Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History Of Comic Art [Paperback]

Roger Sabin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2001

For more than a century the comic book has been one of our most familiar, yet least appreciated popular art forms. As vehemently criticized as it is passionately defended, it has evolved from humble beginnings into a graphically sophisticated and culturally revealing medium. At a time when vintage comics are fetching huge prices at auction, this book traces the history of the medium from comic papers for kids, through the underground "comix" movements of the 1960s and '70s, to the glossy book-format "graphic novels" of today. Organized thematically, it investigates comic art's varied genres - including humour, adventure, underground and alternative - and charts the rise, fall and rise of the medium. In so doing, Roger Sabin highlights the careers of the creators behind some of the best-known characters in modern fiction - from Superman to Sid the Sexist, Tintin to Tank Girl. He examines not only the stars and "first wave" of comic art but also the names who are currently providing comics with a new lease of life, taking such familiar material as the manic clowning of Leo Baxendate ("The Beano"), the observational adventure of Frank Hampson ("Eagle"), the bombastic power-plays of Jack Kirby ("The Incredible Hulk") and the underground scatology of Robert Crumb ("Zap"), as well as less well-known themes and names: the surreal 1950s retro of Dan Cloves ("Eightball"), the gothic superheroics of Todd McFarlane ("Spawn"), the inspired lunacy of Chris Donald (

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

For many years, those interested in the history of the art of comics--from scholars to fans--had very few options. The available books were either filled with glaring errors or far too limited in their scope. Along comes Roger Sabin and his near-definitive history. The best thing about this book is that it begins with a strong foundation--that comics is a separate and unique artistic medium--and goes on to leave practically no stone unturned, from mainstream superheroes to underground work to Japanese manga to the new alternatives to the strong European tradition. There's even an entire chapter on comics by and aimed toward women, hopefully dispelling the myth that comics are just for boys. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

Arts journalist Sabine provides a British eye view of the origins of the comic strip and the comics industry with this heavily illustrated, comprehensive, brisk and lucidly written historical overview. Eschewing the usual antecedents (for example, the Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy), he starts with 17th-century English execution broadsheets (mass-produced woodcuts of public beheadings and the like) and the satirical engravings of Hogarth before locating the beginnings of the modern comic strip in such illustrated 19th-century British humor magazines as Punch. He is particularly enlightening when discussing the little-known, superbly illustrated Ally Sloper's Half Holiday from 1884, both a magazine and cartoon character that predate Richard Outcault's 1896 strip The Yellow Kid, usually credited with launching the modern American strip. Although there's much about British strips and publishers that will be new to American readers, Sabine does not slight U.S. comics, and his binational discussions of the industry's notoriously exploitative working conditions and women's comics is invaluable. This excellent treatment ends with a look at new alternative artists, the impact of Japanese comics (or manga) and animation (anime) and the current transformation of the comics market and comics distribution.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Phaidon Press (April 24, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714839930
• ISBN-13: 978-0714839936
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #613,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5/5, March 31, 2002

By 

Peter A. Carbonaro "Yes, THAT Peter Carbonaro." (Oceanside, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History Of Comic Art (Paperback)

An art form that is often dismissed as mere entertainment gets its due in this huge, entertaining and enlightening book. Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels is undoubtedly the most comprehensive study of the graphic qualities and cultural impact of comic art, tracing the history of the genre from early woodcuts to modern times. In addition to documenting the origins of established comics such as Tintin and Batman, the contributions and influence of recent artists, including Katsuhiro Otomo of Akira fame and Art Spiegelman (Maus) are also discussed in depth. In addition to the treasure trove of illustrations in the book, Sabin's text deftly balances the history of comic art as entertainment with the placement of these comics in a cultural context. However, despite his scholarly tone the book never comes across as high-handed or pretentious. Beautifully produced and consummately authoritative, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in popular culture.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, October 2, 2000

By 

"comixfan" (Springfield, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History Of Comic Art (Hardcover)

Truly one of the greatest "reference" books on the subject of the history of comix. I checked it out from a library to use as a reference for a term paper, and liked it so much that I bought it. The text is rich, and the pictures and illustrations are amazing. A magnificent and beautifully-put-together book.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading, December 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History Of Comic Art (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book. It's beautifully written, with quality reproductions. If you are looking for one book to sum up this genre, then this must surely be it. Little known (and completely useless) fact . . . This book 'stars' in the film Notting Hill! It is clearly visible in a scene with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant towards the end of the film. The book shop where the two leading characters meet is meant to be a travel book shop, so goodness knows how this particular title made it on to the shelves!