From Ditko to Staton to Byrne — and so much more…
Blue Beetle #3. Art by Steve Ditko.
TwoMorrows has a trio of far out comics-history books planned for 2022 and we’ve got the details for you.
One that’s certain to be popular is The Charlton Companion, by Jon B. Cooke, with Michael Ambrose and Frank Motler. Dig the official info:
An ALL-NEW definitive history of Connecticut’s notorious all-in-one comic book company! Often disparaged as a second-rate funny-book outfit, Charlton produced a vast array of titles that span from the 1940s Golden Age to the Bronze Age of the ’70s in many genres, from Hot Rods to Haunted Love.
The imprint experienced explosive bursts of creativity, most memorably the “Action Hero Line” edited by DICK GIORDANO in the 1960s, which featured the renowned talents of STEVE DITKO and a stellar team of creators, as well as the unforgettable ’70s “Bullseye” era that spawned E-Man and Doomsday +1, all helmed by veteran masters and talented newcomers—and serving as a training ground for an entire generation of comics creators thriving in an environment of complete creative freedom.
From its beginnings with a handshake deal consummated in county jail, to the company’s accomplishments beyond comics, woven into this prose narrative are interviews with dozens of talented participants, including GIORDANO, DENNIS O’NEIL, ALEX TOTH, SANHO KIM, TOM SUTTON, PAT BOYETTE, NICK CUTI, JOHN BYRNE, MIKE ZECK, JOE STATON, SAM GLANZMAN, NEAL ADAMS, JOE GILL, and even some Derby residents who recall working in the sprawling company plant. Though it gave up the ghost over three decades ago, Charlton’s influence continues today with its Action Heroes serving as inspiration for ALAN MOORE’s cross-media graphic novel hit, WATCHMEN.
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A few thoughts:
Doomsday + 1 #5. Art by John Byrne.
— The 256-page color softcover lists for $39.95. A digital edition will also be available for $15.99.
— The book is due October 2022. It will be available at comics shops and booksellers but you can already pre-order directly from TwoMorrows. Click here.
— Want to read more about the other two comics-history books on the slate? You do. Check out the links below.
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MORE
— THE TEAM-UP COMPANION Set for Release in 2022. Click here.
— Illustrated DAVE COCKRUM Biography Coming In 2022. Click here.
— BONUS: For TwoMorrows’ 2022 catalogue, click here.
January 14, 2022
I’m really excited about this. Can’t get enough about the history of Charlton… not too keen on that cover, however.
January 14, 2022
My dad worked for the bowling alley that was owned by the same company. It was torn down a few years ago. It had been abandoned for some time.
January 14, 2022
I’m looking forward to reading the History, too.!!
I’m saddened that my comic …The Sentinels of Justice… didn’t make it to Charlton … before the ‘doors’ closed.!!
April 7, 2023
I use to have few comic books by them. Shotgun Harper and side kick ” Chickent ” and they had this drag racing comic that was cool too.