Agonizing Love: The Golden Era of Romance Comics - Softcover

Barson, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061807346 ISBN 13: 9780061807343

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks, 2011

Synopsis

Return to thetear-stained, melodramatic heyday of romance comics in this fantastic anthologyof the genre's best stories, covers, advice columns, and more! In a valentineto a bygone era, perfect for fans of modern love stories, Archie comics,and series like Strangers in Paradise, pop-culture expert Michael Barson celebrates the stories that captivated the Americanimagination during the 1950s and 1960s. Readers of books like From Girls to Grrrlz: A History of Female Comics From Teens to Zines will be captivated by this one-of-a-kind look atfour-color female portrayals, while collectors of the history of Golden Agecomics will be entranced by crucial stories from Fawcett, Marvel, DC, and manymore comics publishing giants. Above all, however, the indelible pathos at theheart of every Agonizing Love story makes Barson’scollection more than a pop-culture artifact; it’s also an unforgettable lookinto the heart of true romance.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Agonizing Love is a rich anthology of those legendary romance comic books that once filled newsstands to overflowing during their heyday in the 1940s and '50s. "I Craved His Kisses," "With Hate in My Heart," "Kisses Came Second," "Flame of Jealousy," "Was I a Wicked Wife?": these stories are just a taste of the absolutely riveting dramas that play out in the sob-racked pages of this evocative collection. Agonizing Love—is there any other kind?—runs the narrative gamut from honeymoon to heartbreak, first love to total loss, marital bliss to marriage hell, and all the stops in between. Throughout these colorful pages you will find a diverse selection of cover art and stories enhanced by a plethora of engaging quizzes ("Are You Ready for Marriage?"), confessional letters from readers, informative articles, tips on choosing the right man (or getting rid of the wrong one!), and oh, so much more!

Compiled and with witty, informative com-mentary by pop-culture expert Michael Barson, Agonizing Love is an irresistible treasure trove sure to please comic-book lovers, soap-opera fans, and die-hard romantics who could use a good slap in the face. This is a heartfelt, often tear-drenched valentine to a long lost—but never to be forgotten—era.

About the Author

Michael Barson is the author of more than a dozen books that celebrate popular culture. His work has appeared in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, Premiere, American Film, and AMC magazine, among other publications. His books and postcard anthologies include Lost, Lonely & Vicious, Born to Be Bad, Teenage Confidential, True West, and Red Scared! He lives in suburban New Jersey with his wife of twenty-six years who hasn't stopped weeping since tying the knot. They have three boys, none of whom has a clue about love or romance—yet.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0061807346
• ISBN 13: 9780061807343
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 208