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A review by felixreads
American Comics: A History by Jeremy Dauber
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