{"product_id":"the-comics-before-1945","title":"The Comics: Before 1945","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn their first five decades  the funnies became an essential part of American life. Comic strip characters - Mutt and Jeff  Barny Google  Little Orphan Annie  Popeye  Blondie  Dick Tracy  Flash Gordon  Lil Abner - were everywhere. They starred in live-action and animated films  stage plays  and radio programs  and they helped market a wide range of products. Their phrases enriched the language; their adventures  which reflected societal changes  were retold in books and inspired hit songs. Cartoonist and historian Brian Walkers comprehensive survey - illustrated with rare original art - is the most authoritative history of American newspaper comics currently in print. It documents the fascinating origins of the comics and  decade by decade  the major trends in the funnies business. In-depth biographies of twenty-one of the most important creators of the era are featured  as well as samples of many other artists work. The Comics Before 1945 joins the authors The Comics Since 1945 to form a classic survey of American popular culture by one of the greatest authorities in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44966445776949,"sku":"ByrdShop_0810949709","price":34.93,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780810949706.jpg?v=1770562099","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-comics-before-1945","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}