The history of the American comic book as seen from the vantage point of St. Louis, Missouri, second only to New York as the most influential city in the early story of the comics. This profusely illustrated book reflects a decade of research and the author's interviews with Jerry Bails, Roy Thomas, Dennis O'Neil, Gary Friedrich, Bob Schoenfeld, Jim Steranko and dozens of local comic book fans and professionals. A new, black and white edition for 2012.