With continuously developing characters and stories that are always expanding and building on the already well-established universe, it can prove difficult for fans of Marvel Comics to keep up with their favourites. Enter the latest incarnation of the Marvel Encyclopedia, updated to include details of over a thousand characters along with features on crossover events that may have created, altered or even destroyed them. Kicking off with a foreword from Chris Claremont and an introduction from the late Stan Lee, this weighty tome is over four hundred pages of stunning artwork from all decades of Marvel’s existence, along with potted histories of the characters that also detail first appearances and any storylines of note.

Look for a favourite and it’s sure to be in here. More well-known characters and teams have larger entries, but credit is due to all of the writers involved for ensuring that every profile is interesting, showing how even the smaller players tie in with the bigger titles. There‘s much fun to be had by flicking through for a favourite biography that will lead to another and then another, making this a fascinating read. There may be some surprises too, along with many nostalgic reminders; although this is a book that could be read from A to Z, it’s more entertaining to take an indirect journey around the universe.

As with all DK books, it works on a purely visual level too; it looks gorgeous and the artwork is sure to please fans both old and new, or anyone looking for work by a favourite artist. Fans who are relative newcomers will find the encyclopedia easily accessible, and their viewings of the films enhanced by the knowledge contained between the covers. Some readers may feel their favourites don’t get the page space they deserve, but there isn’t a character that feels short-changed in any way, making this a worthy addition to any Marvel fan’s reinforced shelf.

MARVEL ENCYCLOPEDIA: NEW EDITION / AUTHOR: VARIOUS / PUBLISHER: DK / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW