Customer Reviews:
 By far the best scholarly attempt at comic book analysis November 27, 2007
Aside from William Savage's short history of Cold War comics, there is little else that comes close to matching the scholarly analysis of Bradford Wright's study. He is able to accomodate a broad sweep of the the development of the American comic book industry whilst highlighting the interplay of the comic book narratives with the cultural mores of the time. It by no means is perfect, but undoubtedly it is the best academic study of comic books available and hence is groundbreaking in its vision. Even better Wright's style of writing makes for the book to be accessible to a non academic readership. It's a highly recommended book for academics, everyday readers, and comic book fans, but not for art historians. Wright makes no attempt to debase himself in pretending to be an art historian. This study is purely a socio-cultural piece of superb research.
 For comic book readers and their friends February 11, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought this for myself because, although I've read US comic books for over 25 years on and off, I hadn't got round to considering how American values, social change and politics had influenced the writers, artists and publishers of the likes of GI Joe, Batman, Luke Cage et al. over the years.
This is an easy-to-read (for non-acedemics), entertaining read that provides a whistle stop tour of the interaction between US society and comic books since the 40's.
There are some reviews on the web that complain that its too light and misses the opportunity to go deeper into the subject - but for those like me with full time jobs and families to distract us - the book is pitched just about right.
Fueled with this new understanding, I'm looking to appreciate the old comics from a different perspective, but with no less enjoyment. I've even ordered another title - 'How to read comic books and why' to learn a little more.
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