.jpg)
Why Does Batman Carry Shark Repellent?: And Other Amazing Comic Book Trivia! [Paperback]
By Brian Cronin
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Plume (May 29, 2012)
Outrageous, fascinating and bizarre facts from every corner of the comic book universe
What comic book artist was the recipient of an on-stage thank you from Paul McCartney and an on-air apology from Johnny Carson? What superhero got his powers by being bitten by a mongoose? What popular NPR host was forever immortalized as a "bad boyfriend" in a notable comic book? In Why Does Batman Carry Shark Repellent?, author Brian Cronin will answer those questions and more by revealing the most obscure, wacky and surprising facts about comics—from the characters and creators, to the TV shows, movies and merch. Cronin has teamed up with some of the top comic book writers and artists of today to present 100 trivia lists, including:
· Nine Celebrities That Guest-Starred in Comic Books…without Their Permission
· Seven Bands That Got Their Names from Comics
· Ten Crazy Items Found on Batman’s Utility Belt
· Five Comic Book Inventions That Eventually Became Real
· Five Stupidest Superhero Origins
· And much, much more!
From Batman to Spiderman, Aquaman to the X-Men, each list in Why Does Batman Carry Shark Repellent? will entertain and inform whether you’re a hardcore geek or a casual fan.
What is it about trivia and lists? I don’t know much about the whole Superhero comic book world and the rivalry between DC and Marvel baffles me, but even I found this volume of comic book trivia fascinating. It gave me a new respect and appreciation for the history and culture behind Superhero comics.
The book separates the trivia into different subjects like Comic Book Characters, Storylines, Writers and Artists, and even a section about the ads that use to appear in comics. (Kalpar: Wouldn't you care for a Hostess fruit pie?) There is a good mix of funny, entertaining, historical, and informative trivia. Some of my favorites where:
Five “WTF?” Moments in Comic Book History
Five Most Iconic Panels in Comic Book History
Top Twenty-five Marvel (also DC) Comic Book Characters
Five Stupidest Superhero Origins
There is no way to really review or rate a trivia book. If you are a Comic Book trivia genius you probably won’t get much from this book, but if you appreciate pop culture and comic books you will find this book entertaining and you will feel a little bit smarter around all your nerd friends. This would make a fun gift for anyone.
5 “Quiet, or Papa Spank” Sheep (do you know which comic book hero said this to a woman?)
SharonS (edited by BAK)
Brian Cronin is the writer and producer of the Comics Should Be Good blog at Comic Book Resources (www.cbr.cc). He has been writing the online column “Comic Book Legends Revealed” since June 2005. He has a JD from Fordham Law School and is a member of the New York State Bar. For more legends about the world of sports and entertainment, check out www.legendsrevealed.com.
Find Brian on twitter
GIVE AWAY
I am giving away my review copy! Leave a way to contact you in the comments and tell me
which superhero you would like to date or be?
*double entries for followers
