Welcome to the 2023 Forces of Geek Holiday Gift Guide! Part Four: Books / Literature

Grimm’s Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm Folio Society Edition

This Folio edition, a facsimile of the British edition of 1909, contains 60 of The Brothers Grimm’s most famous tales, including ‘Snow White’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and ‘Red Riding Hood’. Housed in a stunning slipcase the volume features 38 colour plates and 55 black & white illustrations

It is curious to think that we owe so many of our best-loved fairy tales – from ‘The Frog Prince’ to ‘Rapunzel’ – to the scholarship of two German brothers in the 19th century.

The Brothers Grimm collected some 200 traditional tales of Northern Europe that might very well otherwise have been lost to us. This Folio edition contains 60 of the most famous, including ‘Snow White’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and ‘Red Riding Hood’.

Their influence cannot be overstated; W. H. Auden considered them founding texts of Western culture: ‘It is hardly too much to say that these tales rank next to the Bible in importance’. Illustrated with Arthur Rackham’s exquisite pictures, these stories will forever be associated with fairy magic.

Queen Uncovered

With many never-before-seen photographs and memorabilia, Queen Uncovered is a treasure trove of amazing content from the personal archive of former roadie for Queen and renowned writer, Peter Hince.

Peter Hince spent 13 years as head roadie for Queen. His collection of photographs and ephemera from the band’s personal and public moments will finally see the light of day for the first time. It’s a unique photographic record of one of the most celebrated rock bands of all time. From concerts in Munich to Japan, Hince follows Queen from studio to street to stage. Facsimiles of handwritten notes from recording sessions, photos of the band in the studio, images of cassettes given to Hince to debut at clubs, Freddie Mercury with and without a mustache . . . the list goes on. Along with many candid moments are great photos of the various items collected from more than a decade of tours: backstage passes, matchbooks, set lists, and more.

David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire

In the summer of 1973, a 19-year-old, Kevin Cummins, photographed David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. Thus began a 40-year relationship of the celebrated photographer and the iconic singer. In David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire, world-renowned rock photographer, Kevin Cummins, selected some of his very best images, some never before seen, featuring the rock legend from early gigs to sold-out concerts.

David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire includes some of the best images of Bowie ever taken, the majority of which have never been published until now. A then 19-year old photography student from Manchester, Kevin Cummins, who photographed Bowie as Ziggy Stardust in 1973, caught the singer’s attention with his impressive images that soon became iconic. Bowie allowed him personal access and they made history together, spanning four decades. The photographs capture the amazing metamorphosis of Bowie through his various personas such as Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and The Thin White Duke. This collection illuminates the singer’s brilliance, creativity, and personality, capturing him in rare and intimate moments. David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire is a remarkable opportunity to see Bowie’s contribution to music, fashion, and culture, making it a keepsake for fans everywhere.

Kevin Cummins went on to photograph some of the best acts in the U.K. music scene and has had photos displayed in museums, on many album covers, and on book jackets.

Star Wars Dawn of Rebellion The Visual Guide

Take a deep dive into a turbulent era of the Star Wars galaxy and chart the rise of the Rebellion from the prequel trilogy through Obi-Wan, Andor, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to the original trilogy.

For many years, the state of the galaxy between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope was a mystery to Star Wars fans. With the release of Star Wars: Rebels and Rogue One, and more recently, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor, an exciting new era has begun to emerge – the Dawn of Rebellion.

Before Luke Skywalker ever picked up a lightsaber, the rebels were scattered and desperate bands of idealists, fighting their own battles against the might of the Empire. Victories were few, losses high, and danger ever-present. This Visual Guide charts this darkest of times, revealing all of the key characters, locations, vehicles, and weapons from the hit Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor, with supporting material from the Skywalker saga. Includes an exclusive new cross-section artwork of the Fondor Hauler.

Star Wars The High Republic Character Encyclopedia

Want to dive into The High Republic era of the Star Wars galaxy, but don’t know where to start? Look no further!

Centuries before the fall of Anakin Skywalker and rise of the Galactic Empire, the noble and wise Jedi Knights must face frightening new threats to themselves, the galaxy, and the Force itself! Meet the brave Jedi, ruthless Nihil marauders, cutthroat mercenaries, and evil monsters who call this era of the galaxy home.

Featuring more than 250 characters from The High Republic publishing initiative, this character encyclopedia is a perfect introduction to an exciting new era of Star Wars storytelling.

The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Beyond

The bestselling classic celebrating animation legend Walt Disney by author and photographer Christopher Finch—revised and updated to Celebrate Disney 100 Years of Wonder.

Foreword by legendary Disney animator Floyd Norman (Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book)

Presented for the first time in a deluxe foil slipcase and real-cloth binding with foil stamping.

Since it was first published in 1973, The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Beyond has established itself as an indispensable classic of illustrated book publishing, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Offering a comprehensive history and tribute to the career and legacy of Walt Disney, the book was the first to reveal the wealth of concept art, animation drawings, and archival material that is created in the course of animating films.

Now back in print to celebrate Disney 100 Years of Wonder, this groundbreaking work collects a century of timeless animation.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan: The Making of the Classic Film

An in-depth look at the making of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, featuring rare and previously unseen production art and new and exclusive interviews.

Forty years ago, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan saw Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise crew face one of the greatest foes in Star Trek history, Khan Noonien Singh, as well as the death of Spock. Celebrate this landmark anniversary by taking a deep dive into the stories behind this iconic science fiction classic.

This beautiful coffee-table book is full to the brim with rare and previously unpublished archival material, behind-the-scenes photography, production art, cut scenes, script extracts, and much more, alongside new and exclusive interviews with the creatives, including director Nicholas Meyer.

The Avengers: Folio Society Edition

Behold an assembly of iconic adventures in The Avengers. Curated by Marvel legend Roy Thomas, this bold new edition from Folio gathers the greatest tales of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, featuring Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and more.

Meet the Super Hero team who united a universe in The Avengers, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Folio teams up once again with legendary Avengers writer and Marvel editor Roy Thomas, who selects and introduces 12 exemplary tales of Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Scarlet Witch and so many more. This thrilling new collection includes a perfect replica of 1963’s The Avengers #1 by Stan ‘The Man’ Lee and Jack ‘The King’ Kirby, while modern Avengers artist Leinil Francis Yu provides original cover art featuring bold contemporary visions of team-members old and new. The Avengers unifies Folio’s previous Marvel collections – including Captain America, Thor and Hulk – exploring how these characters lived and battled within a single shared universe.

Future Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin was among the legions of young fans writing letters to Marvel Comics in the early 60s, begging to see more interaction between the publisher’s growing roster of Super Heroes. The Avengers #1 landed in July 1963, written by the inexhaustible Stan Lee with art by Captain America co-creator Jack Kirby. The story gathered several marquee names, including Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man and Wasp to rescue a hapless Hulk from the machinations of the vengeful Loki. This was the first issue in the series that fully established the shared playground of the Marvel Universe, a ground-breaking debut reproduced here as a 34-page scale replica. Scanned from an original copy, complete with vintage ads, this crucial piece of Marvel history is included with this edition. Original cover art and endpaper designs by fan-favourite Avengers artist Leinil Francis Yu features an assemblage of team-members both famous and infamous, from Hawkeye and Captain Marvel to Black Widow and Black Panther. Armed with a scratch-resistant laminated cover, this mighty collection comes housed in a slipcase clothbound in crimson and bearing the world-famous insignia of Avengers Tower.

Includes:

• ‘Captain America Joins . . . The Avengers!’ – The Avengers #4 (March 1964)
• ‘The Old Order Changeth!’ – The Avengers #16 (May 1965)
• ‘Behold . . . The Vision!’ – The Avengers #57 (October 1968)
• ‘This Beachhead Earth’ – The Avengers #93 (November 1971)
• ‘Go West, Young Gods!’ – The Avengers #142 (December 1975)
• ‘The Final Threat’ – The Avengers Annual #7 (January 1977)
• ‘The Hope . . . and the Slaughter!’ – The Avengers #177 (November 1978)
• ‘The Price of Victory’ – The Avengers #277 (March 1987)
• ‘Ultron Unlimited, This Evil Triumphant!’ – The Avengers #22 (November 1999)
• ‘Breakout!’ – The New Avengers #1 (January 2005)
• ‘Avengers World’ – Avengers #1 (February 2013)

Spielberg: The First Ten Years

Explore the beginning of Steven Spielberg’s remarkable career with this definitive retrospective that covers Duel, The Sugarland Express, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 1941, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

In the first ten years of his career, Steven Spielberg directed some of the most influential and beloved films in cinema history. Movies such as Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial introduced audiences to the modern blockbuster and cemented Spielberg as a monumental figure in pop culture. Through exclusive imagery and unparalleled insight from Spielberg’s longtime documentarian, Laurent Bouzereau, this deluxe volume explores how a young filmmaker reinvented American cinema within just ten years. Featuring a fresh perspective on films including Duel, The Sugarland Express, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 1941, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, this book is an essential exploration of an iconic filmmaker’s early career.

Featuring exclusive imagery and unparalleled insight from Spielberg’s longtime documentarian, Laurent Bouzereau.

This deluxe volume explores how a young filmmaker reinvented American cinema within just a decade, diving deep into groundbreaking Spielberg films including Duel, The Sugarland Express, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 1941, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

Jurassic Park: The Official Script Book: Complete with Annotations and Illustrations

Discover the thrills of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park in a whole new way with this officially licensed, deluxe edition of the screenplay, complete with in-depth annotations and film stills.

Jurassic Park gave moviegoers an unforgettable thrill ride. Now, on the film’s 30th anniversary, fans can experience Jurassic Park in an all-new way with this deluxe, annotated edition of Michael Crichton and David Koepp’s script. This script book is annotated by franchise expert James Mottram (Jurassic Park: The Ultimate Visual History, Jurassic World: The Ultimate Visual History), offering commentary and insight into the behind-the-scenes story of the film. Fully illustrated with film stills, concept art, and other key visuals, this is a must-have collectible for Jurassic Park fans and a fitting tribute to a landmark film.

A must-have collectible for Jurassic Park fans, this script book is a fitting tribute to a landmark film and a great way to return to Isla Nublar. This script book is annotated by franchise expert James Mottram (Jurassic Park: The Ultimate Visual History, Jurassic World: The Ultimate Visual History), offering commentary and insight into the behind-the-scenes story of the film.

As a celebration of the landmark film, this book is fully illustrated with film stills, concept art, and other key visual, including the final draft screenplay of Jurassic Park, written by Michael Crichton and David Koepp.

The Costumes of Downton Abbey

An Official Companion to the Downton Abbey Films and TV Series: An exclusive inside look at the intricate and glamorous costuming of the popular PBS series, with complete historical detail and beautiful imagery.

An inside look at the intricate costuming of the popular PBS series, including character costume choices and the historic fashion trends characteristic of the aristocracy during the Edwardian era.

Appealing to Anglophiles, costume and sewing aficionados, and fans of the hit series, The Costumes of Downton Abbey presents—with comprehensive historical detail and beautiful imagery—the design decisions and wardrobe intricacies that shaped the glamour and elegance of the characters of Downton Abbey.

Featuring the fashion of both upstairs and downstairs cast members, this title explores the unique daytime, evening, special occasion, and wedding wardrobes that led to a 2011 Emmy and several Emmy nominations for Outstanding Costumes for a Series. Detailed photographs, fan-favorite stills from the television series, and designer notes and insights make this a delightful and informative guide to the role costumes played in the character portrayal, story development, and art direction of the series.

The Art of The Creator: Designs of Futures Past

Discover the secrets behind the creation of director Gareth Edwards’s remarkable science-fiction adventure, The Creator.

Dive into the making of The Creator, an original science fiction adventure from director Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Godzilla), with this deluxe behind-the-scenes book. Amid a war between humankind and rampant artificial intelligence in the not-too-distant future, Joshua (John David Washington) is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of the advanced AI. In his efforts to defeat the AI, Joshua discovers that the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child.

Featuring commentary from Gareth Edwards and his crew, including production designer James Clyne, plus the extraordinary cast including John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, and Ken Watanabe, this exclusive volume tells the full story of the film’s creation. Illustrated with stunning visuals from the production of the movie, including remarkable concept art that charts the film’s evolution, this book is the ultimate companion to one of the most original and innovative films of 2023.

Go behind the scenes of The Creator with candid photos from the shoot and exclusive production art. Dive into the creation of the film through exclusive interviews with director Gareth Edwards, his crew, and the film’s cast. Follow The Creator through its entire creative process, from script to screen, told from the point of view of the film’s director, his crew and the producers at New Regency.

Conan the Barbarian: The Official Story of the Film

Official retrospective hardback book telling the story of the making of Conan The Barbarian, including interviews with cast and crew and featuring behind-the-scenes photography from the shoot. Author and filmmaker John Walsh has unearthed a treasure trove of new and archive material for this book.

In 1982, Robert E. Howard’s iconic literary anti-hero, Conan, slashed his way from page to screen after a perilous decades-long journey. With its potent mix of epic vistas and bloody battles, Conan The Barbarian thrilled moviegoers around the world and launched the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Forty years after its release, this cult-classic film is celebrated in Conan The Barbarian – The Official Story of the Film, a lush hardback volume that tells the full story of how the film was made. Brand new interviews with cast and crew, as well behind-the-scenes photography from the set and concept art created for the production, give fascinating insights into the development of one of the best-loved fantasy films of the 1980s.

Star Wars: The Secrets of the Wookiees

Readers of all ages will discover the untold stories of Wookiees, from Chewbacca to Burryaga, in this interactive, beautifully illustrated guide.

Journey to the forests of Kashyyyk and learn the lore of the galaxy’s most storied species in Star Wars: The Secrets of the Wookiees. Young fans will uncover fascinating stories about famous Wookiees across galactic history, all accompanied by incredible artwork and interactive features, including pop-ups, booklets, and lift-the-flap inserts.

In this in-universe book, young fans will discover the unique culture of the Wookiee planet Kashyyyk, and be introduced to fascinating tales about the galaxy’s most famed Wookiees. You’ll delve into Chewbacca’s journeys with Han Solo and Rey, Wookiee history and technology, and more. Spanning films, television shows, books, comics, and video games, Star Wars: The Secrets of the Wookiees highlights the galaxy’s greatest Wookiees—including Chewbacca, Tarfful, Krrsantan, Burryaga, Gungi, and more.

Star Wars: The Secrets of the Wookiees contains beautiful illustrations that will enthrall both child and adult readers alike. Complete with a frameable 11 x 17 poster of the cover art, pop-ups, booklets, and lift-the-flap inserts will thrill young fans, making for an engaging experience while transporting readers into stories about the galaxy’s Wookiee heroes and villains in this ideal gift for any Star Wars fan.

Batman: The Multiverse of the Dark Knight: An Illustrated Guide

Take a tour through the diverse worlds of the DC Multiverse in this comprehensive guidebook detailing the lives of its many Caped Crusaders. Dive into different dimensions and meet countless variations of the Dark Knight—from the Batman Who Laughs to Flashpoint Batman, from Captain Leatherwing to Bizarro-Batman, this book profiles more than 60 iconic iterations of DC’s legendary Super Hero alongside striking original art. Thrilling and vibrant, this treasury is a must-have collectible for every Batman fan!

Batman: An Illustrated Guide to the Multiverse is filled with spectacular, never-before-seen artwork and includes more than 60 stunning illustrations celebrate the unique visual style of each Batman universe.

Featuring an in-universe narrative and a fan-favorite guide who takes the reader though every corner of the DC Multiverse, the book showcases detailed profiles of characters like Flashpoint Batman, The Batman Who Laughs, and Bizarro-Batman, this book is the definitive guide to DC’s trove of Batman characters.

Unleashing Oppenheimer: Inside Christopher Nolan’s Explosive Atomic-Age Thriller

Discover the secrets of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer with this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at 2023’s most anticipated film.

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer is an IMAX-shot epic thriller that thrusts audiences into the pulse-pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world in order to save it. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven, and Nolan.

The film stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Emily Blunt as Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer. Oscar winner Matt Damon portrays General Leslie Groves Jr. and Robert Downey Jr. plays Lewis Strauss.

Unleashing Oppenheimer traces the creation of Nolan’s latest film from script to screen through exclusive interviews with the director and his cast and crew, plus electrifying visuals from the film including on-set photos, concept art, research materials, and storyboards.

Dive into the creative process of the award-winning director and get an insider’s view of his latest film, the highly anticipated Oppenheimer features a stunning cast, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Josh Hartnett, and Kenneth Branagh.

This book includes an all-access account of the creation of the film with interviews with key players, including Christopher Nolan himself.

Dune Part One: The Photography

Experience the creation of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune like never before with this startling collection of photography by Chiabella James.

From the cliffs of Norway to the deserts of Jordan, unit photographer Chiabella James was on set to capture every moment of Dune, director Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-nominated sci-fi epic based on Frank Herbert’s classic novel.

Curated from thousands of stills shot throughout the filming of Dune, this deluxe volume compiles the most compelling photos to form a remarkable visual journey that fully captures the unique spirit of the production. Encompassing the epic vistas witnessed on location shoots, through to candid moments between Villeneuve and key cast members including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, and Jason Momoa, this book also features a foreword by executive producer Tanya Lapointe (The Art and Soul of Dune), a preface by Ferguson, and an afterword by Brian Herbert.

Dune Part One: The Photography is the quintessential collectible for fans of director Denis Villeneuve and film enthusiasts everywhere.

We’re Not Worthy: From In Living Color to Mr. Show, How ‘90s Sketch TV Changed the Face of Comedy

In the ‘70s and ‘80s Saturday Night Live, SCTV, and Monty Python ruled the television airwaves with sketch comedy. But then came the 1990s—and alongside grunge music and oversized denim, sketch comedy was turned up to 11. With the promise of low budgets, big laughs, more diverse cast members, and fresh content, an ever-expanding number of television stations each wanted their very own hit sketch show. Saturday Night Live was ‘dead’ anyway, right?

We’re Not Worthy is the definitive account of ‘90s sketch comedy, the decade that forever changed what we laugh at. Author and comedian Jason Klamm goes behind the scenes of more than 50 sketch shows that ruled the ‘90s, including groundbreaking staples such as In Living Color, MTV’s The State, Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall, The Ben Stiller Show, and Mad TV, along with several swiftly canceled gigs (The Dana Carvey Show, anyone?). Each show seemed to launch at least one big name into the stratosphere: The Wayans family, Ben Stiller, Jennifer Coolidge, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell, Judd Apatow, Janeane Garofalo . . . the list goes on and on.

Klamm brings readers back to the ‘90s comedy landscape like never before, through over 150 new and candid interviews with trailblazers such as Mike Myers, Bob Odenkirk, Carol Burnett, Tommy Davidson, Adam McKay, Dave Thomas, Patton Oswalt, Reno 911!’s Kerri Kenney-Silver, and a litany of additional favorites. Plus the producers, writers, directors, and other insiders that pulled it all together.

Steeped with hilarious stories, on-the-set antics, and head-turning television politics, We’re Not Worthy is a revealing trip back to the decade that placed comedy on the razor’s edge.

Much More Than A Stooge: Shemp Howard

Shemp Howard was a gifted physical actor and ad-libber yet his career oddly seemed at times to fly-under-the-radar. A century ago, his onstage life began as the original Stooge for superstar Ted Healy, ultimately gracing Broadway. Alongside brother Moe Howard with Larry Fine – the nucleus of The Three Stooges – they appeared in the feature film Soup to Nuts. He went solo in 105 movies with stars like John Wayne, James Stewart, W.C. Fields and Abbott and Costello.

Returning to The Three Stooges in place of ailing younger brother Jerome (Curly), Shemp saved the act from prematurely ending but sadly he died at the rather young age of 60 in 1955. A Shemp renaissance has attracted attention from gifted artists including Drew Friedman, Tristan Yonce and Darin McGowan, the latter responsible for transporting him to magical cinematic locales like Oz.

BearManor Media author and veteran Canadian journalist Geoff Dale probes his fascinating life in this first-ever Shemp Howard book. Foreword by Geri Howard Greenbaum, Jill Howard Marcus and Sandie Howard Isaac.

A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune. An Oral History

“I see many things. I see plans within plans.”

Following his underground hit Eraserhead and critically acclaimed The Elephant Man, visionary filmmaker David Lynch set his sights on bringing Frank Herbert’s beloved sci-fi novel Dune to the screen. The project had already vexed directors such as Alejandro Jodorowsky (El Topo) and Ridley Scott (Alien). But by the early ‘80s Universal Pictures was prepared to give Lynch the keys to the kingdom – and the highest budget in the studio’s history at the time – so that he could lend his surrealistic chops to this sprawling story of feuding space dynasties. They would also hopefully be creating a “Star Wars for adults” franchise-starter.

As the hot young filmmaker commanded a cast with 42 major speaking parts as well as a crew of 1,700 (plus over 20,000 extras) on 80 sets built on 8 sound stages in Mexico, what happened next became as wild, complex, and full of intrigue as Herbert’s novel itself.

Film writer Max Evry goes behind the erratic ride of David Lynch’s Dune like never before, with a years-in-the-making oral history culled from a lineup of new interviews with the film’s stars (Kyle MacLachlan, Sean Young, Virginia Madsen, etc.), creatives, film executives, and insiders – not to mention Lynch himself.

David Lynch’s Dune initially left many filmgoers and reviewers scratching their heads, most dismissing the film upon its release. However, four decades and a big-budget remake later, Lynch’s Dune is finally poised to find its rightful place alongside the director’s other masterpieces such as Blue Velvet and Mullholland Drive.

Max Evry’s A Masterpiece in Disarray takes you back to 1984 with the deepest dive yet into the cult classic that is David Lynch’s Dune.

No Crying in Baseball: The Inside Story of A League of Their Own: Big Stars, Dugout Drama, and a Home Run for Hollywood

The inside story of how A League of Their Own—one of the most beloved baseball movies of all time—developed from an unheralded piece of American history into a perennial cinematic favorite. Featuring exclusive interviews and behind the scenes memories from the original cast and creators.

No Crying in Baseball is a rollicking, revelatory deep dive into a one‑of‑a‑kind film. Before A League of Their Own, few American girls could imagine themselves playing professional ball (and doing it better than the boys). But Penny Marshall’s genre outlier became an instant classic and significant aha moment for countless young women who saw that throwing like a girl was far from an insult.

Part fly‑on‑the‑wall narrative, part immersive pop nostalgia, No Crying in Baseball is for readers who love stories about subverting gender roles as well as fans of the film who remain passionate thirty years after its release. With key anecdotes from the cast, crew, and diehard fanatics, Carlson presents the definitive, first‑ever history of the making of the treasured film that inspired generations of Dottie Hinsons to dream bigger and aim for the sky.

DC Comics: The Golden Age. 1938-1956 Folio Society Edition

Witness the creation of the world’s very first Super Heroes in DC Comics: The Golden Age. Folio has teamed up with the legendary publishers of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman to present the first in a brand-new series of prestige comic-book collections.

Witness the creation of the world’s first multiverse, when the publisher that would become DC Comics founded the superhero genre as we know it today. The groundbreaking debut adventures of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and more return in Folio’s earth-shattering new collection DC Comics: The Golden Age.

Former DC Editor-in-Chief Jenette Kahn selects and introduces eighteen epoch-making stories published during the formative age of American comic books. Scanned directly from original copies held in the DC archives, these seminal stories collect the earliest – often startling – incarnations of our modern Super Hero icons.

Discover original work by the founding fathers of the genre, from Superman creators Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, Batman’s Bob Kane with Bill Finger, and Wonder Woman writer William Moulton Marston. This astonishing collection includes a complete 68-page replica of Action Comics #1, the world’s very first superhero comic. Presented in a dynamic clamshell case with a separate art print by modern Batman artist Yanick Paquette, DC Comics: The Golden Age explores the roots of a pop culture phenomenon, the first instalment in a brand-new series from The Folio Society in partnership with DC Comics.

Many of the founding Super Heroes of DC Comics are the stuff of Olympian myth – Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman are practically gods – while Batman and the Joker are carved from the darkness of our own world. This primal energy buzzes throughout Superman’s rollicking debut in Action Comics #1, included in this collection in the form of a glorious 68-page replica, complete with original accompanying strips and charming vintage ads. First published in April 1938, the comic flew off the newsstands for ten cents apiece; an original copy later auctioned in 2022 for $3.18 million. This is the comic book that gave the world its first superhero and inspired Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. Award-winning DC artist Yanick Paquette bookends this lineage with an original art print that updates the classic montage featured in 1939’s Superman #3. Full bound in shimmering gold cloth with a printed band of classic comic-strip panels, as well as endpapers featuring an array of DC’s Golden Age pantheon, the book itself comes in a gloss clamshell case in bold blue, red and yellow, emblazoned with the classic trinity of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

DC Comics: The Golden Age spotlights every major character debut from this formative era, including the earliest incarnations of some of the world’s most iconic Super Heroes. In these early stories, Superman has yet to gain his famous powers of flight and battles corrupt landlords in lieu of crazed Super-Villains. Elsewhere, you’ll meet the original Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern and DC’s Captain Marvel (later known as ‘Shazam’). Classic adventures abound, including Wonder Woman’s first mission to America in 1942’s Sensation Comics #1 and the classic Catwoman caper “Claws of the Catwoman” from 1947’s Batman #42. Presented here in prestige format are perfect examples of Golden Age comic-book art. Plastic Man #5 from 1946 showcases the brilliantly expressive cartooning of John Spranger, while legendary artist Wayne Boring updates Superman’s origin story for 1948’s Superman #53, establishing the signature look that would define the character throughout the 1950s. This is a truly exhaustive collection that brings you back to the day the superhero genre was forged, retaining every authentic detail of the original comic books. Available only from The Folio Society, DC Comics: The Golden Age showcases the birth of a modern American mythology.

Includes:

• Detective Comics #27 (May 1939)
• Superman #3 (December 1939)
• Flash Comics #1 (January 1940)
• Whiz Comics #1 (February 1940)
• Batman #1 (March 1940)
• Action Comics #23 (April 1940)
• All-American Comics #16 (July 1940)
• Police Comics #1 (August 1941)
• More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941)
• All-Star Comics #8 (January 1942)
• Sensation Comics #1 (January 1942)
• Plastic Man #5 (September 1946)
• Batman #42 (August 1947)
• All-Star Comics #37 (November 1947)
• Batman #44 (December 1947)
• Superman #53 (August 1948)
• Sensation Comics #81 (September 1948)

Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again

The first English translations of the original novellas about the iconic kaijū Godzilla

Godzilla emerged from the sea to devastate Tokyo in the now-classic 1954 film, produced by Tōhō Studios and directed by Ishirō Honda, creating a global sensation and launching one of the world’s most successful movie and media franchises. Awakened and transformed by nuclear weapons testing, Godzilla serves as a terrifying metaphor for humanity’s shortsighted destructiveness: this was the intent of Shigeru Kayama, the science fiction writer who drafted the 1954 original film and its first sequel and, in 1955, published these novellas.

Although the Godzilla films have been analyzed in detail by cultural historians, film scholars, and generations of fans, Kayama’s two Godzilla novellas—both classics of Japanese young-adult science fiction—have never been available in English. This book finally provides English-speaking fans and critics the original texts with these first-ever English-language translations of Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again. The novellas reveal valuable insights into Kayama’s vision for the Godzilla story, feature plots that differ from the films, and clearly display the author’s strong antinuclear, proenvironmental convictions.

Kayama’s fiction depicts Godzilla as engaging in guerrilla-style warfare against humanity, which has allowed the destruction of the natural world through its irresponsible, immoral perversion of science. As human activity continues to cause mass extinctions and rapid climatic change, Godzilla provides a fable for the Anthropocene, powerfully reminding us that nature will fight back against humanity’s onslaught in unpredictable and devastating ways.

The Art of Classic Sci-Fi Movies: An Illustrated History

From the dawn of silent cinema to today, sci-fi movies have been a constant presence in pop culture, with mad scientists, terrifying monsters (giant and otherwise), UFOs, and invading aliens all bursting out from some of the most brilliantly designed posters ever printed, featuring art that was sometimes lurid, always eye-catching, and often simply beautiful.

Acknowledging the iconic, but with plenty of room for the rare and unfamiliar, The Art of Classic Sci-Fi Movies presents a stellar selection of imagery, charting the story of the genre from its origins in foundational works like A Trip to the Moon and Metropolis, through Cold War classics like Invasion of the Body-Snatchers and Godzilla, and on to visionary films such as 2001 and Solaris—as well as less celebrated but nonetheless infamous cultural artifacts like Barbarella and Zardoz, and genuine oddities such as Murder by Television and Twonky. The most extensive book of its type ever published, it includes ample selections from American movies as well as a range of films from Japan, Italy, Spain, France, Russia, and Eastern Europe.

The Golden Screen: The Movies That Made Asian America

From a New York Times bestselling author, this groundbreaking book celebrates and examines the history of Asian Americans on the big screen, exploring how iconic films have shaped Hollywood, representation, and American culture.

In 2018, the critical and financial success of Crazy Rich Asians ignited new fires in Hollywood to create and back Asian-centric stories. Since then, the number of movies featuring Asian Americans, either in front or behind the camera, has boomed and ushered in a new era of filmmaking. But many films, like The Joy Luck Club in 1993, paved the way for Asian American-led films before Crazy Rich Asians and to today. The Golden Screen is an in-depth look at those films, and the factors that played into their success.

The Golden Screen includes commentary and conversations from Hollywood’s most visible faces, such as Simu Liu, Lulu Wang, Daniel Dae Kim, Janet Yang, Ronny Chieng, Alice Wu, and Ken Jeong. See the movies that inspired today’s modern stars to enter moviemaking, and how they’re paying it forward to the next wave of creators.

Featuring beautiful, original artwork from nine esteemed Asian illustrators, including: Toma Nguyen, barbarian flower, Jun Cen, Cryssy Cheung, Cliff Chiang, Yu-Ming Huang, JiYeun Kang, Ashraf Omar, and Zi Xu.

A beautiful keepsake and collection of over 100 photographs and original art, The Golden Screen is perfect for movie and history fans alike, and reaffirms the importance of the Asian American film canon, and all the people involved, in an increasingly diverse Hollywood.

Pallenberg Wonder Bears – From the Beginning

The true story of Emil Pallenberg (1888 – 1963), who came to the United States in 1914 through Ellis Island with three trained acrobatic bears, to play Vaudeville for six months on the Orpheum Circuit and ended up headlining with Ringling Bros owned circuses for fifteen consecutive seasons – and performed with them, periodically, as an Independent Contractor, for another decade or so.

During and after the Great Depression, Pallenberg and his bicycle riding, roller skating bears performed with a wide variety of circuses, as well as at expositions and State Fairs for another twenty years.

His “Wonder Bears”, as they came to be known, also appeared in three major motion pictures — and one was on Broadway for over a year in a Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein Musical.

Ode to Hip-Hop: 50 Albums That Define 50 Years of Trailblazing Music

Celebrate the music that has shaped the culture and given us some of the greatest hits of all time with this vibrantly illustrated anthology, featuring 50 of the most lauded, controversial, and iconic hip-hop albums!

From underground roots to mainstream popularity, hip-hop’s influence on music and entertainment around the world has been nothing short of extraordinary. Ode to Hip-Hop chronicles the journey with profiles of fifty albums that have defined, expanded, and ultimately transformed the genre into what it is today. From 2 Live Crew’s groundbreaking As Nasty As They Wanna Be in 1989 to Cardi B’s similarly provocative Invasion of Privacy almost thirty years later, and more, Ode to Hip-Hop covers hip-hop from coast to coast. Organized by decade and with sidebars on fashion, mixtapes, and key players throughout, the result is a comprehensive homage to hip-hop, published just in time for the fiftieth anniversary. Enjoyed in the club, at a party, through speakers or headphones–the albums in this book deserve to be listened to again and again, for the next fifty years and beyond.

Albums featured: Kurtis Blow (self-titled, 1980); The Message (Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, 1982); Run-D.M.C (self-titled, 1984), Hot, Cool & Vicious (Salt-N-Pepa, 1986); Paid in Full (Eric B. & Rakim, 1987); Straight Outta Compton (N.W.A, 1988); Lyte as a Rock (MC Lyte, 1988); As Nasty as They Wanna Be (2 Live Crew, 1989); Mama Said Knock You Out (LL Cool J, 1990); People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (A Tribe Called Quest, 1990); The Chronic (Dr. Dre, 1992); Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (Wu-Tang Clan, 1993); Black Reign (Queen Latifah, 1993); Doggystyle (Snoop Dogg, 1993); Illmatic (Nas, 1994); Ready to Die (The Notorious B.I.G., 1994); The Diary (Scarface, 1994); Funkdafied (Da Brat, 1994); Mystic Stylez (Three 6 Mafia, 1995); Hard Core (Lil’ Kim, 1996); Ridin’ Dirty (UGK, 1996); All Eyez On Me (2Pac, 1996); Supa Dupa Fly (Missy Elliott, 1997); Aquemini (Outkast, 1998); The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Lauryn Hill, 1998); It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (DMX, 1998); Things Fall Apart (The Roots, 1999); Da Baddest B***h (Trina, 2000); The Marshall Mathers LP (Eminem, 2000); The Blueprint (JAY-Z, 2001); Lord Willin’ (Clipse, 2002); Get Rich or Die Tryin‘ (50 Cent, 2003); The College Dropout (Kanye West, 2004); Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (Young Jeezy, 2005); King (T.I., 2006); Lupe Fiasco’s the Cool (Lupe Fiasco, 2007); The Carter III (Lil Wayne, 2008); The State vs. Radric Davis (Gucci Mane, 2009); Pink Friday (Nicki Minaj, 2010); Watch the Throne (JAY-Z & Kanye West, 2011); Nothing Was the Same (Drake, 2013); To Pimp a Butterfly (Kendrick Lamar, 2015); DS2 (Future, 2015); Culture (Migos, 2017); Invasion of Privacy (Cardi B., 2018); Whack World (Tierra Whack, 2018); Eve (Rapsody, 2019); City on Lock (City Girls, 2020); Montero (Lil Nas X, 2021); Traumazine (Megan Thee Stallion, 2022)

Black TV: Five Decades of Groundbreaking Television from Soul Train to Black-ish and Beyond

With iconic imagery and engrossing text, Black TV is the first book of its kind to celebrate the groundbreaking, influential, and often under-appreciated shows centered on Black people and their experiences from the last fifty years.

Over the past decade, television has seen an explosion of acclaimed and influential debut storytellers including Issa Rae (Insecure), Donald Glover (Atlanta), and Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You). This golden age of Black television would not be possible without the actors, showrunners, and writers that worked for decades to give voice to the Black experience in America.

Written by veteran TV reporter Bethonie Butler, Black TV tells the stories behind the pioneering series that led to this moment, celebrating the laughs, the drama, and the performances we’ve loved over the last fifty years. Beginning with Julia, the groundbreaking sitcom that made Diahann Carroll the first Black woman to lead a prime-time network series as something other than a servant, she explores the 1960s and 1970s as an era of unprecedented representation, with shows like Soul Train, Roots, and The Jeffersons. She unpacks the increasingly nuanced comedies of the 1980s from 227 to A Different World, and how they paved the way for the ’90s Black-sitcom boom that gave us The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Living Single. Butler also looks at the visionary comedians—from Flip Wilson to the Wayans siblings to Dave Chappelle—and connects all these achievements to the latest breakthroughs in television with showrunners like Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, and Quinta Brunson leading the charge.

With dozens of photographs reminding readers of memorable moments and scenes, Butler revisits breakout performances and important guest appearances, delivering some overdue accolades along the way. So, put on your Hillman sweatshirt, make some popcorn, and get ready for a dyn-o-mite retrospective of the most groundbreaking and entertaining shows in television history.

Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History

Welcome to the O.C., b*tch: it’s the definitive oral history of beloved TV show The O.C., from the show’s creators, featuring interviews with the cast and crew, providing a behind-the-scenes look into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today.

On August 5th, 2003, Ryan Atwood found himself a long way from his home in Chino—he was in The O.C., an exclusive suburb full of beautiful girls, wealthy bullies, corrupt real-estate tycoons, and a new family helmed by his public defender, Sandy Cohen. Ryan soon warms up to his nerdy, indie band-loving new best friend Seth, and quickly falls for Marissa, the stunning girl next door who has secrets of her own. Completing the group is Summer, Seth’s dream girl and Marissa’s loyal—and fearless—best friend. Together, the friends fall in and out of love, support each other amidst family strife, and capture the hearts of audiences across the country.

Just in time for the show’s twentieth anniversary, The O.C.’s creator Josh Schwartz and executive producer Stephanie Savage are ready to dive into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today. With Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic and bestselling author Alan Sepinwall conducting interviews with the key cast members, writers, and producers who were there when it all happened, Welcome to the O.C. will offer the definitive inside look at the beloved show—a nostalgic delight for audiences who watched when it aired, and a rich companion to viewers currently discovering the show while it streams on HBO Max and Hulu.

The O.C. paved the way for a new generation of iconic teen soaps, launched the careers of young stars, and even gave us the gift of Chrismukkah. Now, it’s time to go back where we started from and experience it all over again.

Includes exclusive interviews with Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan, Melinda Clarke, Tate Donovan, Chris Carmack, Autumn Reeser, Willa Holland, Samaire Armstrong, Alan Dale, Colin Hanks, Amanda Righetti, Navi Rawat, Shannon Lucio, Michael Cassidy, McG, Imogen Heap, Alex Greenwald, Ben Gibbard, Paul Scheer, Doug Liman, and many more!

Halloween 2018–2022: The Official Making of the Films

Four decades after the original Halloween took the world by storm, Miramax, Blumhouse Productions and Trancas International bring a terrifying new trilogy of films in the iconic horror franchise to cinemas.

In these direct sequels to John Carpenter’s 1978 movie, Laurie Strode and the residents of Haddonfield once again fall prey to escaped killer Michael Myers. As the police desperately try to track him down, Laurie, along with her family, prepares to face her murderous nemesis one more time in a confrontation 40 years in the making…

The making of this much-anticipated movie trilogy is covered in fascinating detail in this official companion book. The creative processes behind the stunts, costumes, production design and make-up effects are revealed through interviews with the cast and crew, while captivating on-set photography captures the shooting of the key scenes and action set-pieces. A must for all horror fans, Halloween 2018–2022: The Official Making of the Films reveals the method behind the terror.

The Art and Soul of Blade Runner 2049 – Revised and Expanded Edition

The official and definitive companion book to Denis Villeneuve’s 2017 sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 original film. This revised and enhanced edition adds 20 new pages of original content which include the movie’s spoiler scenes.

In 1982’s ground-breaking science-fiction film Blade Runner, the world saw a vision of the future so bold and breath-taking it remains at the forefront of pop culture. Thirty-five years later, many of the world-renowned original cast and crew made a thrilling return to that world. Their journey is chronicled with captivating detail in this official visual guide to Blade Runner 2049, presented in an oversized and luxe full-colour format.

The author, Tanya Lapointe, documented the film’s production for two years, with unprecedented access to the creative process that brought this epic film to life. Exclusive concept art, storyboards, behind-the-scenes photography, and production stills are accompanied by fascinating insights and interviews by the cast and crew.

The Art and Soul of Blade Runner 2049 – Revised and Expanded Edition updates the original version of the book by adding 20 pages of new content, featuring new interviews with cast and crew covering the movie’s spoiler scenes.

Apocalypse Television: How The Day After Helped End the Cold War

On November 20, 1983, a three-hour made-for-TV movie The Day After premiered on ABC. Set in the heartland of Lawrence, Kansas, the film depicted the events before, during, and after a Soviet nuclear attack with vivid scenes of the post-apocalyptic hellscape that would follow. The film was viewed by over 100 million Americans and remains the highest rated TV movie in history. After the premiere, ABC News aired an episode of Viewpoint, a live special featuring some of the most prominent public intellectuals of the debating the virtues of the Arms Race and the prospect of a winnable nuclear war. The response to the film proved more powerful than perhaps any film or television program in the history of media. Aside from its record-shattering Nielsen ratings, it enjoyed critical acclaim as well as international box office success in theatrical screenings.

The path to primetime for The Day After proved nearly as treacherous as the film’s narrative. Battles ensued behind the scenes at the network, between the network and the filmmakers, with Broadcast Standards and Ad Sales, in the edit room and on the set, including the “nuke-mares” experienced by the cast. After the director was pushed aside, he contemplated suicide while also engineering a comeback through the press. But these skirmishes pale in comparison to the culture wars triggered by the film in the press, alongside a growing Nuclear Freeze movement, and from a united, pro-nuclear Right. Once efforts to alter the script failed, the White House conducted a full-throttled propaganda campaign to hijack the film’s message.

Apocalypse Television features a dramatic insider’s account of the making of and backlash against The Day After. No other book has told this story in similar fashion, venturing behind-the-scenes of the programming and news divisions at ABC, Reagan officials in the White House who mounted the propaganda campaign, rogue publicists who hijacked the film to promote a Nuclear Freeze, the backlash from the conservative movement and Religious Right, the challenges encountered by film’s production team from conception to reception, and the experiences of the citizens of Lawrence, Kansas, where the film was set and shot, if also, ground zero in America’s nuclear heartland.

The Upstairs Delicatessen: On Eating, Reading, Reading About Eating, and Eating While Reading

Reading and eating, like Krazy and Ignatz, Sturm und Drang, prosciutto and melon, Simon and Schuster, and radishes and butter, have always, for me, simply gone together. The book you’re holding is a product of these combined gluttonies.

Dwight Garner, the beloved New York Times critic and the author of Garner’s Quotations, serves up the intertwined pleasures of books and food. The product of a lifetime of obsessively reading, eating, and every combination therein, The Upstairs Delicatessen: On Eating, Reading, Reading About Eating, and Eating While Reading is a charming, emotional memoir, one that only Garner could write. In it, he records the voices of great writers and the stories from his life that fill his mind as he moves through the sections of the day and of this book: breakfast, lunch, shopping, the occasional nap, drinking, and dinner.

Through his lifelong infatuation with these twin joys, we meet the man behind the pages and the plates, and a portrait of Garner, eager and insatiable, emerges. He writes with tenderness and humor about his mayonnaise-laden childhood in West Virginia and Naples, Florida (and about his father’s famous peanut butter and pickle sandwich), his mind-opening marriage to a chef from a foodie family (“Cree grew up taking leftover frog legs to school in her lunch box”), and the words and dishes closest to his heart. This is a book to be savored, though it may just whet your appetite for more.

Surely You Can’t Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane!

Surely You Can’t Be Serious is an in-depth and hysterical look at the making of 1980’s comedy classic Airplane! by the legendary writers and directors of the hit film.

Airplane! premiered on July 2nd, 1980. With a budget of $3.5 million it went on to make nearly $200 million in sales and has influenced a multitude of comedians on both sides of the camera.

Surely You Can’t Be Serious is the first-ever oral history of the making of Airplane! by the creators, and of the beginnings of the ZAZ trio (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) – charting the rise of their comedy troupe Kentucky Fried Theater in Madison, Wisconsin all the way to premiere night. The directors explain what drew them to filmmaking and in particular, comedy. With anecdotes, behind the scenes trivia, and never-before-revealed factoids – these titans of comedy filmmaking unpack everything from how they persuaded Peter Graves to be in the movie after he thought the script was a piece of garbage, how Lorna Patterson auditioned for the stewardess role in the back seat of Jerry’s Volvo, and how Leslie Nielsen’s pranks got the entire crew into trouble, to who really wrote the jive talk. The book also features testimonials and personal anecdotes from well-known faces in the film, television, and comedy sphere – proving how influential Airplane! has been from day one.

Four decades after its release, Airplane! continues to make new generations laugh. Its many one-liners and visual gags have worked their way into the mainstream culture. This fully organic expansion of the ZAZ trio’s fan-base, prompted solely by word-of-mouth, comes as no surprise to longtime fans. When all around us is in flux – laughter is priceless.

MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

The unauthorized, behind-the-scenes story of the stunning rise―and suddenly uncertain reign―of the most transformative cultural phenomenon of our time: the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel Entertainment was a moribund toymaker not even twenty years ago. Today, Marvel Studios is the dominant player both in Hollywood and in global pop culture. How did an upstart studio conquer the world?

In MCU, beloved culture writers Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards draw on more than a hundred interviews with actors, producers, directors, and writers to present the definitive chronicle of Marvel Studios and its sole, ongoing production, the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

For all its outward success, the studio was forged by near-constant conflict, from the contentious hiring of Robert Downey Jr. for its 2008 debut, Iron Man, all the way up to the disappointment of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and shocking departures of multiple Marvel executives in 2023. Throughout, the authors demonstrate that the original genius of Marvel was its resurrection and modification of Hollywood’s old studio system. But will it survive its own spectacular achievements?

Dishy and authoritative, MCU is the first book to tell the Marvel Studios story in full―and an essential, effervescent account of American mass culture.

Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever

Once upon a time, if you wanted to know if a movie was worth seeing, you didn’t check out Rotten Tomatoes or IMDB.

You asked whether Siskel & Ebert had given it “two thumbs up.”

On a cold Saturday afternoon in 1975, two men (who had known each other for eight years before they’d ever exchanged a word) met for lunch in a Chicago pub. Gene Siskel was the film critic for the Chicago Tribune. Roger Ebert had recently won the Pulitzer Prize—the first ever awarded to a film critic—for his work at the Chicago Sun-Times. To say they despised each other was an understatement.

When they reluctantly agreed to collaborate on a new movie review show with PBS, there was at least as much sparring off-camera as on. No decision—from which films to cover to who would read the lead review to how to pronounce foreign titles—was made without conflict, but their often-antagonistic partnership (which later transformed into genuine friendship) made for great television. In the years that followed, their signature “Two thumbs up!” would become the most trusted critical brand in Hollywood.

In Opposable Thumbs, award-winning editor and film critic Matt Singer eavesdrops on their iconic balcony set, detailing their rise from making a few hundred dollars a week on local Chicago PBS to securing multimillion-dollar contracts for a syndicated series (a move that convinced a young local host named Oprah Winfrey to do the same). Their partnership was cut short when Gene Siskel passed away in February of 1999 after a battle with brain cancer that he’d kept secret from everyone outside his immediate family—including Roger Ebert, who never got to say goodbye to his longtime partner.But their influence on in the way we talk about (and think about) movies continues to this day.

Furry Planet: A World Gone Wild: Includes History, Costumes, and Conventions

From a veteran fur comes an immersive entry into the world of furry fandom, with an inside look at an amazing subculture, the timeless human instinct to identify with animals, and color images of furry costumes, art, and conventions.

Furs are the creative subculture of people who identify with animals. You can find them at furry conventions, furfests, around the world—tens of thousands of people donning their most elaborate fursuit. In costume, at conventions, with friends or alone, furries unleash the animal within, letting their inner beasts roar and their inner cats purr, aware of the power—and joy—to be found in bringing forward one’s animal side and encouraging others to do the same.

In Furry Planet, long-time furry Joe Strike dives deep into this compelling subculture to share its appeal and rewards. Strike and a wealth of interviewees trace the history of the subculture and its various iterations today, in the process covering conventions, media, art, storytelling, community resources, costume creation, and advice for newcomers, and addressing stigmas and misconceptions head on.

An unprecedented in-depth guide, Furry Planet is sure to inform and delight the ever-growing furry fandom and anyone who has ever been curious about it. Inside you’ll find insight into the natural human impulse to anthropomorphize animals, a fascinating history of furry fandom , a detailed look at furcons around the world, inspiration for fursuit costume creation, color images of costumes, art, and conventions, and much more.

Wrath of the Dragon: The Real Fights of Bruce Lee

No rules. No problem.

Bruce Lee remains the gold standard that all martial artists are compared to. But could he actually fight? World Champions in karate competition have gone on record to point out that he never once competed in tournaments. Were his martial abilities merely a trick of the camera?

For the first time ever, Bruce Lee authority and bestselling author John Little takes a hard look at Bruce Lee’s real-life fights to definitively answer these questions with over 30 ychere staffers and presidents alike eagerly await answers. Filled with twists and turns, and populated by an unforgettable cast of characters, UFO is a thrilling story of science, national security, the secrets of space, and the enduring mysteries of the universe.

A Lot Like Batman

Author and illustrator Keith Negley brings his unique and powerful style to the story of young Batman trying to fit in at school in this jacketed hardcover picturebook.

A very young Batman faces his greatest challenge ever—going to school! Keith Negley (author and illustrator of Tough Guys Have Feelings Too and My Dad Used to Be So Cool) brings young readers his vision of a shy Caped Crusader who prefers to stick to the shadows and play alone. Even though he initially doesn’t fit in with the colorful and more outgoing kids around him, he soon learns that he has plenty to offer on his own terms. Keith Negley’s art and story are filled with humor and emotion that will help even the shyest child find their inner super hero while making this jacketed picture book a delight to read at bedtime and any time!

Star Wars: The Ultimate Cookbook: The Official Guide to Cooking Your Way Through the Galaxy

The most exciting Star Wars cookbook yet has arrived! Discover more than 80 recipes inspired by all corners of the Star Wars galaxy including the Skywalker Saga, novels, comics, and beyond.

The galaxy’s most adventurous chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs returns with his latest and greatest collection of delicious recipes to date, drawn from across the galaxy!

Featuring over 80 recipes from nearly every corner of the Star Wars galaxy, this cookbook includes dishes inspired by films, television shows, theme park attractions, novels, comics, video games, and beyond. Great for chefs of any skill level, these recipes offer an immersive experience for Star Wars fans who want to bring galactic adventures into their kitchen, making this book inspired by Star Wars storytelling from the films to the comics to everything in between, this cookbook includes dishes inspired by the films, television shows, theme park attractions, novels, comics, video games, and beyond.

Cookie’s latest transmission is also his most mouthwatering, with more than 80 recipes, including appetizers, main courses, theme park attractions, novels, comics, video games, and beyond.

Never-Ending Watchmen: Adaptations, Sequels, Prequels and Remixes

What began with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel, Watchmen (1987) is no longer a single story, but rather a cross-platform, multi-media franchise, including a role-playing game and video game, a motion comic, a Zack Snyder movie, and a series of comic book prequels and sequels, as well as a prestige HBO TV series.

Will Brooker explores the way that Watchmen expanded over time from the mid-1980s to the present day, drawing on theories of adaptation, intertextuality and deconstruction to argue that each addition subtly changes our understanding of the original. Does it matter whether these adaptations are ‘faithful’? Can they ever be, as they cross over into another medium? How does each version enter a dialogue with the others? And as Damon Lindelof’s series ran parallel to an entirely distinct comic book Watchmen sequel, Doomsday Clock, how do readers and viewers make sense of these conflicting narratives? Can we relate the unstable, shifting stories of Watchmen to our contemporary climate of post-truth, where we have to weigh up contradictory versions of the facts and decide which we believe?

The Marvelous Bronze Age: Conversations with Marvel Comics Creators of the ‘70s and ‘80s

In 1961, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Fantastic Four, which launched the Marvelous Marvel comics, 1962: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created the Amazing Spider Man, therefore cementing Marvel comics place in comic book history. A legend is born. In 1970, editor and writer Roy Thomas convinced Stan Lee and publisher Martin Goodman to license Conan the Barbarian for publication in his own book.

Sparking a decade or more of creativity and High-End weirdness…..

Come join us for a celebration of Marvel Comics Bronze Age! Interviews with Writers, Editors, and Artists who helped create Marvel Comics most explosive creative time period.

Featuring Marv Wolfman, Steve Gerber, Val Mayrik, Steve Engleheart, Bob McLeod, Frank Brunner, Tony Isabella, P. Craig Russell, Ed Hannigan, Danny Fingeroth, Peter B. Gillis, Bob Budiansky, J.M. DeMatteis, Jim Salicrup, Doug Moench, Gerry Conway, and more! With a Foreword by Mike Friedrich.

Star Wars Timelines

Chart the history of Star Wars in this stunning guide, from the time before the High Republic to the end of the First Order.

An indispensable companion for all Star Wars fans, this premium quality book displays visual timelines that chronologically map key events, characters, and developments, and mark their significance.

Track crucial conflicts across the years that affect the galaxy in profound ways. Follow the Skywalker lightsaber as it passes through the generations and witness the evolution of the iconic TIE fighter across different eras.

Trace the movement of the Death Star plans over the years and uncover multiple branching timelines that break down important battles.

See essential events at a glance arranged by era and drill down into details to discover major and minor events, key dates, and fascinating insights all chronologically arranged. Pore over intricate timelines on nearly every page.

Explore the chronological approach that divides Star Wars history into seven eras: Early History, The High Republic, The Fall of the Jedi, The Reign of the Empire, The Age of Rebellion, The New Republic, and The Rise of the First Order.

A must-have addition to the library of all fans of Star Wars, Star Wars Timelines is sure to thrill.

Born on the Bayou – A Pre-Flashpoint Chronology of Swamp Thing and Hellblazer

A Muck-Encrusted Mockery of a Timeline

It all began in 1971, when writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson introduced a sympathetic bog-monster who was more than his horrifying exterior conveyed. But there was Moore to come—Alan Moore, to be exact—and it transformed the comics world.

Wein and Wrightson’s story “Swamp Thing,” published in DC Comics’ The House of Secrets #92, launched an extraordinary saga. The resultant Swamp Thing monthly title chronicled the macabre exploits of scientist-turned-plant Alec Holland, and it introduced chain-smoking occultist John Constantine, ushering in his acclaimed spinoff, Hellblazer.

Alec Holland and John Constantine: distinctively different, yet inextricably intertwined. Born on the Bayou examines every comic, novel, and short story—approximately a thousand tales—to feature the mossy elemental or the British mage before 2011’s Flashpoint. Featuring a foreword by Swamp Thing writer-artist and Constantine co-creator Stephen R. Bissette, plus an afterword by comics historian John E. Boylan.

Strange and Unsung All-Stars of the DC Multiverse: A Visual Encyclopedia

Move over Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman—Peacemaker is now on the scene and he’s bringing along more than 100 of the most colorful characters from all corners of the DC multiverse in this officially licensed book.

Peacemaker had a long road to the spotlight and he’s not alone. There are dozens of unique, sometimes absurd, and yet truly memorable characters waiting for their chance to shine. Strange and Unsung All-Stars of the DC Multiverse celebrates some of the quirkiest, most compelling, and ready-for-primetime characters from throughout DC’s history.

With peculiar powers—from Matter-Eater Lad to Arm-Fall-Off Boy—and one-of-a-kind costumes—from Red Tornado with her red long johns and a cooking pot for a helmet to Blue Snowman with her wintry robotic armor—these characters are truly unforgettable. Dive in and discover your next favorite DC Super Hero or Villain.

42: The Wildly Improbable Ideas of Douglas Adams

Over 60 boxes full of notebooks, research, letters, scripts, jokes, speeches, to-do lists, hard drives and even poems…Welcome to the incredible archive of Douglas Adams.

After his death in 2001, Douglas Adams’s papers were loaned to his old Cambridge college, St John’s. Reproduced here, in facsimile form and in close association with Adams’s family and literary estate, 42 is a full-colour, large-format hardback that follows Adams career from early collaborations with Graham Chapman to his work on Doctor Who, through the Hitchhiker years, Dirk Gently, his groundbreaking non-fiction book Last Chance to See and his later digital work. Alongside this are details of projects that never came to fruition like a proposed theme park ride and a TV series provisionally entitled The Secret Empire.

Edited by Kevin Jon Davies, who has worked on a number of Hitchhiker-related projects and had a personal friendship with Adams spanning more than twenty years.

Voices From Krypton

Hailed as possibly the most comprehensive oral history of Superman to be committed to print, Voices From Krypton combines over 85 years of Superman’s legacy into a sweeping tale of how the champion of the oppressed became one of the world’s most recognizable pop culture icons.

Not only does this epic collection include interviews with Superman favorites like Henry Cavill, Tom Welling, and Zack Snyder, Voices From Krypton also dives into the Tim Burton directed Nicholas Cage movie that never happened. You might think you know Superman, but you haven’t yet read Voices From Krypton.

The Avengers Assembled: The Origin Story of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes

A new, in-depth, biographical take on the greatest Superhero team of all time

Ever wondered who the Avengers really are…?

Take a deep dive into the fascinating history of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. From their earth-shattering formation and cataclysmic lineup changes to the introduction of fan-favorite characters like the Vision and Black Widow, this unique volume provides a comprehensive look at the origin and evolution of Marvel’s premiere Super Hero team.

This meticulously researched biography reveals unparalleled insights into the characters, backstories and motivations of Iron Man, Captain America, Ant-Man, Wasp, Thor, Hulk, Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, Black Panther, and more.

The Avengers’ story has been told many times – but never like this…

Sleepaway Camp: Making the Movie and Reigniting the Campfire

In 1983, Robert Hiltzik’s Sleepaway Camp was quickly disregarded by film reviewers. Variety called it a “tired version of teen oriented horror film formulas,” The Philadelphia Enquirer “had more thrills untangling paper clips,” and The Cincinnati Post branded it “more horrible than horrifying.”

But fans saw something different. Very different. 40 years since its release, the film’s unique blend of horror, tongue-in-cheek comedy, sexuality, and gender roles—along with an ending to end all endings, was seemingly ahead of its time. Sleepaway Camp is now discussed and debated more than when it was initially released.

Longtime official Sleepaway Camp webmaster, writer, and filmmaker Jeff Hayes goes behind the scenes like never before, revealing the development and making of the film, its immediate aftermath, and the more than four decades of fandom since its release. This definitive Sleepaway Camp compendium includes interviews with much of the cast and crew (with many new exclusives), more than 75 production and memorabilia images (including previously unreleased on-set stills), and takes you backstage to the reunions, retro screenings, and convention events that have united fans and reignited interest in this beloved horror tale.

Two sequels later, plus Hiltzik’s retcon film Return to Sleepaway Camp, Sleepaway Camp continues to resonate in a big way with ’80s film buffs, global horror fans, and the LGBT community, all of whom enjoy their horror films…with a twist.

Welcome to Sleepaway Camp. Meet you at the waterfront, after the social.

Classic TV Icons: Action & Drama

Classic TV Icons: Action & Drama is the first in a series of books profiling actors and shows making up our collective television nostalgia. It’s written by veteran entertainment journalist Edward Gross, who has been on the editorial staff of a wide variety of film and TV magazines. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including oral histories on Star Trek and Superman (the two-volume The Fifty-Year Mission and Voices from Krypton, respectively) and Above & Below: The Unofficial 35th Anniversary Beauty and the Beast Companion from Bearmanor Media.

Budget Biomorphs: The Making of The Guyver Films

What’s a Guyver? What’s a Zoanoid? And what is a crew of young, relatively new filmmakers to do with a niche licensed property from Japan? For the first time, author Dom O’Brien delves deep into the Guyver film archives to get detailed insights from the talented cast and crew and explore what it took to make The Guyver and Guyver: Dark Hero.

It is a tale about a ragtag group of friends and filmmakers who, through creative experimentation, ingenuity, and persistence, would overcome low budgets and numerous challenges to make a duo of cult classics that continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and fans more than 30 years on.

The book includes over 200 photos ranging from never-before-seen images, rare production sketches, design concepts, and deleted scenes; over 40 interviews from key members of the cast and crew, including Screaming Mad George, Brian Yuzna, Steve Wang, Ted Smith, and Wyatt Weed; plus, a foreword by actor/screenwriter David Hayter and an afterword by the co-director of The Guyver and director of Guyver: Dark Hero, Steve Wang.

Marvel Studios The Marvel Cinematic Universe An Official Timeline

Become a master of the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is vast, incredibly varied, and richly complex. Different worlds, different timelines, countless characters. This is the guide to that universe. Created in close collaboration with Marvel Studios, it will answer the biggest questions: what happened, when, and where.

Follow the entire story of the MCU from before the Big Bang to the Blip and beyond. Along the way, learn more about the evolution of the Iron Man armors, the hunt for the Infinity Stones, and the formation of the Multiverse. Want to know how many times aliens have invaded Earth, or the complete history of Cap’s shield? Look no further!

A treasured keepsake for any movie buff, filled with exclusive infographics, illuminating timelines, and amazing movie stills, this book will have pride of place on any MCU fan’s shelf.

We Are Not Alone: The Extraordinary History of UFOs and Aliens Invading Our Hopes, Fears, and Fantasies

Do you want to believe? Explore our fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence through exclusive interviews, archival photos, and strange but true stories from history.

After decades of cover-ups and denials, in a June 2021 report, the US government finally admitted what many people already knew: yes, UFOs are real, and no, we don’t know what (or who) they are. Writer and historian Marc Hartzman separates fact from fiction and provides a comprehensive tour through the skies, including:

• UFO sightings, from the famous to the obscure
• Alien abductions, including the Betty and Barney Hill abduction and the Pascagoula abduction
• Ancient aliens, from Biblical astronauts to the alien architects behind the pyramids
• Scientific evidence, including the “Wow!” radio signal and the interstellar ‘Oumuamua object
• Cover-ups and conspiracies, including the Roswell Incident and Area 51
• Governmental and military findings, from Project Blue Book to reports of UFOs at nuclear weapons sites

Deeply researched and highly entertaining, We Are Not Alone will inform and enchant anyone who’s ever doubted that we are really alone in the universe.

Marvel Avengers Multiverse of Stickers

This vast collection of more than 1,000 stickers has been curated from the pages of Marvel comic books dating back to Captain America’s first appearance in 1941. In chronological order of their debut, each member of the Avengers is highlighted through iconic poses, badges, catchphrases, and memorable covers and comic panels on full-color reusable stickers that you can use to decorate notebooks, water bottles, and stationery, or to create your own scenes. Between each character section are pages dedicated to group art, logos, and iconic villains. The reverse side of each sticker page showcases a mirror image of the art so that once the stickers are used, you have a keepsake book that can be enjoyed again and again.

Characters Featured: The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow,Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Black Panther, and Scarlet Witch.

The Periodic Table of DC

Discover the elemental properties and explosive reactions of iconic DC characters

From Superman, whose powers are enhanced by Earth’s yellow sun; to The Flash, imbued with the Speed Force; and from Batman’s superior human abilities to the mystically empowered Wonder Woman, not to mention the criminal genius of Lex Luthor and The Joker; the DC universe comprises a vast and varied array of heroes and villains.

Whether Atlantean or Amazonian, magical or elemental, technologically augmented or genetically evolved, key and lesser-known DC characters are expertly classified in The Periodic Table of DC to illuminate the properties that bind them, the catalysts that created them, the active agents that energize them, and the fundamental forces that underpin the DC Multiverse.

With more than 130 character profiles written by a DC expert, beautiful comic book art, and DC’s seal of approval, The Periodic Table of DC reveals the fascinating and astonishing connections between the most extraordinary heroes and villains ever created.

Star Wars Galaxy of Stickers The Dark Side: The Ultimate Art Collection

The dark side beckons with more than 1,000 stickers of Star Wars villains, vehicles, logos, catchphrases, and more! This collectible sticker book contains a vast trove of designs—vintage illustrations, watercolors, pencil sketches, comics, and more—to suit any purpose.

The major figures from the Empire and the First Order from all nine Skywalker saga movies are here, including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Kylo Ren, the Imperial Guard, and stormtroopers. You can also find stickers of criminals and bounty hunters such as Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett, and IG-11; iconic vehicles like TIE fighters, AT-ATs, and Imperial Destroyers; as well as the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star.

Use the stickers to decorate anything from notebooks to laptops; embellish crafts, scrapbooks, wrapping paper, and stationery; or combine them to create your own collages or scenes. The reverse side of each sticker page showcases the art, so even after the stickers are used, you still have a keepsake book that can be enjoyed again and again.

Understanding Superhero Comic Books: A History of Key Elements, Creators, Events and Controversies

This work dissects the origin and growth of superhero comic books, their major influences, and the creators behind them. It demonstrates how Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America and many more stand as time capsules of their eras, rising and falling with societal changes, and reflecting an amalgam of influences.

The book covers in detail the iconic superhero comic book creators and their unique contributions in their quest for realism, including Julius Schwartz and the science-fiction origins of superheroes; the collaborative design of the Marvel Universe by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko; Jim Starlin’s incorporation of the death of superheroes in comic books; John Byrne and the revitalization of superheroes in the modern age; and Alan Moore’s deconstruction of superheroes.

Marvel Arms and Armor: The Mightiest Weapons and Technology in the Universe

Who is Iron Man without his armor, or Thor without his hammer? Learn about the mightiest weapons ever made!

From Iron Man’s armor to Cap’s shield and Star-Lord blasters to Gamora’s godslayer, the Marvel universe is filled with iconic weapons, armor, and technology. Wielded by some of the greatest heroes and villains ever created, many of these objects have histories just as compelling as the characters who use them. Some are high-tech, futuristic creations; others have mystical origins. A few have destroyed worlds or sent entire empires crashing into dust. This is their story.

The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies

Geek-culture expert Ryan Britt takes us behind the pages and scenes of the science-fiction phenomenon Dune, charting the series’ life from cult sci-fi novels to some of the most visionary movies of all time.

Using original, deep-access reporting, extensive research, and insightful commentary, The Spice Must Flow brings the true popularity of Dune out into the light for the very first time. With original interviews with the beloved actors and directors behind the films—including Timothée Chalamet, Kyle Maclachlan, Denis Villeneuve, Patrick Stewart, Rebecca Ferguson, Alec Newman, and many more— The Spice Must Flow also examines the far-reaching influence of Dune on art, music, politics, and, most notably, its status as the first ecological science-fiction story specifically concerned with climate change.

Britt skillfully and entertainingly guides readers through the history of how the Dune universe has unfolded, including the novel’s unlikely evolution from a failed piece of journalism about Oregon sand dunes into an epic science-fiction story, the way Herbert’s work inspired George Lucas, untold stories from the 1984 David Lynch film, the knife-edge balance between blockbuster hit and indie film Timothée Chalamet brings to the 2021 movie, and the exciting future of the franchise. Through a blend of narrative, oral history elements, and fascinating trivia, The Spice Must Flow is the new essential guide to the behind-the-scenes story of Dune.

The fiction of Dune is deadly serious, but the real-life story of how it came into existence is full of wonder, surprises, and spice.

The Witcher Official Cookbook: Provisions, Fare, and Culinary Tales from Travels Across the Continent

Eighty mouthwatering and restorative recipes inspired by the bestselling video game series The Witcher, from hearty tavern fare and fortifying drinks to lavish banquets for feasts with friends—featuring a foreword by Andrzej Sapkowski, author and creator of The Witcher.

Take a culinary journey through the fantastical world of The Witcher with thoughtfully imagined, flavorful recipes inspired by The Witcher‘s expansive settings, characters, and lore. In this beautifully photographed cookbook, Anita Sarna and Karolina Krupecka, the creators of fan-favorite food blogs Nerds’ Kitchen and Witcher Kitchen, share their meticulously-researched, immersive recipes that give fans a taste of the distinct flavors a witcher might sample as he travels the countryside in search of monsters to slay and coin to earn.

These dishes celebrate local and seasonal ingredients while adding unique twists that form a culinary map of the Continent and beyond. Warm up over a bowl of fragrant stew or juicy baked fruit from the namesake trees of White Orchard; end a hard journey to Velen with a hearty, rustic meal at the local tavern; enjoy an aromatic snack as you stroll the markets of Oxenfurt; sample dishes from near and far in the diverse port city of Novigrad; dine on freshly-caught fish and mulled drinks on the islands of Skellige; feast on rich dishes in the sun-drenched climates of Toussaint and Beauclair; or forage on the perilous road to Kaer Morhen to learn the edible secrets of the witcher’s keep. Transport your kitchen to another world with the tempting scents and flavors in The Witcher Official Cookbook.

UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government’s Search for Alien Life Here ― and Out There

From Garrett M. Graff, New York Times bestselling author of Raven Rock, The Only Plane in the Sky, and Pulitzer Prize finalist for history Watergate, comes the first comprehensive and eye-opening exploration of our government’s decades-long quest to solve one of humanity’s greatest mysteries: Are we alone in the universe?

For as long as we have looked to the skies, the question of whether life on Earth is the only life to exist has been at the core of the human experience, driving scientific debate and discovery, shaping spiritual belief, and prompting existential thought across borders and generations. And yet, the idea of extraterrestrial intelligence has been largely seen as a joke, banished to the realm of fantasy and conspiracy. Now, for the first time, the full story of our national obsession with UFOs—and the covert, decades-long search by scientists, the United States military, and the CIA for proof of alien life—is told by bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett M. Graff in a deeply reported and researched history.

It begins in 1947, when two headline-making sightings of strange flying objects—the first near Mount Rainier, Washington, involving a pilot named Kenneth Arnold, and the second a ranch on the outskirts of a New Mexico town called Roswell—prompt the US Air Force’s newly formed Department of Defense to create a series of secret programs to determine how unidentified phenomena may pose a threat to national security. Over the next half-century, as the atomic age gives way to the space race and the Cold War, the search continues, bringing together an unexpected group of astronomers, military officials, civilian contactees, and true believers who bring us closer, then further, then closer again, to answering one of our most enduring questions: What exactly is out there?

Drawing from original archival research, declassified documents, and interviews with senior intelligence and military officials, Graff brings every moment of this extraordinary quest to life, transporting readers from secret military meetings and congressional hearings, where the validity of the search is debated, to the cluttered offices of UFOlogists and hoaxers determined to see the truth revealed, remote observatories where astronomers monitor the stars, and even the halls of the White House, where staffers and presidents alike eagerly await answers. Filled with twists and turns, and populated by an unforgettable cast of characters, UFO is a thrilling story of science, national security, the secrets of space, and the enduring mysteries of the universe.

Aliens: Bishop

A direct sequel to Aliens and Alien 3—Weyland-Yutani, the Colonial Marines, and Bishop’s creator all pursue the android for the deadly Xenomorph data contained in his brain. Written by T. R. Napper, author of the acclaimed 36 Streets, whose explosive work explores the artificial intelligence and what it is to be human.

“Do me a favor. Disconnect me. I could be reworked, but I’ll never be top of the line again. I’d rather be nothing.”  Lance Bishop, model 341-B, on Fiorina 161

The USCSS Patna has been found.

Although the synthetic Bishop asked to be shut down forever, his creator has other plans. Michael Bishop seeks the Xenomorph knowledge stored in the android’s mind, and brings Bishop back to life—but for what reason? No longer an employee of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, Michael tells his creation that he seeks to advance medical research for the benefit of humanity. Yet where does he get the resources needed to advance his work, and with whom do his new allegiances lie?

The USCSS Patna is pursued by Colonial Marines Captain Marcel Apone, commander of the Il. Conde and younger brother of Master Sergeant Alexander Apone, one of the casualties of the doomed mission to LV-426.

Also on his trail are the “Dog Catchers,” commandos employed by Weyland-Yutani.

There are many who would profit from Lance Bishop’s intimate knowledge of the deadliest creatures in the galaxy.

Conan The Barbarian: The Official Motion Picture Adaptation

Two of the most famous contributors to the Conan legend write the official novel of Conan The Barbarian, the seminal fantasy film by John Milius.

The official adaptation of Conan The Barbarian, the seminal film written by John Milius and Oliver Stone, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones. In the novel by L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter, the Cimmerian youth Conan witnesses the death of his parents at the hands of Thulsa Doom, a priest of Set.

Enslaved, he is trained as a gladiator. Gaining his freedom he allies with Subotai, a Hyrkanian archer, and a skilled swordswoman thief named Valeria. Together they raid the Tower of the Serpent, then Conan breaks away to seek the cult of Doom—and revenge on the sorcerer who leads it.

Lore & Legends: A Visual Celebration of the Fifth Edition of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game: Special Edition, Boxed Book & Ephemera Set

A deluxe special edition of Lore & Legends, an illustrated guide to Dungeons & Dragons’ beloved fifth edition.

When the reimagined fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons debuted in the summer of 2014, the game was on the brink of obsolescence. But within a few short years, D&D found greater success than it ever enjoyed before, even surpassing its 1980s Golden Age. How did an analog game nearly a half-century old become a star in a digital world?

For the first time, Lore & Legends reveals the incredible ongoing story of Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition from the perspective of the designers, artists, and players who bring it to life. This comprehensive visual guide illuminates contemporary D&D—its development, evolution, cultural relevance, and popularity—through exclusive interviews and more than 900 pieces of artwork, photography, and advertising curated and analyzed by the authors of the bestselling and Hugo-nominated Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana.

The special edition features original cover and slipcase illustrations by Hydro74, three gatefold Through the Ages features that showcase how the artwork of several iconic monsters and characters has changed across editions, and a pull-out drawer that doubles as a dice tray. The drawer holds a 24” x 36” adventure map of Faerûn illustrated by Jared Blando, an 8” x 10” art print of the original fifth edition Starter Set cover artwork by Jaime Jones, and a custom resin d20 die.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: The Art of the Movie

​Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man across the Multiverse to join forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to face off with a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: The Art of the Movie takes readers behind the scenes to showcase the art and artistry of Sony Pictures Animation’s highly-anticipated sequel to 2018’s Academy Award–winning animated feature, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The ultimate deep dive into the on-screen return of the Spider-Man multiverse, the book features exclusive concept art, sketches, character designs, and storyboards from the visually innovative film, as well as interviews with key creators such as writers/producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who offer insights into their creative process.

Flying Sideways: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Stunt Pilot

In his gripping, surprising, and wildly entertaining new memoir, Fred North tells the incredible true story of how he became the most famous film stunt helicopter pilot in the world.

As a young, misunderstood boy, Fred North was never a fan of the rules. Then, on an unremarkable day in 1969, a helicopter touched down in his hometown of Saint-Louis, Senegal, and turned his world upside down. Fifty years later, he’s Hollywood’s go-to stunt pilot with a world altitude record and over two hundred film credits to his name, including Inception, James Bond: Spectre, and Fast X. But a lot of incredible things happened in between.

Flying Sideways tells the thrilling but heartfelt story of how a misfit boy with nothing but a dream breaks the rules, beats the odds, and learns to bet on himself. Against a vibrant global backdrop that touches down everywhere from New York City to Mongolia to Madagascar, we follow Fred as he deserts the French Army (in roller skates), talks his way into flight school, becomes chief pilot for the world’s greatest rally car and adventures races, gets mixed up with DEA in Miami, dodges death (many times), and―perhaps most improbably―falls in love.

Flying Sideways is a nonstop thrill ride, reminding us that the most dangerous thing we can do with life is give up on it.

Heroes’ Feast Flavors of the Multiverse: An Official D&D Cookbook

Never adventure on an empty stomach! From the D&D experts behind the bestselling Heroes’ Feast comes Heroes’ Feast Flavors of the Multiverse, a mouthwatering cookbook stuffed with eclectic fare for solo adventurers and party quests alike. This culinary tour presents original recipes inspired by regions and settings from across the Forgotten Realms and beyond. All seventy-six dishes, developed by a professional chef from one of the country’s top test kitchens, are delicious, easy to prepare, and composed of ingredients readily found in our world.

The immersive recipes in Heroes’ Feast Flavors of the Multiverse are perfect for sharing and entertaining. Dishes are organized by location with options for every occasion—especially game nights!—including:

• Otherworldly appetizers such as Talyth and Goldenstars
• Savory main courses such as Steak of the Deep and Eldeen Banquet
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as Elverquist and Kaeth
• And desserts such as Green Ice Rime and Vada’s Vanilla Bean Buns

Adventure has never tasted so good!

With Great Power: The Marvelous Stan Lee

Every superhero has their origin story: a radioactive spider bite turns ordinary teen Peter Parker into Spider-Man, wealthy Tony Stark escapes captivity by building his Iron Man suit, scientist Bruce Banner survives gamma rays only to transform into the Hulk.

For Stan Lee, it was books of adventure, monsters, and magic that helped him transform from an ordinary boy to a superstar superhero creator. At first, reading these stories was a pathway to a world bigger than his family’s tiny apartment in New York City, but it wasn’t long until Stan was crafting his own stories, creating comics professionally when he was still just a teenager! Still, writing wasn’t exciting when the heroes were always the same: strong, perfect, and boring. Stan had a revolutionary idea. What if anyone―even an ordinary kid―could be a superhero?

Discover more about the life of the Cameo King, known to many for his appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how he revolutionized comics with this vibrant introduction bustling with action, humor, and references for fans new and old. ‘Nuff said!

Genius, Animated: The Cartoon Art of Alex Toth

The third book in the series concludes the in-depth look into the life and art of one of the most significant comics and animation artists of all time.

This companion volume to the award-winning Genius, Isolated and Genius, Illustrated zooms in to focus on Toth’s groundbreaking contributions in the field of animation and features many rarely-seen or never-before-published pieces of art, much of it uncovered in the archives of Hanna-Barbera Studios!

Featuring presentation illustrations for unsold series, character designs and storyboards for old favorites such as Space Ghost, SHAZZAN, and Superfriends, and work taken from both the beginning (Space Angel) and end (Bionic 6) of Toth’s “Saturday kidvid” career, this oversized artbook features observations from animation professionals about his work, plus Alex’s own commentary on the cartoon shows that shaped a generation. Genius, Animated is filled, cover-to-cover, with must-see material, making it essential reading for Toth-fans and animation enthusiasts alike.

Along Came a Radioactive Spider: Strange Steve Ditko and the Creation of Spider-Man

Spider-Man’s web of stories began far before the first drawing of nerdy teenager Peter Parker. They started with Steve Ditko, a kid who loved comics so much that he would brave blizzards to get new issues. Steve was strange―he was introverted, his art was shadowy, and his characters didn’t fit the mold of handsome heroes like those crafted by Marvel legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. But it’s not so strange that the traits that made Steve different were what made his characters stand out.

Swing into the life of Steve Ditko and discover how he transformed a brawny, super-powered Spiderman into the perpetually awkward teenager who we know and love: Spider-Man, a character who relies on his inner strength more than super strength, who got his powers not through magic but through the bite of a radioactive spider…

This biography takes the mask off the famously reclusive artist and shares the story of how his wall-crawling hero became a friendly neighborhood icon.

Marvel Studios’ The Infinity Saga – Iron Man: The Art of the Movie

The 1st of the 24 Marvel Cinematic Universe Infinity Saga film titles being published as a complete set.

Packed with exclusive content, this fully illustrated tome treats fans to a comprehensive, unique and privileged behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind the state-of-the-art technology used in the blockbuster motion picture. Follow the film’s complete artistic evolution, from initial concept through armor design and on to the final rendering seen on screen.

Here is everything you need to know about the making of the movie from all the key players – including director Jon Favreau; the special-effects gurus at Stan Winston Studios; and the award-winning concept illustrators, visual-effects designers and storyboard artists who worked on the set and behind the scenes to create the art of Iron Man.

Foundation: The Art and Making of Seasons 1 & 2

Foundation: The Art and Making of Seasons 1 & 2 is the lavish coffee table book that fans of the show have been waiting for. This hardback illustrated tome delves into the incredible behind-the-scenes work that went into realising this galaxy-spanning epic. Concept art, never-before-seen set photos, VFX models, and exclusive interviews with showrunner David S. Goyer, stars Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, and Laura Birn, along with producers, directors and crewmembers including production designer Rory Cheyne and VFX supervisor Chris MacLean, make this the ultimate guide to Foundation.

Foundation follows Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian who uses complex mathematics to predict the fall of the benevolent and all-powerful Galactic Empire. Seldon recruits Gaal Dornick, an intelligent young mathematician from faraway Synnax, to enact his plan to start a new colony. Foundation chronicles this band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire. Following an ensemble cast and a story that spans multiple timelines, this truly epic series adapts Isaac Asimov’s beloved novels to the screen.

The Wicker Man: The Official Story of the Film

The definitive guide to the making of the landmark horror movie The Wicker Man, lavishly illustrated and packed with insights into this classic chiller.

The Wicker Man is one of the greatest horror movies of all time – a chilling exploration of an isolated community with a terrible secret. Featuring a stellar cast including Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Britt Ekland and Ingrid Pitt, The Wicker Man has terrified audiences world-wide for fifty years.

Author and filmmaker John Walsh tells the story of how this singular – and somewhat unlikely – folk-horror classic came to be, illustrated with fascinating behind-the-scenes photography, new interviews, exclusive artwork, and never-before-seen material from the StudioCanal archives. Learn the secret history of Summerisle – if you dare…

Bob Dylan: Mixing Up The Medicine

Several years ago, a treasure trove containing some 6,000 original Bob Dylan manuscripts was revealed to exist. Their destination? Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The documents, as essential as they are intriguing—draft lyrics, notebooks, and diverse ephemera— comprise one of the most important cultural archives in the modern world. Along with countless still and moving images and thousands of hours of riveting studio and live recordings, this priceless collection now resides at The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just steps away from the archival home of Dylan’s early hero, Woody Guthrie.

Nearly all the materials preserved at The Bob Dylan Center are unique, previously unavailable, and, in many cases, even previously unknown. As the official publication of The Bob Dylan Center, Bob Dylan: Mixing up the Medicine is the first wide-angle look at the Dylan archive, a book that promises to be of vast interest to both the Nobel Laureate’s many musical fans and to a broader national and international audience as well.

Edited by Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel, Bob Dylan: Mixing up the Medicine focuses a close look at the full scope of Dylan’s working life, particularly from the dynamic perspective of his ongoing and shifting creative processes—his earliest home recordings in the mid-1950s right up through Rough and Rowdy Ways (2020), his most recent studio recording, and into the present day.

The centerpiece of Bob Dylan: Mixing up the Medicine is a carefully curated selection of over 600 images including never-before-circulated draft lyrics, writings, photographs, drawings and other ephemera from the Dylan archive.

With an introductory essay by Sean Wilentz and epilogue by Douglas Brinkley, the book features a surprising range of distinguished writers, artists and musicians, including Joy Harjo, Greil Marcus, Michael Ondaatje, Gregory Pardlo, Amanda Petrusich, Tom Piazza, Lee Ranaldo, Alex Ross, Ed Ruscha, Lucy Sante, Greg Tate and many others. After experiencing the collection firsthand in Tulsa, each of the authors was asked to select a single item that beguiled or inspired them. The resulting essays, written specifically for this volume, shed new light on not only Dylan’s creative process, but also their own.

Bob Dylan: Mixing up the Medicine is an unprecedented glimpse into the creative life of one of America’s most groundbreaking, influential and enduring artists.

Steven Spielberg All the Films: The Story Behind Every Movie, Episode, and Short

A first-of-its-kind deep dive into Steven Spielberg’s decades-long career, covering everything from early short films and television episodes to each of his more than 30 feature length-films.

Organized chronologically and covering every short film, television episode, and blockbuster movie that Steven Spielberg has ever directed, Steven Spielberg All the Films draws upon years of research to tell the behind-the-scenes stories of how each project was conceived, cast, and produced; from the creation of the costumes to the search for perfect locations; details about Spielberg’s work with longtime collaborators like George Lucas, producer Kathleen Kennedy, and composer John Williams; and of course, the direction of some of Hollywood’s most memorable scenes.

Spanning more than fifty years, this book details the creative processes that resulted in numerous classic films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, The Color Purple, Schindler’s List, and Saving Private Ryan (to name just a few). Newer work like Lincoln, The Post, and The Fabelmans is also featured alongside awards stats, original release dates, box office totals, casting details, and other insider scoops that will keep fans turning pages. Featuring hundreds of vivid photographs that celebrate one of cinema’s most iconic artists, Steven Spielberg All the Films is the authoritative guide to the man who invented the Hollywood blockbuster.