Marvel Comics is an extremely well done and thoroughly researched nonfiction account.  Howe makes sure to include quotes and points of view from every angle and person possible, and does an excellent job of incorporating them.  The story of Marvel Comics is a long and fascinating one.  The most interesting aspect of the whole novel is that it shows the rise and fall of an industry and an art, and how Marvel was influenced by the culture of its time.  Now,  I wouldn’t recommend this book to somebody with only a passing interest in Marvel Comics–at over 400 pages it’s a thick tome.  However, this is necessary because of the great amount of detail included that paints the portrait of the Marvel Bullpen and its conflicts.  The best parts are where the stories and characters of Marvel Comics are being discussed.  However, it drags a bit when legal issues are being documented, but that is always the case with legal issues.  Overall, an excellent piece of nonfiction for any Marvel Fan’s library!

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 6 religious exclamations, 30 mild obscenities, 4 religious profanities, 5 derogatory names, 14 scatological words, 13 anatomical terms, 23 f-word derivatives.

Violence/Gore:  Documents some mild threats, records a few instances of graphic violence in comics.

Sex/Nudity: Some cartoonists draw nudity on several occasions; refers to sex in comic books; one quote about a person wanting to have sex; a sexual reference.

Mature Subject Matter:

Violence and sex in comics, alcohol, drugs, legal problems

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Lots of drugs; some artists get sent free joints in the mail or get high to find inspiration; artists used drugs including alcohol, acid, and marijuana.