Fantagraphics continues its commemoration of 40 years of publishing the world’s greatest cartoonists with an event focusing on one of the founders of the alternative comix movement. Charles Burns appears at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, October 8 at 7:00 to discuss his graphic novel masterpiece Black Hole and other seminal works.
Seattle native Charles Burns emerged from the Evergreen State College in nearby Olympia with Lynda Barry and Matt Groening in the mid-’70s. Together, this trio of gifted cartoonists popularized a new approach to contemporary comix. Burns came to the attention of future Pulitzer Prize winner Art Spiegelman, who published his Big Baby comic strip in Raw magazine, which was later syndicated in alternative weeklies across the country. Fantagraphics Books published Burns’ atmospheric comic book series, Black Hole, which is set in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood in close proximity to Fantagraphics offices. In addition to his work in comix, Burns was instrumental in developing the aesthetic of Seattle’s legendary Sub Pop records from its humble beginnings as a fanzine and cassette label.
A current resident of Philadelphia, Burns will discuss Black Hole and his early experiences in Seattle on Saturday, October 8. The reception from 6:00 to 9:00 PM will include a display of limited edition prints and posters by the artist. Visitors will also be able to view the critically acclaimed exhibition R. Crumb: Early Works, 1965 – 1967. This event coincides with the colorful Georgetown Art Attack featuring visual and performing arts presentations throughout the historic neighborhood. Fantagraphics Bookstore is located at 1201 S. Vale Street, just minutes south of downtown Seattle. Open daily 11;30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206-658-0110.
Fantagraphics Bookstore will also serve as bookseller at Town Hall on Monday, October 10 at 7:30 PM as Burns presents his latest comix collection, Last Look, on the Pantheon imprint.
