Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Conviction
by Aaron Allston

Promo copy:

Chief of State Natasi Daala has been overthrown, and the Jedi Order has taken control of the Galactic Alliance. But while the new governors dismantle Daala’s draconian regime, forces still loyal to the deposed official are mobilizing a counterstrike. And even the Jedi’s new authority may not be enough to save Tahiri Veila, the former Jedi Knight and onetime Sith apprentice convicted of treason for the killing of Galactic Alliance officer Gilad Pellaeon.

Meanwhile, Luke and Ben Skywalker are relentlessly pursuing Abeloth, the powerful dark-side entity bent on ruling the galaxy. But as they corner their monstrous quarry on the planet Nam Chorios, the two lone Jedi must also face the fury of the Sith death squadron bearing down on them. And when Abeloth turns the tables with an insidious ambush, the Skywalkers’ quest threatens to become a suicide mission.

Star Wars: Choices of One
by Timothy Zahn

Promo copy:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Timothy Zahn comes a brand-new Star Wars adventure, set in the time between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back and featuring the young Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa, and the beloved Mara Jade.

The fate of the Rebellion rests on Luke Skywalker’s next move. But have the rebels entered a safe harbor or a death trap?

Eight months after the Battle of Yavin, the Rebellion is in desperate need of a new base. So when Governor Ferrouz of Candoras Sector proposes an alliance, offering the Rebels sanctuary in return for protection against the alien warlord Nuso Esva, Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewie are sent to evaluate the deal.

Mara Jade, the Emperor’s Hand, is also heading for Candoras, along with the five renegade stormtroopers known as the Hand of Judgment. Their mission: to punish Ferrouz’s treason and smash the Rebels for good.

But in this treacherous game of betrayals within betrayals, a wild card is waiting to be played.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Ascension
by Christie Golden

Promo copy:

How long can the Jedi remain in power?
How far will the Sith go to rule supreme?
What chance do both stand against Abeloth?

As Luke and Ben Skywalker pursue the formidable dark-side being Abeloth, the Lost Tribe of the Sith is about to be sundered by an even greater power—which will thrust one Dark Lord into mortal conflict with his own flesh-and-blood.

On Coruscant, a political vacuum has left tensions at the boiling point, with factions racing to claim control of the Galactic Alliance. Suddenly surrounded by hidden agendas, treacherous conspiracies, and covert Sith agents, the Jedi Order must struggle to keep the GA government from collapsing into anarchy.

The Jedi are committed to maintaining peace and ensuring just rule, but even they are not prepared to take on the combined threats of Sith power, a deposed dictator bent on galaxywide vengeance, and an entity of pure cunning and profound evil hungry to become a god.

As regular readers of these pages know, the release party for The Steampunk Bible is this Sunday, May 1, 7-9 PM at the United States Art Authority in Austin, TX. Guests include co-author S. J. Chambers, me, contributor Jess Nevins and special guests Liz Gorinsky and Michael Moorcock.

As an aside to my Steampunk Bible essay on obscure Steampunk TV, I compiled this handy guide to all the shows that I mention and are currently available via streaming. I referenced Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crackle, Hulu, and Hulu Plus.

BraveStarr

Hulu

Fullmetal Alchemist

Hulu (only the first four episodes)

Netflix (All 51 episodes)

Jack of All Trades

Hulu

Last Exile

Hulu (only first four episodes)

Netflix (all 26 episodes)

Riese: Kingdom Falling

Hulu

Samurai 7

Hulu (only first four episodes)

Netflix (All 26 episodes)

Happy watching!

That’s only about half the shows I discuss. Be sure to check out the complete list and what I have to say about each show in The Steampunk Bible.

*Word of caution. This info is accurate as of April 29, 2011. The availability of streaming titles is nearly always in flux. YMMV.*

A Streaming Guide to Obscure Steampunk TV was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

As regular readers of these pages know, the release party for The Steampunk Bible is this Sunday, May 1, 7-9 PM at the United States Art Authority in Austin, TX. Guests include co-author S. J. Chambers, me, contributor Jess Nevins and special guests Liz Gorinsky and Michael Moorcock.

As an aside to my Steampunk Bible essay on obscure Steampunk TV, I compiled this handy guide to all the shows that I mention and are currently available via streaming. I referenced Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crackle, Hulu, and Hulu Plus.

BraveStarr

Hulu

Fullmetal Alchemist

Hulu (only the first four episodes)

Netflix (All 51 episodes)

Jack of All Trades

Hulu

Last Exile

Hulu (only first four episodes)

Netflix (all 26 episodes)

Riese: Kingdom Falling

Hulu

Samurai 7

Hulu (only first four episodes)

Netflix (All 26 episodes)

Happy watching!

That’s only about half the shows I discuss. Be sure to check out the complete list and what I have to say about each show in The Steampunk Bible.

*Word of caution. This info is accurate as of April 29, 2011. The availability of streaming titles is nearly always in flux. YMMV.*

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature
by Jeff VanderMeer with S. J. Chambers
Contributions from Desirina Boskovich, G. D. Falksen, Rick Klaw, Jess Nevins, Kake von Slatt, Bruce Sterling, and Catherynne M. Valente
Design by Galen Smith

Promo copy:

The Steampunk Bible is the first book of its kind: a fully illustrated compendium that traces the roots and history of this subculture, from the work of its godfathers—Jules Verne and H. G. Wells—to the key figures who first coined the word that would spawn a literary genre and the vast community of craftsmen and artists who have translated that spark into a lifestyle with clothing and accessories.

This ultimate manual, filled with scores of illustrations and photographs, will capture a world seen through aviator goggles, including the history, literature, film, art, crafts, television, comics, and fashion created by Steampunks the world over. In these pages you’ll find a do-it-yourself project from Steampunk Workshop founder Jake von Slatt and interviews with Scott Westerfeld, author of Leviathan, and Sean Orlando, creator of the Raygun Gothic Rocketship. Steampunk fashion photographer Libby Bulloff captures different styles for sporting spats, cravats, corsets, and goggles, while Difference Engine co-author Bruce Sterling pens a user’s guide to the subculture.

Simultaneously an investigation of the roots of
Steampunk and a veritable who’s who of its key players, The Steampunk Bible encapsulates the past, present, and possible future of the genre.

My essay “Obscure Steampunk TV Moments” enabled me to be part of this magnificent book. In the short time since I received my copy, this beautiful book has ascended to a place of distinction and honor among my collection.

Luckily for those folks in Austin, S. J. Chambers will be in town on Sunday, May 1st and has arranged a special event with me, contributor Jess Nevins and special guests Liz Gorinsky and Michael Moorcock to commemorate the release of this extraordinary book. The signing/party/steampunk love fest, happens at the United States Art Authority, 7-9 PM.

Check out VanderMeer’s blog for more preview images of the gorgeous interiors.

Book received 4/25/11 Steampunk Bible edition! was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature
by Jeff VanderMeer with S. J. Chambers
Contributions from Desirina Boskovich, G. D. Falksen, Rick Klaw, Jess Nevins, Kake von Slatt, Bruce Sterling, and Catherynne M. Valente
Design by Galen Smith

Promo copy:

The Steampunk Bible is the first book of its kind: a fully illustrated compendium that traces the roots and history of this subculture, from the work of its godfathers—Jules Verne and H. G. Wells—to the key figures who first coined the word that would spawn a literary genre and the vast community of craftsmen and artists who have translated that spark into a lifestyle with clothing and accessories.

This ultimate manual, filled with scores of illustrations and photographs, will capture a world seen through aviator goggles, including the history, literature, film, art, crafts, television, comics, and fashion created by Steampunks the world over. In these pages you’ll find a do-it-yourself project from Steampunk Workshop founder Jake von Slatt and interviews with Scott Westerfeld, author of Leviathan, and Sean Orlando, creator of the Raygun Gothic Rocketship. Steampunk fashion photographer Libby Bulloff captures different styles for sporting spats, cravats, corsets, and goggles, while Difference Engine co-author Bruce Sterling pens a user’s guide to the subculture.

Simultaneously an investigation of the roots of
Steampunk and a veritable who’s who of its key players, The Steampunk Bible encapsulates the past, present, and possible future of the genre.

My essay "Obscure Steampunk TV Moments" enabled me to be part of this magnificent book. In the short time since I received my copy, this beautiful book has ascended to a place of distinction and honor among my collection.

Luckily for those folks in Austin, S. J. Chambers will be in town on Sunday, May 1st and has arranged a special event with me, contributor Jess Nevins and special guests Liz Gorinsky and Michael Moorcock to commemorate the release of this extraordinary book. The signing/party/steampunk love fest, happens at the United States Art Authority, 7-9 PM.

Check out VanderMeer’s blog for more preview images of the gorgeous interiors.

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Tattoo
by Kirsten Imani Kasai

Promo copy:

Her fate is in her flesh.

In an environmentally fragile world where human and animal genes combine, the rarest mutation of all–the Trader–can instantly switch genders. One such Trader–female Sorykah–is battling her male alter, Soryk, for dominance and the right to live a full life.

Sorykah has rescued her infant twins from mad Matuk the Collector. Her children are safe. Her journey, she believes, is over, but Matuk’s death has unleashed darker, more evil forces. Those forces–led by the Collector’s son–cast nets that stretch from the glittering capital of Neubonne to the murky depths below the frozen Sigue, where the ink of octameroons is harvested to make addictive, aphrodisiac tattoos. Bitter enemies trapped within a single skin, Sorykah and Soryk are soon drawn into a sinister web of death and deceit.

Dragon’s Time: Dragonriders of Pern
by Anne McCaffrey & Todd McCaffrey

Promo copy:

For the first time in more than three years, bestselling authors Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey, mother and son, have teamed up again to do what they do best: add a fresh chapter to the most beloved science fiction series of all time, the Dragonriders of Pern.

Even though Lorana cured the plague that was killing the dragons of Pern, sacrificing her queen dragon in the process, the effects of the disease were so devastating that there are no longer enough dragons available to fight the fall of deadly Thread. And as the situation grows more dire, a pregnant Lorana decides that she must take drastic steps in the quest for help.

Meanwhile, back at Telgar Weyr, Weyrwoman Fiona, herself pregnant, and the harper Kindan must somehow keep morale from fading altogether in the face of the steadily mounting losses of dragons and their riders. But time weighs heavily against them—until Lorana finds a way to use time itself in their favor.

It’s a plan fraught with risk, however. For attempting time travel means tampering with the natural laws of the universe, which could drastically alter history—and destiny—forever. Or so it has always been thought. But Lorana discovers that if the laws of time can’t be broken without consequences, it may still be possible to bend them. To ensure the future of Pern, she’s willing to take the fateful chance—even if it demands another, even greater, sacrifice.

Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles
by Kevin Hearne

Promo copy:

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Books received 4/21/11 Del Rey edition was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Tattoo
by Kirsten Imani Kasai

Promo copy:

Her fate is in her flesh.

In an environmentally fragile world where human and animal genes combine, the rarest mutation of all–the Trader–can instantly switch genders. One such Trader–female Sorykah–is battling her male alter, Soryk, for dominance and the right to live a full life.

Sorykah has rescued her infant twins from mad Matuk the Collector. Her children are safe. Her journey, she believes, is over, but Matuk’s death has unleashed darker, more evil forces. Those forces–led by the Collector’s son–cast nets that stretch from the glittering capital of Neubonne to the murky depths below the frozen Sigue, where the ink of octameroons is harvested to make addictive, aphrodisiac tattoos. Bitter enemies trapped within a single skin, Sorykah and Soryk are soon drawn into a sinister web of death and deceit.

Dragon’s Time: Dragonriders of Pern
by Anne McCaffrey & Todd McCaffrey

Promo copy:

For the first time in more than three years, bestselling authors Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey, mother and son, have teamed up again to do what they do best: add a fresh chapter to the most beloved science fiction series of all time, the Dragonriders of Pern.

Even though Lorana cured the plague that was killing the dragons of Pern, sacrificing her queen dragon in the process, the effects of the disease were so devastating that there are no longer enough dragons available to fight the fall of deadly Thread. And as the situation grows more dire, a pregnant Lorana decides that she must take drastic steps in the quest for help.

Meanwhile, back at Telgar Weyr, Weyrwoman Fiona, herself pregnant, and the harper Kindan must somehow keep morale from fading altogether in the face of the steadily mounting losses of dragons and their riders. But time weighs heavily against them—until Lorana finds a way to use time itself in their favor.

It’s a plan fraught with risk, however. For attempting time travel means tampering with the natural laws of the universe, which could drastically alter history—and destiny—forever. Or so it has always been thought. But Lorana discovers that if the laws of time can’t be broken without consequences, it may still be possible to bend them. To ensure the future of Pern, she’s willing to take the fateful chance—even if it demands another, even greater, sacrifice.

Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles
by Kevin Hearne

Promo copy:

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Jake the Dreaming Special Preview
Written by Adam Freeman & Marc Bernardin
Art by Andrew Jones

Promo copy:

Welcome to Slumberton, population 5,000 and boring – but not to 12-year-old Jake. Every day during his mundane tasks of school, homework and chores, Jake falls into daydreams powered by his imagination of untold adventure where he battles fantastic creatures in an epic dreamscape. Life is normal for imaginative Jake until Slumberton’s children start falling into permanent sleep. As Jake expands his imagination and discovers his hidden ability to travel through the dreams of others, it becomes clear that something is keeping the Slumberton children asleep. Whatever it is, Jake must master his newfound ability and harness his imagination to stop it before the whole of Slumberton is trapped in a perpetual nightmare.

An advance copy of the Free Comic Book Day edition is not a comic book story but actually a preview of the forthcoming illustrated young adult prose novel Jake the Dreaming. Not familiar with the artist or writers, but the images are gorgeous.

Abattoir Issue #4
Created by: Darren Lynn Bousman
Concept by: Michael Peterson
Written by: Rob Levin & Troy Peteri
Illustrated by: Bing Cansino and Rodell Noora
Cover Art by: Kyushik Shin

Promo copy:

After refusing to sell a house with a violent history to an eerie old man, Richard Ashwalt’s life is coming apart at the seams under mysterious circumstances. Now separated from his family and falsely accused of murder, Richard is at his wits’ end. Trying to make sense of what’s happening around him, Richard seeks Jebediah Crone, the man who began the course of events that have left Richard’s life in shambles and driven him to the brink of insanity. As Richard investigates Crone and the mysteries that surround him, the pieces of a horrifying puzzle begin to fall into place— but does he truly want to solve it?

Ryder on the Storm Issue 3
Written by: David Hine
Illustrated by: Wayne Nichols
Cover Art by: Francesco

Promo copy:

Ryder, Katrina and Monk are only a few steps away from eliminating the Daemon threat and the only thing that stands between Ryder and the Drone Queen is his mother, the Daemon Rebecca Danton. Can Ryder choose between his family and the human race before the Drone Queen unleashes her curse upon the entire world? The stunning conclusion to David Hine’s newest horror mystery ends here!

Comics received 4/21/11 Radical edition was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Jake the Dreaming Special Preview
Written by Adam Freeman & Marc Bernardin
Art by Andrew Jones

Promo copy:

Welcome to Slumberton, population 5,000 and boring – but not to 12-year-old Jake. Every day during his mundane tasks of school, homework and chores, Jake falls into daydreams powered by his imagination of untold adventure where he battles fantastic creatures in an epic dreamscape. Life is normal for imaginative Jake until Slumberton’s children start falling into permanent sleep. As Jake expands his imagination and discovers his hidden ability to travel through the dreams of others, it becomes clear that something is keeping the Slumberton children asleep. Whatever it is, Jake must master his newfound ability and harness his imagination to stop it before the whole of Slumberton is trapped in a perpetual nightmare.

An advance copy of the Free Comic Book Day edition is not a comic book story but actually a preview of the forthcoming illustrated young adult prose novel Jake the Dreaming. Not familiar with the artist or writers, but the images are gorgeous.

Abattoir Issue #4
Created by: Darren Lynn Bousman
Concept by: Michael Peterson
Written by: Rob Levin & Troy Peteri
Illustrated by: Bing Cansino and Rodell Noora
Cover Art by: Kyushik Shin

Promo copy:

After refusing to sell a house with a violent history to an eerie old man, Richard Ashwalt’s life is coming apart at the seams under mysterious circumstances. Now separated from his family and falsely accused of murder, Richard is at his wits’ end. Trying to make sense of what’s happening around him, Richard seeks Jebediah Crone, the man who began the course of events that have left Richard’s life in shambles and driven him to the brink of insanity. As Richard investigates Crone and the mysteries that surround him, the pieces of a horrifying puzzle begin to fall into place— but does he truly want to solve it?

Ryder on the Storm Issue 3
Written by: David Hine
Illustrated by: Wayne Nichols
Cover Art by: Francesco

Promo copy:

Ryder, Katrina and Monk are only a few steps away from eliminating the Daemon threat and the only thing that stands between Ryder and the Drone Queen is his mother, the Daemon Rebecca Danton. Can Ryder choose between his family and the human race before the Drone Queen unleashes her curse upon the entire world? The stunning conclusion to David Hine’s newest horror mystery ends here!

Last month in anticipation of the releases of Battle: Los Angeles, Mars Needs Moms and Paul, for Moving Pictures I compiled a top ten list of the best alien movies. Out of curiosity, I researched the streaming availability of the films. I referenced Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crackle, Hulu, Hulu Plus, and the Internet Archive. As a service to the Geek Curmudgeon faithful, I present my findings.

10. District 9

Netflix

9. The War of the Worlds (1953)

Currently not available.

8. Superman (1978)

Netflix

7. The Thing (1982)

Netflix

6. The Iron Giant

Netflix

5. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Currently not available, but Netflix does offer the excellent 1978 remake.

4. Alien

Currently not available.

3. Aliens

Netflix

2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Netflix

1. Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Currently not available.

Very disappointing. Only six available for streaming and only via Netflix. If you want to catch all of these films, you need to rent some DVDs.

*Word of caution. This info is accurate as of April 20, 2011. The availability of streaming titles is nearly always in flux. YMMV.*

Where to stream the Top 10 Alien Movies was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon