Author(s): Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm
Editor: Noel Daniel
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release Date: October 4, 2011

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you actually take the time and read into the work of the Brothers Grimm, you realize that they have created so many classics. This book consists of the most famous collections of tales from the Brothers Grimm. Included amongst the two dozen stories are classics like “Cinderella”, “Snow White”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Hansel and Gretel”. It always makes me step back and think about how much of an influence the Grimm stories have given us in our history. This all-new translation was specially commissioned for this publication by Taschen.

The most important part about the stories is the accompanied artwork. It is backed by some of the most famous illustrators from the 1850s to the 1950s, including Golden Age legend Kay Nielsen, bestselling author Wanda Gág, Walter Crane and Arthur Rackham, and 19th century German illustrations from Hermann Vogel, Otto Speckter and Viktor Paul Mohn. The book is also produced on a very impressive hard stock paper, which also compliments the colors in each image.

Another amazing reason to purchase this book is that it also includes fantastic silhouettes pulled from original publications from the 1920s. With my daughter on the way within in a few weeks of writing this review, I look forward to sharing these stories with her after she is born. It is a real treat for both adults and children alike. This collection will also make sure that people will always be able to loose themselves in fairy tales and take a journey in the minds of the Brothers Grimm.

Author: Paul Duncan
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release Date: April 1, 2011

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Mystery is mystifying; it is an intellectual thing. Suspense is an emotional thing.” — Alfred Hitchcock

Who doesn’t love the work of Alfred Hitchcock. He is the master of suspense and will never be forgotten in the world of cinema. Taschen really scored another winner with this release. It is about 200 pages, hardback and yet sells for a very reasonable $10 dollars. It is a real celebration of Hitchcock’s work and covers his complete film history. I think the book could be a little more in depth like Taschen’s “The Stanley Kubrick Archives” but this definitely does the job, especially for its price.

The best part of this book are the pictures and their captions. They are presented in large scale and really sharp presentation. This is not the most in-depth analysis of Hitchcock but it definitely satisfies the basic fan of his work. The book does provide a decent overall of his classic films like “The Birds”, “Vertigo”, “Rear Window” and of course “Psycho”. It ranges not only from his earliest silent films to his last picture in 1976, it also focuses on his life. One of my favorite parts of this books is the list of his cameos, that is always just a fun task while watching his films.

The images in the book are very high quality and if they are in black and white or color, they still are very clear and looks fantastic. I also like the behind-the-scenes look into his films, I have never seen some of these images before and it is a real treat. Hitchcock was such a unique filmmaker with techniques that will never be able to be replicated. For people looking to find out some interesting information of Hitchcock’s career, this would be the book for that. Taschen delivers another hit and I look forward to future topics that they will cover.

Author: Philip R. Klein
Paperback: 343 pages
Publisher: Klein Publishing
Release date: January 23, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If I asked you about the “Patrick McDermott Case” you might not recognize what I was talking about. But if I added “Olivia Newton John”s missing boyfriend” before the name you’d certainly understand.

In the summer of 2005, while on an overnight fishing trip, Patrick McDermott vanished. A quick and hasty search by the Coast Guard, as well as investigation “experts” on land, concluded that he must have fallen overboard and drowned.

In the search for the ever popular ratings, the television program “Dateline N.B.C.” contacted famed investigator Philip Klein and asked him if he would take one of two cases they had been following. Intrigued by the celebrity aspect, and the fact that nothing seemed kosher in the information presented to him, Klein took the McDermott case. For over two years he and his team interviewed witnesses, checked alibis and investigated leads previously dismissed. And they got their man!

A true storyteller (I would love to just sit down at a table with Mr. Klein and hear some of his exploits), Klein begins the book in the middle of a harrowing plane ride. With his wife, Inga, he is escorting a suspected kidnapper and the young child she abducted back to Texas. Approaching the runway at 200 MPH the front landing gear fail to lock, causing the plane to skid. Cool heads prevail, thankfully, and everyone gets off safely. But those few minutes inside the plane are riveting. Once Klein accepts the case he and his team begin to systematically follow the clues. And there are many. Most of them point to McDermott’s horrid ex-wife, described by anyone that would talk about her as a bitch. And that was the polite word. As the case progresses Klein and his team literally travel the globe, setting traps and beating bushes. Taking advantage of the world wide web they set up a “spider” web site, one that captures the IP address of everyone that visits it. They also set up a public web site which, within 48 hours of the first “Dateline N.B.C.’ show airing, crashes 39 times and gets over 2 million hits!

While Klein is the lead investigator he also praises his “team,” from his office workers to his field men. And to Inga! It’s clear that she is the force which guides him, both personally and professionally, and his words of appreciation ring true.

If you’ve ever wanted to get inside a missing person case…and I mean INSIDE…then “Lost At Sea” is a fine entrance.

Author(s): Rian Hughes, Imogene Foss
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 6, 2011

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to anything science fiction…sign me up. I have always been a fan of the genre ever since my family used to take me to the Sci-Fi Diner in MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) in Walt Disney World. There was always just something about the out-of-this-world design that really drew me in. Chris Foss is known for his work in this area with creating some of our times “coolest” sci-fi art.  The book is a beautiful visual journey through his work. Though it if you are looking for supporting text to provide insight into each piece you will be disappointed.

Foss’s unique and groundbreaking science fiction art dramatically raises the bar in the 70’s-80’s. It is known for its realism and invention mixed with his science fiction twist. The art you will find within this definitive work ranging from his trademark battle-weary spacecraft to his dramatic alien landscapes. If you ever read any science fiction novels in the 70’s-80’s, then you are familiar with his novel artwork for sure. I just love his ideas and his creations. I just would have like more background on each image.

This volume features Foss’ work for books by Isaac Asimov, Doc Smith, Arthur C. Clarke, A. E. van Vogt and Philip K. Dick, and film design for Ridley Scott and Stanley Kubrick. Titan Books did a great job of releasing a very sweet looking book overall. The images on the pages are so crisp and colorful that it literally draws you to the page. If you are fan of Foss, you will enjoy being able to view many rare and classic images that have never been seen or reprinted before.

Author: Ian Fleming
Paperback: 344 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: April 12, 2011

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love James Band.  Ever since I saw my first Bond film “Goldfinger”, I was hooked.  There is just something about this character that is just timeless throughout generations.  Ian Fleming has easily created the world’s most famous secret agent.  This book is the second volume in a collection of James Bond original daily comic strips.  This book is easily one of the best in the series as well.  You can read out past reviews here for “Omnibus 001” and “Omnibus 003“.  If you love yourself some James Bond, than these books are sure win.

Bond is renowned for sipping a Vodka Martini while winning in a casino, join him today by visiting www.galacasino.co.uk

This volume contains seven of Iam Fleming’s stories and contains where “Omnibus 001” left off bringing us the comics based on the novels that inspired the movies. If you are a fan of these that you are going to love a chance to read these in the original comic format.  The stories included are: “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, “You Only Live Twice”, “The Man with the Golden Gun”, “The Living Daylights”, “Octopussy”, “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “The Hildebrand Rarity”. This is the very first time that these comic strips have been available in one format.

” Omnibus 002″ is the longest in the three volume series to date.  It matches “Omnibus 003” with seven stories but less than “Omnibus 001” with eleven stories.  James Bond has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years and this just proves that it will continue for many more.  Titans Books is well known for releasing high quality work and this one definitely does not stray from its norm.  Like its previous volumes, it has very sharp and clear black and white color and the paper feels like an old newspaper.  This is really a treat and very much recommended to any true 007 fan.

Author: Ian Fleming
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: December 1, 2009

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Usually with volumized books, you would start at volume 1, or 001 in this case. I recently had “The James Bond Omnibus 003″ show up at my door to review. I was not familiar with this series but loved it, read review here.  Nonetheless, I tracked down the first volume in the series and in fact it is actually better than the later.  James Bond has always held a special place in my heart.  I though have been a bigger fan of the earlier films than the recent ones from Pierce Bronson onwards.  If you are a fan of 007, this series is a must own.

“Omnibus 001” in case you didn’t known is a collection of comics featuring our special agent 007 from Ian Fleming.  This volume contains eleven of these original daily comic strips.  The following is the reason why this triumphs over “Omnibus 003”.  This volume includes the very well known stories of: “Casino Royale”, “Live and Let Die”, “Moonraker”, “Diamonds Are Forever”, “From Russia with Love”, “Dr. No”, “Goldfinger”, “From a View to a Kill”, “For Your Eyes Only” and “Thunderball”.  If you are a fan of these amazing films, you are going to love a chance to read them in comic format.

Titan Books is really known for treating the world’s most famous secret agent 007 very well.  They have released many great collections and these “Omnibus” books are just a great item to own for all fans of 007.  As I mentioned in the review for “Omnibus 003”, the paper in the book feels like an old newspaper so it really makes it feels authentic.  Like i mentioned before I hope there are more volumes in the work for this series because I can never get enough of Ian Fleming and his crafty suave secret agent.

Authors: Alison Castle, Christiane Kubrick and Jan Harlan
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release Date: October 1, 2008

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have to start with this is probably the book I am most proud to have in my library. I have been a fan of Stanley Kubrick since I become a film buff many many years ago. My favorite film of his is “The Shining”, it is a film I can watch literally every day of the week. This book is such a tribute to Kubrick and his wonderful very unique work. I do not think that there will ever be another director that is able to replicate the magic that Kubrick was able to conjure up in his films. If this is the last book every written about Kubrick, I strongly believe that it will be enough to continue his legacy for years to come.

The book is split into two parts. The first part contains over 800 film stills scanned directly from the original prints and interpositives. I swear I cannot even count how many times, I have went through this section just starring at each image. The clarity of the images are beyond impressive and overall extremely outstanding. So if you think that is cool, then you are going to be simply blown away by the second part. This section contains about 800 items from the archives, most of which have never been published before. I am absolutely in love with this section and I was able to get a glimpse in Kubrick’s vision with images I have never seen before.

To continue with this books outstanding contents, there are all essays from Kubrick scholars Gene D. Phillips, Michel Ciment, and Rodney Hill. There are selected articles and essays, including interviews with and essays by Stanley Kubrick. They are a must ready for any true fan of Kubrick. Lastly there is all an illustrated Kubrick chronology. Every film of Kubrick’s is showcased and given the royal treatment in this, nothing is left out. If you can call a book breathtaking, that would be the perfect way to describe this.

Author: Jurgen Muller
Paperback: 640 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release Date: February 15, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Looking back at the 2000’s first ten years of movies, if it unbelievable how many absolutely amazing films there were during this period. Well book is the perfect companion to assist with that task. Some of the pictures are not crystal clear but I would like to think that they were like that for artistic purpose. Not every shot is perfect freeze framed. The only disappointment and I think it is a little embarrassing even for Taschen is that within this fantastic book, it is also packed with typos. For example, it misspells “Benjamin Button” as “Benjamin WButton”. That is only factor really stopping this book from receiving 5 out of 5 stars.

It hard to look back in the 2000’s because it doesn’t seem to long ago but there were some really ground breaking movies in the last few years. To showcase some of them: “Avatar”, The Bourne Trilogy”, “Moulin Rouge”, “The King’ Speech”, Everything from Pixar like “The Incredibles” and “Wall-E”, “Harry Potter” series and of course the  “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Those are just a mere few of my favorites. There are literally hundreds of movies showcased through these near 700 pages.

Each film in the book is not only put in the spotlight but also packed with great information including synopsis, film stills and production photos, cast/crew listings, fun trivia, technical information and of course actor and director bios. It honestly has everything you will need to learn about some of your favorite films or maybe even some that you might have missed in the last decade. After reading this book, I am very curious to check out Taschen’s past installments of past decades.

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Author: Ian Fleming
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: April 3, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

James Bond is the longest film series to date and is continuing that trend when the 23rd Bond movie hits theaters this November. Well, this book let’s travel back to the original comic days created by Ian Flemming. It celebrates James Bond and his adventures in comic strip form. If you are fan of James Bond, this is a real treat and great addition to the series.

The book is softcover but has a really strong shiny cover. I love the paper quality too since it feels like an old newspaper. Includes inside are seven of 007’s most thrilling and dangerous missions: “The Harpies”, “River of Death”, “The Golden Ghost”, “Fear Face”, “Double Jeopardy”, “Starfire” and “Colonel Sun”. These stories look glorious in black and white and are real page turners.

Personally, I have never read Bond in comic form before so this a real treat for me. It hard to believe but it is just as thrilling and exciting to follow the comic as it is the movies. Since this book is actually the third volume in the series, I would definitely recommend checking out the first two as well. I will also be looking forward to future installments from Titan Books as we get closer to November 2012 and the latest Bond film.

Be sure to check out our reviews from “The James Bond Omnibus 001 and 002“.

Author(s): Marcus Hearn, Alan Barnes
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Revised edition
Release Date: September 25, 2007

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Hammer Films, legendary British company, has been release some of the best genre films in the last fifty years.  It is also responsible for making international stars out of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee and many other actors.  This book is that story of this amazing company that is still making great films today like “Let Me In” and “The Woman in Black”.  I have read many other book about the legacy of Hammer but they are usually about the posters art or the woman of Hammer.  This gets to the real heart of Hammer’s history.

Marcus Hearn, known for his work with Hammer, is the author on the title and he got some really great insight into the history of the company and was nice enough to allow us to take a rare look into their archives. “The Hammer Story” gives a very thorough film-by-film breakdown and is jam packed with amazingly rare promotional material and previously unpublished photographs.  It is really amazing to get a chance to view this material and you really get taken into this book and take a journey through its history.

The great thing about this release is that it is put out by Titan Books and they have always impressed me.  The pages are so crisp and contain such beautiful high quality images.  There is a forward by Mr. Christopher Lee himself.  It is fantastic to get Hammer’s main star to tell his experiences but the only issue is that it was written in 1997, which was for the first edition of this book. I wish that when this book was revised in 2007 that they would have gotten Lee to update his forward.  Nonetheless, this is a real treat for all horror fans and especially fans of Hammer.  It is a no-brainer purchase and will make a fantastic spot on your coffee table for sure.

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Author: Marcus Hearn
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 29, 2009

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Hammer has been known well for its over fifty years history of mixing sex and horror into some of the best titles in the genre. It all started with the release of “Curse of Frankenstein” and Christopher Lee in “Dracula”, from there Hammer redefined an era of sexy horror. This book is a showcase of the many beautiful women that are known best for their work in Hammer’s films. It contains many classic well-known and loved images from the film archive.

The book is authored once again by Hammer-expert Marcus Hearn. All of the Hammer books that I have ever read were authored by him. He is the ultimate go-to guy when it comes to Hammer films and their legacy. This book is a little different than the ones before it. This one focuses strictly on Hammer’s luscious female stars, including Ingrid Pitt, Martine Beswick, Caroline Munro, Barbara Shelley, Joanna Lumley, Nastassja Kinski, and of course Raquel Welch. These women are so iconic from these films and such sexy yet elegant, never tasteless.

These rare and previously unpublished photos included are so glorious and high quality. Titan Books is really known for produce high quality especially with their art books. Theses images are special from Hammer’s archive and private collections worldwide. Also included are many new interviews and well with the showcased talent. Just note if you are familiar with Hammer’s films then you will know that this book is not for kids at all to view. Hammer fans these is a fantastic collection and tribute to these wonderful woman and their films.

Author: Vern
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
New Updated Edition
Release Date: April 3, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Whether like Steven Seagal or not there is just something about him that drives me crazy. Like the fan craze and “Facts” surrounding Chuck Norris (another one of my favorites), Seagal is just one kick ass son bitch. I guess I am obviously not the only one. The author of this amazing look into the career of Steven Seagal is one of our times most unique film critics and well known for his unorthodox reviewing style. He was even called “a national treasure!” from Hellboy director Guillermo Del Toro.

This book journeys through more than 30 films from the world’s only aikido instructor turned movie star/director/writer/blues guitarist/energy drink inventor…that’s right…Steven Seagal. It is both very funny and also very intelligent. You know that when you are reading this that Vern is a man that knows his Seagal and is very passionate about it. I also have never known that there was such a thing as a Seagologist but I know there is now. There is an amazing introduction from David Gordon Green, who is a one and also the director of the hilarious comedy “The Pineapple Express”.

Listen we all know that some of Seagal’s movies man not be perfect but they also do one thing kick-ass and that is enough for me. Also what is great about this book is that it doesn’t even stop at the movies, it goes deep into Seagal’s career like this famous Mountain Dew commercial to this blues records and also his real life role as a deputy police officer in Parrish County, Alabama and his work using that role in his hit TV series “Lawman” (which is an amazing show and where’s season three A&E?) So sit back and get ready to some laughs and dive into one of our time greatest “ass-kicking auteur”.

Author: Dave Gibbons, Chip Kidd, Mike Essl
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 21, 2008

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a huge “Watchmen” fan dating back to the original graphic novels. When the film came out, which I LOVED, I felt like it literally jumped off the pages of the novel. This is the ultimate visual companion to the amazing graphic novels. You know that this book is going to get some love since it is authored by award-winning artist of the “Watchmen” series Dave Gibbons. We get a chance to dive into his profound personal archives. It is really a must own for all fans of the series, no questions.

It is really rare that you are given this candid of a look into new material. I mean you feel like you are sitting looking through Gibbons’ personal diary. Fans of this series you are going to flip out with the reveal of never-published pages, original character designs, page thumbnails, sketcher, alternate posters, covers and rare portfolio art. The detail in the image are just so crystal clear and high quality. It is the kind of book that you are going to look through and then read it completely and then look through it again.

This book had a lot of love put into it and you can tell. With a series like “Watchmen” it has a very loyal fan base and it’s obvious that Gibbons is a really big fan himself. Props need to also go to Chip Kidd and Mike Essl for some amazing design in this book as well. Props should go to Titans Books for continuing supporting this series and releasing book after amazing book keeping this series alive and continuing to deliver new and exciting release to their fans.

Author: Alan Kistler
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Adams Media
Release Date: April 18, 2012

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” has become one of the most talked about shows last year. With the show returning for its second season fans are getting exciting for more. Well luckily thanks to Adams Media and the creator and co-host of “Crazy Sexy Geeks” we get a cookbook from the show. Fans of the show will have the opportunity to create more Than 150 Recipes from Westeros and Beyond, including Direwolf Ale to Auroch Stew. Overall I wasn’t really thrilled with a lot of the recipes but I am sure that fans of the show will enjoy a chance to eat like a Lannister.

One thing this book has is a variety it ranging from brewing your own spirits to exotic sweets and a hearty entrees that come right out of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Some of the notable recipes include: “Tyrion’s Leg of Lamb”, “Wilding Grilled Pork Chops with Stir-Grilled Apples”, and drinks like “Tears of Lys” and “Arbor Red Wine—the finest spirit in the Seven Kingdoms”. There is many choices in this book and if you can imagine the fest that take place in this series, than you should be able to imagine what you would be able to make.

When I think of “Games of Thrones” I just see long table full of meat and a lot of drinks.  Well this book will definitely get you there…if you have a big enough table.  I could this being a big hit if not only for the liquor during weekly viewing parties of the show.  Fans of the show, this would be a no brainer and will add another level to your watching experience.  Non-fans should steer clear and this wouldn’t do much for you at all.

Author: Emily Ansara Baines
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Adams Media
Release Date: December 1, 2011

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The worldwide phenomenon, “The Hunger Games” is finally hitting theaters this week and what way to celebrate that to get a chance to cook the same food from your favorite trilogy. I have NOT jump on board the whole “The Hunger Games” and in fact strongly dislike it…but this book does have some really cool recipes. If you are of die-hard of “The Hunger Games”, this will definitely spark your interest especially since it packs more than 150 Recipes Inspired by “The Hunger Games” Trilogy, everything from Lamb Stew to “Groosling”.

So the whole point of “The Hunger Games” is survival right? For the first time, you will be able to create the same delicious recipes from the both sides of the series ranging from District 12 to the Capital. Some of the notable recipes are: “Katniss’s Favorite Lamb Stew with Dried Plums”, “Capitol-Grade Dark Chocolate Cake”, “French Bread from the Mellark Family Bakery” and “Brined and Bagged Wild Turkey”. Of course they are the impractical ones just for the fans like “Mr. Mellark’s Favorite Fried Squirrel”.

One thing I do like about this book is that every single recipe actually comes backed with a great reference and description from where it is located in the series. I think that is pretty cool, actually. Overall this book does have a nice variety of recipes. Of course it is obviously though this is really only for hardcore fans of the series. If you’re hungry for more from “The Hunger Games”, this cookbook is sure to leave you satisfied and full.

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