US publisher Fantagraphics announces new anthology title, NOW

By John Freeman on June 6, 2017

Fantagraphics Books Inc. has announced plans for a Now, a tri-annual anthology series with all new stories that highlights the diversity and talent of cartoonists all over the globe.

The first issue is set to debut at the Small Press Expo (SPX) in Bethesda, Maryland and will arrive in comic shops and bookstores on 20th September 2017.

“We live in a golden age of quality comic art and stories. Graphic novels have never been more popular. But where to start?” ask the publishers. “Now aspires to be an affordable and ongoing anthology of new comics that appeals both to the comics-curious as well as the serious aficionado. In the age of long form graphic novels, Now also intends to provide a platform for short fiction, experimentation, and for showcasing diversity in the comics field. The only common denominator to each piece is an exemplary use of the comics form.”

Now is the brainchild of Fantagraphics Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds, who previously edited 22 volumes of the fondly remembered anthology Mome from 2005-2011. In a recent interview with Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter, Eric Reynolds stated “I hope [Now] not only gives [cartoonists] a place to publish work that otherwise might not easily fit elsewhere, but also inspire them to do that kind of work….and to expose their work to fresh eyes.”

The first issue will feature fan-favourites and fresh-finds alike, and includes new work from acclaimed creators such as Eleanor Davis (How To Be Happy), Noah Van Sciver (Fante Bukowski), Gabrielle Bell (Lucky), Dash Shaw (Cosplayers), Sammy Harkham (Crickets), and Malachi Ward (Ancestor), as well as international stars such as J.C. Menu, Conxita Herrerro, Tobias Schalken and Antoine Cossé. Plus strips from rising stars Tommi Parrish, Sara Corbett, Daria Tessler and newcomer Kaela Graham, as well as a gorgeous painted cover by Pennsylvania artist Rebecca Morgan.

Now #1 will appear in the July issue of the Diamond Previews catalog for a September release and the second issue of the series is set to release in January 2018.

• Fantagraphics.com is offering an exclusive three issue subscription service for Now – find out more here

Now #1
Edited by Eric Reynolds
Release Date: 20th September 2017
$9.99 • ISBN: 978-1-68396-052-2
128 Pages • Full Colour • Softcover
More info: www.fantagraphics.com/now1

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.