Whether it’s startling superheroes, amazing fantasy, sinister crime, revelatory memoir, or mind-bending psychedelia, comics continue to be perhaps the most durable and consistently innovative creative medium. Whether or not they’re the (credited) writer, comic book artists are required to be master storytellers. They act as a one-person film set – devising the acting, cinematography, blocking, editing, art direction, and lighting that work best for the project.
This month Mondo Books is celebrating works by and about a few of our favorite comic book artists – the legendary Wallace Wood, modern Marvel superstars Esad Ribic and Chris Bachalo, and three incredible Mondo alumni – Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, Becky Cloonan, and Mike Mignola.
Each book is available for purchase now in our Books Collection and set to ship this August.
The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood Vol. 1
An incisive look at the life and career of one of the greatest and most mythic comic book creators ― the maddest artist of Mad Magazine, the man behind Marvel’s Daredevil, and self-publishing pioneer of Witzend ― Wallace Wood.
Edited over the course of thirty years by former Wood assistant Bhob Stewart, this book is a biographical portrait, generously illustrated with Wood’s gorgeous art as well as little-seen personal photos and childhood ephemera, and remembrances by Wood’s friends, colleagues, assistants, and loved ones.
This collective biographical and critical portrait explores the humorous spirit, dark detours, and psychological twists of a gifted maverick in American pop culture.
The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood Vol. 1. Edited by Bhob Stewart and J. Michael Catron. Illustrated by Wallace Wood. Published by Fantagraphics. 256 pages. Hardcover. Expected to ship in August 2020. Ships worldwide. $39.99.
The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood Vol. 2
Bursting with a cornucopia of gorgeous artwork and photos, this second of two volumes of the Eisner Award–nominated The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood also features the vivid personal recollections of the friends, colleagues, and assistants who knew him best.
The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood, Volume 2 completes this revealing, intimate portrait of the brilliant but troubled maverick comics creator (EC Comics, Mad, Daredevil, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, witzend, The Justice Society of America, The Wizard King).
Contributors include Larry Hama, John Workman, Trina Robbins, Paul Krassner, Flo Steinberg, Tom Sutton, Bill Pearson, and Paul Levitz. Professor Ben Saunders reveals the meticulously handcrafted wizardry that made Wood’s most famous story, “My World” possible.
The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood Vol. 2. Edited by Bhob Stewart and J. Michael Catron. Illustrated by Wallace Wood. Published by Fantagraphics. 232 pages. Hardcover. Expected to ship in August 2020. Ships worldwide. $39.99.
Marvel Monograph: The Art of Esad Ribic
Esad Ribic has few peers as a contemporary comic book artist – his lush, painterly style depicts the Marvel Universe in as dramatic and epic a style as it has ever been depicted. His work on SECRET WARS, UNCANNY X-FORCE, and THOR: GOD OF THUNDER - not to mention countless covers - has marked him as a superstar.
The Marvel Monograph series captures the magic of Esad Ribic from every angle, in an artist study that will be a keepsake for your art book collection.
Marvel Monograph: The Art of Esad Ribic. Edited by John Rhett Thomas. Illustrated by Esad Ribic. Published by Marvel Comics. 112 pages. Paperback. Expected to ship in August 2020. Ships worldwide. $19.99.
Marvel Monograph: The Art of Chris Bachalo
Co-creator of GENERATION X, Chris Bachalo has proven himself to be one of the most popular artists in comics. His distinctive, quirky style has brought DOCTOR STRANGE, UNCANNY X-MEN, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, and more titles to life for Marvel.
The Marvel Monograph series captures the magic of Chris Bachalo's oeuvre from every angle in an artist study that will be a keepsake for your art book collection.
Marvel Monograph: The Art of Chris Bachalo. Edited by John Rhett Thomas. Illustrated by Chris Bachalo. Published by Marvel Comics. 112 pages. Paperback. Expected to ship in August 2020. Ships worldwide. $19.99.
Hellboy: 25 Years of Covers by Mike Mignola
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first issue of Hellboy, this deluxe art collection includes more than 150 full-page cover pieces from Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Richard Corben, Duncan Fegredo, and many others.
This oversized 8”x12" hardcover is sure to appeal to Mignola fans and comics enthusiasts alike, featuring an introduction by colorist Dave Stewart and a foreword by Mignola himself.
Hellboy: 25 Years of Covers. Written by Mike Mignola and Dave Stewart. Illustrated by Mike Mignola and various artists. Published by Dark Horse Comics. 200 pages. Hardcover. Expected to ship in August 2020. Ships worldwide. $34.99.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Rosemary Valero-O’Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, a graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.
Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley's dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There's just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend.
Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy's best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it's really Laura Dean that's the problem. Maybe it's Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever.
Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me. Written by Mariko Tamaki. Illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell. Published by First Second. 304 pages. Paperback. Expected to ship in August 2020. Ships worldwide. $17.99.
By Chance or Providence by Becky Cloonan
By Chance or Providence collects Becky Cloonan's award-winning trilogy – Wolves, The Mire, and Demeter, with lush colors by Lee Loughridge and a sketchbook/illustration section. These stories cast a spell of hypnotic melancholy, weaving their way through medieval landscapes of ancient curses and terrible truths that’ll haunt you long after you've set them down.
By Chance or Providence. Written and illustrated by Becky Cloonan. Published by Image Comics. 128 pages. Paperback. Expected to ship in August 2020. Ships worldwide. $16.99.
