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2016 Gift Guide: Books!

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders
by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, Ella Morton

It’s time to get off the beaten path. Inspiring equal parts wonder and wanderlust, Atlas Obscura celebrates over 700 of the strangest and most curious places in the world.

Talk about a bucket list: here are natural wonders—the dazzling glowworm caves in New Zealand, or a baobob tree in South Africa that’s so large it has a pub inside where 15 people can drink comfortably. Architectural marvels, including the M.C. Escher-like stepwells in India. Mind-boggling events, like the Baby Jumping Festival in Spain, where men dressed as devils literally vault over rows of squirming infants. Not to mention the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Virginia, Turkmenistan’s 40-year hole of fire called the Gates of Hell, a graveyard for decommissioned ships on the coast of Bangladesh, eccentric bone museums in Italy, or a weather-forecasting invention that was powered by leeches, still on display in Devon, England.

Created by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton, Atlas Obscura revels in the weird, the unexpected, the overlooked, the hidden and the mysterious. Every page expands our sense of how strange and marvelous the world really is. And with its compelling descriptions, hundreds of photographs, surprising charts, maps for every region of the world, it is a book to enter anywhere, and will be as appealing to the armchair traveler as the die-hard adventurer.

Anyone can be a tourist. Atlas Obscura is for the explorer.

 

The Art of the B Movie Poster
by Adam Newel

Exploding off the page with over 1,000 of the best examples of exploitation, grindhouse, and pulp film poster design comes The Art of the B Movie Poster, a collection of incredible posters from low-budget films from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Once relegated to the underground and midnight movie circuit, these films and their bombastic advertisements are experiencing a surge of mainstream popularity driven by fans appreciative of the artistic skill, distinctive aesthetic, and unabashed sensationalism they relied on to make a profit, with the quality of the poster often far surpassing that of the film itself.

The book celebrates this tradition with sections divided into ‘moral panic’ films, action, horror, sci-fi, and of course, sex, each introduced with short essays by genre experts such as Kim Newman, Eric Schaefer, Simon Sheridan, Vern, and author Stephen Jones, winner of the Horror Writer’s Association 2015 Bram Stoker Award for Non-Fiction. Edited by Adam Newell and featuring an introduction by author and filmmaker Pete Tombs, The Art of the B Movie Poster is a loving tribute to the artwork and artists that brought biker gangs, jungle girls, James Bond rip-offs and reefer heads to life for audiences around the world.

 

Brat Pack America: A Love Letter to ’80s Teen Movies
by Kevin Smokler

From the fictional towns of Hill Valley, CA, and Shermer, IL, to the beautiful landscapes of the “Goondocks” in Astoria and the “time of your life” dirty dancing resort still alive and well in Lake Lure, NC, ’80s teen movies left their mark not just on movie screen and in the hearts of fans, but on the landscape of America itself.

Like few other eras in movie history, the ’80s teen movies has endured and gotten better with time. In Brat Pack America, Kevin Smokler gives virtual tours of your favorite movies while also picking apart why these locations are so important to these movies.

Including interviews with actors, writers, and directors of the era, and chock full of interesting facts about your favorite ’80s movies, Brat Pack America is a must for any fan. Smokler went to Goonies Day in Astoria, OR, took a Lost Boys tour of Santa Cruz, CA, and deeply explored every nook and cranny of the movies we all know and love, and it shows.

 

 

Watching Time: The Unauthorized Watchmen Chronology
edited by Rich Handley

In 1986, the comic-book world experienced a profound paradigm shift, thanks to writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons.

Gone were the long-held notions that crime-fighters always did the morally right thing for the intellectually right reason, that heroes and villains were rigidly defined constants, that good always prevailed over evil, and that happy endings were a foregone conclusion. In their place, there was Watchmen.

With DC Comics soon to bring Watchmen’s characters into its mainstream continuity, and with a Watchmen TV show reportedly in the works, it’s time to reexamine all that has come before.

Watching Time: The Unauthorized Watchmen Chronology contains:

  • A detailed history encapsulating every known event from all corners of the Watchmen franchise, including not only the better-known tales, but also viral videos and websites, trading cards, unproduced scripts, and other ancillary sources.
  • A mini-”crimeline” summarizing the crimes and heroics of masked crime-fighters and supervillains throughout Watchmen history.
  • A foreword by noted comic book guru Brian Cronin, whose thousands of meticulously researched articles have enthralled comics fans for years.
  • A nostalgic essay by Duy Tano, creator of the popular blog The Comics Cube, explaining why Watchmen is simultaneously dated and timeless.
  • And a gallery showcasing nearly 250 covers from the Watchmen comics, trade-paperback collections, DVDs, Blu-rays, reference books, and video games.

Designed both for fans new to Watchmen and for those who can identify Hooded Justice’s parents, Ozymandias’s four islands, Silk Spectre’s favorite crooner, Mothman’s family butler, and Rorschach’s breakfast food of choice, Watching Time tells you everything you need to know about the history and characters of Alan Moore’s Hugo Award-winning epic.

 

Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History
by Paula M Block  and Terry J Erdmann

Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History is the definitive thirtieth-anniversary exploration of the beloved Jim Henson classic, featuring rare artwork, interviews, and on-set photos.

Journey back to Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in this visually stunning celebration of the enchanting fantasy classic.

Three decades after its release, Labyrinth, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, continues to enthrall audiences with its winning mixture of fairy-tale magic, fantastical creatures, and unforgettable music.

Filled with a wealth of rare and unseen behind-the-scenes imagery, this book explores the creation of the film as seen through the eyes of the artists, costume designers, and creature creators who gave Labyrinth its distinctive look.

Featuring in-depth commentary from the talented crew and cast—including exclusive new interviews with Jennifer Connelly, Brian Henson, Brian Froud, and George Lucas—this deluxe book brings together a wealth of rare sketches, concept art, and candid set photography to form and incredible treasure trove for Labyrinth fans. With stunning visuals and unparalleled insight into the creation of a true modern classic, Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History is the perfect companion piece to one of the best-loved fantasy films of all time.

 

Cthulhu: The Ancient One Tribute Box

The signature character of author H. P. Lovecraft’s darkly fantastic fiction, Cthulhu is as emblematic for Lovecraft’s fans as Darth Vader is for Star Wars adherents.

Both feared and worshipped in the stories, Cthulhu has since been the subject of new fiction, artwork, role-playing games, toys, and other items celebrating Lovecraft and fandom for weird tales.

This totemic set includes a hand-painted figurine suitable for display or dark contemplation, an altarpiece stand, and a booklet discussing the Ancient One’s place in Lovecraft’s works and in popular culture.

 

 

 

 

 

The High-Concept Massacre: Genre Screenwriters Tell All!
by Jose Prendes

The famed director Robert Altman once said, “I don’t think screenplay writing is the same as writing-I mean, I think it’s blueprinting.” Well, the late filmmaker couldn’t be more wrong, and in these pages you will meet thirteen screenwriters who will disagree with that statement.

Since the beginning of the film business it seems as if screenwriters have been getting the short end of the stick and have been treated more like hired help than the artists they really are. This book, written by a screenwriter for current and future screenwriters, seeks to shed light on the tireless keyboard mashers who spin the tales we remember and the catchy dialog that rings in our ears for years to come.

Ranging from micro-budget cinema to Hollywood blockbusters, the illustrious screenwriters interviewed here will relay their down and dirty behind-the-scenes stories and expound on what it really takes to be a screenwriter and survive in Hollywood. It takes a thick skin to be a writer, but it takes bulletproof armor to be a screenwriter.

Author, screenwriter, and bon vivant, Jose Prendes, is currently taking part in a top secret NASA space program and is unavailable to provide a complete biography beyond mentioning that he enjoys short walks and long naps.

 

Doctor Who: Whographica: An Infographic Guide to Space and Time
by Steve O’Brien, Simon Guerrier, and Ben Morris

Explore the rich history of Doctor Who like never before, through colorful and creative visualizations and infographics in this captivating, intriguing, beautiful, and strange compendium.

The Doctor’s family tree, the strangest weapons in the whole universe, the frequency of the letter “A” in the names of companions—these curiosities, and many others, are explored in detail, complete with visually-stunning infographics in Doctor Who: Whographica.

Each double-page spread presents a fascinating, visual insight into a particular aspect of Doctor Who.

Divided into twelve sections—The Doctor, Earth, Daleks, the TARDIS, Friends and Companions, Alien Worlds and more—Whographica features double-page spreads which offer fascinating, visual insight into a particular aspect of the show.

With interesting and fascinating information, Whographica is a perfect introduction to the extraordinary universe of the series, and an engaging sourcebook that will delight long-term aficionados, presenting the history of Doctor Who in an entirely new and enthralling way.

 

Amazing Toys of Marvin Glass: 1950’s to 1974
by Joyce Grant

Throwback enthusiasts will enjoy this walk on the colorful side of a 1960s and 1970s childhood. During this period the toy industry exploded with an infusion of bright, zany playthings for kids, and Marvin Glass’s revolutionary toy designs helped shape a generation, or at least gave them a memorable childhood.

The company’s playthings had a special look and personality: toys that chased you, mechanical toys you could take apart and be trusted to put back together again, a game where you could knock off your opponent’s block, and an exploding bomb you could throw to your playmate.

Toys and games such as Mr. Machine, Odd Ogg, Rockem’ Sockem’ Robots, and Mystery Date have achieved iconic status, thanks to their amazing inventor. This book is the first exclusive guide to Marvin Glass toys and games from the late 1950s to 1974 and includes a price guide.

 

The Case of Beasts: Explore the Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Mark Salisbury

Take a front-row seat and witness the filmmaking magic that brought J.K. Rowling’s script for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to the screen.

Explore the realm of fantastical creatures that roam the wizarding world and discover the magical cast of characters in pursuit of them.

Officially licensed by Warner Bros. Consumer Products, and designed by MinaLima, designers of the graphic props for the Harry Potter films as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Case of Beasts delivers an enchanting interactive experience by sharing filmmaking secrets, film photography and artwork, and behind-the-scenes stories from cast and crew.

Full of removable, facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movie, along with some very special effects, this collectible volume offers a unique look from the talented group who created this movie magic.

 

The Art and Making of The Flash
by Abbie Bernstein

Packed with exclusive production art and behind-the-scenes photography, The Art and Making of The Flash is the ultimate resource for fans of the superhero speedster.

Find out what goes into making the heroes and villains of this smash hit Warner Bros. show, get in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, and explore a treasure trove of weapons and gadgets.

From production secrets to costume design to special effects, everything you ever wanted to know about the show is right here in these pages.

Both critically acclaimed and a fan-favorite ratings hit, The Flash has received the People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama: two Saturn Awards, including Best Superhero Adaption Television Series; as well as a Teen Choice Award for Breakout Star.

 

Batman: Facts and Stats from the Classic TV Show
by Y.Y. Flurch and Rian Hughes

KA-POW! BOFF! ZAP!

This action-packed gift book is the perfect introduction and guide to the beloved 1960s classic TV series.

The Dynamic Duo, the colourful villains, the gadgets–it’s all here! Filled with fascinating facts, statistics and quotes, this fun-filled book is loaded with great photos.

The ideal gift for all Batman fans!

 

 

 

MR. ROBOT: Red Wheelbarrow: (eps1.91_redwheelbarr0w.txt)
by Sam Esmail and Courtney Looney

The only tie-in book for USA’s award-winning series MR. ROBOT, Elliot’s journal-Red Wheelbarrow-is written by show creator Sam Esmail and show writer Courtney Looney.

Before and during the events of season two, Elliot recorded his most private thoughts in this journal-and now you can hold this piece of the series in your hands. Experience Elliot’s battles to gain control of his life and his struggles to survive increasingly dangerous circumstances, in a brand-new story rendered in his own words.

You’ll discover the story behind MR. ROBOT season two and hints of what is to come. This book is the ultimate journey into the world of the show-and a key to hacking the mind of its main character. MR. ROBOT is a psychological thriller that follows Elliot (Rami Malek, The Pacific), a young programmer, who works as a cyber-security engineer by day and as a vigilante hacker by night.

Elliot finds himself at a crossroads when the mysterious leader (Christian Slater, Adderall Diaries) of an underground hacker group recruits him to destroy the firm he is paid to protect.

 

The Fifty-Year Mission: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek: The First 25 Years and The Next 25 Years: From The Next Generation to J. J. Abrams
by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman

This is the unauthorized, uncensored and unbelievable true story behind the making of a pop culture phenomenon. The original Star Trek series debuted in 1966 and has spawned five TV series spin-offs and a dozen feature films, with an upcoming one from Paramount arriving in 2016. The Fifty-Year Mission is a no-holds-barred oral history of five decades of Star Trek, told by the people who were there. Hear from the hundreds of television and film executives, programmers, writers, creators and cast as they unveil the oftentimes shocking story of Star Trek‘s ongoing fifty-year mission -a mission that has spanned from the classic series to the animated show, the many attempts at a relaunch through the beloved feature films.

The Fifty-Year Mission: Volume Two is an incisive, no-holds-barred oral history telling the story of post-Original Series Star Trek, told exclusively by the people who were there, in their own words―sharing the inside scoop they’ve never told before―unveiling the oftentimes shocking true story of the history of Star Trek and chronicling the trials, tribulations―and tribbles―that have remained deeply buried secrets… until now.

The Fifty-Year Mission: Volume Two includes the voices of hundreds television and film executives, programmers, writers, creators, and cast, who span from the beloved The Next Generation and subsequent films through its spin-offs: Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise, as well J.J. Abrams’ reimagined film series.

Make no mistake, these aren’t just books for Star Trek fans. These volumes are for all fans of pop culture and anyone interested in the nuts and bolts of a television touchstone.

 

Man From Atlantis
by Patrick Duffy

When TV unveiled the series Man from Atlantis no one knew the how, where and why of Mark Harris.

Over time the show’s star Patrick Duffy formulated his own version of the history of Mark and his people. Here at last is the book that gives every reader and fan of the show the life and mythology of Atlantis, who they were and where they came from. Patrick Duffy’s close connection to his fictional character gives us a special look “behind the scenes” of this amazing fantasy story.

Mark Harris, the Man from Atlantis, has been quietly living under the protection of Dr. Elizabeth Merrill who saved his life in 1976.

By studying his abilities the two have contributed countless advances for mankind’s development.

Only a select few know his true identity:

Jason the whiz kid of the science lab.

Stacy the bright young intern–who is constantly flustered by Mark’s presence.

Dr. Nagashima, a master of oceanic knowledge who Elizabeth lured from Japan to join her inner circle.

Then their California ocean side laboratory is shaken when several attempts are made upon Mark’s life. He discovers the assailants have powers similar to his and he is lead into the uncharted depths of the oceans. As he discovers his past Mark’s origins and genealogy finally come to the surface.

 

The Daily Show (The Book): An Oral History as Told by Jon Stewart, the Correspondents, Staff and Guests
by Chris Smith

The complete, uncensored history of the award-winning The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as told by its correspondents, writers, and host.

For almost seventeen years, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart brilliantly redefined the borders between television comedy, political satire, and opinionated news coverage. It launched the careers of some of today’s most significant comedians, highlighted the hypocrisies of the powerful, and garnered 23 Emmys.

Now the show’s behind-the-scenes gags, controversies, and camaraderie will be chronicled by the players themselves, from legendary host Jon Stewart to the star cast members and writers-including Samantha Bee, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Steve Carell, Lewis Black, Jessica Williams, John Hodgman, and Larry Wilmore-plus some of The Daily Show‘s most prominent guests and adversaries: John and Cindy McCain, Glenn Beck, Tucker Carlson, and many more.

This oral history takes the reader behind the curtain for all the show’s highlights, from its origins as Comedy Central’s underdog late-night program hosted by Craig Kilborn to Jon Stewart’s long reign to Trevor Noah’s succession, rising from a scrappy jester in the 24-hour political news cycle to become part of the beating heart of politics-a trusted source for not only comedy but also commentary, with a reputation for calling bullshit and an ability to effect real change in the world.

Through years of incisive election coverage, Jon Stewart’s emotional monologue in the wake of 9/11, his infamous confrontation on Crossfire, passionate debates with President Obama and Hillary Clinton, feuds with Bill O’Reilly and Fox, the Indecisions, Mess O’Potamia, and provocative takes on Wall Street and racism, The Daily Show has been a cultural touchstone. Now, for the first time, the people behind the show’s seminal moments come together to share their memories of the last-minute rewrites, improvisations, pranks, romances, blow-ups, and moments of Zen both on and off the set of one of America’s most groundbreaking shows.

 

DC Comics Encyclopedia All-New Edition
by Matthew K. Manning and Alex Irvine

Revamped, redesigned, and fully updated to include the New 52 and Rebirth storylines, this is the definitive and indispensable guide to the characters and worlds of the DC Comics Universe.

Created in full collaboration with DC Comics, this comprehensive reference book is formatted in an easy-to use A-to-Z layout.  This guide is packed with information and thrilling comic book art and features more than 1,100 characters including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, and much more.

The DC Comics Encyclopedia All-New Edition brings everything up to date, providing an accessible, compelling, and lavishly illustrated guide to the dynamics of the DC Comics Universe.

 

GraphicAudio: Caitlin Strong Series
by Jon Land

Caitlin Strong, a fifth-generation Texas Ranger, sometimes working as a psychological therapist, in San Antonio, Texas comes to life via GraphicAudio, a unique audio entertainment experience that features a full cast of actors, sound effects and cinematic music.

The first seven volumes of Land’s series are available now as full audio dramas.

 

 

 

 

Young Frankenstein: A Mel Brooks Book: The Story of the Making of the Film
by Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks’ own words telling all about the players, the filming, and studio antics during the production of this great comedy classic. The book is alive and teeming with hundreds of photos, original interviews, and hilarious commentary.

Young Frankenstein was made with deep respect for the craft and history of cinema-and for the power of a good schwanzstucker joke.

This picture-driven book, written by one of the greatest comedy geniuses of all time, takes readers inside the classic film’s marvelous creation story via never-before-seen black and white and color photography from the set and contemporary interviews with the cast and crew, most notably, legendary writer-director Mel Brooks.

With access to more than 225 behind-the-scenes photos and production stills, and with captions written by Brooks, this book will also rely on interviews with gifted director of photography Gerald Hirschfeld, Academy Award-winning actress Cloris Leachman and veteran producer Michael Gruskoff.

 

The Art of Jock
by Will Dennis and Jock with Jim Lee, Scott Snyder and Peter Berg

Discover the uniquely dynamic work of acclaimed artist Jock, from his groundbreaking comics art to his stunning posters for the pop culture company Mondo and his evocative concept illustrations for a range of acclaimed films.

Mark Simpson, known by his pen name, Jock, is an internationally recognized three-time New York Times best-selling artist and Eisner Award nominee.

Over the last two decades, Jock has become one of the most distinguished illustrators in comics, with credits that include titles with DC Comics/Vertigo (The Losers, Batman: The Black Mirror, Green Arrow: Year One), Marvel (Savage Wolverine, Daredevil), and his runaway success, Wytches (co-created with Scott Snyder for Image Comics).

He is also known for his extensive work with Mondo—the renowned pop culture company famous for its iconic poster designs and collectibles—including electrifying posters that offer unique interpretations of fan-favorite movies such as Shaun of the Dead, The Thing, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Halloween, and many more. In the movie world, Jock’s concept art has defined the look of major films such as Dredd, Ex Machina, and Star Wars Episode VIII.

Made in collaboration with Mondo, The Art of Jock delves into the prolific artist’s catalog, showcasing not only the best of his sketches and published images but also personal notes from Jock himself that provide insight into the inner workings of his creative process. Featuring commentary from long-time collaborators, including Scott Snyder and Alex Garland, this look into the mind and method of one of the most critically acclaimed illustrators working today is a must-have for fans of comic book and pop culture art, as well as aspiring artists and illustrators.

Features two gatefolds, plus excusive vellum and acetate overlays that further illuminate Jock’s creative process.

 

The Godfather Notebook
by Francis Ford Coppola

The never-before-published edition of Francis Ford Coppola’s notes and annotations on The Godfather novel by Mario Puzo reveals the story behind one of the world’s most iconic films.

The most important unpublished work on one of the greatest films of all time, The Godfather, written before filming, by the man who wrote and directed it—Francis Ford Coppola, then only thirty-two years old—reveals the intense creative process that went into making this seminal film.

With his meticulous notes and impressions of Mario Puzo’s novel, the notebook was referred to by Coppola daily on set while he directed the movie. The Godfather Notebook pulls back the curtain on the legendary filmmaker and the film that launched his illustrious career.

Complete with an introduction by Francis Ford Coppola and exclusive photographs from on and off the set, this is a unique, beautiful, and faithful reproduction of Coppola’s original notebook.

This publication will change the way the world views the iconic film—and the process of filmmaking at large. A must-have book of the season. Nothing like it has ever been published before.

Also available: Slipcase Signed Limited Edition

Coppola is signing these lavish, limited and numbered editions, making it a valuable collector’s item. The special edition is a faithful reproduction of Coppola’s three-ring binder, with bonus never-before-seen photos and other ephemera from the making of the film—an offer Godfather fans can’t refuse!

Signed Limited Edition includes a replica of the 3-ring binder complete with signed sheet from Francis Ford Coppola, notebook pages and dividers, a booklet with introduction by Coppola and exclusive photos and an envelope with never before seen ephemera including 3 cast lists from various stages of production, 1 script page, special effects memo, structure memo, 17 index cards with notes on the wedding scene, 20 notebook pages used for The Godfather Part II and 50 photographs.

 

Charlie the Choo-Choo: From the World of The Dark Tower
by Beryl Evans and Ned Dameron

Fans of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower will definitely want this picture book about a train engine and his devoted engineer.

Engineer Bob has a secret: His train engine, Charlie the Choo-Choo, is alive…and also his best friend.

From celebrated author Beryl Evans and illustrator Ned Dameron comes a story about friendship, loyalty, and hard work.

 

 

 

The Marvel Vault: A Visual History
by Roy Thomas and Peter Sanderson with Matthew K. Manning

Ten years after its initial successful publication, The Marvel Vault returns in fully updated form. Chock-full of historic and never-before-seen memorabilia, and featuring all of Marvel’s most beloved characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, The Marvel Vault is now better than ever!

New text and images chronicle how Marvel has channeled its singular storytelling into a blockbuster movie studio, even as it has stayed true to its hallowed roots in the comics world.

This updated edition features 16 new pages that cover Marvel’s story from 2010 right up to the present day.

But that’s not all – there’s also a special envelope containing reproductions of key artefacts from Marvel’s illustrious history, including an early pencil sketch of Sub-Mariner and Stan Lee’s original typed outline for The Fantastic Four’s origin story. This is a package no Marvel fan will want to miss!

 

Bad Dads: Art Inspired by the Films of Wes Anderson
by Spoke Gallery

Curated by Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco, “Bad Dads” has continued to grow and progress as a dynamic group exhibition since its inaugural show in 2011, and has featured work from more than 400 artists from around the world. Those artworks range from paintings to sculptures to limited-edition screen prints and vary greatly in style, making for a diverse and lively show each year. Though each piece is distinct in its own right, the artworks’ unifying element is the shared imagery and beloved characters from Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

The book features an original cover by graphic artist Max Dalton, a foreword by writer and director Wes Anderson himself, and an introduction by TV and movie critic Matt Zoller Seitz, author of the bestselling Wes Anderson Collection books.

A visual treasure trove, Bad Dads grants fans of Wes Anderson another creative avenue to explore his inspired worlds and movies.

 

Snowblind
by Don Roff

Mourning his son after a tragic accident, Staff Sergeant Samuel Mulwrey must command his Army Ranger platoon during cold-weather training in the wintry wilds of Alaska.

It’s his last chance to pull his troops – and himself – together.

After a blinding whiteout separates Mulwrey and three other Rangers from their unit, they seek refuge in what seems like a cheerful, homey chalet nestled in the savage wilderness.

Except nothing is as it appears.

The place possesses a dark and disturbing history.

As the Rangers warm themselves, someone – or something – stalks them all with an unquenchable bloodlust, and the terror won’t stop until the blinding snowstorm ends and they all die.

 

 

Fantasy Films of the 1980s
by David Elroy Goldweber

From FOG!’s Claws & Saucers‘ columnist!

Your complete guide to the fantasy films of the 80s. It includes introduction, chronology, and context for the films. More than 60 films are reviewed.

It’s available exclusively via Amazon for Kindle (or Kindle app), aimed at film fans with a special love for the sometimes cheesy, sometimes hokey, always fun films of the 80s fantasy heyday.

 

 

The Mysterious World of Doctor Strange
by Billy Wrecks, Nick Jones and Danny Graydon

Discover the secrets of Doctor Strange–Master of the Mystic Arts, Sorcerer Supreme and Marvel Comic’s most magical Super Hero–in The Mysterious World of Doctor Strange.

This lavishly illustrated guide offers a magical mystery tour of the unique, mind-bending universe of Stephen Strange, Marvel’s magical Super Hero extraordinaire.

The brainchild of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange opens the doors to a wonderland of otherworldly dimensions, mystics and monsters, and demons and demigods.

Packed with fantastic facts and astonishing artwork selected from over 50 years of Doctor Strange’s awesome comic adventures, The Mysterious World of Doctor Strange will delight new and die-hard Marvel fans.

 

Hellboy’s World: Comics and Monsters on the Margins
by Scott Bukatman

Hellboy, Mike Mignola’s famed comic book demon hunter, wanders through a haunting and horrific world steeped in the history of weird fictions and wide-ranging folklores. Hellboy’s World shows how our engagement with Hellboy’s world is a highly aestheticized encounter with comics and their materiality.

Scott Bukatman’s dynamic study explores how comics produce a heightened “adventure of reading” in which syntheses of image and word, image sequences, and serial narratives create compelling worlds for the reader’s imagination to inhabit.

Drawing upon other media—including children’s books, sculpture, pulp fiction, cinema, graphic design, painting, and illuminated manuscripts—Bukatman reveals the mechanics of creating a world on the page.

He also demonstrates the pleasurable and multiple complexities of the reader’s experience, invoking the riotous colors of comics that elude rationality and control and delving into shared fictional universes and occult detection, the horror genre and the evocation of the sublime, and the place of abstraction in Mignola’s art.

Monsters populate the world of Hellboy comics, but Bukatman argues that comics are themselves little monsters, unruly sites of sensory and cognitive pleasures that exist, happily, on the margins. The book is not only a treat for Hellboy fans, but it will entice anyone interested in the medium of comics and the art of reading.

 

Morbid Curiosities: Collections of the Uncommon and the Bizarre
by Paul Gambino

A fascinating insight into the strange world of collectors of the macabre, Morbid Curiosities features 18 unique collections and an extensive interview with each collector, explaining how and why they collect, and showcasing the most remarkable pieces from each collection.

The collections include skulls, mummified body parts, taxidermy, occult objects and various carnival, and side-show and criminal ephemera.

Detailed captions tell the curious stories behind each object, many of which are being shown outside the private world of their collections for the first time.

Morbid Curiosities includes stunning, specially commissioned photography of both the individual objects and the context of how the collector exhibits their work, forming a unique showcase of the bizarre and the intriguing.

 

Literary Wonderlands: A Journey Through the Greatest Fictional Worlds Ever Created
by Laura Miller

A glorious collection that delves deep into the inception, influences, and literary and historical underpinnings of nearly 100 of our most beloved fictional realms.

Literary Wonderlands is a thoroughly researched, wonderfully written, and beautifully produced book that spans two thousand years of creative endeavor.

From Spenser’s The Fairie Queene to Wells’s The Time Machine to Murakami’s 1Q84 it explores the timeless and captivating features of fiction’s imagined worlds including the relevance of the writer’s own life to the creation of the story, influential contemporary events and philosophies, and the meaning that can be extracted from the details of the work. Each piece includes a detailed overview of the plot and a “Dramatis Personae.”

Literary Wonderlands is a fascinating read for lovers of literature, fantasy, and science fiction.

 

The Thrill of Repulsion: Excursions into Horror Culture
by William Burns

This collection of carefully curated lists, articles, and interviews celebrates the beleaguered horror genre across different media while tracing the history of its acceptance into popular culture.

Divided into four sections―Film, Television, Literature & Comic Books, and Music―this book groups horror movies from the Silent Era to today, as well as classic horror books and cult musical albums, into top-13 lists.

Enjoy detailed reviews and analysis in categories such as the 13 Most Deranged Horror Director Debuts, the 13 Horror Movie Adaptations That Are Better Than the Book, and the 13 Most Terrifying Horror Film Soundtracks.

These chapters, together with in-depth conversations with musicians, demonstrate how horror has penetrated our culture in more ways than we know. Fans of experimental cinema, heavy metal, industrial music, comics, and the occult will be delighted to see their favorite, yet far too often critically marginalized, works of art reviewed with a fresh, exhilarating voice.

 

Fantastique: Interviews with Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Filmmakers Vol. 1
by Tony Earnshaw

The stories behind some of cinema’s great movies by the people who made them.

Here, in their own words, are insights, reminiscences and candid comments by the directors (and, occasionally, stars) of films as diverse as The Exorcist, Men in Black, Sleepy Hollow and Twelve Monkeys.

The line-up is truly stellar.

William Friedkin rubs shoulders with Barry Sonnenfeld and Will Smith. Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam recall the creation of their individual and unique projects. John Carpenter looks back at The Thing, once misunderstood but now lauded as a masterpiece. Zombie king George A. Romero retraces the corpse-strewn road that led to his return to movies with Land of the Dead. Quentin Tarantino talks passionately about the ‘Grindhouse’ experiment of Death Proof. And acclaimed newcomer Ben Wheatley, hailed as the savior of new British horror, reveals the background to Kill List.

Just some of the filmmakers who have made a dent in the genre of horror, sci-fi and fantasy.

 

They Drew As they Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney’s Musical Years (The 1940s – Part One)
by Didier Ghez

The 1940s ushered in an era of musical experimentation and innovation at the Walt Disney Studios. Artists from all over the world flocked to California to be part of the magic, and their groundbreaking styles influenced such classics as Dumbo and Bambi as well as shaped the masterpieces that followed such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan.

For this volume, author Didier Ghez has unearthed hundreds of enchanting images—from early sketches to polished concepts for iconic features—by five exceptional artists who shaped the style of the Studio’s animation during this period of unbridled creativity.

With evocative descriptions and excerpts from the artists’ journals and autobiographies, this magnificent collection offers a rare look at the visionaries who breathed life into some of the most beloved films of our time.

 

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World
by Ann Shen

Aphra Behn, first female professional writer. Sojourner Truth, activist and abolitionist. Ada Lovelace, first computer programmer. Marie Curie, first woman to win the Nobel Prize. Joan Jett, godmother of punk.

The 100 revolutionary women highlighted in this gorgeously illustrated book were bad in the best sense of the word: they challenged the status quo and changed the rules for all who followed.

From pirates to artists, warriors, daredevils, scientists, activists, and spies, the accomplishments of these incredible women vary as much as the eras and places in which they effected change.

Featuring bold watercolor portraits and illuminating essays by Ann Shen, Bad Girls Throughout History is a distinctive, gift-worthy tribute.

 

The Art of Beatrix Potter: Sketches, Paintings, and Illustrations
by Emily Zach

Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth, this magnificent collection celebrates the artist behind The Tale of Peter Rabbit and numerous other beloved children’s books.

Brimming with famous images and rarely seen gems—ranging from character sketches and notebook pages to watercolor landscapes and natural history illustrations—this monograph explores Potter’s artistic process and reveals the places that inspired her timeless work.

Organized geographically and featuring more than 200 images from the artist’s oeuvre, The Art of Beatrix Potter includes illuminating essays by Potter scholar Linda Lear, illustration historian Steven Heller, and children’s book illustrator Eleanor Taylor. It is the definitive volume on one of the world’s most influential authors, a woman whose artistry, until now, has not been fully celebrated.

 

Ed Brubaker: Conversations
edited by Terrence R. Wandtke

Ed Brubaker has emerged as one of the most popular, significant figures in art comics since the 1990s. Most famous as the man who killed Captain America in 2007, Brubaker’s work on company-owned properties such as Batman and Captain America and creator-owned series like Criminal and Fatale live up to the usual expectations for the superhero and crime genres.

And yet, Brubaker layers his stories with a keen self-awareness, applying his expansive knowledge of American comic book history to invigorate his work and challenge the dividing line between popular entertainment and high art. This collection of interviews explores the sophisticated artist’s work, drawing upon the entire length of the award-winning Brubaker’s career.

With his stints writing Catwoman, Gotham Central, and Daredevil, Brubaker advanced the work of crime comic book writers through superhero stories informed by hard-boiled detective fiction and film noir.

During his time on Captain America and his series Sleeper and Incognito, Brubaker revisited the conventions of the espionage thriller. With double agents who lose themselves in their jobs, the stories expose the arbitrary superhero standards of good and evil. In his series Criminal, Brubaker offered complex crime stories and, with a clear sense of the complicated lost world before the Comics Code, rejected crusading critic Fredric Wertham’s myth of the innocence of early comics.

Overall, Brubaker demonstrates his self-conscious methodology in these often little-known and hard-to-find interviews, worthwhile conversations in their own right as well as objects of study for both scholars and researchers.

 

Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters: Inside His Films, Notebooks, and Collections
by Guillermo del Toro

The perfect companion piece to an enthralling new exhibition on the visionary work and fervent imagination of director Guillermo del Toro.

In 2016, a new exhibit on the work of visionary director Guillermo del Toro will begin at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), before moving on to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Minneapolis Museum of Art (MIA).

This book will be the perfect accompaniment to the exhibition, which focuses on del Toro’s creative process, including the well-defined themes that he obsessively returns to in all his films, the journals in which he logs his ideas, and the vast and inspiring collection of art and pop culture ephemera that he has amassed at his private “man cave,” Bleak House.

Filled with imagery from the exhibit, including favorite pieces of art that del Toro has chosen for the exhibit, and pertinent journal pages, the book will further delve further into the director’s world through exclusive in-depth interviews and commentary from notable figures in the art world. Forming a perfect companion to the exhibition, this book will deliver an engrossing look into the mind of one of the great creative visionaries of our time.

 

Undisclosed Files of the Police: Cases from the Archives of the NYPD from 1831 to the Present
by Bernard Whalen, Philip Messing, and Robert Mladinich

More than 175 years of true crimes culled from the city’s police blotter, told through startling, rarely seen images and insightful text by two NYPD officers and a NYC crime reporter.

From atrocities that occurred before the establishment of New York’s police force in 1845 through the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 to the present day, this visual history is an insider’s look at more than 80 real-life crimes that shocked the nation, from arson to gangland murders, robberies, serial killers, bombings, and kidnappings.

Perfect for crime buffs, urban historians, and fans of Serial and Making of a Murderer, this riveting collection details New York’s most startling and unsettling crimes through behind-the-scenes analysis of investigations and more than 500 revealing photographs.

 

The Unreal and the Real: The Selected Short Stories of Ursula K. Le Guin
by Ursula K. Le Guin

A collection of short stories by the legendary and iconic Ursula K. Le Guin—selected by the author, and combined in one volume for the first time.

The Unreal and the Real is a collection of some of Ursula K. Le Guin’s best short stories.

She has won multiple prizes and accolades from the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters to the Newbery Honor, the Nebula, Hugo, World Fantasy, and PEN/Malamud Awards.

She has had her work collected over the years, but this is the first short story volume combining a full range of her work.

 

 

 

 

 

The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to The Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific
by David Bianculli

Television shows have now eclipsed films as the premier form of visual narrative art of our time. This new book by one of our finest critics explains—historically, in depth, and with interviews with the celebrated creators themselves—how the art of must-see/binge-watch television evolved.

Darwin had his theory of evolution, and David Bianculli has his. Bianculli’s theory has to do with the concept of quality television: what it is and, crucially, how it got that way.

In tracing the evolutionary history of our progress toward a Platinum Age of Television—our age, the era of The Sopranos and Breaking Bad and Mad Men and The Wire and Homeland and Girls—he focuses on the development of the classic TV genres, among them the sitcom, the crime show, the miniseries, the soap opera, the western, the animated series and the late night talk show. In each genre, he selects five key examples of the form, tracing its continuities and its dramatic departures and drawing on exclusive and in-depth interviews with many of the most famed auteurs in television history.

Television has triumphantly come of age artistically; David Bianculli’s book is the first to date to examine, in depth and in detail and with a keen critical and historical sense, how this inspiring development came about.

 

Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary 
by Bill Schelly

Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary chronicles the career of Otto Binder, from pulp magazine author to writer of Supergirl, Captain Marvel, and Superman comics.

As the originator of the first sentient robot in literature (“I, Robot,” published in Amazing Stories in 1939 and predating Isaac Asimov’s collection of the same name), Binder’s effect on science fiction was profound. Within the world of comic books, he created or co-created much of the Superman universe, including Smallville; Krypto, Superboy’s dog; Supergirl; and the villain Brainiac.

Binder is also credited with writing many of the first “Bizarro” storylines for DC Comics, as well as for being the main writer for the Captain Marvel comics. In later years, Binder expanded from comic books into pure science writing, publishing dozens of books and articles on the subject of satellites and space travel as well as UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Comic book historian Bill Schelly tells the tale of Otto Binder through comic panels, personal letters, and interviews with Binder’s own family and friends. Schelly weaves together Binder’s professional successes and personal tragedies, including the death of Binder’s only daughter and his wife’s struggle with mental illness.

A touching and human story, Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary is a biography that is both meticulously researched and beautifully told, keeping alive Binder’s spirit of scientific curiosity and whimsy.

 

Walt Disney’s Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series 
by J.B. Kaufman and Russell Merrit

Launched by Walt Disney in 1929 as a “musical novelty” series to complement his recent success with Mickey Mouse, the Silly Symphonies soon became much more.

This line of delightfully innovative, animated cartoons ran for ten years and produced such classics as Three Little Pigs, The Tortoise and the Hare, Music Land, and The Old Mill.

Silly Symphonies won every Academy Award.

From the authors of the prize-winning Walt in Wonderland: The Silent Films of Walt Disney, this richly illustrated volume is a complete history of the Silly Symphonies including detailed entries for all the Symphonies along with a lengthy critical analysis and production history of the series.

 

 

The Found and the Lost: The Collected Novellas of Ursula K. Le Guin
by Ursula K. Le Guin

Every novella by Ursula K. Le Guin, an icon in American literature, collected for the first time—and introduced by the legendary author—in one breathtaking volume.

Ursula K. Le Guin has won multiple prizes and accolades from the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters to the Newbery Honor, the Nebula, Hugo, World Fantasy, and PEN/Malamud Awards.

She has had her work collected over the years, but never as a complete retrospective of her longer works as represented in the wonderful The Found and the Lost.

This collection is a literary treasure chest that belongs in every home library.

 

 

 

 

The Useful Book: 201 Life Skills They Used to Teach in Home Ec and Shop
by David and Sharon Bowers

A modern and energetically designed encyclopedia of DIY with everything you need to know to roll up your sleeves and cook it, build it, sew it, clean it, or repair it yourself. In other words, everything you would have learned from your shop and home ec teachers, if you’d had them.

The Useful Book features 138 practical projects and how-tos, with step-by-step instructions and illustrations, relevant charts, sidebars, lists, and handy toolboxes.

There’s a kitchen crash course, including the must-haves for a well-stocked pantry; how to boil an egg (and peel it frustration-free); how to grill, steam, sauté, and roast vegetables.

There’s Sewing 101, plus how to fold a fitted sheet, tie a tie, mop a floor, make a bed, and set the table for a formal dinner.

Next up: a 21st-century shop class. The tools that everyone should have, and dozens of cool projects that teach fundamental techniques. Practice measuring, cutting, and nailing by building a birdhouse. Make a bookshelf or a riveted metal picture frame. Plus: do-it-yourself plumbing; car repair basics; and home maintenance, from priming and painting to refinishing wood floors.

 

Batman: A Celebration of the Classic TV Series
by Robert Garcia and Joe Desris

KA-POW! This is the book Batman fans have been waiting for!

For the first time, the classic 1960s TV series, starring Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, gets the lavish, in-depth coffee table book tribute it so richly deserves. From the Rogues Gallery of Villains, including the Penguin, the Joker and Catwoman, to the car every kid wanted – the Batmobile – it’s all here! Holy History Batman!

The book will provide an in-depth and highly visual overview of the show, and the cultural impact it had, defining the Dynamic Duo for a generation, and bringing Pop Art to Primetime.

From the creation of the show, through the production of its 120 episodes over 3 seasons, to its legacy and afterlife in continual syndication around the world, the book will relive favorite moments, uncover behind the scenes secrets, and celebrate the people both in front of and behind the camera who brought Batman to the screen.

Filled with classic images, and rare and previously unseen photos and production art from archives and the private collections of Adam West, among many others, this will be the definitive companion to the series, both for long-standing fans, and newcomers discovering the show’s charms for the first time.

 

Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything
by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

The hilarious behind-the-scenes story of two guys who went out for coffee and dreamed up Seinfeld—the cultural sensation that changed television and bled into the real world, altering the lives of everyone it touched.

Comedians Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld never thought anyone would watch their silly little sitcom about a New York comedian sitting around talking to his friends. NBC executives didn’t think anyone would watch either, but they bought it anyway, hiding it away in the TV dead zone of summer.

But against all odds, viewers began to watch, first a few and then many, until nine years later nearly forty million Americans were tuning in weekly.

In Seinfeldia, acclaimed TV historian and entertainment writer Jennifer Keishin Armstrong celebrates the creators and fans of this American television phenomenon, bringing readers behind-the-scenes of the show while it was on the air and into the world of devotees for whom it never stopped being relevant, a world where the Soup Nazi still spends his days saying “No soup for you!”, Joe Davola gets questioned every day about his sanity, Kenny Kramer makes his living giving tours of New York sights from the show, and fans dress up in Jerry’s famous puffy shirt, dance like Elaine, and imagine plotlines for Seinfeld if it were still on TV.

 

Tarzan on Film
by Scott Tracy Griffin

In this authoritative volume, writer and historian Scott Tracy Griffin traces the development of the history-making Tarzan franchise, from the motion-picture industry’s early silents and serials, through the high point of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer era featuring Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan, to modern worldwide hits like Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes and Walt Disney Studios’ animated Tarzan.

Featuring a foreword by Tarzan and The Lost City star Casper Van Dien.

 

 

 

 

 

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film
by Peter Aperlo

Fearing the actions of a god-like Superhero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs.

Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice sees Batman and Superman come together for the first time on screen.

With these two icons at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film, takes fans deep into this world, accompanied by insight and interviews with cast and crew, including an afterword by director Zack Snyder.

This official companion takes an in-depth look at the artwork and design of 2016’s most anticipated movie, including the earliest concept sketches of the Batcave, all the way through the set-building process, to the final version seen on screen. It explores Metropolis and Gotham City from the streets to the skies and showcases the costumes, weaponry, vehicles, allies and enemies of our two heroes.

Packed with stunning concept art, Zack Snyder’s storyboards, blueprints, costume detail and behind-the-scenes shots from the set, this book is an invaluable insight into the world of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

 

A Monster Calls: The Art and Vision Behind the Film
by Desirée de Fez

Discover the incredible story behind the creation of A Monster Calls, the new film from visionary director J. A. Bayona (The Impossible), based on the acclaimed novel by Patrick Ness.

A Monster Calls tells the story of Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall), a young boy whose world has been turned upside down by his mother’s (Felicity Jones) terminal illness. Conor’s life is thrown further into disarray when he is visited by a gigantic monster, formed from the bark of a tree in a nearby churchyard.

The monster vows to tell Conor three stories over several visits and demands that Conor must then tell his own story. As his mother’s health worsens and Conor struggles to deal with everyday life and the visits of the monster, he must confront his worst fears to survive.

Also featuring the voice of Liam Neeson as the monster, plus an exceptional performance by Sigourney Weaver as Conor’s grandmother, A Monster Calls is an emotionally gripping tale delivered with style and panache by director J. A. Bayona, whose next film is the much-anticipated Jurassic World 2.

This book tells the full story of the creation of A Monster Calls through revealing interviews with the cast and crew—including Bayona, MacDougall, Jones, Neeson, and Weaver—and stunning behind-the-scenes visuals, such as concept art and on-set stills. The Art of A Monster Calls also delves into the electrifying special effects that bring the titular behemoth to life and the creation of the unique animated segments that accompany the monster’s stories in the film.

The ultimate companion to one of the most exceptional films of 2016, The Art of A Monster Calls is a must-have for film fans.

 

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice: Tech Manual
by Adam Newell and Sharon Gosling

Batman’s tech has been reimagined and reinvigorated in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the new blockbuster from director Zack Snyder releasing in March 2016. This book takes an exclusive, in-depth look at Batman’s arsenal, vehicles, Batsuits, and the iconic Batcave. The new Batmobile design is explored from first concept sketch, through detailed blueprints, all the way to the physical construction of the vehicle itself.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Tech Manual is a definitive guide to the weaponry and props created for the movie. It closely examines the Utility Belt, the Batwing, grappling hook and batarang.

Everything in the Batcave is explored down to the construction of the set and the graphics from Bruce Wayne’s mainframe.

This official volume also goes deeper in to the world of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, showcasing Superman’s Kryptonian suit and Wonder Woman’s iconic weaponry.

The official companion book to the new movie, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Tech Manual, features interviews with concept artists, the film’s weapon’s master, the mechanic for the Batmobile, and Zack Snyder himself.

 

Star Wars Propaganda: A History of Persuasive Art in the Galaxy
by Pablo Hidalgo

A Star Wars authority deepens and extends our appreciation of the Star Wars galaxy with this imaginative “history” featuring striking full-color artwork—created exclusively for this entertaining volume—that examines the persuasive messages used to intimidate and inspire the citizenry of the galaxy far, far away. . . .

A Star Destroyer hovering over a planet, symbolizing Imperial domination.

An X-wing delivering a message of resistance and hope on behalf of the Rebellion.

A line of armed, faceless First Order stormtroopers promoting unity.

These are all examples of propaganda used by the Empire to advocate strength and maintain fear, and by the Rebel Alliance to inspire hope and win support for the fight.

Star Wars Propaganda takes fans into the beloved epic story as never before, bringing the battle between these two sides to life in a fresh and brilliant way.

Star Wars Propaganda includes fifty dazzling pieces of art representing all seven episodes—including material related to Star Wars: The Force Awakens—specially produced for this companion volume. Each page combines an original image and a short description detailing its “history:” the in-world “artist” who created it (either willingly or through coercion), where in the Star Wars galaxy it appeared, and why that particular location was targeted.

Packaged in a beautifully designed case and written by a franchise expert and insider, Star Wars Propaganda also includes ten removable art prints, and is sure to become a keepsake for every fan and graphic artist as well.

 

Cat Castles: 20 Cardboard Habitats You Can Build Yourself
by Carin Oliver

Shoeboxes and paper bags are fine for other cats. But your favorite felines deserve luxurious living spaces!

This DIY construction guide includes fun and easy instructions for making cardboard trains, ships, food trucks, rockets, and other hideouts.

Also included are tips for climbing towers and scratching pads that they can use to stay sharp.

All twenty projects are quick to assemble and require inexpensive and easy-to-find materials.

You can customize them to match your cat’s wildest desires!

 

 

 

Star Trek: 50 Artists 50 Years
foreword by Nicholas Meyer

To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek TV series, CBS Consumer Products have commissioned a series of art pieces to celebrate moments, characters, storylines and episodes from the franchise.

Artists from around the world as well as famous fans have contributed lovingly made posters, photos, sculptures, comic strips, textiles and much more to commemorate this beloved show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Art of The Strain
by Robert Abele

Discover the incredible art behind Guillermo del Toro’s much anticipated TV series The Strain, FX and cable television’s newest #1 television series.

Based on Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s best-selling book trilogy, The Strain is a high-concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with all the hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers battle to control the fate of humanity itself.

The Art of The Strain will delve into the amazing design work that went into creating this chilling TV series, including del Toro’s own designs for the menacing beings that pose a threat to humanity’s survival. The book will also feature interviews with key members of the cast and crew and tell the full story of this unique production. Filled with stunning concept art and candid behind-the-scenes imagery, The Art of The Strain will be the perfect accompaniment to this year’s most exciting new television show.

 

Rejected Princesses: Tales of History’s Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics
by Jason Porath

Blending the iconoclastic feminism of The Notorious RBG and the confident irreverence of Go the F**ck to Sleep, a brazen and empowering illustrated collection that celebrates inspirational badass women throughout history, based on the popular Tumblr blog.

Well-behaved women seldom make history. Good thing these women are far from well behaved . . .

Illustrated in a contemporary animation style, Rejected Princesses turns the ubiquitous “pretty pink princess” stereotype portrayed in movies, and on endless toys, books, and tutus on its head, paying homage instead to an awesome collection of strong, fierce, and yes, sometimes weird, women: warrior queens, soldiers, villains, spies, revolutionaries, and more who refused to behave and meekly accept their place.

An entertaining mix of biography, imagery, and humor written in a fresh, young, and riotous voice, this thoroughly researched exploration salutes these awesome women drawn from both historical and fantastical realms, including real life, literature, mythology, and folklore. Each profile features an eye-catching image of both heroic and villainous women in command from across history and around the world, from a princess-cum-pirate in fifth century Denmark, to a rebel preacher in 1630s Boston, to a bloodthirsty Hungarian countess, and a former prostitute who commanded a fleet of more than 70,000 men on China’s seas.

 

Suicide Squad: Behind the Scenes with the Worst Heroes Ever
by Signe Bergstrom

The officially authorized companion to Suicide Squad, the eagerly anticipated film from Warner Bros. Pictures based on the DC Comics antihero team. Along with photos of the cast and crew, this lavish full-color official tie-in book will contain behind-the-scenes stories and images, removable items, and more, making it a must have keepsake for every fan!

They are the worst of the worst, a task force of the most dangerous people on the planet—incarcerated Super Villains unleashed to do some good. Assembled by U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller and armed with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, the Squad is sent on a seemingly impossible top-secret mission: eradicate a powerful, enigmatic threat.

But once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability, will the members of the Suicide Squad choose to die trying—or decide it’s every man for himself?

The blockbuster movie has a star-studded cast that includes Will Smith as Floyd Lawton/Deadshot, Jared Leto as The Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Walker, and many more.

Special interactive and removable items in the book include a blueprint of Belle Reve prison, replicas of letters from Deadshot’s daughter to her father, a Joker playing card and Joker temporary tattoos, a poster of the Suicide Squad, 6 postcards, a 16-page dossier and much more.

 

Aliens: The Set Photography
by Simon Ward

A new hardback photography book documenting the making of Aliens, the 1986 smash hit movie directed by James Cameron. Aliens: The Set Photography reveals a unique new perspective on the making of James Cameron’s film as the focus shifts behind the cameras to capture the director, cast and crew as they bring the second action-packed installment of the Alien saga to the big screen.

Released to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of the movie, Aliens: The Set Photography features brand-new insights and memories from Carrie Henn (Newt) and Jenette Goldstein (Private Vasquez). With a wealth of never-before-seen pictures including casting publicity shots, behind-the-scenes ‘between-take’ breaks, weapons, vehicles and much more, Aliens: The Set Photography acts as a sumptuous visual celebration of this sci-fi classic.

 

Sushi: Jiro Gastronomy
by Jiro Ono

An authoritative guide on how to eat sushi by master chef Jiro Ono, subject of the award-winning documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

Succinct yet comprehensive, this little jewel of a book takes you through the seasonal offerings at Ono’s famed restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro.

Descriptions of each type of sushi, featuring commentary from master Ono, are accompanied by beautiful full-page photography.

You’ll learn the seasons in which the sushi is best served, the correct methods of eating it with either fingers or chopsticks, and how and when to use condiments.

Small, portable, and stylish, Sushi: Jiro Gastronomy is the distillation of a lifetime’s worth of knowledge and a great gift for sushi lovers everywhere.

 

Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth: Inside the Creation of a Modern Fairy Tale
by Nick Nunziata and Mark Cotta Vaz

Discover the dark secrets of Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece, Pan’s Labyrinth, in this thrilling exploration of the film’s creation.

Released in 2006, Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth was hailed as a dark, thrilling masterpiece and announced the filmmaker as a major creative force, garnering him a loyal fan base attracted to his technical skill and wild imagination.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of this acclaimed fantasy, Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth provides the definitive account of the film’s creation. Written in close collaboration with the director, this volume covers everything from del Toro’s initial musings, through to the film’s haunting creature designs, the hugely challenging shoot, and the overwhelming critical and fan reaction upon the its release.

Including exquisite concept art and rare unit photography from the set, Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth gives readers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how this modern classic was crafted for the screen. The book also draws on interviews with every key player in the film’s creation, including stars Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdu, and Doug Jones; producers Alfonso Cuarón and Bertha Navarro; and director of photography Guillermo Navarro, to present the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at this unforgettable cinematic classic.

 

The Art of Moana
by Jessica Julius and Maggie Malone

The Art of Moana is the latest title in the exceptional series showcasing artwork from the creation of Walt Disney Animations’ latest releases. Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world ventured across the Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped—and no one today knows why.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios, Moana is a CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest.

During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui and together they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. The stunning artwork in this behind-the-scenes book includes character designs, storyboards, colorscripts, and much more.

 

Deadpool: Drawing the Merc with a Mouth: Three Decades of Amazing Marvel Comics Art
by Matthew K. Manning

Explore the greatest art from over two decades of Marvel’s Deadpool comics with this deluxe art book.

This deluxe book celebrates over twenty years of Deadpool comic art, showcasing iconic covers, stunning panels, and other amazing art from the Marvel Comics archives.

Originally created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza as a minor villain for a spin-off X-Men comic, Deadpool has since gone on to become a cult phenomenon, headlining several ongoing comic book series and causing irreverent mayhem throughout the Marvel Comics universe. For the first time, Deadpool: Drawing the Merc with a Mouth tells the full story of the character’s creation and evolution through interviews with the artists and writers who made him what he is today, including Fabian Nicieza, Mark Waid, Joe Kelly, and Reilly Brown.

Filled with stunning art that showcases Deadpool’s off-the-wall comics career, from his origins in the pages of The New Mutants to his outlandish adventures with the Deadpool Corps and his team-ups with Marvel Comics A-listers such as Spider-Man and Wolverine, this book is a visually striking journey into Wade Wilson’s bizarre world. Featuring an exclusive cover by legendary Deadpool artist Reilly Brown and a selection of art that’s more mouthwatering than a bucket of chimichangas, Deadpol: Drawing the Merc with a Mouth is an essential addition to the collections of comic book fans everywhere.

The book also comes with an exclusive print of the Reilly Brown cover art.

 

When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals
edited by Vanessa Morgan

The definitive horror movie guide for fans of killer animals and “revenge of nature” films. When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals provides a fascinating and entertaining insight into the cinematographic world of animals on the rampage.

From well-known predators such as sharks and lions to unusual killing machines like turkeys, elephants, frogs, cats, and rabbits, there is no shortage of the species on display in this book.

Leading horror writers and filmmakers present their favorite “animals attack” films through in-depth essays. Some of the films are touching, some are repulsive, and some are just plain silly.

Not all of these horror movies line up with the critical consensus, yet they have one thing in common: they have made the heart of the writer beat faster with excitement.

 

 

Arrow – Oliver Queen’s Dossier
by Nick Aires

Arrow – ​Oliver Queen’s Dossier collates the intelligence Oliver Queen has uncovered on nefarious business dealings and criminal activity in Starling City, with “top secret” records on his alter-ego Arrow since his return from Lian Yu.

Includes hard copy duplicates of confidential government and business documents acquired by Oliver and Felicity Smoak, top secret schematics for Arrow’s weaponry, and Queen family records.

Arrow is based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow. The series follows billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, portrayed by Stephen Amell (Private Practice, Heartland), who, after five years of being stranded on a hostile island, returns home to fight crime and corruption as a secret vigilante whose weapon of choice is a bow and arrow.

 

 

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