Covering comics worldwide from Asia to Europe to the Middle East, this two-volume work provides an intriguing look at comic books outside the United States, where the impact of the medium is perhaps even larger in some other cultures than it is here. While American comic books continue to grow in importance in U.S. culture, inspiring hit movies, literature, design, fashion, and more, the comic art form around the world is showing similar power. This comprehensive look at comic books outside the United States shows the impact of the medium worldwide. The entries demonstrate the relative importance of manga in Japan and comic-books-as-art in France, as two examples, and provide the historical context relevant to each topic. Taken together, the entries, essays, and example illustrations and artwork provide readers with an appreciation for_literally_the world of comics. The book contains essays on important themes and topics in comics worldwide, such as the hero character in comics, comics as social commentary, early comics before 1938 (the "pre-Superman period"), comics and politics, comics in revolt, and the portrayal of women in comics.

Sections of the book are dedicated to comics in Japan and other parts of Asia, the United Kingdom, France and Belgium, India, South America, Mexico and Central America, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. Readers seeking specific information on popular books, characters, creators, and publishers can consult the A_Z index for each country or region for a broader viewpoint and then cross-reference specific examples in other parts of the books. _ Provides a worldwide perspective on a subject of great interest to American readers and comic book fans _ Organizes information by country to enable readers to easily research comics in a specific region or nation _ Highlights the most important characters, comic books, and creators associated with each country _ Includes compelling color inserts that enable readers to better appreciate the visual impact of comic books.