The Brainiac's Book Of Robots And AI

You hear and see a lot about robots and AI nowadays. That’s because they are everywhere.

Robots of one sort of another have been around for centuries. No way! Yes way.

Any mechanism that performs a preset ‘program’ to do a simple or complex task can be considered a robot.

A toaster is a robot. It makes perfect toast by the push of a lever or button, cooks the bread for a specified length of time and ejects the toast when the time is up. Other than initially pushing a lever or button the toaster does all the work.

AI has also been around for some time. Early computers had a primitive form of AI (artificial intelligence).

In The Brainiac’s Book Of Robots And AI, by author Paul Virr and illustrator Harriet Russell and publisher Thames & Hudson, young readers learn all about robots and AI of all types from social interactive to factory assemblers.

Art and photos combine to explore the futuristic world of AI and the implication of artificial intelligence now and in the future.

How far will it go? Will man and robots with intelligence coexist? Where is the line drawn between human and artificial life? There’s even a glossary of terms included.

For a hands-on, easy-to-understand look at robots and AI this book clarifies the myths, concerns and the future of both.

Also included are simple-to-follow instructions for making all sorts of robot and AI projects.

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Batgirl Annual #1

It’s the bat, the cat and the owl!  All sorts of trouble happens when Catwoman is hired to free a young woman who is a Talon for The Court Of The Owls.

She manages to do so just as Batgril shows up and other Talons of The Court Of the Owls.

A female Talon is being held in custody by the police.  Catwoman is hired to break her out.  She does so.

But, when Catwoman finds out that Talon’s benefactor wants her to join in killing citizens of Gotham in order to put the blame on Bruce Wayne, Catwoman refuses to help the benefactor.

He then sets Talon against her.  Batgirl arrives and a battle royal occurs between Talon and her companions.

Catwoman convinces Talon that her bloody trail of violence will not bring her parents back.  Vengeance never satisfies.

Talon relents and the tide turns.

This is a really good Catwoman/Batgirl/Talon tale.  Writer Gail Simone delves deeply into the personalities of each female character and fleshes them out.

The art on Batgirl Annual #1 by Admira Wijaya and Daniel Sampere is a real eye catcher.

It’s one of the best DC Comics New 52 Annuals produced.

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Vinyl . Album . Cover . Art

Recently I acquired a portable record player. The first thing I did was break out my old record albums and began to play them. I am a child of the 60s and 70s so the music I love is also from that period.

Those years were famous for their record album designs. Besides the records themselves, I loved the art, photos, lyrics and special insert the albums contained.

The Hipgnosis Design Group was responsible for many of those album’s covers. In the new Thames & Hudson book: Vinyl . Album . Cover . Art The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue by Aubrey Powell, with a foreword by Peter Gabriel, their entire catalogue of album covers 1967 to 1984 is showcased.

Wow! Talk about bringing back some great memories! So many of the albums shown I owned and listened to. To be honest many of the albums I bought simply because I liked their covers. While many of the albums were by acts I knew there were others I did not and taking a chance based on their cover art or photos I bought them.

This deluxe hardbound book showcases an era when album cover designs ruled the world of music. If an album did not have a striking or unusual cover it could very well tank the sales of said album.

The book is a fun and fascinating to look at. I learned a lot about what it takes to make a successful album cover, the music groups and individuals whose albums were showcased and especially about the design group that created the album covers.

Interesting facts, behind-the-scenes tidbits and statistical information about each album represented are included.

Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Diamond Previews, May 2025

 

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The CinemaScope Years

As modern movie-goers we are spoiled. 3D, surround sound, wide screens, incredible visual effects,-movies on the big screen almost seem real in their clarity, sound quality, colors, visual depth and clarity

In my younger days movies were usually shown on small screens, sometimes with questionable visual clarity, soundtracks usually weren’t in stereo and special effects questionable.

Then came CinemaScope and everything changed. Suddenly movie screens with wide to accommodate the sweeping vistas and everything seemed bigger, more realistic and detailed.

The proportions of a CinemaScope film allowed huge vistas and much more room for images on the horizontal.

I remember seeing my first CinemaScope film and was blown away by how much there was to see. Unlike conventional movie screens and later TV screens, CinemaScope films delivered with huge sweeping landscapes and immense horizontal canvases where actors and actors could move around taking a while room or rooms, train stations, theaters or whatever setting they were in.

Larger gatherings of people were able to be seen in their full scope. Just think of such films as Ben Hur, The King and I and other classics.

Dramas took on a more foreboding scope where shadow and light played out in full display, Westerns showcased the wide open spaces of out west, Horror films delivered even more horrific scares when so much of the danger could be seen by the audience and yet hidden to the actors in the films, Science Fiction movies used CinemaScope to portray vast and lonely outer space, Comedies provided more visual pratfalls and hi-jinks and Musicals had wide open stages delivered incredible music and dance numbers.

In author Aubrey Solomon’s new book: The CinemaScope Years Films That Revolutionized Moviegoing, 1953-1967, published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, the history of CinemaScope is examined along with dozens of films with full cast, crew, storylines and behind-the-scenes information provided for each. A glossary is included as well an addendum and chapter notes.

Discover how CinemaScope revolutionized the entire movie industry and how its introduction still influences movie today.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Star Wars Reflections II

Decipher Games at one point was producing an incredible amount of Star Wars Collectible Card Games: Star Wars Reflections II was one such expansion.

As the popularity of Star Wars has escalated over the years the discontinued star wars CCG from Decipher Games have shot up in value.

One set exceeds over $8,000 for a Box.

Refeolction II included previously released Cards.

It was the first reflective-style Set to include new Cards.

The Set contains a total of 105 Foil Cards: 

• 4 Ultra Rare
• 62 Super Rare
• 34 Very Rare
• 5 Premium Foil Cards 
• Boba Fett with Blaster Rifle
• Darth Vader (Japanese)
• Han with Heavy Blaster Pistol
• Leia with Blaster Rifle
• Obi-Wan with Lightsaber

Reflections II was known as "Expanding the Galaxy" as it included 54 New Premium Cards based on the Expanded Universe, and was the first to introduce such Cards. 

As the popularity of Star Wars grows due to new movies and Disney+ streaming series older Star Wars merchandise (including games) have become hot collectibles.

Psalms 126:5 - They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

World Of Art Color In Art

Color and art-you can’t separate the two. Even though a piece of art may consist of only black on white it still incorporates color.

Color can signify a mood, represent an object, signify motion-you get the idea. Color is everywhere, not just in art. Fabrics, visual communication, home and office décor, signage, products-you name it-color is there.

World Of Art Color In Art, written by John Gage and published by Thames & Hudson, examines the ‘history’ of color by examining past works by many of the great artists.

Careful examination on how each artist utilized color to set a mood, make a statement or depict familiar and abstract objects brings the subject of color into sharp focus.

The oversize, softbound book is filled (you guessed it) with color reproductions of art through the ages along with commentaries on the how, why, where, what and who of each individual piece of art.

How color was used, its representation and the emotions it stimulates are examined. Color permeates our lives. Artists, craftsmen, architects and designers use color to send a message, whether it is to evoke an emotion or even sell a product, color is a universal language uninhibited by borders, languages and varying social norms.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in how to use color to convey a message and especially artists and art teachers as a helpful guide and teaching tool.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Astonishing X-Men #1

Buffy The Vampire Slayer creator/writer Joss Whedon and fan favorite artist John Cassaday combine their considerable talents to reimagine the X-Men.

After too long a period Kitty Pryde decides to go back to the X-Mansion to attend the opening day of a new class of young mutants.  She is to be part of the teaching staff at the mansion run by Scott Summers and Emma Frost.

Arriving at the mansion Kitty can’t help but reminisce about her time as an X-Men.

Unfortunately her trip down Memory Lane makes her late for the ceremony. A fact that Emma Peel is none too happy about.

After a brief apology the commencement begins.  Emma begins her speech and out of no where a group of Sentinels crash the event.

Only they were not real but a hologram projection intended to startle the students and make them realize mutants are feared and sometimes the victims of violence.

Later Wolverine interrupts Scott and Emma's in their bedroom resulting in Scott and Wolverine causing a ruckus for all the students to see.

After things settle down Scott realizes it is this sort of action that humans fear.

So he proposes that the X-Men (and mutants as a whole) present themselves as heroes much like The Avengers and The Fantastic Four.

Donning new costumes (sans the black) the group heads out to promote their new appearance.

Good intensions aside the new strategy may not work as about that same time a new mutant terrorist group strikes.

Things do not look rosy In Marvel Comics Astonishing X-Men #1. 

Matthew 21:22 - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

How To Be A Manga Artist

What better way to demonstrate how to be a successful Manga artist than by studying a book that is drawn as a Manga?

In How To Be A Manga artist Silvia Vanni and writers Balthazar Pagani and Asuku Ozumi (with pro tips from Fumio Obata), along with publisher Thames & Hudson, delve into the long history of Manga and the many styles of Manga, drawing tips, story-telling techniques and so forth.

Everything you need to know on how to produce a Manga is included. Learn about the industry, story-telling, publishing, printing, themes, story ideas, visual effects, the different types of Manga, promoting your Manga and much, much more.

The book is a treasure trove of information presented in an easy-to-understand format allowing would-be Manga artists to learn and apply valuable information.

Manga is hugely popular not only in Japan but the United States, In fact, Manga consistently sells especially to young readers. Pick up a copy of the book today and before you know it you’ll be on the road to Manga success.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Quarter Century Stampede

Imagine! Konami’s Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game has been around for 25 years-a quarter century-a long time!

I wish I was 25 years old!

Celebrate the big 25! It’s official, Quarter Century Stampede delivers the best-of-the-best Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards and fans had I lot to say about what would be in this commemorative Set.

Just look what you get!

• More than 10 Cards with new variant artwork.
• Two different Card Pools:
• A 200-Card Nostalgia pool.
• A main pool of 80 tournament-level Cards.
• 7 different varieties:
• Super Rare
• Ultra Rare
• Secret Rare
• Quarter Century Secret Rare
• Platinum Secret Rare
• Collector's Rare (Japanese version)
• Ultimate Rare (Japanese version)
• Variant art versions of existing Cards are only available as Quarter Century Secret Rare.
• Each pack contains 5 Cards with 24 Pack per Box (the guaranteed Platinum or Quarter Century Secret Rare is from the nostalgia pool and the remaining 4 are from the main pool):
• 1 Platinum Secret Rare or Quarter Century Secret Rare
• 1 Super Rare
• 1 Secret Rare (1-in-4 chance of being a Platinum Secret Rare or Quarter Century Secret Rare)
• 2 Ultra Rares (1-in-6 chance each of being a Collector's Rare or Ultimate Rare)

So get ready to celebrate! Hurry just like any stampede it only lasts for a short time!

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

I Am C-3PO

Actor Anthony Daniels recalls his many years as portraying the lovable golden robot C-3PO in the Star Wars films.

Who could ever imagined that playing a supporting role as a robot in a science fiction movies would blossom into a lifelong career, worldwide fame and a hefty paycheck?

Imagine playing the same character for over 40 years.

Rather than resent being relegated in everyone’s mind as a golden robot, Daniels embraced it, loved his fans and relished the opportunity to share his stories.

Daniels recalls first walking on the Star Wars set back in 1975 and continuing to play the character though nine Star Wars films.

The author proceeds to recount his experiences on the films, the trials and tribulations, working wit other actor (and creatures) and the various ins and outs of movie production.

From water-soaked sets to dry, desert wasteland Daniels donned the golden robot costume and endeared C-3PO to millions of moviegoers.

Despite the discomfort of the costume, limited mobility and field of vision Daniels soldiered on as he continually defined the character.

Included in the book are two color photo sections of behind-the-scenes shots.  I Am C-3PO The Inside Story by Anthony Daniels (with a foreword by director J.J. Abrams) is published by DK.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Young Frankenstein The Monster

Of all the actors to play Frankenstein's monster Peter Boyle seemed like an unlikely choice.

You may remember him as Frank, the father of Ray Romano in the TV series Everyone Loves Ray.

And yet, he pulled it off with panache.

Sideshow Toy (Collectibles) created a tree figure set of Young Frankenstein featuring Doctor Frankenstein, Igor and The Monster.

All three figures came in special clear front panel boxes with the Young Frankenstein logo prominent on their fronts.

The Monster fully-articulated figure is dressed in a gray and fuzzy (mole hair) jacket with not pockets or buttons, gray pants with no cuffs and a slid black shirt.  He also wears large black, platform boots with no 

The figure's features look exactly like Peter Boyle’s albeit with a heavy brow, a partially bald head, stitches and two heavy metal bolts protruding out of his neck.

The figure’s skin color is a pallid gray with heavy shadows.  His hands are large, as are his feet.

The figure’s articulation is well hidden beneath its cloth and posing the figure in various stances is easy with or without its custom made cobblestone base.

Included with the figure it and extra forearm and hand clutching a rat, two flower petals, a handle from a broken but, chained shackles and a large earthenware bowl. 

Paint application is clean and crisp.  Clothing is stitched and fitted to perfectly fit the figure with no unsightly bunching or wrinkles when the figure is posed.

Only 7,500 of the figures were created and as collectors clamor for earlier Sideshow figures the price continues to escalate.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

USS Arizona (BB-39)

It was a day that will live 

in infamy.
On December 7^th 1941 the Japanese attacked the United States Naval Station in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Thousands of lives were loss and many ships sank.

The most famous of these ships-the USS Arizona (BB-39) battle ship, was sunk and suffered the loss of most its crew.

Today the Arizona lays where it sank with its crew members still aboard.

In author David Doyle’s book, USS Arizona (BB-39), published by Schiffer Books under its Legends Of Warfare Naval indicia, readers can learn about the ill-fated ship from keel laying to Pearl Harbor Memorial.

Inside the author provides photos and text explaining and exploring in detail every deck, room and compartment of the ship including the armory, mess, command center and more.

See the ship as it was being built to its final days as a memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Photos recreate the deadly conflict of December 7^th with eye-witness photos and how the ship and its crew were honored and remembered.

It’s more than a book about a ship. It is a recounting of the deadly years of the war and the toll it took on the United States. Never forget.

1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The Savage Sword Of Conan Vol. 1

I never thought I would get so excited about a collection of new black and white, magazine size Conan The Barbarian tales reprinted in a trade paperback!!

But, we’re talking about The Savage Sword Of Conan for crying out loud!

I was a big fan of the original The Savage Sword Of Conan magazine from Marvel Comics published in the 1970s. For its time is it was revolutionary in its depiction of the Cimmerian, savage warrior barbarian: Conan. There was lots of blood, gore and more.

In Titan Comics/Heroics Signatures’ The Savage Sword Of Conan Vol. 1 trade paperback book, the first three issues of the the new black and white magazine filled with new stories is collected. The square-bound, softback, magazine-sized book has beautiful full-color paintings of Conan on its front and back covers.

Inside Conan fans are treated to the most savage, bloody, sexy and action-packed Conan adventures ever seen in print.  

Magic and mysticism, monsters, a werewolf, savage warriors, a dinosaur, beautiful women warriors, bloody swordplay and more-who could ask for more?

Roy Thomas provides the foreword and the Conan and Solomon Kane tales are written and drawn by the best in the business. Just look at the creator roster: writers John Arcudi, Jim Zub, Patch Zincher-also artist, Frank Tieri and Alan Quah -also artist, along with artists Max von Fafner, Joe Jusko, Richard Pace and Cary Nord.

Also look for written a short story, an essay, a character bio and cover reproductions. Writing and art styles differ but all are top-tier and perfectly capture the savagery of Conan and the deep emotional and spiritual conflict of Solomon Kane.

Pick up a copy today!

Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The Harry O Viewing Companion

One of my mom’s favorite crime shows of the 1960s was The Fugitive starring actor David Janssen as physician Richard Kimble whose wife is murdered.

Although an innocent man Kimble was convicted of her murder. On the way to his permanent incarceration the vehicle he was being transferred in was in an accident and he escaped.

He used his freedom to track down his wife’s true killer while being pursued by the police.

After the series ended Janssen kept busy as a guest star on many TV series and in a few movies.

In the early 1970s he returned to network TV starring in the series Harry O as a retired cop now a private investigator: Harry Orwell.

The series lasted four years, won numerous awards and once more brought Janssen into the spotlight.

The series was known for is intricate plots, outstanding performances and especially Janssen’s portrayal as a cop turned P.I. who was world-weary and methodical in his investigation.

Authors Steve Aldous and Gary Gillies, along with McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, present the oversize softbound book: The Harry O Viewing Companion which includes the history and episode of the classic detective series.

Along with full episode guides, archival photos and fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes and information the book also includes actor, writer and creator film and TV credits, favorite episodes and much more.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.