A civilized conversation between two North American advocates of comics as art and publishing as an avocation. An interview with Koyoma Press publisher Annie Koyoma by Fantagraphics publisher Gary Groth leads into The Comics Journal #309’s focus on international small press comics publishing and distribution. John Porcellino, the King Cat of zines and carefully observed autobio comics, speaks to Inés Estrada, cartoonist (Alienation) and publisher/distributor of comics and zines in Mexico. Also: a gallery of Henriette Valium’s work, from his drawing table at the time of his passing. Cartoonist (Beta Testing the Ongoing Apocalypse) and publisher (Uncivilized Press) Tom Kascynski debates comics critic Alin Rautoiu about crypto and comics. And: a biography/gallery of Sharon Smith and her classic comic strip, Button ‘n’ Beax; a brand-new comic from Betty Kim; a deep dive into Nick Drnaso’s oeuvre; a deconstruction of the Image comics aesthetic; a spotlight on Hyena Hell; the debut of two new columns focusing on new and classic manga, avant-garde European comics, and much, much more. Black-and-white and full-color illustrations throughout
