I’ve had The Comic Book History of Comics on my wishlist for a while, and this summer, I finally got around to reading it. The book, written by Fred Van Lente and illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey, provides a fascinating exploration of the history of comic books. Our The Comic Book History of Comics review will cover its unique storytelling format, its exploration of comic book creators’ struggles, and why it’s a must-read for fans of comic book history.
What Is The Comic Book History of Comics About?
The Comic Book History of Comics is a graphic novel that provides a detailed examination of the evolution of comic books. Spanning over 200 pages, the book covers everything from the early days of comics to the rise of digital formats. Its comic-style presentation is engaging and ensures readers stay hooked, even as it dives into historical and technical details.
Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey pack a lot of information into this book without wasting space. They emphasize the importance of creators in the comic book industry while also highlighting how these creators have often been exploited by the companies for which they work. The book makes one point crystal clear: without creators, there would be no comic book industry.
The History of Comic Books: Key Themes
The Waves of the Comic Book Industry
One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of how comic book trends have changed over the years. The Comic Book History of Comics highlights how the industry has ridden waves of popularity, from superheroes to romance, crime, and horror comics. Readers gain insight into how creators adapted to shifting demands, ensuring the industry’s survival through decades of change.
The Struggles of Comic Book Creators
A central theme of the book is the struggle comic book creators face in maintaining ownership of their work. Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey explain complex topics, such as work-for-hire agreements and copyright laws, in a way that’s easy to understand. As an educator, I found these chapters so well-written that I would use them to teach copyright concepts if I were learning civics instead of computer science.
The authors also explore conflicts between creators themselves. Their nuanced account of the Ditko-Kirby-Lee dynamic is one of the best I’ve read. Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby are given the recognition they deserve, while Stan Lee receives a balanced portrayal. If you believe Stan Lee created all of Marvel’s iconic characters by himself, this book will challenge that perspective and encourage you to dig deeper into comic book history.
Beyond Marvel and DC: Underground Comics and More
While Marvel and DC often dominate discussions about comic books, The Comic Book History of Comics goes beyond the mainstream. The book dedicates panels to Robert Crumb and the underground comics movement, offering insights into a less-explored corner of comic book history. This section was particularly eye-opening for me, as I’ve never been deeply interested in underground comics. However, after reading this, I’m inspired to check out Crumb’s illustrated version of Genesis.
The book also examines how comics have gained recognition as an art form. While the medium is still underappreciated in the U.S., countries like France have long celebrated comics as high art. Van Lente and Dunlavey trace this transformation, showing how comics evolved from pulp entertainment to masterpieces like Alan Moore’s Watchmen.
What Makes The Comic Book History of Comics Stand Out?
A Balance Between Facts and Opinions
This is not just a dry history book. The authors offer thoughtful commentary on the comic book industry, critiquing economic practices and highlighting systemic issues, such as creator exploitation. They also avoid romanticizing creators, presenting them as real, flawed individuals.
Accessible and Engaging Format
The graphic novel format makes this book both accessible and entertaining. Even complex topics like copyright laws and the economics of comic books are presented in a way that’s easy to follow. As someone less familiar with anime, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the chapter on anime was.
The Only Downside: It’s Too Short
If there’s one complaint I have, it’s that the book feels too short. Each chapter could easily be expanded into its own standalone book. This is less a criticism and more a testament to the authors’ ability to leave readers wanting more.
Why Educators Should Care About This Book
In the final chapter, the authors discuss how comic books help us make sense of the world. This resonated with me as an educator. Comics, with their unique blend of visuals and text, are an untapped resource for teaching complex concepts. Imagine using comics to explain abstract ideas like Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. Van Lente and Dunlavey prove that comics can be a powerful medium for education.
Who Should Read The Comic Book History of Comics?
This book is perfect for:
- Comic book fans looking to dive deeper into the history of the medium.
- History buffs interested in how comics shaped and reflected culture.
- Educators exploring creative ways to teach complex topics.
- Anyone curious about the struggles and triumphs of comic book creators.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Fans of Comic Book History
The Comic Book History of Comics by Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey is a must-read for anyone interested in comic book history. It’s an engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking graphic novel that leaves readers with a deeper appreciation for the creators behind their favorite stories.
Also, check out our interview with Van Lente!
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Marvel and DC or just curious about how comics became a respected art form, this book has something for everyone. If you’ve ever wondered about the history of comics, the struggles of their creators, or the cultural significance of the medium, this is the book for you.
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