Scan barcode
whatchareadingheather's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
This is 1000% a must-read for not only comic book lovers, but those interested in an in-depth history of publication (and boy is it lengthy). I love that this doesn't sugar coat or completely dismiss the racism, sexism, and homophobia that's existed in comics since the beginning and even more so now in today’s modern age with the rise of toxic fandom. It was also fascinating to learn about not just the development of the characters themselves, but also how much world events and pop culture really influence what kind of stories are being created, distribution and royalties, efforts on international marketing, and the rise of the Comic Con. There’s a bit of everything for whatever specific interest you may have regarding the comic book industry strongly suggest this in audiobook format.
august30th's review
4.0
This is the type of book I've been waiting years for. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was very interesting reading about the underground comix movement in the 60s/70s because the author managed to go in-depth and give great examples when it's rare to find much information now. None of this book was hard to get through and it was clearly very well-researched. Something to note is that it is not a superhero history book - it pays good attention to comics as a medium rather than just superhero comics. The author delved into social movements and representation as well, which was a nice surprise
I think the book became a little weaker when it got closer to modern day. Although it is difficult to look at recent times without bias and see what will stand out, it feels like the last chapter just had the author listing recent comic books rather than giving a well-developed history.
I think the book became a little weaker when it got closer to modern day. Although it is difficult to look at recent times without bias and see what will stand out, it feels like the last chapter just had the author listing recent comic books rather than giving a well-developed history.
andrewgraphics's review against another edition
4.0
What starts out as a look at the history of comics (strips and books), the depth it has in the early chapters becomes nothing more than a catalogue of comic books from the 80s onwards. Would have been nice to have gotten more analysis of trends over titles in the later part of the book, as he did for the chapter on underground comics of the 60s/70s.
darkmagyk's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A very complete history of American comics (as the title would suggest). It does not limit itself to superhero comics, coving underground comics, and comic strips. Lots of context and connections, not just what's happening in one pocket, but how the different choices influence other people in the comics community. The author is an American cultural scholar from Columbia University.
Content Warnings
Because it covers history it includes coverage of historic homophobia within psychology. As well as disruptions of graphic sexual and violent comics when discussing underground comics.
felixreads's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Overall, this is remarkably comprehensive history of American comics (in all forms). The author has a love for the medium that shows through in his prose. I have four criticisms:
1. At certain points, the author does not follow a chronological narrative, which can be confusing.
2. In the middle of the book, there are sections that feel a bit more like lists of comics and graphic novels rather than engaging historical discussion.
3. The descriptions of sexuality while discussing underground comics are, frankly, a bit over the top.
4. Dauber's politics come across very strongly. Progressivism in comics is consistently heralded as great improvement, while any whiff of libertarianism or conservatism is equated with misogyny and racism. This gets a little tiring, particularly when covering Marvel superhero comics of the 2010s.
1. At certain points, the author does not follow a chronological narrative, which can be confusing.
2. In the middle of the book, there are sections that feel a bit more like lists of comics and graphic novels rather than engaging historical discussion.
3. The descriptions of sexuality while discussing underground comics are, frankly, a bit over the top.
4. Dauber's politics come across very strongly. Progressivism in comics is consistently heralded as great improvement, while any whiff of libertarianism or conservatism is equated with misogyny and racism. This gets a little tiring, particularly when covering Marvel superhero comics of the 2010s.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault