Slave Labor Graphics Publishing celebrates 25 years

With an eye for the unique, a dedication to diversity and no fear of the dark side, Dan Vado founded Slave Labor Graphics (SLG) Publishing in 1986. Twenty-five years later, the indie is still discovering and fostering new talent, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling and illustration.

SLG was the first publisher of notable comic book artists such as Andi Watson (Skeleton Key) and Johnen Vasquez (Johnny the Homicidal Maniac and Squee). Vasquez’s titles remain SLG’s best-sellers as the creator has continued his career in comics and television. Other successful books include Egg Story and Eating Steve by J. Marc Schmidt, both remarkable for very simple artwork supporting odd, unexpected and meaningful stories. Punk Rock and Trailer Parks by Derf is the only graphic novel sold at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A favorite of many different types of readers is the Rex Libris series from James Turner, chronicling the otherworldly adventures of the head librarian at Middelton Public Library.

SLG comics have explored different perspectives with determination. With Animal Crackers, Gene Luen Yang (creator of the Printz award-winning American Born Chinese), Asian-American characters infuse and drive the stories. In Faith Erin Hicks’ books, Zombies Calling and War at Ellsmere, strong and quirky female characters shape their mythological worlds.

“Creators come to us because we are known for taking chances on new, unproven talent and for allowing them to find their voice. Readers really respond to this and embrace the opportunity to not only read entertaining stories told with excellent artwork but to encounter new talent,” says SLG President Dan Vado.

In that spirit, SLG’s current releases are critically-acclaimed and fan favorites. Elmer, by Gerry Alanguilan, has been compared to Orwell’s Animal Farm for its statement-making and sometimes brutal look at humanity. Volume One of Pinocchio Vampire Slayer (from Dustin Higins and Van Jensen) made YALSA’S Top Ten Best Reads for Teens, and Volume Two is equally clever and irreverent. Des Taylor’s The Vesha Valentine is a lush and gorgeous tale of a 1950s Hollywood bombshell.

“We have another amazing character-driven series in the dystopian Shadoweyes by Ross Campbell, which features a female teen lead, and Mike White’s Amity Blamity is a crazy critter story for all ages,” adds Vado.

In May, SLG will release The Floundering Time, a timely, thoughtful and important book from up-and-comer Katy Weselcouch. The story encompasses LGBT themes and navigating young adulthood at an all-girls college.

In addition to expectation-challenging comics, SLG’s imprint, Amaze Ink Comics, publishes all-ages comics. Club Tiki Press, publishes colorful and playful drink recipe and art books celebrating tiki pop culture of the past and present. the most notable of those being the Beach Bum Berry series of drink recipe/Polynesian pop-culture books by noted mixologist Jeff Berry.

For more information, please visit www.slgcomic.com.