Stuff We Love
Stranding [Titan Books, $40] Uncover the secrets behind the much-lauded artistry and storycraft of legendary game creator Hideo Kojima’s latest feat. The genre-defying PS4 title follows a man’s journey across an apocalyptic landscape in a desperate bid to save mankind from extinction. Supernatural forces, spectral creatures and mass extinction threaten our hero — and offer the artists (including the acclaimed concept designer Yoji Shinkawa) plenty to play with. [Jan. 28]
Betty Boop’s Guide to a Bold and Balanced Life [Skyhorse, $20] From her origins as Fleischer’s iconic flapper to inspiring bold looks on 21st century catwalks, Betty Boop has resonated with fans for 90 years. This book draws on her classic cartoons to deliver lessons in self-confidence, independence, kindness, and other key elements of a fierce and fab life. The colorful 224-pager is penned by Susan Wilking Horan — author, attorney, businesswoman and three-time cancer survivor who with her husband Mark Fleischer and partners has helped Betty Boop attain soaring international fame in the new millennium — and writer/ inspirational speaker Kristi Ling Spencer. [Jan. 21]
PERSONA 5 the Animation: The Artworks [PIE International, $40] Fans of the hit game and anime series as well as aspiring animators, illustrators, and those just plain curious about how Japanese studios (specifically, CloverWorks) operate will surely have their hearts stolen by the “Phantom Thieves” in this long-awaited, complete reference. The oversized, 272-page tome collects development artwork for characters, props and backgrounds and never-before-seen illustrations, as well as an exclusive interview with director Masashi Ishihama. [Jan. 7]
Pogo by Walt Kelly: Clean as a Weasel - The Complete Syndicated Comic Strips Vol. 6 [Fantagraphics, $45] Take a mosey down to Okefenokee Swamp with the dear, funny critters of one of the 20th century’s most beloved and influential comic strips. This hefty hardcover presents 1959-1960, with all 104 Sunday strips in full color for the first time since their original runs. In this installment (also available in a double box set with Vol. 5), Albert Alligator and Beauregard Bugleboy fend off a man from Mars, Howland Owl investigates Communist espionage in the post office, and Fremount the Bugboy runs for president. Hm… maybe history a cycle... [Jan. 14]