Forces of Geek 2026 Father’s Day Gift Guide

INTRODUCTION

Sunday, June 21st is Father’s Day, an actual holiday, dedicated to selling neckties to the fathers, uncles, grandfathers, big brothers, godfathers, and paternal role models in people’s lives.

And while most dads (or paternal figures) are likely happy with an afternoon in their man cave or an uninterrupted bowel movement, here are some of our unique suggestions to help celebrate these special relationships by giving them presents!

And no neckties or paperweights for the celebrants in your life.

Here’s what we’re digging…

 

Blade Runner 2049: Deckard’s Police Spinner Car 

Diecast and featuring fully painted decals lifted straight from the films, this authentic collectible looks ready to prowl the gritty streets of Blade Runner 2049’s techno-dystopian Los Angeles. Pay tribute to the sleek vehicle that served well many a Blade Runner in pursuit… and Replicant on the run.

Blade Runner 2049 has already been hailed as a classic of both the sci-fi and noir genres, and now you can incorporate the film’s moody, futuristic aesthetic into your interior design repertoire.

This model comes from legendary concept artist Syd Mead’s original design and is featured prominently in Deckard’s Las Vegas hideout in Blade Runner 2049. Just like Deckard’s Spinner in the film, this 10.5” long replica is made of high-quality, durable metal that will stand the test of time. Digital sculpting and ABS materials ensure lasting fidelity.

This is the very first model-size recreation of the Spinner made in collaboration with the Blade Runner filmmakers and is available exclusively from Insight Editions.

 

The Martian: Folio Society Edition
By Andy Weir / Illustrated by Dániel Taylor

Mark Watney is stranded on Mars, presumed dead by his crew, with no way to communicate with Earth. It’s a hopeless situation, yet Mark is determined to survive. So begins a thrilling story of adventure as he attempts to escape the Red Planet, armed with a wry sense of humour and a scrappy ingenuity. Andy Weir’s brilliantly researched, heart-pounding novel continues to entertain after more than ten years – and one blockbuster film – later.

This Folio book of The Martian features artwork by science fiction artist Dániel Taylor. In six atmospheric illustrations, he captures Mark Watney’s life on Mars – from the vast wastelands and ferocious dust storms to the eerie stillness of the Hab. The slipcase depicts a spacecraft drifting through the stars, with Mars visible through a die-cut circle. When the book is removed, the crimson planet is revealed to be the intrepid astronaut himself.

 

Nooish Instant Matzo Ball Soup

As part of a Jewish family, Matzo Ball Soup is as much a staple to our diet as Egg Rolls are to the Asian culture or pasta to the Italians.  Unfortunately, most Matzo Balls are never as good as Mom’s.  I finally found one that will satiate my palate until Mom finds some time to mix Matzo Meal, Eggs, Schmaltz and Seltzer into what essentially is a Jewish dumpling.

I recently sampled Nooish’s Instant Matzo Ball Soup and to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement.  No more difficult to make than a cup of instant ramen, the Instant Matzoh Ball Soup takes less than five minutes to make.  And it really is that simple. You add a flavor packet (a pleasant light vegetable broth) to the container which holds three dehydrated Matzo Balls and a few slices of carrot.  Add 12 ounces of water, stir, microwave for two And a half minutes, and then pop the lid on for about another two minutes to let it finish cooking. Give it one last stir, and you basically have one of the best Matzo Ball soups I’ve ever had.

But here’s the best part; it’s shelf stable, vegetarian and Kosher, which makes the potential fan base huge.  It’s now a must have to keep in the pantry if you ever need a Matzo Ball hit without having to bother your mother.

 

The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon
by William Bernhardt

Up in the sky! Look! It’s Superman!

Almost everyone knows about the man from Krypton who, disguised as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent working with the fearless Lois Lane, fights for the vulnerable and the oppressed. But few know the truth about this indelible character’s creation. From mobster tactics to decades-long courtroom drama, a beloved American myth was born, betrayed, and eventually reclaimed—almost eighty years after the character first appeared.

New witnesses, unpublished manuscripts, personal letters, and more reveal the complex and dramatic history of Superman and his creator, Jerry Siegel. This is a David and Goliath clash with twists, turns, and devastating upheavals. An underdog tale of a creator who fought for his rights and finally found redemption in his battle for truth, justice, and the American Way. A story that has never been fully told . . .

Until now.

 

Jackie Chan’s Breakout Hits 4K Ultra HD

NO FEAR. NO STUNTMAN. NO EQUAL.

He was the biggest movie star in the East for two decades, but Hong Kong action legend Jackie Chan had never successfully cracked the West… until the 1990s kicked off a six-film run of phenomenal smash hits that would finally make him an international household name, instantly synonymous with the most jaw-dropping and death-defying stunts ever put on screen!

1994’s Drunken Master II sees Jackie back as Wong Fei-hung, the role that first made his name, and teaming up with Shaw Brothers legends Lau Kar-leung and Ti Lung to deliver the ultimate, era-defining love letter to classic kung fu. The following year saw Jackie’s first number one box office success in America thanks to Rumble in the Bronx, in which he visits New York City and must defend his friends and family against vicious street gangs and ruthless smugglers, followed by Thunderbolt in which Jackie is forced to compete behind the wheel against a criminal street racer who has kidnapped his sister. In the fourth entry of the much-beloved Police Story series (also known as First Strike), Jackie chases a stolen nuclear warhead on an explosive globe-trotting secret mission; Chan’s “big brother” Sammo Hung takes the director’s chair in Mr. Nice Guy as Jackie plays a TV chef in Australia forced to do bloody battle against the mob; and finally in Who Am I?, our hero is an ass-kicking amnesiac on the trail of a mysterious new power source as well as his own lost identity.

Finally together and restored in 4K for the first time, this collection of unparalleled martial arts madness chronicles Jackie Chan’s crossover to worldwide superstardom (just before Rush Hour made him a bonafide Hollywood icon), in which no bone in his body is left unbroken in his quest to leave you entertained!

Nevertheless, it’s absolutely packed with commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, outtakes, twenty-four lobby card reproductions and other special features as well as a 160-page book about Chan’s career and a vintage Drunken Master II poster.

 

Sin City Soundtrack Deluxe CD

An iconic meeting of acclaimed visual stylist Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns, Ronin, 300) and hit cinematic one-man band Robert Rodriguez (Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Machete, Alita: Battle Angel). 2005’s Sin City took adaptations of the graphic medium to the next level with a beyond faithful, blazingly black-and-white film noir portrait of doomed detectives, femme fatales and sordid villains that gave true, all-star life to Miller’s iconically hard-boiled characters. “Sin City’s visuals are as important as the story. That’s what you fall in love with. This would be the first time you’d see Frank Miller’s art move, and that’s what I pitched to him,” Rodriguez says of their breakthrough co-directing effort, joined by special guest director Quentin Tarantino.

Rodriguez and Miller created a timeless, beautifully sordid cesspool where rock and roll could co-exist with pulsating synths, seething guitars, erotic Spanish percussion and a lush symphony, all dancing and shooting it out to Rodriguez’s atmospheric melodies and expressionism. “What I loved about Sin City was that its noir is post-modern and punk rock. I thought the sound needed to take chances like that too,” he remarks.

Translating three main Sin City stories—“The Hard Goodbye,” “The Big Fat Kill” and “That Yellow Bastard”—into an interweaving anthology film, Rodriguez knew the high-pressure musical deadline wouldn’t be met by himself alone. His solution was to bring in past composing collaborators Graeme Revell of From Dusk Till Dawn and John Debney from Spy Kids. Given two weeks each, Revell took on “The Hard Goodbye” as Debney scored “The Big Fat Kill.”

Each composer was walled off from hearing the other’s work. Yet the result was a surprisingly cohesive score, with each segment still reflecting their respective voices—from Rodriguez’s rockabilly grind to Revell’s expressionism and Debney’s lush orchestrations. “Robert really wanted this to be uncolored and unfinished, which is where Graeme and I came in,” Debney says. “That we’re in black and white so much of the time, and then there’s splashes of red, yellow and white was visually musical. It’s that look which dictated what came out of our souls. At first, I wondered how this was all going to work. In hindsight, that was the brilliance of Robert, because he wanted individual ideas. What came out was just spectacular.”

A box-office smash that redefined the way that Hollywood could boldly capture the energy and rhythm of graphic adaptations, the scoring of Sin City is now unleashed like never before on a two-CD presentation by Varèse Sarabande Records, as supervised by Rodriguez. The first disc collects the original score as heard in Varèse’s initial 2005 release. The second CD presents a remastered, complete presentation of the original score cues by Rodriguez, Revell and Debney that expands the atmosphere-drenched, grittily evocative soundscape of the directors’ modern noir classic. New liner notes feature exclusive interviews with the director and composers on the unique creative process that resulted in a blazingly distinctive noir soundtrack.

 

De Palma on De Palma

Carrie, Scarface, The Untouchables, Casualties of War, Mission: Impossible and Carlito’s Way. Brian De Palma might have directed some of the most potent and stylish movie dramas of the last half century, but his lack of diplomacy and constant challenging of conventions have forever condemned him to the margins of the American studio system: “I’ve always been Hollywood’s ugly duckling.” Judged in the USA as a shameless Hitchcock plagiarist, he is celebrated in France as a major artist who has pushed the medium of film to its limits.

Now this absorbing volume explores his traumatic childhood, his Sixties countercultural education and every facet of a rollercoaster, 60-year career as writer and director: from experimental shorts and documentaries, early narrative feature collaborations with an unknown Robert De Niro, and on to the highs, lows and controversies of his ambitious (mis)adventures in crime thriller, horror, noir, science fiction and war film.

In these deeply researched and expertly moderated conversations by Samuel Blumenfeld and Laurent Vachaud, De Palma recalls his collaborations with artists as distinct as Bernard Herrmann and Sissy Spacek, Nicolas Cage and Ennio Morricone — and undergoes challenging self-analysis. Always quick to give himself credit where he feels credit is (often belatedly) due, De Palma is as unsparing and outspoken about his own failings and failures as those of others, not least American film critics.

Translated from French by Paul Cronin.

 

The Closer: The Complete Series

In this critically acclaimed series, Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick), a top-notch detective who puts Los Angeles’ most brutal killers behind bars. Using her Keen instincts and brilliant interrogation techniques, Brenda can close a case by eliciting a confession or cornering a suspect through sometimes-questionable methods. With her offbeat personality, tough-as-nails approach and track record as one of the country’s leading investigators, the no-nonsense boss of the LAPD’s elite Priority Homicide Division will keep you hooked through all seven seasons.

Revisit the groundbreaking series that won Kyra Sedgwick an Emmy Award for lead actress in a drama series and rewatch the finale that captivated nearly 10 million viewers, shattering records as the most-watched finale in basic cable history at the time—a television event fans will never forget.

Boasting an all-star ensemble including J.K. Simmons, Jon Tenney, G.W. Bailey, Raymond Cruz, Corey Reynolds and Mary McDonnell, The Closer delivers powerhouse performances that bring authenticity and emotional depth to every twist and turn of its gripping storylines. Special features include featurettes. music videos, unaired scenes and a gag reel.

 

The Traveler
by Joseph Eckert

The Traveler is the story of a reluctant time-traveler and his extraordinary son, and the bond between them that even millennia cannot break. An adventure full of heartbreak, hope, and futures beyond imagination.

It’s a day like any other when Scott Treder first jumps forward through time. One moment, he’s on his way to work, fingers drumming the steering wheel. The next, he’s tumbling headlong down the road, his car gone, a dozen panicked voicemails from his wife waiting on his cell.

7:51am. Monday, April 13th.

A blink of an eye.

7:52am. Tuesday, April 14th.

An entire 24 hours, gone.

This one moment―this first spontaneous slip―marks a change in the course not only of Scott’s future, but that of the world. From this point on, at precisely 7:52am every morning, Scott inexplicably travels forward in time in ever-doubling intervals. First one day lost in a blink, then two, then four, until weeks, even years, are passing him by in an instant.

Meanwhile, his wife is left alone to pick up the pieces of the life they once shared together, and, before long, Lyle, Scott’s genius seven-year-old son, will surpass him in age.

Because while his dad is rocketing forward in time, Lyle is growing up–graduating early, studying at Berkeley, becoming the foremost scholar of quantum physics, all in an attempt to bring his father back…

Meet an extraordinary father and son in this captivating, heart-wrenching speculative debut.

 

Femme Feral: A Novel
by Sam Beckbessinger

The head of a company she started from the ground-up, the worried mother of a troublingly secretive daughter, and the wife of an easy-going man who always has her picking up the slack—Ellie is already juggling too much. So, it’s an inconvenient time to find herself beset by strange physical changes: hair sprouting in new places, running hot, trouble sleeping, losing time, finding bloodstains in all her clothing. And underneath it all, a boiling rage that threatens to disrupt the life she’s worked so hard to build.

Her doctor diagnoses perimenopause. But it’s another twenty-eight-day cycle that’s taking hold, one that involves fur, teeth, and a not-insignificant amount of howling at the moon—and that gifts Ellie incredible strength and speed. Her new power’s thrilling, as is releasing the anger she’s suppressed for years—especially as it turns out that there are some problems that can be solved with violence: The terrible new hire who is sabotaging her careful plans. The creep who’s stalking her daughter. Only, the beast within isn’t easy to control, and its bloody trail is getting harder to hide. With an obsessive hunter on her trail and a growing fear of what she’s becoming, Ellie must find a way to yoke her fury before she tears through the people she loves.

A deeply gratifying, highly addictive and provocative read, Femme Feral is an exhilarating expression of feminine rage, with a warning: If you swallow your anger, it’s sure to come back with a bite.

 

Sydney Pollack: Collected Interviews 
Edited by Patrick McGilligan and Paul Cronin  

Sydney Pollack was a true actor’s director―a filmmaker who came up through the ranks, starting as a bit-part TV performer before turning to directing. From his debut feature The Slender Thread (1965) to his final film, The Interpreter (2005), Pollack built a reputation for intelligent, emotionally resonant storytelling. He forged creative partnerships with stars like Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Barbra Streisand, and Tom Cruise, guiding iconic performances in American films for four decades. An Academy Award winner for Out of Africa (1985) and a nominee for They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969) and Tootsie (1982), Pollack left behind a legacy of popular and personal films marked by their superior craftsmanship.

Sydney Pollack: Collected Interviews brings together more than twenty in-depth conversations with the acclaimed director, spanning from 1970 to 2007. Sourced from a range of international publications, these interviews offer candid tales and intimate glimpses of Pollack’s big-name collaborations. More than just a portrait of one man’s career, the book is a wide-angle view of post-1960s Tinseltown itself: the wheeling and dealing, the creative clashes, and the evolution of American cinema. This collection revisits an immense talent who epitomized the best of Hollywood and sheds light on the nuts and bolts of moviemaking in Pollack’s own words.

 

Model Actress Whatever
by Kim Newman

When Chrissie Chambers (model actress whatever) discovers her soap opera character is about to be killed off, she finally stops dieting and discovers hitherto untapped supernatural abilities. Meanwhile, Chrissie’s aunt – former national heroine Lady Shade – goes missing. Afraid for Jasmine’s safety and itching to costume-up, Chrissie and her ghost-possessed best friend Loulee break into Devil’s Dyke, the asylum where Jasmine works as a therapist with the most dangerous cutthroats (supervillains) in Britain… only to find the inmates have taken over… Chrissie debuts successfully as a cloak (superheroine), but who will become the arch-nemesis of Lady Shade II?

In Chrissie’s timeline, the Beatles didn’t split up and recorded a hallucinodelic album in 1972 – Never Mind (strictly, Never Mind the Beatles) – which literally changed the world. Set in an alternative 2020s London, this hugely entertaining, darkly humorous superhero tale is packed with Newman’s trademark wit, and comes with wickedly sharp edges.

 

Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King
by Caroline Bicks

After Caroline Bicks was named the University of Maineʼs inaugural Stephen E. King Chair in Literature, she became the first scholar to be granted extended access by King to his private archives, a treasure trove of manuscripts that document the legendary writerʼs creative process—most of them never before studied or published. The year she spent exploring King’s early drafts and hand-written revisions was guided by one question millions of Kingʼs enthralled and terrified readers (including her) have asked themselves: What makes Stephen King’s writing stick in our heads and haunt us long after we’ve closed the book?

Bicks focuses on five of his most iconic early works—The Shining, Carrie, Pet Sematary, ʼSalemʼs Lot, and Night Shift—to reveal how he crafted his language, story lines, and characters to cast his enduring literary spells. While tracking King’s margin notes and editorial changes, she discovered scenes and alternative endings that never made it to print but that King is allowing her to publish now. The book also includes interviews Bicks had with King along the way that reveal new insights into his writing process and personal history.

Part literary master class, part biography, part memoir and investigation into our deepest anxieties, Monsters in the Archives—authorized by Stephen King himself—is unlike anything ever published about the master of horror. It chronicles what Bicks found when she set out to unearth how King crafted some of his scariest, most iconic moments. But it’s also a story about a grown-up English professor facing her childhood fears and getting to know the man whose monsters helped unleash them.

 

The Last Ronin: A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Novel
by Erik Burnham, Esau & Isaac Escorza

Who is the Last Ronin?

After decades away, a lone surviving Turtle returns to New York City with one mission: To avenge his family by killing the leader of the Foot Clan, Oroku Hiroto. But nothing about the city―battle-ravaged and ruled over by Hiroto with an iron fist―feels like home, and nothing about Ronin’s mission goes to plan.

With the help of old friends and new allies emerging in unexpected places, can Ronin finally get justice for those he lost?

What terrible events destroyed his family in the first place?

Featuring original black-and-white illustrations from the Escorza Brothers, this first-of-its-kind novel in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe is a must-read for every Ninja Turtles fan.

 

It’s Hard to Be an Animal: A Novel
by Robert Isaacs

Strolling through Central Park on a blind date with the hilarious, irrepressible Molly Bent, Henry Parsons is feeling hopeful for the first time in years … when a migratory warbler, the sweetest of little birds, tells him to f*** off.

A gentle soul, troubled enough by the unkindness of fellow humans, Henry tries to brush the moment aside as a hallucination. But soon he’s hearing voices everywhere: dogs mocking their owners, sparrows fat-shaming each other, police horses profiling attendees at a street fair — even a pontificating, misogynistic snake.

The man who never speaks up for himself is now besieged by animals who do. When (inevitably) he overhears three rats discussing a corpse in the New York subway, he lets it slip to Molly. She’s keen to investigate, and Henry’s desperate for a second date, so he follows her nervously into an abandoned tunnel under the West Fourth Street Station. There, sure enough, they find a body … and the murderers find them. Cue the most terrifying week of this cautious man’s life.

Inspiration and courage arrive from a pair of feuding betta fish and his neighbor’s yapping Pomeranian — whose unexpected wisdom helps Henry find the courage to assert himself at last.

 

Mark Gruenwald (Biographix)
by Paul V. Allen

Mark Gruenwald explores the career and lasting influence of Mark Gruenwald (1953–1996), a pivotal figure in the history of Marvel Comics. Known for his humor, encyclopedic knowledge of superhero lore, and dedication to continuity, Gruenwald played a critical role in shaping Marvel’s universe and storytelling during his nearly two decades at the company.

This biography traces Gruenwald’s journey from a comics-obsessed child and fanzine creator to a prolific writer, editor, and eventually Marvel’s executive editor. His creative achievements include groundbreaking works like Squadron Supreme; editing popular comics such as The Avengers, Iron Man, and Thor during creative high points; innovative contributions to Quasar and Captain America, and leading the production of The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. Gruenwald’s legacy also extends to the rules for time travel and alternate realities he established, which continue to influence the Marvel Cinematic Universe today.

Gruenwald’s influence resonates beyond comics, inspiring elements of major Marvel films and TV series such as Avengers: Endgame, Loki, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This first-ever full account of his life and work underscores his vital contributions to superhero storytelling and affirms his lasting relevance to fans and creators alike.

 

The Ultimates (Marvel Age of Comics)
by Ted Adams  

The 1990s and early 2000s were a time of intense change and experimentation for Marvel Comics. Out of this emerged The Ultimates -a comic that would have an explosive impact on Marvel and the broader pop culture landscape.

Writer Mark Millar, with artists Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie, and Paul Neary, reimagined the classic characters that made up Marvel’s premiere super hero team, the Avengers. Looking at them through a modern, post-9/11 lens, the creators treated the characters as super soldiers who reported to the US government.

Illustrated with full-color art, Ted Adam’s entry in The Marvel Age of Comics takes readers through Marvel of the ’90s: the Marvel Knights imprint, the creation of the Ultimate universe with Spider-Man and the X-Men, and finally the Ultimates themselves. With its unique blend of grounded realism and over-the-top action, The Ultimates ensured that comic books and pop culture would never be the same.

 

Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, the Last Interview
Written by Richard Meryman, Allan Grant, Marilyn Monroe

In July 1962, Marilyn Monroe was at a crossroads. At thirty-six years old and embroiled in legal battles with the studio of her current picture, Something’s Gotta Give, she was struggling with fame, age, and a studio system in which she no longer fit. When she sat down to give Richard Meryman an interview, she had a lot to say. Originally intended to be an interview about fame, over the course of four hours Marilyn talked about her entire life. Only a small portion of the interview was published in LIFE Magazine. When she died, just two days after the article was published, Meryman put the full transcript and the original tapes in his files, never to see the light of day.

Documenting this landmark interview was iconic photojournalist Allan Grant. His images of Marilyn would be her last formal photo shoot—in her home, in casual clothes, being the glorious, free spirit she was. Grant captured every emotion of the interview in these exquisite images, only eight of which were published alongside the LIFE interview excerpt. Most of the remainder of the images were stored in Allan’s safe, waiting to be rediscovered.

Marilyn: The Lost Photographs • The Last Interview is Marilyn Monroe in her own words—words that haven’t been published, until now. In this recently restored and complete transcript, Marilyn candidly talks about her childhood and life, fame, the studio system, her approach to work, celebrity, being a sex symbol, and more. At times joyous, silly, serious, philosophical and pensive, it is a Marilyn that the world has never experienced. Accompanying the interview are more than 400 of Grant’s extraordinary images, most never published until now.

This beautifully produced book offers readers a glimpse into Marilyn’s mindset during her final month as she began to assert control of her career and address her relationship with celebrity. Deepening the understanding of Marilyn’s talents, humanity, and true legacy, and the appreciation of her true beauty, this is a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic figures in history.

 

Chris Claremont (Biographix)
by J. Andrew Deman 

Chris Claremont (b. 1950) is best known for his landmark sixteen-year author run on Uncanny X-Men. This is the longest author run in Marvel Comics history, one that saw X-Men go from a title on the verge of cancellation to one of the most popular comics for over a decade and, eventually, a multibillion-dollar film franchise. While Claremont’s influence on popular culture is becoming more widely recognized, this volume offers an in-depth exploration of how his life shaped his work and the deep sources of inspiration behind his iconic characters and storylines. From Britain to Israel to the New York demimonde, Claremont’s relationships, education, upbringing, collaborations, and faith all contribute to his voice and to the creations that he shaped.

The story of Chris Claremont is the story of a creator who achieved popular success whilst making significant artistic contributions to his chosen medium, including the first African American superheroine, the first Black superhero team leader, the first canonically Jewish Marvel superhero, extensive queer subtext, notable BDSM imagery, the first superhero team with a strong female roster, and the best-selling single-issue comic of all time. This volume celebrates an extraordinary career and marvels at how Claremont accomplished all of this within mainstream comics.

 

Manscaped: The Beard Hedger

A precision beard groomer comes equipped with an intuitive zoom wheel with 20 different lengths (.5mm increments up to 10mm max. length) to choose from so you can ditch the dozen clipper attachments and trim anything from a lumberjack ‘stache to stubble.  Designed with a unique cutting angle to have its built-in comb lift flat-lying hairs for smooth, single-stroke trimming.

With a powerful, cordless DC motor and 41mm titanium-coated t-blade, The Beard Hedger is sharp enough to cut through the thickest facial hair with ease and no blade oil needed.  Built for men looking to take their beard maintenance routine to the next level, our trimmer is waterproof*, has a 7,200 RPM motor and high-performance battery for 60 minutes of use in the shower or on the go. *IPX7 rated to protect against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

The Beard Hedger is a premium beard-sculpting machine with enough power and precision to craft your style in a single swipe and comes with an AC adapter, USB-C cable, length-setting comb attachment and a hard shell water resistant travel case for on the go trimming.

 

Marvels: The Novelization
by Steve Darnall, Alex Ross

Welcome to New York. Here, burning figures roam the streets, men in brightly colored costumes scale the glass and concrete walls, creatures from space threaten to devour our world . . . and everyone else is going about their lives.

This is the Marvel Universe, where the ordinary and fantastic interact daily. This is the world of Marvels―one of the most important and bestselling stories in Marvel Comics history, which Stan Lee described in his introduction to the first collected edition as “innovative, brilliantly conceived, and skillfully executed.”

Over 30 years later, Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross’ groundbreaking comic book series Marvels gets a long-awaited novelization by Steve Darnall, author of Uncle Sam and Ross’s writing partner on the original proposal.

Marvels was a landmark series when it was first published―peeling back the curtain on Marvel’s history. It’s a story told from the perspective of an everyman character―news photographer Phil Sheldon―who chronicles a world full of costumed superhumans, providing an on-the-ground view of events in the Marvel Universe as they unfold. Darnall’s prose perfectly captures the magic of Busiek and Ross’ original story, offering insights and background previously untold in the comic book.

Tying the story together in a stunning package is an all-new painted cover, four all-new color illustrations, and four all-new black-and-white illustrations by Alex Ross, as well as an all-new afterword by Ross.

 

X-Men: Elsewhen (Volume 1 of 3): A Graphic Novel 
by John Byrne

Legendary comic book creator John Byrne returns to the title he first drew 50 years ago, Uncanny X-Men, with this one-of-a-kind new graphic novel series, X-Men: Elsewhen. This three-volume graphic novel series picks up the story from Byrne’s original run, taking the characters in new and unexpected directions.

In Volume 1 of X-Men: Elsewhen, the Dark Phoenix Saga is over and Phoenix is . . . alive?!

Diverging from the epic finale of the original storyline from 1984, X-Men: Elsewhen presents a universe where Jean Grey’s powers and intellect have been greatly reduced, and from there, everything you thought you know about the X-Men is forever changed.

John Byrne’s monumental return to the X-Men heads in entirely new and surprising directions, as the X-Men head back to the Savage Land, face their climactic adventure with the Sentinels, and contend with special guest–stars such as the Avengers and the Fantastic Four along the way.

X-Men: Elsewhen is a three-volume graphic novel series in the Marvel Arts line that sees the return of acclaimed X-Men artist Byrne decades after his last work on the series. Byrne has written and penciled every page and inked multiple chapters, all of which pick up the story from where his first go–round ended, taking this beloved lineup of characters―and his fans―in exciting new directions.

 

Ferris Bueller…You’re My Hero: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Day Off
by Jason Klamm

Ferris Bueller…You’re My Hero is the definitive behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved comedies of all time: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Author Jason Klamm takes readers inside John Hughes’ creative hot streak—fresh off Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club—as teen angst gave way to slapstick humor, surreal storytelling, and a hero who knew exactly where the camera was.

As Ferris Bueller’s Day Off celebrates its 40th anniversary, go behind the scenes as Hughes shot over a million feet of film before the movie was even halfway finished, navigated studio panic, and turned controlled chaos into cinematic magic.

Built from 125 new, exclusive interviews, this all-access account features candid stories from Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Cindy Pickett, James Hughes (John’s son), producers, soundtrack musicians, parade attendees, museum staff, high-school actors—even the legendary school-bus Gummy Bear Girl (“They’ve been in my pocket. They’re real warm and soft”). Additional Hughes alumni, including Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy, weigh in on the lasting impact of the film and its creator.

Featuring never-before-seen photos and unforgettable on-set stories, this book reveals how Ferris Bueller’s Day Off broke the rules, bent reality, and turned skipping school into a masterclass in rebellion for an entire generation.

 

Eaterland: Recipes and Stories from Across the United States
by Eater, Sarah Zorn, Missy Frederick

Divided into eight regions, this cookbook is filled with recipes, introductions from notable local chefs or celebrities, and recommendations for restaurants that serve the eclectic, multicultural cuisines that make up American food. It reads like a cross-country road trip through the nation’s kitchens, inviting readers to experience each region either in person or from their own kitchen.

When casual food lovers attempt to define stereotypical “American cuisine,” they often lean into foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Perhaps some understand that everything from Cajun cuisines to soul food is as American as apple pie.

But it takes a certain kind of obsessiveness―one Eater is known for―to really investigate what American food means. In Eaterland, the national publication and go-to site for restaurant recommendations, recipes, and food stories, Eater, maps out where to eat, what to eat, and how to eat food that is quintessentially, unequivocally American.

From more recognized dishes like Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza and New York’s Chopped Cheese to the french fry–topped Pittsburgh Salad and the Midwest’s Funeral Potatoes, this almanac is an ode to American food. Essays call attention to local ingredients unique to their region, like New Mexican green chiles, the glossaries have every region’s essential dishes, and deeply personal stories about American culture will encourage readers to learn more.

This book also celebrates the history of food in the United States, centering Indigenous recipes and cooking techniques, highlighting immigrant influences on local favorites, and illustrating how renowned chefs like Kwame Onwuachi and Tiffany Derry are recontextualizing and modernizing food in America.

For anyone who’s wanted to experience Maryland crab soup, toasted ravioli from St. Louis, and Kentucky’s renowned Hot Brown sandwich all without leaving their kitchen, this book is a perfect guide from Eater, the authority on where to eat and why it matters.

 

Stuff Every Man Should Know
By Brett Cohen

This pocket-sized guide packed with tips, tricks, and life hacks is the perfect gifts for the modern Renaissance man.

With chapters on domestic life, personal appearance, etiquette and socializing, business and pleasure, love and relationships, and health and wellness, it’s the ultimate little black book for men of all ages. You’ll find all the answers in a concise but comprehensive pocket-sized package.

This handy reference guide features everything the modern man should know (but might not), including:

• How to Cast a Fishing Rod
• How to Open a Beer Bottle Without an Opener
• How to Ask for a Raise
• How to Start a Simple Skincare Routine
• How to Make Friends as an Adult
• How to Entertain Children

Plus wardrobe essentials, advice on car maintenance, how to start a conversation in 5 languages, exercise tips, grilling instructions, and much, much more!

 

Cult Following: The Extreme Sects That Capture Our Imaginations―and Take Over Our Lives
By J.W. Ocker

From weird history expert J. W. Ocker, an eye-popping compendium of the 30 most infamous, audacious, and dangerous cults in history.

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about history’s most notorious cults—and the psychology of the people who join them—is packed into this accessible, engaging volume. Walk in the footsteps of those who were lured into sinister groups from Heaven’s Gate to NXIVM. Contents also include:

• Los Narcosatánicos: This group of drug traffickers in 1980s Mexico committed human sacrifice and believed their leader had magic powers.
• Breatharianism: Breatharians believe that humans can live on air alone, and their founder claimed to have gone without food for seventeen years.
• Ordo Templi Orientis: Members of this mystical cult attempted to conceive and give birth to the Antichrist through sexual rituals.
• Rajneesh Movement: This spiritual commune committed the largest bioterrorism attack in American history when they contaminated local salad bars with salmonella.

Ocker brings his trademark curiosity and wonder to the subject of cults and the terrifying way they attract followers, demonstrating the elasticity of belief, the desperateness of belonging, and the tragedy of trust.

 

Stuff Every Bird Lover Should Know
By Alice Sun

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Apocalypse
by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht

It’s the apocalypse—now what? Prepare for the end of civilization with the help of the world’s bestselling survival guide series and learn how to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.

The doomsday clock is seconds from midnight. Extinction-level dangers draw closer with every tick. But fear not! Here is an indispensable guide to preparing for and surviving the ultimate in worst-case scenarios, with humor to lighten the load. You can’t panic if you’re laughing.

Dozens of survival experts provide step-by-step instructions on:

• How to pack a Go Bag in thirty minutes,
• How to make your bunker feel like home,
• How to survive an alien invasion,
• How to defeat a robot uprising,
• How to survive the next pandemic,
• How to fend off a hostile clan,
• How to eat insects and rodents,
• How to rebuild a utopian society

And many more tips for the end of the world as we know it.

 

The Unmaking of Hudson Hawk
by David Hughes

From David Hughes, author of The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Never Made and Tales from Development Hell comes the unbelievable true story of how a $200m action-comedy-romance-adventure went from being one of the most notorious flops in Hollywood history to a cult favourite.  (So much so that I saw it twice on opening night).

Published to coincide with the 35th anniversary of Michael Lehmann’s 1991 infamous “turkey shoot”, The Unmaking of Hudson Hawk is an in-depth look at the history and legacy of the film that brought Bruce Willis’s career crashing to Earth, from the germ of the idea in 1980s New York to the recent revisionist views of the film by critics and commentators. Featuring interviews with co-creator/composer Robert Kraft, director Michael Lehmann, screenwriters Daniel Waters, Steven de Souza, Jeff Reno and Ron Osborn and many members of the cast and crew, the book is for everyone who looked at Hudson Hawk and wondered what the hell happened. With an introduction by film critic Walter Chaw.

 

Jacques Torres Chocolate

Fondly referred to as Mr. Chocolate, Jacques Torres is the authority on all things related to this confectionery delight and takes pride in crafting fresh, hand-made chocolate using only premium ingredients in classic and original combinations.  The brilliant chocolatier provided several samples of his delicious offerings.

• Jacques’ Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chef Torres describes his cookies as “a lot of chocolate with a little cookie dough around it,” and every bite proves him right.  Using rich 60% Belgian dark chocolate, the cookies are made with real ingredients and not only do all of the selections available look amazing, but the Chocolate Chip Cookies might very well be the best cookie that I ever had.

 

• Dark Chocolate BonbonsFor the dark chocolate devotee, Chef Jacques Torres presents his signature collection of gourmet bonbons. Each piece is beautiful, crafted from the finest ingredients and filled with luscious, layered flavors designed to delight every chocolate connoisseur. One taste, and it’s pure dark chocolate bliss.  Each box contains a variety of different flavors; I found myself particularly liking Grand Cru (fine red wine complemented by a rich dark chocolate),  Love Potion #9 (Jacques’ secret recipe for pure dark chocolate ganache) and Hazelnut Praline (House made hazelnut praline enrobed in dark chocolate).

 

• Chocolate Covered Ginger
  Jacques has created the New York Collection for his appreciation and gratitude to all things New York! The collection consists of five iconic New York images on keepsake boxes: The Statue of Liberty – House Blend 60% Dark Chocolate covered ginger.  The sharp ginger is elevated by the contrasting dark chocolate.

 

Soviet Land: A Tragicomic Thriller Graphic Novel
by Pierre-Henry Gomont

1990s. Russia. The USSR has ceased to exist. Its dimly remembered promises of utopia have dried up, and amongst the rubble, scavengers and looters abound.

Amongst the vast Russian tundra and decaying Soviet buildings, two such scavengers engage in a rather dubious pastime―getting their hands on all sorts of trinkets that might interest wealthy investors.

Slava, once a promising young painter, has abandoned his career and ideals to scrounge around with a pal from his school days, the consummate conman Lavrin. The future is up for grabs, and in this anything-goes, dog-eat-dog new world order, Lavrin assures Slava anything and everything can be bought and sold.

In this tragicomic thriller, author Pierre-Henry Gomont tells a gripping tale of average people caught up in the turmoil of history in the making. His deeply human characters fumble through a disorienting world―one where the promise of tomorrow has evaporated. They aspire to nothing more than to continue: to continue living, loving, and maybe someday even painting again.

 

Star Wars: The Mandalorian Visual Guide
by Pablo Hidalgo with a foreword by Pedro Pascal  

Go behind the scenes with this essential companion to all three seasons of Star Wars: The Mandalorian.

Discover the hidden gadgets of Din Djarin’s beskar armor. Learn more about the iconic child, Grogu. Discover the secrets of the Mandalorian code of honor known as the Way. Examine the functional workings of the Razor Crest. Meet the deadly Fennec Shand and the ruthless Moff Gideon, and much more.

An unrivaled look inside the inner workings of Star Wars: The Mandalorian, in DK’s classic visual guide format:

• Produced in close collaboration with Lucasfilm, this must-have guide to the Disney+ phenomenon is packed with fascinating new insights and exclusive imagery
• Featuring newly revealed details and artwork, including two exclusive cross-section artworks of the Razor Crest and The Mandalorian’s N-1 starfighter
• A must-have addition to the collection of Star Wars: The Mandalorian fans of all ages

From the three unmissable seasons of the Disney+ series to the cinematic adventure Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, this book is the ultimate celebration of all things Star Wars: The Mandalorian.

 

It Came From Neverland: A Novel
by Cynthia Pelayo

Peter Pan meets Stephen King’s It in this twisted horror retelling of a classic childhood fairy tale set during WWI.

1914, Wendy Darling works by day as a school teacher, and by night, she assists soldiers who have returned home from the Western Front. There is one mysterious patient who, despite all the care they’ve given him, is in a deep sleep, unable to wake up. One night, when he murmurs the words “Peter Pan,” Wendy is thrown back to a darker time, one that she wishes she could forget.

When one of her students goes missing, it brings back memories of when children went missing and were later found murdered in London many years ago. Wendy is convinced that Peter Pan, the entity that she believes killed those children, is back. She and her brothers had a close encounter with Peter Pan, after all. But her brothers only remember Peter Pan and Neverland as a fantasy of childhood games.

When another child goes missing and signs start to point to Wendy, Scotland Yard digs into old reports, finding that Wendy knew the names of all the children who had been killed. As Wendy tries to prove her innocence, she also has to find a way to stop Peter Pan once and for all.

 

Jacques Pépin Complete Techniques 50th Anniversary Edition
by Jacques Pépin

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the grand master of cooking skills and methods, Jacques Pépin’s classic work that serves as a staple in both home and professional kitchens around the world.

Comprehensive, authoritative, but never intimidating, Jacques Pepin’s Complete Techniques—which combines the master chef’s landmark works, La Methode and La Technique—includes more than 600 cooking techniques and methods along with 160 recipes. Each recipe and technique is explained using step-by-step instructions accompanied by more than 1,000 photographs featuring Pépin himself. Follow along as this culinary legend demonstrates every aspect of classic cooking, from start to finish, teaching readers how to bone a chicken, poach an egg, whisk a perfect hollandaise, knead a crispy baguette, or bake an exquisite meringue with the perfection and efficiency of a professional. Throughout the book are Pepin’s classic recipes, which offer budding masters the opportunity to put lessons into practice with extraordinary results.

The time-tested recipes in this volume teach everyone, from the greenest home cook to the most wizened professional, how to put techniques into practice. This completely revised edition includes color and black-and-white photographs and is redesigned to make it even easier to follow the step-by-step techniques.

 

Martin Scorsese All the Films
by Olivier Bousquet, Arnaud Devillard, Nicolas Schaller

Discover the cinematic genius behind every Martin Scorsese film—from gritty urban tales to sweeping epics, this definitive book celebrates every feature film, documentary, and short by one of cinema’s greatest directors.

Scorsese is a living legend. Over the last 50 years, he has redefined cinema, crafting stories of crime, faith, obsession, and redemption, becoming one of the most revered directors alive. Scorsese: All the Films is the ultimate deep dive into every one of his films from his early indie days with Who’s That Knocking at My Door to his latest epic, Killers of the Flower Moon, plus classics such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas that are regularly cited as being among the finest films ever made.

Covering each of the director’s 26 feature films, 17 documentary films, 7 short films, and 4 television episodes, the book draws upon years of research to tell the behind-the-scenes stories of how each project was conceived, cast, and produced. It explores the themes, techniques, and cultural impact of each movie, examining how Scorsese’s work evolved alongside his personal obsessions and how he has navigated Hollywood’s changing landscape. Also included are insights into his collaborations with actors Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, editor Thelma Schoonmaker, screenwriter Paul Schrader, and many more. With more than 250 behind-the-scenes stills, photographs, posters, and ephemera, this is a definitive celebration of one of cinema’s most enduring talents.

 

DC Encyclopedia New Edition
by Scott Beatty, and Dan Brooks

The official and definitive guide to the dynamic and engrossing characters of the DC multiverse – now updated with more than 1,000 entries.

Written by DC experts, the fifth and latest edition of the comprehensive DC Encyclopedia includes more than 1,000 Super Heroes and Super-Villains, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, The Joker, and Harley Quinn.

The most captivating and complete DC Encyclopedia to date:

• The fifth edition of the highly celebrated DC Encyclopedia contains over 1,000 entries for DC’s eclectic cast of Super Heroes and Super-Villains, as well as features for major events from the comics.
• Exclusive cover artwork created by renowned Dark Crisis and Wonder Woman artist Daniel Sampere, as well as fresh new character artworks on expanded entries.
• The ultimate gift for DC and Super Hero fans looking for an official and up-to-date reference book for this influential franchise.

This fresh and exciting update makes new additions to the DC Encyclopedia, introducing new content that covers the latest events in the DC multiverse – including Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, Lazarus Planet, and Absolute Power, as well as new and enhanced character entries.

Stunningly illustrated with DC artwork, including hundreds of new images from the latest DC comics, this book is a must-have on any DC fan’s shelf.