I don’t usually post to publishing stories about upcoming books, but I’m kind of excited about this upcoming release and think it justifies a bit of extra attention. Plus, I’d just like to get the word out:
This August, the U.K. comics publisher, Knockabout Comics will answer the prayers of classic underground comics aficionados with the publication of a massive 40th anniversary Freak Brothers Omnibus, a 624-page leviathan of laughs, straight from the mind of creator Gilbert Shelton. The book collects every adventure of the hirsute trio since their inception in 1968, as well as previously unpublished material.
The book’s first printing of 10,000 copies will feature an extra dust jacket and an insert detailing how the interested fan can donate funds and invest in Grass Roots, an upcoming animated film featuring the characters, and even get their names inserted into the corner of one of the film’s frames in a promotion called “Name That Frame.” (The investor purchases a frame and their name will be visible only when the film is slowed down on a DVD player). American distribution of the book will be handled by Diamond, Last Gasp, and Rip Off Press for the comics shop specialty market and by Atlas books for Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Borders and independent general book retailers.
