Customer Reviews

Archie: The Best of Dan Decarlo Volume 1

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Good news: the quality of the reprints are exceptional. Most are from the original art, the coloring is superb, the glossy hardcover binding looks very nice. The stories themselves are almost all from the 1960s (with full credits up front too; a nice touch), the prime period of DeCarlo's output, and for just that reason alone deserves five stars. However, the volume is only 150 pages...pretty skimpy for 25 bucks. And, sadly, there's practically no mention of DeCarlo himself. There's just a skimpy bio in the back of the book, barely half a page. And no photo of the man, either. If IDW wants to really do Archie justice with future volumes, they need to do a much better job presentation-wise.

"Archie - The Best Of Dan DeCarlo, v.1"
(IDW Books, 2010)
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This is an absolutely gorgeous, luxurious coffee-table reissue book, featuring a trove of classic comics by the the great Dan DeCarlo, generally considered the definitive "Archie" comics artist. Many things make this a great book: the smooth-lined, confident artwork is exquisite; if you are a fan of "Love And Rockets" co-creator Jaime Hernandez, then you'll delight in reading one of his main influences. The story selection is top-notch as well, a better-than-usual representation of classic Archie strips, with plenty of Betty & Veronica "good girl" art, hilarious gags and deliciously retro '60s fashion. Finally, the book itself, as an object of material culture, is fantastic. About 50% larger than a regular comicbook, hardbound, with sleek, thick, glossy pages and gorgeously clean reproductions of the original art (and bright, bold colors), this book is a delight to hold and to page through.

Great stuff. I can't wait for IDW to publish Volume Two! (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain book reviews)

I think my wife put it best.
"This is Archie for us grown ups with bad eyes!"
Seriously, Archie, in big format, big print, in big, bright color! Digests, for the young at heart and not so young in body! IDW and Archie have joined forces to celebrate Dan Decarlo (1919-2002) in this first volume sure to turn the collecting worlds' heads and wallets.
A few words come to mind after reading this giant tome.
Oustanding. Historic. Memorable. Iconic. Celebratory. Overdue.
Since the passing of two longtime Archie executives, Archie has joined the 2000's with his New look art, with daring storylines, and now the first of (hopefully) many hardcover books featuring their stars. The comic book market has changed irrevocably, and IDW/Archie have hit the mark. This is one book that will appeal to both comic store buyers AND the elusive book story market. Everyone remembers Archie, and right alongside the giant Popeye series (Fantagraphics), DC/Marvel Golden age reprints, Archie can sit proudly.
This is a great move that will certainly bring readers back to the longest standing private company in publishing.
In terms of content, these tales run from 1958 to 1969. Written by Frank Doyle or George Gladir, penciled by Dan Decarlo , inked by Rudy Lapick, and lettered by Bill Yoshida, the 26 stories have universal appeal. I had to pry this book from my 13 year old sons' hands to write this!
I cannot say this enough, but will paraphrase Shakespeare for my closing comment.
"I came not to criticize IDW/Archie, but to praise it."
I cannot wait for the next book!
Tim Lasiuta

Resembling one of those hardcover British annuals I used to receive as gifts as child, this volume of Dan DeCarlo's work for Archie comics is a wonderful coffee table book and keepsake.

All the stories are taken from the "Betty and Veronica" comics during the 1959-1970 era from the looks of it.

150 beautiful high-quality glossy pages contain nice larger print comic stories in vibrant color. I had seen some of these stories back in the '70s in the Archie Digests, which of course were much smaller and on cheap, newsprint-type pages.

The cover states this is Volume I, so hopefully there will be more of these on the way.

At just a little over $15, this book is a steal!

A great "best of" book. I am eager for volume 2! This is larger than a regular comic, and the paper is glossy and high quality. I wish the book was longer. I am a huge fan and want to read more. I love the look of the gang here--a very iconic bit of Archie drawing! The review about the skimpy bio was right--not too much info on the man (DeCarlo) and a mere sketch of his face are all this book has to offer. Would love to read a richer, in-depth book about the company, the staff, and the characters from a research point of view. So far, comics are their staple.

Excellent book for any fans of Archie and Dan DeCarlo. Wonderful stories with great color and printing.

Great book!! I'm a fan of Dan DeCarlo's artwork. He is my favorite Archie artist, so I'm glad this book features only his stories. It is a sturdy, deluxe big hardcover book with glossy pages and beautifully reproduced artwork. A book you can proudly display on your coffee table. A better presentation than the Americana series. They are all Betty and Veronica stories, but I don't mind because I like the girl artwork. He really knew how to capture the female form. Very visually pleasing! I definitely will buy future DeCarlo volumes. My only wish is that the publisher will do a volume of "Josie and the Pussycats: The Best of Dan DeCarlo."
Please give us a Josie book.

A suggestion for future volumes:
Include cover art and the fashion pin-ups. Some of the covers were beautiful and it would be nice to have big sized full-page reproductions of them as well as the stories.

I always loved the work of Dan Decarlo...long before I knew what his name was. And I knew if I picked up an Archie comic, or a Laugh comic, there might be one Dan Decarlo story in the bunch. But if I bought a Betty and Veronica, then I knew every story would be illustrated by Dan. So that is where my money went.

I guess I cannot write a review for those who are unfamiliar with Dan's work. All I can say is how much I have enjoyed the work of Dan Decarlo and how much I enjoyed reading this coffee table edition.