I bought a copy of Sean Howe's "Marvel Comics: The Untold Story" and read it almost cover to cover.
(I've stopped short of the last few chapters, because, well frankly, it became just too painful to see again how the company was screwed over, raped, shilled, and damn near bankrupted, by corporate games...
I'm serious, I couldn't bring myself to read any more recent history, 'cause it was too painful.)
But I really enjoyed hearing the behind the scenes interaction of personalities, creations, timing, bad timing, reactions, competitive positioning, etc. And I find myself frequently nodding to myself, saying "Yeah, that's right. You nailed that one. Good insight. That's how I heard it was..."
And while others take issue with some points, or feel that it doesn't go far enough in saying 'the emperor has no clothes', I think on the whole, it's the best work out there yet. (Not that i have read them all, but still...)
But one thing that I've noticed, as I've branched out and started joining some comic groups on Facebook and had running dialogs with participants there (and here) who are very opinionated.... is that Sean Howe's book has begun to take on the air as the definitive word on things.
Not that he knows everything...and not that he claims that he's the only viewpoint...
but I'm finding more and more people referencing his book (see page 62 for more on that....) as they support their position or opinions. (**page 112 "Marvel Comics: The Untold Story). Or quoting it or using its quotes in their opinion....("Stan said that he didn't understand Ditko's objections...but then over here, he announces his concerns to a group..." for examples.)
I'm amused and pleased to see others reference this book (especially by page number) and I find myself turning back to it and looking up the pages, almost like I would look up a Bible chapter and verse.
Does anyone else find this interesting?
Who have been the sources or the authorities prior to this book?
Steranko's "History of the Comics"? volumes 1 & 2
Randy Rho's "Tales to Astonish"?
Gary Groth's "Comics Interview"
Replies
I finally finished reading it a couple of weeks ago. I think it's a valuable resource. I haven't read any of the other similar books, but I think Sean Howe manages to remain objective. You should try to finish the recent history portions. They aren't that bad. Some of the decision-makers were short-sighted, some were really smart. It is enlightening to see an even-handed portrayal of Stan, Jack, Steve, Roy, and all the others as human beings with flaws and strengths.
Incidentally, the official title of the book is just "Marvel Comics." "The Untold Story" only appears on the dust jacket. It would probably have been better if this was part of the official title, making it less confusing for people looking for the book.
I agree!
It's unclear to me how much actual reporting Howe did, and how much of the book is merely his passing along anecdotes and interview excerpts from other authors' stories. Seems to me a lot of the book depends on Jones and Jacobs' earlier reporting, for instance.