Comics Journal (1977) comic books 2004-2006

The Magazine of News and Criticism. In this issue: The Journal is proud to present a comprehensive look at the work of enigmatic genius Steve Ditko! A massive suite of essays from our Utne Award-winning critics will cover Ditko's 50 years of work, from his early ghost stories to his Marvel monsters, Spider-Man and Dr. Strange, through his later DC and Charlton comics, to Mr. A and his current politically maverick independent work -- and explore the nooks and crannies of what makes Ditko a vital, important figure in our medium's history. Plus: panel chat with Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets) and Craig Thompson (Goodbye Chunky Rice, Blankets). Magazine, 128 pages, PC/PB&W. Mature Readers. Cover price $6.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. In this issue: TCJ presents their annual, indispensable "Year In Review" issue, examining 2003's vital events and releases from around the world! And this issue also boasts the "Young Cartoonists" section, featuring scads of interviews and profiles of the next generation of emerging talents! Yes, a new generation emerges - Jeffrey Brown, Robyn Chapman, Christopher Forgues, Asaf & Tomer Hanuka, Sammy Harkham, Paul Hornschemeier, Kevin Huizenga, Ben Jones, Derek Kirk Kim, Anders Nilsen, Lark Pien, John Pham, Souther Salazar, Jason Shiga, Drew Weing and Dan Zettwoch. How can you not want this issue? Don't you want to know what the books of the year were? Don't you care about the children? Cover by Drew Weing. Magazine, 128 pages, PC/PB&W. Mature Readers. Cover price $6.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. In this issue: You know 'em, you secretly love 'em, you'd be speaking English if it weren't for them -- it's the French! Leading off with a cover chat with Philippe Dupuy and Charles Berberian of Mr. Jean fame, we're also proud to present an unpublished conversation between the late, great Gil Kane and Jean-Claude Mezieres (Valerian and Laureline, The Fifth Element)! Zut Alors! And: Eddie Campbell on the work of comics pioneer Rodolphe Töpffer. Also: Dave Cockrum's sickbed deal with Marvel Comics. Plus: reviews, comics, letters and news. Cover by Dupuy and Berberian. Magazine, 128 pages, PC/PB&W. Mature Readers. Cover price $6.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. In this issue: The Journal is proud to present the long-awaited, exhaustive and engrossing cover interview with Phoebe Gloeckner, author of the tear-down-the-sky brilliant books A Child's Life and Diary of a Teenage Girl! Conducted by the Journal's own Gary Groth, this conversation is not one to miss. If that weren't enough, this issue also boasts a fascinating Gloeckner essay by legendary critic Donald Phelps, author of the American Book Award-winning Reading the Funnies! Also: dropping science with Jay Hosler; the gospel according to Chester Brown; and the early work of comics pioneer Winsor McCay. Plus: reviews, comics, letters and news. Magazine, 144 pages, B&W. Mature Readers. Cover price $6.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. In this issue: In its 28th year as the preeminent magazine of comics journalism and criticism, The Comics Journal is revamping its format with more color, more pages, better paper and higher quality printing, and a fresh, new design. Content is also being rejuvenated with expanded news and commentary sections, the inclusion of a comics section, and wider and more contemporaneous coverage of current comics publishing. This issue's cover feature is Alex Toth, with an examination of his life and work by Bob Levin, critical essays, an interview, and 30 pages of rare comics from one of Toth's most fertile creative periods in the 1950's, in both B&W and color. Our pre-election 2004 political coverage includes interviews with Steve Bell and Steve Brodner, one of America's the most preeminent illustrators and political satirists, whose work has appeared in periodicals from The New Yorker to Rolling Stone to The Atlantic Monthly to Harper's magazine. Reviews of the most noteworthy current comics and graphic novels and our columns on every facet of comics from manga to European comics to mini-comics and even (gasp!) mainstream comics round out the issue. Cover by Alex Toth. Softcover, 192 pages, PC/PB&W. Mature Readers. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. Now revamped with more pages, better paper stock and more color pages, The Comics Journal remains the finest source of comics-related news, reviews and commentary in the market today. This issue features an in-depth, career-spanning interview with writer and cartoonist Ed Brubaker, covering his life in comics from his early days as an indie cartoonist to his work for DC Comics on such titles as Batman and Sleeper. Sean Phillips (the artist behind Sleeper) provides this issue's cover. Also in TCJ #263: In a series of essays, our critics (and a few surprises recruited especially for this issue) take a closer look at one of the most renowned and controversial self-publishing success stories in comics history, Dave Sim and Gerhard's Cerebus! From the duo's many artistic accomplishments to Sim's many pronouncements on gender and politics, this roundtable will put it all into perspective for you as only The Comics Journal can. Also: The legal battle for Superman and Superboy; Jingle Jangle Tales; and the celebrated news and critical coverage that has won the magazine countless awards! Softcover, 9-in. x 11-in., 192 pages, PC/PB&W. Mature Readers. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. Now revamped with more pages and higher quality reproduction! This issue features a cover interview with Ivan Brunetti (conducted by editor Gary Groth), a cartoonist known for his caustic, scabrous and self-lacerating comic, Schizo, the cartoon collection Haw!, as well as his comics contributions to anthologies and illustration work in such magazine as Mother Jones, The Baffler, and Entertainment Weekly. Underground comics are highlighted this issue in two major features: Patrick Rosenkranz, the author of the underground comix history Rebel Visions, provides a historical profile of the major underground publishers in a long essay based on interviews with all the participants. Second, his own book comes under the knife in a series of critiques of his own history of underground comix by the underground cartoonists he covered in the book itself! Plus: Darcy Sullivan on defiling the legacy of Jack Kirby; Harold Gray's Little Joe; and vicious smears. Also: TCJ's regular columns covering European comics, manga, newspaper strips, and other facets of the medium, investigative journalism and letters, all in the most iconoclastic and unorthodox magazine about comics in the world. 200 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. The latest issue of the recently revamped magazine turns its attention to the legendary William Steig, creator of Shrek! Since 1930, Steig produced over 1,600 cartoons and 117 covers for The New Yorker. The tribute to Steig opens with a critical essay by Donald Phelps, and includes a historical essay as well as short tributes from his peers and fellow cartoonists and a gallery of Steig's most significant work. This issue also features an interview with the cartoonist Eric Shanower, creator of the Image series Age of Bronze, conducted by Managing Editor Dirk Deppey. The comic strip reprint this issue is Garret Price's rarely seen, critically lauded White Boy -- 35 Sunday pages printed in full color! Plus: a profile of cult-favorite British cartoonist Chris Reynolds, written by famed graphic novelist Seth! Add in acerbic industry commentary and the celebrated news and critical coverage that has won the magazine countless awards. PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. This issue of the comics profession's foremost magazine of news and criticism contains two main features. First, a career-spanning interview with one of the most skillful and popular genre writers in comics, Brian Michael Bendis. Bendis discusses his crime comics beginnings, writing Sam & Twitch for Todd McFarlane, his early crime comics (Jinx, Goldfish, Torso), his Hollywood satire Fame & Glory and his sordid experiences in Hollywood, his espionage/noir graphic novel Fire, and his break-out into mainstream comics where he rejuvenated Marvel's Daredevil and Ultimate Spider-Man and created Alias, as well as his creator-owned Powers. Second, this is our annual Year-In-Review issue: The Journal's critics revisit 2004, selecting the best comics and graphic novels of the year. We'll also look at manga, webcomics and how the industry itself reacted to the changing marketplace. Add in Garrett Price's White Boy in the comics section, no-holds-barred industry commentary, and the celebrated news, regular columns, elitist judgments and snide remarks that have won the magazine countless awards. Cover by Alex Maleev. PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

Will Eisner Memorial issue. Tributes by Dave Sim, Mike Ploog, Scott McCloud, Jeff Smith, Ron Goulart, Steven Grant, R.C. Harvey, Gary Groth and others. Classic military comics by Eisner. Plus reviews, comics, letters, and news. Black and white with some color pages; 200 pages. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. Now entering its 29th year, The Comics Journal returns yet again with the comics-related news, reviews and commentary that has made the magazine indispensable. In this issue, longtime contributor Charles Hatfield sits down for a conversation with breakout indie comics superstar Craig Thompson in an interview that runs his early days to Goodbye Chunky Rice to Blankets and beyond! Also, Managing Editor Dirk Deppey talks to the genius behind Flaming Carrot and the Mystery Men, Bob Burden. Burden's fame as an easygoing raconteur and surreal wit gets a workout in this freewheeling trip through a career that spans the last two decades of comic-book cartooning. Ut! Plus, British journalist Paul Slade examines the progression of Herge's internationally renowned Tintin series as it grew from classic strip to universal storytelling genius, in an enlightening essay you're not going to want to miss. Add in a reprint of rare, archival comic strips, insightful and acerbic industry commentary, plus the celebrated news and critical coverage that just won the magazine Great Britain's prestigious Eagle Award for "Favourite Magazine About Comics," and you've got another fine issue of the most essential magazine about comics available today! PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. This shoujo manga issue is devoted to exploring and explaining the "Girls don't like comics" phenomenon. Includes an interview with pioneering shoujo cartoonist Moto Hagio, often called "the Osamu Tezuka of women's manga," who is renowned both for her psychologically challenging stories and as the originator of the "shonen-ai" (boy love) subgenre. Includes the first-ever English translation of Hagio's short story "Hanshin." Also: journalist Kai-Ming Cha traces the rise of shoujo as a market force in Asia and the United States; cartoonist Lea Hernandez explains how shoujo shaped her view of comics as an art form; and cartoonist and historian Trina Robbins examines all-ages manga for girls. PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

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The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. This issue, Greg Stump sits down for an interview with award-winning artist Jessica Abel, tracing her career from early, self-published mini-comics to her first deal with a major book publisher. Also: Bill Shafer talks to cartoonist Mark Bode about carrying on the legacy of his famous father, Vaughn. Plus: an interview with Lalo Alcaraz (La Cucaracha); Nell Brinkley comics; and corporate upheaval at DC. PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

Interviews with Jerry Robinson (Batman, The Joker) and Renee French (The Soap Lady). Bill Blackbeard on E.C. Segars Thimble Theater, the strip that introduced Popeye. Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman talk about getting the business end of comics. Plus reviews, comics, letters, and news. Black and white with some color pages; 200 pages. Cover price $9.95.

The Steve Bell interview; the Jeff Danziger interview; Jerry Robinson & political activism; Diamond purges smallest publishers; John Stanley's 'Thirteen.' Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. This issue, Dirk Deppey sits down for a freewheeling interview with cartoonist Eddie Campbell, the artist behind the forthcoming graphic novel, The Fate of the Artist. A born raconteur, Campbell discusses everything from self-publishing, to Hollywood adaptations, to the philosophy of the graphic novel. Also: a conversation with avant-garde manga artist Junko Mizuno; an extensive portfolio of socialist cartoonist Art Young's visions of Hell; and creativity under contract - the state of comics work for hire at Marvel, DC, et al. Plus: all the news, criticism and commentary that you've come to expect. Cover by Eddie Campbell. PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. This issue, travel from Marvel to Hollywood and back, as Michael Dean conducts a definitive interview with cartoonist and illustrator Mike Ploog (Man-Thing, Abadazad)! Also: a conversation with Sophie Crumb (Belly Button); Greg Sadowski on early Harvey Kurtzman comics; and distributor deathwatch - the struggles of Diamond's last competitor! Plus: reviews, comics, letters and news. Cover by Mike Ploog. 200 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

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The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. This issue, sit in on a candid conversation with one of 2005's breakout cartoonists, Epileptic author David B., in a wide-ranging discussion on life, art and cartooning. Plus: The Journal's roster of critics analyze the best comics and graphic novels of 2005, in a wide-ranging section that looks into the work of cartoonists from Winsor McCay to Hank Ketcham to Chris Ware. Also: Danish cartoons of mass destruction. Plus: The comics of Boody Rogers. And, as usual, all the news, criticism and commentary that you've come to expect from the finest, most provocative magazine about comics available today! Cover by David B. 200 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. This issue, Dirk Deppey sits down with Terry Moore, the cartoonist behind Strangers in Paradise! Learn the story behind the story of Francine and Katchoo, and find out how Moore survived the self-publishing battleground of the 1990's. Also: Mike Catron interviews Bob Haney (Teen Titans, Metamorpho, DC war comics). Plus: the World War 3 Illustrated Roundtable; early Bernie Krigstein comics; and CBLDF sex scandal leads to Women's Empowerment Fund. To wrap things up, you get all the news, commentary and criticism you've come to expect from America's most respected magazine about the cartooning arts! Cover by Terry Moore. 200 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. 30th Anniversary Issue! "Where we came from, where we're going": The Comics Journal celebrates its 30th year as the nation's premier trade journal and comic arts review by examining the last three decades of comics arts and industry history. It offers a look at where the medium may be headed in the next decade, in an oversized special issue guaranteed to give you a new perspective from which to view the art form. News Editor Michael Dean and Managing Editor Dirk Deppey offer a concise history of the comic book marketplace, from the early days of the Direct Market to the turbulent 1990's and their consequences for today. Executive Editor Gary Groth talks about the aesthetics of the medium with renowned cultural critic Donald Phelps. French cartoonist and controversial L'Association co-founder Jean-Christophe Menu offers a European perspective, and a host of cartoonists (including veteran comic book creator Kyle Baker, breakout web-cartoonist Chris Onstad, and others) and publishers discuss the future of the medium as seen from their vantage points. Plus: Donald Phelps offers an extended look at revered classic comic strip Barney Google, complete with an extensive collection of daily strips from the series! PC/PB&W. Cover price $12.95.

The Magazine of Comics News and Criticism. TCJ interviews two prominent DC writers: first, Dirk Deppey sounds out the Eisner award-winning indie writer/artist Bill Willingham, whose Fables series has been embraced by both critics and fans worldwide! Then, in the second part of an interview too enormous to fit in one issue, Mike Catron gets the inside gossip on Silver Age DC from the prolific Bob Haney, creator of the Teen Titans and Metamorpho! (See #276 for the first part.) Plus: rare 1940's comics by Little Brown Jug animator Orestes Calpini; tribute to underground comix pioneer Jaxon; and a Chris Ware exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Also: reviews, letters and news. Cover by Bill Willingham. 200 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $9.95.

With a deluxe hardcover retrospective of his supremely elegant and quirky comics work slated for publication by Fantagraphics in early 2007, 'Clear Line' virtuoso Joost Swarte (best known in the U.S. for his RAW strips and covers in the 1980s, and his frequent New Yorker illustration work since then) is ready for his turn in the Journal hot seat. In a far-ranging (and amply illustrated) interview, the voluble Dutchman talks about his graphic idol Hergé, storytelling, why his comics work has slowed down to a trickle this last decade, and much more. Also in this issue, Johnny Ryan, the creator of 2005 Rolling Stone 'HOT Comic' Angry Youth Comix, dumps a load of his trademark irreverence on the Journal. Plus - expanded Web content, one of our amazing comic sections, and columns from the usual gang of... you know the rest. Cover price $9.95.