Cryogenic Comix # 38

Cryogenic Comix # 38
Copyright (c) 2019 Steve Willis

Felt tip on a sketchpad, Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 1979. Note the appearance of Morty the Human.

The third image could be a drawing of the brother of Benb, one of my favorite of Steve's Lafler's great characters-- of course at the time I had yet to know Steve or his work. My introduction the whole Newave comix scene was still a couple years away.

Copy This! # 1

Copy This # 1, a new publication covering news and information regarding minicomix and their artists (mostly those descending from the community of the Newave era) is, appropriately enough, now available in print only. This issue is 40 p. and in the minicomix format (13 cm.)


This issue includes a new column, "Itchy Dreams," by yours truly; Dan W. Taylor is interviewed by Richard Krauss, "two of the nicest cats you'll ever meet"-- I know that statement is true, I've met them both; And updates on the haps with Larned Justin, Howard Cruse, Bruce Rosenberger, Richard Krauss, Bob Vojtko, Rob Kirby, Edward Bolman, that rascal Buzz Buzzizyk, Joe Wehrle Jr., Jenny Zervakis, Marc Myers, Brad Foster, Artie Romero, Mike Hill, Clark Dissmeyer, Steve Willis, John Porcellino, Andy Nukes, Rick Bradford, Deliane Derry Green, Jeff Zenick, Colin Upton ("color is for the weak"), Matt Feazell, Rob Imes, and the incomparable Bruce Chrislip (who reveals the existence of  his comix history in progress!)

No frequency is listed. You can inquire with editor/publisher D. Blake Werts at: 12339 Chesley Dr., Charlotte, NC 28277, or via email: bwerts@vnet.net

Blake says:  "News contributors receive a comp copy of the issue(s) in which their announcements appear. So, as long as you are keeping in touch, you are subscribed!  Otherwise, single copies go for $2.00 ppd, twelve-issue subscriptions just $20.00 ppd. (U.S. rates, send email for other countries.)"

A very worthy effort that deserves support! Go Blake!

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: