Welcome to our very first Holiday Gift Guide!
Below you’ll find recommendations of some fantastic gift items divided into categories that belong under the tree, Menorah or Kwanzaa bush of any geek that will bring a smile to their faces. We’ve worked hard to avoid recommending the same items that are found across the net this season, and hope that you find some unique and geektastic gifts among our selections!
Viva la geek!
The Six Million Dollar Man: The Complete Collection
A full-fledged nostalgia-gasm, I’ve been watching this collection for the last two weeks and it’s so great!
Packed in a case that plays the opening narration once opened, the set includes 40 discs with all 100 episodes, three pilot films and the three reunion movies and enough extra features to keep you busier than an OSI operative. In addition to the syndicated versions of the pilot films and The Bionic Woman crossover episodes, the set includes featurettes, interviews, 6 commentary tracks, and much more.
The series, which looks great, has held up remarkably well, with solid storylines and performances. Joining series stars Lee Majors, Richard Anderson and Martin E. Brooks are such fantastic and memorable guest stars as Lindsay Wagner, Farah Fawcett, John Saxon, William Shatner, Jack Colvin, Stefanie Powers, Andre The Giant, Dana Plato, Kim Basinger, Sonny Bono, Gary Collins, Lou Gossett, Yvonne Craig, Dick Butkus, Erik Estrada, Mike Farrell, Katherine Helmond, Jayne Kennedy, Gerald McRaney, Pernell Roberts, Dick Sargent, Suzanne Somers, Rick Springfield, George Takei, Ray Walston, Carl Weathers, George Foreman, John de Lancie and Dick Van Patten.
One of the dangers of revisiting childhood loves is the great possibility of disappointment. The Six Million Dollar Man: The Complete Series, is one of my favorite DVD releases of all time and a must have for anyone who cocked an eyebrow and ran in slow motion in the schoolyard.
FOG! Exclusive Retro T-Shirt Collection!
And speaking of nostalgia, our good friend Kurt from Kurt’s Shirts has assembled and specially priced a collection of three retro t-shirts sure to capture the attention of any geek who grew up in the Seventies. The set includes the General Mills Monster cereal characters, H.R. Pufnstuf and friends and the original denizens of McDonaldland including such forgotten characters as Captain Crook, the French Fry Gobblins, Uncle O’Grimacey and The Professor!
Original Art by Stephanie Buscema
Not only is Stephanie one of my favorite comic artists around, but she’s equally as sweet.
Her Etsy shop currently has some of her Marvel work including pages with Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, as well as some other original work that deserves a place on your wall! Stephanie also has a number of fantastic prints available and is available for commission work as well.
Originally published in 1978 and recently made available again in hardcover, this amazing tale written by Denny O’Neil, illustrated by legend Neal Adams and embellished by Dick Giordano and Terry Austin, has The Man of Steel facing off against The Greatest with the planet Earth at stake!
Star Trek Enterprise Bridge Full Size Wall Mural
Flaunt your Star Trek Geek cred by installing this 9’x15′ wall mural in your living room and get ready for the chicks to come crawling! It installs like an easier version of wallpaper (the pre-pasted sheets are activated by water) and simply press it on. Perfect for renters as the sheets will simply peel off when you need to vacate the premises.
Go back in time and save Pauline from Donkey Kong all over again…only this time in block form. If you enjoy Jenga and you haven’t quite gotten over your crush on the most awesome of Atari games, the combination of the two will certainly make your nostalgic heart swell with love. To make the game even more authentic, I suggest downloading the D.K. theme and putting it on a loop as you play. Good Times.
Batman 1966 TV Slot Car Race Track Set
Head back to the campy Sixties as Adam West and Burt Ward chase down Cesar Romero in this classic Slot Car set. With 49 feet of track and 5 optional layouts, you can re-live your childhood racing dreams once again.
Deathly Scary Shadow Shower Curtain
Never shower alone again! With an eerie silhouette of a shadowy figure about to grab you as you are naked and vulnerable, this 100% EVA plastic curtain will surely make your heart race. Perfect for those long, dark nights of Winter when you are snowed in, with no chance to escape.
For Science buffs and alcoholics alike! This set makes your “little problem” much more stylish (not to mention very Bill Nye-ish) so go ahead and mix up a batch of brew for your friends, because getting drunk has never been more educational.
For the love of all that is Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde! It’s a Pac-Man pot holder people, you know that you want one so why resist?
One of the greatest Superman stories ever created is presented in a large, oversized slipcase edition with supplemental extras from writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. After saving the world once again from a diabolical plot by Lex Luthor, Superman suffers an accidental overdose of solar radiation and returns to Earth to get his affairs in order before his diagnosed impending death. A reminder why Superman is the greatest comic book character of all time.
Written by former DC Comics President and Publisher Paul Levitz, this book clocks in at a mighty 16 pounds, 720 pages and 1,500 illustrations!
Other DC Comic Essentials
- DC Comics: The 75th Anniversary Poster Book
- SHAZAM! The Golden Age of The World’s Mightiest Mortal!
- Wednesday Comics
- Legends of the Superheroes (DVD)
- Icons: The DC Comics and Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee
Yoe Books!
Craig Yoe is currently writing/designing/editing a line of phenomenal books under the Yoe Books! banner at IDW Comics, collecting a number of Golden Age comic book stories or collections focusing on individual characters or creators. Every volume produced by Craig is a work of art and a must have for all comic fans.
Scott Pilgrim‘s The Complete Series
8-Bit video games meet young hipsters in this manga-esque epic that was the basis of the cut movie! Read the adventures of Scott Pilgrim and his band Sex Bob-omb as he is forced to defeat the seven evil exes of Ramona Flowers in order to win her hand.
OTHER COMIC RECOMMENDATIONS
- The Walking Dead Compendium
- Simon and Kirby Superheroes
- Blacksad
- The Amazing Screw-on Head and Other Curious Objects
- Super F*ckers
- Chew The Omnivore Edition 1
- Archie: The Best of Dan DeCarlo 1
- Archie: The Classic Newspaper Comics (1946-1948)
- Siegel and Shuster’s Funnyman: The First Jewish Superhero from the Creators of Superman
- Locke & Key Volume 1
/ Volume 2
/ Volume 3
- Richard Stark’s Parker by Darwyn Cooke: The Hunter
/The Outfit
Because nothing says, “Let’s make some good lovin’ in front of the fire” more than a Wampa skin rug…at least, nothing says that more than to a lonely Star Wars freak who hopes to one day find that special someone who would be willing to make out on a synthetic fur representation of an actual Wampa.
The Making of Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Since everyone knows Empire is the best film of the lot, it’s hard to resist this ridiculously comprehensive history of the film with hundreds of rare and never before seen photographs (including a snapshot of a monkey dressed as Yoda!) This book is amazing and is a nice reminder that a long time ago, Star Wars was really awesome.
Space Precinct: The Complete Series
Gerry Anderson produced series about a former NYPD cop now working on the planet Altor, busting up both human and alien crime. If that hasn’t grabbed you yet, how about the CGI tongue as displayed in the clip below?
Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise: Haynes Manual
Made especially for those people who will not rest until they know the schematics of the U.S.S Enterprise intimately. And, if you are one of those people, I salute you.
The Adventures of Doc Savage Radio Show
An amazing and charming set assembling the extremely rare 1985 radio series originally produced for NPR. A terrific throwback for any fans of the pulp genre or big kids in general. Plus, no need to gather around the living room staring at a radio to enjoy!
Do not be afraid to turn to the Dark Side when using this toaster, after-all who doesn’t want to spread some “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” all over the face of Annakin Skywalker early in the morning?
Impress your friends with your Doctor Who hipness this holiday season by plopping a few cubes into their mixed drinks from your awesome Tardis Ice bucket. Coolness awaits you my friend.
Doctor Who: Adipose Stress Toy
Feeling a bit stressed this holiday season? Dream of murdering your ungrateful family members who suck your soul dry? Well, keep those violent tendencies in check by squeezing the hell out of your Adipose instead. And don’t worry about hurting the little guy, he can take it (unlike those you share DNA with).
Exclusive Lando Calrissian Disguise Kit (Mustache)
In the 70s nothing was quite as sexy as Lando’s sweet ‘stache and now, thanks to the miracle of self-adhesive faux lip hair, that look can be all yours. So go ahead, put one on and pop open a Colt 45, ’cause it’s gonna be one very sexy holiday season.
Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks
Both memoir and analysis of the world of fantasy, this is a must read for anyone who ever rolled a twenty sided die.
Author Tony Pacitti’s love for the Star Wars universe is so pure, that for just a moment it’s easy to forget that at this point, Lucas is all about the money.
It’s the comic strip you never read as a kid, presented in this amazing slipcased edition. Endlessly fascinating to look at Trudeau’s evolution as both a cartoonist and commentator on society and contemporary American history.
Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Writers and Artists Who Made the National Lampoon Insanely Great
From the magazine that threatened to shoot a dog if you did not read it, comes a nostalgic look back at humor when it was smart, biting, and amazingly relevant. If you ever wanted to know what makes The Onion, The Colbert Report, and The Daily Show so hilarious, read this book, because this my friends, was their influence.
An amazing collection of beautiful photographs of fantastically costumed Lucha Libre, this book is like a dossier of real life superheroes that you didn’t even know existed.
Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life
You might not know his name, but you will certainly recognize his work, seen in various textbooks, advertisements and magazines. He called his style Minimal Realism. I call it ridonkoulosly awesome.
Episodes From The Zero Hour!
Volume 1 / Volume 2 / Volume 3
This series of pulp fiction tales edited by Anthony Schiavino and Jason Butkowski are handsomely produced with crisp stories and fantastic spot illustrations and such feature such new pulp characters as Tommy “Knuckles” McNichols: Tough Guy For Hire, Father Michael Ryan: God’s Ex-Marine, and Rex Rockwell, Weird Game Hunter.
The Phone Book: The Curious History of the Book That Everyone Uses But No One Reads
You know that huge yellow book that arrives at your door that you only use to look up Carpet Cleaning companies? Well, it apparently has some incredibly odd information and history to it that is at once fascinating as it is strange. Like, did you know that this ginormous tome has had a role in Supreme Court rulings? Me neither. And to think, I usually use it to kill bugs.
Four amazing directors. Two perfect films. Two seriously flawed. Four appearances by Sigourney Weaver. Two appearances by Lance Henriksen. Dozens of quotable lines. More special features than you can imagine. Lots and lots of facehuggers, chestbursters and Aliens with acid for blood. Plus the one and only Bill Paxton.
A remastered collection of counter-culture films that revolutionized cinema during the Sixties within the studio system by Bob Rafelson, Bert Schneider, and Steve Blauner. Includes Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, The Last Picture Show, The King of Marvin Gardens, Head, A Safe Place and Drive, He Said. All with commentary tracks, trailers and more.
My favorite book of the year, which I’ve read and reread several times and is a must have for any cinegeek. Includes articles, interviews, screenplay histories and more. If the notion of an appreciation of Paul Williams or the cinematic duplicity of Jean-Claude Van Damme seems piques your interest, get this immediately.
Okay cinephiles here comes one of the greatest DVD box sets ever, are you ready? To celebrate their 75th anniversary, Fox is releasing 75 films spanning from 1933 (Cavalcade) all the way to 2010 (Avatar) and includes such classics as: The Grapes of Wrath, All About Eve, The Hustler, MASH, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Raising Arizona, Working Girl, The Full Monty, Little Miss Sunshine, and so many more that your head will explode. This is the perfect set for anyone wanting to stage the ultimate movie marathon.
If you love the Harry Potter films (and, judging from the box-office numbers of The Deathly Hallows a lot of you are) this in-depth look at what goes into the making of these movies will be right up your alley. It even includes reproductions of some props and various ephemera from the flicks that you can play with (perfect for those of you who are saving to go to the Harry Potter Wizarding World in Florida).
The true cinegeek’s artist, responsible for some of the most iconic movie posters of all time. Get this and revel in the magic.
An abundant amount of eye candy, this book features designs and concepts that make me want to get on a lightcycle.
The Academy Award winning director discusses his career which includes such work as Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, Shallow Grave, The Beach, 28 Days Later, Sunshine and more.
Despite his serious health issues, Ebert hasn’t lost his edge and this book includes all of his latest reviews, plus essays, interviews, memorial tributes and more.
From McFarland books, all of Matheson’s adapted works are discussed, including The Omega Man, I Am Legend, The Box, Duel, Stir of Echoes, What Dreams May Come, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Incredible Shrinking Man, and The Legend of Hell House and many more.
If you grew up during the heyday of punk rock like I did and was addicted to the rant-stylings of Fear, Suicidal Tendencies, The Clash, and X, then this compilation of Punks dwelling in film will certainly spark your anti-social behavior. Covering over 1100 movies with punk/New Wave leanings and tons of interviews with the casts and crews of such films as: Repo Man, Valley Girl, and Return of the Living Dead, Destroy All Movies is the perfect gift for anyone who still likes to give a big finger to the “Man”.
If you’ve never watched (or heard of) this movie, stop what you are doing and immediately rectify this problem because it is, hands down, one of the funniest, most incredible sports films ever made. Period. And, if you share my enthusiasm (and a crush on the Hanson Bros.) you definitely need this book. Filled with some cool details about the film like: Al Pacino was originally tapped to play Reggie Dunlop- as well as interviews with the cast and crew- it is a fond look back to a film that celebrated minor-league hockey in all its violent glory.
A comprehensive look at the development of Neill Blomkamp’s film with extraordinary artwork by the legendary Weta Workshop. Among the designs are alien weaponry, props, armor, custom vehicles and spaceships.
The Hammer studio produced some of the most awesome cleavage-baring horror flicks imaginable (and not to mention made Christopher Lee’s Dracula hot) but it is their iconic posters that most people remember and now they are all packed together in a book for easy perusal. And, don’t worry, salivating over the big-breasted vampire chicks is totally acceptable.
Space 1999 – Complete Season 1 Blu-ray
Completely remastered and packed with special features, this set looks absolutely amazing! Includes restored picture and sound as well as featurettes galore!
The Larry Sanders Show: The Complete Series
All I can say is that it is about Freaking time. Hey Now….
Rumpole of the Bailey The Complete Series
44 episodes filmed over seventeen years are collected chronicling the exploits of barrister Horace Rumpole, defender of all clients. Incredibly engaging, with intricately crafted characters and cases from creator/writer John Mortimer, Rumpole’s success is in no small part due to the spectacular performance of series lead John Mortimer. Like all great drama, Rumpole of The Bailey has it’s fair share of humor and like all great television, it is timeless and holds up for repeat viewings.
Prime Suspect: The Complete Series
This is one of the best police procedurals ever made and stars Helen Mirren as Det. Jane Tennison as she moves through the tiers of the Metropolitan Police (all the while dealing with a bunch of sexist pigs). The acting is top notch, the stories are dark, and the guest stars read like a roster of Britain’s best: Ralph Fiennes, Tom Wilkinson, and Tom Bell are only a few that pop up in this nine disc set.
Touching Evil: The Complete Series
Intense and disturbing, Touching Evil is never dull and completely absorbing. Robson Green plays Creegan, a Detective Inspector who returns to the job after a long hiatus following a gunshot to the head. Kreegan is now obsessed with solving ghastly crimes by virtually any means necessary. It’s like Dexter for grown ups.
Over 400 pages of exhaustive details and photographs of one of television’s finest series. A must have for any Lost-fanatics, but less of an encyclopedia and more of an extended glossary.
Simpsons World The Ultimate Episode Guide: Seasons 1-20
This compendium covers every episode synopsis of The Simpsons, as well as every chalkboard phrase, couch gag, a complete filmography of Itchy & Scratchy, and so much more that there is no doubt that this huge book (weighing over 8lbs) will satisfy any Simpsons fan for years to come. Mmmm…Simpsons.
Gotham City 14 Miles: 14 Essays on Why the 1960s Batman TV Series Matters
Featuring essays by Becky Beard, Jim Beard, Joseph F. Berenato, Timothy Callahan, Chuck Dixon, Robert Greenberger, Michael D. Hamersky, Michael Johnson, Paul Kupperberg, Michael S. Miller, Will Murray, Peter Sanderson, Jennifer K. Stuller, Bill Walko, and Robert G. Weiner, this collection re-evaluates one of the most influential comic book adaptations of all time. Holy Analysis!
H.R. Pufnstuf-The Complete Series Collector’s Edition
Back in the 70s children’s television was filled with the drug-fueled visions of crazy people. Think I’m kidding? Imagine a world called “living Island” that is populated with dancing trees, singing frogs, a weird dragon, magic flutes, a witch named Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo and well, basically any and all inanimate objects embedded with a will to live that will suddenly come to life and start talking and you have the notorious television show H.R. Pufnstuf…and, did I mention that none of it was animated? That’s right, this was all live-action which is probably why a lot of us former Gen X-ers have emotional problems. Come and re-live the horror with this complete series set.
Classic TV Christmas Collection (4 DVD Set)
A collection of Christmas themed episodes from various series including Eight is Enough, Dr. Kildare, Perfect Strangers, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Alice, CHIPS, Mama’s Family, Suddenly Susan, Veronica’s Closet, and Welcome Back, Kotter. A perfect gift for any tv-geek and confirmation that The Courtship of Eddie’s Father needs to come to DVD asap.
Max Headroom – The Complete Series
Watching Max Headroom again after all these years is like a trip down memory lane…of course, that memory lane is filled with quick cuts, loads of pastel colors and shoulder pads the size of a football player, but beggers can’t be choosers. Lasting all of 14 episodes, this groundbreaking show wasn’t meant for the Reagan years, but it’s influence still reigns high in the hearts of all those that loved it…which is probably why I still have a huge Matt Frewer fetish.
Tales of the Gold Monkey – The Complete Series
Stephen Collins plays Jake Cutter, a soldier of fortune and television’s Indiana Jones in this one season series set in 1938. Packed with cliffhanger plots and a tone executed with a tongue firmly planted in cheek, Tales of the Gold Monkey is filled with memorable characters including a German agent disguised as a preacher, a French magistrate, a clan of samurai led by a beautiful princess, a drunken mechanic, a beautiful damsel/spy and a one-eyed dog with a grudge.
The Beatles Stereo USB Drive (Limited Edition)
It’s a USB shaped like an apple and filled 14 Stereo Albums…what else could you possibly want out of life?
Rock And Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary 9 DVD Set
What I love most about watching any RRHoF show is not the hoopla of those getting inducted, but the fantastic combinations of artists preforming together. Like when Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, Joe Perry, Flea, And Metallica performed The Train Kept A-Rollin’ or when Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen played each other’s songs. If you love music (or, are a music snob) this is a definite Must Have.
The T.A.M.I. Show: Collector’s Edition
A concert film filmed in 1964 that is an exuberant experience from beginning to end with amazing performances from such forgotten and unforgettable artists as Jan & Dean, Chuck Berry, Gerry And The Pacemakers, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Lesley Gore, Jan & Dean, The Beach Boys, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, The Supremes, The Barbarians, James Brown & The Flames and The Rolling Stones. Includes director’s commentary and the original trailer with commentary by director John Landis (who was in the audience of the actual concert). Eagle eye viewers might notice actress Teri Garr as a dancer during The Supremes’ set!
Bob Dylan The Original Mono Recordings Box Set
Okay, so if you’re already a Dylan fan you have most, if not all of these songs, downloaded to your iPod. But if you are just getting into Dylan (or, more importantly, trying to brush up on your Dylan) than the mono recordings are a perfect way to zen your way to Dylan-town. Raw, rough, and completely awesome.
Paul McCartney & Wings Band On The Run Deluxe Edition Box
This will help legitimize your argument for Paul being your favorite Beatle. Containing 3 CDs and a DVD as well as a 120 page hardcover book, this album confirmed to the world that there was life after the Beatles for Paul McCartney. Includes such hits as the title track, Jet, Mrs Vandebilt, Let Me Roll It and Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five. Also includes an audio documentary.
The Monkees Head – Rhino Deluxe Handmade Edition
In 1968 the Monkees made a trippy little movie called Head co-written by none other than Jack Nicholson and featured such actors as Teri Garr, Frank Zappa, Sonny Liston, Toni Basil and Annette Funicello. It was a flop but had a cult following which means that no one can really decide if the flick was years ahead of it’s time or a hot mess. What you are getting here is a 3-disc soundtrack of the flick (which includes 6 songs and a bunch of weird sound clips as well as interviews). Not for everybody, but if you like The Monkees these songs are considered to be some of their best.
The Best of Soul Train 9 DVD Set
As a very white girl in suburbia in the 70s I was forced to listen to craptastic pop music with no soul until I discovered Mr. Don Cornelius and was transformed into a connoisseur of Funk. Let me tell you, absolutely nothing gets a party cranked all the way up to 11 the way Soul Train does and that is why this is set is a Must Have. Where else are you gonna see Don Cornelius playing basketball with Marvin Gaye as Smokey Robinson referees? Just in this set baby.
From the studio that did more than the Beatles, this 17 disc limited edition includes 14 individual artist albums with bonus tracks(from James Taylor, Badfinger, Billy Preston, Doris Troy, Mary Hopkins, John Tavener , Jackie Lomax, Modern Jazz Quartet and The Radha Krsna) , the new Best of Apple Records “Come And Get It” collection, a 2CD collection of 37 un-released tracks and a 16 page booklet. All housed in a cardboard box that artistically replicates the original Apple Records crate. A must have for any music geek!
Station To Station Deluxe Edition
This is a box set designed to make the nether regions of Bowie fanatics tingle. Chock full of goodies galore (including: replicas of tickets, backstage passes,photos and a fan club membership) plus a bonus CD of the unreleased “Live Nassau Coliseum ’76 concert”, this is what all the Ziggy Stardust wanna-bes want underneath whatever plant life represents the holidays for them.
Born To Run (30th Anniversary Edition)
Springsteen is a God and this set does him justice. And if the music isn’t enough, there is also a DVD of the 1975 Hammersmith Odeon Concert as well as the documentary Wings for Wheels: The Making of Born to Run. Consider yourself throughly satisfied.
Batman Beyond: The Complete Series
Some of the greatest names in animation worked on this futuristic Batman series including Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Glen Murakami, Andrea Romano, Shirley Walker, Darwyn Cooke, Bob Goodman, Stan Berkowitz, Hilary Bader, Butch Lukic, Dan Riba, Curt Geda, James Tucker and the voice talents of Will Friedle as the new Batman, Terry McGuiness and the inimitable Bruce Conroy reprising his role as Bruce Wayne. In addition to the 52 episodes, the set includes a book and several featurettes.
Thundarr The Barbarian: The Complete Series (1980-82) (4 DVD Set)
Pure Saturday morning comic book action. Fantastic and a must have!
Josie and the Pussy Cats in Outer Space Complete Series (4 DVD Set)
Part of the Seventies trend to put characters in Outer Space (See Partridge Family 2200 A.D. and Gilligan’s Planet). And thankfully, without the laugh track.
The Addams Family: Season 1 (4 DVD Set) (1973-74)
Captures the look of Charles Addams better than any other translation. Get it for the kids. Watch it without them.
It’s Felix the Cat…’nuff said.
