DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide

by Brandon T. Snider

From Adam Strange to Zoom, this book is an A-Z guide to your favorite DC Comics heroes and villains. DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide takes you alphabetically through the heroic and villainous characters that make up the DC Comics universe. Learn new facts and bits of information about your favorite heroes such as Superman and Wonder Woman, and explore the powers and backgrounds of characters such as Captain Boomerang and The Question. With profiles and statistics on more than 200 characters, the DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide is the perfect introduction to the Super Heroes and Villains of the DC Comics universe. All DC characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s17)

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Reference, Nonfiction, Superheroes, Comic Book

208 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aimed at a tween / teen audience, Ultimate Character Guide presents alphabetized thumbnail sketch entries for the 21st century versions of DC's famed superheroes and their villainous counterparts. While the biographical information is prosaic (okay, sometimes boring) the illustrations - and I'm guessing most were done especially for this volume - were often exceptional.

[Kassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
This book was fun to read but the information was quite minimal. Overall it was a fun read :)

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very entertaining read, which has actually encouraged me to look into more DC comics.

This lavishly illustrated guide, written by Brandon T. Snider, and published in 2011 originally, lists 203 characters in alphabetical order, including superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, villains such as Lex Luthor and Cyborg Superman, as well as some who are much more obscure, all in alphabetical order. Each character receives a page each, with a 'Vital Stats' box, a list of all their special powers, and other facts. The well-written biographies are not at all in-depth, and some readers might well care to have read more (although the more educated fans and followers will surely know just about all that there is anyway), but this is still an impressive work, easy-to-read, and just good fun to dip in and out off.

I recommend this coffee-table book to anyone who wishes to become introduced to the world of DC, and as Snider himself writes: "The DC Universe is a big place. Start Exploring!" - the aptly-titled 'Ultimate Character Guide' certainly allows you to do just that.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic book for children and grown-up children, alike.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 3 out of 5]

422 - 2020

[Nicholas Richard Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

DC Comics has had a vast publishing history since its humble beginnings in 1938, with the 'übermensch' Superman character being the company's first successful superhero to enjoy worldwide media attention for nearly seventy-five years now. Initially, characters from their respective comics didn't particularly interact with each other; only on title pages, and even then it was rare. That all changed with the concept of the superhero team in the form of the Justice Society of America (the JSA), and later with the Justice League (the JLA) and various off-shoots such as the Seven Soldiers of Victory, for example. This introduced a shared universe in which characters published by DC Comics (National Periodical Comics at the time) were able to interact, establishing a shared continuity that inevitably formed what is now regarded as the modern-era DC Universe . Additionally, DC has had great success with their use of the multiverse system, with different versions of established characters and subsequent acquired heroes and villains from rival companies (Captain Marvel, Blue Beetle etc.) residing on an infinite number of parallel Earths. This concept has gradually changed over the years in order for the company to reboot their characters and continuity for modern audiences, primarily via the various 'crises' that result in the DC universe being born anew.
'DC Comics: The Ultimate Character Guide' was first published in 2011 by the Dorling Kindersley Company (DK) and again in 2012 (the edition on which this review is based). Compiled and written by Brandon T. Snider, this hardback reference guide to some of the many characters that inhabit the DC universe, consists of more than two hundred pages that are given to specific heroes and villains; displayed in alphabetical order from Adam Strange to (Professor) Zoom. Each entry features a full-page visual profile of the character in question, with a (very) brief introduction to their origin and background, along with vital statistics, such as height, weight etc., notings on their physical attributes and costume, a small summary of their powers and an additional look at their most noteworthy storylines.
With regards to this brief overview, I wouldn't necessarily consider this to be the 'ultimate' character guide to the many diverse characters within the DC Universe/Multiverse. There are many individuals that have taken up the mantle of a superhero's namesake that have not been touched upon to a great extent and, apparently, do not warrant an individual entry (such as Al Pratt, the original Atom, or the Superman of Earth-Two, for instance). Bearing this in mind, I would suggest that this publication is handy for a brief peek into what DC Comics have deemed their most important and popular characters for the general reader. For a more thorough look into the expanse of DC's shared continuity, I would recommend seeking out the 'DC Comics Encyclopoedia', also published by DK, which is a far greater compendium of characters across the DC Multiverse. Having said this, however, I would also say that 'DC Comics: The Ultimate Character Guide' is a worthwhile addition to any comic/superhero fan's collection, especially within DK's range of company tomes (including Marvel's Avengers and Star Trek, amongst others).
Following DC's latest 'New 52' reboot in order to access readership from the more general fan without them having to delve too deep into decades of convoluted history, it can be said that a lot of the characters and material presented within this publication have now been made redundant. This has been done primarily via the re-imagining of certain characters and/or their backgrounds, especially considering that certain individuals don't seem to exist in this new reality (as yet), such as Jade, Obsidian, Liberty Belle and Donna Troy, amongst many others. Also, considering that no crises have occurred either, the Monitors and Anti-Monitor no longer hold any major standing. However, I wouldn't go so far to say that this material has, as yet, become invalid, as the characters and continuity presented here still exist for the readers (general and avid alike) looking back over more than seventy years of publication history.
All in all, I would conclude that 'DC Comics: The Ultimate Character Guide' provides a satisfying exploration of some of the most important characters and storylines in the remit of the post-Infinite Crisis/52 DC universe, though with definite room to expand upon in the wake of the New 52 reboot.

[Pablo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real fast and easy introduction to many of the characters of the DC universe.

[Ariel Cummins · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, the good: the art in this book is fun and vibrant, it does indeed feature most of the bigger characters in the DC universe, and the layouts are really well done.

The bad? This book is definitely intended for a young audience. I think even most teens would find the descriptions simplistic. I was disappointed by the lack of depth in information - no mention, really, of what series the characters were primarily found in, no real info about who the heros were before their current incarnation (for example, the Robin entry only has info on the current Robin, with no details about who the previous boy wonders were). There's also some spoiler-y stuff happening with no warning. Some backstories seemed to gloss over fairly significant parts.

Overall, this book would probably be a good gift for a comics lover around the age of 10. For everyone else, I'd definitely recommend The DC Comics Encyclopedia for more in-depth information and more entries.

[Soos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice fun fact book on most DC characters that are recently seen in the New 52 & Rebirth era. So do not expect to see every single character that there ever exists in the DC universe inside here. With the exception of John Constantine, Swamp Thing & Doom Patrol, there aren't any Vertigo characters.

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for kids or Young Adults just getting into the DC comic universe. A lot of illustrations with side-bars explaining the characters background and whether they are a villian or hero. Good reference guide for beginners.

[Alex Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books about comics ive ever read. (besides actual comics) I would say it has atleast 75% of all DC characters, it portrayes them all nicely with lots of good art and facts about their lives and powers. Doesnt take very long to read though.

[Keannu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is very good book and I think that even if it doesn't have all the dc comics or dc universe characters, it already has a good amount of superheroes and information about them. I highly recommend this book to kids and young adults.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reliving my childhood, and with DC and Marvel movies, my adulthood too, with this character guide was great fun. What really made this special was seeing the art work for the different characters in their current incarnation and if they are long standing hero or villain, the original artwork.

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, encyclopedic guide to the characters of DC Comics.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4 year old loved reading the bios of all of his favorite superheroes. He wants to be The Atom for Halloween. :-)

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read since most of the bios are extremely short. It is definitely over-priced, however, it is so goddam pretty. I had to give it 5 stars. <3____<3

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty cool

[Holly Pemberton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for if you are wanting to get more into the DC universe or if you are already a die hard fan. It has information about all of the characters and the illustrations are amazing. I loved reading this book as I got to read about my favourite DC characters and got to find out about characters I didn't know existed. It really opens your eyes up to the whole franchise and will make you want to find out more about each different character and their story lines.

[Ian Massey · Rating 2 out of 5]

As per its Marvel equivalent, this book was too basic for my tastes (and I admit I may not be the target audience). A mixture of decent and not-so-good art and very simplistic descriptions of the various characters. Some facts are repeated on the same page, while some things listed under "powers" just aren't powers at all.

Good to dip into if you are starting out collecting/appreciating comics, but a bit pointless for hard-core fans.

[Chandradhika P Atletico · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sharp, engaging intro to the DC universe. Perfect for newcomers and longtime fans gearing up for James Gunn’s DCU.

It’s the kind of coffee table book you’ll keep flipping through, packed with striking artwork and bite-sized info that makes every spare moment a superpowered escape.

[Pongsak Sarapukdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains more than 200 heroes and villains from the DC Universe and every page is filled with figures, fact, and stats.

[Jocelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A who's who of the DC Universe; in other words Yay!

[Michael]

Shota and I read this every night for a few months.

[Tayler Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun encyclopedia to flip through

[Shirley Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely helped me define and get to know more information about characters I knew vaguely and characters I never heard!

[Daniel Lang · Rating 3 out of 5]

"DC Comics - The Ultimate Character Guide" by D.K. Publishing is an exhaustive and visually stunning exploration of the vast universe of DC Comics characters. This comprehensive guide provides fans and newcomers alike with an in-depth look at the iconic heroes, antiheroes, and villains that populate the DC Comics multiverse.

One of the standout features of this guide is its impressive presentation. The book is lavishly illustrated with detailed character profiles, offering readers a visual feast of iconic images and artwork spanning decades of DC Comics history. The attention to detail in the visuals captures the essence of each character, making it an engaging and visually appealing resource.

The organization of the guide is commendable, as it categorizes characters according to their affiliations, such as Justice League, Teen Titans, and various villainous groups. This structure makes it easy for readers to navigate and locate information on their favorite characters. Each entry provides key details, including origin stories, powers, and notable story arcs, giving readers a well-rounded understanding of the character's significance within the DC Comics universe.

While the guide excels in providing a broad overview of a multitude of characters, some enthusiasts may find themselves craving more in-depth information on certain characters. The limited space allocated to each entry means that complex characters with rich histories may not receive the depth of coverage some fans desire.

In conclusion, "DC Comics - The Ultimate Character Guide" is a visually captivating and well-organized resource for anyone interested in exploring the expansive world of DC Comics characters. It serves as an excellent starting point for those looking to familiarize themselves with the vast array of heroes and villains that define the DC Universe. However, readers seeking more detailed insights into specific characters may need to complement this guide with additional, more in-depth resources.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why I picked it up: When I saw it on the YALSA challenge list, I hoped it would help me get more of the superhero/comic book references on The Big Bang Theory.

Each page is a snapshot look at a character from the DC world. Vital stats are give, as well as a few details on their costume and a tiny highlight about something. The majority of characters are heroes or villains, but there is an occasional layperson included, like Lois Lane.

I found it to be disappointing. The pictures are great and in full color. But the information is lacking and what is there isn't very helpful. For me, who was just looking for some basic background info, it didn't really help at all. I don't what series(es) to find any of the characters in. Some character's bios would reference other characters but then that character wouldn't have a listing. And a character may list someone as a foe, but then not be listed as that person's foe. If a character has more than one person (like Green Lantern or Robin) only the current incarnation is included. It's very much a snapshot of the current moment in the DC Universe. Good if you just want to look at the shiny pictures, but not great for information.

Jessica's Scavenger Hunt: Alien

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This character guide's target audience seems to be kids 8 and up, and - considered as a kids' book - it is fantastic. Not perfect, mind you, but still fantastic.

A lot of the main heroes and villains of the [pre-New 52] DC Universe are present, as well as some of the lamer characters of the DCU (like most of the Flash's rogues - these guys are so lame! Other than Zoom (the reverse-Flash), I can't think of even one Flash villain that isn't laughable). In any case, the illustrations are colourful, the character information is concise, succinct and to the point. Enough info to satisfy an 8-year old 's curiosity without overloading their inquisitive brains.

One downside of books such as these is that once the shared universe is re-launched - or, in DC's case: re-booted - some data is no longer valid or accurate. And that can lead to interesting conversations with the child reader. For example: What's a re-boot? What is continuity? Why hasn't DC Comics been re-named Geoff Johns Comics? (he does write an inordinate amount of them!)

Personally, I'm very pleased with this book, as my son really enjoys reading it and is discovering a new world (Comics!).

[Darren Vincent · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fun at best. I realize that trying to capture a little bit about each of the major players in the DC Universe is a hard thing to do, but I can't help but think that had this been a Marvel book, that it would have been done a lot better.

First off, the size is tiny, which should clue you in to just how much information could be contained within. Then, not even a Batman or Superman warranted more than a single page, which is the same number of pages it gives everyone else, no matter how big or small a character they are.

But in re-reading the title, I should take it at face value. It is a character guide and not an encyclopedia. Therefore, it should not surprise that all you get is stats (height, weight, allies, foes, etc...) as opposed to major character arcs and important story lines.

I was disappointed but entertained slightly.

[Bb2nz1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The guide is alphabetical and while there is very minimal information given on each hero/villain, it was still very enjoyable. If you're interested in modern roles for the characters, this will put the reincarnations in order for you. Learned quite a lot about many of the characters I have heard about, and learned about heroes and villains I had never encountered before. The art is superb, as some of the information comes from modern comic books while some of the information comes straight out of older issues of Batman, Superman, and the like.