The Life and Art of Murphy Anderson

Rating:
Summary: "Must reading" for all dedicated comic book fans
Review: A very lavishly illustrated autobiographical memoir of Murphy Anderson's varied career in cartooning, The Life & Art Of Murphy Anderson begins with his entry into the 1940s "Golden Age" of comic books. Anderson's credentials include having produced the very popular syndicated comic strip "Buck Rogers", as well as educational comics for the military services publication "PS Magazine". Anderson is perhaps best known for his exceptional and ground-breaking work at DC Comics in the 1960s and 70s on such superhero characters as Superman, Hawkman, Adam Strange, The Atomic Knights, and so many others. It was his style that defined the DC look for a generation of comic book fans. His anecdotal recollections are replete with insightful commentary on the state of the art, as and includes behind-the-scenes stories about the other artist he has encountered in the course of his long and successful career including Lou Fine, Will Eisner, Curt Swan, Gil Kane, and others. Illustrated throughout with a generous examples of work drawn from every phase of his career which also included Fiction House and Ziff-Davis, The Life And Art Of Murphy Anderson is "must reading" for all dedicated comic book fans past and present!

Rating:
Summary: comic book veteran finally getting his due...
Review: Anderson was one of those great comics veterans who did classy, craftsmanlike work, but who were overlooked by some fans because their work was not "flashy" enough. But Anderson's work passes the test of time.

Whether doing complete art jobs or inking over Curt Swan or Carmine Infantino, Murphy Anderson's beautiful line and flair for expostion over flash should be studied by today's comic artists. This book combines a superb career overview and biography, as well as tons of great art. I recommend this book highly!

Rating:
Summary: A Testament To A Wonderful & Prolific Comic Writer!
Review: I enjoy reading about the unique lives of almost anyone and this book did not disappoint me. Murphy Anderson used his talents to bring his imagination to the minds of millions in his comic strips and books.

Although all people can take an idea, place it within a plot, and add a mind's eye to deliver a story for us, few ever accomplish it in their own lives, but not so for Murphy Anderson. He did so with the gusto to make sure all of us would enjoy his art, talent and stories.

The book is full of first-rate recollections and illustrations of how Murphy Anderson came up with the ideas and plots. He explains how Murphy enjoyed making his stories and the inner workings of the business. What was even more impressive was what Murphy thought about his colleagues and competitors and what he admired in them too.

If you ever read a Superman, Buck Rogers, or Adam Strange comic and wonder how they went from concepts to copy this book is for you. It conveys in detail how Murphy Anderson developed his ideas and how the companies of DC Comics, Ziff-Davis, and Fiction House put them into products for millions to enjoy using only pennies to purchase them.

All from one man, who dared to dream, wrote them down, shared them with many, and made a living from his love in life. No doubt seldom knowing that his contributions spawn even new ideas in the hearts and minds of children who moved on to create their own adult dreams, inventions and dramas making society a better place to be.

When you read about the talent of another man or woman, you end up thanking those who took the time to tell us about them. R.C. Harvey did a superb job and you will not regret taking the time to read this book.

Do yourself a favor and walk away from what you usually read.

Buy or pick up this book, throw away any expectations, judgments, and preconceptions of what you think this book is about. Then Email me thanking me for having you do something you never thought you would appreciate. Because that is, how I came to read this book in reality and I sent my own email too the person who told me to read this book.

I highly recommend this delightful and insightful book about a fruitful comic writer in Murphy Anderson.