THE CLASSIC ERA OF AMERICAN COMICS - Nicky Wright (Contemporary Books 2000)

A survey of the golden age of American comic books profiles the pioneering artists who created them and discusses the various genres of comics, including superheroes, westerns, crime, horror, and science fiction.

Whether he is discussing how one company's failure became another's success, reviewing how the House UnAmerican Activities Committee destroyed EC Comics, or revealing the underlying bondage themes of early Wonder Woman adventures, Wright is well informed. And he tackles such central themes as funny animals, clowns, superheroes, girls (both good and bad), horror, crime, war, and romance. He does all this adequately. But he does not rise above the adequate, rivet the reader, or seem to offer information that has not been heard before. The layout often veers into the garish, which doesn't help. This book is recommended for public libraries that have an extensive collection of comics-related material. Other libraries would do better with The World Encyclopedia of Comics (LJ 11/198).DChris Ryan, New Milford, NJ
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.