Tender Loving Empire

Mike Bertino

Pinwheel

First Edition of 250 books
125 in gamma green, 125 in sand
Hand Screenprinted in black,
white and peacock blue
$9.99 + $2 S+H

Pinwheel, like the reflective folds of the children's toy, spins the reader around two seperate settings unified by a common script. The first, a film-noiresque world of shady dealings, whispered intents and ruthless violence is balanced by a seemingly familiar suburban setting full of parties, romances and pregnancies. Using one common set of words, a keen sense of wit and a unique drawing style, Mike Bertino- in his Tender Loving Empire debut- deftly unfolds a story that is as heartbreaking in plot as it is breathtaking in design.

Mike Bertino grew up in San Diego, CA where he published a small handful of mini-comics, including a 4 part series called Trigger. Later he moved to Los Angeles for schooling, and in 2007 graduated from Art Center College of Design with his BFA. He currently lives in Los Angeles where he works as a cartoonist, illustrator, and gallery artist.