Comics provides a much needed corrective to the USA-centric comics histories (as well as it's cousins, the Euro-centric and manga-centric histories), by providing a look at what was going on in each of these areas simultaneously, readers are better able to see the relative progressions made in each region's respective scene as well as their relative strengths, focuses, trends, and reciprocities.  Comics/manga/bandes dessinées/et al each take their turn on the stage of this global history.  Mazur and Danner know their stuff, choosing the primary creators and pivotal works that define each era and area, and providing a rich, broad and detailed tapestry in the process.  Anyone searching for an introduction to the world of comics, need look no further.  Recommended.