THE SUMMER OF CRAIG THOMPSON AND JAMES KOCHALKA
Exciting news for Craig Thompson and James Kochalka fans. Both will be appearing at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, debuting
four all-new books (timed to hit retail stores on the exact same day in July). All four titles are featured in the current
Previews catalog, so be sure to get your local retailer to pre-order them for you today! Here's what's coming:
Carnet de Voyage by Craig Thompson
Craig Thompson – the award-winning creator of
Blankets and
Good-bye, Chunky Rice – spent three months traveling through Barcelona, the Alps, and France, as well as Morocco, where he was researching his next graphic novel,
Habibi. Spontaneous sketches and a travelogue diary document his adventures and quiet moments, creating a raw and intimate portrait of countries, culture and the wandering artist.
-- $14.95 (US), 192 pages, Graphic Novel, ISBN 1-891830-60-0
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=404
American Elf: The Collected Sketchbook Diaries of James Kochalka
(October 26, 1998 to December 31, 2003)
by James Kochalka
With an introduction by Moby
Kochalka's diaries have utterly redefined the daily comic strip. His attempt to document the minutia of his life results in work that explores the full spectrum of human emotions. Drawn with verve and confidence by a cartoonist at the height of his powers, it is ambitious, hilarious, moving, and quite addictive! This astounding book follows the ups and downs of Kochalka's life through
five (!) full years of the strip, plus also includes 32 full color pages of supplementary comics and other artwork. Quite simply, this is Kochalka's masterpiece.
-- $29.95 (US), 520 pages, Graphic Novel, ISBN 1-891830-49-X
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=393
Conversations #1 by James Kochalka & Craig Thompson
Two of our best cartoonists go head to head in this freewheeling collaboration/argument, discussing art and religion, confronting each other and playfully confronting God in one of the best comics "jams" ever set to paper. Kochalka and Thompson draw together, trading the pages back and forth, adding to each other's drawings as the conversation turns in unexpected directions. A wild energy forms as their two drawing styles merge together. It's like a comics version of
My Dinner with Andre , but with a giant killer octopus.
-- $4.95, 40 pages, Comic Book
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=405
The Blankets Soundtrack
by Tracker (& Craig Thompson)
This summer, Top Shelf will co-release with FILMguerrero something we've never produced before, an official soundtrack to one of our graphic novels! Produced by John Askew and featuring the instrumental recordings of the Portland, Oregon group, Tracker, this CD will feature 9 instrumental tracks inspired by the chapters in the illustrated novel
Blankets, by Craig Thompson. The package will also feature a booklet chock full of all-new
Blankets illustrations, as well as a
Blankets-themed CD cover, amazingly crafted by Craig Thompson.
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=410
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TOP SHELF SIGNS MINI-COMICS MAESTRO, ANDY RUNTON
Top Shelf has just signed hot mini-comics creator, Andy Runton, and his all-ages series,
Owly. This beautifully rendered and touching story will be the first actual graphic novel series from Top Shelf. Watch for the first volume this September, and pick up the last of his mini-comics at the cons this summer – or from the Top Shelf website – before they're all gone.
Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who's always on the search for new friends and adventure. The first graphic novel in the series contains two enchanting novellas, "The Way Home" & "The Bittersweet Summer," wherein Owly discovers the meaning of friendship, and that saying goodbye doesn't always mean forever. Relying on a mixture of symbols, icons, and expressions to tell his silent stories, Runton's clean, animated, and heartwarming style makes it a perfect read for anyone who's a fan of Jeff Smith's
Bone or Mike Kunkel's
Herobear and the Kid. Don't miss the next big thing in comics!
To see the cover of
Owly, click here:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=425
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NEW ON-LINE COMIX AT TOPSHELFCOMIX.COM
We've just added two new stories to the online comix section of the Top Shelf website:
– "Little By Small" by veteran Dean Haspiel
&
– "Broken Bicycle" by newcomer Lori Joy Smith
(This is Lori's first published comic, so come and see what all the fuss is about!)
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/comix.php
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TOP SHELF AWARD NOMINATIONS
Top Shelf would like to congratulate Craig Thompson, Jon B. Cooke, Brett Warnock, Jeffrey Brown, and Derek Kirk Kim for their 2004 Eisner, Harvey, and ForeWord Magazine Award Nominations:
2004 Eisner Award Nominees:
-- Best Graphic Album-New:
Blankets (Craig Thompson)
-- Best Writer/Artist: Craig Thompson (
Blankets)
-- Best Comics-Related Periodical:
Comic Book Artist (Jon B. Cooke)
-- Best Publication Design:
Top Shelf Asks the Big Questions (Brett Warnock)
-- Talent Deserving Wider Recognition: Derek Kirk Kim (
Same Difference)
-- Best Short Story: "Same Difference" (Derek Kirk Kim)
2004 Harvey Award Nominees:
-- Best Artist: Craig Thompson (
Blankets)
-- Best Cartoonist: Craig Thompson (
Blankets)
-- Best Graphic Album of Original Work:
Blankets (Craig Thompson)
-- Best Journalistic Presentation:
Comic Book Artist (Jon B. Cooke)
-- Best New Talent: Jeffrey Brown (
Unlikely)
-- Best New Talent: Derek Kirk-Kim (
Same Difference)
2004 ForeWord Magazine Book Awards Nominee:
-- Graphic Novel Finalist:
Blankets (Craig Thompson)
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www.topshelfcomix.com
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