Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Book Review: Disney Twisted-Wonderland - The Manga Anthology vol. 2


Short stories set in the world of Twisted-Wonderland, based on the hit mobile game from Disney!

The second installment in a collection of small but mighty adventures, featuring the characters and world of Twisted-Wonderland. Each tale is written and drawn by a different manga creator!

Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga Anthology vol. 2 will be published January 14, 2025. VIZ Media provided an early galley for review.

Monday, November 18, 2024

Book Review: YouTube Blueprint


The prospect of putting yourself out there in the crowded YouTube world can feel utterly overwhelming. You've probably felt the crushing weight of self-doubt, the heart-pounding fear of facing the camera, and the constant struggle to find that unique voice that will make you stand out among millions.

But what if you could transform that fear into fuel for online success?

Whether you dream of turning your passion into a paycheck or simply want to share your message with the world, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to achieve your YouTube dreams!

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Book Review: Adventures in Modern Recording


As a renowned recording-studio maven, Trevor Horn has been dubbed 'the man who invented the '80s'. His production work since the glory days of ZTT represents a veritable 'who's who' of intelligent modern pop, including the likes of ABC, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Pet Shop Boys, Seal, Simple Minds, Grace Jones and Yes - among many others.

This book is Trevor's story in his own words, as told through the prism of twenty-three of his most important songs - from the ones that inspired him to the ones that defined him. This play-by-play memoir transports readers into the heart of the studio to witness the making of some of music's most memorable moments, from the Buggles' ground-breaking 'Video Killed the Radio Star' to Band Aid's perennial 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', via hits such as 'Relax', 'Poison Arrow', 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' and 'Crazy'.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Book Review: The Story of the Bee Gees


People tend to have their favorite era of the Bee Gees's career, but many listeners are also conscious that there is more to uncover about the band. This book will provide the perfect solution, by pulling together every fascinating strand to tell the story of a group with the imagination of the Beatles, the pop craft of ABBA, the drama of Fleetwood Mac, and the emotional heft of the Beach Boys.

Uniquely, the Bee Gees's tale spans the entire modern pop era—they are the only group to have scored British top-ten singles in the '60s, '70s, '80s, and ‘90s—and includes world-conquering disco successes like 'Stayin' Alive' and 'More Than a Woman', both from the soundtrack of the hit film Saturday Night Fever.

But the Bee Gees's extraordinary career was one of highs and lows. From a vicious but temporary split in 1969 to several unreleased albums, disastrous TV and film appearances, and a demoralising cabaret season, the group weren't always revelling in the glow of million-selling albums, private jets, and UNICEF concerts. Yet, even in the Gibbs' darkest times, their music was rarely out of the charts, as sung by the likes of Al Green, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and Destiny's Child.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Book Review: Sex Lives of Superheroes


Explore these questions and more with this collection of speculative, comedic essays on how superpowers might affect the sex lives of famous superheroes. Based on genuine scientific research and both Marvel and DC comic book and movie canon (and more!), Sex Lives of Superheroes is a refreshingly frank and fun deep dive into the pros, cons, and plot twists of superpowered sex.

Sex Lives of Superheroes by Diana McCallum will be published on November 19, 2024. Smart Pop Books, an imprint of BenBella Books, provided an early galley for review.

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Book Review: Assume Nothing


In 1985, Kat McCann was six years old when renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s murder. And unfortunately proved Kat’s father as the culprit. Ten years later Kat is still obsessed with the heroic criminologist. She’s also addicted to the bestselling novels inspired by Alik’s ingenious deductions—penned by the grande dame of whodunits, who’s a bit of a mystery herself. Kat has devoured them all. Even the one based on her father’s crime.

When Kat and Alik fatefully cross paths again, a friendship evolves, and Alik is delighted to share the secrets of his success with such an eager and clever girl by inviting Kat to solve a murder of her very own. One that challenges everything Kat believes about the detective, an elusive author, and Kat’s notorious past. Now, as fact and fiction and truth and deception collide, it’s all Kat can do to survive the shocking twist ending to her own life story.

Friday, November 8, 2024

Book Review: Dick Tracy volume 1


In the aftermath of World War II, the country stands frozen–waiting for the other shoe to drop. In The City, a brutal murder draws the attention of rising star detective Dick Tracy, who soon discovers the bloodshed is just the beginning of a complicated web that threatens to ensnare everything he cares about.

Blending the classic elements of the Dick Tracy world (including his iconic villains, supporting cast, and unforgettable watch radio) with a hardboiled and realistic take, Dick Tracy Vol. 1 kicks off a fresh and modern take on the iconic detective that remains true to his rich history.