Over the Counter #76

Books about comic books were what caught my eye this week as they passed over my library counter and under my scanner.

First up was Agonizing Love - The Golden Era of Romance Comics by Michael Barson. This one was a lot of fun - full colour reprints of 1950's titles.

From the publisher Harper Collins Canada:

"Agonizing Love is a rich anthology of those legendary romance comic books that once filled newsstands to overflowing during their heyday in the 1940s and '50s. "I Craved His Kisses," "With Hate in My Heart," "Kisses Came Second," "Flame of Jealousy," "Was I a Wicked Wife?": these stories are just a taste of the absolutely riveting dramas that play out in the sob-racked pages of this evocative collection. Agonizing Love—is there any other kind?—runs the narrative gamut from honeymoon to heartbreak, first love to total loss, marital bliss to marriage hell, and all the stops in between. Throughout these colorful pages you will find a diverse selection of cover art and stories enhanced by a plethora of engaging quizzes ("Are You Ready for Marriage?"), confessional letters from readers, informative articles, tips on choosing the right man (or getting rid of the wrong one!), and oh, so much more!

Compiled and with witty, informative commentary by pop-culture expert Michael Barson, Agonizing Love is an irresistible treasure trove sure to please comic-book lovers, soap-opera fans, and die-hard romantics who could use a good slap in the face. This is a heartfelt, often tear-drenched valentine to a long lost—but never to be forgotten—era."

Next up was DC Comics - The Ultimate Character Guide. I ended up borrowing this one to take up to my son.

From the publisher Dorling Kindersley Canada:

"From AQUAMAN to ZATANNA, DC Comics: The Ultimate Character Guide is you're A-Z guide to your favorite DC heroes and villains! This compact, informative guide takes you alphabetically through the heroic and villainous characters that make up the DC Universe, shedding new light on your favorite heroes such as SUPERMAN and WONDER WOMAN, but also covering lesser-known characters, including CAPTAIN BOOMERANG and THE QUESTION. Learn more fascinating details about their powers, weaknesses, enemies, and more!"

All characters, their distinctive likenesses, and related elements are trademarks of DC Comics (c)2011. All Rights Reserved."

Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)