The Golden Age of DC Comics

by Paul Levitz

Hardcover, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

PN6725

Series

75 Years of DC Comics (book 1)

Genres

Other comic art

Graphic Novels and Comics

Comics

General Nonfiction

Nonfiction

Publication

TASCHEN (2013), Edition: 1st Edition, 416 pages

Description

"In June of 1938, Action Comics debuted with a new kind of comic book character on its cover: A costumed man with two identities, who possesed extraordinary strength and powers, a man able to protect the public when ordinary measures would not do. He was not the first super hero, but the Man of Steel would become the protoype for all super heroes thereafter. Superman's story, and those of Batman, Wonder Woman, and hundreds of other DC Comics chacters are all told inThe Golden Age of DC Comics. The single most comprehensive book on the subject, this volume traces the company's first decades, from its pulp origins up to the comic book burnings of the McCarthy '50s in over 400 pages bursting with comics, art, comics, photographs, and more comics. Plus an exclusive interview with legendary Sgt. Rock/Hawkman artist Joe Kubert!."--Dust jacket.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member stevetempo

Outstanding...great narrative and photographs and graphics....very comprehensive.

1 more

LibraryThing member DarthDeverell

Paul Levitz’ The Golden Age of DC Comics: 1935–1956 examines the art and storytelling at DC/National during comics’ golden age. It begins with a brief introduction from Levitz followed by an extended interview with Joe Kubert and Levitz’ own study of the rise of the superhero genre and DC

itself. Levitz’ history summarizes a great deal of history in a readable fashion. While those looking for greater depth can find sources covering nearly every topic he touches upon, Levitz ably weaves a narrative covering the events that including the creation of the comic book medium, the rise of the superhero, the first superhero boom during World War II, and the industry’s struggles in the immediate postwar years amid changing tastes in entertainment and the comic book moral panic. Levitz concludes, “If there is a quintessence to the Golden Age, then, it was the sense of possibility – both in the characters, who were exploring the potential for humans to reach abilities that previously had not been deeply explored in fiction, and in the creators, who were almost all young people in that first flush of discovery of their talents. Both did amazing and unprecedented things, for a while” (pgs. 79-80). The bulk of the book examines key art from DC’s early history along with photographs revealing behind-the-scenes developments at the company. This volume is the first of four from Taschen examining DC’s history and makes for a great survey of Golden Age DC art and storytelling for fans and scholars alike. This leatherbound edition with metallic artwork on the front and back covers is a fantastic gift.

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