Multiversity Comics are proud to present a preview of the latest book from IDW Publishing’s Library of American Comics imprint, Eddie Campbell’s “The Goat Getters: Jack Johnson, the Fight of the Century, and How a Bunch of Raucous Cartoonists Reinvented Comics.” The “From Hell” creator’s new book contains roughly 500 cartoons from early 20th century West Coast newspapers, examining how artists shaped the perception of major events of the day, like the titular boxing match between Jack Johnson and James J. Jeffries. It looks like a fascinating read for anyone intrigued by media circuses, now and then, or early newspaper cartoons, so be sure to read the preview of the 320-page tome before it comes out this month.
The Goat Getters: Jack Johnson, the Fight of the Century, and How a Bunch of Raucous Cartoonists Reinvented Comics
Written by and cover art by Eddie Campbell
With more than 500 period cartoons, The Goat Getters illustrates how comics were developed by such luminaries as Rube Goldberg, Tad Dorgan, and George Herriman in the sports and lurid crime pages of the daily newspaper. This wild bunch of West Coast-based cartoonists established the dynamic anatomy and bold, tough style that continue to influence comics today, as well as their own goofy slang that enriched the popular lexicon.
The Goat Getters also captures early twentieth century-history through the lens of the newspaper comics: the landmark 1910 boxing match in Reno, Nevada between Jim Jeffries, the “Great White Hope,” and Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight champion; the nationwide race riots that followed; the San Francisco graft trials that culminated in the shooting of the Federal Prosecutor; and the trial of Harry Thaw for the murder of architect Stanford White, a crime of passion that centered on Thaw’s wife, show-girl Evelyn Nesbitt Thaw — all were venerated or vilified by Nell Brinkley, Jimmy Swinnerton, and their fellow directors of the ink and newsprint stage.
HC • PC • $49.99 • 320 pages • 11.4” x 9” • ISBN: 978-1-68405-291-2
