Evan Keeling's Punk Rock exhibit at Lost Origins gallery

The exhibit of Evan's long-gestating project on the history of punk rock in DC is closing tomorrow. It's in Lost Origins gallery, which will also be publishing his books in the future. Evan was onsite yesterday for an interview, which I missed, and will be there tomorrow demonstrating creating minicomics, I believe. Evan is one of the founders of the DC Conspiracy, and a long time practitioner of educational comics here in town via the Smithsonian. If you don't make it by tomorrow, here's a record of the show in photographs.

 

Oct 5, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024

In Comic Form

Illustrated Tales of DC Punk History

The Paintings, illustrations, & Comics of Evan Keeling

 https://lostorigins.gallery/exhibitions/in-comic-form/

 

 

Artist's statement

I detected a Prince Valiant influence...

Some of Evan's comics and prints for sale

Keeling has been making these fake paperback covers lately.

Mara Scheele, a very pleasant and helpful volunteer at Lost Origins gallery.

Evan Keeling's free downloadable minicomics

On Facebook, Evan Keeling notes:

All my Smithsonian and other zine comics are all linked in one place now...
http://etkeeling.tumblr.com/freecomics

Download 'Teaching Japanese American Incarceration through Comics'

Local comics creator Evan Keeling posts on Facebook: "Today is Yuri Kochiyama's 95th birthday.
here is the comic I drew about her while working with the Smithsonian Youth Civic Engagement Program." Evan notes that you can download for free the entire booklet Teaching Japanese American Incarceration through Comics.

New DC Conspiracy anthology at DC Author Fest

The DC Conspiracy members will among the featured speakers at D.C. Author Festival Oct. 24-25 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. On Saturday, Andrew Cohen and Evan Keeling will be talking about the DCC's Magic Bullet comics newspaper at 2 p.m.

DCC will also be premiering a new comics anthology published in partnership with the DC Public Library system. DC Conspiracy, 2015: Comics from the Nation's Capital is 76 pages packed with mostly four-page comics by local creators (The cover is by David Ross). Proceeds from the sales of the book will go toward publishing Magic Bullet.

Q&A: Goldfield on 'Captive of Friendly Cove'

Rebecca Goldfield is a local documentary film producer who recently has ventured into the world of graphic novels and comics to tell her stories. This week, her first graphic novel, Captive of Friendly Cove: Based on the Secret Journal of John Jewitt (Fulcrum Publishing) its bookstores. A summary of the story: After his ship is burned and his shipmates killed, British sailor John Jewitt lived for nearly three years as a captive of the Mowachaht people, a Native American tribe on the west coast of Vancouver Island. During his captivity, Jewitt kept journals of his experiences and of tribal life. Follow his adventures as he plies his skills as a blacksmith, saves the life of his only remaining crew member, and comes up with a strategy to free them both.

Later this month, Goldfield will be signing at the Small Press Expo in Rockville, Md. 

Below, Goldfield answers a few questions about Captive. (Editor’s note: Matt Dembicki, who conducting this Q&A, inked Captive.)

How did you come up this story? What was it that grabbed your interest?

I was living in Vancouver BC and was in Horseshoe Bay one day, when I discovered this whacky little shop--a combination post office-candy counter-bookstore. I was soon poking through a creaky rotating rack that displayed just a handful of books--and one turned out to be John Jewitt’s journals. I thought it was a great story; a sympathetic young protagonist sets out alone to make his way in the world and suddenly finds himself caught up in an historical conflict he had no idea existed. His personal story was that he was injured in a bloody massacre aboard his ship and then spent several years having to survive both physically and mentally in the wilderness, as a slave in a culture that was utterly alien to him. But the larger story is the conflict between the native world and the explorers and traders of the time and that gave it another whole dimension.

Of all the ways to tell this story—a prose short story, article, documentary, etc.—why did you decide to make it a graphic novel?

Part of it was a matter of my own background, having produced and written TV documentaries for so long, it just felt natural to choose another visual medium. But as I read the source material I found a great adventure story that was a bit buried in descriptions of daily life, of rituals, of hunting techniques, of migratory patterns. I thought the art could very effectively depict those elements as well as action sequences, and even emotion, while I as a writer could focus more on building the characters and structuring plot and creating dialogue and narration. 

You previously wrote a short story for the comics anthology District Comics, but this is your first longer comics project. What were your impressions about the process, from researching and writing, to collaborating with the artists?

I had absolutely no idea of the scope of what I was undertaking. I went from having never created a single panel to committing to a full length graphic novel and the learning curve was about as steep as they come. I was used to writing for film but despite the similarities, I soon learned that producing a graphic novel is its own art form, one that plays out in space, not time, as film does. And structuring a story that took place over several years, a number of locations, different seasons, many characters, all taking place in an environment and culture that was new to me--it was a lot to figure out. My wonderful artists were incredibly generous about letting me, a novice, take the lead--teaching me as we went--because I had a lot to learn.  I’m sure they rolled their eyes often.

This is a historical graphic novel. What was the hardest part of researching it? Did you reach out to any of the descendants of the people in the story?

Research is always the most pleasurable part of any project for me, and I could not have been happier reading every book I could find on the contact period in the Pacific Northwest, and speaking with historians, anthropologists and museum curators. The hard part was connecting with the Mowachaht people themselves---it took a very long time for anyone to really talk to me. After all, they’d been living very successfully in the area for thousands of years, John was there for under three and so was not even a footnote to a footnote in their history. Ultimately, though, I did spend a wonderful day in Yuquot (Friendly Cove) and found the people to be extraordinarily open and willing to share their collective memories of John and contribute their perspectives. And though the story is told through our protagonist’s point of view, I did get some of that in.

Who is the target audience for this book? Do you envision it being used in classrooms?

It is targeted to middle school students and older, and yes, the hope is that it will be used in schools and libraries. It’s a great, true adventure story, with memorable characters and a dramatic historical conflict. I think it will appeal to young adults and not so young adults as well. Hope so, anyway!

DC Conspiracy featured in City Paper

A Decade of Local Indie Comics from DC Conspiracy

by Tim Regan
Washington City Paper Feb. 19, 2015
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2015/02/19/a-decade-of-local-indie-comics-from-dc-conspiracy/

in print as Comic Fans: Indie comics are alive and well in the District, Feb. 20, p. 35-36

Preparing for the D.C. Conspiracy party on Feb. 21

Members of the D.C. Conspiracy (namely Evan Keeling and Andrew Cohen) prepare the DCC comics arts exhibit at Fantom Comics, which on Feb. 21 will host the DCC's 10th anniversary party. The celebration, which runs from 3-9 p.m., will include a comics-making workshop, chat with creators and live music by Mickie & Mallory (which includes comics writer Joe Carabeo).

Keeling on 'Student Exposure'

"Student Exposure" interviews Evan Keeling about the D.C. Conspiracy, Dr. Dremo, Magic Bullet and self-publishing. Click on photo to see the video.

Fantastic Forum on DC Conspiracy's exhibit at Artisphere

DC Conspiracy Comics Making Workshop at Artisphere
Ulysses Campbell
Fantastic Forum· Sep 28, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWQS6Ax7n8E&feature=youtu.be

Matt Dembicki, Evan Keeling, Eric Gordon and Jake Warrenfeltz of TheD.C. Conspiracy talk about the group during the artists' reception for its Comics Making Workshop at Artisphere in Arlington, VA.

Darn, I'm sorry I missed this. September is just too busy in DC.

Poster for 'Magic Bullet' exhibit at Artisphere

Here's Evan Keeling's awesome poster for the upcoming 'Magic Bullet' exhibit/comics-making studio at the Artisphere Aug. 21-Nov. 3.

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - July 20, 2012

July 20, 2012

Entire Xoc Pup now online! 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! Also, we are proud to announce that Michael Rex, creator of the awesome all-ages comics Fangbone!: Third Grade Barbarian will be appearing in August at our Vienna and College Park stores too! You can view the pages of Xoc Pup at: Xoc Pup - page 1 Xoc Pup - page 2 Xoc Pup - page 3 Xoc Pup - page 4 Xoc Pup - page 5 Xoc Pup - page 6 Xoc Pup - page 7 Xoc Pup - page 8 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 - July 28 - Matt Dembicki Signing Xoc: The Journey of a Great White 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! 11am-1pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 3pm-5pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com ___________________ NEW - August 18 - Michael Rex Signing Fangbone!: The Birthday Party of Dread 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! 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com Blacksad: A Silent Hell HC by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido Finally a new Blacksad adventure! Great 1950s noir as private eye Blacksad investigates a case in the music scene of New Orleans, with the superbly astounding art of Guarnido! Plus this book includes a huge art section at the back where Guarnido explains how he worked so hard to get the lighting of Louisiana in his watercolors. The entire story takes place over one day with changing light. It is amazing!!! Sunset HC by Christos N. Gage and Jorge Lucas A retired hit man for the mob is finally tracked down by the gangsters he betrayed 30 years ago.  Now this tough old man must go back into the world he left behind to try to save his ex-wife and the son he abandoned. Hard boiled action and crime, as if Clint Eastwood's character from Gran Torino was a hitman! Drawing American Pop Culture: A Career Retrospective HC   by Jack Davis   A massive oversized art book covering the entire career of Jack Davis, including all his work on MAD, movie posters, comic strips, and even his work in college! Captain Marvel #1 by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Dexter Soy Ms. Marvel returns in a new series, where Captain America implores her to accept the mantle of Captain Marvel! Plus a look back at the test pilot who inspired Carol Danvers on her own career path. Bloody Chester SC by JT Petty and Hilary Florido A tough young man is recruited by a corrupt railroad magnate in the Old West to destroy a town slowing down the expansion of the railroad, and finds himself mixed up in a haunted town and a mix of strange characters who refuse to leave. A great new Western! The Supernaturalist SC by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano Eoin Colfer's novel is adapted into comics with truly amazing art by Giovanni Rigano! In a dark future, an abused orphan escapes and teams up with a group of strange Spotters who can see the monsters preying on humanity and they continue to work to destroy them, even as they get mixed up in corporate scheming. A strange and dense new world! The Adventures of Venus HC by Gilbert Hernandez   Collecting all the all-ages adventures of young romance comic loving Venus from the Hernandez Brothers brief kids comics Measles run! Venus explores the city, goes to another world, and plays some soccer! all ages Untold Tales of the Punisher #2 by Jason Latour and Connor Willumsen   The writer of the amazing southern rural noir Loose Ends teams up with the amazing art of Willumsen to tell a new tale of the Punisher, MAX style! Adventure Time #6 American Elf Vol 4 Sketchbook Diaries James Kochalka SC Asterix Omnibus Vol 4 SC Avengers Vs X-Men #8 (of 12) Before Watchmen Silk Spectre #2 (of 4) Captain America And Bucky: Life Of Bucky Barnes SC Concrete Three Uneasy Pieces One Shot Creepy Presents Richard Corben HC Daredevil #15 Extermination #2 Fables #119 Fatima The Blood Spinners #2 (of 4) FF by Jonathan Hickman Vol 2 SC Mars Attacks #2 Not The Israel My Parents Promised Me GN Reset #4 (of 4) Saga #5 Showcase Presents Rip Hunter Time Master Vol 1 SC Smurfs Vol 12 Smurfs Versus Smurfs SC The Spider #3 Big Planet Comics Podcast #52 "(the new) 52!" Kevin, Nick and Jared are back with a buncha reviews and comicon news! Download now or subscribe on iTunes! PODCAST REVIEWS: Blacksad: A Silent Hell HC by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido Bloody Chester SC by JT Petty and Hilary Florido Captain Marvel #1 by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Dexter Soy Punk Rock Jesus #1 (of 6) by Sean Murphy Revival #1 by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton Space Punisher #1 by Frank Trieri and Mark Texeira Sparrow and Crowe: The Demoniac of Los Angeles #1 (of 5) by David Accampo, Jeremy Rogers and Jared Souza The Supernaturalist SC by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano Uncle Scrooge: Only a Poor Old Man HC by Carl Barks Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com or leave a voicemail at 1-703-539-CAST! (1-703-539-2278) 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 8/18 - Michael Rex Signing Fangbone! 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Signing Fangbone! 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com New Next Week 7/25 (Let us know if you want any of these!) Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys Vol 21 SC All Star Western #11 Amazing Spider-Man #690 American Vampire #29 Angel & Faith #12 Aquaman #11 Archie #635 Archie & Friends Double Digest #18 Archie Clash Of The New Kids SC Astonishing X-Men #52 Avengers #28 AVX Axe Cop President of the World #1 (Of 3) B & V Friends Double Digest #227 Back Issue #58 Bart Simpson Comics #73 Batman Incorporated #3 Batman The Dark Knight #11 Before Watchmen Comedian #2 (Of 6) Kevin Smith Bionic Man Vol 1 Some Assembly Required SC Kevin Smith Bionic Man #11 BPRD Hell On Earth Exorcism #2 (Of 2) Captain America #15 Captain America And Iron Man #634 Crossed Badlands #10 Dance Class Vol 2 Romeo & Juliets HC Daredevil By Mark Waid Vol 1 SC Dark Avengers #178 DC Comics Presents Wonder Woman Adventures #1 SC DC Super Pets Biggest Little Hero SC DC Super Pets Cat Crime Club SC DC Super Pets Deep Sea Duel SC DC Super Pets Fantastic Flexy Frog SC DC Super Pets Night Of Scaredy Crows SC DC Super Pets Swamp Thing Vs Zombie Pets SC Deadpool #58 Debris #1 (Of 4) Dejah Thoris & White Apes Of Mars #4 Dragon Age Vol 1 Silent Grove HC Elephantmen #41 Elephantmen Vol 5 Devilish Functions HC Everybody Loves Tank Girl #1 (Of 3) Exile Planet Of The Apes #4 (Of 4) FF #20 Flannery O'connor Cartoons HC Flash #11 Fury Of Firestorm The Nuclear Men #11 Garfield & Co Vol 6 Mother Garfield HC Gatecrasher Vol 1 Ring Of Fire SC Ghostbusters #11 Godzilla #3 Goon #40 Graveyard Of Empires #4 Green Arrow Vol 1 Into The Woods SC Green Lantern #11 Green Lantern New Guardians #11 Grifter Vol 1 Most Wanted SC Grim Leaper #3 (Of 4) Grimm Fairy Tales #75 Aragones' Groo The Wanderer Artist Edition HC Hammer And The Anvil GN Haunt #25 Hawken #5 (Of 6) Hellraiser #16 Hit-Girl #2 (Of 5) I, Vampire #11 Incredible Hulk #11 John Carter Gods Of Mars #5 (Of 5) Justice League Dark #11 Lord Of The Jungle #6 Mad Presents Batman #1 Manhattan Projects #5 Marvel Previews August 2012 Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man #4 Mass Effect Homeworlds #3 Mighty Thor #17 Marvel Masterworks Fantastic Four Vol 8 SC The Monolith HC National Comics Eternity #1 Near Death #10 New Deadwardians #5 (Of 8) Phoenix Wright Vol 5 SC Planet Of The Apes #16 Previews #287 August 2012 Prophet #27 Red Hulk Haunted SC Red Sonja Witchblade #5 Resident Alien #3 Resistance Vol 3 Victory SC Savage Hawkman #11 Scalped Vol 9 Knuckle Up SC Secret Avengers #29 Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow #15 Spaceman #8 (Of 9) Star Wars Blood Ties Boba Fett Is Dead #4 (Of 4) Star Wars Darth Maul Death Sentence #1 (Of 4) Super Dinosaur #12 Superman #11 Superman Family Adventures #3 Teen Titans #11 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #12 Thor Deviants Saga SC TMNT Micro Series #6 Casey Jones Transformers More Than Meets Eye #7 Transformers Robots In Disguise Vol 1 SC Trio #3 Ultimate Comics Hawkeye By Jonathan Hickman SC Ultimate Comics Ultimates #13 DWF Ultimate Comics X-Men By Nick Spencer Vol 1 HC Uncanny X-Force #28 Underwater Welder GN Venom #21 Voodoo #11 Winter Soldier #8 Witchblade #158 Wolverine And X-Men #14 AVX Wonder Woman Odyssey Vol 1 SC Wonderland #1 X-Men Legacy #270 Avx X-Men Steve Rogers Escape From Negative Zone SC X-Treme X-Men #1

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