Cartoonist and MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Fellowship winner Ben Katchor was recently interviewed by Gil Roth in a episode of “The Virtual Memories Show” Podcast. The main focus was Ben Katchor’s brand-new graphic novel recently published by Pantheon Books in 2013 titled, HAND-DRYING IN AMERICA AND OTHER STORIES, which collects his monthly comic page from Metropolis magazine. During this special episode, Ben even “performs” several of his comics. Plus, he gives us all some really great insight into his creative process. Also, as a side-note, we should mention that this book cover was designed by Chip Kidd.

We have embedded the podcast down below, but for even MORE information we suggest a visit to VIRTUAL MEMORIES.

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Ben Katchor
Hand Drying in America and Other Stories
Pantheon Books / Random House
ISBN 978-0-307-90690-8
160 Pages

Next week, May 8th to be exact, DC Comics has plans to release Chip Kidd and Dave Taylor’s BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN in the Trade Paperback Format. Now, we have always preferred the hardback editions but this is very good news for people wanting the book at a slightly lower price.

Also, right now it’s available for a limited time, and at a special discounted price, if you CLICK HERE!

This post is not only for sharing the news about a reallt great book coming out, titled “THE DANIEL CLOWES READER: A Critical Edition of GHOST WORLD And Other Stories, With Essays, Interviews, and Annotations” (Fantagraphics). Whew! Now that’s a title, ha! but this book is already getting great buzz and the other reason for the post is that the Publisher was very generous in supplying a very large preview of the book, which you can read down below. Also, you can pre-order the book RIGHT HERE and save some money too.

The book was edited by Ken Parille. It has 360-pages, full-color, and measures about 7.25″ x 10.25″ (softcover) and will retail for around $24.99. (ISBN # 978-1-60699-589-1). Look for it to hit bookstores around July, 2013.

This landmark collection features ten of Daniel Clowes’s most influential graphic narratives, along with interviews about his career and creative process, and twelve thought-provoking essays by contemporary scholars and critics. Oh yeah, here’s the preview:

Just the other day, on April 9th, 2013, the Book Jacket Designer and Author Chip Kidd was interviewed on the WLRN - TOPICAL CURRENTS Radio Show in Miami by Literary Contributor Ariel Gonzalez. The main focus of this special podcast was the origin and creation of Chip Kidd and Dave Taylor’s Graphic Novel, BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN (DC Comics). Mr. Gonzalez had some very excellent questions and everything went really well, whew!

So, for your listening pleasure, we have posted it down below. Please keep in mind that there is a short interview with another guest before Kidd. This was Paul Shapiro of the Humane Society of the United States. We suggest listening to the entire podcast because Mr. Shapiro’s discussion is very informative. But, if you would like to skip ahead to just Chip Kidd’s interview then please go to about the 23:20 mark.

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Ladies and Gentlemen - We present, for your viewing pleasure, the four BEFORE WATCHMEN: DELUXE EDITION Book Covers Designed for DC Comics by Chip Kidd. Look for these Graphic Novels to hit the shelves this Summer 2013. One important note is that all four books are available for pre-order so don’t miss out, just CLICK HERE!

Pantheon Books, the company that publishes the greatest Graphic Novels in the world, will be at the 2013 MoCCA ARTS FESTIVAL on April 6th and 7th at the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City, NY. For more info: CLICK HERE!

Ben Katchor will be there signing his new book “Hand-Drying in America” (Chip Kidd designed this cover!) on Saturday at 3:00 p.m., and David Mazzucchelli will be there at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday to sign copies of his incredible book, “Asterios Polyp”. Hope to see you there!! As a side note: Chip Kidd will not be at this event.

JOIN THE FIGHT! Here’s some strange news to be reporting on in 2013. Marjane Satrapi’s Graphic Novel, THE COMPLETE PERSEPOLIS (Pantheon), is being censored removed from Chicago Public Schools… for NO known reason. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has been all over this issue (excuse the pun), but the war rages on! To join the fight, and for more details, please be sure to visit the CBLDF Website.

Also, Knopf Doubleday, the parent company of Random House, which published Persepolis, has issued the following statement:

"The Chicago Public School district has issued an ambiguous statement regarding the present and future availability of Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis to students," the statement read. "Persepolis is a coming of age memoir about a girl in her early teens. The book has been read and taught in school districts across the country, without caveat or condition. In addition, Marjane has met with students across the country, including students in Chicago. The fact that Chicago is trying to limit this book's use in classrooms and curriculums, suggesting teachers need guidance before they can discuss it, smacks of censorship."

Here’s some Book Retail News that is sure to please Fans of both Chip Kidd and Batman, the Caped Crusader! Over at the ultra-awesome TFAW website they are selling Chip Kidd’s “BAT-MANGA: The Secret History of Batman in Japan” as a special Autographed Signed-Edition! This book is limited to 500 copies and for a short time it’s price is marked 17% OFF! So, Please be sure to get yours today, just CLICK HERE!

We’re really proud of the fact that Chip Kidd’s Book, BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN, is still getting nice reviews! I mean, we’re totally excited, seriously! Kidd’s first Batman Graphic Novel was published by DC Comics last year and is still selling pretty well (whew!). The artwork for this book was done by the amazing Dave Taylor. So, that’s probably the main reason, ha!

But check this out. Grant Watson, an award-winning Australian playwright and science fiction critic who writes a blog called THE ANGRIEST, just finished reading this book and posted a wonderful review (Thanks Grant).

Here’s one of the things he said about Chip Kidd:

“I love that Kidd has written what is effectively a thriller about architecture: design and construction is central to the book’s narrative, and several of the key characters are architects. The book is set in an undefined past: there’s a sort of 1940s vibe about the entire book that really works. It reminded me at several points of DC’s excellent Sandman Mystery Theatre, which is no bad thing.”

He also mentions Dave Taylor (Comic Book Artist) too:

“Dave Taylor’s penciled art is outstanding. He takes the architectural theme of the book to heart, giving each panel some beautiful art deco design. Everything in the book is beautiful: the buildings, the cars, the furniture - even the people. His characters are richly drawn and expressive.”

Hey, please read the full complete Book Review, you’ll be happy you did, just CLICK HERE!

The COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND needs your help! One way to donate is to purchase some specially signed books they have on their “Donation Page”. What is the CBLDF? This is a Non-Profit Organization that is devoted to securing Freedom of Speech among Artists, Writers, Store Retailers, etc. who are all comic book related in some way. Supporters of this group include Neil Gaiman, Jeff Smith, Frank Miller, Chip Kidd, and others.

The Cartoonist, Daniel Clowes, has donated a few of his Autographed books to be sold and all proceeds go towards the group. So, if you’re a Fan of his work then this is a great opportunity to get a RARE signed copy. It also goes to a great cause. For more info, please CLICK HERE!