About Graphic NYC

Graphic NYC was formed in early 2009 by photographer Seth Kushner (The Brooklynites) and writer Christopher Irving (Comic Book Artist Magazine, Comics Introspective: Peter Bagge) to document the evolution of the comic book and graphic novel through the experiences of New York City's creators. Seth and Christopher were first paired by cartoonist Dean Haspiel, cartoonist of Billy Dogma, Street Code, and TV show Bored to Death.

The two combine Seth’s pictures with Christopher’s words to create the synergestic New Comics Journalism, painting portraits of the cartoonists that New York has to offer. Through the course of their journey, they are documenting the masters of the print comic, all the way through to the pioneers of the burgeoning webcomic.

Graphic NYC has garnered notice from news sites such as L.A. Times Hero Complex, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, New York Times City Room, and New York Magazine.

Christopher Irving got his start interviewing comic book professionals in 1997, and has since written for magazines New York Magazine, Comics Buyer’s Guide, Comic Book Artist (where he served as Associate Editor), Back Issue, and Alter Ego. Irving’s books include The Blue Beetle: His Many Lives from 1939 to Today, Comics Introspective: Peter Bagge, and the upcoming From Four Color to Silver Screen: The First Movie Superheroes. Christopher has also worked for Marvel Comics and DC Comics as a Creative Services freelancer. He lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, with his girlfriend and their three cats.

Brooklyn native, Seth Kushner shoots portraits of celebrity-types for such publications The New York Times Magazine, Time, Newsweek, Businessweek, Vibe and others. Seth's first book, The Brooklynites, was published by powerHouse Books in 2007. Currently, he's working on his next book on NYC cartoonists, as well as creating his own graphic novels.

Reviewer Jared Gniewek joined Graphic NYC with the site's relaunch in September, 2009. Jared has worked in the music industry as a back line technician, performer, and promoter. He has also been a freelance writer whose work can be seen in the recent re-launch of Tales from the Crypt and heard on The Dark Sense, an audio anthology of the macabre for which he is also the story editor. Jared’s blog, Die By The Pen, outlines his philosophies and personal quest as a writer.

Christopher and Seth are available for engagements and consulting. Contact them at nycgraphicnovelists@gmail.com.