Author: Jody Duncan Jesser
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: July 20, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First things first, let me clear this up right off the bat (get the pun?). This book is labeled as a “Art of” book but really this leans a lot more in the “making of” aspect. It you look at it from that prospective then it works well. I would have love to see a full on “art of” book though. Director Christopher Nolan really did an amazing job of reviving the Batman franchise. Casting Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader was such an amazing choice, as he was perfect for the role. “Batman Begins” was a really sharp reboot of the franchise exploring the origins of billionaire Bruce Wayne to Batman. “The Dark Knight”, which is my personal favorite in the series, took the franchise to such a high level putting Batman against the Joker (plays by the late Heath Ledger). The final film of Nolan’s trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises”, provided a very exciting and satisfying closing to this trilogy. Bane is one of my new favorite villains, played by Tom Hardy, who was out of this world. “The Art and Making of The Dark Knight Trilogy” focuses on the complete behind-the-scenes stories from each of these three epic films. Die-hard fans of The Dark Knight should know that this is a no-brainer.

There are eleven chapters included in the book.  The first focuses on “Screenplay”, the birth of the scripts and inspiration from the comics.  The second takes a look at the “Production Design”, which is key to this series.   It focuses on the sets, shooting locations and includes some nice concept art. Next up is “Cast”, which focuses on picking Christian Bale to play Bruce Wayne but look at all primary roles. Chapter four is titled, “Costumes & Makeup” and goes into details on Bat’s suit, the Joker’s makeup etc. The next three chapters are titled “The Shoot” and covers each of the film in the trilogy during production.  Special effects coordinator Chris Corbould takes the lead in the next chapter “Special Effects & Stunts “, covering the fight sequences and stunts from the three films. Next up, Lee Smith covers “Editing, Music, and Sound”, also includes quotes from composers Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. “Visual Effects” is a great chapter, especially since it was a critical part of the franchise.  This series used multiple different types of visual effects ranging from models and miniatures to CGI.  The last chapter focuses on the franchises “Marketing” and various aspects of promotion for these films. I mean can you ask for more? I think not.

Author Jody Duncan Jesser, editor of Cinefex magazine since 1992, really delivered a very intensive and thorough look into this franchise. She is no stranger to “making of” angle for Hollywood films having worked books for “Terminator 2”, “Jurassic Park”, and “Avatar”. She includes many in-depth interviews with Christopher Nolan and the films’ key cast and crew, including cowriters David S. Goyer and Jonathan Nolan, cinematographer Wally Pfister. There is much detail into the creative process behind the epic “Dark Knight” Trilogy, which is backed with (some) art and beautiful never-before-seen photography. The book runs over 300 pages and includes hundreds of photos, so it guaranteed to please any fan of the series. The book also includes a foreword by Christopher Nolan and an intro by Michael Caine. If that all isn’t enough there is also Nolan’s tribute originally published in Newsweek in 2008 about Heath Ledger, titled “Charisma as Natural as Gravity”. As good as this book does in covering each film, I also really enjoyed and highly recommend this book: “The Dark Knight Manual: Tools, Weapons, Vehicles and Documents from the Batcave”.

Related Content

• Book Review “Batmobile: The Complete History”
• Book Review “The Art of John Carter: A Visual Journey”
• Book Review “The Cabin in the Woods: The Official Movie Novelization”
• Book Review “The Cabin in the Woods: The Official Visual Companion”
• Book Review “Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone”

Author: Lucy Kee
Creator: Bruce Foster
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: November 16, 2010

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Harry Potter”, it is a franchise that I can never get enough of. I thought that the idea of a pop-up book would be extremely cool for this series and I was not let down. This book is extremely detailed and should be a must purchase for all fans of “Harry Potter”. Based on the creative development of the films, this book includes amazing original artwork by Andrew Williamson, the concept artist for all eight movies. This is one of the most detailed and impressive 3D pop-up books that I have seen.

The book has five pop ups throughout its twelve pages, inclduing Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Castle, Magical Creatures, Magical Games and the Triwizard Tournament and the Dark Arts. It is not just the pop-ups though on each page,
there are side pop-ups and interactive bonuses as well. It is really amazing how much is packed into this book. Everytime that I pick it up I feel like I find something new.  There is still more included with this, such as three pull-out posters for the series.

The quality of the book is really high. Bruce Foster has created such elaborate designs on each page. Normally with pop-up books there are issues with opening and closing each page without folding or creasing. But those are not found here at all, which is very impressive. If you are looking for a different way to enjoy JK Rowling’s stories and relive your Harry Potter memories, look no further. This piece of memorabilia will not disappoint you at all especially since each page is packed with its own magic.

Author: Mark Cotta Vaz
Hardcover: 148 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are male, it is not hard to agree that the Batmobile is one of the coolest car EVER!  I remember growing up playing with miniature version of Batman’s iconic vehicle.  It was the coolest car this is until…The Tumbler came along in 2005’s “Batman Begins”.  Nolan’s trilogy completed recreated the Batmobile into one bad-ass car.  Though the coolness doesn’t stop there, since the car transforms into the Bat-Pod as well, which is just the icing on the cake.  If you are fan of the entire Batman series dating back to the comics, this book is the ultimate collectible and a one hell of a great coffee-table book.

Spanning from the beginnings within the pages of Detective Comics, to the pages of DC Comics, all seven appearances on the big-screen in feature films, this book explores each incarnation of the Batmobile.  It is not just a picture book either, this gives an incredible amount of detail and scope into each of Batman’s sweet rides.  Besides just comics and films, this also going into the role of the Batmobile through television, toys, and video games.  Christopher Nolan still in my eyes really created the best Batmobile yet and only amps it up in his final chapter of his trilogy “The Dark Knight Rises”

“Batmobile: The Complete History” goes well beyond the anticipation of the typical companion book.  It includes beautiful folds-outs and detailed specs, blueprints, and historical comparisons.  The book is a visual masterpiece and will leave Batman fans drooling and gearing up to re-visit all these wonderful creations through film, TV and comics.  To top off an already great book, there is a fantastic foreword from Paul Levitz (DC Comics) and Nathan Crowley (Production Designer behind the “The Dark Knight” trilogy).  Insight Editions delivers such an amazing release, as always, and again like its recent “The Dark Knight Manual“.

Author: Brandon T. Snider
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I receive this book, before reading it, I figured it was just a neat little faux manual for the gadgets from the “Batman” films. Well let me know tell you I got a lot more than I expected. This book plays like a complete dossier to Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy. I can’t even describe this as a book since it is SOOOO much more. It even has aspects of a pop-up book since it is extremely interactive. This book took me hours to get through and I had trouble even turning each page since I did want to miss an inkling of information. For all those fans that are unable to cope that the final chapter of Nolan’s Batman saga is right around the corner, this is an absolute must and a perfect companion to this amazing trilogy.

This book is really the definitive guide to The Dark Knight’s tools, vehicles, and technologies. This ‘manual’ contains key sketches, diagrams, observations, and even top-secret documents. There is even documentation for Bruce Wayne’s collaborations with Lucius Fox at Wayne Enterprises. If that doesn’t’ sound cool enough this also contains removable documents, including the design and capability of the utility belt and the Batcave, as well as extensive detailed look at Batman’s weapons and gadgets. As a Batman fan, this is the ultimate look into how the Caped Crusader does what he does.

You can tell that this book was a labor of love by author Brandon T. Snider. Even though the book is a mere 112 pages, each page is jam packed with details and even come with sharp Easter eggs scattered throughout. I have a feeling that this book is going to be left on my coffee table for quite sometime to share with friends and family. This is just one of those books that you need to share and show everyone that steps through your door.  If you need something to hold you over until July 20th for “The Dark Knight Rises”, this is the book for you, do not miss this.

Author: Mark Salisbury
Hardcover: 186 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: June 12, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Out of all the films in the summer of 2012, “Prometheus” is easily one of my most anticipated. I really enjoyed this film and I was hoping that this book was going to deliver the goods just as well.  Author Mark Salisbury is also know for his work on the fantastic “Alice in Wonderland A Visual Companion” book. I really enjoyed how in depth he is able to cover his films. Like “Alice in Wonderland”, “Prometheus” is a very visual film and it deserves an amazing “Art of” book. This does not disappoint at all. In fact, this is one of the finest “art of” books that I have ever read.

This book which is an amazing tie-in to the film and includes some amazing never-been-seen content, including newly released production art. Since my site focuses on interviews, I was very excited to see that this book also includes various interviews from cast and crew. If you have seen this amazing film you will also go crazy at the enormous wealth of behind-the-scenes material included. I mean literally every aspect of the film is covered in this book ranging from the planet, to the costumes, to the pyramids. Top that off with very encouraging send-off intro from director Ridley Scott and you have one perfect book.

The presentation of the book is also impressive as in the content.  It comes in glorious hard cover with no slip sleeve as it is printed on the hardcover.  This is a great decision to avoid ripping or damage to the cover.  The quality of the images throughout are just out of this world (get it?) and look crystal clear while perfectly capturing the visual feel from the film. If you are a fan of the “Alien” franchise, this book supersedes the intrigue and design from that film and really allows you to journey into the film “Prometheus”. Titan Books succeeds again in not disappointing, the public needs to know that their books are the delivered with the highest quality and satisfies even the most demanding fans.

Author: Josh Kushins
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Disney Editions
Release Date: March 6, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The film “John Carter” is visually amazing…whether you like the film or not. I happened to really like it. I thought it was very entertaining and fun. This book really brings forward John Carter’s best qualities…it’s visual effects. There is also a great nod to “A Princess of Mars” author Edgar Rice Burroughs throughout. If you enjoyed this film, I would highly recommend this book as a perfect companion to the film.

Disney Editions never let me down on their “Art of” books. This book really delivers the whole film in a nice wrapping. If you haven’t seen this film and read this book it will definitely send you out to the store to pick up the Blu-ray for sure. The art presented in this book is the highest image quality and fantastic paper stock. I am a big fan of intros and afterwords and this book does not disappoint. Director of John Stanton delivers a great kick-off to this visual journey. Also art director of “John Carter”, Ryan Church, respectively closes the book and does a great wrap-up job.

“The Art of John Carter: A Visual Journey” covers every aspect of the film starting with the character of John Carter to Barsoom to the Tharks. The art that is showcased in this book ranges from sketches, paintings, 3D renders and film stills used for comparison. I am big proprietor of Disney Editions books and I was completely satisfied with this book and I would even say it made me like the film even more. Now I get to go back and watch it again with the knowledge from the book and just realize how much work has really gone into the creation of this film from the pages of a book to the screen.

Author: Steve Voake
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I look at this book, it makes me wish I was a 7-8 year old boy again.  This is one of the book that I would have jumped at the chance to read.  Even as an adult, this book is still a good read and very visually engaging. This book reminds me of the drawing of Ralph Steadman in an Hunter S. Thompson novel, with its illustrations spread and intertwined into the book. Throw in a story about friendship and a GIANT shark and I am in!

Welcome to Shrimpton-on-Sea, which is the home of the world’s biggestest sea urchin, where the folks are a bit unusual.  While here you will meet and make friends with Hooey, Twig, Will and Dingbat the dog. It all starts with the kids wanting to purchase a giant chocolate egg.  They devise a plan to catch a giant shark in order to put it on display to make money.  Of course things don’t go the way that they are planned and the boys are in for an adventure.

I was not aware of the Hooey Higgins series but it seems like it is already an established series in Britain.  This is Hooey’s American debut and hopefully this will not be his last adventure. The book is a fast and funny read and comes with sharp text.  Props again need to go to Emma Dodson for her amazing monochromatic ink and gouache illustrations spread throughout. Look forward to book two – “Hooey Higgins and the Tremendous Trousers”.

Related Content

• Book Review “The Art of Disney/Pixar’s Brave”
• Book Review “The Art of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted”
• Book Review “The Toy Story Films: An Animated Journey”
• Book Review “The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania””
• Book Review “Where’s Waldo? The Wow Collection”

Author: Leslie Patricelli
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: April 10, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

With the birth of my daughter, now two weeks, this book really hits home with me. Author/Illustrator Leslie Patricelli animation is amazing. Each page honestly feels like a painted canvas and just feels magical. The animation is colorful yet simple. The book really speaks to the imagination of a preschooler and just what a father would do for his child.

The book’s story is very sweet and simple. It shows the little girl riding her fathers back and as each page going faster! faster! appearing on all different animals like a rabbit, horse and a turtle, of course all of them is just daddy. The last page shows daddy all pooped out and telling the dad that he was fast. Really cute and sweet.

I really can’t wait to share this book with my daughter and I hope it promotes her imagination as much as the little girl in the book. Patricelli is also known for her book “Higher! Higher!”, which features a little girl playing with her mother (another gem, BTW). If you are a new parent I would highly recommend this book.

Related Content

• Book Review “Sesame Street Brand New Readers Box Set”
• Book Review “Kiss, Kiss Good Night” by Kenn Nesbitt
• Book Review “The Gingerbread Bear” by Robert Dennis
• Book Review “Frosty the Snowman” by Walter Rollins & Steve Nelson
• Book Review “Noodle Loves the Park” by Marion Billet

Author: R. Kikuo Johnson
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Toon Books
Release Date: April 10, 2012

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to sharks, the minute I see the word on a book or any format I can’t help but pick it up. “The Shark King” is an interesting little title. The story is a simple but it’s message might be a little too much for its aimed target of grades 2-3. The book is setup as an easy-to-read comic and does contains some intriguing illustrations. I give R. Kikuo Johnson credit for creating these characters and really bringing the spirit of Hawaii to the pages.

The story of “The Shark King” takes place in the islands of Hawaii and introduces us to Nanaue. After his mother falls in love with a man, who turns out to be The Shark King, Nanaue is born with a unique yearning. He doesn’t know that his father is the king of the sea but he has this urge to be in the water and a very big appetite for the ocean. Since Nanaue is different, he ends up trying to find out who his truly is.

If you are aware of the story of the Shark King, you know that this was obviously a very kid friendly adaption of it. I enjoyed the simplicity of the book and its illustrations but I couldn’t really get over the fact that the boy had a pair of teeth in his back, kind of put me off. Either way, kids might still enjoy this book with is a quick read but not for me.

Author: Marion Billet
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Release Date: August 1, 2011

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you have child then you should definitely known about Noodle.  This isn’t the first book in the series though, Noodle loves many things including cuddling, the Beach, Bedtime, and the farm. In this book we follow Noodle’s love to eat. The book is really great for babies and toddlers ages 1-3.  I really enjoyed the fact that it was extremely colorful and extremely educational.

Marion Billet really scored with these Noddle books.  Her illustrations are just so cute and the use of the touch and feel throughout the book is very smart. Whether it ranges from soft bread to smoochy cheese to bumpy peas, this book really makes eating a fun and also visual journey. I see this book coming in very handy with my daughter over the next few years as she starts learning food (and fussing food, as well). I look forward to what Marion and Nosy Crow have planned next.

Author: Sarah McMenemy
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have had the privileged of spending out of time in Washington D.C. as I used to commute there to work on a regular basis.  Even though I spent a lot of time there I was never able to see all of the site due to work.  Washington D.C. is known for its wonderful landmarks.  I look forward to taking a trip here with my daughter and wife and experience these wonderful sites together.  Well until that time comes this book is a great way to introduce my daughter to some of the famous site of our nation’s capitol.

Sarah McMenemy’s illustrations continue to provide simply yet elegant views of its focused cities.  Like other 3D Keepsake Cityscape books, this short but sweet accordion book really makes you want to visit D.C..  Out of the dozen landmarks included in this book, some of them include the Capitol Building, the Vietnam Memorial, the Supreme Court and of course,  the White House. I can’t wait till I will be able to share this book with my daughter (now two weeks old) and show her where daddy used to work.  I look forward to future 3D Keepsake Cityscape books from Candlewick.

Author: Sarah McMenemy
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: March 13, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I personally have never been to Paris there is something about this city that really creates intrigue. This book is aimed at children and succeeds to educate. The book is tiny and only runs 20 pages but delivers some decent information throughout. Once you remove the book from its slipcase, it almost turns into a classic pop-out book with each page contains a famous site from Paris.

Some of the famous sites included are Notre-Dame De Paris, Moulin Rouge, The Opera and of course, The Eiffel Tower. The colors used in the book have a pastel feel but still are simply enough to not feel cartoonish. If are looking to find out or educate your children on the beauties of Paris, this would be a good place to start. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a 3D cityscape for a book but this beautiful designed accordion-fold book really left me satisfied .

Author: Paul Scanlon, Michael Gross
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: May 29, 2012

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

“The Book of Alien” was first published in 1978 and has been re-released to match the upcoming release of Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus”. Let’s just say this book is amazing…if you are compare it back to 1978 standards. The softcover book barely runs over 100 pages and looks like it was made on a photo copy machine. The pages include text that are off-center and almost get cut off the page. There are many of tons of other great making-of “Alien” books and I would recommend you check those out…way before you purchase this.

This book is basically a behind-the-scenes art book for the 1978 “Alien” movie. They give some pretty cool concept art images from artists Ron Cobb, Chris Foss and H.R. Giger but they are low quality and the paper stock is very thin. Like many “art-of” books there is no interaction from the cast, production crew.  The information provided besides the images are weak and if you are looking for an in-depth look into the film’s production, you will be disappointed.  If you are looking for the ultimate “Alien” book check out “Alien Vault: The Definitive Story of the Making of the Film”.

Author: G K Stritch
Hardcover: 246 pages
Publisher: Full Court Press

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“CBGB Was My High School” is a coming of age biography written by G K Stritch. The book is being released via Full Court Press and is more than just your normal biography. Not only does Stritch tell her story of growing up and details the trials and tribulations that come with that but she also incorporates the growth of the NY art/music scene during what I feel is one of the City’s most interesting periods.

This book is a fun and quick read that will have the reader not wanting to put this book down. The growth of places like Max’s Kansas City and CBGB’s are seamlessly interspersed with Stritch’s own accounts of her times at these places. Stritch’s words paint a picture that makes you feel like you are a fly on the wall taking it all in.

From abusive relationships to meeting a former first lady author G K Stritch covers it all. “CBGB Was My High School” is an honest look at 70’s/80’s New York told from the perspective of someone who was there. Even if biographies aren’t your thing give this book a chance. I don’t think you will regret it.

Related Content

• Book Review “Jaws: Memories from Martha’s Vineyard” (Expanded Edition)
• Book Review “Hooey Higgins and the Shark”
• Book Review “Faster! Faster!”
• Book Review “The Shark King”
• Book Review “Ray Harryhausen’s Fantasy Scrapbook: Models, Artwork and Memories from 65 Years of Filmmaking”

Author: Jenny Lerew
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: May 30, 2012

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I would consider myself one of the biggest fans of Pixar’s work. I even enjoyed “Cars 2”, even though it wasn’t the smartest film they have ever done. Since seeing the trailer to “Brave”, I haven’t been completely wowed yet. It looks decent but I don’t really see the Pixar charm. This book definitely delivers that charm and has totally kick started my interest to see this film. It really draws you in into its artistic world. I felt myself going back and forth within this book trying to soak it all in.  Honestly couldn’t put it down and I know it will be revisited frequently…especially after seeing the film.

For Pixar, “Brave”, which is their thirteenth feature film, is a very important film for them, especially following up “Cars 2”. It is also their first feature film to be driven by a female lead and set in an historical period. In this book we get to meet the Disney’s latest princess Merida and get completely emerged on her journey of magic, danger and adventure and most importantly bonds of family.  You also get an inside look at all of the film’s characters and drawn in by all of the beautiful landscapes that the film takes place in.

When I pick up an “Art of”, I really expect amazing concept art from the film, especially from the talent of Pixar. This book features not only delivers out-of-this-world concept art but also some really interesting behind-the-scenes interviews with the artists and filmmakers from “Brave”. There is also color scripts, sculptures, and storyboards. You really get great insight into this film and its adventure that it will take you on. Once aspect that I really enjoyed was the fact that their was concept art dating back all the way to 2004. It just shows how much work really goes into making a film like “Brave”.

This book is authored by Jenny Lerew, an animation story artist and most recently worked on the DreamWorks Animation film “How to Train Your Dragon”. She really does a great job of wheeling you into the film and giving a great insight into the creative process. I also enjoyed the preface from John Lasseter and foreword from the directors of “Brave”, Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews. Since these people are tightly involved with Pixar, you can tell that this book has the Pixar approval. As always Chronicle Books scored again with there “Art of” books. Look forward to their next release.