Library Journal
Reference works on comic art are not rare (the most recent being Denis Gifford's American Comic Strip Collections, 1884-1939: The Evolutionary Era, LJ 9/15/90), but ones of this scope are. Unfortunately, this work promises far more than it could possibly deliver; though it covers the most visible aspects of American comic book and strip development, it is not close to complete. The annotations, by various experts in the field, are generally well written--though the entries on comics giants Jack Kirby and Harvey Kurtzman are very disappointing. Inconsistencies intrude: there are separate, but virtually identical, entries for the strip Cathy and its creator Cathy Guisewite; more disparate entries for Garry Trudeau and Doonesbury ; an entry for The Family Circus but only a cross-reference for creator Bil Keane; and no entry whatsoever for American Splendor , though there is one for its creator Harvey Pekar. There are also, as one would expect, various minor factual errors. Most disappointing is the paucity of illustrations in general and the lack of recent ones in particular. Still, there are some fine entries (especially the ones for The Avengers , Pogo creator Walt Kelly, Krazy Kat , and Plastic Man ). Given the complexity of the project and the sheer volume of source material, the flaws can be overlooked. Recommended for graphic arts collections and medium to large public libraries.-- Keith R.A. De Candido, ''Library Journal''

School Library Journal
YA-- This extensive guide focuses on comic heroes and villains; the creators, artists, and writers of comic strips and comic books; and the publishers and syndicates of the comics industry. The more than 1,000 entries are arranged in dictionary form, are superbly illustrated, and are cross-referenced. An intriguing, reliable look into this form of popular American culture.

Booknews
The celebration of this American art form is (deservedly) a growth industry. This alphabetical reference contains some 600 entries on comic strips and comic books, the characters who people them, the artists who create them, and the syndicates that license them, as well as a 16-page color photo insert and 117 b&w photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)