Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels is the first fully documented study to explore the graphic qualities of the comic book, and the development of the genre into a sophisticated and culturally revealing popular art form. The book traces the history of the comic from early cartoon-like woodcuts through to the graphic strips of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Organized thematically, it explores the various genres of the comic book, including humour, adventure, girls' comics, underground and alternative. The careers of the creators of the best-known characters -- from Superman and Tintin to Tank Girl -- are revealed, as are the stories behind much-loved comics such as The Beano and The Incredible Hulk. The most recent artists are also illustrated and discussed, including Harvey Kurtzman (Mad), Chris Donald (Viz), Art Spiegelman (Maus) and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira).
Synopsis
At a time when vintage comics are fetching huge prices at auction, this book traces the history of the medium from 'comic papers' for kids, through the underground 'comix' movement of the 1960s and 1970s, to the glossy book-format 'graphic novels' of today. Organized thematically, it investigates comic art's varied genres - including humour, adventure and titles for girls - and charts the rise, fall and revival of the medium. In so doing, Roger Sabin highlights the careers of the creators behind some of the best-known characters in modern fiction - from Superman to Sgt Rock, Tintin to Tank Girl and the Freak Brothers to the Fat Slags. Encompassing traditions from the USA, Britain, Europe and Japan, Comics, Comix and Graphic Novels presents the most complete and up-to-date survey of comic art available.