Spider-Man

The Web-slinger himself, Spider-Man



Peter Parker was your classic nerd in high school. A young man of science, books, knowledge, and a target for bullying. Peter was never really popular at school and no one really cared for him either. The only people he could turn to was his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, who took care of him after Peter's parents died in an accident. One day, Peter went on a school field trip to a science lab. While he's there, he was bitten by a radioactive spider. After the bite, Peter develops spider-like powers (Wall crawling, spider senses, agility and proportional strength to that of a spider). Peter sees this as an opportunity to use his powers to get rich quick! He enrolls into wrestling where he was a favorite  and won money for his fights. One night after a fight, a burglar runs past him with cops pursuing him. Peter stands by and does nothing, thinking that it wasn't his problem.

Later that night, Peter comes home with cop cars surrounding his house. Upon entering, he sees that someone broke into his aunt and uncle's house and killed his Uncle Ben. Peter was completely distraught. He then overhears that the police have located the burglar. Peter uses his powers to find him and have him pay for his crimes. Peter catches the burglar only to find out that it was the same person that he let go earlier. Tremendous amounts of guilt hits Peter. If he had helped the cops stop the burglar earlier, his Uncle Ben may have lived. After serving the burglar to the police, Peter vows that he will use his powers for good and help those who can't help themselves because that is what his uncle would have wanted. As he always had the slogan, "With great power, comes great responsibility".

For more on our favorite webslinger, check out: Spider-Man films (DVD)/ Marvel Essential: Amazing Spider-Man by Stan Lee (book)/ Amazing Spider-Man: Back to Basics vol. 1 by Nick Spencer (book)/Captain America: Civil War film (DVD)

For our friendly neighborhood web head, I have the following:

You Asked for Perfect by Laura Silverman (book/e-book)-
Ariel is a top student, doing everything he can to get into Harvard. He has perfect grades, perfect college resume, everything. However, things start taking an unexpected turn when he fails a calculus quiz. To make sure he stays on top, he asks a fellow classmate to tutor him. His friend, Amir, agrees to help Ariel out. Things get even more complicated when Amir starts crushing on his tutor.






The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (book/e-book/audio CD)-
 Junior lives in the Spokane Indian Reservation Site (or Rez). The Rez is a poor area where his tribe barely have enough to get by in life. Junior dreams of living beyond the Rez. He doesn't want to be poor and live in the there for the rest of his life. Junior thinks the best way to start his journey is to get a proper education. Junior transfers to a predominately white school that is twenty miles away from home. Being the only Indian in school makes him feel like the odd one out and he is not getting any support. Many at the Rez shunned Junior, thinking he is a traitor to the tribe for wanting to be "more white". If he doesn't belong in school or the Rez, where does he belong?


Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (book/audio CD/e-audio)-
 Charlie writes letters to an unknown friend about his high school experiences. In his letters, Charlie observes everything from afar while contemplating to himself about the world around him. He is openly honest about everything from teenage angst to drama. High school is never easy. Then again, growing up never is.







Images:
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Hulk

The Green Giant himself, The Hulk!


Originally, Dr. Bruce Banner was a scientist who specialized in gamma ray radiation. One day, Dr. Banner was conducting an experiment with gamma radiation in an open desert field. The facility was counting down the seconds when the radiation would be released in the desert area when a teen unknowingly wandered into the test site. Banner rushed out of the safety zone to rescue the teen. Banner was able to get the teen to safety but it was too late for save himself. The gamma radiation was released and Banner was exposed to it all.
After the accident, Banner realized the radiation untapped a beast that was deep within him. Whenever Banner gets angry, he transform in a big green brute known as the Hulk. On the run from the military, who wants to use him as a weapon, Banner tries to find a cure for himself. Banner then realizes that he can use this monster to do some good. If anyone threatens him or anyone that he cares about, he will unleash the beast!

For more on the Hulk, check out: World War Hulk by Greg Pak (e-book)/ Hulk (DVD)/The Incredible Hulk (DVD)/ Hulk series (DVD)/ Marvel's Avengers films (DVD)/ Indestructible Hulk by Mark Waid (book)

For this unstoppable monster, I would suggest the following:

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (book/e-book)-
Fun Fact: The Hulk was actually inspired by this one story! In this story, a London man named Dr. Henry Jekyll always felt a conflict between good and evil within himself. He always felt an urge to do something wrong even when he knew it is morally unacceptable. In an attempt to escape his sinful nature, Dr. Jekyll created a serum in an attempt eradicate his dark urges. However, the effects of the potion were quite the opposite. When Jekyll ingests the potion, he transforms into a destructive and violent alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde! Mr. Hyde indulges into the darkness that always lingered in Jekyll's heart. How can Dr. Jekyll handle another personality if he can barely handle his own?


Frankenstein by Mary Shelly (book/e-book/audio CD)-
Dr. Frankenstein is a brilliant scientist who dedicated his research and life's work towards one thing: instilling life to the dead. Frankenstein conducts an experiment where he puts body parts together to make a massive creature and make it come alive. It becomes alive! What becomes of the doctor and his monster? What does it mean to be truly alive?







Monstrumologist series by Rick Yancy (book/e-book)-

Set in an alternate historical setting, this series is about an orphan named Will Henry. Will Henry is the apprentice of a scientist named Dr. Pellinore Warthope. Dr. Warthope identifies himself as a monstrumologist, a scientist who studies monsters. Their studies will uncover many monstrous secrets.








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Wonder Woman

The Princess of Power and Justice, Princess Diana aka Wonder Woman!



Diana was born on the magical island of Themyscera, an island inhabited by immortal Greek warrior women known as Amazons. The island is completely isolated and hidden from the outside world by the Greek gods and no men are allowed to step foot on its shores. Diana's mother, Hyppolita, is the Queen of the Amazons. On an island reserved for women, Hyppolita dreamed of having a child of her own. After pleading to the gods, Hyppolita went to the island's beach, sculpted clay into the shape of a baby and the gods breathed life into the clay sculpture, turning the clay into flesh. Thus, Wonder Woman was born.

As Diana grew up, she dreamed of going out to the outside world and wanting to go beyond her island. One day, a male fighter pilot, Steve Trevor, crash lands on the island. Wanting to bring him back home and see the outside world, Diana volunteered. Hyppolita forbids it, trying to protect her daughter. The queen sets up Olympic style games to decide the champion who will return the pilot home. Diana disguised herself to participate in the games and wins. After it was revealed that Diana was the champion, Hyppolita realized that she couldn't stop her daughter's wishes and allows her to go. When she ventures to the outside world, she becomes an ambassador representing Themyscera to the outside world. Whenever there is a threat, she vows to use her powers to protect humanity and honor the way of the Amazons!

For more on Wonder Woman, check out: Wonder Woman (DVD)/ Wonder Woman: Warbringer (book)/ Wonder Woman: The Circle by Gail Simone (book)/ Wonder Woman: Bitter Rivals by Greg Rucka (book)

When it comes to Wonder Woman, these are my suggestions:

Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (book/e-book/audio CD/e-audio)-
Percy Jackson is a regular boy until he is attacked by monsters found in Greek mythology. He later finds out that his long lost father is Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas! Along with his friends, Percy lives in Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp-like sanctuary reserved for the half-breed children who are also descendants of the gods of Olympus. From there, Percy is ready to go on many adventures within the Greek culture and mythology!





God of War by Robert E. Vardeman and Matthew Stover-
This choice is not only set with Greek mythology but it is also the novelization of a popular video game. This is a retelling of the story based on the video game of the same title.

The story starts with a man named Kratos from the land of Sparta. Spartan warriors were basically the male counterparts of the Amazons. Spartans were born and raised to be warriors above all else, who were prepared to fight and die in the line of glorious battle. Kratos was a general of the Spartan army. While on the brink of defeat against his enemies, Kratos pleaded to Ares, the Greek god of war. Kratos said that if Ares could destroy his enemies, he would dedicate his life to him. Ares responded to his request and guaranteed victory against his enemies.
One day, Ares commanded Kratos to invade a village in his name. Kratos obeyed and slaughtered everyone in a blood rage. He continued his rampage in the village's temple. Not fully aware in the midst of his rage, Kratos killed everyone inside, including his own wife and daughter. His rage was quickly replaced with remorse and despair after seeing what he did to his family. Kratos then learns a harsh truth from Ares. Ares tricked Kratos, knowing that his family was in the village. Ares hoped that Kratos would kill his family in hopes he would become a powerful warrior that has nothing to lose. Enraged, Kratos vows revenge against Ares and the rest of the gods of Olympus.

The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson (book/e-book/e-audio)-
Another great book if you're wanting more strong, empowered women! This story is a reimagining of the classic Chinese folktale, Mulan. Relocating the story to Medieval Europe, Mulan's home is being threatened by the Teutonic Knights. Mulan's father is called to battle but the only problem is that he's dead. Fearing the fate of her family, Mulan takes her father's place by disguising herself as a man and going to into battle. Will she be able to bring honor to her family?




Images:
https://toywiz.com/dc-wonder-woman-69-comic-book-david-finch-variant-cover/
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Green Arrow

The Emerald Archer himself, the Green Arrow!



Oliver Queen was born into a rich family with luxury and privilege. One day he got himself lost on a deserted island and learned the art of archery in order to survive. As his survival skills grew, he managed to survive the island long enough to be rescued. Oliver returns home to see his city is in shambles. The rich and powerful do whatever they want while trampling on the poorer citizens of the city. Oliver Queen decides to take his survival and archery skills to the next level by using them to fight crime. With a quiver full of trick arrows at his disposal, Oliver Queen patrols the streets of Star City as the Green Arrow!

For more on the Green Arrow, check out: Arrow series (DVD)/ Green Arrow, Black Canary, and the Wedding Album by Judd Winick (book)

Here are my suggestions for the famous archer!

Robin Hood (e-book/book)-
A master archer, Robin Hood uses his skills to steal from the rich and give it to the poor. With a corrupt Prince John taking over England while King Richard is absent, Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men will do everything in their power to protect the poor from the rich!








Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (book/e-book/audio CD/e-audio)-
In a dystopian future, Katniss lives within the twelves districts of Panem. Every year, the rich people of the Capital of Panem host the Hunger Games, a cruel game where one boy and girl of each district are forced to fight to the death until one person is left standing. When Katniss's sister is selected to participate in the games, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Armed with a bow, Katniss will attempt to survive the wilderness of the Games and show the faultiness of them!





Hatchet series by Gary Paulson (book/e-book/audio CD/e-audio)-
This series is about a boy name Brian. Brian travels by airplane to Canada to visit his divorced father. However, the pilot suffers from a heart attack and crash lands in a nearby lake. Brian finds himself lost within the Canadian wilderness. He has no means of contacting for help or getting back home. With only his wits and his hatchet by his side, he will do the only thing he can do: survive.






Images:
https://www.youdontreadcomics.com/articles/2019/11/8/so-you-want-to-read-comics-green-lantern-green-arrow
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Captain America

The iconic American Hero, Captain America!



Back in World War II, Steve Rogers dreamed of fighting in the war and serving his country. Unfortunately, his small body made him in incapable of being a soldier. However, an opportunity came when a scientist developed a serum that would create a super soldier. With Steve's dedication to his country, he was the perfect candidate for the experiment. The experiment was a success. The serum transformed Steve into the perfect super soldier. In a strange turn of events, a secret spy destroyed the super soldier formula and killed the scientist who created it. Steve became the only one of his kind in a blink of an eye. Regardless of the outcome, Steve Rogers dedicated his newfound powers to his nation and defeat the Nazi powers with his trusty shield. Steve Rogers would be recognized as Captain America throughout American History. Decades later, Captain America was found in a block of ice from his supposedly final mission. Once awakened, Captain America found himself in a newfound America, in a newfound world. The war was long over but America was still the nation that he had sworn to protect, so he continues on as America's hero!

For more on Captain America, check out: Captain America films (DVD)/ Captain America: Castaway in Dimension Z by Rick Remender (book)/ Captain America: Winter in America by Ta-Nihisi Coates (book)

For this historical icon, I would make the following suggestions:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (book/e-book/audio CD/e-audio)-
Set in World War II Germany, Death narrates a story about a girl named Liesel. Liesel tries to survive a Nazi-dominated Germany. German citizens are struggling to survive within the Nazi power. All of that changes when she finds books. She begins to steal and share them for the rest of the community. Is this a harmless act or will this escalate to something much bigger?







Boy with the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne (book/e-book/e-audio)-
Set in Berlin in 1942, a boy named Bruno and his family move into a new house after his father gets a promotion from work (who was involved with the Nazi Party). While settling into the new home, Bruno innocently finds a concentration camp while exploring and sees another young boy on the other side of the fence. Bruno and this boy start developing a friendship unlike any other during a very difficult and controversial time.






White Rose by Kip Wilson (book/e-book)-
The Nazi Party threw propaganda all over Germany to ensure the people that the party's actions were the right things to do. One girl isn't buying into the propaganda at all and will expose the truth to all. Sophie Scholl and her brother create a secret group called the White Rose, who print and share leaflets to the community so they can be informed of the harsh truth the Nazi Party is trying so hard to hide.





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Doctor Strange

The Sorcerer Supreme, the Master of the Dark Arts, Doctor Strange!




Before he was a sorcerer, Stephen Strange was a master surgeon of a top notch hospital. He was good at his job and he knew it a little too well. With his fantastic skills, Stephen was arrogant, cynical, and narcissistic. If a patient came to his hospital and the case wasn't interesting enough for him, Stephen would ignore that patient as if it was a waste of his time. Nobody could really confront Stephen about his behavior because he was the best doctor in the hospital and he knew it. As long as he had his steady hands to perform surgery, he could get away with anything.

One night, Stephen was driving at high speeds to meet someone who would make him even richer. Then, he stumbled into a car accident. Stephen found himself alive in the hospital but both of his hands were bandaged. His worst fear came true. Both of his hands suffered severe nerve damage from the accident, making them shake uncontrollably. With his hands in that shape, his surgical career was over. Even though the hospital offered him a consulting position, Stephen refused. He figured that if he couldn't be in the spotlight, he shouldn't be there at all. He was determined to get back to work. Stephen spent his entire wealth travelling all over the world for experimental treatments to fix his hands and nothing worked. The damage was too severe. Eventually, Stephen ran out of time and money.

With nothing left to his name, Stephen overheard someone mentioning a Tibetan healer called "The Ancient One". With nothing left to lose, Stephen scrambled what he had left and flew to Tibet to find this "Ancient One". Stephen eventually did but the Ancient One refused to help him, knowing Stephen's selfish nature. However, the Ancient One figured that there was more to him than he originally thought. So the Ancient One took Stephen under his wing and Stephen began practicing in the ways of magic. With his magic, Doctor Strange will help those who need it and defend his home from demons and other otherworldly threats!

For more on Doctor Strange, check out: Doctor Strange film (DVD)/ Doctor Strange Epic Collection: Master of the Mystic Arts by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Here are my mystical recommendations:

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (book/e-book/audio CD/e-audio)-
 Harry lived with his unlikable Aunt, Uncle and cousin. One day, he receives an acceptance letter to a school that teaches magic. Oddly enough, he learns that his parents went to the same school when they were children. While at the magical school of Hogwarts, Harry goes on amazing adventures full of magic and danger while learning to become a powerful wizard!







Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Micheal Scott (book/e-book/audio CD)-

Sophie and Josh were working their summer jobs when everything changed. Josh was working at a indie book store when it was invaded by golems led by John Dee. Who is John Dee? He was Queen Elizabeth's closest advisor...as in Queen Elizabeth the First from the 16th Century. What was a man from nearly four hundred years ago doing in a bookstore? Before that could even be answered, Josh finds out that the owner of the bookstore is Nicholas Flamel, an alchemist from the 14th century, who supposedly found the secret of immortality! Sophie realizes this too when her own boss (owner of an indie coffee shop) is Nicholas's wife, Perenelle. During the struggle, John Dee steals a book that contains Nicholas's secrets, including his own immortality. After witnessing something fantastic, Josh and Sophie are whisked away into a magical journey to not just to save the Flamels but maybe the whole world!


Sabriel series by Garth Nix (book/audio CD/e-audio)-
Sabriel was trained in the ways of Necromancy (the magical practice of raising the dead). While Necromancy is considered a dark and dangerous form of magic, she was taught to only use her powers to ensure that the dead stay dead. While staying at a boarding school, she loses contact with her master. She also notices that there is something amiss with the magic. Something is very wrong and Sabriel knows that her master's disappearance is somehow involved. She then sets out on a journey to find her master and fix whatever is wrong with the magic.




Images:
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The Scarecrow

The master of fear, the Scarecrow!



Ever since he was a child, Doctor Jonathan Crane was always fascinated with the concept of fear from a physical and psychological perspective. He grew up to become a psychology professor who specialized in fear. During his academic career, he created "fear gas", a hallucinogenic agent that makes people experience their worst fears upon exposure. People's worst fears become surprisingly real. Crane experimented his fear toxin on some students and the administration found his experiment unorthodox. He was fired but that didn't stop him wanting to instill fear in others. Obsessed by his studies, he vowed to create fear and stop anyone that is keeping him from his life's work. To do this, he takes on the identity as the Scarecrow!

For more on this mad doctor, check out: Batman Begins film (DVD)/ Gotham Series (DVD)

Let's see these fearful recommendations!

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (e-book/book/e-audio)-
Dr. Montague, a professor that studies the occult, comes across a place of unusual phenomenon called Hill House. He wishes to discover evidence of the house being truly haunted, so he reaches out to collect four volunteers to stay at Hill House for a while. At first, nothing too serious happens, but all that changes very quickly when they witness bizarre encounters that they cannot explain.





The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (e-book/book/audio CD)-
A young woman becomes a governess over two peculiar children of a rather peculiar house. The woman begins to realize that the estate maybe haunted. Something terribly evil may be lurking throughout the house. It would appear that this evil is after the children, but the children don't seem be concerned at all! What is the meaning of this and can their governess save them?







Scary Stories (book)-
A collection of horror stories written by the most iconic horror writers in existence. From Edgar Allan Poe to H.P. Lovecraft, these stories will surely show you what fear really is!









Images:
https://comicvine.gamespot.com/scarecrow/4005-3726/
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