Sears Roebuck & Co. The Best of 1905-1910 Collectibles Book Review

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Sears Roebuck & Co. The Best of 1905-1910 Collectibles Book Review

About the Book: Take a hundred-year excursion into the past when all your wishes and whims could be found within the pages of a Sears, Roebuck, & Co. catalogue. Whether you lived in Manhattan, New York, or Manhattan, Kansas, a new camera, a grand piano, and even the latest medical supplies were only a mail order away with your Sears catalogue. Florida Water, Liquid Skin, hammer-less revolvers, bankers’ shears, travelling bags, bridging telephones, and the Acme Triumph Six-Hole Steel Range (which was the “The Wonder of the Stove World” according to the ad copy) could all be had for reasonable prices.

In this compilation of the best collectibles from the 1905 through 1910 Sears catalogs, readers will find everything the early-twentieth-century American needed to outfit home, office, medicine chest, or craft workshop. A useful resource for artists, antiques dealers, and history buffs, this title is certain to make any reader feel nostalgic for simpler times. From the department introductions and the descriptions of Sears’s warehouses and factories to the hundreds of merchandise-filled pages, readers will find treasures on every page of Sears, Roebuck, & Co.: Best Collectibles from the 1905–1910 Catalogues. 15,000 black-and-white illustrations

Our Take: The Sears Catalogue reprints are some of our favorite books of all time.  I'm not exaggurating in the slightest!  We use these as art references and also a great look back in time.  This catalogue is a collection of various collectible samplings from five years of the catalogues from the early 20th century.  This book features everything from pocketwatches to knives and medicines (primarily various snake oils).   We cannot recommend these books enough!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT & ABC STUDIOS ANNOUNCE “CASTLE” HARDCOVER GRAPHIC NOVEL

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MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT & ABC STUDIOS ANNOUNCE “CASTLE” HARDCOVER GRAPHIC NOVEL
 
All New Original Graphic Novel Brings Star Studded Talent To World of ABC Primetime Hit Series
 
Marvel Entertainment and ABC Studios are proud to announce Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm, an all-new hardcover graphic novel inspired by the popular “Castle” television series.  This 112 page hardcover hits comic shops and bookstores everywhere on September 28th, 2011.  Fans can get a first look at the upcoming graphic novel, when Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) reveals the cover on “Knockout,” the Season Finale of “Castle,” MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
 
When viewers first met Richard Castle, he had reached celebrity author status with the success of his Derrick Storm mystery novels.  In an unprecedented collaborative effort between Marvel, ABC Studios and the producers of “Castle,” the adventures of Derrick Storm will be chronicled in an all new graphic novel from some of the most accomplished creators in the industry.  “I am honored and humbled to see Derrick Storm join the ranks of some of the greatest heroes of all-time,” said Richard Castle.  “Being a part of the Marvel family is a childhood fantasy come true for me.” 
 
Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm brings together a star studded cast of the best creators in the industry, including co-writers Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man) and Kelly Sue DeConnick (Captain America And The Secret Avengers); interior artist Lan Medina (Fables); and cover artist Carlo Pagulayan (Planet Hulk).
 
“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with marvel to bring Richard Castle’s early literary works to life,” said Andrew W. Marlowe, “Castle” creator/executive producer.  “It’s a great way to expand the Castle universe for all our fans.” 
 
The release of Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm marks the first adaptation, in any medium, of the Derrick Storm novels by New York Times best-selling author Richard Castle.
 
“It’s exciting to bring the Derrick Storm novels to life for the first time ever” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Entertainment Editor in Chief. “Whether you’re new to the world of ‘Castle’ or a long time fan, there’s something for everyone in Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm—and it’s the kind of book that reaffirms Marvel’s commitment to creating new fans of comic books.”
 
CASTLE: RICHARD CASTLE’S DEADLY STORM
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & KELLY SUE DECONNICK
Art by LAN MEDINA
Cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN
Rated T+…$19.99
ON SALE SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7851-5327-6
 
“Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.
 
“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show’s creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, Laurie Zaks and Armyan Bernstein.
 
ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com
 
ABOUT ABC STUDIOS
ABC Studios, part of ABC Entertainment Group develops and produces compelling programming for both broadcast network and cable television as well as digital platforms.  ABC Studios has delivered some of the most successful, talked-about and evolutionary series on television such as Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Criminal Minds, Army Wives and Brothers & Sisters.

Star Trek: The Art of the Film Book Review

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Star Trek: The Art of the Film Book Review

About the Book: Director J.J. Abrams’ new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, Star Trek features a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before, as it tells the story of how the brash Starfleet cadet James T. Kirk first meets a Vulcan named Spock, and earns the Captain’s chair of the Starship Enterprise. The film quickly became a critical and commercial smash hit worldwide, as audiences — confirmed Trekkers and newcomers alike — thrilled to a state-of-the-art action epic which both respected the legacy of Gene Roddenberry’s archetypal modern myth and forged ahead into an exciting future of its own.

Star Trek: The Art of the Film is a lavishly illustrated celebration of that new vision, tracing the evolution of the movie’s look through a stunning array of previously unseen pre-production paintings, concept sketches, costume and set designs, unit photography and final frames.

Written by New York Times-bestselling author Mark Cotta Vaz in close co-operation with the film’s production team, and including a Foreword by J.J. Abrams, this is the essential companion to the film.

Our Take: Star Trek fans rejoice!  Trekkies have gone crazy and Trekkers will be more than pleased (yes, there is a difference!).  The new Star Trek film by J.J. Abrams was outstanding!  I mean just phenominal!  The sequel is due out next year, so we're still staying in the mood by checking out the Star Trek: The Art of the Film Hardcover book from Titan books.  Titan consistantly puts out some of the best comic and film tribute books, and this one is no exception!

This handsome hardcover book, complete with glossy dust jacket that has a great shot of the Enterprise hitting warp speed, is absolutely full of great backrounds, behind the scenes images and tons of character design work.  Everything from alien designs to various costumes used for the film.  The majority of pics are full-color and dynamic and sure to please any Trek fan!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Fluorescent Black Limited Edition Hard Cover Book Review

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Fluorescent Black Limited Edition Hard Cover Book Review

About the Book:

Limited Edition Hardcover (only 500 copies printed!)
196 full-color pages
12 3/4" x 9 1/2"

A few copies are still available!!! 

A visceral ride through a bio-punk future where life is cheap and death is the only way out.

Welcome to 2085, the year of the rabbit. 

Fluorescent Black takes the reader into the hard-hitting dark future of South East Asia where gene-tech has divided humankind into two races: the rich, healthy Superiors and the sick, crazy Inferiors. These two races live in neighboring cities separated by a heavily fortified border.

A superior named Nina is the test model for cutting edge genetic designs. She is a paragon of physical and mental health: her brain and body represent billions of dollars worth of corporate research and development. During a bio-terrorist attack, Nina is kidnapped by a street gang and taken across the border into a ghetto full of man-made splice animals, psychopathic hookers, drug addled freaks, deadly insects, poisonous ecosystems, and abandoned tenements.

When the corporations tighten their dragnet, the gang quickly discovers that this is no ordinary captive... but she may be the key to solving all of their problems.

Our Take: We're always looking for good comics here at the Legion, after all we're HUGE comic book nerds..er..fans!  Heavy Metal has always been synonymous with phenominal erotic and hardcore themed titles.  Fluorescent Black is without a doubt one of the funnest and most original books I've read in some time!  The artwork is this great blend of sketchy grit and clean animation that gives it a life of its own.  The story is great, a dystopian view of the future where DNA is the hot topic. 

This limited edition hardcover version of the comic (there is also a paperback available if this one sells out too soon) was printed in an edition of only 500 and includes a glossary of terms in the back to help you with the story and a fuckin' great pin-up gallery including huge talents like Tim Bradstreet!  This one is a no brainer, if you love indie comics then you'll love this one!

How to Buy: The Official Heavy Metal Store

The Addams Family: An Evilution Book Review

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The Addams Family: An Evilution Book Review

About the Book: The ‘evilution’ of Charles Addams's singularly eccentric family began long before the television and film interpretations made them icons of American popular culture. Addams first created Morticia, Lurch, and The Thing in a cartoon published in a 1938 issue of the New Yorker—though he hadn't named them at the time, or even conceived of a family unit. (When he did name the deadly matriarch, he was inspired by the Yellow Pages listing for ‘Morticians.’) Other characters were born and developed in a multitude of Addams's cartoons over the next twenty-six years, before the cheerfully creepy clan debuted on ABC television in 1964 and later on the big screen, twice, in 1991 and 1993.

The Addams Family: An Evilution is the first book to trace The Addams Family history, presenting more than 200 cartoons created by Charles Addams (American, 1912-1988) throughout his prolific career; many have never been published before. Text by H. Kevin Miserocchi, director of the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation, offers a revealing chronology of each character's evolution (for instance, did you know that Addams originally named Pugsley ‘Pubert’?), while Addams's own incisive character descriptions, originally penned for the benefit of the television show producers, introduce each chapter. As the presence of the Family continues to permeate generation after generation, and in celebration of the Broadway musical debuting in 2010, this book reminds us where these oddly lovable characters came from and, in doing so, offers a lasting tribute to one of America's greatest humorists. A phenomenon of rare proportion, The Addams Family is the manifestation of one artist's dark but irresistible wit, expressed with an uncommonly deft hand. 

224 pages with more than 200 cartoons (approximately 50 are published here for the first time), many in color. Ten chapters explore each Addams Family character, as well as their mansion (a “House To Die For”). Size: 8 x 10 inches. Smyth-sewn casebound book with jacket.

Our Take: The Addams Family are one of the best known and most well loved morbid families.  Everything from the 60s show to the famous 90s movies and cartoons in-between!  They've been action figures, trading cards and candy, but rarely have they been books.  At least not like this!  Lets face it, the Addams Family kicks ass and this new Evilution book is a Addams-fans' dream!  It includes over 200 cartoons from throughout the history of the strip, originally published in the New Yorker back in 1938!  There are even never before published cartoons included!  This hardcover book is a great addition to any fan's library!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Art of Neal Adams Book Review

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The Art of Neal Adams Book Review

About the Book: From his Ben Casey newspaper strips to Creepy magazine work to groundbreaking comic books, Adams' work serves as an inspiration for every illustrator who works in the field to this day. His topflight 60s and '70s Marvel and DC work are perennial sellers in infinite repackaging. Coinciding with the launch of his Continuity Studio, Adams expanded into cutting-edge advertising work, amusement park ride design, magazine illustration, animation, and paperback book covers. Included in this collection are classic and rare works spanning the artist's noted career and a unique selection of Neal's seldom-seen paintings. Fully annotated by the artist.

Our Take: Neal Adams is one of the most prolific and talented comic book artists of the past quarter century.  His work in fantasy, horror and savage art is world-renowned, but my favorite examples of his work come from the iconic world of Dc Comics' Batman!   Not only was he responsible for a good portion of the merchandise designs from the Batman Forever movie, but he co-created Ra's Al Ghul with Dennis O'Neil!  His talents gave the iconic villain a face.  This new art book features a TON of artwork from all facets of Adams' work, including the Bat.  A lot of pencil work and sketches, along with full-color artwork.  This one is a must for any huge nerd, such as myself!

How to Buy: The Official Vanguard Productions website

The Art of Disney Tangled Book Review

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The Art of Disney Tangled Book Review

About the Book: A lighthearted twist on Rapunzel, the beloved fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, Tangled brims with thrilling adventure, a distinctive cast of characters, a daring heroine, and, of course, seventy feet of golden hair. Featuring the stunning concept art behind the newest Disney masterpiece, The Art of Tangled also includes a preface by John Lasseter, a foreword by Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, and interviews with the artists, animators, and production team—including Art Director David Goetz—that shed light on the history and artistry of this landmark film.

Our Take: Disney has taken a step back towards classic hand-drawn 2D animation and we couldn't be happier about it!  Tangled turns out to be the best 2D Disney feature we've seen since the Little Mermaid.  Its charming and delicate on one side and absolutely hilarious and fun on the other.  The film is so well-rounded that my all-boy 8 year old boy absolutely enjoyed it.  This one is great for the little princess AND prince in your life!  Mom and Dad enjoyed themselves too!  This one is for the whole family.

This fantastic hardcover book features a full-color dust-jacketed cover with artwork from the film.  The artwork by Glen and Claire Keane features a lot of great character design and development.  The work by David Goetz also stands out amongst the frey.  The book offers everything from storyboards and character development to backrounds and production paintings.  Its an amazing look behind the scenes of a Disney animated feature!  The forward by the great John Lasseter is a great draw too.  We highly recommend this one!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Ballad of Rango: The Art & Making of an Outlaw Film Book Review

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The Ballad of Rango: The Art & Making of an Outlaw Film Book Review

About the Book: Unlike any animated feature you’ve seen before, Rango is an utterly unique story from acclaimed director Gore Verbinski, and features the voice of Johnny Depp and other regulars from Verbinski’s Pirates of the Caribbean films. Blending off-beat humor with a Gonzo visual style and the enduring heroic archetypes of the Western, this highly entertaining adventure marks the debut for Verbinski’s production studio, BlindWink, and is the first animated feature from Industrial Light & Magic.

An actor by nature, Rango has developed a habit of trying on different guises while in his lonely cage—his head filled with dreams of being a swashbuckler, a musician, a knight, and many other leading man types. When this hapless reptile wanders into the town of Dirt, he can’t help but play to his audience, assuming the role of the Western hero. Boasting of his gun-slinging prowess to the locals, he inevitably stirs up a hornet’s nest. Soon he finds himself at the center of action, wearing the sheriff’s star and forced to take on the fearsome gunman Rattlesnake Jake.

Rango, like its lead character, is a film that set out one day to find itself and did, to great effect. Illustrated with some of the most vivid and visually creative concept art produced for any animation to date, The Ballad of Rango tells its story like it is.

Our Take: This beautiful hardcover book has a high-quality dust jacket.  The book entails how director Gore Verbinski took time after his hit Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy to make an animated feature..and thus Rango was born!  Rango has become the little feature that could.  In a market when films are having trouble making money it has consistantly made good profits week after week and after home video sales its sure to make a decent profit.

The book features a lot of great character and production art that shows some evolution to the character designs. We also get backrounds and painted production artwork.  The general story of the film is detailed in the book, along with a lot of behind the scenes peeks into what went into making this delightful animated feature.   A must for any fan of the film..or just of animation in general.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Stink of Love: Pepe Le Pew's Guide to L'Amour Book Review

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The Stink of Love: Pepe Le Pew's Guide to L'Amour Book Review

About the Book: Learn from the master of l’amour! In The Stink of Love, Monsieur Pepé Le Pew tells readers how to charm a belle femme with helpful chapters on Grooming, The Chase, and Couplehood. Let Pepé tells how to put one's best paw forward on the path to love, how to anticipate a potential mate’s needs and desires, how to woo and romance, and — most importantly — how to hold on to her! As Pepé says, “there is very little difference between men and women, but vivre le difference!" Mais oui, love is a many splendored thing! As the world turns to shades of pink and red, cynics can warm their hearts and laugh out loud to Pepé’s cheerful self-delusion. Deems-Mogyordy’s writing is pitch-perfect Pepé Le Pew, completely in character. As Pepé might say, “Cherchez la femme!”

Our Take: This fun little novely book is a release from Insight Editions.  The hardcover book features an image on each page, mostly from past WB animated features, and little love quotes and tips from Pepe Le Pew!  This is a great present to give to your sweetheart to show him/her you're thinking of them. 

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons Book Review

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The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons Book Review

About the Book: In a world of rascally rabbits, megalomaniacal ducks, and stuttering pigs, what defines greatness? This question was posed to thousands of cartoon fans, historians, and animators to create The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons, the definitive Looney Tunes collection. Evaluated on their comedic brilliance, innovative animation, historical significance, and creative merit, cartoon historian Jerry Beck and the Cartoon Brew team of animation experts reveal the amusing anecdotes and secret origins behind such classics as “What’s Opera, Doc?,” “One Froggy Evening,” and “Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century.” Featuring more than 300 pieces of original art from private collectors and the Warner Bros. archives, The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons settles the debate on the best of the best, and poses a new question: Is your favorite one of the greatest?

Our Take: We love animation here at the Legion.  If you enjoy animation at all you have to concede that some of the best animated shorts of the 20th century came from the Warner Brothers studio and the Looney Tunes franchise.  This new book, The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons, chronicles some of the greatest.

This hardcover book features over 200 pages with a nice title logo for each episode, along with full-color pictures, synopsis of the story and commentary of memories from someone in the industry.  We also get a list of the crew for reference.  This book is fantastic for anyone that enjoys archiving animation history.  Although I take umbridge with a few of the selections, its still a great book.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Superuseless Superpowers Book Review

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Superuseless Superpowers Book Review

About the Book: In this age of economic downturn and global strife, when all that seemed powerful in the past has balked in the face of challenge, what we really need are heroes possessing powers so FATHOMABLE, so UNEXCEPTIONAL, so MERELY ADEQUATE, that they could only be deemed "SUPERUSELESS."

Behold! The world's WORST and MOST POINTLESS superpowers have come:

IN-FLIGHT FLIGHT: The ability to fly, but only while inside an airplane that's already flying.
13TH BULLET BULLETPROOF: The ability to deflect the 13th bullet that hits you.
THE POWERPOINTER: The ability to turn any situation into a graph.
FLAWGIC: The ability to have flawless logic when arguing with your girlfriend.

Our Take: This fun new oddly-sized paperback is quite a treat.  We're HUGE superhero and comic book fans here at the Legion, so we found this parody to be quite enjoyable.  It features a bunch of useless superpowers.  I particularly enjoyed the Were-Woof..a guy that turns into a cuddly little dog during a full moon.  The book is great, the only critique we have is the artwork.  Its done in this "I don't care that I suck" attitude and its really off-putting.  If they'd tried just a *little* bit it would've made the book an even better quality.  Even so, its a funny read.  Great to have on your desk or to keep around and flip through. 

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Papertoy Monsters: Make Your Very Own Amazing Papertoys! Book Review

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Papertoy Monsters: Make Your Very Own Amazing Papertoys! Book Review

About the Book: A breakthrough paper-folding book for kids—paper airplanes meet Origami meets Pokemon. Papertoys, the Internet phenomenon that’s hot among graphic designers and illustrators around the world, now comes to kids in the coolest new book. Created and curated by Brian Castleforte, a graphic designer and papertoy pioneer who rounded up 25 of the hottest papertoy designers from around the world (Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Italy, Croatia, Chile, even Jackson, Tennessee), Papertoy Monsters offers 50 fiendishly original die-cut designs that are ready to pop out, fold, and glue. The book interleaves card stock with paper stock for a unique craft package; the graphics are colorful and hip, combining the edginess of anime with the goofy fun of Uglydolls and other collectibles. Plus each character comes with its own back-story.

And the results are delicious: meet Pharaoh Thoth Amon, who once ruled Egypt but is now a mummy who practices dark magic in his sarcophagus. Or Zumbie the Zombie, who loves nothing more than a nice plate of brains and yams. NotSoScary, a little monster so useless at frightening people that he has to wear a scary mask. Yucky Chuck, the lunchbox creature born in the deepest depths of your school bag. Plus Zeke, the monster under your bed, Nom Nom, eater of cities, and Grumpy Gramps, the hairy grandpa monster with his very own moustache collection.

Our Take: Papertoy art is a growing fad in the DIY and design worlds.  This new book, Papertoy Monsters, gives the reader up to 50 monsters that can be built from the pages within.  The full-color, ready to cut-out pages feature great graphics and design from various artists around the world!  

The designs are great and the price is right on this book.  The only thing to keep in mind is that papercraft isn't as easy as it may look.  There are techniques and tricks and definately some practice involved.  If you get this for your kid(s) you may wish to assist.  The book does offer you some different techniques to utilize.

This book makes a great gift and definately something fun to do with your family or sweetheart.  The little paper monsters make fantastic and unique decorations or playthings!  This one is WINNING!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Red Riding Hood: From Script to Screen Book Review

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Red Riding Hood: From Script to Screen Book Review

About the Book: From Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke comes the romantic fantasy thriller Red Riding Hood. Torn between two men, the beautiful young Valerie is about to choose her heart’s desire when her sister is murdered by a werewolf. Panicked, the people call on famed werewolf hunter Father Solomon, who warns that the werewolf could be among them. As the death toll rises with each moon, Valerie begins to fear that the werewolf could be someone she loves. But her fear is tinged with curiosity when she discovers her unique connection to the beast—one that inexorably draws them together, making her both suspect . . . and bait.

Red Riding Hood stars Amanda Seyfried (Letters to Juliet, Mamma Mia!), Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight, the Harry Potter films), Billy Burke (the Twilight films), Shiloh Fernandez (Skateland, TV’s Jericho), Max Irons (Dorian Gray), Oscar®-nominee Virginia Madsen (Sideways), and two-time Oscar®-winner Julie Christie (Away from Her, Darling).

Our Take: We're all for new fantasy movies...especially anything that will distract people from those terrible Twilight films.  Yes, the irony is that this film is directed by one of the Twilight directors! lol.  The new Red Riding Hood may not have lit the box office on fire when it was released, but its a rather good movie.  Today we're checking out the shooting script for the film.  Its released in softcover format from Insight Editions, who is famous for some really great pop culture titles, usually based on film or television.  The cover features a striking, minimalist pic of Red Riding Hood with her glossy cape draping down a snowy mountain.  The interior of the book features not only the full script, but also TONS of full-color images from the movie, production sketches, pre-product artwork and notes from the director!  This book is a perfect collectors item for any fan of the film.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Yoda: Bring You Wisdom, I Will

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Yoda: Bring You Wisdom, I Will

About the Book: The ultimate Jedi Master from Star Wars is also the perfect totem for wisdom in all of life's pursuits. Having explored the galaxy and studied the Force for hundreds of years, Yoda has passed on his knowledge of the Jedi arts to generations of the galaxy's greatest heroes. Now you can have your own Yoda sensei in your life! This one-of-a-kind, hand-painted Yoda statue comes with a customizable galactic display stand, a booklet of Yoda's most inspirational musings alongside full-color illustrations, and a sheet of removable stickers of select quotes. Perfect for the office, mantle, bedside table, or anywhere else the Force might come in handy.

Our Take: This rad little boxed set is a great new product from Chronicle Books.  It features a box that opens to reveal a mini Yoda statue and a great little book of Yoda-isms!  The book has quotes and pics from both the original trilogy and the newer prequels.  This is a great item for any Star Wars collector (such as myself) or a great decoration for your home or work desk! 

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Fetish Goddess: Dita Book Review

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Fetish Goddess: Dita Book Review

About the Book: Dita is the most popular model of today. Her distinctive style is a unique combination of retro glamor, pin-up and high-art eroticism, and always perfect down to the smallest accessories. She only works with the best photographers - Baker, Czernich, James & James, Weathers - and, combined with her clear vision of how she wants to look, the result is always 100% stunning and 100% Dita.

Dominant or submissive, damsel in distress or provocative French maid, this genuine fetishist has laced herself up and paraded around in the highest of high heels - a true fetish goddess.

Our Take: Anyone thats interested in the world or rather underworld of fetish modeling and burlesque is certainly familiar with the great Dita!  She has done Vegas shows, had a short-lived marriage to gothy shock-rocker Marilyn Manson and has managed to position herself as one of the few faces of the genre!  This new hardcover book is FULL of fantastic erotic photos of Dita in various fetish outfits and poses from BDSM to 50s underground fetish, its all there!  At only $25 full retail (and likely less online) this one is a steal!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Inception: The Shooting Script Book Review

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Inception: The Shooting Script Book Review

About the Book: Inception, writer-director Christopher Nolan’s seventh feature film, joins the epic scope of The Dark Knight with the narrative sophistication of Memento. The story of a group of thieves who specialize in invading the mind through one’s dreams, Inception explores the Nolan’s signature psychological themes of memory, paranoia, and self-doubt as the protagonist, Dom Cobb, is pitted against a hostile subconscious spurred on by personal demons and regrets from the past. In a conversational preface, Nolan discusses with brother and frequent collaborator, Jonah, the genesis of the idea for the film and the decade-long process it took to write it. Detailing the results of Nolan’s efforts, Inception: The Shooting Script includes key storyboard sequences, full-color concept art, and an appendix on the workings of the mysterious Pasiv Device that Cobb and his fellow extractors use to initiate the dream-share. An exclusive exploration of a highly original concept, Inception: The Shooting Script is the record of a writer-director at the height of his craft.

Our Take: Inception was a film that was recieved in a very mixed way.  You either loved it or hated it.  We loved it.   This is the second shooting script we're checking out from Insight Editions.  This one is also softcover and features a cityscape on the cover with the inception logo built in.  This script book is a bit more stripped down than the Red Riding Hood title, with more traditional white pages and script with storyboards built-in.  The book does feature some select full-color images in this 208 page collector's item.   One of the coolest features of the book is something any fan of the film is sure to enjoy!  It includes an appendix with a great look at the operating instructions for the PASIV device!  We definately recommend this one.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - New BattleFronts: The Visual Guide Book Review

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars - New BattleFronts: The Visual Guide Book Review

About the Book: Follow the action to the new battlefronts of Star Wars: The Clone Wars! Featuring bounty hunters, old and new characters, vehicles, weapons, and high-tech equipment, this visual guide reveals all the unforgettable stories and explosive moments from the first two seasons of the blockbuster TV series. New images, character poses, and exotic worlds will keep young Jedi rapt and reading!

Our Take: We love Star Wars here at the Legion.  Thats no secret.  I mean, who doesn't?  We have two perspectives here...that of the adult fan who has loved the franchise since its inception and that of my 8 year old boy that has a very different perspective on whats cool.   We both agree that this book is cool.

There are so many Star Wars books produced that we choose to not feature all of them.  The newer Clone Wars animated series has breathed new life into the series after the prequels were finished.  There are so many kids that are into Star Wars now strictly thanks to the cartoon.  This book is based on the first two seasons of the Cartoon Network show.

This is a hardcover oversized book with no dust jacket.  It was published by DK, who has a great reputation for fantastic guide books.  This one takes you through scenes, major events and even bios for the major players in the series.  Its well layed out and fun to read.  This one is cool for a collector to put on his shelf and its even better to share with your kids.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Disney Tangled Rapunzel's Amazing Hair Book Review

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Disney Tangled Rapunzel's Amazing Hair Book Review

About the Book: With fun, simple rhymes and vibrant illustrations by Claire Keane, one of the film’s animators, this jacketed picture book focuses on the funny and amazingly unexpected things Rapunzel does with her long golden tresses.


Our Take: Tangled is the latest "princess" effort by Disney animation.  We saw the film with our kids over Thanksgiving and it was phenominal.   The quality brings Disney animation back to the 1990s heyday of films like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.  This new hardcover book features a nice dustjacket with artwork by Claire Keane.  Her work is featured throughout, rahter than images from the actual film. 

The text by Kiki Thorpe is light and fun with only a sentence or two per page and a dynamic and etherial drawing of Rapunzel on each!  This oversized hardcover book is a beauty and would be wonderful to share with your little princess!


How to Buy: Amazon.com

Two Guys Named Joe Book Review

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Two Guys Named Joe Book Review
About the Book: One Joe was in his 97th year when he died in 2005; the other Joe died the same year at age 45.  Both died before their time. This book explores the interplay between personal creativity and the craft of animation storytelling, as seen through the lives and art of two of its greatest practicioners: Joe Grant and Joe Ranft. 

Our Take: This new hardcover book by Disney Editions sports a great dustjacket that has drawings and sketches from the two subjects of this book...the two Joes...Joe Grant and Joe Ranft.  I consider myself a rather large fan of Disney and I wasn't familiar with these two guys.  They had worked with Disney back in the 1930s and 40s and came back after a lengthly retirement to the modern area of Disney to contribute their creative genius to films like Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story and Cars!

I was very interested by this book.  You get a nice mixture of text and artwork, so it really helps to keep you in the feel of the industry.  There are tons of production and storyboard sketches along with photos.  I learned a lot about these two very interesting guys and the rather significant contributions that they made to Disney.

I thought this would just be another DIsney puff book, but it turns out to be a very interesting and fun read!


How to Buy: Amazon.com

 

Grant and Ranft were unique influences on storytelling at two major studios during important periods in the history of animation. Joe Grant, in fact, straddled two eras. A gifted newspaper caricaturist, he contributed ideas for Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphony shorts and classic masterworks, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Dumbo. As Walt Disney’s confidant, Grant played a leading role in defining Disney’s pioneering animation legacy. After a forty-year hiatus, he returned to the studio in his 81st year, his creative spirit and abilities undiminished, and made significant contributions to Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mulan, and The Lion King, among others.

Joe Ranft built on the traditions of the past forged by Grant and others to become the top animation storyboard artist of his generation for Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Brave Little Toaster, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, James and the Giant Peach, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, among other films. As one of Pixar’s creative founders and a close friend to John Lasseter, Ranft had a major influence on the studio’s signature originality, warmth and irreverent humor, through his contributions to Toy Story (1 & 2), A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., and Cars.
                 

Inventive and imaginative, with keen insight into characters, they inspired colleagues and entertained audiences around the world.  Although their combined careers span the Golden Age of traditional animation beginning in the 1930s at The Walt Disney Company and continuing into the present digital age at Pixar Animation Studios, their extraordinary contributions remain largely unknown to the public. 

This Book Made Me Do It Book Review

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This Book Made Me Do It Book Review

About the Book: Brush up on your know-how by doing, making, and exploring just about everything! Activities come in all shapes and sizes, and this book shows you an incredible variety of them, from panning for gold to doing the Moonwalk. Ever wanted to fold origami, tie-dye a T-shirt, or slam-dunk a basketball like a pro? Interested in creating a homemade bird feeder or a flashlight that runs on candy? This Book Made Me Do It shows you how to do all of this and more! Perfect for budding artists, scientists, sports stars, and chefs, these step-by-step projects will provide hours of educational fun, whether you're looking for a long-term hobby, or just a way to spend a rainy day.


Our Take: I'm always looking for something cool and different to do with my kids.  This new DK book 'This Book Made Me Do It' has some original ideas in it.   It gives you everything from some magic tricks to various projects and creations that you can do.  This one is great for a rainy day and can be cool for kids from ages 8 all the way through teenagers.   Definately recommend it.


How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Art of Tron Legacy Book Review

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The Art of Tron Legacy Book Review

About the Book: The160-page high-end book, The Art of Tron: Legacy takes fans inside the art and design of the upcoming film Tron: Legacy. The book will showcase beautiful concept illustrations, set designs, character bios, images from the film, and an afterword by the film's director, Joseph Kosinski. The landscape trim format, striking jacket image and a color treatment made specifically to bring the world of Tron to life, make this stunning addition to anyone's collection.


Our Take: Tron is one of those groundbreaking films that really put its mark on cinema.  When they announced Tron: Legacy I was skeptical about whether it would really be relevant.  Then, I saw the trailer in the theater and I was sold!  Hundreds of millions of dollars later film audiences agree!

This nice hardcover book has a dust jacket with a Tron Light Cycle on it.  These art books can tend to be kinda crapy at times.  This one is actually pretty cool.  The development artwork is really fun to see.  Most of it is computer generated, although you do get a few actual drawings.  If you're a fan of Tron then this book will definately do it for you.  Its a lot of fun.


How to Buy: Amazon.com

Walt Disney Animation Studios - The Archive Series: Design Book Review

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Walt Disney Animation Studios - The Archive Series: Design Book Review
About the Book: Whether it consists of quick sketches on a lunch counter napkin, elaborate paintings in oils or watercolors, or dazzling computer renderings, the unparalleled creative process of Disney artists is lavishly showcased in Design, the third volume of The Walt Disney Animation Studios - The Archive Series. Among the incredible talents featured in this volume are Albert Hurter, Ferdinand Horvath, Joe Grant, Maurice Noble, Gustaf Tenggren, Tyrus Wong, Kay Nielsen, David Hall, Mel Shaw, Mary Blair, Bianca Majolie, Yale Gracey, Eyvind Earle, Walt Peregoy, Ken Anderson, James Coleman, Jean Gillmore, Rowland Wilson, Glen Keane, Chris Sanders, Andreas Deja, Mike Gabriel, Mike Giaimo, Hans Bacher, Chen Yi Chang, Paul Felix, Aaron Blaise, Ian Gooding, and John Musker. Design represents a rare opportunity to again enjoy a glimpse into the truly spectacular trove of treasures from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library.


Our Take: I'm a huge fan of animation and as an artist I'm always into seeing development art.  Disney has been doing this archive series of books.  This time around its titled DESIGN.  This hardcover book is in the same style as the previous STORY and ANIMATION books.  This one has a nice deep purple binding.

The book is FULL of color paintings and sketches from the production of such famous Disney films as Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, the Lion King, Snow White and more!   Its really fun to get a behind the scenes look at what goes into the design of a Disney animated feature.  There are a lot of painted backround scenes and even some different takes on characters like the Beast and Belle that were never utilized.  Anyone that is a fan of Disney will really dig this book.  We highly recommend it.


How to Buy: Amazon.com

Winnie The Pooh: Reflections in the Wood Book Review

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Winnie The Pooh: Reflections in the Wood Book Review

About the Book: Since he sprang from the creative mind of A. A. Milne in 1926, Winnie the Pooh has been cherished by children and adults alike. Stuffed with fluff, constantly craving honey, and fiercely loyal to his friends, Pooh is endearing and loveable--even though he isn't the brightest of bears. And perhaps in spite of his fuzzy foibles, Pooh's pearls of wisdom are that much more universal and heartwarming.

This beautiful coffee table book will showcase Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood in a sophisticated, deluxe format. Four stories about the silly old bear are accompanied by gorgeous, full-color artwork. Interspersed throughout the stories are poems, quotes, and “Pooh-isms," making this a wonderful gift for any Pooh fan.


Our Take: The Winnie the Pooh characters have been beloved for decades.  The original books by A.A. Milne were phenominal and once Disney bought the rights to the characters and redesigned them the franchise took off with full steam spawning original films oodles of merchandise and even a Saturday morning cartoon.

This new book, Winnie The Pooh: Reflections in the Wood, is a fantastic hardcover book from Disney Editions, which produces high-end Disney collector books.  The dust jacket features drawings of the contemporary Disney version of the characters.  Inside we get a fine selection of stories, poems and all types of Poohisms!  The illustrations are high quality and the stories are fantastic. 

This book is great for any Pooh bear fan.  It would go great in any adults collection or to read to your own kids. 


How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Addams Family: An Evilution Book Review

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The Addams Family: An Evilution Book Review

About the Book: The ‘evilution’ of Charles Addams's singularly eccentric family began long before the television and film interpretations made them icons of American popular culture. Addams first created Morticia, Lurch, and The Thing in a cartoon published in a 1938 issue of the New Yorker—though he hadn't named them at the time, or even conceived of a family unit. (When he did name the deadly matriarch, he was inspired by the Yellow Pages listing for ‘Morticians.’) Other characters were born and developed in a multitude of Addams's cartoons over the next twenty-six years, before the cheerfully creepy clan debuted on ABC television in 1964 and later on the big screen, twice, in 1991 and 1993.

The Addams Family: An Evilution is the first book to trace The Addams Family history, presenting more than 200 cartoons created by Charles Addams (American, 1912-1988) throughout his prolific career; many have never been published before. Text by H. Kevin Miserocchi, director of the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation, offers a revealing chronology of each character's evolution (for instance, did you know that Addams originally named Pugsley ‘Pubert’?), while Addams's own incisive character descriptions, originally penned for the benefit of the television show producers, introduce each chapter. As the presence of the Family continues to permeate generation after generation, and in celebration of the Broadway musical debuting in 2010, this book reminds us where these oddly lovable characters came from and, in doing so, offers a lasting tribute to one of America's greatest humorists. A phenomenon of rare proportion, The Addams Family is the manifestation of one artist's dark but irresistible wit, expressed with an uncommonly deft hand. 

224 pages with more than 200 cartoons (approximately 50 are published here for the first time), many in color. Ten chapters explore each Addams Family character, as well as their mansion (a “House To Die For”). Size: 8 x 10 inches. Smyth-sewn casebound book with jacket.

Our Take: The Addams Family are one of the best known and most well loved morbid families.  Everything from the 60s show to the famous 90s movies and cartoons in-between!  They've been action figures, trading cards and candy, but rarely have they been books.  At least not like this!  Lets face it, the Addams Family kicks ass and this new Evilution book is a Addams-fans' dream!  It includes over 200 cartoons from throughout the history of the strip, originally published in the New Yorker back in 1938!  There are even never before published cartoons included!  This hardcover book is a great addition to any fan's library!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Space: A Visual Encyclopedia Book Review

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Space: A Visual Encyclopedia Book Review

About the Book: Incredible space photographs make this one out-of-this world encyclopedia!

Space: A Visual Encyclopedia builds on the enormous success of DK’s best-selling encyclopedias. It is a comprehensive exploration of space from our nearest planets and stars to far-off galaxies. Featuring full-bleed photographs, charts, stories, and interviews, this encyclopedia brings children face-to-face with the wonders of space like never before!.

Our Take: Our two older kids are really into space.  In fact they are so much into space that one of them is really into Star Wars and the other Star Trek.  DK is infamous for making the best guides and visual encyclopedias and their Space book is no exception.

The book covers everything from the birth of the universe to the various planets and articial satellites.  The color images are the latest available from NASA and this book is absolutely perfect for kids 7-12.  Our kids (ages 7 and 8) were able to read the book easily and they were absolutely engaged and fascinated.  They learned so much.  We'll definately keep this one in our home library.  This book would be perfect for any classroom or homeschooler too!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Joe Kubert: How to Draw From Life Book Review

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Joe Kubert: How to Draw From Life Book Review

About the Book: JOE KUBERT!...the legendary Hawkman, Tarzan, Enemy Ace, Batman, Sgt Rock artist and critically acclaimed graphic novelist of Tor, Abraham Stone, Fax From Sarajevo, Sgt Rock, and Yossel. In his new book, JOE KUBERT: How to Draw from Life, designed for more mature art students, professionals and enthusiasts, Kubert presents a wealth of his own drawings from nude models spanning his years as an artist and art instructor. This book is accompanied by Kubert's commentary on drawing from life. Subjects include gesture drawing, contour drawing, the figure in motion, short studies, long studies, drawing women, the figure in perspective, form and structure, anatomy, and lighting. This is surely the most significant How-To book from a major comics creator this year.

Our Take: I'm always looking for great how-to art books.  This one was done by legendary comic book great Joe Kubert.  The book gives some nice tips, but my favorite part was just the sketches by Kubert.  You get everything from pencil angles on the nudes to partially inked and partially watercoloured pieces.  Its really a sight to see these casual works by such a great artist.  I found the book to be very inspiring.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle Book Review

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Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle Book Review

About the Book: From the first release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977 to the 2009 second season of The Clone Wars, Star Wars Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle is an unparalleled chronological journey through the making of the most epic science fiction series ever! Featuring incredible illustrations and stills, the book chronologically details the history and development of the Star Wars movies; the events, press, and logistics surrounding the making of each movie; and exclusive interviews with people who worked behind the scenes. The year-by-year format includes images from the movies, TV series, comic books, video games, and novels as well as movie posters, memorabilia, book covers, and more.


Our Take: This book gets our award for best Star Wars book to date.  This hardcover book comes in a really flashy foil side-loading slipcase.  This book comes with two collectible prints, one of which is Star Wars: Clone Wars animated artwork and the other is a vintage photo of Harrison Ford.  


This book chronicles the epic of Star Wars, beginning with the 1960s and early influences on George Lucas to present day.  It goes year by year and gives not only what happened in Star Wars, but also how popular culture was influenced by Star Wars in some way.  The book obviously can only go into so much detail on any one specific issue, but it does include a lot of early production tidbits and stories that we found to be really interesting.  The book has full-color photos and great amounts of info.  


This book has a great presentation and is wonderful for any serious collector or just casual fan and admirer of pop culture.  We highly recommend.


How to Buy: Amazon.com