“What superhero books will my kids like?” is a question I’m frequently asked. It even came up during the GeekDad panel at PAX East in April.
For readers ages ten and over, there are many answers to the question and there are any number of books that will suit them.
But there aren’t nearly as many titles for the younger crowd anymore, at least not featuring the heroes they know and love from movies or television.
Marvel Super Heroes magazine is aimed directly at those kids. I think it’s best compared to Highlights magazine but with Marvel superheroes. It contains comics, pull-out posters, games, puzzles, cutouts, quizzes and bios of various characters. In this issue, there was a complete Thor story, a “crack the Hydra code” with Black Widow activity, an Avengers profile with full Marvel comics team, a recap of Cap’s origin, and a number of posters and pull-out sections that are designed to wind up on the walls of kid’s room.
I reviewed several review copies and passed them around to my kids. While they were too old at thirteen for much of the games, they loved the Thor story inside, the character bios and the artwork.
The book is published by Disney Publishing Worldwide and the marketing aims it squarely at the audience who don’t make it to the comic shop on a regular basis. It’s being carried by Wal-Mart, Target, B&N and other major retail outlets. Subscriptions are also available. The only drawback is the price: $4.99 for single issue and $29.82 for the subscription.
However, the book is oversize, glossy and in full glorious color that makes the art really pop. I also give Disney Publishing credit for using artists that stay away from cheesecake poses for the female characters. Instead, the style is much closer to the character’s depictions in the Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes television show.
