Whether you use it as the perfect stocking stuffer, for an office party gift swap, or you just want some convenient content to carry around in your backpack, publisher Insight Editions has the right book for you. For Harry Potter fans we reviewed the detailed MinaLima-designed treasure trove The Art of Harry Potter–Mini Book of Graphic Design a few years ago, and for superhero fans we looked at two volumes of the history of Wonder Woman in comic book covers. These are jam-packed books that literally fit inside your pocket, and the content spans the scope of pop culture and genre. Love Batman? Check. Mickey Mouse? Check. Beauty and the Beast and other Disney favorites? Check.
Today we have previews from four of Insight Editions’ books featuring Star Wars, one with the artwork of Ralph McQuarrie, a two-volume collection of Marvel comic book covers, and another with famous poster artwork that spans the 11 films. Typically available at $11.99 or less, it’s an inexpensive source for the visual details of the movies, production, and marketing that you’ve never seen before, and a quick gift idea for your favorite Star Wars fan.
. It’s fun for kids and adults (it says it is for 8 years and up), as can be attested to by yours truly and a certain local comic book shop owner I know. With flight times up to 5 minutes and recharges of only about 20 minutes, you can play with this straight from the box. Yep, it’s plug & play. The remote control has a 30 foot range and can hover forwards, backwards and sideways. Whoever designed this was a genius. It operates from a centralized rotor system as a helicopter, that allows it to hover over eight feet straight up and the controls allow for stable flights, that, with a little work, can reflect some sweet maneuvers. The body is styrofoam, which allows for lightweight lift and zero damage to objects in the house. Outside this will soar, too, although it is designed for indoor flight. It lists at $50, but I found a stack of these at TJ Maxx for $19.99. I’ve seen these at $50 still, too, so that TJ Maxx can’t be passed up.
. That’s right. Ice cube tray. As iconic imagery goes, what’s cooler than your own mini-Han, ready for Boba Fett to transport away… in his glass of iced tea. I hear this works well with chocolate, too. You can find these at comic shops and all over the Web for under $10.00.
. I flipped through this new book this weekend and it will hold any Star Wars fan’s attention with great photos and content. Impressive… most impressive. It was co-written by one of the creators of the Star Wars Vault, a good thing, and this feels like its own addition to the Vault series, including pull out items and inserts like film cells. It lists for $60, but you can get it on the Web for $30.
, which was released last year. It will take you a year to get through this as it is chock full of everything you want to know about your favorite Star Wars movie. Lots of great interviews, behind the scenes photos and insight behind the creative process of making a sequel to one of the biggest blockbusters of all time, like adding new characters and locations. This book is pricy, released at $85.00 you can get it for around $50.00 if you shop around. It will be worth it for the big Empire fan.
for your computer, iPad, car window, etc.? You can get one for everyone starting at $1.49 each. Would make a great stocking stuffer.
look just like the original packaging from 1978, only they include updated figures and new characters not originally available. These can be found anywhere–Target, WalMart, Toys R Us–starting at around $7.00 each.
. It includes the full Tie Fighter and X-Wing Fighter as well as two action figures. “Back when I was a kid” they didn’t include action figures. If bigger is better, then this set is the best. The price range on this one varies from $110.00 to $150.00.
