w/ contributions by Michael Uslan, Patterson Sims & Twig Johnson Published by The Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, New Jersey, on the occcasion of the exhibition of the same name that closed in January, this catalogue of the exhibition is the most intelligent yet assembled on the history, function and significance of the comic book super hero yet produced.  This 68 page, 8 1/2" x 11 1/4 " volume is filled with crisp, full color, high definition reproductions of a wide range of original art and original editions of comic books from the golden age to the present.  Divided into six sections -- "Super Heroes Go To War," "Cold War, Conformity, and Censorship," "Questioning Authority," "American Indian Super Heroes, Diversity and Moral Complexity," and "Super Heroes at Ground Zero" -- each of which is introduced by a concise essay  placing the works in the approproriate context.  The organization of the exhibit and the insights demonstrated by the essays demonstrate an impressive grasp of the material and left us feeling both grateful that cultural institutions are finally beginning to give more than lip service to the important role that comic books and super heroes have played -- and continue to play --  in the culture and history of America, and impressed yet again by the fact that quality, groundbreaking work can be found in the most unexpected places -- like Montclair, NJ.  Take a look at the NY Times review (complete with slideshow), for a little more "color."  These catalogues are made available here at a substantial discount off their original price as the result of a special, one-time purchase from the museum.  We think it's a price worth taking advantage of.