Here at Fantagraphics we realize that we publish sometimes upwards of 70 books a year, and that it can be a struggle to keep up with all the titles. For those of you going to San Diego, and for those avoiding it all in the comfort of their homes, we’ve put together a handy list of new and newish books that we’ve taken a shine to. RJ Blubber by Gilbert Hernandez Through his comics, Gilbert Hernandez has changed the way I view art and has made me a better reader. Just when you think (or hope) he goes one way,…
Fantagraphics at SDCC 2017: The Debuts
More debuts than you can shake sticks at, make sure you hit booth 1721 for some of the only actual comics you’ll find at Comic-Con! Otherworld Barbara Vol. 2 by Moto Hagio Nanami had sworn to never see her granddaughter, Aoba, again. A despairing Kiriya had rejected his father, Tokio. Yet now both are traveling with Tokio to Engaru, where Aoba has slept and dreamt of the island of Barbara for seven years. The poltergeist phenomena become more intense. Aoba seems desperate. Is her world coming to an end? And does that end mean the end of the world, one…
Fantagraphics at SDCC 2017: Signing Schedule
We bring you the guests, the artists, the signings! Special Guests Simon Hanselmann New York Times Best-Selling cartoonist Simon Hanselmann (Megahex) was born in Tasmania, Australia and currently resides in Seattle, WA. He spends his days meticulously watercoloring each page of comics he hand draws. Simon has found international success with his stoner witch comics, which have been translated into over a dozen languages. When not makes comics, Simon can be found smoking cigarettes and walking a one-eyed dog. Liz Suburbia Liz Suburbia is the creator of Sacred Heart, the ALA/YALSA Alex Award-winning graphic novel from Fantagraphics, as well as the…
Fantagraphics at SDCC 2017: The Panels
We give you The Panels of San Diego Comic-Con 2017! Thursday, July 20 A Bunch of Jews (A Minyen Yidn) 12:30pm – 1:30pm Publisher Hope Nicholson, creator Trina Robbins (Pretty in Ink), and contributing artists Jen Vaughn, Elizabeth Watasin, Miriam Libicki, and Willy Mendes discuss the creation of the anthology A Bunch of Jews (A Minyen Yidn) and portraying Jewish characters from within and outside of the culture. Essential Deserted Island Comics 4:00 – 5:00pm So you’re stranded on a deserted island. But good news-you can pick your favorite comics to get stuck with for the rest of your life! What essential comics will you be reading and rereading? You might…
What’s in Store: Seattle’s Biggest Little Book Fair
We were flattered by the Seattle Weekly headline describing Saturday’s 3rd annual Hot Off the Press Book Fair as “Seattle’s Biggest Little Book Festival.” This effort demonstrates our continuing commitment to the local comix community. This year’s installment includes tables of handcrafted publications by cooperative presses and comix collectives, as well as feature presentations by Simon Hanselmann and Coin-Op Books. Complimentary beverages and pizza from Sizzle Pie will be served. Come out and support independent artists from Seattle and beyond. The book fair runs from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on July 8 at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery. Arrive…
Digital Translations and More Backlist Titles!
This week’s digital releases feature translated comics from Italy and the Netherlands, as well as plenty of backlist wonders to tide you, and your tablet, over for the week. And away we go… Zanardi presents the work of Andrea Pazienza to English-speaking audiences for the very first time. Pazienza portrays a lost generation of late 1970s/early 1980’s teenagers coping with family issues, school, sex, and drugs. A true outrageous visionary, Zanardi collects Pazienza’s work into one handsome volume and is now available through comiXology and Google Play. In the Pines is a collection of Dutch cartoonist…
What’s in Store: Hot Off the Press Book Fair!
Please join us at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery for our 3rd annual Hot Off the Press Book Fair on Saturday, July 8. This year’s edition features an array of accomplished regional, national, and international artists in the fields of comix, printmaking, and graphic art. Participants will engage in interactive art activities inside and outside the bookstore from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The festivities will include an exhibition and book signing by bi-coastal siblings Peter and Maria Hoey of Coin-Op Books. Their postmodern approach to comix and graphic art combines elements of Art Deco, Dada, and Pop Art with current indie…
Re/Read: Pim & Francie by Al Columbia
Re/Read is an occasional column by Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery curator Larry Reid examining backlist books you may have missed or deserve another look. This time we’ll examine the recently reprinted Pim & Francie: The Golden Bear Days by Al Columbia. When I first got my hands on an advance copy of Pim & Francie I found it positively biblical. I carried it with me everywhere, often imploring complete strangers to behold the wonder of this amazing artifact. What at first glance appears to be a collection of exquisite drawings on a related theme soon reveals itself to be a…
What’s in Store: Comics & Medicine reception featuring Tatiana Gill
Join us at Fantagraphics Bookstore this Friday, June 16 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM as we host a reception for the national Comics & Medicine Conference and a book singing by Tatiana Gill. The conference theme this year is Access Points. It will be held June 15 through 17 at Seattle Public Library Central Branch and features keynote speakers Hillary Chute, Georgia Webber, and Rupert Kinnard. Seattle cartoonist Tatiana Gill returns with her new collection of fierce feminist comix, Wombgenda. Her previous work has examined substance abuse, recovery, and gender issues with a remarkably revealing and often amusing approach….
RIP Geoffrey Hayes
RIP Geoffrey Hayes On Sunday afternoon I returned from a weekend camping trip to a message telling me that the great children’s book author and cartoonist Geoffrey Hayes has passed away. I’ve been processing it since. He would have been 70 this year. Geoffrey was a wonderfully sweet, gentle man with a genuine enthusiasm for his work that was affecting. I didn’t know him well, but I did get to know him over the past several years when my daughter — and I — fell in love with his series of Benny & Penny books from Francoise Mouly’s wonderful Toon…
