Kevin Scott Collier

Cartoon Research presents Chuck and Jack Luchsinger's Cartoon TeleTales, network television's first "cartoon" series, broadcast 1948-1950. The book takes a look at the pioneering children's show and its creators, brothers Chuck and Jack Luchsinger, the co-hosts of the program. Jack Luchsinger, an actor, and performer recited original stories featuring unique characters, while his brother, Chuck, a cartoonist, illustrated live on camera providing accompanying pictures. Children appeared in the Cartooner's Corner on the show, and along with young viewers at home, participated in a drawing lesson presented on every show. Illustrations mailed into the program were put on display in Chuck and Jack's Art Gallery, competing for prizes. The book features many rare photographs, a pictorial synopsis of a surviving episode, a character guide, and a directory of toys. Also, a look at the brother's subsequent kids series, Jolly Gene and His Fun Machine.

Cartoon Research presents an overview of Russia's Winnie-the-Pooh animated trilogy, "Vinni-Pukh," directed by Fyodor Khitruck, produced at Soyuzmultfilm studios from 1969 to 1972. Information on how the series came together, the creative team behind it, and a synopsis of all three cartoon shorts. Archive interviews with Khitruk and series art director Eduard Nazarov, and mini bios of voice artists. Original series sketches and artwork, animation cells, and photos of all key players.

Cartoon Research presents "Jonny Quest Speaks: Jonny, Sinbad Jr. & Me," with the character's voice artist, Tim Matheson. The book presents the history and adventures of Tim Matheson's first starring roles in animation: "Jonny Quest," "Sinbad Jr." and other Hanna-Barbera cartoons. Matheson shares exclusive memories of working with the likes of: Joe Barbera, Mel Blanc, Don Messick and more. Discover how he became the voice of Jonny Quest, one of the greatest TV cartoons of all-time, and the influence this had on his career. Also, Matheson's thoughts on animation today and how working for Hanna-Barbera, which also included "Young Samson" and "Space Ghost," changed his life. A true collector's item for cartoon fans.

Cartoon Research presents "The Wonderful Animated World of the Wizard of Oz," a journey down the yellow brick road for a look at the world of animated Wizard of Oz cartoons, for better or worse. An overview of animated productions that have appeared in theaters, on television, and created for the direct-to-video market. Some will make you want to visit Oz, others will have you screaming to return to Kansas

Cartoon Research presents The Hare Raising Tales of Crusader Rabbit, the first made-for-television animated cartoon series, created by Alex Anderson. The book features the story behind the creation of the character, the series, and a complete episode guide of all 23 adventures. This includes series one, produced by Alex Anderson and Jay Ward's Television Arts Productions Inc. with Jerry Fairbanks, and series two, produced by Shull Bonsall and TV Spots, and how Bonsall acquired the character. The book also presents Anderson's creation of Rocky, Bullwinkle, and Dudley Do-Right. Original sketches, model sheets, and series snapshots.

Ron Goulart, author of "The Funnies: 100 Years of American Comic Strips," called Percy the Mechanical Man the "first robot to star in a Sunday page of his own." This book, a tribute to Harry C. Greening, and his creation presents all 68 pages in the series, 1911-1913. Originally published in color, the comics reproduced for this edition all appear in black and white. Introduction by Kevin Collier.

In the fall of 1961, a new cartoon made its primetime network television debut, joining Hanna-Barbera's The Flintstones and Top Cat series. Titled Calvin and the Colonel, it was the creation of Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, and was produced by Kayro Productions in association with MCA TV/Revue Studios. The new cartoon was anything but new; it was the reincarnation of Gosden and Correll's Amos 'n' Andy radio program. Amos and Andy storywriters Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher, who wrote for the radio show, were brought onboard to repurpose their old scripts for the new cartoon series. While characters Colonel Montgomery J. Klaxon and Calvin T. Burnside were animals, their voices, performed by Gosden and Correll, were identical to the radio's Andy Brown and George "Kingfish" Stevens characters. Explore this unique look at how Calvin and the Colonel became a cartoon, Gosden and Correll's previous 1934 animation venture, and all of the controversy that went with it.

Cartoon Research presents "Milton the Monster: Horror Hill Epitaph." A historical look at Hal Seeger's Milton the Monster animated cartoon series, which includes Seeger's career, the creation of Milton and all supporting characters in the series, as well as Milton the Monster merchandise. Also included is the complete 26 show episode guide, with a synopsis of all 78 cartoon shorts, featuring the gang from Horror Hill, Flukey Luke, Stuffy Durma, Muggy-Doo and Penny Penguin. Many photos and illustrations included. A frighteningly fun book

The Animated Administration of James Norcross a.k.a. Super President takes a humorous but historical look at DePatie-Freleng's 1967-68 TV cartoon series Super President. Along with guest commentary by animation historian Jerry Beck, and series designer Art Leonardi, the book presents a complete episode guide, index of villains, and never-before-seen original art, model sheets and series documents. Who was President James Norcross and his confidant Jerry Sales? Who was Spy Shadow? A bipartisan investigation into one of the strangest cartoons in U. S. history.

Martha Mansfield Silent Scream tells the strange tale of the history of The Warrens of Virginia that ended with the fiery death of silent screen actress Martha Mansfield on November 30, 1923. Within 12 months, 5 actresses were injured as a result of fires during the production of motion pictures. Only one died, Martha Mansfield. This book presents the strange circumstances and coincidences that plagued The Warrens of Virginia from its beginning as a 1907 David Belasco stage play to the release of the 1924 Fox Film feature. The book features historical photos, articles, reviews, and exclusive commentary from Martha Mansfield biographer Louise Carley Lewisson. Visit marthamansfield.blogspot.com

Cartoon Research presents "Ralph Bakshi's The Mighty Heroes Declassified." The origin, history and adventures of Bakshi's ground-breaking, super-hero cartoon series. This launched his historic career as producer, director and designer of award-winning animation films. Bakshi, in his own words, walks readers through how The Mighty Heroes came to be, production of the series, and its lasting effect with fans. Includes photos, artwork, cartoon series guide, and comic book appearances. A must-have for any Ralph Bakshi fan.

Rudolph Valentino's Strange Afterlife pulls together several key controversial articles, published in the first decade upon his death, indicating the paranormal, or other-worldly, realm. Included are excepts from cemetery crypt keeper, Roger Peterson's diary, logging strange occurrences witnessed at the star's grave, an account from Valentino's widow concerning after-death communications, and tales of sighting the deceased actor's ghost. A cinematic history book that will give you the creeps

The Marx Brothers Love Happy Confidential takes a look at the comedy team's final theatrical motion picture, "Love Happy." Loved by some and loathed by others, the making of the movie was neither "happy" nor involved much brotherly "love." Originated as a solo project for Harpo Marx, "Love Happy" morphed into a monster, and controversy concerning its writer, Ben Hecht, and producer, Lester Cowan, damaged what was left. Groucho Marx selected Marilyn Monroe to be in the picture when Cowan invited to the audition, which included two other women. The book presents a historical last curtain call for the brothers on film. Some gags performed in the movie were excellent, and in time, fans have shown some love for the film.

Luther J. Pollard: Ebony Film Corp. tells the tale of the first motion picture company presenting an entirely black cast of actors in their films. Ebony, which produced a string of comedy shorts from 1917 to 1918, was both praised and condemned. This book takes a look at young Chicago entrepreneur Luther Jay Pollard, company's African-American president and general manager, and how he founded Ebony Film Corp., a company hijacked by racist, white investors bent on exploitation. Ebony's humiliating comedies caused a national outcry from both black and white audiences. Included is a complete film directory, historic articles, photos and advertisements.

Lon Chaney: In His Own Words, is an over-sized 8x10 edition featuring what he had to say about his life, career and his films. Chaney granted few interviews during his life, many of which are presented in this collector's volume. Nearly 50 photographs, many full-size studio stills, of his greatest roles from his most famous films. Also, a complete film listing, from 1912-1930, with a variety of film poster reproductions. A must-have coffee table book for any classic horror fan.

Cartoon Research presents "Winsor McCay's The Sinking of The Alpena." The story behind pioneering animator and cartoonist Winsor McCay's first commercial illustration, created at age 13 on his classroom blackboard, in Spring Lake, Michigan. Exclusive photograph of the 1880 McCay illustration of the passenger steamer The Alpena, which went down in Lake Michigan, taking all 80 aboard with her. Features a forensic examination of the 1870 census, concluding McCay was born in 1867. A biography of the man he was named after, and his connection to The Alpena. Was Little Nemo inspired by a McCay classmate? Additional exclusive photos include McCay's school and his childhood home.