Stuff We Love

ON THE BOOKSHELF

Pocket Full of Colors - The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire [Simon & Schuster, $17.99]

›› This month, we are head-over-heels for this young readers’ biography of animation trailblazer Mary Blair. Penned by Amy Guglielmo & Jacqueline Tourville, the 48-page book recounts Blair’s life journey with a lighthearted, fantastical flair while not shying away from the obstacles she faced as a rare woman (and modern artist!) at Disney. This brief but inspiring account is powerfully punched up by full-page, full-color illustrations by Brigette Barrager (Uni the Unicorn), whose admiration and creative kinship with Blair clearly shine through in each perfectly picked hue and bold brushstroke. A heartwarming wee volume for readers 5, 55 or 105.

70 Years of Greek Animation [ASIFA Hellas, €16/$19]

›› The Hellenic animation scene is on the rise, thanks to enthusiastic support from the national ASIFA chapter and growing international recognition. That’s why this bilingual book—200+ pages packed with information, imagery and interviews—is a valuable reference for those of us just catching on. The (at times dizzying) tome covers the local industry from its birth under German occupation through the 70th anniversary in 2015, plus the latest developments in education, new media, and aims for the future. Available at www.public.gr or through ASIFA Hellas.

El Libro Moushon! [Moushon!, $640]

›› If you can’t make it to Pixelatl or another of the high profile “South of the Border” toon events, Argentine industry watchers Moushon! have created a stunningly comprehensive (and extremely colorful) guide to all things de la animación Latinoamericana. The regional overview includes spotlights on studios—like Mexopolis, with in-depth interview with Jorge Gutiérrez & Sandra Equihua—events, navigating the industry and more. While it’s only available in Spanish, there is an installment payment option, so you can spread your funds between paying for the book and taking language lessons. Available at moushon.mitiendanube.com

The Big Bad Fox [First Second, $15.99]

›› GKIDS has just announced that it will be bringing the French animated feature to North America this winter, so it’s the perfect time to pick up the graphic novel from Benjamin Renner (Ernest & Celestine), who is co-directing the film. The comical tales follow a scheming fox who ends up an unlikely “Mommy” when the chicks he plans to fatten up for a feast imprint on him at hatching. Frankly, the cartoony watercolor illustrations are perfectly charming by themselves! Also available for Kindle from Macmillan.

GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE!

›› With all the kajillion-and-twelve mobile games coming out every month, it’s hard to keep up with the dedicated thumb-jockeys in the know. But when FoxNext Games and Jam City’s TinyCo released

Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow

this summer, we knew we had to check it out. Especially since it was created in partnership with series creator Matt Groening and his fellow exec producer David X. Cohen.

Featuring hilarious new space-faring stories from Futurama writers as well as fresh animation created by the show’s production house Rough Draft Studios, Worlds of Tomorrow is a multilayered parfait of gameplay. Build your own New New York, recruit and customize favorite characters (this reviewer audibly squealed unlocking George Takei), and complete space missions with a classic RPG blend of choose-your-own-adventure challenges and turn-based combat. The developers have also stayed true to their promise to grow the game universe with new characters and quests every week.

Your only regret will be having actual responsibilities that tear you away from your Planet Express delivery duties. Availalable on the App Store and Google Play for free, includes in-app purchases.

IN THE BAG

›› Toon fans who also happen to be fashionistas will love the new Rugrats X Danielle Nicole accessories line, available from the designer’s e-store and BoxLunch. We’re especially smitten with the Reptar Bar Pouch ($42) and dangly Cynthia Keychain ($14). The Nicktoon classic is DN‘s latest animation collaboration, joining the whimsical and wonderful Disney line launched last year and recent Pokémon collection for ThinkGeek. [shop.danielle-nicole.com]

›› Need something more practical for back-to-school season? ThinkGeek also has a sweet trio of exclusive Game of Thrones backpacks from Crowded Coop. The steel gray “dragon skin” and carmine red faux leather Targaryen Bowler Bag ($70) makes an especially cool fantasy nerd statement thanks to graphic crest patch and scattered pyramid studs. Is there anything more punk rock than “Fire & Blood?” [thinkgeek.com] ◆ —Mercedes Milligan