Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History Hardcover | Kindle
Written by Michael Klastorin with Randal Atamaniuk
Foreword by Michael J. Fox
Preface by Christopher Lloyd
Introduction by Bob Gale
Afterword by Robert Zemeckis
Harper Design | HarperCollins Publishers
Release date: October 20, 2015
This month marks the 30th anniversary of Back To The Future, the Robert Zemeckis-directed Steven Spielberg-produced film that went on to become one of the greatest and most beloved movies of our time, spawning two sequels that were equally enjoyed. In conjunction with this milestone, Insight Editions has released Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History, a coffee table-sized full-cover hardcover packed with details about the film trilogy, highlighted with behind-the-scenes photos, concept art, storyboards, and a host of removable collectible-type items.
Though Back to the Future was an instant hit when Universal Pictures released it back in 1985, it was a long road from concept to screen for director/screenwriter Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter Bob Gale. Though the filmmakers had a great idea for a film about a time-travel, their initial draft of the script was rejected by over 40 movie studios. A tidbit like that is hard to believe today when we see how deeply rooted the film is in today’s pop culture, but The Ultimate Visual History reveals their lengthy struggle, which also included their multiple attempts to get Michael J. Fox, who was locked in at the time to his schedule on the popular TV sitcom Family Ties, as the lead.
What if the power of belief shaped the world? What if your mirrored reflection could become strong enough to plot against you?
The answers to these questions exist in a sad angry world. Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher is an apocalyptic fantasy world novel, because there’s no way this could ever be our Earth. Three murderous thieving companions travel together from job to job – maybe job isn’t the word. Maybe stealing, killing, and kidnapping are more appropriate words. These three should have no redeeming qualities, yet somehow Fletcher makes you like them. I think he is using the power of belief to do so. Their next job is to steal a god.
There’s an old adage, still in use in this day and age, about not judging a book by its cover. It happens to be true. This writer can attest to many a dusty, worn tome that has yielded much more than he assessed at first glance on the shelves of his local library or used bookstore. The great thing about that old adage is that it applies to both sides of the coin; there are also a lot of books out there that promise much on the outside but tend to disappoint once you’ve delved deeper.
For those who have read my articles before, you know that I am an inveterate – and unapologetic – fan of anime and manga, and I am always eager to investigate any resource that purports to teach either the history of – or techniques surrounding – the genres of manga and anime. I’ve been a fan of both genres since before it was considered cool, when the only way you could learn to draw the style was to pick up a pencil and a sketchbook and copy of one’s favorite manga (or, if one was lucky enough, one of the various art books from overseas) and draw freehand from what you saw on the pages.
Richard Kadrey, author of the “Sandman Slim” series of novels, re-releases his very first effort, Metrophage: A Novel, 20 years after it was first printed, as a signed collectible paperback on November 4th.
This book not only brings back the classic dystopian “Last Ass” (future Los Angeles) with Jonny Gordon, forever injured and in trouble with the law and the outlaws (who’s who?), but also includes a Q & A with Cory Doctorow, science fiction author and journalist, and Richard Kadrey himself.
I love minutia. It’s a fact, I’ll never deny it. Digging into the history of not just what we write but also how we write really intrigues me. So much so that this isn’t my first review of a book that deals with this subject matter. But whereas my first review was really more of a historic journey through the changes that fonts have undergone, this one is a visual guide that truly explains the differences and presents examples of why and how that particular typeface should be used. The Anatomy Of Type: A Graphic Guide To 100 Typefaces is definitely a handy, not-so-little book to have around.
Most people take them for granted. They neither know nor care how this font or that font came into being. Well, this book isn’t for them. It’s for me…well, me and people like me (I know it’s frightening to believe there are others similar to myself, but there are…we are legion). Yep, it’s for every introvert and bibliophile who loves books for more than the words on the page. Of course, it might be for you, too. That’s really up to you, isn’t it? Not sure if it’s right for you? Then allow me a moment to convince you.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press
