Comics creators such as Neil Gaiman, Sergio Aragones, and nearly 50 of the early members of the scene, tell the story of the secret origins of Comic-Con International: San Diego - from its humble beginnings to its rise as the largest convention of comic book fans in the world. It's also the story of the transformation of mainstream American pop culture into comic book culture over the past century.
For decades, people have asked the question: Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? But just who is this infamous and elusive globe-trotting thief? In this novelization, based on the Netflix animated series, Carmen shares her own backstory for the first time ever. Now, it's time to find out.... Who in the world is Carmen Sandiego.
The early 21st century has not been kind to California's reputation for good government. But the Golden State's governance flaws reflect worrisome national trends with origins in the 1970s and 1980s. Growing voter distrust with government, a demand for services but not taxes to pay for them, a sharp decline in enlightened leadership and effective civic watchdogs, and dysfunctional political institutions have all contributed to the current governance malaise. Until recently, San Diego, California—America's 8th largest city—seemed immune to such systematic governance disorders. This sunny beach town entered the 1990s proclaiming to be "America's Finest City," but in a few short years its reputation went from "Futureville" to "Enron-by-the-Sea." In this eye-opening and telling narrative, Steven P. Erie, Vladimir Kogan, and Scott A. MacKenzie mix policy analysis, political theory, and history to explore and explain the unintended but largely predictable failures of governance in San Diego. Using untapped primary sources—interviews with key decision makers and public documents—and benchmarking San Diego with other leading California cities, Paradise Plundered examines critical dimensions of San Diego's governance failure: a multi-billion dollar pension deficit; a chronic budget deficit; inadequate city services and infrastructure; grandiose planning initiatives divorced from dire fiscal realities; an insulated downtown redevelopment program plagued by poorly-crafted public-private partnerships; and, for the metropolitan region, inadequate airport and port facilities, a severe underinvestment in firefighting capacity despite destructive wildfires, and heightened Mexican border security concerns. Far from a sunny story of paradise and prosperity, this account takes stock of an important but understudied city, its failed civic leadership, and poorly performing institutions, policymaking, and planning. Though the extent of these failures may place San Diego in a league of its own, other cities are experiencing similar challenges and political changes. As such, this tale of civic woe offers valuable lessons for urban scholars, practitioners, and general readers concerned about the future of their own cities.
The daughter of a renowned inventor, Lily Leanchops' obsession with building a functional aircraft is put to the test when the Warthogs, piloting flying machines protected by dark magic, set out to claim Pigdom Plains for their own.
"[C]ollects the acclaimed and controversial web comic and zine. The foul-mouthed and hilarious stories here follow the life of Julia, a twentysomething woman living in San Francisco" from publisher's blog.
Something wicked this way comes. The three fates—Riata, Cait, and Smertae—have always been guiding and protecting Scotland unseen, indirectly controlling the line of kings according to the old religion. When there is a disagreement between the weird sisters, Riata and Smertae will use men as pawns, and Smertae will direct Macbeth to a crown he was never meant to have. This re-telling of Macbeth from the witches point of view is brought to life by Mairghread Scott (TRANSFORMERS: Windblade, LANTERN CITY), and illustrated by talented duo Kelly & Nichole Matthews. TOIL AND TROUBLEbrings a new and inventive take on the tragedy we all know and love.
How do you make a long-distance relationship last? Don't fall for your brother's best friend. While on deployment, Jake Murphy takes to online dating hoping to find someone to share forever with back home. His connection with a beautiful kindergarten teacher is everything he was looking for. That is, until he realizes she's his best friend's sister. After being dumped by her high school sweetheart, Ivy Brooks gets pushed into online dating by her well-meaning friends. Despite her reluctance, she hits it off with a handsome Marine. Too bad her brother would never be cool with her dating one of his friends ... especially after what happened last time. Jake and Ivy know they shouldn't keep talking, but late-night flirting and inside jokes leave them both glued to their phones. Their secret is bound to come out sooner or later. Will their love survive the fallout? If you like captivating chemistry, realistic military romance, and loyal friendships, then you'll love this unputdownable series by Jess Mastorakos. Believing in You is a clean romance set in the world of The San Diego Marines. Each book can be read as a standalone. Check out the rest of the series: Prequel: Forever with You - Vince & Sara (get it free at jessmastorakos.com) Back to You - Spencer & Ellie Away from You - Matt & Olivia Christmas with You - Cooper & Angie Believing in You - Jake & Ivy Memories of You - Brooks & Cat (Available for Pre-Order)
It’s the most adorable apocalypse ever! Based on the popular webcomic, this all-new stand-alone comics collection artfully blends post-apocalyptic sci fi, dry humor, and utter adorability. The human race has vanished replaced by innocent, playful, creatures called the Puramus. In this hilarious and epic graphic novel, short interlocking stories follow the purple pals as they explore their new home, form a mini-monarchy, and develop a modern society on par with 21st-century humans. A final act pulls us across time and space in the search for clues to the origins of the Puramus. Along the way, humor and intrigue abound: Can King defend his village when nobody understands what war is? Will Jingle work up the nerve to read her poetry at open mic night? Will Puffpuff ever stop floating? Based on the webcomic, We Are Here Forever is for fans of post-apocalyptic sci fi blended with dry humor and undeniable adorableness. Colorful and cartoony art will have you rooting for these cute critters through their absurd adventures...but are they really as harmless as they seem?
One warm Arizona morning, Daisy Jenkins was talking with God during her daily walk and lamenting to Him about the negativity, vitriol, and hatred permeating US news media. Whatever happened to kindness and goodness? Jenkins wondered. Why didn't newspapers and TV broadcasts ever highlight stories of love and support, especially in the wake of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic? Instead, American society was being bombarded with reporting on the violence, mass shootings, political wrangling, and racial injustice that kept our country angry, mistrustful, and constantly on edge. "God," Jenkins said, "somebody needs to write more about the positive things happening in our world today." God's answer was immediate: "You're a writer. Why don't you write something positive and stop waiting for someone else to do it?" As soon as Jenkins heard this call to action, she got to work. This book features thirty amazing men, ranging in age from twenty-two to ninety-eight, with heartfelt and inspiring life stories to share. Their experiences may not be a cure-all for the troubles of this world, but they offer us precious liberation, even for a short while, from negativity. They remind us that when we look for goodness, we will find that it is still alive and well and that it's high time we shine a brighter light on it to reveal the truth that the more we see the goodness around us, the more we allow others to see it within us.
