Jeet Heer Knihy

A full exploration of the history, politics, and aesthetics of the superhero genre

This long-awaited collection features comic strips created in the early 1970s by renowned artists and writers, including C. C. Beck, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby, and Art Spiegelman. Initially intended as a special insert for Rolling Stone, the project evolved into a legendary anthology chronicling the 1960s. Writer/editor Michel Choquette traveled the globe to commission these works but faced challenges securing a publisher and funding. Now, after forty years, readers can finally enjoy this anthology, which includes 129 previously unpublished strips by 169 creators. Critics praise the collection as a treasure trove of sixties cartooning, revealing the decade's lasting impact on modern America. The anthology showcases works from luminaries like Joost Swarte and Will Eisner, as well as comics by Harlan Ellison and William S. Burroughs. It offers a unique perspective on the 1960s, avoiding typical American narratives by including insights from European artists. The collection serves as a time capsule of the comics medium in the early 1970s, blending old and new styles poised for a resurgence in the twenty-first century. With its rich backstory and diverse contributions, this anthology is a significant addition to the history of comics.