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Understanding Superhero Comic Books: A History of Key Elements, Creators, Events and Controversies
This work dissects the origin and growth of superhero comic books, their major influences, and the creators behind them. It demonstrates how Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America and many more stand as time capsules of their eras, rising and falling with societal changes, and reflecting an amalgam of influences. The book covers in detail the iconic superhero comic book creators and their unique contributions in their quest for realism, including Julius Schwartz and the science-fiction origins of superheroes; the collaborative design of the Marvel Universe by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko; Jim Starlin's incorporation of the death of superheroes in comic books; John Byrne and the revitalization of superheroes in the modern age; and Alan Moore's deconstruction of superheroes.
- GenresNonfictionComics
581 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2023
7 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 9, 2023
Comic Book superstar Jim Steranko provides the foreword for author Alex Grand’s new book from McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers: Understanding Superhero Comic Books: A History Of Key Elements, Creator, Events And Controversies.
I love superhero comic books. I’ve been reading and collecting them since I was five years old. I’m seventy years old now.
As much as I love superhero comic books I also love reading about the history of the genre.
As a graphic designer and artist the history behind the art and writing of superhero comic books fascinates me.
I have a vast library of books about the history of superhero comic books (and other genres), the publishers, artists, writers and the inner workings of how they were produced and more.
In Understanding Superhero Comic Books the early genesis and history of comic books are explained and examined,
From there the book delves deeply into the birth of the “modern’ comic book format beginning in the early 20th Century and then proceeds to examine each ‘Age’ of comic books.
The author then explores the superhero genre as envisioned by DC Comics, Marvel Comics and other publishers starting with the Golden Age, then the dawn of the Silver Age up until the Modern Age.
Key creators are given their due such as Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, John Byrne and many others.
A fitting tribute is given to those creators who have passed on, women comic book artists and writers, black comic book characters and much more.
It’s an extremely well-written and researched book which to my delight contained information I did not know.
I enjoyed each section (peppered with art) and learned a great deal.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9
I love superhero comic books. I’ve been reading and collecting them since I was five years old. I’m seventy years old now.
As much as I love superhero comic books I also love reading about the history of the genre.
As a graphic designer and artist the history behind the art and writing of superhero comic books fascinates me.
I have a vast library of books about the history of superhero comic books (and other genres), the publishers, artists, writers and the inner workings of how they were produced and more.
In Understanding Superhero Comic Books the early genesis and history of comic books are explained and examined,
From there the book delves deeply into the birth of the “modern’ comic book format beginning in the early 20th Century and then proceeds to examine each ‘Age’ of comic books.
The author then explores the superhero genre as envisioned by DC Comics, Marvel Comics and other publishers starting with the Golden Age, then the dawn of the Silver Age up until the Modern Age.
Key creators are given their due such as Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, John Byrne and many others.
A fitting tribute is given to those creators who have passed on, women comic book artists and writers, black comic book characters and much more.
It’s an extremely well-written and researched book which to my delight contained information I did not know.
I enjoyed each section (peppered with art) and learned a great deal.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9
June 30, 2023
I know alot about comics and I was shocked to find out that there is alot that I don't know. This book straight up EDUCATED me about what is what with superheroes and comic books and why the two do so well together. The pre comics era was amazing, I didn't know that tarzan and amazing stories had anything to do with the superheroes I love, and crazy what the industry did to Jerry Siegel and Jack Kirby, and didn't realize how important these guys were til this. How comics grew with Julius Schwartz was so informative, and the Starlin stuff, wow! thank you!
June 30, 2023
I had no idea that comic strips and the old movies fed so much into Batman and Superman, and Fredric Wertham just trashed comics, I didn't realize what he actually did until this, and why the Flash is so important. and the relationship between Wolverine and Dirty Harry, brilliant. From Flash to Spider-Man to Doctor Manhattan, amazing, I hope there's a sequel!
June 29, 2023
Such a well written journey and history of superhero comics. I didn't know that most of the stuff we read today had been done before somewhere else. Alot of detail written in a well engaging way. This really effectively fills the void for the never to occur Steranko's history of comics volume 3. Great addition to my collection. thank you!
November 10, 2025
Very informative
June 29, 2023
Incredible history of the American superhero hero comic book from its humble beginnings and what forces came together in its creation to its growth and evolution over the last 100 years. All the pertinent info was all here, amazing!
January 14, 2023
Huge fan of this book made by the journalist who sits on panels at Comic Con and is the creator of the Comic Book Historian youtube channel. Love love love.
August 10, 2024
Solid, thorough, and entertaining exploration of the different eras of comic books with fascinating comparisons along the way, and a fair look at many of the controversies.
September 14, 2023
In today's era, releasing a Marvel or DC superhero film is nothing short of a global spectacle. Yet, how many are genuinely acquainted with the roots of these iconic superheroes, the chronicles of the comic books they emerged from, or the evolution of their fandom? Understanding Superhero Comic Books by Alex Grand is a masterful exploration of the pivotal moments and influencers that have sculpted modern superhero comic books.
Grand's narrative interweaves the tapestry of classic Hollywood cinema with the Golden Age of comics, revealing intriguing parallels such as Wolverine's unresolved anger juxtaposed with that of the legendary Popeye. The depth of research is palpable, drawing from a rich repository of past interviews, seminal essays, and iconic comic strips. Further enriching the content are conversations that Grand has had with several luminaries, providing firsthand insights.
One standout segment involves Trina Robbins, a trailblazer as the first woman to illustrate Wonder Woman. Through her interview, readers are granted a window into the pivotal role of women in the comic book saga.
While Understanding Superhero Comic Books is generously peppered with comic images, underscoring the narrative, the text can be richly dense, adopting a more academic resonance. However, this depth only highlights its treasure trove of insights, making it indispensable for aficionados keen to delve into the genesis of their cherished superheroes.
Alex Grand crafts an opus that is enlightening and a pleasure to read. Whether one approaches this book out of nostalgic reverence or scholarly curiosity, Grand proves to be a maestro, offering a magnum opus on the history and metamorphosis of superhero comic books.
Grand's narrative interweaves the tapestry of classic Hollywood cinema with the Golden Age of comics, revealing intriguing parallels such as Wolverine's unresolved anger juxtaposed with that of the legendary Popeye. The depth of research is palpable, drawing from a rich repository of past interviews, seminal essays, and iconic comic strips. Further enriching the content are conversations that Grand has had with several luminaries, providing firsthand insights.
One standout segment involves Trina Robbins, a trailblazer as the first woman to illustrate Wonder Woman. Through her interview, readers are granted a window into the pivotal role of women in the comic book saga.
While Understanding Superhero Comic Books is generously peppered with comic images, underscoring the narrative, the text can be richly dense, adopting a more academic resonance. However, this depth only highlights its treasure trove of insights, making it indispensable for aficionados keen to delve into the genesis of their cherished superheroes.
Alex Grand crafts an opus that is enlightening and a pleasure to read. Whether one approaches this book out of nostalgic reverence or scholarly curiosity, Grand proves to be a maestro, offering a magnum opus on the history and metamorphosis of superhero comic books.
October 15, 2025
Superhero comic books: to many people they feature a bunch of costumed good guys fighting a bunch of costumed bad guys. The good guys always win.
That may have been true at one time but today’s superhero comic books are anything but predictable and formulaic.
Over the past several decades superhero comic books have tackled every conceivable aspect of society, embraced creativity and dared to push the envelope of what it means to be a comic book.
In Understanding Superhero Comic Books by author Alex Grand (with a foreword by comic book legend Jim Steranko) and McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, explores a history of key elements, creators, events and controversies.
The book explores the origin and genesis of superhero comic books and characters, the creators behind them, controversies, their relevancy to their times, elements explored and other aspects including the popularity of superheroes.
Discover how superhero comic books changed and metamorphosed over the decades, their influence on popular culture and how they continue to evolve, reflect current trends and modify and revolutionize panel-to-panel story-telling.
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
That may have been true at one time but today’s superhero comic books are anything but predictable and formulaic.
Over the past several decades superhero comic books have tackled every conceivable aspect of society, embraced creativity and dared to push the envelope of what it means to be a comic book.
In Understanding Superhero Comic Books by author Alex Grand (with a foreword by comic book legend Jim Steranko) and McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, explores a history of key elements, creators, events and controversies.
The book explores the origin and genesis of superhero comic books and characters, the creators behind them, controversies, their relevancy to their times, elements explored and other aspects including the popularity of superheroes.
Discover how superhero comic books changed and metamorphosed over the decades, their influence on popular culture and how they continue to evolve, reflect current trends and modify and revolutionize panel-to-panel story-telling.
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
November 7, 2023
Marvel and DC superhero films are global phenomena, but "Understanding Superhero Comic Books" by Alex Grand delves deep into the origins and development of these beloved characters and their stories. Grand blends the rise of superhero comics with classic Hollywood, offering detailed research and interviews with industry veterans like Trina Robbins, the first woman to draw Wonder Woman. Though academic in tone, the book is a treasure trove for fans and scholars alike, eager to understand the evolution of superhero lore.
November 7, 2023
Alex Grand's book "Understanding Superhero Comic Books" chronicles the rise and transformation of the superhero genre from its early days to the present. It presents a detailed narrative on the creators and historical context that shaped iconic heroes. The work is a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts seeking to grasp the multifaceted history of superhero comics, and the foreword by Steranko is legendary, cementing this book as the continuation of the Steranko history of comics!
June 27, 2023
Okay this book blew my mind, I had no clue about where superhero comic books came from, the people behind them and why they got more intense over the years this totally explains it. The Stan, Jack and Steve stuff at marvel was fascinating. Really broke it down and I had no idea that Superman and DC did what they did, really well done!
November 7, 2023
Alex Grand's book takes a deep look at comic book history, from the early days to modern movies. He shares how comics were a big part of his life, even as a doctor, and now writes about their history and how they reflect social changes. His book isn't about every comic ever made, but it's a detailed guide to superhero stories with lots of expert views and pictures.
November 7, 2023
Alex Grand runs a website about comic book history and has a new book that looks at how superhero comics started and changed over time. His book also talks about famous comic book creators and the struggles for credit in the industry. It includes different sections on the history of comic books and the people who made them.
June 27, 2023
Wow! What an incredible book!!!! So much research and references was put into this. I felt the organization of this book and the editing were outstanding. This is a historical masterpiece. It felt great to have this in my personal collection.
July 7, 2023
WOW- Incredible history on superhero comic books. Anyone interested in comic history-NEEDS THIS IN THEIR COLLECTION. The quality of print and publishing was amazing too. The references to this gem, was vast. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 9, 2023
The best history of superhero comic books out there, from start to finish. I enjoyed the connection of Douglas Fairbanks and Dick Tracy to Batman, and I also how comic makers have to keep these types of fantasy stories relatable and realistic to keep readers coming back. genius.
June 2, 2024
Fantastic narrative woven throughout the comic book world – great mix of eras, influences, and a full history of the medium and its creators. Well written - a deep dive and an easy read.
December 17, 2025
the book had a lot of important information regarding the origins of comics and the different "ages" were broken down an a way that is easier to digest.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews