We’ve seen some interesting collections recently on the comics anthology front. The big publishers such as DC have offered readers a chance to sample their imprints with the likes of the Vertigo First Taste collection while the good folks over at Fantagraphics have brought us diverse mixtures of old and new artists and writers with Mome and the classic BLAB! series.
The anthology is often a good way to introduce readers to new creative talent; as most of us have limited free cash we may be reluctant to purchase too many works by unknowns, so the anthology offers a way for readers to judge new talent for themselves while also offering the new talent a much-needed chance to get their work published and read.
The smaller, independent presses too have been following the anthology route – we sung the praises of Senses from Top Shelf a few weeks back, which showcases work from alumni and staff from the Savannah College of Art & Design. New Reliable Press are one of the latest to offer an anthology of independent work and, like Fantagraphics, they aim to try and publish these collections regularly in the shape of You Ain’t No Dancer (what a brilliant cover!), a very affordable collection. FPI spoke to Ed from New Reliable Press to ask what the idea was behind this new collection.
“You Ain’t No Dancer is an anthology series that I’ve wanted to do for years. It’s a smaller sized, 96 page book that will be published twice yearly. The idea is to expose readers to stories by both established alternative artists (i.e. Jeffrey Brown, Bryan Lee O’Malley, Jim Mahfood, etc…) while also introducing them to up and coming artists that some may be less familiar with, but who deserve as much attention.
The price is meant to be low (£3.99) to make the book easily accessible/affordable to readers, which will hopefully increase awareness of the artists who have contributed. I have no doubt contributors will win new readers.”
Sounds interesting to me and at that price it’s a small indulgence for most comics fans who are interested in something a little different (and a good way to show support for new talent). Ed also tells us that New Reliable Press is working on publishing GNs as early as June 2006, which is great news and we look forward to bringing them to our readers. The first volume of You Ain’t No Dancer is due to be released around the end of September and is available to order now on our graphic novel site.
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