Join us on Saturday, September 9 at Fantagraphics Bookstore for an evening of contemporary comix and prose with D. J. Bryant and Tom Hansen. Bryant presents an exhibition of original drawings from his debut graphic novel, Unreal City. Hansen will read from his latest novel, This Is What We Do. J. Bryant’s sensuous Unreal City contains five highly charged stories about relationships. They address gender, narcissism, objectification, and the thin line that divides love from hate. Existential and elliptical, these narratives perfectly complement Bryant’s exquisite artwork, which will be on full display in the exhibition. His rendering style recalls…
What’s in Store: The Birth of Kustom Kulture
Hope you can join us at Fantagraphics Bookstore this Saturday evening as we celebrate the late Michael Dormer, one of the pioneers of Kustom Kulture in the 60s and 70s. His signature cartoon character, Hot Curl, became synonymous with Southern California’s surf scene, but he’s perhaps best known for his contributions to the 1964 cult classic, Muscle Beach Party. Dormer designed the animated opening sequence and his murals adorned the sets, providing a colorful backdrop for Little Stevie Wonder‘s dazzling appearance with Dick Dale and the Del Tones. Dormer worked with legendary surf, hot rod, and skateboard artists like…
Re/Read: Giraffes in My Hair by Bruce Paley & Carol Swain
Re/Read is an occasional column by Fantagraphics Bookstore curator Larry Reid drawing attention to comix that you may have overlooked or are worth of another read. This time we’ll look at Giraffes in My Hair: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Life written by Bruce Paley and drawn by Carol Swain. Paley’s memoir reads like a contemporary telling of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, a book that inspired the writer from an early age. His harrowing adventures frequently found him at odds with the cops, drug dealers, and other nefarious characters. They also brought him into contact with counterculture celebrities as diverse…
Surf’s Up at Fantagraphics Bookstore on August 12!
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery hosts the book release celebration for Michael Dormer and the Legend of Hot Curl with surf sounds by Pleasure Island on Saturday, August 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The late Michael Dormer is synonymous with the California surf counterculture in the 1960s and 70s. The post-World War II influence of Beatnik poetry, jazz, and art on the California Coast created a revolution in the Orange County surf world, and no one defined the visual style of this movement more than Dormer. His career as an artist took off when he created “Hot Curl,” the mop-haired,…
Re/Read: Peter Bagge’s Buddy Does Seattle
Re/Read is an occasional column by Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery curator Larry Reid examining books you may have missed or merit more attention. In light of the tragic events recently afflicting Seattle’s music scene, it’s a good time for a lighthearted look at the good times in Peter Bagge’s classic, Buddy Does Seattle. Seattle’s sensational grunge era of the 1990s is often viewed through the gloomy lens of Northwest Noir. Peter Bagge’s Hate comic book serial adds levity to that perception. Protagonist Buddy Bradley and his crew of lovable losers provide a perfect allegory for the lively youth movement…
What’s in Store: Seattle’s Biggest Little Book Fair
We were flattered by the Seattle Weekly headline describing Saturday’s 3rd annual Hot Off the Press Book Fair as “Seattle’s Biggest Little Book Festival.” This effort demonstrates our continuing commitment to the local comix community. This year’s installment includes tables of handcrafted publications by cooperative presses and comix collectives, as well as feature presentations by Simon Hanselmann and Coin-Op Books. Complimentary beverages and pizza from Sizzle Pie will be served. Come out and support independent artists from Seattle and beyond. The book fair runs from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on July 8 at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery. Arrive…
What’s in Store: Hot Off the Press Book Fair!
Please join us at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery for our 3rd annual Hot Off the Press Book Fair on Saturday, July 8. This year’s edition features an array of accomplished regional, national, and international artists in the fields of comix, printmaking, and graphic art. Participants will engage in interactive art activities inside and outside the bookstore from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The festivities will include an exhibition and book signing by bi-coastal siblings Peter and Maria Hoey of Coin-Op Books. Their postmodern approach to comix and graphic art combines elements of Art Deco, Dada, and Pop Art with current indie…
Re/Read: Pim & Francie by Al Columbia
Re/Read is an occasional column by Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery curator Larry Reid examining backlist books you may have missed or deserve another look. This time we’ll examine the recently reprinted Pim & Francie: The Golden Bear Days by Al Columbia. When I first got my hands on an advance copy of Pim & Francie I found it positively biblical. I carried it with me everywhere, often imploring complete strangers to behold the wonder of this amazing artifact. What at first glance appears to be a collection of exquisite drawings on a related theme soon reveals itself to be a…
What’s in Store: Comics & Medicine reception featuring Tatiana Gill
Join us at Fantagraphics Bookstore this Friday, June 16 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM as we host a reception for the national Comics & Medicine Conference and a book singing by Tatiana Gill. The conference theme this year is Access Points. It will be held June 15 through 17 at Seattle Public Library Central Branch and features keynote speakers Hillary Chute, Georgia Webber, and Rupert Kinnard. Seattle cartoonist Tatiana Gill returns with her new collection of fierce feminist comix, Wombgenda. Her previous work has examined substance abuse, recovery, and gender issues with a remarkably revealing and often amusing approach….
What’s in Store: Lightning Snake Launch Party
Join us at Fantagraphics Bookstore this Saturday, June 10 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM as we host the publication party for Lightning Snake by Jason T. Miles from Cold Cube Press. This exhibition of original art and book signing coincides with the colorful Georgetown Carnival arts festival featuring art, music, and more from noon to 10:00 PM. Selector Dub Narcotic performs right outside the bookstore at 4:00 PM, followed by free concerts by Northwest rock stalwarts Mudhoney, Young Pioneers, Tom Price Desert Classic (with our own Martin Bland on drums), Thee Sgt. Major III, and many more. View the…
