Paul Karasik just sent along the unfortunate news that Fletcher Hanks, Jr., passsed away this week at the age of 90. Hanks, known by friends as "Christy," is the son of comic book pioneer Fletcher Hanks, Sr.

Christy was unaware of his estranged father's history in comics until Paul hunted him down to learn more about the (still) mysterious cartoonist. Paul sent over these photos shortly after completing the book "I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets"-- a collection of Hanks' comic book output. The picture below shows Christy's discovery that the book was dedicated to him.

As a pilot, inventor, and WWII veteran, Christy lived quite a life himself. Please read the obituary here.

Seriously ?

It's a beautiful day in Seattle today so this morning I went for a long walk in my neighborhood of Ballard, running a few errands and taking in the sun. I was on the main drag of Market St. when I spotted someone curious across the street, and luckily I had my camera on me:

I had to cross the street to get a better look; could Ballard really have it's own superhero?

What could it all mean?!? What powers does he have? He obviously can't fly; if he could, he'd been surfing the net from a rooftop somehwere rather than while waiting for a bus.

I didn't have the nerve to approach him and ask for his story; I mean, he could be a supervillain for all I know.  What could the "T" stand for? "T-Mobile Man"? I don't think that's their logo. "Thirtysomething Man"? He looks more like he's in his 40s to me. "Takin' a Bus Man"? "Transit Man"? If anyone has any information it would be appreciated.

UPDATE: Holy crap. He actually is named "Transit Man." Tip o' the Flog to my good pal and fellow Ballardite Jeremy Eaton.

We temporarily removed Dan Clowes's "Modern Cartoonist" essay from the website in order to bring it to you in its full, hand-lettered, illustrated splendor. Now it's back!  

Our warehouse manager wants to get rid of the last remaining copies of the first editions of Love and Rockets Book 3: Las Mujeres Perdidas and Love & Rockets X (L&R Book 10), so we've marked 'em down to 50% off the cover price!  Get 'em before they're gone. 

If you're not a bookseller or librarian, skip this post, but the new issue of Booklist is the annual spotlight on graphic fiction, and there's some very useful stuff for those building a core collection of GNs. The issue includes an interview with James Sturm, an "honor roll of female pioneers" in comics, and a look back at a lifetime reading "the Funnies" courtesy columnist Michael Cart. There are a number of top 10 lists, reviews, etc. as well. 

One thing that was particularly gratifying to see was the "Core Collection: Graphic Women" list. Of the 13 books on the list, Fantagraphics published five (including books by Linda Medley, Mary Fleener, Roberta Gregory, Aline Kominsky-Crumb and Carol Tyler). A sixth, La Perdida, was originally published by Fanta in serial form. A seventh, Persepolis, we almost published (long story). An eighth, Summer of Love, was by Debbie Drechsler, whose equally great Daddy's Girl is being republished by Fanta this month. So that was kind of a cool list to see.

Meanwhile, congrats also to Drew Friedman, whose The Fun Never Stops! was named one of the top 10 comics collections/graphic novels of 2007 by Booklist. 

RAY FENWICK has some pretty cool merch available over at the Pantry Press Etsy Shop, the result of his artist-in-residence that ended last month.

This has nothing to do with Ray's phenomenal work, which I greatly covet and admire, but looking at Etsy, I am struck by how 'crafting' has seemingly become the new D.I.Y. medium of choice. I wonder if it's because all the zinesters of the '80s and '90s are now in their 30s and 40s and knitting onesies instead of xeroxing Gen X (or L) manifestos? I'm not sure what to make of it. I do like pretty things, but can only get so excited when in boutique potholder form. I'll shut up now, I'm treading on very thin ice with many of my dear friends and coworkers. Not to mention my wife. Did I mention that Jacob Covey hates Manga? He really does. He told me he would rather read a potholder. What's up with that? 

UPDATE: I am just being a smart-ass. I don't really mean any of this. 

The new issue of MAD Magazine includes a giveaway contest for More Old Jewish Comedians, the latest book from MAD regular Drew Friedman. When demographics clash!

A new Friday brings a new installment of Steven Weissman's "Chocolate Cheeks"! In this week's strip: cake and new perspective. (Remember, you must be registered and logged in to read.)