A Complete History of American Comic Books
by Shirrel Rhoades
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Book Summary Information
Author: Shirrel RhoadesAfterword: Steve Geppi
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-01
ISBN: 1433101076
Number of pages: 353
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing
Book Reviews of A Complete History of American Comic Books
Book Review: An informative, behind-the-scenes look at a pop culture icon
Summary: 5 Stars
Shirrel Rhoades absolutely knows his stuff. And why not? He was one of the top executives at Marvel for years and helped bring them through some of their toughest times and lived through numerous takeovers. This book literally covers every aspect of American comic book history. After a very brief chapter on very early comic books, he begins with 1933's "Funnies on Parade" and gives us an in-depth journey from that point on with every "age" of the comics. From the Platinum Age to the Modern Age, you'll find some very interesting reading in here. It's obvious that Rhoades takes his job as a historian seriously, giving us interviews and quotes from creators of some of the beloved older characters, and a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the more modern ones were formed. Graphic novels are mentioned as well. There's also a section on selling your comic collection, profiles on industry insiders, a comic book industry timeline, and just for fun there are some quizzes in there as well.
Rhoades talks about the individual publishers as well, and what made them succeed or ultimately fail. He has friends in DC as well as his connections to Marvel, so the Big Two are adequately exposed. Surprisingly, we also learn alot about Image Comics, EC Comics, and others.
If you have any interest in comic books, you'll find this a straightforward, easy-to-read history. There's enough in here to keep your interest throughout. While I can't say it's the most comprehensive I've ever read, it's definitely worth the time. Highly recommended.
Summary of A Complete History of American Comic Books
This book is an updated history of the American comic book by an industry insider. You?ll follow the development of comics from the first appearance of the comic book format in the Platinum Age of the 1930s to the creation of the superhero genre in the Golden Age, to the current period, where comics flourish as graphic novels and blockbuster movies. Along the way you will meet the hustlers, hucksters, hacks, and visionaries who made the American comic book what it is today. It?s an exciting journey, filled with mutants, changelings, atomized scientists, gamma-ray accidents, and supernaturally empowered heroes and villains who challenge the imagination and spark the secret identities lurking within us.General Books
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