"Alfredo Alcala is one of the most disciplined and perceptive artists inking in comics. The years of distinguished work have earned Alfredo a special place in comics history." — Gil Kane. In the late 1960s, an extremely talented group of Filipino illustrators took the American comic book industry by storm — and the late Alfredo Alcala led the way, working for both Marvel and DC on such popular characters as Conan the Barbarian and Batman. This unique work is loaded with amazing art and pointers on observational methods, composition, and other techniques. In addition to insightful interviews with Alcala, the book features pages from his groundbreaking masterwork, Voltar, which was hailed as a new concept in comic book form, an epic in narrative art, and a milestone in sequential art illustration. Students, professionals, teachers, and fans will treasure this inspiring volume and its insider's look at comic book artistry. "A wonderful look at the thought process of one of the best artist/inkers in comic book history and should be read, not just by comic book fans, but by anyone who appreciates great art." — Rushford Public Library

A fast-break history of basketball--from its humble beginnings to its all-time great players--featuring engaging true tales from the court and vivid, dynamic illustrations. Whether it's millionaire pros facing off in an indoor arena full of screaming fans or a lone kid shooting hoops on an outdoor court, basketball is one of the most popular and widely played sports in the world. The Comic Book Story of Basketball gives you courtside seats to the history of hoops. It chronicles the sport from its beginnings in a YMCA in Massachusetts to its current status as a beloved international game for men and women of all ages. Learn the true stories behind the college game, the street game, the women's game, and the international game, with legendary players and coaches like Dr. J, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Steph Curry profiled throughout.

Explains the science behind the practice of nei kung, the elemental nature of yin and yang energy--the two components of ch'i, and how learning to control the yang energy in our ch'i can result in the release of dynamic energy. • Establishes the existence and understanding of nei kung in the practices of many of the world's ancient cultures. • Includes a step-by-step guide to the meditation that forms the basis of the practice of nei kung. • By Kosta Danaos, author of The Magus of Java and apprentice to an immortal of the Mo-Pai tradition. In 1994 Kosta Danaos was accepted as a student by John Chang, a Chinese-Javanese Taoist in the Mo-Pai tradition and a master of nei kung, the practice of harnessing and controlling our body's bioenergy, or ch'i. Nei Kung: The Secret Teachings of the Warrior Sages describes the practice of nei kung and how learning to control our ch'i can result in the release of dynamic energy that can be used for healing, pyrogenesis, telekinesis, levitation, telepathy, and more. Danaos suggests that both components of ch'i--yin and yang energy--are fundamental to the earth and to life and were recognized and used in many of the world's ancient cultures. Though we have forgotten how to access them, these components are in fact elemental parts of us. The author explains that we first must open our minds to the fact that the power of ch'i is real. Next, in learning to control our ch'i as a whole, we must learn to channel our yang energy in productive ways--a potential we all possess. To help readers understand their capacity to connect with this inner elemental power, the author offers a fascinating blend of teachings that include sound scientific theories explaining much of the "magic" of nei kung. He also offers historical, linguistic, artistic, and literary proof of the presence and understanding of nei kung throughout the ages and a step-by-step introduction to several types of simple meditation--fundamental to directing one's ch'i. With his engaging storytelling and disarming humor, his physics-based explanations for seemingly mystical phenomena, and his reassurances that he's really no different from the rest of us, Kosta Danaos shows us that once we remember our capacity to harness our yang energy, we can change ourselves and our world.

This wonderfully unique collaboration brings together two masters of their fields, joining original words by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle with delightful illustrations by Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the acclaimed comic strip MUTTS. Every heartwarming page provokes thought, insight, and smiling reverence for all beings and each moment. More than a collection of witty and charming drawings, the marriage of Patrick McDonnell's art and Eckhart Tolle's words conveys a profound love of nature, of animals, of humans, of all life-forms. Guardians of Being celebrates and reminds us of not only the oneness of all life but also the wonder and joy to be found in the present moment, amid the beauty we sometimes forget to notice all around us.

This unique work, full of insight on composition and other techniques, features interviews with the legendary comic artist as well as pages from his masterwork Voltar. It also includes Introductions by Gil Kane and Roy Thomas.

"Account of how comic book heroes have helped their creators and fans alike explore and express a wealth of paranormal experiences ignored by mainstream science. Delving deeply into the work of major figures in the field - from Jack Kirby's cosmic superhero sagas and Philip K. Dick's futuristic head-trips to Alan Moore's sex magic and Whitley Strieber's communion with visitors - Kripal shows how creators turned to science fiction to convey the reality of the inexplicable and the paranormal they experienced in their lives. Expanded consciousness found its language in the metaphors of sci-fi - incredible powers, unprecedented mutations, time-loops and vast intergalactic intelligences - and the deeper influences of mythology and religion that these in turn drew from ; the wildly creative work that followed caught the imaginations of millions. Moving deftly from Cold War science and Fredric Wertham's anticomics crusade to gnostic revelation and alien abduction, Kripal spins out a hidden history of American culture, rich with mythical themes and shot through with an awareness that there are other realities far beyond our everyday understanding."--Jacket.

The industry-standard manual for aspiring inkers and working professionals returns in a new expanded edition. Gain insights into the techniques, tools, and approaches of some of the finest ink artists in comics, including Terry Austin, Mark Farmer, Scott Williams, Alex Garner, and many more. This expanded edition features new art and text by author Gary Martin and a bonus chapter on digital inking by artist Leo Vitalis. Also included are eight full-sized blue-lined art boards featuring pencil art by top comics illustrators, present and past, to use for practice or as samples to show editors and publishers. Along with pen, brush, and stylus, no inking tool is more useful than The Art of Comic-Book Inking.

Paige Turner has just moved to New York with her family, and she's having some trouble adjusting to the big city. In the pages of her sketchbook, she tries to make sense of her new life, including trying out her secret identity: artist. As she makes friends and starts to explore the city, she slowly brings her secret identity out into the open, a process that is equal parts terrifying and rewarding. Laura Lee Gulledge crafts stories and panels with images that are thought-provoking, funny, and emotionally resonant. Teens struggling to find their place can see themselves in Paige's honest, heartfelt story. Praise for Page by Paige “Gulledge's b&w illustrations are simple but well-suited to their subject matter; the work as a whole is a good-natured, optimistic portrait of a young woman evolving toward adulthood.” –Publishers Weekly

Peddar Zaskq and the Magicians of Lo propel you into a boundless realm beyond the physical universe. They must retrieve the diary of scientist John Skally before it falls into the wrong hands. It contains the Secret of Time. Should they fail in their mission, all time and motion will stop. Life will come to a halt!

Is there a divine reason the word "Avatar" emerged at the forefront of popular culture? Discover the original Avatars and learn how their ancient wisdom can change the way you view the world. Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar speaks to anyone concerned with the sustainability of Mother Earth, the role of elders in our society, the seemingly unconsciousness of science and corporations, and the subtleties of unseen realities, resulting in spiritual growth, a deeper relationship with nature, and a better world for all. An avatar is a manifestation of the Supreme Being—usually in human form—that descends from the transcendental realm to Earth to heal the planet and restore peace and harmony by eliminating the harmful souls that prey on Mother Earth. In Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar, Vedic expert and teacher Jeffrey Armstrong explains the ancient Indian wisdoms embodied in the word “avatar,” and that behind the notion of avatar is a view that sees the sacredness of all life and the soul of all beings as eternal—meant for freedom and made of divine essence.