Every year, this gift guide is offered as a shortcut to some of the best stuff out there. Maybe you want need helping pick out gifts or perhaps you want to give gift ideas to those who want to buy you something! I’m not here to judge.
This mini-column is just part one – we’ll roll up our sleeves and really get into this next week!
Undersea Explorers: Coral Reef Adventures
2-4 Players Ages 8+
Might a creative card game be what you are looking for? Imagine that you and your friends are researchers on a deep-sea submarine, collecting important scientific data on the creatures of this coral reef. Most of the time, you’ll explore the ocean world by turning over two cards and looking for a pair, but look out for unusual symbiotic pairs and a tricky octopus! Using your memory skills and your submarine’s special capabilities, you’ll explore the facedown cards of the sea, discovering undersea creatures.
Meg Stivison and Harold Sipe, the entrepreneurs behind Small Monsters, always come up with brilliant products and this is no exception. The game is available from Bridge Distribution for order to your local game and hobby stores and via Amazon!
Drafted: An Illustrated Memoir of a Veteran’s Service During the War in Vietnam
By Rick Parker
It was great to catch up with Rick Parker at San Diego Comic-Con. He’s brilliant creator and an engaging guy. Hearing about his newest project firsthand was worth the price of the whole convention. . It is apparent how much passion and creativity he’s poured into this one. Here’s the official copy:
From noted cartoonist Rick Parker comes his long-awaited original graphic novel memoir about his time in the United States Army, when he was drafted to serve during the Vietnam War
Drafted is a powerful graphic novel memoir by Rick Parker, a shy, inexperienced, and overly protected teenager who gets drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War.
The looming threat of deployment informs every aspect of his life, from the most ludicrous experiences to the grimmest tests of endurance. Initially determined to do his patriotic duty, Parker gradually comes to the realization that he is just not cut out for a military career and wants nothing more than to serve his time and return to civilian life to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
In telling this story, he shows how Vietnam was the last war in the United States that instituted the draft; how the draft affected those who served; and how we as Americans think of war and our soldiers once they return from service. Parker also shows how being an artist helped him to survive his time in the army.
Drafted is a compelling and unique graphic novel memoir, perfect for fans of Joe Sacco and Derf Backderf, and is sure to appeal to Parker’s dedicated followers and new fans alike—already proven by the response to the award-winning short film Rick Parker, I’m Afraid.
Publisher : Abrams Books (September 24, 2024)
Hardcover : 256 pages
ISBN-10 : 1419761595
Reading age : 16 years and up
Mars Attacks Skate Deck
by Tim Baron x Screaming Squeegees
Get ready to shred with this exclusive, hand-signed Mars Attacks! deck. Designed by legendary artist Tim Baron, the brains behind epic Tony Hawk designs, and hand-screened by the OGs at Screaming Squeegees. This isn’t just a board; it’s a piece of skate art, measuring in at a killer 31.5 x 9 inches, packed with Baron’s wild, unmistakable style and Screaming Squeegees craftsmanship that brings these iconic characters to life.
This deck is made for true collectors and hardcore fans. Whether you’re ready to thrash or just hang it on your wall, this is one deck you won’t wanna miss. Snag yours now—before they disappear!
Boards are printed and in stock and available here.
Next week : More from the With Further Ado Gift Guide
