Fantagraphics Books is putting together an author tour for political cartoonist Steve Brodner, who plans to visit a number of cities in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast during October to promote Freedom Fries, a collection of Brodner's best cartoons from the past three decades.  Retailers interested in hosting an event with Brodner at their store should contact Eric Reynolds of Fantagraphics as soon as possible. Brodner will do a live art show in the stores he visits, using computer projection to explain how to draw the candidates during this political season.  Brodner will present 'the unknown Bush State of the Union Speech' as well as his 3-minute 'History of Everything.'

There is no fee for Brodner's appearance, though retailers will have to share travel costs (each participant will be able to sign off on all charges before having to make a commitment).  Brodner's Freedom Fries is a giant 240-page, 9 x 12 collection of 500 political cartoons (300 in color), which has a cover price of $29.95.