1,000 Comic Books You Must Read

March 1, 2010
Gr 9 Up-Isabella knows comics, and, more importantly, loves them. His appreciation for the format is evident in this tribute to seven decades of cartoons. Excellent full-color reproductions of each cover accompanied by bibliographic information, and a short paragraph explaining why the title was selected for inclusion, are organized chronologically by decade. This sequence allows readers to witness the evolution of comics over time. Opening with a tribute to Superman and the important role that he played in the creation of early comics, the book features titles published through 2008. Beginning with the 1940s, each decade is introduced with a synopsis of comics produced during that period. This arrangement makes for excellent casual browsing, for an interesting lesson in the history of the format, and for an enjoyable trip down memory lane for adults. The diversity of selections provides treats for all. Offerings include everything from Donald Duck, Our Gang, Patsy Walker, Archie, and Captain America to Mousegard, Civil War, The Simpsons, and Usagi Yojimbo. The author's writing is clever and concise. In the acknowledgements, he credits a long list of individuals who provided suggestions and input for the final product. Color-coded pages and side margins facilitate ease in locating specific decades. Even readers who know little about graphic format will be captivated by Isabella's vivid synopsis of the world of comic books."Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2010
In this fun and enlightening volume, comics scripter and commentator Isabella, a longtime reviewer for the "Comics Buyer's Guide", distills a lifetime of comics reading into 1000 wide-ranging and knowledgeable recommendations. His stated intention is to present not necessarily the best or most important comics but 1000 great comics that showcase "the quality and variety of the comics art form." His choices are arranged chronologically. Some are well-known classics (the Fantastic Four's "Galactus Trilogy"; "Maus"), others are seminal works that introduced heroes such as Superman or the X-Men, and others still are by acknowledged masters such as Will Eisner or Carl Barks. But Isabella also spotlights lesser-known Westerns, war stories, romance, horror, humor, undergrounds, and comics from Europe and Japan. His more unexpected selections include issues of "Lassie, Welcome Back Kotter", and the toy tie-in "Hot Wheels", plus an educational comic on Crohn's disease. VERDICT Unfortunately, Isabella doesn't note where, or if, these sometimes rare comics have been reprinted. Fans will undoubtedly find personal favorites missing (where's the "Korvac Saga"?), but they will also find many pointers to unfamiliar, and most likely rewarding, reading. Recommended.S.R.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.