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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 741
EAN num: 9780465036578
ISBN number: 0465036570
Label: Basic Books
Manufacturer: Basic Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 416
Printing Date: October 10, 2005
Publishing house: Basic Books
Sale Popularity Level: 458249
Studio: Basic Books
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Animated by the stories of some of the last century's most charismatic and conniving artists, writers, and businessmen, Men of Tomorrow brilliantly demonstrates how the creators of the superheroes gained their cultural power and established a crucial place in the modern imagination. 'This history of the birth of superhero comics highlights three pivotal figures. The story begins early in the last century, on the Lower East Side, where Harry Donenfeld rises from the streets to become the king of the 'smooshes'-soft-core magazines with titles like French Humor and Hot Tales. Later, two high school friends in Cleveland, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, become avid fans of 'scientifiction,' the new kind of literature promoted by their favorite pulp magazines. The disparate worlds of the wise guy and the geeks collide in 1938, and the result is Action Comics #1, the debut of Superman. For Donenfeld, the comics were a way to sidestep the censors. For Shuster and Siegel, they were both a calling and an eventual source of misery: the pair waged a lifelong campaign for credit and appropriate compensation.' -The New Yorker
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Rated by buyers 
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Men of Tomorrow is a fascinating book. It tells the story of the origins of comics from two perspectives: the men who became the publishers and powerbrokers of the industry and the men who had the talent and the ideas. The focus is on Siegel, Shuster and the creation of Superman. I can't recommend this book enough.
Rated by buyers 
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Disturbing and enlightening, if true.
Given that Jones exhibits evidence of at least some admiration for the amusing hi-jinks of gangsters--I can't help wondering just how much of this material is legit. But hey--there are no good guys or bad guys here--just business. Ya' know? Just business.
(Thing is--if Jack Liebowitz had tried to do to Bugsy Siegel what he did to Jerry Siegel, well, he would not have lived to be a hundred, ifyouknowwhatI'msayin'.)
I suppose that I shouldn't have been too surprised that Time-Warner-AOL was founded by organized crime, considering how hard it is to cancel an AOL subscription (an offer you can't refuse!).
I guess the moral of the story is that it ain't a crime if you don't get caught. Am I right or am I right? This is an amazing book--if just a wee bit too easy on the thugs. Brilliantly written. Well researched.
Rated by buyers -
One of the most well-researched books about the birth and history of the comic book industry during the 20th century. Full of new information, especially about DC Comics. Hope to see a second volume that details the Timely/Marvel Comics Group.
Rated by buyers -
Men of Tomorrow is the story of the superhero comic book and the men who made it happen. With the riotous colour and raucous thrills of the comics themselves, Gerard Jones reveals how nerds, bullies, charlatans, crooks, ordinary men, and real life heroes dared to dream and to change the way we see our world. Rich in detail, both inspirational and heartbreaking, Jones gives poignant insight into the lives of legends like Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, and the other young dreamers who showed us how to look up in the blank blue sky and half believe that a man can fly.
Jones is best known for his work in comics (including Green Lantern and Justice League), but he's also a keen historical researcher and commentator on media and culture. It's a must read for anyone interested in the history of comics and the men who dreamed them into being.
Rated by buyers -
Sorry, couldn't help myself - had to front this review with a Stan Lee episode title circa 1966. This is the best big picture comics history I've ever read. I've read histories that were more nostalgic and others that were more about specific personalities, but this one delivered the whole enchilida in a very well-written insightful way. It's a long way from "All In Colour For A Dime," the very first one I ever read, and if you were a comic fan like I was as a kid, you'll enjoy this.
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