Monday, October 22, 2012

Encyclopedia of Cabbage Patch Kids: The 1980s Book Review

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Encyclopedia of Cabbage Patch Kids: The 1980s Book Review

About the Book: Since 1978 when Cabbage Patch Kids*r dolls were "born," children have cuddled them and added new members of the clan into their hearts. This book presents the many varieties in 60 specialty lines made by three major U.S. toy companies (Coleco, Hasbro, Mattel) and many foreign companies (including Jesmar, Tsukuda, Tri-Ang Pedigree, Lili Ledy) in the 1980s. Over 750 color photos with descriptions and pricing information make this the most useful book for identifying Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.

Our Take: We love toy collecting here at the Legion, especially 1980s and 90s toys. One of the most essential pieces to collecting toys is having a solid base of knowlege about whats out there on the market. There is so much misinformation online, we like to still turn to print books to help. This guide not only delves into photo cataloging all of the dolls from the era, but also the various adoption papers and hangtags that exist. They also include all of the variations on hair, boxes and Xavier Roberts signatures that exist. We recommend this one for anyone thats into Cabbage Patch Dolls..this is a definitive guide.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Unofficial Batman Trivia Challenge Book Review

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The Unofficial Batman Trivia Challenge Book Review

About the Book: You may think that you know everything there is to know about the Dark Knight of Gotham City, but how much do you really know? With topics that cover the entire Batman franchise, you'll have to swoop into every fight, scene, and exchange in order to beat this trivia challenge.

Our Take: We're huge Batman fans here at the Legion. I feel that I have a good amount of Batman trivia knowlege, but this book really challenged me. This little softcover book gives over 800 questions spanning 250 pages! This is a great book for any Bat-Fan to test their skills. This one would be fun to take on road trips, or just have on you for casual reading.

If you really want to prove that you're a Bats expert, get ready to put your skills to the test with questions like:

Which superhero did Batman know as a child?
Why was the caped crusader entrusted with Kryptonite?
What tools would appear in the utility belts of both Batman and a modern law enforcer?

The ultimate test of fandom, this book is guaranteed to challenge even the greatest Bruce Wayne fan!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Victorian Costume for Ladies 1860-1900 Book Review

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Victorian Costume for Ladies 1860-1900 Book Review

About the Book: Updated with nearly 30 high-quality vintage images, the second edition of this lavishly illustrated book provides irrefutable documentation of ladies' fashions worn in Victorian America from 1860 to 1900. Extensively researched using nineteenth-century fashion, beauty, etiquette, household, and medical literature, the book explores the fluctuations in clothing styles including undergarments, casual wear, sports clothes, common dress, evening attire, hairstyles, and jewelry, while tracing the fascinating impact fashion had on the mental, physical, and social lives of our Victorian ancestors. Chapters on personal hygiene, cosmetics, clothing manufacture, laundry, and the dating of vintage photographs are included, along with updated prices. The period photographs and detailed analysis provide a unique picture of the lives of Victorian women through their styles of dress. The second edition of this comprehensive and easy-to-read book is an invaluable resource to historians, theatrical costumers, genealogists, museum curators, and historical fashion and photography enthusiasts.

Our Take: This great book from Schiffer focuses on imagery and info on classic Victorian clothing. This updated second edition of the book is FULL of fantastic images of clothing that shows how elegant and romantic the attire was. The book covers everything from Victorian undergarments, casual and evening wear to hairstyles. I have never seen such a fantastic and full collection of Victorian images all in one place. This one is ideal for anyone studying vintage clothing or interested in the culture of the Victorian era. We highly recommend it.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Monday, October 15, 2012

MATT WAGNER TO WRITE THE SHADOW: YEAR ONE!

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MATT WAGNER TO WRITE THE SHADOW: YEAR ONE!

THE LEGENDARY COMIC BOOK CREATOR TELLS THE SHADOW'S ORIGIN STORY IN 2013!

October 12th, 2012, Mt. Laurel, NJ - Legendary comic book creator Matt (Mage, Grendel) Wagner takes on The Shadow in 2013 with The Shadow: Year One. Much as he did with Dynamite's Green Hornet: Year One, Matt plans to tell the definitive origin story of The Shadow, showing fans why the character has endured in popularity for so many years! Look for Matt Wagner's The Shadow: Year One in 2013!

"THE SHADOW has long been one of my absolute favorite established characters and I'm thrilled to finally get the chance to contribute to his continuing adventures," says Matt Wagner. "I'm getting to help define The Shadow's mysterious origins in a Year One story arc! For all his published history in both the pulps and comics, as well as his radio adventures, there's surprisingly no depiction of his very first adventures as the dark-clad Master of Men. This series will explore the events that first drew Kent Allard/Lamont Cranston back to the States, how he began to assemble his vast network of agents and how he first adopted the famous black hat and cloak as his alter-ego's disguise-secrets that, up until now…only The Shadow knew!"

"Matt's a legend and it's always great to work with him," stated Dynamite Editor Joe Rybandt. "Everything about his work is infused with realism and authenticity, and his Shadow: Year One will raise the bar for pulps and their heroes."

"I've known Matt for 30 years now, since he lived in Philadelphia and was working on Mage for Comico Comics. I've mentioned this for years, that I repeatedly asked him if he would work on a comic with me as even at a young age, his scripts, art and ability to tell stories was some of the best I had seen. I never would have thought that 25 years later we would start a relationship with Matt working together. This is the third project with Matt, and it keeps getting better each time. I'm proud to be working wtih Matt, and can't wait for this new adventure to begin!" - States Dynamite President and Publisher Nick Barrucci

"LIKE" DYNAMITE'S FACEBOOK PAGE TODAY!!!

http://www.facebook.com/dynamitecomics

Join the conversation on Dynamite Entertainment's twitter page at http://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit www.comicshoplocator.com

For art and more information, please visit:

www.dynamite.net

About Dynamite Entertainment:

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, The Shadow, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, Game of Thrones and more!

Dynamite owns and controls an extensive library with over 3,000 characters (which includes the Harris Comics and Chaos Comics properties), such as Vampirella, Pantha, Evil Ernie, Smiley the Psychotic Button, Chastity, Purgatori, and Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt.

In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and best selling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Kevin Smith, Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Marc Guggenheim, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner and a host of up and coming new talent!

DYNAMITE is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles - including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger's PROJECT SUPERPOWERS - have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. In 2005 Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%) and again in 2011. The company has also been nominated for and won several industry awards, including the prestigious Harvey and Eisner Awards.

Wimpy Kid Coming to E-Book!

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JEFF KINNEY’S BESTSELLING DIARY OF A WIMPY KID SERIES TO BE RELEASED AS E-BOOKS FOR THE FIRST TIME

THE OCTOBER 30, 2012, RELEASE OF BOOKS 1-6 AS E-BOOKS LEAD UP TO THE SIMULTANEOUS E-BOOK AND HARDCOVER RELEASE OF THE BIGGEST PRINT BOOK OF THE YEAR, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID BOOK 7, THE THIRD WHEEL, ON NOVEMBER 13, 2012

NEW YORK, NY, October 15 2012—Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS, announces today the release dates for the first-ever Diary of a Wimpy Kid e-books. Available for download on October 30, 2012, will be books 1-6 in the bestselling series. The seventh book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel, will also become available in e-book simultaneously with the publication of the hardcover book on November 13, 2012. As part of the branding of the series in e-book form, the books will carry their own name and logo, Wimp-E-Books.

Author and illustrator Jeff Kinney was involved in all aspects of the transformation of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books into e-book form. “It was important to me to make sure the books look just as good on the screen as they do on paper,” said Jeff Kinney. “I’m thrilled at the way the books look on e-readers, tablets, and other devices, and I hope fans enjoy having them in digital format as much as they've enjoyed them as books.”

“The release of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series in e-book formats is a long awaited and much anticipated publishing event,” said Michael Jacobs, President and CEO of Abrams. “The books are phenomenally successful, having reached over 75 million kids worldwide, and we believe making them available as e-books will be another great way for kids to read them and for booksellers to sell them.”

Before the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books were published, stories from the first three books appeared digitally for free on the website www.funbrain.com, where they are still available. Books in the core series by Jeff Kinney include Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2008), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (2009), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2009), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (2010), and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (2011). Jeff Kinney has also written and illustrated The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book and The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary. The series is a fixture on the USA Today bestseller list and the Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. It has also remained consistently in the top spots on the New York Times lists since publication of the first book in the series in 2007.

More than 75 million Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are in print in 41 languages in more than 44 countries around the world. Published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS, Kinney’s work has been widely praised for its ability to turn reluctant readers on to books. Jeff Kinney was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world. There are three major motions pictures based on the books, which grossed more than $200 million worldwide in box office sales. The book series won Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and Jeff Kinney won a Children’s Choice Book Award in 2012. Books in the series have won numerous awards voted on by students and teachers in schools around the globe. The Wimpy Kid Island, Wimpy Wonderland, on www.poptropica.com, remains one of the most visited on the site.

The Art of Joe Kubert Hardcover Book Review

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The Art of Joe Kubert Hardcover Book Review

About the Book: A coffee table art book spanning all 70 years of this legendary creator’s work!

Joe Kubert is one of the great comic book artists. His career literally traverses the history of comics, beginning in 1938 when he became a professional at age 12, to today as one of the greatest draftsmen working in the field. Kubert is known and respected as much for his sinewy, passionate drawing as he is for his consummate storytelling skills. Over his 70-year career in comics, he has worked as an artist, an editor, a publisher, an entrepreneur, and a cartooning auteur. The Art of Joe Kubert is a deluxe, full-color coffee table book that honors this legendary creator with beautifully reproduced artwork from every phase of his career as well as critical commentary by the book’s editor, comics historian and Kubert biographer Bill Schelly.

Schelly’s text parallels the visual evolution of the artist’s work, tracing his life and career from his early days drawing Hawkman in the Golden Age, to his creation of Tor, his involvement in creating 3-D comics in the 1950s, his tour de force stints on DC’s war comics — Sgt. Rock, The Unknown Soldier and the groundbreaking Enemy Ace — in the 1960s, to illustrating the adventures of Tarzan in the 1970s. And before finding a creative safe haven at DC Comics in the ’50s, Kubert drew for many smaller and more obscure companies, including Holyoke, Quality, Fiction House, Harvey, St. John, and others — all of which are represented, including a 50-page section of comic-book stories in the horror, crime, and SF genres from the pre-Comics Code era, reprinted in full color for the first time.

Although Kubert is known for his contributions to pop culture icons such as Tarzan and Sgt. Rock, he has also invested his creative energy in more personal projects over the last 20 years, including journalistic and historical graphic novels such as his Eisner Award-winning Fax from Sarajevo and Yossel: April 19, 1943, all of which are illustrated along with Schelly’s insightful analysis that places these later, more mature works in the context of Kubert’s career. 224 pages of full-color comics and illustrations

Our Take: I have a lot of comic book art books and coffee table books. Its hard to convince me to add to the group, but this hardcover book on the art of Joe Kubert was an immediate must have....especially after his passing this summer. The book comes with an attractive dust jacket featring Kubert's DC Hawkman and Hawkgirl artwork. Author Bill Schelly gives us a great backround on Kubert's early life, education and the periods of his comic book artowork, accompanied by wonderful exerpts of artwork, comic book pages and sketches. This one is a must have for any serious comic book fan. Kubert was a legend and his legacy has left behind not only two very talented sons, but a school that has trained many legends to come in the comic book industry.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Normandy: A Graphic History of D-Day Book Review

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Normandy: A Graphic History of D-Day, The Allied Invasion of Hitler's Fortress EuropeBook Review

About the Book: Normandy depicts the planning and execution of Operation Overlord in 96 full-color pages. The initial paratrooper assault is shown, as well as the storming of the five D-Day beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. But the story does not end there. Once the Allies got ashore, they had to stay ashore. The Germans made every effort to push them back into the sea.

Our Take: This new historical graphic novel is based on D-Day in WWII and is both written and illustrated by Wayne Vansant. Comic book fans will remember Wayne from his work on the 'Nam comic back in the day. Wayne brings his fantastic and expressive artwork to this great new graphic novel. This is a fantastic one to give to younger tweens and teens learning about WWII..it really makes it fun and easy to take-in information that is often faceless and flat to kids. This book does great job of bringing the events to life.

This book depicts the such key events in the Allied liberation of Europe as:

1. Construction of the Mulberry Harbors, two giant artificial harbors built in England and floated across the English Channel so that troops, vehicles, and supplies could be offloaded across the invasion beaches.

2. The Capture of Cherbourg, the nearest French port, against a labyrinth of Gennan pillboxes.

3. The American fight through the heavy bocage (hedgerow country) to take the vital town of Saint-Lô.

4. The British-Canadian struggle for the city of Caen against the “Hitler Youth Division,” made up of 23,000 seventeen- and eighteen-year-old Nazi fanatics.

5. The breakout of General Patton’s Third Army and the desperate US 30th Division’s defense of Mortaine.

6. The Falaise Pocket, known as the “Killing Ground, ” where the remnants of two German armies were trapped and bombed and shelled into submission. The slaughter was so great that 5,000 Germans were buried in one mass grave.

7. The Liberation of Paris, led by the 2nd Free French Armored Division, which had been fighting for four long years with this goal in mind.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Plastic Toys: Dimestore Dreams of the 40s & 50s Book Review

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Plastic Toys: Dimestore Dreams of the 40s & 50s Book Review

About the Book: This tremendously informative book is the most complete source for collectible plastic toys. Over 850 vivid color photographs display plastic toys-from cars, trucks, and airplanes to dolls and dollhouse furniture-supplemented by manufacturers' diagrams and molders' marks. Industry development from the 1930s through the 1960s is discussed, with attention to wartime changes in plastic toys production. With charm and light touch, Bill Hanlon explains technical facts of the plastics industry and provides down-to-earth, useful information on how to evaluate, repair, and care for your collection. For the detail-hungry collector, there is an extensive price guide and a chapter on researching and identifying individual pieces. Hanlon also presents significant information that has only recently come to light, providing a means of identifying toys whose origins until now were a complete mystery.

Our Take: We're big collectors here at the Legion and reference books on collecting are our favorite thing! This new hardcover book from Schiffer is a great photographic collection of dimestore items from the 1940s-50s. The offerings are primarily little cars, military vehicles, doll furniture and sci-fi space age items. The book is very thorough and provides a fantastic visual reference guide for collecting and identifying old dimestore plastics. There are so many more items out there than I ever realized. In fact, one thing I learned that I love is that many of the vehicles came with cardboard backrounds and playsets of sorts. This is a fantastic and high quality book for anyone interested in dime store collectibles.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Friday, October 12, 2012

#NYCC: Dark Horse to Publish BUFFYVERSE Sampler in January 2013!

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DARK HORSE OFFERS BUFFY FANS THE CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH THE CAST OF SEASON 9 IN ONE VALUE-PRICED SAMPLER!

BUFFYVERSE SAMPLER TO FEATURE FULL FIRST ISSUES OF BUFFY SEASON 9, ANGEL & FAITH, SPIKE, AND WILLOW!

OCTOBER 11, NEW YORK, NY—Dark Horse offers fans and retailers alike the perfect jumping-on point for all of the titles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9!

In 2007, Dark Horse made comics history with a revolutionary new concept: Joss Whedon’s best-loved television series continued in comics with Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8. With Joss Whedon himself at the helm, the series launched with much critical acclaim, and sold out of multiple printings.
Following the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, Dark Horse launched four separate series for the anticipated Buffy Season 9. Buffy Season 9 and Angel & Faith are direct follow-ups to Season 8, while Spike and Willow are spinoffs from those two ongoing series.

Collected here are all four #1 issues, with all-new cover art by C. L. Bradley!
Coming in at 96 pages, this issue carries the low cover price of only $4.99!
Look for this at your local comic shop on January 23, 2013!

IDW Limited Releases Two Limited Edition Zombies Vs. Robots Hardcovers

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IDW Limited Digs Up Gruesome Zombies Vs. Robots Collections!

IDWLimited.com Expands Zombies Vs. Robots Prose World with Signed, Limited Editions

SAN DIEGO, CA (October 8th, 2012) – Brraaaiiiinnnnssss! IDW Limited has partnered with twelve of the juiciest brains in sci-fi, horror, and fantasy to deliver two limited edition prose novels set in the popular Zombies Vs. Robots universe. Signed, limited editions of Zombies Vs. Robots: Z-BOYS IN THE ROBOT GRAVEYARD and Zombies Vs. Robots: THIS MEANS WAR! are now available for rabid consumption at www.IDWLimited.com.

"Zombies Vs Robots is a nightmarish dystopian world and one where I'm strangely comfortable,“ said contributor and acclaimed horror author John Shirley. “I can hardly wait for it to come true. Meanwhile I have to help create it.”

Shirley’s Zombies Vs. Robots: Z-BOYS IN THE ROBOT GRAVEYARD is a brand new collection of two stories with overlapping characters and one central theme; fear. “I wanted to bring something fresh to this world--if there's anything "fresh" about zombies,” explained Shirley. “I leave it up to the reader to decide who's the real monster...and what's worse, zombies, robots, or the survivors. But there are people out there you can care about...You could drink a beer with them--if they live long enough..”

Both Shirley and Dan Bradford, the book’s illustrator, have signed every copy available from IDW Limited. This special edition features an exclusive variant cover and is limited to just 500 copies.

Because scares come better in pairs, IDW Limited is also offering a special, limited edition run of Zombies Vs. Robots: THIS MEANS WAR!. The first release in the Zombie vs. Robots prose line, this thrilling collection is now presented in a custom slipcase with a new cover, and is signed by each of the eleven writers who contributed a story. A star-studded cast of award-winning writers like Nancy A. Collins and Brea Grant penned these gruesome, terrifying, and sometimes hilarious tales of zombie-on-robot-on-human violence. Each writer has signed the signature plate inside every book, which also features a brand-new variant cover by the book’s artist, Fabio Listrani.

"It's extremely gratifying to me--and still pretty amazing--that the Zombies vs Robots world that Ash Wood and I created has become a thing that other people have taken and run with," said Chris Ryall, IDW's Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. "And we're talking about talented people and legitimately great writers like John Shirley, Nancy A. Collins, and the others. Thanks to them and their editor-bot Jeff Conner, they've taken the ZvR franchise into some exciting new directions."

Just in time for the holidays, these very limited editions of Zombies Vs. Robots: Z-Boys In The Robot Graveyard and Zombies Vs. Robots: THIS MEANS WAR! are sure to get under your skin.

Fans are encouraged to sign up for IDW Limited’s free newsletter at www.idwlimited.com to receive updates and learn more about the company and its exclusive new books!

Zombies Vs. Robots: Z-BOYS IN THE ROBOT GRAVEYARD DELUXE LIMITED EDITION ($39.99; 108 pages; 8” x 10”; hardcover) is available now.

Zombies Vs. Robots: THIS MEANS WAR! DELUXE LIMITED EDITION ($60; 300 pages; 8” x 10”; hardcover) is available now.

#NYCC: EMILY THE STRANGE Returns! In Full Color And In Your Face!

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EMILY THE STRANGE RETURNS—IN FULL COLOR AND IN YOUR FACE!

October 12, NEW YORK, NY—Emily the Strange creator Rob Reger teams up with cowriter Mariah Huehner (True Blood, Angel) and rising artist Emily Ivie (The Locked Maze, Rotsterarsil) for a brand-new, full-color miniseries titled Emily and the Strangers, featuring limited variant covers by rock-poster legends!
With the help of her trio of troublemaking cats, Emily is determined to make the most rockin’ song the world has ever known and win a legendary haunted guitar . . . but can she do it solo? Only one thing is for sure—what Emily wants, Emily gets . . . sometimes.

Now, Emily and her strange new bandmates are hard at work writing new songs and recording their first album, with big plans for 2013!

An Emily the Strange feature film is currently in development, with Chloë Grace Moretz (Let Me In, Kick-Ass) in the role of Emily.

Fans of Emily are welcome to stop by the Dark Horse Booth #1528 at New York Comic-Con 2012 for a signing with Rob Reger at 5 p.m. on Friday October 12th!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Depression Era Dime Store: Kitchen, Home, and Garden Book Review

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Depression Era Dime Store: Kitchen, Home, and Garden Book Review

About the Book: Like peering through the plate glass window of a Woolworth's, Kresge's, or J.J. Newberry's, this popular book reveals the wonderful array of dimestore merchandise that awaited homemakers and gardeners during our country's Depression era. Consumers in those years needed a convenient, affordable place to purchase necessities for the home--and dimestores had it all. Illustrated with over 200 images, many of them drawn from original catalogs and advertisements, this book is a virtual shopper's paradise of Depression era goods from the pretty to the practical: colorful dinnerware, cookware, salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars, linens, home decor, stationery, furniture, needlework, sewing notions, holiday decorations, gardening products, even supplies for the family pet. For all those who treasure memories of their local five-and-ten-cent store, this book is a must. Newly updated values are included for all items.

Our Take: We're big antique collectors here at the Legion. My wife and I haunt flea markets and antique stores every weekend. This great reference guide gives some insight into one of the most prolific types of item from the past century..the dime store. Dime stores had it all from toys to home and kitchen items. They were bought in large quantities and saved for decades of use. These items can sometimes be found at estate sales still, but mostly have to be found on the secondary antique market. This book outlines a huge variety of items, often through vintage ads, and gives any collector not only a great reference guide to what is out there, but a great heads up on how to identify whats what. This one is a must-have, so glad to have found this book.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

World of My Little Pony: An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors Book Review

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World of My Little Pony: An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors Book Review

About the Book: This is the first comprehensive collector's identification and value guide to My Little Pony(r). These popular toys were made by Hasbro(r) from 1981 to 1991 and are attracting the interest of collectors around the world. The 300+ color photographs clearly identify over 600 My Little Ponies, some of which are extremely rare. In addition to the ponies, hundreds of related items sold under the MLP logo are shown. Written by a pony lover for pony lovers, this fun and easy-to-use guide begins by teaching the reader how to tell My Little Ponies from similar-looking toys. An introductory list of terms helps the reader to determine a particular pony's type. There are chapters on Adult Ponies (Earthlings, Unicorns, and Sea Ponies), Baby Ponies, Adult and Baby Sets, Petite Ponies, Animal Families, Pony Places and Accessories, Pony Clothes, and Pony Items. A "Came With" section features many mint-in-package ponies. A very helpful index of all the ponies featured in the book and a handy price guide with beautifully detailed photography makes this book a must for every My Little Pony lover.

Our Take: We love toy collector guides here at the Legion. This book, brought to us by Schiffer, is the second edition of the World of My Little Pony, revised and expanded. We don't collect MLP ourselves, but I am very well aquainted with the toyline, having grown up in the 1980s and 1990s....or so I thought. I had NO idea the level of variance in ponies. A few things that really took me by surprise are the Dream Ponies and Sparkle Ponies. There were so many items I didn't know about. This book would be ideal for any fan or collector of MLP as a great field reference guide. Its full of great color pics and a TON of info.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Thursday, October 4, 2012

James O'Barr Returns to the Crow Comics!

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O'Barr Returns to Comics with a New
CROW Series!

The Spirit of Vengeance Goes on a Time-Traveling Journey This December

San Diego, CA (October 4, 2012) – IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce that The Crow’s original creator, James O’Barr will be launching a brand-new story featuring the vengeful avian guide, THE CROW: SKINNING THE WOLVES, a three-issue miniseries set to debut this December. Fans of O’Barr’s dark signature style will be delighted to see him backed by co-artist Jim Terry with a story woven of the same supernatural mystique that made The Crow a favorite of fans worldwide.

“I’ve been wanting to see a new Crow project from James O’Barr for a lot longer than we’ve had the Crow license,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief, “and what James has lined up for Skinning the Wolves and beyond is definitely delivering on those expectations.”

Set in a European concentration camp in 1945, Skinning the Wolves investigates a world where the dark harbinger of vengeance is dispatched in response to one of history’s greatest atrocities and the ultimate evil that perpetrated it.

"This is a story I've had planned for ages; 20 years maybe. It’s a tough tightrope to walk, using a concentration camp as a setting for a story, but I took care in not exploiting the situation for entertainment purposes. I did layouts and a rough story outline, but got sidetracked with the increasing popularity of the original film and graphic novel of The Crow and never found the time to finish it,” said O’Barr. “I met Jim Terry a few years ago and was really truly impressed with his Eisneresque style and thought it would be perfect for him. He’s gone above and beyond my expectations and I'm very proud of him and this book."

“I couldn't have asked for a better story to work on, and it has been thrilling to see it develop into what I feel will be a truly special book,” said Terry. “There are many, many titles on the stands these days, but I believe SKINNING THE WOLVES will be different from them all--not from a place of hubris, but from genuine excitement over what it's become.”

Full of the dark, challenging questions and ideas that have propelled The Crow to international acclaim, Skinning the Wolves is sure to be a gritty spectacle; one not to be missed by any comics fans, macabre justice enthusiasts, or those in between.  

Veteran producer Edward R. Pressman, producer of the 1994 smash hit film The Crow, together with Relativity Media and Dimension Films, is at work on a reinvention of the original film, which explores its own unique storyline separate from the comic book, with F. Javier Gutierrez (Before the Fall) attached to direct from a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow and Marc Klein. Pressman licensed the comic book rights to IDW. The deal was brokered by Dan Kletzky of Entertainment Licensing Associates.

THE CROW: SKINNING THE WOLVES #1 (of 3) is 32 pages, full color, and will be in stores in December. Diamond code: OCT120354.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

The Dark Knight Trilogy: The Complete Screenplays with Storyboards Book Review

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The Dark Knight Trilogy: The Complete Screenplays with Storyboards Book Review

About the Book: Over 60 pages of storyboards Symposium featuring the three screenwriters Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer discuss the evolution of Batman and the creation of the films Includes the imminent DARK KNIGHT RISES starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Morgan Freeman, among others

Our Take: The recent announcement of the Dark Knight Rises coming to blu-ray in December is getting fans of the Nolan trilogy pretty excited. Well, we have a long time to wait until then, so in the meantime how do you get your bat-fix? This book from OPUS provides fans with screenplays from ALL three Nolan films: Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and the Dark Knight Rises. This nice, thick softcover volume also gives us some sampling of storyboards from each film, as well. This book is an absolute must-have for any Nolan bat-fan.

Links: www.LegionsOfGotham.org

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Tower Chronicles Comic Book Review

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The Tower Chronicles is a new comic book series produced by Legendary Comics, featuring the creative minds of Simon Bisley and the legendary Matt Wagner. Wagner is, of course, most famous for his original creation Grendel. Simon Bisley has partnered with Wagner in the past when he did the covers for the complete Dark Horse Comics Grendel: War Child run...which was my personal introduction to that series. I've been a huge fan of both ever since. This new comic is like a mega powers of the comic book industry. Its like the team-up of Batman and Superman. Its epic. The Tower Chronicles is the tale of John Tower, a supernatural bounty hunter. His missions lead him into mankind's most dangerous places to banish poltergeists, demons, and other supernatural evils that plague his “sometimes respectable” patrons.

I had the chance to check out a sneak preview of the comic and the art is fantastic..the writing is great and I cannot wait to pick up the first issue this week! I'm actually headed to the comic shop tomorrow to pick it up. The issue comes in two covers a Bisley cover and a Jim Lee cover. I'm going to get the Biz cover myself, but both look great. We definately recommend this one and you can watch for ongoing coverage of the series here and on ToyLegion.com. In the meantime, check out and follow the official Tower Chronicles Facebook page!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Dark Horse Comics: Why You Shouldn't Be Reading Eric Powell's THE GOON...

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Friday, August 3, 2012

Product Spotlight: Batman Classic: Dawn of the Dynamic Duo Book

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Batman Classic: Dawn of the Dynamic Duo Book Review

You can purchase this book at Amazon.com

About the Book: The twisted troublemaker Two-Face is back in Gotham City, and Batman and Robin have to stop him. Read all about their first adventure as the Dynamic Duo!

Our Take: This early reader book is a reading level 2 Batman adventure that pits a modern Batman and Robin vs. Two Face. One of the things that will stand out to collectors is the artwork by the great Stephen E. Gordon. You may recognize Gordon's name as the man behind the X-Men Evolution cartoon and the never produced Batman: Asylum cartoon. Yeah, this one spoils us with fantastic artwork. This is a great book, with dynamic art...its great for any kid into Batman and fun for adult collectors, as well.

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Product Spotlight: Batman Classic: Reptile Rampage Book

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Batman Classic: Reptile Rampage Book

You can purchase this book at Amazon.com

About the Book: A Gotham City hospital is being terrorized by Killer Croc, and it's up to Batman to save the day! Can the Caped Crusader clean the city sewers of this rotten reptile?

Our Take: Do you know what makes a terrible Batman book? Trick question..no such thing. This one is a level 2 "I can Read" feature. This one has a great Killer Croc story, easy to read for the kid in your life and it has the dynamic artwork to attract the adult collector. The artwork was done by none other than Stephen E. Gordon! You know Gordon..he was the man behind the X-Men Evolution cartoon designs and he developed the pitched, but never produced, Batman: Asylum cartoon. His Batman work is fantastic and a treat to see more of! We highly recommend this one.

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Product Spotlight: Batman Classic: Fright Club Book

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Batman Classic: Fright Club Book Review

You can purchase this book on Amazon.com

About the book: The Joker and Harley Quinn have joined forces with the Scarecrow and Jervis Tetch and are terrorizing the citizens of Gotham City. Can Batman and Robin put the Fright Club out of business or will they fall prey to the madness and mayhem as well?

Our Take: Fright Club is a storybook style Batman book that features the dynamic duo vs. Joker, Harley Quinn and the Scarecrow. The story is charming and the artwork by Andy Smith is fun. He meshes various incarnations of the characters..a more modern Robin with a classic blue and gray bats, Batman: TAS Scarecrow and a more Super Powers Joker and of course the iconic Harley Quinn. This one is a great book for a great price for kids or collectors.

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Product Spotlight: Dark Knight Rises "Tools of the Trade" Book

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The Dark Knight Rises: Tools of the Trade (I Can Read Book 2)

About The Book: Fighting crime in Gotham City is a dangerous job, but with his trusted tools and gadgets, Batman is up to the challenge!

Our Take: This new book in the Dark Knight Rises "I Can Read" series is a great storybook that focuses on the tools at Batman's disposal, thanks to his old pal Lucius Fox. This book features Bane and Catwoman also...and of course that exciting new batman vehicle..."The Bat". This one is a great tie-in for the new film for any kid and even for adult collectors.

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You can buy this book on Amazon.com

Product Spotlight: Dark Knight Rises "Batman Vs. Bane" Book

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The Dark Knight Rises: Batman versus Bane (I Can Read Book 2)

About the Book: Batman battles his toughest enemy yet—Bane. Will the Dark Knight rise to the challenge and save Gotham City?

Our Take: This great new "I Can Read" book features scenes straight out of the Dark Knight Rises interpreted for younger readers. This is a fantastic look at Bane taking on Gordon and Batman taking on Bane in an underground battle. This provides little spoiler for the new film, but a great and fun tie-in for kids and collectors alike. The artwork is great and the book is the right price at around $4 retail.

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You can purchase this book online at Amazon.com

Monday, July 30, 2012

Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla Book Review

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Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla Book Review

About the Book: William Travilla is one of the best costume designers of all time and Marilyn Monroe his most famous client. Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla focuses on the striking dresses that Travilla designed for Marilyn, from his early work on the thriller Don't Bother to Knock and the gorgeous pink dress in which Marilyn sang "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" to the legendary white dress from The Seven Year Itch, which arguably contributed to the collapse of Marilyn's marriage to Joe DiMaggio. Featuring Travilla's original sketches, rare costume test shots, dress patterns, photographs of Marilyn wearing the dresses, plus exclusive and never-before-seen extracts from interviews with Travilla, this book offers a fresh insight into the golden age of Hollywood.
Our Take: Marilyn Monroe was one of the most glamorous and iconic actresses of the 20th century...no, in fact she was THE most. Her still mysterious death still enthralls fans today and her legendary icon status can be seen all around through her film work and the tons of merchandise that still invades our culture. This book is a look into her primary costume designer, William Travilla, and his work on most of her most famous films. The hardcover coffee table book showcases tons of original artwork and drawings by Travilla, test shots of Marilyn in the various costumes and more. This one is a great buy for any Marilyn fan!
How to Buy: Amazon.com

Prometheus: The Art of the Film Book Review

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Prometheus: The Art of the Film Book Review

Our Take: Visionary filmmaker Ridley Scott returns to the genre he helped define, creating an original science fiction epic set in the most dangerous corners of the universe. The movie takes a team of scientists and explorers on a thrilling journey that will test their physical and mental limits and strand them on a distant world, where they will discover the answers to our most profound questions and to life's ultimate mystery.

With an introduction by Scott himself, this lavish book will be the only publication to accompany Prometheus. Stunning production art and behind the scenes photos will grant the reader a window on the process of creating this astounding new epic.

Our Take: We love the Alien franchise here at the Legion. Hell, we even love Alien: Resurrection, lol. Ridley Scott has re-visited the franchise that he began with a prequel of sorts to Alien that explores who the infamous "space jockey" was. This hardcover art book is a fantastic collectible from the film that provides insights (and spoilers!) into the film's sets, gadgets and various creatures. You get everything from early artwork to storyboards. This one is a must for any serious Alien fan. Prometheus was a phenominal film and this book is a great companion piece.
How to Buy: Amazon.com