By Tara Bennett and Paul Terry

Abrams, out now

 

A detailed, year-by-year look at the output of Marvel Studios from 2008 to 2019.

Tara Bennett and Paul Terry’s slipcased, over-sized, hardback, two-volume look at the making of the MCU is more than a coffee-table book. Stick some legs on it and it’s an actual coffee table, such are its impressive weight and dimensions.

Over 500+ pages, the authors take an in-depth look at the origins of Marvel’s cinematic offshoot, covering the first three phases of its content, which is essentially Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame. There’s even a photo showing the planned releases for Phase Four, the world at that time being blissfully unaware of how COVID would be putting paid to all plans.

The volumes are jam-packed with behind-the-scenes photos and designs, as well as shots from premieres and panels. I’d suggest that an awful lot here will be new to you, even if you’re a big Marvel fan, and the copy is very detailed and informative. But what I missed was more signposting. With this being such a beast of a release I’d have appreciated a summary timeline and index. Even the chapter titles and openings don’t give you a clue which films are included in that year, which somewhat assumes you already know this info.

Verdict: Well researched, glossy and a welcome addition to any MCU-phile’s bowing bookshelf, it’s just a shame that it lacks the finishing touches for the best user journey. 8/10

Nick Joy