The Complete Pogo series announced by Fantagraphics

Walt Kelly's long out-of-print comic strip Pogo will be re-released in glorious hard-cover book form this October by Fantagraphics Books. According to Fantagraphics' blog, the collections will be released in 12 volumes, comprising the entire series from 1949-1973. On top of that, lifelong Pogo admirer and Bone creator Jeff Smith is responsible for each books design and overseeing the introductions.

Pogo chornicles the tale of Pogo Possum and is heavy with social and political commentary from the McCarthy era, all the way to the Nixon Administration. Kelly's most famous satirical character was a wildcat name Simple J. Malarky, a direct poke at witchhunt senator Joesph McCarthy and a very brave statement to make during the height of the senator's power. His strip was even consider such a political threat that the creator's phone was tapped to monitor his actions.

Pogo's influnce on the comic medium is also hugely important as everyone from Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson, to Watchmen writer Alan Moore and the aformentioned Jeff Smith have cited Kelly's strip as a major influence. With the comphrensive series soon to be released a whole new generation will be introduced to Pogo's brilliance, and as fantagraphics
president Gary Groth explains, "Our Pogo books will present Kelly's work the way it should be published -- in a beautifully designed hardcover format, with careful attention paid to reproduction quality, and with knowledgeable introductory material."

Also, Star Clipper would like to congradulate Fantagrahpics for the recent opening of their first brick and mortar store in Seattle. Good luck and thanks for all the great comics.

-Jon