

FIRST COMICS COMPANION TP
Description
The First Comics Companion is the only book dedicated to the history of Chicago’s groundbreaking independent comics publisher, which took on the Big Two by storm between 1983–1991. From a modest promotional comic hawking theater subscriptions, First soon blossomed into an ambitious, aggressive imprint with achievements that included adapting the fabled sci-fi play Warp; reviving beloved ’70s Charlton hero E-Man; luring Mike Grell over from Pacific Comics to continue Starslayer and launch Jon Sable, Freelance; and releasing one of the ’80s greatest comic book series, American Flagg! by Howard Chaykin. Soon followed Elric, Grimjack, Nexus, Shatter, Dreadstar, Lone Wolf and Cub, super-hero Alter Ego, and a resurrection of Classics Illustrated. Featuring the recollections of founders Mike Gold, Joe Staton, and dozens more, this book continues Richard J. Arndt and Jon B. Cooke’s exhaustive “carpet-bombing” approach to documenting comics history in fascinating detail—first, last, and always, THE definitive account! Featuring new Chaykin cover art!
Who might be interested in reading?
- Fans of comic book history and the evolution of independent publishers.
- Readers interested in the creative works of Howard Chaykin and Mike Grell.
- Enthusiasts of 1980s comic book series and their cultural impact.
- Individuals fascinated by the behind-the-scenes stories of comic book creation and publishing.

FIRST COMICS COMPANION TP
PRODUCT INFORMATION
cover type
Soft Cover
artist
Howard Chaykin, Mike Grell
writer
Jon B. Cooke, Richard J. Arndt
rating
EVERYONE
series name
American Flagg!
print color
Full Color
number of pages
160
publisher
TwoMorrows Publishing
issue number
1
initial order due
Jul 24, 2025
final order cutoff
Aug 04, 2025
in store date
Nov 19, 2025