Book description
The first-ever full reckoning with Marvel Comics' interconnected, half-million-page story, a revelatory guide to the "epic of epics"--and to the past sixty years of American culture--from a beloved authority on the subject who read all 27,000+ Marvel superhero comics and lived to tell the tale
"Brilliant, eccentric, moving and wholly wonderful. . . . Wolk proves to be the perfect guide for this type of adventure: nimble, learned, funny and sincere. . . . All of the Marvels is magnificently marvelous. Wolk's work will invite many more alliterative superlatives. It deserves them all." --Junot Díaz, New York Times Book Review
The superhero comic books that Marvel Comics has published since 1961 are, as Douglas Wolk notes, the longest continuous, self-contained work of fiction ever created: over half a million pages to date, and still growing. The Marvel story is a gigantic mountain smack in the middle of contemporary culture. Thousands of writers and artists have contributed to it. Everyone recognizes its protagonists: Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men. Eighteen of the hundred highest-grossing movies of all time are based on parts of it. Yet not even the people telling the story have read the whole thing--nobody's supposed to. So, of course, that's what Wolk did: he read all 27,000+ comics that make up the Marvel Universe thus far, from Alpha Flight to Omega the Unknown.
And then he made sense of it--seeing into the ever-expanding story, in its parts and as a whole, and seeing through it, as a prism through which to view the landscape of American culture. In Wolk's hands, the mammoth Marvel narrative becomes a fun-house-mirror history of the past sixty years, from the atomic night terrors of the Cold War to the technocracy and political division of the present day--a boisterous, tragicomic, magnificently filigreed epic about power and ethics, set in a world transformed by wonders.
As a work of cultural exegesis, this is sneakily significant, even a landmark; it's also ludicrously fun. Wolk sees fascinating patterns--the rise and fall of particular cultural aspirations, and of the storytelling modes that conveyed them. He observes the Marvel story's progressive visions and its painful stereotypes, its patches of woeful hackwork and stretches of luminous creativity, and the way it all feeds into a potent cosmology that echoes our deepest hopes and fears. This is a huge treat for Marvel fans, but it's also a revelation for readers who don't know Doctor Strange from Doctor Doom. Here, truly, are all of the marvels.
The first-ever full reckoning with Marvel Comics' interconnected, half-million-page story, a revelatory guide to the "epic of epics"-and to the past sixty years of American culture-from a beloved authority on the subject who read all 27,000+ Marvel superhero comics and lived to tell the tale "Brilliant, eccentric, moving and wholly wonderful. . . . Wolk proves to be the perfect guide for this type of adventure: nimble, learned, funny and sincere. . . . All of the Marvels is magnificently marvelous. Wolk's work will invite many more alliterative superlatives. It deserves them all." -Junot Díaz, New York Times Book Review The superhero comic books that Marvel Comics has published since 1961 are, as Douglas Wolk notes, the longest continuous, self-contained work of fiction ever created: over half a million pages to date, and still growing. The Marvel story is a gigantic mountain smack in the middle of contemporary culture. Thousands of writers and artists have contributed to it. Everyone recognizes its protagonists: Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men. Eighteen of the hundred highest-grossing movies of all time are based on parts of it. Yet not even the people telling the story have read the whole thing-nobody's supposed to. So, of course, that's what Wolk did: he read all 27,000+ comics that make up the Marvel Universe thus far, from Alpha Flight to Omega the Unknown. And then he made sense of it-seeing into the ever-expanding story, in its parts and as a whole, and seeing through it, as a prism through which to view the landscape of American culture. In Wolk's hands, the mammoth Marvel narrative becomes a fun-house-mirror history of the past sixty years, from the atomic night terrors of the Cold War to the technocracy and political division of the present day-a boisterous, tragicomic, magnificently filigreed epic about power and ethics, set in a world transformed by wonders. As a work of cultural exegesis, this is sneakily significant, even a landmark; it's also ludicrously fun. Wolk sees fascinating patterns-the rise and fall of particular cultural aspirations, and of the storytelling modes that conveyed them. He observes the Marvel story's progressive visions and its painful stereotypes, its patches of woeful hackwork and stretches of luminous creativity, and the way it all feeds into a potent cosmology that echoes our deepest hopes and fears. This is a huge treat for Marvel fans, but it's also a revelation for readers who don't know Doctor Strange from Doctor Doom. Here, truly, are all of the marvels.
Jetta Talent
🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Sleek Zelda
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Bit Sentinel
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Tea Kettle
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Engine Eye
Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
ForumFusion
👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise.
Alpha
🎶 Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls – this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. 🎵📖 Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
ThoughtTrailblazer
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖
Green Ghost
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination.
Mental Prophet
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Microwave Chardonnay
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Loot
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Drop Stone
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Scuffs
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Mental
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Kinged
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧 WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
SereneScribe
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Delicious
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Delirium
With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Lady Q
This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience