THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN COMICS FROM 1897...

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN COMICS FROM 1897 TO THE PRESENT, edited by Ron Goulart (Facts on File: $19.95, illustrated). The entries in this cartoon Who’s Who are well-researched and informative, although the authors blandly praise every strip: Goulart describes Ernie Bushmiller, the creator of the stultifyingly unfunny “Nancy,” as “an expert at constructing gags.” Despite its title, the book focuses on older cartoons and cartoonists. Some new strips--”Garfield,” “Kudzu” and “Outland”--are included, but far too many are omitted for this tome to qualify as a real encyclopedia. “Drabble,” “Herman,” “Rose is Rose” and “Zippy the Pinhead” rank among the most glaring omissions. This volume is best used in conjunction with Maurice Horn’s more complete “World Encyclopedia of Comics,” the standard work in the field, although overdue for an update.