One of the most acclaimed writers in animation returns with this informal sequel to his previous books on indie animation, Unsung Heroes of Animation, Animators Unearthed, and Mad Eyed Misfits. In this collection, award-winning writer, Chris Robinson, looks at a wide range of films, topics (sex, censorship, cultural politics, programming, felt, gifs, VR, dogs) and filmmakers (Masaaki Yuasa, Xi Chen, Gil Alkabetz, Jacques Drouin, Bordo, Rosto, Joaquín Cociña, Cristóbal León, George Schwizgebel, Lizzy Hobbs, Andreas Hykade, Leah Shore, and many others). Eclectic, brief, fiery, and opinionated, Robinson’s gonzo-tinged writing will amuse, confuse, annoy, and maybe even inspire while, hopefully introducing readers to the wonders of independently-produced animation.

This study questions the widely held perception that books, as an artistic medium, are superior to and more respectable than film or television, sometimes considered frivolous and pernicious. Criticism of both the big and small screens often obscures their signal accomplishments and the entertainment and insight they provide. The author analyzes our distaste for these media--and the romanticizing of the printed word that accompanies it--and argues that books and films are in fact quite complementary. A broad survey of film and TV offerings explores what enacted narratives have taught us about the nature of childhood.

This book examines the state of the animation industry within the Nordic countries. It looks at the success of popular brands such as Moomins and The Angry Birds, studios such as Anima Vitae and Qvisten, and individuals from the Nordics who have made their mark on the global animation industry. This book begins with some historical findings, before moving to recount stories of some of the most well-known Nordic animation brands. A section on Nordic animation studios examines the international success of these companies and its impact on the global animation industry. This book is forward-thinking in scope and places these stories within the context of what the future holds for the Nordic animation industry. This book will be of great interest to those in the fields of animation and film studies, as well as those with a general interest in Nordic animation.

Experience the incredible adventure and heart-stopping romance of the Iron Seas in this thrilling steampunk tale from New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook. A former smuggler and thief, Ariq—better known as the Kraken King—doesn’t know what to make of the clever, mysterious woman he rescues from an airship besieged by marauders. Unsure if she’s a spy or a pawn in someone else’s game, Ariq isn’t about to let her out of his sight until he finds out… After escaping her fourth kidnapping attempt in a year, Zenobia Fox has learned to vigilantly guard her identity. While her brother Archimedes is notorious for his exploits, Zenobia has had no adventures to call her own—besides the stories she writes. But when she jumps at the chance to escape to the wilds of Australia and acquire research for her next story, Zenobia quickly discovers that the voyage will be far more adventurous than any fiction she could put to paper…