Firestorm asks for Superman's help when Martin Stein is accused of aiding a smuggler in "The Chaos Network."

Black Canary goes to Superman after having disturbing and dangerous dreams.

Superstar artist David Finch (WONDER WOMAN) completes his run on the Dark Knight in BATMAN VOL. 3: I AM BANE, the stunning new chapter in writer Tom KingÕs (THE SHERIFF OF BABYLON) wildly acclaimed Batman saga. He is not a joke. He is not a riddle. He is not a bird or a cat or a penguin, not a scarecrow or a plant or a puppet. He is not a fairy tale or a circus act, a broken friend or a regretful mentor. He is no rich boy pretending to be a knight. He is Bane. The Batman invaded his home, scarred his mind and broke his back. Now Bane has returned to Gotham City for a single purpose: break the Batman once and for all. But first, heÕll destroy everyone the Dark Knight has ever lovedÉor loathed. The young heroes whoÕve worn the mantle of Robin. The cops, crime-fighters and vigilantes who make up BatmanÕs army of allies. Even the madmen and monsters that haunt the halls of Arkham Asylum. Batman will need all of their helpÑand moreÑto fend off this unstoppable challenger. Because both Bane and Batman know one thing: only one of them will walk away from their final confrontation unbrokenÉ Collects stories from BATMAN #16-20, 23-24 and BATMAN ANNUAL #1.

Illustration has been an integral part of human history. Particularly before the advent of media such as photography, film, television, and now the Internet, illustrations in all their variety had been the primary visual way to convey history. The comic book, which emerged in its modern form in the 1930s, was another form of visual entertainment that gave readers, especially children, a form of escape. As World War II began, however, comic books became a part of propaganda as well, providing information and education for both children and adults. This book looks at how specific comic books of the war genre have been used to display patriotism, adventure through war stories, and eventually to tell of the horrors of combat—from World War II through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan in the first decade of the twenty-first century. This book also examines how war-and patriotically-themed comics evolved from soldier-drawn reflections of society, eventually developing along with the broader comic book medium into a mirror of American society during times of conflict. These comic books generally reflected patriotic fervor, but sometimes they advanced a specific cause. As war comic books evolved along with American society, many also served as a form of protest against United States foreign and military policy. During the country’s most recent wars, however, patriotism has made a comeback, at the same time that the grim realities of combat are depicted more realistically than ever before. The focus of the book is not only on the development of the comic book medium, but also as a bell-weather of society at the same time. How did they approach the news of the war? Were people in favor or against the fighting? Did the writers of comics promote a perception of combat or did they try to convey the horrors of war? All of these questions were important to the research, and serve as a focal point for what has been researched only in limited form previously. The conclusions of the book show that comic books are more than mere forms of entertainment. Comic books were also a way of political protest against war, or what the writers felt were wider examples of governmental abuse. In the post 9/11 era, the comic books have returned to their propagandistic/patriotic roots.

Written by the ultimate authority on comic book values, this expanded and updated guide lists over 80,000 prices for all mainstream comic books published in America--from 1901 to the present day. Includes photos, a listing of comic book shops, marketing tips and publication dates. Illustrated. (Antiques/Collectibles)

"The Art of Jack Kirby" is a comprehensive, illustrated exploration of the career of Jack Kirby, widely regarded as one of the most influential and important comic book artists of all time. Featuring hundreds of full-color images of Kirby's iconic artwork, the book follows his journey from his early work in comic books and wartime propaganda to his revolutionary contributions to the superhero genre at Marvel Comics, including co-creating characters such as Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Silver Surfer, Thor, and the X-Men. In addition to showcasing Kirby's 50+ year career, the book delves into his artistic process, his creative vision, and the impact he had on the comic book industry as a whole. It includes insights from interviews with Kirby, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic philosophy and motivations. Significance: "The Art of Jack Kirby" is an essential resource for anyone interested in comics, art, or American popular culture. It is valuable documentation of Kirby's immense talent and lasting influence on the medium. Its limited-edition nature makes it a coveted collector's item, but its informative content and captivating visuals ensure its enduring relevance for newcomers and seasoned Jack Kirby's work fans. Published by Blue Rose Press in 1992, the book is a pioneering work in comic book publications. It is the first large-format book dedicated to a single American comic book artist, Jack Kirby. What makes it truly unique is that it was also the first attempt to compile a comprehensive bibliography of Kirby's extensive body of work (the Kirby Booklist), encompassing characters he created and offering detailed statistics about his lifetime contributions to the comic book industry. This book not only celebrated Kirby's remarkable artistic legacy but also set a significant precedent for future examinations of comic book creators and their profound impact on the medium.

The bible of the comic book industry is updated for 2002 with Web site information, tips about grading and caring for comics, and more than 1,500 black-and-white photos.

The recognized authority in this field and an established bestseller, this eagerly awaited 17th edition features a 40-page color section.

This comprehensive price guide contains listings and US prices for more than 120,000 comic books, with over 400 photos for easy identification.