NEMO, the illuminating magazine about comics history, is coming back, once again edited by Rick Marschall and published by Fantagraphics Books Inc., and in an expanded, oversized book format.

Founded by founded by Rick Marschall and published from 1983-1990, Nemo the classic comics library Magazine was devoted to the history of the newspaper comic strip. Through this great magazine, modern readers could access and answer the many historical mysteries of classic comic strips and their creators

For 31 issues, Nemo: the classic comics library was a magazine that pioneered the study and appreciation of vintage comics and cartoons, and related forms of art and culture. For some people, including working cartoonists of the day, it was more than study and appreciation – it was, by testimonies of letters, conversations, and response editor Rick Marschall still receives, a journal of discovery, too..

Now, NEMO is returning, with Rick back as editor and Fantagraphics will be Publisher.

“Among the large editorial and creative team, many already on board, are John Adcock, who has piloted the splendid online magazine Yesterday’s Papers (and will continue),” Rick has revealed, “and Jon Barli, my partner at Rosebud Archives and Art Director of a recent Comics Journal monster.

“I will be announcing more names; more about the contents; more details, in short order… including release date. We are preparing a ‘manifesto’ — more than a call to prospective readers; also an invitation to contributors.”

Rick has told the title’s fans and former readers NEMO 2.0 (not its title, just its ID) will be annual or bi-annual;it will be oversized, printed on quality stock, running to around 200 pages, with board covers, with substantial colour sections;

Nemo’s focus generally will be what the first incarnation’s was: the art of cartoons and art form of the comic strip; a general hew to the roots of comics; golden age as defined as late 1800s to 1940s and ’50s; plus, enthusiastic examinations of cartoons, strips, animation, illustration, political cartoons, graphic satire, poster art and advertising, early-early comic books, children’s books, licensing and merchandising, and related forms of movies and animated cartoons;

IT will include running features like the old “Penmen of the Past” and “Eyewitness to Comics History”…. and new features like Monographs and Annotated Portfolios.

“The expanded page size, book-length expanse, and colour will make the new “Nemo” an entirely new animal in this field,” Rick enthuses. “It will be — take this as a description and promise, not a mere slogan — Scholarly but not Academic.

Rick has put out an appeal for people to join the new NEMO crew, as a Category specialist (editor? assignments?) or as a writer.

“We welcome writers and researchers from Europe, too,” he emphasises, “where many great scholars of vintage American comicana live; and whence we would like to trace the wellsprings and relationships of European and American cartoon art.

“Nemo will be a showcase for great history, great art… great fun. Please come to the party!”

• If you’re interested in writing for the new NEMO, drop Rick a line via RickMarschall@gmail.com

• Check out the Fantagraphics web site for the latest news and back issues of the original NEMO

With thanks to Paul Gravett

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Magazines

Tags: downthetubes News, Fantagraphics, John Adcock, Jon Barli, NEMO Magazine, Nemo the classic comics library Magazine, Rick Marschall