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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
informative
fast-paced
Going through the various eras of the Marvel-DC rivalry, the book seemed to start out strong, particularly till it reached the 80s. Post that however, it seemed like a lot of the ideas and analysis started being repetitive and the sources to make the claims became increasingly scattered, and especially by the time we reached the present (2010s in the book), much of the speculation was undifferentiable from any of the dozens of self proclaimed pundits talking about comic book movies online on twitter.
The latter deficiencies do not wholly take away from the initial goodness, but it did make me suspect if whether I enjoyed the earlier part more because I personally had less knowledge about the actual going ons of the era and thus any information given to me seemed to be the truth. I however choose to believe that given the more extensive list of sources that the author pulled from and multiple direct quotes that it makes sense that the 60s were what the author was able to research and then coalesce together well the best.
The latter deficiencies do not wholly take away from the initial goodness, but it did make me suspect if whether I enjoyed the earlier part more because I personally had less knowledge about the actual going ons of the era and thus any information given to me seemed to be the truth. I however choose to believe that given the more extensive list of sources that the author pulled from and multiple direct quotes that it makes sense that the 60s were what the author was able to research and then coalesce together well the best.
I really liked this book and found it very fascinating. At first it was difficult for me to get into it, but later on in the book I was absolutely drawn into the Marvel-DC rivalry. It's funny, interesting and really ridiculous at times. It also touches on a lot of good topics like, theft vs. inspiration, good business practices, innovating vs. relying on what made you famous in the first place. It's a great study of what worked and what didn't. I'm not a comic book person, and I don't think I've actually ever picked one up. But like many my age, I grew up watching X-Men and Batman cartoons every Saturday and have seen a lot of these movies (Batman, Avengers, more Marvel then DC I will admit) and it's so interesting to see how these characters were developed, how these movie franchises were developed and the actual business side was made. Really fascinating.
A fascinating overview of comics, and how Marvel and DC's rivalry has shaped comic books, superhero movies, and superhero shows.
The biggest and longest debate that often splits people down the middle! Long before the any of the movies from either team, the comic companies have had a long history of trolling each other in trying to out do the other one in sales. And down to this day the battle continues with new fans, movies, shows, and games. I appreciate how this book goes into great detail of this 50 year rivalry and even going as far as having direct quotes from people on both sides mocking the other. It's a great book to read if you want to understand more about comic book history!
Like most rivals, Marvel and DC have needed each other, for better or worse, over the years.
This is a fascinating look at what made both companies tick. The question it leaves unanswered is what might happen in the future now that both are part of large corporate behemoths.
PS I've been a Marvel guy since the mid-1960's, largely fuelled by the reprints in the UK's Fantastic comic. I've still got all the copies up in the attic.
This is a fascinating look at what made both companies tick. The question it leaves unanswered is what might happen in the future now that both are part of large corporate behemoths.
PS I've been a Marvel guy since the mid-1960's, largely fuelled by the reprints in the UK's Fantastic comic. I've still got all the copies up in the attic.
I’ve been familiar with the Marvel side of the story for years and it was nice to peer more into the DC side of things. That said, and as a bit of a Marvel Zombie myself, this history is very hard on DC and seems to display a definite negative DC bias.
It is readable and easily approachable but the named references and interviewees get repetitive. I wish the well of reporting and interviews had been a little deeper.
It is readable and easily approachable but the named references and interviewees get repetitive. I wish the well of reporting and interviews had been a little deeper.
Anyone else wonder about what went into the comic book industry before us young-uns had the MCU and Justice League cartoons?
Well, I'm a massive nerd, so I did. And this book told me exactly what I wanted to know.
The DC/Marvel feud is as ripe with petty backstabbing and artist egos as my reality-TV-loving heart dreamed. Absolute madness went on in both minuscule NYC offices, and that absolute madness somehow led to one of the most financially profitable cinematic behemoths in decades. (Look at the TV selection on Disney+ if you don't believe me.)
I'm not going to spoil anything, but this was a lot more fun than I expected and I'm quite enjoying my jaunt into non-fiction.
Well, I'm a massive nerd, so I did. And this book told me exactly what I wanted to know.
The DC/Marvel feud is as ripe with petty backstabbing and artist egos as my reality-TV-loving heart dreamed. Absolute madness went on in both minuscule NYC offices, and that absolute madness somehow led to one of the most financially profitable cinematic behemoths in decades. (Look at the TV selection on Disney+ if you don't believe me.)
I'm not going to spoil anything, but this was a lot more fun than I expected and I'm quite enjoying my jaunt into non-fiction.
informative
medium-paced