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Comic Books 101: The History, Methods and Madness
Welcome to Comic Books 101 , the complete, definitive and super-cool guide to the universe of caped crusaders, irradiated spiders, fantastic foursomes and the super-talents behind their creation. Want to know when Marvel, DC and so many other publishers got their start? Wonder why Spider-Man can't challenge Batman or the Justice League? Curious why the Avengers don't battle it out once and for all? It's all covered the good, the bad guys and the ugly truths—like why one of Batman's originators died virtually unknown and penniless. Whether you're an absolute newbie, a casual fan or a loyal collector, this book holds the answers. Comic Books 101 will increase your knowledge and enjoyment of this great art form, and grant you the superpower of impressing others with useless yet fascinating trivia! (Which superhero dated a mermaid? Who battled the evil "Egghead," portrayed by what famous actor?)
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 31, 2010
Good potential, great passion - middling execution.
I sometimes read Scott Tipton's Comics 101, and it's an excellent blog. But this book really isn't targeted well. Is it for comics fans? Then why does it include such basic info? Is it for newcomers? Then why do they have sections where they ask people "what's your favorite series of comics," and then, when the person gives 5 issues and says "I love how superhero x goes through hell then back again," why don't they explain what happened for those of us who don't know what happened in "SuperXMan issues 173-182?"
Even worse, they ask people what their favorite cover is - then don't include a shot of that cover! What were they thinking?
A good summertime read - but it could have been less frustrating!
I sometimes read Scott Tipton's Comics 101, and it's an excellent blog. But this book really isn't targeted well. Is it for comics fans? Then why does it include such basic info? Is it for newcomers? Then why do they have sections where they ask people "what's your favorite series of comics," and then, when the person gives 5 issues and says "I love how superhero x goes through hell then back again," why don't they explain what happened for those of us who don't know what happened in "SuperXMan issues 173-182?"
Even worse, they ask people what their favorite cover is - then don't include a shot of that cover! What were they thinking?
A good summertime read - but it could have been less frustrating!
May 19, 2017
Good, informative primer on the history of comic books. There are some glaring inconsistencies though - they talk about the dissolution of the Kirby Awards but then never explain what the Kirby Awards were. Also, since the book came out in 2009, the chapters on TV and Film adaptations miss the MCU and DCEU completely. This isn't their fault, obviously, but it certainly makes those chapters a bit outdated.
That all said, the recommended reading lists are great. If you're new to comics, there probably isn't a better place to start. I'd absolutely give this to my kid if she decides she's interested in comic books.
That all said, the recommended reading lists are great. If you're new to comics, there probably isn't a better place to start. I'd absolutely give this to my kid if she decides she's interested in comic books.
February 10, 2014
This has been one of the smartest purchase I made last year!
I've only started reading comic books since 2009 (mostly DC, Dark Horse and Vertigo titles) but I know that there are tons of great works out there I have yet to have an access to so this was a great companion book which I treated like my own personal librarian. It provided me all the histories, important landmark works and other fun facts that I needed to pursue comic books with more vigor and understanding about its production, content and legacy.
This was also quite an affordable book, only below 400 pesos, and it's an aesthetic read; with various colored pages that feature easily understandable texts, eye-candy photos and all kinds of basic knowledge to equip any comic book novice as well as long-time connoisseurs of the form. The authors have great appreciation for comic books and it definitely shows.
Once they have opened the doors and portals, I myself can't get enough of the scenery and landscapes that only comic books and graphic novels can allow you to explore.
If you want to get started on comic books, this is your ultimate go-to reference. Excelsior!
I've only started reading comic books since 2009 (mostly DC, Dark Horse and Vertigo titles) but I know that there are tons of great works out there I have yet to have an access to so this was a great companion book which I treated like my own personal librarian. It provided me all the histories, important landmark works and other fun facts that I needed to pursue comic books with more vigor and understanding about its production, content and legacy.
This was also quite an affordable book, only below 400 pesos, and it's an aesthetic read; with various colored pages that feature easily understandable texts, eye-candy photos and all kinds of basic knowledge to equip any comic book novice as well as long-time connoisseurs of the form. The authors have great appreciation for comic books and it definitely shows.
Once they have opened the doors and portals, I myself can't get enough of the scenery and landscapes that only comic books and graphic novels can allow you to explore.
If you want to get started on comic books, this is your ultimate go-to reference. Excelsior!
June 21, 2009
This book literally is what the title suggests (which, believe it or not, is kinda rare for this kind of thing). Whereas McCloud's books are intended for those beginning the study of comics from the point of view of a critic or creator, this book is for the person who has literally never walked into a comic book shop before. And it is fantastic at doing exactly that--getting you up to speed on the absolute basics of reading comics (with an eye toward the superhero genre). Highly recommended if you're one of those people who really would like to read comics, but feels afraid that your lack of general knowledge would embarrass you. This would be a fantastic textbook to use in a graphic novels class (rather than some of the others that can tend to talk a bit over undergrad's heads). HIGHLY recommended
September 30, 2016
You will never get a definitive summary of comic books and the comic book industry, but this book comes about as close as you can get. It's a book of interest to long time collectors like me, with some details even I never knew, and to the complete novice. Publishers, creators, heroes, film and tv, all are covered in a lively, chatty style of writing, as well as a nice overview of the industry going back to its origins in the 30's.
Plenty of illustrations and recommendations for further reading round out an excellent book. The only negative is that it was published in 2009, and so lacks detail on the many major events since then, including nearly all the Marvel Studios movies.
Time for a new edition I believe, it deserves one.
Plenty of illustrations and recommendations for further reading round out an excellent book. The only negative is that it was published in 2009, and so lacks detail on the many major events since then, including nearly all the Marvel Studios movies.
Time for a new edition I believe, it deserves one.
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July 24, 2011Great book on the history and main forces behind comics. It give a nice short history of the publication of comics, an overview of the main characters from DC and Marvel, a look at some of the big companies out there, and a wonderful look at some of the adaptations of comic book properties in other media. Highly recommended from this reader (an not because he knows one of the authors).
August 27, 2009
perfect book to intro comics, their production, stars, movies, publishers etc.
March 28, 2010
This book provides a good general overview of comics and some important people associated with them using a fan boy perspective.
August 2, 2015
Almost done with this one and it was nice. There were some great stories about the origins of comics and the people who made them. But, it was scattered, sort of like reading a book of lists.
August 8, 2012
Great little beginners guide to comics
July 11, 2011
A little bit of everything you want to know about DC, Marvel and other comic books.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews