Whether you are a long time comic Book reader or just started reading comics, learning the history of the medium itself is always important. Going beyond the individual books and characters and exploring the process that many comic book companies went through in order to produce and maintain this important cultural aspect of Western history, is in it self interesting and worth reading about. The history of comic books is a rich and interesting one. There are many stories to read about and many interesting people that helped build this wonderful medium, one that I’m a huge fan of.
From Stan Lee to the amazing Scott Snyder, Batman and Spiderman, the Justice league and the Avengers, and many other elements of the comic book world(s), there are many books that explore the world of comic books, and this is my list of these books: (If you want to buy any of these books, just click on their titles)
I have to say that this is one of the best comic book related books I’ve ever read. From the framework of the book, the reader will understand Cronin’s goal of writing it. Having each chapter about a comic book company or a famous character is what Cronin did in this book. I think it’s a great way for any reader to understand and know about both the history of these companies and also the characters that they create. A wonderful and factual read that will help you first understand the origins of the trade and then delve into the rich history that it has.
From Stan Lee to the amazing Scott Snyder, Batman and Spiderman, the Justice league and the Avengers, and many other elements of the comic book world(s), there are many books that explore the world of comic books, and this is my list of these books: (If you want to buy any of these books, just click on their titles)
1. Was Superman a Spy? By, Brain Cronin
In addition to all that, Cronin’s humor throughout the book will add a sense of enjoyable aspect to the book. With that being said, Cronin knows when to joke and when to strictly state a fact and that’s what made this book one of my favorite comic book related books. The fact that this book has these two elements, humor and actual facts, shows you what Cronin intended on doing, giving you a book that not only a reader will enjoy, but also learn from.
2. Why Does Batman Carry Shark Repellent? Also by, Brain Cronin
If Cronin’s first book is not enough for yaaah, then you should also read this book. While the first book talks about the historical aspects of comic books, this book tackles the more funny and weird facts of comic books and not worrying or spending time on the factual side of these facts. Strange storylines and odd characters that either dead or are surprisingly still being used, this book has it all.
Chapters and chapters of funny and strange facts that will cover most of the comic book companies, all what makes this book an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book, as a short and fun read. Although this book has many historical elements, you should first read Cronin’s first book to get the full historical background of comic books. Because as a comic book reader you should know the history and the facts first and then enjoy the weird and strange aspects of it.
3. Superheroes! Capes and Crusaders in Comics and Films. By,Roz Kaveney
If you are looking for an academic approach to comic books, then this book is for you. Roz Kaveney is a British writer that discusses the concept of comic books as a genre of literature. She explores the different aspects of this world that comic book writers created and tries to relate it to our own world. For example, Kaveney examines the idea of being a superhero and what it means to be one. Kaveney adds an academic tone to her study, which is one of the things that I loved about this book.
Not to say that superheroes are normal human beings, but what Kaveney is trying to say is what if we examined them according to our own perspectives. Will they hold up to human’s point of views or ideas? This book tries to answer this question and many more.
I really enjoyed Kaveney’s book, it makes you think about the different elements that these complex comic book characters have.
4. Marvel Comics, the Untold Story. By, Sean Howe
I didn’t get the chance to read this book but I always wanted to know Marvel’s history. Being one of the biggest, if not the biggest, comic book company was not always the case. The company had it highs and lows and an interesting past.
This book will be my next read. I will review the book itself and also the history (or the untold history) of Marvel Comcis. Look out for this post in the near future. I can’t wait to start reading this book.
