The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe - Hardcover

Beatty, Scott; Jimenez, Phil

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 075660592X ISBN 13: 9780756605926

Publisher: DK Publishing, 2004

Synopsis

A richly illustrated reference provides a definitive guide to all of the superheroes and archvillains of the DC universe, featuring more than one thousand different characters, including images from the original comic books, from the past sixty years of DC Comics.

About this title

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

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

About this edition

• Publisher: DK Publishing
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 075660592X
• ISBN 13: 9780756605926
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352