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Yvette - Bookworlder

Just a middle-brow reader who loves a good story, recipe or how-to.

 

Review: The League of Regrettable Superheroes by Jon Morris

The League of Regrettable Superheroes: Half-Baked Heroes from Comic Book History - Jon Morris

“I don’t know what I’m in for, but here goes!” The Red Torpedo (1940), pg. 110

 

Ranging in scope from “what were they thinking” to “I’d read that,” this collection of comic book missteps is sure to delight the comic book nerd, aficionado and newbie alike as well as cos-players dedicated to the obscure and high waisted speedos. Organized by era (Golden Age/Silver Age/Modern Age), each not-so-super-hero is given 2 – 4 pages, showing at minimum the front cover of an issue and then a one page summary of the comic’s particulars.

 

“Man, I tell it like it is now! The sound is groovey! It blows my mind!” Brother Power the Geek (1968), pg. 133

 

When I received this book, I took it into work to share with co-workers and the game developers that share our office space. When it was in the game company area, I could hear laughter and one of them wandered the halls with it for a bit to share choice selections with others. If that’s not an endorsement, I don’t know what is.

 

“After that excitement, men, we need another Tootsie Roll! It’ll pick us up – FAST!” Captain Tootsie (1943), pg. 26

 

 

This was a fun read to dip in to from time to time, not necessarily read in one sitting. The content is heavily weighted in favor of male superheroes, which is no surprise given the history of comic books.

 

“There are times when good old American fists are better than an atom gun!” Captain Science (1950), pg. 138

 

 

Though the likelihood is extremely low, if I ever happen upon the actual comics “Nelvana of the Northern Lights”(1941) or “Squirrel Girl” (1992), I’ll be quite happy to spend some time enjoying them.

 

 

“What we’re looking at may be a serious breach of galactic law!” Captain Victory (1981), pg. 200

 

The review refers to a finished copy won in a BookLikes giveaway, courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I’ve struggled to decide on the star rating for this book, as it is so different from the usual books that I read. I settled on 3.5/5 stars to reflect the quality of the presentation and the level of amusement.

 

Definitely going into coffee-table book rotation!

 

This review is cross-posted on GoodReads (edited) and my WordPress based blog at 

http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-5G