While we’re sad not to be able to gather in person for The Society of Illustrators MOCCA Arts Fest in NYC this year, we’re excited to jump into to some great virtual programming during their Comic and Cartoon Week, April 12th–17th! We’ve highlighted all the Fantagraphics-centric programing in this one handy blog post, but you can also find the full schedule of events on the Society’s website. All events are online and free to attend! We’ll also be doing some giveaways throughout the week of the very cool catalog “Tales from the Crypt: The Revolutionary Art of MAD and EC Comics,” originally produced by The Society for a 2018 exhibit. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a sneak peek at that, and stayed tune on socials for chances to win!
Controlled Chaos: Simon Hanselmann with Nathan Cowdry
Monday, April 12, 2021
3:00 PM PDT / 6:00 PM EDT
Join alternative cartoonists Simon Hanselmann (Crisis Zone) andNathan Cowdry (Crash Site) for a friendly chat about their respective bodies of work. Their comics share many common themes: anthropomorphised animals, violence done to and by undergarments, drug-fueled escapades, and the value of loyalty, friendship and lust… er, love! We meant love! Organized by Fantagraphics and hosted by Simon Hanselmann and Nathan Cowdry, this installment of Art Out Loud Online will occur live on instagram, so just head over to the Society of Illustrators (@soi128) or Simon’s (@simon.hanselmann) account at the appointed hour, and tap to watch!
Live Drawing- Uncensored! John Cuneo and Joe Ciardiello
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
11:00 AM PDT / 2:00 PM EDT
In celebration of his upcoming book of collected drawings, Coping Skills, cartoonist John Cuneo (known for his New Yorker covers, illustrations, and a prodigious output of NSFW drawings) gives us a glimpse into his unique creative process with a virtual live drawing session. He’s joined in conversation by the equally talented and acclaimed illustrator Joe Ciardiello. Register here.
Gilbert & Jaime Hernandez in Conversation with Adrian Tomine
Friday, April 16, 2021
9:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM EDT
Jaime Hernandez, Gilbert Hernandez and Adrian Tomine sit down for an informal discussion of their methods, influences, some alternative comics history and more. This meeting of three of the most accomplished and influential alternative cartoonists working today is not to be missed! Register here.
In partnership with The Society of Illustrators, we’ll be giving away a limited number of these extremely cool exhibit catalogs, “Tales from the Crypt: The Revolutionary Art of MAD and EC Comics,” via social media throughout the week! 40+ pages packed full of gorgeous, full-color original art reproductions by EC and MAD greats like Jack Davis, Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig, “Ghastly” Graham Ingels, Joe Orlando, Wally Wood, Al Jaffee, and many more, plus commentary and history tidbits! Not available in stores! Follow along on Instagram for the chance to be one of our lucky winners!