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Fantagraphics

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Fantagraphics
Company typePrivate
IndustryPublishing
Founded1976
FounderGary Groth, Michael Catron
Headquarters
Seattle, Washington
,
United States
ProductsAlternative comics, anthologies of classic comic strips, manga, magazines, graphic novels
Websitefantagraphics.com

Fantagraphics (previously known as Fantagraphics Books) is a U.S.-based publishing company that focuses on alternative comics, anthologies of classic comic strips, manga, magazines, and graphic novels, including the former adult-oriented imprint Eros Comix. The company has been recognized with numerous awards for excellence in comic book publishing.

Origins

Established in 1976 by entrepreneurs Gary Groth and Michael Catron in College Park, Maryland, Fantagraphics took over the adzine The Nostalgia Journal and transformed it into The Comics Journal, a publication dedicated to news and critical analysis of comics.

Although the company faced financial ups and downs, co-founder and key figure Kim Thompson joined in 1977, investing his inheritance to support the business and becoming a co-owner. Over the years, Fantagraphics moved its base multiple times—from Washington, D.C., to Stamford, Connecticut, then to Los Angeles—before settling in Seattle in 1989.

In 1981, under the imprint Redbeard Inc., Fantagraphics introduced Amazing Heroes, a magazine aimed at comic enthusiasts to broaden income sources beyond The Comics Journal. The publication ran for 204 issues until it ceased in July 1992.

Publishing Comics

Fantagraphics began producing comics in 1979, debuting with Jay Disbrow’s The Flames of Gyro. Their profile rose significantly in 1982 with the release of the Hernandez brothers' Love and Rockets, followed by acclaimed series such as Acme Novelty Library, Eightball, and Hate.

In 1984, the company relocated its operations to Greater Los Angeles.[1]

Co-publisher Mike Catron departed from Fantagraphics in 1985 after overseeing advertising and circulation for The Comics Journal between 1982 and 1985.[2]

The Kirby Awards and Harvey Awards

Between 1985 and 1987, Fantagraphics administered the Jack Kirby Award, which recognized outstanding achievements in comics as voted by industry professionals; this award was managed by employee Dave Olbrich. Following a disagreement over ownership rights in 1987, the Kirby Award was discontinued and replaced by two separate honors: the Eisner Awards, overseen by Olbrich; and Fantagraphics’ own Harvey Awards, named after cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman.

Move to Seattle

In 1989, Fantagraphics established its headquarters in Seattle’s Maple Leaf neighborhood.[1]

The introduction of Eros Comix in 1990—a line specializing in erotic comics—became a vital source of revenue that compensated for losses incurred after the end of Amazing Heroes and helped avert bankruptcy.[3]

Eric Reynolds joined Fantagraphics in 1993 as news editor for The Comics Journal before transitioning into marketing and promotion roles by 1996. Founders Groth and Thompson credited Reynolds with guiding the company toward financial stability.[4][5]

From 1994 until 1999, Tom Spurgeon served as editor of The Comics Journal before moving on to become publisher of The Comics Reporter.

Financial fluctuations

Fantagraphics experienced workforce reductions in 1998 and faced near insolvency in 2003 after incurring losses exceeding $60,000 due to the 2002 failure of distributor Seven Hills Distribution. During this period of downsizing, an employee criticized the firm for its "inefficiency and inadequate management." The company managed to recover by reorganizing its operations and successfully appealing to the comic book community, which led to a significant increase in orders. Following this restructuring, Fantagraphics achieved notable success with hardcover editions such as The Complete Peanuts, distributed through W. W. Norton & Company.

In 2009, the publisher discontinued the print version of The Comics Journal, transitioning from eight annual issues to a biannual release supplemented by an expanded online presence.

European graphic novel line

Starting in 2005, Fantagraphics introduced a European graphic novel series, initially co-publishing the Ignatz Series, overseen by Italian artist Igort. By March 2009, the company secured an agreement with Jacques Tardi; co-publisher Kim Thompson translated many of Tardi’s works, broadening Fantagraphics’ international reach and market influence.

Emerging obstacles

In 2006, Fantagraphics broadened its business scope by inaugurating the Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery located in Seattle's Georgetown district, strengthening its direct engagement with customers.

The addition of Jacq Cohen as publicist in 2009 enhanced the company’s marketing strategies.

Co-publisher Kim Thompson, a pivotal figure in leadership and one of the founding members, stepped down due to illness in March 2013 and passed away later that year. His absence affected both product offerings and revenue projections for that year. To address financial stability, Fantagraphics launched a Kickstarter campaign in November 2013, which successfully raised more than $150,000 within four days—demonstrating robust community backing and market presence.

In August 2020, the company rebranded from Fantagraphics Books to simply Fantagraphics, unveiling a minimalist logo featuring a stylized ink pen nib combined with a torch symbol to refresh its corporate identity and align with modern market trends.

By 2023, Fantagraphics expanded its global footprint through licensing partnerships with Marvel Comics, reissuing classic titles from Atlas Comics. This project includes eight volumes centered on various series and three focused on individual creators. In April 2025, they launched the "Lost Marvels" hardcover collection—beginning with Tower of Shadows—aimed at collectors and aficionados. Later editions highlight creators like Howard Chaykin as well as titles such as Savage Tales, further enhancing Fantagraphics’ position in the vintage comic reprint market.

Ignatz Series

The Ignatz Series is an international comic imprint published jointly by Fantagraphics (U.S.) alongside partners based in Germany, France, Holland, Italy, and Spain. Named after Ignatz Mouse from Krazy Kat, this line consists of 32-page books printed in two colors and sized between typical comic book pamphlets and graphic novels, retailing at $7.95. Edited by Italian illustrator Igort, with many translations handled by Fantagraphics editor Kim Thompson, Ignatz serves a specialized segment within the global comics market.

Eros Comix

Established in 1990 as Fantagraphics' imprint dedicated to adult content, Eros Comix focused on producing explicit comics, featuring creators such as Gilbert Hernandez, Wally Wood, and Frank Thorne. The imprint's offerings extended beyond traditional comics to include over 40 collected volumes, anime DVDs, and books showcasing erotic artwork. By 2006, its catalog contained upwards of 470 products, playing a crucial role in supporting Fantagraphics' overall financial health.

Among its distinguished publications were Bill Willingham's Ironwood, SS Crompton's Demi the Demoness, Howard Chaykin's Black Kiss, along with Italian series like Djustine and Ramba. Contributors spanned from Tom Sutton (writing as "Dementia") to Colleen Coover and Marc Andreyko. The imprint also launched the MangErotica line, which introduced translated hentai manga from artists including Isutoshi and Oh! great, with notable titles such as Bondage Fairies and Super Taboo.

Initial controversies arose due to advertisements on back covers promoting phone sex services. Editorial leadership transitioned in 1994 when Jeremy Pinkham succeeded Tom Verre. Facing diminishing profits by the late 1990s, the imprint scaled back on new releases. By 2017, Eros Comix was no longer actively maintained and was removed from Fantagraphics’ website, signaling the conclusion of its presence within the company's catalog.

Comics anthology magazines

Magazines

Comic book series


# Series

0: Babel #1 authored by David B. [France]
  1. Baobab #1 created by Igort [Italy]
  2. Insomnia #1 from Matt Broersma [U.K./U.S.A.]
  3. Wish You Were Here #1: The Innocents by Gipi [Italy]
  4. Interiorae #1 by Gabriella Giandelli [Italy]
  5. Ganges #1 by Kevin Huizenga [U.S.A.]
  6. Chimera #1 by Lorenzo Mattotti [Italy]
  7. Several series, including Insomnia, Babel, Wish You Were Here, Reflections, Baobab, have released 2 issues
  8. A variety of series originating from Italy, the U.S., Spain, and France such as New Tales of Old Palomar, Delphine, and Sammy the Mouse
  9. These series cover multiple markets with steady publication schedules and feature creators from around the world


Upcoming Releases
  1. XX: Babel #3 by David B.
  2. XX: Baobab #4 by Igort [Italy]
  3. XX: Calvario Hills #2 by Marti
  4. XX: The End #2 by Anders Nilsen
  5. XX: Wish You Were Here #3 by Gipi [Italy]

Graphic Novels

Classic Comics Collections

Disney comics

Additional Titles

  • The comic strip series Barnaby
  • Adventure strips like Buz Sawyer
  • Classic tales such as Captain Easy
  • The complete works compiled in The Complete Crumb Comics
  • The American comic strip Dennis the Menace
  • The curated EC Artists' Library
  • Collections of Feiffer's works
  • The satirical magazine Humbug
  • The classic strip Krazy Kat
  • Early 20th-century strip Little Nemo
  • Iconic series Little Orphan Annie
  • The comic strip Nancy
  • Entire collection of Peanuts strips
  • Complete syndicated Pogo comic strips
  • Humor book Poor Arnold's Almanac
  • Comprehensive edition of E. C. Segar’s Popeye comics
  • Powerhouse Pepper series
  • The epic Prince Valiant strip
  • The humorous Sam's Strip

Books

Eros Comix selections


MangErotica selections


Kirby Awards

1986

Note: The Kirby Awards were discontinued in 1988, succeeded by the establishment of the Harvey Award and the Eisner Awards.

Eisner Awards

Highlighted Eisner Award recipients include:

1994

  • Best Archival Collection: Vol. 6 of the complete works of Little Nemo in Slumberland, by Winsor McCay

1995

  • Best Publication Design awarded to Chris Ware for his work on The Acme Novelty Library

1996

  • Best Continuing Series: Chris Ware's Acme Novelty Library
  • Best Archival Collection: Volume 11 of Robert Crumb's complete comics
  • Best Coloring: Chris Ware for coloring in the Acme Novelty Library series
  • Best Comics-Related Periodical: The Comics Journal
  • Best Publication Design: Chris Ware’s design for The Acme Novelty Library

1997

  • Best Comics-Related Periodical awarded to The Comics Journal
  • Best Publication Design for Acme Novelty Library Volume 7

1998

  • Chris Ware won Best Coloring for The Acme Novelty Library
  • The Comics Journal again took Best Comics-Related Periodical
  • Best Comics-Related Product went to Chris Ware’s display stand for Acme Novelty Library

1999

  • The Comics Journal secured Best Comics-Related Periodical once more

2000

  • Chris Ware’s Acme Novelty Library earned Best Continuing Series
  • Best New Graphic Album awarded to Acme Novelty Library Volume 13, also by Ware
  • Dan Clowes received Best Writer/Artist for his work on Eightball

2001

  • Tony Millionaire won Best Writer/Artist - Humor for Maakies
  • Chris Ware achieved Best Coloring for Acme Novelty Library #14

2002

  • Dan Clowes’ Eightball #22 was honored as Best Single Issue
  • Clowes also received Best Writer/Artist for Eightball overall
  • Chris Ware’s design on Acme Novelty Library #15 earned Best Publication Design

2003

  • Kim Deitch’s The Stuff of Dreams won Best Single Issue or One-Shot
  • George Herriman’s Krazy & Ignatz was recognized as Best Archival Collection/Project
  • Tony Millionaire earned Best Writer/Artist-Humor for The House at Maakies Corner
  • Greg Sadowski’s B. Krigstein Vol. 1 received Best Comics-Related Publication award

2004

  • Bill Blackbeard edited Krazy & Ignatz: 1929–1930, winning Best Archival Collection/Project

2005

  • Dan Clowes’ Eightball #23 "The Death Ray" won Best Single Issue or One-Shot
  • The Complete Peanuts, edited by Gary Groth, was honored as Best Archival Collection/Project
  • Seth designed The Complete Peanuts, earning Best Publication Design

2007

  • Charles Schulz’s The Complete Peanuts volumes 1959–1960 and 1961–1962 won Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips
  • Jason’s The Left Bank Gang received Best U.S. Edition of International Material
  • Tony Millionaire earned Best Writer/Artist-Humor for Billy Hazelnuts

2008

  • Fletcher Hanks’ I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets! was awarded Best Archival Collection/Project - Comic Books
  • Jason’s I Killed Adolf Hitler won Best U.S. Edition of International Material

2009

  • Jason’s The Last Musketeer was recognized as Best U.S. Edition of International Material

2011

  • Jacques Tardi’s It Was the War of the Trenches took home both Best Reality-Based Work and Best U.S. Edition of International Material

2012

  • Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Volumes 1-2, edited by David Gerstein and Gary Groth, were honored as Best Archival Collection/Project-Comic Strips

2013

  • Recognition for Michael Kupperman and Walt Kelly included awards for Best Short Story and Archival Collection/Project-Strips

2014

  • Jamie Hernandez received multiple awards including those for Best Short Story and Writer/Artist for his contributions to Love and Rockets

2015-2018 Highlights:

  • Works such as Ed Piskor's Hip Hop Family Tree were acknowledged in reality-based categories
  • Archival projects like The Eternaut and graphic novels including Emil Ferris' My Favorite Thing Is Monsters were celebrated
  • Numerous accolades were given for coloring, writing, and comics journalism through outlets such as The Comics Journal

2020-2024 Highlights:

  • Honors were bestowed upon single issues, graphic novels, webcomics, and archival collections recognizing creators including Emil Ferris, Simon Hanselmann, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Ed Piskor

Harvey Awards

Overview of Harvey Awards received:

1989

  • Outstanding Writer: Gilbert Hernandez for Love and Rockets
  • Best Ongoing or Limited Series: Love and Rockets by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez
  • Top Domestic Reprint Project: The Complete Crumb Comics by Robert Crumb

1990

  • Outstanding Writer: Gilbert Hernandez for Love and Rockets
  • Best New Series Launch: Eightball by Dan Clowes
  • Best Ongoing or Limited Series: Love and Rockets by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez
  • Best Single Issue or Story: Eightball #1 by Dan Clowes
  • Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Work: The Comics Journal, edited by Gary Groth

1991

  • Top Cartoonist (writer/artist): Peter Bagge, Hate
  • Best Letterer: Dan Clowes, Eightball
  • Best New Series Debut: Hate by Peter Bagge
  • Best Ongoing or Limited Series: Eightball by Dan Clowes
  • Best Single Issue or Story: Eightball #3 by Dan Clowes
  • Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Work: The Comics Journal, edited by Gary Groth and Helena Harvilicz
  • Leading Domestic Reprint Project: The Complete Crumb Comics by Robert Crumb

1992

  • Top Inker: Jaime Hernandez for Love and Rockets
  • Best Ongoing or Limited Series: Eightball by Dan Clowes, edited by Gary Groth
  • Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Work: The Comics Journal, edited by Gary Groth and Helena Harvilicz
  • Leading Domestic Reprint Project: The Complete Crumb Comics by Robert Crumb

1993

  • Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Work: The Comics Journal, edited by Gary Groth and Frank Young
  • Top Domestic Reprint Project: The Complete Crumb Comics by Robert Crumb

1994

  • Best American Edition of Foreign Material: Billie Holiday by José Antonio Muñoz and Carlos Sampayo, edited by Gary Groth et al.
  • Leading Domestic Reprint Project: The Complete Little Nemo In Slumberland Vol. 6 by Winsor McCay

1995

  • Best New Series Debut: Acme Novelty Library by Chris Ware, edited by Kim Thompson
  • Premier Domestic Reprint Project: The Complete Crumb Comics, edited by Gary Groth and Robert Boyd

1996

  • Outstanding Letterer & Colorist: Chris Ware for Acme Novelty Library
  • Leading Domestic Reprint Project: The Complete Crumb Comics Vol. II, edited by Mark Thompson

1997

  • Top Writer & Letterer: Daniel Clowes for Eightball
  • Best Colorist & Special Award for Excellence in Presentation: Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library
  • Best Ongoing or Limited Series: Eightball by Dan Clowes

1998

  • Outstanding Colorist & Special Excellence in Presentation Award: Chris Ware for work including Acme Novelty Library
  • Best New Series Launch: Penny Century by Jaime Hernandez, edited by Gary Groth

1999

  • Top Artist or Penciller & Single Issue/Story Award: Jaime Hernandez, including contributions to Penny Century
  • Leading Inker Award: Charles Burns for Black Hole
  • Special Award for Excellence in Presentation: Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library

2000

  • Multiple honors for Chris Ware's contributions to Acme Novelty Library, including Letterer, Colorist, and Cover Artist categories
  • Best New Series Debut: Weasel by Dave Cooper, edited by Gary Groth

2001

  • Premier Artist or Penciller Award: Jaime Hernandez for work on Penny Century
  • Top Inker Award: Charles Burns for Black Hole
  • Best New Series Launch: Luba's Comix and Stories by Gilbert Hernandez

2002

  • Numerous accolades awarded to Daniel Clowes and Charles Burns across Cartoonist and Inker categories
  • Best New Series Launch: La Perdida by Jessica Abel

2003–2004

  • Continued recognition for Jaime Hernandez and Charles Burns in significant artistic categories
  • Distinguished awards acknowledging reprints such as Krazy and Ignatz alongside editorial excellence in presentation

2005–2006

  • Daniel Clowes honored as Best Writer; Charles Burns repeatedly recognized for Inking on Black Hole
  • Noteworthy domestic reprint projects included The Complete Peanuts

2007–2009

  • Sustained awards celebrating Jaime Hernandez’s contributions to the series Love and Rockets

2011–2013

  • Ongoing commendations for Jaime Hernandez as leading Cartoonist and for the continuing series like Love and Rockets Vol. 3

Sources

External links

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