Benjamin Marra visits from Brooklyn for a very special art exhibit and to celebrate the release of two new comics. First up from Traditional Comics is the debut issue of his new series, Lincoln Washington Free Man.
It’s 1868, the hostile period succeeding the American Civil War. When the freed slave Lincoln Washington shows up in the small South Carolina town, Butchergrass, with coin and a deed to a plot of land the locals are none too happy about it. In particular, Jasper, the son of a wealthy plantation owner. Lincoln, accused of a crime he didn’t commit, must draw on centuries of racial injustice to give him the power to fight his enemies and defend his inherently human right to freedom! Witness the beginning of this Reconstructionist-Era action epic!!
Floating World has also teamed up with Traditional Comics to publish a broadsheet newsprint (15” x 22.75”) edition of Benjamin Marra’s American Psycho.
Employing Raymond Pettibon’s aesthetics and inspired by the movie “American Psycho”, these 28 illustrations “seem almost mathematically calculated to haunt the eyes they meet: whether it’s the sublimely balanced blacks and whites or the point-of-impact axe to neck shots.” – Matt Seneca, Comics Alliance
Both books make their Portland debut at this event. The artwork will be on exhibit during Stumptown weekend, until Sunday April 29th.
LISTING INFORMATION:
WHO: Benjamin Marra
WHAT: Art exhibit, book release and signing
WHEN: Thursday, April 26th, 6-8pm
WHERE: Floating World Comics, 400 NW Couch St.
BIO INFORMATION:
Benjamin Marra – Benjamin Marra is the notorious creator of the comic books NIGHT BUSINESS, GANGSTA RAP POSSE and THE INCREDIBLY FANTASTIC ADVENTURES OF MAUREEN DOWD (A WORK OF SATIRE AND FICTION).
Marra’s comic book work has drawn comparison to mainstream masters Jim Steranko and Paul Gulacy as well as underground comix legends R. Crumb and Spain. His work exists beyond the cutting edge of independent comic books and operates within the cut itself.
Marra’s illustration work has been recognized by The Society of Illustrators, The Society of Publication Designers, American Illustration and the Art Directors Club. Some of his clients include Playboy, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Marvel Comics, Vice, Nylon, Weiden+Kennedy and McCann-Erickson.
http://www.benjaminmarra.com/