Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Star Trek Ships of the Line

Completely updated with more than 75 new additional images Star Trek Ships of the Line, edited by Doug Drexler and Margaret Clark, with text by Michael Okuda and published by Gallery Books the Star Trek Universe and its various space ships are examined.

Starting with man's first warp explorations in space the book progresses through the centuries primarily focusing on the Federation and the Enterprise in particular.

But, the Klingons, the Romulans, the Vulcans and various other species encountered by the Federation have their share of ship examinations.

More than a book with pretty pictures the book examines space faring in the future with looks at new ship designs, propulsion systems, weapons and other space-faring equipment, stations and worlds.

Brimming with full-color illustrations and paintings, complemented with detailed text the book is a veritable encyclopedia of the future of space travel as imagined by Gene Rodddenberry and the other minds behind the Star Trek Universe.
"Boldly go where no one has gone before!"

Star Trek Foul Deeds Will Rise

Kirk and Spock are back with the original crew of the Enterprise in a new book, Foul Deeds Will Rise, written by Greg Cox and published by Pocket Books.

As good as the other Star Trek TV series and movies that following the original series are there's nothing like getting back together with Spock, Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise 1701-it's like old homes week.

In this brand new adventure the crew of the Enterprise have traveled beyond the bounds of Federation space.  The Enterprise is to host two warring factions in the hope of establishing peace.

Decades old prejudices, distrust and the loss of life make the negotiations difficult.  They are made even more difficult when Captain Kirk encounters a disturbing figure from his past: the recently declared sane daughter of Kodos the Executioner: Lenore Karidian.

Twenty years ago she tried to kill Kirk and successfully killed several other people who could identify her father.

When an assassination threatens the peace talks, all clues point to Lenore-but is she the culprit or are other forces at work?

It's Star Trek as you like it-full of intrigue, action and unexpected twists and turns.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Abandoned America The Age of Consequences

There's something haunting, beautiful and sad about old and abandoned buildings.
Imagine such places of work, entertainment, worship and homes once vital and alive with people now vacant and forgotten.

Abandoned America The Age of Consequences, by Matthew Christopher and published by JonGlez, takes a good hard look at the forgotten dreams and forsaken locations that pepper the American landscape.

Full color photos complement text which examines each forsaken site.  Empty halls, old and rusted machinery, collapse ceilings, crumbling staircase, old and peeling paint and wallpaper and the remnants of days long past beckon readers back to the days when America prospered and flourished.

The past comes alive amongst the ruins as image after image reminds readers of the spectacular heritage America seeks to push out of sight and memory. 

Friday, November 21, 2014

World Series Champions 2014

The World Series-the pinnacle of Major League Baseball-the ultimate test  for pitchers, hitters, outfielders, catchers and the rest of the members of any MLB player.

This year's World Series held more than its fair chare of breath-holding, white-knuckle surprise.  Careers were made and tarnished, new and veteran players were put to the ultimate test both physically and mentally but ultimately the San Francisco Giants won!

Relive every edge-of-your-seat moment as the Giants win their third World Series in five years.   Surprises abound as the team that many have named as 'more character than talent' proves that with character comes talent.

Lionsgate presents the World Series Champions 2014 on DVD that includes highlights, milestones, interviews and much more!  Batter up!

MiG and Amoretti

  
Lovers of the female figure take note.  Comix Buro has just released two Sketchbooks that are sure to satisfy your female fetish.

Amoretti and MiG are masters at drawing the female figure realistically and in cartoon form.
While Amoretti tends to concentrate on fine pencil drawing complete with moody shadows, MiG takes a much more linear approach with bold lines, subtle brush strokes and resplendent colors.

Both artists are adept at other illustrations featuring a wide range of subjects although MiG tends to have a more diverse portfolio.

Regardless of the artist both Sketchbooks pack in lots of 'sketches', color studies, spot and full illustrations and enough eye-candy to satiate the most discerning art lover.

Feast your eyes and enjoy each and every page. 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction #716, November/December

NOVELLAS
The Judging       
Hollywood North

NOVELETS
I'll Follow the Sun
Golden Girl

SHORT STORIES
Yeshua's Dog    
Nanabojou at the World's Fair      
Feral Frolics      
The Bomb Thing
The Old Science Fiction Writer    

DEPARTMENTS
Books to Look For          
Musing on Books             
Films: On Novelizing Noah
Films: Coming Soon to a Tablet Near You
Coming Attractions                        
Competition #88                             
Index to Volumes 126 & 127                       
Curiosities

CARTOONS
Mark Heath, Arthur Masear, Arthur Masear

COVER
Mondolithic Studios

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Previews, December



COMIC BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
The Black Hood #1 l ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
Caliban TP l AVATAR PRESS INC
Cluster #1 l BOOM! STUDIOS
Lady Death: Apocalypse #1 l BOUNDLESS COMICS
Bone: Out of Boneville Tribute Edition HC l CARTOON BOOKS
Legenderry: Vampirella #1 l D. E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Legenderry: Red Sonja #1 l D. E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Legenderry: Green Hornet #1 l D. E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Sweatshop TP l FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
The Sixth Gun Gunslinger Edition Volume 2 HC l ONI PRESS INC.
Imperium #1 l VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood Volume 1 HC l VIZ MEDIA LLC



BOOKS
The Art of The Big O HC/SC l ART BOOKS
DC Comics: A Visual History HC l COMICS
Game of Thrones: In Memoriam HC l GAME OF THRONES
Neil Gaiman/Dave McKean: Crazy Hair SC l NEIL GAIMAN
Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi HC l STAR WARS

MAGAZINES
Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection Special #4: Klingon Patrol Ship l EAGLEMOSS
Ultimate Spider-Man Magazine #2 l COMICS
Sleepy Hollow: The Official Magazine #2 l MOVIE/TV
TRADING CARDS
Bowman 2015 Baseball Trading Cards l TOPPS COMPANY
Topps 2015 Opening Day Baseball Trading Cards l TOPPS COMPANY

APPAREL
Deadshot Black T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR
Guardians of the Galaxy: Rise Of Outlaws Team Stance Cap l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR
Red Hood and The Outlaws Team Stance Cap l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR
Harley Quinn: Ha Ha White T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR
Superpets By Cooke T-Shirt l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS
Red Hood Symbol Knit Beanie l NEW ERA CAPS
Hawkeye Symbol Knit Beanie l NEW ERA CAPS

TOYS & STATUES
Marvel Select: Avengers: Age of Ultron: The Hulk Action Figure l DIAMOND SELECT TOYS & COLLECTIBLES
Marvel Minimates Series 61: Avengers: The Age of Ultron l DIAMOND SELECT TOYS & COLLECTIBLES
Batman 1966: Robin Model Kit l BATMAN
Interstellar: Ranger Model Kit l MOVIE/TV

IMPORT TOYS
Final Fantasy Advent Children Play Arts Kai Action Figures l FINAL FANTASY
Gamera 2 S.H. Monster Arts l GAMERA
Ghostbusters Titans Mini Figures l GHOSTBUSTERS
Guardians of the Galaxy: Baby Groot 7-Inch Action Hero Vignette l GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Michael Jordan HD Real Masterpiece 1/4-Scale Figure l SPORTS
Halo: UNSC Spartan Gabriel Thorne 1/6-Scale Figure l THREEA/THREEZERO
Mass Effect: Commander Shepard 1/6-Scale Figure l THREEA/THREEZERO

COLLECTIBLES & NOVELTIES
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Messenger Bag l THE WALKING DEAD
The Walking Dead: Rick Grimes Sheriff Dept Duffle Bag l THE WALKING DEAD

GAMES
Star Wars: Armada Board Game l FANTASY FLIGHT PUBLISHING INC
D&D Attack Wing Wave 5 l WIZKIDS/NECA
DC HeroClix: Justice League Trinity War l WIZKIDS/NECA
DC HeroClix: War Of Light l WIZKIDS/NECA

DVDS & DIGITAL MEDIA
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis l ANIMATION
Doctor Who: The Complete Series 8 l DOCTOR WHO
Sailor Moon Season 1 Part 2 l SAILOR MOON

History Presents The Definitive WWI & WWII Collection



War-there’s nothing romantic about it.  People die, property is destroyed and nations are changed forever.
 
The two largest wars in history: WWI and WWII changed the face of the world and took years to recover from.  The effects are still felt today.

Lionsgate and History Present The Definitive WWI & WWII Collection-a monumental collection of the greatest battles, leaders, military advances, atrocities and pivotal points of the ‘Wars To End All Wars.’

From ground skirmishes to epic air and sea battles the DVD collection delves deeply into the lives of those who served in the military, the important civilian individuals who helped shape the conflicts and the tragic and sometime victorious results of each war.

Black and white and color films, interviews, chilling accounts, up close and personal examinations of key individuals and even a look at the wars from space bring each war into sharp focus with compelling narratives and stories that bring each war to life.

With over 44 hours of war programs on 20 discs makes  this compilation The Definitive WWI & WWII Collection.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Westerns and Martin



Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s I (like so many young people of the time) watched Westerns on TV. Call it the American Spirit or a fascination with history (albeit modified and cleaned up), Western TV shows romanticized the Old West.  
 
The bad guys always lost, the Indians (while noble) were wild savages-mostly and life on the plains was simple and  idealized.

I had my favorites: Gunsmoke, Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, The Rifleman, Bonanza, but there were dozens more spread out over the 1940s to the 1970s.

Author Richard West and McFarland Classics present Television Westerns Major and Minor Series 1946-1978.  

Pages are filled with insightful information about the shows, black and white photos and several Appendix on Timelines, Actors, Emmy Winners and so forth.

If you’re a fan of the old TV Westerns like I am then be sure to rustle up a copy to take back to the old homestead.

Quinn Martin, that name may not mean much to today’s television audience but back in the 1960s and 1970s Quinn Martin was a powerful creative force to be reckoned with.
Quinn Martin, Producers offers ‘A Behind-the-Scenes History of QM Productions and Its Founder.

Quinn Martin was responsible for a string of popular TV shows that featured more adult themes and often broached subject matters other TV shows of the time avoided.

Never one to turn down a challenge Quinn Martin produced and co-created some of the most memorable TV shows of any era. Such shows as Cannon, Barnaby Jones, The FBI, The Invaders, The Streets of San Francisco and other legendary shows became the templates of many of the shows seen on TV today.

Involved in all aspects of each show Quinn Martin took part in selecting actors and actresses, scripts, set pieces: any and everything that had to do with producing high quality TV programs.

Author Jonathan Etter has done an outstanding job of delving into the history of QM Productions and the man behind the name.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Crazy, Breaking, Living, Wetter and Peace

Are you ready to spend the holidays giggling and guffawing?  If so, you'd best buy a new bevy of books that are guaranteed to bemuse your funny bone until it breaks. 

Andrews McMeel Publishing presents five new compilations of some of the most popular newspaper comic strips ever produced.

Slapstick, subtle or right in your face, the humor presented by each comic strip collection is a giggle-fest wrapped up and printed on paper.

In the newest collection of the Get Fuzzy daily and Sunday comic strips called 'You Can't Fight Crazy' the ill-mannered and cantankerous cat Bucky, along with his canine friend Satchel, stir things up for their human owner Rob in a series of mishaps that are sure to chill the blood of any pet owner. 


From an anti-social network to a gastronomic catastrophe, one thing is for sure, owning a cat and dog can be anything but uncomplicated.

'A Pearls Before Swine' creator Stephan Pastic looks more than befuddled on the cover of Pearls newest collection.  He looks downright crazy.  You'd be going crazy too if you had to put up with the shenanigans he does in 'Breaking Stephen.'

How would you like to deal with a bunch of criminal critters making crazy movies, that include alcohol swizzling crocodiles, an egotistical cyclist, cynical toys and much more cartoon madness?

In 'Living The Dream' the latest Mutts collection, author Patrick McDonnell presents the pleasant side of raising pets with heartfelt comic strips about friendship, loyalty, wide-eyed wonder and the simple things in life.  Isn't it time to lay back and experience the four seasons of sleep?

Speaking of animals.  Just kidding! 'Wetter Louder Stickier' the new Baby Blue Collection looks at the joys, frustrations, exasperations, complications and craziness of raising three young kids. 

Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott invite readers to visit the MacPherson clan as mom and pop deal with shuffling their kids to activities, clean up after their disastrous messes, try to take time out for themselves and suddenly come to the realization that life will never be the same again-until the kids leave.

If you have kids or plan on having those lovable munchkins take a moment to sing the blues--the baby blues.

Kids, they start out small but before you know it they grow up to be ravenous, unorganized, insufferable teenagers who never listen, rebel for no other reason that they can and generally make life "interesting" for their parents.

Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman's Zits comic strip promises 'Peace Love & Wifi.' If only it were that simple!

Jeremy seems determined to make his parent's lives miserable and confusing-or so they believe.  The truth be told, he's a regular teenager with over-active hormones, selective hearing, oblivious to time and responsibility and more interested that technology matters.

It's the newest generation against the older generation in a cultural and social showdown that offers some hilarious moments. stacks of cloths and dishes, an insatiable appetite for food and music, questionable social networking skills, physical awkwardness and no sense of the now.


'Pop' in for Zits.