There are many comic fans who may be completely unaware of who Kim Thompson is, but the co-owner and co-publisher of Fantagraphics Comics is about as important of a figure in the alternative and independent comic book world as there is. He’s a guy who spent much of his life making people aware that comics aren’t just superheroes and they certainly aren’t just for kids. That they can be art and they can be important and meaningful and much, much more.
And now, after a prolonged battle with lung cancer, he’s passed away at 56.
For those looking for more concrete evidence of the greatness he achieved, this is a guy who edited Chris Ware’s Acme Novelty Library AND Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo. He pushed to bring many European comic treasures to America, such as the work of prolific and visionary cartoonist Jason. He was and is an important figure in American comics and the world comic scene, and his presence will be felt well past his death. Rest in peace Kim.
