Big Planet Comics on U St. prepares for Saturday's signing.
(Photo courtesy of Big Planet Comics)
(Photo courtesy of Big Planet Comics)
Showing posts with label Big Planet Comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big Planet Comics. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Aydin signs 'March' at Big Planet this Saturday
Andrew Aydin, co-author of March: Book 1 (Top Shelf Productions), a hot new graphic novel about the life of civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis (who co-wrote the book with Aydin), will be signing this Saturday, Sept. 28, from noon-2 p.m. at Big Planet Comics in Washington, D.C. Can't make it but want a signed copy? Let BPC know and they will hold a copy for you.
Thursday, August 08, 2013
The ultimate fantasy coloring book
Back in 1972, Joel Pollack--who later founded Big Planet Comics of the greater Washington, D.C., area--co-published a rather interesting fazine with Bob Lewis. Colour Your Dreams, a 32-page fantasy coloring book, featured full-page art by--hold onto your hats--Jeff Jones, Berni Wrightson, Phil Trumbo, Henry Pitz, Howard Chaykin, Howard Pyle, Mike Nally, Frank E. Schoonover, Lawrence Kamp, John Linton, J. Allen St. John, Barry Smith, Robert Lewis, Dennis Fujitake, Yvon Sovereign, Michael W. Kaluta, Joel Pollack, Fred H. Ball, Arthur Rackham, Eric Friedrichs, Marc Cheshire, Dave Cockram, Walt Simonson, Norman Lindsay, Verlon Vrana, Maxfield Parrish, Roy G. Krenkel, John Lawson, Sherry Ives and Steve Hickman. Want a copy for your collection? A copy is on sale at eBay.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Big Planet Comics to distribute Box Brown's Retrofit Comics
Heidi MacDonald's The Beat has learned that Big Planet Comics is going to distribute Box Brown's Retrofit Comics - the story by is here:
ComicsDC will be following up on this, but it appears that this is being developed by Jared Smith,
formerly the force behind Mars Import, the excellent Euro-comics source of the late 90s.
The byline to this should go to Matt Dembicki who caught it, but didn't want to type it out on
his smartphone.
ComicsDC will be following up on this, but it appears that this is being developed by Jared Smith,
formerly the force behind Mars Import, the excellent Euro-comics source of the late 90s.
The byline to this should go to Matt Dembicki who caught it, but didn't want to type it out on
his smartphone.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Edmondson at Big Planet Comics June 29
Nathan Edmondson will be at Big Planet Comics at its U
Street store on June 29 to sign copies of his new series, The Dream Merchant
(Image Comics). Edmondson’s other comics include The Activity, Who is Jake
Ellis?, Ultimate Iron Man, Grifter, The Light and Olympus, among others.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Kickstarter game features Jeffrey Thompson art
Scalawag!, a game with a Kickstarter fundraising campaign features Jeffrey Thompson art. Jeff is a long-time Big Planet Comics Bethesda employee as well as a children's book artist. You would think the Scalawag designer would mention Jeff since he's selling a bunch of the original artwork at the bottom, but...I'll be backing this one anyway, because of Jeff.
Monday, May 06, 2013
Pictures of cartoonists made my life so wonderful...
I've been keeping busy going to events and I've generated a bunch of photographs of them. Click through the links under each picture for more shots.
Here's more shots of Awesome Con. Starro the Conqueror!
Dan Perkins, aka Tom Tomorrow, receiving the Herblock Award for his strip, This Modern World, at the Library of Congress. See the strip here.
Way too many shots of Charles Vess at Politics and Prose bookstore.
Free Comic Book Day at Big Planet Comics in Bethesda and Vienna, as well as Victory Comics. That's Art Hondros, the cover artist for Magic Bullet #6.
Political cartoonist Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher's book launch for Daggers Drawn, his Kickstarter-funded retrospective, held at Boordy Vineyard near Baltimore. Buy the book here.
Glen Echo Park in Maryland with cartoonist Lincoln "Big Nate" Peirce. Get tickets to the Big Nate musical here. (I'm working on writing up an interview with Peirce, but I saw the show on opening day, and can recommend it).
Here's more shots of Awesome Con. Starro the Conqueror!
Dan Perkins, aka Tom Tomorrow, receiving the Herblock Award for his strip, This Modern World, at the Library of Congress. See the strip here.
Way too many shots of Charles Vess at Politics and Prose bookstore.
Free Comic Book Day at Big Planet Comics in Bethesda and Vienna, as well as Victory Comics. That's Art Hondros, the cover artist for Magic Bullet #6.
Political cartoonist Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher's book launch for Daggers Drawn, his Kickstarter-funded retrospective, held at Boordy Vineyard near Baltimore. Buy the book here.
Glen Echo Park in Maryland with cartoonist Lincoln "Big Nate" Peirce. Get tickets to the Big Nate musical here. (I'm working on writing up an interview with Peirce, but I saw the show on opening day, and can recommend it).
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Free Comic Book Day and more this weekend
After the success of Awesome Con, we've still got a lot of comic-related events going on this weekend too. Iron Man 3 opens on Friday, and it's already been bigger than The Avengers in Europe.
Free Comic Book Day is on Saturday, and local comic book stores will have a selection of the 52 comics that were published this year. Big Planet Comics, our largest local chain, will have eight cartoonists spread between its four locations including Steve Artley, Michael Cowgill, Matt Dembicki, Andrew Cohen, Evan Keeling, Art Hondros, John Gallagher, and John Staton. Most of the cartoonists are in the DC Conspiracy co-op or have work in the book District Comics and the new free comics newspaper, Magic Bullet #6. Other cartoonists from the two publications include Troy-Jeffery Allen and Matt Rawson (along with Superman historian Glen Weldon) at Fantom Comics in Union Station and Rafer Roberts and John Shine at Beyond Comics in Gaithersburg. According to editor Carolyn Belefski, the issue is almost 'sold-out' so pick one up this weekend and get it signed as well. Carolyn and her co-author Joe Carabeo will be at Laughing Ogre comics in Fairfax. Local comic critic Glen Weldon has suggestions about the comics for you on NPR.
Ranging a bit further afield Jacob Warrenfeltz will be at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis. Jacob had planned to have a special new publication, but now tells us "'Bella & Bunny Man Bridge' is a short 8-page mini comic that Zarmina Sulaiman and I came up with. It's a cute, kid friendly story about a fluffy white dog and her cool cat sidekick as they brave the adventure of investigating Clifton VA's "Bunny Man Bridge". Our plan was to have this ready for Free Comic Book Day. Unfortunately we aren't going to have the book back from the printer in time, so the next opportunity to get your hands on this new mini comic will be the DC Zine Fest, which is happening on July 20." Rounding out our list of local cartoonists, Steve Conley and Frank Cho will be appearing at Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Riestertown, Md along with Adam Kubert.
On Sunday, you can attend the world premiere of the musical Big Nate at Adventure Theater in Glen Echo, MD. Lincoln Peirce, the comic strip creator (and a close personal friend of Wimpy Kid's Jeff Kinney) will be at the play and signing books.
Also on Sunday, Marc Tyler Nobleman will be speaking about Batman co-creator Bill Finger at the Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St, NW) from 10:30-12:00 and signing copies of his book Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman.
Again, further afield, Kevin 'Kal' Kallaugher will be speaking at the Walters Museum in Baltimore at 2 pm to launch his new book, Daggers Drawn. The Express has an interview.
And I've interviewed most of the cartoonists mentioned here (and many others) if you want to study up before meeting them.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
May 4: Free Comic Book Day - Big Planet Comics plans
May 4 – Free Comic Book Day – With EIGHT creators!
Saturday, May 4 is the 11th annual Free Comic Book Day! There are around 50 comics being given away this year, and we are proud to have EIGHT comics creators as guests this year!
All four stores! All day! (College Park is open til 7)
Bring your friends!
A list of the comics this year:
http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Home/1/1/27/981
Vienna store –
S. G. Artley (Exiles of Nod)
Michael Cowgill (Lil' P.I.)
Matt Dembicki (XOC)
U Street store –
Andrew Cohen (A Mutual Feeling)
Evan Keeling (Codename: Fifinella)
Bethesda store -
Art Hondros (Notes from the Cave Walls)
John Gallagher (Buzzboy)
College Park store -
John Staton (Empowered)
(Due to a family conflict, Ben Hatke will not be appearing)
For more information and a list of what comics we will be giving away for free, please check out the Free Comic Book Day webpage!
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - July 20, 2012
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The final part of Xoc Pup is now online for FREE on our website! You can read this all-new exclusive 8 page comic about a newborn shark and get a nice feel for the graphic novel Xoc: The Journey of a Great White that will be for sale next week. Plus don't forget that the creator Matt Dembicki will be appearing at our College Park and Vienna stores on next Saturday, July 28, along with the colorist of Xoc, Evan Keeling! We also have an awesome limited edition signed and numbered print by Matt and colored by Evan for sale! Only $5, but it is limited so be sure to get there early!
Well, after you read the story of Xoc Pup above, get ready for a full graphic novel of the stories of a grown up great white shark! Matt Dembicki's Xoc is coming out soon! Join us on Saturday, July 28, at our College Park and Vienna stores for Matt signing copies of his new book. The colorist on the book, Evan Keeling, will also be there! Plus we will have limited edition signed and numbered prints for sale for only $5!
Michael Rex, creator of Fangbone! Third Grade Barbarian, will be appearing at both our Vienna and College Park stores on Saturday, August 18, for his new all-ages book Fangbone! 3: The Birthday Party of Dread! Michael Rex is a New York Times best-selling illustrator for his many excellent kids books, including Firefighter, Furious George Goes Bananas, Jack the Builder, and of course the first two excellent Fangbone books, Fangbone! 1: Third Grade Barbarian and Fangbone! 2: The Egg of Misery!
Monday, June 04, 2012
Cartoonists at Artomatic photographs
Cartoonists at Artomatic photos in my Flickr account. Exhibitors include David Hagen, Ben Claassen, Michael Auger (not pictured), Annie Lunsford, Karon Flage (photos by the former Small Press Expo/SPX head), illustrator Bono Mitchell and collagist Grace Yost. Bon vivant editorial cartoonist Steve Artley is in the pictures too. Hagen, ARtley, Auger, Lunsford and Mitchell all contributed to the Team Cul de Sac anthology which goes on sale tomorrow.
David Hagen. I'm now wondering how to get the drywall off the pillar.
And here's two shots of Russ Kick from his Graphic Canon booksigning at Big Planet Comics Bethesda:
David Hagen. I'm now wondering how to get the drywall off the pillar.
And here's two shots of Russ Kick from his Graphic Canon booksigning at Big Planet Comics Bethesda:
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Free Comic Book Day was major success for Big Planet Comics
Ghostbusters at Big Planet Comics Vienna for Free Comic Book Day
In their recent podcast (#44), Jared Smith, one of the chain's owners said, "Of the four Big Planet stores, almost all of us ran out of almost every book we had. We certainly got more people than we expected, based on our ordering numbers, and College Park and Vienna both had their best sales days ever. So it wasn't just like we gave away a lot of free stuff - we sold a huge amount of stuff to people."
According to Joel Pollack, Big Planet Bethesda had a line of people waiting when the store opened at 11 am, and the line wrapped through the store for over an hour. By mid-afternoon, he was out of free comics.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
May 5: Free Comic Book Day in the DC-area
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!)
- 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
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From Beyond Comics:
This year’s Free Comic Book Day will be Saturday, May 5th.
We will be giving away tons of comic books and other freebies. Meet comic book artists including Dean Haspiel, Mark Whealty, Carla Speed McNeil, Rafer Roberts, Terry Flippo, Megan Steckler and Nathan Richardson.
Also meet an abundance of costumed heroes! Fun for kids of all ages!
Gaithersburg Artists: Dean Haspiel, Carla Speed McNeil, Casey Jones and Nathan Richardson from 11am to 4pm.
Frederick Artists: Mark Wheatley, Rafer Roberts, Megan Steckler, and Terry Flippo.
Gaithersburg Store
18794 B North Frederick Rd
Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 216-0007
Hours: M,Tu 11-8; W-Sat 10-9; Sun 12-6
Frederick Store
5632 Route 85
Frederick, MD
(301) 668-8202
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From Game On! Comics
Saturday, May 5th from 11am to 6pm
Come out to Game On! Comics for Free Comic Book Day! Once per year, comic shops around the country give out comics for free.
We will have a great selection of comic books for you and your friends, for FREE. LOTS of children's comics!
Over 40 titles! One Free Thor Heroclix! Widest variety of comics available in our area!
Super-Hero appearances throughout the day!! Starting around 12 noon till 3ish
Batgirl
Sabretooth
A G.I. Joe
Flash
Phoenix
Artist Appearance: 11am to 6pm
Tim Dzon!
Tim has worked on many comics over the years including these:
Avengers West Coast
Avengers Spotlight
What If..
Marvel Comics Presents
Fantastic Four Unplugged
Spiderman Unlimited
Hawkeye Mini-Series
Northstar Mini-Series
WarMachine
Ironman
Tim will be here to sign autographs and even draw commisioned pieces just for you, for an extra cost.
Louis the Magician
11:30am to 12:30pm
Louis the Magician will be performing close up magic in the lobby for the kids!
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BAMN Comics - free downloadable comic from local creators Jay Payne, Troy Jeffrey Allen and David Dean on May 5th at http://www.bamncan.com/
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From Third Eye Comics in Annapolis:
THIS SATURDAY IS ALSO FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2012 and THIRD EYE'S 4th ANNIVERSARY!
Yes, it's our favorite day of the year, in fact, this is why we chose it as the day of our big grand opening celebration. FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. Every year, we work hard to bring you guys the best Free Comic Book Day on the East Coast, and this year, we've pulled out all the stops. A huge sale, loads of special guest creators, Stormtroopers!, and so much more!
Click here to get the full rundown of what we have shaking at BOTH Third Eye locations this Saturday for FCBD 2012!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Joel Pollack on moving Big Planet Comics' Bethesda store
Big Planet Comics Bethesda just moved for the second time in 25 years, once again staying within two blocks of its previous location. In fact, it's within fifty feet of its original 1986 location now. Chain founder Joel Pollack showed me the store yesterday, and answered a few questions by email.
Mike Rhode: How come you moved the store?
Joel Pollack: My cute answer is we either had to clean or move. The real answer is we've known for several years that our landlord intended to raze our building to build a 14- (or 17-) story condo. When we were given notice (subsequently rescinded) to vacate at year 2011's end, we realized it was time to go.
Why did you want to stay in the Woodmont triangle?
We briefly considered "North Bethesda" (really south Rockville) near White Flint Metro, but we always preferred the Woodmont Triangle, and were lucky to find a space 100 feet from our original second story location. I couldn't be happier.
What are the advantages of the new store?
Immediately, larger space, cheaper rent. Also, with Fairmont Ave. likely to be a construction mess for the foreseeable future, Cordell Ave.now becomes the per-eminent shopping/dining street in the Triangle.
How was the move?
How many times have you moved the store?
The old location with the proposed condos sign.
This will be the second time - we previously moved from Cordell Ave. in March of 1991.
Will you be participating in Free Comic Book Day on May 5th?
But of course - it's our favorite comics-related event of the year.
What can people expect?
Anything else you'd like to mention?
Everything about the move has been positive, and I'm re-energized for another ten years of comic book sales.
Mike Rhode: How come you moved the store?
Joel Pollack: My cute answer is we either had to clean or move. The real answer is we've known for several years that our landlord intended to raze our building to build a 14- (or 17-) story condo. When we were given notice (subsequently rescinded) to vacate at year 2011's end, we realized it was time to go.
Why did you want to stay in the Woodmont triangle?
We briefly considered "North Bethesda" (really south Rockville) near White Flint Metro, but we always preferred the Woodmont Triangle, and were lucky to find a space 100 feet from our original second story location. I couldn't be happier.
What are the advantages of the new store?
How was the move?
Couldn't have gone better. Agent Tyke Papanicolas greased the wheels, every contractors' promise was fulfilled (special shout-out to Carlos Sanchez who did our build-out), the landlord granted us numerous concessions, and Carlos (not a mover by trade) got us moved with minimal problems. We did the entire move in three days, packing with the help of volunteers and employees on Sunday, moving on Monday, unpacking on Tuesday, and re-opening on Wednesday. Store monkey (his choice of words), Jef Thompson, did at least 70% of the unpacking. I'm convinced I used up any accrued good karma I had.
How many times have you moved the store?
The old location with the proposed condos sign.Will you be participating in Free Comic Book Day on May 5th?
What can people expect?
We will again have our kid's packs - a pre-pack of at least ten comics. Also, a nice variety of freebies for the so-called grown-ups. And another specially imprinted DC Comics sampler, with a terrific coupon, guaranteed to save customers money.
Anything else you'd like to mention?
Everything about the move has been positive, and I'm re-energized for another ten years of comic book sales.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - April 19, 2012
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Jerry Gaylord, artist of the new Boom Entertainment comic Fanboys vs. Zombies, will be appearing at our College Park store on Saturday, May 26. Fanboys vs. Zombies is written by Sam Humphries and tells the tale of a group of estranged friends who reunite at San Diego Comicon just as a zombie apocalypse begins! Can fan knowledge help you survive zombies longer?
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