Broken Frontier

As the romantic Valentine's Day approaches, Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is pleased to present "25 Years of Love & Rockets."

This multicultural comic book epic by Los Angeles brothers Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez single handedly launched the alternative comics genre, and remains as fresh and relevant today as when it was introduced in 1982. A riveting combination of punk, futurism, Latino and North American pop culture, "Love & Rockets" inspired a generation of narrative artists. The publication of this title cemented the position of Seattle-based Fantagraphics Books as the leading publisher of challenging comics and graphic novels. This exhibition of original artwork opens with a gala reception for Los Bros Hernandez on Saturday, February 10, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, located at 1201 S. Vale St., in the heart of Seattle's lively Georgetown district.

In countless ways, the penetrating and poignant stories in "Love & Rockets" foreshadowed our nation's rapidly changing cultural landscape. The Hernandez brothers' literary style has been compared to the Magic Realism of Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, but their distinctive artwork is incomparable. Their work has been enormously influential on popular culture in America and abroad. The celebrated British rock band Love & Rockets took their name from the comic, and the work of Los Bros. Hernandez continues to have significant impact on contemporary artists in all disciplines.

The second volume in the "Love & Rockets" series is currently up to 18 issues. Stories from the first volume are collected in many handsome editions, including Gilbert's Palomar: The Heartbreak Soup Stories, and Jaime's Locas: The Maggie & Hopey Stories. In addition to "Love & Rockets," the artists have created several solo series including Jaime's award-winning "Penny Century," and "Luba's Comics & Stories" by Gilbert.  On Sunday, February 11, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez will be joined by longtime "Love & Rockets" editor Gary Groth at the bookstore to discuss the first 25 years of their remarkable comic book series.  The artists will be available to sign books during both the festive reception on February10 and following the panel on February 11.

These topical events are free and open to the public. A selection of stunning images from "Love & Rockets" is available for publication. 
For additional information, please contact Larry Reid at the numbers above, or Eric Reynolds at Fantagraphics Books: 
Reynolds@fantagraphics.com. Phone 206.524.1967.

A limited-edition, sign-and-numbered silkscreen (not pictured) featuring the artwork of Gilbert & Jaime Hernandez will also be available exclusively at the Fantagraphics Bookstore beginning Feb. 
10 while supplies last.

LISTING INFORMATION

"25 Years of Love & Rockets" by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez February 10 - March 7, 2007

Gala Reception Saturday, March 10 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way)
Seattle, USA

206.658.110 www.fantagraphics.com

Hours: Monday - Saturday 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:30 to 5:00 PM

Related Event:
"25 Years of Love & Rockets" panel discussion and book signing Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, moderated by Gary Groth Sunday, February 11, 1:00 - 3:00 PM Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery

All events free to the public of all ages