Thankfully, for fans, observers, and those interested in the comics and pop culture industry (like me), there's Rob Salkowitz's Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture. For anyone with even a passing interest in comics, this is a definite must-read, and should be placed on your to-do list for 2013.
Integrating both a business analyst's perspective with a comic fan's enthusiasm, Salkowicz uses his attendance at San Diego Comic-Con as a jumping-off point for exploring the various nuances and challenges within the comics industry. Thankfully, the book is written in an easy-to-understand prose style, and is a very brisk read. (It took me all of two days to complete, including two round-trips downtown from home). Neither dry-as-dust analysis nor overenthusiastic propaganda, Salkowicz's book manages to both entertain and enlighten.
It's the kind of book that would easily get ignored by many casual comics fans - after all, everyone knows a little something about the industry? But in Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture, Salkowicz deftly combines the best of both worlds to craft a book that anyone can pick up and read, and which anyone can gain critical insights about comics, popular culture, and the impact of San Diego Comic-Con.
In short, this book is the best defense against poorly informed opinions, overdramatic predictions, and overenthusiastic defenses. You'll be a better, smarter comics fan by reading this book. (And might I suggest checking it out of the local library as well?)
Easily my choice for best non-fiction book of 2012.
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