The Great Comic Book Heroes

Posted on May 24, 2009 by Bill Jourdain

A while back, I posted about my favorite Golden Age comic book reprint book.  In thinking about that post, I tried to remember the first comic book reprint book that showcased a significant number of diverse Golden Age stories.  While DC did a pretty good job with Golden Age reprints in the 1960’s with their annuals and 80 Page Giants, the first book I am aware of that featured Golden Age reprints of the stories of different publishers in one volume was The Great Comic Book Heroes by Jules Feiffer.  This large format hard back was published in 1965 and featured many origin stories and “firsts” from some of the most popular Golden Age heroes.

The Great Comic Book Heroes (1965)

The Great Comic Book Heroes (1965)

The Great Comic Book Heroes (1965)

The Great Comic Book Heroes (1965)

Feiffer was not just some comic book fan publishing a book of reprints.  As can be seen in his biography, he was a serious journalist and author who went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1986 for his political cartoons that appeared in the Village Voice.  He was inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2004.  It’s clear from his now famous introduction to The Great Comic Book Heroes, that he had a fascination with the Golden Age of Comic Books and the superheroes that it spawned.  This book was reprinted by Fantagraphics in a 2003 trade paperback, but without some of the great stories reprinted in the original.  The introduction itself is worth the price of admission for its interesting and revealing look at Feiffer’s views of the “great superheroes”,  told in the historical context of the era’s creators and their creations.  The introduction is divided into 8 chapters totaling 42 pages.  It’s thoroughly enjoyable and provides a sometimes serious take on superheroes at a time when they were mostly written off as cheap entertainment, especially in the world of academia.

The Great Comic Book Heroes - Table of Contents

The Great Comic Book Heroes - Table of Contents

After the Introduction, the book contains full color reprints of some of the greatest Golden Age stories of all time.  In this volume you’ll find:

  • Superman #1 (Origin of Superman)
  • Superman #3 (The “broken dam” story)
  • Whiz Comics #1 (Single page from the origin of Captain Marvel)
  • Batman #1 (Origin recap and first Joker story)
  • Marvel Mystery Comics #19 (Human Torch and Toro battle “The Hag”)
  • Flash Comics #1 (Origin of the Golden Age Flash)
  • All-American Comics #16 (Origin of the Golden Age Green Lantern)
  • All-Star Comics #1 (The Spectre)
  • Flash Comics #5 (The Hawkman)
  • Wonder Woman #2 (Wonder Woman fights Mars, God of War)
  • Marvel Mystery Comics #7 (Sub-Mariner)
  • Captain America #1 (Origin of Captain America and Bucky)
  • Police Comics #1 (Origin of Plastic Man)
  • The Spirit (July 20, 1941 – The Spirit in the Middle East)

While all of the stories in this book have now been reprinted (some many times) it’s doubtful that in 1965 most of these stories had seen publication since the Golden Age, making this book a treasure trove for the true fan of the Golden Age of Comic Books.  Indeed, it likely created many fans of the Golden Age of Comic Books who, after reading this book, went in search of other Golden Age stories.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the quote selected by Feiffer to include just prior to his Introduction:

I have known many adults who have treasured throughout their lives some of the books they read as children.  I have never come across any  adult or adolescent who had outgrown comic-book reading who would ever dream of keeping any of these “books” for any sentimental or other reason.

                       – FREDERIC WERTHAM, Seduction of the Innocent (Rinehart, 1954)

Every time I read this I have to smile at the perfect jab Feiffer takes not only at Wertham, but at the entire group of academics and others who believed that comic books were not art or literature, but some type of abomination posing as one or the other or both.  The quote was also a perfect entree into Feiffer’s Introduction.

The Great Comic Book Heroes is a wonderful reprint book, but it is even better with Feiffer’s superb Introduction.  Put in the proper historical context of its 1965 publication date, it was also a unique and early celebration of the Golden Age of Comic Books.  It’s certainly one of my favorites.



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My Golden Age

Posted on May 16, 2009 by Bill Jourdain

Although I am a fan, collector and historian of the Golden Age of Comic Books, my personal Golden Age was much later.  As a child of the 1960’s and 70’s, I read a lot of the comics that Pat Curley features on the Silver Age of Comic Books Blog.  Not only did I read Silver Age comics, I spent a lot of time in front of the TV on Saturday mornings watching the cartoons of the same era.  In a way, these cartoons influenced me just as much as the comics that I read.

I was therfore thrilled when Warner Brothers asked me to review a series of DVD sets that will be available in stores in the coming weeks.  These sets took me down memory lane and were just plain fun to watch.

Saturday Morning Cartoons - 1960's - Volume 1

Saturday Morning Cartoons - 1960's - Volume 1

I first watched WB’s Saturday Morning Cartoons, 1960’s, volume 1.  This two disk set will be in stores on May 26, 2009 and features over 5 hours of classic 1960’s Hanna-Barbera cartoons.  Of the thirty-three ‘toons on these disks, you will laugh to the antics of Porky Pig, Secret Squirrel (my personal favorite!), The Flintstones, Top Cat, Peter Potamus, Magilla Gorilla, Quick Draw McGraw (with a great El Kabong episode), Atom Ant, Space Ghost and many others.  You will find bonus features of “The Herculoids: First Family of Planet Quasar” with the subperb art of Alex Toth, and “Monster Rock: The Adventures of Frankenstein Jr. and the Impossibles”.  This is a great set of classic 1960’s cartoons, and a must have for collectors.

Saturday Morning Cartoons - 1970's Volume 1

Saturday Morning Cartoons - 1970's Volume 1

Next up was WB’s Saturday Morning Cartoons, 1970’s, volume 1.  This is another great set that will also be in stores on May 26, 2009.  How can you resist the adventures of Batman and Scooby-Doo?  What about Josie and the Pussy Cats, Yogi and Boo-Boo, Speed Buggy, and many others?  With 17 cartoons and over five hours of fun, you can’t go wrong with this  2-disk set.  As a bonus, you’ll find, “Solving Crimes the Chan Clan Way” with Charlie Chan,  and Scooby-Doo’s “Heavens to Betsy Ross: The Spirit of Funky Phantom”.  This is classic 1970’s cartoon fun!  I can remember watching many of these shows when they first aired.

The Jetsons - Season 2 - Volume 1

The Jetsons - Season 2 - Volume 1

As if the 1960’s and 1970’s series weren’t enough, on June 2, 2009, WB will release another great collection, The Jetsons, season 2, volume 1.  If you are a fan of George Jetson and his family (don’t forget Astro, the dog of the future!), you’ll love this 3 disk set that presents 21 episodes of this classic cartoon series from the 1960’s.  You can’t go wrong with the zany misadventures of George, Jane, Judy, Elroy and Rosie (their robotic maid).  As a bonus, you will be treated to “The Jetsons Return to the Future” that explores the evolution of the series.  It’s cool when you think about the Jetsons being the first TV family to have a big-screen home entertainment center and other futuristic themes such as floating cities, flying cars and androids, long before these regualry apppeared in many Sc-Fi blockbluster films.  This is great entertainment!  Do you have The Jestons theme song in your head yet? “Meet George Jetson…Jane, his wife…daughter Judy…his boy Elroy...”  I bet it will take you a while to get that song out of your head!

All three DVD sets are in standard format to preserve the aspect ratio of the original televsion exhibition of these shows.  I found the menus on these disks easy to use, and welcomed the table of contents on the inside of The Jetsons case.  I was a little disappointed that the 1960’s and 1970’s sets did not have similar tables of contents, but I did like the slipcase packaging on all three sets.  The 1960’s and 1970’s packaging compliments each other, so they will look good side by side on your shelf.  One word of caution to you parents out there; WB has placed a warning on the 1960’s and 1970’s sets that they are intended for adult collectors and not suitable for children.  Go figure.  To learn more about these great DVD sets, go to the official Kids WB site.  You can also get the inside scoop on WB movie and DVD releases at wbreelnews.com.  Want to buy one of these sets online?  Click here.

I loved these DVD sets as they took me down memory lane on a visit to my Golden Age.  I can’t wait for other sets in these series to be released!

WB Affiliate



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Golden Age Reprints – Golden Age Marvel Comics Masterworks Volume 4

Posted on May 15, 2009 by Bill Jourdain

Marvel is at it again this week with another great Golden Age Marvel Masterworks volume.  The Marvel Masterworks Golden Age Marvel Comics, volume 4 reprints all stories from Marvel Mystery Comics 13-16 (November 1940 – Febraury 1941).  In addition to the great Human Torch and Sub-Mariner stories by Burgos and Everett, you will also find the adventures of The Vision (Jack Kirby), The Angel (Paul Gustavson) and others.  Of course, the covers by Alex Schomburg are worth the price of admission.  Kirby’s “The Vision” story from Marvel Mystery Comics #16 is very cool (gotta love dinosaurs!)  In addition to the stories, you will find the covers (including the inside front covers) the text pieces and some of the ads for other Timley comics.

Marvel Masterworks Golden Age Marvel Mystery Comics Vol. 4

Marvel Masterworks Golden Age Marvel Mystery Comics Vol. 4

This is a great volume for the Golden Age Marvel collector or fan as it contains many stories that have never before been reprinted.  This volume retails for $59.99 (U.S.) but can be found at a discount at many online retailers.  Thanks again to Marvel for continuing with their Golden Age reprints.  This volume is especially welcomed as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Marvel Comics, but that’s the topic for another post!

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A Golden Age Fairy Tale

Posted on May 5, 2009 by Bill Jourdain

Comic Books in the early Golden Age weren’t just about superheroes (although a quick glance at the newsstands would have suggested otherwise).  There were other titles that featured great storytelling and even better art.  Take for example one of my favorites, Fairy Tale Parade.  This title was probably not unique in its design to use the comic book format to re-tell classic fairy tales; however, it featured the artwork of one of the greatest funny animal artists of all time, Walt Kelly who would eventually gain international fame for his creation of Pogo.  In 1942, Kelly was a recent alumnus of the Walt Disney Studio, and upon the advice of Walt Disney, began his work in comics.  Not only did Kelly draw early Disney comics for Dell, he displayed his genius as an artist in his work on Fairy Tale Parade, first published by Dell in June-July, 1942.

Fairy Tale Parade #1 (June-July 1942)

Fairy Tale Parade #1 (June-July 1942)

Not only were Kelly’s abilities showcased on the front covers and interior of this title, but his intricate work on the back covers (that wrapped partially around to the front) was amazing to behold.  While I usually don’t spend much time studying the back covers of comics, Fairy Tale Parade is certainly an exception to this rule, and every time I look, I find something that I did not notice before (the back covers also served as a table of contents for each issue).

Fairy Tale Parade #1 Back Cover

Fairy Tale Parade #1 Back Cover

With issue #1, Dell’s inside front cover inscription set the stage for the entire series, and alerted the readers (and their parents) that the title was being offered “not as a shortcut to reading, but in the hope of instilling desire to read and re-read the fairy tales, legends and myths of bygone days.”  Also unique to most comic books of the day, Dell touted “Walt Kelly, the artist who drew all of the wonderful pictures in this book.”  It was rare, indeed, for an artist in the early Golden Age of Comic Books to receive credit for his or her work, much less the praise Oskar Lebeck (the Dell Editor) bestowed upon Kelly (note, also that Kelly signed his name to the bottom corner of the back cover).

Fairy Tale Parade #1 Inside Front Cover

Fairy Tale Parade #1 Inside Front Cover

As seen from the back cover, this issue contained Kelly’s renditions of some classic fairy tales, including Hansel and Gretel and Little Black Sambo.  Similar to Carl Barks’ now censored renditions in “Voodoo Hoodoo”, it is very doubtful that Kelly’s work on Little Black Sambo would be accepted today.  Regardless, Kelly’s work on these stories of old is enjoyable and fun to read.

Issue #2 (August-September 1942) is another great effort by Kelly, and his back cover is even more detailed and intricate than his effort on issue #1.  Although not in full color, the myriad of images on this cover are a delight to behold.  This issue features Jack the Giant Killer, Snow White and Rose Red, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Tom Thumb, Cinderella, Puss in Boots and Sinbad the Sailor.  Just like in issue #1, these are all great stories and very fun to read.

Fairy Tale Parade #2 (August-September 1942)

Fairy Tale Parade #2 (August-September 1942)

Fairy Tale Parade #2 Back Cover

Fairy Tale Parade #2 Back Cover

Keeping to their bi-monthly schedule, Dell and Kelly were back with issue #3 (October-November 1942).  For those who loved the back cover and wraparound of issue #2, this was a real treat as the intricate art from the previous issue was back in full color.  I also love the front cover of this issue as it really captures Kelly’s superb abilities.

In issue #3, more great classic fairy tales were told, such as, Rip Van Winkle, The Elves and the Cobbler, Rumpelstiltsken, and others.

Fairy Tale Parade #3 (October-November 1942)

Fairy Tale Parade #3 (October-November 1942)

Fairy Tale Parade #3 Back Cover

Fairy Tale Parade #3 Back Cover

Dell’s Fairy Tale Parade continued through issue #9 (November, 1943-January, 1944) when it was made a part of Dell’s Four Color Comics series.  The first Four Color issue was #50 (1944) followed by #69, #87, #104, #114 (the last issue by Walt Kelly) and #121 (1946).

If you get tired of reading about the superheroes from the Golden Age of Comic Books, see if you can find a “reading copy” of Fairy Tale Parade by Kelly.  Not only is it a refreshing change from the sometimes stiff and bland superhero fare, it’s an opportunity to see a master at work in some of his earliest comics endeavors.

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My Favorite Golden Age Reprint Book

Posted on May 3, 2009 by Bill Jourdain

In the last 20 years, there has been a huge increase in the number of books reprinting Golden Age material.  DC’s first concerted effort at reprinting classic Golden Age stories was their Superman Archives in 1989 followed quickly by their Batman Archives in 1990.  Before that time, reprints of the Golden Age adventures of DC and Marvel superheroes had been mostly confined to comic books (i.e.,  Annuals, 80 Page Giants, Fantasy Masterpieces, etc.).  Today, both Marvel and DC have published dozens of Golden Age reprint books in all manner of formats.  From the more expensive hard back Archive and Masterworks series, to the cheaper trade paperback Chronicles, “best of” and “decades” collections, just about every early adventure of a mainstream DC or Marvel superhero has been reprinted.

Long before this proliferation of collected editions, one reprint book from the 1970’s was my favorite source of Golden Age material.  This book, “Batman from the 30’s to the 70’s” remains my favorite reprint source of all time.

Batman from the 30's to the 70's

Batman from the 30's to the 70's

This big 388 pager was first published in 1971 by Crown Publishers, Inc. and saw several editions.  It had a $12.95 cover price and was worth every penny.  When I first got this book in the early 1970’s, I read it, re-read it and read it again.  I simply loved the stories that I found; most of which I had never read before.  There were many reasons I loved this book as an 11 year old comic book fan, but the biggest was that so many important moments in Batman’s life were reprinted in these pages.  In addition to his first appearance from Detective Comics #27, I was able to read the first appearance of Robin (Detective Comics #38), the first appearance of Alfred (Batman #16 – why was he fat?), the first appearance of the Joker (Batman #1) and his origin (Detective Comics #168 – the famous “Red Hood” story), and many other defining moments in the life of my favorite hero.  I can remember reading some of the early pre-Robin stories and thinking how strange it was to see this primitive grim and dark version of Batman.  I also marveled at the different styles of the many artists who drew the first stories involving Two-Face, the Riddler and others (Jerry Robinson was my favorite then and remains my favorite today!)  In the early 1970’s, this was simply a wonderful new way to read the adventures of Batman and Robin, that were very different from their then contemporary stories (which I also loved as rendered by Adams and others).

Title Page

Title Page

I can also remember seeing many of the vintage covers from Batman and Detective Comics for the first time in the cover galleries that preceded the stories (some in color, but most in black and white). I had never seen many of these covers before, and it was fun to sit and study them for the first time (there was no Gerber Photo Journal or Internet to use as resources at that time!).

30's & 40's Cover Gallery, Page 1

30's & 40's Cover Gallery, Page 1

30's & 40's Cover Gallery, Page 2

30's & 40's Cover Gallery, Page 2

Not only were the 30’s and 40’s stories great, but the 1950’s stories caught my eye.  Here I read about the first appearance of a character called “Batwoman” who was not all too familiar, and some really wild and wacky sci-fi themed stories that were as alien to me as the characters encountered by Batman and Robin.  What a strange time in the character’s history!  The 1960’s and 1970’s were also there, but they were much more familiar to me, and I had read some of the stories before in the original comics.

Clearly, it was the Golden Age stories in this volume that piqued my interest and made me into the Golden Age fan that I am today.  I can say with certainty that but for this collected edition of Batman and Robin stories, I would not have begun searching for more sources to read Batman’s earliest adventures.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

As much as I enjoyed the stories, the Table of Contents let me down.  Nowhere in this volume could I find a complete listing of the sources of the stories found in this book.  To a newly minted Golden Age fan, this was frustrating to say the least, but I put on my detective hat and began tracking down this information.  My frustration remained until several years later when I obtained my first copy of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.   

For the fans of this book, we are fortunate to now have a “revised table of contents” thanks to the work of Chris Marshall at the Collected Comics Library.

Infantino's Dedication

Infantino's Dedication

Carmine Infantino in his Dedication to the book wrote about how Batman’s first appearance changed his life.  Unlike Infantino, this book did not propel me into a career in the comic book industry, but it did start me down the road as an avid fan and collector.  I wonder what my life would be like today if I had not developed a fascination with the Golden Age of Comic Books!

By the way, DC also published two similar editions, “Superman from the 30’s to the 70’s” (and a reprinting that included the 80’s) and “Shazam from the 40’s to the 70’s”.  Both of these books are similar in size and format.  Complete table of contents to these collected editions can be found at the Collected Comics Library.  There was also a similar but smaller and all in color “Wonder Woman” collected edition published in 1972 with an introduction by Gloria Steinem.

Back Cover

Back Cover

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