Simon Hanselmann, Michael DeForge, and Patrick Kyle Road Trip Across The U.S.A.
What happens when three of the most popular emerging talents in comics go on a cross-country book tour together? Well, we’re about to find out. Watch out America, Australia’s Simon Hanselmann along with Canada’s Michael DeForge and Patrick Kyle will be appearing at a bookstore near you!
Celebrating the release of each of their own new comics, Hanselmann’s Megahex (Fantagraphics Books), DeForge’s Lose #6 (Koyama Press), and Kyle’s Distance Mover (Koyama Press), the trio are traveling from coast-to-coast starting at Small Press Expo (SPX) in Bethesda, MD and ending at The Fantagraphics Bookstore in Seattle, WA. Going from state-to-state, they will be signing books and selling an exclusive tour poster collaboration, silkscreened by Telegraph Gallery.
These cartoonists represent the new generation of underground comics. All contributing to the medium in different ways with very stylized humor comics, they each gained popularity posting their comics online before branching out onto the printed page. Now together and in planes, trains, and automobiles, Simon, Michael, and Patrick are taking their comics on the road to meet the fans (and crash on their couches). A few other special guests will join them along the way so find your city and plunk your butt down in front of the store for a good time.
You’ve been warned!
WHO: Simon Hanselmann, Michael DeForge, and Patrick Kyle
WHAT: Book release party
WHEN: Thursday October 9th, 5-8pm
WHERE: Floating World Comics, 400 NW Couch St
About Megahex:
Megg (a green-skinned witch), Mogg (a black cat), and Owl (an anthropomorphic owl) are a trio of ne’er-do-well roommates cohabiting in a suburban flophouse. Megg and Mogg spend most of their time smoking pot and having sex, while Owl works various office jobs and usually comes home to find himself as the butt of every joke. Behind the crass stoner humor are the misanthropic lives of these characters. They all possess tragedies that weigh on their shoulders, keeping them from escaping the nihilistic pit into which they’ve fallen. Equally funny and melancholic, Hanselmann is able to evoke empathy for his characters, making it easy for readers to fall in love with this disdainful bunch. Part Tennessee Williams, part Peter Bagge, Megahex will make people laugh, cry, and then want to take a shower.
About Lose #6:
Lose #6 is the latest installment in Michael DeForge’s one-person short story anthology series. Hailed as the next Daniel Clowes or Chris Ware, DeForge is cartooning’s brightest young star, and Lose is a standalone showcase for his talents.
About Distance Mover:
Mr. Earth can move incredible distances in his improbable Distance Mover, a wondrous vehicle that reflects the fantastic world it traverses. He, and his young art-star protégée Mendel, explore culture-rich crystalline cities, challenge the mighty Council of the Misters, try to overcome the all-conquering Ooze, and much more!
