L to R: Johnny Ryan, Jaime Hernandez, Ron Regé Jr., Jordan Crane, Sammy Harkham, Frank Santoro. This photo from Frank's impressive recounting of his visit to L.A. at Comics Comics has been making the rounds a bit, for obvious reasons. One of those "good thing a meteor didn't hit at that moment" moments. (Also pretty much a sausage fest, huh?)

Here's video in two parts of a 2009 screening of Olivier Schrauwen's animated short film "Der Hipster" with live musical introduction and accompaniment by Bram Devens. I think there might be some cultural humor that went over my head, but there are some funny visual jokes and the punchline is really great. Via Dash Shaw at his The Ruined Cast blog.

Aaron Renier and Jason Shiga appear on Wednesday, February 23.

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery loves local comix! Saturday, February 12 features the opening of "Lovesick," an exhibition of emerging and established artists from the Bureau of Drawers cartoonist collective. The show includes original art, handmade books and prints by 16 Seattle comix artists and illustrators. Exhibiting artists will be present for a festive reception at Fantagraphics Bookstore on Saturday, February 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM — just in time for Valentine's.

The Bureau of Drawers formed in 2010 as an alliance of independent local alternative cartoonists. They meet weekly for an informal salon at Café Racer in Ravenna and have participated in high profile events at the Seattle Art Museum, Bumbershoot, and Urban Light Studios. The group includes accomplished cartoonists like David Lasky, Tom Dougherty and Scott Faulkner as well as promising young talent like Nikki Burch and Marc Palm. Other participating artists include Breanne Boland, Billis Helg, Tyler Hill, Calamity Jon Morris, Sean Robinson, Mark Stockbridge, Ed Trumbule, Adam Watson, Dalton Webb, and Stevie VanBronkhorst. Expect an eclectic mix of topical works on the loose theme of unrequited love.

This event coincides with the 3rd anniversary edition of the colorful Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack featuring adventurous — and amorous — visual and performing arts events throughout the historic neighborhood. For more information and a participant map visit: www.georgetownartattack.com. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.) just minutes south of downtown Seattle. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.

On Wednesday, February 23 at 6:30 PM, Fantagraphics Bookstore is pleased to present Aaron Renier in conversation with Jason Shiga. Renier will present his new graphic novel, The Unsinkable Walker Bean, on the acclaimed First Second imprint. Renier's previous book, Spiral Bound (Top Shelf, 2005), was widely heralded as a book that appealed to sophisticated readers of all ages. Jason Shiga's award-winning books also attract an all ages readership. In addition to self-published comics, his work has appeared in McSweeney's Quarterly. His next effort, Empire State, is due later this year from Abrams. Renier and Shiga will discuss their unique approach to creating comics, followed by a signing and reception. This event marks the first in a series of "Comics Talks" at Fantagraphics Bookstore featuring discussions with writers, artists, and editors of diverse comics from the Northwest and beyond.

Listing Information:

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery and Bureau of Drawers Present

LOVESICK

Illustration and comix art by: Breanne Boland, Nikki Burch, Tom Dougherty, Scott Faulkner, Billis Helg, Tyler Hill, David Lasky, Calamity Jon Morris, Marc Palm, Sean Robinson, Mark Stockbridge, Ed Trumbule, Adam Watson, Dalton Webb, Stevie VanBronkhorst

Opening reception Saturday, February 12, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Exhibition continues through March 9, 2011

Fantagraphics Book Club Presents the first in a series of "Comix Talks"

Aaron Renier in conversation with Jason Shiga

Wednesday, February 23, 6:30 PM

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.)
Seattle, WA 98108 206.658.0110
Open daily 11:30 - 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM
www.fantagraphics.com