Carlin, John, ed — Masters of American Comics

New Haven, Conn, Yale University Press, 2005. Hardbound. Color illustrated hardcover. 328 pp. profusely illustrated mostly in color. Organized chronologically, this fascinating book focuses on fifteen pioneering cartoonists -- ranging from Winsor McCay to Chris Ware -- in a full-blown exploration of the rise of newspaper comic strips and comic books. The book features a wide selection of original drawings as well as progressive proofs, vintage printed Sunday papers, and comic books themselves. Also considered is how the art of comicswas transformed by artistic innovation as well as by changes in popular taste, economics, and printing conventions. Published to accompany an exhibition that opened at the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles in the Fall of 2005. A great reference. VG+ .