From the press release:

Legendary Master of Macabre Cartoonist Gahan Wilson Appears at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, February 13!

February 2, 2022 - Seattle, WA. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is pleased to host a rare appearance by the incomparable Gahan Wilson. Best known for his grotesque gag cartoons commenting on contemporary culture, the revered artist commemorates the publication of GAHAN WILSON: Fifty Years of Playboy Cartoons with an exhibition of original art and book signing on Saturday, December 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

Gahan Wilson’s singular aesthetic with decidedly low brow sensibilities has roots in his adolescent exposure to lurid horror comic books and pulp magazines. ”I was a creepy little kid,” Wilson recalls. “I did the whole comic book thing, and then I discovered Weird Tales — instantly homed right in on that around high school, and just loved it.” His early illustrations found their way to the pages of the pulps and were later published in prestigious periodicals like Collier’s, The New Yorker, and Playboy.

His delightfully demented sense of humor is celebrated in GAHAN WILSON: Fifty Years of Playboy Cartoons, an exquisite 3-volume slipcase edition from Fantagraphics Books that includes over 1,000 comics and illustrations by the acknowledged master of the macabre as well as all of Wilson’s prose fiction in Playboy. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet an American original, one week short of his 80th birthday.

Also on display on February 13 for one night only is a recently completed sculpted portrait of comix legend R. Crumb by Seattle artist Michael Leavitt (pictured below). Commissioned for a private out-of-state collection, this will provide the only opportunity to view the fully articulated wood carved figure — the latest addition to Leavitt’s ongoing “Art Army” series.

The reception on Saturday February 13 coincides with the colorful Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack featuring visual and performing arts presentations throughout the neighborhood, just in time for Valentine’s Day. What better place for art mavens of all ages to observe this romantic occasion than in the enchanting industrial arts quarter of Georgetown.

Listing Information:

Gahan Wilson: Fifty Years of Playboy Cartoons

Saturday, February 13, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery

1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.) Seattle, WA
Phone 206.658.0110
Open daily 11:30 - 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM.

ALSO: Be sure to tune in to KUOW 94.9′s “Weekday” show from 9AM to 10AM,  on Friday, Feb. 12th, when Gahan will be talking to host Steve Scher about the event and his legendary career.

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3. An Evening with Johnny Ryan at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery - Saturday October 10th
4. Fantagraphics 2010 Preview Exhibition Opens on January 9th
5. Celebrate the Third Anniversary of the FB Bookstore with Peter Bagge and Many More!