Today I want to run through a few quick-hit reviews of some recent releases that I’ve quite enjoyed.

Aspen Showcase:  Grace #1 (Aspen MLT) Written by Vince Hernandez; Art by Sana Takeda.The Aspen Showcase titles will feature one particular character from Aspen’s various regular titles including Soulfire, Fathom, Shrugged, and their new properties to come. Think of it sort of like those old anthology titles from Marvel Comics like Marvel Spotlight or Marvel Premiere. This first issue feature’s Soulfire’s heroine Grace as she journeys throughout time from the period of the Crusades to the year 2200, looking for a return of the age of magic. Highlighting the issue is simply gorgeous artwork by Sana Takeda with a moderate Manga look. Grade B+

Halloween: Nightdance #2 (Devils Due) Written by Stefan Hutchinson; Art by Tim Seeley. I really love Tim Seeley’s art and have been a fan for some time now. His rendering of Michael Myers is very well done. Michael is cold and almost mythological in this series. Hutchinson is doing a nice job presenting Michael’s driving madness, particularly in the way be painted one victims face like a clown before cutting her throat. But I’m having trouble wrapping myself around the convoluted storyline. The running first-person narrative from multiple characters makes the storyline difficult to follow. This series has enormous potential but needs to pickup up the juice a little bit moving forward. It was a boon for Devil’s Due to nail down the rights and it would be a shame to toss it away. Grade C

Urban Monsters #1 (Image Comics) Written by Will Wilson and Joanne Moore; Art by Tone Rodriguez and Rick Ross. Combine monsters with a good ol’ fashioned buddies on a road trip, and you’ve got Urban Monsters. Monsters are real and live in our world but they are strictly second-class citizens, doing the kind of drudgery work that no one else wants to do. Randy is a fishman, Eddie is a zombie, Arnaud is half man half goat beast, and Bet is a Sasquatch-like creature. When Randy and Arnaud read about an open casting call for monsters in Variety, the four friends hit the road from New York, heading to L.A. for what they hope will be fame and fortune. The buddy road trip plot is usually always fun and toss in monsters and you’ve got yourself an enjoyable first issue. I was surprised by the art as I thought they might go for a more minimal, cartoony look, given the subject matter, but the art was a real strength. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. Grade A-

This week in our Best Shots column at Newsarama, we cover the following . . .

Feature Reviews:

Justice League: The New Frontier Special; review by The Rev. OJ Flow

Logan #1; review by Corey Henson

Cable #1; review by Jeff Marsick

DC Special: Raven #1; review by J. Caleb Mozzocco

Young Liars #1; review by Richard Renteria

Penance: Relentless #5; review by Richard Renteria

La Perdida; review by Michael C. Lorah

Tonoharu Vol. 1; review by Michael C. Lorah

North World Vol. 1; review by Troy Brownfield

Justice League: The Lightning Saga hardcover; review by Tim Janson

Plus, Pellet Reviews: Grimm Fairy Tales #22 (by Jeff); Justice League Unlimited #43 (by Caleb); Supergirl #27 (by Brian Andersen); Atom Eve #2 (by Brian); Dan Dare #2 (by Troy); Uncanny X-Men #496 (by Troy); Buffy the Vampire Slayer #12 (by Troy); Green Lantern #28 (by Troy); and Gravel #1 (by Troy).

By the way . . . No Vlog this week, but the Siegels shall return soon.

Like Santa Claus, Spectrum only comes around once per year and is always highly anticipated. This annual collection of the world’s best contemporary fantasy and Sci-fi art is always a favorite not only due to its sheer size and beautiful production, but also because of its diversity in scope. Spectrum presents the best art from the fields of books, comics, advertising, editorial, concept, and even sculpture into each year’s volume.

As always, the book begins with a look at the year in review and the trends in contemporary fantasy art before getting into the opening category of advertising art and presenting the first of its gold and silver annual awards to the best in each category. This year’s gold winner in the advertising category went to James Jean for his Retro-hip “Spacerace 2020” painting for Nike. This gorgeous pop-art piece is a tribute to Sci-Fi imagery of the ‘40s and ‘50s. (more…)

Spider-Man The Icon, $49.95 (Titan Books) Written by Steve Saffel.  There have been some fantastic books published over the past couple of years about comic books and comic book characters and the latest is Spider-Man the Icon from Titan Books.  This 320 page, hardcover tome traces the evolution of the character from his beginning in Amazing Fantasy #15 to his present day status as a blockbuster pop culture superstar.   The book follows Spider-Man’s development, decade by decade.  This is a character whose origins even pre-date Amazing Fantasy #15.  Uncanny Tales #26 from 1954 featured a character called the Spider Man, which looked like a giant spider with a human head.  Seems the seeds for Spider-man were planted many years before his first appearance.  Interestingly, Aunt May and Uncle Ben made their first appearance two months before Spider-Man, in Strange Tales # 97.  Here the elderly couple had not a nephew, but a niece named Linda who turned out to be a mermaid!  The issue was drawn by artist Steve Ditko, and there’s certainly no doubt that this is the same Aunt May and Uncle Ben who would raise Peter Parker.  (more…)

Bomb Queen III TPB $14.99 (Image Comics) Written by Jim Valentino and Jim Robinson; art by Jim Robinson.  Go ahead…I dare you to try and tell me that Bomb Queen isn’t one of the coolest, most kick-ass comics on the market today.  I triple-dog dare ya!  Robinson’s sarcastic and caustic Bomb Queen is sheer joy to read.  It simply pulverizes the standard superhero fare.  If you’ve never read the series let me quickly get you up to speed…New Port City is the Bomb Queen’s hometown and superheroes are strictly prohibited there.  BQ is the absolute ruler and doesn’t let anyone forget it.  Her battles with heroes who invade her turf are the highest rated shows on TV and the citizens of New Port City can’t get enough of their lovely Queen and her frequently shredded costume that displays her ample attributes.  Let’s get this straight…Bomb is one mean hottie, not above blowing up an annoying TV host or grabbing a kid to use as a shield.  Hey…wrong place wrong time!   Still, the Shadow Government keeps sending new heroes into the city to try and kill her.  This time it’s paid gun Red Cross who makes the mistake of trying to take out our anti-hero.  Cross will do anything to succeed, even if it means destroying the entire city with a small nuke.  The naïve but very powerful heroine Blacklight will try to intervene to prevent the catastrophe but will soon lead her into conflict with the Bomb Queen herself.   Bomb Queen is edgy, intelligent fun.  Bomb Queen is about as evil as they come and yet you can’t help but be infatuated with her.  She’s so bad she’s good!  This is the third Bomb Queen series and it keeps getting better and better.  Robinson’s art is outstanding…colorful and dynamic but it’s his witty dialog that really pushes this series above so many of its boring brethren.  Strictly for mature readers, though!  Grade A

Back Issue Magazine #26  (TwoMorrows Publishing) Edited by Michael Eury.  TwoMorrows is really one of the best publishers around, period!  For comic fans, especially for long time comic fans, their line of books and magazines are like dying and going to geek heaven.  From Roy Thomas’ longtime fanzine Alter Ego, to the wonderful Jack Kirby Collector, and one of the very best publications, Back Issue Magazine.  Each issue spotlights a different comic’s theme and #26 is a “Spies and Tough Guys” issue that features a Black Widow cover by Paul Gulacy.   The highlight of the issue for me is Dan Johnson’s interview with Gulacy and Doug Moench, the creative team behind one of my favorite comics from the 1970’s Shang-Chi, Master of Kung-Fu.  This title was unlike anything else produced in the 70’s when a title rarely survived more than a couple of years if it didn’t have a guy in a cape.  Moench and Gulacy talk about how the series was developed and their influences.  Evidently, Marvel got the rights to Sax Rohmer’s Fu Manchu character for a pittance and used the yellow menace as a backdrop for their James Bond-esque action/espionage series.  There is also an article about a proposed Nick Fury/Shang-Chi crossover that was to have been done by Moench, Gulacy, and Jim Steranko, but unfortunately the project fell through.   Another great interview is Mike Gagnon’s talk with Howard Chaykin about the now defunct Atlas Comics.  Not the Atlas of the 50’s that would become Marvel, but the Atlas started by former Marvel Comics founder Martin Greenberg in 1974.  Determined to beat Marvel at their own game, Greenberg hired some of the industry’s biggest talents, offering higher pay rates.  But almost as soon as it started, Atlas came crashing down like a house of cards and none of their titles reached beyond four issues.  As a young comic fan, I though I’d be selling those first issues for a gazillion dollars when I was older… Other articles feature a history of James Bond in the comics, the rebirth and death of Eclipse Comics’ Airboy, Michael Browning’s wonderful look at The Suicide Squad, the history of The Black Widow, and much more.  This is one of the most well written magazines around today.  Grade A    

For the past year I had been doing a weekly review column at The Comic World News.  With that site soon shutting down, I am now happy to bring the column over to Shotgun Reviews and to an even wider audience.  Shotgun is a great site and I haven’t utilized it enough.  As always, feel free to comment or e-mail me anytime. 

Eve: Vampire Diva #1 (Arcana Comics) Written by Frank Laperch; art by Ash Jackson.  My first thought when opening Eve was that the art reminded me of the Ralph Bakshi animated film Cool World.  It had that sort of funky, cartoony look to it and it caught my attention right away.  Eve is an aging pop star, now finding herself having to compete with modern Britney Spears types.  Eve is seemingly patterned a bit after Cher, at least from a brief flashback to her hit recording days.  Times are tough for Eve; the only gigs her agent can get her are reality shows and singing the national anthem at NASCAR races.  Oh, and Eve is also a vampire, but a good one.  She’s an outsider on the Vampire Council but the first one they call when there is trouble.  And boy have they got a job for eve this time!   

Eve’s a fun book…nothing terribly deep or meaty but certainly entertaining.  Eve’s and interesting character and I like the plot of her being a near has-been singer.  One often wonders what happens to former pop divas (Donna Summer anyone?)  Jackson’s caricature-like style was enjoyable and his color palette was particularly interesting.  Grade B 

Witchblade #115 (Top Cow) Written by Ian Edginton and Ron Marz; Art by Sami Basri.  You know I had never been a Witchblade reader until just about a year and a half ago.  Over the past year the title has seen a number of dramatic changes.  The original wielder of the Witchblade, Detective Sara Pezzini gave up the artifact when she became pregnant.  Danielle Baptiste, the daughter of Sara’s captain became the new holder.  Sara’s unborn child became a pawn in the ages long warn between The Darkness and the Angelus with both sides trying to claim the child.  This story played out in the recent First Born three issue mini-series.  The baby, Hope, showed remarkable powers of her own, rejecting both of the combatants and ending the war for the time being.  Sara also took back half the Witchblade, leaving both her and Danielle each sharing a portion of its power. 

The last few issues have been what I call “taking a breather” issues following the events in First Born.  Sara is adjusting to life as a new mom while Danielle is getting her own life in order while becoming used to the power of the Witchblade.  She also has a new boyfriend who is taking more than a passing interest in the ancient artifact.  The breather is up next issue when a new storyline begins along with new regular artist Stjepan Sejic.  Sejic was also the artist on First Born and his fully painted art is breathtaking.  There is a level of richness that you just don’t get in traditional comic book art.  If you haven’t been reading Witchblade, now is the perfect time to get on board.  Grade B+   

He’s one of the true icons of the entertainment industry as well as one of the most renowned stars ever.  Ol’ Blue Eyes…Frank Sinatra.  His name is still synonymous with stardom.  Sinatra is one of those stars who will never fade away.  It’s not just that he left an enormous body of work in music, film, and television when he passed away, lots of stars did that.  But Sinatra has something only a handful of celebrities had, true charisma and a certain aura to him.  It’s what separates Sinatra and others like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, from the pack.   

With Christmas fast approaching, Little Brown & Co., has released a book that is sure to be a hit this holiday season.  Frank Sinatra:  The Family Album is a glimpse into the personal life of this legendary performer.  As the title implies, this book is photo album of Sinatra’s life.  His family has graciously supplied most of the photos in the book, a gift to his legions of fans.  The book contains over 100 color and black & white photos, tracing his life and career every step of the way.  Writer Charles Pignone provides the informative captions as well lively anecdotes that include comments from Sinatra himself as well as various friends and family members, all sharing their memories of Frank. 

What must assuredly be the most rare Sinatra picture shows as an infant, lying naked on a blanket, and even at that age, the eyes were already striking.  We see Frank as a kid on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey, riding his bike and also visiting the beach with friends along the Jersey shore.  My only regret is that we didn’t get to see Frank more as a child and the album quickly moves into young adulthood with his marriage to Nancy in 1939.  The happy couple are shown walking down the steps of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Jersey City.  It’s evident that Frank and Nancy were deeply in love as evidenced by the joyful photos.  Nancy notes that in those early days they were together 24 hours a day as Frank traveled from show to show for his blossoming career.  There’s also lots of pictures of Frank and his children having many fun times together. 

Much of the book is focused on Frank’s careers from his days as a big band crooner and later with his film and television career.  Frank is shown at lavish parties with a who’s who of Hollywood including Jackie Gleason, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Tony Curtis, Dean Martin, and many more.  Frank’s life truly lived up to the type of a legendary star!  Oddly though, there were no pictures of the Rat Pack together as one might have thought. 

The book comes full circle as an older Sinatra becomes a Grandpa.  Frank’s status as a true family man is cemented as he plays with his granddaughters Angela and Amanda, building snowmen, sledding, and hanging out in the swimming pool.  Amanda reveals that Frank was a big fan of the “Jeopardy” TV show.  A star to the very end, this book presents a unique and personal look into the life of one of the 20th century’s greatest stars.  A fantastic tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes!

Chad Michael Ward’s “Autopsyrotica” was one of the most interesting art books that’s had crossed my desk in a long time.  Darkly haunting, viscerally intimidating, Wards blend of digital photography and art overstepped all boundaries.  Ward is now back with his latest visual indulgence entitled “Devilengine” published by NBM.  The digital art medium has given birth to a new generation of genius artists who create well outside the normal confinements of fantasy art and Ward is among the leaders.  Part horror, part erotica, and part fantasy, his work shuns traditional labels and stands on its own…it just…IS!

Devilengine is 80 pages of decadent, and often unearthly delights that terrify even has they mesmerize the viewer.  The first piece to catch my eye is the demonic “The Unholy Trinity.”  The face of a Catholic priest is photographed with three distinct expressions, each showing another level of savagery, and then morphed together as one giving the subject three perfectly blended faces.

Angels and demons play a central role in Wards art but he puts his own special perspective on them, humanizing them to a degree that often makes them more imposing.  “The Ethernaut” gives us a shining angel which nearly blinds the reader with her shimmering hair and luminescent silver gloves and breastplate.  The book includes art that Ward has done for numerous projects including DVD cover art, gaming book covers, and more.  Ward’s art can probably sucker you into renting even the lowest grade B movie.

The final chapter are untitled pieces of perhaps his darkest, yet most enthralling work.  These include nude photography that is the anti-glamour response to typical art collections.  These women are dangerous and yet powerfully seductive.  The model called Cenopussy is shown spattered in what we will assume is buckets of blood with her fingers down her throat as if she’s gobbling down the last bit of something…or someone…Deviengine may not be for everyone, but for those with a taste for the dark side of things and a truly talented artist, this is one you must not miss.  $18.95 from NBM

Outside of perhaps only Marilyn Monroe, no female has been the subject of more mystery and more obsession than Bettie Page.  Page’s career last only about seven years from 1950 to 1957.  During that time Page worked as a model in everything from traditional pin-ups to fully nudes to bondage and fetish motifs.  Page was also the Playboy Playmate of the Month in January, 1955.  Page abruptly left the business in 1957, citing a conversion to Christianity although that has been disputed by many.  What isn’t disputed is the indelible impression she’s made on the males of the species for over fifty years, continuing to enjoy incredible popularity.  If you need further proof, there is this great new release from Dark Horse Books.  This book contains over 300 very rare photos and pieces of art not only of Bettie, but other notable pin-up queens of the 50’s and 60’s such as Sophia Loren, Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren, Ursula Andress, Brigitte Bardot, and many others.

Many of the Bettie photos were taken by amateur photographers and are being seen for the very first time.  These include both black and white and full color photos, numerous nude shots, and bondage/fetish photos.  This is exhibit A as to why Bettie was and remains so popular.  Despite many of the photos being taken by amateurs, they never come off as seedy.  This is in large part due to the fact that Bettie had that inexplicable next door girl look and always seemed to have a smile on her face no matter what the pose.  The published photos come from such long-forgotten men’s magazines as Eyeful, Tid Bits, Wink, and Titter.  The other interesting thing about Bettie’s photos is their relative innocence.  Again, with many being produced by amateurs they were taken not in studios with sets but rather in everyday homes or apartments and it gives them truly a personal touch.

The book covers the very early period of nudes in magazine and in film including very rare photos from foreign films of the 40’s and 50’s.  There’s a spectacular shot of a topless Sophia Loren from the 1953 Italian film “Two Nights with Cleopatra.”  The 50’s saw an explosion in men’s magazines, which are detailed in the chapter called Pin-up Wars.  There were literally scores of men’s magazines, both domestic and foreign, flooding the marketplace and a competition of sorts began between American and European pin-up models.  Dozens of cover’s are reprinted and it brings home just how voracious this battle became.  There are chapters devoted to the most famous sex symbols:  Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Bardot, Gina Lollobrigida, and Kim Novak which feature shots from both film and photo sessions.  Finally, the book concludes with the photos that would earn Bettie the notorious label…her bondage and fetish shots, again many being seen for the first time in any collection.

This is an exquisite collection not only for Bettie Page fans, but also for any fan of 50’s and 60’s pin-ups.  The photography is brilliant and artfully reproduced by Dark Horse.

With the DVD release of Shrek 3 just around the corner, Insight Editions has released a beautiful new book with the collector or avid fan in mind.  Shrek:  The Art of the Quest is a lavishly illustrated hardcover book featuring previously unpublished art from all three of the mega blockbuster films.  This includes black & white sketches, storyboards, concept art, models, 3D art…just about everything an Ogre fan could ask for, all in an oversized hardcover that comes in a handsome slipcase. 

The first thing you will lay your eyes on are some rare glimpses into Shrek himself and how the initial concept drawings looked far different than the final product.  Among those providing some of these concept drawings is longtime comic book artist, Mike Ploog.  All of the films major characters are covered including Donkey, Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, Prince Charming, and Merlin.  When you look through the pages you cannot help but be amazed at the intricacy of detail that these talented artists have put into their work.  There’s even blueprint drawings of the castle. 

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The enchanting art of Brian Froud takes center stage in a stunning new book from Insight Editions entitled “Brian Froud’s World of Faerie.”  This 176 page, coffee-table book is designed with the collector in mind.  As with every book from Insight Editions, no expense is spared in the design and layout.  As the title suggest, the book spotlights the whimsical world of the faerie, perhaps his favorite subjects.  His art has inspired the look of films such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.  This is a much-anticipated sequel to the original “Faeries” first published in 1979. 

As you read through the pages and are transfixed by Froud’s breathtaking art, Froud shares his inspirations with the reader.  From a mere stroll through an idyllic field, and noting details like the moss on a rock or a fallen hazelnut, Froud weaves a tapestry of the subtle and fantastic.  He can imagine these mythical creatures of magic fluttering about or perhaps hiding behind a tree or bush.  You are swept up into Froud’s world and his creations and there’s no way you can’t be awed.  The intricate detail of his art brings each scene to life.  You have to study and admire each piece closely because there is so much there…in the forefront and in the background.  The faeries, imps, sprites and pixies blend into their surroundings and it almost becomes one of those find the hidden picture puzzles you did as a kid.  Froud gives his interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, which can only be described as wonderfully bizarre and hauntingly beautiful.

Like many of the books from Insight Editions there are hidden little treats inside to be discovered.  There are smaller booklets affixed inside, foldout spreads, and a poster.

One such booklet called Peter & Wendy is Froud’s Peter Pan interpretation.  Other creatures of legend are on display such as the Green Man and Green Woman, those representations of nature and rebirth.  There are Unicorn Women, Giants, Trolls, and faeries of pure light.  This is a book of timeless magic.  Most of the art in the book is in full color with a little bit of sketch work as well.

This is Froud’s world.  He may not have created it, but he has perfected it without a doubt.  This is his haven and the creatures there seem only too pleased to be a part of it.  This is, dare I say it, even superior to the original “Faeries” in every way.  Check out the Insight Editions website to see more: Insight Editions

Having tried my hand at digital art with Photoshop, I have to say that I really…REALLY admire the hell out of artists who work well with it.  OK..I’m no trained artist but I’m still mesmerized by the technique when someone can master it.  One of those who has truly mastered digital art is Bruce Colero.  SQP has just released Heavenly Bodies:  The Art of Bruce Colero.  It’s my first time seeing his art and I was absolutely blown away.  Digital truly requires a whole different approach than traditional artwork.  The enhancements of light, shadow, and the use of color is so integral to digital art.  Bad technique stands out like a sore thumb while masterful technique is dazzling.

This 48 page collection is full color and shows off Colero’s vast talent with the female form.  The themes range from fantasy, to Sci-Fi, to horror and to comic books, each page featuring Colero’s dynamic artwork.  One painting that strikes you right off the bat is “And Lead us into…”  This piece shows off a striking female demon, nude but with flames swirling about her body in all the strategic places.  Now you really have to pay attention to the flames here.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen flames in a piece of art look as real as they do in this painting.  The coloring, the shape…you can almost see the flames moving around her body.  It’s a brilliant piece of art!

Another magnificent example is “Rio” showing a nude blond, with her back to the viewer, wading into knee-high water on a beach as the sun sets in the background.  The coloring and shading is just unbelievable.  You look at how the sun reflects off the water’s gentle ripples and you wonder how Colero manages to be so precise and so accurate in his rendering of this paradise.  The female form has rarely looks this good, even if it is a bit exaggerated in its perfection.

Highlighting the book for me is the inclusion of several well known subjects such as Lady Death, Vampirella, Elektra, and The Black Cat.  The Black Cat is perhaps my favorite piece in the entire book.  She sits crouched upon a building’s ledge, contemplating her next move but poised for action.  This is one piece of art that would like great on your wall.  “Heavenly Bodies” is a collection that any fan of pin-up or glamour art should own.  SQP has delivered another outstanding art collection!

Few things bring me as much joy as a new collection of art from the clown princes of naughty, Fastner & Larson.  Good ol’ Sal Q has unleashed Tricks & Treats on fans of pin-up, the latest collection from the duo, all in gorgeous full color!  The cover tells the whole story here as the gorgeous hottie is passing out candy to the eager trick-or-treaters, but take a look down by her feet…it seems as if some little ghoul or goblin has decided to go in search of his own special treat under her dress.  This is what these guys do better than anyone else…hot babes laced with naughty, yet fairly harmless humor.  In this regard they are really a throwback to some of those great pinup artists of the 50’s and 60’s such as Art Frahm.

As you might gather from the title, this is a themed collection with an emphasis on monsters and horror, and of course, gorgeous women.  All of the pieces in the book are titled.  A favorite early on is “There Goes Tokyo” as a miniature Godzilla blasts a jet of fire at the read end of a schoolgirl who has bent over to pick up one of her books.  There again is the patented F & L humor on display.  “Party at Monster Beach” features the Wolf Man battling the Creature from the Black Lagoon, with the winner getting the scantily-clad girl firmly in the Wolf Man’s grip.  What happens when you eat “Too Much Candy?”  You get put over the knee of a pumpkin-headed scarecrow and get a good spanking on your backside, that’s what!  That one is just great!

Spankings and bondage are a central theme throughout the book, and the fans of Fastner & Larson wouldn’t have it any other way.  Another great spanking piece shows a tiny little sprite or pixie holding a BIG paddle and ready to deliver the punishment to the very cute, human-sized blonde.  Another favorite piece is “Clawfoot Tub” showing a woman enjoying a nice hot soak in the bathtub, oblivious to the eye and tentacle poking out of the water.  In all the book is 48 pages with cover-to-cover full color.  One of the best books yet from Fastner and Larson and SQP!

If you’ve never seen one of Insight Editions books on films you don’t know what you are missing.  These are not just books that you read, but they are the next best things to actually seeing the films.  You actually can experience the movie through words and pictures but also through the dozens of little surprises that pop out at you as you journey through the pages.  The smash Broadway hit musical Hairspray came to the big screen in July to rave reviews from both film critics and fans alike.  Newspapers and magazines such as the Boston Globe, Chicago Sun Times, Entertainment Weekly, New York Post, and Rolling Stone all gave the film a grade of an A or an A-.  It just proves that film fans still love a good musical when its done right.

In conjunction with the film, Insight Editions has released their wonderful book that brings the film home to fans in a unique way.  Beginning with a foreword by John Waters, the book explores the making of the film from the original version, to the stage, and finally this Summer’s blockbuster re-make, all in full, bold color.  The book contains literally hundreds of photos from the film as well as exclusive, behind-the-scene shots of cast and crew.   John Travolta not only plays the most unique role in his illustrious career as Mama Edna, but he supplies own thoughts on the role and why he decided to do the film.  Travolta discusses his approach to the role in trying to make Edna a believable character, from her voice right down to how she walks.  From his words, you can see that John had a great time making this movie, particularly the climactic dance number.  Besides Travolta you’ll meet the rest of the fantastic cast such as James Marsden as Corny Collins, Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma Von Tussle, Amanda Bynes as Penny Pingleton, Jerry Stiller as Mr. Pinky, Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, and Christopher Walken as Wilbur Turnblad.  (Man!  That is some cast!) But this isn’t just some dry narration on making a movie.  As you begin to negotiate the pages you start encountering some of those surprises I talked about earlier.  There are all sorts of inserts placed in the book…faux posters for TV shows that were seen in the film, postcards that have nostalgic, period designs, cling-on stickers, and envelopes that you have to open that contain other special treats.  I’m not going to play spoiler, you’ll have to get the book and open them yourself!

There’s also great articles about the films song and dance numbers and lots of trivia about the early 1960’s like the top Juke Box hits of 1962, as well as styles of clothes and hair from the era.  From cover to cover this is just a treat for the eyes and will put a smile on your face.  A great collector’s book!