The Four Color Comic Book History of Comic Books: Birth of a Medium
By Van Lente, Fred, Dunlavey, Ryan - Artist, Guzowski, Adam - Colorist 155 pages
Reviewed by Rae C.
This is a great book for anyone that loves comics! Covers Platinum Age through Silver Age. There is a lot of information and history to cover, but it is deftly handled and presented clearly. (The more you know about comic books, the better, although newbies will benefit as well.) The illustrations are hilarious- often in very subtle or sneaky ways!
In particular I enjoyed the way they condensed the ascent, struggles, feuds, and victories of Stanley Lieberman, aka Stan Lee. And the book discusses something about Lee that is unique in any of comics: that Lee is a writer, but is often confused for being a creator and/or artist. The book also defends Lee (somewhat), and points out how this misconception came about.
Another favorite segment was the evolution of the Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro, and The Shadow, and how they directly influenced Superman and other superheroes. (Not mentioned in the book: V For Vendetta is also a direct descendant.)
One of the best things about it is the History of Women in Comics. It’s one page per issue that focuses on (mostly unknown) female creators, artists and writers. Patricia Highsmith, Jackie Ormes, June Mills, and, of course, Trina Robbins!
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