Friday, July 29, 2011

FREE e-book: Superheroes: The Best of Pop Culture and Philosophy

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Explore the philosophical depths of Batman, Superman, Captain America, and your other favorite superheroes—FOR FREE!

Behind the cool costumes, special powers, and unflagging determination to fight evil you’ll find fascinating philosophical questions and concerns deep in the hearts and minds of your favorite comic book heroes.

Why doesn’t Batman just kill the Joker and end everyone’s misery? Does Peter Parker have a good life? What can Iron Man teach us about the role of technology in society? Bringing together key chapters from books in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, this free superhero sampler engages the intellectual might of big thinkers like Aristotle and Kant to answer these questions and many others, giving you new insights on everything from whether Superman is truly an American icon to whether Wolverine is the same person when he loses his memory.

This FREE e-book
·Features exclusive bonus content: all-new chapters on Captain America and Thor
·Gives you a sneak peek at upcoming books: Avengers and Philosophy, Spider-Man and Philosophy, and Superman and Philosophy
·Includes superheroes from both the DC and Marvel universes: the Avengers, Batman, Captain America, Green Lantern, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Superman, Thor, Watchmen, and the X-Men
·Gives you a perfect introduction to the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series (learn more at www.andphilosophy.com)

Whether you’re looking for answers or looking for fun, this classic compilation will save the day by helping you gain a deeper appreciation of your favorite comics with an introduction to basic philosophical principles.

To learn more about the And Philosophy series and to download your free copy of Superheroes: The Best of Pop Culture and Philosophy, please visit: www.andphilosophy.com

Thursday, July 21, 2011

63 Documents the Government Doesn't Want You to Read Book Review

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63 Documents the Government Doesn't Want You to Read Book Review

About the Book: There’s the Freedom of Information Act, and then there’s Ventura’s way.The official spin on numerous government programs is flat-out bullshit, according to Jesse Ventura. In this incredible collection of actual government documents, Ventura, the ultimate non- partisan truth-seeker, proves it beyond any doubt. He and Dick Russell walk readers through 63 of the most incriminating programs to reveal what really happens behind the closed doors. In addition to providing original government data, Ventura discusses what it really means and how regular Americans can stop criminal behavior at the top levels of government and in the media. Among the cases discussed:

     • The CIA’s top-secret program to control human behavior
     • Operation Northwoods—the military plan to hijack airplanes and blame it on Cuban terrorists
     • The discovery of a secret Afghan archive—information that never left the boardroom
     • Potentially deadly healthcare cover-ups, including a dengue fever outbreak
     • What the Department of Defense knows about our food supply—but is keeping mum

Although these documents are now in the public domain, the powers that be would just as soon they stay under wraps. Ventura’s research and commentary sheds new light on what they’re not telling you—and why it matters.

Our Take: Jesse Ventura is an interesting character.  He began as a wrestler, under the name of Jesse "The Body" Ventura and eventually graduated into becoming the governor of Minnesota and is now a conspiracy theory enthusiast with his own TV show.  I enjoy listening to the Gov. on Howard Stern and I heard him discussing this book awhile back, so I thought we'd check it out.  Its full of documents that expose what our government has been up to.  Why hasn't anyone else pointed these out yet?  Simple..no one really reads or cares anymore.  There is a lot brought to light, mostly highly disturbing, but not terribly shocking.  Its a fantastic read and extremely illuminating.  Definately worth checking-out.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Monday, July 11, 2011

Win a copy of Crazy 4 Cult: Cult Movie Art

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You can win a copy of this great new hardcover book!  Simply email us at booklegion.com @ gmail.com for your chance to win!

Crazy 4 Cult: Cult Movie Art Book Review

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Crazy 4 Cult: Cult Movie Art Book Review
About the Book: The annual Crazy 4 Cult art show in LA has quickly become a phenomenon, with thousands of visitors, a million hits on its website on opening day, and high profile buyers including Kevin Smith and Edgar Wright.

Why? Because the cream of the pop culture-influenced art scene - including Shepard Fairey, creator of the Obama 'Hope' poster - come together to celebrate cult movies with art that is surprising, beautiful and very, very cool.

This lavishly produced book presents the best of the first 4 years of the show, with art inspired by such movies as The Big Lebowski, Edward Scissorhands, Blade Runner, Donnie Darko, A Clockwork Orange, Pulp Fiction and many more.



Our Take: This new hardcover book features dozens of fantastic art pieces based on pop culture movies!  The book is full of low-brow artwork, some by artists I already knew and some that I was introduced to for the first time.   I would say I enjoyed at least 90% of the pieces in there.  Everything is covered from Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice to Bookdock Saints, Fight Club and Army of Darkness!  Everything cult from the well-known to the obscure.  This book is a must-have.


How to Buy: Amazon.com

Transformers Vault: The Complete Transformers Universe Book Review

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Transformers Vault: The Complete Transformers Universe Book Review


About the Book: For the first time ever, Transformers Vault reveals the complete story of the Transformers, everyone's favorite robots in disguise. Loaded with never-before-seen images, this book is a guide to the epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons, as it began with toys and television, and continued to comics, film, games, and other media. There's something here for all generations, from classic toys that have become sought-after collectibles to the amazing, high-tech visuals of the three live-action films.

Hasbro has opened its official archives, gathering more than 250 images and several featured pieces of memorabilia. Look inside for a sheet of Generation One tech specs with a secret revealer, a rare pencil sketch from comics artist Casey Coller, an unseen character profile for Hot Rod from the 1986 film, an animation cel, and much more. Exclusive photos of Japanese Transformer prototypes, archival development art, and brand-new information about the future of the Transformers make this the ultimate package for every fan.



Our Take: The Transformers Vault is a great new book from Abrams that chronicles the history of the robotic franchise.  This book starts from the birth of the toyline and cartoon all the way to the films and cartoons of today!  The book gives a ton of cool interactive inserts, such as actual toy catalogs from the 1980s, animation cels and cool pull-out posters!  There is a ton of detailed history about the Generation One Transformers to Beast Wars and Armada all the way to the new Transfomers: Prime cartoon on HUB.   I'm not a huge fan of the new films, but the book does cover them well, including some concept art from the new Dark of the Moon film.  This is an absolute must-have for Transformers fans serious and casual alike!


How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Art of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Book Review

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The Art of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Book Review
About the Book: The Fountain of Youth has been the object of desire for many adventurers since Ponce de Leon was rumored to have discovered it in the early sixteenth century. For Jack Sparrow, the fountain is equivalent to the ultimate freedom: eternal life. But regardless of whether or not Jack finds the Aqua de Vita, he has already been immortalized—in the hearts and minds of Pirates fans all over the world.

Those fans have been waiting with immense anticipation since the last scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End hinted that Jack was destined for future endeavors. And now, it is certain that they will not be disappointed. With the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Walt Disney Studios usher in a new era. A new director, Rob Marshall, is at the helm of the franchise, and he is sure to guide the film on a course to great bounty.

The Art of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides showcases all of the incredible visual development that went into the creation of the film. Concept art, digital renderings, costume sketches, prop schematics, and storyboards are the prized cargo aboard this ship of dreams, and they are accompanied by informative text written by the film’s unit publicist, Michael Singer. For any sailor who wishes to preserve a bit of Pirates lore forevermore, this book is tantamount to a sip from the cup of life.



Our Take: This fourth Pirates movie is a fantastic new beginning and this new Disney Editions art book is a great way to commemorate it!  You get all kinds of concept art pieces, character design work and a fantastic inside look at the making of this epic new fantasy film.


How to Buy: Amazon.com

Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee Book Review

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Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee Book Review


About the Book: One of the most successful and popular artists to work in comics, Jim Lee is revered by fans worldwide thanks to his hyper-dynamic artwork and innovative character and costume design.Now, his work on Batman and Superman — not to mention his legion of WildStorm heroes including WildC.A.T.s, Divine Right and Deathblow — is celebrated in this beautiful hardback, which includes an exclusive interview with Jim Lee, a tour of his studio and hundreds of full-colour illustrations and pencils spanning his entire career! Plus an all-new cover by Lee and an exclusive, all-new eight-page comic strip, written by Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes) with art by Lee!



Our Take: The Icon here isn't just the comic book characters featured in this book, but the artist that is showcased...the great Jim Lee.  Lee has created a style that has spanned decades, influenced thousands and most certainly created some of the most iconic and comfortable images of our favorite heroes!


This book showcases his dc comics batman and superman work along with Deathblow, Wildstorm and a few others.  The best parts, for me, are definately the Batman features, which open the book.  Everything from character design tests to cover sketches and development art for action figures and statues!  This is the ultimate book for any fan of Lee's work!


How to Buy: Amazon.com
 

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