Ganzfeld SC (2002-2007 Fantagraphics/Gingko Press) comic books 1990 or later

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Edited by Peter Buchanan Smith. The Ganzfeld is an annual book devoted to comics, illustration, and design by the world's leading graphic artists. Edited and designed by former New York Times art director Peter Buchanan Smith and illustration/design writer Dan Nadel, The Ganzfeld incorporates varied texts and design elements in a humorous, self-referential style that the kids today love so much. Volume One concerns itself with Utopia, the struggle of adulthood, and includes a fascinating history of comics by Paul Karasik. Plus a perfectly un-ironic essay about Irony and mesmerizing comics by Patrick Smith. See what all the critical buzz is all about. This is the first time Fantagraphics has offered this volume! Softcover, 8-in. x 9 1/2-in., 152 pages, PC/PB&W. NOTE: Published by Fantagraphics Cover price $10.95.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. Edited by Daniel Nadel and Peter Buchanan Smith. Unlike any other publication, The Ganzfeld gathers together a diverse sampling of recent design, illustration, and comics, together with essays that place them in a historical and critical context. Features include the first publication of comics genius Chris Ware's color sketchbook; endpapers designed by Nest editor Joseph Holtzman; covers by the Beastie Boys and GAP designer Mike Mills; an illustrated story by Maira Kalman; visual reportage on the Venice Biennale by Paul Davis; and far too much more to mention here. Softcover, 8-in. x 9 1/2-in., 176 pages, PC/PB&W. NOTE: Published by Fantagraphics. Cover price $24.95.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. Edited by Daniel Nadel. The Ganzfeld is an annual book devoted to comics, illustration, and design by the world's leading graphic artists. Includes humorous picture stories on color theory, milk, where we go when we die, the lost genre of blank books, and much more. Softcover, 8-in. x 9 1/2-in., 208 pages, PC/PB&W. NOTE: Published by Fantagraphics. Cover price $24.95.

Volume 4 - 1st printing. "Art History?!" Edited by Daniel Nadel. Between stunning covers by reclusive Canadian cartoonist Julie Doucet, The Ganzfeld presents a unique visual take on the world, gathering together a diverse selection of design, illustration, comics, and picture stories - along with essays that place them in a historical and critical context - from the likes of Gary Panter, Shigeru Sugiura, Marc Bell, Leif Goldberg, and Ted Stearn. Softcover, 8-in. x 9 1/2-in., 288 pages, PC/PB&W. NOTE: Published by Ginko Press. Cover price $29.95.

Volume 5 - 1st printing. "Japanada!" Edited by Daniel Nadel. The Ganzfeld returns with a special issue devoted mostly to Canadian and Japanese artists. From Japan, legendary animator and designer Keiichi Tanaami contributes a 20 page section of new work, while cartoonists King Terry, Shigeru Sugiura, Yuichi Yokoyama, and Tanioka all are represented with substantial amounts of their work printed in English for the very first time. From Canada, Marc Bell, Julie Doucet, Scott Evans, Marc Connery and Destroyer's Dan Bejar will all be featured, while artist Jim Shaw conjures a section of his visionary dream drawings and British illustrator Will Sweeney renders a brand new comic story. This issue is filled out by articles on record cover designer Barney Bubbles, mushrooms, and Steve Gerber (the creator of Howard the Duck). Softcover, 8-in. x 9 1/2-in., 186 pages, PC/PB&W. NOTE: Published by Ginko Press. Cover price $29.95.