Do you prefer to read a print book? Look for the following titles in your local libraries:
CCPL has a great range of comics and graphic novels for all ages. Check out the selection of Marvel, DC (gasp!), other notable illustrated works, as well as a guide on drawing:
Iron Man: Heart of Steel: by Fred Van Lente

Summary (from amazon.com):
"The Armored Avenger blasts into the newest title in the critically-acclaimed, best-selling Marvel Adventures line! Who is IRON MAN, the world-renowned symbol of mega-conglomerate Stark International? And what terrible secret from his past forces billionaire inventor TONY STARK to become the Golden Guardian? MARVEL AGE introduces new and young readers to some of the greatest legends of the Marvel Universe, with dynamic brand-new art and a contemporary sensibility."
Call Number:
Grayson Branch - J F VanL
Avengers: Endgame The Pirate Angel, The Talking Tree, and Captain Rabbit: by Steve Behling

Summary (from amazon.com):
"An original middle grade novel that alternates between Rocket, Groot, and Thor's trip to Nidavellir and Rocket's journal entries, this is the perfect lead-up to Marvel Studios' Avengers: Endgame."
Call Number:
Olive Hill Branch - J BEHL
Thanos : Titan Consumed - by Barry Lyga

Summary (from amazon.com):
"Born on a doomed world and made an outcast for his physical deviancy and intimidating intellect, Thanos believes he sees something everyone else chooses to ignore: a way to save his home and the people of Titan for generations to come. But what he perceives as genius, they see as madness.
Now exiled from his home world, Thanos is determined to find the means to return to Titan and implement his plan. His journey through the galaxy is a desperate race to save everything. Thanos will be successful-no matter how many billions have to die to bring balance to the universe."
Call Number:
Grayson Branch - YA LYGA
Batman: Adventures of the Dark Knight by Billy Wrecks

Summary (from amazon.com):
"Get the lowdown on his amazing arsenal of weapons and gadgets, his fantastic fleet of bat vehicles, and the secrets of his Batcave. Learn how he always stays one step ahead of Gotham City's strangest and deadliest villains, like The Joker, The Penguin, and Harley Quinn."
Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born by Peter David and Stephen King

Summary (from amazon.com):
"'The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.' With those words, millions of readers were introduced to Stephen King's Roland ' an implacable gunslinger in search of the enigmatic Dark Tower, powering his way through a dangerous land filled with ancient technology and deadly magic. Now, in a comic book personally overseen by King himself, Roland's past is revealed!"
Drawing Manga Expressions and Poses (Manga Magic) by Anna Southgate

Summary (from amazon.com):
"This book introduces readers to the art of manga and is a guide to creating one’s own images and stories in the distinctive manga style. It explains, in easy-to-follow text and logical step-by-step photographs, the basic techniques required for mastery of the manga style, with particular emphasis on distinctive, dramatic, and striking expressions and poses. These progressive drawing and coloring instructions are followed by several projects designed to reinforce what has been learned, hone the drawing skills, and produce quality manga artwork."
KCU also has a wonderful selection of graphic novels, comics, and a variety of non-fiction books about the art and artists behind comics. The selection below only scratches the surface of our holdings. Enjoy!
Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir by Stan Lee, Peter David, and Colleen Doran
![Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir [Book]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91jlz7d1jbL.jpg)
Summary (from the KCU catalog):
"Graphic memoir about the career of Stan Lee, the American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics."In this gorgeously illustrated, full-color graphic memoir, Stan Lee--comic book legend and cocreator of Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, the Incredible Hulk, and a legion of other Marvel superheroes--shares his iconic legacy and the story of how modern comics came to be."
Call Number:
741.5092 L5157Ga
Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet Book 1 by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Summary (from KCU catalog):
"T'Challa confronts a dramatic upheaval in Wakanda that will make leading the African nation tougher than ever before. When a superhuman terrorist group calling itself The People sparks a violent uprising, the land famed for its incredible technology and proud warrior traditions will be thrown into turmoil. As suicide bombers terrorize the population, T'Challa struggles to unite his citizens, and a familiar villain steps out of the shadows. If Wakanda is to survive, it must adapt -- but can its monarch, one in a long line of Black Panthers, survive the necessary change? Heavy lies the head that wears the cowl!"
Call Number:
GR TAN
Spider-Verse by Dan Slott

Summary (from KCU catalog):
"When the evil Inheritors begin exterminating spider-characters throughout the multiverse, every single Spider-Man ever is needed to save the day! An interdimensional spider-army gathers to fight Morlun and his deadly family, but as the Prophecy comes to fruition, none of them are safe! Starring hundreds of Spider-Men, from the beloved to the obscure!"
Call Number:
741.5973 Sl 56s
The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence by Stan Lee and Stuart Moore

Summary (from KCU catalog):
"Follows the experiences of a Chinese-American teen who is thrown into the middle of an epic global chase involving the release of twelve magical superpowers."
Call Number:
??? ???
Wonder Woman 3: The Truth by Greg Rucka

Summary (from the publisher):
Diana's search for the truth about herself, her history, and her home Themyscira, takes her on a journey into darkness. But the price of understanding may be one sacrifice too many for Wonder Woman
Call Number:
GR RUC
Demon Slayer (all volumes!) by Koyoharu Gotouge

Summary (from amazon.com):
"In Taisho-era Japan, kindhearted Tanjiro Kamado makes a living selling charcoal. But his peaceful life is shattered when a demon slaughters his entire family. His little sister Nezuko is the only survivor, but she has been transformed into a demon herself! Tanjiro sets out on a dangerous journey to find a way to return his sister to normal and destroy the demon who ruined his life."
Call Number:
741.5952 G712d
Comic Art In America: A Social History of the Funnies, the Political Cartoons, Magazine Humor, Sporting Cartoons, and Animated Cartoons by Stephen D. Becker and Rube Goldberg

Summary (from goodreads.com):
"A narrative history of the role of printed and animated comic art in the United states, mainly from the 1890s through the 1950s. Well-illustrated in black and white."
Call Number:
741.5973 B38
Mass Culture: The Popular Arts in America by Bernard Rosenberg and David Manning White (eds.)

Summary (from ChatGPT):
"...a foundational anthology edited by Bernard Rosenberg and David Manning White that explores the emergence and impact of mass culture in the United States during the 20th century. The book compiles essays by scholars, critics, and cultural commentators who analyze how mass-produced cultural products—such as movies, television, advertising, popular music, and comics—have shaped American society, tastes, and values."
Call Number:
917.3 M723r
Stan Lee talked vividly about his favorite books and what inspired him. In the Project Gutenberg tab, we have provided digital access to those books, so you too can be captivated by the tales that inspired this iconic artist.
In the Open Library tab, we provide more access to some of Stan Lee's most iconic comic series.
Click the images below to explore some of the digital resources we use to find e-books!
Explore the tabs to see what books we have selected from these sites for our virtual vacation.
To access these books digitally, simply click on the image of the book you wish to read and follow the website's instructions for downloading and playing the content.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Summary (from Project Gutenberg):
"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of detective stories written during the late 19th century. The book introduces the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, as they embark on various intriguing cases, filled with mystery and clever deductions."
A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
Summary (from Project Gutenberg):
"...a science fiction novel written in the mid-19th century. The story follows the protagonist, Professor Otto Lidenbrock, and his nephew, Axel, as they embark on an extraordinary expedition to explore the depths of the Earth, spurred by an ancient manuscript that hints at the path to the planet's core. The novel combines adventure with scientific exploration, drawing upon the geological knowledge of its time."
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Summary (from Project Gutenberg):
"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare is a tragic play written during the late 16th century. The narrative revolves around the political machinations surrounding the assassination of Julius Caesar, exploring themes such as ambition, loyalty, friendship, and the complex nature of power. Key characters include the noble Brutus, a close friend of Caesar who grapples with moral dilemmas, and Cassius, who manipulates Brutus and leads the conspiracy against Caesar."
To access these books digitally, simply click on the image of the book you wish to read.
For instructions on checking out and reading the books below, consult the "Using OpenLibrary.org" page of this libguide.
Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 1 by Stan Lee
Summary (from Google AI Overview):
This book "introduces the iconic hero Matt Murdock as Daredevil, the Man Without Fear. It follows his early adventures, including battles against villains like Electro, Electro, and the Purple Man, while also exploring his relationships with Karen Page, Foggy Nelson, and his future wife Debbie Harris. The book showcases Daredevil's transformation from a blind young man with enhanced senses to a crime-fighting hero in both his yellow and red costumes."
Stan Lee Presents: The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 4 by Stan Lee
Summary (from Google AI Overview):
"...a collection of Spider-Man comics from the late 1960s, focusing on Peter Parker's college life, relationships, and battles with villains like Dr. Octopus, Kingpin, and the Green Goblin. This volume includes the iconic "Master Planner" saga, where Spider-Man faces the Master Planner, who is secretly Dr. Octopus. It also features the reveal of the Green Goblin's identity as Norman Osborn."
Essential Fantastic Four, Volume 4 by Stan Lee
Summary (from amazon.com):
"Re-live more of the FF's classic exploits as they stand united against Dr. Doom, Annihilus and Galactus! Featuring the first appearances of the Kree and the microversal Psycho-Man! Guest starring Spider-Man, Daredevil, Thor and the Warlock formerly known as Him! Lee and Kirby were the ones who started it all, and they keep it going in these cosmic tales!"
Essential Iron Man, Vol. 2 (Marvel Essentials) by Stan Lee
Summary (from amazon.com):
"It's armored action at its best as Iron Man faces Ultimo; the Mandarin; the Titanium Man, the ever-popular communist menace; and more! Guest-starring S.H.I.E.L.D., the Sub-Mariner and the Hulk! Includes the first run of Iron Man's solo series!"
Stan Lee presents the Marvel Comics illustrated version of Dragonslayer by Stan Lee
Summary (from paperbackswap.com):
"Stan Lee presents the Marvel Comics illustrated version of Dragonslayer, done in Full color Comic book style. The official Marvel Comics adaptation of the spectacular Paramount Disney motion picture Dragonslayer."
Just as with the Project Gutenberg e-books, the LibriVox section features audio recordings of Stan Lee's favorite books.
The YouTube tab features the stories of Stan Lee's most iconic comic heroes presented in audiobook form.
Click the images below to explore some of the digital resources we use to find free audiobooks!
Explore the tabs to see what books we have selected from these sites for summer reading.
To access these books digitally, simply click on the image of the book you wish to listen to and follow the website's instructions for downloading and playing the content.
The Hound of Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Summary (from LibriVox):
"What really killed Sir Charles Baskerville? Is his nephew, Sir Henry, in danger from the legendary family curse, a gigantic black hound? Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are on the case in this classic mystery, set on lonely Dartmoor in Devonshire. Neolithic ruins, a perilous quagmire, eerie sounds in the night, and (of course) fog all add to the fun, with an escaped convict thrown in for good measure. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)."
The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne
Summary (from LibriVox):
"A story of castaways, similar to Robinson Crusoe and The Swiss Family Robinson, this book details the escape from Civil War-era Richmond, Virginia, of five Northern men who dared to go aloft in a balloon in the midst of a hurricane. Deposited on a lonely island in the Pacific, they make do with Yankee ingenuity where Chance has left them nothing. Only later do they find they have a hidden benefactor: Captain Nemo, of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, who resides, alone, secretly on the island."
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Summary (from LibriVox):
"Magic, fairies, young lovers chasing each other through a forest, a man with a donkey's head, and impish Puck wreaking havoc right and left. What's going on here? It's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare at his most fanciful."
Stan Lee Comics - an Audiobook Playlist by Jonathan Wicaksono
Forget doom scrolling. Check out this YouTube collection of Marvel comic book stories below!
Spider-Man 1 Novelization by Peter David
In the mood for a long video that's more narrative than comic books? Check out this novelization of the first Spider-Man movie (2002).
Original Orson Welles' The War of the Worlds Broadcast
H G Wells was another favorite author of Stan Lee. In 1938, a radio broadcaster named Orson Welles (unrelated to H G Wells), captured the imaginations of the public with an infamous radio broadcast. Welles adapted the premise of the novel, The War of the Worlds, transforming it into a fake news broadcast of a hostile alien invasion of earth. This caused widespread panic and generated many conspiracy theories. One can't help but imagine how this inspired Lee's far-reaching cosmic multiverse and his many stories of the heroes of earth constantly repelling terrestrial enemies.