Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thompson has been diagnosed with lung cancerThis afternoon, Fantagraphics Books sent out a statement on behalf of co-publisher Kim Thompson, revealing publicly for the first time that Thompson has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Thompson has served as VP and co-publisher of the groundbreaking and award-winning Seattle-based comic book and graphic novel publisher since 1978 along with co-founder Gary Groth.

Thompson addressed the issue of his lack of regular presence, attributing it to "ongoing health issues for the past month, which earlier this week resolved themselves in the diagnosis of lung cancer."

Groth issued the following statement:

Kim Thompson has been my partner at Fantagraphics Books for 35 years. He's contributed vastly and selflessly to this company and to the comics medium and worked closely with countless fine artists over that time. This is a tough announcement to make, but everyone who knows Kim knows he's a fighter and we remain optimistic that he'll get through this and report back to report to work, where he belongs, doing what he loves.

Thompson's full message follows:

I'm sure that by now a number of people in the comics field who deal with me on a regular or semi-regular basis have noticed that I've been responding more spottily. This is because of ongoing health issues for the past month, which earlier this week resolved themselves in a diagnosis of lung cancer.

This is still very early in the diagnosis, so I have no way of knowing the severity of my condition. I'm relatively young and (otherwise) in good health, and my hospital is top-flight, so I'm hopeful and confident that we will soon have the specifics narrowed down, set me up with a course of treatment, proceed, and lick this thing.

It is quite possible that as treatment gets underway I'll be able to come back in and pick up some aspects of my job, maybe even quite soon. However, in the interests of keeping things rolling as smoothly as I can, I've transferred all my ongoing projects onto other members of the Fantagraphics team. So if you're expecting something from me, contact Gary Groth, Eric Reyolds, or Jason Miles and they can hook you up with whoever you need. If there are things that only I know and can deal with, lay it out for them and they'll contact me.

Comic Book Resources wishes Thompson the best as he undergoes treatment. Fans who would like to reach out to him to feel free to send mail to him c/o Fantagraphics Books, 7563 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, or e-mail to fbicomix@fantagraphics.com.