Edited,
as always, by Sammy Harkham -- this time around with an assist
by co-publisher Alvin Buenaventura -- this now seemingly biennial
publication continues to live up to the promise made with the fourth
and fifth volumes. The format follows that of the last
volume: a flat matte finish (this time sans texture)
flexi cover fixed to a
sturdy Smythe sewn binding that holds the contents firmly in
place. And what contents! Many of those talents that
readers have come to associate with Kramers Ergot are here again, and
have submitted work that is as engaging as ever. Sammy Harkham,
C.F., Paper Rad, Marc Bell, Souther Salazar, Ron Regé, Jr.,
Matthew Thurber, Dan Zettwoch and Elvis Studio are joined by Vanessa
Davis, Tom Gaud, Martin Cendreda, Bald Eagles and a handful of
others. Also, KE Alum Gary Panter finds himself under the
same covers as former fellow Raw artist, Jerry Moriarty, who is
given plenty of space to present his idiosyncratic Hopperesque visions
for the first time (we've seen) in many years. In addition, with
this issue Kramers Ergot adds a curatorial component to its offerings
for the first time, as readers are given a rare look at two great
historical figures of the comics world: we get a healthy sampling
of a late sketchbook by the Dutch comics artist, Marc Smeets, which is
preceded by "an incomplete appreciation" by Chris Ware; and an amazing
reproduction of the early and highly influential manga, Norakuro by
Suiho Tagawa. All in all, it seems once again to be an essential
read for anyone involved in the contemporary comics scene.
