Marvel Universe

by Peter Sanderson

Book Overview

Party like it's 1989 with the third volume of the legendary OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE! The '89 update followed in the footsteps of the definitive Deluxe Edition, bringing fans up to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810942852
• ISBN13: 9780810942851
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: ABRAMS
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 3.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 10.0" x 11.9"

Customer Reviews

A mile wide and an inch deep...

Sanderson provides great coverage of the essential Marvel characters and themes. The book does not go into depth on any team or character, but touches lightly on each, reviewing storylines, artists and writers who have contributed to weaving the wonderful tales surrounding the Marvel Universe. The book is a treat to read for any Marvel fan or someone curious about the Marvel Universe.

An appreciative and affectionate look at Marvel Comics

"Marvel Universe" is the companion volume to "Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics," but I did not read that volume so I am looking at the volume introducing the superheroes and supervillains of Marvel Comics. Unlike the other volume, which looked at the history of Marvel Comics decade by decade, author Peter Sanderson takes a more thematic approach, although there is a semblance of chronology involved in the order, beginning with the Fantastic Four, the comic book that effectively created Marvel Comics, and ending with the X-Men, the most popular series of today (comics like "Conan the Barbarian" therefore fall outside the scope of the "Mravel Universe"). Specifically the eight chapters divide the Marvel Universe as follows:1. The Fantastic Four: Marvel's First Family, begins with the working relationship of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, relates the origin of the FF, focuses on the compelling character drama of the Thing, and the group's main villain Dr. Doom. After covering some of the FF's epic adventures, including the first confrontation with Galactus and the Silver Surfer, the chapter looks at some of the heroes that were created in the comic such as the Black Panther and the Inhumans.2. The Antiheroes: Human Torch, Sub-Mariner, and Hulk looks at how two Silver Age heroes were updated for the modern era but focuses primarily on old Greenskin, including the pivotal issue #140 written by Harlan Ellison.3. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man looks at Marvel's most popular superhero, drawn originally by Steve Ditko. This chapter covers the problems of a teenage superhero, his remorse over Uncle Ben's death, and the supporting cast, as well as the darker vision of Spider-Man brought to the comic by Todd McFarlane. Special consideration is given to the "Kraven's Last Hunt" storyline and "The Death of Aunt May" issue.4. Avengers Assemble! covers not only Marvel's answer to the Justice League of America as a group, but the individual comic books of Captain America, Henry Pym and the Wasp, Iron Man, Hawkeye and the Black Widow, the Mighty Thor, the Vision, Wonder Man, and even the Black Knight (so you know they have covered pretty much everybody).5. Strange Tales: Heroes of the Supernatural covers a lot of ground as well with Doctor Strange, Dracula, The Man-Thing, Howard the Duck, Ghost Rider, and other Marvel monsters.6. Protectors of the Universe is mostly about aliens such as Captain Mar-vel, the Silver Surfer, Adam Warlock, and Nova. Also covered are such diverse comics as "Power Pack," Don McGregor and P. Craig Russell's "Killraven," and Jack Kirby's last comic creations.7. Vigilantes and Lawmen starts with Daredevil and the Electra Saga, continues with Nick Fury (both with his Holwing Commandos and as an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and ends with the Punisher. 8. Mutantis Mutandis: The X-Men begins with the original X-Men and Magneto, through the Second Genesis and the Dark Phoenix saga, the ascendancy of Wolver

Make Mine Marvel!

If you read Marvel Comics you gotta have this book. I've been reading comicbooks from Marvel for 20 years now, so this title brought practically no news for me, but I love it. It's full of pictures and informative and usefull captions, as well as characters and creators profiles and synopsis of the greatest sagas of the Marvel Universe. So, if you read either Sider-Man, the Hulk or the X-Men this has it all ('till 1996, that is): from Namor's first appearence to the Elektra Saga and Marvels, from Byrne's run is the Fantastic Four to the Age of Apocalypse, Marvel Universe covers it all. 256 pages of pure Marvel. Excelsior! P.S. If you like this book take a look at 'Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades'.

Informative, and a lot of fun to read!

I was looking for a history of Marvel's characters, and this one fit the bill! Starts with the creation of the Fantastic Four, and ends up with the X-Men. Describes the principle Marvel characters, and the relationships between them. Filled with lots of reprint pages from the original comics. This is a must for any Marvel fan!

Fantastic stuff!!

This book is filled with full-color pictures and interesting information. Pages are the glossy sort you find in high-quality publications. I recommend this book to die-hard fans, as well as to dabbling fans (like me). :-)