An editor and author of books on popular culture, Misiroglu compiles and arranges some 300 descriptions of superheroes, villains, and comics genres, from the 1930s to the present. Of interest to comics fans of all ages, this volume is an effort "to pay homage to the heroes who have, in whatever minor or major way, influenced our lives." While grounded in comic books of the Golden Age, this encyclopedia embraces superheroes of every medium: graphic novels, TV cartoons, films (both live-action and animated), and video games. Each detailed entry is signed, though not cross-referenced; many entries are accompanied by comic book covers and film stills, in both b&w and color. Distributed by Omnigraphics. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)