Gary Arlington, American author and illustrator (b. 1938)

Gary Edson Arlington (October 7, 1938 – January 16, 2014) was a multifaceted American figure who profoundly influenced the counter-cultural landscape of the mid-20th century. Renowned as a retailer, artist, editor, and publisher, Arlington emerged as a pivotal force within the vibrant underground comix movement that flourished across the 1960s and 1970s. His pioneering efforts helped define an era of artistic freedom and unconventional storytelling.

The San Francisco Comic Book Company: A Cultural Nexus

Arlington's most enduring legacy began with the establishment of the San Francisco Comic Book Company in 1968, located in the dynamic Mission District. This wasn't merely a store; it was one of America's very first retail establishments exclusively dedicated to comic books, predating the widespread rise of direct market comic shops. Its opening marked a significant moment in the history of comic distribution, moving beyond newsstands and drugstores to create a specialized haven for enthusiasts and creators.

More than just a point of sale, Arlington's establishment quickly evolved into an indispensable focal point for the burgeoning Bay Area's underground artists. It served as an informal salon, a meeting ground, and a distribution hub where luminaries such as Robert Crumb, Spain Rodriguez, Victor Moscoso, and other pioneers of the comix scene would congregate. Here, ideas were exchanged, collaborations sparked, and the raw, uncensored spirit of underground comics found a nurturing environment, fostering a unique community that rebelled against mainstream sensibilities and explored taboo subjects with unprecedented candor.

Championing Unconventional Voices: Arlington as a Publisher

Beyond retail, Gary Arlington was a prolific publisher. He notably released comics under the imprint San Francisco Comic Book Company, providing a crucial platform for many groundbreaking works. A prime example is the first issue of San Francisco Comic Book itself, an anthology featuring diverse talents that showcased the eclectic nature of the movement. He also played a key role in the distribution and early dissemination of seminal works like Robert Crumb's Zap Comix, which became a cornerstone of the underground genre.

Arlington further expanded his publishing reach by distributing comics under the distinct pseudonym Eric Fromm. It's important to clarify, as the original text notes, that this alias had no connection whatsoever to the renowned German critical theorist Erich Fromm, a point Gary Arlington himself would sometimes playfully emphasize. This separate imprint allowed for additional avenues for distributing the often controversial and highly sought-after material that defined the underground scene. His work helped ensure that these challenging, artistic expressions reached a wider, eager audience beyond traditional channels, contributing significantly to the movement's spread and influence.

An Unsung Hero: Arlington's Enduring Legacy

The profound impact of Gary Arlington's contributions is perhaps best encapsulated by the sentiment of legendary cartoonist Robert Crumb, who remarked, "Gary made a cultural contribution in San Francisco in the late 1960s, through the '70s, '80s & '90s that was more significant than he realizes." Crumb's statement underscores Arlington's long-term influence, extending far beyond the initial burst of underground comix popularity. His tireless efforts in fostering a creative community, providing a physical space for artistic exchange, and ensuring the distribution of independent and alternative comics helped lay the groundwork for subsequent generations of independent publishers and artists.

Arlington remained a steadfast supporter of unconventional art forms and independent creators throughout the decades, maintaining a significant, if sometimes understated, presence in the evolving landscape of alternative comics. His dedication provided continuity and a critical link between the raw energy of the 1960s counter-culture and the emerging independent comic scenes of later decades, solidifying his role as an unsung hero who profoundly shaped modern comic book culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Arlington

Who was Gary Arlington?
Gary Edson Arlington was an American retailer, artist, editor, and publisher, best known as a key figure in the underground comix movement of the 1960s and 1970s. He owned the San Francisco Comic Book Company, one of America's first dedicated comic book stores, and published numerous underground titles.
What was the San Francisco Comic Book Company?
Opened in 1968 by Gary Arlington in San Francisco's Mission District, it was one of the earliest comic book stores in the United States. It served as a vital cultural hub and distribution point for underground comix and artists like Robert Crumb and Spain Rodriguez.
What was Gary Arlington's role in the underground comix movement?
Arlington was instrumental as a retailer, providing a dedicated space for underground comics, and as a publisher, releasing significant titles under the San Francisco Comic Book Company and Eric Fromm imprints. He fostered a community for artists and facilitated the distribution of counter-cultural comic art.
Why did Gary Arlington use the name "Eric Fromm" for publishing?
Arlington used "Eric Fromm" as an additional publishing and distribution alias. It was a playful pseudonym and, as he sometimes clarified, entirely unrelated to the German critical theorist Erich Fromm, despite the similar spelling.
What did Robert Crumb say about Gary Arlington?
Renowned cartoonist Robert Crumb famously stated, "Gary made a cultural contribution in San Francisco in the late 1960s, through the '70s, '80s & '90s that was more significant than he realizes," acknowledging Arlington's profound and lasting impact on cultural and comic art beyond the initial underground boom.