American Comics

En savoir plus sur le livre

Comics have taken a prominent place in American culture, influencing everything from blockbuster films and popular television shows to best-seller lists and award-winning works. Columbia professor Jeremy Dauber explores the rich yet often overlooked history of comics, beginning with the Civil War and cartoonist Thomas Nast, known for iconic figures like Uncle Sam and Santa Claus. He covers the golden age of newspaper comic strips, the superhero boom, the moral panic during the Eisenhower era, the Marvel Comics revolution, and the underground comix movement of the 1960s and ’70s. The narrative progresses into the twenty-first century, highlighting darker themes in works like Dark Knights and Watchmen, alongside the rise of the graphic novel, featuring creators like Art Spiegelman and Alison Bechdel. Dauber illustrates how comics have evolved alongside American politics and culture, shedding light on beloved characters and forgotten masterpieces. This exploration reveals how comics reflect America’s self-image through their stories. The book serves as a compelling chronicle of 150 years of American history, viewed through the lens of comic strips, political cartoons, superheroes, and graphic novels.