Now: New Comics Anthology

A quick post for tonight, delving into the indie publisher Fantagraphics’ anthology series, Now. I read the first seven and was impressed by the variety of artists featured.

There are a lot of comics being published throughout the year, and sometimes it feels a little overwhelming. That’s why I enjoy anthologies like this, packing the work of many artists together and giving you a sample of their work to peak your interest and expose you to styles and ideas you may not know you’re looking for. Like Fantagraphics’ periodical Mome before it, Now: the new comics anthology is always a captivating grab bag of comic art, featuring the work of established artists and new talent alike. Published three times a year, with eight issues so far, its bizarre, often unsettling covers showcase the work of specific artists, and give you a taste of the innovative and boundary pushing pieces you’ll encounter inside. You never really know what to expect, but you’ll know it’ll be interesting.

Exhibiting such disparate styles, tones, and genres, from the abstract to the meticulous, memoir to the surreal, some you will no doubt hate, some will mystify you, and some will spark your imagination enough to seek out more. After reading their work in issues of Now, I’ve been tracking down, for instance, comics by Eleanor Davis, Ben Passmore, Noah Van Sciver, and Tommi Parrish, among others. I got them all from the library, but at $10 each, they won’t break the bank.