Power Rangers Samurai: Go, Go, Samurai! Sticker Storybook Review

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Power Rangers Samurai: Go, Go, Samurai! Sticker Storybook Review

About the Book: The perfect gift for Power Rangers Samurai fans!

This sticker book is a must have for Power Ranger fans of all ages.

This essential sticker book features photographs all of the Power Rangers, their many weaons, vehicles--and of course, the evil monsters that are trying to spread darkness across our world.

Our Take: Perfect for the Power Rangers fan in your life!  Tons of different scenes with over 75 stickers to stick and have a great time with!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Stocking Stuff Ideas: Sudoku to Go! Activity Kit

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Stocking Stuff Ideas: Sudoku to Go! Activity Kit

About the Book: Learn the tricks and techniques for making sense of Sudoku, the latest puzzle craze. Includes pocket-size pad of 48 ''pre-hinted'' puzzles - from the simple to the diabolical - and pencil with colorful eraser top. 80-page book, Sudoku to Go!, with book, puzzle pad, and pencil with eraser. Kit measures 3-1/2 wide x 4-1/4 high x 1-1/2 deep.

Our Take: Anyone on your Xmas list dig Sudoku?  My wife and son are CRAZY about it and this will make the perfect stocking stuff for both!  Its a great, compact and portable way to enjoy Sudoku anywhere! 

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Stocking Stuff Ideas: Solitaire To Go! Activity Kit

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Stocking Stuff Ideas: Solitaire To Go! Activity Kit

About the Book: Solitaire to go! Explains the rules for 27 variations of Solitaire that can be played on a small table, with helpful diagrams illustrating each game. Wonderful wherever you go, and especially, of course, when traveling solo! Kit includes pocket-sized card deck and 80-page hardcover book. Kit measures 3-1/2'' wide x 4-1/2'' high x 1-1/2'' deep.

Our Take: Anyone on your list enjoy Solitaire?  I bet they do!  This one makes a great stocking stuffer.  Its portable..fun and priced right!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Yeti Rescue Kit

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Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Yeti Rescue Kit

About the Book: Awww! Who can resist the cute little Yeti in its shipping crate? All the way from the Himalaya Mountains of Tibet, this Abominable--er, we mean Adorable--Snowman needs rescuing now! Kit contains plush orphan Yeti in box, plus 16-page Caregiver's Manual with Passport, Medical Record, and Adoption Certificate. The perfect little holiday gift! Feel the love!

Our Take: Looking for great stocking stuffers this week?  The Yeti Rescue Kit is perfect for all ages!  He's fuzzy, he's cute and he comes with an instruction book!  A great gift all around.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

I Love Lucy: A Celebration of All Things Lucy: Inside the World of Television's First Great Sitcom Book Review

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I Love Lucy: A Celebration of All Things Lucy: Inside the World of Television's First Great Sitcom Book Review

About the Book: Still rerun daily in thirty countries throughout the world and beloved by fans young and old, the enduring popularity I Love Lucy is unparalleled. Upon the 60th anniversary of the landmark television show’s debut and the 100th birthday of superstar Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy is the ultimate celebration of the show we love. 

This book brings to life the world of the show and its impact more fully than ever before. Rare backstage photos and images from the stars’ personal collections illustrate new stories about the making of I Love Lucy. Highlights include Lucille Ball’s personal commentary on her favorite episodes, taken from previously unpublished interviews. Chapters filled with trivia, character bios, fashions, music, recipes featured on the show, and much more make this an informative and fabulously entertaining tribute to the classic show.

Our Take: I love Lucy!  I mean, who didn't, right?  I used to watch the show on re-runs a lot as a kid and I absolutely love it.  This great hardcover book helps fans to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this classic comedy show.  The book covers everything from 50s culture, to better help you understand the tone of the era, to a complete episode guide, behind the scenes pictures and more!  This is a fantastic coffee table book...I couldn't put it down!  Its comprehensive and informative and a must-have for any Lucy fan.  This one would make a great Xmas gift.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Unauthorized Handbook and Price Guide to Star Trek Toys by Playmates Book Review

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The Unauthorized Handbook and Price Guide to Star Trek Toys by Playmates Book Review

About the Book: Playmates Toys produced Star Trek toys--action figures, accessories, and starships--in great abundance, beginning in 1992, and this book chronicles them all. Most of the Star Trek toys Playmates produced are displayed in over 510 photographs with descriptions and accessories, making identifications easy. Exclusive toys, limited edition statues, and collectibles dioramas add depth and interest. Current market values accompany the descriptions of every Playmates Star Trek toy presented. Every fan of the Star Trek** television series and movies, and all toy and action figure collectors will want a copy of this fabulous book.

Our Take: We love toy collecting here at the Legion.  My daughter is a HUGE Trekkie.  This book focuses on only the Playmates toys releases for Star Trek, which is primarily the Next Generation, but does also include a few movies and Deep Space Nine.  The guide is a fantastic and comprehensive look at the action figures, playsets and accessories for all of these toylines!    We love this guide and are so happy to add it to our collection of toy guides.  This one will be used a lot in the field to identify various figures.  We recommend it to anyone interested in buying or selling Trek!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Collecting Star Wars Toys 1977-Present: An Unauthorized Practical Guide Review

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Collecting Star Wars Toys 1977-Present: An Unauthorized Practical Guide Review

About the Book: Presented here in lively text and over 650 color photographs are the toys that have been played with and collected by ardent fans of George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy for twenty years. The action figures, accessories, playsets, and spacecraft of the Rebellion and the Empire are displayed in a colorful and easily referenced format. The gaming equipment, model kits, playthings, promotional items, puzzles, and weapons produced from 1977 through 1997 are examined as well. Not stopping there, this sweeping survey includes an overview of the most popular items from the rest of the ever-expanding Star Wars collectibles universe. Newly revised prices are included in the captions; listings for toys both loose and mint-in-the-package are provided whenever appropriate. Rounding out this practical guide are a short history of science fiction films, an examination of action figures, and a bibliography.

Our Take: Schiffer books is the top maker of collector books.  These full-color guides help fans around the world identify and complete their collections.  In the modern day of the internet, its amazing how these books are still as relevant as ever, since they're portable and well-organized.   This book focuses mainly on the classic and 1990s re-issue Star Wars toys.  The book kinda jumps around a bit, but its informative and fairly complete up to Episode I.  This is the updated second version that included some limited Episode I items, but action figures only.   The guide is great, my son who is a Star Wars collector absolutely loves it.  This one is a bit outdated nowadays, but its nice to see a retro guide.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Star Trek Collectibles : Classic Series, Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager Value Guide Book Review

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Star Trek Collectibles : Classic Series, Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager Value Guide Book Review

About the Book: The televised Star Trek adventures have taken millions where no man has gone before. Perhaps this helps explain why collectibles from thirty years of "space fever" are so sought after, from the Enterprise's initial takeoff right up to the adventures of the spaceship Voyager. This unique price catalogue contains more than 1,000 collectibles, many of which sold-out long ago on the retail market and assesses their skyrocketing prices in today's collectibles universe. What's more, this unique price catalogue for old and new "space" articles presents more than 1,000 collector's pieces in gorgeous color and black and white illustrations, including highly topical Voyager collectibles from the newest Star Trek series.

Our Take: We're collectors here at the Legion.  My family and I all collect various toys.  My daughter is the Trekkie and she has a burgeoning Star Trek collection of a few hundred pieces currently.   This cool book from Schiffer publishing is a nice, smaller-sized paperback guide to all things Trek!   The full-color guide includes plenty of retro stuff, but also delves into the Next Generation, Voyager AND Deep Space Nine.  You get the Playmates action figures, books, keychains, costumes..just about everything you could imagine.  This is an amazing and conveniently portable guide for any fan.  I wish more of Schiffer's great guides were this scale!  This one is a must-have for any Trek fan.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

I Love Ken: My Life as the Ultimate Boyfriend Book Review

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I Love Ken: My Life as the Ultimate Boyfriend Book Review

About the Book: This bold, colorful book collects fifty years' worth of advice from Ken®, the undisputed expert when it comes to dating. In his own humorously honest voice, Ken tells readers how to be the perfect red-carpet escort, give the most fabulous gifts, and squeeze in some "me time" at the gym between galas. 

With an introduction from Barbie herself, and featuring more than 200 images, the book celebrates iconic Ken moments in short, lively blocks of narrative. As Mattel prepares to celebrate with a full-slate of anniversary activity, there has never been a better time for I ? Ken, a tongue-in-cheek celebration of Barbie's favorite accessory.

Our Take: This funny new book is a retrospective of Barbie's main squeeze, Ken!  I have a little bit more love for Ken after Michael Keaton's hilarious portrayl in Toy Story 3.  This book is supposed to be tongue and cheek quotes from "Ken" himself.  I honestly think its best just for the look back at the various Ken dolls through the ages.  Its a great reference guide.  This one is a tons of fun and would make a great Xmas gift.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Beyblade: Official Handbook: Metal Fusion and Metal Masters Book Review

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Beyblade: Official Handbook: Metal Fusion and Metal Masters Book Review

About the Book: It's the latest TV and toy sensation! Beyblade mania is sweeping boys ages 6-12.

It's the must-have guide to the hottest TV and toy sensation! The Beyblade Official Handbook is packed with facts about the heroes and villains, the TV show, the tops, the best battle strategies, and more. Over one hundred pages of need-to-know Beyblade info!

So what are you waiting for? Let it rip!

Our Take: Beyblade is a very popular cartoon and toyline amongst grade schoolers.  My son wakes up early to watch it and Pokemon before school each day, for that matter.  This guide book is a cool look at the characters involved and their tools.   Any little fan of Beyblade in your life will LOVE this book!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Wrestling Reality: The Life and Mind of Chris Kanyon Wrestling's Gay Superstar Book Review

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Wrestling Reality: The Life and Mind of Chris Kanyon Wrestling's Gay Superstar Book Review

About the Book: A rare glimpse not only into the life of a professional wrestler, but the life of a gay man in a straight world, this tragic memoir is told in Chris Kanyon’s own words, with the help of journalist Ryan Clark. One of the most popular wrestlers of the late 1990s, Kanyon kept his personal life private from his fans until finally revealing his biggest secret in 2004: he was gay. Going through the various roles that Kanyon played, both in the ring and out of it, as well as his battle with manic depression, this book explores the factors that led to his suicide in 2010. In his voice and the way he wanted it told, these are Kanyon’s last words about his experience rising through the ranks to the top of the professional wrestling world while keeping his sexuality hidden.

Our Take: I remember watching WCW in the late 1990s.  I was a wrestling fan as a kid and I got back into it in 1997 for the whole NWO thing.  Kanyon was a b-class wrestler.  He never got the big event battles, but he was a solid player and a great wrestler with a good ring persona.   I didn't learn til later, as most fans did, that he was gay.  That was quite a shock to the wrestling fans I imagine, since they're so pumped on the testostrone-laced environment of wrestling.  I thought it was brave and fantastic that he had the courage to come out.  He later committed suicide in 2010, since he was bipolar.  This book is in-depth, honest and touching.  It is not only the best biography that I have read on a wrestler, it is one of the best biographies I had read ever...period.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Buffy Season 9 Gets Collected!

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BUFFY SEASON 9 GETS COLLECTED!  VOLUME 1 TO BE RELEASED IN AUGUST 2012!

December 2, MILWAUKIE, OR—Series creator Joss Whedon has teamed up with Andrew Chambliss (Dollhouse, ABC’s Once Upon a Time) and Season 8 artist Georges Jeanty for the life-affirming, world-changing Season 9 of the smash hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce the first collection of the season with Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 Volume 1: Freefall!

Season 8 ended with a bang that cut the world off from magic—culminating in another set of world-ending problems. Buffy has left her best friend, Willow, powerless, and brought an end to a millennia-long tradition of superpowered girls. By day, Buffy is a twenty-something waitress with no real direction, and even though magic is gone, she’s still a vampire Slayer by night. Bigger problem? Vampires are becoming an epidemic . . . of zompires!

Written by series creator Joss Whedon and Andrew Chambliss of the CW’s The Vampire Diaries, Freefall collects Buffy Season 9 #1–#5! On sale August 1, 2012.

About Dark Horse Comics
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists.  In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, Will Eisner, and best-selling prose author Janet Evanovich, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and the Occultist. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan the Barbarian, Mass Effect, Serenity, and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the United States and is recognized as both an innovator in the cause of creator rights and the comics industry’s leading publisher of licensed material.
About Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products

A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third-party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best Book Review

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Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best Book Review

About the Book: Bakelite jewelry was popular during The Depression because it was decorative, fun, and very affordable. Today, it is sought after and worn for the same reasons-except its affordability is rapidly changing. This book is designed to show off an extraordinary variety of this wonderfully colorful, always appealing, and sometimes startling jewelry, along with a sample of other objects through 420 color photos. It shows how to rate quality-good, better, best-and answers the many questions asked about Bakelite, from dealers' secrets to historical facts. The photos, the detailed information, and the indispensable price guide will provide beginner and connoisseur collector alike with all that is needed in the hunt for Bakelite.

Our Take: One of the coolest antique items to collect is Bakelite jewelry.   If you're not familiar, Bakelite is one of the early forms of plastic that was used.  The jewlery pieces are rather prolific, but you have to know what you're looking for.  This great guide from the late 1990s by Schiffer books and author Donna Wassertrom & Leslie Pina features tons of full-color pictures of the vintage jewelry that is out there.  This guide can help a collector or dealer familiarize themselves with what exists.  We have to rely on experts and guides like this, because there isn't any other type of record out there.  Books like this are absolutely priceless.  The price guide is over a decade old, so its not up to date, but the important aspect is truly the images and information.  This book is an absolute treat!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Action Figures of the 1980s Book Review

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Action Figures of the 1980s Book Review

About the Book: From G.I. Joe*t to Star Wars*t John Marshall has provided a thorough, informative, and entertaining look at the action figures produced during the 1980s. In over 430 superb color photographs, fans of the pocket-sized G.I. Joes, of movie and TV characters, of fantasy figures, He-Man, the Thunder Cats, super heroes, of those ever-popular quick change artists of the robot world--the Transformers, and even pro-wrestling fanatics will find figures here to warm their souls! Price listings are provided for every figure shown and for every known figure produced within a particular product line. Price ranges are provided both for figures that are mint-in-the-box and for those which, while running loose, have retained all of their accessories and lost none of their finish.

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Our Take: This book was written before the internet really took over the world of collecting.  Back then there wasn't much for information and there certainly weren't any comprehensive collector websites yet to let us know what all is out there.  You honestly had to go on your own knowlege.  This book is evidence of that.  Author John Marshall basically hacks his way through 1980s toys with imcomplete information, missing toylines and rather misspelled words.  To me, this book is great, in that it shows what collecting was before the net.  This one makes a great coffee table book or something to read through in the restroom.   There are a ton of full color pictures and plenty of decent information in here, so its fun to casually flip through for a trip down memory lane.   This one isn't up to the usual high standards that Schiffer puts on their collecting books, but its still fun.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Beast Wars Transformers: The Unofficial Guide with Price Guide Book Review

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Beast Wars Transformers: The Unofficial Guide with Price Guide Book Review

About the Book: Both American and Japanese Beast Wars Transformer toys, popular from 1995 to the close of the millennium, are discussed and displayed in this all-encompassing guide. Robots from Armordillo and Cheetor to Megatron and Optimus Primal, are shown in over 870 color images. These shape-changing robots, both in their boxes and loose, are often displayed in multiple transformations of the figures. The development and distribution of Beast Wars characters and TV shows is provided, along with current market prices for the figures. This guide is a must for every Transformer and action figure collector, and for pop-culture enthusiasts everywhere.

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Our Take: Schiffer books makes dozens of fantastic books for action figure collectors.  This guide features the Transformers: Beast Wars spinoff.  I remember the cartoon from the mid 1990s, as it was one of the first full CGI cartoons, but I had no idea that there was this much merchandise produced.  Between the Japanese and American items, which are both featured in great detail in this guide, there is a lot more than I expected.  This book would be really handy if you're a toy dealer and you want to identify items, or if you're a Transformers collector.  I cannot imagine not having an on-hand print guide like this if you collect.  This one is very informative, comprehensive and is a must-have!  It'd make a very nice Xmas gift!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Mego Action Figure Toys Book Review

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Mego Action Figure Toys Book Review

About the Book: Toy action figures are tremendously popular collectibles, and many collectors argue that Mego is the premier maker. Super Heroes from comics, television and movie stories were made with interchangeable clothes, equipment and vehicles. In this new third edition of a classic collector's guide, all of these figures are shown with their original packaging in over 400 color photos, with newly updated values. Batman*r, Superman*r, Spiderman*r, Wonder Woman*r, Hulk*r, and the characters from Star Trek*r, The Dukes of Hazzard*r, The Wizard of Oz*r, Planet of the Apes*r, The Black Hole*r, Buck Rogers*r, Flash Gordon*r, and many more are included. Prototypes, never produced figures, and foreign exclusives join the regular production in this fun-filled reference.

Our Take: Schiffer books makes some great guides..and one of the most famous is the Mego: Action Figure Toys guide by John Bonavita.  This guide still stands today as the most comprehensive guide to Mego toys ever created.  If you're not familiar with Mego..you should be!  They were the first extensive licensed action figures.  They were jointed dolls with fabric clothing and the licenses ranged from Dc and Marvel Super Heroes to Star Trek, Westerns, Planet of the Apes and just about anything else you could imagine from the 1960s-70s.  This book is an amazing record of foreign, rare, unproduced and produced product from Mego.  This handy guide is amazing to have for any fan of Mego, toy collectors, dealers and anything inbetween!    We cannot recommend this book enough.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Bakelite Collection Book Review

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The Bakelite Collection Book Review

About the Book: You know you're hooked when you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach. Is it a shortness of breath or a flush that comes to your face when you see it in a case at an antique mall, or on someone's arm as you stroll down the aisle shopping at an antiques show? Has someone caught you staring intently at their wrist or lapel and mistaken your focused gaze for some sign of familiarity? If any or all of the above symptoms or scenarios seem familiar to you, it's possible you may have it! Yes, it's all too true, you may indeed be suffering from...BAKELITE FEVER! The Bakelite Collection describes some of the many differing collecting preferences of some of the nation's most prolific appreciators of fine Bakelite jewelry. Men and women, doctors and lawyers, modernists and traditionalists alike have fallen prey to Bakelite fever. Their stories, experiences, lovingly assembled collections will delight every Bakelite collector. The Bakelite Collection showcases these fantastic jewelry arrays in luscious detail, using full color photography. A price guide makes it a truly valuable book for all sufferers of Bakelite Fever.

Our Take: We love collecting here at the Legion and no one does collecting guides better than Schiffer books!  This time, we're delving into more Bakelite collecting.  If you're not familiar, Bakelite is one of the original forms of plastic from the early 20th century.  This book, the Bakelite Collection book, features various ranges of what is out there for Bakelite and a sampling of each type of item from Jewelry to oddities.  The book shys away from covering some of the more prolific Bakelite items like the flatware.  If you are into Bakelite bangles, then this book will be your dream.  This hardcover book is a fun look inside the collections of some other Bakelite fans.  Its a nice way to enjoy a lot of pieces in one place and to further educate yourself about whats out there!  We highly recommend.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Jetsons: The Official Guide to the Cartoon Classic Book Review

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The Jetsons: The Official Guide to the Cartoon Classic Book Review

About the Book: The Jetsons: The Official Guide to the Cartoon Classic is a fun and fact-filled guide to all things Orbit City! Officially licensed from Warner Bros., it includes everything you need to know about your favorite characters, memorable moments, and funny gadgets from 2062. So hop in your flying car and get ready to blast into the futuristic past with this hilariously informative guide to all things Jetson!

Our Take: The Jetsons are one of the most classic of the Hanna-Barbera toons!  This futuristic family was quite the sign of the times back in the 1960s when looking forward into the future meant flying cars and all types of zainy gadgets.  The great thing about this futuristic version of the Flintstones was that the issues George Jetson and family faced were really universal issues that anyone of any timeline could face.  This great new guide delves into the show and characters, complete with full color images and behind the scenes production art from the show.  If you enjoy the history of animation or are a Jetsons fan, this one is sure to please.  This would make a unique and affordable Xmas gift!  We definately recommend it.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Spider-Man Vault Book Review

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The Spider-Man Vault Book Review

About the Book: Rebooted into a fresh new film franchise (2012) directed by Marc Webb and starring up-and-comers Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, and having debuted in its first ever Broadway appearance in March 2011, Spider-Man is back in the spotlight. Reaching out to millions of devoted fans, The Spider-Man Vault will afford readers a whole new look at the beloved "web-slinger". 

This vivid collection of images and ephemera focuses on a dynamic exploration of Spider-Man's character, providing a complete biography through his development in comics, media, and culture. Further drawing readers into Spidey's world will be approximately 20 removable features, housed in the sophisticated plastic pages specific to the "vault" format, and printed on special papers to heighten the noteworthiness of each carefully selected piece.

From the classic comics to the big screen, The Spider-Man Vault is a comprehensive collection of art and ephemera that brings Spidey's back story out of the archive and into the arms of fans worldwide.

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Our Take: The Spider-Man Vault is a comic book fan's wet dream.  It may be crass, but its true!  This great book follows in the long line of other successful VAULT style books.  We reviewed the Batman Vault and the Dc Comics Vault last year.  This one is all about everyone's friendly neighborhood webslinger.  It begins in the 1960s and authors Peter A. David and the legendary Robert Greenberger give us a highly detailed account of his beginnings and all the turns that took Spiderman on the path he has been on, all the way up to the newest movie, coming out in 2012.   This coffetable style book is full of full-color comic book art and fun reproduction affirmia that is sure to make any fan squeel!  This would make an amazing Xmas gift.  A bit of what is included as inserts is shown below.  Buy this nerds!   Do it now!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

VHS: Absurd, Odd, and Ridiculous Relics from the Videotape Era Book Review

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VHS: Absurd, Odd, and Ridiculous Relics from the Videotape Era Book Review

About the Book: The decade of 1988-1998 was the Golden Age of VHS, a time when anybody with a pulse, a camcorder, and a few bucks could market a video. Comedy writers Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher have spent the last 20 years collecting the best odd and unintentionally hilarious videotapes ever produced. Since 2004, they’ve resurrected them for sold-out audiences across the country as part of their touring show, the Found Footage Festival. Now, for the very first time, they’ve collected the greatest VHS covers into one handsome compendium—along with their priceless snarky commentary throughout.

Our Take: Every so often a book comes our way that is just hilarious.   This new book features dozens of hilarious and campy VHS case covers from the 1980s and 1990s.  Each page features a VHS cover and a snarky comment from the book organizers.  They did a masterful job of digging up some of the most bizarre and goofy covers.  This makes a great coffee table book..something to keep in the car or even the bathroom.  Its a light and fun read and if you have any sense of humor whatsoever, you'll laugh your ass off.  We give it an A+.  Consider this one for a Xmas gift!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Green Lantern: Savage Sands Book Review

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Green Lantern: Savage Sands Book Review

About the Book: The immortal super-villain VANDAL SAVAGE is loose! He has escaped prison and fled to the timeless tombs of Egypt, where he raises an army of living mummies. HAL JORDAN, as GREEN LANTERN, soars into the shifting sands to defeat the zombie-like rampage, but VANDAL SAVAGE has another weapon. He animates the sleeping Sphinx itself! HAL must solve the ancient riddle of the stone-cold creature, or hell never leave Egypt alive.

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Our Take: This Stone Arch Kids book focuses on Hal Jordan, the most popular Green Lantern, as he faces Vandal Savage, one of the top villians of the Dc Universe!  Adult fans love these fun books because of the retro-style Timmverse art style and kids love the fun stories and great illustrations.  This book is great for any Green Lantern fan or any adult looking to get their kids into Dc Comics characters!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Flash: Trickster's Bubble Trouble Book Review

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The Flash: Trickster's Bubble Trouble Book Review

About the Book: AXEL WALKER, the crazy TRICKSTER, likes toys and gimmicks. And this time hes making mischief using things no one can see. Whether its oxygen, air pressure, or invisible gas, the TRICKSTER is bubbling over with evil schemes. Only the FLASH can outwit the nefarious knave. But soon, WALKER traps FLASH within a special bubble, a gigantic glass sphere free of friction. Without friction enabling him to move, the FLASHs super-speed doesnt get him anywhere. And the oxygen inside the bubble is quickly running out!

Our Take: I love the Stone Arch books Dc Super Heroes series!  This series of books features Timmverse style Dc character art mixed with great stories.  This Flash book features his legendary villain, The Trickster.  The books are a nice mix of comic book style art and fun text that is sure to interest kids of all ages.  This one is illustrated by animation legend Eric Doescher, who has worked on previous Bruce Timm Batman shows.  This one comes highly recommended to Flash fans and to parents looking to get their kids into Dc Comics!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Clifford Loves His Friends Sticker Storybook Review

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Clifford Loves His Friends Sticker Storybook Review

About the Book: Bringing Clifford to our established Sticker Storybook line!

With a gentle Valentine's Day hook, this Sticker Storybook shows just how much Clifford loves his friends, human and canine alike. Clifford knows that kindness sticks--and everyone is stuck on Clifford!

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Our Take: This great stickerbook has dozens of scenes to stick over 60 Clifford the Big Red Dog stickers!  This is perfect for the little one in your life!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Tricky Video: The Complete Guide to Making Movie Magic Book Review

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Tricky Video: The Complete Guide to Making Movie Magic Book Review

About the Book: Tricky Video is a clever collection of easy-to-achieve video tricks, gags, and gimmicks you can do with your home video camera. Turns out you don't need to go high tech to be a master moviemaker. This book comes with a Hollywood-style slate (or clapper) to mark the start of every scene. Simple step-by-step sequences show young directors how to make people disappear, how to stage a painless fight scene, and more — in short, how to be a video genius.

Comes With: Hollywood-style slate

Our Take: Tricky Video is another great book offering from Klutz.  This book is a fantastic intro to filmmaking for young kids.  It offers old techniques blended with new and innovative ideas to provide a nice introduction through various video projects.  This is an amazing educational resource.  It even comes with the ultra-cool hollywood "action" slate!  This one would make an amazing Xmas gift for any kid!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Inside Pee-Wee's Playhouse Book Review

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Inside Pee-Wee's Playhouse Book Review

About the Book: On the 25th anniversary of the show Pee-wee's Playhouse, the behind-the-scenes story is being told for the first time by those who experienced it. Complete with an episode guide, biographical information about the cast and key members of the show’s creative team, never-before-told anecdotes, and previously unpublished photos, this biography takes the first in-depth look behind the popular program. Paul Reubens, as Pee-wee Herman, has been making a comeback since August 2010, appearing on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show, and The View. He also starred in a successful stage revival of his live show which hit Broadway in late 2010. This is the first comprehensive look at this amazingly successful children’s program, reenergized by the character’s reemerging presence.

Our Take: We love Pee-Wee Herman here at the Legion.  He has spent decades perfecting his fantastic persona to the joy of millions of fans.   This great new book gives you the complete Pee-Wee history from his first appearance in a Cheech and Chong Movie through the Tim Burton film, the show and beyond!  This is an amazing book for any fan of Pee-Wee.  I learned SO much from this one and its the first detailed look inside his career that I've ever seen.  Its a wonderful read and we HIGHLY recommend it.  The secret word of the day today?  Its "BOOK".  ARRRGGGHHH!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Into the Looking Glass: Exploring the Worlds of Fringe Book Review

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Into the Looking Glass: Exploring the Worlds of Fringe Book Review

About the Book: A holistic approach to television criticism, this analytical companion to the popular show Fringe examines the drama’s mythology and unveils its mysteries while exposing significant cultural issues addressed in each episode. With a strong basis in science fiction, Fringe has all of the archetypal characters and themes of the genre, from the covert mastermind and the mad scientist to dangerous advances in technology, parallel worlds, and man-made monsters. This guide explores how the show uses these elements to tap into a deeper understanding of the human experience. Less focused on individual episodes, this book is split into three parts, each discussing a broad element of the narrative experience of the first three seasons of this multilayered show.

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Our Take: Fringe is one of the best network TV shows in ages.  The show follows a special division of the FBI that explores supernatural and bizarre events in the world.   The show explores the themes of father-son bonds, romance, time travel and ethical scientific responsibility.  The show is now airing its fourth season and things have really gone haywire with a THIRD reality where Peter Bishop, THE main character of the show, no longer exists!  This book, Into the Looking Glass, is a wonderful companion to the show and a great read for any fan.  If you can't get enough of Olivia, Walter and Peter then this is a great way to stay engrossed in their world.  The book explores the characters and all the major themes of the show flawlessly and in a language that is intelligent, but accessible.  We highly recommend it.  OH, and watch Fringe on Fox.  If you don't, you suck!  That is all.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Pilot & Huxley #2: The Next Adventure Book Review

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The Pilot & Huxley #2: The Next Adventure Book Review

About the Book: Pilot & Huxley are back in another zany adventure!

Pilot and Huxley just want to get home, but an unexpected glitch hurtles them into the holiday lands instead. Now they're stuck in a bizarre world where ghouls and zombies in Halloween Land are friendly, and Santa and his elves in Christmas Land are evil. Will the boys make it out alive? Can they find a way back to Earth? Is a bowl of noodles a deadly weapon? Find out inside!

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Our Take: This latest book in the Pilot and Huxley series throws the guys into a bizzaro world of holiday characters and the reader gets to follow along as they battle their way back home!  My son LOVES these books and this latest one he said was not only funny, but a great read.  We highly recommend.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor Book Review

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The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor Book Review

About the Book: In the Walking Dead universe, there is no greater villain than The Governor. The despot who runs the walled-off town of Woodbury, he has his own sick sense of justice: whether it’s forcing prisoners to battle zombies in an arena for the townspeople’s amusement, or chopping off the appendages of those who cross him. The Governor was voted “Villain of the Year” by Wizard magazine the year he debuted, and his story arc was the most controversial in the history of the Walking Dead comic book series. Now, for the first time, fans of The Walking Dead will discover how The Governor became the man he is, and what drove him to such extremes.

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Our Take: The Walking Dead was a hit comic book series and is now the ultra-fantastic hit show on the AMC cable network.  The second season is upon us and with that we get this cool book from the creator of the Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman!  The Walking Dead is one of the best dramas ever produced on cable and features a great cast of players.  This book expands on that universe and tells the story of the infamous comic book villain "the Governor".  This is a fantastic and twisted novel that serves as a fantastic companion to this great zombie apocalypse universe!  Any fan of the show will enjoy this one.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Joker: A Visual History of the Clown Prince of Crime Book Review

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The Joker: A Visual History of the Clown Prince of Crime Book Review

About the Book: A comprehensive look at the greatest comic book villain . . . ever. Since his first appearance in 1940’s Batman #1, the Joker stands alone as the most hated, feared, and loved villain in the DC Universe. Though his true origins may be unknown, the Clown Prince of Crime’s psychotic appearances in hundreds of comic books has shaped the way we look at Batman, comic books, and ourselves. Indeed, a hero is only as good as his nemesis, so the Joker’s heinous crimes, including murdering the second Robin and paralyzing Batgirl, have elevated Batman to the highest levels of crime-fighting, and we, the readers, to the finest levels of quality pop-culture entertainment.

The Joker is the first retrospective chronicling one of the most groundbreaking and game-changing villains of all time, and contains images from his more than seventy years in comics by comic book artists and writers such as Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Dick Sprang, Grant Morrison, Dave McKean, Neil Gaiman, Geoff Johns, Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, Brian Azzarello, Bruce Timm, and Paul Dini. Also included are images from his various film, television, animated, and video game incarnations, such as the timeless interpretations by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Heath Ledger, who won his posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in 2008’s The Dark Knight. This book is a must-have for fans and anyone who wants to die laughing.

Our Take: This new book is the first time we get a focus spotlighted on Batman's #1 villain...the Joker.  Prolific author Daniel Wallace does a masterful job of peppering in dynamic and colorful imagery amidst an in-depth and informative history of the clown prince of crime!  The book covers his inception..all the way through the movies and cartoons to the present day.  

The images are taken from comic book pages, sketches, animation cels and other work from artists, such as Tim Sale, Sam Keith and Jim Lee.  I have a pretty extensive knowlege of the Joker and I learned a few things from this great behind the scenes look at the greatest comic book villain of all.  The introduction by Mark Hamill is a great touch in this high-end hardcover book from Universe publishing.  The book retails for around $50, but its well worth it!   The cover features a dust jacket with "Killing Joke" artwork that wraps around a purple and green "Ha Ha" cover. 

A lot of books are released each year that spotlight Batman, but this rare new look that focuses on the Joker is a welcome breath of fresh air.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Book Review

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Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Book Review

About the Book: Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been damaged, and Greg is the prime suspect. But the crazy thing is, he’s innocent. Or at least sort of.

The authorities are closing in, but when a surprise blizzard hits, the Heffley family is trapped indoors. Greg knows that when the snow melts he’s going to have to face the music, but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family for the holidays?

Our Take: Diary of a Wimpy kid is an absolute literary phenomenon.  Its spawned six main books, a "do it yourself book" and a movie diary.  There have been two films based on the books that have each made a ton of dough!  Now, just in time for Xmas, we're given the gift of the sixth Wimpy Kid book: Cabin Fever.  This highly anticipated book is finally here!  I say highly anticipated, because for the past six months my eight year old has been constantly nagging me about it, lol!  He loves these books beyond words and its exciting to see something..anything..getting kids to read in a post-Harry Potter era.

Author Jeff Kinney really understands the dynamic of the comic.  He has taken images, crude though they may be, and incorporated them into the pages in such a way that its fluid and natural.  He tells his story with image and words, which isn't as easy as it sounds.  This book is a fantastic new edition to the Wimpy Kid series.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Justice League Scratch & Sketch Book Review

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Justice League Scratch & Sketch Book Review

About the Book: When the world is filled with bad guys and earth invaders, fear not! The Justice League team will protect us! Young crime fighters can use the wooden stylus to scratch away the black coated pages, and see Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and their friends and foes come to life in swirl patterns and glitter colors that appear in their artwork like magic! This "Justice League Scratch & Sketch" Art Activity Book features: Wooden stylus for drawing on black-coated paper to reveal glittering, gleaming colors beneath. Wire-o bound hardcover binding. 20 scratch-off, 20 illustrated, and 20 sketch pages. Ages 6 and up. 6-3/8'' wide x 8-1/2'' high. Non-toxic: Potential eye irritant. Avoid inhaling particles of scratch coating. Not for children under 5 years. Meets all applicable safety standards. © 2009 DC Comics. JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements are trademarks of DC Comics © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Our Take: This great scratch and sketch book from Peter Pauper books is a great collectible from the Timmverse animated universe that is still in print!  This one is a cool book for any collector and a fun way to sneak something you enjoy into your kids' Xmas gifts!  lol.   These book are simple, you use the sratching tool on the black page to draw and reveal the multi-colored backround underneath.  We highly recommend this one!

How to Buy: Amazon.com