The League of Regrettable Superheroes by Jon Morris - Book Review

I'm a huge comic nerd and have been since the age of about 7. My collection of comics and graphic novels is pretty impressive and I know quite a lot but when I received my Secret Santa gift of The League of Regrettable Superheroes by Jon Morris, I realised I didn't know that much at all.

The book is a delightful and often hilarious deep dive into the forgotten corners of comic book history. It's a real treasure trove for anyone who's ever wondered what happened to the heroes that didn't quite make the cut. It's a look at the evolution of the superhero genre as well as a reminder that for every Superman or Wonder Woman, there were countless others that fell by the wayside. I mean, the veritable smorgasbord of characters includes Funnyman (a guy dressed like a creepy clown), The Eye (who is an omnipotent eye), Madam Fatal (a bereaved actor who dressed like an old lady to battle crime) and Doctor Hormone (a guy who can control hormones to de-age himself).

The book is well-presented with panels from the comics as well as information about the debut, creative teams involved and their final release. Morris's writing is witty and engaging, balancing genuine historical research with a playful, almost sarcastic tone that perfectly suits the subject matter. He doesn't just present these characters; he dissects them, highlighting their absurd powers, questionable costumes, and often baffling backstories. It's clear he has a genuine affection for these oddballs, even as he gleefully points out their inherent ridiculousness. The organization and brief commentary on each character keep the book moving at a brisk pace as the entries are concise and entertaining, making it easy to dip in and out of.

So overall, The League of Regrettable Superheroes is a must-read for comic book fans, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a good dose of the absurd.