Where can fans meet up, get autographs from their favorite stars, and buy cool merchandise? They can do all these things at conventions. There are many things fans need to know before attending their first "con," and they'll find it all in this age-appropriate guide. The engaging text and eye-catching sidebars, graphic organizers, and colorful photographs highlight many kinds of fan conventions. Whether a young fan dreams of traveling to San Diego for Comic-Con International or plans to attend a smaller con in their city, this guide will make sure they're prepared.

The detailed craft of creating a unique costume, props, and makeup to bring both beloved and reviled characters to life has become a serious art form in the past decade. Today, cosplay is one of the hottest hobbies around, with huge international conventions and competitions making headlines around the world. In this volume, filled with insider info, helpful tips, spectacular color photographs, and dynamic graphics, readers learn not only how to enter the world of cosplay, but how to conquer it.

Steampunk isn't easy to define. Is it a literary genre, a fashion style, or a way of life? For many people, it's all three. The world of steampunk combines the look of the steam-powered 19th century with the technology of the present or ideas about the future. This fun way to bring history and STEM topics together is popular with people of all ages, and this helpful guide gives young readers essential information about steampunk, from its roots to ways to dress like a steampunk character. Vibrant photographs, detailed graphic organizers, and informative sidebars enhance this exciting reading experience.

Comic books have been popular for generations, and the success of films based on superheroes such as Wonder Woman and Black Panther has proven that their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. However, with so many series to choose from, the world of comic books can seem overwhelming, especially for young fans. This accessible guide is designed specifically for those fans. Featuring informative and engaging text, fun sidebars, and an eye-catching design that includes helpful graphic organizers, this essential resource encourages readers to appreciate the past, enjoy the present, and help shape the future of comic books.

The world of miniatures is huge! People of all ages enjoy assembling and painting scale models of characters for their favorite tabletop games. From warriors and workers to monsters and other mythological creatures, there are unlimited possibilities. This book explores several different types of miniatures, with a focus on where to find them, how to design them, and where to play with them. Other miniatures, such as dollhouses, fairy gardens, and historical dioramas, are also discussed. Vivid images on each page give readers a chance to see these tiny creations in great detail. Captions and sidebars provide more information about how to get involved with this fascinating and fun hobby.

There's no denying it: board and card games are hot right now. In fact, they're one of the most popular leisure activities around. Kickstarter, the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world, is packed with entrepreneurs developing new, innovative experiences, and the industry has become a multibillion-dollar giant in gaming and collectibles in a short amount of time. Readers no doubt have seen or heard of one or perhaps many of these games, but in this volume, they'll get the inside scoop needed to join, play, and win.

Robot battling is one of the hottest hobbies out there, with dedicated television shows, international stars, and crazy, freaky, metal creations. Now, the inside scoop on the wild world of robot battling is available to budding enthusiasts everywhere. Filled with insider know-how, action-packed graphics, and dynamic color photographs, this volume guides readers through this imaginative world of automated competition. The exciting yet accessible language inspires and engages with every turn of the page, ensuring this book will be a hit in any collection.

"The Comedy Film Nerds Guide to Movies" brings what has been missing from movie discussion for too long: A healthy dose of humor. This is the first time ever two filmmakers who are also comedians give their views on film. It will bring movie discussion to a younger audience in a way they can relate to it without all the stodgy film school discussion. This is a movie book for film and comedy fans, by filmmakers and comedians. In the way that Jon Stewart and Bill Mahr have brought comedy to politics, Chris and Graham will do this for film.

Alex, whose birthday it is, hijacks a story about Birthday Bunny on his special day and turns it into a battle between a supervillain and his enemies in the forest--who, in the original story, are simply planning a surprise party.

A movie guide for film and comedy fans, by filmmakers and comedians, for the movie lover with a good sense of humor. Tired of the usual boring, dry movie discussion? The Comedy Film Nerds Guide to Movies is something new. Is it serious movie discussion? Is it funny? Do the writers know what the hell they are talking about? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Okay, that’s too many yes’s, but you get the point. Graham Elwood and Chris Mancini, both professional filmmakers and comedians, created comedyfilmnerds.com to mind meld the idea of real movie talk and real funny. And they called in all of their professionally funny and filmy friends to help them. Comedians and writers who have been on everything from the Tonight Show to their own comedy specials tell you what’s what about their favorite film genres. While The Comedy Film Nerds Guide to Movies is funny and informative, each genre is given a personal touch. All of the Comedy Film Nerds have a love of film and a personal connection to each genre. Read about a love of film from an insider’s perspective. The Comedy Film Nerds Guide to Movies brings what has been missing from movie discussion for too long: a healthy dose of humor.