Great news for fans of political satire comics: Clover Press has launched a Kickstarter campaign this week to publish the final two volumes in their eight-volume collection of Ruben Bolling’s Tom the Dancing Bug comic strip.
The two new books will collect the earliest strips from the 1990s: Secret Origins (1990-1994) and Sex, Tom the Dancing Bug, & Rock ‘N’ Roll (1994-1998). Each volume will be over 200 pages in the 8″ x 9″ format.
“With the announcement of these two volumes, The Complete Tom the Dancing Bug program will soon stand as a full eight-volume chronicle of 35 years of comics – my life’s work,” said Bolling. “I’m grateful to Clover Press for its commitment to the project. The quality of the books has been extraordinary, and I’m honored to have this complete set in print. These two volumes will document this strip’s earliest years, and in some ways, my most audacious and ambitious work.”
For those unfamiliar with the strip, Tom the Dancing Bug began as a surreal, sketch-comedy-style comic in the early 1990s before evolving into the sharply political satire it’s known for today. Bolling is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist who has also won the Herblock Prize, the Berryman Award,and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.
“Tom The Dancing Bug has been running in newspapers for 35 years. This is a direct look at its roots, proving it is as timely and sharp as ever,” said Clover Press Publisher Hank Kanalz. “Ruben’s fluid style provides the right delivery mechanism for his chosen send up du jour.”
We’re happy to reveal the slipcase artwork that will collect all 8 volumes of Clover Press’ Tom the Dancing Bug collections:
The Kickstarter campaign will also feature a collectible lithograph print, T-shirts and other rewards. Check out the campaign page for more details.
Is the full set available?
Yes, at the $225 tier.