Arthas

I know this book has been out awhile, but unfortunately, I accumulate reading material far faster than I can read it.
Still, I like the whole World of Warcraft that Blizzard has created. Not just the computer games, but the graphic novels are beautiful, the roleplaying game seems relatively popular, the action figures are super high quality and the fiction has been really good!
Arthas is no exception. His story, told so well in Warcraft III and added to in World of Warcraft is covered well in this novel and it is a really good read!
I like that Blizzard, despite having a dedicated fan base, still put a lot of focus into their products. Their fans would probably buy anything they put out, so how great is it that they have such attention devoted to making good stuff!?!
The action figs are by McFarlane Toys who, in my opinion, are the best in the biz. The books are written by Christie Golden, Richard Knaak and other notable fantasy authors. The graphic novels are written by none other than Walt Simonson of Thor fame and the artwork is stunning!
So, WTG Blizzard!
My advice for today - pick up Arthas and read it. Then go look at other Blizzard products. It's not just your typical game tie-in schlock. The products are rich fantasy products and the world is well developed, immersive and just plain cool.

Geek essentials

Just saw this from Blizzard. You can buy the "Tankard of Terror". How cool is that? I'm not a major player in the mmorpg realm (I don't even have an active WOW account! Yikes!) but this is a cool collectible. I mau have to have one to quaff a frosty brew while playing some Warcraft III (I'm more of a RTS guy myself).

Also saw this. This company takes a screenshot of your WOW character and builds you a little miniature of the character. Looks really detailed. I am geek enough that even though I don't have an active account, I would love to have a little representation of my character to look at and brag about. Relive adventures, that sort of thing.

Not only are both of these awesome geek essentials, but they are also great examples of Blizzard building a game into a brand in-and-of-itself, but also both are great examples of companies who did not invent a property, still managing to make money using someone elses brainchild. Opportunities are out there. Way to go 3Point and figureprints!

Three Companies

Three companies that never cease to inspire me;

Blizzard Entertainment - been around awhile, but after Warcraft: Orcs and Humans put them on the map, they have expanded Warcraft into a mega property. Now it's an immersive world where people spend countless hours (and dollars). The fans get the escape and Blizz gets the coin and everyone is happy. They do this so well. Everthing from their artwork, stories, games, accesories...all is just expertly done.

Games Workshop: These guys make great games, books and miniatures. They have stayed in their lane as well and created a fantasy and science fiction setting with a feel like no other.

Paizo Publishing: They have taken an adventure concept (Pathfinder) coupled it with great art and generated a whole property. Pathfinder is growing well beyond a way to do RPG adventures into an RPG of its own. I predict fiction set in that universe and probably other sorts of media as well.