New Releases by Christy Marx

This second edition of Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games expounds on the previous edition with more information on how to construct narratives for these three forms of visual storytelling media. Christy Marx’s book offers an in-depth look into scriptwriting and how to break into each of the featured industries. The text goes into detail on visual storytelling: how to compose exterior storytelling (animation, games) and interior/exterior storytelling (comics and graphic novels); as well as considerations for non-linear videogames. The advice within these pages can be used to build a transmedia career across animation, comics, graphic novels, and videogames. Key Features An insider''s perspective on career rules of the road on writing for comics, videogames, and animation Written for beginners and professionals alike A nuts-and-bolts guide to script formats, terminology, networking, and valuable advice on writing for each medium Author Bio Based in Northern California, Christy Marx is an award-winning writer, story editor, TV series developer, game designer, and narrative designer. Her many credits include Babylon 5; Captain Power and Soldiers of the Future; The Twilight Zone; G.I. Joe; Jem and the Holograms; Spider-Man; He-Man; X-Men Evolution; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Conan the Adventurer; Birds of Prey; Amethyst; The Sisterhood of Steel; Sierra On-Line adventure games; PC, MMO, and console games; Zynga mobile games; and more. For full credits, visit www.christymarx.com.

Nicknames like the "Mother of Modern Naval Computing" and "Grandma COBOL" described the impact mathematical genius Grace Hopper had on the computer''s development. In 1942, the first electronic computer filled an entire room. One simple calculation took hours to finish. As the first woman to program the United States'' first computer, Hopper earned herself another nickname, "Amazing Grace." With fascinating details and period photographs, this fascinating biography covers the life and many achievements of a woman scientist without whom the development of modern computers would be impossible.

Collections of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures originally published by Archie Comics.

A CONVERGENCE tie-in graphic novel, starring heroes from ZERO HOUR and KINGDOM COME! Once, there were infinite Earths. Then there came a Crisis…a Zero Hour…a Flashpoint. Worlds lived. Worlds died. But some worlds must now fight for their future-in the Convergence! The evil alien intelligence known as Brainiac has stolen 50 doomed cities from throughout time and space and sealed them behind impenetrable domes. Now, after a year, the domes will come down-and the heroes and villains of 50 dead worlds must battle to be the last one standing! In this volume: JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL: It’s no laughing matter as Blue Beetle and Booster Gold lead the team against heavy-hitting heroes from the grim world of Kingdom Come! CATWOMAN: Selina Kyle must defend Gotham City against a Dark Knight like no other-the Kingdom Come Batman! SUPERBOY: The wisecracking Teen of Steel is Metropolis’s only hope against three of Kingdom Come’s greatest warriors: Red Robin, The Flash and Superman himself! GREEN ARROW: The Emerald Archer and his son Connor Hawke must join forces against familiar faces-the Black Canaries of Kingdom Come! SUICIDE SQUAD: Bane and Cyborg Superman, two of the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel’s deadliest foes, spearhead an invasion of Kingdom Come’s Green Lantern stronghold! The heroes and villains of ’90s DC Universe battle against one of the greatest Elseworlds tales ever told in CONVERGENCE: ZERO HOUR VOL. 1!

Christy Marx''s run on the hit series continues in this action-packed volume, featuring a GOTHTOPIA tie-in! We reach a major turning point in the series as the Birds find a new benefactor and a new mission to take down one of the ancient evils of the DC Universe: Ra''s al Ghul! Black Canary confronts Ra''s al Ghul, who makes her an offer that could save her husband! Is she willing to pay the ultimate price? Collects BIRDS OF PREY #25, #27-34 and BIRDS OF PREY: FUTURES END #1.

Chronicles the adventures of the female heroes of the DCU, including Oracle/Batgirl, Black Canary, Starling, and Huntress.

Amy Winston leads a strange life on the road with her mother. She''s about to learn why it''s all been necessary when she discovers she''s the lost princess of Gemworld — and has powerful enemies hunting her!

Eclipso brings destruction to the heart of House Amethyst in an epic 30-page story! Will Amaya finally master her heritage? As the series concludes, find out here!

What is the great evil Constantine unleashes on Gemworld, and why is Amethyst powerless to stop him?

The good news: Amy Winston can transform into Princess Amaya, protector of Gemworld! The bad news: it seems her family wants to kill her. Plus: A backup story featuring the brutality of Beowulf!

Amaya becomes the Lady Regent of House Turquoise and discovers the startling truth behind its power. And in the backup feature, Stalker must defeat Lucifer to save his scion!

Amaya travels home to Earth from Gemworld only to find new trouble! What will happen to her powers when she becomes Amy Winston again? And in the new backup story, enter a world of modern magic and terror with Stalker, the man without a soul!

Amy learns how her father died and is forced to test her skills when she''s attacked by assassins from House Onyx! In the backup story, StalkerÑthe immortal warrior without a soulÑmust beat Lucifer at his own game!

Amethyst finally meets her murderous Aunt Mordiel, but it turns out that Queen Graciel has secrets of her own. Will House Amethyst be further driven apart? In the backup story, Beowulf leaens the disturbing secret behind the war that ravaged the DC Universe!

Amethyst must learn to master her newfound powers, but will she choose the Path of HeartÑor the Path of Blood? Plus: in the backup feature, Beowulf battles the terrifying Grendel!

Launch your career in writing for video games or animation with the best tips, tricks, and tutorials from the Focal press catalog--all at your fingertips. Let our award-winning writers and game developers show you how to generate ideas and create compelling storylines, concepts, and narratives for your next project. Write Your Way Into Animation and Games provides invaluable information on getting into the game and animation industries. You will benefit from decades of insider experience about the fields of animation and games, with an emphasis on what you really need to know to start working as a writer. Navigate the business aspects, gain unique skills, and develop the craft of writing specifically for aniamtion and games. Learn from the cream of the crop who have shared their knowledge and experience in these key Focal Press guides: Digital Storytelling, Second Edition by Carolyn Handler Miller Animation Writing and Development by Jean Ann Wright Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games by Christy Marx Story and Simulations for Serious Games by Nick Iuppa and Terry Borst Writing for Multimedia and the Web, Third Edition by Timothy Garrand

Describes the importance of battlefield command systems in warfare, how technology has increased the effectiveness and range of these systems, and how intelligence plays a role in warfare.

Throughout history, major fires have wreaked havoc on civilization. This series focuses on six major fires, from the inferno that consumed most of London in 1666 to the fires that scorched the American West between 2000 and 2002. Every book captures the horror of the blaze, bringing each tragedy to life through engaging text; eyewitness accounts including a recent interview with the last survivor of the General Slocum Fire; and photos. The authors investigate the cause of each fire, explaining the natural course of forest fires or debunking the myth of Mrs. O''Leary''s cow and the Great Chicago Fire. Each book also delves into the aftermath of the blaze and the effect the tragic event had on society, from increased building regulations following the Great Chicago Fire to exposing the sweatshop industry following the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. A compelling and well written series.

Presents the lives and careers of brothers Larry and Andy Wachowski, screenwriters, movie directors, computer game inventors, and graphic novelists.

Looks at how plants, animals, and people learn to survive in this extreme environment.

Describes the 1871 fire that destroyed much of Chicago, Illinois, examining its causes, the resulting devastation, and its aftermath.

This book describes the career and work of Grace Hopper, a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and a computer pioneer.

A biography of the Asian film star and martial arts master Jet Li, including action photographs and a listing of his films.

Amy Winston leads a strange life on the road with her mother. She''s about to learn why it''s all been necessary when she discovers she''s the lost princess of Gemworld--and has powerful enemies hunting her! Her adventures are brought to you by Christy Marx, best known for her work on animated TV series including Jem and the Holograms, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more!

STARRING HEROES FROM ZERO HOUR! It''s a family feud! The first-ever meeting between Oliver Queen and Connor Hawke gets complicated when they are attacked by Kingdom Come''s Dinah Lance and Olivia Queen!

The Birds are forced to work with Calvin Rose in order to protect one of their own. Continued in TALON #9!

As her teammates fall, only Black Canary stands between the utterly helpless Mother Eve and Ra''s al Ghul. If she stands aside, her husband will be saved. If she refuses to fold, everybody else will die.

A BATMAN: ZERO YEAR tie-in! Look into a pivotal moment in Black Canary''s history--filled with assassins, mystery men, and an ancient evil in Gotham City.

Black Canary confronts Ra''s al Ghul, who makes her an offer that could save her husband, but is she willing to pay the ultimate price?

Free of Ra''s al Ghul''s control at last, Black Canary claims her rightful place as the head of the League of Assassins!