Incredibly stupid Mego book question

[Random Axe]

I know this has been covered many times before, but I wanted some clarification. What are the essential books for Mego and superhero figures in general?

I have Ben's book and consider it to be just flat out awesome. I pull it out on a regular basis and learn something new each time.

I'm interested in Mego as a whole and was hoping Ben would put together a non-WGSH book, but he's probably way too burned out for that after so much work on his recent publication. I've heard mixed reactions to Bonavita's book, so I've never pulled that trigger and was hoping for an updated version. What else am I missing book wise in the action figure genre?

Scott

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I for one, love John's book. I only have an old copy, but I learned so much from it...it is falling apart from being pawed over while I collected them all. I am still awed by the immensity of the task it must have been to put it together.

[drmego]

John Bonavita's book is essential for the pictures, details, and scope of the
company's output.

There was a book by William Crouch that was worth it just for the
Glamourshots picture of the author.

Of course both of these books were made obsolete with the creation
of the Museum.

[wyldpny]

I have Bonavita's book and I have to say the biggest disappointment for me WAS the pictures. There is light flash on just about every image and on many of them the flash is so bad you can hardly see half of the toy. What really amazes me is that not only did the author allow these images to be published but the publisher themselves did as well. Just think of the amount of time it took to photograph all of those different toys and to not use proper lighting or heck just take them outside and shoot the pics under natural lighting or even angle the box/card a bit to reduce the glare of the flash at least.
I was very disappointed when I received that book and saw the poor quality of all of those pictures.

[clemso]

You have to have Johns B's book, it is an important part of Mego history (in context), but if you are looking for ESSENTIAL, then look no further than the resources here in the Museum which are second to none, so i recommend time in the gallery section.

[LonnieFisher]

I used to call John's book my 'Mego Bible'. I, also, was disappointed with the photography in the book, but I love the pictures. I hate using a flash when I take pictures.

[jwiz154]

There was a book by William Crouch that was worth it just for the
Glamourshots picture of the author.

That picture does look like it was taken in the mall!

[palitoy]

Like the others have said JB's book has a scope that is just great fun, by the third edition the pictures improve too. John sold 3 editions of that book, which was pretty impressive.

I also love "GI Joe and other backyard heroes" and "Superhero Toys" by John Marshall, the latter features pics from Rob Chatlin.

[MIB41]

There was a book by William Crouch that was worth it just for the
Glamourshots picture of the author.

Boy if that statement doesn't hit one out of the park! I remember my first thought when I noticed that photo - "What the h*ll was he thinking?" I halfway expected a centerfold later in the book or at least a list of what he likes -" I enjoy SCARWY movies, long walks holding hands, and slow sun sets." It has to be the most over stated photo with more innuendo for looking in the mirror than anyone would ever hope to admit publicly.

[palitoy]

Boy if that statement doesn't hit one out of the park! I remember my first thought when I noticed that photo - "What the h*ll was he thinking?" I halfway expected a centerfold later in the book or at least a list of what he likes -" I enjoy SCARWY movies, long walks holding hands, and slow sun sets." It has to be the most over stated photo with more innuendo for looking in the mirror than anyone would ever hope to admit publicly.

Somebody I know long ago had that photo on the monitor of their Hall of Justice playset.

[LonnieFisher]

...by the third edition the pictures improve too.

I have all three editions and never noticed the picture improvement. I'll have to find them and check. I think the first one I got was the second edition, so that is the one I'm most familiar with. And in the worst condition. But my third edition is in pristine shape.

[palitoy]

I have all three editions and never noticed the picture improvement. I'll have to find them and check. I think the first one I got was the second edition, so that is the one I'm most familiar with. And in the worst condition. But my third edition is in pristine shape.

The old pictures are still there but there are many additions by that point and none of them have those flash issues.

[MIB41]

Somebody I know long ago had that photo on the monitor of their Hall of Justice playset.

THAT is hilarious!

[LonnieFisher]

I just cracked open my first edition of John's book and noticed it is signed by John. It says "Mego lives" and then his signature. That's pretty cool!