Fantagraphics have announced the return of The Comics Journal. Editorial duties are being shared by R. J. Casey and Kristi Valenti, though Fantagraphics publisher and co-founder, Gary Groth, plans to continue with his long, expansive interviews. The magazine is set to publish every six months in paperback format, with The Comics Journal #303 hitting shelves January 2019 and The Comics Journal #304 slated to debut in June 2019.
Since 1977, the magazine had been a mainstay of comics journalism, criticism, and editorials. It was also known for its in-depth interviews with cartoonists, writers, artists, and other people working within the industry as well as a scathing and critical perspective of the mainstream superhero houses. Over time, The Comics Journal developed a reputation for its intense criticism while promoting the idea that comics, as a medium, had the potential to be high art. Groth once jokingly referred to it as “occupying a niche nobody wants.” The last issue of it came out in 2011, featuring the final interview with illustrator Maurice Sendak.
When The Comics Journal returns, the 160-paged issue will feature an interview with illustrator Tomi Ungerer, a look at how the industry has changed due to the graphic novel boom of the last decade, pages from Antoine Cossé’s sketchbook, and more. Both new editors are devoted to exploring where the comics medium is heading. It will also exist independently of the website, TCJ.com.
In the announcement, Groth also said: “I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle, a saddle I have missed, and conducting interviews with cartoonists, from young whippersnappers to vital legends.”
The Comics Journal returns January 2019.
[Via]
