Writer/Artist: Too many to list

Publisher: DC, $14.99

I’ve been waiting for DC to print this sucker because it serves as a very handy retail tool. Reprinting the backup 2-page origin stories originally published at the end of every issue of 52, this is an affordable alternative to the monster Encyclopedia books DK publishes for both Marvel and DC. While certainly not as comprehensive, it offers background on most key figures in the DC Universe in a solid short story like manner, so it’s a little more enticing than a collection of just pictures and bio information.

While it’s a decent addition to any DC fan’s collection, it’s just incredibly handy as a way to catch new readers up on fairly basic information. While most people may have a decent handle on Superman and even Green Lantern, this could catch them up on say Animal Man, Adam Strange, or even Catman. This is especially the kind of book I would hand to a younger reader because when I was a kid I used to love to look through the Official Marvel Handbook and DC’s Who’s Who series, and this a much more entertaining format.

Considering the amount of talent involved in this, this is of a huge improvement over any of the DK encyclopedias. While those books usually just use cut out random stock images from actual DC comics, every character bio in this volume has a specific writer and artist assigned to it and is a brand new piece of work. This includes art from Adam Hughes, Brian Bolland, JG Jones, Ethan Van Sciver, Doug Mahnke, and many many more.

Very affordable and just a lot of fun, worth checking out.

If you like this then try: Essential Official handbook to the Marvel Universe, DC Who's Who, History of the DC Universe, DC Legacies (soon to be published)

Related Links: DC