Comics: A Global History, 1968 to the Present

Good overview of comics history since 1968, mainly in The US, Japan and the Franco-Belgian territories, with a few selected titles mentioned from other territories (Italy's Hugo Pratt and Guido Crepax, etc). The book is mostly about comics for older readers, so don't expect a lot of coverage of children's comics. Superheroes are mostly covered when the artist or writer has an 'artistic' edge, like in the case of Jack Kirby, Frank Miller, Alan Moore, etc. Newspaper strips are not covered, so no Calvin and Hobbes. What the book HAS got is a stunning overview of a lot of fascinating comics that would interest modern graphic novel readers, including a lot of foreign stuff that hasn't previously been covered in similar English language books. Some of this material has already been translated, some will hopefully be translated in the coming years. If that's what you're looking for, then this book is pretty definitive. Illustrations are well selected and well printed. It's a visually good looking book.

A jaw-dropping achievement spanning the globe. From the 60's to the present, this handsome, authoritative book is generously illustrated with accompanying examples of the art being discussed. Superheroes are acknowledged but not central to the variety of styles and subjects the book covers. Comics: The Modern History is about how simple marks on paper have risen to become a rich, eccentric, elegant art form. Frankly, I was shocked at what an amazing find this book is. 11 out of 10.

Great book!

An academic review of the recent history of comics. Personally, I'm not a fan of academics or their tone but the book is thoroughly researched and reasonably well written. If you're interested in the field than it's essential reading.

Great