Stan Lee--who created Marvel Comics' most famous characters, including Spider-Man, Hulk, and The Avengers--thought his work had little value. His biography reveals his belief that the comics he wrote beginning in 1940 were just junk fiction. He dreamed of writing real novels and of working in Hollywood. Ironically, all that did happen, and it was because of comic books. Narrator Kevin T. Collins does a professional, if unanimated, job narrating the audiobook. His lack of emotion is ironic considering how manic Lee was when he wrote the comics that changed the literary world. Lee would act out his characters, climbing up on his desk and shouting at nonexistent super villains. The audiobook is a fascinating detailed look at the 95-year-old creator, who is still creating new characters and stories.
(Biography. 14-16)Pub Date: 2018
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781977374011
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sara Matsui Colby is the main narrator of this audio adaptation of a graphic novel, and various narrators chime in as minor characters. Japanese-American author Christine Mari recounts her study abroad experience as a time of culture shock, depression, a feeling of lack of belonging, microaggressions, and, eventually, self-discovery. To supplement the lack of visuals, various audio techniques give the story the feel of a graphic novel. Music, vocal distortions, and soundboard clips create a cinematic experience but are somewhat uneven. Some background characters are too quiet to hear, and some sound effects are too loud. Colby, Chieko Hidaka, Alice Wen, and Siho Ellsmore are a sort of Greek chorus who step into an assortment of roles as needed.
(Graphic memoir. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668644102
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s second memoir, following HEY, KIDDO, recounts his experiences as a teen counselor at a camp for terminally ill children. Originally a graphic memoir, it becomes a powerful cinematic audio because of the coordination of more than 50 narrators, carefully selected music, and sound effects that enhance the action. Krosoczka portrays himself as an adult; Jaiden Meltzer portrays his younger self. At the camp, Jarrett uses his gift for drawing to overcome his nerdy past and access his feelings for fellow counselors and, most importantly, the campers. Most notable among them are Diego, a teen who struggles with both reticence and his illness, portrayed by Noah Rico, and joyful, giggly Eric, who embraces superhero status, portrayed by Xavier Krosoczka.
(Graphic memoir. 14-18)Pub Date: 2023
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781338775204
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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