Highwater Books was a small but influential independent comic book publisher based in Somerville, Massachusetts, noted for its arty editorial direction and production values under publisher Tom Devlin. Highwater began in 1997 and folded in November 2004 due to financial pressure. Artists published Marc Bell Mat Brinkman Greg Cook Megan Kelso James Kochalka Matt Madden John Porcellino Brian Ralph Ron Rege, Jr. The press was also known for its ironically themed "Marvel Comics Benefit" anthology Coober Skeber, a prolific output of silkscreened posters and promotional materials, a loose association with Fort Thunder (where a number of Highwater artists resided) and Jordan Crane (publisher of NON), distribution of Jef Czekaj's Hypertruck (née R2D2 Is an Indie Rocker), and a few non-comic works of fiction, including a trio of books by Camden Joy. List of publications * Camden Joy's entries were prose + Dan Buck's entry was poetry ++ Co-published with Alternative Comics Books distributed by Highwater Books Boys, Ron Regé, Jr.(a), Joan Reidy(w), 28 pages, 6" x 9", blue on pink Hypertruck VI, Jef Czekaj, 24 pages, 6-5/8" x 10-1/4", b/w Double Happiness, Jason Shiga, 72 pages, 6-5/8" x 9", b/w Stereoscomic, various, 256 pages, 6" x 9", b/w Col-Dee, Jordan Crane Epoxy, John Pham Fancy Froglin's Sexy Forest, James Kochalka Orchid, various Pamplemoussi, Genevieve Castree, w/ 12" vinyl record Peanut Butter and Jeremy's Best Book Ever!, James Kochalka The Imp #4, Dan Raeburn Where Hats Go, Kurt Wolfgang, 144 pages, 4" x 5.75", yeller and brown on cream Lost Valley: A trashy tale of excess, Megan Kelso(a), Daniel Snyder(w), 32 pages, b/w Solicited books not published Maggots, Brian Chippendale, , 320 pages, 5" x 6", two color I Pity You, Philippe Dupuy and Charles Berberian, , 128 pages, 6" x 9", b/w Coober Skeber #3, various, , 128 pages, 10" x 12", two color Crum Bums, Brian Ralph, , 160 pages, 5" x 6", b/w SMB3, Ben Jones Quotes Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter: Notes Sources Arnold, Andrew D. "The Complex Simplicity of John Porcellino," Time.com (Jul. 13, 2001). Dean, Michael. "Shrinking Alternatives: Is It Just Jeff Mason's Company or Is the Alternative Comic Book Format in Trouble?" The Comics Journal #263 (Oct. 14th, 2004) Koepke, Melora. "Bell's Ringing," Hour (Jan. 22nd, 2004). Spurgeon, Tom. "Highwater Books — An Appreciation," The Comics Reporter (Nov. 21, 2004). Comic book publishing companies of the United States Defunct comics and manga publishing