freaking awesome
so happy with this product. package arrived way earlier than expected, no issues what so ever.
Exceptional Encyclopedia
The job of doing any encyclopedia is daunting, and even more so if you are dealing with a company like DC Comics and a 70 year history. The big question any compiler/contributor has to ask is exactly what time frame do you focus on? With DC, we have had a Crisis, 52, and a slew of important storylines in every long lasting title.
WIth this update, the team of Greenberger, Beatty, Wallace, and Jiminez have expanded the previous Encyclopedia with information on the newest multiverse changing series. The 'older' entries on golden age and one or two shot appearances have not been changed, but those characters with current histories have been modified. Entries for Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Justice League are short, but substantial works have been written on those characters already.
The detail in the entries reminds me of the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Universe in that the whole entry on earth now reads Mostly Harmless, so the 5 page entry pales with respect to the Fleischer volume. Artwise, the Alex Ross cover is almost worth the price of the book itself, but inside the book the entry illustrations are garnered from the comics. Much of the art has been cleaned up and digitally colored. As much as I like the look, 'modern' looking GIl Kane art from the 60's almost defeats the purpose of the Silver age addition.
Pegging in at almost 400 pages, this book is a sure winner. The only way that this style of book could be more comprehensive is the production of a Golden Age Guide to DC Comics, Silver Age, Bronze Age, and Modern Age Guide to DC Comics, OR, an online guide with entries as long as researchers can make them. (but not Wikipedia).
This is the best we can expect considering the subject and expansive breadth of the topic. Enjoy the ride. This just could be the writers bible for every DC title...
Tim Lasiuta
This thing is fantastic : )
Wether you're 5 or 55 we pretty much all grew up watching cartoons : )
(Both Marvel and DC) This book as well as the Marvel encyclopedia (with the same format) are awesome for refferrence. They answer any the questions you may have about your favorite superhero's or supervillians...(or even people who only made cameo appearrances for one or two episodes.)
What made The Joker so cynical? What is Poison Ivs' real name? Where was Alfred the Butler born ? What kind of special powers does The Penguin have? How many episodes has The Green Lantern been featured in ? What is the name of Supermans' fortress? READ THE BOOK!!!!!
Brings the DC Universe to Life
I am a casual DC Comics fan who was much more into comics in my youth. I bought this encyclopedia because I used to enjoy reading "Who's Who," a series in the 80's that featured biographies of DC characters. The cover art on this is striking, done beautifully by Alex Ross. The biographies have all been updated, so it was nice to hear about what my favorite (or obscure) heroes and villians have been up to the last 10-20 years. The entries are generally well-written, though I have found an error here and there. Occasionally, an entry will say deceased, but not mention how or if the character died or not say deceased, but indicate in the entry that the character died. Also, this was produced before the "Infinite Crisis" series, which changed (and in some cases killed) many of the characters in the DC universe. Overall, though, it's a pleasant read for casual fans and a way to pass time here and there. It would make a great gift for children 12 and up, I would say.
Great Animation and Information!
Loved this and being I am not a comic guy and only know story lines via cartoons and movies so this filled in the blanks and back stories, orgins and the anamation is great.
(68 reviews)
