Fantagraphics Books begins our celebration of 40 years publishing the world’s greatest cartoonists with an exhibition of the world’s greatest cartoonist. R. Crumb: Early Works, 1965 – 1967 documents the artist as he develops his signature style with original drawings, comix, and related ephemera. Most of these works have never been displayed publicly, so you’re in for a treat. The show opens on Saturday, September 10 and continues through November 2, 2016.
The 40th year festivities continue on Saturday, October 8 as Seattle native Charles Burns discusses his graphic masterpiece Black Hole. This arresting story is set a short distance from Fantagraphics headquarters and remains as compelling as when we published the comic book series in the 90s. (The store will also serve as official bookseller on October 10 as Burns presents his latest collection Last Look at Town Hall.)
On Friday, November 4 we welcome featured artists of the Short Run Comix & Arts Festival with our annual Short Run Marathon including an art exhibition, artist talks, performances and a pre-festival party! Join an array of emerging and veteran cartoonists including Vanessa Davis, Trevor Alixopulos, Dash Shaw, Ines Estrada, Phoebe Wahl, Hatem Imam, Brendan Kiefer, and Tom van Deusen on the eve of Seattle’s premier comix convention.
Former Fantagraphics art director and accomplished cartoonist Jim Blanchard presents his retrospective book Visual Abuse: Jim Blanchard’s Graphic Art, 1982 – 2002 on Saturday, November 12 with an exhibition of original work and more. Don’t miss your chance to meet this pop culture prodigy and view his compelling body of work.
The series comes to a close with We Told You So: Comics as Art, 40th Anniversary Show on Saturday, December 10 with an exhibition of artifacts from our first four decades and a stellar array of comix celebrities, followed by a gala anniversary party. We’ll keep you in suspense for now. Watch this space for details.
And don’t miss Peter Bagge’s appearance this Saturday, August 13 as he signs advance copies of the deluxe Neat Stuff collection from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Fantagraphics Bookstore is located at 1201 S. Vale Street in the heart of Seattle’s historic Georgetown arts community. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206-658-0110