Postcast: Cartoonists react to Paris attack

In this week’s podcast, It’s All Journalism producer Michael O’Connell (a local radio journalist who is also a comics arts fan) interviews Jen Sorensen, Erin Polgreen and Michael Cavna on their reactions to the Charlie Hebdo attack and how the media — and the cartooning community in particular — responded.

Matt Bors wins Herblock award

Matt Bors, an alternative cartoonist, is the winner of this year's Herblock Award.

More details at 2012 HERBLOCK PRIZE: Matt Bors becomes first alt-editorial cartoonist to win the $15K award, By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 12 2012 including the fact that Jen Sorenson has won a runner-up cash prize.

Jen Sorensen interview online at City Paper

Meet an SPX Cartoonist: A Chat With Jen Sorensen
by Mike Rhode on Sep. 7, 2011 http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/09/07/meet-an-spx-cartoonist-a-chat-with-jen-sorenson/

Wuerker's Herblock award - Cavna makes his attendance tax-deductible

I'll have my own post up eventually, with photos from Joe Azar, but here's Michael's take on the evening -

Politico's MATT WUERKER accepts the Herblock Prize
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post's Comic Riffs blog April 16, 2010

He also talked to Steve Breen and Jen Sorenson about their recent awards -
Fischetti-winning Steve Breen: Awards 'mean more than ever' in tough times
By Michael Cavna, April 17, 2010

Jen Sorenson wins Social Justice Journalism award

She may have moved away from the East Coast, but perhaps we'll still see her at SPX. Meanwhile, here's the story of her award - Jen Sorensen, Cartoonist With Conscience, April 7, 2010 by Audrey Bilger.

Jen Sorenson interviewed by Daryl Cagle

Jen's sort of local, being currently based in Charlottesville...

Daryl Cagle interviews cartoonists Mikhaela Reid and Jen Sorenson, part 1-2
CagleCartoons
July 07, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zJm7XZYLAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTCh12ulKpQ

Here is another interview from this year's AAEC Convention. This time, I sit down with Mikhaela Reid and Jen Sorenson, two successful female alternative cartoonists, and discuss the state of the industry and the uphill battle female cartoonists face.

Washington Post highlights

In addition to the Jen Sorenson story mentioned a few days ago, Steve Brodner covered the Travel section. In the Business section, Disney's investment into healthy food is examined.

Jen Sorenson interview on Comic Riffs

See "The Interview: 'Slowpoke' Alt-Cartoonist Jen Sorensen," By Michael Cavna, May 1, 2009. Jen's always good. I buy her new book at SPX every year, even if I already have it because it's not really new. Because she appreciates it.

UPDATE: A version of this apparently runs in Sunday's physical paper - The Back Story: Sister, Can You Spare a Smile?, Washington Post May 3, 2009

Jen Sorenson was at the Inauguration and didn't even call

She did blog about it however - Inauguratin' and This Week's Strip: "Seen at the Inauguration"

Good stuff in today's papers

"Godzilla's Older, Creepier Cousins: Beings Such as Filth Licker Haunt Japanese Culture," By Blaine Harden, Washington Post Foreign Service, Friday, October 31, 2008; A01. This is about creatures called yokai, who are apparently roughly equivalent to goblins and boggarts. Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt are a married couple have written a book about them, when not translating manga.

The animated movie Fear(s) of the Dark was also reviewed in "Gripped (at Times Loosely) by Fear," By Neely Tucker, Washington Post Staff Writer, Friday, October 31, 2008; Page C06.

Meanwhile in the Post's Comic Riffs, Michael Cavna's interviewed a bunch of cartoonists about the election including locals Telnaes, Sorenson, and Wuerker in "Who'll Win the White House? Cartoonists Issue Their Predictions" as well as decidedly non-local Garry Trudeau in "Obama Wins? Yes, 'Doonesbury' Calls the Election!"

And on Disney's direct to video movie and Fairies product line is "Disney Hoping 'Tinker Bell' Spreads Fairy Dust on Sales" By BROOKS BARNES, New York Times October 31, 2008.

BBC Radio 4 talks to Jen Sorenson

I just got a note from Jennifer Clarke of the BBC about Phil Jupitus doing more comics interviews. The one that aired yesterday was of the Cartoonists with Attitude - Jen Sorenson was one of the people on the air. Here's an excerpt of the email:

[After the success of the Garry Trudeau interview,] Radio 4 decided to broadcast 4 more 15 minute programmes.

The first programme was an interview with Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau which was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 7 October 2008. You can listen again via this permanent link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7658923.stm

The second programme was broadcast on Tuesday 14 October 2008 and featured Cartoonists with Attitude (Mikhaela Reid, Brian McFadden, Jen Sorensen and Masheka Wood). You can listen again via this permanent link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7669019.stm

The next two programmes will feature:


Tuesday 21st October 0930 Charles Peattie/Russell Taylor of Alex

Tuesday 28th October 0930 Bill Griffith of Zippy the Pinhead

Alex is a British strip on London bankers (which has recently been adapted to the stage).

Small Press Expo 2008 photos

Here's some shots from Saturday. Remember that I'll be interviewing Richard Thompson at 5 pm downstairs. Richard will also be signing his books during the day (and you can always catch me to buy a Harvey Pekar: Conversations).


Richard Thompson and Joost Swart


Richard Thompson and Joost Swart


Mark Anderson of Andertoons


Mark Anderson of Andertoons


Richard Thompson, Paul Karasik and Brendan Burford


Joost Swarte and Jen Sorenson


Joost Swarte and Jen Sorenson


Derf


Jen Sorenson


Joost Swarte


Howard U. professor Marc Singer, Joost Swarte, Richard Thompson


Jason Lutes.

SPX political cartoonists appearances

“Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008” Announces Guests Jen Sorensen, Keith Knight and Nate Beeler

For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard


Phone: 301-537-4615

E-Mail:webernard@mindspring.com

Bethesda, Maryland; September 9, 2008 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is proud to announce Jen Sorensen, Keith Knight and Nate Beeler as guests for the SPX 2008 special event, “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”.

Jen, Keith and Nate join the prestigious and street cred ready talents of Tom Tomorrow (Saturday, October 4 only), Lloyd Dangle, Ruben Bolling, Matt Wuerker and Ted Rall for a special symposium on political cartooning in this most political of election years.

Jen Sorensen (“Slowpoke”) - http://www.slowpokecomics.com – Jen is now the political cartoonist for The Village Voice, as well as being syndicated nationally and is (unfortunately) one of the few women political cartoonists. She will be at SPX to sign her latest book, One Nation, Oh My God.

Keith Knight (“The K Chronicles”, “(th)ink”) - http://www.kchronicles.com/ - Keith Knight is an the creator of the syndicated daily and Sunday strip “The Knight Life”. His latest books are The Complete K Chronicles from Dark Horse books and his self published I Left My Arse In San Francisco. He draws regularly for Mad Magazine and ESPN the Magazine

Nate Beeler – http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/NateBeelerToons - Nate is the syndicated political cartoonist from The Washington Examiner. He won the John Locher Memorial Award as The Best College Political Cartoonist and will be making his first appearance at SPX.

Be sure to stop by the Cartoonists With Attitude booth at SPX, where many of the announced political cartoonists will be available to sign books and pontificate on the latest news from this historic election year.

The events surrounding “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008” is included with the SPX admission fee of $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.

Jen Sorenson blogged from the DNC and we missed it

Jen's based in Charlottesville, and a regular attendee of SPX. She's also got a new book out. You can still see her blog on the DNC even if the event's over.

BASH! Magazine #2..."featuring new stories from D.C. artists in your monthly comic alternative"

I noticed issue #2 of BASH! Magazine was on the stands today at the Vienna Metro station (though not in the kiosk at Gallery Place yet!). Says the cover, "This month in Bash Magazine read about the strange fates awaiting those who dare take fake vacations, walk obsure forest paths, order frozen lobster, travel to Cuba, or ride the bus!" It truly is a cornucopia of variety and strangeness. From your political-leaning cartoons by the likes of Keith Knight and Jen Sorensen to the illustrated poetry of John Dimes.

For your edification, the Table of Contents:

Something Peculiar by John Dimes
As I Wait by Theo Ellsworth
Something Happens by Thomas K. Dye
Limbs of the Megalith by Eamon Espey
Onionhead by Bryan Stone
K Chronicles by Keith Knight
One Cannot Travel Where There are Not Roads by Morgan Pielli
Slow Wave by Jesse Rekaw and Susan Ortiz
Cuba Libre by Dan Archer
Tiny Sepuku by Ken Cursoe
slowpoke by Jen Sorensen
Animal Stew by Matt Dembicki

All that, and free to boot!

Richmond's Jen Sorenson on women political cartoonists

Dave Astor pointed out the story initially - here's Jen Sorenson's take on women political cartoonists - "Wanted: Female Cartoonist; Slowpoke artist Jen Sorensen explains why comics have historically been a nerdy guy thing and how we can change that," By Jen Sorensen, Campus Progress August 8, 2008.

Jen will undoubtedly be at the Small Press Expo again this year, and I think people should go up and engage her on this point. She's also appearing in Bash, the new DC comics tabloid.

OT: British radio interview with Garry Trudeau

I'm sticking this one up because it's only available for 4 more days. Click on the link to listen to it. Lynn (For Better or For Worse) Johnston, Guardian cartoonist Steve Bell, Garry (Doonesbury) Trudeau, the Cartoonists with Attitude (including Jen Sorensen) and Bill (Zippy) Griffith were interviewed for:

Phill Jupitus' Comic Love, BBC Radio 4 Saturday 19 July 2008 10:30-11:00 (Radio 4 FM).

Phill Jupitus offers some personal insights into the world of the satirical newspaper comic strip.

Contributors include the Daily Telegraph duo who lampoon the City in Alex and the American right's nemesis Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury fame. They discuss the impact and political significance of their work.

Jupitus wrote about it at "Blood, sweat and ink: Phill Jupitus has loved comic strips all his life. Would their creators live up to his expectations?" Phill Jupitus, The Guardian, Tuesday July 22, 2008.
*

PR: Cartoonist Jen Sorensen Releases New Book

Cartoonist Jen Sorensen Releases New Book

Source: Ig Publishing Press Release



For Immediate Release
April 20, 2008

Contact:
Robert Lasner
robert (at) igpub.com
(718) 797-0676

Interview requests:
Nettie Hartsock
Nettie (at) nettiehartsock.com

"Sly, quick and smart, Jen Sorensen's comic strip is nothing like its name. So don't be deceived -- Slowpoke is going places."
— Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau

Jen Sorensen, creator of the award-winning comic "Slowpoke" which appears in the Village Voice and other newsweeklies around the country, has released a new collection of her cartoons entitled Slowpoke: One Nation, Oh My God!

She kicks off her book tour on the West Coast this week with cartoon slideshows in Berkeley, Portland, and Seattle, followed by East Coast dates in New York City and Philadelphia.

The collection includes 150 of Sorensen's provocative strips and an introduction by "Tom the Dancing Bug" creator Ruben Bolling. Deploying the trademark Slowpoke brand of absurdist humor, One Nation, Oh My God! covers everything from the Antique Ideology Roadshow to the rise of virtual donuts.

"This is not just another quirky cartoon book," says Sorensen. "One Nation, Oh My God! is packed with commentary for every strip and chock full of devastatingly sophisticated and accurate political analysis. It also answers all your questions about tube socks and teledildonics."

Sorensen adds, "This book will make you wonder what a complete tool like Bill Kristol is doing on the New York Times op-ed pages instead of, well, me."

Jen's cartoons and blog can be found online at www.slowpokecomics.com

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"Jen Sorensen is a maniacal genius, gleefully exposing the mendacity which lurks behind conventional wisdom, glib newscasters, celebrity culture, Republican doublespeak, and other ills of our age. I can't recommend her work highly enough."
— Tom Tomorrow, creator of This Modern World

"In a world that seems to get murkier by the minute, Slowpoke is a freakin' beacon of lucidity."
— Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home

"Boot-stompingly funny and progressively pointed. It skewers the bastards!"
—Jim Hightower, best-selling author and radio commentator

ABOUT JEN SORENSEN

Sorensen is one of the most widely-published female political cartoonists working today. In addition to the Village Voice, her comics and illustrations have appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Ms. Magazine, The American Prospect, Legal Affairs, Funny Times, Cagle's Cartoon Index, CampusProgress.org, Nickelodeon Magazine, and dozens of alt-weeklies. She has given presentations at the first annual ACLU convention, the Center for American Progress, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Her work has won a Xeric Grant and first place in the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies Awards.

Jen has been drawing Slowpoke for nearly ten years. She currently lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

BOOK TOUR

Sorensen will present her cartoons, sign books, and draw funny pictures at the following locations. Other top alt-weekly cartoonists are joining her at various stops.

4/22 – BERKELEY: Cody's Books with "Troubletown" creator Lloyd Dangle, 7pm

4/25 – PORTLAND: Powell’s on Burnside with "Idiot Box" creator Matt Bors, 7:30pm

4/26 & 4/27 – PORTLAND: Stumptown Comics Fest (at table, no presentation)

4/29 – SEATTLE: University Bookstore, U District, 7pm

5/14 – NYC: The Tank with "Tom the Dancing Bug" creator Ruben Bolling, 8pm

6/4 – PHILADELPHIA: Robin's Bookstore, 6pm

PUBLICATION INFO

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Ig Publishing is an independent press dedicated to publishing original literary fiction, and progressive political and cultural nonfiction.

Slowpoke: One Nation, Oh My God! by Jen Sorensen
Trade Paperback • $13.95 • 168 pages • 8”x 9.5”
ISBN 978-0978843168 • April 10, 2008
Published by Ig Publishing, Brooklyn, NY • www.igpub.com

Charlottesville's Jen Sorenson interviewed about new book

See "SORENSEN'S SLOWPOKE A QUICK HIT," by Jennifer M. Contino, Comicon's The Pulse 04-10-2008 and then order the book, or plan to buy it at the Small Press Expo.

Charlotteville's Sorenson in top 10

Daryl Cagle reported on the top ten cartoonists on his syndicate's site, and Jen Sorenson was on the list:

MORE INTERESTING STATS

We have a great new system that allows our readers to subscribe to any cartoonist on the site and receive an e-mail with that cartoonist's most recent cartoon, whenever we post a new cartoon from each cartoonist. It has been running for about three months now. Take a look, it is pretty cool. Subscribe to as many as you want, it is FREE.

I just got stats on the individual artist newsletters for the first time and I was a bit surprised to see who the most popular cartoonists are with our reader/subscribers. Here is the top ten list, with the most popular first (I blush, but my name is plastered on everything so I don't know that my being on the list means much):

1. Daryl Cagle
2. Pat Bagley
3. Eric Allie
4. Monte Wolverton
5. Matt Bors
6. Andy Singer
7. Brian Fairrington
8. Shannon Wheeler
9. Clay Bennett
10. Jen Sorensen