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.
Hen Skittle
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes!
Doughboy, Esq
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Sky
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life.
Stud
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Spontan8ty
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Fire Bite
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. 🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Pistol Hydro
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
ReiGnZ
ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. 📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable.
Snapple Whistler
Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖 ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time.
Bambi Wings
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
Dr. Jam Man
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Spellbinder
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Crash Override
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Golden Cougar
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. 💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖
Grave Scuttlebutt
The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Zod
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Indestructible Potato
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Swing Setter
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧 Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
Unleashed
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
VileHero
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
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