Comic books in 'Zorro'

1st printing. Written by Gerry Dooley. The legendary Zorro, the masked renegade who rode through the night defending justice in late 18th century Spanish California, became in 1957 the topic for Walt Disney Studios' first continuing, live-action series and the name of a new American icon. Based on the stories of Johnston McCulley, the legend of Zorro gave birth to the archetypal dual-identity crime fighter, inspiring the creation of such future pop icons as Batman and the Lone Ranger. From Johnston McCulley's creation of the character in 1919 to Walt Disney's adaptation of the story and its 1957 ABC premier, this book documents the conception and success of a television legend that has endured for over 40 years. Softcover, 276 pages, text/w illustrations, B&W.

Add to cart Near Mint $36.00

1st printing. By Mark Voger. Holy phenomenon! In the way-out year of 1966, the action comedy Batman starring Adam West premiered and triggered a tsunami of super swag, including toys, games, Halloween costumes, puppets, action figures, and lunch boxes. Meanwhile, still more costumed avengers sprang forth on TV (The Green Hornet, Ultraman), in movies (The Wild World of Batwoman, Rat Pfink and Boo Boo), and in animation ("Space Ghost," "The Marvel Super Heroes"). Zowie! traces the history of the superhero genre from early films, through the 1960s TV superhero craze, and its pop culture influence ever since. This history, in pop art colors that conjure the period, spotlights the coolest collectibles and kookiest knockoffs every '60s kid begged their parents for, and features interviews with the TV stars (West, Burt Ward, Yvonne Craig, Frank Gorshin, Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero, Julie Newmar, Van Williams), the artists behind the comics (Jerry Robinson, Dick Sprang, Carmine Infantino, Joe Giella), and others. Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 192 pages, full color. Cover price $43.95.