Fantagraphics Blog Larry Reid

Since its inception in February 2008, the Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack has warmed the hearts of Seattle art patrons. This lovely showcase of adventurous visual and performing arts enters its fourth year on February 12, just in time for Valentine's. What better way to celebrate this romantic occasion than with boisterous revelry in the heart of Seattle's historic Georgetown industrial arts quarter? Among the programming on February 12: Rat City Brass in concert at the 9 Lb. Hammer; the first annual "Freakfest" at the Mix featuring Ramona the Band, burlesque acts, DJs and more; "The Chair Project" at Seattle…

Following a fantastic holiday season — (thank you all very much!) — Fantagraphics Bookstore has undergone a minor makeover. Drop by to check out the great new displays, some awesome new arrivals, and view the amazing art exhibition "Medieval Thinkers." Look forward to more phenomenal events in the coming weeks, including a Valentine's themed group art show by the Bureau of Drawers on Saturday, February 12 and the first in a series of "Comics Talks" on Wednesday, February 23 featuring Aaron Renier in conversation with Jason Shiga. Details to come. A display of records and books by Jim Flora, Peter…

I'm frequently invited to conduct workshops on comix as an educational tool at regional conferences of K-12 librarians, teachers, and administrators. These educators appreciate the appeal of graphic novels but sometimes lack the familiarity to employ them effectively. Here are some of the conclusions we've reached on the judicious use of comix in school. Comix are extremely useful as a tool to address students struggling with limited literacy or English as a second language (ESL.) In remedial situations, students are reluctant to be assigned material substantially below grade level. With many comix, the age level is ambiguous, which removes the…

The Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack rings in the New Year with a festive celebration of visual and performing arts throughout the historic industrial arts corridor. Please join us on Saturday, January 8 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for this colorful cultural event. Among the highlights of the January 8 Art Attack: Our uniquely amazing Georgetown Trailer Park Mall includes the Comet Lodge Mercantile Trailer hosting the "Le Marche' Noir" trunk show, a collection of upcycled garments created by Parisian artist & designer Elisabeth Vedrine, and the Lula B Lightning Trailer presenting limited edition "Strange Religion" chap books by Amanda…

From now through Christmas Eve, Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery will be offering a free, signed copy of long out-of-print comic books with every purchase of ten bucks or more. Choose from HATE #1 signed by Peter Bagge, EIGHTBALL #1 signed by Daniel Clowes, NAUGHTY BITS #1 signed by Roberta Gregory, PALESTINE #1 signed by Joe Sacco, and JIM #1 signed by Jim Woodring. Consider it our gift to our loyal bookstore customers. While you're at the store, get the gift of music. Our neighbors at Georgetown Records will give $1.00 off every purchase to Fantagraphics Bookstore customers. Simply show your…

As the year draws to an end, allow me the indulgence of fawning over Fantagraphics. FOUR COLOR FEAR is a phenomenal book. The wonderful pre-code horror comics inside provide colorful context to a wider understanding of mid-century America. I'm a child of the fifties and these amazing comic books still speak to me in a meaningful way. Our country was caught in the grip of a Cold War with perceived enemies that threatened the end of civilization. As impressionable kids, there were daily reminders of this terrifying reality — and we all felt totally helpless. Maybe in some subconscious way…

Ho, ho, ho. One week to go. And you have yet to buy a single gift for anybody? If you live in the Northwest, you're in luck. Simply drop by Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery in Seattle and we'll set you up quick. Skip the manic mall crowds and parking problems. We've got exquisite gifts to suit everyone on your list. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend the dozen books below, all under $20 — many below $10! Check ‘em out. For the love of your life: LOVE & ROCKETS! We suggest MAGGIE THE MECHANIC, where it all started….

(Mark Pickerel) We'd like to thank the big crowd that braved a biblical deluge to attend the fabulous fourth anniversary at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery in Seattle on Saturday. Thanks to our talented musician friends Mark Pickerel and Zak Sally — who escaped a biblical blizzard in Minneapolis to appear. Kudos also to Jason T. Miles and Max Clotfelter for organizing the amazing "Medieval Thinkers" art exhibition. Another magical evening at Fantagraphics Bookstore! (Zak Sally) If you weren't able to make it, be sure to drop by the store to see the art show, peruse hand crafted publications by exhibiting…

Fans of alternative culture in Seattle are in for a wild weekend. This Friday, Mark Pickerel's pop culture emporium Damaged Goods hosts a poster exhibition by Fantagraphics pal and graphic design guru Art Chantry. Later that evening alternative music group Low plays the Tractor Tavern. The action heats up on Saturday when Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery celebrates its fourth anniversary with an amazing line up of art, music, comix and more. The aforementioned Mark Pickerel, formerly of Screaming Trees, will perform a solo music set, followed by former Low member Zak Sally. Fans will also get a chance to pick…

Seems like the Crumbs aren't the only family of talented alternative cartoonists. Jim and Mary Woodring, together with their son Max, all have pieces in the Friends of the Nib "Medieval Thinkers" exhibition at Fantagraphics Bookstore this Saturday, December 11 — part of the store's festive fourth anniversary celebration. Of course the Deitch family – father Gene and siblings Simon and Kim — qualify as well. We're thrilled to include an original drawing by Kim Deitch in the exhibition. In addition, the event will mark the debut of the Kim Deitch File, a portfolio published on Zak Sally's La Mano…