Fred Van LenteComic Book History of Comics: Comics For All

This is really an incredible amount of information, especially about the early history of comics.I am someone that knows quite a bit about the history of "the big two" American comic publishers; but I knew literally nothing about the information contained in the first 20 or so pages of this book. This is because it goes as far back as the mid 1800's, and includes so much information about creators from other countries that I had never heard of. I really enjoyed getting this much new information, delivered in a cool and cleverly illustrated comic form.It also includes a HERstory of comics section, about the contributions of women to the very early ages of comics. There is so much here that I had not been aware of at all.Even if you consider yourself an expert in the medium, a "Comic Book Connoisseur" if you will; I PROMISE you there is some new information for you in this book. That is how far reaching and complete this book is. I've never seen such a thorough account of the early history of comics, especially the information about European creators in the 1800s. It also contains sections about India, Japan, Brazil, and even Kenya. Plus a lengthy references section at the end.The art style is very comedic, and serves to make all the information a little more digestible and fun at the same time.I love this one, and I have a feeling I will be re-reading it many times.* (If you found this review to be informative and/or helpful, please click "Helpful" to let me know. Thanks! ) *

A clearer more informative look at comics and their impact on entertainment and education, probably doesn't exist. I haven't read it anyway. Well done! Having been and still a comic collecting oldman, I learned a few new things. This is how a comics history should be done.

Nice historic preservation of comic book I read yet. I followed the comic strips at 40 + years in newspapers and comic books I just love the stories that have been made and the pictures arts therein.

Love the quality of effort the creators put into this book! Entertaining and loads of as it happened info. Thank you! Bravo!

Drops knowledge. Goldilocks. Just right. Easily digestible. A habitable planet for my essence. A great team cultivated food equally nourishing my left and right brains

Sorely disappointed!illustrated like Hunt Emerson and a Horrible Histories book but without the charm or humour. very little to offer anyone who knows something about comics already (although in all fairness it isnt aimed at them all that much). Maybe good for kids just getting into comics who would like to know more?But nothing you couldnt get from half a dozen similar books or dare i say Wikipedia on the right trail.There is a strange tone that aims for representation of different cultures and sidesteps the inherent diversity of the history. Whether its insincerity or trying too hard im not entirely sure but it aims and misses. What could have been a fascinating overview of world comics history becomes a safe collection of bite size stories that barely scratch the surface. only positive is Its format lends itself to dipping in and out and might encourage young readers to expand upon the parts they liked which is always a good thing!

What better way to explain the history of comic books than telling it using a comic book. If you areinterested in the history of this medium (and art form) then this series is a good way to learn about it.