Synopses & Reviews
The narrative possibilities of comics art and the accessibility of the form have made it one of the more innovative contemporary genres. Self-publishing and the Internet have given rise to new, autobiographical forms and an increasing number of authors draw from outside the mainstream, whether sexually, ethnically, or politically.
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In this richly illustrated and accessible survey, acclaimed author Paul Gravett considers the vast output of comics culture from the late 19th century to today, including syndicated comics, graphic novels, and contemporary art and illustration. From foundational masterpieces such as Rodolphe Topfferand#8217;s and Wilhelm Buschand#8217;s albums, George McManusand#8217;s Art Deco and#147;Bringing Up Father,and#8221; and Alex Raymondand#8217;s and#147;Flash Gordonand#8221; to the later retro stylings of Robert Crumb, Gravett considers lines of influence from around the world and examines how comics have shifted from supporting the status quo to becoming the voice of alternative subcultures. Gravett traces the major themes taking place in contemporary comics, noting the rise of publications that function as questioning, transgressive outlets for outsider stories and ideas, and includes the ways that folk art traditions are reinvigorating the form.
Review
and#8220;A remarkable achievement. Intensely detailed but never intimidating, [Comics Art] approaches this bizarre, wonderful medium with complete enthusiasm and a keen, articulate critical eye. If youand#8217;re looking for a primer on comics history, you wonand#8217;t find one better.and#8221;and#8212;Alasdair Stuart, Comic Heroes (five-star review)
Review
“A gem of a book”—Rachel Papachlimitzou, Aesthetica Comic Heroes
Review
“Richly illustrated and hugely informative”—Rachel Cooke, Observer Rachel Papachlimitzou - Aesthetica
Review
and#8220;Thereand#8217;s no better guide to the undiscovered wonders out there . . . [Comics Art] is the culmination of a lifetimeand#8217;s reading, collecting, and thinking. There are mind-blowing images on every page turn.and#8221;and#8212;Toby Litt, New Statesman
Review
“Sumptuously illustrated, internationalist in outlook, and very much up to the minute”—Teddy Jamieson, Sunday Herald Toby Litt - New Statesman
Review
“Wide-ranging . . . [and] compelling”—J.J. Charlesworth, ArtReview Teddy Jamieson - Sunday Herald
Review
and#8220;Always thought-provoking and informative . . . stunningly conveyed with an incisive selection of illustrations . . . insightful, celebratory, and a powerful advocate for its subject.and#8220;and#8212;Andy Oliver, Broken Frontier
Review
and#8220;[A] profusely illustrated analysis of the medium . . . Comics Art is valuable for its insights.and#8221;and#8212;David Luhrssen, Shepherd Express / Express Milwaukee
Review
and#8220;One of the most important and influential writers, curators, and thinkers about the medium . . . [Comics Art] covers a lot of ground and approaches comics in a number of very interesting ways.and#8221;and#8212;Alex Dueben, Comic Book Resources
Review
andldquo;Every fan seeking to connect to his or her deeper creative, appreciative, respectful inner geek needs to read
Comics Art.andrdquo;
andmdash;Daniel Rasmus, Pop Matters
Review
“[A] fast-moving, responsible overview”—Stephen Burt, Artforum Daniel Rasmus - Pop Matters
Review
andldquo;Multi-faceted . . . lavishly illustrated [and] international in scope . . . a book that will be read with interest by both comics fans and occasional readers of graphic novels.andrdquo;andmdash;Louis J. Kern, Key Reporter
Review
and#8220;A gem of a bookand#8221;and#8212;Rachel Papachlimitzou, Aesthetica
Review
and#8220;Richly illustrated and hugely informativeand#8221;and#8212;Rachel Cooke, Observer
Review
and#8220;Sumptuously illustrated, internationalist in outlook, and very much up to the minuteand#8221;and#8212;Teddy Jamieson, Sunday Herald
Review
and#8220;Wide-ranging . . . [and] compellingand#8221;and#8212;J.J. Charlesworth, ArtReview
Review
andldquo;[A] fast-moving, responsible overviewandrdquo;andmdash;Stephen Burt, Artforum
Synopsis
A fascinating overview of the history and influence of comics, ranging from the late 19th century to present-day graphic novels and the Internet
Synopsis
A fascinating overview of the history and influence of comics, ranging from the late 19th century to present-day graphic novels and the Internet
The narrative possibilities of comics art and the accessibility of the form have made it one of the more innovative contemporary genres. Self-publishing and the Internet have given rise to new, autobiographical forms and an increasing number of authors draw from outside the mainstream, whether sexually, ethnically, or politically.
In this richly illustrated and accessible survey, acclaimed author Paul Gravett considers the vast output of comics culture from the late 19th century to today, including syndicated comics, graphic novels, and contemporary art and illustration. From foundational masterpieces such as Rodolphe Topffer's and Wilhelm Busch's albums, George McManus's Art Deco "Bringing Up Father," and Alex Raymond's "Flash Gordon" to the later retro stylings of Robert Crumb, Gravett considers lines of influence from around the world and examines how comics have shifted from supporting the status quo to becoming the voice of alternative subcultures. Gravett traces the major themes taking place in contemporary comics, noting the rise of publications that function as questioning, transgressive outlets for outsider stories and ideas, and includes the ways that folk art traditions are reinvigorating the form.
Synopsis
In this fascinating survey, acclaimed author Paul Gravett considers the vast output of comics culture from the late 19th century to today, tracing international lines of influence and examining major themes in contemporary comics.
About the Author
Paul Gravett is a London-based freelance writer and curator who has worked in comics publishing and promotion since 1981. He was the founder of Escape Magazine and director of The Cartoon Art Trust, UK. He is the author of numerous books, including Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know and Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics.and#160;