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.
Tall Sally
🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Pixie Taze
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 🔥 Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine – this app is my secret weapon! ✨📖
Clover Rabbit
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Mule Lock
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Silver Rose
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚
Fire Sass
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Campfire Mama
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. 🌌🎧 ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Sir Shark
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
Natural Mess
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Hobo Samurai
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
Mr. Spy
I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Cream
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Sepukku
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Kill Switch
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Master Jetson
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. 🎉 Making each day a new chapter – this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! 📖🌄 This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Gothic Gucci
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 💃 Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores – a dance of productivity! 🎶📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Spooky Electric
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. 🛌 Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. 🌙📚 🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚
Gothic Slacker
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
Starshine
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Duchess
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
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