Rare book/rara avis

D. Watson's Out of Line

Hey all, Laura Fox here—General Manager and Head of Dead Language Research for American Bystander.

The following was written by MG and was posted on our Patreon last night. It is reposted here with permission.

We’re beyond honored and excited to publish Don’s collection.

Please keep reading to see how you can get your copy.

We've wanted to publish books from the start but, truth be told…I didn't quite know how to begin it. At least as the big publishers define them, humor books are the very definition of ephemera: either cash-ins tethered to something timely, or "stocking stuffers." There's no shame in that game—Barry Trotter was the ultimate stocking stuffer for Christmas 2003, and my bank balance loved every minute of it. But because our magazine is absolutely unique and getting uniquer (R.I.P. National Geographic), I want our books to complement that.

So we're beginning our book publishing journey with D. Watson's Out of Line, a sixty-year career-spanning retrospective of material from one of Bystander's best-loved cartoonists. Don's truly one-of-a-kind, and only available in our pages; Out of Line's designed as a companion volume to our run of issues, so all our subscribers will receive a copy when it is ready later in July.

I'm sure you'll love it. Cartoonists are finally getting their due, but it's still rare to see them get monographs like this one. We want to create a whole library of great writers and artists, designed to nestle on your bookshelves right next to The American Bystander. And I can think of no better beginning to these ambitious plans than Out of Line.

PS—Oh, and by the way? You didn't hear this from me, but don't sell your Bystander back issues on eBay. You'll be glad you held onto them.

Laura Fox here again. We want to get Don’s impactful work into the hands of as many readers as possible, so as MG said all of our subscribers will receive his book in July as a companion volume to their issues.

If you’re already a Founding Member, you’re getting Out of Line shipped directly to you and you’re good to go. Enjoy!

If you’re an annual subscriber at the digital level, you’ll be getting the book in digital form. This is a great time to upgrade to Founding Member status if you can.

If you’re reading this and thinking “Daaaaaang I’d like some of that sweet Out of Line goodness in my life…” I completely understand and I’ll tell you exactly what to do.

Oh! And one more thing! A TON of people have been reaching out to me asking who is behind the cover art for Issue #26.

I asked MG yesterday and OF COURSE, it’s Don Watson. Incandescent talent.

So, yes. Do subscribe if you’ve read this entire post. Please show your love and appreciation for Don’s work in the comments.

Behave or not until I write you again.

—Laura Fox

P.S. Want to read more about D. Watson and Out of Line? Read Michael Gerber’s introduction here.