"The Truly Classic Comic Book References of the 70's!!!"

The 70's were a truly classic era for comic book / superhero history books!!! This is the era that basically introduced this type of reference book (and it began an explosion of fantastic works to come). This list is definitely not all-inclusive, but included are most of the 'biggies', along with my personal favorites (all of which I own, incidentally!). They are in no particular order of favoritism; they are all amazing!

"The Steranko History of Comics Vol.#1 & 2 by Jim Steranko (comic book artist extraordinaire)---These 'LIFE Magazine-sized' paper-bound classics (pictured above) include many of the 'Golden Age' greats like Superman; Batman; Wonder Woman; Captain America; The Original Human Torch; Sub-Mariner; Captain Marvel; The Spirit; "Quality Comics" Heroes; Pulp Heroes; and so much more! These volumes are loaded with full-page B & W artworks and small images of classic comic book covers (along with the full-color multi-hero & heroine wrap-around covers by Steranko, himself!).

"The Great Comic Book Heroes" by Jules Feiffer---This fabulous hardcover edition has coverage of (as stated on the cover) "The origins and early adventures of the classic super-heroes of the comic books-in glorious color". Many of the classic DC, Marvel / Timely & Quality Comics Super-Heroes are featured in full-color, full story reprints.

 "Comix-A History of Comic Books in America" by Les Daniels---This amazing hardcover book covers a vast array of comic book types (with B & W + Color illustrations & stories throughout); with coverage of the usual classic super-heroes; E.C. horror & sci-fi; Disney; Warren Publications; Undergrounds; and much more.

"The World Encyclopedia of Comics" edited by Maurice Horn---This monstrous, extremely thick, very heavy hardcover volume is basically just what it says, with vast, general coverage, of nearly every type of comic book or strip from around the world. This large 790 page is illustrated throughout ( in B & W, with some color) with images of superheroes, humor, war, horror, sci-fi, romance, adventure, and erotica.

The Great DC reference books: "Superman: From the 30's to the 70's"---A great hardcover, which covers a large chunk of Superman's life and career, from his 1st appearance in "Action Comics"#1 through his changes into the 70's. This book displays work from some of the great Superman artists like---Joe Shuster; Wayne Boring; Al Plastino; Curt Swan and others. Illustrated throughout in B & W, with a section in color.
"Batman: From the 30's to the 70's"---Another great hardcover chronicling Batman's life and career from his dark origin and adventures; the introduction & origin of Robin, the Boy Wonder; semi-humorous 50's; the introduction of origin of Batgirl in the 60's; to the return of Batman's darker nature in the 70's. This book displays work from some of the great Batman artists like---Bob Kane; Carmine Infantino; Irv Novick; Neal Adams (my favorite) and others. Illustrated throughout in B & W, with a section in color. "Shazam: From the 40's to the 70's"---a later great hardcover covering the origins of 'The Original' Captain Marvel; Mary Marvel; Captain Marvel Jr. and other 'Marvel Family' members, from their early adventures to cancellation due to copyright problems; and revival in the 70's. Including classic artwork by artists like---C.C. Beck; Mac Raboy and later ones like---Kurt Schaffenberger and Dave Cockrum. Illustrated throughout in B & W, with a section in color. "Secret Origins of the Super DC Heroes"---An over-sized paperback full-color origin collection of many DC Superheroes (some both Golden & Silver Age versions)---Superman; Batman; Wonder Woman; The Flash; Green Lantern; Green Arrow; Hawkman; The Atom; Plastic Man & Captain Marvel.

The Great Marvel Reference books: "Origins of Marvel Comics"---Featuring full-color origins of Spider-Man; The Fantastic Four; The Hulk; Thor; Sub-Mariner & Dr. Strange. "Son of Origins of Marvel Comics"---Featuring Iron Man; The X-Men; The Avengers;Daredevil; The Silver Surfer; Nick Fury & The Watcher.  "Bring on the Bad Guys"---Featuring Dr. Doom; Red Skull; Green Goblin; Loki; Dormammu & The Abomination. "The Superhero Women"---Featuring Red Sonja; The Invisible Girl; Black Widow; Ms. Marvel; Medusa & Hela. "Marvel's Greatest Superhero Battles"---The Hulk vs The Thing; Silver Surfer vs Thor; Sub-Mariner vs Iron Man & Daredevil; and many other classics. Marvel also had a reprint book of The Incredible Hulk and one of the first official graphic novels, which featured The Silver Surfer and was rendered by his original creators; the greats: Stan Lee (writer) & Jack Kirby (artist). All of these spectacular books were over-sized paperbacks, with full-color art-work throughout. What a fantastic collection!!!

These wonderful reference books (& graphic novel) set the standard and paved the way for all comic book references and graphic novels to come (of which there are now an endless supply. Keep 'em comin'!). See if you can locate some of these excellent resources for yourself. You'll be glad you did!!! Take my word for it. Enjoy!!!