On The Road

Traveling in Europe can be an adventure. Instead of staying at hotels, taking guided tours or having a preset itinerary you hit the road and travel by campervan!

Call it crazy. Call it wild. Call it whatever you want but authors Stephanie Rickenbacher and Lui Eigenmann got the itch to travel Europe (all of Europe) and explore.

They started with a van, modified to suite their needs and off they went!

What better way to see the back road, small villages, seldom visited, non-touristy locations and visit the famous sights at their own pace?

No longer a slave to time, schedules, expensive hotels and fancy meals the couple cooked their own meals, traveled the back roads and got to know the people, places and heart of 42 European countries.

In the book On The Road: Traveling Europe In A Campervan, published by Schiffer Books, they share their experiences, offer traveling tips and delve into the history of each and every country they visited.

Learn about local customs, cuisine, celebrations, city sights, natural wonders and so much more.

The softback book is chockful of color photos and fascinating text broken down by country.

What a delightful visual excursion of Europe! The personal recollections the authors provide takes the mystery out of traveling abroad and proved that people are the same no matter where they live.

Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Fantasy & Science Fiction #771, Winter 2024

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Picard

When CBS/Paramount decided it was launching a new Picard streaming series I had one question, “Would the new series be a continuation of the original Star Trek: The Next Generation?”

Yes, sort of.

Picard takes place approximately 20>25 years after the crew of the Enterprise went their separate ways.

Picard is now an old man, living at his vineyard with his Romulan housekeepers-seemingly content.

That is until he meets a certain young woman.

From there it’s full steam ahead as he encounter the heirs of Data, the Borg Queen, travels back in time, shifts to an alternate timeline, meets Seven Of Nine, reunites with Q and yes, teams up with his old crew. There is so much more.

I like it, it’s different and still familiar enough to jump right in where The Next Generation left off. I hope they do more.

Titan Books and author Joe Fordham delve into the three season, streamed series and its new cast of characters and reintroduction of classic characters including the Borg Queen, Hugh, Q, Lore, Seven Of Nine and others.

Each season was distinctly different from each other with their own unique adversaries and conflicts.

Star Trek Picard The Art And Making Of The Series examines how the series came about and the logistics of reintroducing the original Enterprise crew under Picard’s command.

Each character has changed over the years-look for some surprises.

The book covers the sets construction, character designs, ship and transportation concepts-including bringing back the original Enterprise D.

Delve into how the impressive visual, computer and practical effects were pulled off, and costume designs, ship interiors, weapons, technology construction.

Look for concept sketches, computer-generated 3D images, in-depth text, commentaries, insider info and other areas of expertise that it took to pull off such a complicated and technically challenging series.

I really like the dull-coat paper stock and high-gloss spot varnish text and photos dust cover.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Oz

What better companion for a vampire hunter and vampires than a werewolf by the name of Oz?

The Oz 12-inch fully articulated figure comes in a Sideshow Collectibles flip-lid box with information about the TV show on the inside of the flap.

Inside the 12-inch figure is snug (along with its accessories) in a form-fitted, clear-plastic cocoon and plastic straps seen through a clear plastic viewing panel.

Talk about one weird Wolfman!  From dweeb to dangerous canine-what a transformation!

The Oz figure has tousled red hair, a cherub face with small eyebrows and nose and wide friendly lips.  The features match those of the character as seen in the Buffy TV show.

Facial flesh tones are slightly varied giving the figure's face a more realistic look.

The preset hands are nicely sculpted where even the veins and tendons can be seen beneath the plastic skin.  The hands easily grasp and hold the accessories.

Articulation is tight, easy to move and allows the fabric of the cloths to move easily over the figure without bunching or unnatural folds or wrinkles.

Oz wears a deep maroon light jacket, a black t-shirt with a Sunnydale NA Champions logo and text on its front in white and red trim and name tag.

He also wears brown slacks and black, low-top tennis shoes with faux laces.

Accompanying the Oz figure is a black circular Buffy base and wire support.

A large black bat and an orange pumpkin with a brown stem make up the assemble.

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. John 15:26

The Magic Box

Imagine finding a magic box that can be opposites.

One day Panda found a colorful box. She played with it for a while.

Suddenly the box talked. It was a box of opposites.

It could be big or small, left or right, near or far and new or old. It could be any type of opposite at all!

Writer Charles Ghigna and illustrator Jacqueline East, along with publisher Schiffer Kids, present a delightful and colorful tale of a cute, cuddly Panda and her mysterious decorated box: The Magic Box: A Book Of Opposites.

The small hardbound book is easy to read and understand by little kids.

The illustrations remind my of Japanese color prints with soft pastels and wispy soft edged drawings and colors.

What a great tool for teaching kids about opposites.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

The Art Of Marvel Studios Thor

When Marvel Comics created its own movie franchise under the Marvel Studios banner it was taking a huge risk.

Its first film: Iron Man, proved to be a huge hit and so set in motion the new Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Other characters from Marvel Comics soon had their own films. Thor being one of them.

Casting for The God of Thunder was challenging but Chris Hemsworth proved the perfect choice along with the other cast members who played other Norse Gods and Thor’s human companions.

Amazing sets, costumes and special visual effects made Thor a hugely successful film.

In Titan Books’ Marvel Studios The Infinity Saga The Art Of Marvel Studios Thor readers are shown just what it took to translate Thor’s Asgardian adventures to the Silver Screen.

The name Jack Kirby is well-known by comic book collectors. He, along with writer Stan Lee created the world of Thor.

Stan’s over-the-top writing and Jack’s incredible costume and character designs, epic battles, sinister creatures, characters and villains and breath-taking settings proved to be a real challenge to translate to a movie.

But Marvel Studios accomplished it magnificently!

In the book complete character, set and costume designs are showcased along with spotlights of the key characters and their transition from comics to movie screens, impressive special effects and a killer soundtrack are given their well-deserved spotlights.

The deluxe hardback book, complete with a dust cover in full color with spot varnish, showcases the full color art, photos, sketches and fascinating text wrapped up in the book.

Discover how movie magic is made courtesy of writer Matthew K. Manning and book designer Mike Zagari. Walter Simonson provides the foreword while dust jacket artist Charlie Wen dazzles the eyes.

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.

Cocoa The Tour Dog

Scott, a young and upcoming musician, decided to visit a local animal shelter for a pet.

Immediately he spotted a chocolate brown bundle of energy and adopted Cocoa the dog.

She went with him to his modest home and soon made herself comfortable.

When Scott went on tour with his band Cocoa came along. Pretty soon the crowds loved Cocoa and she became famous. So famous that wherever she went-even the restaurant with the grumpy owner, she drew crowds of fans.

Soon Scott added to their family with a new dog that looked just like Cocoa. Over time the family grew even more and so did Cocoa’s fame.

Authors reggae artist Stick Figure and Adam Mansback and illustrator Juan Manuel Orozco, along with Akashic Books, present Cocoa The Tour Dog.

It’s a delightful and uplifting tale of an adopted dog, her happy family, friends, the creative community and most of all love.

Bright vibrant colors complement the superb illustrations.

In these troubling times it’s nice to read a positive tale of companionship and compassion.

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

Give Me Liberty An America Dream 1: Homes & Gardens #1

Two of the 1980’s top illustrators and writers: Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns) and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen) teamed up to bring the adventures of Martha Washington to comic books.

In a future fictional world a black woman gives birth to a girl by the name of Martha Washington.

In this particular world the poor and most minorities are housed in complexes safely guarded and patrolled.

Martha longs to be on her own and free. She is kidnapped by a gang member {he mistakes her for a boy because of her attire) for his boss’s amusement her life is sparred because of her gender.

As she grows up she attends public education that seeks to control her every moment through propaganda.

She rebels, kills her tutor, escapes, hunts down the former gang boss and kills him and joins a ‘peace keeping force’ that promises her better life.

As a soldier she takes part in one of the bloodiest battles imaginable and manages to survive-eventually being recognized as a hero.

But her newfound notoriety also brings her to attention to the corrupt government. She is warned to tow the line and not cause any ripples. At first she complies.

The Give Me Liberty An America Dream 1: Homes & Gardens mini-series by Miller and Gibbons and published by Dark Horse Comics, offers a frightening look at a dystopian society that is not too far-fetched.

Given the current state of politics, power grabs and the widening gap developing between classes Give Me Liberty’s An American Dream is not too far off the mark.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

M48 Patton

George Patton. Ask any World War II historian and they can tell you all about the notorious, cranky, opinionated and stubborn General George Patton.

It’s only fitting that he would have a touch-as-nails, fast, heavily armored and armed, bulldog of a tank named after him.

Put into production in 1952 the Patton Tank is still used today proving its worth on the battlefield.

In Schiffer Books’ Legends Of Warfare Ground M48 Patton: America’s First “Main Battle Tank” by author David Doyle informative and historical text accompanied by archival black and white and color photos follow the development of the M48 Patton Tank through the decades.

Ever since first rolled off the assembly line the Patton tank has proven itself to be reliable, rugged, fast, deadly and versatile.

The hardback book is filled with photos of the tank when first introduced, factory assembly, testing, on the battlefield, in various climates and terrain, on display in various museums and military facilities and in both full vehicle and closeup detail photos.

Military buffs are sure to enjoy the history of the vehicles, technical details and the hundreds of photos.

As a kid I loved putting together tank model kits. The M48 Patton was one of my favorites.

After reading through the book and examining the photos I appreciate and marvel at the tank even more.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

First Contact

The Star Trek: Generations movie successfully transitioned the movies from the Kirk era to the Picard era.

In First Contact-the crew under the command of Captain Picard must travel back in time to stop the Borg from changing history.

The Enterprise crew must make sure the first warp capable spaceship launches thus causing the Vulcans to contact the people of Earth and so set in motion the formation of The Federation.

In First Contact movie-goers got to witness a much more macho Captain Picard. Fists flew, phasers beamed and Picard was relentless and determined to stop the Borg and their queen from changing history.

Jonathan Frakes (Will Riker) directed the film that was co-written by Patrick Stewart.

Each of main bridge officers got to shine in this action-packed, hold-no-prisoners space epic that helped bring the Star Trek film franchise firmly into the digital age.

With a new Enterprise, a ruthless old enemy, time travel and a killer supporting cast First Contact fired on all cylinders.

Author Joe Fordham and Titan Books present the deluxe hardback book with dust jacket (With spot varnish): Star Trek First Contact The Making Of The Classic Film.

Included in the interior pages are sections on sets, costumes, weapons, ships and gadgetry designs.

A close-up look delves into the Borg, especially the Borg Queen. Data shines as he struggles with his android/human conflict and Worf proves that even deep space cannot curtail his Klingon warrior blood.

Will Riker, Chief Engineer Geordi and Counselor Troi had some historical, funny scenes and Beverly Crusher proved to be much more than just a ship’s doctor.

Be sure to look over the sets, costumes and character design sketches, behind-the-scenes photos, cast and crew commentaries and much, much more.

This is movie-making in progress with lots of information on filming techniques, settings up special effects shots, completing a soundtrack and all that it takes to make such a monumental film.

The interior gloss paper stock makes the photos pop as well as the art, sketches, designs and charts.

It's a visual documentary on how a big-budget film is made from start to finish.

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

Journey To The Center Of The Earth

Pat Boone in an adventure movie!? Adapted from the Jules Verne novel, Journey To The Center Of The Earth finds a group of adventurers taking a perilous journey to the nether regions of the earth in hope of finding a passageway to the center of our planet.

Four men, a woman and a duck face the challenges of such a journey in a thrilling film that explores the wonders and dangers beneath the earth’s crust.

As a kid I was blow away by the story.  The tale starts in the United Kingdom.  A young college student gives his beloved professor a lava rock as a present.  

When the professor heats the lava rock a strange object is revealed: a plumb bob that belonged to a fabled archeologist who disappeared years ago.

On the object is a marking and after careful examination of the stone the professor deducts that it came from a certain volcano-a volcano that may possibly have passages that lead to the center of the earth!

Gathering their belongings the professor and student set off only to arrive at their destination, discover that the other professor they sent the formation to verify their discovery had bought all the cave exploring equipment and was set to make the discovery himself.

Mysteriously the man is killed.  His wife arrives, agrees to help the professor on the condition she may go with him and the student along with a guide and his pet duck.  They reluctantly agrees.

Unbeknownst to all of them another man, the descendent of the original explorer, will also be making the journey

From this point on the intrepid adventurers discover a crystal cave, giant mushrooms, long buried ruins, an underground ocean, dinosaurs and other amazing discovers.

The film was released in 1959 and other than a few clunky effects it still holds up today.  20th Century Fox released a DVD in widescreen format.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Long Story Short

Finally! Something I can actually talk about with some authority.

Most people know me from writing book and product reviews.

But, did you know I am also an artist and graphic designer and that I wrote three children’s books?

It’s true. It’s also a fact that I illustrated my books the way I pictured my characters and locations.

In Mr. Fish And Friends Turning Famous Books Into Cartoons: Long Story Short, published by Akashic Books, Mr. Fish and a few fellow artists have provided their own unique takes on some literary masterpieces with some single page illustrations.

Be prepared-they’re funny, a little disturbing, thought-provoking, rude, poignant and brilliant.

I promise you, you will love this book and all of its literary shenanigans.

Classic works include Moby-Dick, The Catcher In The Rye, Invisible Man, American Psycho and dozens more of past classics to modern masterpieces.

Get ready for a visual hodge-podge that takes a whole new approach to the classics.

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

The Nightmare Bug

Dreaming is pleasant, fun and enjoyable. Nightmares are another thing all together.

Author Hillary Daecher, illustrator Angie Hohenadel and publisher Schiffer Kids present a different type of children’s’ story.

A small child falls asleep. At first their dreams are full of color, friendly characters and beautiful surroundings.

Suddenly things turn gloomy and dark and the giant black blob of The Nightmare Bug startles the child awake.

Calling out for their mother the child is comforted by her voice. The mother tells the child not to be afraid. Instead the child should seek put the bug who only knows darkness and to share the child’s colorful dreams and love with it.

So, the child, along with few dreamy friends, set out on their quest. Will they succeed?

Find out in this delightful small hardbound book complete with a dust cover. Enter the worlds of dreams and nightmares in a unique tale that is just a little bit scary and a whole lot fun!

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Barbie

I was just a kid but I remember when the first Barbie doll was introduced.

A doll? A doll that looks like a grown-up? No little girl is going to like that or buy it! Boy! Was I wrong!

Recently my wife and I watched the Barbie move on Blu-ray and I have say it was funny, extremely well-crafted, had a great cast and some killer musical numbers.

OK, admit it! Of all the actresses in the world there is only one who could pull off playing Barbie. And that's Margot Robbie. 

She’s beautiful, an excellent actress and has the talent to pull it off some really memorable characters-Harley Quinn anyone?

Like most films Barbie had a press junket and tour before the film came out.

Rizzoli/Universe presents the oversize Barbie: The World Tour-Margot Robbie Andrew Mukamal book wrapped in a clear dust jacket and featuring a full color body shot of Margot as Barbie on its cover-along with her accessories.

The oversize, hardbound book also boasts come spectacular interior photographs that really pop on the dull-gloss paper stock.

The interior paper makes the color photos look retro and like something seen on a toy package.

Inside are shots of Margot dressed as Barbie in a plethora of fashionable cloths complemented with photos of an actual Barbie doll in the same outfits.

Photo montages, sketches, drawings, full-page closeups and double-page spreads and notes accompanied by text written chronicle the tour.

Jewelry, furs, seasonal outfits, accessories and commentaries by the crew behind the tour are also included. It’s a Barbie bonanza!

It's an extremely well-designed and put together book with great photos and interesting text and personal observations culminating in a stellar tribute to Barbie.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

I Promise You I’ll Be Home

I was born in 1953, the same year the Korean War ended.

Growing up I often met Korean War veterans-either through family or friends.

Most didn’t talk much about the war. Those who did mentioned the hardships, horror and loss of friends and comrades. But mostly about missing their families.

Editor Sara S. Hodson and McFarland & Company Inc., Publisher present I Promise You I'll Be Home Korean War Letters Of A U.S. Marine by Pulitzer Prize winning author Al Martinez.

Martinez compiled the letters while in boot camp, on the front line and behind the scenes during the Korean War.

The letters reflect his thoughts, observations and memories of the war as witnessed first-hand.

His personal and touching letters were written almost on a daily basis to his wife.

At only 21 years old Martinez’s talent as a writer was obvious at a young age.

He would go on to be an accomplished writer/columnist.

Martinez wished to have his letters eventually compiled and published. It was his hope that his experiences with war would inspire others to consider the ramifications and costs of war.

Sadly he did not live long enough to see his letters published. After his passing his wife and his family accomplished his dream.

The book contains heartfelt accounts of the horrors, humor and boredom of the war, the absurdity of the military and the fear, friendships, hardships and dangers on the front.

Also included are many of his sketches.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7