Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary Kindle Edition

Otto binder deserves to be better known today. He was a major figure in be developing early superhero comics, as well as a major early science fiction author with brother Earl as "Otto Binder."Highly recommend look at Otto's life, tragafurs and triumphs.

“An Interesting Look At One of The Giants of the Comic Book Industry.”Growing up during the so-called Golden Age of the comic books, I never thought about the men and women behind the comic books I was reading. I discovered Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman when my parents moved to the big city when I was seven years old; these and others became my escape from reality. My real discovery, however, was Captain Marvel and later, The Marvel Family. As a kid, it was enough that they entertained me, and became a huge part of my reading. I read comic books off and on until 1980 (age 40), when I no longer felt any interest in them. But looking back on my youth, and a media that was so important at the time, I couldn’t pass up this book.Bill Schelly gathers letters and interviews from many of those in the comic book industry who knew Otto Binder, one of the main writers for Captain Marvel and The Marvel Family, and put this biography together. I believe it is an updated reprint of a previous edition, with added material. Whatever the case, the author gives us a behind the scenes look at the man and his craft, the good times and the bad, and not only what the industry did to him, but what decision he made that proved disastrous, as well. Otto Binder entertained millions of kids for over thirty years. Beginning his writing career in science fiction pulp magazines, where little was published of literary quality, it sparked his ambition to become a writer. Not many of his pulp stories rose above the rest of the early junk being published, but his Adam Link stories certainly fascinated the readers and other media of the day. Going into comic book writing was better pay for less work, and his output became a herculean affair. But tragedy and finances took their toll eventually, leaving him in hard straights. He never forgot his fans, even if he tried to forget the comic book industry. It’s a bittersweet story of triumph and heartbreak, but one I’m glad I finally read.The book itself is well produced, and the writing is excellent, and the story easily followed. If I had one compliant, it would be the light print of the text. With all ready failing eyesight, the light print was difficult to read for long periods. I can’t say that I am a comic book fan, but I can highly recommend this to those fans, as well as to old folks like me who grew up during the Golden Age.

Whether you are a fan of comic books, comic/publishing industry history, or of "Behind the scenes" or "How it's made?" type readings, I can not recommend this book enough; I'm a bias fan of all three.Basically, the book reads like a novel, taking us through Otto's personal and professional career, chronicling the peak and valleys of both. Otto Binder is one of the most prolific and important writers in comics history, having entered the industry in the late 1930s/early 1940s, and continued through the late 1960s with few interruptions, he not only was one of the driving forces behind the 1940s cultural icon Captain Marvel (A.K.A. Shazam!) and the Marvel Family, he was also one of the main creators of what has come to be known as the "Superman Family" of supporting characters; Supergirl, Legion of Super-Heroes, Brianiac, and other (now) iconic characters and Superman character mythos.His anecdotes and personal recollections of his peer comic industry professionals - many legends in their own right - and descriptions of the workplace, creative process, and corporate politics, sheds light on the industry, is invaluable for comic industry historians, relational across all industries, and entertaining for all readers (Though some portions of his life are tragic.)SPOILER ALERT:The only compliant I have is a section of the book where the author briefly discusses the Binder's second child, who was born in the 1950s and with down-syndrome. With the Binders having decided to institutionalize the child from birth and not raise it at home, the author comments how this decision is difficult to reconcile with who the Binder's where as loving, caring people. The author seems disappointed with the Binders for their decision and abandonment. I think the authors observation is a mistake many historians make; inserting a modern interpretation over an historical event.There is no question that in the 1950s society and the medical community didn't know as a much about down -syndrome as we do today, or will tomorrow, not to mention now available at-home resources to parents. That being said, we must assume that the Binders were told by society and medical community (A.K.A. "experts"), that life-long institutionalization was their only option and best for their child. All good intentioned at the time but viewed through medicine of today, their actions would seem Machiavellian.Again, I think the authors observation is a mistake many historians make; inserting a modern interpretation over an historical event.

Bill Schelly is a comic book historian who has taken great care in his research of Otto Binder's work and life, giving this reader an insightful look at this most passionate comic book and science fiction author. I learned a lot about this fine man and how much he had enjoyed writing "The Adventures of Captain MARVEL" at Fawcett Comics from 1941-1954. Otto went on to create "SUPERGIRL" and a great many varied storylines for DC comics Superman family. Although his heart was still with Billy Batson & his alter-ego Captain MARVEL. I felt like I was reading about a dear friend. For those of you who might want to write fiction it gives you one man's insight into HIS stock and trade. It was a wonderful trip in the reading of this man who enjoyed his comic book fans and was very open about his love of writing for comic books. Is it any wonder I loved those stories as a kid and still today as an adult cartoonist myself. However, Otto did suffer for his art and the tragic loss of an inspiration, his teenage daughter. The saddest blow of all.