About Abrams ComicArts
Abrams ComicArts publishes high quality, contemporary, groundbreaking illustrated books about the legends and history of comics art, animation, and cartoon-based material, as well as new graphic novels.
“When Abrams revised and expanded my Winsor McCay biography, it was a dream come true. The care and attention to detail, the imagination put into the layout and printing quality, were all superb. It was one of my top publishing experiences.”
—John Canemaker
“I’m proud as proud can be that my book was published by Harry N. Abrams. The attention to detail—all the way from editorial to printing and on through marketing and publicity—well, it doesn’t get better. And boy, does it impress people that a book about a comic book artist was published by same company that does all of those amazing volumes on Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, and other guys who are heralded even though they never got to draw the Silver Surfer. Art is art, whether it be quote-unquote fine art or comic book art. The folks at Abrams understand that.”
—Mark Evanier
“Abrams has for so long been known as the endgame when it comes to fine and toney books on art and artists, that one had to wonder (and worry a little) what the look and style and feel would be when Abrams turned its attention to comics art. Would they go upscale with the form, inject a gravitas that robbed it of its vitality and charm, its pugnaciousness and (essential to some comics) vulgarity? The answer, of course, is no. Abrams makes a point of getting it right, and this they do in their ComicArts imprint. And those of us seventy and above have come to witness the weird reality of our world being taken seriously by a culture that was once fixed forever on maintaining that we “get no respect.”
—Jules Feiffer
“Abrams’ dedication to making books as good they can possibly be astounds me. Editorial and production staff are true collaborators whose contributions respect an author’s vision while exceeding his expectations.”
—Brian Fies
“Abrams ComicArts is a publishing line straight out of my dreams: committed to gorgeously produced books on the great expanse of comics past and present—the strange byways alongside definitive editions of established masters—all compiled by the most devoted historians and best writers. I’m honored to be a part of it.”
—Todd Hignite
“I was absolutely delighted and overwhelmed by the excellent production my book of cartoons received at Abrams. The editing, design, and production turned out something pleasurable to look at and to read. It’s always great to work with people who know what they are doing and who do it well.”
—Al Jaffee
“When I first learned about Abrams and saw the types of books they were making, I knew I wanted my books to be published by them. Abrams books are special—when you hold one in your hands, you have the feeling that this book needed to be made. I once heard an artist say that books are fetish objects—I think Abrams gets that, because their books demand to be treasured. So who better to give comics art its proper due? I feel privileged to have found a home with Abrams.”
—Jeff Kinney
“For years Abrams got by publishing Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir. Not too shabby. But with Abrams’ new ComicArts imprint there’s Harvey Kurtzman, Jaime Hernandez, and R. Crumb. Finally, they’re getting to the BIG names!”
—Denis Kitchen
“Quality. That’s the first word, the one word that comes to mind when I think of the books published by Abrams. In a world where so many companies are willing to cut corners, to do things the easy way in order to enhance the bottom line, it’s gratifying to know that there’s one company that obviously takes such pride in its finished product, one company that can always be counted on to design and produce a book that is, itself, as much a work of art as the illustrations on its pages.”
—Stan Lee
“One of the happiest days of my life was the day I learned that Abrams was going to publish my book on George Herriman, creator of Krazy Kat. Abrams—just think—the top art publisher in the world was going to do a book on a comic strip artist. And, of course, Abrams gave the Herriman book the same care and respect it gave their fine art books. Twenty years later I had the good fortune of having Abrams publish my own Mutts: The Comic Art of Patrick McDonnell. It just doesn't get any better than that.”
—Patrick McDonnell
“Anything really well-made has the effect of making you want to do what you do—better. Abrams has always made very beautiful books. It’s exciting to see this same excellence applied to the presentation of comics. Abrams ComicArts shows comics are stepping out of vaudeville and into Carnegie Hall—but the Marx Brothers will always be welcome!”
—Jon J Muth
“Zap! Boom! Pow! Comics—they’re not just for Roy Lichtenstein anymore! Abrams ComicArts embraces all the complexity and excitement of the comics medium with their new line of beautifully designed and intelligently edited books that now expands their definitive approach to the ‘high’ arts all across the spectrum of our culture. Yipeee!”
—Art Spiegelman
“I can still remember the day when I heard that Abrams was looking for an author to do a history of contemporary newspaper comic strips. When my proposal was accepted, I felt an overwhelming challenge to measure up to their high standards of scholarship and production quality. My hard work was rewarded when the manuscript and images I submitted were transformed into a beautiful book that is guaranteed to have a long shelf life. When Abrams decided to do a companion volume, I saw it as both a validation of my previous efforts and another mountain to climb. In many ways, my association with Abrams has been the high point of my career, and I look forward to many more years of this rewarding personal and professional relationship.”
—Brian Walker
“Comics are Art with a capital ‘A’—who knew? The top art abook publisher in the world having an imprint called Abrams ComicArts is irrefutable proof!”
—Craig Yoe