Horror Comics in Black and White: A History and Catalog, 1964-2004
Author(s): Richard J. Arndt (Author)
Publisher: McFarland & Co
Publication Date: 15 Dec. 2012
Edition: Illustrated
Language: English
Print length: 300 pages
ISBN-10: 0786470259
ISBN-13: 9780786470259
Book Description
In 1954, the comic book industry instituted the Comics Code, a set of self-regulatory guidelines imposed to placate public concern over gory and horrific comic book content, effectively banning genuine horror comics. Because the Code applied only to color comics, many artists and writers turned to black and white to circumvent the Code’s narrow confines.
With the 1964 Creepy #1 from Warren Publishing, black-and-white horror comics experienced a revival continuing into the early 21st century, an important step in the maturation of the horror genre within the comics field as a whole.
This generously illustrated work offers a comprehensive history and retrospective of the black-and-white horror comics that flourished on the newsstands from 1964 to 2004. With a catalog of original magazines, complete credits and insightful analysis, it highlights an important but overlooked period in the history of comics.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Recommended”―Choice; “a great book…indispensable”―Mania.com; “Arndt draws on the original magazines, as well as reference books and interviews with publishers, editors, writers, and artists, to document the history of b&w horror comic magazines”―Reference & Research Book News.
From the Back Cover
In 1954, the comic book industry instituted the Comics Code, a set of self-regulatory guidelines imposed to placate public concern over gory and horrific comic book content, effectively banning genuine horror comics. Because the Code applied only to color comics, many artists and writers turned to black and white to circumvent the Code’s narrow confines.
With the 1964 Creepy #1 from Warren Publishing, black-and-white horror comics experienced a revival continuing into the early 21st century, an important step in the maturation of the horror genre within the comics field as a whole.
This generously illustrated work offers a comprehensive history and retrospective of the black-and-white horror comics that flourished on the newsstands from 1964 to 2004. With a catalog of original magazines, complete credits and insightful analysis, it highlights an important but overlooked period in the history of comics.
About the Author
Richard J. Arndt is a noted comics historian whose work has appeared in numerous magazines, including Alter Ego, Back Issue, Comic Book Artist, Spooky, From the Tomb, and others. He lives in Nevada, where he works as a librarian and writer.
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