Enter the World of Smart Pop Books: Movies (Past and Present)

This is the final series of articles covering the vast collection of books, dedicated to some of the most popular movies – past and present – from Smart Pop Books.

To review, Smart Pop Books have been published by Benbella Books since 2003, covering topics ranging from Star Wars to Gilmore Girls to the work of Joss Whedon. The writers of these books are New York Times best-selling authors, television writers, psychologists, philosophers. They are actually anyone with a love of pop culture and who have something worth sharing.

Here is the final list from their collection of books dedicated to some of the most popular box office films from the past to the present:

Spider-Man

The first Smart Pop Book to be spotlighted is “Webslinger: SF and Comic Writers on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” that investigates the tangled web of vengeance, love, and loss woven by the Spider-Man comics and films. This collection of insightful essays explores a variety of topics—from the superhero’s sarcasm to the science behind radioactive spiders. The book also covers the popular rival Green Goblin, the bumbling-yet-influential media, and the part New York City itself plays in the stories. Additionally, it covers the overall philosophy of mild-mannered Peter Parker and Spidey’s relationship with the rest of the characters in the Marvel universe.

You can get your copy of “Webslinger: SF and Comic Writers on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” here.

Batman

Next up is the Smart Pop Book “Batman Unauthorized: Vigilantes, Jokers, and Heroes in Gotham City”. As the official website describes it, the book explores Batman’s motivations and actions, as well as those of his foes. It further looks into Batman as a creature of the night, more about vengeance than justice, more plagued by doubts than full of self-assurance, and more darkness than light. He has no superpowers, just skill, drive, and a really well-made suit. One of the most recognized superheroes ever created, Batman has survived through campy TV shows and films. It also covers expansive territory ranging from the silly to the solemn.

You can get your copy of “Batman Unauthorized: Vigilantes, Jokers, and Heroes in Gotham City” here.

James Bond

Then there is the book “James Bond in the 21st Century: Why We Still Need 007,” which is described by the Smart Pop Book website as a book that looks into the staying power of the world’s most dashing secret agent and the evolution of the James Bond franchise. The book explores, through a collection of essays by leading writers, discussions on 10 of the sexiest Bond girls, the best villains and the controversy surrounding the latest actor to play James Bond.

You can get your copy of “James Bond in the 21st Century: Why We Still Need 007” here.

King Kong

Up next is the Smart Pop Book titled “King Kong is Back: An Unauthorized Look at One Humongous Ape!” Is King Kong a love story, horror film or an exotic adventure tale? As the official descriptions states, King Kong hit the big screen a few years back after an almost thirty-year absence, just in time for the King of Skull Island to influence another generation. From the 1933 black-and-white Cooper/Schoedsack classic to the badly received 1976 De Laurentiis remake, to the new vision brought to life by Peter Jackson, the essayists explore the great ape’s unprecedented appeal and the film’s impact on our cultural imagination.

You can get your copy of “King Kong is Back: An Unauthorized Look at One Humongous Ape!” here.

Star Wars

May the force be with you in the Smart Pop Book entitled “Star Wars on Trial: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Debate the Most Popular Science Fiction Films of All Time”. The debates on the authenticity of the Star Wars franchise and the hero-or-villain status of George Lucas are at the heart of these essays by best-selling science-fiction authors. As the official website states the book chronicles the incredible popularity of the movies, which have led to the formation of strong emotions within the science fiction community on the strengths and flaws of the film(s).

This intense examination of the epic works addresses a broad range of issues—from politics, religion and the overall logic to the impact of the series on bookshelf space as well as science-fiction film. The question of whether George Lucas is a hero for bringing science fiction to a mass audience or a villain who doesn’t understand the genre he’s working for is discussed before a final “Judge’s Verdict” on the greatness—or weakness— of the franchise.

You can get your copy of “Star Wars on Trial: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Debate the Most Popular Science Fiction Films of All Time” here.

The Matrix

Then there is the Smart Pop Book called “Taking the Red Pill: Science, Religion and Philosophy in The Matrix”. Among the essays included in this book include such topics as how many layers of meaning lie in The Matrix; was Cypher right; are there glitches in the Matrix and how can they be fixed; finding God in the Matrix and human freedom and the red pill among many other topics.

You can get your copy of “Taking the Red Pill: Science, Religion and Philosophy in The Matrix” here.

Superman

There is also the Smart Pop Book called “The Man from Krypton: A Closer Look at Superman”. This anthology discusses debates and celebrates the legend of Superman, contending that his legend is a truly American myth. Superman was an immigrant with little more than the clothes on his back and raised by simple farmers, absorbing their humble values. He always chose to do the right thing, fighting for truth, justice, and the American way and represented America at its best. The in-depth analyses of the comics, films and cartoons are at turns funny, philosophical, insightful and personal, exploring every aspect of the Superman legend.

You can get your copy of “The Man from Krypton: A Closer Look at Superman” here.

Superheroes

Next is the Smart Pop Book entitled “The Psychology of Superheroes: An Unauthorized Exploration”. The book shows how superheroes have survived and fascinated fans for more than 70 years in no small part due to their psychological depth. Almost two dozen psychologists get into the heads of today’s most popular and intriguing superheroes, asking questions like: Why do superheroes choose to be superheroes and how could they have responded to it, other than the way they did? The book also explores the inner workings our heroes usually only share with their therapists.

You can get your copy of “The Psychology of Superheroes: An Unauthorized Exploration” here.

X-Men

Lastly, there is the Smart Pop Book called “The Unauthorized X-Men: SF and Comic Writers on Mutants, Prejudice and Adamantium”. Within the pages of this book contains essays by science fiction and comic writers who trace the X-Men series’ evolution, challenge its metaphors, and draw from its truths about human nature and human society in this exploratory look at the still-timely and often-revamped classic. The essayists highlight the strange ties between the characters and current society; from mutant subcultures in the real world to the reality of racism and heterosexism. This book also takes on the intersection between fiction and truth in a manner perfect for long-time comic readers, cartoon fans and Johnny-come-lately moviegoers.

You can get your copy of “The Unauthorized X-Men: SF and Comic Writers on Mutants, Prejudice and Adamantium” here.

This brings to a close the various series of articles about the vast collection of books from Smart Pop Books. If you would like to find out more about Smart Pop Books, please visit their official website.

Remy Zero

Musician Spotlight: Remy Zero are an alternative rock band, consisting of members Cinjun Tate (lead vocals and guitar), Shelby Tate (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Cedric LeMoyne (bass), Jeffrey Cain (guitar) and the late Gregory Slay (drums and percussion). They were discovered by Radiohead and were to be part of their US tour in 1995. Soon afterwards, they moved from Alabama to Los Angeles to record their first self-titled album, which came out in 1996. But, it was their second album “Villa Elaine” – released in 1998 – that landed some of their songs on the soundtracks of the movies She’s All That, The Last Kiss, Never Been Kissed and Garden State as well as in episodes of the TV shows Felicity, Charmed and Roswell. In 2001, they released their next album called “The Golden Hum,” which featured the single “Save Me” that was used as the theme song for all 10 years of the WB/CW series Smallville. Other songs from this album were used in the film Crazy/Beautiful, Suicide Kings and The Invisible and again on the TV show Roswell. The band summarily broke up after the making of this album with many of its members joining new bands. Last July, though, Remy Zero confirmed they would be playing some shows together in memory of Gregory Slay, who passed away at the beginning of this year from complications related to his cystic fibrosis. Fans will be happy to learn that new music will accompany these shows. For more information, please visit their website here.