As part of a deal with the Tribune Content Agency, ABLAZE Publishing has announced the first-ever collected edition of the groundbreaking newspaper comic strip Friday Foster.
Friday Foster: The Sunday Strips is slated to go on sale Thursday, June 24 and is currently available for pre-order. The hardcover collection includes all 214 Friday Foster Sunday strips, featuring “completely remastered” colors and letters. It also includes “multiple interviews, an expanded sketchbook section, artwork, photos, essays, articles, behind-the-scenes info and more!”
Created by James D. “Jim” Lawrence (Buck Rogers, James Bond) and illustrated by Jorge “Jordi” Longarón, with Man-Thing creator Gray Morrow later taking over, Friday Foster originally ran from 1970 to 1974. It was the first mainstream, nationally syndicated comic strip to star an African American character in the title role.
Friday Foster follows the eponymous character, who is a “former nightclub ‘camera bunny’ turned photographer’s assistant turned fashion model. With an innate inclination to help others and a natural beauty that makes her a magnet for men, Friday often finds herself in some very sticky situations and world class adventures.” The comic strip was adapted into a feature film in 1975, with Pam Grier starring as Friday Foster herself.
“The art is awesome and the stories are super-fun,” said Friday Foster expert and Editor Christopher Marlon, who wrote and curated the hardcover’s bonus material. “And it’s great to see a Black character going on globetrotting adventures in the 1970s! I really enjoyed bringing all the elements together so I could share this little piece of wonderful comic strip history. I hope you will enjoy it too!”
“Friday is such a fun and memorable character,” added Tribune Content Agency General Manager Wayne Lown. “So, I’m thrilled to be working with ABLAZE on this book and eager to see its release later this year.” ABLAZE’s Vice President of Creative/Business Development Rich Young also chimed in, stating, “I’m incredibly happy to be publishing this book at ABLAZE, as Friday Foster is not only a cool and entertaining strip, but also culturally significant. ABLAZE is determined to find more out of print treasures like Friday Foster and make them available to readers.”
Friday Foster: The Sunday Strips goes on sale June 24 from ABLAZE Publishing.
Source: ABLAZE Publishing
About The Author
