(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lee Gatlin. "Stan Lee didn't have hulking strength...His superpower was creating heroes who did." This picture-book biography of the man born Stanley Lieber traces his story from growing up in poverty in the Bronx, to running errands at Timely Comics, to creating Spider-Man and many other "perfectly imperfect superheroes" at Marvel Comics. It also covers his dedication to his readers through his monthly "Stan's Soapbox" column and his work to promote real-world heroism. The accompanying mixed-media illustrations have suitable comic-book flair, depicting Lee's life in sepia tones and the characters he created in vibrant colors. A bibliography is appended.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(4) YA Essential Lives series. This series offers serviceable if bland biographies of people famous in a variety of arenas. Frida recounts her creative achievements and stormy relationships; Walt is largely adulatory; Stan touches on the history of comics. The writing is straightforward, and frequent sidebars help with historical context. Some photographs and archival materials also break up the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Lives titles: Frida Kahlo, Stan Lee, and Walt Disney.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Comic Book Creators series. Biographies of the key creative artists at Marvel Comics provide enough well-illustrated, useful material for school reports. Despite the interconnectedness of the subjects' lives, overlapping information is minimal between titles. Inclusion of only Marvel artists limits the series's scope. Glos., ind. Review covers these Comic Book Creators titles: Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, Joe Sinnott, John Buscema, John Romita, Sr., and Stan Lee.

Reviewer: David Elzey