From the Press Release
With the recent surge of caped crusaders flying, swinging, and leaping from comic book pages to the big and small screens, a revival of the classic superhero is clearly under way. But for every Batman, Green Arrow, or Flash, there’s a slew of forgotten superheroes who failed to become household names.
Jon Morris, cartoonist and graphic designer, began cataloguing the often-strange history of comics in the 1990s on his blog Gone & Forgotten. In 2001, his work was featured on a popular This American Life episode about failed superheroes. Now, The League of Regrettable Superheroes: Half-Baked Heroes from Comic Book History (Quirk Books; June 2, 2015; $24.95) will guide readers through comic book history’s top 100 mighta-beens, oddballs, and freaks of the past eighty years. Visually stunning from cover to cover, the book is divided into three eras, all of which feature dazzling comic art from the period:
- The Golden Age (1938–1949): Superman’s first appearance in Action Comics #1 launched the superhero phenomenon. Comics publishers filled stands everywhere with primary-colored heroes to capitalize on the popular genre. Their experiments included some epic failures, including Atoman, Doctor Hormone, The Eye, Lady Satan, and many more!
- The Silver Age (1950–1969): After a brief dip in popularity (due mostly to the oversaturated market), superheroes came back with a BANG! The high-camp spirit of the ’60s and the beginnings of a new technological age changed how superhero stories were told. With newfound energy and wit, masked heroes such as Bee-Man, Captain Science, Spyman, and Pow-Girl tried to reach a younger, hipper audience.
- The Modern Age (1970–Present): Beginning in the ’70s, comics shifted toward darker, more serious storylines, creating a “grim and gritty” universe. Ridiculous new superheroes like Brother Voodoo, Man-Wolf, The Outsiders, and Squirrel Girl attempted to address real-world issues, including drug abuse and civil rights, solidifying a new trope in comics—though their tenures were short-lived.
Each section includes a treasure trove of entertaining (though flawed) superheroes, complete with backstories, gorgeous vintage art, and witty commentary from Morris. Die-hard comics fans, superhero movie lovers, and pop culture fanatics will gush over this comprehensive tome.
To learn more, visit the official Quirk Books website.