Archive for the ‘Buying’ Category

The newest and most eagerly awaited Serenity comic is coming November 24, and you can preorder it now for 20% off.

"The Shepherd's Tale" finally opens up the life of Derrial Book. Written by Zack Whedon based on Joss' outline and drawn by Chris Samnee, it'll be 56 pages and published in hardcover.

One of Serenity's greatest mysteries is finally revealed in Shepherd's Tale, filling in the life of one of the show's most beloved characters–Shepherd Book!

Who was Book before meeting Mal and the rest of the Serenity crew, how did he become one of their most trusted allies, and how did he find God in a bowl of soup? Answers to these and more questions about Book's past are uncovered in this original graphic novel by rising stars Zack Whedon (Dr. Horrible, Terminator, Fringe) and Chris Samnee (Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps, Daredevil). A pivotal chapter in the ongoing Serenity saga, Shepherd's Tale is also a rollicking, action-packed epic in its own right!

$14.99 in stores, but TFAW is offering preorders for $11.99. You definitely don't want to miss this one. He don't give half a hump if you're innocent or not. So where does that put you?

Been waiting to see this hit the stores for a long time, now.

QMx has just released the Serenity Architectural Cutaway Poster Set, a set of four extra-large, 32" x 24” full-color lithographs depicting our lady in all her glory. Lovingly hand-painted by sci-fi technical illustrator John Mullaney, it's packed with more goodies than you can imagine.

As one of the QMx Brain Trust that helped answer John's questions about layout and details from the show and movie, I've been fortunate enough to see the different incarnations of this over the last three years as it developed and I've been in awe every step of the way. (My critiques consisted mostly of "Oh my God," and "Wow, just wow," along with some vague mumblings about Early's airlock.) He put his heart into this, and it shows. The diagrams include Serenity coming and going, the shuttles and the Mule. It's a wonderful match for the Serenty Blueprints and should just about take care of that last little bit of blank space on your wall.

In addition to all the technical detail exposed in these 3-D cutaways, every inch of Serenity is decorated with the possessions of her crew. You'll find hundreds of personal effects throughout the ship – from Jayne’s Vera to Inara's favorite incense holder – it's all here, in meticulously hand-painted detail.

The set runs $39.95 plus shipping from QMx or $35.95 plus shipping from TFAW.com. Wherever you buy it from, stop by QMx, watch the making-of video, and download John's sketchbook so you can see what I've been drooling over since 2007.

Quantum Mechanix doesn't seem to be slowing down much when it comes to shiny new Serenity stuff, and I'm glad to see it. Two new items just hit the pre-order lists: a scary-accurate scale replica of the Mule, and a River maquette.

The Mule is just gorgeous.

QMx has produced the first ever exact scale model replica of the Flying Mule as seen in the movie Serenity. Measuring 14.5" x 10.75" x 4.5," the Mule replica is a highly detailed model, hand-painted to match the movie vehicle exactly, right down to the emblems and decals. Using the studio-supplied blueprints and AutoCAD model, plus extensive photographic reference, this Mule replica is the last word in accuracy.

Included with the Mule replica is a cast-resin diorama measuring 15.5" x 10.75" x 1." This hand-painted base simulates the sandy surface of some Border moon perfectly.

The QMx Mule can be displayed in one of two modes: CGI mode, where two heavy-duty acrylic posts are used to hold up the Mule, simulating the hover effect. And Backstage mode, with a replica of the dolly used to store the Mule between shots that you can set your Mule on.

Mules don't come cheap; retail is $349.95. But pre-order from TFAW.com and you can get it for $314.95 instead. Limited to 1,000 made, due October 27th.

Then there's the River maquette:

QMx has dedicated our first Big Damn Heroes animated maquette to the awesome that is River Tam. The Big Damn Heroes line of maquettes feature more mature anime-style designs, including realistic wardrobe, props and settings. Significantly larger than our best-selling Little Damn Heroes, the new line adds a serious edge to it's subject matter, offering a sexier, more heroic take on Big Damn Heroes.

River is captured in the midst of battle with the Reavers, her pose showing a dancer's grace while her expression (and a copious spattering of her enemy's blood) shows she means business. Great pains were taken to study both River's prop sword and axe as well as her dress and boots, all of which are recreated in precise detail. Even the detailed, hand-painted base invokes the lived-in quality of Whedon's Firefly and Serenity Verse.

Each River Tam maquette is cast in polystone resin and hand-painted, reflecting the high standards you've come to expect from a QMx maquette. River measures 6" tall by 6" wide without the base. The separately sculpted and painted base measures 5"x7"x1". River Tam is being offered in a limited edition of only 1,500.

River runs a bit more reasonable like, just $69.95 (or $62.95 if you preorder). Hits the streets running August 25.

I have to admit I'm not as excited about the River maquette as I should be, largely because I already have a statue of her from that scene. Granted, the pose, anime-ish style and (I'm certain) quality will be far superior to Diamond Select's doomed series, but I would have preferred to start this new line of maquettes with Mal or, hey, maybe one of the 4 characters who haven't gotten a single toy or statue yet. Just sayin'. Most likely when I see the others in the set I'll be more excited about this one.  Looks awfully good, though…

New at the Prop Store of London: a freaking engine from Serenity.

Well, from a Serenity model, anyway.

Well, the model they modeled the CG Firefly from, anyway. But still.

This is a master pattern of an engine for the model of the ship “Serenity” used in the 2005 Joss Whedon film of the same name. Engines such as this can be seen throughout the film as this piece was used as the pattern for the engines on the models used for the ship’s exterior shots. The engine features a domed top, and has a very futuristic mechanical design, reflecting the time in which the film is set: 510 years in the future. This unique piece is made of resin, hardened foam, is painted silver, and is in very good condition, offering collectors a rare chance to own a piece that was instrumental in creating the beloved ship!

Just $495, cheap to keep her in the sky.

A few months ago QMx announced their first official Firefly item (as opposed to their Serenity items, you see; they acquired the Firefly license from FOX). What could they do to make something cool, affordable, and personal?

A pocket-sized Firefly for your very own, of course!

About 2" long, made of solid metal with a pewter finish, it's solid and just a joy to look at.

Here's a pic of mine:

It's heavier and less fragile than I expected; you could drop this and not worry. I'm not sure I'd actually use it as a keychain, though, the reactor manifold strut things under the engine tends to catch on things in my pocket.At the moment it's dangling from my rear view mirror.

But it looks perfect. Made from the original digital files from the show, it captures the feel of our good girl nicely.

$9.99 plus shipping. QMx has them back in stock or if you'd rather you can buy it through Amazon .

Need to know where you go, out there in the black? Ben Mund and QMx have got you covered, at least as long as you stick to the New Canaan run.

The New Canaan run is favored by captains flying light- and mid-bulk transports for its diverse markets and exports. And for those who must occasionally live on the raggedy edge, its varied levels of law enforcement are a plus, as well. The route described in the 26 full-color pages of the Atlas spans 11 planetary systems, crossing from The Core through The Border to The Rim and back.

Using the same format as the successful Serenity Blueprints Reference Pack, the Atlas of the Verse includes maps and info about Londinium, Persephone, Beaumonde, Silverhold, Harvest (and Higgins’ Moon), New Canaan (and Lilac), Hera, Shadow, Ariel, Osiris and Sihnon, plus lots of "local color" for each. Learn about the ceramics available from Higgins Industrial, check out satellite maps of Eavesdown Docks, get a copy of the tactical map from the Battle of Serenity Valley and a lot more.

I've been privileged to see this developing over the last 2 years and I can tell you the attention to detail borders on the psychotic (but in a good way). Tons of insider easter eggs hidden among insanely detailed renderings and artwork. Ben has done an awesome job.

Available now for $39.95. 26 pages on 100-pound 12"x16" stock, spiral-bound.

You can get Browncoat money for free, though. As a nice little promotion for the Atlas, QMx is offering a PDF of the scrip paid to Independents during the war. Print all you like!

OK, not only is QMx offering preorders of their teased Firefly keychain — solid metal, pewter finish — for just $9.95, but if you order one before March 31 you'll get a chance to win a chrome one.

The Firefly Replica Keychain was created using the TV series' special effects files and carefully scaling them down to just over two inches. The keychain is cast in solid metal with a pewter finish and contains an incredible amount of detail – leaving no doubt that when you travel, you do it in Firefly style.

This is the first item QMx has prioduced with their new Firefly license (as opposed to their Serenity license) and it's seriously cool and very affordable.  You're gonna order one anyway, you know it. Might as well get in on a chance for an even shinier one.

Any day QMx will formally announce the upcoming Serenity Atlas, an amazingly beautiful work that shows you everything you wanted to know about traveling the worlds of the 'Verse, and also what Ben Mund's been beating his head out creating for the last two years. They're just waiting for printing and shipping details.

But for now you can get sneak peeks by following Ben Mund on Twitter. He's posting tiny factoids and changing his avatar every day to a new slice of art. So far:

@Qmxinsider Serenity Atlas sneak peek 3: Look closely: you'll see a Tall Card game in the Companion House. Think they play for garbage duty?

@Qmxinsider Serenity Atlas sneak tidbit 2: Eavesdown Docks shot (p7) includes an "Ariel" ship & two darkly dressed men you may recognize …

@Qmxinsider Serenity Atlas sneak tidbit 1: The actual prop peach can River hits Jayne with shows up on p15. Surprisingly, it's undented.

Please note that since he's starting these with @QMxInsider, the QMx Twitter feed, you'll need to follow both Ben and QMxInsider in order to see these tweets in your own feed. Or you can just go to Ben's Twitter page every day.

When the Atlas does get announced, you're gonna want it. I've seen it already and I want it.

DriveThruRPG.com has announced an amazing charity drive: Gamers Helping Haiti. Donate $20 to Haitian relief and get a coupon code for free copies of over 100 different RPG book downloads, including Margaret Weis' award-winning "Serenity."

DriveThruRPG announced a major incentive to the roleplaying gamer community today to incite donations to aid in rescue and recovery in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Called the "Gamers Helping Haiti Bundle," the product includes over a hundred products totaling over $1000.00 in retail value. For a simple donation of $20 – all of which goes to Doctors Without Borders to support their post-earthquake Haiti relief efforts – RPG fans can have this once-in-a-lifetime collection of gaming products.

Click here for more details. This is an incredible deal, and a great way to help out.

As reported last week, based on Jane Espenson's tweet about it, some of the writers from Firefly have been working on original short stories set in the Firefly universe. The writers include Jane, Jose Molina, Ben Edlund, and Brett Matthews, according to various reports.

Jane's story will be a short one, around 2,000 words. In an interview while promoting her new series Caprica, she said, "Oh, I just came up with a very clever little short story that involves Kaylee and Wash, two characters that we haven't seen together that much."

Jose Molina had mentioned his several times on his own Twitter feed: 'Working on my Firefly short story. Assuming Jane has finished and Edlund will write his 6 hours before it’s due."

While Titan Books is still not quite ready to announce it formerly despite Jane's leak ("to be fair, we did not ask her not to!"), they have verified to me that original stories will form part of "Still Flyin: A Celebration of Joss Whedon's Acclaimed TV Series," the third Firefly Companion book coming this spring.

"Still Flyin'" will include 'unseen photos, costume designs, behind the scenes secrets and much more," and if "much more" means new stories by these guys I want it even more now. Titan's previous Firefly Companions (reviews here and here) have been amazing collections of photos and articles with stuff I had never seen before, and it looks like this one will be even cooler.

"Still Flyin: A Celebration of Joss Whedon's Acclaimed TV Series" is scheduled to hit shelves April 27 and you can preorder it from Amazon for $13.46.