Random House Worlds

Description

Batman matches wits with The Riddler and uncovers Gotham’s past in this sequel to Batman: Resurrection , set in the world of Tim Burton's iconic Batman . It’s summer, and Gotham City has cause for celebration. The last vestiges of The Joker’s toxic legacy have finally faded, just in time for the mayor to partner with retail magnate Max Shreck to stage a Fourth of July celebration for the ages. But not everyone is rejoicing. Batman’s eternal vigilance continues as threats from rival gangs and masked criminals escalate by the day. Meanwhile, on the streets, protests grow in opposition to the city’s lavish excesses. No one is experiencing the struggle between Gotham’s optimism and doubt more than Norman Pinkus. The Gotham Globe ’s humble copy boy, he’s the unacknowledged mastermind behind the newspaper’s mega-popular Riddle Me This word puzzles. But Norman harbors a secret. He is the smartest man in Gotham City, using his prodigious skills to solve crimes anonymously for years via the police tip line—before Batman even knows there’s a crime to solve. While neither fame nor fortune finds Norman, he believes in the promise of Gotham and what’s right . . . until he doesn’t. The man no one notices watches time and again as the city and its leaders cast their eyes high above the rooftops toward Batman. Dejected and unappreciated, Norman devises a scheme: With the help of dangerous new friends, he exploits the simmering tensions of the long hot summer to draw the Caped Crusader into a volatile game of riddles to crown Gotham’s true savior. As they clash, Norman—now known as The Riddler—and Batman will uncover hidden secrets about Gotham’s past that will have dire consequences for the city’s future.

Description

Wit and wisdom abound in this illustrated gift book from Fresh Cut Grass, Critical Role ’s favorite robot therapist! Join Fresh Cut Grass, an extremely helpful and empathetic robot, as they dispense hilariously unusual but well-meaning advice to the members of Bells Hells. As the adventuring party’s licensed therapist*, FCG grows frazzled trying to help everyone with every single problem that crops up—and soon realizes that they’ve forgotten one very important member of the crew: themself! With FCG as your guide, you’ll learn important gems such as: • Truth is like engine oil. It might taste bitter, but you gotta drink it!** • Do unto others as if you know what the word “unto” means. • And more! Written by cast member Sam Riegel and featuring beautiful, full-color illustrations by Thorn L. Knight, this is the perfect gift for Critters of all ages who need a friendly reminder that taking care of themselves is important in order to have a Smiley Day! *Not actually licensed or a therapist. **Do not drink engine oil.

Description

Deadpool’s Affirmations will make you laugh, want to kick a$$, and wonder whether you should have asked Wolverine for advice instead. I know what you are thinking: “Why would I take life advice from a mouthy merc in red spandex who treats villains like human piñatas?” Fair question! Here’s the thing—who better to teach you how to live than someone who PHYSICALLY CANNOT DIE? (Except a little on the inside when I see cute kittens.) I’m like a self-healing fortune cookie with katanas and a spectacular a$$. And if I can find meaning in an immortal life filled with endless injury and an internal monologue that never shuts up, I can definitely help your delightfully temporary self find purpose! Also, Wolverine is busy. Seriously though, buy this book. It has adorable illustrations of yours truly. And I have a chimichanga habit to feed.

Creative Team

Description

Juvelian’s fake boyfriend wants to date for real . . . but will she accept him after discovering his true identity? This manhwa adaptation of Hong Heesu's webnovel is now available in English print for the first time. Stunned by her contract boyfriend’s confession of real love and her aloof father’s unexpected display of loyalty, Lady Juvelian begins to wonder if her second life might have a happy ending after all. But her bubble is quickly burst at Princess Beatrice’s coming-of-age ceremony, where Juvelian’s unhinged ex, Mikhail, stirs up trouble yet again. When an unexpected hero saves the day, Juvelian learns that the person she fears most—the tyrannical crown prince—may be much closer to her than she realized. Meanwhile, Juvelian’s father is running out of options as he struggles to break free from the wicked emperor’s grasp. As Duke Floyen’s inner turmoil grows, he becomes all the more determined to protect his daughter, even if it means relying on the last person in the world he wants to trust. Volume 5 collects episodes 65–80 of the webcomic Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage .

Description

A full-color graphic anthology of short stories by some of the hottest creators in the field, FLIGHT, Volume Four is the newest addition to a great success story in graphic novel publishing. Since 2004, when the first Volume of Flight burst on the scene, the publication of subsequent volumes has become a highly anticipated annual event. Artists are constantly contacting Kibuishi (the editor of the Flight volumes and himself a contributor), asking to be included in the next volume of Flight . So it's no wonder Flight has ascended so rapidly in the graphic novel universe, becoming a fan favorite and developing a rabid following. Each contributor's story in the anthology represents a labor of love, and that fact shines through in the overall quality of the series. “With truly stellar art from masters of the field, this fantasy anthology is a must for comics connoisseurs and a delight to readers who like pretty stories.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review on Flight, Volume Three

Description

STORIES BY TODAY’S HOTTEST ANIMATORS Chris Appelhans• Matthew Armstrong • Neil Babra • Bannister • Chuck BB • Catia Chien • Tony Cliff • Becky Cloonan • Phil Craven • Matthew Forsythe • Alex Fuentes • Michel Gagne • Rodolphe Guenoden • Steve Hamaker • Paul Harmon • Ben Hatke • Azad Injejikian• Kazu Kibuishi • Khang Le • Reagan Lodge • Johane Matte • Bill Plympton • Dave Roman • Israel Sanchez • Rad Sechrist • Kean Soo • Yoko Tanaka • Joey Weiser “Regardless of where it’s shelved, this book belongs in every library.” — Library Journal , on Flight, Volume One “The sheer force of creative energy on display is impressive.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review on Flight, Volume Two

Description

Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love—the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone gets a romantic modern update in the gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus , including a brand new bonus short story! “The Underworld has a queen!” Persephone and Hades are finally reunited when the banished goddess of spring returns to the Underworld to claim her rightful place as queen. Now that Hades and Persephone have defeated and imprisoned the power-hungry Kronos once more, nothing can keep them apart, and years of being separated have only made their desire for each other grow. But the other Olympians can’t help but meddle, pushing the pair to make things official with a coronation—and a wedding. Ignoring the others who try to define their relationship, Hades and Persephone choose to take things at their own pace and focus on rebuilding the Underworld. They begin by investigating how Kronos was first able to escape, and they learn the horrifying truth that he has captured a powerful young god whose abilities help Kronos project his thoughts outside of Tartarus—thoughts he uses to plague Hera’s every waking moment. Though Kronos’s physical form is locked away, Olympus will never be free until they can rescue the child from the furious Titan’s grasp. To save the realms, Persephone must figure out her fertility goddess powers and embrace her role as Queen of the Underworld—even as it takes her further from her mother’s expectations and her former place in the Mortal Realm. This edition of Smythe’s original Eisner Award–winning webcomic Lore Olympus features a brand-new, exclusive short story from creator Rachel Smythe and brings the Greek pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel. This volume collects episodes 207–233 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus .

Description

Kitty Pryde, Betsy Braddock, and America Chavez race against time itself to save Jean Grey and the X-Men in this epic Multiversal adventure reimagining Marvel origin stories. So many worlds, so little time. Infinite possibilities, creating infinite realities. Long have I watched generations of mutants live in a world shaped by Jean Grey’s legacy. But what if . . . that legacy was cut tragically short, dooming the world to a future without the X-Men? What if . . . a watcher must do more than watch? The year is 1990: The X-Men all perished more than a decade ago, and Kitty Pryde is no hero. Emma Frost rescued Kitty from an obscure existence as a mere rebellious teen kicked out of boarding school, terrified of ever being discovered as a mutant. After growing up under the tutelage of the White Queen, Kitty is an apex predator of a superior species, yet she lives alone in a tiny, rundown apartment, preferring isolation to a knife in the back. What is her alternative? The world is what it is. But sometimes Kitty isn’t so sure of that. Sometimes it feels like she phases right out of her own life. Breathe in: She’s suddenly surrounded by friends she’s never known, living out events that never happened. Breathe out: It’s all back to normal. Kitty always shoves these flashes down, until someone from that other life finds her. This familiar stranger, Betsy Braddock, is a rambling confirmation that something is wrong with their world. Betsy has a wild theory and if it’s right, Kitty’s only shot at changing the present is to free-fall into the past. The girls follow a tenuous psychic trail back to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in its glory days and embed themselves with the X-Men. There they discover that the inflection point that will unravel their future revolves around a certain omega-level mutant, destined to become the Phoenix. But little do Kitty and Betsy know, they’re not alone in their search. The year is 1975: Jean Grey has weeks left to live. The Whisperer is coming. He has recruited an ally and accounted for every foreseeable variable. He will leave nothing to chance. He will lead this reality to its Doom.

Description

The kingdom has been breached. Beware The Griefer! Four friends must defend their shared world in this official Minecraft novel. With middle school starting, Lam Đặng is officially ready for a change. He loves to play Minecraft, embarking on epic builds with his crew—Jazz, Elias, and Britt—in their beloved shared world, the Kingdom of the Killer Bunnies. But Lam also wants to try new things and meet new people. So maybe going into sixth grade with a little distance from his old friends wouldn’t be such a bad thing. . . . Lam’s plans change, though, when mysterious letters show up in the gang’s lockers. Someone calling themselves The Griefer is threatening to destroy everything the Killer Bunnies worked so hard to build in the Overworld, from their magnificent castle to the surrounding village. If they don’t play The Griefer’s twisted game, everything will be lost. Lam may be ready for something new, but he’s not prepared to give up the old just yet. Following clues in both the real world and the Overworld, Lam and his friends race to beat The Griefer and save their kingdom, all while trying to puzzle out the identity of their new enemy. Who could do this to them? And, more important, can The Griefer be stopped before it’s too late?

Description

This stunning deluxe edition of Revenge of the Sith , the bestselling novelization of the final film in George Lucas’s epic Star Wars prequel trilogy, featuring: • Over 170 annotations and a new introduction by author Matthew Stover • A removable transparent acetate jacket with a foil-stamped silhouette of Darth Vader • A full-wrap illustrated book case beneath the acetate jacket • Red foil edges with black text of an iconic quote • Illustrated endpapers depicting two pivotal scenes • A red-satin ribbon marker • A belly band with the barcode and title details, fully removable to keep your book pristine “The best Star Wars novel.”— IGN Based on the story and screenplay by George Lucas, bestselling author Matthew Stover’s Revenge of the Sith novelization captures the iconic characters of Star Wars in all their complexity and brings a space opera masterpiece full circle. The pivotal final steps of Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side, the end of the Republic, and the rise of the Empire are rendered in stunning style. In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of Revenge of the Sith , this deluxe fully annotated edition features never-before-shared insights into the creation of a masterpiece, with over 170 annotations and a special new introduction by New York Times bestselling author Matthew Stover. “Widely regarded as one of, if not the, best novelizations in the series and possibly the medium.”— Gizmodo

Description

Go deeper into the groundbreaking Emmy-winning series with the complete, authorized scripts of Stranger Things: Season Three, including an exclusive introduction from the Duffer Brothers . MAX: I don’t understand. The Demodogs died when El closed the Gate. If the brain dies, the body dies — WILL: I know. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I’m wrong — MIKE: But we can’t take any chances. We have to assume the worst. The Mind Flayer is back. WILL: And if he is, he would want to attach himself to someone again. A new “me” — LUCAS: A new “Host.” It’s 1985 and love is in the air in Hawkins. Mike and Eleven are smooch-crazy, much to Hopper’s disgust. Dustin is back from summer camp with a girlfriend he keeps in touch with by radio transmissions. The towns’ moms are in love with shirtless lifeguard Billy; Nancy and Jonathan are a couple; and there’s romantic tension brewing between Hopper and Joyce. Meanwhile, Steve is working with a cool new friend, Robin, at an ice cream parlor in the town’s shiny new mall. Rats are mysteriously exploding around town. The Mind Flayer is possessing people, and the Russians are trying to open a new gate to the Upside Down. Collected here for the first time, the complete scripts of Stranger Things: Season Three include the scenes, dialogue, and character directions for all eight episodes as well as an exclusive introduction from the creators and showrunners, Matt and Ross Duffer. Season Three’s scripts reveal a unique insight into how the Duffers continued to build the core good-vs-evil story that captivated viewers and popular culture while adding more depth with fun new characters and intensifying relationships.

Creative Team

Description

Only those who have died know how long a lifetime is. Inés Valeztena's first life ended at the age of twenty-six. The manhwa adaptation of CHACHA KIM'S webnovel is now available in English print for the first time. Inés Valeztena, daughter of a powerful noble family, and Cárcel Escalante, cousin to the crown prince, have been engaged since they were six years old. Their long-delayed marriage has been the talk of high society for years, and although her fiancé is the empire’s most notorious playboy, Inés seems inexplicably content to keep the arrangement. In fact, she encourages him to do whatever he pleases even after their wedding, as long as they maintain order among the nobles. What the gossips—and Cárcel—don’t know is that Inés has plans for her marriage of obligation, and they have nothing to do with love. But when Cárcel suddenly declares he is ready to reform his rakish ways, marry immediately, and prove to Inés that he is worthy of her true affection, she must keep her wits about her or risk losing everything she’s spent lifetimes of heartache and desperation to obtain. Volume 1 collects episodes 1–14 of the webcomic The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway.

Description

The daughter of legendary Dungeons & Dragons adventurers Drizzt Do’Urden and Catti-brie fights to build her own legacy in a brand-new series from R. A. Salvatore. My name is not “Drizzt’s daughter.” Breezy Do’Urden is more than just the heir of legendary heroes. For the past decade, she has dedicated herself to the study of combat, magic, and more recently, to the elusive Way of Shadow, honing her body and mind into a keen and singular weapon. But even after years of effort, her parents, Drizzt and Cattie-brie, struggle to see Breezy as more than just their little girl. Determined to prove them wrong, Breezy takes on the most intense challenge she can: to fight her way to becoming a Master of Dragons at the renowned Monastery of the Yellow Rose. Meanwhile, in the shadows of Westbridge, Dahlia Sin’felle plots her rise to power. Once a broken soul, Dahlia has few friends and fewer options to make her way through the world. But Dahlia believes she has discovered a new path to restored glory: the transformative charm and cunning of a vampire. With every step toward immortality, she consolidates her influence, building an empire from the darkness, even as she contends with her own monstrous instincts—and her complicated past with Breezy’s family. As Breezy fights her way through the shadows, and Dahlia follows her dark ambitions, both seek to find their place in a world that can be both brutal and beautiful. No matter the challenges, their divergent paths are forged by the same choice: their fates will be theirs and theirs alone.

Creative Team

Description

A long-awaited reunion and a fragile happiness . . . The second volume of the official webcomic based on the hit webnovel by Suji Kim. Riftan has returned from the royal capital just in time to deal with a group of rogue knights attacking the gates of Anatol. When the dust settles, he and Maxi finally have time to get to know each other properly, but Maxi struggles to show Riftan who she really is for fear that he will reject her. Even worse are her fears that the next time Riftan is called away he might never return. Determined to prove her worth and secure an unshakeable place in her new home, Maxi agrees to help the sorcerer Ruth create a new magical device. . .and discovers she might be capable of more than she could have ever dreamed. This volume collects episodes 25-45 of Under the Oak Tree , the #1 webcomic on MANTA.

Description

This is the Commemorative Edition of one of the most trusted and respected nonfiction books about Walt Disney ever written! Includes 4 commemorative essays; a photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images; and an endnotes section with insightful passages from 15 Disney historians and authors to provide further context for modern audiences. Walt Disney is an American hero. From Mickey Mouse to Disneyland, he changed the face of American culture. His is a success story like no other: a man who developed animated film into an art form and made a massive contribution to the folklore of the world. After years of research, respected Hollywood biographer Bob Thomas produced this definitive biography of the person behind the legend of Disney: the unschooled cartoonist from Kansas City, Missouri, who—though his initial studio went bankrupt during his first movie venture—developed into a creative spirit who produced unmatched works of entertainment that have influenced generations. Inside the Commemorative Edition paperback: • Special essays by Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and Rebecca Cline and an updated index from the 2023 edition • Preface by Bob Thomas from the 1994 edition • Foreground, 28 chapters, and sources by Bob Thomas from the 1976 edition • Endnotes excerpting 15 books that have furthered Bob’s research from the 2023 edition • 32-page photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images from the 2023 edition Searching for information about Walt Disney? Explore more books from Disney Editions: The Official Walt Disney Quote Book People Behind the Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A. Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An all-new, official prequel novel to The Battle for Azeroth , Blizzard Entertainment’s next expansion to the critically acclaimed World of Warcraft videogame. Azeroth is dying. The Horde and the Alliance defeated the demonic Burning Legion, but a dire catastrophe is unfolding deep below the surface of the world. There is a mortal wound in the heart of Azeroth, struck by the sword of the fallen titan Sargeras in a final act of cruelty. For Anduin Wrynn, king of Stormwind, and Sylvanas Windrunner, warchief of the Horde and queen of the Forsaken, there is little time to rebuild what remains and even less to mourn what was lost. Azeroth’s devastating wound has revealed a mysterious material known as Azerite. In the right hands, this strange golden substance is capable of incredible feats of creation; in the wrong ones, it could bring forth unthinkable destruction. As Alliance and Horde forces race to uncover the secrets of Azerite and heal the wounded world, Anduin enacts a desperate plan aimed at forging a lasting peace between the factions. Azerite jeopardizes the balance of power, and so Anduin must gain the trust of Sylvanas. But, as ever, the Dark Lady has her own machinations. For peace to be possible, generations of bloodshed and hatred must be brought to an end. But there are truths that neither side is willing to accept and ambitions they are loath to relinquish. As Alliance and Horde alike grasp for the Azerite’s power, their simmering conflict threatens to reignite all-out war—a war that would spell doom for Azeroth. Praise for Before the Storm “This is easily the best book in the World of Warcraft series, and I don’t say that lightly. . . . It’s so much more than a tie-in novel. . . . It’s a beautiful book.” —Blizzard Watch

Description

Behind the legend stands a being hungry for justice and vengeance as the adventure, intrigue, and heroism of World of Warcraft, the global phenomenon, rise to a new level. You are not prepared. Illidan Stormrage is one of the most powerful beings ever to walk the lands of Azeroth. He is also one of the least understood. Behind his legend, beneath his enigmatic mission, lies a brilliant mind whose machinations are comprehended by few—and trusted by even fewer. Illidan’s righteous reign of justice and vengeance has begun. Long ago, the night elf sorcerer Illidan infiltrated the demonic Burning Legion to ward off its invasion of Azeroth. Instead of hailing him as a hero, his own kind branded him the Betrayer, questioning his intentions after he appeared to aid the demon lords. For ten thousand years, he languished in prison—vilified, isolated, but never forgetting his purpose. Now the Legion has returned, and there is only one champion who can truly stand against it. Released from his bonds, Illidan prepares for the final confrontation in the alien realm of Outland, gathering an army of grotesque fel orcs, serpentine naga, cunning blood elves, and twisted demon hunters to his side. He alone knows what deeply hidden motives guide his hand; he alone understands the price that must be paid to defeat the enemies of creation. Yet as before, he is assailed by those who see his schemes as a cynical quest for power, including the night elf Maiev Shadowsong, his former jailor. Warden Shadowsong and her Watchers have pursued the Betrayer to Outland to exact retribution for his crimes, and she will not rest until Illidan is in her custody . . . or in his grave. Praise for Illidan “William King kicks off a great story with Illidan .” — BlizzPro “For many people, new and old players alike, this book will be an eye-opening journey.” — All Things Azeroth “I enjoyed World of Warcraft: Illidan a great deal.” — BlizzPlanet “Damn fun . . . There’s virtually never a dull moment in Illidan .” — Cinelinx