Exploring the Matrix: Visions of the Cyber Present

Description

Timed to tie in with the 2003 theatrical release of The Matrix: Reloaded the second film in the blockbuster Matrix film trilogy, Exploring the Matrix presents a collection of insightful, original essays by today's top cyberpunk, science fiction, and comic book writers on the impact the Wachowski Brothers' famous Matrix films (and cyberpunk in general) has had on popular culture and science fiction. Additional bestselling and award-winning authors include: -Pat Cadigan -Joe Haldeman -Walter Jon Williams -John Shirley -Alan Dean Foster -Dean Motter. Exploring the Matrix includes stunning original art by digital artist Robert Zohrab and work from some of the top illustrators in the comics field, making this blockbuster book a must for every fan of the Matrix films.

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Customer Reviews

Visions of the cyber present or the future?
Terrorist or freedom fighter? Reality or just a whiner's view of life? Red Pill or Blue Pill? The Chosen One or a Teenager's wet dream? Explore the Matrix, from the science to the myth, and find out if it is what you thought it was. Great book to read before watching the next two films. Even better to read after them and see how many nails the authors' hit on the head. David Brin, Joe Haldeman, Alan Dean Foster, and Kevin J. Anderson. Young and old masters of the science fiction story. Lets dive into the book and see how THEY see the Matrix.

2008-11-25 (Alexandria, VA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Matrix and Cyberpunk science fiction
This book was very entertaining. Although it is a bit misleading, the book discusses Cyberpunk fiction more than the Matrix. But that is what I enjoyed about this book. The collection of essays is fun and goes through some great largely unknown books of sci-fi. The Cyberpunk genre is cultish but a personal favorite of mine.

If you like the Matrix this is a good book but don't complain about sidetracking to other topics of interest, because that is what this book does.

2008-03-30 (Reno, NV USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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The Matrix examined by science fiction authors
This is a very interesting book, with essays written by several science fiction and cyberpunk authors, like John Shirley, Bruce Sterling, Stephen Baxter and others. Some essays are great, others are so-so, but all in all, it is definetly worth its price.

2008-02-08 (Salvador, Bahia Brazil) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Pse, pse
At first sight, it promises large hours discovering philosophical and scientifical bases of matrix, but this book contains a very short review in comparision with other products avilable at amazon. Try anotherone, it will be better for you, for your time, and your money.

Bye!

2007-01-16 | jaesparza.blogspot.com (Zaragoza, Spain) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Essays Are Wealth of Ideas
The essays written by these successful science fiction writers are all very interesting in thier own right. Thier review of the movie is also helpful to gain a deeper insight into its meaning, or lack thereof.

2004-12-03 | Klaatu | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Transitions: The Art of Todd Lockwood

Description

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Customer Reviews

dragons and exquisite horror
I have found Todd Lockwood to be an artist with an inimitable sense of humor, and great to chat about. I had purchased his book "Transitions"; available almost nowhere, from Amazon. What a fantastic collection to have in one's library. He executes dragons immaculately, as well as the swarthy slayers, buxom women, and assorted bestial anamolies. He has rendered one of my favorite horror pieces, the Spell Rune Golum, and a close second is Ghost. The Golum is a formidable apparition of sticks and cloth and assorted bits of rubbish and toss-away things (doll heads, plastic spoons, etc). I brings to mind the Spell Golem creature made famous by Stan Winston, Pumpkinhead, and is equally frightening,; as shown on the face of the young woman ensnared in it's grasp. It's featureless face appears to be howling to the storm, a beastial cacophony. Get this book before it disappears forever. Genius.

2009-08-25 | architectural archivist (lakewood, california) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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OUTSTANDING
Wow, I just loved this book. I keep refering back to it. I think the artwork is fantastic. His passion for dragons really shows.
This is a very inspirational book and excellent art all around!

2006-10-03 | Real Paint (Boulder, CO) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Good fantasy art
The cover - that female figure in front of a burning phoenix - gives a fair idea of what's inside. The drawing is outstanding and varied. There are science fiction scenes, fantasies with demons and dragons, sword-and-sandal, and lots more.

The real surprise for me was the huge and detailed black and white drawings. Pencil is a seriously under-rated medium. Lockwood shows just how much expression and detail the medium can support.

Still, the world of fantasy art is a large world. It is populated with people like Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Frank Frazetta, and too many others to name. Lockwood's work is creative and competent. I just don't see the spark in it that would let his work stand next to the greatest masters of the field.

2004-05-19 | wiredweird (Earth, or somewhere nearby) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4

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Wholesome Fantasy Artwork
Transitions is simply incredible. Page after page of stunning fine-art paintings featuring some risque but quite discreet costumes. Wonderful portrayals of the human condition under inhuman conditions! Fantastic creatures in analytic detail brought to you by a master illustrator - the Art Director behind Dungeons and Dragons 3rd Edition.

There's decades of painting skill on display here. Well worth the cost and certain to be a sought-after collectible. Mine is remarked with a personal note - also available via the artist's website: http://www.toddlockwood.com

2004-05-06 (Longmont, CO United States) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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MUTANT LEGACY (Mutant Season Series)

Description

Years after the mutant beings have finally assimilated themselves into society, a phenomenon begun in the New Mexico desert forces mutant leader Joachim Metzger and others to guide the tide of human destiny.

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Customer Reviews

Great Service
I would definitely buy from this seller again. Quick service. In good shape.

2010-05-23 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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After all this build up, nothing really special
This final volume of the Mutant saga continues the story of Rick and Julian Akimura and their half-sister Alanna. Years have passed since Mutant Star, and Rick has spent this time living in the desert of America's Southwest, using his amazing powers to help ordinary people, and trying to atone for his father's death. Over time he has accumulated a cadre of devoted followers, and formed the quasi-religious service organization known as Better World. Rick's twin brother Julian is worried that Rick can't handle the pressures of fame, power, and success, while the Mutant Council fears a backlash against all who possess psychic abilities. Alanna is still trying to deal with her own frustrations, and finds solace in serving Rick, but finds him just as aloof as ever. Is Rick's utopian vision doomed to failure? Can Julian and Alanna accept their new positions in Rick's life? Will sinister forces at work within the Mutant Council put an end to Better World forever? Or will the non-mutant populace revolt against those who would manipulate their minds?

While less irritating than Mutant Star and more noteworthy than Mutant Prime, this book suffers from being rather slow. The flashback structure eliminates any real suspense the story might have had, so while the narrator tediously describes each minor event that builds up to the climax, the reader, who already knows what's going to happen, may be anxious to get on with it. A lot of space is devoted to Julian's ideological transformation, as might befit a novel of ideas; but instead of a clear discussion of the serious philosophical issues it raises, Haber gives us a star-crossed love story that ignores the very real objections one might have to allowing humanity to effectively become a subject race.

Certainly anyone who enjoyed the first three Mutant books should be happy enough with this conclusion; it has the same sharp characterizations leavened with internal turmoil and romantic sexuality, but readers who thought the original Mutant Season was 'just okay' won't find any great revelations that justify reading the whole series.

2001-12-12 (Pennsylvania) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 4

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Kong Unbound: The Cultural Impact, Pop Mythos, and Scientific Plausibility of a Cinematic Legend (Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World)

Description

In 1933, Merian C. Cooper, Ernest Schoedsack, and Willis O'Brien created more than movie magic. King Kong is a pop-cultural icon and a central part of American mythology. But more than just another "Beauty and the Beast" tale, Kong Unbound also allows us to examine such themes as:

• The Great Depression and America's place in the world
• Kong as Avatar of Repressed Sexual Energy
• Kong as a Symbol of Slavery and Racism
• Kong as Alternate Paleontology
• The Triumph of Technology over the Natural World

These themes and more are explored in this wonderful collection of insightful essays by:

Ray Harryhausen

Ray Bradbury

Karen Haber

Richard A. Lupoff

Christopher Priest

Robert Silverberg

Jack Williamson

Harry Harrison

William Stout

Paul Di Filippo

Esther M. Friesner

Howard Waldrop

Frank M. Robinson

Pat Cadigan

David Gerrold

Philip J. Currie

Joe DeVito

Alan Dean Foster

William Joyce

Michael Chabon

Maurice Sendak

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Customer Reviews

The Perfect Title for the Perfect Book
The curious reader that selects this unique, well written, detail filled, and often heartfelt collection of nostalgic memories shared by the chosen authors within will enjoy a wonderful surprise page after page. Whether you are a historian, classic Hollywood filmbuff, "Saurian" scientist, or devoted Kong fan, there is inevitably something of interest for everyone. The chapters are actually essays, primarily written by male authors, artists, and scientists, who begin their tales with the memory of seeing the 1933 epic movie for the 1st time, then conveying how it impacted their lives. The title, "Kong Unbound- the Cultural Impact, Pop Mythos, and Scientific Plausibility of a Cinematic Legend," is exactly what each writer tackles essay after essay. In addition, compelling questions about the details of the, "Beauty and the Beast," story are brought up, and solutions are offered, while supplying trivia about Hollywood at the time, the stars of the film, and what was going on in American history during the era that the movie was released. A plethora of knowledge is also shared with regards to other King Kong films and novels that have attempted to rival the epic original.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and was sorry to read the last essay, because it was so interesting from cover to cover. I am a science teacher now, and my history teacher while in college suggected the themes mentioned in the title towards a thesis paper. If only this book were available at the time. I look forward to a volume 2.

2006-06-23 (Austin Texas) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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Monkey Business
Let's forget for a moment what it means for a 48-year-old man to not only purchase a book titled Kong Unbound: The Cultural Impact, Pop Mythos, and Scientific Plausibility of a Cinematic Legend, but to then cavil about its quality. What did I expect, a tome to the cinematic simian on a par with Agee on Film?

With that little mea culpa out of the way, this volume features a dozen and a half essays by some pretty notable figures, most of them in the field of speculative fiction, all of them pontificating on the modern myth that is King Kong. A fine idea -- if only a lot more care had been invested in the execution of the project.

Witness the book itself: printed on cheap paper, rife with typos and formatting errors. Didn't anybody proof this thing before it went to press?

Regarding the content, while a handful of the essays are interesting and entertaining, too many of them traverse the same ground ad nauseam. Material incessantly overlaps and we're presented with the movie's plot way too many times (would anybody who didn't already know the film by heart be reading this book in the first place?). Karen Haber, who is credited as the editor, should have shaped the material, organized it in such a way that there wasn't so much repetition, and presented it in such a fashion that each piece complemented the next.

Some of the information provided is just outright incorrect, such as Harry Harrison's comments on the special effects in Creation, the aborted RKO film that would eventually become King Kong: "They were created by Willis H. O'Brien, assisted by a youthful Ray Harryhausen, who virtually invented stop-motion special effects for film." The problem being that Harryhausen, who indeed would go on to work with O'Brien on Mighty Joe Young in 1949, was only 12 years old at the time of Creation. Didn't anybody fact check this book before it went to press?

While some of the writers, like David Gerrold (who here invokes the fun of his books The Trouble With Tribbles and The World of Star Trek), approach the subject with tongue-in-cheek reverence, too many of the essayists seem to have seized this book as an opportunity to confess for their sin of ever having enjoyed King Kong, what with all its scientific and technical inaccuracies and improbabilities, in the first place. In those instances, the book reads like an interminable treatise on why there isn't a Santa Claus.

Robert Silverberg's essay, "The Magic and Mystery of Kong," shines, speaking to the child in all of us. He successfully draws from art and literature to examine Kong's popularity and longevity.

The "conversation" about King Kong that closes the book, between William Joyce, Michael Chabon, and Maurice Sendak, is fairly pointless. We're not apprised of its context (were they on a conference call, onstage, sitting in a bar?), and what's been provided appears to be nothing more than a transcription, with Chabon mostly contributing "Uh-hum" and "Right." Once again, the editor abrogated her responsibility in helping organize and render this material more meaningful.

Sadly, even Ray Bradbury and his best friend Ray Harryhausen's opening essays are disappointments, amounting to not much more than fan letters to Kong. Too sentimental, they are of little value towards understanding the subject at hand. Much better in this vein is artist Joe DeVito's childhood remembrances in "King Kong: A Kid's Tale."

Speaking of Ms. Haber (who is married to Robert Silverberg), she goes on and on in her introduction about the co-opting of King Kong, yet apparently isn't troubled by the "Kong Official Movie Merchandise" labels plastered on the front and back of her own book.

Perhaps part of the problem is that Ms. Haber only commissioned science fiction and science writers to write about the classic 1933 film. While indeed the prospect of modern-day dinosaurs and a giant ape are indeed the stuff of science fiction, Kong, what with its dark dream imagery, remains as much a horror story. I can't help but wonder what the likes of Stephen King or Clive Barker could have contributed in terms of how the film insinuates itself into our psyche and wraps itself around our deepest fears.

Money would be better spent on the The King Kong Collection, a two-DVD set that includes the newly restored and digitally mastered 1933 original film, commentary tracks, and numerous intelligent and informative documentaries about the making of the film; included, too, are the films Son of Kong and Mighty Joe Young. While Son of Kong unfortunately stands as RKO's quick-buck effort to capitalize on King Kong's success, and Mighty Joe Young is arguably nothing more than New Age Kong redux, the original film, the one that started it all, not only speaks for itself -- it roars.

[...]

2006-03-19 (Brooklyn, NY) | Helpful Votes: 10 | Rating: 2

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Kong Transcendent
KONG UNBOUND (The Cultural Impact, Pop Mythos, And Scientific Plausibility of a Cinematic Legend) is a collection of essays inspired by the original 1933 KING KONG. The book shouldn't be dismissed as another rushed, media tie-in to the Peter Jackson remake; there are some genuine pieces of interest by noteworthy SF writers and illustrators. The best of which are those by Robert Silverberg, William Stout, Philip Currie, and Joe DeVito. The latter's personal recollection is one of the best-- capturing the impact of the film on a small boy in the 1960s. The other contributors add the usual quota of "phallic symbols" and "rape analogies," and other pieces are either silly or downright wrong. Contrary to what Richard Lupoff writes, co-director Ernest Schoedsack was never a member of Merian Cooper's Kosciuszko Squadron. And Paul DiFilippo diminishes the extent of Ruth Rose's contribution to the original's screenplay despite the fact that 90% of the final dialogue was hers! Christopher Priest, meanwhile, reveals an almost snobbish contempt by attacking the "amateurish" acting and linking the "trashy appeal" of the screenplay to pulp fiction. Despite these and other weaker pieces, the greatness of the immortal Kong shines through. The contributions by Ray Harryhausen and Ray Bradbury alone make this a must-read for any fan of Kong.

2005-12-08 (Chicago, IL. USA) | Helpful Votes: 9 | Rating: 4

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The War Minstrels

Description

When her own powers are drained by a dark empath, Kayla John Reed assumes an alias and seeks refuge on a Free Trader ship, but an evil magnate is attempting to control all free trade, forcing Kayla to join the War Minstrel rebel troops. Original.

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Thieves' Carnival/the Jewel of Bas (Science Fiction Double, No 22)

Description

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