1,000 Comic Books You Must Read
Grade 9 Up—Isabella knows comics, and, more importantly, loves them. His appreciation for the format is evident in this tribute to seven decades of cartoons. Excellent full-color reproductions of each cover accompanied by bibliographic information, and a short paragraph explaining why the title was selected for inclusion, are organized chronologically by decade. This sequence allows readers to witness the evolution of comics over time. Opening with a tribute to Superman and the important role that he played in the creation of early comics, the book features titles published through 2008. Beginning with the 1940s, each decade is introduced with a synopsis of comics produced during that period. This arrangement makes for excellent casual browsing, for an interesting lesson in the history of the format, and for an enjoyable trip down memory lane for adults. The diversity of selections provides treats for all. Offerings include everything from Donald Duck, Our Gang, Patsy Walker, Archie, and Captain America to Mousegard, Civil War, The Simpsons, and Usagi Yojimbo. The author's writing is clever and concise. In the acknowledgements, he credits a long list of individuals who provided suggestions and input for the final product. Color-coded pages and side margins facilitate ease in locating specific decades. Even readers who know little about graphic format will be captivated by Isabella's vivid synopsis of the world of comic books.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.