The First Comics Companion is the only book dedicated to the history of Chicago’s groundbreaking independent comics publisher, which took on the Big Two by storm between 1983–1991. From a modest promotional comic hawking theater subscriptions, First soon blossomed into an ambitious, aggressive imprint with achievements that included adapting the fabled sci-fi play Warp; reviving beloved ’70s Charlton hero E-Man; luring Mike Grell over from Pacific Comics to continue Starslayer and launch Jon Sable, Freelance; and releasing one of the ’80s greatest comic book series, American Flagg! by Howard Chaykin. Soon followed Elric, Grimjack, Nexus, Shatter, Dreadstar, Lone Wolf and Cub, super-hero Alter Ego, and a resurrection of Classics Illustrated. Featuring the recollections of founders Mike Gold, Joe Staton, and dozens more, this book continues Richard J. Arndt and Jon B. Cooke’s exhaustive “carpet-bombing” approach to documenting comics history in fascinating detail—first, last, and always, THE definitive account! Featuring new Chaykin cover art!
