Oct 21-22: Brian Biggs booksignings

Cartoonist turned children's book illustrator Brian Biggs will be at Hooray for Kids in Alexandria on Monday afternoon Oct 21 at 4 pm, and at Politics and Prose on Tuesday Oct 22 at 10:30 am. Here's the trailer he's made for his new book, Everything Goes: By Sea. I'm sure he'd be glad to sign your copy of Dear Julia too.

Oct 21: FIVE FANTASTIC CARTOON ILLUSTRATORS panel discussion

... also in Alexandria that day is Brian Biggs at Hooray for Kids bookstore. I think it will be possible to do both events.

Tyler Arts Life This coming Monday!!!!!! Join us for an informative panel discussion moderated by NOVA's Rachel Martin and Chris Choi with the following cartoon artists: Marty Bauman Artist at Pixar Animation Studios, and illustrator for Disney on such films as Toy Story 3 and Cars 2. Steve Conley Award-winning cartoonist, designer and co-creator of Comicon.com. His comics work includes Star Trek: Year Four, Michael Chabon's Escapist and his own self-published Astounding Space Thrills. Kevin Rechin Editorial cartoonist for USA Today, National Geographic, and the Wall Street Journal among others. Matt Wuerker POLITICO's editorial cartoonist and the winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning. Tyler Gallery, Room AT-270  7-9:30 pm Current Exhibit: Five Fantastic Cartoon Artists: A Look at Art, Process, Story, and Design For more information, contact Lisa Hill ehill@nvcc.edu or Britt Conley bconley@nvcc.edu

Thoughts on Superheroes: A Never Ending Battle part 3 (airing tonight)

Thanks to WETA, I've gotten an advance look at the new 3-part documentary Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle directed by Michael Kantor who co-wrote it with Laurence Maslon.

Part 3, “A Hero Can Be Anyone” (1978-Present), is largely about how superheroes have moved from being entertainment for children to being popular culture for adults. It opens with highlights from the Avengers movie, noting that it was the third highest grossing movie of all time. The San Diego Comic-Con is visited next, showing plenty of quick interviews with adult cosplayers rather than comic book fans.



The documentary then steps back to the 1970s and the lack of trust in government due to Richard Nixon. In this telling, the release of Superman: The Movie in 1978 inspired people, especially with its tagline "You'll believe a man can fly." Several comic book writers point out that Christopher Reeves' great dual performance as Clark Kent and Superman, and the use of romantic situations were the thing that made the movie work more than the special effects. Superman: The Movie also led to a campaign to compensate and credit Siegel and Shuster for their creation, and Kantor covers this in some detail.

Meanwhile comic book sales continued to drop (and as noted in my second review, the creation of the direct market is not mentioned here either). Marvel pulled one of the early stunts by having Spider-Man get married, although former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada notes that once you've started time passing, when does it end? Should Spider-Man grow old? It's not mentioned in the film, but Quesada believes not, and retconned Spider-Man's marriage out of existence with a literal deal with the devil.

Frank Miller's tour-de force Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986) is the next highlight, and is held up as the first adult superhero comic book. Comic book and television writer J. Michael Straczynski called the comic book about an aging Batman "the most seminal work in the field today" and I agree. Mark Waid then notes that 1986 saw another seminal work, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon's Watchmen. Watchmen took the opposite approach to B:TDKR, and looked at the issues of vigilante justice and fascism inherent in superheroes.

Marvel's new X-Men pre-dated these two comics, but are introduced next. The multicultural and multiracial cast is held up as a model in which anyone could find a character or situation to relate to. Gay comics artist Phil Jiminez explicitly states the comic was "a most amazing metaphor for young gay people." The similar success of Marv Wolfman and George Perez's New Teen Titans is not mentioned at all however.

The film segues into the reworking of Spider-Man by artist Todd McFarlane and the subsequent formation of Image Comics by hotshot young enegade artists. McFarlane's interview segments are among the most entertaining in this segment. The Death of Superman is then examined as another highlight drawing media attention, but also as beginning of the bursting of the collectible bubble as people bought multiple copies as investments.

Kantor argues that the "grim and gritty era was ending" by this point, which I disagree with, and the film says that 9-11 ended that type of comic story which began in Dark Knight Returns fifteen years earlier. Marvel's 9-11 comic book is shown (although DC's is not), and then the Civil War story line is featured. This long and wide story put superheroes led by Captain America and Iron Man on opposite sides of a government-sponsored initiative to keep track of superheroes. DC's Batman movies directed by Christopher Nolan are also cited as a response to America's post-9-11 angst - convincingly I believe.

The film then circles back to fun and 'sexy' movies such as Spider-Man. Zach Snyder states that such movies are keeping superheroes alive when comic books can't, and Grant Morrison claims that videogames will be the future. The film ends optimistically of course - it's about superheroes.

All 3 parts of the documentary air locally on WETA at 8 pm tonight.   Previews and outtakes can be seen on Youtube.


Images courtesy of Grand Comics Database.

Thoughts on Superheroes: A Never Ending Battle part 2

Thanks to WETA, I've gotten an advance look at the new 3-part documentary Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle directed by Michael Kantor who co-wrote it with Laurence Maslon.

“Great Power, Great Responsibility” covers 1959-1977, two time periods termed by fans as the Silver and Bronze ages. The Silver Age is considered starting when DC reintroduces its Golden Age heroes such as the Flash and Green Lantern in new, science-fiction themed identities. The Bronze Age begins roughly by Jack Kirby's leaving Marvel for DC, and Stan Lee stopping writing in favor of promotion. The merging of the two periods is somewhat uneven.

Fewer key creators appear in this segment, and include Stan Lee, Neal Adams, Denny O'Neil, Len Wein, and Gerry Conway.

Jarringly, Marvel's early 1960s books are discussed before the DC comics that made them possible. Received wisdom is that the Fantastic Four was conceived as a response to DC's success with the Justice League of America. Whether that's true or not, DC certainly reinvented the superhero before Marvel did. Instead the film opens with Marvel, switches back in time to DC and then jumps forward to 1966's camp Batman tv show. Marvel universe co-creators Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko are also given short-shrift.

From there, while noting DC's comic books withering on the vine when the show is cancelled, director Michael Kantor moves on to socially relevant comics such as Marvel's introduction of the African prince the Black Panther. Unfortunately, more credit may be given to introducing characters including  Luke Cage, Hero for Hire and the Panther than is deserved. But Bill Foster's commentary, as a black man reading comics, is at this point and is fun to watch, and I'll defer to his viewpoint.


Comics slowly-growing social relevance is tracked via the use of an issue of Spider-Man to warn against drugs, even though the Comic Code Authority wouldn't approve it. DC followed that up with an issue of Green Lantern / Green Arrow by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams that had Arrow's superhero sidekick Speedy as a heroin addict. The section on GL/GA is among the best in this segment, and includes some old film footage of the creators talking about the series at the time. Another good section is Jim Steranko's take on how he reinvigorated Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. DC's attempt to depower and do something similar with Wonder Woman is held up as a triumph of feminism, but the comic books sold miserably at the time. Her successful television show (1976-1979), and commentary by Linda Carter round this section out.

Kantor then moves achronologically again, and switches to a "backlash" against sunny and optimistic superheroes while the real streets of New York are mean and gritty. The death of Spider-Man's girlfriend Gwen Stacy (1973) and the introduction of the Punisher (1974) are held up as examples. The Punisher gets more cultural significance than he deserves - as the film points out, characters such as Dirty Harry had already been successful in movies. Comic books were just following a trend, as usual. The character didn't really take off until the late 1970s when Frank Miller reworked him in Daredevil, and then he truly boomed during the 1980s grim-and-gritty years. Issues from the same year have Spider-Man driving a Spidey-mobile and fighting a hopping villain called the Kangeroo.

The change from newsstand sales to direct market sales in comic book stores occurred in this time period, and is arguably the most important factor in sustaining superheroes, but I don't believe it was mentioned. Overall this episode probably tries to cover too much time in a period when comic books changed a lot. I still enjoyed the show, especially the creator interviews.

All 3 parts of the documentary air locally on WETA at 8 pm on October 15th.  

Images courtesy of Grand Comics Database.

Oct 21-22: Brian Biggs at local bookstores

Cartoonist turned children's book illustrator Brian Biggs will be at Hooray for Kids in Alexandria on Monday afternoon Oct 21 at 4 pm, and at Politics and Prose on Tuesday Oct 22 at 10:30 am.

Oct 6: Capicons convention

The Capicons convention is on Oct 6 from 10-3 at the Dun Loring Fire Hall off Gallows Road.

Tonight: Gene Yang at Cleveland Park Library

Note the change in venue.

Gene Yang Boxers & Saints at Cleveland Park Library  Tuesday, September 17, 7 pm Yang, a National Book Award finalist and winner of the Printz Award, discusses Boxers & Saints (First Second Books, $34.99), his most recent graphic novel, which tells two parallel stories within the Boxer Rebellion—one of the most controversial episodes of modern Chinese history.

Contact Us 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW www.politics-prose.com e-mail: books@politics-prose.com

His publisher announced that he's a finalist for a National Book Award:

GENE LUEN YANG’S BOXERS & SAINTS MAKES THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST

The National Book Awards announced their Longlist in the category of Young People’s Literature this morning, including Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel diptych about the Boxer Rebellion, Boxers & Saints.

Boxers & Saints is the only graphic novel to make the list.  This follows Yang’s American Born Chinese, the first graphic novel ever to be a finalist for the National Book Awards. 

Boxers & Saints has received critical praise from across the industry: “Read this, and come away shaking,” says Newbery Honor-winning author Gary Schmidt, while Dave Eggers calls the book “masterful.” The Guardian says it is “remarkable,” while The LA Times calls it “at once humorous and heartbreaking” and The Washington Post describes it as “epic.”

Boxers & Saints is one of the most ambitious graphic novels First Second has ever published. It offers a penetrating insight into not only one of the most controversial episodes of modern Chinese history, but into the very core of our human nature, tackling the difficult subjects of nationalism, faith, and coming-of-age. Gene Luen Yang is rightly called a master of the comics form, and he brings all his formidable talents to bear in this astonishing new work.

In two volumes, Boxers & Saints tells two parallel stories. The first is of Little Bao, a Chinese peasant boy whose village is abused and plundered by Westerners claiming the role of missionaries. Little Bao, inspired by visions of the Chinese gods, joins a violent uprising against the Western interlopers. Against all odds, their grass-roots rebellion is successful.  But in the second volume, Yang lays out the opposite side of the conflict. A girl whose village has no place for her is taken in by Christian missionaries and finds, for the first time, a home with them. As the Boxer Rebellion gains momentum, Vibiana must decide whether to abandon her Christian friends or to commit herself fully to Christianity.

Gene Yang began drawing comic books in the fifth grade. He was an established figure in the independent comics scene when he published his first book with First Second, American Born Chinese, which is now in print in over ten languages. ABC's instant critical and commercial success, along with its status as a National Book Award finalist and winner of the Printz Award, catapulted Yang into stardom as a brilliant writer for teens and young adults.

Here’s a link to the full list of nominees: http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2013.html#.UjcMh39Cxc-

Sept 13 at noon: Heidi MacDonald at Library of Congress

This is from Georgia Higley, in the Library's Serials Division:

Should you be in the DC area for the 2013 Small Press Expo, consider
visiting the Library of Congress a day earlier for a talk on Friday,
September 13:

Heidi MacDonald, creator of The Beat, a daily news blog about comics,
and former editor at DC Comics, will discuss "After Watchmen and Maus:
Exploring the Graphic Novel" at the second annual SPX talk sponsored
by the Serial & Government Publications Division.

We will also display some of our recently acquired SPX mini-comics
and selected works by Heidi MacDonald.

Please join us on Friday, September 13, at noon in the West Dining
Room, located on the 6th floor of the Madison Building, Library of
Congress, 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC.

The program is free and open to the public.

Lecture by Heidi MacDonald on Friday, September 13 at the Library of Congress

This is from Georgia Higley, in the Library's Serials Division:

Should you be in the DC area for the 2013 Small Press Expo, consider
visiting the Library of Congress a day earlier for a talk on Friday,
September 13:

Heidi MacDonald, creator of The Beat, a daily news blog about comics,
and former editor at DC Comics, will discuss "After Watchmen and Maus:
Exploring the Graphic Novel" at the second annual SPX talk sponsored
by the Serial & Government Publications Division.

We will also display some of our recently acquired SPX mini-comics
and selected works by Heidi MacDonald.

Please join us on Friday, September 13, at noon in the West Dining
Room, located on the 6th floor of the Madison Building, Library of
Congress, 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC.

The program is free and open to the public.

DC Public Library as the 2013 Recipient of the SPX Graphic Novel Gift Program

Small Press Expo Announces the District of Columbia Public Library as the 2013 Recipient of the SPX Graphic Novel Gift Program For Immediate Release             Contact: Warren Bernard                                                    Phone: 301-537-4615                                                    E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com Bethesda, Maryland; September 3, 2013 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce that the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) is the 2013 recipient of the Small Press Expo Library Gift Program. This program is an outright gift of graphic novels to the library as selected by the library's Collections Specialist, who selected 63 titles comprising 251 individual books. These books will be distributed to the Rosedale and William O. Lockridge/Bellevue branches. Today there was a formal presentation of the books to the the library by Small Press Expo Executive Director Warren Bernard. The event was held at the  Rosedale Neighborhood Library. "The library takes pride in offering the books that people want at their library," said Ginnie Cooper, chief librarian for the DC Public Library. "With the growing popularity of graphic novels, this gift allows District residents the opportunity to discover new titles and characters at their Library.  We cannot thank the Small Book Expo enough for this donation." "It is with pleasure that Small Press Expo adds to the graphic novel collection of the DC Public Library," said Warren Bernard, Executive Director of the Small Press Expo. "We are thrilled at the selections made by their collections staff and we know that the readers will enjoy them. We are especially proud that these books will find their way the readers of all ages who normally would not have a chance to see this great work being done in the graphic novel field." Left to right: Elissa Miller - Associate Director Collections, Linnea Hegarty - Executive Director DC Public Library Foundation, Warren Bernard - Executive Director Small Press Expo, Wendy Lukehart - Collections Coordinator, Ginnie Cooper - Chief Librarian DC Public Library The books were selected by the library's collection staff from the offerings of publishers Fantagraphics, Top Shelf, Drawn & Quarterly, Adhouse Books and Koyama Press, all of whom support this program. Artist and illustrator Kali Ciesemier designed a special bookplate that has been placed in all of the books donated by SPX. To see the book plate and for more information on the SPX Graphic Novel Gift Program, go to http://www.spxpo.com/graphic-novel-gift-program. SPX's Graphic Novel Gift Program is an expansion of the philanthropic and charitable endeavors that are part of its corporate charter, and is in addition to SPX's annual support to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The targets of this program are public and academic library systems in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area as selected by the Small Press Expo. The goals of this program are: - Facilitate the availability of graphic novels to readers of all ages utilizing public and school libraries. - Promote learning and literacy through the availability of graphic novels at local libraries. - Provide library systems with additional resources by which they can purchase graphic novels and comics. SPX will be held Saturday, September 14 from 11am-7pm and Sunday, September 15, 12-6pm at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in North Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $10 for a single day and $15 for both days. For further information on the Small Press Expo Graphic Novel Gift Program, please contact Catherine Fraas at catherine@spxpo.com. For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.spxpo.com. Copyright © 2013 Small Press Expo, All rights reserved. You are receiving this e-mail as a result of your being on our long standing press release list. Our mailing address is: Small Press Expo P.O. Box 447 McLean, VA 22101

Neal Adams - Beyond Comics Frederick - Thursday, Sept. 5

Meet Comics Legend                        Only NEAL ADAMS!          at the Frederick Store! Thursday, September 5th - 4:00pm to 7:00pm                 We are proud to present a rare and unique in store event. On Thursday, September 5th Beyond Comics has gotten the privilege to host comic artist Neal Adams for his only regional store appearance in over 20 years. The appearance will run from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Learn More First Autograph is FREE!  Neal is offering a special for Beyond Comics Customers! Get 1 Free Autograph Additional Signatures are half the convention price ($10)   Sketches   We are already taking names and payment. Basic Quick Sketches - $150.00 & Up   Detailed Blank Cover Comic Sketches - $400 Prices vary widely upon amount of detail requested. Contact Jason Adams at spyda@spydacreations.com for detailed pricing or to pay them directly via PayPal.  CGC Signature Series Available - See store for details and fees             Neal Adams is a towering figure in the world of comic book creation and art. Neal has had legendary 'runs' on Batman, X-Men, Green Lantern-Green Arrow and Deadman. Adams rescued Batman from the campy nostalgia of the television show, and re-fitted him in his present incarnation as an "Avenger of the Night." His run on Batman led directly to the new, more realistic incarnation in "Batman Returns" movie, which featured the character he created, Ras Al Ghul.           Beyond Comics is proud to be hosting an in store appearance by Neal Adams, one of the comic book industries most important and influential artists the day before Baltimore's incredible Comic Book Convention, The Baltimore Comic Con. Mr. Adams will be inaugurating the Baltimore Comic Con by coming to our store and autographing copies of his newest work, Batman Black & White #1, as well as other prints and books. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet one of the most influential comic artists ever. Beyond Comics 5632 Buckeystown Pike Frederick, MD 21704 301-668-8202 Let all your friends know! STAY CONNECTED

Beyond Comics | Gaithersburg Square | 536 North Frederick Avenue | Gaithersburg | MD | 20878

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  .