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

Review

"'Here at last is an authoritative and beautifully produced history of this vigorous and versatile form, which covers as much of the whole field as a single book could.' Philip Pullman, The Guardian 'Isn't the only such book you'll find out there-just the best. Sabin is thorough and likes all the right people.' Newsweek 'A history of comics which frankly you won't be able to put down...full of entertaining insights...a complete delight.' Philip Hensher, Mail on Sunday 'As energetic as a jolt of double espresso - and as simultaneously appealing to both sophisticated and street sensibilities.' Reena Jana, Wired 'Beautifully produced, with colour pics throughout, and an intelligent text by one of the UK's real experts in (and lover's of) the field. Good idea then for that big xmas gift...Highly recommended.' Comics Forum"

About the Author

Roger Sabin is an arts journalist and lecturer at Central St Martin's College of Art, London. He has written about comics for numerous publications including the Guardian, Independent, The Sunday Times and New Statesman and Society and is also a frequent contributor to BBC radio. He is also the author of the highly acclaimed Adult Comics: An Introduction, 1993, and The Lasting of the Mohicans with Martin Barker, 1996. Author's Residence: London SW2

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Phaidon Press; Edition Unstated edition (April 24, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714839930
• ISBN-13: 978-0714839936
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 1 x 11.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #277,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > History & Price Guides

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

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.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not as great as people reviewed February 28, 2007

By Steve Abrams

I had this book for a class a little while ago and I have to agree with my professor that this book skips over a lot of important stuff in the "history of Comic Art". There is not nearly enough info about main stream publishers (Marvel and DC) and yet there are pages upon pages of independent works from the 70's. Don't get me wrong it's valuable information, BUT it's not balanced. It's like this book was written in the early 80's and written based on personal experiences and comic book tastes rather than hard research.