Posted on: February 22, 2012
Prepare for another action-packed year with the Simpsons as Springfield’s costumed heroes take on their archenemies with month-to-month derring-do. See Stretch Dude and Clobber Girl wrangle a Safety Salamander run amok! Spring into action with Duffman! Gangway, as Everyman thwarts the plans of Hank Scorpio! Duck and cover from a nuclear winter with the Irradiated Crusader known as Radioactive Man! Witness SeÑor Ding Dong ring Snake’s bell! Go mano a mano and donut to donut with Pieman and the Cupcake Kid! Let the Simpsons rescue your walls from a boring fate for an entire year!
Colorful and nice looking images. I was going to buy a golf/nature calendar as usual, but, then, I figured that a new year is an opportunity to make new choices, so Amazon had this one available and I said: "why not?", I placed the order.
Posted on: January 16, 2012
Megaton Man is an outrageous and loony satire of the superhero genre. The origins of Megaton Man are shrouded in mystery. Some say he was bitten by a radioactive frog, others that he was a guinea pig in a top secret government megasoldier program. Regardless, one-time normal civilian Trent Phloog now has superpowers and is Megaton Man! Armed with a highly developed sense of justice, superhumanly developed biceps, and a brain the size of a pea, Megaton Man strides through the city determined to bring evildoers to task-regardless of the chaos he causes.
I believe this book was originally announced as a "Best of Megaton Man" collection, but DON SIMPSON'S MEGATON MAN, from ibooks, is actually a collection of MM #1-5, from 1984-85. But hey, you're still getting some great material! This series from Simpson is a superb satire of the superhero genre in general, and a parody of 1960s Marvel Comics in particular: the hyperbole, the purple prose, the beloved origins, and even goofs on artistic styles are all here, along with thinly-disguised versions of Silver Age Marvel heroes (sometimes bordering on the edge of lawsuit). There are even mock-ups of classic covers. Megaton Man is a hypermuscular and nigh-invulnerable clod who none-too-subtly disguises himself as Trent Phloog, ace reporter, simply by wearing an ill-fitting suit and hat over his superhero togs. The humor and look is straight out of Harvey Kurtzman's MAD - the buffoonish characters, the chaotic crowded panels, the excessive details. Believe it or not, the storyline does get a bit laborious at times, and I can't say it's all that easy to follow the flashbacks, let alone figure out where Simpson was going with this storyline at the time. Actually, what begins as a parody of Marvel heroes appears to be developing towards some serious insight into their motivations (or lack thereof) near the end of the book. The only real problem I have with this collection is that the reproduction quality is not that great. The art appears to have been scanned from the printed pages,…
Posted on: February 22, 2012
Here is a rare homage to the art of classic 2–D animation and the time–honored method of hand–drawing characters that come alive on the silver screen. The creator of "The Simpsons" and "Futurama," reveals the art of brilliant character design, backgrounds, and prop art in this lavishly detailed handbook that unveils the complex secrets behind the deceptively simple and universally loved Simpsons characters. With creative insights, artists' sketches, helpful insider hints, and step–by–step instructions, enter the imagination of "master doodler" Matt Groening and receive some professional "how–to" advice from many of the animators and directors who have made "The Simpsons" the longest–running animated show and situation comedy in television history. In our technological era when animation has become increasingly digitalized, this unique handbook records the genesis of some of the most extraordinary examples of the art of hand–drawn…
This book is something I've always wanted: a definitive, professional guide for drawing the Simpsons. It's amazing how complicated drawing these deceptively simplistic characters can be. The book starts out with detailed guides for the five main characters, the Simpsons family. At the end of each main character's section is a page full of notes and sketches with a transparent sheet that overlaps with an "inked" version of the main character. The book also has basic guidelines for many other characters, but not nearly as in-depth as the main cast. These secondary characters sometimes have pages that fold out and have additional tips by Simpsons artists. I would have liked more characters and more in-depth information for these secondary characters, but most of the more popular characters are there, and the book would have to be massive to go more in depth and/or add more characters. It's already considerably huge as it is. The main characters are addressed once again with various outfits, though only single images are shown and not detailed alternate angles and such. Select environments from the show are also shown, with notes given to perspective. This book won't really teach you drawing with perspective, but it will give some insights into both it and the terminology for it. All in all, if you've ever wanted to draw The Simpsons "correctly" or simply love behind the scenes stuff, I highly recommend this book for you. I myself am a cartoonist and an art student,…
Posted on: February 22, 2012
I own the other episode guides as well and this makes my collection complete. My friends love to read through it and there is so much stuff in there I didn't know, it might take years before I read it all. I could only imagine what kind of effort went into making this book.. 1200 pages! If there was ever anything you ever wanted to know about The Simpsons, it's probably in this book.
Posted on: February 22, 2012
Woo hoo! Here, at long last, is a guide to the ever-expanding world of collectibles inspired by America's longest-running animated sitcom, "The Simpsons." Since their first appearance in 1987, the Simpsons have lent their familiar faces to literally hundreds of items, from dolls and action figures to clocks and cookie jars. With over 500 full-color pictures of Simpsonabilia that range from the everyday to the obscure, Robert W. Getz invites you to join him as he braves this forbidding, spiky-topped Everest. Prefaced with an essay that traces the history of the show and the reasons for its long-lived popularity, The Unauthorized Guide To The Simpsons Collectibles has something to offer every Simpsons collector, from the beginner to the die-hard fan, including a guide to current prices.
What a great book! Robert used pictures and prose to capture the spirit of Simpson collecting. Although I have a lot of the items he featured in his book, the ones I don't have I want even more! It is worth a slow and careful read, over and over again.
Posted on: February 22, 2012
Why doesn't Batman just kill the Joker and end everyone's misery?Can we hold the Joker morally responsible for his actions?Is Batman better than Superman?If everyone followed Batman's example,would Gotham be a better place?What is the Tao of the Bat?Batman is one of the most complex characters ever to appear in comic books, graphic novels, and on the big screen. What philosophical trials does this superhero confront in order to keep Gotham safe? Combing through seventy years of comic books, television shows, and movies, Batman and Philosophy explores how the Dark Knight grapples with ethical conundrums, moral responsibility, his identity crisis, the moral weight he carries to avenge his murdered parents, and much more. How does this caped crusader measure up against the teachings of Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Kierkegaard, and Lao Tzu?
If you're looking for a light, cheap (in the intellectual sense) read that doesn't require any thinking, this isn't your book. If you're looking for a book that shows a surprising depth of understanding both about both subjects, one that will make you think about aspects of both Batman you had never considered before and maybe teach you a few (or many) things about philosophy and interpretation of great philosophers along the way, this is definitely the book for you. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in Batman (or anyone involved in his crazy large batfamily!), and anyone versed in or just curious about great philosophers.
Posted on: February 20, 2012
THE GEEKS HAVE INHERITED THE EARTH.Computer nerds are our titans of industry; comic-book superheroes are our Hollywood idols; the Internet is our night on the town. Clearly, geeks know something about life in the 21st century that other folks don’t—something we all can learn from. Geek Wisdom takes as gospel some 200 of the most powerful and oft-cited quotes from movies (“Where we’re going, we don’t need roads”), television (“Now we know—and knowing is half the battle”), literature (“All that is gold does not glitter”), games, science, the Internet, and more. Now these beloved pearls of modern-day culture have been painstakingly interpreted by a diverse team of hardcore nerds with their imaginations turned up to 11. Yes, this collection of mini-essays is by, for, and about geeks—but it’s just so surprisingly profound, the rest of us would have to be dorks not to read it. So say we all.
This is a great read to have on your bedside or bathroom or in your work bag. It is not one of those books where you sit down on page 1 and just read straight through. I found myself bouncing around finding a quote that struck a chord with me and then reading the short essay.
This book will be in my collection and will be read over the course of a long time. Not because it is bad, but because I will read at moments when I just need some good old geek talk. I really liked reading the various quotes and remembering certain geek moments that I forgot all about.
One thing that I think this book should have is a companion website. I was looking online, but could not find one. Can you imagine how cool of an idea it would be to take this book and the basic concept, place it online and allow other geeks to add entries. Our very own Geek Wikipedia. That would be so cool.
Once again, I have hit a nice steak of excellent books. This one was a departure from the chapter book style and offered me little geek insights that I found very entertaining. Be sure to check this out at your bookstore over coffee and I guarantee you will walk out with this book in your hands.
Posted on: February 12, 2012
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. A no-holds-barred, all-out Simpsons pageant, featuring the first four issues of the immensely successful new comic book series starrring America's most popular cartoon family. Hilariously entertaining, these tales will pry a smile from the clenched teeth
I have a dozen Simpsons comic books and they all brim with comics, mock advertisements, top ten lists, Itchy and Scratchy shorts, etc. which sport that famous television series humor. Here's what awaits you in this issue:"Amazing Collosal Homer": Mr. Burns' lab conducts a biological experiment on Homer causing him to grow into a giant. Will Homer's love of donuts and beer--previous source of his normal girth--be the ironic key to his recovery? As Marge says, "Thank heavens for his super-stretch underwear.""The Collector": Homer plays a wealthy loner who lives in a mansion with his prized possession--"the world's greatest library of comic books." This story is very intriguing and a little spooky. Find out why the Collector goes insane in the end."Cool Hand of Bart": Bart attends a "Scared Spitless" anti-deliquency program at the local prison and finds himself on a chain gang with his nemesis Sideshow Bob! What happens when Bob escapes authorities with a reluctant Bart going along for the ride? Why does Bob end up wearing an "I Love Krusty" cap? Fans of the TV show will get a kick out of seeing copies of the Springfield Review of Books in Bob's cell."My Sister, My Homewrecker": Selma making out with Homer!?! It has to be seen to be believed!"The Perplexing Puzzle of the Springfield Puma": Many suspects are named when Springfield elementary's mascot turns up missing, but sometimes it's the…
Posted on: February 10, 2012
The old saying "You can't unbreak an egg" holds true, especially when that egg unleashes an interstellar scourge, the dreaded Alien. But as dangerous and lethal as this species has proven itself time and time again, some men cannot resist the awful gravity of the creatures' potential when merged with human science . . . and arrogance . . . and lust for power. But the cold contracts of these deals with the Devil also bring out the best in humanity, and the awful crucible of struggle against this interstellar cancer brings Man closer to his neighbors . . . and to his God. Dark Horse Comics' critically acclaimed Aliens series set the bar for how the universe of a popular film could be expended through graphic fiction. Aliens Omnibus Volume 3 collects more of these exciting series in a value-priced, quality-format omnibus, featuring nearly 400 story pages in full color. Includes the complete story arcs of Rogue by Ian Edginton and Will Simpson, and Labryinth by Jim Woodring and Kilian…
This is my first foray into the Aliens Omnibus and I was not disappointed. The level of storytelling and overall theme of this collection was excellent, with the exception of the last stories Horror Show and Advent/Terminus, which didn't fit the theme of Man-Playing-God with the Aliens. Those 2 were my least favorite. The humorous Reapers was a nice change of pace for the Aliens Universe
I primarily bought the collection for Rogue, an out of print run with lots of blood, lots of Aliens, and experimenting on both humans and Aliens.
I would have given this collection 4 stars if it were not for Mike Mignola's contribution to Salvation. Why I didn't know the Hellboy creator did an Aliens title is inexcusable. I'm going to track down the regular Salvation issues just so I can see the art in a larger format.
Posted on: January 15, 2012
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Matt Groening presents his newest collection of hell-arious Halloween humor.
Although a little uneven, this, the latest print edition to THE SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR featuring all new original artwork and stories, is still an entertaining and very funny book. Rarely is it really scary, but there are some truly inspired moements (MOE'S URBAN TALES OF TERROR: #62: THE PHANTOM GIRLFRIEND!!), visual gags and some daring plots (REASONS TO AVOID A ZOMBIE-RUN RESTURANT and HELL-O-WEEN, the last and best story of the entire book) are to be found inside. A major draw for these stories is the often new and original take on both the artwork and the actual look of the Simpsons. Artists are given free regin here to play with the look and style of The Simpsons, as well as placing them in odd and strange situations (even more odd and strange than even the television series is allowed to go). While third in the series, it shows no sign of getting old or growing stale. Perhaps not the best TREEHOUSE ever, but still remarkable and highly recommdned.
Posted on: February 20, 2012
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. The Simpson family shelters momentarily-rich computer geeks, goes to court over a history presentation based on Histrionik Comics, and deals with addictive donuts.
This book is jam-packed with Simpsons Comics! It is 174 pages; 30% bigger than most Simpsons Comics books! And the quality of the comics has not gone down one iota. Here's what you get in this book: "The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth": Springfield's top three nerds, Doug, Gary, and Benjamin (Homer hung out with them in the TV episode "Homer Goes to College") are finally forced to leave the secure confines of college to venture into the real world. They end up in Homer's garage. Soon, they become millionaires after creating a violent computer game. While pursuing investment ideas, which includes a sci-fi motion picture that may be too scientifically correct, they leave their business in the hands of Homer. Good idea? What do you think?"The Absent-Minded Protester": Grandpa is tired of being ignored, so he tries a new way to express his ideas that makes Bart proud."Dullards to Donuts": Mr. Burns' research lab produces a donut with powerful addictive qualities. When Burns cuts off the donut supply to his employees, they will make any concession to get them back. The proceeding trial includes appearances from conservative talk show host Birch Barlow (his followers are called "Echo Drones"), Lard Lad, and the mob."Sense and Censorability": As punishment for doing a lousy job on his oral biographical report, Bart has to present an historical research project with Homer! When they find their sources from the "Adults Only"…
Posted on: February 22, 2012
What would happen if the Planet Express crew and the citizens of New York City in the 31st Century met the Simpsons and the citizens of Springfield . . . and how is it even possible? Prepare yourself for a Simpsons saga filled with Futurama! A Futurama fable suffused with the Simpsons! Featuring a plethora of pleasing plot devices including: evil brain spawn, lactose-intolerant space aliens, a giant ball of yarn, flying cars, mistaken identities, world domination, the brittle fabric of reality torn asunder, a comic book-collecting sentient planet, the Dewey Decimal system, self-eating watermelons, slave labor, space pirates, power-crazed vampires, super hero battles, unflattering underwear, mad science run amok, and much, much more! This is the epic story that you've been waiting for . . . a story so big, so ambitious, so sweeping that it can only be told in a 208-page, large format, slip-cased edition, complete with new material, supplemental stories, preliminary sketches, character…
The Simpsons Futurama: Crossover Crisis is a Simpsons comic guide any collector simply must have. It's not just that full-color cartoon drawings pack the book, or that it blends two very different shows - The Simpsons and Futurama - but it provides a fine series of interactions and concludes with a first-edition collectible comic book in the back pocket. Packed in a gorgeous full-color slipcase, it's a collector's winner.
Posted on: February 22, 2012
Theyre back and more popular than ever! The Simpsons continues to be the longest-running prime-time program still on the air, and fans and collectors are still trying to keep up with the incredible variety of toys and collectibles theyve inspired. Having discovered a little extra room in his attic for stashing new acquisitions, the author of the worlds first guide to Simpsons stuff, The Unauthorized Guide to the Simpsons Collectibles (of which the Copley News Service said, A book worthy of these characters...appropriately witty and well-written.), returns with more. Featuring over 460 brand new, full-color photographs of dolls, figurines, glasses, games, music, comics, promos, and much more, this slightly irreverent and totally engaging book pays homage to those endearing residents of Springfield, USA ,and is, like its predecessor, pure entertainment (Antique Week).
It's a verry good book, every collector should have it.
Posted on: January 15, 2012
Master of mirthful mayhem, Matt Groening, meets the monsters of rock (Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, and Rob Zombie) in a heavy metal, Halloween-inspired rock 'n' roll odyssey of head-banging, tongue-wagging, dead-raising fright and frivolity. Ever "Mr. Nice Guy" Pat Boone gets in a "metal mood" with a twisted tale of dastardly demons and righteous redemption. From donut batter to ghoulish splatter, you'll be tricked and treated to a chaotic comic collection chock-full of thunder-clapping hell spawn, chainsaw-toting monkeys, televisions run amuck, bible camp ghost stories, lime-flavored squishee monsters, toilets of the damned, vampire tombs, the evil eye, and a very special tribute to EC Comics, the forebears of witty horror and suspense comic storytelling. It's the Halloween jam of the century that'll blow your mind and rock your soul! Get your grave on with Matt Groening's gigglishly gruesome and hellaciously hilarious comic collection of Halloween humor.
The Simpson's Treehouse of Horror: Dead Man's Jest Collects Treehouse of Horror #'s 10 & 11 Grade: B+ The annual magazine, Treehouse of Horror, is usual one of my favorites to pick up, but for those of you who can't; the collections have the same material, along with some added extras. The art is varied, the stories varied, and they're usually plain out fun to read when you don't have anything else Simpsons related to watch or read. First up is "House of A Thousand Donuts", a tale of hitchhikers, donuts, mutated killer donuts, crazy drunken intoxicated monkeys, and serial killer clowns. Of course the only thing bad about all of this is that the writer tried to fit it all into 9 measly pages. Grade: B Runner-up is one of the best tales, "Squish Thing", where Homer literally turns into a Squishee induced monster. `Nuff said? A Then there's an extra, "Homer Explains Death" to Bart, but ends up going off on a tangent. There's nothing really special here. B- "Fatal Reception" is next, but it's dumb, and unimaginative. C "Bart Simmons: God of Thunder" is one I expected to be bad, but is actually great. Bart finds out that he is really a god/rock star, and uses his powers to save the world from Kang and Kudos' invasion. A- Then there is another extra: "Bart's Ultimate Haunted House", which is just uncreative, and lacks anything even remotely scary. D But the next tale, "Two Tickets to Heck" is just great, and…
Posted on: February 20, 2012
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. There will be standing room only for Matt Groening's newest Simpsons Comics collection of comedy classics. This big, bulky, boffo book will have you bemused, boggled, and beside yourself with belly laughs. Join Our Favorite Family as Lisa joins a babysitters union only to uncover an insidious plot against the youth of Springfield; Homer steals Ned Flanders's swimming pool, Maggie gets a bedroom remodel Homer-style; and Mr. Burns loyal lackey, Waylon Smithers, turns out to be the royal ruler of Sweden.
I think it was funny and I also showed some of my freinds that dont even watch the Simpsons and they thought it was good.
