The Must-Have List

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse — The Art of the Movie

Embark on a guided tour of the Sony Pictures Animation blockbuster through exclusive imagery and text collected from the production. Penned by Animag’s own Ramin Zahed, the vibrant 224-page hardcover features concept art, sketches, character designs and storyboards from the envelopepushing sequel to Miles Morales’ Oscarwinning 2018 adventure Into the Spider-Verse, as well as interviews with key creatives such as writers/ producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Pull up a chair and discover your new favorite corner of the multiverse web! [Abrams, $40]

Gurren Lagann Archives

Bust through the heavens with your soul, Gurren Lagann! Sixteen years after the original manga and anime series debuted, fans can dig into this tale of teens who escape their subterranean world in a powerful mecha and join the human rebels in a fight against the Spiral King! The 488-page paperback from studio Gainax is an epic collection of illustrations, designs for characters, vehicles, mecha

Mystical Medleys: A Vintage Tarot Poster Book and environments, as well as full-color art and rarely seen pieces. Treat yourself to true anime indulgence — and remember what Kamina said: “Go beyond the impossible and kick reason to the curb!” [Udon Ent. | $60]

Ed Hooks’ Acting for Animators (Fifth Edition)

The essential guide to creating empathetic and dynamic character performances, fully revised with four new scene-by-scene analyses (Flee, Soul, Porco Rosso and The Triplets of Belleville), updated “Classroom Notes” section and access to an online database of all of Hooks’ previous film analyses. [Routledge | HC $160 | PB $49 | Dig. $38]

Tap into the surreal appeal of old timey toons with this perfect blend of the adorable and the occult. Based on artist Gary Hall’s best-selling Tarot deck (avail. from Sterling Ethos for $24), this book is packed with removable prints to brighten up any empty wall and draw the eye of fortune upon you favorably. [Liminal 11 | $23]

The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Power Up Edition

Replay the epic video-game adventure whenever you like with this multi-format release of the year’s biggest box-office hit yet! In addition to the eye-popping Illumination/Nintendo animated feature — directed by Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic and featuring an all-star cast led by Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlie Day — the set includes making-of and cast featurettes, the “Peaches” lyric video and a field guide to the movie’s hidden levels. [Universal | 4K $30 | BD $25 | DVD $20]

One Piece Film Red

Toei Animation’s global anime hit (the #1 film in Japan for 2022) comes home with the full Straw Hat pirate gang in tow! The franchise’s 15th

Gotta Catch ‘Em All!

A pop culture phenomenon meets ancient craft techniques in the fascinating exhibit POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft , on view at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles from July 25, 2023 to January 7, 2024. The show features 70+ artworks by more than 20 artists reimagining the hit brand through ceramics, textiles, metalwork and more. [japanhousela.com] feature anchors on a performance by Uta, the world’s most beloved singer, and her surprising ties to Luffy. Bonus features include A Faint Memory! Luffy and Red-Haired’s Daughter Uta!, A Pledge for the New Genesis! Luffy and Uta!, The Captain’s Log of the Legend! ‘Red-Haired’ Shanks! and more. [Crunchyroll | BD $23]

South Park: Seasons 21-25

With audio commentary by Trey Parker & Matt Stone, deleted scenes and art gallery.

[Paramount | BD $47 | DVD $23]

Animal Treasure Island

1971 feature directed by Hiroshi Ikeda with key animation by Hayao Miyazaki, new to Blu-ray. [Discotek | BD $25]

Elemental

Table Top Fun

Immerse yourself in a fantastical world of adventure in Avatar: The Last Airbender — Crossroads of Destiny, a new board game for ages 10+ (2-4 players). Team up with friends to play as Team Avatar (Aang, Katara, Sokka and Toph) on a quest to defeat the Fire Nation as you navigate story encounters and level up through combat challenges inspired by the iconic animated series. [Funko Games | $33 | funkogames.com]