Last Updated on July 31, 2021
It's that time again; Holiday Gift Guide time! We kick off things with books and will also feature guides on videogames, blu-ray/DVD's, collectibles and apparel, Black Friday deals, and finish up with Cyber Monday deals!
If you're a geek like me, then you've probably got rows upon rows of pop culture books that hold a strong sense of nostalgia and importance to your nerd habits. From written works of fiction, behind-the-scenes art books, movie-related tie-ins, or comics and graphic novels, there's a bevy of book-bound goods that bring joy and happiness to satiate any fanboy/girl and help fill those lonely shelves. This year is no different, with plenty to offer in all those departments. Take a gander at some of the coolest (and timeliest) books for this Holiday season!
DISCLAIMER: These prices can be fickle, so there's no telling if and when a money-saving opportunity might end or if the price may change. So if you want something – snap that shit up quick! Don't wait, only to have Festivus roll around and discover you've nothing to give or the price suddenly changed and you no longer have the bread. And remember that if you want to support JoBlo.com, please use our links below for your purchases. We thank you in advance!
Die Hard: The Authorized Coloring and Activity Book ($10.48)
Adult coloring books are all the rage these days, so why not get in on the action…literally. This DIE HARD themed coloring book lets you recreate all of the best moments from the siege of Nakatomi Plaza using your Crayolas! Now all you need is a machine gun.
Archer is one of the most underrated shows on television. A no holds barred spoof of the spy genre, it is a blend of the best adult humor with massive amounts of blood and nudity. There are no shows that compare, but when you look at the quality of the animation in this beautifully illustrated book, you would think the show may actually be classier than it actually is.
Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History ($38.25)
This year is a sad one as not only does it mark the anniversary of Jim Henson's cult classic film but also the death of David Bowie. LABYRINTH has a devoted fan following and this lush book that covers everything about the movie is the perfect gift to celebrate this great cinematic fantasy.
Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters: Inside His Films, Notebooks, and Collections ($19.49)
While Guillermo Del Toro has struggled to get some ideas to the big screen, we have enjoyed his varied output over the years as producer, director, and writer. This book is a more cost friendly version of his more expansive book from a few years ago. Enjoy this illustrated journey into the depths of Del Toro's unique imagination.
Aliens: The Set Photography ($24.28)
Also celebrating an anniversary this year is James Cameron's beloved sequel to Ridley Scott's original ALIEN. Taking us on a behind the scenes journey into the filmmaking process for the second film, this book is chock full of rare photographs from the production and gives you a very special glimpse into the game-changing action film.
Star Trek: 50 Artists 50 Years ($31.42)
Originally a travelling exhibit that made a stop at this year's San Diego Comic Con, this book brings together fifty unique artistic intepretations of Gene Roddenberry's science fiction saga. Perfectly scheduled to wrap up the fiftieth anniversary of the original Star Trek television series, this is the perfect gift for the Trekkie on your list.
Feeding Hannibal: A Connoisseur's Cookbook ($18.04)
Bryan Fuller's short-lived NBC series gave us a very different version of Hannibal Lecter from the Anthony Hopkins performance. Filmed in a surreal manner that gave a distinct visual flair to the plating and display of food, this series took cuisine to a very uncomfortable level. Now, with this cookbook, you can bring some of Dr. Lecter's more stunning dishes to life, albeit with a lot less human flesh.
The Art of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ($34.68)
Coffee table art books are always nice additions to any library and there is no doubt that the retro modern look of the latest STAR WARS film will be a must own for everyone. I would be willing to bet this book will be on par with last year's FORCE AWAKENS book which means you can expect a lot of unused concept art that could make you think about the potential for even more films in a galaxy far, far away.
To Pixar and Beyond: My Unlikely Journey with Steve Jobs to Make Entertainment History ($17.32)
Pixar have long proven themselves to be a studio unlike any other with an eye for detail and quality unsurpassed in Hollywood. The long journey from George Lucas to Steve Jobs makes for an intriguing story and here is a tale written by someone who actually experienced the growth of the animation house from Lucasfilm to Disney.
MR. ROBOT: Red Wheelbarrow: (eps1.91_redwheelbarr0w.txt) ($21.98)
While Mr. Robot's second season may not have lived up to the first, it still opened the door for countless fan theories and alternate reality games to crop up. This book is a handcrafted recreation of Elliot's own journal featured in the series and is full of mysteries and other meta-references that will keep every fan overthinking for the months between now and the premiere of season three.
Star Wars Propaganda: A History of Persuasive Art in the Galaxy ($28.86)
STAR WARS is so beloved that we even enjoy cosplaying as the bad guys. From the Imperial March to Darth Vader and now Kylo Ren, the Dark Side of STAR WARS is rooted in real world history and this book explores how the propaganda within George Lucas' films has been exemplified in art.
Harry Potter: The Creature Vault: The Creatures and Plants of the Harry Potter Films ($26.01)
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM has inspired a new dearth of fictional creatures to be realized on the big screen. Enhancing the already vast world of Harry Potter, these creatures are brought together in this new book that gives you a detailed look at each animal and where it fits into the universe at large.
Turner Classic Movies: The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter ($17.00)
Books about the history of film are always fun to flip through. Lists of the best movies also offer fans a great jumping off point to get into the annals of cinema while also prompting geek-fueled commentary and discussion. TCM has long been a bastion of classic films and this tome is a great way for people to share the history of movies with a new generation.
The Godfather Notebook ($31.32)
Few films have as vast a following as THE GODFATHER and they will grab onto any detail they can find about the production of the trilogy. Francis Ford Coppola himself compiled this book that chronicles his personal journey to create his Mafia epic. Full of insight that only the filmmaker himself could provide, this is an indispensible look into the making of one of the most important films of all time.
A Life In Parts by Bryan Cranston ($16.07)
Every year, another actor puts their story to paper. This year, we have books from Taraji P. Henson and Anna Kendrick, but if you only read one, check out Bryan Cranston's. The award-winning man behind Walter White gives a hilarious and emotional ride through his life from supporting bit player to the critically acclaimed star of one of the best television shows of all time.
Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie ($155.00)
Ralph McQuarrie's concept art for STAR WARS is in itself worthy of a museum show and was resurrected for the designs used in THE FORCE AWAKENS. This pricey set of books pulling together hundreds of pieces of McQuarrie's work is a bargain. I guarantee you will look through this book for hours on end.
Young Frankenstein: A Mel Brooks Book: The Story of the Making of the Film ($25.49)
Mel Brooks is one of those directors who could make a terrible movie and it would be better than most of the films that actually hit theaters. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN may be his most perfect film and now gets the deluxe treatment in a book compiled by Brooks himself. Plus, there is an introduction by Judd Apatow who shares how Brooks helped shape his career.
A Monster Calls: The Art and Vision Behind the Film ($45.00)
There are a lot of books out there about the art behind the creation of a film, but most are related to Marvel, DC, STAR WARS, or the Harry Potter films. A MONSTER CALLS is by far one of the most visually distinctive films of the year and this book takes you into how J.A. Bayona translated a difficult book into a brilliant film.
The Art of the B-Movie Poster ($39.95)
I know I am not the only one who laments how poorly movie posters look today. Decades ago, some of the worst films had some of the best posters and they all relied on an artist using their creativity to bring these images to life. This book collects some of the best art from movies you likely have never heard of. Trust me, this book will have you look at posters totally differently than you do now.
The Oliver Stone Experience ($31.55)
Oliver Stone is an acquired taste but there is no doubting that his journey to become the controversial director he is was one frought with entertaining and bizarre stories. This book compiles everything from Stone's childhood through the creation of his most influential films and will leave you with a different view of the man than you had before you cracked the cover.
The Art and Making of The Flash ($21.42)
The Flash still has not made his way to the big screen yet, but his small screen incarnation is still one of the most fun shows on television. Now in it's third season, The Flash has debuted a number of characters never before realized on screen and given viewers a deeper look into DC's Multiverse and other variations of our world. This book gives us a look into not only how the special effects were achieved but how the writers and producers have shaped the visual style of the series.
Batman: A Celebration of the Classic TV Series ($34.38)
The 1966 Batman television series is the first version of the Caped Crusader that many kids experienced. This book celebrates the 50th anniversary of the show with a look into all of the campy goodness behind Adam West's portrayal of Bruce Wayne. Enjoy full color looks at all of the villains and enjoy the innocence of a Dark Knight that was not dark at all.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film ($26.48)
Love it or hate it, but Zack Snyder's superhero team-up has realized some elements of the DC universe, like Wonder Woman and Batman, in a way that fans have waited years to see. This book shows you what almost could have been if the production had gone a different way. Just take a look at the alternate versions of Doomsday, Aquaman, and The Flash!
Bad Dads: Art Inspired By The Films of Wes Anderson ($21.17)
The latest entry in the Wes Anderson Collection of books, this collects art inspried by the parents in the quirky filmmaker's movies. From Steve Zissou to Royal Tenenbaum, this is a book that every Wes Anderson fan will love and may convert some non-fans into checking out RUSHMORE, BOTTLE ROCKET, and even THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL.
On Story: Screenwriters and Filmmakers on Their Iconic Films ($19.95)
Stories directly from the mouths of filmmakers like Ron Howard, Callie Khouri, Jonathan Demme, Ted Tally, Jenny Lumet, and Harold Ramis, this book collects some of the best interviews to come out of the Austin Film Festival into a book that will give you insight and anecdotes on some of your favorite movies like L.A. CONFIDENTIAL, THELMA & LOUISE, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and many more. Hardcore film buffs and rookies alike will enjoy this book.
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