I love comic books.

That is either a declaration or a confession, depending upon your perspective. That isn't to say that I love all comics, but there is a potent storytelling to the form that transcends the misconception that comics are just for kids.

The Comic Book Encyclopedia is a book for comic book fans, lovingly created by someone who loves the medium - Ron Goulart, a mystery and sci fi writer also considered an expert on comics. It painstakingly documents the history of the comic books, cataloging every artist, writer, character (even the minor ones) and title. Each entry (arranged alphabetically) is accompanied by wonderful full-color artwork - more than 400 comic covers, interiors, and images.

There's also a historic time line from the 1930s to the present, a selection of the top graphic novels, and a careful recounting of the origins and evolution of many favorite characters. It's easy to suggest that the Comic Book Encyclopedia should have been longer or more in-depth (it's not quite 400 pages long, and many of the entries are relatively short). For example, it's true that some characters with non-comic book origins(Bugs Bunny, let's say) are dealt with in rather cursory fashion, but then again, Bugs is more appropriately the subject of a book more focused on animation (for example, the excellent Animation Art) than one devoted to comic books. Comics and animation overlap at times, but Bugs Bunny comic books were always a sidenote to his cinematic career. The same is true of a number of other characters and developers: while Goulart makes the effort to touch on comic strip artists and characters, the bulk of the focus is on comic books. And rightfully so, in my opinion: despite some overlap, ultimately they remain somewhat different mediums.

The Comic Book Encyclopedia isn't necessarily "the" definitive statement on the history of comic books, but then again such a thing would likely require a multi-volume set. It is an excellent overview of the breadth and rich variety in comic book history, and is certainly something any comic book fan would enjoy perusing. With its hardcover presentation and lavish illustrations, one could even call it "coffee table worthy."