Return of Arf!

In the summer of 2005, when Fantagraphics published "Modern Arf: Artists and Models," the first in a series of attractive and engaging books exploring -- with a scholar's thoroughness and a fanboy's passion -- the surprising ways in which comic books and strips have leaked into the wider culture, particularly high culture, Ideas got excited. So I interviewed Craig Yoe, cartoonist, designer, and Arf editor.

The second installment was also brilliant. I'm happy to report that Fantagraphics has just announced the forthcoming publication of the 3d installment of the series. It's titled "Arf Forum."

Among other things, one hears, the latest Arf volume will feature a section of historical images of people reading comics: "from a young Elvis reading 'Betty and Veronica' on his first tour to a boxer-clad Rock Hudson reading the Sunday funnies." When I get my hands on a copy, I'll let you know if it lives up to my inflated expectations.