Forbidden Adventures: The History of the American Comics Group

by Michael Vance

Overview

A comprehensive history of a small, but important, comic book publisher, this work reflects the reading tastes of tens of millions of Americans during the Golden and Silver ages of comics (1934-1970). The earlier Sangor Shop reinvented itself as the American Comics Group and by 1967 had published over one thousand issues. ACG was a microcosm of the larger industry, publishing magazines in every major comic book genre. Best known titles include Herbie and Forbidden Worlds. It was ACG's Adventures into the Unknown that sparked a new genre—horror—which led to the Comics Code Authority, and industry-wide self censorship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313296789
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/30/1996
Series:	Contributions to the Study of Popular Culture , #53
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.44(d)
Lexile:	1250L (what's this?)

About the Author

MICHAEL VANCE has written children's fantasy fiction for over 20 years. Published in dozens of national magazines, his articles have appeared in Starlog, Jack and Jill, and The Comics Buyer's Guide as well as in over 500 newspapers. He is also an editor and writer at The Oklahoma Eagle newspaper, Tulsa.

Table of Contents

Preface
Happy Birthday to Richard Hughes
B. W. Sangor
Laughing Matter
The Last Laugh
Richard Hughes
An Editor by Many Other Names
Man of Letters
Nothing Adventured, Nothing Gained
Kiss & Sell: The Romantic Titles
True Vision: What You See Is Not What You Get
Hughes Loses, William Gaines: The Horror Titles
The Code of Dishonor
Worth a Thousand Words
The Rest of the Glory: Conclusion
Appendix 1: Sangor Shop Personnel
Appendix 2: American Comics Group Chronology
Appendix 3: American Comics Group Titles
Selected Annotated Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Chronicles the fortunes of the American Comics Group (ACG), answering long-standing questions about the relationship between ACG and DC/National. Looks at issues of censorship and the Comics Code Authority, sparked by an ACG horror comic book, and details the work of various artists and writers, based on interviews with creative and editorial personnel. Includes appendices on personnel, and titles and circulation figures, plus a chronology. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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