The Tale of Toxic Positivity: A hilarious Beatrix Potter parody, the perfect Christmas gift for fans of Peter Rabbit, swearing and anti-self-help books

Comics & Graphic Novels

Magrs, Paul

Pottymouth, Beatrix

History & Price Guides

Harpercollins

Essays discuss the creation of the Superman comic book character, the production of comic book art, and aspects of Superman's character abilities, and personal history

Superman at Fifty!: The Persistence of a Legend

Macmillan Pub. Co.

Legendary publisher Bill Gaines is perhaps best remembered as the founder of MAD Magazine, but in the opinion of many dedicated comic book fans, his greatest achievement was E.C. Comics, a line of adventure, horror, and science-fiction comics whose influence on American graphic novels is undeniable, even today. Foul Play! is the perfect book for anyone wanting to understand the special place E.C. holds in the comic fan's heart -- or who just wants to read some real good comics!
Foul Play! celebrates the fan-favorite creators of E.C. Comics, profiling their artists -- a veritable who's who of mid-20th century popular illustration -- and describing how they came to work with Bill Gaines and how their careers evolved after E.C.. Among the comics art legends profiled are Al Feldstein; Harvey Kurtzman; Johnny Craig; Jack Davis; Graham Ingels; Jack Kamen; Wallace Wood; Joe Orlando; Will Elder; John Severin; George Evans; Al Williamson; Reed Crandall; Bernie Krigstein; and more! Plus, the book includes a special bonus: a lost E.C. Comics story "Wanted for Murder!" originally intended to be published in 1956 but forgotten and unseen until now.
When originally published, E.C. Comics titles like Tales from the Crypt, The Vault of Horror, and Weird Science became best-selling titles, embraced by readers for their macabre wit and stunning illustration. Eventually, E.C. Comics ran afoul of a full Senate Subcommittee investigating (but never proving!) the link between comic books and juvenile delinquency, but not before winning a legion of fans that still treasure E.C.'s output. Foul Play! demonstrates -- in glorious, gory detail -- exactly why these are among the most beloved comics stories ever published.

Foul Play!: The Art and Artists of the Notorious 1950s E.C. Comics!

Arts & Photography

Geissman, Grant

History & Criticism

Harper Design

"Magnificent! The best how-to manual ever published." — Kevin Kelly, Cool Tools
Scott McCloud tore down the wall between high and low culture in 1993 with Understanding Comics, a massive comic book about comics, linking the medium to such diverse fields as media theory, movie criticism, and web design. In Reinventing Comics, McCloud took this to the next level, charting twelve different revolutions in how comics are generated, read, and perceived today. Now, in Making Comics, McCloud focuses his analysis on the art form itself, exploring the creation of comics, from the broadest principles to the sharpest details (like how to accentuate a character's facial muscles in order to form the emotion of disgust rather than the emotion of surprise.) And he does all of it in his inimitable voice and through his cartoon stand–in narrator, mixing dry humor and legitimate instruction. McCloud shows his reader how to master the human condition through word and image in a brilliantly minimalistic way. Both comic book devotees and the uninitiated will marvel at this journey into a once–underappreciated art form.

Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels

McCLOUD, Scott

William Morrow Paperbacks

Graphic novels, long stories told in comics format, have enjoyed the fastest-growing sales of any category of book in the U.S. over the last four years. This modern renaissance of comics has produced a library of substantial works, whose subjects are not confined to superheroes or fantasy but are as varied and sophisticated as the best films and literature.
Graphic Novels presents an accessible, entertaining, and highly illustrated guide to the diversity of contemporary comics in book form. Featuring striking graphics and explanatory extracts from a wide range of graphic novels, the book examines the specific language of the comics medium; the history and pioneers of the form; recent masterpieces from Art Spiegelman's Maus to Chris Ware's Jimmy Corrigan; the impact of Japanese manga and European albums translated into English; how artists have overcome prejudices towards the genre; and the ambitious range of themes and issues artists are addressing, including childhood, war and survival, politics, the future, sexuality, and the supernatural.

Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know

Gravett, Paul

Graphic Novels

Following the success of Japanese Comickers, this book profiles twelve Japanese and Korean artists working in anime and manga -- all of whom eagerly discuss their work and share their thoughts on this incredible and increasingly popular genre. Some featured artists use digital tools to create their work, while others work in more traditional media.
Each of the twelve profiles in Japanese Comickers 2 includes a brief biography of the artist, a visual of his or her most representative work, and a pictorial gallery with detailed explanations of their techniques. Also included is information on the materials used by each artist and a glossary of terms unique to manga and anime.
A showcase of the cutting-edge vanguard of anime and manga illustration and a valuable how-to guide for aspiring artists, Japanese Comickers 2 is an essential addition to every fan's library.

Japanese Comickers 2: Draw Manga and Anime Like Japan's Hottest Artists

Comickers Magazine

Graphic Design

With its stylistic characters and vivid colors, manga has captured the imagination of millions. Now, Manga: Masters of the Art goes straight to the source -- the artists themselves -- for the ultimate insider's look at this global phenomenon. 
Each section includes a question-and-answer session, allowing the reader first-hand access to the artist's thoughts and ideas. They discuss how they became interested in manga, their first published work, where they get their ideas, the creative process, tips and techniques, artistic influences, the genre itself, and much more. Illustrations and photographs of each artist's most seminal works are accompanied by extensive, explanatory captions. 
Manga: Masters of the Art is a practical reference book, a fascinating look at how this incredible artwork makes it from concept to reality, and a thoughtful commentary on the genre -- perfect for the growing legions of manga fans.
The artists featured are:
<ul>
<li>Kia Asamiya (Silent Möbius, Batman: Child of Dreams)</li> <li>CLAMP (Chobits, Tsubasa)</li> <li>Takehiko Inoue (Vagabond, Slam Dunk)</li> <li>Erica Sakurazawa (Between the Sheets, The Aromatic Bitters)</li> <li>Jiro Taniguchi (Icaro, The Walking Man)</li> <li>Yuko Tsuno (Swing Shell)</li> <li>Tatsuya Egawa (Golden Boy, Tokyo University Story)</li> <li>Suehiro Maruo (Mr. Arashi's Amazing Freak Show)</li> <li>Reiko Okano (Onmyoji, Fancy Dance)</li> <li>Mafuyu Hiroki (Apples)</li> <li>Miou Takaya (Crazy Heaven, Map of Sacred Pain)</li> <li>Usamaru Furuya (Short Cuts, Palepoli)</li>
</ul>

Manga: Masters of the Art

Lehmann, Timothy

Since 1970, only one comic book price guide has been dubbed "the Bible" for casual and die-hard collectors alike. While others have come and gone, The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide has maintained its stature as the premiere reference source for the hobby, covering more than a century of comic book history. The essential tool for collectors and investors, the Guide is highly regarded for its well-researched pricing, in-depth historical information, and incomparable insights into the marketplace. If you have a comic book collection or are thinking about starting one, you simply can't do without this book!
This 30th Anniversary Edition Includes:
<ul>
<li>The most complete record of existing comic books from the 1800s to the present</li>
<li>Redesigned feature sections for greater clarity and easy reference</li>
<li>Market reports by Robert M. overstreet and the Overstreet advisors network</li>
<li>Exclusive feature articles on the origin and history of EC Comics, now celebrating the 50th anniversary of the "New Trend" titles, including interviews with Overstreet cover artists Al Feldstein and Al Williamson!</li>
<li>Exclusive 30th anniversary feature looking back at the birth of a comic book fan, the first-ever article written for the Guide by Robert M. Overstreet himself!</li>
<li>Up-to-date directory of comic book fan wbsites</li>
<li>Tips about collecting, grading and caring for your comics</li>
<li>All-new additions to Overstreet Hall of Fame, key sales lists, and exhaustive indices</li>
<li>And much, much more!</li>
</ul>

The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, 30e (Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide)

Overstreet, Robert M.

Collins Reference

"You must read this book." —Neil Gaiman 
The bestselling international classic on storytelling and visual communication
Praised throughout the cartoon industry by such luminaries as Art Spiegelman, Matt Groening, and Will Eisner, Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics is a seminal examination of comics art: its rich history, surprising technical components, and major cultural significance. Explore the secret world between the panels, through the lines, and within the hidden symbols of a powerful but misunderstood art form.

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

500 Essential Graphic Novels is an all-in-one guide to this exciting form of visual literature.
Including more than 350 authors and 400 artists, this lush volume contains an essential mix of some of the finest visually-stunning stories of our time. From politically-charged non-fiction sagas to imaginative fantasy tales, this ultimate guide has something to satisfy everyone's taste.
The first of its kind, this book focuses on each graphic novel separately, honing in on art technique, style and prose, plus an age rating system so parents will know what is suitable for their children. Chapters are divided by genre, complete with individual plot synopses and star-scaled reviews for each book, providing the reader with a concise and balanced understanding of today's best graphic novels.

500 Essential Graphic Novels: The Ultimate Guide

Gene Kannenberg

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