If you were stranded and could have just one thing, no doubt, you’d likely want to take one of the graphic novels from Desert Island. Despite it’s modest appearance on the outside reflecting the old time tenant, Sparacino’s Bakery, Desert Island boasts an incredible collection of graphic novels, children’s books, limited edition silkscreen prints, comic books, and zines.
Owner Gabriel Fowler moved from Chicago to New York about four years ago. And when he did, he left behind his favorite store, Quimby’s, expecting to find bigger and better things in NYC. After suffering a huge let-down, he determined to open a shop of his own. Never having owned a business before, he scraped money together, found a space, got the merchandise, and opened up shop. And it’s paid off. The shop has gained some notoriety with the local residents, but to Gabriel’s surprise, he has a lot of foreign travelers stopping in. Many visitors have heard of his store, through his myspace page, the many write-ups of the store, or just word of mouth, and come specifically to see his collection.
And when they come, they’re richly rewarded. Gabriel has managed to bring in indy and popular artists and blend them harmoniously in his store. A sampling of his graphic novels includes Chris Ware’s Acme Novelty Library series, the classic Peanut series by Charles Schultz, Foxie by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire (from the New York Review Children’s Collection), and Summer Blonde by Adrian Tomine. Some have great narratives, and some are just arty and abstract. But together, all are a visual feast for the eyes. Being a former resident of the neighborhood, he also carries work on consignment from local artists, including the kids who drop in after school with their zines.
Photo Credits: Jason LaFrenais
He frequently hosts free book release parties, artists’ talks, and other events including the upcoming puppet show on January 25th.
Desert Island
540 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-388-5087
http://www.desertislandbrooklyn.com
http://desertislandbrooklyn.blogspot.com/
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