Ace Your Zombie Exam!: The Official Ph.Z. Study Guide Book Review

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Ace Your Zombie Exam!: The Official Ph.Z. Study Guide Book Review

About the Book: Humans, Zombies—we're not that different. We're all hungry for a better life or post-life. That's why the living and living dead alike are turning more frequently to education in order to improve their standing (or slouching, as the case may be). No enrollment necessary—you need only this book and that high-performance noggin of yours.

Best of all, this guide offers not just any sample test, but the PhZ exam from the esteemed Port-Au-Prince Capon Academy. And at the end, humans can fill out and award an official PhZ diploma! (Zombies are currently only eligible for the SPLAT.)

Our Take: This newest book in the zombie humor genre appears at face value to be pretty good.  I started to read through it though and I got a little lost in the beginning.  The humor is hit and miss and the introduction seems to drag on forever.   Once you get to the actual quiz part..the real test, then it gets fun.  This one is a very light read and is a fun novelty gift for a friend or loved one that is into zombies (and who isn't these days?)

How to Buy: Amazon.com

1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die: The Ultimate Guide to Comic Books, Graphic Novels and Manga Book Review

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1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die: The Ultimate Guide to Comic Books, Graphic Novels and Manga Book Review

About the Book: Visually amazing, this critical history of comic books, manga, and graphic novels is a must-have for any comic buff or collector.  Over the centuries, comic books and their offshoots, such as graphic novels, manga, and bandes dessinées, have evolved into a phenomenally popular, influential, and unique art form with which we can express our opinions, our fantasies, our nightmares, and our dreams. In short: comics are emphatically no longer just for kids. This diverse, constantly evolving medium is truly coming into its own in the 21st century, from Hollywood's blockbuster adaptations of super-powered caped crusaders to the global spread of Japan's manga and its spinoffs, and from award-winning graphic novels such as Maus and Persepolis to new forms such as online webcomix. This volume is the perfect introduction to a dynamic and globally popular medium, embracing every graphic genre worldwide to assess the very best works of sequential art, graphic literature, comics, and comic strips, past and present.
 

An international survey, this engaging volume is organized according to the year of first publication in the country of origin. An opening section acknowledges pioneering pre-1900 masterpieces, followed by sections divided by decade, creating a fascinating year-by-year chronicle of the graphic medium worldwide. The material includes the very earliest one-off albums to the latest in online comics and features some series and characters that have run for decades.

Packed with fantastic reproductions of classic front covers and groundbreaking panels, this book is visually stunning as well as a trove of information--perfect for the passionate collector and casual fan alike.

Our Take: We're HUGE nerds here at the Legion.  That being said, when we see a book that touts 1001 comics you should read before you die...well, we had to check it out!  This hardcover book is short, fat and THICK!  Its over 950 pages of listings and explanations for each of the 1001 selections.  We agree fully with some and not so much with others.  A few we agree with..Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, The Goon, Hellboy, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the various Batman selections and the Walking Dead.  These are all great and valid selections...as are many others, but there is a distinct lack of Grendel in this book.  I take great umbridge with this fact and say that you absolutely MUST read Grendel if you consider yourself a fan of the comic book genre.  The scope is epic!  Otherwise, a great book and a fun way to get into some comics you may not be familiar with.  I was introduced to quite a few manga and more obscure books I wasn't familiar with.  Oh, and super geeks will love the forward by Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Star Wars: The Clone Wars- Incredible Vehicles Book Review

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars- Incredible Vehicles Book Review

About the Book: First we gave you a series of Cross-Sections books to show you the dynamics of the iconic vehicles from the classic Star Wars® films. Now with the introduction of the Clone Wars™ fleet, DK is bringing our fantastic Cross-Sections format—updated with new computer-generated artwork—to this brand new fleet of craft as featured in the hit CG animated TV show Star Wars®: The Clone Wars™.

Star Wars® The Clone Wars™: Incredible Vehicles features astonishing detail of the spacecraft, aircraft, and landcraft developed by the engineers on both the Republic and Separatist sides. Peel away the outer panels to reveal the inner components, the weapons systems, and the construction secrets of this wider world of vehicles.

Featuring never-before-seen images and spreads on every Clone Wars™ vehicle as well as detailed artwork of ten intricate annotated cross-sections by technical artist Richard Chasemore, Star Wars® The Clone Wars™: Incredible Vehicles shows Clone Wars™ vehicles in a whole new light!

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Our Take: We love Star Wars here at the Legion.  The Clone Wars cartoon has managed to rejuvinate the franchise for a new generation, including my own kids.  We enjoy watching the show on Cartoon Network and any books that come out involving the show we dive right into.  This one is an unprecidented look into the vehicles of the Clone Wars!  The detailed specs and looks inside the various ships and crafts are fantastic.

These books are bound to appeal to anyone from kids ages 8 and up to adult fans and collectors.  This hardcover book, produced by DK, is an absolute gem and would make a fantastic Xmas gift!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: The Visual Guide Book Review

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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: The Visual Guide Book Review

About the Book: Captain Jack Sparrow is back, in On Stranger Tides, the fourth installment in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean series! This insider's guide takes readers on an unforgettable tour of the swashbuckling world of this all-new movie, with in-depth looks at characters, locations, adventures, and more.

Our Take: We're big Disney fans here at the Legion.  With the recent blu-ray release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on blu-ray we figured now is a great time to feature this hardcover guide from the fine folks at DK.  The book delves into characters, scenes and plot points in a great and well organized fashion.  The layout is very fun and full of imagery from the film, various maps and historical looking items.  This one is fun for kids and for adult fans looking to relive parts of the newest Pirates film.  The book does include a nice forward by the director, which is a great touch.  This one is a complete win!  Go out and buy the blu-ray and this cool book as a companion piece.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Lego Star Wars Ultimate Sticker Collection Book Review

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Lego Star Wars Ultimate Sticker Collection Book Review

About the Book: Two of the World's most popular properties come together in DK's Ultimate Sticker Collection format it s a combination so powerful, it's MINDBLOWING!

For the first time, the bestselling excitement of LEGO ® Star Wars ® is available in a fantastic Ultimate Sticker Collection!

With more than 1,000 reusable stickers and dynamic artwork, readers can re-create their favorite Star Wars moments with a sticky LEGO twist! Or they can create their own interstellar adventures.

When LEGO, Star Wars, and DK team up, the result is a Force to be reckoned with!

Our Take: The Lego Star Wars train keeps on truckin' with this kick butt new sticker book from DK.  When they say this is the ultimate sticker book..they're not kiddin'!  There is literally over 1000 stickers in this great book!  It covers tons of characters from jedi and sith to droids and rebels.  This one should be on everyone's Xmas list!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope Book Review

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Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope Book Review

About the Book: A photographic look at the world's most exciting pop-culture event.

One of the entertainment industry's most exhilarating, eccentric, and influential events of the year, San Diego Comic-Con International celebrates the weird, wacky, and wonderful world of TV, movies, graphic novels, and…let's not forget, comics.

Oscar-nominated director—and fanboy himself—Morgan Spurlock captures the magic and madness of Comic-Con in a new documentary. This companion book is a photographic celebration of the convention's heart and soul: the fans who attend in costume, in droves, with their kids, with their parents…and with love, awe, and admiration in their hearts.

Comic-Con: An All-Access Look at the World's Largest Pop-Culture Event brings the magic, the masquerade, and the mayhem to you—no ticket required.

Morgan Spurlock was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary for his debut film, Super Size Me. He followed up with the well-received Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden, and produced three seasons of the acclaimed TV series 30 Days. Spurlock conceived, wrote, and directed The Simpsons's 20th Anniversary Special in 3-D! On Ice and contributed to the feature-length adaptation of the New York Times Bestseller Freakonomics. His most recent project, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, hit theaters in 2011.

Alba Tull is an accomplished photographer who has worked with artists and musicians including The Edge (of U2), Jimmy Page, Guillermo del Toro, Bryan Singer, and others. Mrs. Tull's work has been published and exhibited around the world. She served as the photographer and associate producer of Davis Guggenheim's It Might Get Loud, and she is currently working on a special project for the American Film Institute (AFI).

Our Take: We love comic-con here at the Legion.  Yeah..we're HUGE nerds!   We love it all..the comics..the toys..the celebs and of course..the costumes!  This new hardcover book is a wonderful collection of photos and interviews from comic-con, mostly of the various amazing costumes that people wear to the annual event.   This is a wonderful coffee table book for nerds of all ages! 

Hundreds of stunning photos capture the whimsy and wonder, and are accompanied by interviews with the many celebrities who attend, as much to promote their projects as to be part of the fandom:

• Kevin Smith
• Seth Green
• Todd McFarlane
• Bill Plympton
• Guillermo del Toro
• Ellen Page
• Bryan Singer
• Eli Roth
• Kenneth Branagh
• Seth Rogen
• Matt Groening
• Ron Perlman
• Nathan Fillion
• Olivia Wilde
• Gerard Way
• Frank Miller
• Tara McPherson
• and many more

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Latin America Coloring & Sticker Books Review

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Latin America Coloring & Sticker Books Review

 Our Take: Today we're taking a look at this great coloring book from Putumayo Kids!  The simple pages and fantastic animal drawings were great to let the kids go to town on!  Its nice to find something with a little culture and diversity to give them..it really helps to break up the Sponge Bob!

Official website: www.putumayokids.com
Our new World Culture products: http://ecard.putumayo.com/new_products/
Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/putukids
Our Twitter page: www.twitter.com/putumayokids 

Superman Classic: Parasite City Book Review

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Superman Classic: Parasite City Book Review
About the Book: When the Parasite saps Superman’s powers, the weakened Man of Steel must defeat a new foe that uses the hero’s amazing abilities against him. Can Superman save the day before the Parasite attaches himself to Metropolis and drains the city dry?

Our Take: This book is the latest in a series of the 'Superman Classic' brand.  The artwork is all done on the computer, which definately gives it a clean and modern feel.  This story revolves around Superman facing off with legendary DC Comics villain Parasite.  After realizing he's outmatched Supes goes after a STAR Labs suit that keeps his energy from the Parasite and they engage in a great battle.  This is a fun read for kids and a great piece for any collector.


How to Buy: Amazon.com

20 Years Of Heavy Metal Hardcover Book Review

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20 Years Of Heavy Metal Hardcover Book Review

About the Book: Limited Edition Hardcover features over 50 different artists. 264 pp.

Our Take: We're huge fan of Heavy Metal Magazine here at the Legion.  I remember when I first saw it as a kid..it changed my perception of erotica forever.  This hardcover book chronicles the past 20 years of the magazine with a great selection of artwork and even some of the comic stories that laid within.  We get amazing artwork from talents like Dave Dorman, Kevin Eastman and Simon Bisley plus dozens of others.  There is a great forward by Eastman, the man himself.   This one is a must for any Heavy Metal fan.

How to Buy: Heavy Metal

The Clockwork Girl Hardcover Book Review

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The Clockwork Girl Hardcover Book Review

About the Book: Having sold more than 300,000 copies in a series of five comic books, The Clockwork Girl is now a luscious graphic novel. It’s a tale unlike any other, a journey into a faraway land where the Clockwork Girl lives—a ticking robot girl with mechanical limbs and a voice of her own. 

Against all odds, she finds companionship in Huxley, the amazing mutant circus boy who risks his life to be with her. Together they tackle questions like what man can feel that a machine or mutant can’t, what loneliness is, and what love is. 

But can a robot girl feel true love? Will this futuristic Romeo and Juliet survive the threats of their warring families?

Our Take: A picked-up a preview ashcan of Clockwork Girl when the comic was released.  I was immediately struck by the fantastic and innovative artwork.  I was next impressed by the charming story.  This hardcover book is a great way to collect this comic series!  There is an animated film coming out soon, so now is a great time to refresh yourself on this romantic and quirkly tale.  A must for any comic book fan.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Batman: The Unauthorized Collector's Guide Book Review

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Batman: The Unauthorized Collector's Guide

About the Book: With over 6000 items listed, this is the most comprehensive guide to Batman collectibles ever assembled between two covers. Nearly 300 color photographs accompany the informative articles and detailed price guide listings. Highlights include a Comics section which lists every comic book in which Batman has appeared from his debut in 1939 through to the end of 1997, plus a Figures section which lists all of the various Batman action figures. Covering everything from Artwork to Videos, and price ranges from 15 to $150,000, this book is a must for any Batfan or student of popular culture.

Our Take: We're HUGE Batman fans here at Book Legion.   In fact, we run Legions of Gotham, the largest Batman collector's site on the net!  Today we're reviewing the Unauthorized Batman Collector's Guide by Schiffer Books.  I've seen this book in antique malls for over a decade and I've flipped through it countless times.  I love these guide books..they certainly don't cover it all, but its a great grouping of product and imagery all in one place.  Before sites like Legions of Gotham...its all us collector's had!

This one is particularly focused on comic books.  I swear, half of it is comic book cover pics and guides.  This was published in 1998k, so it only goes through The Adventures of Batman and Robin for animation and Batman & Robin for film merchandise.  This is old school, which a lot of collector's prefer anyway. 

This guide starts out great..the first half with a ton of great pictures..then it degenerates to a haphazard listing of product.  I go there looking for a checklist, but instead get a line by line listing, which honestly becomes too jumbled when you look at it.  Its hard to get any good information out of it.   If you can search through it you can certainly learn a few things, but I really wish they'd taken more care on this section.

Overall, its a good, solid buy and is honestly one of the only Batman collector guides on the market!  Why, I don't know! 

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Heavy Metal F.A.K.K.2. Authorized Movie Adaptation Book Review

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Heavy Metal F.A.K.K.2. Authorized Movie Adaptation Book Review

About the Book: F.A.K.K. is an acronym for "Federation Assigned Ketogenic Killzone." It is a universal warning of extreme biohazard to all carbon-based lifeforms. F.A.K.K 2 indicates a hazard exponentially more dangerous. F.A.K.K 2 is also the name of a world so sublime-with a secret so great-that only the most terrifying classification could keep away potential despoilers. F.A.K.K. 2 is also the name taken by Julie, a young woman who seeks vengeance for the death of loved ones and the return of a kidnapped sister. Julie is a steely-eyed avenger who will not rest until justice prevails.

Our Take: This is the authorized novel based on the Heavy Metal 2 movie: F.A.A.K. 2.   Its over 250 pages that feature the story of the film.  In the middle of the book is some black and white artwork based on the film, mostly by the great Simon Bisley and a few pictures of the model for the character, the beautiful Julie Strain. 

I was amazed to see this still available on Amazon.com and the Heavy Metal website.  This one is rather rare, because it was produced by the short-lived publisher i Books.  This company ended quickly and in tragedy as the CEO perished in a car accident years ago.  The subsequent books, such as Ghostbusters: The Return, are hard to find.  This is a great read for anyone into Heavy Metal and a fun collectible to add to your library.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Bakelite in the Kitchen Book Review

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Bakelite in the Kitchen Book Review

About the Book: Popular in the 1930s and 1940s, Bakelite has again become a material of choice for many collectors, and this is the informative guide that Bakelite enthusiasts have been waiting for! Barbara E. Mauzy provides a definitive look at Bakelite with almost 600 full-color photographs of thousands of pieces, including their descriptions and values. More than 40 categories of kitchenware are presented in this appealing volume that covers gadgets, flatware, napkin rings, children's utensils, and even some non-kitchen examples too colorful and fun to miss. This is the one, indispensable source of information on dating, manufacturers, and designs that is an absolute must for the dealer, the collector, even the non-collector. This bigger, better second edition includes a fascinating new chapter on Bakelite restoration that will make your pieces look brand new!

Our Take: What is bakelite?  Many don't know.  We collect bakelite was one of the first widely-used plastics.  Vintage bakelite pieces are highly collectible.  This fantastic book narrows down the market to kitchenware.  The market is still very hot and its difficult to find much online about these pieces and what is out there.  This really helps you to identify and kind of take a mental picture of what types of pieces to look out for at estate and garage sales!

One of the great things about this book is that it teaches you how to re-polish and restore your bakelite pieces from start to finish!  Thats so immensely helpful.  It also has a ton of history on the plastic and is rather comprehensive with a ton of full color images.  The price guide seems to hold up to today's market.  I appreciated that they showcased some of the rarer items out there, as well.    A fantastic guide.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Encyclopedia of Fast Food Toys: Jack in the Box to White Castle Book Review

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The Encyclopedia of Fast Food Toys: Jack in the Box to White Castle Book Review

About the Book: Welcome to the exciting world of fast food collectibles! This comprehensive book presents a thorough and entertaining guide to the multitude of kid's meal premiums distributed by fourteen quick service restaurants (other than McDonald's) from January 1990 through late 1998. This colorful assortment of restaurants includes Jack in the Box, KFC, K-Mart, Long John Silver's, Pizza Hut, Roy Rogers, Sonic, Subway, Taco Bell, Target, Wal-Mart, Wendy's, Whataburger, and White Castle. Starting with the beginning of the fast food toy explosion, this definitive volume identifies, describes, and lists prices for over 570 kid's meal promotions from the 1990s. More than 550 full color photos document this awesome array of premiums dating from this decade alone. Many of the toys depict colorful characters from such popular companies as Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Hanna Barbera, Inc., Viacom International, Hasbro, Inc., Twentieth Century Fox Universal City Studios, Inc., DC Comics, Mars, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, and more. The informative text includes a brief history of each corporation and their cast of characters, plus check-off boxes to help you organize your expansive collection. Additionally, the authors have provided a numbering system that identifies every item in the book.

Our Take: We have partnered with Schiffer books to begin reviewing their various collector's guides and reference books.  We are lifelong collectors, my wife and I, and amongst the largest of our collections (and the funnest) is fast food toys.  We collect all types from Disney to Batman and onward.  This book is part two of a two-part review.  The Encyclopedia of Fast Food Toys: Jack In The Box to White Castle.  The book begins with the year 1990 and goes through 1998

This guide is more of the same from the first edition.  It finishes the alphabetical listing of various fast food toy collectibles.  To have a reference guide like this of what is out there to bring along with you in the field is priceless.  There SO many sets out there that no one can remember them all.  Plus, this may reveal to you 3 and under toys and help you to identify exactly what you're searching for to complete your collection with full color images and a helpful checklist.  These two books are  a MUST have for any serious collector.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Encyclopedia of Fast Food Toys: Arby's to Ihop Book Review

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The Encyclopedia of Fast Food Toys: Arby's to Ihop Book Review

About the Book: Welcome to the exciting world of fast food collectibles from the nineties! This comprehensive book presents a thorough and entertaining guide to the multitude of kid's meal premiums distributed by ten quick service restaurants (other than McDonald's) from January 1990 through late 1998. This colorful assortment of restaurants includes Arby's, Big Boy, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Chick-fil-A, Church's Chicken, Dairy Queen International, Denny's, Hardee's, and IHOP. Starting with the beginning of the fast food toy explosion, this definitive volume identifies, describes, and lists prices for over 530 kid's meal promotions from the 1990s. More than 500 full color photos document the awesome array of premiums dating from this decade alone. Many of the toys depict colorful characters from such popular companies as Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Hanna Barbera, Inc., Viacom International, Hasbro, Inc., Twentieth Century Fox, Universal City Studios, Inc., DC Comics, Mars, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, and more. The informative text includes a brief history of each corporation and their cast of characters, plus check-off boxes to help you organize your expansive collection. Additionally, the authors have provided a numbering system that identifies every item in the book.

Our Take: We have partnered with Schiffer books to begin reviewing their various collector's guides and reference books.  We are lifelong collectors, my wife and I, and amongst the largest of our collections (and the funnest) is fast food toys.  We collect all types from Disney to Batman and onward.  This book is part one of a two-part review.  The Encyclopedia of Fast Food Toys: Arby's to IHOP.  The book begins with the year 1990 and goes through 1998. 

This one is an older release.  If you haunt antique malls, like we do, then you'll have seen these there in the book area.  This is an amazing reference guide.  The eras covered were during a large boom in character-based fast food premiums, so having a nice guide like this is essential to knowing all that is out there.  We learned quite a few things, since some of the restaurants weren't in our region.  The guide gives you full color pictures when available and a great checklist format.  This one is slim and sturdy, so it can be carried with you on the go, as well.  A must have!

How to Buy: Amazon.com