American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1950s

The American Comic Book Chronicles is a series of full-color hardcovers that document every decade of comic book history from the 1940s to today. Bill Schelly's volume on the 1950s era covers the rise of EC New Trend titles, Harvey Kurtzman's Mad, and Carl Barks' classic work on Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge. It also discusses the publication of Dr. Fredric Wertham's anti-comics book, Seduction of the Innocent, and the Senate hearings on juvenile delinquency that led to the creation of the Comics Code.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: TwoMorrows Publishing

The American Comic Book Chronicles, in its ongoing series of magnificent full-color hardcovers, embarks on an ambitious endeavor to chronicle every decade of comic book history, spanning from the 1940s to the present day! Authored by the esteemed Bill Schelly, this volume delves into the vibrant era of the 1950s, focusing on the captivating lives of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. It offers a comprehensive year-by-year account of the most significant publications, notable creators, and groundbreaking trends that shaped this era, including:

The emergence of the legendary EC New Trend titles, such as Tales of the Crypt and Weird Science, which revolutionized the comic book industry.
The influential work of Harvey Kurtzman, known for his groundbreaking magazine Mad, which pushed the boundaries of creativity and satire.
The timeless creations of Carl Barks, the legendary Disney artist, who brought Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge to life in iconic comic strips.
Additionally, this volume explores the controversial publication of Dr. Fredric Wertham's anti-comics book, Seduction of the Innocent, which sparked widespread debate and led to the establishment of the Comics Code, a set of guidelines that significantly impacted the comic book industry for decades.
Furthermore, it delves into the Senate hearings on juvenile delinquency that occurred in the 1950s, which were triggered by concerns about the influence of comics on young readers. These hearings ultimately resulted in the creation of the Comics Code, a set of regulations that aimed to sanitize and regulate the content of comics, ensuring that they were appropriate for a wider audience.
The American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1950s Era is a testament to the rich and dynamic history of comic books, capturing the essence of this pivotal decade through the insightful words of Bill Schelly and the stunning artwork of various artists. It is a must-read for comic book enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in exploring the evolution of this beloved medium.

Weight: 1048g
Dimension: 286 x 224 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781605490540