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JK Rowling Posts NEW Harry Potter Short Story Online!

2014-07-09T00:32:00.005-05:00

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She loves us..she really loves us! JK Rowling has bestowed upon the bloodthirsty and ravenous hordes of Potter fans a fun short story that places Harry, Ron and Hermoine as adults on her site Pottermore. Go check it out.

Her people say this means nothing, but I'm still hopeful. I hope this is her testing waters and experimenting....Harry Potter changed things. It got kids to read, it got adults to read..it made our minds dance in a way that we desperately need in life, so I will choose to remain hopeful.

Disney's Frozen: a Sister More Like Me Book Review

2014-02-19T01:35:00.000-06:00

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Disney's Frozen: a Sister More Like Me Book Review

About the Book: Explore a wintery world of magic in Walt Disney Animation Studio's latest film, "Frozen." This jacketed picture book features an original story about Anna and Elsa, the film's two sisters, as well as illustrations by one of the artists who worked on the film.

Our Take: There are few Disney movies that become cult favorites right away, it usually takes some time to settle in. Frozen is not one of those films. Frozen has achieved a huge cult following almost immediately upon its release! This cool hardcover book features quirkly artwork from Disney Animation artist Brittney Lee, which is both stunning and playful. The dust jacket on this one has some great glittery flocked ice/snow design on the back and beautiful artwork on the front. The story inside delves into the Frozen storyline and pulls out the relationship between the two sisters. Rather than being a retelling of the film, this book highlights whether the sisters being different is a strength or weakness and has a strong focus on their loving bond. This is a fantastic book and is without a doubt a must have!

How to Buy: Walmart

Doc McStuffins Doctor Bag Book Review

2014-02-12T01:18:00.000-06:00

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Doc McStuffins Doctor Bag Book Review

About the Book: Doc's Doctor Bag is Chock-Full of Doc McStuffins Fun! The Doc is in and she's ready to make her diagnosis...with your help, of course! Each page of this interactive book features a toy that needs a checkup plus several punch-out doctor's tools. It's up to you and Doc to decide which tool is the right one to make your diagnosis. Tons of pretend fun can be found in the pages of this delightful, interactive book!

Our Take: Doc McStuffins is a wildly popular Disney Junior kids cartoon. My four year old goes crazy for it! This cool board book is shaped like Doc's doctor bag and each page features items that your little one can pop out and use along with doc, such as a clipboard and pencil, stethoscope, thermometer and more! These items are also made from the stiff board material, so they don't bend or break easily and they all pop right back into place, so that they don't get lost. This book is charming and fun and will please any little fan of the Doc!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

WWE Superstars Comic Book #1 Review!

2014-01-31T13:29:00.000-06:00

Anya, age 9, takes a look at the new WWE Superstars comic book from Super Genius. These new comics were written by legendary WWE Superstar Mick Foley, known to fans as Mankind, Dude Love and Cactus Jack over the years. Mick is a fantastic talent and best selling author. Dad's take on these...I cannot wait to read more of the story, I'm definately hooked as an adult WWE fan. Check out the video to get the kid perspective! What's cuter than little girls talking about wrestling? Nothing!

Remember to visit our Geek Parenting site, My Parents Are Geeks!

DARK HORSE AND TEAM NINJA RELEASE YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z #1

2014-01-23T12:24:00.000-06:00

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TEAM NINJA AND DARK HORSE COMICS KICK OFFYAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z DIGITAL COMIC SERIES

Comic-Inspired Action Title Confirms New North American Release Date

Team NINJA and Dark Horse Comics today launched the three-part YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z digital comic series, providing insight into the backstory in three revealing vignettes. Yaiba takes a break from slaughtering zombies in the debut issue to tell the tale of how his often bloody sword became to be known as “Heartless” as he recounts the story to Miss Monday. Initially released digitally with an all-new full color print comic to be available with the game, as it launches on its newly confirmed North American release date of March 18, 2014, the series is brought to life by Writers Tim Seeley and Josh Emmons, Artist Rafael Ortiz, Colorist Carlos Badilla with special cover art by James Harren. The comic will be available for free download at the Dark Horse Digital Store, www.digital.darkhorse.com, as well as through the Dark Horse Comics app (available through iTunes & Google Play). The comic can be found at: https://digital.darkhorse.com/profile/4128.yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-1/

In YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, players will battle fierce zombies as Yaiba, a cyborg ninja who will do anything to get revenge and stay alive. Cleaved in two, he is brought back to life with cyber-technology. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyber arm, he slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Step into a stylized living comic book where stunning graphics depict a world gone mad. Hordes of undead can only be stopped by Yaiba’s willingness to use any means necessary to get the job done. Will he kill by turning his cyber arm into a razor chainsaw for slicing up undead—or just rip off an opponent’s arms to use as zombie nunchucks? Both possibilities fill Yaiba’s heart with twisted laughter in this collaboration between famed developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune.

YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Steam® (PC) March 18, 2014. This title has been rated M (Mature) by the ESRB.

More information about YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z can be found at www.YaibaNGZ.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YaibaNinjaGaidenZ and Twitter https://twitter.com/YaibaNGZ.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit http://teamninja-studio.com, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

Debut of the Kingdom Keepers Book 7 Cover Art!

2014-01-16T10:39:00.001-06:00

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Check out this fantastic cover art for the 7th installment of the Kingdom Keepers series! You can preorder it on Amazon.com. The book releases April 1, 2014 from Disney-Hyperion Books!

IDW Publishes Horror Anthology In The Dark

2014-01-14T14:43:00.000-06:00

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IDW Publishes Horror Anthology In The Dark

A Collection Of All-New, Original Terror Tales From The Darkest And Most Brilliant Minds In Comics

San Diego, CA (January 9, 2013) – The terror tome that has all the horror hounds frothing, In The Dark, is poised to make its debut this April! Featuring top writers and artists from the comic-book industry, In The Dark contains over 20 all-new, original horror stories that you’ll want to read with the lights on.

In The Dark launched as a Kickstarter project put together by Anathema scribe Rachel Deering last year, and successfully doubled the intended target goal for the project. Assembled and edited by Deering, In The Dark dives into a myriad of sinister horror stories from writers including Justin Jordan, Cullen Bunn, Steve Niles, Duane Swierczynski, Tom Taylor, Tim Seeley, Brian Keene, F. Paul Wilson, Ed Brisson, Marguerite Bennett, Valerie D’Orazio, Paul Tobin, James Tynion IV, and many more. Nate Powell, Tradd Moore, Damien Worm, Tyler Jenkins, Drew Moss, and Andy Belanger are just a few of distinguished artists that will give each tale a unique and distinct style.

“This book is the 8-year-old Rachel's dream come true. I wanted to make something that, had I found it on the shelves as a kid, would have been my favorite book of all time,” says Rachel Deering, In the Dark editor and project manager. “I wanted to give this generation a chance to feel that macabre magic that held me spellbound when I picked up my first horror anthology comic, and I can only hope it serves the scare the crap outta readers, young and old, for years to come.”

Along with the terrifying original stories, this over 250-page hardcover will feature an introduction by New York Times Bestselling author Scott Snyder and an in-depth look at the history of horror comics by comic book historian Mike Howlett.

“Rachel has assembled an amazing team for In the Dark,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “I know well how difficult it can be to put together an anthology at all, let alone one with solid creative teams from front to back, and that is exactly what Rachel has done here. The book’s successful Kickstarter campaign speaks to peoples’ interest in this project, and I’m excited that IDW can help bring the book to an even wider audience.”

In The Dark is the latest anthology IDW is pleased to publish under its banner, joining Womanthology and the prose anthologies V-Wars and Zombies Vs. Robots: This Means War!

DARK HORSE PROCLAIMS 2014: THE YEAR OF THE HORSE!

2014-01-14T14:41:00.002-06:00

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DARK HORSE PROCLAIMS 2014 TO BE THE YEAR OF THE HORSE!

JANUARY 10, MILWAUKIE, OR—Before we had even taken the time to look at the Chinese zodiac calendar, we knew 2014 was shaping up to be one of the best in Dark Horse Comics’ nearly thirty-year history!

In 2013, Dark Horse saw record sales growth in every channel and received what may have been more accolades than ever for its publishing line.

As we enter 2014, we go boldly into a year that, as the Chinese foretold, was destined to be ours!
We have partnered with our good friends at Comic Book Resources to bring Dark Horse fans an early look at what the year holds in every aspect of the business, from new comic series to books and products. Today we begin a four-part interview with Dark Horse president and founder Mike Richardson.

Look for a new interview each week and exclusive announcements, first looks, and more!

Dark Horse Comics Preview: SKYMAN #1

2014-01-14T14:37:00.001-06:00

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Skyman on sale January January 15th

Capstone: Free Comic Book Day

2013-05-01T03:51:00.000-05:00

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Did you know that Capstone is a Silver Sponsor of this year’s FREE COMIC BOOK DAY? On May 4 comic book fans will be introduced to Mr. Puzzle, a superhero who’s a perfect fit for all problems. With his incredible powers, Mr. Puzzle can stretch, bend, shrink, grow, and will work hard to keep the folks of Busyville safe from trouble. What a nice guy!

Mr. Puzzle is written and illustrated by Chris “Elio” Eliopoulos, creator of popular all-age comics from Oni Press, Kogama Press, Boom!, V12 Kids, Namco Bandai, and Top Shelf including Okie Dokie Donuts.

C2E2: HELLBOY Gets Itty Bitty!

2013-05-01T01:20:00.004-05:00

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C2E2: HELLBOY GETS ITTY BITTY!Aw Yeah Comics and Tiny Titans creators Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani take on Mike Mignola’s cast of characters in a brand-new all-ages title! CHICAGO, IL, APRIL 28–Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani have created quite a stir with their work on some of the most fun and ageless comics of all time. They won an Eisner for Tiny Titans, their treatment of DC Comics’ Teen Titans, and their recent Kickstarter campaign for their Aw Yeah Comics series surpassed its goal in record time.

Now, this dynamic duo takes on Dark Horse’s best-known character, Mike Mignola’s Hellboy, in an all-new comics series, Itty Bitty Hellboy!
A ghost named Rasputin has been spotted. And Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. are going to find out what’s he up to. Who is Hellboy, anyway? Why does he have such a big hand, and what is it used for? Who’s weirder, he or his friends? What is the B.P.R.D.? And what does chicken soup have to do with all of it? All this and more will be answered in the debut issue, where BIG things happen to Itty Bitty Hellboy!

“Itty Bitty HELLBOY! WOW! Such awesomeness! I haven’t screamed so much AW YEAH SHOUTOUTS in all my life! It is truly an honor to be the next creative team to add to the HELLBOY saga! I have been a fan of Mike Mignola since Hellboy’s early days at Dark Horse LEGENDS! It’s true. Can’t wait! Itty Bitty has never been so HUGE! AW YEAH HELLBOY!” said Art Baltazar, famous cartoonist.“We get to work on HELLBOY? HELL YEAH!” exclaimed Franco Aureliani. “One of the most iconic characters in all of comics, and we get to bring our own style and story to it! Truly a dream come true! We’re big fans! Itty Bitty Hellboy is going to be a lot of fun . . . and we get to actually say HELL(BOY)!”

“Given the recent developments in Hellboy’s life—falling in love, discovering that he’s the rightful king of England, having his heart torn out and dropped into hell—this is clearly the next logical step in his evolution,” said Hellboy creator Mike Mignola.

Itty Bitty Hellboy #1 arrives on shelves at your local comic shop on August 28!

SCHOLASTIC UNVEILS FIRST OF SEVEN NEW HARRY POTTER COVERS

2013-02-22T12:25:00.003-06:00

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SCHOLASTIC UNVEILS FIRST OF SEVEN NEW COVERS FOR THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS IN CELEBRATION OF THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE NEW TRADE PAPERBACK EDITIONS FEATURING COVERS BY AWARD-WINNING ILLUSTRATOR KAZU KIBUISHI COMING SEPTEMBER 2013

New York, NY (February 13, 2013) – Harry Potter fans and young readers just starting their journey through the world of Harry Potter will have something new and exciting to add to their bookshelves this September. Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children's publishing, education and media company, today unveiled an all new cover for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – the first of seven new covers to appear on U.S. trade paperback editions coming in September 2013 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the original book in J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series.

The stunning art for the new editions is by critically acclaimed artist Kazu Kibuishi, best known for his #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel series, Amulet. Kibuishi is a longtime Harry Potter fan who called this opportunity, “more than a little surreal.” Each of the seven new covers will depict a distinctive and memorable moment from the respective book. The collection, which will also be released in September as a boxed set, will offer new readers just reaching the age to begin the series a glimpse of J.K. Rowling’s magical world and the epic story they are about to enter.

“The Harry Potter covers by Mary GrandPré are so fantastic and iconic,” said Kibuishi. “When I was asked to submit samples, I initially hesitated because I didn't want to see them reinterpreted! However, I felt that if I were to handle the project, I could bring something to it that many other designers and illustrators probably couldn't, and that was that I was also a writer of my own series of middle grade fiction. As an author myself, I tried to answer the question, ‘If I were the author of the books - and they were like my own children - how would I want them to be seen years from now?' When illustrating the covers, I tried to think of classic perennial paperback editions of famous novels and how those illustrations tend to feel. In a way, the project became a tribute to both Harry Potter and the literary classics.”

The inspired original art for the series, created by the talented Mary GrandPré will continue to be featured on the U.S. hardcover and digest paperback editions. According to Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade Publishing, “The brilliant artist Kazu Kibuishi offers his unique vision of the world of Harry Potter, making each cover an incredible adventure that will transport new readers just discovering Harry Potter for the first time directly into the rich world of J.K. Rowling's imagination.”

Scholastic also announced that in November 2013, the company will release the first boxed set of the complete Hogwarts Library in the U.S., including Quidditch Through the Ages, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Sales of the Hogwarts Library will support two charities selected by the author, J.K. Rowling: Lumos, a charity founded by J.K. Rowling which works to end the institutionalization of children, and Comic Relief, a UK-based charity that strives to create a just world free from poverty.

Fifteen years after the first U.S. publication of J.K. Rowling's first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in September 1998, there are more than 150 million Harry Potter books in print in the United States alone and the series still hits bestseller lists regularly. The seven Harry Potter books are published in over 200 territories in 73 languages and have sold more than 450 million copies worldwide.

About Kazu Kibuishi Kazu Kibuishi is the Eisner-nominated creator of the on-going #1 New York Timesbestselling Amulet series of graphic novels, as well as the comic collection Copper, both published by Graphix/Scholastic. He is also the founder and editor of the Flight Anthologies, a critically acclaimed comic series; and the creator of Daisy Kutter: The Last Train, which was named a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults. Kazu Kibuishi lives in Alhambra, California with his family. Visit him at www.boltcity.com and on Twitter at @BoltCity.

Early Review: Batman: Fowl Play Book

2012-12-28T12:35:00.004-06:00

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Legions of Gotham was given an advanced copy of the new HarperFestival softcover storybook Batman: Fowl Play, which hits shelves next Tuesday. The book is a great Batman vs. Penguin tale with amazing artwork by animation legend Steven E. Gordon (Batman: Asylum, X-Men Evolution). This is a great book for any kid and a nice addition to any collection!

Tolkien's World: A Guide to the Peoples and Places of Middle-Earth Book Review

2012-12-21T04:34:00.001-06:00

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Tolkien's World: A Guide to the Peoples and Places of Middle-Earth Book Review

About the Book: Tolkien’s World takes readers on an incredible journey through the realms of Middle-earth and back to a time when elves, dwarves, wizards, and a small, courageous people known as hobbits battled the forces of evil. This lavishly illustrated guide brings you the people and places from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Explore Middle-Earth, from the rolling hills of the Shire to the desolate ash plains of Mordor. Discover the secrets of a world where the elves roamed through enchanted forests and dragons slept in dark caverns under the mountains. With stunning artwork that re-imagines the places and people of Middle-Earth, Tolkien’s World is ideal for hobbit fans, big and small.

Open the pages of Tolkien’s World and meet Bilbo Baggins, the hero of The Hobbit. Then find out about Gandalf the wizard and his incredible magic powers, uncover the story of the unfortunate Gollum or learn about magical weapons, such as Gandalf’s sword Glamdring. This meticulously researched guide lets you discover the amazing peoples and creatures that inhabit Middle-earth, from friendly elves and stout-hearted dwarves to the deadly dragon Smaug and the evil Sauron. Packed with adventure and lore, Tolkien’s World is a must for all Hobbit

Our Take: The Hobbit is one of the most anticipated films of the year. I know I've been yearning for it ever since I saw Peter Jackson's brilliant take on the LOTR trilogy! This is one of many great book releases that we're going to feature this week that tie-into the new Hobbit trilogy! This lastest release is brought to us by the folks at Insight books. This one strays from the mainstream films and provides us with beautiful artwork based on Tolkien's world. The hardcover book takes us through the various characters, places and races in Middle-Earth accompanied by fantastical and impressive fantasy artwork. This one is a great book for any Tolkien fan and would make a great Xmas gift!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania Book Review

2012-12-21T04:06:00.002-06:00

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The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania Book Review

About the Book: The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania brings to (undead) life a fresh new spin on the classic horror monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, Werewolf, and the Invisible Man from Sony Pictures Animation and director Genndy Tartakovsky - creator of Samurai Jack and executive producer and director of Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series.

The story features Dracula, owner of a lavish five-stake resort hotel for monsters, away from the human world. On one special weekend, he invites some of the world's most famous monsters to celebrate his daughter's 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all these monsters is no problem, but his world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and takes a shine to his daughter, Mavis.

Featuring over 400 pieces of concept art, character sketches, storyboards and digital art, along with interviews with key filmmakers and crew, this full-color book is truly a spooky but fun treat for the eyes!

Our Take: We're big animation collectors here at the Legion and we also collect Halloween. Finally, a new era animated film that combines the two! Hotel Transylvania was a phenominal film and this hardcover art book is the perfect take-home companion to the movie. It includes TONS of great behind the scenes sketches, artwork and designs that went into the making of the film. The book is chock full of text and facts about the movie and the designs that went into it. This one is a must-have for any fan of the film.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion Book Review

2012-12-21T02:42:00.000-06:00

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Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion Book Review

About the Book: The cult television series Dark Shadows is fondly remembered by its fans — not least Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, who reunited to bring a stunning reimagining of the show to the big screen.

Produced in close cooperation with Tim Burton and the production team, this lavish official companion to the film includes a Foreword by Depp, an Introduction by Burton and an Afterword by producer Richard D. Zanuck, alongside scores of photos, concept drawings, production designs, and interviews with the cast and crew.

Our Take: I'm too young to remember Dark Shadows very well, but I tell you what, I NEVER miss a Tim Burton film. They're like Xmas to us here at the Legion. Anything he touches entertains us so vastly and so completely that we're Burton junkies. I will admit that before I saw Dark Shadows I was a little skeptical about whether this would be my first disappointment as a fan, but thankfully the film was quirky, funny and dark...it was fantastic. Now, Titan books gives us a great hardcover visual companion to the film. This one focuses on the characters, the sets, the costumes and even the cinematography and editing. This one is the perfect companion piece to the film and is sure to delight any fan. We highly recommend it.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Harry Potter Film Wizardry (Revised and Expanded) Review

2012-12-21T02:32:00.000-06:00

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Harry Potter Film Wizardry (Revised and Expanded) Review

About the Book: Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series, and learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really "minted," how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind Hogwarts castle, and why Dementors move the way they do.

Written and designed in collaboration with the case and crew that brought J. K. Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing film-making secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars. Full of removable facsimile reproductions of props and paper the Harry Potter films and the talented group of Muggles that has made true movie magic.

Our Take: We're taking a break from our Hobbit week to check out another fantastical and magical franchise...Harry Potter! We already miss the Potter books and films, but thankfully this one was re-released with more features! The book was given info on the final two films, along with some new interactive features. This one has tons of great pack-in interactive items like an invite to the Yule Ball...stickers for potions and a lot more. This one is essential for any serious fan and really does help to take the fan experience a step further.

If you're a Potter fan, this book is a no-brainer. We highly recommend this one for Xmas!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey--The World of Hobbits Review

2012-12-21T02:24:00.001-06:00

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey--The World of Hobbits Review

About the Book: Enter the amazing World of Hobbits. Packed with photos from the new film, this book will tell you all you need to know about these amazing creatures – their appearance, appetites, homes, friends, deadly foes and much more.

Our Take: The Hobbit is one of the most anticipated films of the year. I know I've been yearning for it ever since I saw Peter Jackson's brilliant take on the LOTR trilogy! This is one of many great book releases that we're going to feature this week that tie-into the new Hobbit trilogy! There are so many of us, including myself, that have had children since the original LOTR trilogy was in theaters. In fact, my wife was pregnant with our first child when we saw Fellowship of the Ring in theaters! Now, my son is 10 and VERY much into the Hobbit, since dad has read the story to them before bed. This is a fantastic book to give to your kids to get them excited for the new film and to keep interested and learn a bit about the fantastical world that Tolkien gave us all. This softcover book is full of great images and tons of info about Hobbits. We highly recommend this one for Xmas.

See Inside the Book:

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey--The Movie Storybook Review

2012-12-21T02:23:00.002-06:00

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey--The Movie Storybook Review

About the Book: Relive the story of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in this fantastic photo-filled book. Battling against Goblins, Wargs and other forces of evil, will Bilbo Baggins and the Company of Dwarves find the strength to help recapture the lost Kingdom of Erebor? With this amazing retelling of the movie, you too can visit Middle-earth.

Our Take: The Hobbit is one of the most anticipated films of the year. I know I've been yearning for it ever since I saw Peter Jackson's brilliant take on the LOTR trilogy! This is one of many great book releases that we're going to feature this week that tie-into the new Hobbit trilogy! There are so many of us, including myself, that have had children since the original LOTR trilogy was in theaters. In fact, my wife was pregnant with our first child when we saw Fellowship of the Ring in theaters! Now, my son is 10 and VERY much into the Hobbit, since dad has read the story to them before bed. This is a fantastic book to give to your kids to get them excited for the new film and to keep interested and learn a bit about the fantastical world that Tolkien gave us all. This softcover book is full of great images and tons of info from the new film. We highly recommend this one for Xmas.

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Official Movie Guide Review

2012-12-21T02:20:00.002-06:00

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Official Movie Guide Review

About the Book: Enter Bilbo Baggins’ world through exclusive interviews with director Peter Jackson, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and all the principal cast and filmmakers, who share film-making secrets and tales of what it was actually like making movie magic in Middle-earth.

Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of behind-the-scenes photos of the actors, locations, sets, creatures and costumes, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Official Movie Guide has been produced in collaboration with the filmmakers who have brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel into breathtaking three-dimensional life.

Our Take: The Hobbit is one of the most anticipated films of the year. I know I've been yearning for it ever since I saw Peter Jackson's brilliant take on the LOTR trilogy! This is one of many great book releases that we're going to feature this week that tie-into the new Hobbit trilogy! This one is a softcover book with over 160 pages of in-depth and behind the scenes looks at the making of the film is THE book for the Hobbit film. If you buy one book, make it this one (although who can buy only ONE Tolkien book?! lol). We get looks at the making of the sets, costumes and even the great make-up on characters like the troop of Dwarves and the Orcs! I was very impressed with this one and the softcover status brings it in at only around $15...a steal in our opinion.

See Inside the Book:

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Visual Companion Review

2012-12-21T02:16:00.003-06:00

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Visual Companion Review

About the Book: Join the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the wizard and the Company of Dwarves on their Quest to recover treasure stolen by the Dragon, Smaug the Magnificent. Leaving the comfort of Bilbo’s home they must face many perils before they can claim their long-lost gold -- Trolls, Elves, Goblins, Wargs, and worse…
Richly illustrated with more than 100 color photos from the film, and featuring a brand new fold-out map charting the journey from Bag End to Wilderland, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Visual Companion begins the Quest for the Lonely Mountain in spectacular style.

Our Take: The Hobbit is one of the most anticipated films of the year. I know I've been yearning for it ever since I saw Peter Jackson's brilliant take on the LOTR trilogy! This is one of many great book releases that we're going to feature this week that tie-into the new Hobbit trilogy! This wonderful hardcover book offers a nice quality dust jacket and great design. It gives you overviews of the story, characters and even the various types of races/creatures that you'll encounter in Middle-Earth. This is a very visual book with tons of full color images from the film, not just studio promotional pics. This one truly is a great visual guide to the film and it falls in at a great price with an MSRP of only $19.99. This one would make a great Xmas gift.

See Inside The Book:

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Activity Book Review

2012-12-21T02:12:00.003-06:00

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Activity Book Review

About the Book: Packed with stunning photos, facts, and activities from the brilliant new movie. Join Bilbo Baggins on his unexpected journey across the wilds of Middle-earth with Gandalf the wizard and a company of thirteen Dwarves.

Our Take: The Hobbit is one of the most anticipated films of the year. I know I've been yearning for it ever since I saw Peter Jackson's brilliant take on the LOTR trilogy! This is one of many great book releases that we're going to feature this week that tie-into the new Hobbit trilogy! We don't often feature activity books here at the Legion, but this hardcover book is an exception! This one does a great job of mixing story info and character bios with various puzzles and games that will entertain all ages. That really keeps the feel of a real book with high quality pages and great full-color all over design on each page. This one is great for a kid or collector!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

More Strawberry Shortcake Book Review

2012-12-10T04:54:00.003-06:00

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More Strawberry Shortcake Book Review

About the Book: Strawberryland is so "berry " sweet, who could possibly resist going back for another visit? Jan Lindenberger and Jennifer Bowles have returned from the place where strawberries grow all year round to bring us another volume of Strawberry Shortcake collectibles. Originally introduced as a greeting card design by American Greetings, Corp., this sweet-smelling little girl and her many-flavored friends became the playmates of children everywhere through the 1980s. These children have grown up, but they never forgot Strawberryland-now Strawberry and her friends are in high demand on the collectors' market. This volume covers not only the dolls themselves, but the many many miniatures, toy sets, foods, premiums, and even a chapter for "fabulous fakes"!

Our Take: We love toy collecting here at the Legion and as such we love toy collecting guides. In fact, we just reviewed the first Strawberry Shortcake Collector book. My wife collects Strawberry Shortcake, so these books have been extra helpful in identifying not only items and accessories within her own collection, but also help her to set her sights on what else is out there to find. This next edition of Strawberry Shortcake items covers the dolls and a lot of items again, but also delves into all the knockoffs and more of the side items! This one has tons of full color images and is a wonderful field guide to collecting! We highly recommend it!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

The James Bond Omnibus Volume 004 Book Review

2012-12-10T04:32:00.000-06:00

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The James Bond Omnibus Volume 004 Book Review

About the Book: The daring James Bond is back in a definitive bumper edition collecting the second period of Jim Lawrence's celebrated run in comic strip form!

Includes nine of Bond's most thrilling and dangerous missions: Trouble Spot, Isle of Condors, The League of Vampires, Die With My Boots On, The Girl Machine, Beware of Butterflies, The Nevsky Nude, The Phoenix Project and The Black Ruby Caper.

Our Take: I've been a James Bond fan as long as I can remember. I love the classic Sean Connery and Roger Moore films. I'm honestly not into the new ones, but thats just me. Anyway, as a fan of classic 007 I am always on the lookout for great books to accompany my fandom. These omnibus comic strip collections from Titan books collect vintage James Bond comic strips from the British newspaper "The Daily Express" from the 1950s and early 1960s, as such these were all but lost to us fans! We have each of these volumes and will continue adding these great black and white Bond strips to our collection! This would make a fantastic Xmas gift for the 007 fan on your list!

How to Buy: Amazon.com

Plastic Cup Collectibles: With Price Guide Book Review

2012-12-10T04:17:00.001-06:00

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Plastic Cup Collectibles: With Price Guide Book Review

About the Book: Whether you realize it or not, you are probably already a collector of plastic cups. Just look in your kitchen cabinets and you'll find those plastic cups you didn't realize you were even collecting. The popularity of collecting plastic cups is rapidly increasing due to the latest collaborated marketing efforts between the fast food restaurant and movie industries in promoting a blockbuster movie while selling soft drinks. Plastic cup collecting is no longer just a hobby. The increasing interest and rapid growth of this newest market clearly demands that information and prices be made available to the expanding group of knowledgeable and novice collectors. In over 150 full color photographs, Bryan Meccareillo provides a complete guide to these new collectible

Our Take: We are big collectors here at the Legion. One of the things I enjoy collecting is plastic cups of all kinds, especially fast food and promotional cups. This great little book collects a lot of full color examples of what cups are out there. I have a mixed reaction to this book, though. On one hand, a lot of the items are mis-marked (such as a 1990s animated Attack of the Killer Tomatoes mug that is labeled as being from 1976, and the 1983 He-Man Burger King Cups are listed as a 1995 Little Caesars promotion?). The book starts out strong archiving a lot of the common cup lines, but eventually falls into very random offerings that don't really mesh. Its rather clear that rather than being any type of complete archive this is a showcase of author Bryan Meccariello's collection. On the other hand, I really enjoy seeing Bryan's collection and rather than a great collectible reference guide, this is a really fun coffee table book that is very attractive and well layed-out for flipping through.

How to Buy: Amazon.com