After going to the movies yesterday, I stopped by my local comics shop and used some store credit to get my mitts on a volume that's been calling to me siren-like for some time. From IDW and Yoe Books Amazing 3-D Comics! is just that, a solid hardback volume dedicated to the fad which still bubbles up from time to time in our culture.
There's just something about those wacky glasses which sticks in the imagination I think, and the mystery and magic of 3-D is a visual trick which, while overwhelmed by modern computer technology, still can dazzle like good close magic. There's a nostalgic glow to 3-D which makes folks like me smile.
This volume is alas not as complete as I'd have liked since Joe Simon's and Jack Kirby's Captain 3-D is only represented by a sample page. But there is a a solid adventure tale by Joe Kubert featuring his caveman creation Tor, and we have Sheena on hand too. There are a gaggle of somewhat generic adventure tales, and Felix the Cat and some funny animal stuff to boot. The Three Stooges are present as well as a real gem featuring Jiggs and Maggie of comic strip fame. The book also includes some of the faux 3-D stuff done by ACG and ME to cash in on the trend in a way which could include color.
This is a book for comic book purists for sure, or someone who just wants a quality look at some material that once upon a time tickled the fancy of many readers across the country.
Now I've got to make sure I don't lose those wacky glasses.
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When we were making this book, I didn't think I'd be much use because I can't see 3-D but it turned out to be some of of the most fun I've had working with Craig because I got to interview Moe Howard's daughter (whose husband co-created comic book 3-D with Kubert). We talked for about a half-hour on 3-D and then another hour and ahalf or so on the Stooges! Nice lady!
ReplyDeleteI haven't actually got around to reading the text material in this one. I've been too busy in the few hours I've had it trying the 3-D glasses to fit over my reading glasses (are there prescription 3-D glasses?) and trying to get the images to pop. I've always enjoyed 3-D because for me at least, the effect gets stronger the longer I look at the image, at least to a point. Getting those pages in just the right place is key.
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will the glasses from movie theatres work while perusing a 3d comic? I wonder....
ReplyDeleteI have several 3d reprint books...as I like them all.
My favorite was the 1966 BatMan reprinted from 8 or 9 years earlier. It was reissued of course because of the tv show...I also have the superman stuff from the 90's and I actually have a Sheena and a TOR...both originals...not to mention Battle for a 3 dimensional world....love the graphic design in that one.