The Croods: A New Age
DreamWorks Animation’s return to this fantastical prehistoric world — given an evolutionary twist by director Joel Crawford — is one of the bright sparks that kept international box offices going this winter. The Croods encounter their biggest challenge yet when they join forces with the Bettermans, a family of sophisticated homo sapiens, to escape extinction. [Universal, $30 4K/$25 BD/$20 DVD]
Jiang Ziya
The visually stunning follow-up to Ne Zha follows the celestial army commander of legend. Banished 10 years to the mortal realm for disobeying the gods and sparing his demon quarry, Jiang Ziya is given another chance and must face his decision once more. The Chinese box office hit comes home with a new English dub starring Christopher Sabat. [Well Go USA, $30 BD/$25 DVD]
The Comic Book History of Animation
The Comic Book History of Comics author-illustrator duo Fred Van Lente & Ryan Dunlavey return for a five-part recap of our favorite medium! The first three issues now available cover animation’s origins; icons like Betty, Mickey and Bugs; and the redefinition of cartoon cool with UPA and Chuck Jones. (Complete the set in March with chapters on Saturday morning classics, the rise of Japanese anime and Pixar’s CG revolution.) [Kindle/comiXology, $4 each]
Subscribe to series on comiXology.
Frozen II: The Manga
Relive Elsa’s thrilling quest to uncover the origin of her powers (with the help of Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, of course!) in this too-kawaii graphic novel adaptation. The Arendelle adventure is reinterpreted by established shoujo artist Arina Tanemure (Phantom Thief Jeanne, Full Moon) in classic black-and-white manga style. [VIZ Media, $15]
Order online in print or digital.
The Works of Hayao Miyazaki: The Master of Japanese Animation
Japanese travel and culture writer Gael Berton explores the personality of one of animation’s greatest legends and his collaborators, deciphering the profound themes and poetic messages of Miyazaki’s work, movie by movie. [Third Editions, $30]
Disney nuiMOs
The darling, dressable micro-plushes introduced in Disney Stores in Japan have arrived in NorAm and Europe, bringing collectible fashion fun at a manageable price. The cuddly Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Stitch and Angel were given looks by celeb stylist Maeve Reilly for their global debut. New characters, outfits and accessories (co-branded with Loungefly, Spirit Jersey, Ashley Eckstein and more) are on the way! [shopdisney.com; $18 per plush, outfits/accessories start at $13]
See the collection at shopDisney.
