Monday, April 30, 2012

Matt Wuerker's Pulitzer party


Matt's wife Sara hosted a party for him this past weekend, and Joe Sutliff made Matt a crown fit for a Pulitzer-prize winner... that's a golden inkpen on top.

Meet a Local Animator: Neil Dittbenner


Neil Dittbenner was one of the local animators* at Gigacon at the Art Institute of Washington (which is actually in a lovely facility in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington) this past January who kindly answered my usual questions.

Mike Rhode: What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Neil Dittbenner: I am a Flash animator at Latman Interactive. I also do freelance work for animation studios in the D.C Metro area.


How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

I enjoy experimenting with different mediums but, my tool of choice is Flash.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born in Kansas City on May 31, 1986


Why are you in the Washington sphere now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I moved to the area as a teenager and then attended The Art Institute of Washington. After school I stayed in the area working  as a subcontractor and freelance artist.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Lots of television as a child and BFA from The Art Institute of Washington in Media Arts and Animation.

Who are your influences?

I'm a huge fan of Jim Smith and John K. They had a pretty big influence on my style and taste in humor.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

I'm happy with where my life is heading right now. The path I choose may have been bumpy but it lead me to the right place in the end so, I don't think I would do-over or change anything.

What work are you best-known for?

I did some freelance work for PBS Kids through a local studio called Karptoons. It was a great project and the end results were really creative and fun.

What work are you most proud of?

I have a side project about carnivals, magic, and love that I'm working on that I'm pretty excited about. My personal projects give me a great sense of accomplishment.

What would you like to do  or work on in the future?

I'm really happy with the jobs I'm working currently but, I'm hoping to work on children's books or web comics in the future.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

I find that just taking a break from art for a couple minutes lets your brain relax. Once I'm relaxed ideas seem to come more easily because I'm not forcing creativity.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

The Internet is becoming the center of entertainment for a lot of people. It's cheaper and easier to watch things on Netflix and Youtube than it is on cable and with a lot of newer televisions becoming Internet capable online content is growing more important. I think short online animations are a good bet for the future.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

I think my favorite thing about DC has to be the National Zoo. It is a great place to sketch and people watch. Plus it's totally free which is a major plus.

Least favorite?

High cost of living and traffic are really awful here. I could easily live without either of those.

What monument or museum do you take most out-of-town guests to?
The Natural History Museum is always a big hit with out-of-town guests. The dinosaurs and animals never get old.

Favorite restaurant?

The Burger Joint chain is fantastic.

Do you have a website or blog?

www.dittbenner.com and these are some other goodies to check out www.latman.com, and www.Karptoons.com

 *Since he's an animator, you should definitely check out his website to view his cartoon work.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Guy Delisle pictures from Politics and Prose

101_3525 guy delisle
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42072348@N00/tags/guydelisle/

Post on animator Peter Lord and the dangers of Family Circus

Animator Peter Lord brings to life 'The Pirates' in his latest movie
By John DeFore
Washington Post April 29 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/animator-peter-lord-brings-to-life-the-pirates-in-his-latest-movie/2012/04/26/gIQABgzNjT_story.html

Letter to the Editor: Don't use a comic strip for seat-belt advice
Lisa Marie Daniel, Bethesda
Washington Post April 28 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dont-use-a-comic-strip-for-seat-belt-advice/2012/04/27/gIQAhNzAmT_story.html


Truitt on Ramiel

Javier Grillo-Marxuach creates a heavenly hero for 'Ramiel'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 26 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-26/Ramiel-angel-comic-book-series/54562724/1

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - April 27, 2012



Big Planet Comics

April 27, 2012

Free Comic Book Day Approacheth!

Next Saturday, May 5, is the annual Free Comic Book Day! As always, all of our stores are participating, so stop by and get some free comics! It's also a great time to bring your friends or children in too! We have been receiving our free comic books over the last few weeks, and there are a LOT this year. Avengers, DC New 52, Simpsons, Mega Man, a HARDCOVER from Archaia, Serenity, Star Wars, Yo Gabba Gabba, Adventure Time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spider-Man, and more! You can see the full list of free comics at freecomicbookday.com

We are also having signings at two of our stores in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. Jeremy Whitley and Jorge Aguirre, who both write great all ages comics (Princeless and Giants Beware!) will be at our Vienna store from 11-1 and our College Park store from 3-5. They will be signing copies of their comics, and happy to talk to young fans and readers too! More information is below.

We might also have a few special guests (like the Ghostbusters!)

Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Thanks!
 
- the Big Planet Comics kids

UPCOMING May 5 - Free Comic Book Day & Jeremy Whitley & Jorge Aguirre Signing

Free Comic Book Day is just a few weeks away! Bring your friends, we have a lot of great comics to give away this year! To see the complete list, go to freecomicbookday.com!

In addition, we are proud to present 2 great comic book writers, who have just published some great all-ages fantasy adventure comics! Jeremy Whitley writes Princeless, and Jorge Aguirre writes Giants Beware! They will be appearing at our Vienna and College Park stores.

11 am-1 pm
Big Planet Comics of Vienna
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

3 pm-5 pm
Big Planet Comics of College Park
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

___________________

Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City HC

by Guy Delisle

Guy's wife is sent to work in Jerusalem for a year, so he becomes a stay-at-home-dad while sketching and exploring Israel and Palestine. He has done other books on other countries, from Burma to North Korea, but this is his longest work yet, and shows an interesting other take on modern life in the area, as opposed to just visiting.

Play Ball HC

by Nunzio Defilippis, Christina Weir and Jackie Lewis

A divorced mom and her two teenage daughters move to a new school, where one wants to try out for the boys-only baseball team! High school drama, baseball championships, and family tensions combine into a compelling story.
Black Orchid Deluxe Edition HC
by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean
A classic reprinted, as Susan Linden is reborn as the half-plant Black Orchid!

Folly: The Consequences of Indiscretion SC
by Hans Rickheit
An utterly bizarre, Lynchian journey of bearmen and young girls.




Popeye #1

by Roger Langridge and Bruce Ozella

A new adventure of Popeye that somehow seems like a classic original one! When rumors of a new Jeep arrive, a scheme is hatched to find it, requiring a sea voyage and crossing paths with both Bluto and the Sea Witch! And of course Wimpy hitches a ride. Great cartooning, funny writing, and a great adventure.

AVX: VS #1 (of 6)

by Jason Aaron, Adam Kubert, Kathryn Immonen, and Stuart Immonen

You want more fights? You got more fights! A companion series to Avengers vs. X-Men, each of these issues will have 2 fights expanded from the original. In this we have Iron Man vs. Magneto and The Thing vs. Namor! Plus each fight will have a definite winner.
The New Deadwardians #2
by Dan Abnett and I.N.J. Culbard
Inspector Suttle continues his investigation into how the vampire was killed.


The Pterodactyl Hunters in the Gilded City SC
by Brendan Leach
In 1905, brothers come in conflict over their jobs as pterodactyl hunters!

Stormwatch 1 HC
by Warren Ellis and Tom Raney
Ellis' relaunch of Stormwatch in a dark direction, leading to The Authority!

Big Planet Comics Podcast #42
Kevin, Nick and Jared review some great comics! Download now or subscribe on iTunes!
 
PODCAST REVIEWS:
AVX: VS #1 (of 6) by Jason Aaron, Adam Kubert, Kathryn Immonen, and Stuart Immonen
Battle Scars #6 (of 6) by Chris Yost and Scot Eaton
Captain America & Hawkeye #629 by Cullen Bunn and Alessandro Vitti
Folly: The Consequences of Indiscretion SC by Hans Rickheit
Jerusalem: Chronicles From the Holy City HC by Guy Delisle
Merciless: The Rise of Ming #1 by Scott Beatty and Ron Adrian
The New Deadwardians #2 by Dan Abnett and I.N.J. Culbard
Play Ball HC by Nunzio Defilippis, Christina Weir and Jackie Lewis
Popeye #1 (of 4) by Roger Langridge and Bruce Ozella
The Pterodactyl Hunters in the Gilded City SC by Brendan Leach
Supercrooks #2 by Mark Millar and Leinil Yu
Wolverine #305 by Cullen Bunn and Paul Pelletier

Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com or call us at 1-703-539-CAST! (1-703-539-2278)
 
5/5 - Free Comic Book Day
All stores!
freecomicbookday.com

5/5 - Jeremy Whitley
Signing Princeless 11am-1pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Signing Princeless 3pm-5pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

5/5 - Jorge Aguirre
Signing Giants Beware! 11am-1pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Signing Giants Beware! 3pm-5pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

5/26 - Jerry Gaylord
Signing Fanboys vs. Zombies
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

6/2 - Russ Kick
Signing The Graphic Canon
4849 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-6856
joel@bigplanetcomics.com

6/9 - Nick Abadzis
Signing Hugo Tate
4849 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-6856
joel@bigplanetcomics.com

7/4 - 20% off Sale
All stores!

7/28 - Matt Dembicki
Signing Xoc 11am-1pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

Signing Xoc 3pm-5pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

New Next Week 5/2

(Let us know if you want any of these!)
 
Action Comics #9
Age Of Apocalypse #3
Amazing Spider-Man #685 Ends Of The Earth
Amazing Spider-Man Secret Origins SC
American Vampire Vol 2 SC
Animal Man #9
Animal Man Vol 1 The Hunt SC
Avengers Academy #29 AVX
Avengers Art Of Avengers HC Slipcase
Avengers Assemble Vol 3 SC
Avengers Black Widow Strikes #1 (Of 3)
Avengers: The Kree-Skrull War HC
Avengers vs. X-Men #3 (Of 12)
B & V Friends Double Digest #224
Bart Simpson's Pal Milhouse #1
Batman And Robin Vol 3 Batman Robin Must Die SC
Batwing #9 (Night Of The Owls)
Blue Estate #11
Boys #66
Bulletproof Coffin Disinterred #4 (Of 6)
Connie: Unseen Avenger SC
Danger Club #1 2nd Ptg
Daredevil #12
Defenders #6
Detective Comics #9 (Night Of The Owls)
Dial H #1
Doctor Who Classics Series IV #3
Dogs Of Mars SC
Dorothy And Wizard In Oz #6 (Of 8)
Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms SC
Earth 2 #1
Epic Kill #1
Exiled #1
Fallen Words GN
Fanboys vs. Zombies #2
Freedom #1
Fury MAX #1
Garfield #1
GI Combat #1
GI Joe 2: Retaliation Movie Prequel SC
GI Joe A Real American Hero #178
Green Arrow #9
Hack Slash #15
Heavy Metal May 2012
Hulk Smash Avengers #1 (Of 5)
Incorruptible Vol 6 SC
The Influencing Machine SC
Invincible Iron Man #516
Justice League Vol 1 Origin HC
Justice League International #9
Kiki De Montparnasse GN
Kirby Genesis Silver Star #5
Life With Archie #19
Locke & Key Vol 4 Keys To The Kingdom SC
The Lone Ranger #5
Lou! Vol 2: Summertime Blues SC
Marvel Super Heroes Vs Villains Pop Up Book Blad
Marvels Avengers Avengers Initiative Marvels Avengers Prelude SC
Mind The Gap #1
Negima Vol 34 SC
One Vol 1 SC
Pigs #7
Planet Of The Apes Vol 2 SC
Red Lanterns #9
Red Sonja #66
Red Sonja Witchblade #3
Rex Zombie Killer One Shot
Rich Johnstons The Avengefuls #1
Robert Wells Trilogy Vol 01 Sacrifice GN
Sandman Vol 9 The Kindly Ones SC New Edition
Skeleton Key Color Special One Shot
Smallville Season 11 #1
Roger Langridge's Snarked Vol 1 SC
Sonic The Hedgehog #236
Spawn #219
The Spider #1
Spirit World HC
Star Trek #8
Stormwatch #9
Summer Camp Science Mysteries 2: Nightmare Cab SC
Summer Camp Science Mysteries 3: Hunt For Hidden SC
Superman #1 3rd Ptg
Supreme #64
Supurbia #3 (Of 4)
Swamp Thing #9
Sweet Tooth #33
Tanpopo Collection Vol 1 HC
Teen Boat HC
Teen Titans Annual #1 (The Culling)
Three Stooges Vol 1 Bed Bugged SC
Toy Story #3 (Of 4)
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #10
Venom #17
Vescell #7
Voltron Year One #2
Wolverine And X-Men Alpha And Omega #5 (Of 5)
Worlds Finest #1
X-Factor #235
X-Men #28
X-O Manowar #1

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PR: Gorilla w/Baseball Bat Battles Zombies comic book by Rob Anderson

From Rob Anderson:

Rex, Zombie Killer will be hitting the stands next week, on 5/2!

It's been getting some good buzz -- including a review in the current issue of Fangoria magazine on stands right now.

This web post has some more details: http://www.rexzombiekiller.com/2012/04/rex-zombie-killer-1-hits-comic-shops-on.html

Finally, just to give you the particulars -- it's 56 pages, full color, only $3.50, published by Big Dog Ink, and tells the story of a hyper-intelligent Golden Retriever and a small pack of animals -- including a gorilla with a baseball bat -- trying to cross the country after a zombie apocalypse.

Meet a Local Animator: Todd Churn

Todd Churn was one of the local animators* at Gigacon at the Art Institute of Washington (which is actually in a lovely facility in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington) this past January who kindly answered my usual questions

Mike Rhode: What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Todd Churn: I am an animator that makes cartoons move.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

On my free time... a little bit of both depending what mood I'm in.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born as a mid-late 80's baby in Richmond VA.

Why are you in the Washington sphere now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

Currently I live in Arlington but my current job is a commute over in Maryland. I am the lead animator for Latman Interactive, a mobile gaming company.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Who are your influences?

I really enjoy a lot of the work Chuck Jones produced from Looney Tunes to The Dot and the Line. He could make some of the funniest facial expressions on a cartoon character.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

If I could, I would jump back in time to tell my younger self in kindergarten to start on art... right away.

What work are you best-known for?

I have been given the great privilege to animate a duck for my current job at Latman Interactive. Basically, in our past games the duck runs into massive conflictions with a meddling goose.

What work are you most proud of?

Not too long ago I did a really fun gig through a sub contractor, Karptoons. We made these awesome music videos for PBS Kids and it was really cool to see it broadcasted on tv when we finished.

What would you like to do  or work on in the future?

I know a great group of animators around the area and I hope that one day, we can start create fun short films for people to see.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

If I feel like I've been burnt out on my daily schedule, I try to watch real low budget films on Netflix. They may not have the awesome effects, but they manage to be incredibly imaginative with some of their stuff. Whether it's believable or not is another case, but it seems to free up my art block pretty well.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

Well drawn 2D animation is something I believe will stick around until the end of time, no matter what other new dimension people manage to bring into the market.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

If I ever want some reference or information about something I want to illustrate, I just hop onto the metro rail to the National Mall and I'm set.

Least favorite?

Traffic.

Favorite restaurant?

Dunkin' Donuts.

Do you have a website or blog?

You can see the work I post on my blog at: http://dotanimations.blogspot.com/

*Since he's an animator, you should definitely check out his website to view his cartoon work.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Meet a Local Cartoonist: Chris Mararac


Chris Mararac is the subject of the last of our local webcomics creator interviews...

Mike Rhode: What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Chris Mararac: In terms of cartooning, I occasionally work on a webcomic called Work Time Friends but it was on a bit of a hiatus as I just bought a house and then I got a promoted to a new position at work. I play on restarting it next year. But Work Time Friends kinda deals with some humorous situations working at an office job. It's supposed to be a kind of goofy slice of life piece. As for Small Press Expo, I usually do some short comics that is heavily influenced by Japanese comics/manga.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

I work mostly in digital, using a wacom tablet and photoshop for illustrations. For actually comics, I started using a program called Manga Studio. It's a great program because it streamlines word bubbles and makes using screentones a snap. I sometimes still do the rough sketches for preliminary work though.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

5/27/1980.

Why are you in Washington now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

I'm actually in the Silver Spring, MD.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

I have a bachelor in Fine Arts from the University of Maryland.

Who are your influences?

In terms of Cartooning and Comics, I would have to say that Becky Cloonan (She was the artist on Demo written by Brian Wood and also illustrated American Virgin released by DC Vertigo)  actually talked me into switching my major from Comp Sci to Art. At the time I felt I wasn't good enough but she countered with that that was why I'm in school. I also have a whole slew of heroes from Rumiko Takashi who did Ranma 1/2, Brian Lee O'Malley who did Scott Pilgrim, and many others. Though, sometimes when I look up to them, I feel a bit overwhelmed, because they're so far ahead.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

Currently, art seems to have taken a backseat for me. I'm still trying to get a graphic design position anywhere but I'm currently working for Navy Federal Credit Union as a loan servicing account specialist. I think if I was to do it all over again, I'd probably would have liked to taken more risks in my younger years, because the older you get, the harder it is, when you're tied down with a mortgage.

What work are you best-known for?

I honestly don't know what I'm known for. LOL

What work are you most proud of?

I strangely get really proud of whenever I finish a new project and I try to showcase it to all my friends. Drawing makes me feel like such a kid, in a good way.

What would you like to do  or work on in the future?

I'm trying to finish a short graphic novel for SPX 2013. I usually just do short zines, but would like to work on a bit more developed story.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

Whenever I'm stuck, I try to relax and find inspiration to start up my motivation again from other things, whether it's a movie or an interesting comic. I sometimes try to remind myself what inspired me in the first place. I have a small list of things that always seem to inspire me and I'll go back to that. But overall, I try not to force myself too much when I'm overly exhausted. Rest is just as important.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

For now, comics will probably just remain as a hobby but it's  something I still want to continue to do as long as it's fun.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

One thing is that DC is seriously underrated, which is kinda a hipster thing to say. I mean, when people think DC, they mostly think it's just politics but there is a pretty decent art scene here. It does have its own culture but most people fail to realize that. A lot of people who visit just think of seeing the monuments, but fail to realize that Maryland and Virginia is pretty close by with lots to do, etc.

Also, DC, MD, VA, is pretty culturally versed, there is a pretty big Asian community, as well as other ethnicities... so that's another plus.

Least favorite?

I don't like how they call the DC, Maryland, Virginia area, DMV... because I start to think of the  department of Motor Vehicles, and nothing good comes from that association.

What monument or museum do you take most out-of-town guests to?

 I think the most interesting museum is the Spy Museum but whenever I have family or a guest over, they always seem to have to do the whole tourist thing, see the monuments, etc. Can't really avoid that. But I think I usually focus on the Smithsonian Museums, because we're in a recession and free stuff is awesome.

Favorite restaurant for same?

Hmmm... Off in Rockville, there is Jo's Noodle House which is an awesome hole in the wall Chinese place. Usually after the Small Press Expo, we'll go there. For DC Proper, I would suggest the food trucks.

Not the new hipster ones, but the ones that sell hot dogs all across DC Area. I personally think they're better than NY hotdogs.

Do you have a website or blog?

I do have a personal website, http://www.uppercut-justice.com/, where I post (on hiatus) Work Time Friends, as well as a artblog I run with some people called Digital Sketchbook.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Comic Riffs talks to Satrapi

THE COMIC RIFFS INTERVIEW: 'Persepolis's MARJANE SATRAPI comes not to bury American culture but to (mostly) praise it [*even if modern Hollywood is incapable of 'Casablanca']
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 27 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-comic-riffs-interview-persepoliss-marjane-satrapi-on/2012/04/27/gIQAaeRhlT_blog.html#pagebreak

Marjane Satrapi at George Washington's Lisner tonight

Fri. Apr 27, 8:00PM
GW Lisner Auditorium presents Marjane Satrapi Author of Persepolis & Chicken With Plums
Interviewed by Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran
World-renowned for her award-winning graphic memoir (and film) Persepolis, a global best-seller, Marjane Satrapi will make a rare US appearance. Satrapi grew up during the Iranian revolution and witnessed firsthand the brutal and historic overthrow of the Shah. The subsequent Islamic repression and Marjane's own journey away from Iran are intricately linked to all of her books, films, and artwork.
She will be interviewed by Azar Nafisi, whose acclaimed Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books electrified readers with a compassionate and often harrowing portrait of the Islamic revolution in Iran and how it affected one university professor and her students.
$25, $30, $40. GW Students and Alumni: $10, $20 at Lisner Box Office
Tickets available from the Lisner Box Office, 800-745-3000, and ticketmaster.com

Meet a Local Cartoonist: Monica H. or "MonMon"

101_1978 Monica HI met Monica Horn, who draws as Monica H. or "MonMon" at last fall's Intervention con. Here’s her interview:


Mike Rhode: What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Monica H: I run a webcomic called Ocean Tides which is on Smackjeeves.com. It is a ghostly romance drama about a girl name Lily who Lily meets a spirit named Alex. She has to help Alex realize what’s happening around him and wonder why he hasn't crossed over yet. I update every Friday unless stated otherwise.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
It is a combination of both. Along with my laptop, the materials and programs I use are computer paper, cardstock, Black Faber-Castell ink pens (SX, S, M, B, and F), Prismacolor markers, lightbox, HP scanner, my tablet and Photoshop. I start out sketching a thumbnail based off of the script I wrote for the chapter. Then a larger sketch, I ink using my lightbox. Scan, clean it up and tone in Photoshop.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born 1986 in Monterey, California.

Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?

I moved out here because of my job as a graphic/web designer. I currently reside in Northern Virginia.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

I majored in graphic design and minored in illustration. I have been drawing every since I was little, and inspired by many different Artists. I am a graphic/web designer by day and a webcomic artist by night.

Who are your influences?

Walking in the artist alleys at conventions sure does inspire me at times but I have to say many other webcomic artists, Illustrators, my friends, my family and of course my fans of my comic.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

I wouldn't change anything about my career, though I am always willing to learn new things and learn ways to improve my work.

What work are you best-known for?

I guess my webcomic Ocean Tides, or my watercolor paintings. If you asked me this 5 years ago I would say my fan art for different anime shows, but I felt that I need to improve my own work and find my own style.

What work are you most proud of?

Since I only have one webcomic at the moment and I can say that I am proud of Ocean Tides, my style has changed in the past three years. I can say I am proud of trying to find my own style as well with in those three years.

What would you like to do or work on in the future?

I hope to complete Ocean Tides and start working on a new webcomic that I am currently scripting.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

I sketch or doodle anything, whether it be characters from my webcomic or just characters from a show and book. I just keep at it until something sparks my interest. I also paint -- painting is also a great stress relief.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

I plan on trying to get my work out there for others to enjoy and by the end of day to know that I am placing something out there for others to enjoy, I am happy.

What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?

Intervention Con 2011 was my first con that I attended as a artist and I have to say I have had a lot of fun, I learned a lot from the other artists in the artist alley. As for other cons I do go to Otakon as a attendee, I always enjoy going.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

I enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival and the 4th of July Fireworks

Least favorite?

The traffic, I can live without it. Haha.

What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?

I enjoy the National Gallery of Art, but I haven't been to any monuments recently.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

I enjoy the Hamburger Hamlet in Crystal City, they make a great rueben sandwich and the sweet potato fires.

Do you have a website or blog?

My blog is http://chibihoshiko.wordpress.com/  and my webcomic for Ocean Tides is http://oceantides.smackjeeves.com/

Washington Post on Aardman's Pirates

Ahoy! Another fun clay creation
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Apr. 27, 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/the-pirates-band-of-misfits,1159367/critic-review.html
 
 

 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Batman movie article in Express

Silva, Cristina / Associated Press.  2012.
Darkness Falls: Christopher Nolan teases that his final Batman movie is a cinematic spectacle.
Express (April 26): 23
 
I'm sure it's easily findable online.

Steve Artley on winning a VPA award

 
 

Meet a Local Cartoonist: Gregory Uchrin


101_1980 Greg Uchrin
A rarer breed than many other cartoonist types, Gregory Uchrin is a webcomic political cartoonist who answered my questions at last fall’s Intervention con.


Mike Rhode: What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Gregory Uchrin: I’ve been doing a political cartoon on the web since 2003. The original title was “Hail Dubyus!” -in response to the imperial aspirations of our then administration, but since 2008, I’ve published under a more neutral title “Intravenous Caffeine” , since I realized I would have much more scope for parody with the new administration. I also wanted to expand into less political areas with other works.


How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?


I sketch, pencil and ink traditionally. Depending on the complexity of the cartoon, I may scan in the sketch or pencil work and print it out in non-photo blue for inking, but usually I will ink directly on the pencils. After scanning my inks, I color them on the computer.


When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?


1951—I was 60 in October. I’m an old fart :D I was born in New Jersey.


Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?


I grew up in New Jersey, but came to DC for college and stayed on because I liked it here. I lived up by Catholic U in Brookland. I also did grad school at Catholic, but since marriage, I’ve lived just outside the city in Alexandria VA.


What is your training and/or education in cartooning?


I’m self-taught, but with all the art books and internet tutorials available, being self-taught is a highly individual thing. I grew up watching Jon Gnagy on live television and that was the start of my artistic education. Classwork can be very important though, because if you’re self-taught, you have to figure out everything for yourself, while a good teacher will help you to learn the techniques that will aid in the realization of what you’re trying to show.


Who are your influences?


So many to choose from! I really love the late 19th/early 20th century illustrators like the Brandywine School, Edwin Austin Abbey, and J. Allen St. John and the science fiction/fantasy illustrators of the 30s/40s like Virgil Finlay and Margaret Brundage. In serious comics, for sheer style, I go for the classics like Hal Foster and Alex Raymond, but for comic stuff, I go for the early MAD school, like Harvey Kurtzman, Wally Wood, Bill Elder and Jack Davis. New Yorker cartoons, especially Charles Addams. CREEPY and EERIE (and EC reprints) were another early love. In politics, I love Herblock and Doonesbury, but they really haven’t influenced my style. I’ve been getting more and more into manga but at this point, it’s too early to talk about any influences except in a general way. Except Masamune Shirow!


If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?


LOL - I would have started a LOT earlier and taken some courses in anatomy and life drawing.


What work are you best-known for?


My political cartoon series are still my most recognizable works, but I’m starting to be known for my quirky humor pieces, like my Chibi Last Supper, a parody of the da Vinci picture.


What work are you most proud of?


My next one :D. I did some rather hard-hitting cartoons during the Bush administration that make me feel like I actually did something important. And I’ve got a BLEACH parody (called BLECCH!) that makes people laugh out loud. On a more artistic note, I recently did a pastel portrait of a cosplayer friend of mine that surprised me that I managed to do it so well. It’s on my deviantart site.


What would you like to do or work on in the future?


I’d like to do a narrative webcomic that’s character rather than news driven. With political cartoons, you spend 75% of your time reading and watching news, looking for something that gives you a comic image. I’ve got a series of “fantasy casting” pieces--what actors/actresses I’d cast in a live version of an anime or manga and I’m currently working on a “Ghost in the Shell” picture. And I’ve been sketching out a horror story I’d like to turn into a graphic novel.


What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?


I experiment with sound restoration. 78s. PRE-VINYL! And I do research on the medieval period and Arthurian legends. Anything far from actually drawing anything. I’m not a games player though. I never seemed to develop that kind of hand-eye coordination with the early videogames. Which may be a good thing for me since it keeps me working.


What do you think will be the future of your field?


I’m not sure. After the insanity of last week’s Miss Republican Idol—ooops, I mean, CNN tribute to anyone running against Barry--oh, wait, was that supposed to be a debate?--I’m not sure politics hasn’t gotten so ridiculous that it’s impossible to satire. It’s probably a good time to expand beyond it.


What local cons do you attend ? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?


I attend all of the local cons, but I’ve only started participating in Artist’s Alleys in the past year. InterventionCon is only two years old and it’s becoming a very well run event. I also did AA at Katsucon and Anime MidAtlantic, but I missed out on applying to AnimeUSA because they announced the Alley practically the same day of the Japanese earthquake and my attention was elsewhere. But I like AUSA a lot and may actually cosplay there this year! T-mode is a nice small con, but I’ve only attended once. And of course, Otakon is mind-blowing. Both as an attendee and Alley participant.


What's your favorite thing about DC?


I like that it’s a big town that’s small enough to know. I can go anywhere and wind up running into a friend or colleague.


Least favorite?


Traffic.


What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?


The Smithsonian, National Gallery, Freer Gallery, Hirschhorn.


How about a favorite local restaurant?


Since moving to Alexandria, I don’t get much into the city for dining, especially since there’s a number of great restaurants in my neighborhood that I love: Hana Tokyo, La Casa for pizza, and Tempo for more elegant but laidback dining.

Do you have a website or blog?


Politics: Intravenous Caffeine— http://ivcaffeine.com/ —my older Bush era cartoons are still on HAIL DUBYUS! http://haildubyus.com/  I display my non-political works at DeviantArt at http://gregoriusu.deviantart.com/gallery  My books BUSHWHACKED and BLECCH! -are available at Ka-Blam http://ka-blam.com/  (search for the titles).

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Truitt on Popeye and Guardians of the Globe

Fortunately those are two different stories.

He's Popeye the sailor man, and he's back with a new series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 23 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-23/Popeye-comic-book-series/54490446/1

Image Comics heroes are 'Guarding the Globe' again
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 23 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-23/Guarding-the-Globe-comic-book-series/54491686/1

Guy Delisle interview up at City Paper

 
Delisle will be in DC tomorrow talking about his new Jerusalem book at Politics and Prose. Details are at the bottom of the interview.

Voice actor Jon Benjamin in town tonight, interviewed in Express

The Road Ahead: Comedic voice actor Jon Benjamin goes on tour after his 'Van' show was canceled

 

Meet a Local Cartoonist: Garth Graham


 Garth Graham was at last fall's Intervention con and answered my usual questions.

Mike Rhode: What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Garth Graham: I'm a webcomic artist. Right now I'm working on an urban fantasy, before that a slice-of-life comedy strip, next up who knows! Something in space maybe.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

I used to pencil and ink by hand, but these days I do everything digitally. I use a Wacom Cintiq, do my line art in Corel Painter and all of my color work in Photoshop.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born in '83. I'll leave you to guess which century.

Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?

Actually I live in Virginia, down in Stafford. I came here when my parents moved here and haven't found a particularly compelling reason to move away yet. The greater DC area is very centrally located to a lot of the conventions I go too, and there's quite the wealth of comic artists in the area.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

I don't have any formal training in cartooning. I went to Virginia Tech to get my degree in Industrial Design, which overlaps a surprising amount with what I do. But the art and the story telling and all the comic-specific skills are things I've worked at and built up on my own over time.

Who are your influences?

Probably too many to list, but chiefly among them reside Mark Silvestri, Phil Foglio, J Scott Campbell, Neil Gaiman, Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, Douglas Adams, Robert A. Heinlein, Peter F. Hamilton and many many others.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

That's a hard question. I don't really know if I'd change anything. Hindsight says I might have been better off if I had timed some things differently (launching new titles right as the housing market crumbles for instance), but there isn't really a moment that I wish I could go back to and re-do.

What work are you best-known for?

I am probably best known for my series of twisted faerie tale art prints.

What work are you most proud of?

Whatever is most recent. Every new page, every new print. Each piece I feel is better than the last, and that's what I'm most proud of.

What would you like to do or work on in the future?

In the future I'm hoping to work on some more sci-fi kinds of stuff. Science fiction is what I grew up on, and while a lot of people consider me a steampunk artist, sci-fi is still my go to source for awesome and wonder.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

I go do something else. Anything else. I boot up the xbox, I go for a jog, or go to the gym to do some rockclimbing. Something that works a different part of my brain, or no part at all. I let my subconscious churn it over for a bit and it always comes back to me with a solution.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

I think, given time, all comics will be webcomics. They'll be in print too, absolutely, but the first point of distribution will be digital, will be on the web. I think this will allow for a real surge of independent (i.e. not Marvel or DC) comics into the public eye. The Marvel and DC universes won't be the entirety of what make up American comics in the minds of the general populace. It's going to be a wild trip.

What local cons do you attend ? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?

Local to DC, I attend Intervention and Katsucon regularly. AnimeUSA is another local con I've been to in the past. I'm hoping to get into SPX next year.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

Let's be honest, there's a LOT of cool stuff going on in DC. Not just history and politics and the center of power of what is arguably still the most powerful nation on the planet, but there's enough social life going on that no matter what your interest or inclination you can find it happening somewhere and join in the party.

Least favorite?

The traffic.

What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?

I've a long standing love of the Smithsonian Air and Space museum, both the one in DC and the big one out by Dulles.

How about a favorite local restaurant?
While not technically in DC proper, I'm a big fan of Piratz Tavern in Silver Spring. Great atmosphere, great food, wenches, sea shanties, fire shows, and belly dancing. What more could you want?

Do you have a website or blog?

Several, in fact! My most actively updated website is, of course, my current comic Finder's Keepers which can be found at http://www.finderskeepers.gcgstudios.com/ . My former site is http://www.gcgstudios.com/