I’ve been reading comic books going on 60 plus years. For nearly half that amount of time I’ve been writing reviews about them.
I love reading about the history of comic books, especially superhero comic books.
As you might imagine I have assembled a pretty impressive library of books about comic books-the last count was in the hundreds.
For a long time it was difficult to find comic book reference material. Only a handful of publishers consistently put out such books-I have most of them.
Most of the books tend to be on the expensive side so most of them I purchased or traded for at a local used book store, found them at yard sales or requested them as gifts for birthdays, etc.
When Ollie’s Discount Stores started appearing in Jacksonville, Florida where I live, I happened to visit one one day.
I was surprised at the size of its discount books section.
I was even more surprised when I discovered its huge selection of discounted graphic novels and pop culture centered books. The store had in stock an impressive selection of bundled comic books for around five bucks for five or ten comic books-many of them brand new titles.
What really blew me a way was Ollie’s selection of books about comic books.
Within the last few weeks I've bought copies of books about Deadpool art, Black Widow art, a Jack Kirby retrospective, New 52 Posters and a huge book about The Avengers.
All of them cost a mere $7-$8 each-a cost much, much lower than the original retail prices.
The most recent of the books I picked up was The Marvel Library Of Jack Kirby published by Marvel Comics.
In it Jack Kirby’s entire career with Marvel Comics is showcased. Growing up I loved Jack’s work-especially his work on The Fantastic Four and Thor.
Over the decade of the 1960s his work blossomed and his imagination was given free reign. His technological gadgets, Kirby Krackle, powerful action sequences and incredible character designs thrilled me to no end.
It’s all in this new book about him starting with his early Timely work in the 1940s and 1950s to his spectacular work produced in the 1960s and his return to Marvel Comics period in the 1970s. Jack Kirby truly was The King of Comics.
The Avengers The Ultimate Guide New Edition is basically an updated version of a previous publication,
It contains the history and character descriptions of Marvel Comics’ Avengers super team in addition to events that occurred since the last printing.
What makes this book special is the addition of a special light up cover.
Touch the red button on the front and the Avengers logo lights up along with Iron Man’s repulsor and chest ARC light.
Beautifully assembled and designed the book is filled with archival and new art and lots of fun information.
The Deadpool Merk With A Mouth oversize deluxe hardbound book features a cornocopia of Deadpool comic book covers, variant covers, interior art, textual history and much more about Wade Wilson.
Originally Deadpool was a tribute/parody of DC Comics’ Slade Wilson: Deathstroke The Terminator.
Deadpool creators Rob Liefeld and Fabien Nacienza introduced Deadpool in Marvel’s New Mutants. He was shown along a few other notable characters but for some unexplained reason Deadpool caught on with fans and before long became a favorite.
Since that time Deadpool has starred in various titles, garnered two feature films, taken his place in merchandise mania and continues to draw in new fans.
The book is a loving tribute to the 4th Wall breaking mercenary with his characteristic smart mouth.
Just as amazing as the Deadpool book (same size and format) is the Black Widow book.
Marvel Comics resident former Russian spy gets the full historical and biographical treatment in this gorgeous full color book jammed with art and fascinating information.
The entire history of Black Widow is chronicled along with how she has changed over the decades.
It’s a beauty of a book with a full color protective book cover. Just like the red haired beauty it is examining, the book is big, bold, beautiful, full of surprises and fascinating.
I stopped buying new DC Comics (along with all other comic books) not long after DC Comics New 52 revamp of its comic books ended.
It’s not that I’ve completely given up on comic books, it’s just that being on a fixed income now that I’m retired I have to be careful where I spend my money.
Occasionally I’ll buy a comic book or like this selection of books-books about comic books.
My days of spending a chunk of my paycheck on comic books are long gone.
That being said I still have all my New 52 comic books and occasionally I’ll break out a few and enjoy a good read.
Ollie’s also has on sale the DC Comics The New 52 Poster Book is filled with 40 removable posters. All of DC Comics main good guys are spotlighted in full color posters. What a great way to decorate a man cave, collection room or any room in your house.
All five titles I’ve mention make excellent additions to any comic book lover’s library.
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