10/07/2022
The success of TV show Cobra Kai is due in no small part to the devoted fanbase of The Karate Kid franchise from which it was spun off, but Bertsche (The Kids Are in Bed) tells the whole story of the show's journey to Netflix stardom. Cobra Kai is the present-day continuation of the rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, who are now working out their differences with their own dojos and the next generation of karate superstar hopefuls. Originally part of YouTube's foray into scripted original content when it premiered in 2018, the show made the jump to Netflix in 2020, just in time for the binge-hungry early days of the COVID pandemic. Bertsche provides a fun, behind-the-scenes look that perfectly captures the spirit of the show throughout its five seasons. This book hits the mark on every aspect of the show from character development to set design, along with full-color photos throughout and interviews with the actors. Also included are profiles of the characters and fictional pieces written from their point of view. VERDICT This book is perfect for fans who can't get enough of the drama at the dojos.—Claire Sewell
