Barnaby 3 Volume Set

Before authoring one of the most beloved childrens book series of all time Harold and the Purple Crayoncartoonist Crockett Johnson created the comic stripBarnabyfor over ten years (1942 to 1952). Its subtle ironies and playful allusions never won a broad following, but the adventures of 5-year-old Barnaby Baxter and his fairy godfather Jackeen J. OMalley was and is a critical favorite.

Fantagraphics will introduce the wonders ofBarnabyto a new generation of children and parents alike. Co-edited by Johnson biographer Philip Nel (Dr. Seuss: American Icon) and Fantagraphics Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds, with art direction by graphic novelist Daniel Clowes (Ghost World), this five-volumeBarnabyseries will collect the entirety of the original newspaper strips from 1942-1952. The first volume will collect all the strips from 1942 and 1943.

Barnabyrevolved around a precocious five-year-old named Barnaby Baxter and his fairly godfather Jackeen J. OMalley. Yet OMalley, a cigar-chomping, bumbling con-artist and fast-talker, was not your typical protector. His grasp of magic was usually specious at best, limited to occasional flashes, often aided and abetted by his fellow members in The Elves, Leprechauns, Gnomes, and Little Mens Chowder & Marching Society.

Barnabys deft balance of fantasy, political commentary, sophisticated wit, and elegantly spare images expanded our sense of what comic strips can do. With subtlety and economy,Barnabyproved that comics need not condescend to readers. Its small but influential readership took that message to heart.

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Please note: these books may bear remainder marks and may show some shelf wear or other internal damage.

All sale books are FINAL SALE and may not be returned or exchanged.