Our Hot Off the Press fest on Saturday, August 8 will feature an amazing array of local artists in addition to special guest Noah Van Sciver, a prominent force in the minicomics movement.
This event marks the debut of Desperate Times: The Summer of 1981, edited by Maire Masco. This essential Seattle zine was widely recognized for printing the first reference to “grunge” in a letter penned by future Fantagraphics staffer and Mudhoney front man Mark Arm to describe his then-imaginary band Mr. Epp and the Calculations. The six issues of this 25-cent tabloid serve as a time capsule of an emerging counterculture that would later rock the world. Masco remains an unheralded hero of Seattle’s emerging music scene. In addition to her contributions to Desperate Times, she was a partner in Pravda Records, releasing the classic punk anthem “Mohawk Man” by the aforementioned Mr. Epp. She also partnered in concert promotions enterprise Holy War Cadets, producing early shows with Soundgarden, Butthole Surfers, Corrosion of Conformity, and countless others. Meet this engaging personality at the book fair on August 8.
The show will also debut part two of Gina Siciliano’s fascinating graphic biography of artist Artemisia Gentileschi. Original pages from this ambitious project will be exhibited. We’ll also introduce the Extruder, a new publication from the Intruder comix collective. Other highlights include a reading by Ryan Boudinot, an urban barbecue, small press tables and more.
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street in Seattle’s historic Georgetown arts community. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.