1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die

Universe Publishing's 1001 Comics (And Comic Strips) You Must Read Before You Die is appropriately named.

It may surprise you but the United States is not the only country that produces comic books and comic strips.  True, both are uniquely original American creations, but both art forms have long since outgrown their borders and expanded to countries all over the world.

General Editor Paul Gravett oversees a colossal volume that looks at the essential comics book, comic strips, graphic novels and Manga that any died-in-the-wool comic book lover must read before they start pushing up daisies.

As a critical history of comic books, the book is packed with four-color eye candy and includes extremely comprehensive and thorough researched text that delves deeply into each respective title. 

Broken down by decades, the book begins in the pre-1930s and culminates in the present.  As a comic book, comic strip lover I have to say I am blown away by the sheer scope of this book.  It's an impressive piece of work that sheds new light on a popular art form.