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.
Heartbreaker
🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition!
FrankenGrin
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Washer
The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. 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!
Twitch
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨
Winded On Friday
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Stealth
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure.
Dahlia Bumble
I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Prof. Screw
🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Bowie
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Ba1t
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! 🚗 Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures – audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! 🚗📖 Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. 📱🔊 The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow.
Marine Dre
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing.
Midnight Bat
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Gumby Train
ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Old Orange Eyes
🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧
Doz Killer
I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Shady Lady
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
FireBrang
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Po1son
Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
57 Pixels
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Call Back Queen
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
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