The Tower of the Comic Book Freaks

by Ron Kasman

Fourth of July, 1971. Five awkward, young naive men drive to New York City to attend the '71 comic convention in search of love, sex, art, comic books and a glimpse at the city's wicked underbelly. What they encounter changes their lives forever. Visit a pivotal time as comics change from a business to an art form. Meet Allan Caldwell, comic artist, blacklisted since the 1950s for his testimony to the U.S. Congressional Inquiry. And tour the greatest city in America during a period of social disintegration. A remarkable insight into the early years of the comic industry fanboy scene.High praise for 'Tower': "In one word...PHENOMENAL." - Stephen Lipson, historian, consultant to the Overstreet Price Guide. "Ron Kasman is an unsung genius of Canadian comics." - Mark Shainblum, Co-creator of Northguard and Fleur de Lys. "This work is truly novelistic. It’s ambitious in terms of setting, rich characterization and it says something about life. He is in heady company. Kubert, Eisner and Miller spring to mind." - R.G.Taylor, Co-creator Wordsmith, Artist Sandman Mystery Theater. "It is utterly wonderful." - Jon Atack, author of Voodoo Child. "No one has a better insight into the angst, the innocence and the absurdity of young comic nerds during the embryonic days of fandom." - James Waley, publisher Orb Magazine, Creator of Northern Light."Great reading for a Sunday afternoon" - Noel Tuazon, New York Times Best Selling Illustrator of Elk's Run.

Genres: Comics

224 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2016

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story. If you wondered what comics fandom was like in "the early days", then look no further. This story about a young man attending the first New York comic convention gives you plenty of insight as to how rational, sincere artists negotiated their way through the opinionated, oppressive high era of work for hire comic book creation. This will show you the primordial miasma from which modern comic book publishing has sprung. Recommended.

[Carson Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the premise for this graphic novel. I was treated to a wonderful story featuring delightfully simple but strong artwork and am endearing story.

Set in an era I was not part of, I was transported back and got to look in on what it would've been like attending some of the earliest comic conventions.

The story is truly a love letter to many of the artists/creators that have brought so much joy to the world of comics.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comic created by someone who knows their lore, and the comics industry in particular along with knowledge of North American culture in 1971. I appreciate how he equates certain comics artists with famous painters, and he even has a nod towards Canadian Whites comics such as Nelvana.

The plot is a little contrived, but satisfying. Some of the transitions between points in the story were a bit abrupt, and jarring. But over all, it was an enjoyable experience to read.

[Trey Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was entertaining enough, but sometimes the pacing combined with the "sameface" artwork made it hard to tell what was happening sometimes