction TV series.
Printed on thick card stock, the book looks at such opposites as
appear/disappear, happy/angry, empty/full, furry/scaly, calm/surprised,
big/little, one/many, young/old, hot/cold, mean/nice, apart/together and
far/near with the aid of full-page, full-color photos.
Star Trek fans will clamor for it and kids will love it.
 Obsessed With Star Trek
Back in 1966, at the tender age of 13, I watched the very first episode
(The Mantrap) broadcast of a new science fiction TV show called Star Trek.
At first I wasn't sure how to take the program. I can remember thinking that the starship Enterprise didn't
'look' like a spaceship. After all,
everyone knew that spaceships seen on TV or in movies were always of the
rocket or saucer type.
Up until that point Lost In Space was my favorite sci-fi show. I was a bit reluctant to make the switch
over to 'adult' science fiction television. I was a little set in my ways-hesitant of trying anything
new.
I enjoyed The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. However, they weren't strictly sci-fi.
After watching a handful of episodes, I was hooked on Star Trek. The Star Trek cast became like a second
family to me and Captain Kirk was my cool father figure. I lived and breathed Star Trek for three
solid years. I even wrote away to
NBC, which aired the show, and obtained a press pack about the show from
them. I wish I still had it. I collected everything Trek (which was
no small feat), including magazine articles, comic books, toys, games,
trading cards, models and other bric-a-brac.
I was devastated when the show ended in 1969 after only three short
seasons. I continued to watch the
show in repeats for the next ten years.
And then suddenly Star Trek was back but on the big screen and then
with four new TV shows in succession.
Enterprise ended in the mid-2000s.
A new cast was brought back in the new Star Trek movie starring the
original classic series characters albeit with different actors in the
roles. Star Trek was back big time
and I couldn't have been happier.
Obsessed With Star Trek from Chronicle
Books will test your knowledge of the Star Trek Universe with a series
of 2,500 questions culled from the TV series and movies. A cleverly designed electronic scoring
module randomly picks a question number.
By selecting one of four buttons you choose the right or wrong
answer.
Interlaced with the questions are interesting info bits and little known
facts about the Star Trek series, movies, actors and production. Made to be used by one or two players,
Obsessed With Star Trek is a 'must have' for any true Star Trek fan. Discover if you are a 'Trekker" or
'Trekkie."
 Cowboys & Aliens
After a series of lackluster, box office flops at the movies, actor
Harrison Ford scores a winner with last summer's Cowboy& Aliens,
directed by Jon Favreau (Ironman).
Ford played a crusty old, bad guy rancher along with amnesiac,
cowboy, drifter Daniel Craig (James Bond) who team up against the
people-kidnapping, gold-hungry aliens.
Along the way they're joined by a mysterious woman who knows all about
the aliens, Indians and townspeople who intend to stop the aliens and save
their abducted loved ones.
Insight Editions presents
The Illustrated Screenplay for Cowboys & Aliens containing storyboards,
production art and loads of color photos from the film. Cowboys? Aliens? What's not to love?
 d'artiste: Fashion Design
OK, I admit it, I'm jealous.
Why? That's easy to answer.
I'm jealous because the artists in Ballistic Publishing's tenth
title in its d'artiste series: Fashion Design, Digital Artists Master Class
- make designing clothes and fashions look so easy.
It's not, at least for me. I
have great respect (and a little envy) for these artists who have mastered
the human figure to the point that draping it in clothes seems like second
nature. Let me tell you, clothing a
human figure is a lot harder than just drawing it naked or in tights.
It's difficult enough drawing figures and clothing them freehand-now try
doing it on computer! That's
exactly what Alessia Zambonin, Annie Stegg and Lois van Baarle do.
Even more impressive than that is that they all provide tutorials on how
to do it. Readers will learn how to
not only draw figures using computer software, but how to dress them,
create hairstyles, design fabric, select the proper settings, choose color
schemes, pose characters, set modes and so much more.
You'll learn about color theory, folds and texture in various fabrics,
how clothing hangs and drapes over the body, how to start with sketches and
progress to finished illustrations, the intricacies of painting software
(including layering), artist collaboration, program cross-platforming and
how to develop your own unique style and vision.
This is far more than a book about Fashion Design. It is a compilation of artist insights,
tips, tricks, techniques and valuable advice on how to become a better
artist, designer and professional.
Yes, I'm jealous, but I'm also extremely grateful that these artists are
willing to share their knowledge about Fashion Design. I plan on using what
I've learned and applying it to my own illustrations and designs.
Fashion Design is a beautifully softbound book printed on coated stock
and protected in a hardbound slipcover with matching cover illustration.
  
Halo, Struzman And Crime
Titan Books has just released a
trio of book the lovers of popular art are sure to appreciate. From video games to comic books the
three books cover the gambit of art made popular and loved by the man on
the street.
The video game Halo has struck a cord with video game enthusiasts and in
the process garnered millions of fans and millions of dollars in
profits. Halo merchandise is a big
hit with fans and range from toys to clothing.
Halo conventions are not uncommon as are fans dressing up as their
favorite Halo characters. The Great Journey Halo: The Art Of Building
Worlds from Titan Books and Martin Robinson with a foreword by Frank
O'Connor.
Inside Halo enthusiasts will be awed by the beautiful sketches and
finished art of environments, characters, weapons, vehicles and other
accoutrements seen throughout the various Halo games.
This book is a first-hand look at the creation of a video game universe
as envisioned by some of the top designers in the world. Lush illustrations, production notes and
glimpses at the creative process make this a must-have book for any Halo
fan.
Artist Drew Struzan is known by most art lovers as the man who paints
movie posters. But his work encompasses
far more than that. The new book
from Titan Books and co-written by Drew and Dylan Struzan, examines the
man, his life and his art.
Drew began his career primarily as an album cover artist. It wasn't long afterward that his unique
style drew the attentionn of movie makers.
Once Drew proved himself to be a reliable and innovative designer
his work was in high demand. George
Lucas, Steven Spielberg and other notable directors all clamor for his work
and speak highly of Drew. His
reputation in the movie industry is well-respected.
Even when movie poster art is transitioning to Photoshop designs Drew is
one of the few movie poster artists whose work is still in demand. A huge
gallery of both his record and movie poster art is reproduced in stunning
color and makes up the bulk of the book.
Drew is also a book cover illustrator, an excellent fine artist,
designer and concept artist. Oeuvre
Drew Struzan is a large hardbound book that contains the bulk of his work
in all genres reproduced in stunning colors and printed on high-quality,
coated paper stock. It's like
walking through an art gallery without leaving the comfort of your chair.
It seems only fitting that Titan Books would release the latest in its
'The Simon & Kirby Library Series: Crime book recently. Joe Simon, part of the creative team of
Kirby and Simon passed away a short time ago and this book makes a fine
tribute to the man.
Mystery writer (and sometimes comic book scribe) Max Allan Collins
provides an introduction to this hefty collection of the best of Simon
& Kirby's early Crime stories.
Reproduced in full-color, including the covers, the book contains
the Crime stories that started a whole new genre in early comic book
publications.
Kirby and Simon's dynamic writing and drawing brought gangland and
domestic violence crimes to life as they offered a no apology, in-you-face
look at the true face of crime, pimples and all. It would be a 'crime' to pass this book up.
 Steampunk Poe
Edgar Allan Poe and Steampunk.
Seems like an unlikely pair.
But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Poe's tales were primarily set in the
Victorian Era when the industrial revolution was at full swing.
It's takes no small stretch of the imagination to envision Poe's stories
and characters being surrounded by the machinations of Steampunk as it too
is set in the Victorian Era.
That's the premise behind Running
Press's new Steampunk Poe book with illustrations by Zdenko Basic and
Manuel Sumberac.
The new hardbound book collects some of Poe's most chilling stories and
poems complemented by eerie, dark and retro high-tech illustrations. I especially like The Tell-Tale Heart,
The Murders In The Rue Morgue and The Spectacles illustrations. You'll
never think of Poe's stories the same way again after reading this book.
 Masters Of Nonsenseverse
Just when you think the characters from Darby Conley’s Get Fuzzy comic
strip can’t get any sillier or funnier along comes Andrews McMeel Publishing’s
latest Get Fuzzy collection, Masters Of Nonsenseverse.
Starting with its hilarious Masters Of The Universe take-off cover Masters
Of Nonsenseverse pulls out all the stops as Rob Wilco, owner of Bucky the
obnoxious cat and Satchel his sweet but naïve dog, copes with his pets’
outrageous antics.
Here are just a few examples of what you can expect from the latest Get
Fuzzy collection. Bucky questions
Rob’s stand on animal extinction, Satchel clues Bucky in on eating habits,
Rob looks for ‘intelligent’ life on Earth, Scrabble takes on a whole new
meaning with Bucky and Satchel and Bucky writes children books-from Russia!
The strip’s creator, Darby Conley has one of the wildest imaginations
imaginable and is totally fearless when it comes to lampooning social
issue, other comic strips and even himself. Get Fuzzy chronicles what it would be like to raise pets from
Hell-even if they are adorable.
 
Darth Vader
And The Millennium Falcon
Get ready to see the Sith Dark Lord like you’ve never seen him before!
Scholastic Books has come
up with an amazing 3-D Reconstruction Log of the process by which Anakin
Skywalker was transformed into Darth Vader.
This fascinating book takes apart Darth Vader’s infamous black outfit
from helmet to cape in an ingenious book that allows readers to discover
the secrets of the Dark Lord.
Constructed of heavy board, each page features a cutout of Vader
separated into parts. As each page
is opened the Dark Lord’s uniform is slowly sliced away, layer by layer,
revealing the inner working s of his incredible life-sustaining uniform.
Technical statistics are included on side panels detailing the painful
procedures needed for each bionic replacement as well as the parts’
functions, tolerances, maintenance requirements and medical droid
observations.
Eventually, as each layer is stripped away, the only thing left is the
charred limbless torso of Anakin Skywalker and an x-ray view of his
augmented natural organs and skeleton.
When closed, the cutout of Vader is protected by a clear acetate
sheet. Front and back cover illustrations
show Vader in a fighting pose and a close-up of his helmet with strategic
areas pinpointed. A silver Star
Wars logo completes the package and what a package it is! I’ll never look at Darth Vader the same
way again!
Another 3-D Owner’s Guide constructed much the same way as the Darth
Vader book, also by Scholastic Books, is the Millennium Falcon.
Han Solo’s and Chewbacca’s spacecraft is broken down by decks, beginning
with a top view of the spacecraft and its armaments.
From there readers are guided, deck-by-deck and layer-by-layer, through
the ships Sensors, Defense, Propulsion, Piloting, Crew Quarters, Life
Support, Cargo Engineering and Hull capabilities.
Each layer details each function with schematics, technical
specifications and capabilities, quotes from Han and interesting side notes
about the ship.
It’s colorful, complete and simply sensational!
 
Al
Williamson Archives Volumes 1 & 2
From Flesk Publications
comes Volume 1 &2 of the Al Williamson Archives, collecting the
preliminaries from the artist’s studio.
From those of you unfamiliar with the term preliminaries the term refers
to the studies, sketches or prefinished artwork associated with various
projects.
Speaking as an artist myself, I use preliminaries frequently to flesh
out my ideas, tweak compositions and try out different lighting effects,
positioning of characters, layouts and ink application. Sometimes, with a little cut and paste
(physical or digital) I can use the preliminaries as part of any finished
piece.
Both Archives editions demonstrate via illustrations how Al Williamson
designed characters, plotted compositions and inked various pieces.
Spanning over his 50-year career the illustrations show his progression
as an artist, his fondness for sci-fi and fantasy and his eye for
composition, design and detail.
Regardless of the subject matter each piece is finely crafted,
expertly laid out and virtually leaps off the page. Williamson’s mastery of the human
figure, clothing, environments and light and shadow are showcased to their
best advantage.
I especially enjoy looking at his pencil compositions before ink hits
the paper. They demonstrate the
careful attention Williamson gave to each piece, including slight modifications,
limb or torso repositioning and costume enhancements.
The Complete Guide To Writing, Producing, And  Directing A
Low-Budget Short Film
Do you have dreams of becoming a big-time film director but you’re stuck
with a minimal budget? Do you have
big ideas but little cash? Does the
thought of dealing with huge studios, high-cost film professionals and
actors and actresses with salaries in the eight figures make you nervous?
Then Gini Graham Scott’s new book from Limelight
Editions: The Complete Guide To Writing, Producing, And Directing A
Low-Budget Short Film, is the book you need.
By starting small you’ll learn all the ins and outs of the film industry
in a comprehensive step-by-step guide that takes you through script to
screening.
Learn how to get and use feedback, how to break down scenes,
storyboards, casting, props, wardrobes, costumes, catering food, equipment
and supplies, planning a budget, communication skills, shooting films,
editing, promotion, copyright protection and much more.
The Complete Guide To Writing, Producing, And Directing A Low-Budget
Short Film makes how to make a film comprehensible and possible-even on a
small budget.
 The Key, The
Magic Mirror,
And The Topaz Ring
Author and poet Jeanette M. Dodge has created a wonderful new book as an
heirloom to her children and grandchildren.
Combining the best in children literature with fantasy and time travel,
Ms. Dodge takes readers on a fun-filled, sometimes frightening and
fascinating trip through time where the past intermingles with the present.
The three-story arc begins innocently enough when seventeen year old
Sarah accepts an old key from her dying grandmother Rose.
The key unlocks a hidden room containing a very strange and special
mirror that transports Sarah into the past where she lives a complete
life. When she transports back to
the present she has not aged a day and things were as she left them.
Through a series of magical and unexplained events she is intertwined
with her grandmother’s past life and sets in place the events and
encounters the people who populate her past and mold her present.
The Key, The Magic Mirror, And The Topaz Ring is an entertaining trilogy
that young readers are sure to enjoy.
The book stresses the importance of each person’s past and their
family. The past comes alive as
timelines meld and blend to make an entertaining tale of love, family and
legacy.
 The Silver Age Of Comics
I love reading comic books. I’m
pushing 60 years old and I still get excited when it’s time to pick up my
weekly stash at the local comic book store. As much as I like ‘new’ comic books my real love is Silver
Age comics.
I was born in the early 1950s and grew up in the 1960s. I remember visiting the local drug store
and purchasing many of the currently most sought after Silver age comics
when they were first printed. My
diet of early Silver Age comics consisted mostly of DC Comics until Marvel
Comics introduced the Fantastic Four, then I became a Marvel Zombie.
Other smaller publishers like Tower and Charlton jumped on the superhero
band wagon and I bought most of those titles too. The Silver Age was a boom time for comic books with new
concepts and storylines that made me come back for more.
I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to Silver Age
comics, but, compared to the encyclopedic knowledge of author William
Schoell I’m an amateur.
Mr. Shoell’s new book, The Silver Age Of Comics, published by BearManor Media is one of the
most comprehensive books ever written about the Silver Age.
In the book the entire Silver Age, from start to finish, is meticulously
examined with every title dissected and analyzed. However, the book is far more than a statistical
compilation. The author has done an
admirable job of infusing the text with life.
Readers will learn about the comic books, their creators, their
publishing history and the significance of their stories. I learned a lot and readers will too
after reading this impressive work.
If you want to dig deep into what made the Silver Age what it was
then be sure to pick up a copy of The Silver Age Of Comics.
 Screen World Volume 62:
The Films Of 2010
Recently I recommended a book that I was not familiar with (imagine
that!?) The book, Screen World (by
Barry Monush and published by Applause
Theatre & Cinema Books) is the bible by which movie professionals
(actors, actresses and production people) refer to when gauging and
researching movies put out year-to-year.
Screen World: The Films Of 20110 was just released and in its pages
every movie (and I do mean EVERY movie) produced during 2010 is
categorized, given a short synopsis, has its acting repertoire and
production people listed, studio or independent filmmakers credited and
several stills from each movie shown.
Besides listing movie statistics, other movie-centered information is also
included such as awards given, obituaries, top-grossing films, promising
new talent and so forth.
Screen World is a ‘must-have’ resource for any serious movie lover. I literally spent hours looking through
its pages at photos and reading information. It’s a fascinating read that digs into the meat and bones of
the movie industry.
 Triumph
Of the Walking Dead
Zombies-ya gotta luv ‘em! In the past decade zombies have evolved to
become this generation’s premiere monsters. Since the early days of monster
movies each generation has had their own particular brand of scary
creatures.
During the 1930s and 1940s it was classic monsters like Frankenstein,
the Werewolf, the Mummy and Dracula.
The 1950s made way for creatures from outer space paralleling America’s
fear of nuclear war. The 1960s saw
a resurgence in classic monster movies and a smattering of space
monsters. The 1970s first
introduced zombies but eventually focused once again on a wide variety of
scary creatures. The late 1970s and
1980s introduced the long psycho killer like Freddy Krueger and Michael
Myers and the 1990s continued that trend with a smattering of earlier
genres thrown in for good measure.
The start of the new century saw a number of living dead films and books
but it wasn’t until Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead comic book appeared that
zombie madness truly kicked in.
In BenBella/Smartpopbooks’
new unauthorized Triumph Of The Walking Dead several author’s look at the
incredible success of The Walking.
Robert Kirkman’s Zombie epic is traced back to its early roots as a
fledgling title in the Image Comics roster to its current status as a
popular trade paperback collection and TV series. Editor James Lowder has assembled an impressive collection of
Walking Dead essayists who examine not only the popular comic book series
and TV show but he Zombie phenomenon as a whole.
Many ask the questions “What exactly would happen is such a zombie
plague actually occurred? Who would
survive and what would become of humanity?” Interesting questions and an interesting book that zombie
fans are sure to love.
 The
Batman Files
One of the things I like about being a reviewer is that I am constantly surprised
and delighted by the incredibly talented people who produce toys, models,
trading cards, comic books, books and other popular collectible items.
Just when I thought I had read and seen everything that could possibly
be written about Batman along comes author Matthew K. Manning's and Andrews McMeel Publishing's
new oversize hardbound book, The Batman Files.
This gorgeous book, with its padded cover and rear, encases an impressive
volume of work dedicated to the Dark Knight.
An angular die-cut wraparound flap with a de-bossed silver bat symbol
encases the solid black book. A fitted dust jacket with a silver ink
printed image of Batman completes the impressive package.
Inside Batman fans are inundated with information about Batman as
written by Bruce Wayne himself. Pages are filled with how Bruce decided to
become the Batman, his design for his costume, Batcave, Batmobile and
Batplane and the many accessories and vehicles he utilizes in his fight
against crime.
Personal observations and data about his friends, foes and associates
both as Batman and Bruce Wayne fill the pages. Schematics, blueprints,
sketches, drawings, document recreations and archival photos, art and media
interpretations of Batman complete the package.
Police scene records an photos, Arkham Asylum profiles, Gotham City
buildings and city grid, Batcomputer printouts and much more are contained
in its a pages. Batman fans will clamor for this ultimate collection about Gotham
City's Cowled Crusader.
 How
To Draw Chiller
Monsters,
Werewolves, Vampires, And Zombies
The recent upsurge of interest in all things macabre such as zombies,
vampires and other things supernatural has sparked an entire industry
dedicated to things that go bump in the night. Movies, TV shows, comics
books, books and other mass media outlets have cashed in on the craze and
there appears to be no end in sight for its popularity waning.
Artists are also jumping on the band wagon (or should I say dead wagon?)
with art that ranges from amateurish to highly-polished. Have you ever got
the urge to draw some ghoulies and such? Then you’re in luck.
Author J. David Spurlock and Watson-Guptill
Publications have teamed up to bring readers the ultimate in ‘how-to’
books on delineating dead devilish doers of the night. How To Draw Chiller
Monsters, Werewolves, Vampires, And Zombies is much more than an
instruction book on drawing.
To start things off Rob Zombie (yes, that Rob Zombie) provides a
foreword for the book and laments how he wished such a book existed when he
was a kid. Then there's the meat of the book.
This is not your typical “how-to” book. Instructions and demonstrations
are not provided by just a single artist but by some of the biggest names
in the comic book and illustration fields. Do the names Neal Adams, Kerry
Gammill, Basil Gogos, David Hartman, Alex Horley, John Romita Sr. Jim
Steranko. Gene Colan, Wally Wood and several other well-known artists
strike a chord? I’m impressed!
Each type of ghoulie, ghostie and monster comes with a brief history.
Several artists will contribute to each particular creepy creature with
sketches, black and white and color drawings and comments.
The author provides his own observations, information and artist
biographies. Combine all of the aforementioned text and art together and
you have not only a very informative book on illustration but a real feast
for the eyes.
Personally I enjoy looking at each illustration and how each is created
from sketch to completed project. As an artist and designer myself I
appreciate the hard work and imagination that goes into each piece as well
as the tremendous amount of work it took to put this great book together.
Kudos!
 Volume
61: Screen World; The Films Of 2009
The movie industry, its affiliates, actors, directors and professionals
(along with a large part of the public and film critics) look forward each
year to the release of the most current Screen World book.
Author Barry Monush and Applause
Theatre & Cinema Books have just released Volume 61 of the series
and it is jam-packed full of information and photos about of the movies
released in 2009: both major and independent.
Each film is given a complete synopsis and listing of actors, supporting
cast and key production personnel. Also included are biographical data,
obituaries, top listings, best of, top grossing films and more are included
in its pages. It’s a veritable cornucopia of film facts and photos.
 Sunday Brunch
Jeremy, of the Zits comic strip, has always been a 'colorful'
character. With Andrews McMeel Publishing's
Sunday Brunch: The Best Of Zits Sundays collection, that fact could never
be more true.
Follow the full-color misadventures of Jeremy as he confuses,
infuriates, befuddles and mystifies his family, friends and school faculty.
Included along with the full-page Sunday comic strip reprints come
essays and anecdotes from other famous cartoonists.
Witness Jeremy as he encounters parents, girls, school, socializing and
society in general in his own unique manner as written and drawn by Jerry
Scott and Jim Borgman.
The oversize paperback collection will make a great holiday gift, (What
am I saying!? It would make a great
gift anytime! Shoot, buy it for any
reason!)
 Three Stooges FAQ
“Nyuk, nyuk! Spread out! “If
those phrases sound familiar to you then you’re a Stoogeifile: a lover of
the Three Stooges.
As a child I would get up early weekdays and catch a few minutes of the
Three Stooges before I rushed off to school. In the afternoon I would make it home from school just in time
to catch the afternoon Stooges cartoon series that was inter-mingled with
live sketches by the Stooges.
Saturday was a Stoogefest for at least an hour. Saturday Three Stooges time was my
favorite because the oldest Three Stooges films were played that included
Curly. Like so many other kids,
Curly was my favorite-he still is.
What made the Three Stooges so funny?
That’s a hard question to answer.
The slapstick antics were one thing, the absurdity of the
characters, the comedic timing and most importantly, Larry, Moe and Curly
made a perfect team-a team of idiots-but a team nonetheless.
Author David J. Hogan and Applause
Theatre & Cinema Books present Three Stooges FAQ: Everything Left
to Know About The Eye-Poking, Face-Slapping, Head-Thumping Geniuses.
Contained in the book are detailed examinations of every 190 two-reel
Three Stooges short that were filmed from 1934 until 1959. Included with the engrossing and
fascinating text are over 70 photos (many never or seldom seen before) of
the Stooges in the various stages of their career. A complete filmography makes Three
Stooges FAQ book the ultimate guide to the Stooges. “Certainly!”
 In The Beginning,
There Was Chaos
I've always enjoyed cartoonist Lynn Johnston's comic strip, For Better
Or For Worse. I enjoy it even more
now because, like her, I've seen my kids grow up, fall in love and move
away from home.
I still remember the turbulent years of diaper changes and scraped
knees, the happy times of family gatherings, soccer and basketball games,
sleepovers, first loves, dating and watching my children grow up and mature
into adults.
My wife and I have been married almost 33 years and like Lynn
we have had our ups and downs, disagreements, shared sorrows and joys,
struggles to make a living and all of the other idiosyncrasies associated
with a man and woman growing old together.
Lynn's new book, In The Beginning, There Was Chaos, looks back on the
Better Of For Worse family's early years when the kids were young, the
Patterson's had not been married for many years and the resulting
adjustments, readjustments and roller coaster ride of young married life
and raising young kids.
The book takes the best from Lynn's
previous Andrews McMeel
Publishing collections containing the Patterson's adventures during the
early 1980s and compiles into a large hardback book aptly called the For
Better OF For Worse 2nd Treasury and what a treasury it is!
Daily and Sunday strips are intermingled with photos and observations
from Lynn about her strip
during the early '80s. It's funny,
poignant and as relevant today as it was back then.
 Exotique 7
What is it about beautiful women that have fascinated and inspired
artists and sculptors over the centuries?
I’d like to give my humble opinion if I may. Grace-that word best describes the female figure. The beauty of a woman’s figure, its
symmetry, supple lines and curves all combine to create a remarkable symbiosis
of grace.
A woman’s face with its delicate skeletal structure, large moist eyes
and lips framed by an over abundance of hair exudes innocence and yet
personifies sexuality and mystery.
A beautiful woman’s body is sensual but it goes far beyond that. There is perfection of balance and form.
Personally what fascinates me about a woman’s torso is how the abdomen and
hips areas curve and play off one another.
There are so different than a male’s lower torso. The slight bulge of the hip area does
strange and wonderful things to the abdomen muscles. To me it is one of the most difficult
areas of the female anatomy to draw because of the interplay of muscle,
bone and sinew.
In Ballistic Publishing’s
new book, Exotique 7, digital artists from around the world, most of whom
use Photoshop, have assembled a gallery of beautiful women portraits that
are visually stunning.
Exotic costumes, high-tech armor, outrageous hairstyles and makeup and
interesting settings combine to make a eye-pleasing extravaganza of erotic
and exotic portraits that any lover of the female figure is sure to enjoy.
A plethora of artistic styles and techniques are incorporated from soft
airbrush to hard palette knife like paint application. Women are dressed in soft feminine
attire to hard-edge mechanized armor.
There are women shown in quiet still poses and high energy dynamic
action scenes.
There are devils, divas, debutants, docile, dominant, delicate and the
divine. Every conceivable type of
setting, attire and design can be seen throughout this book. It’s an exhaustive examination of the
female form in all of its beauty and feminine mystique.
From a technical point of view the artistry and sheer technical skill it
took to create each and every figure is impressive and speaking as a fellow
artist I marvel at the talent represented in the book.
 1001
Comics You Must Read Before You Die
Universe Publishing's 1001
Comics (And Comic Strips) You Must Read Before You Die is appropriately
named.
It may surprise you but the United States
is not the only country that produces comic books and comic strips. True, both are uniquely original
American creations, but both art forms have long since outgrown their
borders and expanded to countries all over the world.
General Editor Paul Gravett oversees a colossal volume that looks at the
essential comics book, comic strips, graphic novels and Manga that any
died-in-the-wool comic book lover must read before they start pushing up
daisies.
As a critical history of comic books, the book is packed with four-color
eye candy and includes extremely comprehensive and thorough researched text
that delves deeply into each respective title.
Broken down by decades, the book begins in the pre-1930s and culminates
in the present. As a comic book,
comic strip lover I have to say I am blown away by the sheer scope of this
book. It's an impressive piece of
work that sheds new light on a popular art form.
 Government Issue
Abrams’ Government Issue:
Comics For The People, 1940s-2000s examines how comic books have been used
over the decades since their introduction to promote government programs
and projects.
Author Richard L. Graham has compiled a collection of comic book tiles
reprinted in the book in full color that cover a wide variety of
subjects. Look for comic books
about the military, employment, economics, civil defense, safety, health,
landscapes, lifetstyle and more by well-known artists whose names comic
book and comic strip lovers are sure to recognize. Will Eisner, Al Capp, Joe Kubert and
other well known and lesser known artists have contributed to government
issues comic books over the years and here’s your chance to see little
known about and seldom seen publications they produced.
Popular comic strip and comic book characters often starred in the
stories. Characters like Superman,
Little Abner, Supergirl, the Teen Titans, Pogo and dozens more lent their
familiar faces to promote key government programs and social issues.
  
Johnny Comet, White Indian And
Neal Adams
Shortly before Frank Frazetta's untimely death Vanguard Productions secured
the rights to reproduce Frank's earlier comic strip and comic book work
into a series of books. Frank's
long friendship with, and admiration for, Vanguard's publisher J. David
Spurlock helped cement the deal.
Spurlock is a longtime fan of Frank's work and like so many others in
fandom appreciates his enormous contribution to comic strips, comic books,
book cover illustrations and art in general.
Many fans were inspired by Frank's work and went on to become
illustrators and painters. Such
notables as Jim Steranko, Neal Adams and dozens of other working
professionals owe a great debt of gratitude to Frank Frazetta's unique
vision.
I first encountered Frank Frazetta's work when I picked up a copy of Ace
Book's Conan series of trade paperbacks.
I had never seen such lush and dynamic cover art in my entire
life. The figures practically
leaped off the cover. Everything about the covers excited me: the colors,
the composition and the figures fascinated me and made me hungry for more
of Frazetta's work.
From that point on I sought out his work and like so many others bought
all of his Art Of Frank Frazetta oversize paperbacks. It wasn't until later that I discovered
that Frank had started out drawing funny animal comics, adventure comic
book stories and several comic strips.
Vanguard Productions just recently released the fist two in a series of
books that collect the early work of Frazetta. First up is the adventure comic strip Johnny Comet that
showcases some of Frank's best early work. Even in his early twenties
Frazetta's trademark style of drawing was asserting itself. Daily and Sunday strips featured lots of
action, memorable characters, beautiful women, vile villains, stoic heroes
and plenty of cliffhangers.
The art is lovingly reproduced with special attention to the color
Sunday strips. Although Frazetta
was on the strip only a year it would be this early work that would garner
the attention of many top professionals in the industry.
The second volume in the Frank Frazetta series is the complete set of
White Indian stories Frank drew as a backup strip in the Durango Kid comic
book along with other war and historically based tales.
What makes White Indian so memorable was Frank's ability to draw in a
less cluttered and detailed style seen in his comic strips. Comic books at that time were cranked
out on very tight deadlines. It is
to Frank's credit that he was able to streamline his art without loosing
any of its dynamic impact.
Frank's White Indian work, along with his other back up stories, allowed
him to really showcase his talent at drawing a wide variety of
subjects. Was there anything he
could not draw?
Both Frank Frazetta collections are printed on high-gloss, heavy paper
stock that showcases his art at its best.
The ink quality and color reproduction are first rate.
With their high gloss covers and short fold in front and back third
panels (that can serve as ready-made book markers) the square bound books
allow readers to look over each page without the worry of pages
detaching. Heavy page gluing
(tipping) sees to that.
Another of my all-time favorite artists is Neal Adams. The Art Of Neal Adams, written and
compiled by Adams himself, contains examples of Adams' early comic strip
(Ben Casey) and comic book work, such as his breakout work for Warren, DC
and Marvel Comics and his work for independent comic book titles, movie
posters,(Billy Jack) book covers (Tarzan), Magazine covers (Marvel)
commercial and advertising illustration (theme parks) and much more.
I once had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Adams and like his art he is
bigger than life. His energy level
is astounding and his opinions never hidden. It's no wonder he became a major player in obtaining creator
rights for comic book artists and creators.
As a child of the 1960s I loved his work for both DC and Marvel
Comics. His groundbreaking visuals
for Batman, Brave and Bold, Green Lantern, Spectre, Deadman, the X-Men, the
Avengers, Thor and various other comic books inspired me as young man to
pursue art and design.
The Art Of Neal Adams is a worthy work that expertly details the long
and prolific career of Neal Adams.
More than just a cartoonist and comic book artist Neal Adams is a
commercial artist, designer, illustrator and force to be reckoned
with. Kudos to Vanguard Productions
for releasing such an impressive collection.
  
Grease, Night And Vampire
Limelight
Editions just released a trio of books about films: two musicals and
one genre.
Way back in the summer of 1978 the movie adaptation of the Broadway hit
Grease bebopped its way onto the Silver Screen. Mega movie star John Travolta and country singer pop star
Olivia Newton John starred as the two main lovebirds: Danny and Sandy. Taking into account Olivia was
Australian, the story was slightly modified, along with adding a few new
songs.
The film was a smash and spawned a whole new 1950s fever in the United
States and around the world. Other movies and TV shows (like Happy
Days) cashed in on the craze and within a short period of time Grease
became a cultural pop phenomenon.
Author Stephen Tropiano takes a look at Grease in his book titled
simply: Grease. He examines the
humble beginnings of the musical to its meteoric rise to the most
successful movie musical of all time.
Grease is still the word!
Author Ray Marton examines the greatest rock ‘n’ roll movie of all time:
A Hard Day’s Night. Starring the
fab four (the Beatles) the low-budget film would set the standards by which
all such films (and videos) that followed it would be judged.
United Artists set out to put out a low-budget film in order to promote
the Beatles soundtrack record. What
they ended up with was a break-out film incorporating radical camera angles
and up close and personal shots of the group as they frantically,
comically, set society on its collective ear.
The book examines the six-week shoot, including live studio recordings
that helped fan the flame of the Beatles' popularity.
What is it about vampires that fascinates so many people? Alain Silver
and James Ursini chronicle the fascinating and long history of the vampire
film. The Vampire Film: From
Nosferatu To True Blood is examined from its humble beginnings as a moody,
dark and mysterious small scale film to its introduction to American
audiences in Universal Studios Dracula film starring Bella Lugosi that
catapulted vampire and horror films to the front of American psyche.
From there the genre exploded into films from all over the world.
Horror, exotic love, mystery, sci-fi: all film genres at one point tackled
the vampire theme-some successfully and others miserably.
Regardless of the film, audiences can’t seem to get enough of undead
blood suckers and the genre continues to draw in audiences by the millions
with each vampire film release.
The book contains exhaustive research on the vampire film with hundreds
of photos from films all over the globe.
It’s something to really sink your teeth into.
Superman, Spider-Man, Disney,
Pirates, Sandwiches And Video
Games
From Quirk Books comes six
titles that any self-respecting pop culture collector is sure to want to
own and read. Five of them deal
with pop culture phenomenon and one with the second most important thing
any pop culture fan’s life: food!
Three handbooks are available that teach readers how to be a hero or a
scoundrel.
The Superman Handbook, written by Scott Beatty delves into what it means
to be faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and
able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and much more.
This training manual instructs on how to tackle a criminal, how stop a
runaway train, how to treat wounds and other non-superhero activities. Of course no book about Superman would
be complete unless it talks about Superman’s powers, exploits and rogue’s
gallery.
The Spider-Man Handbook by Seth Grahame-Smith takes on a similar tone
with Spidey serving up his own brand of justice and heroics and offers
day-to-day heroic deeds civilians can take part in. It too is filled with superhero exploits
of the arachnid variety complete with a showcase of Spidey’s powers and his
bevy of bad guys.
On the slightly less heroic side comes The Captain Jack Sparrow Handbook
that offers a Swashbuckling Guide from Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean on
how to be a proper pirate.
You’ll learn all about the different types of pirates, how to pass your
time, how to climb rigging, how fire a cannon and all the other scourge of
the Seven Seas shenanigans buccaneers hold so dear.
There are also lessons on how to cheat death, how to acquire booty, how
to develop people skills and an examination of the mysteries of the deep.
I’ve never been a believer of Astrology but after looking over
Disneystrology from Quirk Books I may reconsider the possibilities. After all, who can argue about
individual character traits when they are compared to Disney characters?
On my birthday I’m compared to Stitch (a fair comparison), my wife
mirrors Friend Owl’s personality, my son Tug the bear and my daughter Nemo
the fish. Surprisingly the
descriptions fit in all four cases.
This is fun book filled with funny observations, pages filled with
Disney’s characters and a clever way to bring a little magic into your
life.
The Art Of The Video Game by Josh Jenisch looks at the current state of
video games and how much they have changed since they were first
introduced. Pages are packed with
character studies, environment designs, different game genre scenarios and
lots of technical talk and mumbo jumbo for the diehard video game player
and hopeful game designer.
The book breaks down how a game is conceptualized, designed and finally
produced with lots of insider insights and instruction. If you love video games then this book
fits the bill.
Finally, perhaps comes the most important book in the recent releases:
The Encyclopedia Of Sandwiches.
Author Susan Russo and photographer Matt Armendariz provide a guided
tour through the wonderful world of sandwiches and it is a visual treat.
Inside readers are treated to images of sandwiches from all over the
world and recipes on how to make them.
The photographs looks so good it’s tempting to almost tempting to
eat the book! Lovers of foods
stuffed between two slices of bread get their appetites stirred in this
wonderful homage to everyone’s favorite type of food: sandwiches!
 Never Bite Anything
That Bites Back
Sherman the Shark is back in
Andrews McMeel Publishing's
sixteenth Sherman's Lagoon
Collection. This time around he gains super powers, takes on a giant squid,
learns a lesson in complimenting woman, contends with remote control fever,
dresses up as royalty and discovers being 'happy as a clam' isn't all it's
cracked up to be.
Meanwhile his friends have their own adventures. Hawthorne
meets a panda, escapes from a lobster tank, goes through toe-pinching
withdrawals and gets his won cell phone.
These are just a few of the outrageous shenanigans in the latest Sherman's
Lagoon Collection. In other words
they're regular ocean outrageousness, sea silliness, lagoon lunacy, water
wackiness-please stop me.
 The Joker
The Clown
Prince of Crime, that's what he's been referred to ever since his
introduction in the first issue of the Batman comic book in 1940. Since then he has become the most
recognizable and infamous villain ever to grace the pages of DC
Comics. His grinning visage, with
his white skin, ruby lips and green hair are recognizable all over the
world.
Now he
finally gets the attention he deserves in a brand new book from Universe and written by Daniel
Wallace. And who better to provide
the introduction than the man who voiced the Joker in the Warner Bros.
cartoons: Mark Hamill!
The Joker:
The Visual History Of The Clown Prince Of Crime follows the criminal and
comic book, TV and movie career of the Joker through the decades with
special attention given to the many talented artists, writers and actors
who have brought the Joker to life.
Pages are
filled with illustrations and photos of the Joker in all his incarnations
in comic books, TV and movies. Fans of the Joker will love this impressive
compilation of the comic book criminal capers of the Clown Prince of Crime
and his cinematic carrying-ons in his continuing quest the squelch the
Caped Crusaders crime-fighting career.
And that's no joke!
  
The Future, Sci-Fi Dictionary
And Swarm
There are movie, science fiction, horror and fantasy artists' fans and
then there are movie, science fiction, horror and fantasy artists'
academics.
Academics are people who really study, dissect and delve into every
aspect of their respective interests-in this case sci-fi and horror movies
and sci-fi and fantasy artists.
McFarland & Company, Inc.
feeds academic fever with trio of new titles that are so packed full of
information that even the most staunch academic will pause and ponder the
task set before them.
First up is The Worlds Of Back To The Future, edited by Scorch Ni
Fhlainn. Compiled Critical Essays
On The Films, the book examines each film for content, social commentary,
moral and political nuances and philosophical references. Marty McFly and Doc Brown and the
characters from all the films are put under a microscope to see what makes
them tick.
A Biographical Dictionary of Science Fiction And Fantasy Artists of The
Twentieth Century by Jane Frank is packed with information on the most
influential artists of the respective genres. Each artist's life is examined in full and a complete listing
of his or her work is included.
A Sci-Fi Swarm And Horror Horde from Tom Weaver contains 62 interviews
by actors, actresses, directors and other TV and film professionals. The interviews center around the work
they did on classic sci-fi and fantasy movies and TV shows. Filled with anecdotal gems, the book
gives readers a real insider look at the making of such films as Them!, The
War Of The Worlds The Wild, Wild West, Lost In Space and dozens of other
film and TV series.
All three books make perfect reference material for anyone interested in
the sci-fi and fantasy genres in film, TV and art.
 Star Trek: A Choice
Of Catastrophes
Of all the Star Trek TV series the original is still my favorite. There was something magical about the
team of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Sulu, Chekov, Uhura and Chapel. The chemistry between the characters was
flawless and made for some spectacular stories on TV and later in movies.
Sadly Deforest Kelley and James Doohan who portrayed Leonard “Bones”
McCoy and Montgomery “Scotty” Scott have both passed away.
Fortunately they are very much alive in Pocket Books’ Star trek library
of books-the latest of which is called A Choice OF Catastrophes.
In the new book the U.S.S. Enterprise, under the command of Mr. Sulu,
runs into a space/time distortion area and power is lost. The distortion field also affects any
crew member with an abnormal level of psychic ability and each suffers a
coma and will eventually die.
With no options left to him McCoy must link with the surviving officers’
minds and enter a nightmarish dream world that could threaten the very
existence of the Enterprise and
her crew.
While McCoy struggles on the psychic plane Kirk, Scotty, Spock and other
members of two away teams explore a
strange planet where all sentient life has disappeared. What they discover is hidden deep
underneath the sprawling alien landscape and is linked to the incidents
aboard the Enterprise.
A Choice Of Catastrophes is classic Star Trek at its best with plenty of
action, suspense, humor and clever banter between the key players. Look for the book from Pocket Books
written by Michael Schuster and Steve Mollman.
 Colossal Collection
Of Action Poses
Of all the facets of drawing comic books that is the most difficult, it
is drawing dynamic human figures.
Face it; people don’t stand around posing with legs spread apart,
arms tensed for action and appearing as if they may leap off a page-until
now.
Impact Books presents the
most complete photo reference collection ever assembled for comic book and
fantasy artists. Inside readers/artists
will discover over 1,200 full-color photo action poses of women and men.
From sitting, flying, running, fighting, carrying and using weapons to
dynamic foreshortening shots and lighting this book has it all! There are photos of women and men using
swords and guns, wearing flowing capes, climbing, putting on cloths
writhing in agony, jumping and close-up shots.
Even better, poses are intermingled with actual artwork by top
professionals that used the poses as reference for their own work. Three hundred and twenty pages are
bulging with visual references. If
you draw and want to put that extra 'umph' into your artwork then this is
the book for you by Buddy Scalera.
 
Star Trek And Star Wars
Collectibles
Star Trek and Star Wars fans are notorious collectors. Both tend to collect pop culture items
associated with each franchise in a number of ways: gets everything,
selects specific items (such as toys) or as a casual collector who buys
only what interests them.
Regardless of the collectible, Star Trek and Star Wars merchandise
is a huge industry bringing in billions of dollars each year. Schiffer Books has
three titles both Trek and Wars fans are sure to want to check out.
Ursula Augustin’s Star Trek Collectibles covers everything Star Trek
that involves the original series, Next Generation, Deep Space 9 and
Voyager. Although the book was
written pre-Enterprise is still contains tons of invaluable information,
full-color photos and prices for the different types of Star Trek
collectibles.
There have been a number of Star Trek toys produced over the years, but
one toy company has produced more than all other companies combined. That company is Playmates Toys.
The Unauthorized Handbook and Price Guide Star Trek Toys by Playmates,
written and compiled by Kelly Hoffman, also includes the original series,
Next Generation, Deep Space 9 and Voyager, but it also includes the Star
Trek films up through First Contact.
Whether its action figures, ships, dioramas, special editions, weapons,
equipment or even Trek TMNT, this book has them all in glorious full-color
with prices and stats.
Few books can match the sheer volume of Star Wars memorabilia photos and
information than Geoffrey T. Carlton’s new book; The Star Wars Super
Collector’s Wish Book-and ‘super’ is just what it is.
I have never seen a book that contains so many photos, prices and
information about Star Wars than this book. Everything is covered – and I do mean EVERYTHING! Models, tableware, household items,
clothing, cards, books, records-you name it, this book has it! Collectors can easily spend hours-days,
sifting through its pages and basking in its Star Wars glory. It is a phenomenal book containing
massive amounts of information.
 The Boy Who
Loved Batman: A Memoir
Picking up Michael E. Uslan’s new book: The Boy Who Loved Batman: A
Memoir, I identified with the author immediately.
Like me he grew up as a nerdy kid who loved comic books. Even after hitting his teenage years and
young adulthood he lived and breathed comic books, with his favorite being
Batman.
Unlike me his obsession soon became a crusade: to see the Dark Knight
make it to the silver screen.
In The Boy Who Loved Batman: A Memoir, published by Chronicle Books, Mr.
Uslan’s long quest to legitimatize and promote comic books in general is
told in a series of captivating chapters broken down as stages in his life.
In the book readers learn of his fascination with comic books, his
association with some of the greats of comics, his dealings with the comic
book and movie industries and his eventual realization of a lifelong dream:
bringing Batman to movie screens.
It’s obvious after reading the book that Michael loves comic books and
without his dogged perseverance Batman would never been made into a
movie. Superhero movies made since
then in no small part owe him a depth of gratitude. For without his dogged determination to
bring Batman to movie screens and the resulting success of said franchise,
it is doubtful that other superhero movies may have never been made since
then.
This book was a real eye-opener to me about how the movie and comic book
industries work and the people who hold the strings of power. It’s all about playing the game, who you
know and how passionate you are about seeing a project through. It’s more than a book about comic books;
it’s a great lesson on how to succeed in life.
  
Sketch Card Mania, DragonWorld
And Fantasy Creatures
One of the art projects a fellow teacher of mine does is playing card
drawings and sketches. I’m dying to
show her the new Sketch Card Mania book from Impact and artist/writers Randy
Martinez and Denise Vasquez. She
will be blown away!
Inside, the creative team leads readers through a series of
demonstrations on creating Sketch Card art using a huge variety of
techniques-even computer.
Everything from cowboys to aliens (isn’t that a movie?) are
represented. Look for lots of
pencil, ink, paint, digital and more Sketch Cards representing all genres
of cartooning, realistic renderings, abstracts and digital.
The book even includes nine Artist and Sketch It Yourself Cards. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get to work!
Dragons are everywhere. You see
them in drawings, paintings, toys, fashions, movies and every other type of
popular culture collectible and mass media venue.
Impact presents DragonWorld that contains 120 dragons as drawn by 49
international artists.
Every conceivable type of dragon is drawn in a myriad of styles and
media. Artist bios are included,
along with how they created their own unique dragon. Sketches and preliminary idea are included
along with helpful hints on how to create your own dragon(s).
Filled with black and white and color illustrations, paintings and
digital renderings, DragonWorld, edited by Pamela Wissman and Sarah Laichas
‘scales’ to new creative heights.
The Explorer's Guide To Drawing Fantasy Creatures takes the dragon theme
one step further by introducing artists to other fantasy creatures.
Inside the book, by Emily Fiegenschuh, pages are brimming with full
color and black and white illustrations, sketches and studies of various
mythological and imaginary creatures.
Handy photo references, artist notes and observations provide plenty
of inspiration and information for drawing creatures from land, sea and
air.
 Postwar Pop
Just after World War I and especially after World War II America
experienced surges in consumer disposable income. With the tremendous push of the industrial complex, Americans
suddenly had money to spend on not just the necessities but on ‘I want
its”.
Of course things did change when the Great Depression hit and then World
War II. As bad as they were, some
good did come out of it. The major
benefit was it jumpstarted America’s
industrial dominance in the world and gave Americans a new start.
Authors Donald-Brian John and Leslie Pina and publisher Schiffer Publishing Inc.
present Postwar Pop an oversize hardbound book that looks at the various
products produced during the Postwar Periods.
As part of early industrial American culture all of the items are highly
sought after by collectors today.
What I find humorous, being nearly 60, I remember many of the
objects lying about the house, decorating shelves and considered
interesting knick knacks.
For a delightful trip down Memory Lane
be sure to check out Postwar Pop.
Inside you’ll find ceramics, movie and TV memorabilia, magazines,
greeting cards, decorations, statues and all sorts of trendy
memorabilia.
 Chris Foss
In Titan Books’ new hardbound
collection: Hardware The Definitive SF Works Of Chris Foss by Rian Hughes
and Imogene Foss readers are given a first person tour of Chris Foss’s
impressive gallery of SF work.
Pages are filled with Chris’s work, beginning with his early work in graphics
and realism to his more mind-boggling futuristic landscapes and machines.
Filled with spaceships, robots, alien landscapes, mega cities and
interstellar vistas the book is a visual feast for the eyes.
Supporting text describes each piece and chronicles Foss’s work as an
artist. Sketches and drawings allow
readers to look how he formulates and finalizes is ideas into finished
pieces.
This is a truly beautiful book with lush full color paintings and
illustrations, glossy front and back cover with mat ink impressions and a
heavy spine so you never have to worry about the book losing its pages.
 Alan Moore Storyteller
I first encountered Alan Moore's writing (although I wasn't aware of it
at the time) in Marvelman. It
wasn't until later when DC Comics introduced him with the release of Swamp
Thing #21 entitled 'Anatomy Lesson' that I saw him listed as the writer.
To say the least, I was blown away!
From that point on I became a huge fan of Moore's
work. Alan would go on to write the
critically acclaimed Watchmen, The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the
entire American Comics imprint for DC Comics and dozens of other cutting
edge stories-all of which pushed the boundaries of storytelling.
Alan Moore Storyteller, the new book from Universe Publishing and author Gary
Spencer Millidge, chronicles the life of one of the most unusual and
innovative writers of our time: Alan Moore.
The story begins in the Boroughs of Northampton, England with his fascination
for comic books and all things literary.
Later he would go on to write and illustrate his own book of poetry,
experiment with Underground Comics and write for 2000 A.D.
It would be his work on Captain Britain
and Marvelman that would catch the attention of DC Comics whom he soon
would write an impressive library of work for. But it would be his work on Swamp Thing and Watchmen that
would forever elevate Alan to the respected position he is now.
After a dispute with DC Comics, Alan would leave mainstream comics for a
season and venture out into small press projects, continue to ply in the
magical arts and become a much sought after guest speaker and lecturer.
Few people realize that besides being an accomplished writer and
storyteller Alan is also a songwriter, musician and singer. A special CD containing a selection of
Alan's work is also included with this lavishly illustrated book.
Alan Moore is responsible in large part for bringing comic books into
the mainstream, he's encouraged comic book companies to look for talent
overseas and he continues to challenge and inspire artists and writers to
push the limits of their creativity.
If it not for Alan Moore's work for DC Comics there would be no Vertigo
imprint and because of his cinematic writing technique its doubtful many of
the 'super hero' movies being produced today would not have been made. Three of his creations: Watchmen, V For
Vendetta and The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen have all been made into
films.
Writer, artist, and musician-is there nothing Alan Moore can't do? He is a Renaissance Man in the true
meaning of the phrase.
 Will Eisner: PS Magazine
Artist/writer Will Eisner changed the face of comic strips and comic
books. His award-winning series the
Spirit and his ground-breaking graphic novel: A Contract With God,
redefined sequential story-telling.
He influenced such artists as Frank Miller, Neal Adams and dozens
more. Abrams presents Will Eisner: PS Magazine
-- the best of the Preventive Maintenance Monthly: reprints of some of the
most rare examples of Eisner's work.
From 1951 to 1971 Eisner produced PS Magazine for the U.S. Army. It educated soldiers in weapons safety
and regularly featured Joe Dope: who never paid attention to safety
protocols and Connie Rodd: a beautiful pin-up who gave weapon briefs.
If you appreciate and enjoy Eisner's work then you're sure to want this
very special collection of the best-of-the-best of Will Eisner's PS
Magazine work.
 Intrigue Through Time
Imagine being an Egyptian nobleman who suddenly dies and is buried with
all of your treasure. Reawakened in
the 21st Century, you must adjust to you new life quickly in order to
survive.
Voraciously devouring as much knowledge about your new world as possible
you slowly formulate a plan to return to your ancient Egyptian burial place
and recover your treasure.
Along the way you immerse yourself in the culture of your new home, ply
its many pleasures, including a bevy of lovers, and soon find success few
can imagine.
Author Frederick Monderson invites readers along for the ride as he
explores the ties between ancient Egypt
and modern America
through the exploits of his fictional character.
Published by SuMon Publishers,
Intrigue Through Time's new updated version includes photos that serve to
intertwine the present and past tightly together.
 The Secret Of Crickley Hall
I've never been a big 'horror' book reader. Sure I like Stephen King and a few other authors but I never
deliberately search for new horror titles.
But, something intrigued me by about James Herbert's new novel, The
Secret Of Crickley Hall. It's a
haunted house story. But it's not just any old haunted house story. No, it's far more than that. It's scary on many levels.
Enter the Caleigh family-nothing remarkable about them-just your average
family consisting of a mom, dad and two children: girls.
The father has accepted a job in a remote rural area and rented a rather
stark old manor for the summer. His
wife, slowly recovering from the disappearance of her young son almost a
year ago, reluctantly agrees to the move, as do the two daughters.
Once in the old Crickley Manor they family begin to witness strange
happenings: voice and noises during the night, the appearance of ghosts and
disturbing physical encounters with a strange nude ghost wielding a cane.
As the mother delves into the past of the Manor what she discovers is a
horrifying tale of death and dementia.
But can the horror be stopped before it envelops and smothers the
entire Caleigh family?
The Secret Of Crickley Hall, published by Tor, is chilling horror story that
bends and twists the genre so that the reader never knows what to
expect. The real horror of the book
is the uncertainty of the outcome that the author cleverly orchestrates and
directs. I was truly scared and yet
I could not put the book down.
 Dreams Of The Dead
From Gallery
Books comes author Perri O'Shaughnessy's (sisters Mary and Pamela)
latest Nina Reilly nail-biting mystery.
Bombarded by personal problems concerning her son and his estranged
father, Nina is unprepared for the disaster that walks through her door.
Philip Strong, father of sociopath Jim Strong whom she had to defend
against charges of murder and then vanished, contacts her. It seems he's received a letter from his
son who is demanding half of the proceeds from the upcoming sale of his ski
resort. Philip believes the letter
to be real, Nina is not convinced.
Then two local women are murdered and Nina starts to question her new
client's real motives and the disappearance of his son.
Suddenly Nina's worst fears threaten to resurface and she soon discovers
that the dreams of the dead can threaten the living.
Perri O'Shaughnessy delivers a breakneck thriller with so many twists
and turns and startling secrets it's almost impossible to put the book
down. No one writes such compelling
legal thrillers better than the O'Shaughnessy sisters.
 Martian Summer
Join author Andrew Kessler as he recounts his adventures as the
first-ever outside observer to be allowed into mission control of the
Phoenix Mars Mission. Having won a
special 'nerd lottery' Andrew was thrilled to have the opportunity to see
'mature' space professionals at work.
Yeah, right!
What he discovered as he spent his 'virtual' summer on Mars was
political backstabbing, temperamental machinery and a lack of sleep.
But, the real payoff came when he witnessed never-seen-before sites on
Mars, made incredible discoveries and despite their differences of opinions
-- real professionals at work.
Through it all the author keeps his wicked sense of humor as he recalls
his Martian Summer--Robot Arms, Cowboy Spacemen And My 90 Days With The
Phoenix Mars Mission, published by Pegasus
Books LLC.
 Sucker Punch
Regardless of
your opinion of director Zack Snyder's latest movie, Sucker Punch, may be
everyone can agree that the visual look and feel of the movie is
phenomenal.
Never before
have visual effects been used so effectively in a movie's storyline.
Everything from the costumes, fight scenes, scenarios, and computer
generated sets, effects, characters and atmosphere synched perfectly with
the pounding soundtrack, quick and quirky dialogue and memorable
characters.
In Titan Books' and Zack Snyder's
new book: The Art Of The Film Sucker Punch, a complete visual chronicle of
the film is laid out in full color photos beginning with character and set
designs, color and lighting tests, production illustrations, visual
effects, fight choreography and all other pre and post production stages
are addressed.
It's a visual
and imagination-stimulating book that allows readers to delve into the
creative mind of one of the most innovative new writer and director to ever
assemble a film in decades.
As a designer
myself I am stunned and awed at the pure creativity that oozes from both
the film and book.
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