Due to time constraints, I have not been able to finish some of my lengthier essays on subjects close to my heart. I would like to spend more time analyzing some of the classic comic storylines but when I do work like that I would prefer it was much more in depth and not cursory. Great works deserve closer examinations. For those of you who would like to read about the art and science of comic books, I thought I would compile a list of the top comic book books that are a must for any comic book collector looking to learn about the art and science of the medium. Actually, this is a brief list as I will also add a few more later. But, for now, I will mention the four top must have books for anyone’s collection:

A Great History of Comic Books by Ron Goulart – I first read this in High School and I felt it was somewhat mind-blowing. It was not easy to find books on the subject of pop culture as book stores often only carried a small selection of the vast array of books that were in print. However, this particular book about the history of comics was widely available for a time and it is truly a magnificent read.

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud – A brilliant book that truly defines what exactly a comic book is in terms of its narrative structure. And, yes, there is a great deal to the structure and that is what makes this such an interesting and engaging read.

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Comics and Sequential Art by Will Eisner – Eisner was a genius who was instrumental in shaping the evolution of comics from crude storybooks into the brilliant narratives the have become. Really, this is a must for anyone who loves comics and wishes to learn about them.

 Excelsior! : The Amazing Life of Stan Lee by Stan Lee and George Mair. Sure, the book has lots of hyperbole and exaggeration but it was written by Stan Lee so what do you expect? Don’t nitpick on whether or not Stan the Man is telling fish tales. Instead, just enjoy reading some of the brilliant insights on the fantastic early days of Marvel as told by Stan Lee.