Friday, March 31, 2017

April 1: Alex Ross at Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

MEET ALEX ROSS!
Alex Ross Art Exhibit & Signing
Renowned Comic Book Artist Alex Ross Signing
 
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
April 1
 
Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross
 
Winchester, VA 03/23/17 Alex Ross fans will have the opportunity to meet the artist at a free signing event on Saturday, April 1, at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) in Winchester, Virginia.
 
This rare public appearance - the only scheduled signing for Alex Ross in 2017 - is organized in conjunction with the display of the new exhibition Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross.
 
The MSV is the first venue to host this traveling exhibition, which has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. On view in Winchester through May 14, 2017, the exhibition's MSV display is sponsored by Shenandoah Country Q102.
 
A lithograph of Ross's The World's Greatest Superheroes ($50) will be released at the April 1 signing. Painted in 2005 and on view in Superheroes and Superstars, the work features DC Comics' most recognizable superheroes. In addition to the new print, a variety of Alex Ross merchandise will be available for purchase in the Museum Store, including books, mini-canvasses ($150), and a limited supply of prints ($50). A signed, framed set of Ross's Yellow Submarine portraits of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison is also available for purchase at the MSV ($1,500). The Museum Store will open at 9 a.m. on April 1.
 
Before or after meeting Alex Ross, attendees are encouraged to see Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross in the Museum's Changing Exhibition Gallery. The exhibition presents more than 100 original works created by Alex Ross, all on public display for the first time. Most of the works in the exhibition are on loan from Ross's personal collection.
 
Superheroes and Superstars features Alex Ross's well-known images of superheroes, villains, and his recent paintings of popular culture icons, such as The Beatles and Monty Python. Paintings, sketches, and models from his childhood and college years are also on view, including "Spidey" booklets that Ross created at the age of four, action figures he made when he was 11 years old, and a self-portrait for a high school art class. Some of Ross's more recent works in the exhibition include A Tale of Two Reeves, a 2016 painting illustrating the two actors audiences most identify with Superman; the 2016 Hulk Marvelmania poster painting; Flash Gordon, a 2015 painting marking the 35th anniversary of the Flash Gordon film; and Ross's variant cover for Star Wars #1, an homage to the original 1977 issue for Marvel's relaunch of the classic Star Wars comic book series.
 
Those interested in attending the April 1 signing event may bring up to three items per person (no sketches and/or portfolio reviews). While a fee is not required to attend the signing and meet Alex Ross, MSV admission will apply to view Superheroes and Superstars.
 
Where: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
                 901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601
 
Who:     Alex Ross to appear from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
 
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase in the Museum Store and Winchester's Jack Knuckle Gourmet Food Truck will be at the MSV from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the day of the signing.
 
A regional cultural center, the MSV is located at 901 Amherst Street in Winchester, Virginia. The MSV includes galleries, the Glen Burnie House, and seven acres of gardens. The galleries and exhibitions are open year-round; the house and gardens are open April through December. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. January through March). Admission is $10 or $8 for seniors and youth ages 13 to 18. General admission is always free to youth ages 12 and under and to MSV Members. Thanks to sponsor Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc., admission is free to all every Wednesday. Additional details are available at www.theMSV.org or by calling 540-662-1473, ext. 235.


Valiant ad for Vans Warped Tour on back page of Wash City Paper

There's an ad for Vans Warped Tour on back page of March 31, 2017 Washington City Paper that uses Valiant characters. I can't quite figure out the connection from the Vans' website at http://vanswarpedtour.com/

'It's All Journalism' interview on alt-press graphic novel

Local journalist, podcaster and comics fan Michael O'Connell interviews graphic novelist Ethan Persoff about his biography of John Wilcock and the alternative press scene of the '60s and '70s. Check out Michael's podcast It's All Journalism #246: "Journey down the underground press rabbit hole"
 

The Post (and NYT) on Ghost in the Shell live action remake

'Ghost in the Shell' brings an anime classic to life, with mixed success [in print as 'Ghost in the Shell' and the spirit of the times].

By Ann Hornaday

Washington Post March 31 2017, p. C1-2

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ghost-in-the-shell-brings-an-anime-classic-to-life-with-mixed-success/2017/03/30/ab53703e-1540-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html

 

In 'Ghost in the Shell,' a Cyborg With Soul

By MANOHLA DARGIS

A version of this review appears in print on March 31, 2017, on Page C1 of the New York edition with the headline: A Cyborg With a Soul.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/movies/ghost-in-the-shell-review-scarlett-johansson.html

 

Anatomy of a Scene | 'Ghost in the Shell'

The director Rupert Sanders narrates a scene featuring Scarlett Johansson.

By MEKADO MURPHY on Publish Date March 30, 2017.

https://www.nytimes.com/video/movies/100000005016686/anatomy-of-a-scene-ghost-in-the-shell.html

The Post on Boss Baby and Ghost in the Shell

'The Boss Baby': Grown-up life lessons in a family-friendly animated comedy [in print as More mature than it might appear].


Washington Post March 31 2017, p. Weekend 33

Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin) and his 7-year-old brother, Tim (Miles Christopher Bakshi), work on a secret mission to stop what poses the direst threat to what the film posits is babies' already tenuous hold on parental love: puppies. (DreamWorks Animation)


The four words I wish I didn't say during 'The Boss Baby' [in print as Don't give a yuck: I picked the wrong time to be a critic]


Express March 31 2017, p. 24
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2017/03/31/the-four-words-i-wish-i-didnt-say-during-the-boss-baby/



'The Boss Baby' Puts Alec Baldwin in Diapers, Sort Of

A version of this review appears in print on March 31, 2017, on Page C7 of the New York edition with the headline: Baby Talk for Grown-Ups.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/movies/the-boss-baby-review-alec-baldwin.html

Andrew Williams - An Artomatic Interview

by Mike Rhode

Andrew Williams cartoon-based painting series at Artomatic in Crystal City is the religious-themed The Good News, but he also did a school newspaper comic strip called Mike and Moop. He's agreed to answer our usual questions.

 What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?  

Well I mainly do newspaper style comic strips on paint canvases.

 How do you do it? 

I use a combination of pencil and acrylic paint. I really want to get back into digital artwork, so I just bought an IPad Pro. We'll see how that works out.

When and where were you born? 

I was born on July 16, 1987 in Washington D.C.

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

I actually live in Prince Georges County, Maryland now, but most of the time I'm in DC with my artwork, the city brings out my creativity.

 What is your training and/ or education in cartooning? 

Well, I'm a self-taught artist but I have done one year at the Art Institute of Washington for graphic design. As far as cartooning, I read a lot of comics and watch a lot of cartoons.

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Who are your influences?  

Jesus Christ, Aaron McGruder, Hanna-Barbera and Banksy.

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

I would have copyrighted all of my images and stayed motivated fresh out of high school.

What work are you best-known for? 

I have to say Mike and Moop, only because I've been working on it for over 11 years. Mike and Moop originally appeared in Prince George's County Community College newspaper The Owl. However the Good News seems to be taking the spotlight nowadays.

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What work are you most proud of?  

The Good News, because I really feel like the series is bigger than myself.

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

As of right now I'm working on combining all of my strips into one book. AND Comics will be an anthology of all the comic strips I'm working on which will consist of Mike and Moop, GOODNEWS and Automatic Water pistols.

Does Good News tell a story?

Good News does tell a story. Unlike Mike and Moop and Automatic Water Pistols the story for GOODNEWS is already written (The Bible). So the purpose for the paintings and comic strip is less dialogue and more visual story telling. The maximum amount of text I want in the GOODNEWS is 10 words. The GOODNEWS ties into Mike and Moop and Automatic Waterpistols, because of the way the characters conduct themselves and the end moral of the stories, even though the characters never come out and say "Hey look, I'm a Christian".

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

I like to watch artist and hip-hop documentaries. I feel like whenever I'm in a rut or have writers block, its best to look at other established artist for motivation. Exit through the Looking Glass has been on replay ever since I've started doing art shows again.

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

Everything seems to be going digital now, so old-school inking and pencil cartooning will either be obsolete or seen as retro treasures. As far as storytelling goes, I'm interested to see what future kids will have to talk about.
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What local Cons do you attend? 

This year is the first year I applied to Awesome Con in Washington DC. I do plan on attending a few throughout the year.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

The People, Art and Chicken Wings with Mambo sauce.

Least favorite? 

Violence.

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

MLK memorial.

How about your favorite local  restaurant?

Ben's Chili bowl.

Do you have a website or blog?   

Instagram: @fir3inmybones

http://www.rawartists.org/dr3wwilliams

Thursday, March 30, 2017

'Pigheaded' quoted on NYT obit on Skip Williamson

"Pigheaded," a documentary on legendary underground cartoonist Skip Williamson by local cartoonist/film maker John Kinhart, was mentioned in the March 22 New York Times obituary on Williamson.

Sean Hill interviewed in Tessera


The arts blog Tessera interviews comics creator Sean Hill on his approach to art and storytelling. Sean will also be an exhibitor at the Heroic Minicomics Show May 20 at Heroic Aleworks in Woodbridge, Va.


Herblock Award photos

Here's pictures from last night's political cartooning award to Ruben Bolling for his Tom the Dancing Bug strip and the following speech by Rep. John Lewis at the Library of Congress.

Ace local photographer Bruce Guthrie is the go-to man for these.

Formal Presentation: 

Everything else: 
My pictures, taken with a cell phone and as yet unedited, are at https://www.flickr.com/photos/42072348@N00/albums/72157681909955356

Gordon Thomas Frank - An Artomatic Interview

by Mike Rhode
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Gordon Thomas Frank's art is influenced by cartoons including DC and Disney. A selection is on display at Artomatic 2017 in Arlington, VA. He's answered our usual questions.


What type of comic work or cartooning do you do? 

My work has been described as digital pop art.

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

Scanned images manipulated through Photoshop.
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When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I'm a child of the 70's.

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

I grew up on the D.C. border in P.G. County. I've lived in Alexandria since 2001.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Self-taught. I never finished school.

Who are your influences?

Tumblr is a great source for inspiration. I have spent hours cataloging old comic book panels for future reference for my artwork.

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What work are you most proud of?

It's hanging in Artomatic right now...it's called 'Once You Go Black' and it depicts Sleeping Beauty holding a dildo. The show hadn't even opened, and it caused a few complaints.  The woman using the wall space next to me to said it was borderline child pornography. (She went ballistic and moved to the 3rd floor after someone else hung a floor-to-ceiling-sized painting with a penis on it). Another artist told me the Sleeping Beauty piece was 'kinda sorta' pornography, but was more upset with it because, 'as a Black woman', she felt it was racist.

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Do you have a website or blog?

I am the creator of the tumblr blog Love Boat Insanity (loveboatinsanity.tumblr.com). It's a collection of Love Boat  celebrities (and even fictional characters) that might've been...such as John Waters, Divine, Pam Grier, Ultraman, Jeffrey Dahmer and Tommy Wiseau, etc.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Comic Riffs on Ruben Bolling and tonight's Herblock Award

How the Internet and Trump led to a cartoonist's Herblock Prize


Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 29 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/03/29/how-the-internet-and-trump-led-to-a-cartoonists-herblock-prize-tonight/

Eric Gordon, the D.C. Creeper - An Artomatic Interview

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by Mike Rhode

D.C. Creepers's Eric Gordon's work is usually based on live sketching of unaware subjects. He's sharing a room at Artomatic in Crystal City and agreed to answer our usual questions.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

My comics are all over the map. I've done giant robots, abstract collage stories, and dogs gambling. Most of my published work has been in DC's own Magic Bullet and I also self-publish a number of mini-comics and zines which sell at local shops and fests.  A few titles: Better Know a Ramen, Thank You For Your Cooperation, Mr. Squibly, Verse Scribble Verse, Vinyl Vagabonds and others.

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

I do as much of my black and white work by hand as possible. I feel the most control of the medium that way, even the mistakes. I prefer brush and ink, but will use various pens as well. I try not to discriminate that much and work to seize the creativity when it happens.  I'll do some manipulation and color work in Photoshop after as needed.  I've been adding some watercolor to the process lately as well.

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

1975.

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

Born and raised in Bethesda and have roots in the Silver Spring area which is where I currently roost.  I stay here mostly to be near my folks and because I have a good job in the arts with Art Enables, vocational programming for adults with disabilities who are artists.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Background in illustration and further studies in social work and mental health.  I interned at Marvel for a while and have worked in animation, graphic design, and gallery management.  I also credit my comic and cartooning experience to the local comic shop, Big Planet in Bethesda, as well as Atomic in Baltimore. Lots of good influences there.  I also was in a cartooning club at the local JCC for a few years growing up, which was pretty formative.

Who are your influences?

I've always been in deep debt to Bill Sienkiewicz, Stan and Jack, Brian Ralph, Daniel Clowes, Scott McCloud, and Berkeley Breathed.  Many others, but these are the first that come to mind.

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

Wish I could have been at Marvel in the 60s instead of the 90s during the bankruptcy.  Also, would have gladly skipped the dot-com boom and bust.

What work are you best-known for?

20170325_173606Probably Mr. Squibly, a gum drop headed every man type. Made at over a dozen mini comics with him.  Also DC Creepers, which is a long running action sketching project I've been working on.

What work are you most proud of?

Mega Turg, my giant robot comic that was in Magic Bullet #3 and 12. Those comics are ridiculous, challenging, and mega fun (see what I just did there?).

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

Keep challenging myself to make comics (and art in general) that is honest and full.  There have been a few invites to do comics that just didn't make sense for me and my voice. I'm excited about a four-page project for a Cartoonists Draw Blood compilation that is coming together, and a continuing series of paintings inspired by the local music scene.

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

Procrastinate? No, that's bad. Usually I call my brother, a close friend in Queens, or talk to my wife.  They always seem to know the answer or give me such a wrong answer that it fires me up. Either way I am very lucky to have them for support.

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

Small press publishing/self-publishing. Print is being killed by the internet so it's up to local art scenes, zine fests, comics clubs, art studios, and individuals to make the comics of the future. Online is a part of it, but the power and quality of paper is just impossible to ignore.

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

DC Zinefest -  one of the best I've ever tabled at - great books and crowd. SPX - been going since it began and tabled for the first time last year. It's crazy, but great. Richmond Zinefest - great people and books.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

The Maryland part... seriously though... it has to be the diversity. The Silver Spring area is insanely diverse culturally. That makes for great art, food, music, and life...  so many great subjects to draw from.

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Least favorite?

Tourists and DC haters.  Don't like it here?  Please leave.

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

National Arboretum, Portrait Gallery, Art Enables galleries, and #1 is Baltimore's American Visionary Art Museum.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

Quarry House.

Do you have a website or blog?

www.dccreepers.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Beth Varni


by Mike Rhode

Beth Varni is new to the comic book world, and has agreed to answer our usual questions about her work and life.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do? 

I do inking, pencils, and colors.

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

Computers, traditional, and combination.

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

1989.

What neighborhood or area do you live in? 

I live in Woodbridge Va

What is your training and/or education in cartooning? 

I have a BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University

Who are your influences? 

Adam Hughes, Tomm Cooker, Mike Mignola, Paul Azaceta, and far too many others to name. I am actually pretty shitty at names.

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

Early on I had an internship comic job with a company near George Mason. I'm not going to name them, and it was all around not a great experience. I was used to make logos as an unpaid intern as the ONLY logo designer they had and they advertised it. I was stolen from the company by my art director who more than likely cut my convo with the owner and took me, and then threw fits when I wanted to be paid for my colors. All around terrible.


The Witch art by Paul Moore, colors by Varni
What work are you best-known for? 

Um, I am actually very very new to comics only a year in and I think for The Last Hunt with Amigo Comics I am getting the most inquiries about. I did the colors; Paul Moore did the gorgeous pencils and inks. I also work on colors for The Shepard by Calibur comics which I've gotten positive feedback from.

What work are you most proud of? 

I think it's my non-comic works involving my niece and nephew. I do regular art, paintings, sculptures- I think what I love the most are the paintings of my family. They mean something to me. A birth, a quiet moment with a nana, a smiling baby for the first time. Those I love.

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

Varni colors over Paul Moore art
Character design and colors are what I love in the realm of comics and games. I really want to work with my co-artist Paul Moore on some more stuff. I'd like to do colors for an Image series and of course for Marvel. A big dream of mine is doing concept art for a Bioware game. (Mass Effect lover here).

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

Play video games. Go out with my friends. Cuddle with my dogs.

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

It looks like it's headed into big growth right now. My generation's moving into the creation and profit fields- they like comics and games and movies. Of course we have different opinions than the old school creators so the art styles, panels, covers, even methods of story telling are being tested and changed. I hate when people say "this is the way we do this" well yeah, it's YOUR way to do it. Not the only way. It's fun to see what new paths comics and art in general will take in the future.

What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
McKinnon Chronicles art by Matt Trinh, colors by Varni

Haha. I've actually NEVER gone to a con as an artist. I went to Otakon a long time ago with my friends... Tiki and the Revolution? Took home the best sketch trophy. Martial artists and Streetfighter work well together.

What's your favorite thing about DC? 

I love all the restaurants and the shows at the Verizon center. Initial reaction was I love the Cherry Blossom Festival - and the Beer festivals nearby at the Washington Harbor are very fun as well.

Least favorite? 

Traffic. I travel a TOOON so I can say we have some of the worst traffic in the world sometimes. Istanbul has us beat from what I've experienced but still DC traffic sucks.

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

I love to take them to the Mall and show them all the museums. Native American, Art, Natural History, Space! All so fun and fantastic.

How about a favorite local restaurant? 

In DC it's Zaytinya over by the Verizon Center. Took my dad there for his 60th bday- he loved it and so did my whole family. Great place; I cannot recommend it enough. 

Cunning Folk by Varni
Do you have a website or blog?

I have a website, it's my online portfolio. It has comic art, video game art, and just regular art for the sake of art- www.bethvarni.com

Comic Riffs talks to Shannon Wheeler about Trump

A New Yorker cartoonist is creating a new book that illustrates President Trump's tweets


Washington Post Comic Riffs March 21 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/03/21/a-new-yorker-cartoonist-is-creating-a-new-book-that-illustrates-president-trumps-tweets/

Monday, March 27, 2017

Heroic Minicomic Show

Heroic Aleworks in Woodbridge, Va., and the D.C. Conspiracy are teaming up for the Heroic Minicomic Show on Saturday, May 20, from noon to 7 p.m. The show will feature about 20 local comic creators and a couple comics-related creators. Stay posted for a list of exhibitors!

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Artomatic exhibits with cartoon overtones, part 1

Unsurprisingly, Artomatic, the DC area's unjuried and large artshow, attracts people influenced by or practicing cartooning. I stopped by this weekend for a first look. This post covers floors 6, 8 and 9.

Eric "E$" Dolgas' sign says he's the 'pioneer of abstract cartooning.' (He's not - read Andrei Molotiu about that field).

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Emily Villataro had a couple of Batman-derived images. This Joker is definitely based on comic book art.

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DC Conspiracy member Michael Auger paints black light florescent animals.

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Donna Lewis is expanding beyond her "Reply All" comic strip with Bella & Boo Design Studio.

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Sharing a room with Lewis is Dennis Goris, an artist who has done some cartoony work around the theme "She Persisted."

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Here's my selfie entitling me to a button though.

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Rambo! does caricature based on movies and television.

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Sina Ouerghi does anime-influenced drawings of women, both her own and DC characters.

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Annie Lunsford is an illustrator, but I think her work has a cartoony feel.

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Comic book influences are obvious in this work by David Barr.

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Brand Dave's Prints on Wood are gag cartoons at heart.

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Clay Harris has a graphic novel for sale, and pages from it on display.

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Mitchell MacNaughton's caricatures and political cartoons recall the 1970s as well as today.

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D.C. Creepers's Eric Gordon will be featured in an interview later this week. His work is usually based on live sketching of unaware subjects.

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Andrew Williams painting series is the religious themed The Goodnews, but he also did a school newspaper comic strip called Mike and Moop. We'll have an interview with him later in the week.

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Gordon Thomas Frank's art is influenced by cartoons including DC and Disney, but has satirical and scatalogical overtones. We'll have an interview him this week.

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In the same room as Frank is Ralph Baden who is NSFW. His website notes, "I paint humorous, vulgar oil paintings, that some might find in bad taste. The reason why I paint - I want my jokes and opinions to last as long as Rembrandt or Van Gogh."

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All my Artomatic photos are here, with more images from each of the artists.

Friday, March 24, 2017

April 1: Matt Wuerker in CT


https://www.tortmuseum.org/events/grand-spring-reawakening/

Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/01/2017
11:00 am - 5:30 pm

Location
Winsted United Methodist Church

Categories
No Categories


Purchase tickets here.

April 1st

The American Museum of Tort Law (AMTL), is proud to welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Matt Wuerker, and Hall of Fame The New Yorker magazine cartoonist/illustrator Barry Blitt for a special daylong Program – 'If It Doesn't Please the Court: Two Ink-Stained Wretches on the Art of Political Satire.'

Consumer protection pioneer and AMTL Founder Ralph Nader, will join Blitt and Wuerker on the Program.

The Program will include: a WORKSHOP on cartooning/illustration, led by both Wuerker and Blitt; a PRESENTATION by them as well as Nader; and a MEET & GREET with the speakers.

Event Times

11:00 am workshop
1:00 pm program

Rick Newman, Executive Director of the AMTL: "One of the coolest things about political satire is that it's an expression of freedom, and a visual representation of the law as protector of that freedom and of people's rights. So, this Program is a great fit for the Mission of the AMTL."


Local comics artist Beth Varni has a comic book coming out

Black Panther writer visited Fantom Comics

From their Facebook page:

Ta-Nehisi Coates stopped in for Fantom Comics book club discussion of Black Panther. Longtime residents may recall his writing for the City Paper back in the day. Recently Yona Harvey, who's writing short stories for the World of Wakanda spinoff spoke at the Folger Library. Here's my photographs of that event.

DCist scoops ComicsDC on Civics Tracts

Local Comic Artists Strike Back In The War On Facts


'Beauty And The Beast' review on NPR podcast

'Beauty And The Beast,' Music, And More From South By Southwest

Emma Watson plays Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, a live-action remake of the 1991 animated film.

Laurie Sparham/Disney

Tale as old as tiiiiiiime ...

By which, of course, I mean "tired people return from South By Southwest."

But in any event: this week's show kicks off with a discussion with our pal Katie Presley of Bitch Media about the live-action version of Disney's Beauty And The Beast. How are the candlesticks? How's the new music? And, as Katie wonders, is there adequate eroticism within the Beast, compared to the cartoon Beast who set Katie's young heart aflutter so many years ago? And what's the Les Miz-iest part of the Beast's new tune, anyway?

March interview with Aydin and Powell

April 17: Alexis Frederick-Frost - Hocus Focus — at Takoma Park Library (MD)

Alexis Frederick-Frost - Hocus Focus — at Takoma Park Library (MD)

Monday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Imagine how frustrated you'd be if you worked for a wizard and never learning any magic! The Knight knows this feeling well, and he's determined to change it. His plan is simple: find a book of spells, whip up a potion, steal the wizard's wand, and presto! Making magic should be a piece of cake. But the Knight and his trusty sidekick, Edward, may be in over their heads when they try to cast a tricky transformation spell. Alexis Frederick-Frost joins Politics and Prose at Takoma Park Library to talk about this fun-filled adventure for young graphic novel readers. Ages 6 to 9.

Takoma Park Library (MD)   101 Philadelphia Ave   Takoma Park   MD    20912

Local papers on the Wilson movie, based on Clowes' graphic novel

Regarding Wilson, in 2010 I wrote a brief review of the book and interviewed Mr. Clowes, who at conventions is very personable and approachable, unlike his characters.  

 Wilson Is Only As Good As It's Narcissistic Protagonist's Warped Worldview


And Wilson's worldview isn't too appealing. [in print as Narcissist Sandwich].

Noah Gittell
Washington City Paper Mar 24, 2017
online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts/film-tv/blog/20856008/wilson-reviewed

'Wilson' fails to humanize its cartoonish title character [in print as Graphic novel's grouch better on page]


By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post March 24 2017, p. Weekend 29
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/wilson-fails-to-humanize-its-cartoonish-title-character/2017/03/23/0e16443c-0b4e-11e7-a15f-a58d4a988474_story.html

'Wilson,' With Woody Harrelson as a Misanthrope

A version of this review appears in print on March 24, 2017, on Page C6 of the New York edition with the headline: I'm Not O.K. You're Even Worse.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/movies/wilson-review-with-woody-harrelson.html

And in a similar vein, the Post ran online an AP article on Iron Fist...

Netflix/Marvel's 'Iron Fist' epic fail, say viewers, critics


Washington Post.com (March 23 2017): https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/netflixmarvels-iron-fist-epic-fail-say-viewers-critics/2017/03/23/e6b9bd7e-1043-11e7-aa57-2ca1b05c41b8_story.html

Three Stooges exhibit at Geppi's Entertainment Museum

It's a fun place to visit, and this exhibit includes local cartoonists.

Scoop March 24 2017
http://scoop.previewsworld.com/Home/4/1/73/1018?ArticleID=192224

King Kirby play auditions begin in Greenbelt

King Kirby

by Crystal Skillman and Fred van Lante
Directed by Keith Cassidy

PLAY DESCRIPTION

Even the origin stories have an origin story.

For over 50 years, Jack Kirby was the driving force behind the most iconic comic book characters in American pop culture. This is the story of the work that made the marvels.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Aside from Kirby, most actors will likely play multiple roles, not listed here, of different ages and in different decades

Jack Kirby: Jewish-American New Yorker, comic book artist. A single-minded, artistic innovator. Ages from young man to 74 during the action of the show. Artistic ability a plus, as the character is supposed to be drawing live during the show.

Stan Lee: Legendary comic book writer, ambitious friend/sometimes-rival/foil to Jack. Ages from young intern to the head of Marvel Comics during the action of the show.

Roz: Wife of Jack for 54 years until his death. She was always by his side, literally and figuratively: through his time as a soldier in WWII, as the mother of his four children, and even helping ink comics during the early stages of his career.

Joe Simon: Editor who gives Kirby his big break.

Victor Fox/Martin Goodman: fellow comic book artist/ Jack's publisher

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Auditions

The next round of auditions for the Off the Quill will be for King Kirby. Information about the play can be found here. Performances dates are July 28 – August 12, 2017 at the Greenbelt Arts Center.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions will be held in the evenings of April 4th and 5th, with potential callbacks on April 6th, at:
Joe's Movement Emporium
3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712.

You must complete the online audition timeslot request form, along with uploading your headshot and resume. After the forms are submitted, you will be contacted with further information regarding an audition timeslot.

Off the Quill will be casting a minimum of four men and one woman. Character descriptions can be found here.

  • All roles are Non-Union/Paid (Stipend).
  • Movement/dance experience a plus.

Please prepare two 60-90 second monologues (presenting two different characters). You may be asked to read a short side from the script.


View Play Description & Character Information page for further details.

Request an audition slot and submit a headshot & resume.