Though the name Larry Ivie has been largely forgotten, it was ubiquitous within the world of comics fandom in the 1950s and 60s. Born in 1936, two years before the first appearance of Superman, Ivie came of age alongside the comic book form itself and dedicated his life to preserving its history. As a collector, historian, writer, artist, and—above all, fan—Ivie built deep relationships with creators and readers alike. His iconoclastic and prophetic perspectives on comics as a storytelling medium helped shape positive attitudes towards the art form at a time when it suffered enormous cultural stigma. Long before comics studies emerged as a legitimized area of research, fans like Ivie — especially those passionate enough to create or contribute to amateur publications called fanzines — were the earliest scholars of the form. With his nationally distributed fanzine, Monsters and Heroes, Ivie’s insights into the nature of comics and superheroes (especially during their formative years of WWII) help shed new light on their relationship with American society.
The Lone Crusader is a showcase for Ivie’s extensive collection of original Golden Age artwork and ephemera. The exhibit also includes some of the earliest known cosplay costumes, 16mm home movies of comic book story reenactments, and a special focus on EC comics artists and early Superman memorabilia. Artists highlighted include Al Williamson, Frank Frazetta, Joe Shuster, Jack Cole, Reed Crandall, Roy Krenkel, and Wally Wood.
Image: The History of the Comic Book, Larry Ivie. 1968.
Additional Programming
Curator Tour: The Lone Crusader: Larry Ivie and Fandom in the Golden Age of Comics
- Wednesday, November 20, 6:00pm-7:00pm: Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Join us on Wednesday, November 20, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a curator-led tour of The Lone Crusader exhibit, featuring the work and legacy of comics fan, artist, and early historian Larry Ivie. Curators Sandy Plunkett and Caitlin McGurk will share insights into Ivie’s impact on comics, showcasing highlights from his extensive collection of rare Golden Age artwork, early cosplay costumes, and comic book memorabilia.
Light refreshments (cookies and beverages) will be provided. Our galleries will be open with extended hours from 1:00-7:00 p.m. on opening day. Don’t miss this special chance to explore the history of comics fandom with the curators of the exhibition!
