Studios Books

Acording to Greg this book contains the first year of Real Life, all of The Forge comics, comentaries on all of the comics in the book, plus a lot of other extras that can not be found on the website. I have been reading Real Life since the Keenspot days, and have always loved it. Well worth it.

I haven't read the book yet and I hope it gets here in time for Christmas, but I have read all the comics on Reallifecomics.com which are essentially the same comics contained in the collection. I started reading real life back when it started (yes, when it was still with keenspot), and it's definitely one of my favorite webcomics...right up there with Penny-Arcade and PvP. I'm certain that the book is fantastic and the comics contained within are not only incredibly humorous, they are also very accessible for readers that aren't into video games and computers. I'd go as far as saying that it's at least as accessible as Dilbert or Foxtrot...your Grandmother could understand these comics and still laugh, they're that good.

If you've never read the webcomic Real Life, you don't know what you're missing. It's hilarious! One of my favorite webcomics, definitely, and I am SO buying the book. I recommend you to check out the website: www.reallifecomics.com.

Oh, and apparently the first year of The Forge, another comic done by Greg Dean, is also in there. Yet another reason for you to buy the book.

So, as short and to-the-point as this review is, I want to share with you the sheer greatness of Real Life and encorage you to buy the book. So? Go buy it already!

The newly designed characters, exciting and unique storylines plus the most advanced 3D computer technology of coloring make it a stunning sci-fi comic work. Done by the Archangel Studio, they really made the comic book a new generation of visual performance which combines traditional drawing skills and advanced computer 3D technology plus video game and animation elements. The Red Star especially this collected edition is a must have for all of the comic fans, sci-fi fans and video game fans. Buy it!!!

Without doubt, The Red Star will, with its outstanding production and conceptual design, usher in a new visual front for comic books-or at the very least, make some skeptics appreciate the possibilities presented by computerized artwork. Utilizing wonderful 3D modeling and texturing techniques (which are seamlessly blended with the penciled artwork, I might add) comparable to the stuff done in some of today's video games and animated features, this new comic has to be seen to be believed.

Christian Gossett and B.J. Kayl have concocted a perfect combination of fantasy and sci-fi in a story of epic war that is truly engrossing. The narrative style is smoothly sophisticated and will certainly please the die-hard Alan Moore fans. Gossett and Kayl's novel-like prose demonstrates a keen understanding and respect for the readers' intelligence. His meticulous sequence of the URRS' invasion made me feel as if I was on the scene of the action.

Computerized comic book art (i.e. J.U.D.G.E. and GearStation) has always left me somewhat indifferent, but the unique and quality production of The Red Star simply left me in awe from start to finish. The art team (with Gossett penciling) have done such a great job of blending the CG and non-CG art that it is often hard to discern what has been computerized and what has been penciled. The end result is an impressive mixture of early Frank Miller penciling style, fantastic panel layouts, and beautiful coloring.

With its distinctive art production and its equally absorbing premise, I strongly urge you to give The Red Star a try. I'm convinced that you will come to agree with me that there is presently nothing like it on the market.

The concept of Red Star is unique. It is about U.R.R.S (United Republic of Red Star), a country governed by power-crazy dictator. The best part of this collection is you will feel with the characters, you will feel sorry for the loss Maya has suffered, feel frustrated with Marcus while fighting the losing battle, feel anxious with Makita while trying to go to her father and most heart-warming moments of all, you will feel with Andrea when she has the chance to kill an enemy solider, who is mere a child (who is Makita btw) but didn't kill her even though that might save her life.

U.R.R.S is uncannily similar to cold war U.S.S.R. If you like politically intrigued stories, this book will be a special treat. Even you don't know nuts about history or about Russia, you still are in for a thought-provking story with visually stunning artwork.

Only one gripe though. Since it is a thick book, some spreads of artwork are lost in the binding. Otherwise, it would be much more astounding 3D artwork which is not unlike watching the dvd intro before playing PS-2 games.

Give this book a try. It has all issues 1-9 of volume 1 including Battle at Khar-Dhtha Gate, Worker's Tale, Award-winning Run Makita Run, Battle of Norkorka. Now I'm anxiously waiting for vol 2 collected edition to come out.

Oberlin College Press chose well when it awarded this book the Field Poetry Prize, 2007 - Cornish wraps her fierce intelligence (artistic, scientific, historical) aroundthe delicate structure of the lyric, whether she's writing about tomb paintings, John Keat's hat, the River Arno, Japanese painting, magic, dragonflies, sideshow freaks, Saigon water puppets, canopic jars, the art of binding feet, carnal prayer mats, or simply a quiet moment in the kitchen. Her frame of reference is huge - but here is a poet that chooses to use her intelligence to celebrate the small delicate objects of the world. The sound these poems make is like a clear bell surrounded by silence. And in the same way Mary Oliver's work is accessible to non-poets, Cornish's work strikes a clean note, not muddied by difficult/obscure language, though her work opens out considerably from the natural world Oliver remains anchored in, to reach into the life of the mind as well. Blurbs on the back of the book include praise from poets as wide-ranging as Billy Collins, Marie Howe and Thomas Lux - quite a list of endorsements! But most important is the way the poems of Red Studio mingle Cornish's own personal story of loss with small, haunting stories of loss from other centuries and other cultures, and her choice of an opening epigraph by Matisse ("I use small brushes and never more than twelve colors") is pitch perfect. Here are a few lines from the poem "Tomb Painting: The Chapter of Breathing Air" -- "Once more the pintail ducks are flying / over the bricklayer's house. Spools are filled with twine. / Loaves cool on a plank, / and the milk jug's carried home in a net. / On a roof where they slept in the open air, / hairpins in the same clay bowl."

For Mary Cornish, the parts of the world are connected not by physical bonds such as sinews or surfaces or umbilicals or even by principles of physics such as gravity or motion. The parts are filled--or buoyed, it might be said--by a sort of ethereal activity which cannot and need not be explained. This activity is described in a way that is virtually the same as imagination. In "We're in the kitchen," the speaker's dress is "held up by the patterned flight of birds/along the cotton." In "In the middle of the night," sound spreads its touch--"I open/both taps in the tub and let the water run/to make a sound that carries." "[T]he sky/accepts the weight of birds./The crow's shadow falls to earth..." in "Legato." The parts of the world are suspended together not even by language; as in "Dragonflies," "We can barely hear their dry rasp over water" as they approach. Cornish's poetry does not empty the world, but rather fills it with a spirit of feeling which closely resembles that of a refined musician.

I decided to review and recommend this book not only because it is good contemporary poetry but also because it is the poet's first book and I think good first books deserve a chance in the market place, especially one this good. These poems combine life and art and their interdependence beginning with the Florence flood of 1966 and its impact on the incomparable art treasurers that were painstakingly brought back to life. This book is a virtual tour of art galleries and life via the printed word that will remind one of the precarious nature of both. Thumbs up for both Cornish and Oberlin College Press.

This book was able to capture the unique relationship between siblings. Going into detail and siting personal examples; Anna Quindlen was able to make me laugh at my own memories of childhood and the relationship with my sibling. The pictures by Nick Kelsh are able to capture the genuine relationships between siblings in it's most sincere view without having a "staged" look to it. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and really look forward to sharing it with my sister as well as reading it again and again....

Though I don't have siblings the way this book describes, I just gave my daughter the gift of a brother. This wonderful book helped me understand how meaningful their relationship will be, and the photos moved me almost to tears in places. It will make a great baby gift for those having second or subsequent children.

After reading an excerpt from this book, I purchased six copies, one to send to each of my brothers and my husband's sisters. The photographs are snapshots of life in a family that capture the true essence of sharing your space with a sibling. Alone they create a message that is funny, touching, reminiscent. Combined with Ms. Quindlen's prose, they become a treasure of memories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head, "Yes. That is just what it was like!"

Donald Graves has broken new ground in that he has written what constitutes - without qualification - what is simply the finest regimental history ever to see print. He blends perfectly the veterans' experience with detailed historical research, and supplements the package with hundreds of original photographs and superb line drawings of everything from the tanks themselves to local campaign maps. His appendices are the best I have ever seen.

Regardless of the depth of your prior knowledge of the Canadians in WW2, finishing Graves' SOUTH ALBERTAS will leave you awestruck, wishing for more. I would hope that this author and others might consider similar, follow-up works on other Canadian regiments, while the veterans are still with us; there can be no greater tribute to their sacrifices. Other, popular histories are but a pale imitation.

Donald Graves has written the book by which any small unit history will have to be measured in the future. At the risk of repeating what Michael wrote - the book contains a most impressive narrative of all the actions of this regiment, including the full treatment of the celebrated stand at St. Lambert-sur-Dive that won the only VC for the Canadian Armoured Corps, and it is lavishly illustrated, with photos and maps explaining the situation on the ground. Donald Graves' writing is concise, to the point, and very successful in bringing the story to life. The most touching point is the identification of every single casualty of the regiment by name, their pre-war occupation, age and family status, setting a memorial for the men. As someone with a strong interest in the Commonwealth military of WW II I found this a superbly done book, teaching me more about the way things were then for the men fighting than any other book I have read. It is well worth any cent it costs, and I hope it will stay available for a time to come.

Outstanding, from the colour photo section, to the detailed appendices, and the "war manual" for those not versed in WW II military terminology or practices (this is helpful for civilian and current soldier alike, as much has changed in 50 years). The book is solidly researched from primary sources, lavishly illustrated with photographs from personal collections, and contains many personal stories and reminiscences. The darker chapters (two men being drummed out of the regiment for raping a Dutch woman) are given equal time with the regiment's loftier achievements. A great book about Canadian tankers in WW II and a must read for anyone interested in the Canadian Armoured Corps in WW II, or Canadian soldiers at war in general. Thank you Mister Graves for setting the standard.

These patterns are a unique work of a true artist. I'm sure she has never had formal training it all comes from deep inside a person to create that way!

Drawing the patterns for this CD was out of pure love
for water in all forms...especially the ocean! Many
patterns came from photos of myself and my husband when
we lived in the Florida Keys and now as we dive and
snorkle many other places. Like Hawaii!

Excellent designs...I thought it woud have more fish and ocean patterns. There are great flowers and and birds as well. The designs have lots of pieces, but can be simplified.

This review applies to all books in the Jedi Quest and Jedi Apprentice series.

Although the target audience is identified as 9-12 years old, I believe the books will have an appeal to any Star Wars fan, young or old. For an adult, the reading is easy but still very interesting. The books have just the right mix of action and character development. I was very entertained and really enjoyed the books. (Maybe too much; several I couldn't put down and found myself reading past midnight!)

Some of the books are in serial format, with the action of the story spread across multiple books. Characters introduced in earlier books often reappear in later installments. This is true not only within a series but from series to series (Jedi Apprentice, Jedi Quest, and Last of the Jedi). It is best to read the books in order, but the author does provide enough background to allow the reader to start anywhere in the series.

For some odd reason, it seems that all the reviews for the various books in this series are posted under all of the books. For the record, this review is for Jedi Quest Volume 4, The Master of Disguise.
First of all, don't be deterred by this book's apparent kiddy exterior. In my opinion, they continue to outdue many of the adult novels by leaps and bounds. This one literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat, unable to put this book down until I came to the conclusion at three in the morning. I identify more with Anakin all the time, as his character continues to develop into the complicated, multi-faceted young man he is by Episode 2. Obi-Wan as well is enjoyable as ever, as are all of the supporting roles.
This book opens on a war ravaged planet where Obi-Wan and Anakin have been sent along with another Jedi team (old favorites Soara and Darra) to find and rescue a missing team of scientists caught in the crossfire. But when one of the two padawans is badly injured, the mission must be cut short, and when it becomes apparent that old enemy Granta Omega could also be involved, things become even more complicated...
All I can say is, this series truly is something special, good for Star Wars fans of any age.

The error may be corrected by the time this is posted, but these comments are on, "Jedi Quest #4, The Master Of Disguise". There appears to be confusion between the pages showing the book together with the description of the third book in this series. Jude Watson has contributed more books to the Star Wars Saga than any other author. This is not due to the scope of her work rather that she has been the sole author for these series that are targeted at younger readers. Although meant for persons decades my junior, I have enjoyed many of her books and I am not the only ancient reader who takes these books to the checkout and is rewarded with incredulous looks by cashiers. I joined the Star Wars Universe when the first film opened and have remained a fan, and chatting with youngsters in bookstores about these books have made the experience all the more enjoyable.

The most recent film, "Episode II", was a success by traditional standards and the envy of virtually every filmmaker. It is now in the IMAX theaters and will probably reach the all time top 10, not accounting for inflation. In terms of its box office performance as a Star Wars film it was anything but impressive, and this has nothing to due with other films that it competed with. Star Wars films do huge numbers because of repeat business, and the fans simply are not responding.

I think at least one reason was readily apparent for the recent film falling over $100 million shy in this ,and even showing more poorly worldwide. Jude Watson corrects the defect in this book, and she is to be commended.

These books are for kids, and PG films also are for kids, the messages they either share through words or images are important, and Star Wars has a huge influence and needs to create its products as though they are aware of this. "Charisma is a trait, not a virtue", explains one teacher in this book, accomplishing a goal via imperfect motivation is a failure, not a success as explained by the same instructor. We often hear, "the ends do not justify the means", as an indictment of questionable conduct. This is an issue with me for the statement is incomplete, and it has become accepted "wisdom" through repetition, not because there is substance to the statement.

The statement should read, is the end justified by any means? The word, "any" changes the entire meaning, and also makes the statement worth considering. Even at this point a person needs to know what end is being sought, and what means are being used to achieve it. When these are known, the discussion can begin, and answers offered.

These books and the three final films are showing Anakin making choices that lead him in to an abyss that will eventually cause the deaths of countless life forms, and finally will kill him. And these are his choices. Anakin is a very gifted young man who lacks the ability to control his feelings regardless of his age. This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how easy it is to become evil, and it does so better than the most recent film.

Anger is a legitimate emotion; it is not one that generates good decisions. When Lucas made, "Episode II", he let anger take over the film, and several characters, not just Anakin. The decapitations that were routine in the film were all unnecessary, and most were cut from the IMAX version of the film. Mace Windu still executes a human in front of his son by this method, it was not needed, and I believe it cost the film 50 -100 million dollars. Windu executed the character in front of the man's son, I believe it turned people off, and parents kept some kids away.

The greatest Jedi of all, Yoda, was forced in to personal combat in the recent film. He did not instigate it, he did not harm much less kill his opponent. Like many martial arts, and the experts that teach them, they are for defense and not offense, the wise old master is the role model, a protector, never a seeker of vengeance.

There are times violence becomes unavoidable, killing is supposed to be the last possible, and most regrettable, option used by a Jedi, and that should follow in life as well. This book shows how a person can loose himself to violence through bad influences, easy alternatives, and lack of discipline.

This is a good book for young readers and Lucas should read it before he decides on the manner of violence he uses in his next film.

This fantastic book filled with eye popping and colorful photo's of all the novelty and classic collectable radios had me enthralled. The discriptive information for each one was clear and concise and the arty background for each radio subject was excellent. Wim Meter deserves a big hand for his efforts.

The author of this book used extraoridnary care in the selection and placement of each of the items he has shown in this book. In total agreement with the excellent evaluation provided by Robin Benson above, I find Wim's use of appropriate backgrounds on which to superimpose photos of his radios, to be superb. For example, on pages 100-101 three different Stage Coach radios are depicted (along with another, of "The Duke") all superimposed on the background of very rugged, mountanous, terrain which could easily depict Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, or some other desert type of environment. Not only are the radios shown and described, Wim has included various tidbits of information relative to the "time and place". Also of particular interest is his placement of the midevial "Armored Knight" radios, displayed along with period weaponry, all displayed in the surroundings of an actual, and still standing, Castle. Many anecdotes of interest, along with photos regarding the radios, weaponry, and the Castle, itself, are included. I feel this book would be of interest to ANYONE, but particularly to those who collect novelty radios, crystal radios, music boxes, or jukeboxes. It's definitely a book you will enjoy!

Wim Meter lives in Holland and collects novelty radios. He's a graphic designer so it seemed the obvious idea to design the book featuring his collection. From my experience publishers of books for collectors turn out uniformly dull looking titles with bland layouts, photos and typography so it was refreshing to see how the author presented his collection.

The book is all in color and most spreads are devoted to a particular type of radio, pages twenty-four and five has twenty fast food products, seventy-eight and nine shows radios with a Dick Tracy theme, ninety-six and seven has slot machine and juke box radios but what makes this book so fascinating and in my view lifts it out of the ordinary is that all the radios are photographed as a still-life group or they are superimposed on a spread wide image that relates to the items shown, detailed captions and intriguing bits of information are scattered amongst the images.

Visually this really is a stunning book and if you collect or are interested in novelty radios (and there must be some hundreds included) it is the one to get. Design, photography, printing and especially editorial content can't be beat.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

Its good to see that the rural studios work is not unique but rather part of a movement, with other brilliant examples such as the work documented in this book. Beautifully illustrated. Probably the most in depth discussion I've read on the methods and challenges of work among the poor and underserved.
A great contribution to architectures claim to relevance.

This is a great book for both those people who are interested in learning about or those people who are already familiar with environmentally friendly "green" building pratices used in sustainable architecture. Studio at Large specifically chronicles the achievements of the UW BASIC Initiative program that Sergio Palleroni and his colleagues created in 1995. It is fascinating and moving to see the impact this work has on the local and global levels in society.

Prof. Sergio Palleroni teaches the "art-and-science" of "architecture" the old fashion way--with leadership and passion! He's not affraid of rolling up his sleeves, soiling his boot and spending his summer vacations whith his students (the future leaders): teachong design, scheduling and building sustainable communities in the "developing countries."

Great read, loads of Information packed in here. Truly covers the business aspect of a recording studio. Your not ready to start your recording studio business until you have read and applied this book.

If you're just starting out in the recording business, you need to look through this book - a very handy reference. It'll bring up points you may not have thought of before.

I bought this book a few years ago thinking I was going to finally start my recording studio. There was a chapter in the book about promoting your studio using a newsletter. Well, our "newsletter" grew into a 52 page magazine which circulated in 14 countries. Mixdown Magazine was born as a result of this book and I owe it all to Jim Mandell. I was in Los Angeles a while ago and wanted to stop by his studio to thank him, but couldn't find the time. So if you ever read this Jim, THANK YOU!

-Jason Weaver