Hear the riveting stories of Black artists who drew--mostly covertly
behind the scenes--superhero, horror, and romance comics in the early
years of the industry.
The life stories of each man's personal struggles and triumphs are
represented as they broke through into a world formerly occupied only by
whites. Using primary source material from World War II-era Black
newspapers and magazines, this compelling book profiles pioneers like
E.C. Stoner, a descendant of one of George Washington's slaves, who
became a renowned fine artist of the Harlem Renaissance and the first
Black artist to draw comic books. Perhaps more fascinating is Owen
Middleton who was sentenced to life in Sing Sing. Middleton's
imprisonment became a cause célèbre championed by Will Durant, which led
to Middleton's release and subsequent comics career. Then there is Matt
Baker, the most revered of the Black artists, whose exquisite art
spotlights stunning women and men, and who drew the first groundbreaking
Black comic book hero, Vooda!
The book is gorgeously illustrated with rare examples of each artist's
work, including full stories from mainstream comic books from rare
titles like All-Negro Comics and Negro Heroes, plus unpublished
artist's photos. Invisible Men features Ken Quattro's impeccable
research and lean writing detailing the social and cultural environments
that formed these extraordinary, yet invisible, men!
