  | Along came a radioactive spider : strange Steve Ditko and the creation of Spider-Man : an unauthorized biography Author: Eriksen, Annie Hunter | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
A rare look at the life of comic artist Steve Ditko, who is often undercredited in his monumental role in creating many Marvel heroes--most importantly, Spider-Man.
| Illustrator: | Gatlin, Lee |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (06/15/23)
Booklist (06/15/23)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/07/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 06/01/2023 This biographical picture book tells the real-world origin story of Spider-Man by introducing his reclusive cocreator, Steve Ditko. The focus here is less on life events and more on Ditko's odd disposition, presumably the ingredient that set him apart from other artists of the day. After touching on his childhood exposure to comics in the Great Depression, Eriksen explains that Ditko’s strange tastes caught the attention of Marvel editor Stan Lee. When Lee sent him the burgeoning idea that would become Spider-Man, Ditko followed his unique instincts, leading him to break from the mold of brawny superheroes in favor of a scrawny wallcrawler with a slew of internal struggles. Gatlin's striking illustrations, carrying a nostalgic vibe of their own, present Ditko himself as a wiry, elusive figure. Back matter fills in a little detail about his time at and departure from Marvel, but emphasis is placed on the pioneering artist's desire for privacy, which accounts for this unfortunately—but necessarily—narrow glimpse of his life and contribution. Nonetheless, Spidey fans will no doubt be intrigued. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
Booklist - 06/15/2023 This biographical picture book tells the real-world origin story of Spider-Man by introducing his reclusive cocreator, Steve Ditko. The focus here is less on life events and more on Ditko's odd disposition, presumably the ingredient that set him apart from other artists of the day. After touching on his childhood exposure to comics in the Great Depression, Eriksen explains that Ditko’s strange tastes caught the attention of Marvel editor Stan Lee. When Lee sent him the burgeoning idea that would become Spider-Man, Ditko followed his unique instincts, leading him to break from the mold of brawny superheroes in favor of a scrawny wallcrawler with a slew of internal struggles. Gatlin's striking illustrations, carrying a nostalgic vibe of their own, present Ditko himself as a wiry, elusive figure. Back matter fills in a little detail about his time at and departure from Marvel, but emphasis is placed on the pioneering artist's desire for privacy, which accounts for this unfortunately—but necessarily—narrow glimpse of his life and contribution. Nonetheless, Spidey fans will no doubt be intrigued. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
