This week begins the seven day celebration of the graphic novel, that is, sequential art storytelling; also known as comics. As I listen to Sam Mickens sing dreamily and terrifyingly about "Make Mine Marvel!" on the Dead Science's new Villainaire album, I have been re-reading a thick two-part graphic novel called "Epileptic" by a skilled and unique writer-illustrator named David B. These two surreal, occasionally violent, profoundly mystical things go very well together.

And to my excitement, the French author-artist will actually be in town -- this week!

Yes, following up the superb performance by (ex-Low) Zak Sally a couple weeks back at Fantagraphics Books (the store shared with Georgetown Records), in which the folk-rock singer and excellent cartoon surrealist played five smashing tunes for a happy crowd, David B. is coming to Seattle to meet his Pac NW fans for the very first time this Friday, August 15th. He will be signing and hanging out with us folks from 6 - 9 PM.

Meanwhile, tomorrow (Wednesday, August 13) Fantagraphics teams up with The Alliance Francaise de Seattle to throw an inaugural Opening Reception to introduce David B. and discuss in depth with examples twenty more French comic artists here.

The presentation will be given by brilliant Fantagraphics co-publisher and master translator Kim Thompson, and Mr. B.'s own original art can be seen (from "Epileptic" and now his new extraordinary single issue "Babel" series). This will be at the Seattle Alliance Francaise in the salon of the historic Good Shepherd center at 7 PM. (4649 Sunnyside Avenue N., corner of Sunnyside and 50th -- that's Wallingford for well read but easily lost people like me!)

Fantagraphics bookstore is located at 1201 S. Vale Street in Georgetown, open from 11:30 Pm to 8 PM daily, phone 206-658-0110.