9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vertigo Excelence, October 9, 2008
This review is from: The Vertigo Encyclopedia (Hardcover)
History should be preserved. That is both the paradox and challenge of an encyclopedia of a 'present' company. However, Vertigo titles cover an amazing variety of topics, and include a talented mix of artists and writers allowed to flex their creative muscle to an audience that appreciates and rewards creative risk taking.
To wit, consider the imaginiative 100 Bullets, the poetic Sandman, Y (the Last Man), Madame Xanadu, Testament, Scalped, Preacher, Lucifer, and Jack of Fables. What genre haven't they touched?
The encyclopedia format works well for Alex Irvine. Listing each title alphabetically with spin offs as a secondary entry, and then including the one shots at the back was the only way to do this. Pertinent story lines, artwork culled from the books, and character bios where necessary make this a fantastic guide to almost every Vertigo title. Unfortunately, the space required to properly document the longer running titles is not possible. I guess we have to buy the comics (sigh).
The slick paper and presentation make this a volume every collector should have. The Vertigo experience is remarkable, share it with your friends.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lush Look at Vertigo, October 12, 2009
This review is from: The Vertigo Encyclopedia (Hardcover)
Previously DK Publishing has given comic book fans the DC Comics and Marvel Comics Encyclopedias but now they take a turn for the dark by tackling the Vertigo Imprint. Started in 1993, the Vertigo Imprint celebrated its 15th anniversary this year as the most successful imprint ever. The Vertigo line introduced a new type of comic, geared to older and more mature fans who were looking for more depth and complex storylines. It's successes are numerous: Animal Man, The Sandman, Doom Patrol, Preacher, The Books of Magic, John Constantine: Hellblazer, and countless others, and they are all covered in this book.
Each of the main ongoing and major limited run series are listed with the following information: First issue date, series run, artists/writers, main storyline, creation notes, and key characters. Some of the more major titles also list outstanding moments, trade paperback collections, spin-off publications, and any awards the title may have won.
If you think it's just a fluff piece, think again. The information is quite detailed. The Fables and Hellblazer sections run a full ten pages each. If you are not already a reader of these titles, this would be a great way to get up to speed and a heck of a lot cheaper than going out and buying a slew of back issues. The Hellblazer listing takes you through the entire history of the character from the tragedy at Newcastle, to his meeting Swamp Thing, to his battles with Nergal, and the incredibly numerous and diverse cast of characters.
The other major selling factor of the book (and for DC consequently) is that it will certainly generate interest in the Vertigo line whether it's with current and on-going titles or those titles that have ended. I am now very interested in picking up titles like "The Un-Men" and "DMZ".
Now the book simply can't cover everything released in the Vertigo line which includes over 200 one-shots and limited series. For those titles the book includes the Gazeteer. The Gazeteer runs through these titles in a thirty-page section that features capsule listings. The capsule listings provide the series run, creators, and a description of the series or one-shot. The titles here include original graphic novels like "Deadboy Detectives", one-shots like "Doctor Thirteen" and limited series like "Flinch". A comprehensive index rounds it out.
The material is accompanied by hundreds of pieces of art taken directly from the comics. DK did a nice job with their previous encyclopedias but this one is the best yet. In some ways it's an easier task because there is only fifteen years of history but on the other hand, these are titles which have much smaller yet often more faithful readerships so they had to do a good job. Neil Gaiman provides an introduction.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
good to get to know the other players in the vertigo universe, May 15, 2010
This review is from: The Vertigo Encyclopedia (Hardcover)
I like this compendium because it introduced me to other Vertigo publications that I didn't know before.
It sums up the main characters and story lines for Vertigo publications. Good thing to have when you like graphic novels and comics.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
