I want to direct you all to THIS. Last Gasp is the only vital, surviving publisher of the original underground comix movement, truly living up to its name. They're also the last meaningful, independent distributor of just about every great non-mainsteam comic (plus lots more) you've ever read. This is no coincidence. You couldn't write a book about American counterculture without Gasp's founder "Baba" Ron Turner figuring prominently. Well, you could, but it would be a lame book. Last Gasp is at the vanguard of promoting, selling and publishing books that aren't lame, and has been doing so now for something like 45 years. Gasp has been a huge advocate for Fantagraphics over the years. I feel a deep respect, love and debt for what Ron, his son Colin, and the rest of the staff do. Please consider lending your support.
Just this weekend, I was working the Fantagraphics' tables at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco. On Sunday, Ron, always the gentleman, came over to me to say hi and catch up. When he found out I was working the show solo, he insisted on getting someone from the Last Gasp staff to help me. I kindly assured him I was fine, but he wasn't giving up without a fight. I don't think he ever does. So you must know that if he's asking for help, he really needs it. Support Last Gasp.
[Photo of Ron behind the Fanta booth at APE 2014, taken by Marc Arsenault]