Friday means many things to many people. For some, Friday is all about slow roasting something. For others, it’s about going to that first guys house, and eating that slow roasted thing. For others still, those bastards don’t even help with the dishes.
At iFanboy, Friday means it’s letter column time.
You write. We answer. Very simple.
As always, if you want to have your e-mail read on the any of our shows or answered here, keep them coming — contact@ifanboy.com
I was just wondering if there is any book on the history of comics that you’d recommend. I’ve been increasingly interested in learning more about the medium and the handful of documentaries that I’ve seen on the subject have not really been helpful to me. I’d really appreciate it.
Jesse
There certainly are! Actually, I love books on the history of the comics industry. We hear so many names from the past discussed, but most of us weren’t around, and don’t have time to be scholars of the field and learn all there is to know.
We’ve actually covered a lot of them throughout the years, since we all like them a lot too. As far as I’m concerned, before it was Stan and Jack, it all starts with Joe and Jack. Without Jack Kirby, it’s all different, but he had important collaborators. For some story, and a lot of art, read Kirby: King of Comics by Mark Evanier. You can also read Tales to Astonish, which is mostly about Kirby but really covers a lot of the golden and silver age. Then there’s the recent Joe Simon: My Life in Comics, which is, again, a lot about Kirby. It’s on my shelf, and I haven’t gotten to it yet, but Jordan Raphael and Tom Spurgeon wrote a book on Stan Lee too. One of Ron’s favorites is The Ten-Cent Plague about the devastation Dr. Wertham brought on comics in the 50’s. For more of what happened recently, there’s Comic Wars about the business of comics in the early 90s. Then just recently, Grant Morrison himself released his book Supergods, which has Grants version of comic book history. Sort of.
Finally, if you want to read a comic about comics, how about Comic Book Comics? Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey masterfully condense all sorts of comics lore into comic book form. They’re beautiful, entertaining, and very informative all at the same time.
I am always on the lookout for more great books on comics history, so please post your favorites below. There are many more.
Josh Flanagan
Are there any characters that you like that haven’t been mentioned as appearing in any of The New 52 books?
Last week I realized that Doctor Fate is nowhere to be found. Having only been reading comics since about 2005 the only time I’ve seen him in a comic was in the Countdown to Mystery mini before Final Crisis. I’m a fan of the more supernatural characters, so I’ve always been interested in Doctor Fate since his appearances in cartoons like Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited, and most recently Young Justice. So I was surprised when I realized that he’s not mentioned anywhere in any of The New 52. I guess he might show up in something like Justice League Dark, but who knows?
Also, I’m wondering if you’ve heard anything on the fate of Batman Beyond. I love that character and that world, and was disappointed that the series doesn’t appear to be part of the New DCU.
So aside from Doctor Fate and Batman Beyond, are there any other characters you’d like to see that have yet to be mentioned?
Ben from Columbia, Missouri
Dr. Fate is one of my favorite second (third?) tier characters. Always has been. I think it goes back to having the Doctor Fate Super Powers action figure as a kid. I didn’t know a lot about Doctor Fate at the time but I loved the character design and he always ended up playing a big role in the giant battles I staged on my bedroom floor. After that I always kept an eye out for Doctor Fate appearances and always tried out his (doomed) solo series. I have no doubt that Doctor Fate will show up at some point in the new DC Universe. As you said, probably over in Justice League Dark.
Who else would I like to see pop-up in the new DC Universe? This was a surprisingly tough question to answer. DC is putting out about ten more books a month than they did before the relaunch and that allows for a lot of characters to get page time, especially in the team books. That means that there will probably be room for characters like The Question, The Phantom Stranger, Aqualad, the New Gods, Captain Marvel, and for the eventual and inevitable return of Elongated Man.
As for Batman Beyond, as far as we know, and according to series writer Adam Beechen, that series is slated to return sometime next year. We’ll have to wait and see if it actually comes to pass.
Conor Kilpatrick
Finally, let’s end today with a letter from Steve, who imagines a world in the past…
I’ve been reading complete DVD collections of Avengers, Hulk, Iron Man, and Fantastic Four that were created a few years back (and damn Marvel for ending that contract before they put out Thor and Daredevil!).
Naturally, I also read the letters page which occasionally have a familiar name or two (ex. a young Walter Simonson and Mark Gruenwald) discussing the very details of which they would go on to perfect in their own comic books later. It’s intriguing to see how many comic discussions existed back then, and that they were about actual characterizations and motivation — the kind of honest and to-the-point discussions you find on excellent podcasts today (like yours). This was when readers had a tiny percentage of available communication vehicles back then. Of course, most of this banter took place on letters pages. Imagine not knowing what would happen next in your favorite Marvel or DC book (no indies back then) because there was no Previews, no internet, no blogs, no forums, no CNN or USA Today. The only downside was sometimes your favorite book would end and you wouldn’t know it until five months later when you gave up looking for it on the stands. All of this makes me wonder: What would you guys sound like if you were doing podcast reviews for a week’s release of books in the 1960s or ’70s…
Ron: Batman #236, Josh, did you get this?
Josh: No.
Ron: Dick Giordano nailed this! Anything he does these days is fantastic.
Conor: Frank Robbins really didn’t put much effort into the story, but I liked the Robin back-up.
Later…
Ron: The Amazing Spider-Man #100. I was NOT expecting this.
Josh: I don’t know. Four more arms? I get that Curt Connor’s formula might grow an extra arm, but FOUR? Come on…
Ron: And Harry’s back on drugs.
Josh: They need to do something with Gwen. I’m so tired of her whining.
Conor: I’m dropping this title again.
All right, I’m off to listen to John Lennon’s “Imagine” again. Thanks.
Steve
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Comic Book Nation by Bradford Wright is another good one on the history of comics. http://www.amazon.com/Comic-Book-Nation-Transformation-Culture/dp/080186514X
This is one of the best.
Steve is awesome.
Seconded.
And I wonder if they ever did anything with Gwen back then? Suddenly it was all about Mary Jane and Gwen just seemed to be forgotten about. Weird.
Agreed. That was the greatest thing I have read in a while.
I’m here all week.
And, seriously, thanks. I’ve actually given it real thought. Could iFanboy have enough to talk about if they reviewed a typical week in the 1970s? If it came down to it, I think they would. The big difference: almost all those stories were done-in-ones. No continuing stories to keep up with. Would make each review pretty succinct, you know?
BTW, read Stan Lee’s autobio, “Excelsior!” with George Mair. It’s pretty good, and also pretty tame. Don’t go looking for controversy there.
Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book is probably my favourite comics history book. http://books.google.com/books/about/Men_of_Tomorrow.html?id=_K0k9873AB4C
Ooh, yeah – that was a good one. Seconded.
Yup, I was going to say that.
Although I haven’t read that many of the comic book history books mentioned above, the only one that really gave a good yet thorough overview of comics throughout the century (what I’ve always been looking for) is Comic Book Comics, so I definitely second that recommendation to anyone who hasn’t read it.
I must second the recommendation of The Ten-Cent Plague. That book was excellent. And Kirby: King of Comics, is not only informative, it is absolutely beautiful to look at. So many great examples in their of why Kirby is the best ever.
I’ll second everyone here on the “Kirby: King of Comics” biography/art book. It’s a great read with beautifully big art work exactly the way Kirby deserves to be seen. Shame so much of the (written) story is Kirby getting ripped off by seemingly every comics publisher as he produced one astonishing issue after another (in every comics genre). An absolute must see/read for all comics fans.
I want to see some appearances from Jack Knight. James Robinson needs to let up on that deal he has with DC and allow them to use Jack Knight every once in awhile.
No. He doesn’t.
I love the Jack Knight Starman and while I am fine with leaving it a complete story, I’d probably read anywhere he showed up.
It would be really interesting to see him as an Earth-2 character, though. I hope the JSA book still holds the legacy aspect (how cool would it be if Wally took over for Jay Garrick on E-2??)
I’m a big fan of John Bell’s Invaders from the North: How Canada Conquered the Comic Book Universe:
http://books.google.com/books/about/Invaders_from_the_north.html?id=jLju98T3PQMC
Also, Jeffrey Brown (no, not the Top Shelf guy) did a really interesting scholarly book on the subject of diversity in comics, and the history of Milestone Comics specifically:
http://books.google.ca/books?id=z75PoTDIXHkC&pg=PT60&lpg=PT60&dq=%22Milestone+comics%22+%22jeffrey+brown%22&source=bl&ots=yLBbBdNfi-&sig=KhZbsR0lhKP7lENRoyFE5pbjL2w&hl=en&ei=mVNqTqHiIuPK0AHS_5zVBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CFIQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q&f=false:
I wrote my master thesis on the history of comic books (technically it was the thesis on the development of young America and youth culture told through the content of main stream comic books from 1938-1970 with a focus on Captain America comics, but for the sake of simplicity…it was on the history of comic books), the books suggested above are all great reads, but the most insightful and historically inclusive book is Bradford Wright’s “Comic Book Nation”, it should really be considered the seminal source for anybody interested in comic book history. As I write this I just realized I am not the first to suggest this book, which is just proof of the power of Bradford Wright’s work.
Also, check out some of the documentaries that have been made. Most docs are pretty biased, but are great sources for casual information. Check out the history channel documentary “Super Heroes Unmasked” DC Comics just released “Secret Origin” and Ron Mann’s “Comic Book Confidential” (Extremely concentrated on the more rebellious nature of comic book history, but over all an entertaining view)
I would pay $All for some kind of “time capsule” iFanboy episode.
Kavalier and Clay, although a work of fiction, is a wonderfully researched book about the early days of comics and definitely worth checking out. I agree that The 10 Cent Plague was pretty good as well.
I agree 100% on the Kavalier and Clay recommendation! Although a work of fiction, a LOT of it was based on actual fact, and some pretty famous comic creators make cameo appearances.
I’d add my recommendation to Kavalier and Clay as well. It’s a fantastic novel . . .
If you can find the 25th anniversary Marvel book, that’s a good look at that company through its various phases. Likewise, DC put out a book in the 90’s about its history. A lot of good nuggets in these.
And I would totally love to see a video show of the triumvirs in various period clothing talking about key issues in comics history. For example: newsboy outfits from the 30’s talking about Action Comics #1. Or disco outfits for some of the biggy issues of the 70’s. Really, I’d just like to see them capture the concept of seeing issues that would one day be landmark through the eyes of a person of that time. Like Watchmen #1. Or X-Men #1 (1991).
Men of Tomorrow: Geeks Gangsters and the Birth of the Comic Book is very interesting. Takes a biographical profile to the early movers and shakers.
Taschen’s DC 75th is a pretty nice historical record if you can afford it
I loved Dr Fate’s solo book, especially under Bill Loebs, with Inza Nelson under the bucket and acting as neighbourhood hero. I wish DC would collect it.
So far as characters who haven’t shown up yet (mind, I still have a couple to read) are concerned, I’d like to see the Challengers of the Unknown – after seeing how enjoyably Mark Guggenheim and Jerry Ordway presented them in JSA recently, I’d love them to have a crack at a series.
Bring back Detective Chimp dammit!
Les Daniels has a Superman specific one and a bunch of others. They have gotten me through a lot of college essays. So happy I am able to do that now. I know there’s more in my school library but just not sure of the titles.
Steve’s letter is fucking eerie. I totally heard the guy’s voices the moment the scenes played out. Spot on man.
COmit book heroes by Gerard johns is an outstanding history. I read the my favourite year ” chapter and was blown away. ( crisis, watchmen, dark knight etc). Highly recommended.
Comic , dammit !
From the moment that the reboot was annouced, I’ve been hoping that DC would use the opportunity to toss out Identity Crisis and bring back the old Ralph & Sue, so that’s probably who I’m most looking out for . . . oh, and Stephanie Brown, but, that’s a well covered subject on these threads already . . .
Dr. Fate in JL Dark would be great, but, doesn’t he also have Justice Society connections? Maybe he’s being saved (along with the Spectre) for Robinson’s Earth 2 series?
“Dick Giordano nailed this! Anything he does these days is fantastic.” is the funniest thing i’ve read all day. laughed out loud, literally
@Conor Love the Dr Fate Super Powers figure reference, thats the same reason I always liked him and didn’t really get into 3rd tier DCU characters until about 2 years ago with JSA and Blackest Night then those led to an obsession with the history of DC and its characters. Always thought Dr Fate looked cool as hell and remember clear as day a moment in 3rd grade having him and Batman from the Super Powers collection on my desk, they were my favorite two, then Flash, Firestorm and Martian Manhunter, good collection. Marvel Secret Wars figures were my favorites as I’ve always been a Marvel guy aside from Batman and the last cpl years. Image and Dark Horse opened some doors for my on and off again love for comix, and others like Harris and whatever Purgatori and Deity were on. Vampirella ,Lady Death, Grendel…..Gen13, wow, I forgot how many indie titles I was into back then. Anyway, didn’t know Fate was in Batman Beyond books, have to get an Omnibus of that or something. Also, they’re bringing JSA back at some point as you guys know and mentioned and hope Fate appears there like he had on and off again in the last JSA runs, he’s one of the original around the table man, c’mon…him Spectre, Deadman and The Demon Etrigan need to appear in Swamp Thing like in Alan Moores run, be a cool nod, and a cpl of them in JSA and would love love love to see them cross JSA with JLA Dark. Good columns as always, cheese n burritos.
I’m not aware of Dr. Fate being in BATMAN BEYOND. I think those were two separate points brought up by Ben.
I still have him on my bookcase. I always want him to have a good book but man I always seem dissapointed.
What’s the attraction to elongated man? I mean that honestly, because he just seems like Bland X Plastic Man to me. Same with giant/antman and wasp. Different strokes I guess. I did like suicidal ralph from 52 but that’s a whole different thing, i’d reckon.
The attraction to Elongated Man has very little to do with his super power, and very much to do with the way he is written as a character. He is an “every man” hero, who has a fantastic relationship with his wife, and is a great friend. He’s a funny guy and he is far smarter than people realize at fist. He’s not Batman when it comes to solving mysteries, but he isn’t far behind. He’s the guy you want to hang out with.
Thanks John.
His story in Starman is wonderful.