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sfian's review
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Definitely a book to dip into (this is the first book I've read alongside others for a long time), this is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Starting out chronicling the rise of Marvel from its Timely beginnings, there were lots of facts I didn't know. By the time it finished, though, just as the MCU was beginning, most entries were related to which comics series started and "major" appearances. Some of the latter felt a little like filler entries, rather than thjngs that needed chronicling.
I would have liked a little more emphasis on the story of the company, rather than focussing wholly on the publications.
Still, fun, informative and easy-reading, so no major complaints. Minor complaints, though, include repetition (another reason for dipping in and out) and at least one inaccuracy (although I'm blowed if I can remember what it was...)
bstratton's review
5.0
A great, exhaustive resource for Marvel Comics history through mid-2008. It hews a little too closely to the company line, especially as you get closer to the present, but it’s a great place to start for anyone who wants to take a deep dive into the company and its history. I host a Marvel Comics history podcast, and I still learned plenty of stuff that was new to me.
My biggest complaint though is that they decided for some reason to re-letter EVERY SINGLE WORD BALLOON with the most generic computer “comic book” font, and it just looks jarring and cheap. I wish they’d gotten an actual comics letterer to do the job right.
My biggest complaint though is that they decided for some reason to re-letter EVERY SINGLE WORD BALLOON with the most generic computer “comic book” font, and it just looks jarring and cheap. I wish they’d gotten an actual comics letterer to do the job right.
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