Marvel Comics in the 1970s, Eliot Borenstein
Marvel Comics in the 1970s, Eliot Borenstein
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Marvel Comics in the 1970s
The World inside Your Head

Author: Eliot Borenstein

Narrator: Todd Menesses

Unabridged: 12 hr 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 05/15/2023


Synopsis

Marvel Comics in the 1970s explores a forgotten chapter in the story of the rise of comics as an art form. Bridging Marvel's dizzying innovations and the birth of the underground comics scene in the 1960s and the rise of the prestige graphic novel and postmodern superheroics in the 1980s, Eliot Borenstein reveals a generation of comic book writers whose work at Marvel in the 1970s established their own authorial voice within the strictures of corporate comics.

Through a diverse cast of heroes (and the occasional antihero)—Black Panther, Shang-Chi, Deathlok, Dracula, Killraven, Man-Thing, and Howard the Duck—writers such as Steve Gerber, Doug Moench, and Don McGregor made unprecedented strides in exploring their characters' inner lives. Visually, dynamic action was still essential, but the real excitement was taking place inside their heroes' heads. Marvel Comics in the 1970s highlights the brilliant and sometimes gloriously imperfect creations that laid the groundwork for the medium's later artistic achievements and the broader acceptance of comic books in the cultural landscape today.

About Eliot Borenstein

Eliot Borenstein is professor of Russian and Slavic studies at New York University, where he teaches an annual course on the graphic novel. His books include Overkill, Plots against Russia, and Pussy Riot.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Steve on May 23, 2023

I don't imagine too many people are precisely located in the center of the potential audience for a book like this than I am. I discovered comic books in 1966 when I was 7, and by the time covered in this work, basically 1972-1977, it seemed as if comics were growing up right alongside me. Not all o......more

Goodreads review by Nick on October 13, 2023

Deep nerdness waxing heavily on plot summaries. For fanatics only.......more

Goodreads review by Brent on September 13, 2023

An interesting look at Marvel Comics in the 70's, concentrated on some of my favorite comic book writers: Steve Englehart, Steve Gerber, Doug Moench, and Don McGregor. I didn't always agree with the authors interpretations and conclusions, but I do enjoy hearing other people talk about comics.......more

Goodreads review by Ben on June 11, 2023

Really just a bunch a recaps of issues, felt like I could have just read wikipedia entries or even the issues themselves......more

Goodreads review by Steven on March 13, 2025

I overall enjoyed this book, but it was not what I expected. No interviews of the staff of the time. No history of the creative process. This is a scholarly review of the comics themselves. The focus is on the offbeat and unusual, not necessarily the titles that were leading sales and paying the bil......more