The Comic Book Story of Basketball: A Fast-Break History of Hoops

by Fred Van Lente, Joseph Cooper

A fast-break history of basketball--from its humble beginnings to its all-time great players--featuring engaging true tales from the court and vivid, dynamic illustrations.

Whether it's millionaire pros facing off in an indoor arena full of screaming fans or a lone kid shooting hoops on an outdoor court, basketball is one of the most popular and widely played sports in the world. The Comic Book Story of Basketball gives you courtside seats to the history of hoops. It chronicles the sport from its beginnings in a YMCA in Massachusetts to its current status as a beloved international game for men and women of all ages. Learn the true stories behind the college game, the street game, the women's game, and the international game, with legendary players and coaches like Dr. J, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Steph Curry profiled throughout.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Sports, Nonfiction, History

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2020

About the author

Fred Van Lente is the New York Times-bestselling author of comics as varied as Archer & Armstrong (Harvey Award nominee, Best Series), Taskmaster, MODOK's 11, Amazing Spider-Man, Conan the Avenger, Weird Detective, and Cowboys & Aliens (upon which the 2011 movie was based), as well as the novels Ten Dead Comedians and The Con Artist.

Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers!, The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).

He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of basketball (or any sport really), but I am a fan of reading about almost anything in comic book form, so here we go . . .

I was surprised to find myself enjoying this fast and fun overview of the history of basketball. I assume dedicated fans will find it frustrating and want to argue about many specific points and how they are covered here, but as someone who is only aware of basketball when it shows up outside the sports section of news publications (and, hey, didn't Dr. J show up in Spalding ads in my comic books for a year?), I found it just right in its content and pacing. Actually, a lot of it overlaps with the history high points that Gene Luen Yang worked into this Dragon Hoops graphic novel that I read last year.

The focus is mostly on the careers of the sport's biggest superstars: Bob Cousy, George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. There are a few pages here and there given over to women (who really deserve there own book based on the tidbits here) and international players. There is intriguing reference made to basketball and Native Americans but it is more tantalizing than satisfying. Racism and a few gambling scandals are mentioned but not dwelled upon. Really, most negative aspects are glossed over including the treatment and exploitation of college players.

But hey, now I know why basketballs were all red, white, and blue when I was a kid and are all orange now.

[Michael Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up a hockey fan, so I knew little about basketball, as the NHL and NBA seasons coincide with each other. But over the past couple years, with my grandson making the high school varsity basketball team as a freshman and the social justice activism of the NBA and WNBA players, I want to pay more attention to the sport.

This comic book about the sport of basketball was a great introduction for someone like me to get my bearings on its history. I'm a little disappointed that there was very slight mention of our Detroit Pistons' Bad Boy seasons, but overall, it helped me understand the sport's roots and evolution.

Yes, this year I've begun watching Detroit Pistons games. Their record is 1-5 right now. But I'm enjoying watching the game like I never had before. Detroit City FC soccer is my #1 choice above all sports right now, but basketball has muscled in to push the NHL out (though I'll still keep an eye on my New Jersey Devils).

[Diane Reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reminder of how good basketball was. I was a big NBA fan in the 80s. The Lakers were my team. Loved that team! Dr. J brought me into the game, Kareem “hooked” me, and wow—Michael Jordan’s poster was on my wall. Wasn’t that on everyone’s wall?
I didn’t realize how young the game is. That part was fascinating. The background of some of my favorite players were expanded—who knew?!
The inclusion of Title IX was interesting. The inclusion of women and basketball was fascinating.
No mention of Kansas (well, barely with Chamberlain) was disappointing for this Jayhawks fan. Can you really have a thorough history of basketball without mentioning the Kansas University Jayhawks? #RockChalk

[Jeff]

this book is about the history of Basketball, the basketball inventor is Naismith James, In the history of basketball have two man basketball alliance one is ABA, one is very famous basketball alliance is NBA, in NBA history has many famous basketball player, for example, in the start of NBA, NBA very famous player is the first NBA big player, George MIKen, after 10 year, bill Russell and wilt Chamberlain ， after 10 year, Jabbar is is the famous player in the 1970-1980 this 10 year , in next 10 year, bird and magic play good in this 10 yers, in 1990 -1999, AIR Jordan is the 10year the most famous player, the history in the basketball is very long.

[Book_R.E.C.S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one and so did my pre-teen! The book focuses on the game of basketball, how it started and how it evolved. We liked the focus on some popular legendary players. The graphics were also amazing

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d never paid attention to basketball before the Bubble in 2020, have since fallen in love with the Portland Trail Blazers team and thought I should learn more about the history of the sport.
This book was such an enjoyable and accessible read for someone with no prior knowledge.

[Damon O'Hanlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting enough book, but… who thought it was a good idea to illustrate a giant hovering brain connected to four necks connected to four bodies without heads?? I understand the point you’re trying to illustrate, but damn! Make your art/ideas more charismatic than that.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a complete story, but a very good read

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because i like the sport basketball and i like the story and how it was created and put toghter.

[Pamela Minett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I hoped it would be. I borrowed it from the library and read it in one sitting, but I've already ordered it online because it's the sort of book that is fun to have around.

[Darby DeBonis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a basketball fan myself but my boyfriend is and overtime I have been exposed to the game, it’s players, and heard bits and pieces of it’s formation. To me, this comic book gave me an informative, exciting, and digestible overview of the game. So grateful to have picked this up and can’t wait to share with friends whether they are new to the game or already have a great love for the sport.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, basic history of basketball.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tell me the history about NBA, it let me know some interesting story about NBA, some famous players in NBA and who make basketball this sport and how can it be popular .