I recently emailed Bob Chapman, publisher of Graphitti Designs, and he graciously answered my questions.
Scott VanderPloeg: Output by all the publishers has slowed significantly in 2019, with Sandman: Overture resolicited and now scheduled for November.
Bob Chapman: Yes, regretfully the production of these books has slowed considerably. Though the task of finding and accessing the original art that’s out there is in itself extremely challenging, these books seem to appeal only to a very small audience making these books a financial black hole. We do them and will continue to do so more for archival purposes…and as a labor of love. Not the smartest business move though!!
Our J.H. Williams SANDMAN: OVERTURE book is currently at the printer. After we approve proofs, a production schedule and ship dates will be provided. Our goal is to get this book in the stores before the end of the year.
SV: Could you share the plans for your Gallery Edition line going forward?
BC: Our next book planned is Brian Bolland’s KILLING JOKE that will feature KJ (of course), as well as other Bolland story art and his DC Comics Covers. This book is being worked on as we speak and is scheduled for a 2020 release.
Though we plan on releasing at least one book per year, out plans for 2021 and beyond, have yet to be fully fleshed-out. Once they are, I will be here than happy to share this information with you and your audience.
SV: I would be reticent if I didn’t ask the question on every fan’s mind: when will we see a Batman Year One Gallery Edition?
BC: BATMAN: YEAR ONE has been on my list since we initially proposed these books to DC Comics back in 2012-2013. Fortunately, high-quality scans of David’s originals exists but this book has been stuck in some sort of internal political limbo for years now. We will do everything in our power to work through the problems so this can be one of our releases in the not-to-distant future.
