The warlocks and ghosts of fantasy film haunt our popular culture, but the genre has too long been ignored by critics. This comprehensive critical survey of fantasy cinema demonstrates that the fantasy genre amounts to more than escapism. Through a meticulously researched analysis of more than a century of fantasy pictures--from the seminal work of Georges Melies to Peter Jackson's recent tours of Middle-earth--the work identifies narrative strategies and their recurring components and studies patterns of challenge and return, setting and character. First addressing the difficult task of defining the genre, the work examines fantasy as a cultural force in both film and literature and explores its relation to science fiction, horror, and fairy tales. Fantasy's development is traced from the first days of film, with emphasis on how the evolving genre reflected such events as economic depression and war. Also considered is fantasy's expression of politics, as either the subject of satire or fuel for the fires of propaganda. Discussion ventures into the subgenres, from stories of invented lands inhabited by fantastic creatures to magical adventures set in the familiar world, and addresses clashes between fantasy and faith, such as the religious opposition to the Harry Potter phenomenon. From the money-making classics to little-known arthouse films, this richly illustrated work covers every aspect of fantasy film.

A warrior with a name born of the black rage that filled her heart! In a world of swords and sorcery, the evil tyrant Rassau discovers that he is destined to be killed by a fearsome warrior called Beth. Together with his men, Rassau seeks Beth out, destroying her village and killing all held dear to her. With the aid of a former warrior - the blind Quido - Beth becomes a skilled fighter and sworn enemy of all that is evil! She will not rest until her people are avenged! This book contains both the original strip and the brilliantly resurrected stories that have been masterfully guided by writer Alec Worley and DC Comic's newest star, the astonishing Greek artist, DaNi!

A thrill-powered collection for Earthlets of all ages! Join Cadet Dredd in four astonishing capers! Discover how Johnny Alpha became a teenage bounty-hunter Strontium Dog! Alien delinquents DR and Quinch hijack Free Comic Book Day! All this and more new takes on old favourites!

GET READY FOR A DUST UP IN MEGA-CITY ONE! Mega-City One, the cusp of the twenty-second century. Eight hundred million people are living in the ruin of the old world, a planet devastated by atomic war. Only one thing fighting for order in a metropolis teetering on the brink of chaos - the men and women of the Hall of Justice. Judge Dredd and the newly-appointed Judge Anderson are two such custodians of the law. While Dredd is busy investigating murders that have occurred after a dust storm blew into the city from the Cursed Earth, Anderson is struggling with her recent experiences in law enforcement... Written by Arthur Wyatt and Alec Worley with art by Paul Davidson and Ben Willsher, this action-packed continuation of the Dredd movie world is not to be missed!

From the deepest, darkest recesses of the Nerve Centre vaults, the eerie alien editor of 2000 AD known as Tharg the Mighty presents the creepiest tales to ever grace the pages of the galaxy's greatest Comic! This fear-filled anthology introduces one-off stories full of ghosts, demons, mutants and killers and is thick with atmosphere, dark humour and mind-blowing twists. Written and illustrated by some of the biggest names in the comic book industry, this collection features strips by Mark Millar, Al Ewing, Simon Spurrier, Chris Weston, Richard Elson and Eric Bradbury amongst others.

From the mind of John Carpenter, the man who brought you the classic horror film Halloween and all of the scares beyond, and the heart of writer, editor, producer Sandy King, comes a baker’s dozen of twisted tales of terror, tricks, and treats. In volume 7 of the award-winning graphic novel series, Carpenter and King bring together the best storytellers from movies, novels, and comics for another spine-tingling collection of stories that will haunt you. Each story is a standalone surprise that captures the essence of the best night of the year. We dare you to read it all the way to the end. If you get too scared, remember, it's only a comic. It's only a comic... or is it? Happy Halloween.  With creators John Carpenter, Sandy King, Jaime Carrillo, Elena Carrillo, Kealan Patrick Burke, Damien Worm, Neo Edmund, Jan Duursema, Nick Percival, David J. Schow, Gustavo Vazquez, Alec Worley, Ben Willsher, Amanda Deibert, Cat Staggs, Mike Sizemore, Dave Kennedy, Duane Swierczynski, Andrea Mutti, Anthony Burch, Sean Sobczak, Andy Price, Tim Bradstreet and many more.