The Comic Book Heroes: The First History of Modern Comic Books - From the Silver Age to the Present

The Comic Book Heroes begins with that first issue of the Flash, an event that would alter American pop culture forever. It’s the story both of the superheroes and their all-too-human creators. From "the avuncular chipmunk," Julius Schwartz, to Todd McFarlane and his bloody Spawn, the writers, artists, and editors have cast the heroes for generations of American kids in the mold of their own personalities and inner struggles.

From the Flash’s 1956 debut until his death in 1986, from the relevance movement of the `70s to the ultra-violence of the `90s, and from the kid-driven market of the past to the speculator-driven market of the present, The Comic Book Heroes shows how America has changed since the `50s—and makes some provocative points about what America’s kids are reading today.

Completely revised and updated from the 1985 edition, The Comic Book Heroes is the most complete, engaging, and opinionated history of comics ever. Mind-blowingly detailed, breathtakingly informative, and fascinating reading, this is the one history of comics you absolutely must have!

About the Authors

Gerard Jones has written the adventures of the world’s greatest heroes, including the Justice League, Batman, and Green Lantern for DC Comics, and the X-Men, the Hulk, and his own creation, Prime, for Marvel Comics.

Will Jacobs is a former contributing editor to The National Lampoon and the cocreator (with Jones) of the comic book series, The Trouble with Girls.