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In honor of National Cartoonist Day on May 5, we're sharing just a few books that celebrate the rich history of the newspaper comic strip. Enjoy these recommended reads that have been hand-picked by Patrick.
1. The Smithsonian Collection of Newspaper Comics by Bill Blackbeard and Martin Williams
A landmark anthology that gathers American newspaper comics from 1896 to the 1970s. This book offers a sweeping visual history of the medium’s evolution over the course of nearly a century.
2. Masters of American Comics by John Carlin
This beautifully designed collection was the accompanying book for a 2005 exhibition, co-curated by John Carlin, which focused on the 15 "masters" of American comics. The book includes 185 color reproductions, as well as an essay on each artist (including one on Charles Schulz, written by Patrick).
3. The Comic Strip Century by Bill Blackbeard and Dale Crain
A massive, two-volume retrospective that chronicles the first 100 years of comic strips. With hundreds of pages of reproduced artwork, it's both a visual feast and an essential archive of American pop culture.
4. The Comics: An Illustrated History of Comic Strip Art by Jerry Robinson
Written by a Golden Age comics legend, this book provides a passionate account of the comic strip’s rise and impact. It covers both artistic innovation and industry shifts across the decades.
5. The Comics: Before 1945 by Brian Walker
A focused look at the early days of comics, with insightful commentary and rare artwork. This volume documents the fascinating origins of comics and the major trends in the funnies business.
6. America’s Great Comic Strip Artists by Rick Marschall
A deeply researched and beautifully presented tribute to some of the greatest cartoonists in American history. The author combines biography, visual analysis, and historical context to spotlight the pioneers who defined the art form.
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What have you been reading lately? We'd love to hear about the great books you've recently discovered — or any favorite titles you return to again and again.
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