Following the success of the first edition, the updated and revised DC Comics Encyclopedia offers even more incredible DC detail and imagery than the original. 48 brand-new pages include major updates on characters and storylines (including the recent "Infinite Crisis" story arc). This spectacular, up-to-the-minute encyclopedia will delight comic fans of every age.
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This copiously illustrated encyclopedia chronicles more than 1,000 DC Comics characters from the 1930s to the present. Arranged alphabetically, each entry gives the first appearance, status (hero, villain, etc.), real name, occupation, height, weight, and eye and hair color of the superheroes or supervillains. Special abilities and superpowers are also listed along with ample cross-references to other comic characters or superleague affiliations, such as the L.E.G.I.O.N. cosmic peacekeeping force.
The biographical entries make fascinating reading in alternative history. For example, the Crimson Avenger served in a league called the Seven Soldiers of Victory during World War II. Afterward, he was sent backward in time. He came forward in time and discovered that he was struck with a terminal disease. After his death, an unknown woman purchased two guns that had belonged to him. These guns transformed her into Crimson Avenger II, who became an agent of vengeance and execution. Of course, famous characters such as Wonder Woman or Batman are included. But lesser-known characters, such as Superman's college flame, Lori Lemaris (a mermaid), are also listed.
The colorful design makes this book a pleasure to browse. Special two-page features, such as "Amazing Weapons" and "Romantic Moments," are interspersed with the biographies. Recommended for public libraries with active comic readership. Jack O'Gorman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"... it's hard to top this encyclopedia." -- Winston-Salem Journal
"Fabulous artwork and pictures of more than 1,000 famous comic book characters fill this classic that will thrill all collectors." -- Detroit Free Press --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
"Fabulous artwork and pictures of more than 1,000 famous comic book characters fill this classic that will thrill all collectors." -- Detroit Free Press --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 67 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Many folks for years have been wanting DC to revisit their Who's Who series from the mid-80's, an A to Z covering of characters. This new hardcover fits that bill in a solid, colorful volume. The wrap around cover by Alex Ross is beautiful and eye-catching.
As for the book's interior, it is obvious a lot of effort was put into this. Four main writers handled the text portions, with art taken from hundreds of artists across the decades.
Naturally, there will be a few errors that creep into something such as this. I found characters in group shots mislabeled, and the occasional wrong fact in an entry. These things probably should have been caught in final proofing. I can forgive them though as they are few and far between.
The one thing that becomes painfully obvious to this long time comic reading fan is that the focus of this tome swings heavy to the post-Crisis universe (understandable as that is what the current continuity is - stuff reorganized and introduced since 1986). This tome makes it obvious that continuity is in fact constantly in flux, being rewritten and reworked. The book is uneven in that at times it takes both old and rewrites into account. Examples include the Legion of Super-Heroes stuff and the Doom Patrol relaunch from earlier this year.
Still, it is a nice coffee table tome and good for quicky research on characters and such.
As for the book's interior, it is obvious a lot of effort was put into this. Four main writers handled the text portions, with art taken from hundreds of artists across the decades.
Naturally, there will be a few errors that creep into something such as this. I found characters in group shots mislabeled, and the occasional wrong fact in an entry. These things probably should have been caught in final proofing. I can forgive them though as they are few and far between.
The one thing that becomes painfully obvious to this long time comic reading fan is that the focus of this tome swings heavy to the post-Crisis universe (understandable as that is what the current continuity is - stuff reorganized and introduced since 1986). This tome makes it obvious that continuity is in fact constantly in flux, being rewritten and reworked. The book is uneven in that at times it takes both old and rewrites into account. Examples include the Legion of Super-Heroes stuff and the Doom Patrol relaunch from earlier this year.
Still, it is a nice coffee table tome and good for quicky research on characters and such.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I really didn't know what to expect when I bought this book. It was just something to help me figure out who some of the characters were in the DC universe. What I found was a history of EVERY character DC has ever created! There were some really obscure characters in there dating back to the 1940s that I had never even heard of.
If you're into DC comics, it's well worth the price. I know I've had hours of fun reading the different entries on not only the characters I knew but many I didn't.
If you're into DC comics, it's well worth the price. I know I've had hours of fun reading the different entries on not only the characters I knew but many I didn't.
32 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Some people may gripe over that their favorite character got only a small entry in the book but I was surprised at how complete this book was.
Lets face it, unless DC reprints Who's Who you are not going to get a complete guide to the DC characters, this book is made to represent as many of their characters as they could. I enjoyed the entries about the lesser known characters and being given updates on some of the heros and villians I had followed but lost touch with.
The DC Comics Encylopedia makes a nice gift for any comics fan.
Lets face it, unless DC reprints Who's Who you are not going to get a complete guide to the DC characters, this book is made to represent as many of their characters as they could. I enjoyed the entries about the lesser known characters and being given updates on some of the heros and villians I had followed but lost touch with.
The DC Comics Encylopedia makes a nice gift for any comics fan.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for all comics fans!
I really enjoyed the book. And far exceeded my expectations. The cover is very nice and has a different texture and delicious to pass the hand! I recommend.
Published 14 hours ago by Maike A. S. Ferreira
4.0 out of 5 stars
good book
wish they only had a bar graph on their powers. superhuman strength? like over 90% of the people have superhuman strength! Would be nice to see the strength on a scale. Read more
Published 1 day ago by rafael sanchez
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for DC nerds and newcomers alike
I love it. A good coffee table book IMO. Of course as any DC comics fan knows--there are so many freaking universes and alternate story/timelines--there will without doubt be gaps... Read more
Published 8 days ago by AK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
My son and husband love this book. They both love comics and this is a very comprehensive book about pretty much every single super hero ever created.
Published 1 month ago by S. Elliott
5.0 out of 5 stars
VW Bug
This was a present for my boyfriend for Christmas. We saw it at barns and noble a few months before Christmas. He was super surprised and we both enjoy it.
Published 1 month ago by Becca
5.0 out of 5 stars
I my son loved this so much i would buy again.
I my son loved this so much i would buy again. And it good condition. I'm glad i bought it.
Published 1 month ago by Raquel Liriano
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
This is great for anyone who is just interested in the history of DC comics. it is full of characters and facts and art. It's got a nice hard cover and beautiful cover art. Read more
Published 1 month ago by florescent_verde
5.0 out of 5 stars
great encyclopedia
The Marvel and DC Comics encyclopedias are some of the best books any comic book reader could buy just to catch up on the universes or to learn as much as possible about their... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Fernando Correa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome DC version of my son's favorite book
My son memorized the Marvel Encyclopedia so it was time for a new book. He loves Superman and Batman and he likes to make fun of Aquaman so this book is a winner. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Matt
4.0 out of 5 stars
good book
love learning about my super heros and it never get old learning about them nice nice nice nice nice nice
Published 3 months ago by rashid salam
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