When I first came across this encyclopedia years ago I thought that it was one of the greatest research books that you could find on the subject of super heroes.And there has been nothing in the ensueing years to change my opinion.This book covers more than just the obvious comic book heroes like Superman,Captain America,Batman and Captain Marvel.It also includes the biblical hero Samson and the western hero the Lone Ranger.Of course there isn't a listing for every super hero, but realistically that couldn't have been done in a single volume.I for one lament that not one Mexiluchahero was listed in this book.But there are enough listings of obscure and one-shot heroes like Hell-Rider and the Copperhead to make up for it.I highly recommend this book.Actually I can't recommend this book enough.

I've owned the Encyclopedia of Super Heroes for about 10 years, and although it might be considered a useless book for comic junkies, it's much more than that. I am not a comic book junkie, but love the cultural history of my generation and this is a book that traces the history of super heroes from their sources, whether it is comics, television, or films. Taken as a whole - and it is a lofty examination at more than 400 pages - The Encyclopedia of Super Heroes is about our hopes and dreams for society, our desire to imagine the ability to face all challenges, and the history of our culture. It's an excellent book.