Rating:  -
The DC Comics Encyclopedia is one of those books that in the past would've been issued by the publisher as a monthly comic issue detailing all the heroes and villains (major and minor) of the DC Universe. As much as I would've been ok with that type of format, I rather enjoy having everything collected, collated and put together under one hardcover edition.
This source book is only as up-to-date as of 2004. It won't include the Infinite Crisis and 52 story-arcs, but the encyclopedia pretty much includes every character from the Golden Age of DC Comics during the late 30's through 50's, through the Silver Age right after then up to the Modern Age of the now. Even the most minor character, such as Major Damage gets a full bio entry and explanations of abilities and weaknesses. Of course, the book makes large sections set aside for the major characters (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, etc...). From their entire history from the characters inception all the way to specific bio's for characters who have inhabited the mantle of a certain hero (Flash and Green Lantern being the two major examples).
The artwork included in the encyclopedia are lifted from issues from througout a certain character's history. You get artwork from that character's Golden Age look all the way to its modern incarnation. I can't really find any flaw in this sourcebook. It's succeeded in conveying the information it's suppose to give its reader. Here's to hoping they follow-up with a supplemental hardback detailing changes and additions since 2004.
Rating: -
I do not have this book, but it is ironically in the reference section of my local library.
The sections on the heroes and villains are good and explanatory. Along with good text descriptions, various pictures abound in this book. The book covers both major and minor characters in the DC universe.
Admittedly, the book is before Identity Crisis and other major DC comic events, but covers 1930's Golden Age up to early 2000's Zero Hour.
A great book for those with the intense desire or money.
Rating:  -
Using the encyclopedia format to look at the myriad characters created over the course of DC Comics history is a clever and fun idea. Illustrated with art from a variety of time periods and treating the characters as if they actually existed, the authors have created a book that is valuable for any fan of comics. Little known characters, events that might have been missed, and some fairly obscure references combine with the well-known mainstays of the DC Universe (Superman, Batman, et.al.) to make for a fairly comprehensive history. Sure, there are a number of errors in listing heroes and villains, illustrations not showing the character being discussed, and even details about the characters that will not satisfy the fan looking for perfection, but for the fan who just wants a concise way of looking at the characters of a company that has been around since the 1930's, this is an enjoyable read.
Rating: -
As other reviewers have pointed out, this is a re-imagining of the old "Who's Who" concept that DC ran in the '80s. That said, this is probably as brilliant and well-executed a collection as you're ever going to find.
There are errors, and there are a few omissions, but overall the effect is astounding. The major characters are given their just due, while even folks who appeared in one-off series long ago get a mention. The biographies are solid and make for compelling reading, and just seeing how rich the history of DC is is enough to give any fan an appreciative pause.
In short, this is simply an incredible book. Highest recommendations, and one that you'll treasure for a long time to come.
Rating: -
You have Swamp Thing, you have the Sandman, you have Death, you even mention John as one of the great team ups (with the Swamp Thing) but Constantine doesnt have an entry of his own? Come on!
In reality the DC Comics Encyclopedia is a great resource, I recently recieved it as a gift and I love it. The only reason it does not get 5 stars is that it has a few strange omissions and here and there the information seems lacking. Overall its a great effort and a worth addition to your library, be it as a reference guide to the DCU or simply as a coffee table book with a fantastic Alex Ross cover.
Recommended. :)
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