Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre Hardcover – November 2, 2006

There's really two ways of looking at this "biography". One from a pre-production, writing and illustrative standpoint. It's an amazing piece of work put together for what some call a "fictional band".The second way is reading this as if it were all true. And believe me you will think it is. The band is so well written, you start to think, "Oh Murdoc is a great lyricist!" But then you think, wait, it's really Albarn who did the writing. Bits like this help you enjoy this book twice as much as if you would only see it as one or the other.And I have to say this is quite a bio. While they could have gone and made a quick small book with existing artwork, they laboured in creating a genesis of a band showcasing every little minute detail in their lives to the present. And I love it. I love little details like these. You fall in love with the band even more.The book explores their origins, their loves and hates, they're issues, victories, writing lyrics, creating videos, collaborating (with the ppl that actually took part in creating the band), photo shoots, romances, affairs, hauntings etc, arguing and discussing every thing while showing pictures of them every step of the way.And they really are meant as "photos" of them. They've taken this to a new level. Where once one could easily turn themselves into a cartoon for the sake of a video, a cartoon here has literally become real, solid, tangible. Do you really want to know that 3 people played the part of Russel? Not including his voice? Or that 3 or 4 ladies did the voice and vocals for Noodle while others played the guitar parts? I certainly really don't. While I know most of the "real" background info on them, I much rather prefer to believe them as real people.But it's easy to see the underlying notes throughout the book give little hints and glimpses of the real story, with the real people that brought it together, but it's so subtle you'll kindly smile because they did this so well it doesn't interrupt the pacing of the book at all.But remember you love Kermit the Frog and Gonzo for them, not because it's Jim Henson and Frank Oz moving them.So if you're a fan of the Gorillaz, this is a must have. If you're a fan of great pop art, great storytelling, and great music this is a must have as well. The Gorillaz can't be considered the "best" animated band, because technically they really are the only animated band. But at the same time, they shouldn't be considered that either.They're really just another band. They put on shows, they do interviews, they do photo shoots they get drunk, they get beat up etc. Because in the end the music is what it's all about. And watching them live and create is a luxury all fans and spectators get to have.*Get the accompanying DVD Slowboat to Hades and the new vinyl figures from Kid Robot out now as well if you're a die hard fan like meself!*

Great description, fast shipping, overall professionalism. Definitely a recommended seller. Thank you so much for adding this to my collection!!

This book includes the entire collection of Gorillaz artwork up to Demon Days, (so no Plastic Beach artwork), plus extra artwork created exclusively for the book. Besides the artwork, the book includes the mostly-fiction-semi-nonfiction-pseudo-biography of the Gorillaz starting at the very beginning of the band's coming together and going on to explain how the Gorillaz became "biggest virtual band in the world."For huge fans, this is something I think you should definitely check out--especially if you like the animation and artwork side of the Gorillaz. If you only ever liked the music and never really dug the music videos or "band members," there isn't much here for you.The story side of the book is conveyed mostly through "band interviews" and from the characters' perspective. It's not written like a novel. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlitt helped organize the material and storylines, but it was written by a third person under Albarn and Hewlitt's guidance. Through the story of the band members, reality sometimes peeks through in the form of interviews and name drops of artists who collaborated with Damon Albarn and tour dates and locations, etc.The interaction and personalities of the "band members"--2D, Murdoc, Russel, and Noodle---are entertaining and often funny, and the convoluted plot is pretty great by itself. Also great is that every non-print Gorillaz "product"--music videos, mini cartoons, songs, albums, band interviews--are all referenced, so you can look them up online and watch/listen if you missed them before.

It came in super good condition! Better then I thought! I’ve been wanting this book for so many years now and I’m so happy to finally get my hands on it

A funny and very interesting biography of my favorite band, Gorillaz. Reads like a huge interview and is full of masterful art pieces. Though it, of course, doesn't offer the mellow feeling of the band's music, the book is great and you will likely hope to finish it. It is something to pass the time with as you wait for the completion of their next studio album. No issues with shipping as far as I could see.Don't hope (as I did) for too many believable song/video meanings or any full lyrics inside (possibly best if you don't understand the meanings anyway); but expect plenty of information about the characters, their fake lives before their fame and during each hiatus, and their singles. Looks professional enough to keep(arguably nicer without the book cover) and it was a fun and long read; easily earns my 5 stars. Hell, it even has a surprise ending..

This book floored me. If you consider yourself a fan of Gorillaz, this book is an absolute treasure. The sheer volume of artwork revealed upon every turn of the page is, by itself, more than worth the price.The song by song insight into the original Gorillaz albumn and Demon Days is by far my favorite part of the book. I listened to the albumns through earphones to catch every detail as I read along. I will never forget the feeling.And in the exact middle of the book, there is a great chart. It looks like a New York subway map, and shows what each bandmember has listened to. It is a guide to the musical influences of Gorillaz. And it is a great way to see what music you have listened to, and what music you should.I give "Rise of the Ogre" an easy 5 stars.