Book Description
`Star Wars is not just a film, or a trilogy, or a trilogy and two prequels. For many people, myself included, it is the single most important cultural text of their lives; it has meshed with their memories of childhood, with their home-made tributes - from the amateurish childhood comics to the professional product of an adult fan - with their choice of career or education, with their everyday experiences. Even in 1977, Star Wars was a phenomenon. For many people now, it is a culture: a sprawling, detailed mythos which they can pick through with their eyes closed, a group of characters who may have been more important role models than friends and family, and a set of codes - quotes, in-jokes, obscure references - which provide instant common ground for fellow fans meeting for the first time, and bind established communities together.' (From the Introduction)
In this intelligent and entertaining study of fandom at its most intense, Will Brooker examines the Star Wars phenomenon from the audience's perspective, and discovers that the saga exerts a powerful influence over the social, cultural, and spiritual lives of those drawn into its myth. From a Boba Fett-loving police officer in Indiana to the webmistress of StarWarsChicks; from an eleven-year-old boy in south London to a Baptist Church in South Carolina; from the director of George Lucas in Love to the custodians of the Jedi Hurtaholics Archive - Brooker unearths a seemingly endless array of fans who use and interpret the saga in a number of creative ways.
Using the Force explores what it means to be a fan. It examines the role of gender and generation in creating sub-communities within the larger group of Star Wars devotees. It discusses the films and stories created by thousands of fans around the world, and asks whether this apparently unstoppable creativity can be controlled by an organization that has - completely unintentionally - positioned itself in the role of the Empire and turned loyal fans into Rebels. Ultimately, the book serves as a testament to the extraordinary power of the Star Wars films and the Expanded Universe that surrounds them.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Pointless.......2005-06-30
I won't critize the author for writing this book, as his heart is clearly in it and he definitely knows a lot about what he's writing. But I don't think many Star Wars fans will find this book terribly interesting. It's like reading a book written about visiting a webpage... kinda pointless.
Anyone who's in the target demo for this book (hardcore SW fans and the fan fiction community) will probably already know everything in this book. And anyone else (casual SW fans, non-Sw fans) should go nowhere near this.
If you like reading copy and paste jobs of e-mails and posts sent to the author by SW fans, than you'll like the book. But then again, you can save your money and just do that for free on the Internet, can't you?
Non Fans Only.......2004-06-27
Anyone who frequents theforce.net message board will find everything in here to be old news. There isnt anything unique or any revelations of any kind on the state of fandom. Many of the editorial decisions are downright headscratching, such as devoting the most pages and the largest chapter to the most obscure and least appetizing (and interesting) of SW fan activites, slash fan fiction, and then giving mere lipservice to the fan film subculture despite its overwhelming popularity and overabundance of ancedotes. There was nothing in the fanfilm section at all that could not be gleened by even a superficial examination of a handful of fanfilm websites. Very shallow.
The author's research as a sum total is highly suspect. He says that the bulk of his personal correspondance consists of merely the first 100 members of theforce.net to answer his email. Whereas he can hide behind that process being allegely random, the results obivously indicate that he got caught with a string of egomaniacs and malcontents.
The author lets these "fans" (used loosely) go off on the most inane and undefendable rants on how Lucas is an idiot, the movies suck, and how much better everything would be if they were in charge, and the author never follows through to get them to justify these positions. Every wild eyed gut spew is taking as God's Holy Fact. That would be acceptable if the author was writing a book about people who hate the Phantom Menace, but he isnt. He pretends to write a book about ALL Star Wars fans, and pretends that these anti-Phantom views speak for the majority of all fans, a position which is completely unjustified. He gives pro-phantom fans only brief soundbites to rebut the furious raving of the bashers, and never even tries to gives both sides an equal shake. This ought not happen.
(There was not a single complaint given by the bashers that was not completely refutable if not outright ridiculous paranoia. They dont review TPM, they engage in character assassination, the maturity of which is nonexistant and juvenile. I could cut any one of these yo yos into metaphorical ribbons on a moderated message board in 30 seconds or less).
My impression is that the author has an unreasonable hatred of Phantom Menace, and is using this book to get back at Lucas, for Lucas "owes" him in some etherial manner known only to the TPM bashers who spend far too much time and spend far too much anger to be taken seriously about anything. This book is not Star Wars friendly, yet it tries to fool you into thinking it is a fair assessment.
It is not.
Stick to the message boards.
Uneven, but Worth it for Fans.......2003-08-07
If you're a fan of the Star Wars mythoi, get this book, no question. Parts of it are a lot of fun, but it gets too bogged down in its own pseudo-academic style sometimes. There were points in the book where I got a bit impatient with the belaboring of the point at hand, but that's a niggling point at best.
Bottom line: I'm a fan, and I'm glad to have this book in my Star Wars collection of reading. You will be too.
SW Community.......2002-08-21
A great book for appreciating the various outlets of current Star Wars fandom. While offering little serious academic discourse, the book does put into print many issues which to this point have been limited to internet discussion and fan zines, such as LFL's strict licesing enforcement, the culture of message board discussion, fan fiction and films. In the end it stands as an interesting catalog of current happenings in the world of Star Wars fandom, as seen from an insider who respects the devotion of a unique community.
A pleasant change from the usual..........2002-07-06
Okay, we all know the stereotype - the nerd who is incapable of carrying on a conversation with the opposite sex, but is able to speak fluent Klingonese; the geek who can't shoot a basket to save his life, but who can personally reenact the final lightsaber duel from The Phantom Menace (complete with sound effects); the misfit who owns every Star Wars actionfigure ever produced, displayed on a set of shelves built into the walls of - wait for it - his parent's basement!
I give you the stereotypical science fiction/fantasy fan.
Only, stereotypes are an inch of fact and a mile of embellishment and conjecture. Are there fans that dress up like Mr. Spock and wave the V sign, telling you to "Live Long and Prosper"? Sure there are! Are there people who can do perfect imitations of a wizened, green puppet (and now CGI character) asking the Force to be with you? You bet!
However, such stereotypes are only a small portion of what encompasses fandom, but they are likely all that the non-fan (or "mundanes" as in the Harry Potter series) may envision, because it is upon the more flamboyant fans that the media so loves to shine their questionable spotlight. Yet, in truth, fandom is as varied as - well - "real life!". For every guy dressed as a Jedi and waving a plastic lightsaber at a Star Wars premiere, there is a family in jeans and t-shirts sitting down to share popcorn in the front row of the theater.
Perhaps most unfortunate of all is the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) suggestion of superiority on the part of the media covering fandom - the outsider studying some exotic, and not quite healthy, cultural phenomena and offering it up as an object of amusement if not outright derision for the "normal" masses.
I've heard the jokes and the put downs, repeatedly. I've come to expect it. So it was with some trepidation that I picked up William Brooker's study of Star Wars fandom. "Here we go again," I thought. "Someone who thinks they understand fandom and is going to tell us all about the "unhappy, socially inept fans who use science fiction and fantasy as a form of escapism from their sad, miserable little lives."
I was wrong. The first thing you should know about Will Brooker is that HE is a fan himself, and this gives him a unique perspective - not to mention it makes it more likely fellow fans will trust him enough to allow glimpses into aspects of their lives they have learned to keep secret to avoid ridicule. Brooker walks the walk and talks the talk. He respects his fellow fans and their views, and he presents them in a fair minded and non-judgmental light in his book, which makes for a pleasant change.
Furthermore, he discusses fandom from many angles, including those that are often overlooked or somewhat obscure and may not be familiar even to many that consider themselves Star Wars fans. Do the terms PWP, EU, "gusher" and "Space Wheat" mean anything to you? They will once you have read this book, and some of the insights you discover may surprise you. Brooker covers such topics as women in fandom. How do they view the Star Wars universe, and how do their reactions and expectations differ from those of the men who tend to dominate science fiction? What about creative expression in fandom? When fans use George Lucas' characters and universe to inspire their own flights of fancy, whether it be through short films, writing or art work, is this a form of homage to Lucas or a blatant disregard for legal copyright laws, or both? How did fans react to The Phantom Menace? Was it a disaster or a glorious success, or a little of each?
So who should read this book? Everyone! Non-fans should read it to gain an insight into fandom. Fans are not simply some exotic creatures you only see dressed in Jedi robes on the news coverage of a Star Wars premier. Fans include the teacher in your child's classroom, the vet who takes care of your dog, the guy who programmed your business software, the kid down the street who mows your lawn, and the Air force meteorologist. They are people like you, and, yes, like me - I am a fan and proud of it.
Fans should read to gain a broader view of the myriad aspects of fandom and the response people have to the Star Wars phenomena. As Brooker points out, Star Wars fandom is a dynamic, complex entity. Many fans don't even agree on issues covered in this book. However, for the most part, they do speak a common language that allows for immediate recognition and a sense of inclusion in a world where fans often feel excluded. Even when they disagree, there is a sense of community - a community Brooker knows well.
Product Description
15 of The Doors' greatest hits arranged for easy piano, including: Break On Through (To the Other Side) The End Five to One Hello, I Love You L.A. Woman Light My Fire Love Her Madly Love Me Two Times People Are Strange Riders on the Storm Strange Days You Make Me Real and more. Includes photos.
Product Description
Conan and the Tower of the Elephant Conan: The Roleplaying Game has been widely accepted by gamers as the most dramatic advance in gaming since the arrival of the d20 system. Filled with innovative ideas and exciting concepts, it is the most talked about RPG of the year. In the Zamorian city of Arenjun stands a single tower. Surrounded by a walled garden, like a beacon to the heavens, the perfect, gem-encrusted Elephant Tower thrusts high into the Zamorian sky; aloof, impenetrable and alien. It is the abode of High Priest Yara and the resting place of the Elephants Heart, thought to be the most valuable jewel in the world. So valuable that despite the renowned impenetrability of the tower, eventually someone would try to steal it
The Tower of the Elephant is the first in a new series of Classic Conan adventure scenarios based directly on the original stories of Robert E. Howard, allowing the Player Characters to undertake the very adventures that the mighty Cimmerian once endured. The Tower of the Elephant is designed for four to six Player Characters of between 4th and 6th character level and combines situations and encounters that will require a mix of skills to survive and overcome. This adventure gives Player Characters the opportunity to test their mettle against the greatest of challenges and walk the path of Hyborias most famous adventurer.
Customer Reviews:
A CLASSIC HOWARD ADVENTURE.......2006-01-26
The Tower of the Elephant is one of Robert E. Howard's more famous stories, originally appearing in the pages of Weird Tales in 1933. Conan at this time was very young, perhaps just 17 or 18 years of age and encountering a civilized city for the first time in Zamora's fear city of thieves Arenjun. Conan hears tales of the legendary tower of the priest Yara and the fabled riches it holds and proceeds to try his hand at thievery where many before him had failed. It's a fabulous story and the basis for this game module for the Conan RPG from Mongoose publishing.
The premise is the same...the player's party consisting of 4 - 6 characters of approximately 4th level have come to Arenjun and heard it's many fearful tales about the tower which is guarded by things far more fearful than men. The writers have bulked up the story by providing a bit of back story and adventure to hook players into the grand escapade of assaulting Yara's tower. The story involving a caravan guard named Buryal and his role in stealing a powerful poison called Green Lotus can be played as a mini adventure or, if the GM wishes, just skipped so the players can get on with the tower.
Full maps of each of the six levels of the tower and its gardens is included as the party will first traverse the gardens with it's guardsmen before moving onto each more difficult level of the tower, encountering the same horrific animals and beasts that Conan encountered. The module can be played on its own but suggestions are provided to tie in the adventure to a GM's existing campaign.
As with the other Conan RPG items, Conan and the Tower of the Elephant remains loyal to the spirit of the source material. This is a short, but fun module to play in or run as a GM.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
Product Description
Conan: The Roleplaying Game has been widely accepted by gamers as the most dramatic advance in gaming since the arrival of the d20 system. Filled with innovative ideas and exciting concepts, it is the most talked about RPG of the year. The range of successful Conan supplemental releases has only reinforced this, and Conan: Hyborias Fiercest continues that tradition. Conan: Hyborias Fiercest is the first of three source books expanding the core classes from Conan: The Roleplaying Game, offering unparalleled opportunities for players to flesh out their characters and GMs to further develop a gaming system already noted for its variety and depth. Written by critically acclaimed gaming author, Vincent Darlage, Conan: Hyborias Fiercest is certain to be one of the most popular additions to Conan: The Roleplaying Game. Packed with outstanding new artwork from a team which has been together since the inception of the project, Conan: Hyborias Fiercest is sure to be a must have for all Conan: The RPG gamers.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing.......2006-11-10
Hyboria's Fiercest (and the other's in these series) are basically divided into three parts:
Guidelins to describing stereotypical character's for the classes broken down by each race. It contains some specific rules. This part is pretty useful, especially if you're not immersed in Conan-lore.
Special rules and feats. This part is useful, but hardly essential to playing the game.
Cross-classes for Barbarians, Borderers and Nomads. As far as I can see these cross-classes are pretty weak, given how flexible Conan is about switiching classes as you progress. All the cross-classes are worse than you could achieve by multi-classing freely.
While the book contains some good stuff for playing the game, I don't think it's worth the money.
MAKE YOUR BARBARIAN COME TO LIFE!.......2005-08-23
Well when you think about Conan, you think Barbarian, of course. It's an automatic add-on to the name. In Mongoose's latest supplement for their outstanding Conan RPG, barbarians get their day in the sun, and give rules on players running barbarian, borderer, or nomadic player characters in the Hyborian Age. As with Mongoose's other Conan supplements the writers and editors show a very strong knowledge of R.E. Howard's Hyborian Age, its countries, and its peoples, which is essential. Ardent fans would immediately know if the writers had not done their homework on Conan's world.
The first part of the book is essentially is an atlas of all of the various nations from Aquilonia to Zingara, describing the types of Barbarian, Borderer, and Nomads that will be found within each nation's borders. Along the way suggestions for various skills and feats are passed along that are unique to each region, allowing characters to be uniquely tailored by their Hyborian ethnicity. They also suggest various professions and class combinations that should be used for the character along with appropriate skills, referencing materials in other books such as Conan and the Road of Kings and Conan: The Free Companies. Kudos to the editors for noting what page in the various supplements the skills referenced can be found.
The next part of the book gets into skills and feats. Anyone familiar with Conan or Robert E. Howard's other characters knows that they were capable of great feats of strength and endurance when pushed to their limits. The book addresses this with Feats of Might which allow for characters to call upon great reserves to lift very heavy objects, or to throw very heavy objects or to survive in the most dire of situations. What the Barbarians make lack in finesse and cultural skills, they more than make up for in outdoor skills such as advanced tracking, hunting, fishing, trapping, climbing, and evasiveness skills. They are also well versed in using what ever terrain they are in to the best of their advantaged and that has also been taken into account with terrain effects in regards to combat.
22 new feats are included and are among the most eclectic you will find anywhere. The battle fury of barbarians is found in feats such as Extreme Might and Wounded Fury. Owing to their ability to scout their enemy there is a feat called Sense Weakness which gives the character a bonus of +2 to attack and damage rolls. Besides the feats there are special combat skills that these characters can learn as well such as Mounted Archer Cover where a character can fire his bow while using his mount for cover, and other mounted maneuvers like leaping onto one's mount or leaping upon a mount being ridden by someone else. The book also provides options for multi-classed characters for Barbarians, Borderers, and Nomads, providing the strengths and weaknesses of each multi-class along with any prerequisite races or skills.
The cover art is outstanding (although for some reason the cover that Amazon is showing is not the same as the cover for the book I reviewed.) and the interior art ranges from good to outstanding. Hyboria's finest answers the need to be able to create barbarian characters that are more than just Cimmerian clones of Conan. With this well-researched supplement, you can create new and interesting player characters from any Hyborian land from Kush to Hyperborea. Another outstanding book from the people at Mongoose.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
Product Description
Penned by the hand of seven of Conan the Roleplaying Game's best authors, Conan: The Compendium reprints the best articles for Conan the Roleplaying Game from Signs & Portents, as well as two never-before published adventures from Vincent Darlage and Eric Rodriguez. Continuing the excitement begun by Robert E. Howard, players and Games Masters alike will find exciting options for their Hyborian Age campaigns. Prestige classes, codes of honour, scenarios, encounter tables, Hyborian Age cities and new rules are yours for the taking. Reprints of these articles have long been requested by the fans of Conan the Roleplaying Game and are now available. Conan: The Compendium is a wonderful role-playing complement to Conan the Roleplaying Game s rules and supplements.
Product Description
Conan: The Roleplaying Game has been widely accepted by gamers as the most dramatic advance in gaming since the arrival of the d20 system. Filled with innovative ideas and exciting concepts, it is the most talked about RPG of the year. The range of successful Conan supplemental releases has only reinforced this, and Conan: Tales Of The Black Kingdoms continues that tradition. This is a comprehensive sourcebook providing extensive setting, campaign and adventure materials - Conan: Tales Of The Black Kingdoms, allows GMs take the players on a harrowing journey into the lands of the most mysterious and savage races in Hyboria.
Customer Reviews:
JOURNEY TO THE DARK CONTINENT, HOWARD STYLE!.......2005-07-14
Conan - Tales of the Black Kingdoms is the latest in the line of outstanding supplements from Mongoose Publishing set within the Hyborian kingdoms during the ancient, forgotten era of Conan the Barbarian. In this supplement, the players travel to those dark jungles of lands such as Keshan, Darfar, Kush, and the Black Coast for three adventures that can be played separately or as one full campaign. The first adventure, "Shroud over Zabhela" is designed for five to six PCs of 3rd to 4th level. The characters have arrive in the port of Zabhela aboard an Argossean merchant ship. The ruling class in of Kush are hiding their daughters in fear of the servants of the ape god Jullah. The player's investigation will soon put them in confrontation with a band of assassins and in search of a treasure map.
In "Ruins of Atlaia" the players find themselves captured by Tibu slavers and then manage to escape when the slavers are raided by a more dangerous rival clan of warriors. On the run they find themselves surrounded by enemies in a dangerous until they find aid from a princess who leads them to the Temple of Olorin. Finally, in "Red Citadel" the players will find themselves in pursuit of the assassins of the Scarlet Hand and the scepter that was stolen from them in the previous adventure and a final face off with the forces behind the trouble in the black kingdoms.
Those unfamiliar with Robert E. Howard's Hyborian realms should know that this was not a typical D&D type universe where there are loads of monsters and magic items to be found. Most of the foes the players face will be human long with some various animal beasts. But the campaign has a very strong Howard feel to it. It has that dense, tautly written flavor of a Howard story and the adventure will keep even the most seasoned player on their toes as they venture through this very strange and dangerous new territory. It's an adventure that should be run by an experienced DM that is familiar with Conan and Howard's stories to really capture the proper mood and setting. The players will find more than enough challenges in this adventure. I'd recommend going on the high side of the suggested PC level and having six PCs total. A diversified group will work best but you'll want to have at least 3 good fighters whether they are straight fighters or multi-classed.
All in all a very enjoyable adventure and another winner from Mongoose!
Book Description
Conan: The Roleplaying Game has been widely accepted by gamers as the most dramatic advance in gaming since the arrival of the d20 system. Filled with innovative ideas and exciting concepts, it is the most talked about RPG of the year. The Conan arms, armour and equipment supplement/compilation. A compilation of all the weapons, arms, equipment, alchemical items, etc. from all the Conan books we have already published. Also advanced rules for creating and repairing items. Rules and prices for hiring mercenaries and other hirelings. A table of the prices that may differ from one Hyborian Kingdom to another.
Product Description
Stygia is one of the most forbidding and fascinating kingdoms existing during the long lost Hyborian Age. With great pyramids, lurking reptiles, lost tombs and endless deserts, Stygia is an ominous setting to use as a backdrop to your Conan the Roleplaying Game scenarios. The political situation of Stygia is rife with intrigue, murder and horror, and could easily be the setting for engaging campaigns. Ruled by a dark theocracy devoted to the cult of Set, its small population is notably xenophobic, and the people are obsessed with the subjects of death and immortality, building dark tombs for their dead and worshipping morbid deities. Proud nobles lead armies of dusky-hued soldiers while sorcerers command nameless diabolic horrors to bring the enemies of Stygia to their knees. New weapons, new spells, new races, new monsters and new rules are presented to bring a sinister atmosphere to any game set in Stygia or using Stygian foes. The sinister decadence of Stygia is laid bare for the brave to peruse. This book is intended to give Players and Games Masters alike the resources to bring the terrible tyranny and threatening theocracy of ominous Stygia to life.
Average customer rating:
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Conan the Buccaneer (Conan RPG module CN1)
Kim Eastland
Manufacturer: TSR Hobbies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
| Board Games
| Card Games
| Crosswords
| Fantasy Sports
| Gambling
| General
| Logic & Brain Teasers
| Magic
| Math Games
| Puzzles
| Quizzes
| Reference
| Role Playing & Fantasy
| Sudoku
| Travel Games
| Trivia
| Video & Electronic Games
| Word Games
| Word Search
ASIN: 0394548361 |
Product Description
Conan the Roleplaying Game has been widely accepted by gamers as the most dramatic advance in gaming since the arrival of the d20 system. Filled with innovative ideas and exciting concepts, its the most talked about RPG of the year. The range of successful Conan releases has only reinforced this, and Messantia City of Riches continues that tradition. Messantia City of Riches is the second Cities box set for Conan the Roleplaying Game, following the same pattern as the hugely anticipated Shadizar City of the Wicked. Situated on the southern coast of Argos, Messantia is a cosmopolitan trading city where business is king and any deal can be done if the price is right. This detailed box set not only includes three detailed source books, a beautifully rendered poster size map as well as a selection of other location maps. Messantia is a sea port where anything can happen and many adventures begin their stories in its winding streets and broad quaysides. Written by exciting newcomer, Greg Lynch, Messantia City of Riches is certain to be another popular addition to Conan the Roleplaying Game.
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Conan Rpg
Ian Sturrock
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MU6Q88 |
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Conan: o RPG na Era Hiboriana
Manufacturer: Devir
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Portuguese
| Foreign Language Books
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: 8585443375 |
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They're Back: The V Files : Book Four
Edward Gross
Manufacturer: Borgo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
| Dance
| General
| Reference
| Theater
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0809581205 |
Books:
- VideoHound's Dragon: Asian Action & Cult Flicks
- Videohound's Golden Movie Retriever 2005 (Videohound's Golden Movie Retriever)
- Warren Beatty: A Private Man
- What Is Cinema? (Vol 1) (What is Cinema?)
- Woody Allen on Woody Allen: In Conversation With Stig Bjorkman
- Zen and the Art of Screenwriting: Insights and Interviews
- A History of the French New Wave Cinema (Wisconsin Studies in Film)
- A Knight at the Movies: Medieval History on Film
- A New History of Japanese Cinema: A Century Of Narrative Film
- A Short Guide to Writing about Film (Short Guides Series)
Books Index
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Star Wars and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy)
Classic Readings in Sociology
A Galaxy Not So Far Away: Writers and Artists on Twenty-five Years of Star Wars
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