Comics Between the Panels, by Steve Duin and Mike Richardson, is a dangerous book; a seductive, irresistible trap laid for comics readers. To open this book is to risk being suckered into hours of reading about creators that you may never have heard of, or about comic-book characters in which you were sure you had no interest. One entry leads to another, and each bit of new information becomes a catalyst for searching out another entry on a corresponding piece of comics history. You may say to yourself that you're just going to read about Frank Miller and then put the book down. But before you can get to "Miller" you've got to pass sections on the Metal Men, Mickey Mouse, and the Mile High Collection, any one of which is an invitation to stray from your intended goal. And if you turn too far, and page past "Miller"? Then you're into Alan Moore, More Fun Comics, and Mr. Monster territory. And how do you ignore those? This book is subversive.

See, unlike the many comics histories that have been written that arrange the information in a dry, linear, Yellow Kid-to-Image Comics fashion, Comics Between the Panels delivers each title, character, creator, and/or significant comics milestone in alphabetical order. That means Jack Kirby's Young Allies is right next to Rob Liefeld's Youngblood; Lois Lane abuts Lone Wolf and Cub. Such close proximity of such disparate subject matter invites wandering to the extent that it nearly precludes serious study. You may think you're going to look up information about grading the condition of old comics, but before you know it, you're meandering around in stories about Archie Goodwin and the many appearances of gorillas on the covers of DC comics.

To sweeten the trap's bait, much of the information comes straight from the source; the real stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that have never before been revealed, told by the writers, artists, and editors who were there. The unpretentious, conversational tone in which these stories are presented makes inviting reading, and may keep you up until morning's light.

And did I mention the illustrations? Amazing classic covers, great reproductions of interior pages, and photographs of dozens of famous creators. Ever wonder what Geof Darrow looks like? It's here. What's the fascination with Mac Raboy and Lou Fine covers? See for yourself. What's "Injury-to-the-Eye Motif"? In the book. Open to any page and you're likely to see something that will evoke nostalgic longing -- or something new and compelling that will become the cornerstone for future nostalgia.

Once they've lured you in, Duin and Richardson make sure you can never escape. They've provided three separate indexes ("Names," "Subjects," and "Titles") that will lead you further and further into their trap. Suddenly, you find yourself wondering, "Why is John Lennon in a book about comics?" (pages 69, 71) or "`Headlights'? Why is there a subject heading for `headlights'?" (page 220).

You have been warned. Comics Between the Panels is a dangerous book, take it from me. Just don't try to take my copy.

Lost somewhere between "Frank Frazetta"
and "Full Figures in Action,"
Randy Stradley

Related links: Comics: Between the Panels HC Profile page.