Chatting with Sam Kidlet: "I wanted to go big for charity, and my first thought was Galactus"

by Mike Rhode

I've known Sam Kidlet (a nom de pen) for years, since she's been part of her family's comic and children's books creative team. I usually see them at Baltimore Comic Con and catch up, but COVID and then my shorter visits to the Con have screwed that up. But I saw Sam the other day at a local bookstore though, and heard that she'd done a successful piece for the annual Heroes Con auction. She agreed (with her parents' approval) to answer our usual questions.

 What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

A little of everything; I know If I want to pursue comics, I won't have as much time to draw for myself so I try to draw a little bit of everything now. I used to love drawing horror, the more creepy and spine-tingling the better, but being the daughter of a children's book author and creating kids comics myself, I needed to let up a little bit. I try to draw things that will challenge me, and work on concepts that will allow me to grow. I'm not great at drawing women, so every once in a while I'll attempt to draw a woman. I'm not great at stuff geared towards kids, so every once in a while I'll try to draw something all ages. So, a little bit of everything. I get bored drawing the same things really easily. 

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

 

99% of the time I use pen and ink to draw and use markers to color. I don't like drawing digitally, but I'm trying to practice with inking digitally, so I don't completely shut myself off from it. Whenever I work on a Hippofartamus issue, (a comic series my dad and I work on together), he pencils, then I ink and most of the time, color. We both work on the story. I always use Clip Studio to color. 

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

 

I was born in the mid-2000's in a hospital around DC. 

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

 

My mom is a fed, so it's more convenient to stay in the DMV, and we're where we are now until I graduate, as then there isn't a school district we have to think about. I'm in Springfield now, but I absolutely want to stay in the DMV or right outside of it when I can get my own place. 

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

 

Practice! Not to be a cliche. I was lucky to grow up with a dad that loved comics and conventions, and when he took me with him, I probably subconsciously picked up a love for it. As we kept showing up, we made more artist friends and I learned from them, so conventions are probably my most significant part of my learning. I only took one art class in middle school and hated it. As far as education goes, I soaked up as much as I could with videos of artists drawing and kept watching those over and over. I worked with my dad on our series and he taught me a lot about art and the process of creating through that as well. 

Who are your influences?

 

Basically the whole art community. I look up to Brian Stelfreeze because he's mentored me for a while now and believed in me when I could barely draw a smiley face. He inspired me to leave a good impact, because I still remember how welcomed I felt when he was teaching me. I look up to Cat Staggs and Amanda Deibert, because they're great people, but also because for every 10 men in comics I've met, there is 1 woman creator. They help me put those doubts away about entering a male-dominated industry, but I also have Kelly Sue DeConnick to thank for that, as an influence and a friend. The love and support that comic fans show at cons inspire me to be a better person and be a better influence for younger artists. Then there's my family, who are all artists in their own right. It's definitely an amalgamation.  

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

 

Comics is a bucket list job. I'd love to work on Daredevil and Joker one day, but I also want to work on some movies. I'm really fascinated by cinematography and I'd love to mash those two interests together.  

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

 

I start to think about what I haven't drawn. I try to think about what angles I can play around with, what concepts, what characters, and if it's just not working out, I try to take a deep breath and switch papers. Sometimes I get wrapped up in needing to draw something, but sometimes it can just be the piece of paper. A strange way to describe it is to say that the paper is intimidating, because you've tried and tried to draw on it, but all you see is eraser shavings. If switching the paper and drawing a lot looser doesn't work and I'm already frustrated, I'll put my art stuff away and chill for the rest of the night, and try a different approach tomorrow. Usually the more frustrated I get the less productive I am.  

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

 

I have no idea. I don't know enough about paper comics or web comics to even hazard a guess as to where were headed, but as for creating can definitely see more artists switching to online programs and interfaces to draw.

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

 

We don't really do any local shows anymore, really only signings at local comic shops, mostly in Virginia. We go to Fairfax CC sometimes, though. We went to Awesome Con a couple times, it was fun but not one of our main shows. Our constant show is Baltimore Comic Con. 

 

We're also  at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. I'm really excited to come back this year. Heroes will be the first convention after I graduate, so I'm really happy that it comes right afterward, kind of as a personal celebration. For last year's Heroes Con  auction, I wanted to go big for charity, and my first thought was Galactus. It took me around 2 months or so to finish. I did a 19x24 drawing done with primarily Prismacolor markers and a white paint pen. At the auction, it went for $775. The folks at Heroes last year put a spotlight on me, and I still don't believe I thanked them enough; I'm excited to come back and do my best make them proud.

What comic books do you read regularly or recommend? Do you have a local store?

 

I don't get around to reading comics as much anymore with school, everything I read is almost religiously for school, but Daredevil, especially Zdarsky and Hawthorne's run was an instant love for me. As for shops, Comic Logic in Ashburn, VA has been our shop for a few years now. It's almost like a second home, and they're creeping up to eight years with no signs of slowing down, so we're all happy our favorite shop is here to stay! 

What's your favorite thing about DC?

 

The food. Especially Burrito Brothers next door to the Library of Congress. And the Children's Hospital. I needed a small surgery a little while ago and they're the greatest people on the planet. They take great care of you, I owe them a debt of gratitude for making a shaky time for me a lot easier to navigate. They're great folk. 

Least favorite?

 

The amount of times you need to fill up your metro card, drives me up the wall. Driving and parking isn't fun either, I'm not a fan of real-life Mario Kart. 

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

 

The Museum of American History was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. I also really loved going to the National Museum of African American History. I'd definitely recommend those out of pure entertainment and importance of what those sites hold. 

How about a favorite local restaurant?

 

Jaleos is my favorite out of what I tried. It's been a while, but I'd love to go back. 

Do you have a website or blog?

 

I used to! I had a blog called "Kidlet Korner" on Tumblr, and my dad started posting my drawings on there when I was around 7 or 8, then switched to essays on current events when I was going through a writing phase. It's been inactive since 2017, though. My current website is samkidlet.com, but at the moment it's just bare bones with upcoming appearances and art.

 

How did COVID-19 affect you?

 

Around January 2020, my mental health started to collapse. My well-being as a whole slipped out from under me, and I was too scared to draw, I think the last time I drew was in November of '19. I don't know how I worked up the courage, but I eventually started drawing again, and I still remember the date: 6/26/2020. Being a full time student in the worst of the pandemic and quarantine, meant it didn't affect me too much professionally. Unlike other artists, I was lucky to not have the pressure of relying on my art to pay the bills. Personally, Covid taught me a lot about myself and healing in general. Professionally, I struggled with seeing myself as an artist in the future, but I kept asking myself, "would I be satisfied with the work I've put in and out, and satisfied with my life if I don't become an artist, if I stopped?" So I kept drawing. 
 

 

Coming soon! Compleating Cul de Sac, second expanded edition!

Coming soon! Compleating Cul de Sac, second expanded edition! 80 pages more than the 1st edition. It's the perfect Thanksgiving gift!

Building on the original 2016 edition (designed by Richard's friend Bono Mitchell), editor Mike Rhode and layout designer Barbara Sutliff added additional material done by Richard as dedicaces in his books, more interviews, and the CDS children's theater play, in addition to the over 80 original CDS strips he left out of The Complete Cul de Sac.

We've also included many of the drawings of the CDS characters done for and in remembrance of Richard, and charity ones that have raised money for the Fox Foundation's Parkinson's disease research (after the initial Team Cul de Sac book and auction project by Chris Sparks).

All money from the book will go to Team Cul de Sac for the Fox Foundation. The book will be available to order via print on demand before the holidays.

 

Dedicace for cartoonist Harold Buchholz

 

 

Team Cul de Sac fundraising drawing by Karl Kesel

Cul de Sac comic strips and books auctioned to save bookstore

Several thousand dollars were raised today through auctions of Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac original art, books, and other works,to assist One More Page Bookstore in paying an unexpected large tax bill.

As the bookstore faced a Draconian tax increase, books Richard had signed before his death, along with 2 strips newly donated by Amy Thompson, sold to fans of the cartoonist, including one strip to local cartoonist Daniel Boris. A quick calculation is that Richard provided about $2600 in sales or 12.5% of the auction proceeds (but check the math before quoting me).

One More Page was dear to Richard, hosting him for their first booksigning (before the store had even opened), for his first Cul de Sac collection. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the store held fundraisers for Team Cul de Sac to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Richard passed away just barely over three years ago.

The store's auction site described the original art as such:

American illustrator and cartoonist Richard Thompson was best known for his syndicated comic strip Cul de Sac. Richard received the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year in 2010. We are huge fans of Richard's work and were thrilled when he agreed to do an event at OMP when we first opened. Over the years, he was a invaluable supporter, promoting OMP and signing countless books to be shipped to fans worldwide.

Richard's wife, Amy, generously donated this original artwork of a panel of Cul de Sac ("Trick or Treat" panel #111031), his strip which focused on a four-year-old girl, Alice Otterloop, and her daily life at preschool and at home. Cul de Sac was published in more than 70 newspapers by the fall of 2007 and was distributed nationally as both a daily and Sunday strip by Universal Press Syndicate.

Bill Watterson, created of Calvin and Hobbes, praised Thompson's work: 

"I thought the best newspaper comic strips were long gone, and I've never been happier to be wrong. Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac has it all—intelligence, gentle humor, a delightful way with words, and, most surprising of all, wonderful, wonderful drawings."

"Cul de Sac's whimsical take on the world and playful sense of language somehow gets funnier the more times you read it. Four-year-old Alice and her Blisshaven Preschool classmates will ring true to any parent. Doing projects in a cloud of glue and glitter, the little kids manage to reinterpret an otherwise incomprehensible world via their meandering, nonstop chatter. But I think my favorite character is Alice's older brother, Petey. A haunted, controlling milquetoast, he's surely one of the most neurotic kids to appear in comics. These children and their struggles are presented affectionately, and one of the things I like best about Cul de Sac is its natural warmth. Cul de Sac avoids both mawkishness and cynicism and instead finds genuine charm in its loopy appreciation of small events. Very few strips can hit this subtle note."

Richard Thompson panel at 2011 Heroes Con

Heroes Con is going on this weekend in Charlotte, NC. Richard Thompson's mother was an orphan in the town, and the con is held right across the street from the former orphanage space.

We went down twice together, at the invitation of con owner Shelton Drum and his right-hand man, Dustin Harbin. Richard had a great time. Last night I stumbled across a recording that I had forgotten about, so I put it online.  I haven't listened to it since recording it, but here's Richard talking about Cul de Sac, and Parkinson's Disease.

Heroes Con 2011: Richard Thompson A Celebration

by Mike Rhode

Published June 4, 2011

https://archive.org/details/HeroesCon110604RichardThompsonACelebration

10:30 AM
Richard Thompson: A Celebration
Room 209 

Is Cul-De Sac the best comic strip being published today?
Perhaps, but one thing is for certain, it is the best drawn and the
funniest. Okay, that's two things. Please join Mike Rhode and
some fellow strip creators as we sit down and examine the art of Mr.
Thompson. In addition to discussing craft and daily deadlines, we will
see if Richard can provide any insight as to whether poor Petey will
make it through the entire soccer season without having a psychotic
breakdown. Ahhh, total Bliss (haven).

With Craig Fischer and Team Cul de Sac's Chris Sparks.

New Eric Shansby painting for Team Cul de Sac

Washington Post cartoonist Eric Shansby has done a painting for Team Cul de Sac's fundraising effort to defeat Parkinson's disease. The painting will be auctioned this spring, but money can be donated at any time.

Shansby took over illustrating Gene Weingarten's Below the Beltway column from Richard Thompson, when Thompson moved on to doing Cul de Sac.

The painting shows Alice and Petey from Cul de Sac, climbing on Ben Franklin, an inspiration for Richard's other Washington Post strip, Richard's Poor Almanac. It is acrylic on canvas board and measures approximately 9"x12".

The painting will also be reproduced in the forthcoming fundraising book, Compleating Cul de Sac, which includes interviews, sketches and 100 Washington Post strips left out of the Complete Cul de Sac.

Watterson's comic art to benefit Parkinsons research in honor of Richard Thompson

Bill Watterson's return to comics: Pearls Before Swine comic art auctioned for Parkinson's research

The reclusive creator's artwork from the recently finished three-day collaboration with Stephen Pastis on Pearls Before Swine will sell Aug. 8, 2014 at Heritage Auctions, proceeds to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

DALLAS – The original artwork for the recent three comic strip collaboration between Bill Watterson, the cartooning genius behind the much-loved Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, and Pearls Before Swine cartoonist Stephen Pastis – taking place in a three day run in June 2014 in Pearls – will be sold at Heritage Auctions on Aug. 8, 2014, with proceeds from the sale benefiting The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

"Anytime original Bill Watterson comic art shows up for auction it's a huge deal," said Todd Hignite, Vice President at Heritage Auctions. "His collaboration with Stephan Pastis was an unexpected treat for his millions of fans. Now, thanks to this auction, fans will get to take the original art home while raising money for a great cause."

The collaboration between the two artists came at the suggestion of Watterson and was immediately embraced by an overwhelmed Pastis, who, like some many modern cartoonists, was greatly influenced by Watterson and Calvin and Hobbes. The trajectory of the three strip arc follows Pastis' comic strip alter-ego as he turns the drawing of the comic over to a precocious second-grader named Libby for three days. The results are both wickedly funny and uniquely Watterson, while remaining true to the sharp humor that defines the Pearls Before Swine strip.

At Watterson's request, the artwork is being sold on behalf of Team Cul de Sac, a non-profit charity established by editor/designer Chris Sparks on behalf of  Cul de Sac cartoonist Richard Thompson, who is battling Parkinson's Disease – a piece of artwork done by Watterson depicting one of Thompson's Cul de Sac characters sold in 2012 as part of a charity auction to benefit Team Cul de Sac – and the profits from the sale of the original art (Heritage is waiving the seller's fee on the artwork and will also contribute half of the Buyer's Premium) will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house founded in the United States and the world's third largest, with annual sales of more than $900 million, and 850,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and receive access to a complete record of prices realized, with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.

Last year's Team Cul de Sac art auction

I got this sweet piece of Team Cul de Sac art
work by Shannon Gallant - Miss Bliss as G.I. Joe's Baroness.

Nov 10: Team Cul de Sac at Moving Day fundraiser

 

A moving walk to benefit the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area and the National Parkinson Foundation.

Team Cul de Sac is participating in Moving Day  and needs your support.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013

Time: 8:30 a.m.                 

Location: Nationals Park

Distance: Gentle 2 miles

Team Cul de Sac panel at Baltimore Comic-Con

ZARVOX PRESENTS: The Team Cul De Sac – BCC13 Panel

EPISODE 244
Download! Subscribe! iTunes! Stitcher!

The Carolyn and Joe Show has been hijacked by aliens once again!
The alien warlord ZARVOX has intercepted the original show that was intended to be released this week and has used their alien technology to rewarp what they believe is a more important show to broadcast on the Carolyn and Joe Show, The Baltimore Comic Con 2013 – TEAM CUL DE SAC panel with Barbara Dale, Dawn Griffin, Carolyn Belefski, Chris Sparks and Joe Sutliff. Enjoy…humans.

Team Cul de Sac fundraiser at Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Comic-Con Drink & Draw 2013 BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 29, 2013 - Can't wait for September 7th to roll around for your first day at the Baltimore Comic-Con? Then good news! The Baltimore Comic-Con Drink & Draw to benefit Team Cul de Sac and the Michael J. Fox Foundation will be taking place from 6pm-8pm on September 6th, 2013 at the Pratte Street Ale House, 206 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201 - across from the Baltimore Convention Center!   Join artists, cartoonists, and fans for FREE food, great beers, original art, rare collectibles, and door prizes! Gather with artists and attendees to have a great time and benefit a great cause.   Team Cul de Sac (TCDS) is a TEAMFOX fundraising effort initiated by Chris Sparks in honor of his friend Richard Thompson, the cartoonist behind the Cul de Sac comic strip who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today.  TCDS asked cartoonists across the world to contribute artwork to a fundraising book and auction to raise additional money. Hundreds responded and sent artwork in, the result of which was Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's published by Andrews McMeel.  The book is a multiple 2013 Harvey Award nominee, and Chris Sparks received the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Eisner Awards for his efforts towards the book and the charity.   September 6th, 2013 - from 6-8 PM Interested in donating art? Need more information? Contact Joe Sutliff at joe@joesutliff.com or check our event's Facebook page for details!    In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.    Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con: press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries    About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 25 years, the last 7 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org .

Baltimore Comic-Con 2013 Panel Schedule

Baltimore Comic-Con 2013 Panel Schedule!     BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 29, 2013 - You demanded it and we are ready to deliver -- the 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con panel schedule! This year is even more chock-full of comic book goodness than in the past, with sessions ranging from creator spotlights to industry tutorials, and featuring expanded Children's programming in the Kid's Love Comics area on the show room floor!  There is something for everyone!    Saturday, September 7    Room 301    11:00-12:00 - Tools of The Trade For Comic Writers   Writer of The C-Listers, Jon Jebus discusses some of the technology he uses to write anywhere, collaborate virtually, keep projects organized, and interact with his audience.    12:00-1:00 - Powered by Creators: Bryan J.L. Glass Comes to Dark Horse Bryan J.L. Glass, known for his Harvey Award-winning series The Mice Templar, unveils his new creator-owned Dark Horse comic! Be the first to learn about this exciting new series!   1:00-2:00 - Twenty Years of Strangers in Paradise    Terry Moore's Strangers In Paradise turns 20 this year and you're invited to join the celebration! Join Terry and CBLDF's Charles Brownstein as they discuss the life and times of Katchoo and Francine and Terry's new series, Rachel Rising. This is a panel no fan will want to miss!    2:00-3:00 - Usagi Yojimbo Celebration    Usagi Yojimbo turns 30 next year, and we're starting the party early! Creator Stan Sakai and editor Diana Schutz talk about bringing the adventures of the rabbit ronin to the page. Plus, Thom Zahler (Love and Capes) discusses designing the Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook celebrating Usagi and David Petersen (Mouse Guard) talks about his contribution to the Yearbook.     3:00-4:00 - We Are BOOM!    You will not want to miss this jam-packed, inspiring hour as BOOM! Founder & CEO Ross Richie and Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon along with special guest creators reintroduce BOOM! Studios to the world of comics. This won't be your average publisher panel droning on and on through a series of press releases and stale cover images. Find out what makes BOOM! Studios different than every other comic publisher in the market and why 2013 has been a transformative year for us. We are BOOM! Come Innovate With Us.    4:00-5:00 - The World of Archie    Want to know what's up with Archie and the gang? Interested in exciting heroes like The Fox? Can't get enough of Sonic? Then this is the panel for you!    5:00-6:00 - CBLDF: Banned Comics!    Every year comics are banned in libraries all over the United States; learn how you can fight back! In recent years, comics that have been targeted for bans include all-ages classics like Bone by Jeff Smith and Dragonball by Akira Toriyama, as well as acclaimed books for adult readers like Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and others. Learn more about what comics have been banned and challenged, why comics are banned, and how you can help by being a part of CBLDF's efforts for Banned Books Week! Room 302-303    11:00-12:00 - The British Invasion     In the 1980s, a number of British writers and artists started producing work for American comics and brought a new attitude to the stories. That spirit is kept alive today by creators such as Mike Carey (The Unwritten), Paul Jenkins (Deathmatch), and Roger Langridge (Popeye). Join them, and moderator Robert Greenberger, for a lively look at the current state of the British Invasion.    12:00-1:00 - A Marvel-ous Panel    Some of Marvel's top creators - including Mark Waid, Mark Bagley, and Ed McGuinness - talk about their work for The House of Ideas with moderator Robert Greenberger. Marvel fans- you know you gotta be here!     1:00-2:00 - Spotlight On George Perez    Artist and writer George Perez has a career that spans four decades and has the rare distinction of being one of the top creators in the comic book business consistently for the mass majority of his career. His credits are too numerous to list and his contributions to the mythology of Marvel and DC comics are profound and enduring. After over a decade working exclusively with DC Comics, Perez is embarking on a new chapter in his career at BOOM! Studios. Join BOOM! Founder and CEO Ross Richie in a reflection of Mr. Perez's first four decades of work and a discussion of what the future holds for this comic book luminary. Plus be the first to find out what Mr. Perez's new project at BOOM! will be!    2:00-3:00 - Valiant Comics: The Road to Unity    Join an all-star panel of Valiant insiders for a must-see round of news and announcements about the most talked-about publisher in comics! Featuring creators J.G. Jones (Eternal Warrior), Barry Kitson (Harbinger, Bloodshot), Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar), and Jim Zub (Shadowman), alongside Publisher Fred Pierce and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani, find out everything you need to know about the massive repercussions of UNITY and what's next for Valiant's greatest heroes - only at Baltimore Comic-Con!    3:00-5:00 - The Official East Coast Fables Panel The Official East Coast Fables Panel will feature Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Adam Hughes, Barry Kitson, Chrissie Zullo, and more of the extended Fables family for a whole TWO HOURS. Join them as they discuss the past, present and future of the series, do giveaways and more for the first hour and then go behind-the-scenes and delve inside the construction of a new Fables story in the second hour.    5:00-6:00 - IDW Presents: Joe Hill    As the Locke family's long ordeal comes to a close with Locke & Key: Alpha, join IDW's VP of Marketing, Dirk Wood, as he moderates a discussion with award-winning author, Joe Hill. Come find out Joe's thoughts on the end of his run on Locke & Key, and his plans for the future! Featuring Q&A, hi-jinx, and tales told in the inimitable Joe Hill style!    Room 305    12:00-1:00 - CBLDF's Comics on Trial, Part 1-A National Disgrace: Moral Panic and the Birth of the Comics Code     CBLDF proudly debuts Comics on Trial-a new lecture series covering the history of comics censorship and the court cases that changed the medium. In part 1, witness how comics were under attack from the very beginning! Attacks in the popular media gave way to comics burnings in the 1940s. This sparked a wildfire of moral panic culminating with the U.S. government investigating comics before a national audience in 1954 where the face-off between Frederic Wertham and William Gaines changed the medium forever. CBLDF executive director Alex Cox tells the sordid tale.      1:00-2:00 - "Use Your Words (& Pictures)": Cooperative Comics Lessons to Transform    Professional Development for Early Childhood Education provides a foundational balance of individual and group achievement. Share and learn ways creating comics together can deliver content and life lessons to your students. An elementary mini-lesson addressing anti-bullying strategies and integrating comics characters will be demonstrated, followed by a hands-on activity, then Q&A for reflection and refinement. Presentation and materials available via email.      2:00-3:00 - Self Publishing: You Can Do It Alpha Girl Comics' Amy Chu and other successful self publishers talk candidly about how they got their first comics off the ground. Be prepared to take notes - we'll talk nuts to bolts about collaboration, print vs. digital, marketing, and importantly, the money stuff. 3:00-4:00 - CBLDF's Comics on Trial, Part 2: Counter Attacks:  How Prosecution of Retailers Changed the History of Comics In 1970, two Manhattan bookstore clerks were arrested and convicted of selling obscene material for Zap #4, featuring work by R. Crumb, Spain, and other underground greats. Later in that decade, convention promoter and high school English teacher Phil Seuling was busted for selling a book in the same series, hastening a chain of events that would create the comics specialty market, where the CBLDF has been defending retailers since 1986. Learn the true story of how retailers have been prosecuted for selling comics and how their struggle changed the face of the medium from CBLDF executive director Alex Cox in the second part of CBLDF's Comics on Trial. Some of the visual material in this presentation may not be appropriate for all audiences.      Room 307-310    11:00-12:00 - DC New 52 Panel Introduced by: DCE Co-Publisher Dan DiDio Hosted by: DC Comics Editor In Chief Bob Harras DCE Panelist(s):  Cliff Chiang, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, David Finch, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Robert Venditti See what DC Entertainment has in store for DC Comics - The New 52 in this panel hosted by DC Comics Editor In Chief Bob Harras and featuring top creators including Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, All-Star Western), Amanda Connor (Harley Quinn), David Finch (Justice League of America, Forever Evil), Ivan Reis (Justice League), Joe Prado (Justice League), and Robert Venditti (Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps). This panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions about your favorite comic books!  1:00-4:00 - Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Event Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes have come to Baltimore! Best known for their roles as Jay and Silent Bob in the View Askewniverse films, Smith and Mewes are fan-favorites among comic and movie enthusiasts alike. This special three-hour event includes: A screening of the all-new animated film: Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, and a live podcast Q&A with Kevin and Jason. This private event is available as a separate event ticket which is on sale at the ticket booth (separate from convention admission) and seating is limited. As part of the Baltimore Comic-Con, admission to the show is also required. Art Auction (Booth #2505)    5:00 - Auction of 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook art    The art created for the 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook celebrating 30 years of Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo will be auctioned at this special event! Don't miss this opportunity to own original art featuring Stan's characters as depicted by artists including Frank Cho, Brandon Peterson, David Petersen, Michael Golden, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Chrissie Zullo, Mark Texeira, Steve Conley, Thom Zahler, Craig Rousseau, Frank Cho, and many others! Sunday, September 9 Room 301 11:00-12:00 - Team Cul de Sac When Richard Thompson, the creator of the comic strip Cul de Sac, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, his friend Chris Sparks began a fundraising effort to honor his friend. With Richard's support, he asked others to donate artwork featuring the Cul de Sac characters for a Team Cul de Sac book with proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research. The resulting book was nominated for four Harvey Awards. How did it do? Come to the panel and Chris Sparks and Mike Rhode will let you know! The fundraising continues as Joe Sutliff talks about the Drink and Draw event from this past Friday and Carolyn Belefski talks about the upcoming Moving Day Parkinson's walk. Any other contributors are welcome to join in on stage. Plus, there will be fun things for sale!    12:00-1:00 - Spotlight on Ramona Fradon Ramona Fradon is one of the few major female freelancers of her generation. The legendary artist co-created Metamorpho, and is well known for her art on Aquaman, Plastic Man, Super Friends, and Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy. Join Ramona and moderator Robert Greenberger as they look at her amazing career in comics.    1:00-2:00 - Color In Comics A conversation between award winning colorists José Villarrubia (Batman Year 100, King Conan, Sweet Tooth) and Laura Martin (Thor, The Stand, X-Men). They will discuss all aspects of modern comic book coloring: history, industry, aesthetics and techniques. Samples of work will be shown. If you want to learn about color from two of the best professionals in the industry, this is your chance.  2:00-3:00 - Spotlight on Frank Stack Frank Stack, sometimes working as Foolbert Sturgeon, is one of the legends of Underground Comix. His book, The New Adventures of Jesus (1962), is considered by some to be the first underground comic. He's also the creator of Dorman's Doggie and has contributed to Rip Off Comics, Snarf, and illustrated Our Cancer Year by Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Frank, along with moderator Denis Kitchen, talk about his life and work.    Room 302-303 11:00-12:00 - Toy Design: From Paper to Plastic  Toy sculptor Paul Harding and comic artists Cliff Chiang & Mark Buckingham discuss statue and action figure design from the concept stage to the finished sculpture. How do they approach control art? What do they enjoy most about the process? Do they use traditional or digital media? Stay for a special look at how Paul translates concept art to three dimensional sculptures. Other guests: TBA    12:00-1:00 - Spotlight on Mike Mignola The famed creator of Hellboy, the B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, and more, is also known for his work on the Hulk, Batman, and even Rocket Raccoon! Here's your chance to spend an hour with Mike and learn more about his work in comics.      1:00-2:00 - Spotlight On Mike Carey    Eisner Award-winning writer Mike Carey's work spans comics, novels, film, and television. Carey made his initial impact in the US comic market with the longest running and most successful SANDMAN-related spinoff series from Vertigo - LUCIFER. Since then he's solidified himself as a nuanced, character-driven creator on other critically-acclaimed Vertigo series such as CROSSING MIDNIGHT and THE UNWRITTEN; while becoming a mainstream fan favorite on series like X-MEN and ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR. This year, Carey launched his first ongoing, original series with from an independent publisher SUICIDE RISK from BOOM! Studios. Join BOOM! Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon as he moderates a lively discussion with Carey about his career, his process, and his inspirations.    2:00-3:00 - IDW: The Big Panel  Join IDW's VP of Marketing, Dirk Wood, with industry legend Walter Simonson, and a host of special surprise guests! Find out what IDW has planned for the rest of 2013 and beyond! Madcap laughs, Q&A, announcements, prizes, and a guest appearance from a creator you won't believe!    3:00-4:00 - CBLDF Presents: Spotlight On Brian Wood  Since 1997, Brian Wood has been one of the most popular creators in comics, writing, illustrating, or designing comics for almost every major publisher.  He has worked on modern classics as diverse as DMZ, STAR WARS, and NORTHLANDERS, and in almost every genre, including hard sci-fi, historical fiction, horror, and young-adult.  This panel takes a look at his work, starting with CHANNEL ZERO, and up through to current hits such as THE MASSIVE, MARA, and X-MEN.  Moderated by CBLDF Deputy Director Alex Cox. Room 305    11:00-12:00 -  Mission in a Bottle: From Honest Tea to a Graphic Novel    Join Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman as he discusses Mission in a Bottle, the new graphic novel he co wrote with Barry Nalebuff, illustrated by Sungyoon Choi. Mission in a Bottle is the graphic novel telling the story of the founding of Honest Tea-in addition to being a funny story about two guys learning how to make tea, it's also a business book with insights into making a successful start-up. Goldman will discuss the making of a business book in graphic novel format, using comics to present complex information, how to run a mission driven business in a profit driven world, and keys to successful entrepreneurship. Moderated by The Beat's Heidi MacDonald. 1:00-2:00 - Genderizing Comic Books - Christina L. Blanch and Jeff Barbanell (CAPE) Using comic books to teach about gender may seem unorthodox to some, especially in higher education. However, its usage can make the material less daunting to the students. Students also seem to open up more to discussion when using comic books. In this presentation we will view a selection of the Superman Family of Comics to show how gender is represented and how that can be used to discuss gender roles. With this presentation, seeing comics through the lens of gender, ideas can be garnered to show education how to use comics books to engage students in a subject that most dislike analyzing.      Room 307-310    1:00-4:00 - Costume Contest sponsored by Stylin' Online!     The fun begins at 1:00 pm! With $1,000 up for grabs for the best overall costume and prizes for each of the 10 categories, this is one event all of you cosplayers don't want to miss! Adult Categories have a $5 entry fee per person. Contest registration at booth #2505.      Kids Love Comics Pavilion (2405)    Kids Love Comics Pavilion is brought to you by The Comic Book Diner (comicbookdiner.com) Comics Podcast, all about the business and fun of creating comics and graphic novels; and the Baltimore Comic-Con.    SATURDAY    Kids Love Comics Spotlight Stage Saturday 11am - Drawing Funny Animals with Mark McKenna The jungles in Mark McKenna's book Banana-Tail are teeming with monkeys, rhinos, zebras, snakes, hippos, and more. Join Mark as he discusses the creation of Banana-Tail and shows you how he draws all of those funny animals. 12pm - Simple Shapes Make Super Characters with Dave McDonald Every character in comics and cartoons starts out as a simple shape. Dave McDonald, Award-Winning Cartoonist of Hamster Sam, teaches you the secrets of creating cool characters from simple shapes and telling fun stories. 1pm - Doodle! Scribble! Draw! hosted by Mark Mariano Join in a frenetic game where you and professional comic artists pit scribbles against one another in a series of improvisational drawing quests. Do you have the courage to doodle silly things for a crowd? Will the crowd have the imagination necessary to help the teams complete the quests and win the Doodle Scribble Draw championship belts?  Art Baltazar (Superman Family Adventures) and Jamie Cosley (Cody the Cavalier) vs. Franco (Superman Family Adventures) and Chris Giarrusso (G-Man)! 2pm - Kids Who Make Comics hosted by John Gallagher with Katie Gallagher and Tyler Cosley Some kids like to read. Some kids like to draw. Tyler Cosley and Katie Gallagher are two kids that make their own comics! Katie co-wrote Zoey & Ketchup and Tyler is the author/artist of Ninja Squirrel. In this interview you'll learn what it takes to be a comic creator. 3pm - Drawing Dynamic Characters with Chris Schweizer Chris Schweizer's Crogan's Adventures is an exciting historical fiction graphic novel series. It's overflowing with action, suspense, comedy, and dynamic characters. In this workshop, Chris will demonstrate how he draws his characters to be full of personality and emotion. It's a must see for any aspiring artist. 4pm - Making Comics with Dave Roman So, you want to draw your own comic? First, you should learn the basics of storytelling. In this fun workshop, the audience will work with New York Times Best-Selling author and creator of Astronaut Academy, Dave Roman, to create a crazy four panel comic. 5pm - Drawing Wrestlers with Jesus Marquez It's an inside look at the craft of caricaturing as pro wrestling enthusiast, Jesus Marquez, takes the rough and tough wrestlers from the squared-circle to the drawing pad. Come on by and request your favorite superstar! 6pm - Groove Is In The Art The forecast is calling for a Jam Drawing with chances of Dance Outbursts in this exciting art experiment. Music can make us happy, make us cry, invoke childhood memories, but what kind of drawings will it inspire? YOU can draw alongside a bunch of guest artists with DJ Chris O>Matic spinning the tunes. Imagination Station: Comics, Arts, and Crafts Saturday 11:00am - 12:45pm - Wall of Heroes Draw your own Superhero and add it to our Wall of Heroes! 1:00pm - 2:45pm - Create a Cape You won't be able to fly and it won't give you super powers, but you can still have fun making your own cape! 3:00pm - 4:45pm - Make a Mask  The best way to protect your secret identity is to make and wear your own superhero mask! 5:00pm - 6:45pm - Paperbag Puppet Pals Make a monster! Make a sidekick! Make a strange animal! With a paperbag, crayons, construction paper, glue sticks, and your imagination, your Puppet Pal can be whatever you want!    SUNDAY Kids Love Comics Spotlight Stage Sunday 11am - Making Comic Strips with Dawn Griffin Do you have a funny idea for a comic strip? Dawn Griffin is the creator of the popular webcomic, Zorphbert & Fred. She'll share her insight on creating comic strips and the audience will work with Dawn to create a comic strip.   12pm - Drawing Aliens, Robots, and Nature with Steve Conley The beautiful world of Steve Conley's new book, BLOOP, is full of trees, flowers, lush landscapes, and a splash of aliens and robots. Join Steve as he teaches you how to draw the nature that surrounds us and all the  awesome aspects of BLOOP! 1pm - Drawing Heroic Females and Felines with Mike Maihack Mike Maihack is the amazing author/artist of the upcoming graphic novel, Cleopatra in Space: Target Practice, from Scholastic/Graphix. In this workshop, Mike will share his technique for drawing super heroines like Supergirl and Batgirl. He'll also be drawing cats, and who doesn't love cats?! 2pm - Doodle! Scribble! Draw! hosted by Mark Mariano Join in a frenetic game where you and professional comic artists pit your scribbles against one another in a series of improvisational drawing quests. Do you have the courage to doodle silly things for a crowd? And will the crowd have the imagination necessary to help the teams complete the quests and win the Doodle Scribble Draw championship belts? Jason Horn (Ninjasaur) & John Gallagher (Buzzboy) vs. Frank Cammuso (Otto's Orange Day) & Dan Parent (Archie Comics)! 3pm - The Imagination Aquarium with Jamar Nicholas  Ever find yourself stuck for cartoon ideas? Put on your wetsuit and dive into the IMAGINATION AQUARIUM, where cartoonist Jamar Nicholas will help you catch ideas in your net and create awesome cartoons! 4pm - Groove Is In The Art The forecast is calling for a Jam Drawing with chances of Dance Outbursts in this exciting art experiment. Music can make us happy, make us cry, invoke childhood memories, but what kind of drawings will it inspire? YOU can draw alongside a bunch of guest artists with DJ Chris O>Matic spinning the tunes. Imagination Station: Comics, Arts, and Crafts Sunday 11:00am - 12:15pm - Wall of Heroes Draw your own Superhero and add it to our Wall of Heroes! 12:30pm - 1:45pm - Create a Cape You won't be able to fly and it won't give you super powers, but you can still have fun making your own cape! 2:00pm - 3:15pm - Make a Mask The best way to protect your secret identity is to make and wear your own superhero mask! 3:30pm - 4:45pm - Paperbag Puppet Pals Make a monster! Make a sidekick! Make a strange animal! With a paperbag, crayons, construction paper, glue sticks, and your imagination, your Puppet Pal can be whatever you want!     In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.    Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con: press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries    About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 25 years, the last 7 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org  .