Comic books in 'Comic History'

1st printing. Written by Michael Maslin. Art by Michael Maslin and Peter Arno. The first-ever biography of Peter Arno, the legendary cartoonist who created what we now know as the New Yorker cartoon. The New Yorker's founding editor, Harold Ross, may have been exaggerating when he referred to Peter Arno as "the greatest artist in the world." Many may be familiar with examples of Arno's art, but few know the story of his extraordinary life and career. Arno's outsized life and career weren't without considerable challenges. In fact, he declared no one could do any good creative work unless he was "mad at something." Arno had plenty of inspiration in that respect and it fueled a roller coaster career which finally receives its full due. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 304 pages, B&W. Cover price $26.95.

1st printing. For fans of Peter Bagge and his bracing satirical writing and drawing, this collection offers a perfect means to track how he describes his career choices, work habits, preoccupations, and comedic sensibility since the 1980s. Featuring a new interview and much previously unavailable material, this book delivers insightful, occasionally gossipy, sometimes funny, and often tart conversations. His career has intersected with the modern history of comics, from underground comix and indie comics to comics journalism and graphic nonfiction. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 208 pages, B&W. Cover price $40.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $27.00

1st printing.

Peter Kuper, one of America's leading cartoonists, has created work recognized around the world. His art has graced the pages and covers of numerous magazines and newspapers. He is also a longtime contributor to Mad magazine, where he has been writing and drawing Spy vs. Spy for nearly two decades. Along with two dozen images, this volume features ten lively, informative interviews with Kuper. The book also includes a quartet of revealing interviews with underground comix legends R. Crumb and Vaughn Bodé, Mad magazine publisher William Gaines, and Jack Kirby, co-creator of mainstream superheroes from the Avengers to the Fantastic Four. These were conducted by Kuper and fellow artist Seth Tobocman in the early 1970s, when they were teenagers.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 192 pages, B&W. Cover price $50.00.

1st printing. Written by Pierre Sterckx. Art by Photographs and Peyo. Cover by Peyo. Issued on the occasion of a recent exhaustive exhibition of original art by Peyo, father of the Smurfs, this is a hefty compendium chock-a-block with reproductions of his original pages from Johan & Peewit to Poussy the Cat and more, and of course with plenty of Smurfs art! Accompanied by text on the history of Peyo's creations. Direct import from France. Softcover, 9-in. x 11-in., 250 pages, full color. Cover price $50.00.

Deluxe Edition - Volume 1 - 1st printing. "1936-1937!" Written by Lee Falk. Art and cover by Ray Moore. The first Volume of Hermes Press' critically acclaimed series of Phantom reprints has been sold out for over three years. Hermes Press has decided to re-issue this volume, with additional documentary material and revisions to make this ground breaking feature available again! Spanning the first two years of the strips, The Phantom: The Complete Newspaper Dailies Volume One: 1936-1937 presents the origin of the Phantom as well as two additional continuities of the strip. Included in this deluxe reprint are comprehensive historic essays by comic historian Ron Goulart and Phantom expert, the late Ed Rhoades. Hardcover, 9-in. x 12-in., 288 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $49.99.

1st printing. Story and art by Margreet De. A fun introduction in comics to deep thinking and the history of Philosophy! What is Thinking? And how does our thinking set us apart from other animals? Now that we're thinking, what is Reality? Is there an objective reality or are there numerous subjective realities? And do we move in it with a free will or is everything predestined? Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Erasmus, Descartes, Spinoza, Nietzsche: just a few philosophers who have pondered these questions. Comic artist Margreet de Heer and her husband Yiri travel through the history of Western Philosophy and draw a colorful picture of all these questions. Hardcover, 8-in. x 8-in., 120 pages, B&W. Cover price $16.99.

2nd and later printings. Story and art by Margreet De. A fun introduction in comics to deep thinking and the history of Philosophy! What is Thinking? And how does our thinking set us apart from other animals? Now that we're thinking, what is Reality? Is there an objective reality or are there numerous subjective realities? And do we move in it with a free will or is everything predestined? Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Erasmus, Descartes, Spinoza, Nietzsche: just a few philosophers who have pondered these questions. Comic artist Margreet de Heer and her husband Yiri travel through the history of Western Philosophy and draw a colorful picture of all these questions. Hardcover, 8-in. x 8-in., 120 pages, B&W. Cover price $16.99.

Limited Edition Leatherbound Set with Slipcase - Includes Volume 1: A-J & 2: K-Z - 1st printing. By Ernest W. Gerber. Gerber's lavishly illustrated reference books make it easy for fans to get a glimpse at thousands of hard-to-find comics. The Photo Journal Guide to Comic Books Vol. 1 covering A-J (1989), compiled by Ernest and Mary Gerber is published by the Gerber Publishing Company. Volume one contains 10,700 full color illustrations of comics in alphabetical order from A-J. Also included is a price and grading guide for comics. Hardcover (2 Volumes leatherbound with slipcase), 10-in. x 13-in., 812 pages (Total), full color. NOTE: Limited to 900 copies. Signed by Ernest W. Gerber. For Volume 3-4 see Photo Journal Guide to Marvel Comics HC (1991 Limited Edition).

Volume 3 - 1st printing. "A-J!" By Ernest W. Gerber. Featuring 17,700 color illustrations of Marvel comics, starting from June 1961 through 1990. Also included is a relative value index and detailed artist compilation. Hardcover, 10-in. x 13-in., 170 pages, full color. For Volume 1-2 see Photo Journal Guide to Comic Books (1989). NOTE: The dust-jacket has a rough, groovy exterior and this is not considered a defect. Cover price $29.95.

Volume 4 - 1st printing. "K-Z!" By Ernest W. Gerber. Featuring 3,900 photos and color illustrations of Marvel comics, starting from June 1961 through 1990. Also included is a relative value index and detailed artist compilation. Hardcover, 10-in. x 13-in., 170 pages, full color. For Volume 1-2 see Photo Journal Guide to Comic Books (1989). NOTE: The dust-jacket has a rough, groovy exterior and this is not considered a defect. Cover price $29.95.

Limited Edition (Leatherbound Hardcover with Slipcase) - Volumes 3: A-J & 4: K-Z in One Volume - 1st printing. By Ernest W. Gerber. Introduction by Stan Lee. Featuring 17,700 color illustrations of Marvel comics, starting from June 1961 through 1990. Also included is a relative value index and detailed artist compilation. Hardcover (Leatherbound with Slipcase), 10-in. x 13-in., 340 pages, full color. NOTE: Limited to 2,500 copies. For Volume 1-2 see Photo Journal Guide to Comic Books (1989). Cover price $129.95.

1st printing.

By Jerry Beck.

Over forty years ago, a character of unparalleled sophistication and unsurpassed pinkness strolled across the big screen to a slinky jazz beat. The Pink Panther, had arrived! Before long the Oscar-winning star had his own worldwide television show, supported by a cast of memorable creations, including The Little Man, The Inspector, and The Ant and The Aardvark.

Hardcover, 10 1/2 x 12-in, 144 pages, Full Color. All Ages

Cover price $24.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $19.00

1st printing. By Tim Jackson. Syndicated cartoonist and illustrator Tim Jackson offers an unprecedented look at the rich yet largely untold story of African American cartoon artists. This book provides a historical record of the men and women who created seventy-plus comic strips, many editorial cartoons, and illustrations for articles. The volume covers the mid-1880s, the early years of the self-proclaimed black press, to 1968, when African American cartoon artists were accepted in the so-called mainstream. Softcover, 128 pages, B&W. Cover price $35.00.

1st printing. By Trina Robbins. Although the comics profession has been dominated by men, there were far more women working in the profession throughout the 20th century than other histories indicate, and they have flourished in the 21st. Pretty In Inkis the ultimate history of women cartoonists in America and author Trina Robbins has revised, updated and rewritten the history of women cartoonists, adding more color illustrations than ever before along with some startling new discoveries. Softcover, 9-in. x 12-in., 200 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $29.99.

Add to cart Fine $9.49

Add to cart Fine $9.49

Add to cart Very Good $6.30

Add to cart VG 4.0 $12.50 or Best Offer View scan Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

Volume 30 - 1st printing. "Arn, Son of Valiant!"

Story and art By Hal Foster.

First published in 1987, Volume 30 covers the period from July 15, 1962 through May 26, 1963. "Arn, Son of Valiant" chronicles Arn's maturation as seen through various adventures. After Val quells the havoc created by a travelling horde of religious zealots, Arn and Aleta join him. From this point Arn journeys on his first solo adventure, is later kidnapped by an unscrupulous knight, and, eventually, plays an instrumental role in the defeat of Cidwic, the king of North Wales. Don't miss out on this integral volume in Hal Foster's classically magnificent strip!

Softcover, 9-in. x 13-in., 48 pages, full color.

Cover price $9.95.

1st printing. Written by Danny Oppenheimer. Art and cover by Grady Klein. Psychology is the study of human behavior, of the ways our minds make sense of the world around us. It is a serious and worthy endeavor because we value scientific knowledge not only for what it tells us about the world but also for what it reveals about our place in the world. Yet, as cartoonist Grady Klein and psychologist Danny Oppenheimer point out, the study of human experience is also often really funny. The Cartoon Introduction to Psychology is the perfect way for students and curious general readers to learn more about psychology while having a good laugh. Softcover, 256 pages, full color. Cover price $18.95.

1st Edition - 1st printing. Edited by James Van Hise. New stories and essays featuring the greatest crime-fighters and criminals from the pages of Pulp Fiction - The Shadow, Doc Savage, the Spider, Avenger, and more! Softcover, 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 176 pages, Text (with B&W Chapter Illustrations). Cover price $14.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $29.00

Add to cart Near Mint $29.00

1st printing.

By Neil McGinness (with Contributions by Dan DiDio). Cover by George Rozen. Back Cover by Walter M. Baumhofer. Foreword by Frank Miller.

Pulp Power gives fans a rare glimpse into the pre-war pulp novel decade of the 1930s, a period of bold action and adventure storytelling that ultimately led to the creation of the comic book and the superheroes we know and love today.

In more than 500 novels written between 1930 and 1940, The Shadow, Doc Savage, and the Street & Smith universe of characters captivated a generation of Americans with their heroic exploits and inspired a new generation of writers to create a pantheon of comic book superheroes in their mold.

In Pulp Power, hundreds of these eye-catching covers are reproduced as a collection for the first time. Comics legend Dan DiDio provides context for the cover illustrations alongside a narrative discussion of the influence of the Street & Smith superhero universe on legendary creators such as Orson Welles, Truman Capote, Michael Chabon, George Lucas, Agnes Moorehead, James Patterson, Walter Mosley, Dwayne Johnson, Frank Miller, James Bama, Jim Steranko, Jim Lee, Gail Simone, and many more.

Hardcover, 10-in. x 13-in., 352 pages, full color.

Cover price $65.00.

1st printing. Written by Mike Kooiman and Jim Amash. Art by Louis K. Fine. The Quality Companion provides the first dedicated look at the prolific Golden Age publisher which spawned a treasure trove of beautiful art and classic characters, including the "Freedom Fighters" - Uncle Sam, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, The Ray, Human Bomb, and Doll Man - as well as Plastic Man, the Blackhawks, and others now under the DC Comics umbrella. The volume also covers the characters' revival from the 1970s to today, including Plastic Man's short-lived 1960s series, the Freedom Fighters' own 1970s series, plus the Ray and Black Condor series of the 1990s, up through the current versions of the characters at DC. Softcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 256 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $31.95.

1st printing.

By Nathalia Holt.

Behind the beloved animated films of Walt Disney Studios, which have moved and entertained millions of viewers, was an incredibly influential group of women who have slipped under the radar for decades.

For the first time, bestselling author Nathalia Holt recounts their dramatic stories, showing how these women infiltrated the all-male domain of Disney's story and animation departments and used early technologies to create the rich artwork and unforgettable storylines that have become part of the American canon. Over the decades, while battling sexism, domestic abuse, and workplace intimidation, these women also fought to transform the way female characters are depicted to young audiences.

Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 352 pages, B&W.

Cover price $29.00.

1st printing. The Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris (Musée d'art moderne de la ville de Paris) presents a premiere retrospective exhibition on one of the greatest illustrators of the past fifty years: Robert Crumb. One of the pioneers of Underground comics, he represents a mythical figure in American counter-culture. Hardcover, 9-in. x 12-in., 240 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $49.99.

1st printing.

Written by David Stephen Calonne. Art and cover by R. Crumb.

R. Crumb: Literature, Autobiography, and the Quest for Self charts Crumb's intellectual trajectory and explore the recurring philosophical themes that permeate his depictions of literary and biographical works and the ways he responds to them through innovative, dazzling compositional techniques. Calonne explores the ways Crumb develops concepts of solitude, despair, desire, and conflict as aspects of the quest for self.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 304 pages, Text (with B&W Illustrations).

Cover price $30.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

1st printing.

By Michael A Chaney.

Literary scholar Michael A. Chaney examines graphic novels to illustrate that in form and function they inform readers on how they ought to be read. His arguments result in an innovative analysis of the various knowledges that comics produce and the methods artists and writers employ to convey them. Theoretically eclectic, this study attends to the lessons taught by both the form and content of today's most celebrated graphic novels.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 192 pages, B&W. Cover price $30.00.

1st printing. By Marc Sobel. A deep dive into the first 50 issues of the HernandezBrothers' acclaimed comic series, this scholarly bookseeks to answer the question: What makes Love andRockets such an enduring classic of the medium?Love and Rockets by Gilbert, Jaime, and Mario Hernandez is oneof the greatest comic series ever created. However, running consistentlyfor 40 years and encompassing a diverse array of characters,settings, and cultural influences, this literary universe can bedaunting to explore. With Reading Love and Rockets, writer MarcSobel offers an accessible entry point into L&R, an invaluableresource to both new readers and fans who want to deepen theirunderstanding of the series.Reading Love and Rockets hones in on the first 50 issues of theseries, tracking the evolution of the characters and storylines, aswell as the Hernandez Brothers' growth as artists and writers acrossthis 15-year span of creation. Breaking down each issue in sequence, Sobel blendstogether his own sharp-eyed observations with analysis from a variety of scholars,critics, and fans to provide a well-rounded perspective on the series. Plus, explorationsinto topics as wide-ranging as magical realism, women's wrestling, andthe Southern California punk scene reveal the fascinating influences at the heartof these stories. Readers daring enough to embark on this illuminating journeythrough Palomar and Hoppers 13 will return with a richer appreciation for thismasterpiece of graphic literature. Luxuriously illustrated throughout with scenesfrom the comic. Softcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 320 pages, PC/PB&W. Mature Readers Cover price $49.99.

Add to cart Very Fine $7.00

Add to cart Very Fine $7.00

1st printing. READING THE FUNNIES collects Donald Phelps' essays on early 20th Century newspaper strips - the Golden Age of comic strips, when readers avidly followed the daily and weekly adventures of Flash Gordon, Little Nemo, and Krazy Kats, a time when the critic Gilbert Seldes could write, "Of all the lively arts the Comic Strip is the most despised and, with the exception of the movies, it is the most popular." Most of the essays in this book appear here for the first time. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 306 pages, B&W. Cover price $19.95.

1st printing. Introduction by Richard Howell. A collection of the Best of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby Romance comics of the 1940s and1950s. Softcover, 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 160 pages, B&W. Cover price $12.95.

1st printing.

By Jan Baetens.

A collaboration between Belgian artist François Schuiten and French writer Benoît Peeters, The Obscure Cities is one of the few comics series to achieve massive popularity while remaining highly experimental in form and content.

Rebuilding Story Worlds offers the first full-length study of this seminal series, exploring both the artistic traditions from which it emerges and the innovative ways it plays with genre, gender, and urban space. Comics scholar Jan Baetens examines how Schuiten's work as an architectural designer informs the series' concerns with the preservation of historic buildings.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 198 pages, PC.

Cover price $29.95.

1st printing.

By Roger Hill.

From the 1940s to the '70s, Reed Crandall brought a unique and masterful style to American comic art.

Using an illustrator's approach on everything he touched, Crandall gained a reputation as the "artist's artist" through his skillful interpretations of Golden Age super-heroes Doll Man, The Ray, and Blackhawk (his signature character); horror and sci-fi for the legendary EC Comics line; Warren Publishing's Creepy, Eerie, and Blazing Combat; the THUNDER Agents and Edgar Rice Burroughs characters; and even Flash Gordon for King Features.

Comic art historian Roger Hill has compiled a complete and extensive history of Crandall's life and career, from his early years and major successes, through his tragic decline and passing in 1982.

Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 256 pages, full color.

Cover price $49.95.

1st printing.

By Roger Hill.

From the 1940s to the '70s, Reed Crandall brought a unique and masterful style to American comic art.

Using an illustrator's approach on everything he touched, Crandall gained a reputation as the "artist's artist" through his skillful interpretations of Golden Age super-heroes Doll Man, The Ray, and Blackhawk (his signature character); horror and sci-fi for the legendary EC Comics line; Warren Publishing's Creepy, Eerie, and Blazing Combat; the THUNDER Agents and Edgar Rice Burroughs characters; and even Flash Gordon for King Features.

Comic art historian Roger Hill has compiled a complete and extensive history of Crandall's life and career, from his early years and major successes, through his tragic decline and passing in 1982.

Softcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 256 pages, full color.

Cover price $39.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

1st printing. Edited by Kevin Durand and Mary Leigh. From his first comic-book appearance in 1939 through his many incarnations on the big screen, the archetypal superhero known as The Batman has never been far from the American consciousness. Beyond shaping the way we read comics and graphic novels, Batman has also captured the scholarly imagination, telling us much about our society and ourselves. These essays examine Batman through a wide range of disciplines - philosophy, literature, psychology, pop culture, and more. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 224 pages, B&W. Cover price $40.00.

Add to cart Fine $7.49

1st printing.

By David Tosh.

Rise of the Superheroes is a visual and entertaining adventure exploring one of the most popular and significant eras of comic book history. From 1956 to 1970, Silver Age redefined and immortalized superheroes as the massive pop culture titans they are today. Lavishly illustrated with comic book covers and original art, the book chronicles the new frontier of DC Comics, with a revamped Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, and new characters including Hawkman; Marvel's new comics featuring Thor and The Fantastic Four; The pop art years that saw Batman's "new look" and the TV series; independent characters, including Fat Fury and T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents; and much more.

Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 176 pages, full color. Cover price $24.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $10.00

Add to cart Near Mint $10.00

1st printing.

Written by Etienne Appert. Art by Etienne Appert and Edmond Baudoin. Cover by Etienne Appert. Translated by Ben Croze.

A thought-provoking book about the very origins of the art of illustration-what it means and why it exists.

The River of Ink flows from the present day back to the very first illustration drawn by a human. Along its shores are tales and wisdom from legendary artists of the past and present exploring the philosophy of communication through drawing. Why do we draw? It's a simple question with a spellbinding and complex answer in this entirely new and entertaining look at the history of art.

Also featured is an illustrated interview between Appert and comics master Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics, The Sculptor) that no reader should miss!

Softcover, 240 pages, full color.

Cover price $22.99.

1st printing.

Edited By Terrence R. Wandtke.

Robert Kirkman is probably best known as the creator of The Walking Dead, yet Kirkman represents much more than this single comic book title. Kirkman's story begins with him financing his irreverent, independent comic book Battle Pope with credit cards. After writing major titles with Marvel Comics, Kirkman publicly advocated for creator ownership as the future of the comics industry.

While Stan Lee was the most prominent comic book everyman of the previous era of comics production, Kirkman is the most prominent comic book everyman of this dynamic, evolving new era.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 262 pages, Text Only.

Cover price $25.00.

1st printing.

By Lauren R. O'Connor.

Debuting just a few months after Batman himself, Robin has been an integral part of the Dark Knight's history and, from the outset, has both reflected and reinforced particular images of American adolescence. Closely reading several characters who have "played" Robin over the past eighty years, Robin and the Making of American Adolescence reveals the Boy (and sometimes Girl!) Wonder as a complex figure through whom mainstream culture has addressed anxieties about adolescents in relation to sexuality, gender, and race.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 198 pages, Text (with full color photos).

Cover price $29.95.

1st printing.

Introduction by Alex Ross. Afterword by Stan Lee.

The Romitas are one of the few royal families in comics. If you haven't had a chance to fully appreciate their work, here's your chance. It's a fun ride. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have in putting this book together!

With an introduction by Alex Ross and an afterword by Stan "The Man" Lee, this hardcover book is perfect for every Spider-Man fan young and old!

Hardcover, 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 208 pages, PC/PB&W.

Cover price $29.99.

Add to cart Very Good $18.00

1st printing.

By Alisa Kwitney. Introduction by Neil Gaiman.

Loaded with never-before-published illustrations, behind-the-scenes stories, handwritten notes, and interviews with Neil Gaiman himself, this chronicle explores The Sandman and the groundbreaking comic's emergence as a unique and undeniable force in the literary world - a true testament to the dream king and his creator.

Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 180 pages, full color. Cover price $35.00.

2nd and later printings.

By Alisa Kwitney. Introduction by Neil Gaiman.

Loaded with never-before-published illustrations, behind-the-scenes stories, handwritten notes, and interviews with Neil Gaiman himself, this chronicle explores The Sandman and the groundbreaking comic's emergence as a unique and undeniable force in the literary world - a true testament to the dream king and his creator.

Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 180 pages, full color. Cover price $35.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $19.95

Add to cart Near Mint $19.95

About Fandom, Underground Culture, The Comics Industry, Talking Animals, A Gonzo Cartoonist, and Other Stuff!

1st printing. Introduction by Sergio Aragones. For over fifty years, Scott Shaw! has been writing and drawing allegedly funny stuff for mainstream comics sold on spinner racks (including Sonic the Hedgehog, Captain Carrot, and The Simpsons), underground comix sold in head shops -and almost everything in between. Finally, here's the first collection starring the award-winning cartoonist's most notorious characters (including Scott himself!), with over 200 pages of offbeat stories, plus surprises and silliness from the depths of his archives! Softcover, 332 pages, B&W. Cover price $30.00.

1st printing.

By Paul C. Tumey.

The story of screwball comics, with new research and rare art from some of the most hilarious cartoonists of all time.

Before "screwball" became a movie genre, it was a staple of other forms of American culture, including newspaper comic strips. Emerging from the pressures of a rapidly accelerating technological and information-drenched society, screwball comics offered a healthy dose of laughter and perspective. Comics scholar Paul C. Tumey traces the development of screwball as a genre in magazine cartoons and newspaper comics, presenting the lives and work of around two dozen cartoonists, with an art-stuffed chapter on each.

Screwball! offers a wealth of previously un-reprinted comics, unleashing fresh views of some of America's greatest and most-loved cartoonists, including George Herriman (Krazy Kat), E.C. Segar (creator of Popeye), Winsor McCay (Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend), Rube Goldberg (The Inventions of Professor Lucifer G. Butts, A.K.) and Bill Holman (Smokey Stover). In addition, readers will be delighted to discover previously "lost" screwball masters including Gene Ahern (The Squirrel Cage), Gus Mager (Sherlocko the Monk), Milt Gross (Count Screwloose), George Swanson ($alesman $am) and many others.

Hardcover, 11-in. x 11-in., 272 pages, full color.

Cover price $59.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $26.00

Add to cart Near Mint $26.00

1st printing. By Blake Bell and Michael J. Vassallo. The Secret History of Marvel Comics digs back to the 1930s when Marvel Comics didn't just produce comic books but also published lurid and sensationalistic story books (known as "pulps") and magazines, featuring material not quite fit for children. The book features works by Marvel Comics artists such as Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, Alex Schomburg, Bill Everett, Al Jaffee, and Dan DeCarlo, plus the very best pulp artists in the field. These rare pieces of comic art, pulp and magazine history lift the veil on Marvel Comics' unseen history. Hardcover, 240 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $39.99.

Add to cart Very Fine $8.00

Add to cart Very Fine $8.00

Collector's Edition - Limited Inventory Available

1982: Seismic changes were in the air… New Wave music ruled the airwaves, Spielbergs E.T. dazzled at the box office, and the term internet was first used to describe the new international network of communication. The comic-book industry was also experiencing great change as ambitious young self-publishers started beating the drum of revolution in a long-stagnant field. Among them was Dave Sim with his creation Cerebus the Aardvark, which was rapidly growing in popularity to the point that copies of the first issue had risen from $1 to hundreds of dollars in just five short years.

December 1977: Dave Sim and his soon to be wife, Deni Loubert, printed two-thousand copies of Cerebus No. 1, and distributed them to Now & Then Books in Kitchener, Ontario, Big Rapids Distribution in Lansing, Michigan, and Sea Gat Distribution in Brooklyn, New York, establishing a clear trail of where nearly every copy went.

April 1982: Ten copies of Cerebus No. 1 were found at a flea market and sold to a comic book shop. Then twenty more were sold to the shop down the road… Then thirty more… Forty more… In all, nearly two thousand newly discovered copies of this rare and sought after book were sold to comic shops from Berkeley, California to New York City. Every single one – counterfeit.

This is the Secret History of the Counterfeit Cerebus No. 1.

24 pages, B&W.

Add to cart Very Good $5.00

Add to cart Good $5.99

1st printing.

By Jill Lepore.

Wonder Woman, created in 1941, is the most popular female superhero of all time.

Aside from Superman and Batman, no superhero has lasted as long or commanded so vast and wildly passionate a following. In the more than seven decades since she first appeared, her comic books have never been out of print. In years of interviews and archival research, Harvard historian and New Yorker staff writer Jill Lepore has uncovered an astonishing trove of documents, including the never-before-seen private papers of William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman's creator. The Secret History of Wonder Woman reveals that Wonder Woman is the missing link in the history of the struggle for women's rights.

Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 448 pages, Text.

Cover price $29.95.

Add to cart Fine $5.00

Add to cart Very Good $6.70

Add to cart Very Good $6.70

1st printing. By Jill Lepore. Wonder Woman, created in 1941, is the most popular female superhero of all time. Aside from Superman and Batman, no superhero has lasted as long or commanded so vast and wildly passionate a following. In the more than seven decades since she first appeared, her comic books have never been out of print. In years of interviews and archival research, Harvard historian and New Yorker staff writer Jill Lepore has uncovered an astonishing trove of documents, including the never-before-seen private papers of William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman's creator. The Secret History of Wonder Woman reveals that Wonder Woman is the missing link in the history of the struggle for women's rights. Softcover, 5-in. x 7-in., 448 pages, Text. Cover price $16.95.

Add to cart Fine $6.00

Add to cart Fine $6.00

Add to cart Very Good $4.00

Add to cart VG 4.0 $4.00

Canadian edition with $2.85 cover price - It's "The Secret Origin of The Doom Patrol!" by Paul Kupperberg & John Byrne, a 30-page tale. Also: Paul Kupperberg & Steve Lightle discuss the new Doom Patrol series in an article by Joey Cavalieri. Plus: "The Secret Origin of Captain Comet" by Roy Thomas, Ron Harris & Bruce D. Patterson, a 20-page tale. Cover by Byrne (after Ed Hannigan). 48 pages, FC. Cover price $2.85.

Canadian edition with $2.70 cover price - It's the origins of the Flash...and Flash. The Flash died in the pages of CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS...and here's what happened next. The final Barry Allen story, written by Robert Loren Fleming, with art by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson. Also, the origin of the current Flash, from his beginnings as Wally West, through his days as Kid Flash and beyond. Written by William Messner-Loebs, with art by Mike Collins and Frank McLaughlin. Cover by Infantino, Collins and Anderson. 48 pages, FC. Cover price $2.70.

Add to cart Fine $18.00

Add to cart Fine $18.00

1st printing. Collects Secret Origins (1986-1990 2nd Series) #32 and 35-36, Secret Origins Annual #2, and Man of Steel (1986) # 6.

Written by Dennis O'Neil, John Byrne, James Owsley, Mark Verheiden, Robert Loren Fleming, Gardner Fox, Keith Giffen, and Peter David. Art by Dick Giordano, John Byrne, M.D. Bright, Ken Stacy, Carmine Infantino, and Eric Shanower. Cover by Brian Bolland. Introduction by Mark Waid.

Featuring the Secret Origins of the world's greatest super heroes - Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, and the Martian Manhunter!

Softcover, 140 pages, full color.

Cover price $4.95.

Add to cart Fine $17.75

Add to cart Very Good $11.99

2nd and later printings. Collects Secret Origins (1986-1990 2nd Series) #32 and 35-36, Secret Origins Annual #2, and Man of Steel (1986) # 6.

Written by Dennis O'Neil, John Byrne, James Owsley, Mark Verheiden, Robert Loren Fleming, Gardner Fox, Keith Giffen, and Peter David. Art by Dick Giordano, John Byrne, M.D. Bright, Ken Stacy, Carmine Infantino, and Eric Shanower. Cover by Brian Bolland. Introduction by Mark Waid.

Featuring the Secret Origins of the world's greatest super heroes - Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, and the Martian Manhunter!

Softcover, 140 pages, full color.

Cover price $4.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $9.00

Add to cart Very Fine $9.00

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Collects Secret Origins (2014) 3rd Series #1-4.

Written by by Greg Pak, Kyle Higgins, Tony Bedard, Ray Fawkes, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Robert Venditti, Jeremy Haun, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jeff Lemire and Peter J. Tomasi.
Art by Lee Weeks, Doug Mahnke, Paulo Siqueira, Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, Martin Coccolo, Trevor McCarthy, Tyler Kirkham, Stéphane Roux, Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ian Bertram, Alvaro Martinez, Sandra Hope, Keith Champagne and Christian Alamy.
Cover by Lee Bermejo.

At last, the origins of The New 52's World's Greatest Heroes are revealed! Included here are the origins of The Last Son of Krypton and Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Green Lantern, Batwoman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow and many more!

Softcover, 160 pages, full color.

Cover price $14.99.

Add to cart Very Fine $9.00

Add to cart Very Fine $9.00

Add to cart Fine $5.80

Add to cart Fine $5.80

Volume 1 - 2nd and later printings. Collects Secret Origins (2014) 3rd Series #1-4.

Written by by Greg Pak, Kyle Higgins, Tony Bedard, Ray Fawkes, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Robert Venditti, Jeremy Haun, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jeff Lemire and Peter J. Tomasi.
Art by Lee Weeks, Doug Mahnke, Paulo Siqueira, Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, Martin Coccolo, Trevor McCarthy, Tyler Kirkham, Stéphane Roux, Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ian Bertram, Alvaro Martinez, Sandra Hope, Keith Champagne and Christian Alamy.
Cover by Lee Bermejo.

At last, the origins of The New 52's World's Greatest Heroes are revealed! Included here are the origins of The Last Son of Krypton and Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Green Lantern, Batwoman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow and many more!

Softcover, 160 pages, full color.

Cover price $14.99.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. Collects Secret Origins (2014) 3rd Series #5-11.

Written by Marv Wolfman, Scott Lobdell, Jeff Parker, Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang, J.M. DeMatteis, Cullen Bunn, Paul Levitz, Frank Barbiere, Robert Venditti, Van Jensen, Tim Seeley, Tom King, Jeff Lemire, Ann Nocenti, Charles Soule, Cameron Stewart, Brandon Fletcher, Dan Jurgens, Christy Marx, Ray Fawkes and Landry Q. Walker.
Art by Edgar Salazar, Jack Herbert, Daniel HDR, Goran Sudzuka, Kevin Stokes, Igor Lima, Jonboy Meyers, Robson Rocha, Miguel Sepulveda, Stephen Mooney, Travel Foreman, Roger Robinson, Alessandro Vitti, Alisson Borges, Pat Broderick, Sean Chen, Stjepan Sejic, Irene Koh, Richard Isanove, Dave Bullock, Scott Hepburn, Jay Leisten, Vicente Cifuentes, Jose Marzan, Jr., Oclair Albert and Scott Hanna.
Cover by Lee Bermejo.

The beginnings of the most popular characters in the DC Universe are here - starring Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, The Flash, Animal Man, Grayson and many others!

Softcover, 272 pages, full color.

Cover price $19.99.