Comic Book Comics #1
"Funnies Get Famous" in Comic Book Comics #1 (2008) tells the story of Jack Kirby’s early days working for Max Fleischer, exploring how Fleischer’s cost-conscious approach initially outpaced Disney’s, only to be overtaken by Disney’s success with Snow White and the shifting tides of the 1930s animation industry. Written by Fred Van Lente and illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey—whose sharp, expressive art brings the era to life—this issue blends historical insight with a grounded, character-driven narrative. The cover by Ryan Dunlavey captures the period’s energy with a vintage flair.
"Funnies Get Famous" traces the early days of comic art, spotlighting Richard Outcault’s groundbreaking Yellow Kid and Winsor McCay’s dreamlike Little Nemo, while following how Max Fleischer’s animation work evolved alongside these pioneering comics. A lively, informative look at the roots of visual storytelling, this eight-page piece celebrates the humor and innovation that helped launch the medium.
"Amazing Spicy Science Mystery Stories!" traces the surprising influence of pulp magazines on early comic creators, spotlighting how the genre's bold tales sparked the imaginations of young Jack Kirby and Jerry Siegel—ultimately shaping Kirby’s path to working with Max Fleischer.
In "Toon Feud," Jo recounts the surprising rise of Max Fleischer’s studio in the 1930s, a rival to Disney that initially outpaced it by cutting costs and embracing innovation—until labor disputes and shifting fortunes brought Disney’s Snow White to the forefront, changing animation’s landscape.
ComicBooks.com Value
Find on ebay
Read it digitally
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Cast · 27 characters
Full credits
Reprints
Reprinted in The Comic Book History of Comics #[nn] (2012), The Comic Book History of Comics #1 (2016)
Reviews
Reader reviews
No reader reviews yet.