The Periodic Table of Marvel

by Melanie Scott

Discover the elemental properties of iconic Marvel Comics characters.

From the volatile gamma-irradiated Hulk to the stable Super-Soldier Captain America, and the technologically enhanced Iron Man to the cosmically charged Silver Surfer, the Marvel Comics Universe boasts a diverse array of heroes and villains. Whether mutants or Asgardians, Celestials or Inhumans, The Periodic Table of Marvel expertly classifies key and lesser known Marvel characters to reveal the properties that bind them, the catalysts that created them, the chain reactions that energize them, and the underlying structures and formulas that underpin the Marvel Universe.

With more than 130 character profiles written by a Marvel expert, beautiful comic book art, and Marvel's seal of approval, The Periodic Table of Marvel reveals the fascinating and surprising connections between the most incredible heroes and villains ever created.

© 2021 MARVEL

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Nonfiction, Superheroes, Adult, Science

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and handy book. Details all the information well and is easy to follow. It is interesting to see all the other characters throughout the MCU that aren't in the movies but comics (handy if you haven't read them). Would defo recommend to a Marvel fan.

[Michael Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe someone can help me? I’m not understanding some of the property codes use.

St=stable
Vo=volatile
Co=combustible
Ba=bonding agent
To=toxic? (Are both of them toxic) *Red Skull
Tx=toxic? *Hazmat
Re=?????? (I can’t find the common thread to the meaning of Re on some) *Namorita, Silver Surfer, Venom, Anti-Venom

Until I can figure this out...I can only give it four stars.

Thanks for the help.

[Ronda Canary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Clever.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick bios of most of the major and a lot of the minor characters in the main Marvel comics universe (Earth-616). The writing and layout are pleasant. In the past, I've mostly gotten this sort of information from marvel.wikia.com; this is easier to read and only hits the high points.

It's presented as a pseudo-scientific taxonomy of powered beings, which I found stupid and tedious.

[MARTYN J · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's incredible that one comics house could create so many characters, many of whom I have never heard of. It's also fascinating that many of those we have all heard of have been around for 50 or 60 years! A terrific encyclopedia - highly recommended.

[Beth Colley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, I read this in short sessions while putting my child down for a nap! Very interesting sections about heroes I know and ones I don’t xx

[Michael Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe someone can help me? I’m not understanding some of the property codes use.

St=stable
Vo=volatile
Co=combustible
Ba=bonding agent
To=toxic? (Are both of them toxic) *Red Skull
Tx=toxic? *Hazmat
Re=?????? (I can’t find the common thread to the meaning of Re on some) *Namorita, Silver Surfer, Venom, Anti-Venom

Until then, I can only give it four stars.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel way of organising the Marvel characters - a periodic table. I enjoyed reading it and learning about many Marvel heroes and villains that I never heard of.