DC Comics Style Guide from the Standards Manual Review: A Timeless Treasure from “Earth 1”
The highly anticipated DC Comics Style Guide published by the Standards Manual has arrived like a perfectly timed landing from Superman. In its heyday during the 80s, the DC Comics Style Guide was the holy comic bible of all things DC and was designed to keep a consistent look for the superheroes of this amazing universe, including their coloring that was used by their licensees. If you Google or eBay some of the DC products from the 80s, you will see the guide in action with its amazing art design.
With an RRP of $99 USD (Jan 2025), the DC Comics Style Guide from the Standards Manual boasts 368 pages with 187 highly-detailed scans from the legendary art by José Luis García-López, who was hired by DC to create this style guide. Bringing his pencils to life was Dick Giordano, and needless to say, this 24.1 x 29.2 cm hardcover from the Standards Manual is beautifully presented with high-quality paper stock that, as a result, boasts vibrant colors and super sharp images.
Supporting the presentation of this hardcover are the following printing highlights from Italy:
- CMYK + 1 PMS® custom metallic ink
- Detailed stochastic offset printing
- Perigord Matte 135 gsm paper
- Case-bound hardcover binding
- Gloss UV spot varnished cover
- Belly band (removable) around cover
It’s definitely a book that must be experienced in person to see the quality and, as Indiana Jones once said, “it belongs in a museum.”
Although the DC Comics Style Guide first launched in 1982, new information was added up until 1985, which coincided with Crisis on Infinite Earths, which, in my opinion, takes a page from this guide. Sure, it was used for licensees for items such as lunchboxes or t-shirts, but you can see the influence of the guide in Crisis on Infinite Earths from writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Pérez. Additionally, the guide was used for one of the best toy lines ever, Kenner’s legendary Super Powers range of DC superhero action figures.
The DC Comics Style Guide from the Standards Manual also features a great introduction by Paul Levitz, former president of DC Comics, who discusses the importance of this guide at the time and how they established this consistent look across their licenses and, of course, how this tome came to be. Also supporting the forwards is Dan Greenfield, who provided interviews with José Luis García-López and Mary Moebus Yedlin, which puts a great perspective on its importance and, in my opinion, the “golden age” of DC Comics. Needless to say, you can see the passion by the Standards Manual as you read and flick through the hardcover, which is a fascinating read and visual journey from start to finish. There are ‘Who’s Who’ type entries on the characters that also adds perspective to the users of the style guide and of course, us the modern reader.
In terms of characters, the guide features the ‘trinity’ of DC Comics – Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, including the Justice League of America, which would later be used to create the Super Powers line and also the Teen Titans. While the bigger characters feature more page time, you will see some fantastic renditions of other characters such as Firestorm, Green Arrow, Captain Marvel, and my favorite DC character in multiverses past and present, Doctor Fate (aka Kent Nelson) himself. Interestingly, Doctor Fate was added to the Justice League, and as we all know, he was a member of the Justice Society of America from Earth 2. Of course, Doctor Fate did join the Justice League in 1987…
So without further ado, here are some images from the remarkable DC Comics Style Guide from the Standards Manual…
Final Thoughts
I loved reading the information in this guide and slowly flipping the pages and seeing the stunning and memorable visuals from José Luis García-López that allowed me to reminisce of a simple time of DC Comics and one of their favorite eras for me. It was definitely a good time to be a DC fan in the 80s and with the passion of the Standards Manual, they now offer your own cosmic treadmill to revisit this age.
Highly Recommended!
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About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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