Marvel for Dummies: Get to Know Your Marvel Characters

The popular For Dummies series, known for simplifying complex topics across a wide range of subjects, is venturing into the world of superheroes. Marvel Comics is now getting the Dummies treatment! The imprint, published by Wiley, specializes in breaking down intricate concepts into accessible, reader-friendly formats. Their latest project is a six-book series that will introduce readers to the iconic characters and expansive storylines of Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Through clear, engaging explanations, these books will guide both new and seasoned fans through the vast Marvel Universe, covering everything from its rich comic book history to the blockbuster film franchises. Whether you’re trying to understand the origins of Spider-Man, dive into the lore behind the Avengers, or navigate decades of Marvel crossovers and events, these For Dummies books promise to deliver all the essentials in a fun, easy-to-digest format.

This February kicks off with Marvel Comics For Dummies and Captain America For Dummies, marking the start of an exciting six-book series that will break down the complex world of Marvel. These guides will pave the way for deeper dives into the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, all set to launch throughout 2025.

The first two books are penned by comic industry veterans Troy Brownfield and Stuart Moore—real pros with deep knowledge of the Marvel Universe. This makes the series even more promising! These aren’t just skimpy overviews; they’re full-length guides designed to untangle the intricacies of Marvel’s sprawling multiverses, crossover events, and character arcs. For anyone who’s ever found themselves lost in the web of Marvel lore, these books are the perfect roadmap to navigating decades of storytelling. Get ready for a user-friendly, expert-led journey into the heart of Marvel’s legendary universe!

Jennifer Yee, Senior Editor at Dummies said “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Marvel to bring the Marvel Universe to fans through Dummies’ signature style of accessible, friendly storytelling. For new fans looking for a primer to the Marvel Comic Universe, to superfans alike, this series of books will serve as approachable reference guides to some of Marvel’s most popular and enduring superheroes.”

Marvel Comics For Dummies is a comprehensive reference guide and definitive primer to the immense catalog of comics created by the most iconic comic book publisher in history. Marvel Comics For Dummies will introduce readers of all ages to key Marvel comic book characters, their superpowers, strengths, weapons, allies and enemies, and more.

Readers will be introduced to key storylines that have been woven through Marvel comics for decades and learn the essential facts and foundational backstories necessary to understand how the comics and characters are interrelated. Along the way, readers will get the scoop on popular characters like Iron Man, Wolverine, Black Panther, Thor, and Captain Marvel.

Marvel Comics For Dummies author Troy Brownfield is an Executive Editor of The Saturday Evening Post and kid’s magazines — Jack & Jill and Humpty Dumpty. As a comic book expert and fan, Troy has written and created content for DC Comics, Comiccon.com, Fangoria Comics/Graphix, comics for Zenescope Entertainment, and has written trading cards for Topps Trading Cards, including HALO series content and Star Wars 2018-present.

Captain America For Dummies will introduce readers to Captain America, the character and the history of the comic, originally published in 1940.

The book will walk readers through Captain America’s origin story, how civilian Steve Rogers became a superhero, thanks to a secret government project and a dose of Super-Soldier Serum, and how others, including Sam Wilson, have taken up the mantle of Captain America over time.