Funny Papers: Behind the Scenes of the Comics [Hardcover]

Elaine Scott (Author), Margaret Miller (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Surveys the history of comic strips, examines different kinds and examples, and discusses how they are created and marketed.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-This very readable and lively look at the world of comics will be a welcome and popular addition to library collections. From the appearance of the first cartoon in 1895 in the Sunday edition of New York World to the present, Scott traces the history of cartoons, comic strips, and comic books. She effectively explains the role of the editorial cartoon and the evolution of characters such as Blondie as a reflection of societal changes. Brief personal insights about and by well-known cartoonists, such as Hank Ketcham, the creator of Dennis the Menace, and Charles Schulz, are woven throughout the text. Details that will intrigue young readers include the fact that Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-Man, began his career as a teenager. Clear, informative explanations about syndication and the technical processes involved in printing and publishing the funny papers further enhance this photo essay. The black-and-white photos and samples of various comics reinforce the commentary. An entertaining and well-organized introduction to this unique print and art form.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. Collaborating once again with photographer Miller (see Look Alive: Behind the Scenes of an Animated Film ), Scott explores the world of the comics, both as art form and as cultural icon. Following a discussion of the genre's history, she explains gag strips, story strips, and editorial cartooning. She also describes how cartoons are created, sold, printed, and distributed. Personal comments from several cartoonists offer insight into their work and the characters they have created. For example, Mike Peters, the creator of "Mother Goose and Grimm," recounts his early struggles in school and explains how these experiences provided him with ideas for his strip. Reproductions of many comics appear throughout. There are also clear black-and-white photos detailing the publication process as well as candid shots of several cartoonists. A fascinating introduction to a little-known profession, this will be popular with browsers and would-be cartoonists alike. Kay Weisman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 90 pages
• Publisher: Morrow Junior Books; 1st edition (September 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688115756
• ISBN-13: 978-0688115753
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,162,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Rare Schulz Interview, April 26, 2003

By 

TexasReader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Funny Papers: Behind the Scenes of the Comics (Hardcover)

Mrs. Scott was one of only a few authors who was able to interview Charles Schulz. Her photo-illustrated book looks at the history of this American art form and profiles some of the best cartoonists in the business. Although it is "out of print," the book is available from Recorded Books as an unabridged audiobook with a print copy of the book. A must buy for any budding cartoonist.