First published in hardback in 2011, Reaktion Books published a paperback edition of British Comics: A Cultural History by James Chapman last year, which slipped under our radar.
Cultural historian James Chapman, also author of The British at War and Licence To Thrill, examines comic publishing and reading in Britain, from the late-Victorian era to the present. He explores the origins and evolution of these beloved publications, tracing the rise of characters such as lovable rogue Ally Sloper.
From the heyday in the 1950s and ’60s with titles like Eagle to the controversial era of violent comics in the 1970s, including 2000AD, and the adult comics boom in the 1980s, Chapman covers it all. Offering insights into genres, creators and readers, he argues that British comics have a distinct identity, reflecting and responding to societal shifts.
The book is described as an “essential reference for collectors”, celebrating the lasting impact of British comics on the imaginative lives of readers young and old.
Unfortunately, there’s no indication in the promotional copy if the new edition was updated from the hardcover release, given changes in comics publishing over the last decade, such as declining sales, and the rise of manga, or independent publishing.
History Today, however, praised the work when it was first published. “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.”
James Chapman is Professor of Film Studies at the University of Leicester. His previous books include The British at War: Cinema, State and Propaganda, 1939-1945 (1998), Licence To Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films (first published in 1999 but also released last year in paperback), Cinemas of the World: Film and Society from 1895 to the Present (Reaktion Books, 2003) and War and Film (Reaktion Books, 2008).
• British Comics: A Cultural History by James Chapman is available from all good bookshops (AmazonUK Affiliate Link) | ISBN: 978-1789149128 | 304 Pages
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Books, British Comics, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Other Worlds
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