"Marvel Graphic Novels and Related Publications: An Annotated Guide," written by Texas Tech University pop cultural guru Rob Weiner, is an exhaustive 385-page reference work on the universe of Spidey, Iron Man and The Fantastic Four.
Written to appeal to casual fans, committed collectors and scholars of sequential art " a lofty term for comic books " the guide provides detailed descriptions for all of Marvel's mainstream comics. Bibliographic citations provide information on writers and artists, ISBN numbers and plot synopsis for each publication title.
Weiner, a Texas Tech author, librarian and instructor with expertise on topics ranging from the Grateful Dead to American presidents in film, noted that a growing number of universities are offering courses that examine the social and psychological impact of sequential art.
"Superman, Batman and Spiderman represent a 20th century type of folklore, much like their predecessors: Odysseus, Hercules and Perseus," he said.
Weiner spent six years compiling the book " a task that required him to read all the works himself. The guide includes anecdotes and listings of scholarly publications on the subject.
Weiner serves as a subject librarian for the Texas Tech Library who specializes in art, sequential art, music and film. He is currently co-editing a book about transgressive exploitation and art cinema and plans the release of another book covering a Marvel staple: Captain America. "Marvel Graphic Novels and Related Publications: An Annotated Guide," published by McFarland, may be purchased through Amazon.com.
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