The Comix Files: Hank Arakelian

Hank Arakelian and I corresponded from 1982 to 1997, and talked on the phone several times. In the Newave Comix universe he was unusual in that he had a science background. In fact, in 1985 he earned his Ph. D. in physics from Stevens Institute in New Jersey.

Hank was a solid part of the Newave and created highly original and creative comix. He was a participant in the City Limits Gazette and contributed a great article on the work of Gustave Verbeck. Hank was also the subject of a CLG interview, the original manuscript is included here.

Hank and I had been jamming on a comic for a few years in the 1990s, but it never saw print. Unfortunately, when he dropped out of sight from the comix network, our jam art went with him.

I'm sure he had his reasons for vanishing, but since Hank is apparently not interested in promoting his artistic work, I'll take on the task of reminding comix historians of this unique artist.

Here are the graphic snippets from our correspondence: