I've been flipping through this monstrous tome for a month now and it must go back to the library.

It's basically Marvel comics characters alphabetized. I read some of the entries but not all.

Good book and informative. Heavy, though. A bit exhausting to hold. Nicely illustrated. ( )

Awesome informative book. Did not read the whole thing. Would borrow it again from the library. ( )

Claims to be an Encyclopedia... but there are a few missing characters. For an updated, revised and expanded "Most comprehensive" guide, there are a LOT of dropped people and short entries. I mean, I know that the website has all the power stats and thorough entries, but is it too much to ask for the printed version of the resource to even have PIXIE, for cryin out loud? Especially for $45.00 USD plus tax?
Glad I checked it out of the library before I invested in this reference book. Good for a casual reader, but if you're looking for a truly complete resource for any papers, fic, or GURPS/RPG, then keep hunting/hoping, or invest in an iPad and a subscription to the complete online collection.
Conclusion? Not truly an encyclopedia, but more of an encyclopedic dictionary.

As Inigo Montoya would say, "I do not think that word means what you think it means." ( )

The ultimate encyclopedic book for any fan of Marvel.

I must say, I really enjoyed reading through this. For many people, it's simply not the type of book you read from start to finish. Rather, it's an especially great coffee table book to have sitting at home so that when friends come over and we get to talking about characters from the Marvel Universe (or multiverse or omniverse or whatever it is these days), then this is the perfect reference guide.

I, on the other hand, that will sit down and read this book from front to back. And I did just that. It did take me nearly three months to pore over every single entry, examine the details of each individual character (complete with their height, weight, home base, and superpower), and stare in awe at the beautiful artwork. This book truly is an exceptional piece of work. I will admit that there were a few minuscule errors here and there throughout the book (text overlapping with images, oddly arranged text and images), but those in no way diminish the quality of the book. I wouldn't even remember where they were now that I'm done.

Not being a reader of the comics, I feel like I learned so much more about the Marvel universe. Sure I could have just spent some time online reading fan theories, wikipedia pages, and blogs galore, but nothing beats a physical book. I'm sure that's why anyone would be reading this review on goodreads anyway, amirite?

A great book for any fan of everything Marvel. ( )

The Marvel Encyclopedia is a perfect compendium for Marvel fans! The encyclopedia chronicles many of Marvel's most famous characters and many of their discontinued or lesser-known characters. Amazing artwork, compelling background information and that special Marvel flair make this a must have for comic book fans new and old! I give this encyclopedia four stars, but only because there is a newer edition out with new characters and new information on existing entries. This one is only comprised of info up through the end of House of M / New Avengers. I'd recommend getting the new one for the latest information! ( )