Comic books in 'Comic History'

1st printing. By Bill Schelly. In this fascinating biography, comic book historian Bill Schelly chronicles the life of Otto Binder, from pulp magazine author to writer of Supergirl, Captain Marvel, and Superman. As the originator of the first sentient robot in literature ("I,Robot," published in Amazing Stories in 1939 and predating Isaac Asimov's collection of the same name), Binder's effect on science fiction was profound. Through comic panels, personal letters, and interviews with Binder's own family and friends, Schelly weaves together Binder's professional successes and personal tragedies, including the death of Binder's only daughter and his wife's struggle with mental illness. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 264 pages, PC/B&W. Cover price $19.95.

1st printing.

By Richard J. Arndt and Steve Fears. Cover by Joe Kubert.

Our Artists at War is the first book ever published in the US that solely examines War Comics published in America. It covers the talented writers and artists who supplied the finest, most compelling stories in the War Comics genre, which has long been neglected in the annals of comics history. Through the critical analysis of the authors, this overlooked treasure trove is explored in-depth, finally giving it the respect it deserves!

Included are pivotal series from EC Comics (Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat), DC Comics (Enemy Ace and the Big Five war books: All American Men of War, G.I. Combat, Our Fighting Forces, Our Army at War, and Star-Spangled War Stories), Warren Publishing (Blazing Combat), Charlton (Willy Schultz and the Iron Corporal) and more!

Softcover, 8 1/2-in . x 11-in., 160 pages, full color.

Cover price $27.95.

Add to cart Fine $13.00

1st printing. By Tom De Haven. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster during the Great Depression, Superman is both a transcendent figure and, when posing as his alter-ego, reporter Clark Kent, a humble working-class citizen. Orphan and immigrant, he shares a personal history with many Americans who came to this country seeking a better life, and his amazing feats represent the wildest realization of the American dream and De Haven, author of the Superman novel It's Superman!, reveals the character's invincible legacy. Haedcover, 5 1/2-in. x 8 1/2-in., 240 pages, Text (with B&W Chapter ilustrations and Photos). Cover price $24.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $18.00

Add to cart Near Mint $18.00

1st printing.

By Robert M. Overstreet. Cover by Joe Jusko.

The 50-year history of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide is documented and celebrated in this lush history of book collectors and dealers alike have called "The Bible" of the comic book industry.

This book features an extensive interview with Bob Overstreet, commentaries from Paul Levitz, Maggie Thompson, Beau Smith, David T. Alexander, Buddy Saunders, Matt Nelson, Steve Borock, and others, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Guide, a cover gallery, the Overstreet Hall of Fame, and more.

Includes vintage concept art, ad materials, a cover gallery spanning five decades, the complete Overstreet Hall of Fame, and more!

Hardcover, 6 1/2-in. x 9 1/2-in., 320 pages, full color.

Cover price $30.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

1st printing.

By Robert M. Overstreet. Cover by Joe Jusko.

The 50-year history of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide is documented and celebrated in this lush history of book collectors and dealers alike have called "The Bible" of the comic book industry.

This book features an extensive interview with Bob Overstreet, commentaries from Paul Levitz, Maggie Thompson, Beau Smith, David T. Alexander, Buddy Saunders, Matt Nelson, Steve Borock, and others, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Guide, a cover gallery, the Overstreet Hall of Fame, and more.

Includes vintage concept art, ad materials, a cover gallery spanning five decades, the complete Overstreet Hall of Fame, and more!

Softcover, 6 1/2-in. x 9 1/2-in., 320 pages, full color.

Cover price $20.00.

Add to cart Fine $7.70

Batman Cover - 1st printing. Cover by Murphy Anderson. Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace Yearbook 2014-2015 features a special look at Batman's 75th anniversary ranging from the first year he spent without Robin to Gotham By Gaslight, and from his Silver Age revamp to DC's "New 52." The spotlight also falls on the 60th anniversary of Simon & Kirby's Fighting American, the 45th anniversary of Vampirella, 40th anniversary of Wolverine, the 30th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the 20th anniversary of Billy Tucci's Shi. CBM expands to look at the comic art market as well as the back issue market. From the publishers of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. Softcover, 160 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $12.95.

Add to cart Fine $7.70

Shi/Painkiller Jane Cover - 1st printing. Cover by Billy Tucci and Mark Sparacio. Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace Yearbook 2014-2015 features a special look at Batman's 75th anniversary ranging from the first year he spent without Robin to Gotham By Gaslight, and from his Silver Age revamp to DC's "New 52." The spotlight also falls on the 60th anniversary of Simon & Kirby's Fighting American, the 45th anniversary of Vampirella, 40th anniversary of Wolverine, the 30th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the 20th anniversary of Billy Tucci's Shi. CBM expands to look at the comic art market as well as the back issue market. From the publishers of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. Softcover, 160 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $12.95.

X-O Manowar Cover - 1st printing. Cover by Will Conrad. Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace Yearbook 2014-2015 features a special look at Batman's 75th anniversary ranging from the first year he spent without Robin to Gotham By Gaslight, and from his Silver Age revamp to DC's "New 52." The spotlight also falls on the 60th anniversary of Simon & Kirby's Fighting American, the 45th anniversary of Vampirella, 40th anniversary of Wolverine, the 30th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the 20th anniversary of Billy Tucci's Shi. CBM expands to look at the comic art market as well as the back issue market. From the publishers of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. Softcover, 160 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $12.95.

Luna, Moon-Hunter Cover - 1st printing. Cover by Buzz. Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace Yearbook 2014-2015 features a special look at Batman's 75th anniversary ranging from the first year he spent without Robin to Gotham By Gaslight, and from his Silver Age revamp to DC's "New 52." The spotlight also falls on the 60th anniversary of Simon & Kirby's Fighting American, the 45th anniversary of Vampirella, 40th anniversary of Wolverine, the 30th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the 20th anniversary of Billy Tucci's Shi. CBM expands to look at the comic art market as well as the back issue market. From the publishers of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. Softcover, 160 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $12.95.

1st printing. Written by Stephan Friedt. Cover by Dave Stevens. Author Stephan Friedt shares the story of the meteoric rise of the Schanes brothers' California-based imprint Pacific Comics, which published such legends as Jack Kirby, Sergio Aragonés, Steve Ditko, Neal Adams, Mike Grell, Bernie Wrightson, and Dave Stevens. From its groundbreaking 1981 arrival in the fledgling direct sales market, to a catastrophic, precipitous fall after only four years, The Pacific Comics Companion reveals the inside saga, as told to Friedt by Bill and Steve Schanes, David Scroggy, and many of the creators themselves. It also focuses on the titles and the amazing array of characters they introduced to an unsuspecting world, including The Rocketeer, Captain Victory, Ms. Mystic, Groo the Wanderer, Starslayer, and many more. Written with the editorial assist of Eisner Award-winning historian Jon B. Cooke, this retrospective is the most comprehensive study of an essential publisher in the development of the creator's rights movement. Main cover illustration by Dave Stevens. Softcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 160 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $29.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $14.00

1st printing.

By Drew Morton.

Over the past forty years, American film has entered into a formal interaction with the comic book. Such comic book adaptations as Sin City, 300, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World have adopted components of their source materials' visual style. The screen has been fractured into panels, the photographic has given way to the graphic, and the steady rhythm of cinematic time has evolved into a far more malleable element. In other words, films have begun to look like comics.

Softcover, 6-in.x 9-in., 238 pages, B&W.

Cover price $30.00.

1st printing.

By Robert L. Short.

A freshly salted Peanuts by the author of The Gospel According to Peanuts. With inimitable style and relevance, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and Schroeder all help to dramatize new parables to fit our times.

Softcover, 5 1/2-in. x 8-in., 328 pages, B&W.

Cover price $1.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $4.00

1st printing. By Scott Robins and Snow Wildsmith. Foreword by Jeff Smith and Vijaya Iyer (publishers of Bone). Experts showcase in great detail 100 of the best comics currently available for young readers and identifies what attracts and entertains kids, all while creating a suggested reading list of hundreds of other outstanding titles. The reading level guide, clear comments, and accompanying comic samples guide users to the best choices for every child. Each entry includes key reading appeal points and associated genres, creating a recommended balance of reading for education and reading for recreation. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 256 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $16.99.

Two Page Annual Review and Rating of Comic Books Article by Jesse L. Murrell, DD No Illustrations 8 1/2-in. x 11-in. 124 Pages B&W Cover price $0.35.

1st printing.

Written by Simon Beecroft. Art by Charles M. Schulz. Forward by Stephen Colbert.

From the backyard to outer space, Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts has been charming the world for more than 70 years.

In this celebration of Schulz and his beloved work, explore rarely seen sketches, influential comic strips, and collectors' artifacts. Pore over evolving artworks of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the gang. Chart the rich history of Peanuts as it grew to become the world's favorite comic, and travel from 1950 to the present day, from California to Japan.

Every page of this visual guide is an exhibition to treasure. Discover the enduring and nostalgic charm of Peanuts in this stunning anniversary book.

Hardcover, 9-in. x 11-in., 200 pages, full color.

Cover price $30.00.

1st printing.

By Mindy Johnson.

Based on Mindy Johnson's critically acclaimed Disney Editions title, Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney's Animation, this nonfiction picture book is a fun and inspiring look at many of the amazing women who have worked at Disney Animation over the years-from Story Artists, to Animators to Inkers and Painters, all with unique personalities and accomplishments, such as becoming a record-holding pilot, or designing Hollywood monsters, or creating an international club for tall people!

Hardcover, 9-in. x 12-in., 80 pages, full color.

Cover price $18.99.

1st printing. Story and art by George Carlson. Perfect Nonsense tells the story of one of the most innovative and under-rated Golden Age artists, children's illustrator and nonsense poets in American history. For more than 50 years, George Carlson created distinctive cartoons, comics, riddles, and games that thrilled both children and adults with their fanciful spirit and nonsensical humor. Until now there had never been a career retrospective of this startling creator and this book will astonish cartoon and comics aficionados, teachers of children's media, scholars of American humor, and anyone interested in the ever-evolving landscapes of image and language. Hardcover, 224 pages, full color. Cover price $49.99.

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 $24.00

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.

Add to cart Very Good $51.00

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 $17.00

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.

Add to cart Near Mint $29.00

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 $14.00

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 $6.00

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 $14.00

Add to cart Near Mint $14.00

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.

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 $8.00

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

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.