Transit Cov
Following up on just the previous item, one of the most gratifying parts of the graphic novel revolution is the fact that it’s been around long enough for rediscoveries of masters and notables — whether after death, as with Fletcher Hanks, or, even better, while people are still young enough to enjoy it. Think Johnny Cash or James Brown in music terms. In comics, Campbell has had something of a repositioning (although he never really went away) and Lynda Barry has had a full-fledged comeback with the kind of adulation she always should have received.

Another person who is due for a reappreciation, although of a different kind, is Ted McKeever. The news has just gone out that Image will be publishing THE TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY with recollected and expanded editions of such seminal works as TRANSIT, METROPOL and EDDY CURRENT. McKeever is a confident, unique storyteller, and had a big influence on a lot of the self-published and more self-expressive work of the ’80s and ’90s. He’s also very smart and funny as this interview at ISR shows: part one and part two.

What other American cartoonists are deserving of the library treatment? How many of them — like McKeever — even own enough of their work for a library?

Complete PR below:

Beginning this October, Image Comics’ Shadowline will team with critically-acclaimed artist Ted McKeever for a project over twenty years in the making, THE TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY, beginning with the completed TRANSIT.

“To think after 20 years that I would be returning to TRANSIT is almost abstractly absurd,” said McKeever. “TRANSIT had become my personal holy grail, but now, with this collected hardcover edition, I can roam free of it’s gaping wailing and allow it to scab over while I move on to new roads.”


Those new roads include the subsequent volumes of The Ted McKeever Library, EDDY CURRENT and METROPOL. Each edition will feature the definitive versions of McKeever’s vision, including all the original covers, unused art and TRANSIT’s never-before-seen ending. These graphic novels consist of McKeever’s inter-connected magnum opus in his world of tomorrow – from industrial wastelands torn by war, cities on the verge of self-destruction and one of the most twisted takes on superheroics to ever grace the comics medium.

Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino said, “While Shadowline loves to introduce the world to some of the most exciting new talent, bringing in someone of Ted’s caliber at such a major capacity is something we’re equally passionate about. We cannot wait to help bring his most personal works to their completion and look forward to more in the future!”

TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY HC VOL. 1: TRANSIT (AUG082275), is a 156-page black & white hardcover for $24.99, and will be in stores October 1st.

1 COMMENT

  2. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Ted at San Diego, he’s such a nice guy in person, truly. His work is exciting – including his recent contribution to the Tori Amos anthology.

    I admit, I’m biased for Shadowline, but I’ll still say this is a nice feather in their cap.

  3. Here’s hoping for an over-sized edition of Plastic Forks! And too funny, since I just received that massive Tori Amos tome because he’s in it, and only a couple weeks ago finally sat down to read through the three volumes of Eddy Current published from Atomic.

    I’m really thrilled to hear about this, though. Would be nice to see all the random quickies he’s done over the years collected as well, like Toxic Gumbo, the various Batman Superman re-imaginings, and myriad other one shots and anthology inclusions he’s done over the past couple decades.

    I learned to draw separated // serrated square teeth from this cat. Any way to bring a wider attention to his work and his general approaches to mise-en-scene and narrative has my hearty applause!

    cheers!
    e

  4. Already have this one on order. Though the release of American Flagg has hopefully put Howard Chaykin on the map again (though the VERY few copies I’ve seen on shelves makes me wonder), there is a desperate need to look at his earlier work as well. That there is no “The art of Howard Chaykin” is a travesty. His work with Bryon Preiss, Heavy Metal, and Star Reach were all revolutionary. Who produced the first original North American fully painted in color graphic novel? Chaykin of course. Empire written by Samuel Delaney. Can understand why he’s some what PO’ed with the lack of recognition of for his career.

  6. I have spent YEARS trying (and failing) to track down all of the issues of TRANSIT — and I didn’t even know that the series was unfinished until this announcement — so this is a huge must-have for me. McKeever is easily one of my favorite comics creators, and I can’t wait to pick up this book.

  7. About time! Can’t wait for the Eddy Current collection but, man, I wish his interpretation of ERB’s John Carter saw the light of day.