Dark Horse Announces The Oddly Compelling Art Of Denis Kitchen Out This June!

The collection brings Kitchen, the artist, to the forefront, with an introduction by Neil Gaiman and essay by Charles Brownstein.

"I think ‘Oddly Compelling’ is a very good title for a book of Denis Kitchen’s work, and describes it very well." — R. Crumb

Feb. 23, 2010 – Milwaukie OR – A well-known personality in the comics world, Denis Kitchen has worn many hats: as a longtime publisher, founder of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, book author and literary and art agent. But his career as a pioneering underground comix artist has been overdue for rediscovery.

First announced for publication from his own Kitchen Sink Press over 20 years ago, but never produced, The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen
is the first collection of work by the underground cartoonist and
acclaimed publishing pioneer. In addition to his comix, this book
features a wealth of unpublished material: paintings, covers for
underground newspapers and comix, rare strips and illustrations and
historic photos of Kitchen and many of his contemporaries.

Acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman provides a funny and insightful introduction and an essay by Charles Brownstein (Eisner/Miller) provides context and a career overview.

The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen
finally brings Kitchen the artist to the stage. This compendium
includes approximately two hundred illustrations, most unseen since
their original publication in the late ’60s and ’70s, many not seen
even by serious comix fans.

“I
always thought it was rather a shame that Kitchen became a publisher
and businessman to the neglect of his artistic talent …he was a gifted
and exceptional artist …I think his downfall was women …the big sap!” —
R. Crumb

Designed by John Lind, winner of a 2009 American Graphic Design Award for his work on Underground Classics, The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen will appeal to fans of underground comix and comics history and will allow a new generation to discover Kitchen’s curious body of work.

The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen is a full color, 200 page, 9×12 hardcover priced at $34.99.

Currently offered in this month’s Previews catalog with a Diamond Code of FEB100040. The book goes on sale June 9, 2010.