Fred Van Lente is a celebrated author celebrated for his unique ability to blend popular culture with offbeat historical narratives. His works, often a collaboration with talented artists, are known for their originality, humor, and insightful explorations of history, comics, and sports. Van Lente excels at making complex subjects accessible and entertaining, offering readers fresh perspectives on familiar topics. His approach consistently delivers engaging stories that reveal surprising connections and historical tidbits.
Sheer joy, praised Booklist in a starred review. Finalist for the 2019 Excellence in Graphic Literature Award in Middle Grade Nonfiction U.S. history comes to life like never before in this full-color graphic novel!
When terrible threats rise in Svartalfheim, the land of the Dark Elves, only Mighty Thor, Son of Asgard, can hope to triumph But what happens if the Odinson is temporarily... unavailable? It's Hammer Time for Hercules as the Lion of Olympus gets his thunder on Meanwhile, the Secret Origin of AMADEUS CHO begins Who really killed Amadeus' family? What is his true relation to Hercules? And, most importantly, what is the connection between him and The Twelve's MASTER MIND EXCELLO? Collects Incredible Hercules #132-137.
In this thrilling narrative, a suburban wife and mother, who secretly operates as a lethal assassin, faces new challenges after the events of Bloodlines. Under her various identities, she navigates a dangerous underworld, all while maintaining the façade of being dead. A visit to her gravesite leads her to confront a ruthless prison gang, unaware of her true capabilities. This story combines dark humor with intense action, showcasing her relentless pursuit of justice against organized crime.
A fast-break history of basketball--from its humble beginnings to its all-time great players--featuring engaging true tales from the court and vivid, dynamic illustrations. Whether it's millionaire pros facing off in an indoor arena full of screaming fans or a lone kid shooting hoops on an outdoor court, basketball is one of the most popular and widely played sports in the world. The Comic Book Story of Basketball gives you courtside seats to the history of hoops. It chronicles the sport from its beginnings in a YMCA in Massachusetts to its current status as a beloved international game for men and women of all ages. Learn the true stories behind the college game, the street game, the women's game, and the international game, with legendary players and coaches like Dr. J, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Steph Curry profiled throughout.
High-flying adventure-packed stories for young-readers featuring the Armored Avenger!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? Plus, battles with Plantman, Dr. Doom, and more. And a special story spotlighting the many armors of Iron Man and an all-new steam-powered suit!Features stories by writer Fred Van Lente and artists James Cordeiro, Ronan Cliquet, Rafa Sandoval, Chris Giarusso, and Graham Nolan.
The hit series returns, cuz you can't kill a never-ending army of zombies...you can only hope to beat the $%#; out of them! After tragically losing their first Chosen One against the zombie plague, Vampirella, Miss Fury, and what remains of the Project Superpowers look for a new savior -- but Ash Williams is an even more reluctant Deadite hunter than usual! This time, the Army of Darkness has ray guns, super powers and a brilliant new general: Evil Sonja, who takes her role of Queen of Hel quite seriously!
series in these hilarious new graphic novels-where the history is real and the jokes are fake-from New York Times bestselling comic book author Fred Van Lente and award-winning cartoonist Ryan Dunlavey.
The medium is the message! Comics come in many forms, from all around the world. What better way to discover them than through a comic book? The bestselling, mind-blowing graphic history of our favorite medium continues--now focusing on specific regions of the world and their contributions to the comic book art form. The Graphic Novel! From its Swiss roots in 1835 to today's American bestseller lists, with crucial spin-offs in France and Belgium. The British Invasion! 2000 AD had a big impact in 1986, as creators from across the pond elevated storytelling to new heights, but the British tradition stretches back much further. Manga! Japanese artists also have a long history of graphic storytelling, but ninjas, mecha, and magical girls have taken the world by storm in recent decades, and those are only scratching the surface. Undiscovered territory! Comics and their characters are everywhere, for everyone! From the digital revolution to comic characters in film, comics have never been more widely available, or appealed to more diverse audiences. Now in color, with added features, including HerStory of Comics: spotlights on influential female creators and their impacts on the form.
In the uncanny X-Verse, he's the best there is at what he does! Join Wolverine on his wildest adventures! When Professor X tasks Logan with taking new student Kitty Pryde under his wing, neither of them is happy about the arrangement - but they'll need to work together to survive the experience! But does Wolverine's future lie with the X-Men? Or back with his old team, Alpha Flight? Why is he going undercover wearing an eyepatch?! And shouldn't Logan be teaching Kitty valuable lessons, rather than trying to take her apart? Plus: Logan teams up with the young heroes of Power Pack for a fight at the museum against the winged menace Sauron! Collecting WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #1, #5, #17 and #21; and WOLVERINE AND POWER PACK #1.
Study the tenets of Plato, the wrestling superstar from ancient Greece, learn the lessons of Nietzsche, the original übermensch, and meditate on the messages of Bodhidharma, a kung fu master.Laugh, learn, laugh some more, and ponder the messages of history’s great thinkers as Van Lente and Dunlavey deliver this comprehensive cartoon history from the pre-Socratics to Jacques Derrida!Study the tenets of Plato, the wrestling superstar from ancient Greece; learn the lessons of Nietzsche, the original Übermensch; and meditate on the messages of the original kung-fu master, Bodhidharma! They’re not just great thinkers - they also make for great comics! Action Philosophers is comprehensive cartoon history from the pre-Socratics to Jacques Derrida, detailing the lives and thoughts of history's A-list brain trust in hip and humorous comic book fashion by the acclaimed comic book team of Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey.