Comics Art
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Paul Gravett
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Format: HC - Paper over BoardPrice: $35.00
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A fascinating overview of the history and influence of comics, ranging from the late 19th century to present-day graphic novels and the Internet
The narrative possibilities of comics art and the accessibility of the form have made it one of the more innovative contemporary genres. Self-publishing and the Internet have given rise to new, autobiographical forms and an increasing number of authors draw from outside the mainstream, whether sexually, ethnically, or politically.
In this richly illustrated and accessible survey, acclaimed author Paul Gravett considers the vast output of comics culture from the late 19th century to today, including syndicated comics, graphic novels, and contemporary art and illustration. From foundational masterpieces such as Rodolphe Topffer’s and Wilhelm Busch’s albums, George McManus’s Art Deco “Bringing Up Father,” and Alex Raymond’s “Flash Gordon” to the later retro stylings of Robert Crumb, Gravett considers lines of influence from around the world and examines how comics have shifted from supporting the status quo to becoming the voice of alternative subcultures. Gravett traces the major themes taking place in contemporary comics, noting the rise of publications that function as questioning, transgressive outlets for outsider stories and ideas, and includes the ways that folk art traditions are reinvigorating the form.
The narrative possibilities of comics art and the accessibility of the form have made it one of the more innovative contemporary genres. Self-publishing and the Internet have given rise to new, autobiographical forms and an increasing number of authors draw from outside the mainstream, whether sexually, ethnically, or politically.
In this richly illustrated and accessible survey, acclaimed author Paul Gravett considers the vast output of comics culture from the late 19th century to today, including syndicated comics, graphic novels, and contemporary art and illustration. From foundational masterpieces such as Rodolphe Topffer’s and Wilhelm Busch’s albums, George McManus’s Art Deco “Bringing Up Father,” and Alex Raymond’s “Flash Gordon” to the later retro stylings of Robert Crumb, Gravett considers lines of influence from around the world and examines how comics have shifted from supporting the status quo to becoming the voice of alternative subcultures. Gravett traces the major themes taking place in contemporary comics, noting the rise of publications that function as questioning, transgressive outlets for outsider stories and ideas, and includes the ways that folk art traditions are reinvigorating the form.
Paul Gravett is a London-based freelance writer and curator who has worked in comics publishing and promotion since 1981. He was the founder of Escape Magazine and director of The Cartoon Art Trust, UK. He is the author of numerous books, including Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know and Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics.
“A remarkable achievement. Intensely detailed but never intimidating, [Comics Art] approaches this bizarre, wonderful medium with complete enthusiasm and a keen, articulate critical eye. If you’re looking for a primer on comics history, you won’t find one better.”—Alasdair Stuart, Comic Heroes (five-star review)
“A gem of a book”—Rachel Papachlimitzou, Aesthetica
“Richly illustrated and hugely informative”—Rachel Cooke, Observer
“There’s no better guide to the undiscovered wonders out there . . . [Comics Art] is the culmination of a lifetime’s reading, collecting, and thinking. There are mind-blowing images on every page turn.”—Toby Litt, New Statesman
“Sumptuously illustrated, internationalist in outlook, and very much up to the minute”—Teddy Jamieson, Sunday Herald
“Wide-ranging . . . [and] compelling”—J.J. Charlesworth, ArtReview
“Always thought-provoking and informative . . . stunningly conveyed with an incisive selection of illustrations . . . insightful, celebratory, and a powerful advocate for its subject.“—Andy Oliver, Broken Frontier
“[A] profusely illustrated analysis of the medium . . . Comics Art is valuable for its insights.”—David Luhrssen, Shepherd Express / Express Milwaukee
“One of the most important and influential writers, curators, and thinkers about the medium . . . [Comics Art] covers a lot of ground and approaches comics in a number of very interesting ways.”—Alex Dueben, Comic Book Resources
“Every fan seeking to connect to his or her deeper creative, appreciative, respectful inner geek needs to read Comics Art.”—Daniel Rasmus, Pop Matters
“[A] fast-moving, responsible overview”—Stephen Burt, Artforum
“Multi-faceted . . . lavishly illustrated [and] international in scope . . . a book that will be read with interest by both comics fans and occasional readers of graphic novels.”—Louis J. Kern, Key Reporter
"[Comics Art] is wonderfully designed with lush color but also a rich sense of an irreducibly complex history. . . . Any reader interested in the subject — veteran comics fan or hardly at all a comics fan — will benefit from the book, and enjoy it to boot."—Paul Buhle, Science & Society
“For lovers of comics and the stories they tell, Comics Art provides another reason to draw a line between speech bubbles and serious literature . . . the book is an excellent treasure trove of ideas, history and analysis.”—Peter Zimonjic, NGC (National Gallery of Canada) Magazine
"Comics Art, not only expands the horizon on what Comics Studies can potentially do, but it also predicts a promising future for further scholarly inquiry, both nationally and internationally, into this dynamically evolving medium."—Kirsten Mollegaard, Journal of American Culture
ISBN: 9780300204018
Publication Date: February 3, 2014
Publication Date: February 3, 2014
144 pages, 8 x 10 1/2
85 color illus.
85 color illus.
Sales Restrictions: North America only
