Lifestyle

Heroic undertaking: New exhibit chronicles the history of comic books

By Steve Landwehr
STAFF WRITER
Published: June 25, 2009

WENHAM — One was "faster than a speeding bullet," another was "the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains," and yet another used his utility belt and intelligence to subdue his foes.

What they have in common is that they all spawned TV shows, movies and comic books. Lots of comic books.

The Wenham Museum's summer exhibit, "Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics," offers a glimpse into the world of what were once called "the funnies," even when they weren't.

From Superman to The Lone Ranger and Batman to the whimsical Japanese animations called manga, the exhibit chronicles the art, often campy, of comic books, and how they reflect the era in which they were created.

Curator Jane Bowers said they're a medium with a history that predates recorded history.

"People have been telling stories with pictures as long as people have been making pictures," Bowers said.

But most students of the art form agree "The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck," released in the early 1840s, was the first comic book published in America.

Entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted by a life-size Spider-Man, one of the many artifacts on loan from Harrison's Comics and Collectibles in Salem.

Behind him is a plywood knockoff of Batman's Batmobile, large enough for kids to sit inside and role-play. It was built by local Eagle Scout candidate Rick Kimball as his required public service project.

And there's a phone booth kids can enter, Clark Kent-like, and emerge as their own favorite action hero.

The walls are covered with comic books in a variety of genres, from superheroes like Superman to lighter fare like Archie, intended to tickle the funny bone.

And as evidenced by Classics Illustrated, comic book artists have taken on authors as diverse as William Shakespeare and Harriet Beecher Stowe, translating their works into kid-friendly novelettes.

"It's a great way to get kids started reading," Bowers said.

Stoneham artist Curtis Lawson even created the illustrated "A Short Look at the Long History of Comics" to accompany the exhibit.

Lawson was named the 10th best artist in the 2008 International Comic Book Challenge for "The Sleeping King," examples of which are on display.

So return to those thrilling days of yesteryear, hop in the Batmobile and head for the museum faster than a speeding bullet. The exhibit is up through Sept. 13.

If you go

What: "Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics" exhibit

Where: Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham

When: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Sept. 13.

Cost: $7 adults; $5 children age 2 and up. Members free. Call 978-468-2377.

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Superhero Saturday will be held this Saturday, June 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. Event is free with museum admission. Dress as your favorite superhero; chat with local comic book artists; fly in the bouncy house; watch Jay Piscopo, author and illustrator of "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli," draw your favorite superhero; and top the day off with super ice cream sundaes.