This book offers the first comprehensive study of the many interfaces shaping the relationship between comics and videogames. It combines in-depth conceptual reflection with a rich selection of paradigmatic case studies from contemporary media culture. The editors have gathered a distinguished group of international scholars working at the interstices of comics studies and game studies to explore two interrelated areas of inquiry: The first part of the book focuses on hybrid medialities and experimental aesthetics "between" comics and videogames; the second part zooms in on how comics and videogames function as transmedia expansions within an increasingly convergent and participatory media culture. The individual chapters address synergies and intersections between comics and videogames via a diverse set of case studies ranging from independent and experimental projects via popular franchises from the corporate worlds of DC and Marvel to the more playful forms of media mix prominent in Japan. Offering an innovative intervention into a number of salient issues in current media culture, Comics and Videogames will be of interest to scholars and students of comics studies, game studies, popular culture studies, transmedia studies, and visual culture studies.

A complete, illustrated history of video games--highlighting the machines, games, and people who have made gaming a worldwide, billion-dollar industry/artform--told in a graphic novel format. Author Jonathan Hennessey and illustrator Jack McGowan present the first full-color, chronological origin story for this hugely successful, omnipresent artform and business. Hennessey provides readers with everything they need to know about video games--from their early beginnings during World War II to the emergence of arcade games in the 1970s to the rise of Nintendo to today's app-based games like Angry Birds and Pokemon Go. Hennessey and McGowan also analyze the evolution of gaming as an artform and its impact on society. Each chapter features spotlights on major players in the development of games and gaming that contains everything that gamers and non-gamers alike need to understand and appreciate this incredible phenomenon.

Just how dedicated can gamers be? Video games inspire people to write fan fiction, draw characters, and even dress up in costume to act out video game scenes. Read this book and dive into gaming culture. Whether you like to read comics, write stories, perform in plays, make music, create movies, or dress up in wacky outfits, video gaming culture has got something for everyone!

*Shortlisted for the British Book Design and Production Award for Graphic Novels* 'A love letter to gaming in all its forms - from board games, to role-play, to virtual reality and video games. For fans of gaming, this is the perfect read. For those new to gaming, it is the perfect introduction' The Scotsman A thrilling illustrated journey through the history of video games and what they really mean to us Pac-Man. Mario. Minecraft. Doom. Ever since he first booted up his brother's dusty old Atari, comic artist Edward Ross has been hooked on video games. Years later, he began to wonder: what makes games so special? Why do we play? And how do games shape the world we live in? This lovingly illustrated book takes us through the history of video games, from the pioneering prototypes of the 1950s to the modern era of blockbuster hits and ingenious indie gems. Exploring the people and politics behind one of the world's most exciting art-forms, Gamish is a love letter to something that has always been more than just a game.

"Video games evolved from simple consoles to cutting-edge home entertainment to some of the world's most popular apps. Find out more about the technological innovations, major players, and controversies that have made video-game history"--

PLUGGED IN! documents the experiences of comic book professionals that work in the Video Game industry, offering invaluable tips for those thinking of venturing into the field, or anyone with a fascination for the inner workings of both comics and gaming. It features Superman scribe Elliot S! Maggin candidly talking about the early days at Atari, along with Jimmy Palmiotti (Ash, Jonah Hex), Chris Bachalo (Death: the High Cost of Living, Uncanny X-Men), Mike Deodato (Wonder Woman, Amazing Spider-Man), and Rick Remender (Fear Agent, X-Force), all giving firsthand accounts of working on current generation video game hits like Dead Space, Prototype, Army of Two: 40th Day, Bulletstorm, and DC Universe Online! In addition to current comics professionals, author Keith Veronese conducts first-person conversations with artists and writers who made the leap to working in video games full-time.

Inside Maker Comics: Design a Game!, the next volume of First Second's DIY comic series, you'll find step-by-step instructions for six tabletop game design projects! Siblings Shen, Shondra, and Shontoya arrive at Ludum Omega Summer Camp with a passion for games, and Professor Zephyr is excited to teach this year’s students all about the art and science of game design! What makes a game fun? What kinds of games are out there? How can designers turn an okay game into a great one? With Maker Comics: Design a Game! as your guide, you’ll play and modify classic games and learn how to build and test a prototype of a new game that’s all your own!