by Chris Ryall and Scott Tipton
I started reading mysteries (adult mysteries) when I was around 8 or 9. Since then I have discovered this whole community of likeminded fans. Well I was reading comics since I was about 5 and I know for a fact that comics fans abound in huge numbers. Recently there seems to be this feeling that comics are cool. Let me tell you, comics have always been cool. With this rise in acceptability there are a lot of new readers picking up comics. It feels on the surface that this is who this book is aimed at, but let me tell you as a long time fanboy my own self, this book is for the fans who know it all or the newcomers who want to learn it. Comic Books 101 is just what it sounds like. It starts with the strips back in the 30’s and comes right up to the Dark Knight returns. It covers the big name creators, the independent companies, the strange boom and fall of the late eighties and all points between.
I really enjoyed all the character studies and the illustrations through out were terrific.
What strikes me more than anything else about this book is the fact that both Chris Ryall and Scott Tipton obviously love comics and it show on every page.
Perfect for librarians who want a single reference book to consult or fans who remember when Flash was Jay Garrick only. A book that should be on the shelf of everyone who has ever read a comic and enjoyed it.
You need to buy Comic Books 101: The History, Methods and Madness
