A lesson drawn from Jim Hunt's interview

Big-Time Cartoonist Still Draws from Craigslist Want Ads
By Richard Horgan
Fishbowl LA blog June 29, 2011
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/jim-hunt-fox-sports-craigslist-patriot-ledger_b32498

July 13: Disney animation panel at Press Club

Disney Television Animation Set for National Press Club's First-Ever Animation Panel Featuring Hit Disney Channel Series "Phineas and Ferb" and "Fish Hooks"
Panelists Include Chelsea Kane, Kyle Massey, Alyson Stoner, Jack McBrayer, Maulik Pancholy, Bobby Gaylor and Justin Roiland --

BURBANK, Calif., June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Disney Television Animation is slated to present the Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated series "Phineas and Ferb," and hit innovative comedy series "Fish Hooks" at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 (7:00 – 9:00 p.m., ET/PT).  This presentation marks the National Press Club's first-ever animation panel. ....

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/disney-television-animation-set-for-national-press-clubs-first-ever-animation-panel-featuring-hit-disney-channel-series-phineas-and-ferb-and-fish-hooks-124700723.html

Virginia Film Festival calls for animation submissions

Va. Film Festival calls for submissions from area filmmakers

University of Virginia Jun. 29, 2011 

 http://www.newsleader.com/article/20110629/NEWS01/110629001/Va-Film-Festival-calls-submissions-from-area-filmmakers

Glen Weldon rounds up comics news

Funnybook Round-Up: Of Lawsuits, Ladies And Also, For Some Reason, 'Burn Notice'

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (June  29, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/29/137469549/funnybook-round-up-of-lawsuits-ladies-and-also-for-some-reason-burn-notice

The odder your comic book idea, the more press you get

Yesterday's Post had a one-paragraph blurb about Discovery's upcoming dinosaur comic book - today this article is online:

 

Comic book version of bin Laden raid to be released
By Jason Ukman
Washington Post Checkpoint Washington blog June 29 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/comic-book-version-of-bin-laden-raid-to-be-released/2011/06/28/AGMnK4pH_blog.html

On reflection, to make myself clear, let me note that I don't think there's anything wrong with a sequential art account of bin Laden's assassination - I'm just kvetching about the amount of pre-publication press something like this gets. And now I'm adding to it, of course.

Annapolis cartoonist Jim Hunt profiled

HIS OWN CAREER: From Braintree High, a cartoonist was born
Lane Lambert
Patriot Ledger June 28, 2011
 http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x1305079067/From-Braintree-High-a-cartoonist-was-born

"Today, he's a nationally known cartoonist, whose work has appeared everywhere from Fox Sports' Major League Baseball broadcasts to HBO and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. His editorial cartoons have been included in national collections seven years in a row. Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis has a caricature Hunt drew of him."

Frank Cho's World's Emmy

Daily Cartoonist reports that the Washington Post's video, Creating Frank Cho's World, has won an Emmy award.

Matt Dembicki's photos from the American Library Association

Matt Dembicki took Trickster on the road to the American Library Association and just sent me a link with pictures - http://matt-dembicki.blogspot.com/2011/06/photos-from-ala-2011.html

Glen Burnie comic shop closes

The Empyre strikes out
Local comics shop is shutting down
By THERESA WINSLOW, Staff Writer
The Capital 06/26/11
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/lif/2011/06/26-08/The-Empyre-strikes-out.html

Cul de Sac picks up paper, replacing 9 Chickweed Lane

Culled and sacked
Everett, WA Herald June 27 2011
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110627/BLOG08/706279915

Comic Riffs on NY Times cartoonist McFadden

NEW YORK TIMES DEBUT: Alt-cartoonist Brian McFadden revels in paper's first Sunday Review slot
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comics Riffs blog June 26 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/new-york-times-debut-thrilled-alt-cartoonist-brian-mcfadden-on-landing-the-papers-first-sunday-review-slot/2011/06/27/AGCmWFnH_blog.html#pagebreak

Comic Riffs on Gene Colan's death

RIP, GENE COLAN: Stan Lee joins those memorializing the legendary artist [UPDATED]
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs June 27 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-gene-colan-stan-lee-joins-those-memorializng-the-legendary-artist-updated/2011/06/24/AGif8cnH_blog.html#pagebreak

For the record, the Post ran part of a wire story obit today.

Truitt on Spider-Man, the Thing and Li'l Depressed Boy

Ultimate Spider-Man meets an ultimate fate
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 21 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-21-Ultimate-Spider-Man-meets-his-ultimate-fate_n.htm

The Thing turns truly monstrous in 'Fear Itself'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 20 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-20-The-Thing-is-truly-monstrous-in-Fear-Itself_n.htm

'Li'l Depressed Boy' finds success in a lovable loner
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-21-Lil-Depressed-Boy-finds-success-with-a-lovable-loner_n.htm

NY Times editorializes in favor of Jack Kirby

Here's something you don't read every day -

Marvel Superheroes and the Fathers of Invention
By BRENT STAPLES
June 26, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/26/opinion/sunday/26observer.html

PR: Intervention con on September 16-18

INTERVENTION CONVENTION BRINGS CYBER-LIFE TO REAL LIFE
Event brings creators and fans together for weekend of learning and fun

ROCKVILLE, MD, June 14, 2011: Intervention, taking place at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville in Rockville, MD, from September 16-18, 2011, is an indie creator and geek culture convention for the Internet generation. One part conference, one part fandom event, Intervention aims to provide both creators and fans a venue to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the opportunities technology provides.

"James [Harknell] and I wanted to put together an event that would complement the existing print-centric conventions – we wanted to showcase the creators who use the Internet as their primary publishing method," says convention founder Onezumi Hartstein. "I went to conventions for years to promote my webcomic, and was always treated well, but felt that web creators needed their own space. We're giving them that with Intervention." After a very successful first run in 2010, this year will mark Hartstein's second time organizing the event.

Over thirty guests are currently scheduled to attend, bringing three days of panels and educational workshops. Fans of all stripes are also encouraged to submit their own cutting-edge programming, showcase their own works, and schedule their own meetups at the event. A special track of children's programming will be overseen by Matt Blum, managing editor of the GeekDad blog on Wired.com.

Sponsored by Think Geek (http://www.thinkgeek.com), Wacom (http://www.wacom.com), Foam Brain Games (http://www.foambrain.com), 4Imprint (http://www.4imprint.com), Squishable (http://www.squishable.com), and Toy Vault (http://www.toyvault.com), the convention will also feature video and board gaming, an extensive Artist Alley, live action roleplay (LARP), musical performances, a Steampunk-themed dance, and plenty of giveaways. A charity auction will benefit the Electronic Frontier Foundation (http://www.eff.org), a civil liberties group that aims to defend freedom on the Internet.

Tickets for Intervention can be bought at http://www.interventioncon.com for $35 for the full weekend (through June 30, 2011). Tickets bought at the door will cost $45, with single-day rates available. More information about guests and events can be found at http://www.interventioncon.com.

Comic Book Fan Culture study at Loyola College Maryland

Family Relationships and Men's Participation in Comic Book Fan Culture
via Comic Book Resources

Annapolis cartoonist Jim Orton dies

Alan Gardner caught the death of Jim Orton at 81. Alan also linked to Roy Delgado's remembrance of Orton's DC years.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Dick Tracy at Nat'l Museum of American History

It's a book in Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop & Turn - http://www.si.edu/Exhibitions/Details/Paper-Engineering-Fold-Pull-Pop--Turn-896

There were some neat books in this show as you'd expect, including a Dick Tracy pop-up. A Terry and the Pirates book is shown in the free brochure.

There's a blog too.

PR: $1 Comic Book Sale at Beyond Comics

OUR BIGGEST $1 Dollar Comic Book Blowout Ever $1 Dollar COMICS Almost 30,000 Comics $1 Each   Marvels, DC Comics, Image, Dark Horse and others... Titles include: Batman, X-men, Captain America, Justice League, Superman, Spider-man, Wolverine, Daredevil, let's just say...almost every comic book title you can think of.   Sale Starts Sunday June 26th Ends Monday July 4th Pre - Sale Saturay June 25th after 6pm   Hours Sun 12-9 * Mon, Tues 10-8 * Wed - Sat 10-9 * July 4th 10 - 6  Gaithersburg                                       Frederick  Gaithersburg Square                       Route 85 536 North Frederick Ave                  5632 Buckeystown Pike Gaithersburg, MD 20877                  Frederick, MD 21704 301-668-8202                               (301) 6668-8202 All sales subject to availability. Sales do not apply to recent arrivals except where noted. Sale prices not applicable to special orders, on hold items or subscriptions. Discounts may not be combined with any other sales or promotions. Certain exclusions apply, see individual stores for details. Subscriber's not in good standing may be excluded from sales as deemed appropriate. Please visit our stores any time. Gaithersburg                                       Frederick Gaithersburg Square                       Route 85 536 North Frederick Ave                  5632 Buckeystown Pike Gaithersburg, MD 20877                  Frederick, MD 21704 301-668-8202                               (301) 6668-8202

Larry Rodman's Gene Colan interview reprinted online

In the 1990s-early 2000s, Larry Rodman was the Comics Journal's man on the ground in DC and did a lot of stories for them. He's become a school teacher now, and isn't as involved in comics as he was, but you can still spot him lurking at SPX at times.

Here's a piece he did a decade ago, reprinted due to Gene Colan's death this week -

The Gene Colan Interview
BY TCJ.com Jun 24, 2011
From The Comics Journal #231 (March 2001). Conducted by Larry Rodman.
http://www.tcj.com/the-gene-colan-interview/

Comic Riffs interviews Neil Gaiman

NEIL GAIMAN'S TWITTER VISION: Author plans to write about #Twitter in new 'American Gods 2'
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 24 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/neil-gaimans-twitter-vision-author-plans-to-write-about-twitter-in-new-american-gods-2/2011/06/24/AGgs8PjH_blog.html

Leesburg, VA man outs himself as a furry

Pittsburgh inundated by furries -- fans of animated animals
PITTSBURGH | Fri Jun 24, 2011
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/24/us-convention-furries-idUSTRE75N5JA20110624

Attendee Karl Jorgensen, of Leesburg, Virginia, said being a furry was rooted in his longtime appreciation for Looney Tunes and Warner Bros. cartoons. "I'm interested in animation," he said. "The playfulness ... I mean, who doesn't like watching cartoons, right?"

Uh-huh. And then perhaps dress up as Pepe LePew?

Truitt interviews Transformer voice actor

As Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen brings humanity to 'Transformers' franchise
Brian Truitt
USA Weekend's Who's News blog June 24th, 2011
http://whosnews.usaweekend.com/2011/06/as-optimus-prime-peter-cullen-brings-humanity-to-transformers-franchise/

PBS Newshour on Gladstone and Neufeld's The Influencing Machine

Brooke Gladstone's Graphic Commentary of Media's 'Influencing Machine'
Jeffrey Brown
PBS Newshour's Art Beat blog June 24, 2011
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/blog/2011/06/conversation-brooke-gladstones-the-influencing-machine.html

PRI's The World on State Dept's disinviting Palestinian cartoonist Majed Badra

Palestinian cartoonist Majed Badra accused of anti-Semitism
Lisa Mullins
PRI's The World 23 June, 2011
http://www.pri.org/arts-entertainment/arts/palestinian-cartoonist-majed-badra-accused-of-anti-semitism4565.html
http://media.theworld.org/audio/062220113.mp3

Monkey See blog on Cars 2

'Cars 2': Unfortunately, It's Just About Cars
by Linda Holmes
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog June 24, 2011
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/24/137346135/cars-2-unfortunately-its-just-about-cars

Local papers unimpressed with Cars 2

Not much under the hood in 'Cars 2'
By: Kelly Jane Torrance
 Washington Examiner 06/23/11: http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/06/not-much-under-hood-cars-2

Alas, Poor Mater: 'Cars 2' Falls Short of the Original
By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express June 24, 2011, p. 30
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/06/cars-2-falls-short-original.php

Lightning, Mater on the road, again
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post June 24, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/cars-2,1177333/critic-review.html

Sidekick Tries to Tow a Sequel
By A. O. SCOTT
June 23, 2011
http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/movies/pixars-cars-2-with-larry-the-cable-guy-and-owen-wilson-review.html

Cartoon book reviews up at City Paper

I'm way behind on this, but here's a start -

International Ink: A Summer Comics Gift List
 by Mike Rhode on Jun. 24, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/06/24/international-ink-a-summer-comics-gift-list/

Trickster picks up book awards

Matt Dembicki's anthology Trickster picked up a couple of book awards recently. (Spotted by Tom Spurgeon)

MAGIC BULLET #3 fundraising begins on Kickstarter

Hey everyone, We here at the DC Conspiracy hope that you enjoyed MAGIC BULLET #2 and once again thank you for supporting that project. We are sending out this quick note to let you know that we are now raising funds for MAGIC BULLET #3 on Kickstarter. We've got a bunch of new prizes for pledging, including the easiest way for you to get your hands on a copy of the upcoming issue. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/plasticfarm/magic-bullet-3 Please, if you enjoyed MAGIC BULLET #2, take a moment to check out our pledge drive for #3. We'll also be updating the page often as we finalize our contributor list and as artwork comes in. Thanks again, Rafer Roberts

Comic Riffs interviews Neil Gaiman

Here's Michael Cavna's teaser post.

Tom Gammill and Arnold Roth namecheck Richard Thompson

Tom Gammill Lesson 27
Jun 20, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPIFnA8p_wU

The 27th installment of Learn To Draw with Tom Gammill, where the creator of The Doozies visits the famous cartoonist and illustrator Arnold Roth and his wife Caroline at their NY apartment.

New Flugennock cartoon online

Latest'n'Greatest: "Don't Call Us – We'll Call You"

http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=899
Don't Call Us – We'll Call You

Click through for Mike's commentary on his cartoon.

Weldon on Woodring, Gross on Niemann

A Weird, And Wonderful, Cartoon 'Congress'
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Books We Like (June 22, 2011)
http://www.npr.org/2011/06/22/137317502/a-weird-and-wonderful-cartoon-congress

and not quite DC, but Niemann's one of my favorites -

 

'That's How' Christoph Niemann Explains It All
by Terry Gross
Fresh Air from WHYY June 22, 2011
http://www.npr.org/2011/06/22/137197285/-that-s-how-an-illustrator-explains-it-all
http://pd.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/fa/2011/06/20110622_fa_02.mp3?dl=1
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=137197285

 

Job opportunity: cartoonist/letterist needed...urgent.

Nate (whom I don't know) has requested that I put this up on ComicsDC.

 

From: nathan <nate_888@yahoo.com>

Hi,  Came across comics dc and thought you might be the right person to ask - I'm looking for a skilled, experienced cartoonist/illustrator with great lettering skills to hire for a 1-2 day shoot that starts tomorrow. We're doing a project that is inspired by the RSA Animate series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc We will speed up the artist's hand drawing the images on a dry erase board, and match to a voiceover like they did in the link above.  The drawings look simple, but they are harder than they appear.  If you know anyone or have suggestions about where to post this request, I'd certainly appreciate it.  Nate

June 23: Brooke Gladstone at Politics and Prose, interviewed in Express

An Animated Personality: Brooke Gladstone, 'The Influencing Machine,' at Politics and Prose [in print: Meet an Animated Personality: Brooke Gladstone's graphic book sheds light on media history].
By Katie Aberbach
Express June 23, 2011
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/06/brooke-gladstone-the-influencing-machine-politics-and-prose.php

Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; Thu., 7 p.m., free; 202-364-1919, Politics-prose.com. (Van Ness)

Comic Riffs on a Spider-Man death

RIP, SPIDER-MAN: In Memoriam, a fan's tribute to Peter Parker
By David Betancourt
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 22 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-spider-man-in-memoriam-a-fans-tribute-to-peter-parker/2011/06/22/AGykb4fH_blog.html#pagebreak

Monkey See blog on the latest comic book death

"Spider-Man ... No More!" Some More: RIP, Peter Parker

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (June 22, 2011)

  http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/22/137333177/-spider-man-no-more-some-more-rip-peter-parker

One missing cartoonist from State Dept tour

I had an excellent time at the reception for these cartoonists last night and should have pictures up soon. That said, one cartoonist Majed Badra of Palestine was dis-invited, albeit not by the Washington office of the International Visitor Leadership Program, but rather by Consular Affairs. Here's what appears to me to be a good article -

Dept. of State rejects cartoonist over 'anti-Semitic' drawings
— Clara Hogan
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press June 20 2011
http://www.rcfp.org/newsitems/index.php?i=11932

- and I particularly like this quote, which seems to go to the heart of the matter to me - "The young cartoonist noted that the U.S. government interfered with his freedom of speech in the context of a program that is meant to support it."

Conan Takes a Prize

Here's a Conan drawing by SL Gallant for my friend Ahmed, who requested that the severed head resemble me. Ahhh, friends...

Tom Gauld in yesterday's Washington Post

For the record, crack British cartoonist Tom Gauld had illustrations in the June 19th Washington Post Book Review. Gauld does regular illustrations for the New York Times Magazine, and has done book-related illustrations for a British newspaper for years.

Comic Riffs interviews Poseur's Vankin

THE LINES BEHIND THE LIES: Through fiction, 'Poseurs' author Deborah Vankin unveils truths of self-discovery
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 18 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-lines-behind-the-lies-through-fiction-poseurs-author-deborah-vankin-unveils-truths-about-nightlife-and-teen-lit/2011/06/20/AG7k8YcH_blog.html

Pennsylvania student cartoonist's work shown at Capitol

Area teen artist's work will be on display in Washington
MATT HUGHES
Times Leader June 19 2011
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Area-teen-artists-work-will-be-on-display-in-Washington.html

Cartoonists and baseball

Local writer, and FoCDC, Warren Bernard has a new article on cartoonists playing baseball -

The Greatest Baseball Game Ever Played

BY Warren Bernard
TCJ.com Jun 20, 2011
http://www.tcj.com/the-greatest-baseball-game-ever-played/

R.C. Harvey on Richard Thompson and Cul de Sac

Fanfare: Open Access for our hare-raising report on the Reubens Weekend, May 27-29, during which the National Cartoonists Society bestows numerous awards, including the Reuben for "cartoonist of the year." Meet the Wimpy Kid's Jeff Kinney, freelancers Roy Doty and R.O. Blechman and Cul de Sac's Richard Thompson and read all the sordid details of the humiliation of the Happy Harv himself and other disgraces that transpired over the weekend. Plus—a plan to reform Congress!! This installment is open to all comers, whether you pay a $ubscription fee or not. This largess occurs only once or twice a year, kimo sabe, so don't miss out. Beam up by clicking below.

http://www.rcharvey.com/rantsraves.html

Stay tooned,
R.C. Harvey

For comics news and reviews, profusely dosed with cartooning history and lore, beam up to www.RCHarvey.com, where our online magazine, Rants & Raves, is posted every two or three weeks.

Comic Book Diner: Fun & Funny Graphic Novel Boxed Set fails at Kickstarter

Local cartoonist John Gallagher's Comic Book Diner fundraiser at Kickstarter failed today, but John hopes to resubmit it and is asking the following questions:

So a few final questions, based upon all the great feedback you gave in the last round of "Backer Suggestion Box Theater"... 1. The box is a costly part of this set-- but what if, instead of a box, we offered hardcover versions in place of the boxed set? You see, our printer has noodled out some ideas on bringing costs down, and the customization of the box was a big issue-- but taking say, just 500 of each run and making them hardcover, could increase the longetivity and value, for less than the box costs. 2. Some have suggested increasing the # of cameos for additional funding-- what do you think? Should we make a special scene in the Buzzboy Diner, or at the Roboyland park, where friends and family who back us for $100 appear? 3. If we resubmitted in a few days, or weeks-- would you back us? And what else might you suggest? We really do appreciate everybody's comments-- and to our early backers, we thank you.

USA Today on The Big Lie, Legion of Doom and the Red Skull

Image Comics' 'The Big Lie' asks some big questions
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-14-Image-Comics-The-Big-Lie-asks-some-big-questions_n.htm

'Legion of Doom': DC supervillains feel a Heat Wave
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-14-Legion-of-Doom-DC-Comics-supervillains-feel-a-Heat-Wave_n.htm

Red Skull miniseries plots origin for a vile Marvel villain
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-15-Red-Skull-comic-series-plots-origin-of-a-Marvel-villain_n.htm

Shreveport Times asks my opinion on comic strips

Comics section gets new format
Written by John Andrew Prime Jun. 19, 2011
Shreveport Times
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110619/NEWS01/106190324/Comics-section-gets-new-format

Zadzooks on Green Lantern videogame

Zadzooks: Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
By Joseph Szadkowski
The Washington Times June 18, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/18/zadzooks-green-lantern-rise-manhunters/

Local collector Mark Zaid featured on comic collecting video

Are local comic book dealers more trustworthy than Internet dealers?: Buying Comic Books
By GrabNetworks June 18 2011
http://security.itbusinessnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=1552849

June 20: Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World

I'll be attending this.

Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World
Monday, June 20, 2011
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Holeman Lounge, The National Press Club
Free for Press Club Members, Non Members: $10

Free for DC Conspiracy Members and any other DC cartoonists (enter discount code DOS)

Registration Required at: http://press.org/events/daring-draw-evening-political-cartoonists-around-world#tickets

Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World

Press Club Hosts Political Cartoonists From Around the World

Political cartoonists have the unique ability to capture complex issues in a picture and a few short words. In many parts of the world, they contribute political commentary that few print or broadcast journalists would dare.

The U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is hosting a group of 20 political cartoonists from North Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia. During their three weeks in the U.S., they will meet with fellow cartoonists around the country and get a taste of American culture.

We invite you to a welcoming reception hosted jointly by the U.S. Department of State and the National Press Club. The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Holeman Lounge at the National Press Club. A brief program will begin at 6 p.m. The international cartoonists' pieces will be on display and they will be available to discuss their work and experiences.A cash http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbar will be available and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

This event is free to members of the National Press Club and $10 for non members.

And I'm sure this article refers to a disinvited guest-

Gaza cartoonist says US consul canceled training invite
Ma'an News Agency 18/06/2011

PR: DC Comicon is Sunday (Father's Day)! Cho! Hama! Dezago! Starlin! FREE!

Reminder!  DC Comicon is Sunday (Father's Day)! Cho! Hama! Dezago! Starlin! FREE!   FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA - June 17, 2011 - A final reminder that the second annual DC Comicon at George Mason University sponsored by Brett Carreras (the promoter of the VA  Comicon) and Marc Nathan (the promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con) is this Sunday, June 14th, and it's FREE. Again being held at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, the DC Comicon will feature the regions finest selection of comic books from the 1940's to present, along with top comic book industry talent. Featured guests include Frank Cho (Award-winning illustrator and writer of Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers and more!), Jim Starlin (creator of all things Thanos and Infinity), Todd Dezago (the current Casper relaunch, Tellos, Amazing Spider-Man), Larry Hama (The "Godfather" of GI Joe, and creator of Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow) along with his illustrator on the current GI Joe series, SL Gallant...signing with Mr. Hama for the first time!     DC Comicon FREE tickets were delivered to EVERY comic retailer in VA, DC and MD on Wednesday, June 15th, so go into your favorite store and ASK for your free tickets!       With door prizes courtesy of Top Cow, FREE admission, GREAT comic book selection, and less than a 100 mile commute from Richmond, DC, Philadelphia, and MORE, along with access to the DC Metro public transit system, the DC Comicon is the EASIEST, and most FREE comic book event EVER on Father's Day. Visit www.dccomicon.com for more information, including your FREE tickets and information on travel, parking, artists, publishers, updates, and MORE! We will see you there! Regards,                                                                                                        Brett Carreras (promoter of the VA Comicon www.vacomicon.com) Marc Nathan (promoter of the Baltimore Comicon (www.baltimorecomiccon.com)

June 18: Super Art Fight returns to DC

Tonight, Super Art Fight returns to DC at The Red Palace. If watching cartoonists think and draw on their feet in sketching contests appeals to you - and you can be drinking while this happens - local cartoonists Brandon J. Carr and Jami Noguchi will be facing off. Tickets are still available although the previous SAF sold out. Super Art Fight,  The Red Palace, 1212 H St, NE, Washington, DC, Saturday, June 18, 10 pm, $15.

 

 

 

 

This Weekend: Comic books? Or Political Cartoons?

 by Mike Rhode

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/06/17/this-weekend-comic-books-or-political-cartoons/

Click for information on Sunday's Washington Comic Con or Monday's visiting foreign political cartoonists.

Wash Examiner on Green Lantern

'Green Lantern' proves a dim bulb [online title: 'Green Lantern' just a moldy piece of cheese]
 Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner (June 17 2011)http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/06/green-lantern-just-moldy-piece-cheese

Saturday is Free RPG Day at Big Planet College Park

This Saturday, June 18th, is free RPG day.  We will be giving away free RPG stuff while supplies last.   Also, all gaming material will be 10% off  all day in College Park.   And College Park will be having a Magic The Gathering Tournament Starting at 2:00pm.   Free stuff, sales, and fun.  Stop by and say hello.   Peter Casazza Big Planet Comics of College Park 301.699.0498

Matt Dembicki and Trickster at ALA

Here's a schedule for Matt Dembicki and Trickster at the American Library Association June 25-26 in New Orleans (courtesy of Comics Reporter).

National Book Festival posted their guests

Randy T. sends in this note:

http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/authors/?PHPSESSID=154d897ba385a863b76587a88944c9a1

 

Only comic person I noticed was Jon Muth. 

Muth has been doing children's books lately. Similarly, William Joyce is a children's book artists who's been adapted into animation quite a few times. Finally New Yorker cartoonist and syndicated panelists Harry Bliss has also done children's books. I sense a theme... or at least a way for cartoonists to make money.

Comic Riffs' Green Lantern interview

Riffing With Creators: 'Green Lantern' writer-producer GEOFF JOHNS waxes rhapsodic about Hollywood, Hal Jordan and his brightest days
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 16 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/riffing-with-creators-green-lantern-writer-producer-geoff-johns-waxes-rhapsodic-about-hollywood-hal-jordan-and-his-brightest-days/2011/06/15/AG8yYcXH_blog.html

Politics and Prose comics activities June 22-24

Wednesday, June 22, 7:30 p.m.
Graphic Novel Book Group
Duncan the Wonder Dog by Adam Hine

Brooke Gladstone - The Influencing Machine (in conversation with James Fallows)
Jun 23 2011 7:00 pm
The host of NPR’s On the Media here harnesses the power of text and graphics to guide readers through the history of mass communications. Understanding today’s myriad technological resources entails looking back as far as ancient Rome, and Gladstone is a witty and instructive guide, showing us how to be shapers, not just consumers, of the media. Gladstone will be in conversation with James Fallows of The Atlantic Monthly.

Steven Weinberg and Casey Scieszka - To Timbuktu
Jun 24 2011 7:00 pm
After graduating from college, the authors embark on a two-year adventure, teaching English in China, then traveling through Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Mali. Their travelogue is fresh and humorous; the story of the people they meet and of their own relationship is told in both prose and witty cartoon sketches. Ages 14-18

Onion interviews animation voice Jon Benjamin and doesn't like Green Lantern

 Both of these are in the print edition on the streets of DC.

 

 

Green Lantern D+

 by Scott Tobias

Onion June 16, 2011

http://www.avclub.com/articles/green-lantern,57642/

 

Jon Benjamin

 by Steve Heisler

Onion June 16, 2011 , p. 12

http://www.avclub.com/articles/jon-benjamin,57471/

Weldon on superhero movies recurring themes

Clip 'N' Save (The Day): Your Official Monkey See Superhero-Movie Bingo Card

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog June 15, 2011

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/15/137188405/clip-n-save-the-day-your-official-monkey-see-superhero-movie-bingo-card

Post reviews Green Lantern

'Green Lantern' is passable, plausible -- and none too illuminating
By Mark Jenkins
Washington Post June 16, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/green-lantern,1158840/critic-review.html

 

Heroes Con and Paul Madonna photographs

Heroes Con pictures including Team Cul de Sac, Don Rosa, Butch Guice, and the One Fine Sunday exhibit.



All Over Coffee cartoonist Paul Madonna at Politics and Prose, June 14, 2011.

Smithsonian blog interviews Ryan North on Dinosaur Comics

Interview With Ryan North, Creator of Dinosaur Comics
Brian Wolly
Smithsonian's Dinosaur Tracking blog June 14, 2011
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/dinosaur/2011/06/interview-with-ryan-north-creator-of-dinosaur-comics/

Local Spider-Man musical reviews

'Spider-Man' Dares To Open

By Peter Marks,

Washington Post June 15 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/theater-spider-man-turn-off-the-dark/2011/06/14/AGwZwBVH_story.html

 

Broadway Holds Its Breath As 'Spider-Man' Musical Officially Debuts

Jeffrey Brown

PBS Newshour June 14 2011

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/jan-june11/spiderman_06-14.html

 

 

'Spider-Man': Worked Over And Reworked, Does It Work Better Now?

by Mark Blankenship

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (June 15, 2011):

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/15/137194403/spider-man-worked-over-and-reworked-does-it-work-better-now

 

 

At Long Last, Curtain To Rise On 'Spider-Man'

by Jeff Lunden

Morning Edition June 14, 2011

http://www.npr.org/2011/06/14/137151984/at-long-last-curtain-to-rise-on-spider-man

http://pd.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/me/2011/06/20110614_me_18.mp3

http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=137151984

Richard Thompson won a Reuben?

It must be true - there's a press release -

Cul de Sac Creator Richard Thompson wins Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year
Richard Thompson found himself atop one of the great pinnacles in a professional cartoonist's career at the National Cartoonists Society's 65th Annual Reuben Awards dinner, held in Boston on May 28. Thompson, creator of the syndicated comic strip Cul de Sac, was honored by his peers with the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year.
Paul Richardson
Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) June 14, 2011
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8569553.htm

Spider-Man musical article in print Post

Carucci, John / Associated Press.  2011.

A changed 'Spider-Man' rallies behind ex-director.

Washington Post (June 14)

 

It's in the Style section, but not on the website at all so click here if you're interested.

Truitt on Spider-Man's new book

'Avenging Spider-Man' swings into action in November
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 13 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-13-Avenging-Spider-Man-series-swings-into-action_n.htm

June 15: Nathan Edmondson Signing at Fantom Comics This Wednesday

This coming Wednesday, June 15, Fantom Comics will be hosting writer Nathan Edmondson! Edmondson is the author of 3 of Image's hottest titles: Olympus, The Light and Who Is Jake Ellis?. Edmondson will be at the store from noon - 7pm (with occasional breaks, of course), and is happy to chat and sign any of his books. In case you don't have any of his stuff (in which case, shame on you!), Fantom will have a stack of his stuff available for your convenience. And at 7pm Edmondson will be joining the Fantom Comics crew for drinks and grub at the Union Pub, right up the street! See you Wednesday! Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478 www.fantomcomics.com

June 14: Paul Madonna at Politics & Prose

Tomorrow at Politics & Prose bookstore (5015 Connecticut Avenue NW) at 7 pm, Paul Madonna, who draws and writes a strip, "All Over Coffee," for the San Francisco Chronicle, will do a reading and signing from his new book, "Everything Is Its Own Reward."   See http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/paul-madonna-everything-its-own-reward for details. 

 

Recent USA Today comic stories

Daredevil returns in 'swashbuckling' new series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY 6/2/2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-02-Daredevil-returns-in-a-new-Marvel-Comics-series_n.htm

Absorbing Man a wrecking ball of doom in 'Fear Itself'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 6 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-06-Absorbing-Man-wrecks-the-world-in-Fear-Itself-series_n.htm

'Delirium's Party' offers Endless crazy fun
By John Geddes, USA TODAY June 6 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-06-Deliriums-Party-is-Endless-crazy-fun_n.htm

Punisher's history of violence continues in new series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 10 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-10-Punisher-stars-in-relaunched-comic-series_n.htm

Review of Cho's 50 Girls 50

Frank Cho's co-written 50 Girls 50 is reviewed here. Cho will be appearing at the Washington Comic Con on Father's Day.

PR: Capicons show today

Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con
Sun, June 12, 2011
10 am - 3 pm

Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Hall,
2148 Gallows Rd, Dunn Loring, Virginia
Admission $3 - Kids FREE!

Opento the public from 10 am - 3 pm. Buy, sell & trade: Gold, Silver,Bronze Age comics; Indie & Modern comics, Publishers &Creators, TV & Movie Collectibles. Non-sport cards; Videos &DVDs; Horror/Sci-Fi; figures, toys; Star Wars & Star Trekmemorabilia; original artwork, posters and other comic-relatedcollectibles.


FEATURING:
Tom Chillemi of Azure Press http://azure-press.com/index.html (Ninjas vs Zombies)
Dan Nokes of 21st Century Sandshark Studios http://21sandshark.com/
Tim Dzon, Former Marvel cover artist and inker http://www.comicvine.com/tim-dzon/26-7887/
Carolyn Belefski and Joe Carabeo of Curls Studio
http://www.curls-studio.com/


Directions to DLVFRD: 
Take I-495 (DC/Capital Beltway) to Exit 47A (Rt.7 West). Go 1/2 Mile, Left on Gallows Rd. 1 mile to 2148 Gallows Rd

============================================================
To book a table, be added to our mailing list, request flyers, or for more info about our show, email info@capicons.com.

Thank you,
Jeff & Laura & Ed
Capicons

Comic Book Diner Kickstarter plea

I've put my money in - Mike

Okay folks we are down to the wire-- we have begged, pleaded, marketed, e-mailed, called friends,. family-- but I guess I goofed up. Jamar, Rich and I were told for years that there weren't enough kids graphic novels out there-- fun, funny, something that makes kids excited to read.  Was I wrong? Maybe everyone is all full up?

We just haven't done a good job of making our case. So here is the message I am sending out to everyone-- librarians, teachers, friends, etc., basically reminding folks of what we have done for others, and now we need help.

Librarians, Educators, Friends, Family, Lovers of literacy and creativity,

My name is John Gallagher, creator of the Buzzboy comics and I'm asking for your help in funding the "Comic Book Diner Project", a 3 book set of all-ages Graphic Novels, by Rich Faber, Jamar Nicholas, and me. Each book is 96 pages, full color, and full of comic stories, how-to's and drawing tutorials. Buzzboy, Roboy Red, and Leon: Protector of the Playground are the three books, and we are trying to pre-fund them through Kickstarter.Com-- all you need is an Amazon account to sign up, but we also have other ways of helping organizations buy the books, at an educational discount.  Buzzboy is the world's coolest super sidekick. Roboy Red is the tale of a runaway robot. And Leon is about the world's first latch key superhero. Together they make up almost 300 pages of action fun, and fantasy for an all-ages audience.  

We think that by selling these books together (and in a collector's box set), we are helping young people create the beginnings of a graphic Novel library within their own home. If you or a friend are a retailer or educator, we have a special way to order the books to get the proper discount (just e-mail me at john@sky-dog.com, and upon proof of organization, we can apply the discount)

You can see the type of fun comics we create by visiting our Comic Book Diner website (www.comicbookdiner.com), and I hope you will see in the art our dedication to young people in creating entertaining stories that are fun to read.

Just a few things about us:

I am a co-founder of Kids Love Comics, an organization helping promote all-ages comics-- we have exhibited at several conventions and book festivals over the last 8 years, including ALA, BEA, San Diego Comic-Con, ALA Book Festival, and more.

Through Sky-Dog Comics, I published More Fund, and Even More Fund, raising over $30,000 for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Rich edited, and all three of us contributed time, art and stories.

Rich and I published "Drawing Strength" a benefit sketch book for Hurricane Katrina victims, raising $4000 in one weekend at the Baltimore Comic-Con. I also sent 1000 Buzzboy comics out to New Orleans book donation programs, all on my own dime.

Jamar is an educator and motivational speaker, encouraging inner city kids to reach high and be creative. He was handpicked by Geoffrey Canada to adapt "Fist, Stick, Knife Gun" as a graphic novel, telling the tale of Canada's ascension out of Harlem.

Rich and I have spoken at over 100 schools and libraries between us, all with a focus on promoting the magic of Comics and Reading. 

We have also both taught cartooning classes at Moore College and Susquehanna University. 

Jamar currently teaches cartooning at Arcadia University.

We really love creating comics for all ages, and intend to move forward no matter what-- but this funding will help us to get the books in the hands even quicker. So please go to kickstarter.com for $40, you get a three book set, with sketches and signed by the Comic Book Diner Team. Back us for $50 and get the set in a limited edition collectors box. There are other rewards, offering free art and even cameos in the books. Please check it out, and thanks for your consideration.

Best

John

Truitt on Flashpoint

'Flashpoint' event creates new characters, tweaks old ones
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY 6/3/2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-03-Flashpoint-series-has-new-chaaracters-tweaks-old-ones_n.htm

Profile of Steve Niles, formerly of Washington

Steve Niles Takes on Wulf

Scott Braden

Scoop June 10 2011

 http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=265&ai=109628

 

"Born in Jersey, raised in Washington, D.C., and now a Los Angeles local, the creator of the breakout vampire epic 30 Days of Night has broaden his storytelling scope with Wulf, the relaunch of the classic Atlas-Seaboard title Wulf the Barbarian."

 

I knew this, after his Big Planet comic book signing a few years ago, and then forgot it again.