Updated on April 6, 2017
Be a Super Hero Mom with DK Books
I received these items at no cost in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
To say that Super Heroes are a big deal at our house would be a gross understatement. I don’t even really know how it happened, but for a while now The Heir has been completely obsessed with Super Heroes. He’s got the LEGO sets, the costumes, to hoodies, and, of course, the books to go along with his passion. There’s only one small problem. His mom (that’s me) is not knowledgable about Super Heroes, like, at all. When that Batman vs. Superman movie came out, I didn’t realize that those two characters were part of the same universe. I also didn’t realize that Spiderman could never meet with Batman the way Superman could. In case you’re like me and aren’t sure why, apparently it’s because they are from different comic universes (DC vs. Marvel). So what’s a mom to do? Get reading, that’s what! I am determined to be at least a little bit knowledgeable about my oldest son’s latest obsession. I don’t have to know everything about Super Heroes and Super Villains, but it would be pretty great if I at least knew something. DK Books to the rescue! I’ve been completely immersed in my comic book character education thanks to a few excellent titles from DK Books, and you could be too!
Let me start with my education on the DC Comics Universe. That’s where you’ll find Super Hero characters like Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, and Green Lantern (among many others). You might be familiar with the Super Villains from the DC Comics Universe too: The Joker, Lex Luthor, The Penguin, and The Riddler, just to name a few. If, like me, you’d like to know more about these characters and get the low down on who they are, what they do, and who’s side they’re on, then the DC Comics: The Ultimate Character Guide is the book for you. This book is like a who’s who of the DC Comics Universe. It’s quick and easy to flip through and find any character you want to learn more about. The characters are organized alphabetically, and each character gets a full page with a brief bio, their vital stats, and a summary of their powers. Best of all, the images in this book are fantastic. They are beautifully drawn with rich colours, and they showcase the best (or worst) of each character. In addition, each page includes one comic book scene of a pivotal moment in that character’s storyline.
If there’s one Super Hero I know a little bit about, it’s Batman. I have fond memories of watching reruns of the Batman tv series from the 1960s with my dad growing up, and I have actually seen all of the “Dark Knight” Batman movies (some I’ve even seen on the big screen!). So I’m not totally unfamiliar with the characters (heroes and villains) that make up this part of the DC Universe. Nevertheless, I don’t know all the characters. The Batman Character Encyclopedia fills in all the blanks! This book divides the characters with the heroes and their allies at the beginning, and the villains and their allies at the end. Each character (or group) is presented with a stunning image, a brief bio, vital stats, and a bat symbol to indicate their status as a hero, ally, neutral, or rogue character. That makes it really easy to differentiate between the “good guys” and the “bad guys”. I loved finding some of the more obscure characters from Batman’s world in this book. Who knew there was a “Bat-Cow” that prompted Robin to become vegetarian! In case you’re wondering, Bat-Cow doesn’t have any special super hero powers.
Moving on to the Marvel Comics Universe, because The Heir does not discriminate, I have a whole lot to learn about this group. I know a little bit about The Avengers, but not a whole lot. I think I’ve watched one Avengers movie recently, maybe two, but I’ll be honest. I don’t really know who is and who isn’t an Avenger, and what on earth is going on with them. Enter the Marvel Avengers Encyclopedia! Now this volume is intense. Whether you’re just learning all there is to know about The Avengers (like me) or you’re a diehard Avengers fan, there’s something for you to learn in this book. I love the way this one is laid out. The Marvel Avengers Encyclopedia is arranged thematically. Each section covers the members of The Avengers based on the types of powers they have. There’s the Greatly Gifted who were born with or developed superhuman powers. This is where you’ll find characters like Hulk and Spider-Man. The Upgraded are those who’s abilities are the result of scientific and technological developments. Iron Man is the best example of an “Upgraded” Avenger. The Mystic Ways section is where you’ll find those with magical powers, like Scarlet Witch. The Never Surrender characters are those particularly skilled in combat. Captain America is the classic example here. More Than Mortal is where you’ll find Thor. These characters all have powers based on their non-human biology. Finally there’s the Shoulder to Shoulder theme where the different groups and organizations are found. After each of these thematic sections, there’s a set of key storylines that include the characters from each theme. This is a great way to get up to speed on what’s happening with The Avengers, and why. The great thing about this book is that the major characters are covered in sections almost like chapters. No detail about their story is missed, and that’s great when you want to get up to speed. The book is packed with great images and scenes from the comic books, and it’s fun to see how certain characters have changed in appearance over the years.
Now if you need more than just an education about The Avengers, The Marvel Encyclopedia is for you. This is the definitive guide to the Marvel Comics Universe. With an introduction written by Stan Lee himself, this volume is sure to please any fan of the Marvel Comics Universe. This encyclopedia is organized in alphabetical order making it really quick to find the character you’re looking for. With the major Super Heroes featured in two, four, and even six page spreads (Spider-Man gets six whole pages, of course), this book is jam packed with all the details about your favourite Marvel Super Heroes. The Super Villains aren’t left out either! I love that there are two page spreads about some of the major events in the Marvel Universe. You’ll find full summaries of The Age of Ultron, the Civil War, the Secret Invasion, and more! Maybe I’m the only one, but I had absolutely no idea that the X-Men were part of the Marvel Universe! No idea! I just assumed they were their own thing. Thankfully, The Marvel Encyclopedia has me all caught up and now I know they’re actually allies of The Avengers and Spider-Man! The Marvel Encyclopedia has colourful drawings of the Marvel characters, and includes images of some classic Marvel Comics covers. I love seeing scenes pulled right out of the comics themselves. It’s such a great way to showcase some of the most critical moments in each character’s development!
I think I’m ready to assign myself the title of Super Hero Mom! I’ve finally got the DC and Marvel Universes sorted out, and I’ve got a few obscure facts about The Heir’s favourite characters at the ready for the next time he asks about a Super Hero. Consider my Super Hero (and Super Villain) education complete… until next time!
To learn more about the comic book themed titles available from DK Books, you can explore their interactive website! If you’d like to purchase the titles I’ve mentioned here, you can grab them from Amazon in the US or Canada using my affiliate links! In the USA: DK Books’ DC & Marvel Titles. In Canada: DK Books’ DC & Marvel Titles.
How would you like the chance to WIN a DK Books Marvel Comics title for the comic book lover in your life? One lucky reader has the chance to WIN their choice of The Marvel Avengers Encyclopedia or The Marvel Encyclopedia from DK Books! Just scroll down to the giveaway and get your entries in for a chance to win. This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents, 18+, and closes on November 24th, 2016. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. Don’t forget to follow the Thankful & Stuffed giveaway “hop” and enter the other awesome giveaways linked up below!
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Thankful & Stuffed – A Thanksgiving Giveaway Hop hosted by Karen’s Got Mail & Capturing the Moment! I have teamed up with a fantastic group of bloggers to share some awesome giveaways with our readers. Be sure to hop around to the participating blogs listed below and enter some fabulous giveaways, all of which are worth a minimum of $25!
Disclosure: Karen’s Got Mail, Capturing the Moment and the Thanksgiving Hop participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. Open to US & Canadian residents, 18 years of age and older. Confirmed winner(s) will be contacted via email and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of the sponsor(s). For questions or to see your product featured on The Monarch Mommy blog contact Stefanie at https://themonarchmommy.com/work-with-me/.
I like the Marvel Encyclopedia the best, how awesome
But this looks great too Marvel Absolutely Everything You Need to Know
Me and my soon to be hubby love Marvel.
My hubby & grandson are huge super hero fans and would really enjoy
Marvel Encyclopedia book.
MY SON WOULD LIKE THEIR Ultimate Sticker Collection: Marvel Good…!
The Marvel Encyclopedia or the Marvel Comics: 75 Years of Cover Art would be awesome gifts
I would be interested in the title “Marvel The Avengers: The Ultimate Character Guide”. These are awesome!
The Ultimate Sticker Collection: Marvel Good versus Evil looks fun!
i am interested in the avengers encyclopedia
I truly would enjoy reading Marvel Comics: 75 Years of Cover Art
I like the Marvel Encyclopedia book.
My boys would love the books “Marvel Absolutely Everything You Need to Know” and the “Marvel Encyclopedia”. My hubby would love these too!
We love DK books and would love to add Ultimate Sticker Collection: LEGO Winter Wonderland to our collection !
My grandson would love the Ultimate Sticker Book-Glow in the Dark
My son would love Marvels The Avengers encyclopedia 🙂
The “Marvel Encyclopedia” looks gorgeous! This looks like a fantastic coffee-table resource!
I’d also like the book Small Space Garden Ideas
The Marvel Encyclopedia book looks awesome!
the glow in the dark sticker collection would make my sons day!
…maybe “DK Adventures: Marvel’s Spider-Man:…” seen here: http://www.dk.com/ca/9781465451613-dk-adventures-marvels-spiderman-adventures-of-the-webslinger/
Marvel Absolutely Everything You Need to Know sounds so awesome!!
I like the Supercraft book.
This is an awesome giveaway to get kids reading! No matter what the content is, reading is always important.
I like the book, Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon.
My little guy Logan would like Wolverines: Inside the World of a Living Weapon.
I’d like the 75 years of cover art book! So cool.
I like the glow in the dark sticker book, so cool!
My daughter would enjoy the Marvel’s Captain America: The Ultimate Guide to the First Avenger book!
WOULD LOVE the avengers encyclopedia
Another DK book i ‘m interested in is Pocket Birds of Canada
Hmmm, my choice is The Marvel Encyclopedia,
I would be interested in the Marvel The Avengers: The Ultimate Character Guide
My kids love anything and everything LEGO related like the “The LEGO® Ideas Book”.
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I’m interested in the Marvel’s The Avengers Encyclopedia book for my great nephew. He was Captain America for Halloween so I know he’d love this book 🙂
The Ultimate Sticker Collection: Marvel Good vs. Evil. My girls love the Marvel superheros and stickers.
I would like “Marvel The Avengers: The Ultimate Character Guide”! Sounds cool!
Marvel’s The Avengers Encyclopedia would be my first choice. The whole family would have fun exploring their favorite Marvel Characters.
I am interested in the Ultimate Sticker Collection: Marvel Good versus Evil for my son!
I’m interested in Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon.
I like the DK Adventures: Marvel’s Spider-Man
my son would love 75 years of cover art
I would love to get a copy of Marvel’s Spider Man: Adventures of the Web Slinger for my husband; Spider Man is his favorite Marvel character.
I’d like that Marvel Comics: 75 Years of Cover Art.
I think my family would be interested in any thing from that site. I will say Marvel Absolutely Everything You Need to Know book but I think they know it all. 🙂
This will definately be something I need to increase my superhero knowledge.. my daughter hasn’t really taken an interesf in this world yet, but I just had a son who loves to chew on a stuffed hulk. And I know nothing about superheros!!
Good review!!
I am interested in the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Adventures of the Web-Slinger
I’m really interested in Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon. I mean who doesn’t love Wolverine??
The DK book I think I am most interested in is Marvel The Avengers: The Ultimate Character Guide
It is hard to choose because it is for hubby (he is a big comic buff as well as super hero buff) and he is picky with his comics. but i am going to go with Marvel’s The Avengers Encyclopedia
My favorite is the Marvel Encyclopedia.
Marvel Encyclopedia because I am very curious about all the Heroes for my boys!
The Marvel Encyclopedia book I really like
I like the Ultimate Sticker Collection
My son would love the Marvel Encyclopedia.
The Marvel Encyclopedia would definitely be the first choice for my husband and kids! They would also love any of the Spider-Man books!
Ultimate sticker book. My son would like that.
My favorite is The Avengers: The Ultimate Guide to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Thanks for the chance.
I might pick up a copy of Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon.
I like the Marvel encyclopedia.
My kids would love the Ultimate Sticker Collection: Marvel Good versus Evil
I think that boys everywhere would love this book