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American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1970s: 1970-1979
The American Comic Book Chronicles continues its ambitious series of full-color hardcovers, where TwoMorrows' top authors document every decade of comic book history from the 1940s to today! Jason Sacks and Keith Dallas coordinate this volume on the 1970s, covering all the pivotal moments and behind-the-scenes details of the emerging Bronze Age of comics! You'll get a year-by-year account of the most significant publications, notable creators, and impactful trends, the dawn of relevance with Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams' Green Lantern! Jack Kirby's Fourth World saga! Revisions to the Comics Code that opens the floodgates for monsters and the supernatural! Jenette Kahn's arrival at DC and the subsequent DC Implosion! The coming of Jim Shooter and the Direct Market! Taken together, American Comic Book Chronicles forms a cohesive, linear overview of the entire landscape of comics history, sure to be an invaluable resource for ANY comic book enthusiast!
- GenresComicsNonfictionHistory
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 24, 2015
Another outstanding volume of TwoMorrows' American Comic Book Chronicles series. I had a particular affection and interest in this one, as it reflects the decade in which I grew up reading comics. As with the other volumes in the series, this one was both informative and expansive, giving what I feel is a thorough overview -- at least as thorough as possible in a book like this -- of a particular era in American comics history.
I've had the 1980s volume for some time now, but I've held off reading it until the 1970s one came out. Now I can begin it.
I've had the 1980s volume for some time now, but I've held off reading it until the 1970s one came out. Now I can begin it.
June 26, 2015
TwoMorrows is to be commended for this series of books covering every decade of the comics field. This volume does a nice job surveying what was happening during he 1970s as comic prices rose, sales fell, and the Direct Sales channel arrived like a savior. All the major and minor publishers get their due but the one glaring absence is the rising role of comic fanzines and conventions, creating a network for the next generation of creators who would make their presence felt in the 1980s. A worthy addition to your library.
November 21, 2017
I've said it before and Ill say it again - I love these books. They are detailed histories of the US Comic market in general, obviously focusing on the big publishers and big events but also detailing smaller publishers and titles.
Sure, they can't cover everything but, even for a seasoned collector like me there is stuff I didn't know until I read each volume. And, for the most part, it's really interesting stuff. Obviously, earlier volumes have contained more "new" facts but even this one, which focuses on the decade during which I first started reading and collecting those little pieces of art from across the pond is fascinating. I knew Marvel nearly went bankrupt fairly recently, but I didn't know it nearly happened in the 70s, nor what saved them. I didn't reaslise all the behind-the-scenes machinations going on at the big-two companies (or how "nasty" some otherwise amiable people seemed to be), nor how big an industry the underground comics were.
I have always been fascinated by the history of comics and these books have both whetted my appetite for more facts on that history and brought back to life an interest in collecting the older stuff, not just buying the new.
Again, with this volume, the only downsides are that it gets a bit "listy" in places, some sections are almost repeated (as if the books have been put together from a series of articles and not proof-read as they were) and sometimes comes across as a bit rushed in places. Other than that, I can#t complain
Sure, they can't cover everything but, even for a seasoned collector like me there is stuff I didn't know until I read each volume. And, for the most part, it's really interesting stuff. Obviously, earlier volumes have contained more "new" facts but even this one, which focuses on the decade during which I first started reading and collecting those little pieces of art from across the pond is fascinating. I knew Marvel nearly went bankrupt fairly recently, but I didn't know it nearly happened in the 70s, nor what saved them. I didn't reaslise all the behind-the-scenes machinations going on at the big-two companies (or how "nasty" some otherwise amiable people seemed to be), nor how big an industry the underground comics were.
I have always been fascinated by the history of comics and these books have both whetted my appetite for more facts on that history and brought back to life an interest in collecting the older stuff, not just buying the new.
Again, with this volume, the only downsides are that it gets a bit "listy" in places, some sections are almost repeated (as if the books have been put together from a series of articles and not proof-read as they were) and sometimes comes across as a bit rushed in places. Other than that, I can#t complain
January 16, 2020
Being a comic book geek and very interested in the history of comics-- this edition contained a plethora of comic lore. Well-researched, comprehensive, and not boring to read. Chock full of interviews too! I cannot wait to read the rest in the series and worthy addition to anyone's library.
February 6, 2017
Just finished. Awesome. Covers all aspects of comics. I have the 50s and 60s to read next. Hopefully there will be books on the 40s and 90s. Great stuff.
July 5, 2019
Amazing details year by year
October 28, 2014
An amazing, comprehensive look at the comic book industry in the 1970s and a must read for any fan, regardless of when you were born. Since I grew up reading comics from this decade, the volume appealed to me more than the others in the series (though the ones I've read so far are exhaustively researched and documented) but equally as interesting.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews