"Overall, this is a decent introduction..."
Friends of the National Railway Museum Review - Spring 2026

It's rare that I read a book about video games and learn something new, but this one's exhaustive and insanely detailed list of everything and anything to do with Aliens games did just that. An absolutely fascinating read packed with anecdotes and details. A rollercoaster ride that takes in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of a video game franchise filled with hits, misses, and infuriatingly wasted opportunities. If you want to know the hows and whys of Aliens video games, this is a must. A right riveting read, as they used to say.
Julian 'Jaz' Rignall, legendary games journalist and author of The Games of a Lifetime

The second half deals with more recent apocalypse, grouped thematically. This is where the author really shines and the chapter format makes an interesting way of viewing trends and continuities in various forms. The star of this book is the zombie chapter that blends history and popular culture in a truly compelling and engaging way.
NetGalley, Anne Holdorph

Right out of the gate, Kiste makes it known that everything he included came from factual information. I do appreciate a well-researched nonfiction book. I enjoyed the indepth discussion of the creative process and the business dealings that took place to get the first cartoons seen by the public. These behind the scenes details will appeal to anyone who is interested in the early decades of film and Hollywood. Of course, there is lots of discussion on the making of the earliest (and now classic) full-length animated features: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia and so many more. It was interesting to learn that several films had rough roads to release and that not all were well-received on their first theater runs. The appendix at the end, summarizing awards nominations and wins, and the many pages of supporting pictures were a welcome bonus to tie the package together.
NetGalley, Martin Maenza

In the 1970's, I grew up on Disney animation. Most weekends were topped by Sunday night's Wonderful World of Disney and afternoons occasionally provided reruns of the classic Mickey Mouse Club from decades before. When the films came out of the vaults for their cyclical returns, I hit the theaters with family. Thus, I had to check this one out. Thomas' approach is in interesting one. He hits each of the films in chronological order, devoting a short chapter to each in turn. Given the length, we naturally are not getting every fact about the films. He provides details relating to the making of each one along with other interesting factoids. Most of these are likely known to the true Disney-devoted, but I often found myself picking up a new tidbit here and there. It is definitely an author's prerogative to decide what they are focusing on and how to deliver their narrative. I found this one touched on personal connections and felt it was all delivered in a rather easy-going, conversational.. Read more
NetGalley, Martin Maenza