Gfrörer, Julia (1982 - )
American cartoonist, graphic novelist, illustrator and author
Gfrörer's work is often transgressive, invoking occult themes within an ambience of subtly observed historicist concerns, in narratives generally characterized by "mumblecore" dialogue, persistent overtones of horror and suffering, and unapologetic sexuality." Her first full-length novel, Flesh & Bone (2010), was nominated for an Ignatz Award for outstanding achievement in the form, and was excerpted in The Best American Comics (2010) anthology shortly after.
After experimenting with self-publishing and working with a number of smaller presses (Sparkplug, Study Group etc.), Gfrörer's second graphic novella, Black Is The Color, was published at Fantagraphics after being digitally serialized on the Study Group Comics website. Fantagraphics published her book about the Black Death, Laid Waste, in 2016 which was released to general critical acclaim.
Gfrörer appeared in Fantagraphics' Next Wave panel alongside colleagues Simon Hanselmann, Anya Davidson, Benjamin Marra, and Noah Van Sciver in 2016. She's also presented at PEN America's "Transcendent Obscenity" panel, and at the Parsons School of Art & Design while teaching workshops at SAW and exhibiting work at MoCCA and elsewhere.
While Fantagraphics publishes Gfrörer's major works, she continues to publish shorter works and collaborations under her own imprint, Thuban Press. In 2016, Thuban published No End Will Be Found, a harrowing novella set during the Würzburg witch trials by author Gretchen Felker-Martin whose work continues to appear under the imprint.
Gfrörer has been twice nominated for the Ignatz Award and twice featured as a contributor in Best American Comics.