Fantagraphics Books has a new website, two years in the making, which the company describes as superior in every way to their previous site. Check it out:

http://www.fantagraphics.com/

Theu have a new blog, now with commenting functionality.

http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&Itemid=113

There's a preview of a book:

HALL OF BEST KNOWLEDGE

Download an exclusive 12-page PDF preview of HOBK, which includes the gorgeous covers and endpapers, here:

http://www.fantagraphics.com/images/stories/previews/
hallofbestknowledge.pdf (836 KB)

Eric Reynolds, PR master at Fantagraphics talks about Hall of Best Knowldege:

“Ray Fenwick has pioneered his own medium of storytelling, one best described as "typographical comics." HALL OF BEST KNOWLEDGE is presented as a handsome, personal journal written by an unnamed voice, referred to only as "The Author." Little is known about him; he makes occasional, derogatory references to a twin brother and younger sibling, but reveals little else. He clearly fashions himself a genius, writing with a faux-aristocratic air, and it is presumably his belief in his own genius that leads him to want to share his knowledge with the world. Each page features information such as "It hardly needs mentioning that riding a pony is no intellectual triumph.... If riding a pony is so fantastic, why have I never read of any renowned pony-riding genius? It is because such a person does not exist, making it a foolish waste of time unworthy of attention." These pearls of wisdom are lettered in an elegant, almost obsessive fashion, entirely hand-crafted and bedecked with Ionic columns and fleurs-de-lis.

From "Hall of Best Knowledge"

It becomes obvious to the reader early on that all is not as it seems; only at the end does the picture become completely clear. The ensuing journey is a riotous tour through the narrator's ego and id, and the humor builds accordingly as he is revealed to be not nearly as smart—or sophisticated—as he thinks.

HALL OF BEST KNOWLEDGE is part graphic novel, part art object, part satire, part puzzle. The slow unfolding of the author and his story builds humor with each page, creating a peculiar examination of the idea of genius and the problems that arise in the search and transmission of knowledge.

HOBK is an elegantly designed and packaged book, presented as a found journal, with rounded fore edges, a belly band, and other production/design touches to further solidify and give form to the concept of the book.

"In addition to a neat bit of ventriloquism, Fenwick shows off dazzling visual originality in his eye-spinning use of pattern and lettering in HOBK... The lettering melds with its environment as surely as letters in an illuminated manuscript blend with their 
angels and acanthus leaves." – PRINT

168-page 7" x 7" softcover
Cover price: $19.99

Finally, the first big blowout party of 2008 at the Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery in Seattle is happening next Saturday, Feb. 9.

OPENING FEBRUARY 9 AT THE FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKSTORE & GALLERY: ELLEN FORNEY'S "LUST: KINKY ONLINE PERSONAL ADS FROM SEATTLE'S THE STRANGER"

Fantagraphics Books celebrates the publication of cartoonist Ellen Forney's provocative "LUST" collection with a book launch party and art exhibition befitting the romantic Valentine's Day occasion. This festive event takes place on Saturday, February 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, located at 1201 S. Vale Street in Seattle's lively Georgetown district. The display of original art from the book continues through March 17, 2008. Creative custom LUST chocolate Valentine novelties will be dispensed by sensuous hostesses to an exotic mix of love songs by DJ David James.  Forney will present a short multimedia performance based on the book's contents. The "LUST" launch party coincides with the inaugural "Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack." More than twenty-five galleries, studios, nightclubs, boutiques, and cafes will participate in this monthly showcase of Georgetown's creative diversity.

Ellen Forney's "LUST" Opening reception
Saturday, February 9, 6:00 - 9:00 PM*
Original Forney art show, DJ David James, artist performance, 
Valentine's Day party favors.
Exhibition continues through March 17, 2008
1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S. in Georgetown), Seattle WA
Exit 162 of I-5 (just south of Seattle, bus route 131)
Hours: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Daily, Sunday until 5:00
206.658.0110