Stuff We Love

Stuf to Read

The Art of Invader Zim [Abrams Books, $35] Take a nice, long break from singing “The Doom Song” and get cozy in your invasion base to enjoy this welcome revisitation of one of the strangest, most rabidly enjoyed Nickelodeon cartoons of all time. Chris McDonnell (Steven Universe: Art & Origins, BoJack Horseman: The Art Before the Horse) is our guide through the history of indie comics artist Jhonen Vasquez’s big animated break. From the inception of the original 2001 series to last year’s Netfix movie Enter the Florpus, this all-access compendium delivers never-before-published artwork, photos and ephemera, along with exclusive interviews with Vasquez and key members of the crew across 240 beautiful designed pages. A must-have for any turn of the millennium “kid!”

The Garden of Words [Yen Press, $20] Acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai delves deeper into the story of his award-winning 2013 animated feature in this novelization, full of additional scenes and perspectives that reveal a whole new side to many of the flm’s characters. The story centers on teenager Takao, who prefers to spend rainy mornings in the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen gardens rather than in class. One day, he meets a mysterious woman named Yukino skipping work in his peaceful haven, and an unlikely friendship blooms. A touching — but not sugar-coated — refection on the struggle to fnd one’s path in life, which explores the dynamics of private connections and public expectations.

They Drew as They Pleased Vol 6: The Hidden Art of Disney’s New Golden Age [Chronicle Books, $50] Animation historian Didier Ghez’s landmark series chronologically retracing the creative evolution and great eras of Disney Animation wraps up with this fnal volume, covering the 1990s through the 2010s. Ghez’s extensive research into the Animation Research Library, Walt Disney Archives and private collections bring never-before-published artwork and behind-the-scenes stories to the page. The latest book, published in August, profles artists Joe Grant, Hans Bacher, Mike Gabriel and Michael Giaimo, enriching our appreciation of blockbuster hits from The Little Mermaid to Moana and chronicling the studio’s dramatic shift from 2D to CG.

Stuf to Watch

Ghost in the Shell 4K UHD Combo Pack [Lionsgate, $23] Celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed anime features of all time with this stun ning remaster in Dolby Vision / Atmos. Mamoru Oshii’s award-win ning cyberpunk thriller is accompanied by full-length audio commentary with English-language writer Mary Claypool, Eric Cal deron (producer/writer, Afro Samurai), Richard Epcar (voice of “Batou”) and animation historian Charles Solomon, plus brand-new featurettes Accessing Section 9: 25 Years into the Future and Land scapes & Dreamscapes — The Art and Architecture of Ghost in the Shell, all wrapped up with beauti ful new box art by illustrator Martin Ansin. [Sept. 8] Rick and M o r t y Season 4 [WBHE, $25 DVD | $30 BD] Buckle in and blast off on more wildly irresponsible adventures through the multiverse with Adult Swim’s favorite mad scientist and his feckless grandson. All 10 episodes from the 2019- 2020 season (including Primetime Emmy-nominated “The Vat of Acid Episode”) are tastefully complimented by a fight of bonus features: A Day at Rick and Morty: Inside Season 4, Creating Snake Jazz, Directing Rick and Morty, Samurai and Shogun, Prop Process, Character Creation, Animation Challenges and Inside the Episode for every adventure. [Sept. 22] Superman: Man of Tom o r r o w [WBHE, $25 BD | $40 4K] Daily Planet intern Clark Kent takes learning-on-thejob to new extremes when Lobo and Parasite set their sights on Me tropolis in the latest DC Universe Movie. Representing a fresh style shift in the 40+ flm series, over seen by DC animation veteran Butch Lukic as supervising produc er, Man of Tomorrow is directed by Chris Palmer from a script by Tim Sheridan and stars Darren Criss and Zachary Quinto as Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. The set boasts new featurettes on Lobo and Martian Manhunter, two new DCUM “Look Backs”, two Superman: TAS episodes from the vault, trailers and sneak peek at the next title. Pick up the Best Buy exclusive LE Gift Set and snag a fgurine as well! [Sept. 8] Weathering With You [Shout! Factory, $25 DVD | $30 BD | $35 LE SteelBook] Ma koto Shinkai’s worthy follow up to global smash hit Your Name. tells the remarkable story of a teenage runaway to Tokyo who one day meets a bright, strong-willed girl with a strange and wonderful ability: the power to stop the rain and clear the sky. Bonsu fea tures include “Weather Front” Featurette, Exploring Makoto Shinkai’s Filmography, Trailers & TV Spots, Talk Show: Makoto Shinkai and Yumiko Udo (BD only) and Interview with Makoto Shinkai (SteelBook only). (Also! Make a note on your holiday shopping list that a special Col lector’s Edition 4K combo pack is due in November.) [Sept. 15] ◆

— Mercedes Milligan