Now #1: The New Comics Anthology

Now #1

by Eric Reynolds (Editor), Eleanor Davis, Noah Van Sciver

This is the launch of brand-new, periodic anthology of comics from some of the best cartoonists in the world, such as Eleanor Davis (How to be Happy). Now is an affordable and ongoing (three times a year) anthology of new comics that appeals both to the comics-curious as well as the serious aficionado. It's a platform for short fiction, experimentation, and for showcasing diversity in the comics field. The only common denominator to each piece is an exemplary use of the comics form, with a lineup of established and up-and-coming talent from around the globe. The first issue includes new work from acclaimed creators such as Noah Van Sciver (Fante Bukowski), Gabrielle Bell (Lucky), Dash Shaw (Cosplayers), Sammy Harkham (Crickets), and Malachi Ward (Ancestor), as well as international stars such as J.C. Menu, Conxita Herrerro, Tobias Schalken, and Antoine Coss. Plus strips from Tommi Parrish, Sara Corbett, Daria Tessler, and Kaela Graham, as well as a gorgeous painted cover by artist Rebecca Morgan.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Anthologies, Short Stories, Graphic Novels Comics, Comix, Art

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2017

About the author

Eric Reynolds is a Seattle-based cartoonist, critic and comics editor who is the Vice-President and Associate Publisher for Fantagraphics Books. His work has appeared in The Stranger, The Comics Journal, The New York Times, The New York Press and other publications. He has edited or co-edited The Complete Crumb Comics, Angry Youth Comics, Dirty Stories and MOME and has inked some of Peter Bagge's comics.

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Fantagraphics collection of short comics from a variety of artists, many of whom I really dig. If you are thinking of getting into indie comics, this would be a way to check out people whose styles you might like.

My favorites include: Eleanor Davis - Hurt or Fuck?; Gabrielle Bell - Dear Naked Guy; J.C. Menu - S.O.S. Suitcases; Noah Van Sciver - Wall of Shame

[Radwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a pleasent suprise, because I love anthologies, yet my experience with comics anthologies are very scarce, so this will be a nice anthology to keep up with. it had hits and misses, but the variety of art styles and ideas from the different artists is really the reason i love anthlogies!

[Miho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent collection, totally varied but curated really well. If you don’t like anthologies, experimentation, or short stories then this won’t be fun for you - each story and style is so different it’s jarring in a way that’s pleasing to readers who like the pace of collected works. A lot of these stories are masterful and really playing with semiotics in comic art: like panel-less pages, allegorical frames, and just plain creative weirdness. Expect stories from small daily contemplations, to metaphorical happenings, to sci-if. Maybe more than one of the featured creators drops acid.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too much linear storytelling, but still so very *interesting.* Great way to discover new favorites! I wanna check out more of Sammy Harkham's stuff. Of course, I loved van Sciver's story, too.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine anthology series from Fantagraphics. The artists that were the most enjoyable for me were Gabrielle Bell, Noah Van Sciver, Dash Shaw, Eleanor Davis, and Malachi Ward. The remaining artists were new to me which is just fine. I like the idea of putting out inexpensive books filled with short stories by mostly new artists.

[Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting collection of short comics. Most of these could be classified as "surreal" stories (meaning they are incomprehensible or at least hard to follow). The two that stuck out to me were "Wall of Shame" by Noah Van Sciver and "Widening Horizon" by Malachi Ward and Matt Sheean. Those were stories that made sense to me.

[Dan Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

[Comics Alternative · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://comicsalternative.com/episode-...

[Jacob Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like me, you love anthologies. To me, they are some of the best examples of the power of the comic medium. In 'Now' #1, there are 15 artists sharing some of their best worked curated by Eric Reynolds. With stories like "Wall of Shame" (Noah Van Sciver), "Pretend We're Orphans" (Kaela Graham), and "S.O.S. Suitcases" (J.C. Menu), 'Now' has some serious diversity and is a GREAT place to jump in for those who are unfamiliar with the alt-comix movement. My favorite by far is "Widening Horizon" by Malachi Ward & Matt Sheean, a look at a timeline where the space race took a different direction, and a possible look at the future. Reminded me of Andy Weir's 'The Martian' and 'Moon Graffiti' from Radiotopia's 'The Truth' podcast.

I would HIGHLY recommend checking this first 'issue' (if you can call it that...120 pages long!) and trying it out. I was not at all disappointed and added it to my pull list immediately.

[Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of comics being published throughout the year, and sometimes it feels a little overwhelming. That’s why I enjoy anthologies like this, packing the work of many artists together and giving you a sample of their work to peak your interest and expose you to styles and ideas you may not know you’re looking for. I read the first seven and was impressed by the variety of artists featured.*

Like Fantagraphics’ periodical Mome before it, Now: the new comics anthology is always a captivating grab bag of comic art, featuring the work of established artists and new talent alike. Published three times a year, with eight issues so far, its bizarre, often unsettling covers showcase the work of specific artists, and give you a taste of the innovative and boundary pushing pieces you’ll encounter inside. You never really know what to expect, but you’ll know it’ll be interesting.
Exhibiting such disparate styles, tones, and genres, from the abstract to the meticulous, memoir to the surreal, some you will no doubt hate, some will mystify you, and some will spark your imagination enough to seek out more. After reading their work in issues of Now, I’ve been tracking down, for instance, comics by Eleanor Davis, Ben Passmore, Noah Van Sciver, and Tommi Parrish, among others. I got them all from the library, but at $10 each, they won’t break the bank.

I discuss also discuss the series in this entry of Harris' Tome Corner.

*This post serves to review each issue

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, varied, indie comics. Though the cover art is slightly disturbing (as is the case with the second issue), the art and writing in here is first class. This has some more well-known indie comic creators like Noah Van Sciver, Eleanor Davis, and Gabrielle Bell — but most of the others seem to be lesser known, and I’m happy this anthology has given me some exposure to unfamiliar work.

My favorites include Noah Van Sciver’s “Wall of Shame,” Eleanor Davis’s “Hurt or Fuck?,” Daria Tessler’s “Songs in the Key of Grief,” and Malachi Ward/Matt Sheean’s “Widening Horizon.”

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inconsistent as any anthology, but at least nothing goes on too long. That said I gave up on the J.C. Menu. Eleanor Davis and Antoine Cosse were both highlights, Noah Van Sciver was a smooth read but didn't do much and Tommi Parish ended too soon. I'm just excited this series exists and is giving paper to these artists, so even though the actual content this round is a bit spotty, I'm still happy.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t care for most of the stories shared in this volume. I think maybe some of them went a little too over my head or maybe they just actually don’t make any sense. Either way I wasn’t a fan of this one. I may eventually give volume 2 a chance just to see if there’s more interesting stories in it.

[Lupe Dominguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hm. I’m not too sure about this one. I’m a fan of graphic novel anthology works but this just didn’t seem at all coherent to me. It’s very possible that much of it just went way over my hear. That’s ok. Maybe I’ll try the next issue.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

En antologi bestående av flera korta grafiska noveller. Vissa är riktigt bra, både text bild och berättande fångar mig. Vissa känns lite mindre genomarbetade. Allt som allt en läsvärd skrift.

[E J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh and interesting collection. Some of the stories I didn't get and some of the art I couldn't follow, but it was constantly visually pleasing at the very least.

[Grg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for the Eleanor Davis story alone. The rest of the issue is pretty good too.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little survey of the spectrum of comic creators!

[Stephanie Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll call this my April anthology comic. Some interesting stories in here

[Seven Pesos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. Many short comics showcasing different artists. Some I really liked, some not so much.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite the mix.

[Joshua Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few gems, but overall too pretentious

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild ride In parts

[Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice if confusing layout

[tinaathena]

Half of them weren't for me. But I like having a little taste of a bunch of styles. Good diversity.