Written by Gina Misiroglu (editor); Michael Eury; Andy Mangels; Michael A. Martin; Adam McGovern; Frank Plowright; David Roach; & Peter Sanderson
SUMMARY:
Released by Visible Ink Press in 2012, this 263-page paperback offers a wide historical perspective on notable super-hero properties from the comic book industry, as well as Hollywood. In addition to expected entries on high-profile characters such as Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, The Incredibles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Wolverine, the text examines some of Marvel and DC’s lesser-known competitors, as many of them no longer exist. Twenty letters are represented with a limited number of entries, but there aren’t any entries for “K,” “O,” “Q,” “U,” “Y,” and “Z.” Photos of vintage comic book covers and various film stills decorate this easy-to-read resource guide.
REVIEW:
A super-competent writing squad (identified by their initials per each entry) offers balanced analysis of a variety of characters and their often-convoluted histories. The concise backstories of other publishers like America’s Best Comics, Image Comics, Charlton Comics, Eclipse Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and even Archie Comics’ forays into super-heroes offer a glimpse into DC and Marvel’s various rivals.
For instance, who knew that the original Blue Beetle (courtesy of the first of his numerous independent publishers) actually bested Batman by becoming the second super-hero to score his own monthly comic after Superman? How about Lee Falk’s Phantom predating Superman as the first costumed hero? Or that DC’s gas mask-clad Sandman followed Batman as the fourth super-hero with a solo monthly title? Or, in a nod to more likely common knowledge, that the Golden Age Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner were simultaneously Marvel’s first heroes?
Considering that so many letters are skipped, one might conclude that this kid-friendly and well-decorated guidebook neglects quite a bit. Closer inspection indicates that the writers take a streamlined approach by referencing topic-related characters (i.e. second-tier members of the Avengers and the Justice League) within entries attributed to a particular super-team or with the publishing company itself. Still, Marvel’s Hawkeye, Power Man, and Iron Fist receive individual entries – yet, other major industry names (i.e. Firestorm, Zatanna, Harley Quinn, Cyborg, and Witchblade) don’t make this book’s cut. The book’s front cover hype of being an “ultimate” reference, as a result, isn’t as accurate as one might hope for.
Beyond omitting an index, the book’s only other flaw is that it is already outdated. For instance, handy information pertaining to DC’s recent slew of TV programming (i.e. Arrow; The Flash; Supergirl; and Legends of Tomorrow) and Marvel’s more current box office hits (i.e. Spider-Man: Homecoming; Ant-Man; and Doctor Strange) will have to wait for another update. For what it offers, The Superhero Book is a solidly entertaining read that would make a nifty gem for teenage comic book fans.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
The contributors share a two-page biographical section. The book’s last page is for photo credits.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
Note: For an ideal companion piece, there is Ron Goulart’s 2004 full-blown Comic Book Encyclopedia hardcover, which sports 378 pages re: the history of the comic book medium.
