Comic books in 'Comic History'

Add to cart Near Mint $30.00

1st printing.

Peter Kuper, one of America's leading cartoonists, has created work recognized around the world. His art has graced the pages and covers of numerous magazines and newspapers. He is also a longtime contributor to Mad magazine, where he has been writing and drawing Spy vs. Spy for nearly two decades. Along with two dozen images, this volume features ten lively, informative interviews with Kuper. The book also includes a quartet of revealing interviews with underground comix legends R. Crumb and Vaughn Bodé, Mad magazine publisher William Gaines, and Jack Kirby, co-creator of mainstream superheroes from the Avengers to the Fantastic Four. These were conducted by Kuper and fellow artist Seth Tobocman in the early 1970s, when they were teenagers.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 192 pages, B&W. Cover price $50.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $21.00

1st printing. By Tim Jackson. Syndicated cartoonist and illustrator Tim Jackson offers an unprecedented look at the rich yet largely untold story of African American cartoon artists. This book provides a historical record of the men and women who created seventy-plus comic strips, many editorial cartoons, and illustrations for articles. The volume covers the mid-1880s, the early years of the self-proclaimed black press, to 1968, when African American cartoon artists were accepted in the so-called mainstream. Softcover, 128 pages, B&W. Cover price $35.00.

Add to cart Fine $9.49

Add to cart Fine $9.49

Add to cart Very Good $6.30

Add to cart VG 4.0 $12.50 or Best Offer View scan Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

Volume 30 - 1st printing. "Arn, Son of Valiant!"

Story and art By Hal Foster.

First published in 1987, Volume 30 covers the period from July 15, 1962 through May 26, 1963. "Arn, Son of Valiant" chronicles Arn's maturation as seen through various adventures. After Val quells the havoc created by a travelling horde of religious zealots, Arn and Aleta join him. From this point Arn journeys on his first solo adventure, is later kidnapped by an unscrupulous knight, and, eventually, plays an instrumental role in the defeat of Cidwic, the king of North Wales. Don't miss out on this integral volume in Hal Foster's classically magnificent strip!

Softcover, 9-in. x 13-in., 48 pages, full color.

Cover price $9.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $29.00

Add to cart Near Mint $29.00

1st printing.

By Neil McGinness (with Contributions by Dan DiDio). Cover by George Rozen. Back Cover by Walter M. Baumhofer. Foreword by Frank Miller.

Pulp Power gives fans a rare glimpse into the pre-war pulp novel decade of the 1930s, a period of bold action and adventure storytelling that ultimately led to the creation of the comic book and the superheroes we know and love today.

In more than 500 novels written between 1930 and 1940, The Shadow, Doc Savage, and the Street & Smith universe of characters captivated a generation of Americans with their heroic exploits and inspired a new generation of writers to create a pantheon of comic book superheroes in their mold.

In Pulp Power, hundreds of these eye-catching covers are reproduced as a collection for the first time. Comics legend Dan DiDio provides context for the cover illustrations alongside a narrative discussion of the influence of the Street & Smith superhero universe on legendary creators such as Orson Welles, Truman Capote, Michael Chabon, George Lucas, Agnes Moorehead, James Patterson, Walter Mosley, Dwayne Johnson, Frank Miller, James Bama, Jim Steranko, Jim Lee, Gail Simone, and many more.

Hardcover, 10-in. x 13-in., 352 pages, full color.

Cover price $65.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $18.00

1st printing.

By Michael A Chaney.

Literary scholar Michael A. Chaney examines graphic novels to illustrate that in form and function they inform readers on how they ought to be read. His arguments result in an innovative analysis of the various knowledges that comics produce and the methods artists and writers employ to convey them. Theoretically eclectic, this study attends to the lessons taught by both the form and content of today's most celebrated graphic novels.

Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 192 pages, B&W. Cover price $30.00.

Add to cart Very Fine $8.00

Add to cart Very Fine $8.00

1st printing. READING THE FUNNIES collects Donald Phelps' essays on early 20th Century newspaper strips - the Golden Age of comic strips, when readers avidly followed the daily and weekly adventures of Flash Gordon, Little Nemo, and Krazy Kats, a time when the critic Gilbert Seldes could write, "Of all the lively arts the Comic Strip is the most despised and, with the exception of the movies, it is the most popular." Most of the essays in this book appear here for the first time. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 306 pages, B&W. Cover price $19.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $18.00

Add to cart Near Mint $18.00

1st printing. Edited by Kevin Durand and Mary Leigh. From his first comic-book appearance in 1939 through his many incarnations on the big screen, the archetypal superhero known as The Batman has never been far from the American consciousness. Beyond shaping the way we read comics and graphic novels, Batman has also captured the scholarly imagination, telling us much about our society and ourselves. These essays examine Batman through a wide range of disciplines - philosophy, literature, psychology, pop culture, and more. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 224 pages, B&W. Cover price $40.00.

Add to cart Fine $7.49

1st printing.

By David Tosh.

Rise of the Superheroes is a visual and entertaining adventure exploring one of the most popular and significant eras of comic book history. From 1956 to 1970, Silver Age redefined and immortalized superheroes as the massive pop culture titans they are today. Lavishly illustrated with comic book covers and original art, the book chronicles the new frontier of DC Comics, with a revamped Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, and new characters including Hawkman; Marvel's new comics featuring Thor and The Fantastic Four; The pop art years that saw Batman's "new look" and the TV series; independent characters, including Fat Fury and T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents; and much more.

Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 176 pages, full color. Cover price $24.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $10.00

Add to cart Near Mint $10.00

1st printing.

Written by Etienne Appert. Art by Etienne Appert and Edmond Baudoin. Cover by Etienne Appert. Translated by Ben Croze.

A thought-provoking book about the very origins of the art of illustration-what it means and why it exists.

The River of Ink flows from the present day back to the very first illustration drawn by a human. Along its shores are tales and wisdom from legendary artists of the past and present exploring the philosophy of communication through drawing. Why do we draw? It's a simple question with a spellbinding and complex answer in this entirely new and entertaining look at the history of art.

Also featured is an illustrated interview between Appert and comics master Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics, The Sculptor) that no reader should miss!

Softcover, 240 pages, full color.

Cover price $22.99.

Add to cart Very Good $18.00

1st printing.

By Alisa Kwitney. Introduction by Neil Gaiman.

Loaded with never-before-published illustrations, behind-the-scenes stories, handwritten notes, and interviews with Neil Gaiman himself, this chronicle explores The Sandman and the groundbreaking comic's emergence as a unique and undeniable force in the literary world - a true testament to the dream king and his creator.

Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 180 pages, full color. Cover price $35.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $19.95

Add to cart Near Mint $19.95

About Fandom, Underground Culture, The Comics Industry, Talking Animals, A Gonzo Cartoonist, and Other Stuff!

1st printing. Introduction by Sergio Aragones. For over fifty years, Scott Shaw! has been writing and drawing allegedly funny stuff for mainstream comics sold on spinner racks (including Sonic the Hedgehog, Captain Carrot, and The Simpsons), underground comix sold in head shops -and almost everything in between. Finally, here's the first collection starring the award-winning cartoonist's most notorious characters (including Scott himself!), with over 200 pages of offbeat stories, plus surprises and silliness from the depths of his archives! Softcover, 332 pages, B&W. Cover price $30.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $29.00

1st printing.

By Paul C. Tumey.

The story of screwball comics, with new research and rare art from some of the most hilarious cartoonists of all time.

Before "screwball" became a movie genre, it was a staple of other forms of American culture, including newspaper comic strips. Emerging from the pressures of a rapidly accelerating technological and information-drenched society, screwball comics offered a healthy dose of laughter and perspective. Comics scholar Paul C. Tumey traces the development of screwball as a genre in magazine cartoons and newspaper comics, presenting the lives and work of around two dozen cartoonists, with an art-stuffed chapter on each.

Screwball! offers a wealth of previously un-reprinted comics, unleashing fresh views of some of America's greatest and most-loved cartoonists, including George Herriman (Krazy Kat), E.C. Segar (creator of Popeye), Winsor McCay (Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend), Rube Goldberg (The Inventions of Professor Lucifer G. Butts, A.K.) and Bill Holman (Smokey Stover). In addition, readers will be delighted to discover previously "lost" screwball masters including Gene Ahern (The Squirrel Cage), Gus Mager (Sherlocko the Monk), Milt Gross (Count Screwloose), George Swanson ($alesman $am) and many others.

Hardcover, 11-in. x 11-in., 272 pages, full color.

Cover price $59.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $26.00

Add to cart Near Mint $26.00

1st printing. By Blake Bell and Michael J. Vassallo. The Secret History of Marvel Comics digs back to the 1930s when Marvel Comics didn't just produce comic books but also published lurid and sensationalistic story books (known as "pulps") and magazines, featuring material not quite fit for children. The book features works by Marvel Comics artists such as Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, Alex Schomburg, Bill Everett, Al Jaffee, and Dan DeCarlo, plus the very best pulp artists in the field. These rare pieces of comic art, pulp and magazine history lift the veil on Marvel Comics' unseen history. Hardcover, 240 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $39.99.

Add to cart Very Fine $8.00

Add to cart Very Fine $8.00

Collector's Edition - Limited Inventory Available

1982: Seismic changes were in the air… New Wave music ruled the airwaves, Spielbergs E.T. dazzled at the box office, and the term internet was first used to describe the new international network of communication. The comic-book industry was also experiencing great change as ambitious young self-publishers started beating the drum of revolution in a long-stagnant field. Among them was Dave Sim with his creation Cerebus the Aardvark, which was rapidly growing in popularity to the point that copies of the first issue had risen from $1 to hundreds of dollars in just five short years.

December 1977: Dave Sim and his soon to be wife, Deni Loubert, printed two-thousand copies of Cerebus No. 1, and distributed them to Now & Then Books in Kitchener, Ontario, Big Rapids Distribution in Lansing, Michigan, and Sea Gat Distribution in Brooklyn, New York, establishing a clear trail of where nearly every copy went.

April 1982: Ten copies of Cerebus No. 1 were found at a flea market and sold to a comic book shop. Then twenty more were sold to the shop down the road… Then thirty more… Forty more… In all, nearly two thousand newly discovered copies of this rare and sought after book were sold to comic shops from Berkeley, California to New York City. Every single one – counterfeit.

This is the Secret History of the Counterfeit Cerebus No. 1.

24 pages, B&W.

Add to cart Very Good $6.00

Add to cart Good $5.99

1st printing.

By Jill Lepore.

Wonder Woman, created in 1941, is the most popular female superhero of all time.

Aside from Superman and Batman, no superhero has lasted as long or commanded so vast and wildly passionate a following. In the more than seven decades since she first appeared, her comic books have never been out of print. In years of interviews and archival research, Harvard historian and New Yorker staff writer Jill Lepore has uncovered an astonishing trove of documents, including the never-before-seen private papers of William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman's creator. The Secret History of Wonder Woman reveals that Wonder Woman is the missing link in the history of the struggle for women's rights.

Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 448 pages, Text.

Cover price $29.95.

Add to cart Fine $6.00

Add to cart Very Good $6.70

Add to cart Very Good $6.70

1st printing. By Jill Lepore. Wonder Woman, created in 1941, is the most popular female superhero of all time. Aside from Superman and Batman, no superhero has lasted as long or commanded so vast and wildly passionate a following. In the more than seven decades since she first appeared, her comic books have never been out of print. In years of interviews and archival research, Harvard historian and New Yorker staff writer Jill Lepore has uncovered an astonishing trove of documents, including the never-before-seen private papers of William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman's creator. The Secret History of Wonder Woman reveals that Wonder Woman is the missing link in the history of the struggle for women's rights. Softcover, 5-in. x 7-in., 448 pages, Text. Cover price $16.95.

Add to cart Fine $6.00

Add to cart Fine $6.00

Add to cart Very Good $4.00

Add to cart VG 4.0 $4.00

Canadian edition with $2.85 cover price - It's "The Secret Origin of The Doom Patrol!" by Paul Kupperberg & John Byrne, a 30-page tale. Also: Paul Kupperberg & Steve Lightle discuss the new Doom Patrol series in an article by Joey Cavalieri. Plus: "The Secret Origin of Captain Comet" by Roy Thomas, Ron Harris & Bruce D. Patterson, a 20-page tale. Cover by Byrne (after Ed Hannigan). 48 pages, FC. Cover price $2.85.

Add to cart Fine $18.00

Add to cart Fine $18.00

1st printing. Collects Secret Origins (1986-1990 2nd Series) #32 and 35-36, Secret Origins Annual #2, and Man of Steel (1986) # 6.

Written by Dennis O'Neil, John Byrne, James Owsley, Mark Verheiden, Robert Loren Fleming, Gardner Fox, Keith Giffen, and Peter David. Art by Dick Giordano, John Byrne, M.D. Bright, Ken Stacy, Carmine Infantino, and Eric Shanower. Cover by Brian Bolland. Introduction by Mark Waid.

Featuring the Secret Origins of the world's greatest super heroes - Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, and the Martian Manhunter!

Softcover, 140 pages, full color.

Cover price $4.95.

Add to cart Fine $17.75

Add to cart Very Good $11.99

2nd and later printings. Collects Secret Origins (1986-1990 2nd Series) #32 and 35-36, Secret Origins Annual #2, and Man of Steel (1986) # 6.

Written by Dennis O'Neil, John Byrne, James Owsley, Mark Verheiden, Robert Loren Fleming, Gardner Fox, Keith Giffen, and Peter David. Art by Dick Giordano, John Byrne, M.D. Bright, Ken Stacy, Carmine Infantino, and Eric Shanower. Cover by Brian Bolland. Introduction by Mark Waid.

Featuring the Secret Origins of the world's greatest super heroes - Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, and the Martian Manhunter!

Softcover, 140 pages, full color.

Cover price $4.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $10.00

Add to cart Very Fine $10.00

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Collects Secret Origins (2014) 3rd Series #1-4.

Written by by Greg Pak, Kyle Higgins, Tony Bedard, Ray Fawkes, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Robert Venditti, Jeremy Haun, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jeff Lemire and Peter J. Tomasi.
Art by Lee Weeks, Doug Mahnke, Paulo Siqueira, Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, Martin Coccolo, Trevor McCarthy, Tyler Kirkham, Stéphane Roux, Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ian Bertram, Alvaro Martinez, Sandra Hope, Keith Champagne and Christian Alamy.
Cover by Lee Bermejo.

At last, the origins of The New 52's World's Greatest Heroes are revealed! Included here are the origins of The Last Son of Krypton and Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Green Lantern, Batwoman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow and many more!

Softcover, 160 pages, full color.

Cover price $14.99.

Add to cart Very Fine $9.00

Add to cart Very Fine $9.00

Add to cart Fine $6.80

Add to cart Fine $6.80

Volume 1 - 2nd and later printings. Collects Secret Origins (2014) 3rd Series #1-4.

Written by by Greg Pak, Kyle Higgins, Tony Bedard, Ray Fawkes, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Robert Venditti, Jeremy Haun, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jeff Lemire and Peter J. Tomasi.
Art by Lee Weeks, Doug Mahnke, Paulo Siqueira, Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, Martin Coccolo, Trevor McCarthy, Tyler Kirkham, Stéphane Roux, Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ian Bertram, Alvaro Martinez, Sandra Hope, Keith Champagne and Christian Alamy.
Cover by Lee Bermejo.

At last, the origins of The New 52's World's Greatest Heroes are revealed! Included here are the origins of The Last Son of Krypton and Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Green Lantern, Batwoman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow and many more!

Softcover, 160 pages, full color.

Cover price $14.99.

Add to cart Very Fine $19.00

Add to cart Very Fine $19.00

1st printing. By Louise Gikow. In a book as lively, energetic, and appealing as the television show it chronicles, readers are treated to an inside look at every aspect of Sesame Street. Beginning with the initial idea for the show and the creation of the pilot episode and moving through its evolution over four decades, Sesame Street provides an insider's view of all of the delightful Muppet and human characters, as well as the writers, directors, producers, and all the other creative people who continue to make learning fun for generations of kids. Hardcover, 10-in. x 12-in., 304 pages, full color. Cover price $40.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

Add to cart Very Fine $13.00

1st printing.

Written by Chip Kidd. Photography by Geoff Spear. Art by C.C. Beck, Mac Raboy and Jack Kirby.

The World's Mightiest Mortal made his debut in Whiz Comics in 1940, and outsold his biggest competitor, Superman, by 14 million copies a month. It wasn't long before a variety of merchandise was licensed and a fan club was created to keep up with the demand. These collectibles now sell for outrageous prices on eBay and in comic book stores and conventions. Seventy years later, an unprecedented assortment of these artifacts are gathered together by award-winning writer/designer Chip Kidd and photographer Geo Spear. Join Kidd, Spear, and the World's Mightiest Mortal in this first, fully authorized celebration of ephemera, artwork, and rare, one-of-a-kind toys, and recapture the magic that was the power of SHAZAM!

Softcover, 8-in. x 10-in., 246 pages, full color.

NOTE: "Back when comic books were king, when they sold their most, the World's Mightiest Mortal reigned supreme. No one held a candle to him. This book celebrates the lost wonder of the character who dominated the greatest period of the comic book art form. Chip Kidd has created a tribute to my personal favorite super hero -- one that he has always deserved." - Alex Ross

Cover price $24.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

1st printing. Max and Mickey; Miss Nelson; Pack, Quack, and Mrs. Mallard; Pigeon; Sylvester; John Henry; and a very hungry caterpillar - these are just a few of the beloved picture book characters discussed in Show Me a Story. Renowned children's literature authority Leonard S. Marcus speaks with their creators and asks about their childhood, their inspiration, their determination, their mentors, their creative choices, and more. Why do children love and need picture books so much? Marcus confirms that picture books matter because they make a difference in our children's lives. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 352 pages, ful;l color. Cover price $15.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $30.00

Revised Edition - 1st printing. By Arlen Schumer. The Silver Age of Comic Book Art is a coffee-table comic and art history book written and designed by comic book historian and illustrator Arlen Schumer. By creating a comic book history that reads like a comic book, Schumer succeeds spectacularly in making you see, as if for the first time, the comics you've been reading your whole life. The greatest comic book artists of their generation, who created some of their greatest work during the Silver Age of Comics (circa 1956-1970) are included in this body of work: Carmine Infantino, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, Gil Kane, Joe Kubert, Gene Colan, Jim Steranko, and Neal Adams! Hardcover, 9-in. x 12-in., 192 pages, full color. Cover price $49.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

1st printing. By William Schoell. The Silver Age of Comics looks at super-hero comic books that were published in the mid-fifties to late sixties, a period when super-heroes, most of whom had been replaced by science fiction, crime, and romance comics, once again gained popularity and grew to virtually take over the whole comic book industry. The book not only looks at popular and lesser-known series including those from smaller publishers such as Charlton and Gold Key, commenting on the most interesting stories, it also examines the artists who were prominent during this period, and looks at why their work could be so effective on different strips. The book also looks at how different comics reflected - or didn't reflect - the changing mores and attitudes of the turbulent times when civil rights, women's rights, and other social movements got more and more attention. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 374 pages, B&W. Cover price $26.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

Add to cart Near Mint $16.00

1st printing. By Reed Tucker. The most bruising battle in the superhero world isn't between spandex-clad characters; it's between the publishers themselves. For more than 50 years, Marvel and DC have been locked in an epic war, tirelessly trading punches and trying to do to each other what Batman regularly does to the Joker's face. Slugfest, the first book to tell the history of this epic rivalry into a single, juicy narrative, is the story of the greatest corporate rivalry never told. Complete with interviews with the major names in the industry, Slugfest reveals the arsenal of schemes the two companies have employed in their attempts to outmaneuver the competition, whether it be stealing ideas, poaching employees, planting spies, ripping off characters or launching price wars. Sometimes the feud has been vicious, at other times, more cordial. But it has never completely disappeared, and it simmers on a low boil to this day. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 304 pages, B&W. Cover price $27.00.

Add to cart Very Good $15.75

1st printing. Edited by Bill Blackbeard and Martin Williams. Foreword by Jahn Canaday. This is a tribute to the fun and creativity of newspaper comic strip'. Featuring fantastic tales of Popeye, Mickey Mouse, Prince Valiant, Snoopy, and more! Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 336 pages, PC/PB&W.

Add to cart FN- 5.5 $249.99 View scans Signed by artist John Romita (splash). Certification not included. 1/2" Tear in dust jacket from top. Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

Fireside Book Series

1st printing. Collects Uncanny X-Men (1963-2011) 1st Series #1, Tales of Suspense (1959-1968) #39 and 97, Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #1, Daredevil (1964 1st Series) #1 and 47, Strange Tales (1951-1976 1st Series) #135, Fantastic Four (1961-1996 1st Series) #13, and Silver Surfer (1968-1970 1st Series) #1.

Written by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber. Art by Jack Kirby, Don Heck, Gene Colan, Bill Everett, and John Buscema. Cover by John Romita, Sr.

This volume in the amazing Marvel Origins series (Origins of Marvel Comics TPB, Bring on the Bad Guys TPB, Superhero Women TPB) collects the origin tales of - the Uncanny X-Men, the Invincible Iron Man, the Mighty Avengers, Daredevil the Man Without Fear, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., the enigmatic Watcher, and the Silver Surfer, Sentinel of the Spaceways.

Hardcover, 260 pages, full color.

Cover price $6.95.

Add to cart Fine $39.00

Add to cart Very Good $23.00

Add to cart Good $16.00

Add to cart Good $18.00

Fireside Book Series

1st printing. Collects Uncanny X-Men (1963-2011) 1st Series #1, Tales of Suspense (1959-1968) #39 and 97, Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #1, Daredevil (1964 1st Series) #1 and 47, Strange Tales (1951-1976 1st Series) #135, Fantastic Four (1961-1996 1st Series) #13, and Silver Surfer (1968-1970 1st Series) #1.

Written by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber. Art by Jack Kirby, Don Heck, Gene Colan, Bill Everett, and John Buscema. Cover by John Romita, Sr.

This volume in the amazing Marvel Origins series (Origins of Marvel Comics TPB, Bring on the Bad Guys TPB, Superhero Women TPB) collects the origin tales of - the Uncanny X-Men, the Invincible Iron Man, the Mighty Avengers, Daredevil the Man Without Fear, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., the enigmatic Watcher, and the Silver Surfer, Sentinel of the Spaceways.

Softcover, 254 pages, full color.

Cover price $6.95.

Add to cart VG+ 4.5 $18.50 View scans Pen markings inside front cover.

Add to cart Very Good $17.50

Add to cart Very Good $17.50

Fireside Book Series

2nd and later printings . Collects Uncanny X-Men (1963-2011) 1st Series #1, Tales of Suspense (1959-1968) #39 and 97, Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #1, Daredevil (1964 1st Series) #1 and 47, Strange Tales (1951-1976 1st Series) #135, Fantastic Four (1961-1996 1st Series) #13, and Silver Surfer (1968-1970 1st Series) #1.

Written by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber. Art by Jack Kirby, Don Heck, Gene Colan, Bill Everett, and John Buscema. Cover by John Romita, Sr.

This volume in the amazing Marvel Origins series (Origins of Marvel Comics TPB, Bring on the Bad Guys TPB, Superhero Women TPB) collects the origin tales of - the Uncanny X-Men, the Invincible Iron Man, the Mighty Avengers, Daredevil the Man Without Fear, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., the enigmatic Watcher, and the Silver Surfer, Sentinel of the Spaceways.

Softcover, 254 pages, full color.

Cover price $6.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $23.00

Add to cart Near Mint $23.00

1st printing. By Alex M. Wainer. This is a book about the comics genre and language, how these were used to create Batman, and how that character's longevity is largely due to the medium's unique formal qualities. It argues that Batman's core appeal is his mythic nature which allows him to transcend changes in reader tastes, the vicissitudes of the comics industry, and the changing media landscape. It is a study of how the formal aspects of comics are able to evoke uniquely mythic qualities that have made Batman such a long-lived cultural phenomenon. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 208 pages, Text. Cover price $40.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Add to cart Near Mint $12.00

Conan Issue

Volume 2 - 1st printing.

Combines all-new features with a collection of Conan-related material from past issues of Spectrum (spruced up with different artwork and photos)! The all-star interview line-up includes Barry Windsor-Smith, Kurt Busiek, Mark Schultz, Gary Gianni, Joseph Michael Linsner, and Cary Nord! The discussions cover a wide range of Conan in print, from the classic Marvel comics of three decades ago, to the recent book collections, to the hot new Dark Horse series. This issue also includes a lengthy analysis of all of the Robert E. Howard-based films (the two Conan movies, Red Sonja, Kull the Conqueror, and The Whole Wide World), and a new essay by Charles Hoffman. No Conan fan will want to be without it!

Softcover, 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 104 pages, B&W (on slick white paper).

Cover price $12.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $23.00

Add to cart Near Mint $23.00

1st printing.

By Matthew K. Manning.

In this complete biography of one of Marvel's most beloved super heroes, explore Spider-Man's development through behind-the-scenes anecdotes, images, and rarely-seen interviews. Since swinging onto the scene in 1961, in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the world's most famous wall-crawler has captivated the world, starring in millions of comics, over twenty different films and animated series, numerous blockbuster video games, and one Broadway show, as well as appearances in countless other mediums.

In celebration of his illustrious and expansive history, Spider-Man: A History and Celebration of the Web-Slinger, Decade by Decade is a comprehensive collection of exciting art and expert commentary that brings Spidey's backstory out of the archive and into the arms of fans worldwide.

Hardcover, 9 1/2-in.x 10 1/2-in., 208 pages, full color. All Ages

Cover price $40.00.

Add to cart Fine $14.00

1st printing. Written by Michael Manning. From his first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962, to his appearance in numerous blockbuster films, Spider-Man has captivated legions of fans, young and old alike. With DK's fascinating chronicle format, this guide traces the development of your friendly neighborhood web-slinger by decade, looking at comics, storylines, and character - year by year, month by month. Readers will get to take a closer look at the writers and artists who created the hero, the development of his iconic costume, and the key story arcs, allies, and foes that make up Spidey's world. Hardcover (with Slipcase), 10-in. x 12-in., 352 pages, full color. Cover price $50.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

1st Edition - 1st printing. The ultimate web-slinger is back in this exciting and informative ultimate guide. Spider-Man: Inside the World of your Friendly Neighborhood Hero traces Spider-Man's entire career from his high-school beginnings as Peter Parker to his love affair with the enchanting Mary Jane. Discover how your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man came to be created in 1962 and how the character has developed over the years. Full of interesting facts and dynamic comic book art, Spider-Man: Inside the World of your Friendly Neighborhood Hero is the tell-all to the famous Amazing Spider-Man. Hardcover, 10-in. x 12-in., 200 pages, full color. Cover price $24.99.

Add to cart Very Good $9.00

Updated and Expanded Edition - 1st printing. Marvel's Spider-Man: Inside the World of Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero explores Peter Parker's exciting move into global hi-tech with Parker Industries, the tumultuous events of "Spider Island," Superior Spider-Man and Spider-Verse. Discover profiles of new stars Spider-Gwen and Silk and the latest developments in Spider-Man's costumes and equipment. Fully updated with Spider-Man's timeline and existing character histories, this is perfect guide to learning more than 50 years of Spider-Man comics. Hardcover, 9-in. x 11-in., 216 pages, full color. Cover price $24.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $29.95

1st printing. By Peter David and Robert Greenberger. The Spider-Man Vault is a vivid collection of images and ephemera focused on a dynamic exploration Spider-Man's character, providing a complete biography through his development in comic books, mass media, and popular culture. This museum-in-a-book includes 20 rare removable collectibles taken from the Marvel vaults! hardcover (Spiralbound), 12 1/2-in. x 10-in., 192 pages, full color. Cover price $29.95.

Add to cart Very Good $59.00 View scans

Program for the 27th World Science Fiction Convention held at St. Louis in 1969. Article on guest of honor Jack Gaughan by Terry Carr, article by Gaughan, article by Harlan Ellison about the Clarion Workshops. Plus a listing of attendees, a listing of all Hugo winners starting from 1953 to 1968. Ads from all the famous fanzines of the day, book and magazine publishers, dealers (Howard Rogofsky has the back cover), convention bids for future worldcons and fans. Interior art by George Barr, Steve Stiles, Joe Staton, Jack Gaughan, Walt Simonson, Tim Kirk and more. 5 1/2-in. x 8 1/2-in., 154 pages, B&W.

Add to cart Near Mint $15.00

Add to cart Very Fine $11.00

1st printing. By Bob Batchelor. Cover by Jason Piperberg. Foreword by Tom DeLonge (To the Stars, Blink 182). The definitive biography of Marvel legend Stan Lee, celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth. Stan Lee's extraordinary life was as epic as the superheroes he co-created, from the Amazing Spider-Man to the Mighty Avengers. His ideas and voice are at the heart of global culture, loved by millions of superhero fans around the world. Award-winning cultural historian Bob Batchelor offers an in-depth and complete look at this iconic visionary whose life is a unique representation of recent American history. Batchelor examines Lee's fascinating American life by drawing out all its complexity, drama, heartache, and humor, revealing how Lee introduced the world to heroes that were just as fallible and complex as their creator-and just like all of us. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 288 pages, Text Only. Cover price $25.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $10.00

1st printing. By Jordan Raphael and Tom Spurgeon. This book, based on interviews with Stan lee and dozens of his colleagues and contemporaries, as well as extensive archival research, is at once a professional history, an appreciation, and a critical exploration of Stan Lee and his many accomplishments. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 304 pages, Text (with B&W Photos). Cover price $24.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.95

Add to cart Near Mint $7.95

1st printing.

By Cristina Oxtra.

Stan Lee is one of the most influential people in the comic book world. The memorable heroes he created, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, and Daredevil, helped build Marvel Comics into the publishing powerhouse we know today. This elementary aged biography of the creator features an engaging text, vibrant photos, and fact boxes and aligns with national and state social studies standards.

Softcover, 32 pages, full color. All Ages

Cover price $7.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $14.00

Add to cart Near Mint $14.00

Add to cart Very Fine $8.50

1st printing.

By Adrian Mackinder.

Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World is not just another biography. It is a journey through twentieth century American history, seen through the life of a man who personified the American Dream. Stan Lee's life reflects the evolution of American entertainment, society, and popular culture throughout the 20th-century and beyond. Was Stan Lee himself a superhuman creation, just a mask to protect his true, more complicated secret identity?

Just like the vibrant panels of the comics he wrote, Lee's life, it seems, is never black and white.

Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 192 pages, Text Only.

Cover price $29.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $8.50

1st printing. By Bob Batchelor. The Amazing Spider-Man. The Incredible Hulk. The Invincible Iron Man. These are just a few of the iconic superheroes to emerge from the mind of Stan Lee. From the mean streets of Depression-era New York City to recipient of the National Medal of Arts, Lee's life has been almost as remarkable as the thrilling adventures he spun for decades. In Stan Lee: The Man behind Marvel, Bob Batchelor offers an eye-opening look at this iconic writer, a man who created (with talented artists) many of history's most remarkable characters. Batchelor explores how Lee capitalized on natural talent and hard work to become the editor of Marvel Comics as a teenager. After toiling in the industry for decades, Lee threw caution to the wind and went for broke, co-creating the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, and others in a creative flurry that revolutionized comic books for generations of readers. Batchelor reveals the risks Lee took to bring the characters to life and Lee's tireless efforts to make comic books and superheroes part of mainstream culture for more than fifty years. Candid, authoritative, and absorbing, this is a biography of a man who dreamed of one day writing the Great American Novel, but ended up doing so much more - changing American culture. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 256 pages, Text. Cover price $22.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

1st printing. Written By Bob Batchelor. Cover by Jason Piperberg. Foreword by Tom DeLonge (To the Stars, Blink 182). The definitive biography of Marvel legend Stan Lee, now adapted for young readers. Stan Lee's extraordinary life was as epic as the superheroes he co-created, from the Amazing Spider-Man to the Mighty Avengers. In this young adult edition of Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel, Bob Batchelor explores how Lee, born in the Roaring Twenties and growing up in the Great Depression, capitalized on natural talent and hard work to become the editor of Marvel Comics as a teenager. Lee went on to introduce the world to heroes that were complex, funny, and fallible, just like their creator and just like all of us. Featuring amazingly detailed illustrations by artist Jason Piperberg. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 224 pages, Text (with B&W Photos and Illustrations). Cover price $16.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $18.00

1st printing. Edited by Roy Thomas and Danny Fingeroth. Face Front, True Believers! The Stan Lee Universe is the ultimate repository of interviews with and mementos about Marvel Comics' fearless founder! From his "Soapbox" to the box-office, the Smilin' One literally changed the face of comic books and pop culture, and this tome presents numerous rare and unpublished interviews with Stan, plus interviews with top luminaries of the comics industry, including John Romita Sr. & Jr., Todd McFarlane, Roy Thomas, Dennis O'Neil, Gene Colan, Al Jaffee, Larry Lieber, Jerry Robinson, and Michael Uslan, discussing his vital importance to the field he helped shape. And as a bonus, direct from Stan's personal archives, you'll see rare photos, sample scripts and plots, and many other unseen items, such as: personal correspondence between Stan and such prominent figures as: James Cameron, Oliver Stone, Ray Bradbury, Denis Kitchen, Alain Resnais and (Sinatra lyricist and pal) Sammy Cahn! Transcripts of 1960s radio interviews with Stan during the early Marvel era (one co-featuring Jack Kirby, and one with Stan debating Dr. Fredric Wertham's partner in psychological innovation and hating comics)! Rarely seen art by legends including Kirby, Romita Sr. and Joe Maneely! Plot, script, and balloon placements from the 1978 Silver Surfer graphic novel, including comprehensive notes from Lee and Kirby about the story. Notes by Richard Corben and Will Eisner for Marvel projects that never came to be! Pages from a Silver Surfer screenplay done by Stan for Roger Corman! Notes and thumbnail sketches by John Buscema from How to Draw Comics The Marvel Way, and more! So get a jump-start on the celebration of Marvel's 50th anniversary, and let this incredible book take you on a guided tour of The Stan Lee Universe! Excelsior! Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 192 pages, PC/PB&W. NOTE: This Hardcover edition features a deluxe dust jacket plus 16 extra full-color pages of rare Archive Material not found in the Softcover! Cover price $26.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $20.00

1st printing.

By Stan Lee. Introduction by Charlie Novinskie. Afterword by Jim McLauchlin.

Among those providing commentaries: Paul Dini, Roy Thomas, Brian Pulido, Scott Dunbier, Tom DeFalco. The wit and wisdom of the caliph of comics is on display for all to see in one mighty volume! All of Stan Lee's groundbreaking, legendary "Stan's Soapbox" columns from 1967 to 1980 are collected for the first time ever! And that's not all! Columns are presented in a historical context, so you can immerse yourself in the flavor of the day, and get a sense what was happening right outside Stan's window when he penned 'em. Some are poignant, some informative, some touching, and some funny. But they're all memorable! Add to that, a bountiful bevy of celebs also write about their most memorable columns, including Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada, Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige, X-Men movie producer Tom DeSanto, and a vast variety of great names from the fields of comics, literature, politics and academia.

No comics historian will want to miss out on the historical heavyweights contained within this titanic tome!

Softcover, 144 pages, full color.

Cover price $14.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $20.00

2nd and later printings. NOTE: Covers on reprints may vary

By Stan Lee. Introduction by Charlie Novinskie. Afterword by Jim McLauchlin.

The wit and wisdom of the caliph of comics is on display for all to see in one mighty volume! ALL of Stan Lee's groundbreaking, legendary "Stan's Soapbox" columns from 1967 to 1980 are collected under one cover! And that's not all! Columns are presented in a historical context, so you can immerse yourself in the flavor of the day, and get a sense what was happening right outside Stan's window when he penned 'em. Some are poignant, some informative, some touching, and some funny. But they're all memorable! Among those providing commentaries: Paul Dini, Tom DeSanto, Joe Quesada, Roy Thomas, Brian Pulido, Scott Dunbier and Tom DeFalco.

Softcover, 144 pages, full color.

Cover price $14.99.

Add to cart VG/FN 5.0 $40.00 View scan 1" Cumultave spine split.

Add to cart VG 4.0 $32.00 View scans Foxing.

Add to cart GD 2.0 $16.00 View scan 4" Cumulative spine split. Staple rust.

Pink/Red Logo - Volume 1 - 1st printing. Black cover with Pink/Red title that reads: "HISTORY of COMICS 2." Jim Steranko's classic history of the early days of comics covers the early newspaper strips, the pulp heroes, Superman, Batman, Captain America, the Sub-Mariner, the Human Torch, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, kid gangs, and more. Spectacular Steranko wraparound cover. Softcover, 10-in. x 14-in., 128 pages, B&W. Cover price $6.00.

Add to cart VG+ 4.5 $145.00 View scans

Red Logo, $5.00 cover price - Volume 1 - 1st printing. "HISTORY of COMICS 2." Jim Steranko's classic history of the early days of comics covers the early newspaper strips, the pulp heroes, Superman, Batman, Captain America, the Sub-Mariner, the Human Torch, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, kid gangs, and more. Spectacular Steranko wraparound cover. Softcover, 10-in. x 14-in., 128 pages, B&W. Cover price $5.00.