Category Archives: Comic book history

Lucy Tells: The Story of a Woman Comic Book Writer

Lucy Thomas was a woman author and columnist in the heavily male-dominated comics industry of the 1950s. Born on June 19, 1920, in New Jersey, Lucy Thomas later resided in Colorado in the 1950s where she was heavily involved in … Continue reading

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Excelsior! – Honoring a Lifetime of Stan Lee’s Work

December 28, 2022, marks the 100th Anniversary of Stan Lee’s birth, so it is fitting that the last post of the year delves into his remarkable life and work. Lee’s papers are among the American Heritage Center’s most popular collections. … Continue reading

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Holy Spectacle, Batman! Campy Fun with the 1960s Batman Television Series

As September 19 would have been Adam West’s 94th birthday, let’s look back on one of his best-known roles, Batman. The campy, smash hit of the 60s was loathed by some and loved by many more. But the people who … Continue reading

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Comic Books: A Continuing Work in Progress

Although comic books depict the exploits of characters who possess “powers and abilities far beyond those of ordinary mortals” the medium itself stems from very humble beginnings.  Comics as a print medium have existed in the United States since the … Continue reading

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Superman’s Pal – Mort Weisinger

After World War II, superhero comics, which had been a welcome diversion for American servicemen, stalwart champions of War Bonds, and other support for the home front during the conflict, largely lost their audience and were gradually replaced by comics … Continue reading

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Bruce Lee Steals the Show in “The Green Hornet”

The road to Bruce Lee’s screen stardom began in Oakland, California, where his Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute began attracting the attention of the martial arts world. His appearance in the first-ever Long Beach International Karate Championships in 1964 wowed … Continue reading

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Archives Rewind Vol. 9

It’s been a while since we’ve highlighted some of our “Archives on the Air” programs. So here’s a brand new Archives Rewind for the new year! Episode 159: James L. Ehernberger Western Railroad Collection Railroads have had a vital impact … Continue reading

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Mort Weisinger: Superman’s Superman

Among the American Heritage Center’s comic book industry collections are evidence of the way in which industry insiders attempted to legitimize their business following the comic book moral panic of the 1950s. Fredric Wertham’s 1954 monograph, Seduction of the Innocent … Continue reading

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Stan Lee’s Legacy Lives on at the American Heritage Center

Stan Lee’s legacy lives on at the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center (AHC). Stan Lee – comics industry pioneer, collection donor, and AHC benefactor – died November 12, 2018, at age 95, in his home city of Los Angeles. … Continue reading

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Farewell Superhero Stan Lee

One of the American Heritage Center’s benefactors, and all around favorite person, was Stan Lee. He passed away November 12, 2018 at age 95. This amazing man not only gave the AHC valuable research materials spanning his career, he managed … Continue reading

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