World War 3 Illustrated: 1979-2014

World War 3 Illustrated

by Peter Kuper (Editor), Seth Tobocman (Editor), Bill Ayers (Introduction)

Founded in 1979 by Seth Tobocman and Peter Kuper, World War 3 Illustrated is a collective of first-time and professional artists who use confrontational comics to shine a little reality on the fantasy world of the American kleptocracy. This full-color retrospective exhibition is arranged thematically, and includes topic of housing rights, feminism, the environment, religion, police brutality, globalization, and depictions of conflicts from the Middle East to the Midwest. World War 3 Illustrated also illuminates the war we wage on each other—and sometimes the one taking place in our own minds. Contributors include Sue Coe, Eric Drooker, Fly, Sandy Jimenez, Sabrina Jones, Peter Kuper, Mac McGill, Kevin Pyle, Spain Rodriguez, Nicole Schulman, Seth Tobocman, Susan Willmarth, and dozens more.

Genres: History, Comics, Graphic Novels, Politics, Philosophy, Journalism, Graphic Novels Comics

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Peter Kuper is an American alternative comics artist and illustrator, renowned for his politically charged, socially conscious, and often autobiographical work. He co-founded the influential anthology World War 3 Illustrated, and is best known for his long-running reinvention of Spy vs. Spy for Mad magazine from 1997 to 2022. Kuper has produced numerous graphic novels, including award-winning adaptations of Franz Kafka’s Give It Up! and The Metamorphosis, as well as autobiographical works like Stop Forgetting To Remember and Diario de Oaxaca, documenting life, travel, and social struggles. His illustration work has appeared on covers and in publications such as Time, Newsweek, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. Kuper’s style often merges comics and illustration techniques, with both wordless narratives and text-driven storytelling, reflecting his belief that the two disciplines are inseparable. He has traveled extensively across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, often documenting these experiences in sketchbook journals. Kuper has taught courses on comics and illustration at the Parsons School of Design, the School of Visual Arts, and Harvard University’s first class on graphic novels. He has received numerous awards, including recognition from the Society of Newspaper Designers, the Society of Illustrators, and Eisner and NCS awards for his work. His comics combine sharp political commentary, personal observation, and inventive visual storytelling, establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary alternative comics and illustration.

Reviews

[The_J · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a sweep of history provided through this grimy lens. Founded on the doorstep of the Reagan Rebirth, we have a batch of whiny New York leftist-artists whining about World War 3. But of course rather than Carter weakness instead Peace through strength, and the destruction on the artist's companion philosophy. Don't worry just because the world didn't blow up, doesn't mean that there weren't other socialist virtues to espouse. Complaints about progress (including where a family was illegally subletting a place they left (charging more that the rent controlled price of course)). Change and Progress, all bad - vilify the Right! They failed to include any odes to the occupy movement, nor Al Gore the lock box savior, not even Obama's reign made the page, but the Tea Party certainly did. This volume stops in 2014, so we are bereft of most of the current Bete Noires, but I am sure wrapped in their Covid masks and waiting for their fourth vaccination, they are bemoaning the end of the world, and perhaps looking for the Russians or the Chinese for a promise of WW3.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection from WW3's comics over the years. The art deals with a number of contemporary pressing social issues, from racism to militarism, patriarchy, colonialism, environmental destruction, the oppression of labor, inequality, and so on. The collective seems to have been comprised of many NYC-based artists, so much of the focus is on NYC, particularly Bk (Brooklyn), the NYPD, 9/11, etc. The comics address George W. Bush, Hurricane Katrina, the invasion of Iraq, the Occupation of Palestine, the eco-crisis, Occupy Wall Street, and much more. This is a lovely testament to the power of art to change consciousness and represent reality in a practical-critical way.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to check this out for awhile and it did not disappoint. This is a great collection of poignant and insightful pieces spanning 35 years. The fascinating thing is that, unless there was particular context (names of political figures, countries, or historical events) it was hard to know when each piece was originally published. All the themes feel so current and relevant today. This was groundbreaking work when it started but is still important today.

[Rui Coelho · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings together some of the comics published in World War 3 Illustrated magazine over its first 40 years. It is not only an interesting historical record, but an important example of what comics can be in the service of change.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good look back on US and World history pre-2010 through the lens of political comics and zines. Through no fault of the book itself, it’s tough for me to really internalize the messages of the comics when so much has changed politically since its publication. It makes a good time capsule though.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

via NYPL - Good and important comics.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among other things, I'm impressed with World War 3's longevity. So many radical 'zines have come and gone since 1979. While those responsible for them never truly give up the fight, somehow so many of them fade away over time. The way between issues stretches ever longer until, one day, it's just gone. WW3 has persevered, and is apparently still going strong. Kudos to them! Now, more than ever, in these days of Fox News and Tea Parties, it's good to know that not everyone is lock-stepping over the cliff. There are still voices of dissent, still people fighting the good fight, bringing attention to injustice and hypocrisy all over the world. If this book gets you angry, galvanizes you to action, even simply moves you to tears, well, that's what it's for.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, nicely compiled anthology, and incredible, powerful work by some of my favorite artists. Several key WW3 artists have been a major influence on my own artistic development. It's a great comfort to thumb through the decades of history documented herein and recall the consistent energy of positive resistance brought to bear in some of the most shameful, dark moments we've lived through since the 80s. Standing ovation and hats off.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you consider yourself to be radical in any way, read this. If you want to learn about modern U.S. (and world) history told by the people as they experienced it, read this. The introduction has a line by Ayers describing this book as "a punch in the gut and a kick in the ass." Couldn't have said it better myself. This book will inspire you to action, will make you hurt for our world, while also giving you hope that we can heal our world together. Just read it.

[David James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirty-five years of highlights from the little anarco-punk comic that could. And still can. Good stuff. As another reviewer noted, it's amazing it has lasted so long, but that's a testament to the tenacity of an ever-evolving collective of contributors who believe in the cause. May they continue to do so.