The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, #739, September/October

Previews, September

 

1980s and Horror Movies

In my opinion some of the greatest movies of all time were made in the 1980s.

 

The 80s was a time of transition in the movie industry.  Practical effects were making way for digital effects which were still in their infancy.

The result was a plethora of movies which depended primarily on sets and practical effects where digital effects were used at a minimum.  They also weren’t the main draw of the movies.

As fantastic as digital effects are they just can’t duplicate (at least yet) the real thing.

1980 to 1989 was truly the Golden Decade for movies.  Science Fiction, Teen, Horror, Fantasy, Drama, Suspense, Comedy and others: each genre had stellar high points.

Here’s just a few of the hit movies from the 80s: E.T., Top Gun, The Brat Pack, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Ghostbusters, Aliens, Beetlejuice, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Terminator and close to 50 more, not counting foreign films.

Carlton Books and author Helen O’Hara have compiled a wonderful homage to the 1980s films called: The Best 80s Movies.

If you’re a fan of 80s films like me you’re sure to love this memorable meandering down Memory Lane amidst some the greatest films of all time.

I like Horror films; specifically Horror films that leave much up to my imagination.  Some people love slash and hack Horror films while others prefer films with lots of gore and grossness.

Regardless of your test for Horror films James Marriott and Kim Newman’s The Definitive Guide To Horror Films is a ‘must-have’ for the macabre.

The authors invite you to come along as they traverse the hidden and bloody paths amidst things that go bump in the night, jump out of the darkness, haunt nightmares and slash and dismember at the slightest provocation.

Three hundred and sixty five films (one for each day of the year) offer to scare you to death.

So grab your garlic sprigs, turn on all the lights, load up your shotgun, lock your door and prepare to face your worst nightmares in this horrific new book that dares you to turn each page.

Both books are packed with lots of photos and plenty of captivating information and little known secrets of film-making.

Design, WWI, Formula One, Tanks, Morecambe & Wise, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Boxing

For 25 years I made my living as graphic designer and then for another eleven years I taught it.

Graphic Design (or Design) is the most prolific and abundant artwork in the world and yet it is the least appreciated or even noticed.

Everyday objects like furniture, building exteriors and interiors, vehicles, household objects such as cookware, automobile interior and exteriors, electronics and other everyday objects that populate our everyday lives have all been designed.

Few take the time to appreciate the talent, time and effort it took to design each piece.

Authors Charlotte and Peter Fiell have assembled an impressive collection of photos and art dating from the Palaeolithic Period to Modern Times about various practical designs created over the centuries.

The book is a fascinating compilation of photos and text outlining the long and important history of Design as chronicled in The Story Of Design from the Carlton Publishing Group.

I’m afraid that many of us in Western culture have forgotten how devastating and destructive war is. 

Many of the young generation have no memory of conflict other than glimpses of televised conflicts in some foreign lands.

There was a time when war was up close and personal for both  the United States, Western Europe and the British Isles.

World War One was the first mechanized war where the loss of life was in the millions.  Entire countries were devastated and had to be rebuilt practically from scratch.

Julian Thompson’s 1918 How The First World War Was Won: in association with the Imperial War Museums, chronicles the ending of the war.

Through archival photos, art, charts and engrossing text the long fought years of the war, now over, show the utter destruction of property and land and the obliteration of entire regions of people.

This is war as it should be shown: destructive, horrific and catastrophic.  ‘The War To End All Wars’ nearly obliterated Europe and its massive reconstruction and revitalization can be observed even today.

Here in the United States NASCAR racing rules supreme, but in other nations of the world-primarily Europe, Formula One Racing is king.

It’s estimated the 310 million people worldwide watch Formula One Racing on TV.  Nothing can beat the excitement and the glamour.

Formula One Racing is more than just men driving cars.  It’s the ultimate test of man and machine as both are pushed to their limits.

Many of today’s most important automotive engineering breakthroughs are due in no small part to Formula One Racing.

Formula One The Illustrated History, by Bruce Jones, features exclusive interviews and content by legendary Formula One racers.

Archival black and white and color photos highlight the text that delves into the history of Formula One, its triumphs and setbacks, breakthroughs, drivers and crews and important events in its 50 plus years of existence.

If you love racing, cars and the men and women behind this high-octane sport this is the book for you.

For a different kind of transport be sure to pick up a copy of Robin Cross and David Wiley’s The Tank Museum Tanks The History Of Armoured Warfare.

Mechanized tanks changed the face of war.  No longer was artillery designated to stagnant locations.  

Soldiers could now plow into the battlefield and secure strong points protected by heavy armour and firepower.

While crude by today’s standards the first tanks introduced during World War One were but a foreshadowing of the sophisticated and lethal tanks nations around the world deploy today.

Mobile, fast, heavily armoured and deadly, tanks have always played an important part in warfare since their introduction.

In the book each and every type of tank is examined along with its firepower and other capabilities.  

Important battles in which tanks took part are remembered and peacetime use of tanks is also examined.

Brimming with photos and art the book is a hardbound, heavy-hitting goliath much like the tanks it honors.

As a citizen of the United States I can’t say that I ever heard of the legendary London comedy duo: Morecambe and Wise.

Author Gary Morecambe lovingly recounts his father Eric and fellow comedian Ernie Wise's long and illustrious comedic careers.

I have to say I am impressed.  It’s hard to imagine being successful in show business for over 50 years and yet this wise-cracking duo managed to do so on TV, in the movies, during several wars and in other mass media outlets.

Morecambe & Wise 50 Years Of Sunshine is more than a book about a comedy duo, it is and examination of times past, triumphs, hard times, good times, losses, comedic genius and a long held bond between two good friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the old photos, acquainting myself with their careers, family and friends and glimpses of their comedic hi-jinx.

I’m not a big fan of professional boxing.  I love the Rocky movies like everyone else but to watch two grown men beat the snot out of each other makes me cringe.

Still, there are those that love the sport and I really can’t fault them for it.  Let’s be honest-soccer, football, hockey, bull fighting-they all have their violent moments.  Who am I to judge what others enjoy about boxing?

If I were a fan of boxing I would be sure to purchase a copy of Harry Mullan, Bob Mee and Mott Bozeat’s The Ultimate Encyclopedia Of Boxing Ninth Edition.

Anything and everything that has to do with the ‘gentleman’s sport’ is included, such as a complete list of key fights in all weights from all over the globe.

Every key boxer and his story are chronicled in text, with photos and art and also the book also includes bits on managers, affiliates and the various boxing organizations.  It’s a total knockout!

Ask any art or design student and they’ll all attest to the fact that two key historical artists are always included in every art history class ever taken.

They are Leonard Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Leonardo Da Vinci is the original Renaissance Man, was prolific and proficient in many areas of study from painting and architecture to mechanics and mathematics.

In Leonardo Da Vinci 500 Years On: A Portrait Of The Artist, Scientist And Innovator, author Matthew Landrus examines Da Vinci’s incredible life and career.

Filled with the artist’s illustrations and paintings the book delves into every facet of this incredible man’s life.

So profound was Da Vnci influence in the arts and sciences it can still be seen today.

Equally impressive is the great Michelangelo: painter and sculptor.

A contemporary of Da Vinci, Michelangelo is considered the greatest artist of the Italian Renaissance.

William E. Wallace’s Michelangelo examines the artist’s often turbulent and creative life.

Using his drawings, art and photos of his sculptures, the book reconstructs the life of the artist beginning with his young informative years to his final days as a master scholar and teacher.

His life, like his art, was many faceted and complex.

Shadows In Valhalla

The Vikings had it right.  If they died honorably in battle their spirits went to Valhalla according to Norse legend; a place of perpetual warfare and roughhouse and rowdy living.  They were rewarded with a warrior’s vision of Heaven.

 

Modern day warriors may glimpse a shadow of the fabled Valhalla.  Those that give their lives in battle deserve to be rewarded especially if they fight with honor, for the benefit of others and with a sense of dignity and respect.

Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Shadows In Valhalla offer players a glimpse at the heart of true warriors.  Do you have what it takes to face death in the face and stand your ground?

Shadows in Valhalla allow Duelists to change their own fate and wield the incomparable Mischief of the Time Goddess! 

The Shadows in Valhalla Booster Set contains 60 Cards:

40 Super Rares

20 Secret Rares

Each 1^st Edition Shadows In Valhalla Booster Pack contains five Cards.   

When Time Drags

Late summer is the longest time of the year.  Not just chronologically.  It’s the time of year when conventions are in full bloom, companies are busy planning appearances and upcoming projects all resulting in that review material slows to a trickle.

 

Since I depend on review materials my review output dwindles as well.

So, I have to keep myself busy writing, drawing, doing chores around the house, exercising, shopping with my wife, visiting friends and having them visit us, spending more time with my family, reading and generally keeping busy so I won’t go out of my mind.

For years I worked in the advertising field as a graphic designer.  Deadlines ruled and stress was at a premium.

I was an idea guy.  My mind never shut off.  I was constantly coming up with new ideas, approaches and projects.  As a result my attention span and patience were short.  

Even today it is not uncommon for me to be reading four or five books at the same time, working on art project, designing book covers for a writer friend of mine or cataloging my large comic book, toy and other assorted pop culture collectibles.

I simply can’t sit still for very long.  There are too many things to do, learn and experience.

Is it any wonder that when review material sporadically shows up that my lack of patience and easy boredom level flare up?

My only consolation is that eventually things will go back to normal with a semi-regular flow of review material showing up.  Until then I’ll slowly, methodically and inevitably go out of my mind!