The premiere and most extensive history of one comic book publisher ever written, reflecting the reading habits of millions of people of all ages during the seminal Golden and Silver Ages of Comics, 1938 to 1970. This textbook answers several long-standing questions among historians about the relationship of ACG and the largest publisher of comic books at that time, DC. Forbidden Adventures also dispels some long lived myths about EC Comics and their (in)famous terror titles, while shedding light on the early history of the most popular art form in the world.
As an independent agent, the Sangor Shop began producing comic book material for publishers in 1941 and had grown into ACG by 1946. Never the largest publisher, ACG was nevertheless a microcosm of the industry, publishing titles in every major comics genre.
During the Sangor period, many famous characters were created including “The Black Terror,” “Pyroman,” “The Fighting Yank,” and “Supermouse.” Herbie, Forbidden Worlds, and Adventures Into The Unknown (the first horror comic) are the best remembered ACG titles.
Many major talents germinated at Sangor and ACG. Kin Platt wrote mystery novels, Norman Fruman wrote a book on Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Harry Lazarus holds many patents and illustrates children's books. Everett Raymond Kinstler’s portraits of American presidents hang in the White House. Hy Eisman writes and draws The Katzenjammer Kids and Popeye.
This history surveys the Sangor Shop and ACG, using many sources, exclusive interviews, and a wealth of information available in the comics themselves. It includes many capsule story summaries from selected titles. Much of editor Hughes' philosophy of writing and producing comics is explored as well as the entire process involved in creating a comic book.
The book is published by Greenwood Publishing Group and should be available in your local library. If they don’t have it ask them to order a copy.
How do I know so much about Forbidden Adventures? I wrote it.
Michael Vance
(Forbidden Adventures has also been reprinted in Alter Ego #61! Find it at Two Morrows!"
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