New: Key Moments from the History of Comics

And now, a word from my sponsor…

key_moments_cover_500pxKey Moments from the History of Comics
By Francois Ayroles
48 pages,  CDN$10.00
Published by The Beguiling Books
Available at Beguiling.com 

Published in conjunction with the 2009 Toronto Comic Arts Festival, The Beguiling has published it’s first book ever: Key Moments from the History of Comics! This witty chapbook collection of French cartoonist Francois Ayroles’ humour cartoons is a fantastic and funny read for alternative and literary comics fans. The book imagines–to humourous effect–the most poigniant and important moments in the lives of great cartoonists and comics institutions from around the world.

It’s funny stuff–the gag book collection is something that has largely disappeared from the shelves and racks of comic book stores, and this brings back the idea with a vengence. Admittedly it’s a little pricey for a 48 page book, but it’s… unlikely to be collected otherwise, given the nature of the material. I bought a copy and quite enjoyed it, particularly having met M. Ayroles and found him to be just as warm and funny in person.

This has yet to be solicited by Diamond and such a solicitation is at least 4 months away. I’d humbly recommend that if funny comics tickle your fancy, you give them a go. With that in mind, I’d like to share a few of my favourites from the book:

key_moments_gagsThe cartooning is lovely, chunky and filled with deep blacks but with a grace that’s appealing. And it’s sad and funny. My absolute favourite is the Chris Ware one, but I’ve left that out so you have something to discover for yourself.

So yes, if you’d like to support me by supporting an employer that allows me to blog from work, might I humbly suggest that you head over to http://www.beguiling.com/productview2a.asp?P_NUM=6535 and pick yourself up a copy of this fine chapbook? It’s actually only 8 bucks and change in U.S. funds. 🙂

Thanks very kindly, and sorry for this commercial interuption. We’ll see you soon.

Best,

– Christopher

12 Replies to “New: Key Moments from the History of Comics”

  1. Hm, this looks pretty good.

    And maybe it’s just been a long day, but… I’m looking at this for $8.70, and then looking at “Dark Avengers” et al. for $4, and… this thing isn’t looking too expensive at all.

    ‘ppreciate the heads-up.

  2. Thanks, Chris. I’m a much better salesman when I’ve got the book in front of me, because I know I can convince at least five of my friends to buy it on the spot at the show if they’re there. I’m buying my own copy either way.

  3. Hey Myk,

    We may have a slightly cheaper shipping option opening up for our overseas friends, if you can give it a few weeks. I think FPI might be getting copies.

    – Chris

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