Darren Tan – illustratör

A highly illustrated updated study of Patton’s daring attempt to bounce the river Rhine in March 1945.In January 1945, the collapse of the German front along the Siegfried Line led to a large-scale dissolution of German combat forces and capability. Pressed hard by Allied forces advancing eastward, German units often found themselves trapped west of the Rhine River. With his eye on history, US Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. was determined to be the first leader since Napoleon to make an assault crossing of the Rhine. The most logical crossing-place was at Mainz, as it served as a major railroad logistical link from west to east. However, Patton was aware that this would be obvious to the Germans, and therefore he and his staff made rapid plans for another site at Nierstein and Oppenheim, about 12 miles south of Mainz.The crossing began at 2230 hours on 23 March, when the first boats carrying 11th Infantry Regiment troops left the western bank of the Rhine. They met with little opposition; despite a few sharp counterattacks, overall resistance was light and American forces suffered few casualties. By 24 March, the US 4th Armoured Division under Brig. Gen. William Hoge crossed the Rhine and began the exploitation phase. By 26 March, the exploitation to the Main River was clearly a rout, exacerbated by additional crossings of the Rhine by other Allied units over the next few days.Illustrated throughout with stunning full-colour artwork, maps, and bird’s-eye-views, this title details the complete history of this dramatic campaign.

An illustrated account of the disastrous British-led effort to occupy the Dodecanese in autumn 1943, as Winston Churchill attempted to secure the Aegean islands in the wake of the Italian armistice.The occupation was a gamble intended to increase pressure against Germany and at the same time possibly provide encouragement for Turkey to join the Allies. Spearheaded by the Special Boat Squadron and the Long Range Desert Group, garrison troops were deployed to the Italian-occupied Dodecanese, but they were too late to prevent the Germans from taking control of the key island of Rhodes and its all-important airfields.An all-out German offensive followed. Air force and naval units supported a series of assaults by infantry and paratroopers, including specialist forces of the Division Brandenburg. Within three months, only Castelorizzo was still in British hands. Rhodes, Kos and Leros remained under German occupation until May 1945 and the end of the war in Europe.The Dodecanese would be Adolf Hitler’s last enduring victory – and the last enduring British-led defeat.

In the dark dungeons beneath Nazi Germany, teams of occult experts delved into ancient and forbidden lore, searching for lost secrets of power. This book tells the complete history of the Nazi occult programs, from their quests for the Ark of the Covenant, the Spear of Destiny, and the Holy Grail, through their experiments with lycanthrope and zero-point energy. It also includes information on the shadow war fought in the dying days of the Reich as the Nazis deployed strange flying saucers that battled to save their final stronghold in the Antarctic. For years, the Allied governments worked to keep this information from reaching the public, and sought to discredit those few who dared to seek the truth. Now, using a combination of photography and artwork reconstructions, the true story of the most secret battles of World War II can finally be told.

The first part of a detailed study of one of the longest, and most brutal, tactical operations of World War II. In September 1944, the Allied High Command continued to press eastwards towards the Rhine, the thrust being spearheaded by Courtney Hodges' US First Army, whose proposed line of advance was through a wooded area south of Aachen, known locally as the Hürtgenwald – or Hürtgen Forest. On the opposing side, the German forces under the overall command of Walter Model would do all they could to defend the Reich, but also maintain a staging post for the forthcoming Battle of the Bulge. Fought in brutal terrain – heavily wooded, riven with razor sharp ridgelines and precipitous cliffs, and with a woefully inadequate road network – and in all elements, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest was a grinding and protracted encounter where gains were measured in feet and yards and not miles. This study explores the first phase of this bloody battle, including the ‘Aachen Question’ facing the Allies. Featuring stunning artwork, detailed maps and diagrams, and period images, this book provides a gripping narrative of the infamous clash in the Hürtgen Forest, concluding with an assessment of the situation in November 1944, and the preparations for the next phase of operations.

THE DEFINITIVE WORD ON STAR WARS FICTION   The legendary motion picture Star Wars has spawned two big-screen sequels and three prequels—and decades of bestselling fiction. From the original movie tie-in novel through the monumental Fate of the Jedi series, legions of devoted readers have helped expand science fiction’s most celebrated film saga into a page-turning print sensation. Now, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of these sweeping Star Wars adventures is presented in one beautifully illustrated volume.   Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion spans the entire galaxy of published Star Wars fiction—movie novelizations, original stand alone and series novels, short stories, eBook novellas, young adult titles, and comics—and features:   • a concise synopsis of each story, including key characters and planets • exclusive behind-the-scenes facts and anecdotes about authors, plot and character development, continuity notes, and significance in the Star Wars Expanded Universe • details on which novels are linked to Star Wars comic books from Dark Horse and Marvel • a chronological listing of titles, spanning the 25,000-year history of the Star Wars universe and placing each story in its proper context • more than one hundred full-color original paintings throughout by some of fans’ favorite  artists   Whether skimming through fateful eras from the Old Republic to the New Jedi Order; delving deep into the ancient history of the Lost Tribe of the Sith or the tumultuous Clone Wars; crossing paths—and lightsabers—with Dark Lords such as Plagueis or Bane, Sidious or Vader; helming the Millennium Falcon with Han Solo; or mastering the Force with Luke Skywalker, this one-of-a-kind, one-stop reference is a must for fans looking to maximize their knowledge of the sprawling Star Wars Expanded Universe.

For centuries, vampires have lurked in the shadows, preying upon the weak and defenseless. Now, with world population centers booming, the vampires have found rich new hunting grounds. But help is at hand, Vampires: A Hunter''s Guide contains all the information necessary to recognize and combat the growing vampire threat. After exploring the origins of these dark and terrible creatures, it examines the numerous vampire species and subspecies that exist around the world today. Focusing on the hunters'' weapons, tactics and skillsets, this book provides information on identifying and eliminating vampires, noting the best practices from the secretive, powerful and dedicated hunters from around the world, and throughout the ages. With full-color illustrations of predator and prey, this is the ultimate resource in the fight to save humanity from the vampires.

For centuries, vampires have lurked in the shadows, preying upon the weak and defenseless. Now, with world population centers booming, the vampires have found rich new hunting grounds. But help is at hand, Vampires: A Hunter''s Guide contains all the information necessary to recognize and combat the growing vampire threat. After exploring the origins of these dark and terrible creatures, it examines the numerous vampire species and subspecies that exist around the world today. Focusing on the hunters'' weapons, tactics and skillsets, this book provides information on identifying and eliminating vampires, noting the best practices from the secretive, powerful and dedicated hunters from around the world, and throughout the ages. With full-color illustrations of predator and prey, this is the ultimate resource in the fight to save humanity from the vampires.

The first highly-illustrated work to explain the full story of Jack the Ripper, including the history, the conspiracy theory, and his enduring popularity as a character in the mass media.Over a century ago terror stalked the streets of Whitechapel. Jack the Ripper''s brutal campaign of murder panicked Victorian London at the time, but his legacy reaches out to the present day. If anything the story of Jack is now more confusing, obscure and mysterious than ever.With each passing generation, new theories and suspects spring up, adding a new page to a legend that has turned Jack from a historical figure into a mythical character who has become a star of folklore, literature and cinema.Within these pages Victor Stapleton embarks on a quest , retracing the serial killer''s bloody tracks through the foggy alleys of London to finally reveal the true story of Jack the Ripper.

The first highly-illustrated work to explain the full story of Jack the Ripper, including the history, the conspiracy theory, and his enduring popularity as a character in the mass media.Over a century ago terror stalked the streets of Whitechapel. Jack the Ripper''s brutal campaign of murder panicked Victorian London at the time, but his legacy reaches out to the present day. If anything the story of Jack is now more confusing, obscure and mysterious than ever.With each passing generation, new theories and suspects spring up, adding a new page to a legend that has turned Jack from a historical figure into a mythical character who has become a star of folklore, literature and cinema.Within these pages Victor Stapleton embarks on a quest , retracing the serial killer''s bloody tracks through the foggy alleys of London to finally reveal the true story of Jack the Ripper.

Born in the dark days of the great crusades, the warrior monks of the Knights Templar vowed to defend pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Yet strangely, there are few historical records of the Templars ever fulfilling this task. Instead, their history is one of bloodshed and conquest, wealth and power, dark secrets and conspiracies. Today, the story of the Knights Templar is intimately linked with the story of the Holy Grail. But what exactly is this ancient artifact, and how has it been used to manipulate history for the last one thousand years? This book, based on the notes of the recently deceased historian, Dr. Emile Fouchet, attempts to unlock the secrets of the Knights Templar. It begins with an examination of their historical origins, their growth in the early middle-ages, and their supposed destruction under the charges of heresy. From there, it uses the clues left by the Templars themselves to reconstruct their secret journeys as they moved the Holy Grail from Europe to the New World and back. It also charts the secret, three-way war that is still being fought between the Templars, the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Finally, the book reveals the greatest of all Templar conspiracies, the attempt to found a new world order under the auspices of the European Union.

Born in the dark days of the great crusades, the warrior monks of the Knights Templar vowed to defend pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Yet strangely, there are few historical records of the Templars ever fulfilling this task. Instead, their history is one of bloodshed and conquest, wealth and power, dark secrets and conspiracies. Today, the story of the Knights Templar is intimately linked with the story of the Holy Grail. But what exactly is this ancient artifact, and how has it been used to manipulate history for the last one thousand years? This book, based on the notes of the recently deceased historian, Dr. Emile Fouchet, attempts to unlock the secrets of the Knights Templar. It begins with an examination of their historical origins, their growth in the early middle-ages, and their supposed destruction under the charges of heresy. From there, it uses the clues left by the Templars themselves to reconstruct their secret journeys as they moved the Holy Grail from Europe to the New World and back. It also charts the secret, three-way war that is still being fought between the Templars, the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Finally, the book reveals the greatest of all Templar conspiracies, the attempt to found a new world order under the auspices of the European Union.

To defeat your enemy, you must understand him. This volume offers an indispensable analysis of the most vicious killers of all - orcs.Born and bred for war, they are an awful, brutish, violent species and, despite their constant infighting and backstabbing, their horde armies remain a dire threat to all races. To them, war is life. Beginning with an examination of the fighting methods of the individual orc warrior, the book expands to look at how they do battle in their small warbands and in vast armies.Using vivid, illuminating illustrations, it reveals the tactics, technology and disposition of all the orc troop types, from lightly armed archers and heavily armored shock troops to their wolf cavalry and siege engines, uncovering startling regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as beserkers and battle shamans.Finally, it will explore specific key battles that orcs have fought in to develop the fullest possible understanding of these loathsome, terrifying creatures and the ways in which they go to war.

To defeat your enemy, you must understand him. This volume offers an indispensable analysis of the most vicious killers of all - orcs.Born and bred for war, they are an awful, brutish, violent species and, despite their constant infighting and backstabbing, their horde armies remain a dire threat to all races. To them, war is life. Beginning with an examination of the fighting methods of the individual orc warrior, the book expands to look at how they do battle in their small warbands and in vast armies.Using vivid, illuminating illustrations, it reveals the tactics, technology and disposition of all the orc troop types, from lightly armed archers and heavily armored shock troops to their wolf cavalry and siege engines, uncovering startling regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as beserkers and battle shamans.Finally, it will explore specific key battles that orcs have fought in to develop the fullest possible understanding of these loathsome, terrifying creatures and the ways in which they go to war.

To defeat your enemy, you must understand him. This volume offers an indispensable analysis of the most vicious killers of all - orcs.Born and bred for war, they are an awful, brutish, violent species and, despite their constant infighting and backstabbing, their horde armies remain a dire threat to all races. To them, war is life. Beginning with an examination of the fighting methods of the individual orc warrior, the book expands to look at how they do battle in their small warbands and in vast armies.Using vivid, illuminating illustrations, it reveals the tactics, technology and disposition of all the orc troop types, from lightly armed archers and heavily armored shock troops to their wolf cavalry and siege engines, uncovering startling regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as beserkers and battle shamans.Finally, it will explore specific key battles that orcs have fought in to develop the fullest possible understanding of these loathsome, terrifying creatures and the ways in which they go to war.

A lavishly-illustrated guide to the tactics, weaponry and equipment of Dwarves at war one of the most famous and martially skilled races in fantasy literature.Despite their short stature, dwarves are amongst the fiercest and most feared fighters of all the races. Thanks to their great strength and stamina, Dwarves march to battle in thick armor and carrying numerous heavy weapons.This book compiles all of the information known about these grim warriors and how they wage war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual dwarf soldier, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from the axemen that form the front lines of battle to their deadly accurate crossbowmen, and noting their specialist troops such as their famous siege-engineers.Also examined are their tactics in specific situations such as underground fighting and combat in mountainous terrain. Finally, the book examines a few specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the dwarven way of war.

A lavishly-illustrated guide to the tactics, weaponry and equipment of Dwarves at war one of the most famous and martially skilled races in fantasy literature.Despite their short stature, dwarves are amongst the fiercest and most feared fighters of all the races. Thanks to their great strength and stamina, Dwarves march to battle in thick armor and carrying numerous heavy weapons.This book compiles all of the information known about these grim warriors and how they wage war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual dwarf soldier, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from the axemen that form the front lines of battle to their deadly accurate crossbowmen, and noting their specialist troops such as their famous siege-engineers.Also examined are their tactics in specific situations such as underground fighting and combat in mountainous terrain. Finally, the book examines a few specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the dwarven way of war.

A lavishly-illustrated guide to the tactics, weaponry and equipment of Dwarves at war one of the most famous and martially skilled races in fantasy literature.Despite their short stature, dwarves are amongst the fiercest and most feared fighters of all the races. Thanks to their great strength and stamina, Dwarves march to battle in thick armor and carrying numerous heavy weapons.This book compiles all of the information known about these grim warriors and how they wage war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual dwarf soldier, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from the axemen that form the front lines of battle to their deadly accurate crossbowmen, and noting their specialist troops such as their famous siege-engineers.Also examined are their tactics in specific situations such as underground fighting and combat in mountainous terrain. Finally, the book examines a few specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the dwarven way of war.

Although few in number, elves produce the most skilful and deadly warriors of all the races. Renowned for their archery and agility, they are mostly associated with hit and run tactics; however, they should not be underestimated in open battle. This book compiles all of the information known about these elegant warriors and how they practise war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual elf fighter, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from their justifiably famous bowmen and swordmasters to their lightning fast cavalry, making note of regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as war mages. Accompanied by numerous illustrations in both colour and black and white, this book examines specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the elf way of war.

Although few in number, elves produce the most skilful and deadly warriors of all the races. Renowned for their archery and agility, they are mostly associated with hit and run tactics; however, they should not be underestimated in open battle. This book compiles all of the information known about these elegant warriors and how they practise war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual elf fighter, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from their justifiably famous bowmen and swordmasters to their lightning fast cavalry, making note of regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as war mages. Accompanied by numerous illustrations in both colour and black and white, this book examines specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the elf way of war.

Although few in number, elves produce the most skilful and deadly warriors of all the races. Renowned for their archery and agility, they are mostly associated with hit and run tactics; however, they should not be underestimated in open battle. This book compiles all of the information known about these elegant warriors and how they practise war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual elf fighter, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from their justifiably famous bowmen and swordmasters to their lightning fast cavalry, making note of regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as war mages. Accompanied by numerous illustrations in both colour and black and white, this book examines specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the elf way of war.

They said there were no monsters. But there are. It is the 23rd Century. Across the cold void of space, alien monsters prey on humanity: infesting generation-ships, destroying colonies, and transforming humans into hosts for their foul spoor. From the insectoid hive-beasts of Klaatu, to the xenomorphic parasites of the outer rim, this book contains the sum total of human knowledge of the myriad forms of alien menace; where to find them…and how to kill them. In this guide you will find details of mankind''s greatest champions, the marines of STAR Industries. With their state-of-the-art technology and advanced combat tactics developed over a century of warfare, the STAR marines battle the alien, wherever it may strike.

They said there were no monsters. But there are. It is the 23rd Century. Across the cold void of space, alien monsters prey on humanity: infesting generation-ships, destroying colonies, and transforming humans into hosts for their foul spoor. From the insectoid hive-beasts of Klaatu, to the xenomorphic parasites of the outer rim, this book contains the sum total of human knowledge of the myriad forms of alien menace; where to find them…and how to kill them. In this guide you will find details of mankind''s greatest champions, the marines of STAR Industries. With their state-of-the-art technology and advanced combat tactics developed over a century of warfare, the STAR marines battle the alien, wherever it may strike.

In the dying days of World War II, Nazi Germany spent increasingly large amounts of its dwindling manufacturing capability on the construction of a small fleet of flying saucers capable of travel beyond the atmosphere. While these saucers were too few in number to affect the eventual outcome of the war, they did allow for a small, but fanatical Nazi group to escape Germany, first to Antarctica, and then on to the moon!For the first time, the history of the Nazi space program has been revealed - with a focus on the design, construction, and layout of the moonbase. Using detailed maps, the entire moonbase is reconstructed, noting the locations of various important features, such as weapon emplacements, the Vril generator, the air recyclers and water extractors. The book also covers the various attempt by the allies to overcome this last Nazi stronghold through both subterfuge and outright battle.

In the dying days of World War II, Nazi Germany spent increasingly large amounts of its dwindling manufacturing capability on the construction of a small fleet of flying saucers capable of travel beyond the atmosphere. While these saucers were too few in number to affect the eventual outcome of the war, they did allow for a small, but fanatical Nazi group to escape Germany, first to Antarctica, and then on to the moon!For the first time, the history of the Nazi space program has been revealed - with a focus on the design, construction, and layout of the moonbase. Using detailed maps, the entire moonbase is reconstructed, noting the locations of various important features, such as weapon emplacements, the Vril generator, the air recyclers and water extractors. The book also covers the various attempt by the allies to overcome this last Nazi stronghold through both subterfuge and outright battle.

In the dying days of World War II, Nazi Germany spent increasingly large amounts of its dwindling manufacturing capability on the construction of a small fleet of flying saucers capable of travel beyond the atmosphere. While these saucers were too few in number to affect the eventual outcome of the war, they did allow for a small, but fanatical Nazi group to escape Germany, first to Antarctica, and then on to the moon!For the first time, the history of the Nazi space program has been revealed - with a focus on the design, construction, and layout of the moonbase. Using detailed maps, the entire moonbase is reconstructed, noting the locations of various important features, such as weapon emplacements, the Vril generator, the air recyclers and water extractors. The book also covers the various attempt by the allies to overcome this last Nazi stronghold through both subterfuge and outright battle.

A highly illustrated study of Operation Torch, the first major Allied amphibious invasion of the war.Following the raid on Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt identified the European theatre as his country’s priority. Their first joint operation with the British was an amphibious invasion of French North Africa, designed to relieve pressure on their new Soviet allies, eliminate the threat of the French navy joining the Germans, and to shore up the vulnerability of British imperial possessions and trade routes through the Mediterranean.Operation Torch was the largest and most complex amphibious invasion of its time. In November 1942, three landings took place simultaneously across the French North African coast in an ambitious attempt to trap and annihilate the Axis’ North African armies between the invading forces under General Eisenhower and British Field-Marshall Montgomery’s Eighth Army in Egypt.Using full colour artwork, maps and contemporary photographs, this is the thrilling story of this complex operation.

A highly illustrated study of Operation Torch, the first major Allied amphibious invasion of the war.Following the raid on Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt identified the European theatre as his country''s priority. Their first joint operation with the British was an amphibious invasion of French North Africa, designed to relieve pressure on their new Soviet allies, eliminate the threat of the French navy joining the Germans, and to shore up the vulnerability of British imperial possessions and trade routes through the Mediterranean.Operation Torch was the largest and most complex amphibious invasion of its time. In November 1942, three landings took place simultaneously across the French North African coast in an ambitious attempt to trap and annihilate the Axis'' North African armies between the invading forces under General Eisenhower and British Field-Marshall Montgomery''s Eighth Army in Egypt.Using full colour artwork, maps and contemporary photographs, this is the thrilling story of this complex operation.

A highly illustrated study of Operation Torch, the first major Allied amphibious invasion of the war.Following the raid on Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt identified the European theatre as his country''s priority. Their first joint operation with the British was an amphibious invasion of French North Africa, designed to relieve pressure on their new Soviet allies, eliminate the threat of the French navy joining the Germans, and to shore up the vulnerability of British imperial possessions and trade routes through the Mediterranean.Operation Torch was the largest and most complex amphibious invasion of its time. In November 1942, three landings took place simultaneously across the French North African coast in an ambitious attempt to trap and annihilate the Axis'' North African armies between the invading forces under General Eisenhower and British Field-Marshall Montgomery''s Eighth Army in Egypt.Using full colour artwork, maps and contemporary photographs, this is the thrilling story of this complex operation.

Fully illustrated study of the race to the Breton ports and the struggle to take them by Patton''s Third Army in the months after D-Day.One of the prime objectives for the Allies following the D-Day landings was the capture of sufficient ports to supply their armies. The original Overlord plans assumed that ports along the Breton coast would be essential to expansion of the Normandy beach-head. This included the major ports at Brest and on Quiberon Bay.The newly arrived Third US Army (TUSA) under Lt. Gen. George S. Patton was delegated to take on the Brittany mission. In one of the most rapid mechanized advances of the war, TUSA had the ports of Avranches and Quiberon encircled by the second week of August 1944.But changing priorities meant that most of TUSA was redeployed, meaning only a single corps was left to take the Breton port cities. The fight would drag into 1945, long after German field armies had been driven from France. Using full colour maps and artwork as well as contemporary accounts and photographs, Brittany 1944 is the fascinating story of the siege of Germany''s last bastions on the French Atlantic coast.