- Hardcover: 744 pages
- Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (26 Nov 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0810949695
- ISBN-13: 978-0810949690
- Product Dimensions: 16.9 x 24.2 x 5.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 250,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
A lavishly illustrated volume of large-format photography features original comic book artwork that depicts DC Comics's most significant characters and artists, in a tribute that showcases both pop-culture favorites and lesser-known classics, complemented by introductory essays and researched inform
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Hardcover
As the author acknowledges in the short forward to this collection of "Golden Age" D.C. images, the format he has chosen, "letterbox"/horizontal is an odd choice. It means the comicbook covers, which makes up a fair percentage of the book, can't be shown in full. The images have to be cropped or magnified to fit the shape.
This, however, does make the reader consider the detail of each picture and they stand up surprisingly well, considering they were seen as pretty much disposable when produced, and the original production values, colour, ink, paper etc were well below those available now.
Although not above the occassional laugh at their material (usually understandable...who could fail to laugh at "The Red Guacho...just a man and his banana" (Apr 14))the authors are generally respectful of the creators.
Not presented in sequence, and spanning almost 20 years, the pictures do, however, tell a continuing story, or at least do show various themes, for example, the rise of the popularity of superheroes, then their decline, the influence of War propoganda and the censorship debate in the U.S.
All of DC's enduring characters, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman et al are given plenty of exposure but also lots of lesser lights; e.g. Captain Marvel Junior features more than you may expect, probably because of authors like his artist, Mac Raboy's work so much.
This collection features early work by many comicbook greats, e.g Jack Kirby and Frank Frazetta, and this was an aspect I personally found most interesting. It's a pity that room couldn't have been found for some short biographies of the major players.
It is also a pity that "Chip Kidd" is only one of the compilers...if featured in the book itself, he'd have a great superhero power!
This, however, does make the reader consider the detail of each picture and they stand up surprisingly well, considering they were seen as pretty much disposable when produced, and the original production values, colour, ink, paper etc were well below those available now.
Although not above the occassional laugh at their material (usually understandable...who could fail to laugh at "The Red Guacho...just a man and his banana" (Apr 14))the authors are generally respectful of the creators.
Not presented in sequence, and spanning almost 20 years, the pictures do, however, tell a continuing story, or at least do show various themes, for example, the rise of the popularity of superheroes, then their decline, the influence of War propoganda and the censorship debate in the U.S.
All of DC's enduring characters, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman et al are given plenty of exposure but also lots of lesser lights; e.g. Captain Marvel Junior features more than you may expect, probably because of authors like his artist, Mac Raboy's work so much.
This collection features early work by many comicbook greats, e.g Jack Kirby and Frank Frazetta, and this was an aspect I personally found most interesting. It's a pity that room couldn't have been found for some short biographies of the major players.
It is also a pity that "Chip Kidd" is only one of the compilers...if featured in the book itself, he'd have a great superhero power!
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Its a nice looking, quality book. It basically has 365 pages - (like a calendar) each dated sequentially (jan-dec). It has a look through the history of dc comics. The drawings are basic to be fair (blown up a tad too large) and more emphasis on the older characters/ comics obviously. I bought this for a modern comic fan and am a little disappointed as it is a little too basic/ old. This is more for the nostalgic & history-comic-fans rather than someone with a modern love of comics looking back through comics transitions. The notes on each page are also strained - e.g."jan 16th Superman is roundly hated in his earlier guise and not appreciated as he is today..." ...alongside a pixelated pic of his face. You get the drift!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
9 reviews
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Nicely Designed - - -Lacks Substance
24 Nov 2004
Format:Hardcover
This is a very well designed book. Thick, pretty to look at, even the spine is designed to make you think of the old big little books.However it reminds me more of a day by day calender project that got turned into a hard covered book at the last minute.
Inside the book there is a page of text for each day of the year. On the opposite of the text page is a blown up comic panel. Pretty to look at, and this is where the book fails. The reading is a bit too light and the focus is on the blown up comic panel rather than on some interesting trend of the time when the comic that surrounded the panel was published.
An attempt is made to be "arty" making the focus often these very oddball and (in my opinion) unexciting comic panels. I think most readers would have liked to see a book of golden age comic covers rather than this.
When I saw Les Daniels was attached I had high hopes for this book as I had bought his other books on comics. More text might have made this book more interesting.
My verdict. At the regular street price this book is not worth it. At the Amazon price it might be worth it. A nice stocking stuffer for somebody who is into comics but I found it to be more of a snack rather than a main meal.
Inside the book there is a page of text for each day of the year. On the opposite of the text page is a blown up comic panel. Pretty to look at, and this is where the book fails. The reading is a bit too light and the focus is on the blown up comic panel rather than on some interesting trend of the time when the comic that surrounded the panel was published.
An attempt is made to be "arty" making the focus often these very oddball and (in my opinion) unexciting comic panels. I think most readers would have liked to see a book of golden age comic covers rather than this.
When I saw Les Daniels was attached I had high hopes for this book as I had bought his other books on comics. More text might have made this book more interesting.
My verdict. At the regular street price this book is not worth it. At the Amazon price it might be worth it. A nice stocking stuffer for somebody who is into comics but I found it to be more of a snack rather than a main meal.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
A collage of comics organized as a year
23 May 2006
Format:Hardcover
While the idea of making a book with 365 days may seem odd, this book is quite special. It can be read as a coffee table book. But it's really a remarkably well-informed collection of images from comics. The commentaries sometimes run for a paragraph, giving background on the artists or comic, and sometimes just a few lines, as an informative caption. What Daniels, Kidd, and Spear have done is create a unique compendium of images from DC comics that function like a quirky and very intelligent collection of often forgotten cultural icons. This book is a very worthwhile addition to a library, whether you're a comics freak, a student of popular culture, art history, or you just like beautiful books. The wealth of images is incredible. It can't be appreciated at one sitting.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
365 pages of old memories
12 Dec 2004
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I agree that as you first glance at this book it seems like a calender. It's a hefty book that has some charm in its views of days gone by. I bought it for myself and wasn't dissapointed in its focus. Les Daniels always has an interesting view and smartly entertains as you go page to page. If one wants a more detailed overview of the subject there are many fine books to seek out. This one is more for a night when one doesn't want to read but rather to remember.Its well bound, excellently to the point concerning its subject. If one wants full covers go to the Photo Journal guide to comics by Gerber. It doesn't have everything but like this book is a visual companion.
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