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A Master Narrative History

Alex Grand Author Interview

The amount of information you give to readers in this book is astounding. How much research did you undertake for Understanding Superhero Comic Books, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

This book took 6 years of study, research, interviews, and analysis from myself to piece together and write into a narrative history of the Superhero Comic Book, its origins, and evolutions over a hundred years.

What is your background and experience in writing and comic books, and how did it help you write this informative resource for readers?

I write and produce informational videos as well as an interview podcast with several guests who are professionals in the comic book industry, which helped me tap into, write, and rewrite my information and understanding of the superhero comic book commercial and artistic unit.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

I really wanted to bridge overall, several theories on the origins and direction of superhero comic books into a master narrative history that would take the reader from A to Z, provide over 1200 citations to back up the information, dispel rumors, and get to the facts in an interesting and informative way.

What future plans do you have after writing this book, will there be a companion book to go with this one?

I’m currently writing a graphic novel that dramatizes some of the events that I objectively delineated here.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon

This work dissects the origin and growth of superhero comic books, their major influences, and the creators behind them. It demonstrates how Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, and many more stand as time capsules of their eras, rising and falling with societal changes, and reflecting an amalgam of influences. The book covers in detail the iconic superhero comic book creators and their unique contributions in their quest for realism, including Julius Schwartz and the science-fiction origins of superheroes; the collaborative design of the Marvel Universe by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko; Jim Starlin’s incorporation of the death of superheroes in comic books; John Byrne and the revitalization of superheroes in the modern age; and Alan Moore’s deconstruction of superheroes.