The First Comics Companion
Published on 30. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-60549-128-8 (ISBN)
Description
The First Comics Companion is the only book dedicated to the history of Chicago's groundbreaking independent comics publisher, which took on the Big Two by storm between 1983-1991. From a modest promotional comic hawking theater subscriptions, First soon blossomed into an ambitious, aggressive imprint with achievements that included adapting the fabled sci-fi play Warp; reviving beloved '70s Charlton hero E-Man; luring Mike Grell over from Pacific Comics to continue Starslayer and launch Jon Sable, Freelance; and releasing one of the '80s greatest comic book series, American Flagg! by Howard Chaykin. Soon followed Elric, Grimjack, Nexus, Shatter, Dreadstar, Lone Wolf and Cub, super-hero Alter Ego, and a resurrection of Classics Illustrated. Featuring the recollections of founders Mike Gold, Joe Staton, and dozens more, this book continues Richard J. Arndt and Jon B. Cooke's exhaustive "carpet-bombing" approach to documenting comics history in fascinating detail-first, last, and always, THE definitive account! Featuring new Chaykin cover art!
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Raleigh
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 16 years
Dimensions
Height: 279 mm
Width: 203 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
624 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-60549-128-8 (9781605491288)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Richard J. Arndt is a noted comics historian whose work has appeared in numerous magazines, including Alter Ego, Back Issue, Comic Book Artist, Spooky, From the Tomb, and others. He has authored or co-authored numerous books on the history of comics.