Graphic Lit: Vintage, Independent, Marvel, and DC
In what may be an expression of nostalgia, we carry a lot of the genius of newspaper-published graphic literature, a Golden Age that lasted from the 1930s to the departure of Bill Watterson's Calvin & Hobbes. The two comic book behemoths, Marvel and DC, are included here. We don’t cover the “universes” of each company. Occasionally, however, they publish some strikingly original or quirky work that suits our inventory. On this page we feature all our adult graphic literature (some of which, of course, is perfectly appropriate for children); our Young Adult graphic literature has its own page under that name.
Content note: I have moved all of Neil Gaiman’s work (Sandman and others) to his page here.
Spectrum 25: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art
Spectrum 25: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art
The best-selling Spectrum series—often imitated but never equaled—continues with this lavishly produced 25th anniversary annual. Spectrum is the premier showcase for imaginative fantastic arts in the book, comics, film, horror, illustration, sculpture, conceptual art, fine art and videogame genres. With exceptional images by extraordinary creators, this elegant, full-color collection showcases an international cadre of creators working in every style and medium—both traditional and digital. It features more than 450 works by over 260 diverse visionaries, including Brom, Annie Stegg Gerard, Donato Giancola, Edward Kinsella III, Gregory Manchess, Miranda Meeks, Victo Ngai, Olivia, Chris Rahn, Forest Rogers, Yuko Shimizu, Claire Wendling and Bayard Wu. Spectrum 25 continues the freshness and excellence that was established twenty-five years ago.
The mission of Spectrum is to promote the fantastic arts and provide an annual showcase for contemporary artists. Spectrum exists to honor the imaginations of very special artists who delight in helping us see the world in a wonderfully different light. It’s our job to help them reach a wider appreciative audience.
“I am constantly excited, impressed and humbled by the level of talents and skills represented in Spectrum.”
—Frank Cho
“Within these hallowed pages are the worlds of a thousand dreams, creatures of myth and fantasy, people from deep in the past and far in the future. Spectrum treats all of us to an annual tour through the dreams and imaginations of the most fecund minds creating today. It is the meeting place where all are welcome: Digital stands side-by-side with traditional, illustrators swap stories with sculptors, concept artists and comic artists celebrate each other. From cavorting centaurs to futuristic dystopian fantasies, Spectrum is a joyous celebration of imagination and art from beginning to end.”
—Colin and Kristine Poole
“For me Spectrum has always been like a finger on the pulse of illustration. I get a sense of where the field is and what’s going on. There are few places where such a stunning level of quality in art can be found other than within the pages of Spectrum.”
—Greg Ruth
“Spectrum is a wonderful gathering of art that displays more than just imagination, beauty and technical wizardry. Just as visible are the energy and passion that inspired the artist, and it banishes complacency in our own efforts.”
—Paul Bonner