British Comics - by James Chapman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Arguing that British comics are distinct from their international counterparts, a unique showcase of the major role they have played in the imaginative lives of British youth--and some adults.

In this entertaining cultural history of British comic papers and magazines, James Chapman shows how comics were transformed in the early twentieth century from adult amusement to imaginative reading matter for children. Beginning with the first British comic, Ally Sloper--known as "A Selection, Side-splitting, Sentimental, and Serious, for the Benefit of Old Boys, Young Boys, Odd Boys generally, and even Girls"--British Comics goes on to describe the heyday of comics in the 1950s and '60s, when titles such as School Friend and Eagle sold a million copies a week. Chapman also analyzes the major genres, including schoolgirl fantasies and sports and war stories for boys; the development of a new breed of violent comics in the 1970s, including the controversial Action and 2000AD; and the attempt by American publisher, Marvel, to launch a new hero for the British market in the form of Captain Britain. Considering the work of important contemporary comic writers such as Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Ian Edginton, Warren Ellis, and Garth Ennis, Chapman's history comes right up to the present and takes in adult-oriented comics such as Warrior, Crisis, Deadline, and Revolver, and alternative comics such as Viz. Through a look at the changing structure of the comic publishing industry and how comic publishers, writers, and artists have responded to the tastes of their consumers, Chapman ultimately argues that British comics are distinctive and different from American, French, and Japanese comics. An invaluable reference for all comic collectors and fans in Britain and beyond, British Comics showcases the major role comics have played in the imaginative lives of readers young and old.

Review Quotes

"The British comic industry and tradition, often overshadowed by the American one, gets an interesting and important treatment in this book, which traces the history of British comics over the past two centuries in relation to economics and class, gender, war, technology, and the vagaries of the publishing business and popular taste."

-- "Anthropology Review Database"

"A cogent and enjoyable new study. . . . Chapman proves to be an enthusiastic guide."-- "Times Literary Supplement"

"A valuable contribution to British comics history."-- "Comicbitsonline"

"A well-written, well researched book, which is attractive and quite enjoyable to read."-- "Cercles"

"An invaluable resource for even the most laissez-faire of fans."-- "Seven Magazine, Sunday Telegraph"

"Chapman takes a broad approach but offers specific examples. . . . Popping up along the way are issues such as race, gender, censorship, the Cold War. Quotes, anecdotes and gems of knowledge add spice to an already facile reading. This superb, well-researched, well-thought-out volume deserves to be read by comics scholars and enthusiasts alike. Highly recommended."-- "Choice"

"Chapman's British Comics does an excellent job of condensing the rich story of comics in the UK into a very readable narrative, exploring their long history and celebrating recent successes. Chapman provides exactly what the title promises. The book is hugely informative and engaging, focusing on how comics can provide insights into society and often mirror political events . . . there is for the general reader much here that will surprise and delight."-- "History Today"

"Chapman's analysis of key characters such as Dan Dare in their various incarnations is absorbing. Even when discussing well known characters, this book is full of interesting titbits . . . Chapman's attempt to situate both creators and product in relation to social history is fascinating . . . Its lively and interesting style makes it more than suited to the active fan and those nostalgic for the comics of their youth."-- "Eye"

"James Chapman has penned the first truly scholarly survey of the origins and development of comics in Britain. . . . A solidly researched piece of cultural history."-- "The Comics Journal"

"This is a book that reminds us of the fantasy worlds we have lived in and analyses the appeal and structure of those worlds.Only those who enjoy popular culture can write about it well, and British Comics is a book in which not only is a genre analysed with expertise but enthusiasm is recollected."-- "Times Higher Education"

About the Author

James Chapman is professor of film studies at the University of Leicester. His other books include Cinemas of the World: Film and Society from 1895 to the Present and War and Film, both published by Reaktion Books.