Monday, June 25, 2012

Book Expo 2012 at Breakneck Speed

Sooooo many events. The extreme bulk of news, dvds to watch and real, actual paying work I need to do makes it impossible to run supplemental event coverage in a timely manor....but i will keep trying!! Tonight, we'll take a look at the fun stuff I found while walking sideways through the extra thick crowd at the Book Expo in New York City some weeks back. Here's the best of the best...

Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side - Vault Edition from 47North : (available now! click the title to order at discount) The black-and-red pyramid-shaped Sith case appears innocuous. But with the touch of a button, the door of the case lifts, accompanied by lights and Star Wars sound effects. The secrets within are revealed—the Book of Sith slides into view.

The Sith have existed in the galaxy for centuries, lurking, waiting for their chance to seize control. As various Sith Lords emerged and rose to power, they recorded their thoughts, exploits, and plots for Sith control of the galaxy. When they fell, their knowledge vanished with them forever. Or so it seemed. . . .

Over the years, these writings were passed among numerous Sith and Jedi, who added their comments to the pages. In his quest for domination, Darth Sidious tracked down what remained of five pivotal Sith texts written by his most powerful predecessors. Then, drawing on the knowledge within the compiled pages, he wrote a sixth text—his own manifesto. Together, these documents, along with several collected objects associated with them, shed light on the philosophy, achievements, and failures of the Sith Order. For years, this collection remained hidden, existing as legend only. But now all who are tempted may unlock the Book of Sith and delve into the dark side. . . .



From the creators of The Jedi Path, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, Book of Sith reveals the mystery and madness of the dark side—while introducing new characters, history, as well as sinister insights into what it means to be a Sith Master.

Recovered dark side texts:
• A chronicle by Sorzus Syn of her encounters with Sith Purebloods, explorations in alchemy, and the foundations of the Sith Order.
• A war journal kept by Darth Malgus during the Great Galactic War, describing methods of war and the campaigns of the Sith army.
• A source book by Darth Bane that details the idea and the philosophy behind the Rule of Two as well as the training required for a Sith.
• An instructional manual by Mother Talzin exploring the Nightsisters’ use of the dark side and their role as dark side mercenaries in the galaxy.
• A scientific journal by Darth Plagueis with notes about his experimentation with and manipulation of the Force.
• Darth Sidious’s manifesto about the philosophy and political manipulation that marked his rise to power and established his Empire.

Those who added their comments: Darth Sidious, Darth Vader, Asajj Ventress, Yoda, Mace Windu, Quinlan Vos, and Luke Skywalker

Removable features: A scrap of a Sith burial shroud, a battle map from the Great Galactic War, a Sith lightsaber crystal, a Nightsister talisman, a diagram detailing Palpatine’s political strategies during the Clone Wars, and a propaganda poster for the Galactic Empire, and a note from Luke Skywalker

Available now! Click the title to order at discount.

Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years by 47North : Assembled as a Special Exhibit on Memory Alpha, Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of the United Federation of Planets.

This unprecedented illustrated volume chronicles the pivotal era leading up to Humankind's First Contact with Vulcan in 2063, the Romulan War in 2156, the creation of the Federation in 2161, and the first 150 years of the intergalactic democracy up until the year 2311. Meticulously researched, this account covers a multitude of alien species, decisive battles, and the technology that made the Age of Exploration possible. It includes field sketches, illustrations, and reproductions of historic pieces of art from across the Galaxy, along with over fifty excerpts from key Federation documents and correspondence, Starfleet records, and intergalactic intelligence.

Housed in a pedestal display complete with lights and an audio introduction by Admiral Hikaru Sulu, this deluxe edition also features five removable documents from the Federation Archives, including Zefram Cochrane's early sketch of the warp-drive engine, a handwritten letter from young Jim Kirk, and the first-known diagram of a Trill symbiont.



Product Features:
• Pedestal display featuring electronic lights and sound (13.5” x 13.5” x 4”)
• Audio introduction by Admiral Hikaru Sulu
• 176-page hardcover book with four-color illustration throughout
• Envelope containing 5 removable artifacts
• Over fifty excerpts from key Federation documents and correspondence, Starfleet records, and intergalactic intelligence

Available November 20, 2012. Click the title to pre-order!

The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury from Thomas Dunne Books : First came the ground-breaking comic book series. Then came the record-breaking television show. Next, the bestselling novel, Rise of the Governor.

Now, having peered into the Governor's horrific past in the first book, this riveting sequel delves into Philip Blake's ascension as the leader of Woodbury. But it won't be easy . . . there are those within this walled-off city who don't trust Philip or his motives . . . or the strange scratching sounds that come from his apartment. But Philip Blake is determined to turn Woodbury into a haven from the post-apocalyptic nightmare surrounding Woodbury, and he'll do whatever necessary to make sure that his vision sees fruition. Even if that means killing the people currently in charge.

Fans of The Walking Dead world -in all its forms- will love Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga's deeper look into the Governor as he increases his power and darkness in The Walking Dead: Road to Woodbury.

Available October 16, 2012. Click the title to pre-order!

Tattoos, Hornets & Fire: The Millennium Sweden Photographs from Glitterati Incorporated : Stieg Larsson's monumental 'Millennium' series has ignited curiosity about one of the world's least known but most admired country: Sweden. Tattoos, Hornets & Fire takes those readers on a visual tour of the intriguing country, through the lens of two photographers famous for their work on both documentary and still-life, and who are also aficionados of Sweden. Under the auspices of VisitSweden, the Swedish Tourist Board, this book is a comprehensive look at the sites and culture of a place made familiar by the international bestsellers, along with a view of a country which is both intense and serene.

Available October 16, 2012. Click the title to pre-order!

My First Batman Book: Touch and Feel from Downtown Bookworks : Each of 6 spreads in this irresistibly cool package features classic Batman art and a special interactive feature. Budding Batman fans can:

· Lift-the-flap to uncover Batman’s alter-ego, Bruce Wayne

· See a glow-in-the-dark Bat-Signal

· Zoom the Batmobile with a pull-tab

· Swing Batman through Gotham City on a Batrope

· Press buttons on Batman's computer

· Look into a mirror to see Batman’s familiar little helper (complete with mask and Robin attire)

Six touchables make for endless entertainment for all ages. Also comes in Superman and Wonder Woman.

Available Now! Click the title to order!

It was my first time at Book Expo and they seem to let a TON of people in, so that made navigating the floor an uneasy task. We quickly found that getting close to the main autographing area was nearly impossible, but still managed drive-bys on Tim Gunn who was signing his Fashion Bible and Rachael Ray signing The Book of Burger! Funny moments included my realization that, while photographing a signing, there was a sign lit up behind them announcing a new book by Tony Danza and as we were leaving, I did a double take when I spotted David Hatcher Childress, one of my favorite guys from Ancient Aliens! Unfortunately we were toast at that point and carrying 50 lbs of books, so out the door we went. Next year I'll plan for additional days on the floor to bring something more than this sad bit of coverage! We did take plenty of pics though, so that should count for something. We found some killer craft books, a Three Stooges comic book drawn by the Archie crew and other random bits of awesome. CLICK HERE to see them all!

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