Claustrophobia!
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the Fantagraphics bookstore opened it’s doors in the semi-industrial, semi-artsy Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. They’ve already become a local institution of sorts, bringing in a steady stream of comic creators for readings and signings, not to mention a enviable series of gallery shows. We’ve been treated to the likes of Peter Bagge, Los Bros Hernandez, Ellen Forney, Anders Nilsen, Jim Woodring, Ivan Brunetti, and more. And best of all, there’s usually free beer, and sometimes rock and roll to be had at these shindigs.
Of course, the best way to celebrate the first anniversary of a comics retail shop is to invite artists and musicians to come mingle with the unwashed masses, cram everybody into a small space filled with comics, and give them all some beer and a discount on new books. And that’s just what the Fantagraphics shop di last night, with Ellen Forney, Jim Woodring, and Jim Blanchard hosting the get together and signing books, and music by The Tom Price Desert Classic.
Now, when I say “a small space,” I mean the fire marshall probably would have passed out (and subsequently shut the place down) if he’d happened by. It was the kind of turnout that leads to clogged aisles and the use of elbows as navigational devices. I guess it just means that the store is too popular for its own good, which isn’t exactly a bad thing. Better to have too many people show up to your party than not enough. But it did lead to a hot and claustrophoic environment that’s not exactly ideal for comics browsing.
Browsing wasn’t really the main point of the night thought, despite the generous 20% discount on all new books. There was plenty of mingling to be done, with fellow comics fans and a smattering of local artists making the rounds through the night. While we here at the Successless Comics blog are more of the wallflowery sort, we did snag a few paparazzi shots of the local inkerati (though I couldn’t quite get a good shot Ellen Forney’s adorable pink furry hat). There’s plenty to look at in the Fantagraphics group on Flickr.
Pabst blue Ribbon and George Herriman. Now that’s what I call a party. Maybe we’ll see you at the 2nd anniversary get together!