What do you think?
Rate this book
Men In Black
Men in Black
While much of the world waits and watches the skies for signs of alien civilizations, there is a select group of men who know the truth. That alien beings are here--now--walking among us in human form. These men are members of an agency dedicated to tracking and policing the movements of these aliens--a top secret organization known only as...Men in Black.
James Edwards is a tenacious, streetwise NYPD cop who's recruited by Agent Kay of the Men in Black. He will step into a world where his identity will be erased, where nothing is what it seems on the surface. His first case will threaten to make Earth the battleground for two warring races...and end humanity's rule in a fiery apocalypse.
James Edwards is a tenacious, streetwise NYPD cop who's recruited by Agent Kay of the Men in Black. He will step into a world where his identity will be erased, where nothing is what it seems on the surface. His first case will threaten to make Earth the battleground for two warring races...and end humanity's rule in a fiery apocalypse.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
23 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Steve Perry
312 books361 followersLibrarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Steven Carl Perry has written over fifty novels and numerous short stories, which have appeared in various magazines and anthologies. Perry is perhaps best known for the Matador series. He has written books in the Star Wars, Alien and Conan universes. He was a collaborator on all of the Tom Clancy's Net Force series, seven of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. Two of his novelizations, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Men in Black have also been bestsellers. Other writing credits include articles, reviews, and essays, animated teleplays, and some unproduced movie scripts. One of his scripts for Batman: The Animated Series was an Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Writing.
Perry is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, The Animation Guild, and the Writers Guild of America, West
Steven Carl Perry has written over fifty novels and numerous short stories, which have appeared in various magazines and anthologies. Perry is perhaps best known for the Matador series. He has written books in the Star Wars, Alien and Conan universes. He was a collaborator on all of the Tom Clancy's Net Force series, seven of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. Two of his novelizations, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Men in Black have also been bestsellers. Other writing credits include articles, reviews, and essays, animated teleplays, and some unproduced movie scripts. One of his scripts for Batman: The Animated Series was an Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Writing.
Perry is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, The Animation Guild, and the Writers Guild of America, West
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 20, 2021
I read film and TV novelisations because I like to get those extra details that are often dropped or changed during the filmmaking process but are left in the book. There can also be extra insights into a scene or motivation that can be expressly written on the page but can be lost in translation.
This book is a pretty good adaptation of the film and nothing felt left out. Tonally, it is darker and has more blood and guts (the film is gooey, that's for sure, but not bloody). The big difference is during the finale where it is clear that the film had a few script changes that didn't reach the book (the battlefleet's bombardment of the planet).
Unfortunately, there's not much extra in way of insight, albeit we do get a little more context from the point of view of the creature (who even has a name).
This book is a pretty good adaptation of the film and nothing felt left out. Tonally, it is darker and has more blood and guts (the film is gooey, that's for sure, but not bloody). The big difference is during the finale where it is clear that the film had a few script changes that didn't reach the book (the battlefleet's bombardment of the planet).
Unfortunately, there's not much extra in way of insight, albeit we do get a little more context from the point of view of the creature (who even has a name).
Read
February 28, 2019Book follows the movie, which is only natural. Not a great book, just fun
November 20, 2025
I’m ready for the reboot of Men in Black. I especially loved the cartoon series.
July 14, 2022
You know what the difference is between you and me? I make this look GOOD! Here come the Men in Black: Galaxy Defenders, ooh baby!
In present-day America, Agent K is a member of an organization that has been keeping track of extra-terrestrial aliens on Earth for over 40 years. When K finds himself in need of a new partner, a brash NYPD detective, James Edwards fills the position, becoming Agent J. Armed with space-age technology (which J barely understands) and their razor-sharp wits, J and K investigate a newcomer who is bad news for Earth.
Loosely based on Lowell Cunningham and Sandy Carruthers's comic book The Men in Black, this blockbuster from Columbia Pictures kicks ass! Agents J and K are and awesome duo with great chemistry. The characters are interesting and memorable, especially Kay and Jay, who are very entertaining protagonists who can get some good laughs most of the time. Even Edgar (the Oggy and the Cockroaches-like cockroach alien) is an entertaining antagonist and Vincent D’Onofrio does a great performance in his human form. The idea of secret agents who investigate alien creatures is very awesome and compelling, even if unoriginal. We have brilliant character and plot development, as well as many unforgettable, well-executed moments that are either funny, action-packed or both, such as the scene where Jay stomps on a bunch of cockroaches which triggers and kills Edgar. The scenes with the test and the shooting range in which J auditions to become an MIB are outrageous. Also, I like the description about the final boss: Ugly? He was uglier than an NBA Pro basketball player in a tight pink dress. That description fits in very well.
The acting in this movie is beyond incredible, especially from Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The CGI is incredibly impressive, even for the mid-90s standards. The costume and makeup designs for the aliens are great. However, there is too much uses of goo within the film, which may start to get repetitive for various viewers, and the ending where K reveals to J that he was being trained to become his replacement makes no sense and comes out of nowhere. Seriously, J has been on the job for like 2 days, and suddenly he's worthy of being the replacement? Also, why would K have found two replacements, rather than leaving J to find one?
You'll really love this as much as I have. Far superior over Roland Emmerich's Independence Day.
In present-day America, Agent K is a member of an organization that has been keeping track of extra-terrestrial aliens on Earth for over 40 years. When K finds himself in need of a new partner, a brash NYPD detective, James Edwards fills the position, becoming Agent J. Armed with space-age technology (which J barely understands) and their razor-sharp wits, J and K investigate a newcomer who is bad news for Earth.
Loosely based on Lowell Cunningham and Sandy Carruthers's comic book The Men in Black, this blockbuster from Columbia Pictures kicks ass! Agents J and K are and awesome duo with great chemistry. The characters are interesting and memorable, especially Kay and Jay, who are very entertaining protagonists who can get some good laughs most of the time. Even Edgar (the Oggy and the Cockroaches-like cockroach alien) is an entertaining antagonist and Vincent D’Onofrio does a great performance in his human form. The idea of secret agents who investigate alien creatures is very awesome and compelling, even if unoriginal. We have brilliant character and plot development, as well as many unforgettable, well-executed moments that are either funny, action-packed or both, such as the scene where Jay stomps on a bunch of cockroaches which triggers and kills Edgar. The scenes with the test and the shooting range in which J auditions to become an MIB are outrageous. Also, I like the description about the final boss: Ugly? He was uglier than an NBA Pro basketball player in a tight pink dress. That description fits in very well.
The acting in this movie is beyond incredible, especially from Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The CGI is incredibly impressive, even for the mid-90s standards. The costume and makeup designs for the aliens are great. However, there is too much uses of goo within the film, which may start to get repetitive for various viewers, and the ending where K reveals to J that he was being trained to become his replacement makes no sense and comes out of nowhere. Seriously, J has been on the job for like 2 days, and suddenly he's worthy of being the replacement? Also, why would K have found two replacements, rather than leaving J to find one?
You'll really love this as much as I have. Far superior over Roland Emmerich's Independence Day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 8, 20102. Does this story or its characters remind you of another story you have read? Does it remind you of a movie? How are they alike? And how are they different?
As I am reading this story, some characters remind me a movie I have seen ‘the men in black’ furthermore, James Edward remind me so much this actor will Smith and I think this movie come from this book. The way this two characters act is unbelievable the same, I am so surprise how this actor took and did on this movie as well the character does, of course I guess will smith adds some of his experience to give to this character some jock. Nonetheless that was so amazing
14. Why do you think the author wrote this story? Where did he or she get the idea or the characters? What message do you think that the author is trying to share?
R)I think the Author wrote this story just to remind us or to inform us that maybe we are not alone on the Univers and we have to think about that as this people in black do.However,when i was reading this book i found some similarities between live on Earth now and on this book. Childreen should be hurt if they read this book becouse of some scene or part are so disgusting'.For example an alien eating all body s man,killing..So that the message is only for adults .
on one part of this story something really anormal attracted my thought and still now i am thinking about that.When Agent kay's teamate retired,he should made a choice between a categorie of young men from different part of U.S Army such as Marine,Navy,Ranger,FBi,Police etc..they were all the best for their unity.nonetheless the were the younger police men Jame edward who succed to the test by being himself and doing what he thought the best choice for every singe chalenge ,that was amazind for me and i realise every person should be more proud of themeslves and not scared to any situation even if they look like under grades.
As I am reading this story, some characters remind me a movie I have seen ‘the men in black’ furthermore, James Edward remind me so much this actor will Smith and I think this movie come from this book. The way this two characters act is unbelievable the same, I am so surprise how this actor took and did on this movie as well the character does, of course I guess will smith adds some of his experience to give to this character some jock. Nonetheless that was so amazing
14. Why do you think the author wrote this story? Where did he or she get the idea or the characters? What message do you think that the author is trying to share?
R)I think the Author wrote this story just to remind us or to inform us that maybe we are not alone on the Univers and we have to think about that as this people in black do.However,when i was reading this book i found some similarities between live on Earth now and on this book. Childreen should be hurt if they read this book becouse of some scene or part are so disgusting'.For example an alien eating all body s man,killing..So that the message is only for adults .
on one part of this story something really anormal attracted my thought and still now i am thinking about that.When Agent kay's teamate retired,he should made a choice between a categorie of young men from different part of U.S Army such as Marine,Navy,Ranger,FBi,Police etc..they were all the best for their unity.nonetheless the were the younger police men Jame edward who succed to the test by being himself and doing what he thought the best choice for every singe chalenge ,that was amazind for me and i realise every person should be more proud of themeslves and not scared to any situation even if they look like under grades.
August 7, 2025
Fans of the film will enjoy its extra details and side info, although it follows the story, it has minor changes here and there. The POV swaps between several characters nicely and personalities are well developed. A simple quick and easy read.
October 24, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I'm finally going through my physical tv, film etc. tie in library owned book list, to add more older basic reviews. If I liked a book enough to keep then they are at the least a 3 star.
I'm only adding one book per author and I'm not going to re-read every book to be more accurate, not when I have 1000s of new to me authors to try (I can't say no to free books....)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I'm finally going through my physical tv, film etc. tie in library owned book list, to add more older basic reviews. If I liked a book enough to keep then they are at the least a 3 star.
I'm only adding one book per author and I'm not going to re-read every book to be more accurate, not when I have 1000s of new to me authors to try (I can't say no to free books....)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
February 17, 2024
I’m a movie/TV novelization apologist but this one is not very good. I’m willing to give a pass because they’re usually based on earlier drafts of the script, and if that’s the case here, thank god it got turned into what the Men in Black movie became. Perry’s attempts at comedy in between lines of dialogue is usually atrocious though.
October 11, 2017
Saw the movie first, read the book many years later. Adds some interesting bits, but also deviates from the movie in slight ways. A fun read if you loved the movie, to get said interesting bits, but not fabulous writing.
June 30, 2020
Hombres de negro, una de mis peliculas favoritas cuando era chica (lo sigue siendo hoy dia, obviamente), asi que en cuanto lo vi, no dude en llevarmelo.
Hay algunas platicas que se extienden mas en el libro que en el film, y me encantaron.
Hay algunas platicas que se extienden mas en el libro que en el film, y me encantaron.
January 23, 2023
I love thé film and i usually love Steve Perry but this book was borderline unreadable for me. First of all, in the beginning of the book it used the slur “w*tbacks” so be aware of that. Just generally not good and not fun, when the film itself is.
July 28, 2017
This is an intriguing read, written with a touch of humor and a look at what some may feel impossible, but really, who knows?
March 4, 2019
Exactly like the movie.
September 24, 2019
I really enjoyed the movie and then i found out there was a book and i loved it even more
July 23, 2020
Have got the paperback somewhere and I kept it because I liked it. This time as eBook. It was okay, but not all that great. Not sure if I will read it again.
Want to read
June 6, 2022Im studnt In need read this book Please
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2023
I’ve been sleeping on books based on screenplays. This was terrific.
August 3, 2023
Hilarious how much of the backstory given to J here is contradicted by Men in Black III.
January 27, 2025
No faltaron los jajas
May 18, 2023
Мъже в черно преследват шарени извънземни: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/m...
Историята е пределно позната на всички – шепа мъже в черни костюми контролират малката, но енергична и крайно колоритна извънземна популация на Земята. До момента, в който пристига един доста неприятен бръмбаровиден индивид с цел да разпали междупланетна война, на която нашата планета да стане първа жертва – и току-що научилият за наличието на малки зелени и не чак толкова малки и не чак толкова зелени човечета млад полицай трябва да се изправи на пътя му, подкрепян от обръгналия и видял както ли не по-възрастен агент, който го вербува. И е ясно, че няма как образите на тези двамата да бъдат разделени от актьорите, които изиграха ролите.
Изд. "Слънчо"
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/m...
Историята е пределно позната на всички – шепа мъже в черни костюми контролират малката, но енергична и крайно колоритна извънземна популация на Земята. До момента, в който пристига един доста неприятен бръмбаровиден индивид с цел да разпали междупланетна война, на която нашата планета да стане първа жертва – и току-що научилият за наличието на малки зелени и не чак толкова малки и не чак толкова зелени човечета млад полицай трябва да се изправи на пътя му, подкрепян от обръгналия и видял както ли не по-възрастен агент, който го вербува. И е ясно, че няма как образите на тези двамата да бъдат разделени от актьорите, които изиграха ролите.
Изд. "Слънчо"
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/m...
August 25, 2013
El libro no es gran cosa, entretenido solo, está basado en el guión de la película aunque la historia cambia ligeramente.
Al final viene un epilogo genial:
Visto desde unas pocas docenas de metros de altura, el LTD no era más que otro coche entre el resto de vehículos que llenaban las calles de Manhattan...
Visto desde varios centenares de metros de altura, manhattan no era más que una parte de una aglomeración urbana y suburbana mucho mayor...
Vista desde la estratosfera, a varios kilómetros de altura, la Costa Este de Estados Unidos no era más que una parte de una masa terrestre mucho mayor...
Vista desde la eosfera, a varios cientos de kilómetros de distancia, América del norte no era mas que una porción del planeta Tierra...
Vista a miles de kilómetros de distancia, la Tierra no era más que una bola azul y blanca perdida en la inmensidad del espacio...
Visto a unos pocos meses luz de distancia, el sistema solar no era más que un punto luminoso... Vista a varios años luz de distancia, la Vía Láctea no era más que una entre varios millones de espirales galácticas, globos y conjuntos de estrellas...
Desde los confines del universo se podía observar la curva de un globo de un azul intenso...
Y desde un lugar más allá del tiempo y del espacio, a una distancia inconmensurable, el universo no era más que una esfera de un azul intenso situada sobre una extensión de polvo rojo, cuando un gigante de tamaño infinito cogió la esfera y la hizo rodar sobre el polvo rojo, y fue cada vez más despacio ... hasta que se detuvo ... entre otras muchas esferas de colores ...
En palabras no parece mucho pero en imágenes es impresionante: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLQF-4...
Al final viene un epilogo genial:
Visto desde unas pocas docenas de metros de altura, el LTD no era más que otro coche entre el resto de vehículos que llenaban las calles de Manhattan...
Visto desde varios centenares de metros de altura, manhattan no era más que una parte de una aglomeración urbana y suburbana mucho mayor...
Vista desde la estratosfera, a varios kilómetros de altura, la Costa Este de Estados Unidos no era más que una parte de una masa terrestre mucho mayor...
Vista desde la eosfera, a varios cientos de kilómetros de distancia, América del norte no era mas que una porción del planeta Tierra...
Vista a miles de kilómetros de distancia, la Tierra no era más que una bola azul y blanca perdida en la inmensidad del espacio...
Visto a unos pocos meses luz de distancia, el sistema solar no era más que un punto luminoso... Vista a varios años luz de distancia, la Vía Láctea no era más que una entre varios millones de espirales galácticas, globos y conjuntos de estrellas...
Desde los confines del universo se podía observar la curva de un globo de un azul intenso...
Y desde un lugar más allá del tiempo y del espacio, a una distancia inconmensurable, el universo no era más que una esfera de un azul intenso situada sobre una extensión de polvo rojo, cuando un gigante de tamaño infinito cogió la esfera y la hizo rodar sobre el polvo rojo, y fue cada vez más despacio ... hasta que se detuvo ... entre otras muchas esferas de colores ...
En palabras no parece mucho pero en imágenes es impresionante: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLQF-4...
April 16, 2013
1. J.J.Gardner and Ed Solomon/PENGUIN READERS/Level 2
2. 4/12 30minutes
4/15 15minutes
4/16 20minutes
Total 65minutes
3. Kay,Jay saved alien,fight,shot,bug
4. Do you believe that bugs which eat people exists now?
- No, because I have never saw them on my eyes.
5. When I finished raading this book, I thought that I want to watch the movie of "MEN IN BLACK". My freinds said "the story of this book and the story of the movie are a little different", so I want to find the difference. I like action movie, so I was excited when I was reading a section of action!!
2. 4/12 30minutes
4/15 15minutes
4/16 20minutes
Total 65minutes
3. Kay,Jay saved alien,fight,shot,bug
4. Do you believe that bugs which eat people exists now?
- No, because I have never saw them on my eyes.
5. When I finished raading this book, I thought that I want to watch the movie of "MEN IN BLACK". My freinds said "the story of this book and the story of the movie are a little different", so I want to find the difference. I like action movie, so I was excited when I was reading a section of action!!
August 13, 2010
Tidak seperti novel adaptasi naskah pada umumnya, jalan cerita novel ini nggak jauh beda dari filmnya. Karena doyan rerun filmnya, pas baca tokoh Jay dan Kay langsung terbayang Will Smith dan Tommy Lee Jones.
Yang beda dengan filmnya, di sini kita bisa mengikuti cerita dari sudut pandang dan perasaan si alien serangga, yang bisa ngamuk berat kalau melihat manusia dengan semena-mena membunuh kecoak, yang masih dianggap famili olehnya.
Yang beda dengan filmnya, di sini kita bisa mengikuti cerita dari sudut pandang dan perasaan si alien serangga, yang bisa ngamuk berat kalau melihat manusia dengan semena-mena membunuh kecoak, yang masih dianggap famili olehnya.
July 17, 2013
1 PENGUIN LEVEL2
2 about 100 minutes
3 Kay, Jay , speace, save, alien, bug, fight
4 Do you believe in alien?
No, I don't. Because I have never seen them.
5 This book made me shocked!
If there are alien which pretends to be human in the real world, I can't go out from my house because I am afraid of them. However, if there are people like them in the real world, I can feel
safe. They are so cool! Also, I have nver seen the movie, so I want to watch it as soon as possible!
2 about 100 minutes
3 Kay, Jay , speace, save, alien, bug, fight
4 Do you believe in alien?
No, I don't. Because I have never seen them.
5 This book made me shocked!
If there are alien which pretends to be human in the real world, I can't go out from my house because I am afraid of them. However, if there are people like them in the real world, I can feel
safe. They are so cool! Also, I have nver seen the movie, so I want to watch it as soon as possible!
October 16, 2013
1.Penguin Readers
Level 2
2.50 minutes (October 12)
40 minutes (October 15)
3.Kay,Jay,alien,bug,fight,gun,galaxy
4.If you see an alien, what do you do?
-I'm interested in alien but it is very scary, so maybe I run away.
5.I have never watched this story in movie. This story is a little difficult to understand. However the movie help me to understand this story so I want to watch the movie.
Level 2
2.50 minutes (October 12)
40 minutes (October 15)
3.Kay,Jay,alien,bug,fight,gun,galaxy
4.If you see an alien, what do you do?
-I'm interested in alien but it is very scary, so maybe I run away.
5.I have never watched this story in movie. This story is a little difficult to understand. However the movie help me to understand this story so I want to watch the movie.
July 9, 2014
1. Penguin level2
2. 7/7=60minutes 7/9=40minute
3. A alien-bugs-men in black-New York
-war-danger-peace
4. "Now you can forget everything."
It is a strange alien's power. I am interested in it and I wish I had the power like it.
5. I had known only the title. The main cast is Will Smith, so I had be interested in this story. I would like to watch this movie. I am wandering the content of movie is same with the content of book.
2. 7/7=60minutes 7/9=40minute
3. A alien-bugs-men in black-New York
-war-danger-peace
4. "Now you can forget everything."
It is a strange alien's power. I am interested in it and I wish I had the power like it.
5. I had known only the title. The main cast is Will Smith, so I had be interested in this story. I would like to watch this movie. I am wandering the content of movie is same with the content of book.
November 12, 2013
PENGUINE
level2
82minute
Bug/eye/Dog/Space Ship/Black/End/Hole
Q.If you had a tool which can erase a memory who anyone has, what would you do?
A. I want to do what I don't have to do and erase the memory.
Opinion
I have seen a series of MEN IN BLACK so I could undersand easily. They are smart and cool. They fight for world to propect. I wanna be MEN IN BLACK like them
level2
82minute
Bug/eye/Dog/Space Ship/Black/End/Hole
Q.If you had a tool which can erase a memory who anyone has, what would you do?
A. I want to do what I don't have to do and erase the memory.
Opinion
I have seen a series of MEN IN BLACK so I could undersand easily. They are smart and cool. They fight for world to propect. I wanna be MEN IN BLACK like them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews