Thoughts on convention sales.

Left to right: Josh Simmons, Jordan Crane & Paul Karasik sign while Mike Baehr looks on.

I've been reluctant to weigh in on the ComicsPro position paper that has been generating a lot of discussion of late but since we have been one of the publishers who have sold advance books at shows, several folks have asked us for comment so here we are. I know it's probably difficult for retailers to believe, but I actually do very much see both sides and have never quite been able to reconcile them. I will try to explain this…

Bechdel plugs Lust

On her blog, Ellen Forney points out a nice plug Alison Bechdel gave Ellen's new book Lust, saying "It's stunningly drawn, and most educational." What really makes it worth re-posting, though, is the accompanying photo:

Comics = Love

What says romance more than comics? If there is anything, we don't want to know about it. Woo your sweetie this Valentine's Day with our hand-picked selection of romantic and/or erotic books. From classic romance comics to cutting-edge erotica, from sweet to twisted, these comics are fluent in the many dialects of love.

Our multi-talented staff

Several Fantagraphics employees have new projects out now or coming soon. Warehouse manager Nico Vassilakis has Text Loses Time, a new book of bracing poetry and text-based art from Many Penny Press (available at Georgetown Records, the conjoined twin of the Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery) — stay tuned for an announcement of the book release party: New sales guy Jason Miles has Dead Ringer, a new book that is part comic, part print portfolio, and all amazing, coming soon from La Mano: And our Art Department production maestro Paul "Diamond Blow" Baresh has a new solo CD titled Luv Juice…

Online Comics: Dash, Ribs, LOL, Satanas

You are keeping up on the beautiful strip, Bodyworld, from Dash Shaw, right? I mean, after you read Steven Weissman's "Yikes," of course. (Which may still be moving around on our site but is currently at this link.) Meanwhile, the world of bad internet spelling and hobo fetishism has it's very own tribute in Adam Koford's more-than-daily "Laugh Out Loud Cats." It's a gimmick that has limited mileage but it's also a charming homage to classic cartooning that I enjoy seeing. I may even buy a panel featuring his endearing LOL cat, Pip, considering they sell for just 20 bucks….

New Website Feature of the Day: Avatars

Avatars… icons… whatever you want to call 'em, we've got a whole mess of 'em that you can save and use to represent yourself in all of your social networking, instant messaging, blogging, and other online endeavors, all right here on this page. From Blecky to Stinky to Zippy… Frank to Fritz to Fantomah… and we're happy to take your suggestions for more, so leave a comment if your favorite character or book isn't represented!

New Website Feature of the Day: Desktop Wallpapers

Have you ever wanted Dan Pussey on your computer screen? Or Buddy Bradley? Or maybe naked Hector's more your speed? We've put together a selection of 17 downloadable desktop wallpapers in a variety of sizes for your monitor-enhancing enjoyment, and we'll be adding more as time goes on. Leave a comment here if you have any requests!