THE CLASSIC ART OF CARTOON PIN-UP OPENS SATURDAY, JUNE 28 The post-war era in America gave rise to a remarkable number of amazing cartoonists retuning from overseas. These members of our “Greatest Generation” had their careers interrupted by World War II and again when the comic book hysteria of the 1950s all but erased this innocent pastime from the cultural landscape. When comic book work could no longer provide their livelihood, many turned to racy down-market digests, and in the process created a legacy of sensual and seductive pin-up art that remains as appealing today as it did when this…
Jason comes to Rocketship & MoCCA June 6-8!
Fantagraphics & Rocketship present: JASON IN AMERICA! FRIDAY, JUNE 6! Join the acclaimed European master cartoonist JASON for a pre-MoCCA kickoff party, art show, and world premiere of his new book, POCKET FULL OF RAIN. WHO: JASONWHAT: Opening reception, book signing and MoCCA pre-partyWHERE: Rocketship208 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 • 718.797.1348WHEN: Friday, June 6, 8PM Join cartoonist JASON for a rare North American exhibition of original art and the world premiere of his new collection, POCKET FULL OF RAIN. One of the most acclaimed cartoonists of the last decade, Jason is a multiple Harvey and Eisner Award-winner whose work Publisher's Weekly describes as "Cross…
Johnny Ryan, Leah Hayes in NYC & Boston
We'd like to bring to your attention the first-ever east coast store signings by America's Sweetheart, JOHNNY RYAN. Johnny will be appearing in New York and Boston this June to promote the release of ANGRY YOUTH COMIX #14. In Boston, Johnny will be joined by fellow Fantagraphics author (and, coincidentally, America's other sweetheart) LEAH HAYES, who will be signing copies of her acclaimed new graphic novel, FUNERAL OF THE HEART. WHO: JOHNNY RYANWHAT: ANGRY YOUTH COMIX #14 release party! WHERE: Desert Island 540 Metropolitan, Williamsburg, BrooklynWHEN: Friday, June 13, 6PM – 9PM WHO: JOHNNY RYAN and LEAH HAYESWHAT: ANGRY YOUTH COMIX #14 and FUNERAL…
June 7: The World of Steve Ditko at Jim Hanley’s Universe!
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS & JIM HANLEY’S UNIVERSE PRESENT THE WORLD OF STEVE DITKO: SAT., JUNE 7 Fantagraphics Books and Jim Hanley’s Universe are proud to present a very special event on the evening of Saturday, June 7, to coincide with Fantagraphics’ appearance at the 2008 MoCCA Arts Festival. Join noted Steve Ditko scholar BLAKE BELL for the world premiere of his eagerly-anticipated book, STRANGE & STRANGER: THE WORLD OF STEVE DITKO, along with an exclusive screening of Jonathan Ross’s acclaimed BBC documentary, “IN SEARCH OF STEVE DITKO.” Bell will also give a powerpoint presentation and talk on Ditko’s work and career…
Dennis the Menace – Introduction by Brian Walker
This introduction is reprinted in its entirety from Hank Ketcham’s Complete Dennis the Menace 1951-1952, the first volume in our comprehensive collection of Dennis the Menace daily strips. This volume is available in a handsome, brick-like hardcover and, now, an affordable softcover edition. {product_snapshot:id=1483,true,false,true,left} One afternoon, in October 1950, Hank Ketcham was working on a cartoon for The Saturday Evening Post when he heard a commotion coming from the bedroom area of his new home in Carmel, California. His wife Alice suddenly burst into the studio and exclaimed, “Your son is a MENACE!” Four-year-old Dennis Lloyd Ketcham, who was supposed…
Pocket Full of Rain by Jason – Introduction by James Sturm
{product_snapshot:id=1484,true,false,true,left} MY FIRST INTRODUCTION to the work of the Norwegian cartoonist known only as Jason was a four-page story he drew for Comix 2000, an international collection of pantomime comics. Out of all of the works in this massive anthology (the title was also its page count and year of publication) it was Jason’s four pages that proved most memorable. The story begins with a bird/human hobo coming upon a bed in the woods. Though a bit surprised, the hobo nevertheless stops to sleep. As he slumbers, two death-faced humanoid birds construct a proper bedroom around the slumbering hobo then…
Rebel Visions – Multimedia Features (Video & Audio)
We are pleased to present the following multimedia features relating to Rebel Visions: The Underground Comix Revolution 1963-1975 by Patrick Rosenkranz, now available in a new, revised and expanded softcover edition. All items are courtesy the author. Below, a promotional video trailer for the original hardcover edition, produced by the author in 2003, featuring video and audio interviews with Gilbert Shelton, R. Crumb, Rick Griffin, Spain Rodriguez, Robert Williams and Justin Green: The following video presents footage of a book signing and reading, in conjunction with an exhibit of original Underground comic art, held at the CounterMedia bookstore in Portland,…
Weirdos: Seattle’s Alternative Comics Culture in the Context of R. Crumb’s Underground
This slide lecture was originally presented on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the Frye Art Museum in Seattle in conjunction with the exhibit “R. Crumb’s Underground.” To experience this interactive slideshow, click the “play” button below to begin the streaming MP3 audio. (You can also download the MP3.) At the first tone signal, click on the first slide thumbnail image below. As you listen, advance to the next slide whenever you hear the tone by clicking on the right side of the slide image. If you would like to read the text of the lecture (in a slightly abridged format),…
Ray Fenwick H.O.B.K. release party in Halifax
FANTAGRAPHICS & FROG HOLLOW BOOKS PRESENT: Halifax's RAY FENWICK celebrates the release of HALL OF BEST KNOWLEDGE on MAY 14! WHO: RAY FENWICKWHAT: HALL OF BEST KNOWLEDGE release party & author signingWHERE: EYELEVEL GALLERY, 2063 Gottingen Street, HalifaxWHEN: Wednesday, MAY 14, 7PM In this exciting debut graphic novel, Ray Fenwick has pioneered his own medium of storytelling, one best described as "typographical comics." [See this excellent National Post feature on Fenwick from last month for more info.] HOBK is presented as a handsome, found journal written by an unnamed voice, referred to only as "The Author." Little is known about him. He clearly fashions…
Jordan Crane, Shag & Bagge at Fantagraphics in May
THREE BRILLIANT ART STARS SHINE ON CONSECUTIVE SATURDAYS IN MAY AT FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKSTORE & GALLERY! Jordan Crane on May 10, Peter Bagge on May 17, and SHAG on May 24 Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery springs into action in May with a succession of events featuring three of the country’s most celebrated cartoonists and remarkable illustrators. The public of all ages is invited to join us in an exciting series of exhibitions featuring Jordan Crane on May 10, Peter Bagge on May 17, and SHAG on May 24. Los Angles artist Jordan Crane’s evocative and bittersweet meditations on the human condition…
