IDW presents another in its series of Library Of American Comics Essentials volumes, with Barney Google. This 1920’s daily comic strip was enormously popular in its day, and this volume reprints four complete black and white stories.

But first, the foreword, which gives us perspective, one hundred years later! Barney Google, that bug-eyed fan of horse races, gambling and other dubious pursuits was not initially a wealthy man. He was just an ordinary fellow. But Barney Google became the subject of a hit song (for real), and his creator orchestrated massive publicity campaigns that entertained millions. Cross-American tours! A time spent in France! Talk about branding, and brand recognition! Billy DeBeck was a master!

There is a lot of enjoy in this volume: creator and artist DeBeck’s pen line is sure and true. The ‘big foot’ (exaggerated) look of the characters is so much fun. DeBeck’s panel layouts are innovative and fresh.

The four stories in this collection begin in 1926, and continue to 1928, when Barney Google runs for president!

IDW Library Of American Comics Essentials Volume 14, Barney Google, $29.99 for 356 booklet size pages, black and white.

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!