Product Description: As a unique, one-volume encyclopedia of more than 1,000 characters created by DC Comics, this is the book that all comic book fans have been waiting for! Featuring some of DC's most creative artists and heroes and villains from the world famous to lesser known one-offs, this thrilling, one-of-a-kind guide has comic book history exploding off every page.
Encyclopedia This book has it all! I got it for my husband for Father's Day (he got it early though) and he loved it. It has everything you want to know about all the DC characters.
This looks like a job for EDITORMAN! I didn't mind the blatant exclusions in this "encyclopedia" or the unusual focus on some characters (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen) over others (Jim Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth), but they could have hired a proofreader before going to press. The numerous typos, omissions and factual errors grew annoying the farther into the book I got. Major events were glossed over, characters were omitted and the art selection was haphazard and poorly executed.
All-in-all, I would rather have a bound edition of the Who's Who magazines that DC released in the 80's. At least it seemed like they cared enough about that product to proofread it, as opposed to this substandard effort.
I give it one star solely because of the beautiful Alex Ross dustjacket.
GREAT book! This is a very comprehensive book, great for the amature or experienced follower. I purchased this for my husband who is an avid follower and he was not disappointed! It covered the subject material very well and the illustrations are beautiful! I would purchase it again.
Truly Expansive DC Comic Encyclopedia DC Comics Encyclopedia can be opened to any page to find out about the DC Universe. Every page is covered with information and images. There are the well documented heroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman to the lesser known to those that are not comic enthusiasts such as Huntress, and Doctor Fate.
The biographies of the DC characters is particularly intriguing. For example, the DC Comics Encyclopedia biography on Robin describes how there were three different individuals that held that title. Each Robin's attributes and fate are shared with the reader.
The writing is a bit small. This purchase was made for my son, a ten year old, whom is interested in comics. He often shares information from the book He returns to learn more about a particular comic character. There are characters within the book that are both frightening looking for younger readers such as The Creeper, and the female character are voluptuous as well.
This is a great book for the comic enthusiast.
Not just for comic book fans I will begin by saying that I am not a comic book reader but after reading this book, I'm considering taking it up. I wanted this book because I am a fan of the animated TV shows featuring heroes from the DC comics (i.e. Batman TAS, Justice Leage, Justice League Unlimited). I wanted to learn more about all of these characters that I had grown fond of, so I asked for this book for Christmas & got it.
The hardcover is fairly large. It features heroes & villains in alphabetical order. It gives a brief but detailed summary of each character's history. There is a short profile on each that includes their "real" name, occupation, status (hero/villain), height, weight, eye/hair color, & description of their powers or talents. It also features at least one illustration of the character. The more prominent figures get a larger spread (Batman gets 4 pages, for instance). There are layouts featuring famous vehicles, weapons, team-ups, & romances from the comics.
I have looked through this book many times since I got it. I have found it extremely interesting & helpful. Of course, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information. Like I said, I'm seriously considering getting into comic books. I also received the Marvel Comics edition, & between the two, this one seems to be more thorough. This is an amazing volume.