Christmas is just around the corner, so let’s take a look at a few gift suggestions for the nerdery-enthusiasts on your shopping list. To begin:
LEGO MARVEL SUPER-HEROES (most major consoles)
While from a play-action standpoint, this doesn’t differ much from the earlier LEGO video games, the sheer breadth and variety available here makes this a must-have for the Marvel fan. With a free roaming New York City at the player’s disposal, you can unlock literally hundreds of Marvel heroes and take on dozens of missions while exploring Marvel Universe landmarks like Stark Tower, the X-Mansion, the Helicarrier, the Baxter Building and much, much more. So much fun.
PARKER: SLAYGROUND by Darwyn Cooke (IDW Publishing)
This latest in Cooke’s adaptations of Donald Westlake’s PARKER novels doesn’t disappoint. Here, Westlake’s brutal but honorable thief Parker finds himself trapped in a snowy amusement park closed for the season following a heist gone wrong, fending off both mobsters and crooked cops. The only thing that tops Cooke’s note-perfect adaptation of the narrative is his gorgeous flair for design, perfectly capturing the feel of an early 1960s amusement park. Let’s hope Cooke never gets tired of making these.
FUTURAMA, VOLUME 8
This is supposed to be the final season, but we’ve certainly heard that before. If so, they certainly went out strong, with this most recent batch of episodes being among the best of the Comedy Central run, including a final episode that will bring a tear to your eye. Plus there’s the usual great array of extras, which this time includes commentaries, docs and a tour of the Futurama Writer’s Room. We’ll miss you, guys — thanks for the great run.
STAR TREK: THE ART OF JUAN ORTIZ
Artist Juan Ortiz created ’60s and ’70s style theatrical posters for all 79 episodes of STAR TREK, and they’re absolutely beautiful. This is inspired work, collected in a gorgeous oversized hardcover. The next best thing to having them all on your wall.
CASTLE GRAYSKULL (Mattel)
I think the ad says it all, don’t you? This is a massive hunk of plastic, the kind you almost never see from toy companies these days. Beautifully designed and engineered, it’s hard to say no to freaking Castle Grayskull.
DOCTOR WHO: PRISONERS OF TIME – THE COMPLETE HARDCOVER COLLECTION (IDW Publishing)
As modeled by the lovely Chris Ryall
Okay, yes, it’s my book, but still: 12 DOCTOR WHO stories by 12 of the best artists I’ve ever had the privilege to work with, and all under a cover by the legendary Dave Sim. Now, granted, it will have to be a slightly post-holiday gift, as it’s slated to hit stores the week after Christmas. But still. Give it a look, won’t you?
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