Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

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.

This title is for comic-book fans everywhere - an updated edition of the A-Z reference of the DC universe. New and expanded, this one-volume encyclopedia of more than 1,200 of the classic characters created by comics giant DC is essential for any fan. With new entries on the latest DC characters and expanded ones on Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, the JLA, Aquaman, Catwoman and Wonder Woman, all the world-renowned super heroes and super villains are here, as well as the weird and wonderful one-offs. Special features celebrate some of the DC heroes and villains' more memorable exotic vehicles and weaponry, their titanic clashes, or romantic encounters plus recent story developments including the Infinite Crisis. With a brand new cover designed by Alex Ross, one of the world's pre-eminent comic book artists and thrilling original, comic-book art, the fun and excitement of more than 60 years of comic-book history explodes off every page!