Why live in the box? Populate your world with any alien, superhero, historical, action, horror, or science-fiction figure you can "Just imagine." Minifigure Customization 2: Why Live in the Box? takes an advanced look at the hobby, introducing more complex techniques to alter the lovable LEGO minifigure, and building on the techniques introduced in the first book. It features tutorials on virtual customization, designing decals and advanced decal application, custom part modification and creation, including 3-D printing, advanced painting techniques, lighting figures with LEDs or EL wire, tips on minifigure displays, and digital photography tips to capture your custom figures in the best light. Essential tools used to create custom figures are identified and updated, and a Gallery of custom minifigures from top customizers is included, where they share their favorite tips and tricks.

With a stunning set of stories from some of the finest writers toiling away today--including breathtaking new work from Rebecca Curtis, Stuart Dybek, and Jim Shepard, and the Southeast Asian prison novella the world has been waiting for, from Mr. Wells Tower--and an all-hands-on-deck appraisal of one of the most keen-eyed cultural commentators of our time, with contributions from Rachel Cohen, Errol Morris, Geoff Dyer, David Hockney, Jonathan Lethem, Ricky Jay, and many, many more, McSweeney's 44 offers one of our best assemblages yet. We even found some very nice leatherette, to wrap around it. Don't miss this one!

With wit and humor, this new work from acclaimed author and playwright Meno ("Hairstyles of the Damned") presents a revealing look at anxiety, ambiguity, and the need for complicated answers to complex questions.

Brian Oswald and his best friend, Gretchen, get involved in the punk scene on Chicago's south side, experimenting with drugs, drinking and relationships and aligning themselves with various outcast groups in order to fit in.