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Title details for Otto Binder by Bill Schelly - Available

Otto Binder

The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary

by Bill Schelly
Richard A. Lupoff
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available
Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary chronicles the career of Otto Binder, from pulp magazine author to writer of Supergirl, Captain Marvel, and Superman comics. As the originator of the first sentient robot in literature ("I, Robot," published in Amazing Stories in 1939 and predating Isaac Asimov's collection of the same name), Binder's effect on science fiction was profound. Within the world of comic books, he created or co-created much of the Superman universe, including Smallville; Krypto, Superboy's dog; Supergirl; and the villain Braniac. Binder is also credited with writing many of the first "Bizarro" storylines for DC Comics, as well as for being the main writer for the Captain Marvel comics. In later years, Binder expanded from comic books into pure science writing, publishing dozens of books and articles on the subject of satellites and space travel as well as UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Comic book historian Bill Schelly tells the tale of Otto Binder through comic panels, personal letters, and interviews with Binder's own family and friends. Schelly weaves together Binder's professional successes and personal tragedies, including the death of Binder's only daughter and his wife's struggle with mental illness. A touching and human story, Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary is a biography that is both meticulously researched and beautifully told, keeping alive Binder's spirit of scientific curiosity and whimsy.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    January 16, 2024

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9798889841524
      • File size: 237740 KB
      • Duration: 08:15:17

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      May 15, 2016

      Pop culture historian Schelly (Harvey Kurtzman) traces the life of Otto Binder (1911-74), a pioneer of pulp novels and comic books in the 1930s and 1940s. Describing Binder's prolific writing career from the Great Depression to the 1970s, including successes and missteps along the way, the narrative also provides insight into the appetites of American readers in those decades. After a productive stint composing pulp sf, Binder wrote for Fawcett Comics, DC Comics, and others. He made a name for himself contributing to Captain Marvel and Superboy and later cocreating Supergirl, Bizarro, Brainiac, and the Legion of Super-Heroes. Also interweaved are both the highlights and tragedies of Binder's family life. The helpful photographs and illustrations combine nicely with the narrative to win the reader's affection for Binder. VERDICT A compelling biography of a neglected visionary certain to appeal to fans of the golden age of comics.--Paul Stenis, Pepperdine Univ. Lib., Malibu, CA

      Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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