Re/Read: Jim Blanchard’s Beasts and Priests

   Re/Read is an occasional column by Fantagraphics Bookstore curator Larry Reid examining backlist titles you may have missed or are worth another look. This time we’ll focus on Beasts and Priests by former Fantagraphics art director Jim Blanchard. As the title suggests, Beasts and Priests documents both divine and demonic personalities of American pop culture: from Rat Pack louts and rogue politicians to revered rock ‘n’ rollers and stars of the silver screen. Blanchard employs ingenious treatments to capture the cult of personality that surrounds these figures. Mod fashion model Twiggy, Manson murder victim Sharon Tate, and sixties sex symbols…

What’s in Store

   We can’t wait to unveil Art Chantry Speaks: A Heretic’s History of 20th Century Graphic Design. Come meet the influential graphic arts guru at a book signing, art exhibition and reception this Saturday, July 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This event coincides with the Georgetown Art Attack featuring visual and performing arts presentations throughout the lively industrial arts corridor. The exhibition continues through August 6, 2015. Be sure to check out our vast array of small press publications including a beautiful new portfolio of Black Hole drawings from Charles Burns. Both Burns and Chantry contributed to the aesthetics…

What’s in Store

   Our friend Marc Maron is in the news this week after his provocative WTF podcast with Barack Obama. (Note the copy of Zap #1 on the bulletin board above the President’s head.) Check out Maron’s equally entertaining interview with Peter Bagge conducted at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery for an early WTF podcast in 2010. It’s nice to see subversive artists advancing America’s agenda.