The popular American comic book is considered in this volume of Critical Insights. From their creation in the 1930s to the widespread popularity of comic book heroes today, this literary form continues to delight and entertain readers.Reviews:"I often lament that printed academic and scholarly works lag behind online sources in timeliness.  To a degree, this is a simple necessity."I was pleasantly surprised in this regard when reading through the Salem Press volume The American Comic Book, part of their Critical Insights series. Edited by Joseph Michael Sommers of Central Michigan University, this collection of essays provides a wonderful overview of many facets of the comics medium from a roster of credentialed theorists.  The chapters are consistently well researched and written, offering valuable insight into the world of comics and graphic novels both in print and in the digital era."Jerry Spiller, Charleston Hub (Art Institute of Charleston)