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I had been away from the Marvel Universe for some time, and bought this as a present for my son, who now is ready to enjoy comics. For those purposes, it is a great resource. If I was needing to do some seriously "hard core" research, there are some glaring errors and omissions. I returned to Marvel, and quickly became a Deadpool fanboy (albeit an old one). For a character as overwhelmingly popular as the Merc with the Mouth, one would expect a comprehensive entry, but not so much here (his entry is briefer than Scarlet Witch, if memory serves). Another review here talks about the errors and omissions and out-dated information. I don't need to rehash all that. It's disappointing to see a "Definitive Guide" be less than that, but the book is, at its most basic, a DK reference guide. DK is known for its series of Star Wars, Lego, etc. "guides" marketed primarily at young readers, and in giving a wide spectrum of information to younger comic readers, it succeeds. Am I chapped that it doesn't include Deadpool more robustly? Yes. Am I relieved that I don't need to explain what it means that he flirts openly with Spiderman to my 8 year old son? Yeah.Read full review
This is a very good reference book for the comic book fan. There is quite a bit of information presented along with artwork. There is information about characters that I didn't know anything about, and in some instances, one entry will reference another, making it an easy arc to the other entries. The one thing that I would have included is more dates. No one can know about every character referenced in this book and how their stories intersect and when, so it would have been helpful to me if there were dates either in reference to the comic world or the real world. Other than that, I really like this book. I purchased it as a coffee table book, and I know that it will be noticed and be a topic of conversation.
Ive been reading comics 33 years and have always bought all of the handbooks an encyclopedias put out by Marvel and DC. Love to have'em handy when I debate who would win in a fight between characters. The most complete and well researched were the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe series from the early eighties. Since then,unfortunately, all other reference sources fall far short of that great work. The 2009 Marvel Encyclopedia is by far the most inferior product yet. The book not only has numerous glaring errors, but it fails in many instances to list the powers and ability of characters. For example, even though Wolverine, Daredevil,and Moon Knight are all known to be highly proficient martial artists, this info is not listed ANYWHERE in their entries! In the Warriors Three entry, Balder is mistakenly pictured with Fandral and Volstagg as if he were one of the trio. He is referred to as Hogun in the picture which doubles the error. Hercules' entry makes no specific mention of his strength although he's one of the strongest beings in Marvel. Quicksilver's entry says that his top running speed is only 175 MPH, info that's decades outdated! In fact Quicksilver is many times faster than that. The book also is littered with several third rate characters who have been inactive or dead many, many years. Even I was unfamiliar with many of them, and had a hard time understanding why precious space was wasted on them. Especially given the lack of information dedicated to the entries of better known and more current characters. Who should buy it: Anyone thinking of buying a nice gift for a elementary school age child who enjoys comics. Any long time comic fan like me who simply wants to own the reference stuff. Even the useless stuff. Who should avoid it: Anyone who wants info about the powers and abilities of Marvel characters. Anyone who is unfamiliar with the Marvel characters and wants to know about the characters and their complete history. (Better off getting the handbooks from the eighties. The history info is still quite useful, thorough, and relevant to the characters today.)Read full review
This Book is great to drop Knowledge. BLACK BOOK COMICS FOLLOW @ Black Book Comics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vero for Comic News, Cosplay Contests & More
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Books Cover has amazing artwork and that drws you in!!! This Book is really for Adults but I gave it to my Grandson and it will Teach him how to use an Encylopedia which is Great he is Only 3!!! But because of the Content He wants to read ,learn to read and use the Letter tabs to find the super Hereos he wants!!! And it is so detailed my Husband got this book from my Kids for his Birthday!!! Everyone Can Enjoy this Book!!!
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