US Comic strip created by artist Alex Raymond for King Features Syndicate. Flash Gordon appeared in 1934, at first in Sunday, later in daily newspapers. Its elaborately shaded style and exotic storyline made it one of the most influential sf strips. It was taken over in 1944 by Austin Briggs, then in 1948 by Mac Raboy, and since then has been drawn by several artists, including Dan Barry (with contributions from artists Harvey Kurtzman and Wally Wood and writer Harry Harrison), Al Williamson, Gray Morrow, and Kevin VanHook.

This work dissects the origin and growth of superhero comic books, their major influences, and the creators behind them. It demonstrates how Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America and many more stand as time capsules of their eras, rising and falling with societal changes, and reflecting an amalgam of influences. The book covers in detail the iconic superhero comic book creators and their unique contributions in their quest for realism, including Julius Schwartz and the science-fiction origins of superheroes; the collaborative design of the Marvel Universe by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko; Jim Starlin’s incorporation of the death of superheroes in comic books; John Byrne and the revitalization of superheroes in the modern age; and Alan Moore’s deconstruction of superheroes.

Collecting together, for the first time ever, over two-year’s worth of strips from the golden age of newspaper comic strips. Harken back to a bygone era of swashbuckling heroes, science fiction high-adventure, with ray guns, rocket ships, strange monsters, damsels in distress and unbridled heroism! FLASH GORDON, the swashbuckling, all-American hero has been saving Earth and the universe from madmen, megalomaniacs and Ming the Merciless since 1934. He is science fiction’s most enduring super-hero icon, and his name has become synonymous with heroic deeds. Flash Gordon is also the original inspiration behind Star Wars, the muse to rock super group, Queen and star of his own cult 1980s movie! This new volume is presents the continuing adventures of Flash Gordon, the original guardian of the galaxy as he strives to save us all from a slew of villains hell-bent of domination, destruction and devilment!

When the Flash Gordon title made its move to King Comics in 1966, it was the start of a brilliant new look and a giant leap forward in storytelling and character. Flash, his beautiful companion Dale, and impulsive scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov face all-new perils and all-new villains in these space-age stories ... Join the brave and just Flash Gordon as he boldly travels the spaceways!

The definitive anthology of the pioneering cartoonist and creator of Mad magazine, featuring 100s of classic and never-before-seeen illustrations. It’s difficult to overstate Harvey Kurtzman’s influence on pop culture. He discovered Robert Crumb and gave Gloria Steinem her first job in publishing. Terry Gilliam also started at his side, where he met John Cleese, and the genesis of Monty Python was formed. And Art Spiegelman has stated on record that he owes his career to him. Harvey Kurtzman was an astonishingly talented and influential artist, writer, editor, and satirist. The creator of MAD and Playboy’s “Little Annie Fanny” was called, “One of the most important figures in postwar America” by the New York Times. Kurtzman’s groundbreaking “realistic” war comics of the early ’50s and various satirical publications (MAD, Trump, Humbug, and Help!) had an immense impact on popular culture, inspiring a generation of underground cartoonists and comedians. The Art of Harvey Kurtzman includes hundreds of never-before-seen illustrations, paintings, pencil sketches, newly discovered lost E.C. Comics layouts, color compositions, illustrated correspondence, and vintage photos from the rich Kurtzman archives.