The long held view of Fantagraphics Bookstore curator Larry Reid that the Pacific Northwest gave birth and momentum to the alternative comix movement provides the premise for a lively PechaKucha presentation by 10 regional cartoonists this Wednesday evening at Cornish Playhouse. Reid will be joined by veteran cartoonists Peter Bagge, Jim Woodring, Ellen Forney and David Lasky, along with emerging artists Eroyn Franklin, Kelly Froh, Max Clotfelter, Tom Van Deusen, Gina Siciliano, and Tatiana Gill. The PechaKucha concept involves each artist showing 20 images for 20 seconds each – an ideal format for narrative art presentations.
Reid maintains the foundation for alternative comix was laid when three exceptionally talented cartoonists emerged from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington in the late 70s. Lynda Barry, Charles Burns and Matt Groening began syndicating their strips in alternative newspapers around the country. Olympia's fledgling Sub Pop enterprise and Seattle's popular music magazine The Rocket provided platforms for these and other inventive cartoonists. Peter Bagge arrived at the dawn of grunge era and soon convinced Fantagraphics Books to relocate to Seattle. The rest, as they say, is history. Reid plans to present a convincing case that our region can claim a heritage of alternative comix innovation.
Come celebrate Seattle's legacy of creative comics and narrative art at Cornish Playhouse at the Seattle Center on Wednesday, March 11. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Program begins at 6:30. Admission is free. A book signing and social hour will follow.
