The Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack rings in the New Year with a festive celebration of visual and performing arts throughout the historic industrial arts corridor. Please join us on Saturday, January 8 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for this colorful cultural event.

Among the highlights of the January 8 Art Attack: Our uniquely amazing Georgetown Trailer Park Mall includes the Comet Lodge Mercantile Trailer hosting the "Le Marche' Noir" trunk show, a collection of upcycled garments created by Parisian artist & designer Elisabeth Vedrine, and the Lula B Lightning Trailer presenting limited edition "Strange Religion" chap books by Amanda B'Hymer, among other trailer park attractions; the grand re-openng of Georgetown Yoga at 5519 Airport Way S., with arts and crafts, prizes, snacks and beverages; Heather Hudson showing her exquisite illustrations at Krab Jab Studio; illustrative art up by Julie Baroh and Mark Tedin at Calamity Jane's; Michael Shephard's bizarre mixed media sculptures and paintings at Nautilus Studio; "Medieval Thinkers" comix art exhibition at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery; and, weather permitting, an outdoor spectacle of New Year cheer.

The Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack is a monthly promotion of the Georgetown Merchants Association. For more information contact Art Attack coordinator Larry Reid at numbers above. For a printable map of participants, visit: www.georgetownartattack.com.

From now through Christmas Eve, Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery will be offering a free, signed copy of long out-of-print comic books with every purchase of ten bucks or more. Choose from HATE #1 signed by Peter Bagge, EIGHTBALL #1 signed by Daniel Clowes, NAUGHTY BITS #1 signed by Roberta Gregory, PALESTINE #1 signed by Joe Sacco, and JIM #1 signed by Jim Woodring. Consider it our gift to our loyal bookstore customers.

While you're at the store, get the gift of music. Our neighbors at Georgetown Records will give $1.00 off every purchase to Fantagraphics Bookstore customers. Simply show your receipt and save a buck!

Vintage vinyl and comic books. What else could you possibly ask for? Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, along with Georgetown Records, is located at 1201 S. Vale Street in Seattle's groovy Georgetown district. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. We're open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve until 4:00 PM. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Phone 206.658.0110. See you soon.

As the year draws to an end, allow me the indulgence of fawning over Fantagraphics.

FOUR COLOR FEAR is a phenomenal book. The wonderful pre-code horror comics inside provide colorful context to a wider understanding of mid-century America. I'm a child of the fifties and these amazing comic books still speak to me in a meaningful way. Our country was caught in the grip of a Cold War with perceived enemies that threatened the end of civilization. As impressionable kids, there were daily reminders of this terrifying reality — and we all felt totally helpless. Maybe in some subconscious way these horror stories were manifestations of this pervasive sense of fear. I vaguely recall the irony of indignant politicians and preachers railing against comic books when our very existence was at stake. As a result of this hysteria, I wasn't allowed to read comic books of any sort, which naturally increased their allure. I was seduced. My innocence lost.

FOUR COLOR FEAR is not only a fun read, it's essential to an appreciation of American popular culture in the last half of the 20th century. Truly remarkable. Must buy now.

Ho, ho, ho. One week to go. And you have yet to buy a single gift for anybody? If you live in the Northwest, you're in luck. Simply drop by Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery in Seattle and we'll set you up quick. Skip the manic mall crowds and parking problems. We've got exquisite gifts to suit everyone on your list. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend the dozen books below, all under $20 — many below $10! Check ‘em out.

For the love of your life: LOVE & ROCKETS! We suggest MAGGIE THE MECHANIC, where it all started. Fall in love all over again with Maggie, Hopey and the gang. This essential book is only $14.95. A companion stocking stuffer is a set of LOVE & ROCKETS TRADING CARDS. Colorful pictures and bios of all the characters provide a primer for new readers and a refresher for those returning to the series. On sale at the insane price of $6.48.

Get your innocent infatuation a copy of Jordan Crane's wistful "picto-novella" THE LAST LONELY SATURDAY, on sale for only $5.33. Or perhaps the more brazen LUST, Ellen Forney's kinky on-line personal ad illustrations from Seattle alternative paper The Stranger, complete with insightful, and occasionally hilarious, interviews. $19.95

Ladies love the work of Camille Rose Garcia. THE MAGIC BOTTLE combines her arresting imagery with the tale of Lulu, whose bleak world changes when she discovers a magic bottle with a pirate map inside. A real treasure on sale for $9.97. Young buccaneers will enjoy THE LITTLEST PIRATE KING, David B's adaptation of the classic French high seas adventure by Pierre Mac Orian. A full-color hardcover for $16.99.

Get the guys MUZZLERS, GUZZLERS AND GOOD YEGGS — timeless tales of misfits and miscreants from visionary artist Joe Coleman. Only $13.00 while they last. Speaking of visionary artists, pick up a copy of TROSPER, a full color CD booklet by genius Jim Woodring with musical accompaniment by Grammy-winning guitarist Bill Frisell (spotted last Saturday at our festive 4th anniversary celebration.) Just $14.95!

For our secular celebrants there's KAFKA, the inspired collaboration of R. Crumb and David Zane Mairowitz, which seamlessly weaves biographical context into some of the famed author's most compelling stories. The bookstore's best selling title at the low price of $14.95.

Then there's LITTLE MAAKIES ON THE PRARIE, the latest collection of Tony Millionaire's seemingly sophomoric, yet strangely sophisticated comic strip. A handsome Chip Kidd production at only $19.99.

Lest we show exclusive fealty to Fantagraphics, the bookstore also carries a full line of alternative comics and classics from our esteemed colleagues. We like THE 120 DAYS OF SIMON, which chronicles a 4-month tour by Swedish cartoonist and rap star (?) Simon Gärdenfors. Unlike the cloying cuddle porn that characterizes many Top Shelf productions, this book is... uhm, well... OK. It's cuddle porn, too. But it's Swedish! A good read for $14.95. We're also fond of DIARY OF A MOSQUITO ABATEMENT MAN by John Porcellino on Zak Sally's La Mano 21 imprint. In a departure from most King-Cat comics, in this book Porcellino actually does something. Spoiler alert! He abates mosquitoes. Hand crafted in Minneapolis for only $12.

We have countless other bargain books, as well as a substantial assortment of beautiful art books, prints, and graphic novels for those with slightly higher limits. We suggest the awesome DESTROY ALL MOVIES coupled with a gift card from Scarecrow Video; THE BRINKLEY GIRLS, Trina Robbins' thoughtful anthology of Nell Brinkley's sensuous ingénue illustrations; or maybe GAHAN WILSON: FIFTY YEARS OF PLAYBOY CARTOONS with over 1,000 timeless gag cartoons by the master of macabre. (The deluxe edition includes a set of Christmas cards the artist created for Playboy magnate Hugh Hefner.) The list goes on.

Drop by the store at 1201 S. Vale Street in Seattle and our friendly staff will help you select the perfect gift, with enough left over to get something for yourself. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. We'll be open until 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Phone 206.658.0110. See you soon.

(Mark Pickerel)

We'd like to thank the big crowd that braved a biblical deluge to attend the fabulous fourth anniversary at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery in Seattle on Saturday. Thanks to our talented musician friends Mark Pickerel and Zak Sally — who escaped a biblical blizzard in Minneapolis to appear. Kudos also to Jason T. Miles and Max Clotfelter for organizing the amazing "Medieval Thinkers" art exhibition. Another magical evening at Fantagraphics Bookstore!

(Zak Sally)

If you weren't able to make it, be sure to drop by the store to see the art show, peruse hand crafted publications by exhibiting artists, check out amazing new releases from Zak Sally's La Mano 21 imprint, and wonderful new offerings from Fantagraphics books, natch.

(Jim Woodring)

The store is open every day 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. We have delightful and affordable gifts to suit just about any taste. Ask our friendly staff for suggestions. See you all soon.

[Photos by "Medieval Thinkers" contributor Matt Tamaru — see more on his Flickr page. – Ed.]

Fans of alternative culture in Seattle are in for a wild weekend. This Friday, Mark Pickerel's pop culture emporium Damaged Goods hosts a poster exhibition by Fantagraphics pal and graphic design guru Art Chantry. Later that evening alternative music group Low plays the Tractor Tavern.

The action heats up on Saturday when Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery celebrates its fourth anniversary with an amazing line up of art, music, comix and more. The aforementioned Mark Pickerel, formerly of Screaming Trees, will perform a solo music set, followed by former Low member Zak Sally. Fans will also get a chance to pick up one of six new Jim Woodring tee shirts and view the amazing exhibition "Medieval Thinkers."

To commemorate Zak Sally's appearance, we'll be offering his wonderful comix collection Like a Dog at 20% off. And while supplies last, we'll be giving away a Sally silkscreen print with every purchase of Sammy the Mouse #3. (The original artwork will be on display.)

Complimentary refreshments, DJ Russ spinning delightfully demented holiday platters, and adventurous art action all over Georgetown make Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery a major destination. See you all on Saturday.

Seems like the Crumbs aren't the only family of talented alternative cartoonists. Jim and Mary Woodring, together with their son Max, all have pieces in the Friends of the Nib "Medieval Thinkers" exhibition at Fantagraphics Bookstore this Saturday, December 11 — part of the store's festive fourth anniversary celebration.

Of course the Deitch family - father Gene and siblings Simon and Kim — qualify as well. We're thrilled to include an original drawing by Kim Deitch in the exhibition. In addition, the event will mark the debut of the Kim Deitch File, a portfolio published on Zak Sally's La Mano 21 imprint. See you all this Saturday.

(Click image to enlarge)

We're not entirely sure if this recently-sold painting by Ashland, OR artist Teresa Sloven is an homage or appropriation of Charles Burns's artwork for Sub Pop 7. We do know that you can see the real deal at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery. In addition to Burns original drawings and prints, we have a rare copy of the Sub Pop 9 cassette and zine on display. This amazing show ends tomorrow, December 8, followed by the Friends of the Nib "Medieval Thinkers" exhibition reception and fabulous fourth anniversary celebration on Saturday, December 11. Don't miss either.

Revelers at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery's fabulous fourth anniversary party this Saturday will be the first in the country to see the new line of Frank garments produced by iconoclastic Seattle sportswear company International News on their Americaware label. Jim Woodring will be available from 7:00 to 8:00 PM to sign the new shirts, as well as his award-winning graphic novel WEATHERCRAFT, and other merchandise. The "Medieval Thinkers" comix art exhibition includes a new original drawing by Woodring.

Fantagraphics Bookstore's anniversary party has quickly gained a reputation as one of the region's most festive holiday celebrations - amazing music, awesome art, complimentary refreshments, celebrity guests and more. Make plans to attend the event this Saturday, December 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at 1201 S. Vale Street in the heart of Seattle's colorful Georgetown arts community. Watch this space throughout the week for more exciting announcements.

Tickets officially go on sale today for the Emerald City Comicon, which takes place March 4 through 6, 2011 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. The popularity of the convention allowed producers to expand to 3 days next year. Advance tickets, ranging from $15 to $35, are available at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery.

Featured guests this year include Star Trek's William Shatner from the original series and Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes from The Next Generation, as well as a substantial presence by alternative comix publishers and artists.

[Image from Destroy All Movies!!! – Ed.]