We are all nostalgic about comics. Many of us still peek at them ndash; some of us even collect them. British Comics: A Cultural History is the first historical study of these cherished British comic papers and magazines and their place in our society; from their origins in the late Victorian period to the present day.Beginning with the first comic superstar; the likeable rogue Ally Sloper; cultural historian James Chapman traces the rise of comic publishing and comic reading in Britain. British Comics considers the major genres; including comics for girls; boysrsquo; adventure; sports and war stories. The heyday of British comics came in the 1950s and rsquo;60s when titles such as Eagle and School Friend sold nearly a million copies a week. A new breed of violent comics appeared in the 1970s; including the controversial Action and cult favourite 2000AD; and in the 1980s came the rise and fall of adult comics such as Warrior; Crisis; Deadline and Revolver. Chapman discusses alternative comics such as Viz; and analyses the work of contemporary British comic writers including Alan Moore; Ian Edginton; Warren Ellis and Garth Ennis whose success has prompted a renaissance of British comics.Examining both the creators of comics and their readers; Chapman argues that British comics have a distinctive identity in their own right that is different from the comic books of America; France and Japan. They have responded to cultural and ideological currents in British society; not only providing escapism for their readers but also offering a mirror of their times. An invaluable reference for all comic fans and collectors; British Comics showcases the major role they have played in the imaginative lives of British children; teenagers ndash; and many grown-ups too.
#1620547 in eBooks 1997-11-30 1997-11-30File Name: B00668PWB2
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