America's Great Comic-Strip Artists

Booknews

Focusing on the life and work of sixteen famed comic strip cartoonists, Marshall (editor-in-chief, Nemo) not only relates their individual achievements, but tells the story of the form as it evolved from its beginnings in the 1890s to the present. The lavish illustrations (some 300, half in color) come from the Sunday pages, the daily strips, presentation pieces, promotional drawings, and personal sketchbooks. Oversize (11x13"). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Kirkus Reviews

A swiftly paced and engrossing survey of the lives and careers of the most influential and original creators of comic strips, ranging across the hundred-year history of the genre. Marschall, the editor of Hogan's Alley: The Journal of the Cartoon Arts, brings an extraordinary fund of knowledge to the project and a refreshingly sharp, frank critical sense. Beginning with R.F. Outcault, the creator in the late 19th century of the phenomenally popular "Yellow Kid" and "Hogan's Alley," and concluding with Charles Schultz and the ubiquitous "Peanuts" strip, these profiles offer a nice blend of the biographical and the critical. Indeed, Marschall's pieces on such diverse figures as George Herriman (the shy genius who created "Krazy Kat") and Al Capp ("Lil' Abner") are superb introductions to the artists and their creations, and the most succinct and convincing evaluations of their work available. E.C. Segar ("Popeye"), Harold Gray ("Little Orphan Annie"), Hal Foster ("Prince Valiant"), Milton Caniff ("Terry and the Pirate"), and Walt Kelly ("Pogo") are among those profiled. A handsome, lively introduction to the genre.