Cartoons Books

The space adventures and worlds envisioned by a classic DC Comics series edited by Julius Schwartz and written by Gardner Fox and John Broome is revealed in SILVER AGE SCI-FI COMPANION, a consider of the series stories of Strange Adventures and Mystery in Space which includes reviews of complete series and behind-the-scenes insights on writers and artists alike. Any Silver Age comics collector, library catering to them, or science fiction fan will relish the plot synopses and insights.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

The Silver Age Sci-Fi Companion is up to the standards of most TwoMorrows fare - expert coverage with interviews of the living comic book creators who were there when this stuff was all created. A lot of these comics were before my time so it was a great exposure to concepts that I had never known of (such as Space Museum or the Atomic Knights). There's even a look at which books were reprinted and when. This book provided me with days of reading enjoyment.

If you ever wondered where the inspiration came for these superheros and a bit of comic history, buy this book.

All of the comic history-related books TwoMorrows Publishing puts out are worthwhile, but this is the best one yet. Author Mike W. Barr really goes the extra mile here and it shows. Not just a dry recitation of facts, Barr weaves together interesting factoids and makes connections where you least expect it. Wonderfully illustrated with vintage art, there are plot synopses of the biggies like Adam Strange and the Atomic Knights but also obscure DC sci-fi creations like the Faceless Creatures (!) and Super-Chief. More fun than a visit to the Space Museum. Go out of your way to get this one. A+.

This was the twelfth Simpsons Comics book I've read and, while it's not the best of the dozen, it is still a very funny book and a must for the Simpsons comics connoisseur (you got to love the cover art). Here's what you get:

"Rhymes and Misdemeanors": Martin Prince is in love with Lisa and, when his love is unrequited, they both do battle in the form of poetry readings at a nightclub dissing each other.

"The Great Springfield Frink-Out": A giant mishap occurs at the Frink labs (actually someone put tin foil in the microwave). This event causes everything to be topsy-turvy in
Springfield, for example, Marge is the mayor, Homer is a mobster, Cecil is the celebrity clown, and Bart has ambitions to be as cool as Milhouse.

"Tiger Teen": Fun mock mini mag in the style of those old 16 and Tiger Beat teen magazines of our youth. Of course, this one features Homer's barber shop group Be Sharps ("Homer Answers 40 Intimate Questions"-is that a perfect copy of those teen magazines or what?). There are also a few familiar names of 80s pop stars on the cover ("Cory Hart Takes off his Sunglasses-Exclusive photos!")

"Burnsie on Board": Mr. Burns tries to live out his boyhood dream of being an Olympic skiing gold medalist by enlisting the help of Bart.

"To Live and Diaper in Springfield": To pay for an expensive toilet paper dispenser Homer desires from an extravagant shopping network, Marge starts a daycare center. Her attention to other babies (particularly the one with the single eyebrow) causes Maggie to run away.

"Fan-Tasty Island": Mr. Burns needs a rare toxin to get by the Coalition to Reduce Air Pollution. This toxin can only be found inside a wood carving on a remote island. The perfect cover-up is to send a family to find the treasure-the Simpsons, of course. Very funny comic, but the ending is a little far-fetched.

This was a wonderful book that I enjoyed reading. It contains some hillarious comics that made my stomach hurt from laughing. It is another wonder of the Bongo Comics Group. It is an assential for any true simpsons fan.

If you have read "The Simpsons: A complete guide of our favorite family", And "The Simpsons Forever", you're gonna find this book an exellent one, it answer a lot of questions about all the customes. An if do you like The Simpsons comic, it contains s lot of the best titles of this editions. Definitly you must have it.

For more than ten years "The Simpsons" animated television comedy has been a staple of the American television diet and popular with audiences around the world. Their antics and outrageous tales are also available in full color, comic book formats, the latest being the Titan Books anthology, Simpsons Comics A Go-Go. Here are to be found Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and all their friends, neighbors and fellow Springfield denizens in original, ribald, mind-bending, mad-science, alternate world stories that continue to demonstrate Matt Groening's genius for political and social satire, and flair for spoofing the sacred cows of polite society and contemporary culture. Simpsons Comics A Go-Go is "must" reading for all dedicated Simpson fans.

Rob's portrayal of characters and the trials and tribulations they encounter is hilarious and insightful. Those of us that work with Rob always look forward to his cartoons and caricatures; The Single File: The Complete Collection is no different. Rob has really nailed what it is to be thirty-something and newly-divorced. I bought extra copies for my family and friends.

Howells happy hour experience shines through in a book full of strips about a happless and divorced bunch of barflys who follow lead character Rob (actually based on Howell)through one misadventure after another. I read the strip when it was in a local weekly paper faithfully. Now, all of them are available in one volume. I haven't been through a divorce, but I've had my shair of breakups. Enough to know that The Single Files echoes real life situations. Sit at your local bar long enough and you'll know. Great book. Get one, you'll love it.

I am honored to have a copy of The Single File. I was/am part of "The Edge Group" and have seen Robbie draw many cartoons on napkins or anything writeable. I've kept a few of myself that he has drawn. Eventhough "Hal" is portrayed as single, I snagged him a couple of years ago. I love having my husband in a comic strip that Robbie, a dear friend of mine, has drawn. Even if you don't know the characters in the book personally, it's worth reading because so many single people can relate to it. BUY AND READ THIS BOOK!

If you like sitting around with your buds having a beer and griping about your ex wives and girlfriends, if youve ever been dumped, divorced, if you ever dialed a 900 number or answered a personal ad or went to therapy, this strip will be right up your alley. I had seen a few of Howells strips in a local paper and always thought they were funny, but when you sit down and read them all as one continuing storyline, they are really great. Howell is a budding talent and his personal experiences transfer to the comic well. His somewhat dry style at times is reminiscent of Doonsebury and some people will get it, others won't. The ones who do will love it. No doubt that most everyone has had friends like these characters. I highly enjoy Howells humor and I think other readers will as well.

So I havent done a review for any of the books I have bought but I firgure "why not?" I have all the volumes out so far in the states and I can't wait for the rest! Kyoko is by far the most determined character I've seen since sailor moon, and she doesnt even have super-powers! the best thing about kyoko, is that she is very believable. where sailor moon is fighting for love and justice and totally determined to save her friends and use the power of love to vanquish evil (a very respectable job by the way) Kyoko, on the other hand...lets just say that if she were in a magical school girl manga, she would probably try to take on the "final boss" in the first chapter, not to mention she'd probably be a princess (of course) if not that, then she would be the diablolicle "bad guy gone good" am I making any sense?

anyway, these books are fantastic and I love seeing Kyoko's and Rens relationship developing slowly, and I love the fact that she has convinced herself that no matter what she does, Ren will always be mad at her. plus, call me wierd if you will, I love the fact that Sho is becoming obsessed with Kyoko and Ren's relations ship...I just love it!! I'd say Kyoko is already hitting pretty hard on the revenge mark without even knowing it! its like the saying goes "you dont know what you have until you lose it" and I want Sho to suffer worse!

I love Skip Beat! and this volume is just as great as all the others. You get to see Ren trying to figure his feelings for Kyoko. But it ends right before you get to see what he is really thinking. I can't wait until the next volume comes out.

Itsumi Momose is a character actress playing the heroine in Dark Moon (a remake of Tsukigomori). The more she can tune in to the emotions of the person she's playing against, the better she can act. The more raw the emotion, the better.

No problem.

Kyoko's character, the dark and dangerous Mio Hongo, scares the HECK out of her. Actually, Mio is starting to scare the cast and crew too!

So Itsumi's acting is VERY realistic.

However, there's a problem -- and for once it's not Kyoko's fault! Ren Tsuruga has never truly been in love before, never known a forbidden temptation, never had to try to be normal when he's holding back his heart, so he doesn't know how to act that way. Retake after retake with him as the supposed "no retake king" has made him lost and locked up. It's as if he can't play the role anymore.

Itsumi just can't react to him properly. It's all very confusing and disappointing to her. Compared to super-famous super-actor superstar Ren Tsuruga, little novice Kyoko is doing a MUCH better job!

HA! As if Kyoko's going to take THAT compliment lying down! Itsumi just doesn't understand the power and ability of Ren Tsuruga! That's why Kyoko is going to do whatever it takes to bring Ren (aka "Satan" aka "Demon Lord") back to the stage... Hopefully without him eating her alive.

If only... Just maybe... There was a girl he liked... Who also just happened to be 16 (just like Itsumi's character) and in high school (just like Itsumi's character)... Yeah, someone like that would be perfect for him to learn about love... But who?

In this volume, Kyoko and Ren continue to work on this year's biggest drama, "Tsukigomori." Things are going smoothly until Ren has to portray his character's romantic feelings for a girl. The problem is, Ren has never been in love and does't know how to act it out. He is deeply bothered by this, and eventually has to stop working until he can figure out his character. Kyoko deeply respects Ren as an actor and wants to help him, but as his junior, she doesn't know how she can...

I thought this volume did an excellent job of portraying Ren's character. He's usually so calm and collected, but here, he's very confused. It's also funny that someone so mature and professional could be so clueless about love. I think these things make his character more realistic. I also liked that Kyoko's desire to help Ren was out of respect and not romantic interest. Don't get me wrong, I like the two as a couple, and I hope they get together eventually. But I feel that romances that develop slowly are the best in the end. Friendship and respect are most important, with romance following. Ren, though, seems to be beginning to realize his romantic interest in Kyoko. I liked the fact that Nakamura did not do this by having them play romantic opposites in the drama. Rather, the character Ren is playing forces him to think about his own life. And, by the way, the characters Ren and Kyoko play are well suited to their own personalities and situations.

Volume 11 has some of the best character development and interaction so far. Not the funniest in the series, but there are humorous moments here and there. Definitely worth it if you've been reading the series.

Dominic's cartoons are obviously drawn from his wide range of sports knowledge. He pokes fun at issues, ironies, and even stereotypes. Some of the cartoons are downright bold in there messages. But you don't have to be a sports nut to enjoy them or "get them". I got the biggest kick out of identifying the purely coincidental likenesses. (tounge in CHEEK!) It's just a fun book. Get it.

Spoil Sports goes where few have gone before. You finally get a look at the lives of the "role-models" and how these people relate to the real world. Never have I laughed so hard and hated the subject matter at the same time. A MUST READ...WITH PICTURES!!!

...and it's name is Spoil Sports! Before reading this book I was a man with a very limited understanding of sports or cartoons. And the combination of two would give me a headache like you wouldn't believe! Every time I tried to read to read the paper or watch the sports channel I would literally pass out from eye strain, sports migraine, sinus pain, lack of sane - I was so ashamed. I spent thousands of dollars, visited hundreds of specialists but to no avail. I thought I'd have to spend the rest of my life being despised, with this cursed affliction, a sports leper. Things we looking pretty grim, indeed. And then I met Dominic and read his book. I am now a new man, hell, I'm a man! I even grew more chest hair! Thanks to Dr. Dom and SpoilSports.com. Spoil Sports - makes you laugh, affirms your manhood.

I am a huge sports fan and love to watch,play and read about all different sports.This book captures the essence of sport in its current climate.Many hysterical cartoons depicting the self centered and hypocritical side of the pro athlete.Great book and awesome illustrations.

Read this book when it first came out in the early 70's. I think it is still my favorite book on the history of comics, and make sure you pick up the 2nd volume also.

A real must read. Enjoy

This is a great history of comics and the earlier pulp magazines. I used to have both volumes, but sold them during some rough financial times. Sterankp covers the history of the two genres well, in a short space. Most people take longer on one or the other and short change the second half. He shows how the pulps shifted into the comics, with many of the same writers, like Edmond Hamilton. Hamilton I knew only as a comic book writer for the Legion of Super Heroes. I saw reprint of his Starwolf sereis and bought it. T

I was only 10 years old when James Steranko's HISTORY OF COMIC BOOKS, Volume 1 was published but its impact hit me like a bullet. Up until then I had only been weened on comics published after 1960 (hence known as the SILVER AGE, of course) but it was here that I discovered the history and lore of comic book's GOLDEN AGE. Steranko, a brilliant artist, laced his book with a unique layout style that weaved his words around art samples and hundreds of old comic books and pulp magazine covers from that era. The result is a dazzling tableau that, while not a definitive history (Steranko merely stops at the pop art's greatest hits before the mid 1950's), is nontheless invaluable. His chapter on pulp magazines alone is something of a classic. Volume 2 rates just as high and lets hope Mr. Steranko publishes an anniversay edition since these books are a must for a new generation of comic book fans.

Jim Steranko did more for the comics medium than any other single artist since Windsor McCay, IMHO, and his book set is a MUST for anyone serious about the history of the comics. However it is a bit heavily slated towards the 1930's, with a lot of information about the pulps and little about developments in the late '60's and '70's, ironically the very period where his contribution was so important.

Jeffrey Metzner is ingenious with a nack for inventing things that one wishes they had invented. This book is a must have and will soon be incorporated into every art history textbook - I'm sure. I had the priveledge of being mentored by Jeffrey Metzner in advertising classes in SVA. All I can say is hopefully these prints are in production in a large scale signed by you! 1 of 1 signed Jeffrey Metzner! I'll pay any amount of money for "The Godfather."

I got this for my birthday. I am an art teacher and this was purchased for the art history portion of the book (I am a movie and history buff as well...so bonus) What a treat looking through this book and trying to guess what each stick person picure might be. I am planning on showing these to my graphic design students, what a great lesson in the making! It was the hit of the party!

This book is great. It offers the right amount of humor and portrays the scenes perfectly to the exact work. Jeffrey Metzner was one of my great friend and mentor when i attended the School of Visual Arts. Hes an aclaimed artist and a great guy to learn from. Highly recommended

Stick is a genius idea and a pleasure to read. This book is filled with interesting stick figure drawings of famous works of art, great moments in history and iconic images. Jeffrey Metzner's style is obviously simple but mentally interactive. And I never thought stick figures could be so beautifully humorous. This would make the perfect gift for literally anyone at any age. I know because I just flipped through the entire book with my 8 yr. old nephew and my 72 yr. old grandfather. We all three enjoyed it equally.

If you love NASCAR like I do you will love this book of 'toons. The Dale Earnhardt 'toons are priceless!! Enjoy :)

StockcarToons: Grins And Spins On The Winston Cup Circuit is a wry, lighthearted, and chuckle-inducing collection of cartoons drawn and captioned by Mike Smith about the good, the bad, and the ugly of car racing on the Winston Cup Circuit. The simply executed black-and-white 'toons completely capture the emotion and essence of the ironies in the sport, and how recent events such as a ban on cigarette advertising have affected it. StockcarToons would make a superb and greatly appreciated giftbook choice for any dedicated auto racing fan.

This book is a MUST HAVE for any NASCAR fan. It is hilarious! Mike Smith has a great sense of humor. Don't believe me? Check out his most recent "stockcartoons"...
You'll really like this book if you are an Anti-Jeff Gordon fan....although Mike Smith is nice to Gordon a few times.

The first thing I do every Friday is go to the website of the Las Vegas Sun and downloaded Mike Smith's latest cartoon on the previous NASCAR race! This book is a absolute must for the NASCAR Fan. Mike treats the reader with tongue in cheek humor and he handles the hard times in Nascar with comforting insight. His ability to draw our heroes is unparalleled! This is the perfect gift for any NASCAR Fan on your list. It will definitely be under my tree this Christmas....and I've probably seen them all!!!

Part of the Elseworlds series that D.C. began as a way to keep interest in their comics, SUPERMAN: KAL imagines a world where Kal-el (aka Superman) crash lands in the Dark Ages of Europe instead of 20th Century America. Adopted by two childless farming peasants, it is apparent from an early age that Kal has super abilities. His adopted father fears possible burning for witchcraft and has Kal promise that he will hide his abilities from others. Yet, the brute strength of the boy cannot be ignored and when Kal is a young man he is recruited by the local blacksmith to work in his forge. Kal immediately finds the city life in Lexford to be very different from life in the country. But Kal seems to adjust well and prospers under the tutelage of blacksmith Olls. However, Kal's life changes forever when he sees the fair Lady Loisse at a tournament held by Baron Luthor. Kal sets forth to win Lady Loisse's heart and hand, even if means fighting against the evil Baron Luthor and his eerily green gem necklace.

SUPERMAN: KAL doesn't unfold the way one might expect. Instead the story follows the pattern of classic romance literature, e.g. Morte D'Arthur or Ivanhoe. The story is well-crafted by the pen of Dave Gibbons (artist of WATCHMEN) and beautifully illustrated by the hand of Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. The story is told by Kal's old friend and even includes an ending that ties the tale to other famous romantic stories.

Even though I'm not a huge fan of the Elseworlds stories, I do enjoy the occasional "what if" yarn. Among the Superman Elseworlds stories, KAL is one of the better ones around. It's a great item for Superman fans and especially for Superman fans who have any interest in medieval/fantasy literature.

Set in feudal England (it's an Elseworld book), Kal's love, Loisse, is claimed by Baron Luthor as lord's first night privilege (I felt you should know this is a wrenching story for people who are too young). It is a beautiful story until then, set in a magical time. And it is told and drawn and colored beautifully throughout.

The story mirrors the traditional Superman story in several ways. Baby Kal was found by a farming couple, in a silver rocket pod. The childless woman cooed over the baby, "fresh laid by 'Eaven ... in a silver egg." As you would expect, Kal grew to a fine manhood, stronger than a bull (as can be attested to by the bull), and true of heart. When his heart is twined with the lovely Lady Loisse's, the baron's "ward" (but in reality his captive ever since her father, the town's Protector Lord Layne, was murdered), the stage is set for a wrenching final act.

The story is written very touchingly by Dave Gibbons. It is a wonderful tale, told in remembrance by Kal's friend. The story does not pound ahead pell-mell, skipping about in jarring scene changes, as some do. It gives you time to know the people and savor the story as it is laid out, but it does not lag; it gripped my attention without a thought of pausing part-way. Will Kal the farmer's son make a good blacksmith? What will happen when Lord Luthor demands armor from Kal, still an apprentice, that cannot be pierced by ANYTHING? For you fight-scene addicts, there are tournaments of jousting and strength, and clashes with the Baron's armored men, and finally it is Kal vs Luthor. And for you romanticists, there is the classic fall-in-love-at-first-sight story: Kal and Loisse are meant for each other.

The art, by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, is supreme, in what I think of as the classic style for Superman, very fine in execution, not at all cartoonish; leaning toward realism, but not so much as to be a wrong style for a comic book. Kal is appropriately strong and handsome,and you can read expression in his beautiful gray-blue eyes. Loisse, though not having "the look" I expect for Lois, is drawn very nicely, beautiful, but not demure - is she ever? The colors are in tune with what you might expect for that dark period of history, except brighter, not dark and murky; actually just bright enough to be called pretty, but no more than that, which is appropriate, because truly beautiful colors would not suit the story. This is the first book where I've realized how much influence the coloring has on the reader.

This is a wonderful story, where the story and art come together as if from the same hand. I'm sure you will love it.

An aside from the story: this book is listed as having unknown binding; mine has the typical TPB (Trade Paper-Back) square-spine paperback cover.

And now . . back to the story . . what will become of Kal's sword? Oooh - Kal has a sword? Read "Superman: Kal" to find out! I'm sure you will enjoy it, including you ladies. ;)

What if young Kal-el landed in England during the Dark Ages instead of 20th century America? That idea is the basis of this Elseworlds one-shot, written by Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons and drawn beautifully by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. The story unfolds tragically as we see young Kal grow older, discover his otherworldly abilities, fall in love with fair maiden Lady Loisse, and eventually take on Baron Luthor who wields a mysterious green glowing gem around his neck which makes Kal sick anytime he is near it. Gibbons' storytelling is almost mythic, and by the time you get to the final page, everything comes full circle making this one of the finest Superman stories ever told, and one that you've probably never heard of let alone read. If you can find this, pick this up, it's a masterpiece.

One of the finest Superman stories ever published. The writing by Dave Gibbons is mythic and the art work and design by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez is magnificent. Even the cover makes it look like a leather-bound illuminated manuscript.

What if Kal-el had landed in England during the Dark Ages instead of America in the 20th century? That is the heart of this tale, as told by James son of Olls. It is the story of a child fallen from heaven and found by simple peasants- peasants that must hide his powers lest there be talk of witchcraft. Then one day, the young Kal would travel to Lexford, stronghold the the black Baron Luthor and his ward, the fair Lady Loisse. The result reads more like a Shakespearian tragedy than a comic book.

It all makes sense really, for who else could drive a sword through a stone with his dieing strength?

Sutton's political cartoons show that he possesses keen observational skills and that his ability to discern correctly the elemental hypocrisy in the current political climate is much higher than most Americans. Unlike those Americans who have given up on the reality that politics could be honorable and good, Sutton still believes that honesty and intelligence are not only possible but required qualities in elected officials. Rather than being naive, Sutton's incredulity at the actions of politicians and government officials is more the product of a Cassandric prescience and an ability to read between the lines of government-speak & behavior to see where this all will go in the not-so distant future. Very smart. As I read this book, I kept having to recheck when the individual work was published, and each time the date showed that Sutton was way ahead of other critical voices in America, most of which were largely silent or complicit in the steamrolling of civil liberties and democratic governance after 09/11/01. What's more, he was right time and time again. Definitely recommended reading for anyone interested in the ability of the graphic arts to say things of value in times when saying valuable things is of the utmost importance.

That is the question. How does Ward Sutton manage to continue to come up with good ideas for his weekly cartoons? And by good I mean fabulously funny and incisive cartoons, week after week, year after year. For those not familiar with Sutton, his politics are well to the left of center, which means he's as eager to skewer Democrats as well as Republicans. No one gets off easy within the borders of a Sutton cartoon.

Though not all-inclusive, this volume gives readers a chance to enjoy Ward Sutton's distinctive take on current events (and excellent artwork) all in one place.
Out on the Left Coast we don't get the Village Voice, but I've enjoyed his panel comics in The Funny Times and when I've run across them in major publications.
Sutton is a gifted cartoonist whose work I've been able to follow since he drew the weekly strips for our college newspaper.
Get this book, you won't be disappointed!
Um Ya Ya!

Back in the 80s and early 90s when I was the staff political cartoonist for City Pages (now owned by the Village Voice) in Minneapolis and saw Ward Sutton's early comics in the Twin Cities Reader, I was not impressed. I never even bothered to pick up the TCR to look at his work, only looked at it when I saw a copy laying open at the laundromat or coffeeshop... But today he has evolved into by far my favorite comic artist. The work he has been doing for the Village Voice for the past few years is the best political comic art in the country. I show his work in the cartooning course I teach at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design as exemplary. It isn't exactly "political cartooning" and I would rather the term "political comic" be used so as not to totally snuff out what little is left of the former art form. Whatever you want to call it, it is inspired, expressive and direct from the gut. (Frankly I'm amazed the Voice would use anything this good!) My hats off to him for finding a way to use comic art to make incisive political commentary in a time when the traditional one-panel political cartoon has all but croaked.

Above all, good move getting out of Minneapolis, Sutton!