Comic Book Comics #4
"Crime Oh Man, Does It Pay!" dives into the golden era of comics with a sharp, nostalgic look at Marvel’s 1960s rise, spotlighting the spotlight Stan Lee received—and the quiet rifts it created with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. Written by Fred Van Lente and brought to life with bold, expressive art by Ryan Dunlavey, the issue captures the era’s electric energy, all on a cover by Dunlavey that echoes the era’s flair.
In "Tales to Marvel (at)," the story traces Marvel Comics’ explosive 1960s ascent, spotlighting Stan Lee’s growing media fame and the quiet cost it took on his collaborations—particularly with Jack Kirby—while also examining Steve Ditko’s philosophical distance from the company’s direction. The narrative captures a pivotal era when creative visions diverged, shaping the legacy of superhero comics in ways that still resonate.
"Heavy Mettle" traces the surprising journey of French comics—from the enduring Tintin to the bold experimentation of Metal Hurlant—showcasing how a cultural shift in France quietly helped pave the way for creator-owned comics in the United States, even as American titles lost ground across the Channel.
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↩ Reprints Awesome: The Indie Spinner Rack Anthology #[nn] (2007)
Reprinted in The Comic Book History of Comics #[nn] (2012)
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