From the publisher:
[The Grail of Funny Animals
For
decades, Italian comics historian Alberto Becattini has been researching and
writing about American funny animal comics. In this first volume of his
two-part opus, Becattini presents the fruits of his labors, the definitive
guide for funny animal fans, collectors, and historians alike.
Becattini
examines the funny animal phenomenon, starting from its origins in popular and
children’s literature, and continuing through its appearances in newspaper
comics, comic books, and comic magazines.
All
of the more famous characters are included, such as those created at Disney,
Lantz, Warner Bros., MGM, and other cartoon studios, as well as the many
lesser-known characters that appeared in obscure comic book titles issued by
equally obscure comic book publishers.
During
the writing process, and while viewing thousands of comic strips and comic
pages, Becattini had many discoveries and “epiphanies” that let him shed light
on the identities of hitherto uncredited artists and writers. While his aim has
been to highlight the talent behind the comics, rather than the stories and
characters themselves, he also provides in-depth coverage of virtually every
funny animal comic book, illustration, and animated cartoon.
