Kitchen Sink Press

Kitchen Sink Press was founded in 1969 by Denis Kitchen, a cartoonist and writer, in Princeton, Wisconsin. Kitchen had been active in the underground comix scene, contributing to publications like Smile and Bizarre Sex. The press began as a vehicle for his own work and that of fellow underground cartoonists, including Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman, and Trina Robbins. Its first publication was Mom's Homemade Comics (1969), a solo comic by Kitchen. The press quickly became known for its eclectic and often controversial content, pushing the boundaries of free expression in comics.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kitchen Sink Press expanded its catalog to include a wide range of genres, from horror and science fiction to humor and political satire. It published seminal works such as The Spirit by Will Eisner, Little Nemo in Slumberland by Winsor McCay, and Krazy Kat by George Herriman, helping to bring classic comic strips to a new generation. The press also launched influential titles like Death Rattle (1972–1988), an anthology of horror and suspense comics, and Bizarre Sex (1972–1982), which explored sexual themes with a satirical edge.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Kitchen Sink Press became a major publisher of graphic novels, including works by Harvey Pekar, Alan Moore, and Neil Gaiman. It published the acclaimed From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, and Batman: The Killing Joke (with DC Comics) in a deluxe edition. The press also released The Complete Crumb Comics, a comprehensive collection of Robert Crumb's work. Despite its success, financial difficulties and the changing comics market led to its closure in 1999. Its assets were acquired by other publishers, and its legacy continues to influence independent comics.

Beyond its well-known titles, Kitchen Sink Press had several lesser-known facets. It was one of the first publishers to embrace the direct market, selling comics exclusively to comic shops. The press also published Snarf, an anthology that featured early work by future stars like Howard Cruse and Peter Bagge. Kitchen Sink Press was notable for its collaborations with mainstream publishers, such as the Batman: The Killing Joke hardcover, which was a rare example of an independent publisher handling a major corporate character. Additionally, the press ran a mail-order catalog that became a cultural touchstone for comics fans, offering rare and out-of-print material. Denis Kitchen himself was a key figure in the formation of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, using the press's platform to advocate for free speech.¹

Underground comix

Self-published or small-press comics of the 1960s-70s that often featured countercultural themes, explicit content, and experimental art.

Direct market

A distribution system for comics that bypasses newsstands, selling directly to comic book specialty shops.

Graphic novel

A book-length work in the comics medium, often with a cohesive narrative or thematic structure.