Steve Metzger will present and sign his latest book, The Bumble Brothers: Crazy for Comics!
Saturday, April 08, 2023
Saturday, March 25, 2023
'Outlaw librarian' Dave Burbank creates "a haven for comics readers" in Takoma Park, MD
all photos by Bruce Guthrie |
Dave and I reconnected last week at Matt Tavares' excellent explanation about how to create a children's graphic novel at Takoma Park Library. I sent him a variety of the usual questions, which he transformed so much that I've junked them in favor of his essay. I can't believe how many of their talks I've missed though! This has been lightly edited for grammar. - Mike
An inveterate scribbler and doodler, I decorated every textbook I ever had with flipbooks in the corners. I still draw all the time though now I discourage drawing in books. I intermittently and spasmodically keep a blog about comics at https://comixtakoma.wordpress.
Mark Tavares at TP library |
Friday, February 24, 2023
Meet a Local Children's GN Writer: A Chat with Megan Wagner Lloyd
by Mike Rhode
Megan Wagner Lloyd read her new book Super Pancake at East City Bookstore on February 18th, and it turns out that she's a local writer. Her new book for ages 7-10 is described asIt's a bird! It's a plane! It's a . . . pancake?
Here is a delightfully clever and endearingly funny graphic novel about
a pancake named Peggy, who accidentally develops superhero abilities
and must defend her home of Breakfast Town.
Life in Breakfast
Town is pretty uneventful for Peggy Pancake. Her parents are always on
her case, she's stuck in her perfect brother's shadow, and she just
can't seem to avoid the Bacon Bullies at school. That is until one day,
after an accidental mixup, Peggy finds herself with superhero abilities.
. . . Now Peggy can flip! She can fight! She can FLY!
With the
help of her new friend, Luc Croissant, Peggy must master her newfound
skills. But danger is lurking in the Maple Mountains, where the evil Dr.
Breakfast Sandwich and his wicked Henchtoasts are plotting something
sinister. Can Peggy harness her powers and save all that is dear? Find
out in: SUPER PANCAKE!
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I write graphic novel scripts.When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I'm an 80's kid!
As far as creative writing and comics go, I am self-taught.
For my graphic novels that are out now: Calvin and Hobbes, the Babymouse books, Raina Telgemeier, El Deafo and many other current middle grade graphic novels!
Allergic, written by me and illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter
I'm always most proud of what has come out most recently! I think because that's when I get to celebrate with the illustrator and readers. So right now, I'm feeling particularly happy about Super Pancake (illustrated by Abhi Alwar), which was just released, and Squished (illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter), which is about to come out. I'll be at Scrawl on March 14th celebrating my new Scholastic graphic novel Squished.
I have always written in all sorts of genres and formats and for all sorts of age groups, so I plan on continuing doing just that. I think it would be more pragmatic (and reader-friendly) to narrow my focus just to working in the style of whatever of mine has been the most successful...but that just isn't how my brain works or how I thrive as a writer, so I'm working with what I've got.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
Clean, read, exercise, do another creative project of some kind.
I went to The Small Press Expo (just as an audience member) a year or two before covid. I haven't been since, but hope to go next time it's held. In general, I'm hoping to become more connected to the local comics and writing communities in the coming years.
I really like Victory Comics in Falls Church. It feels like a very welcoming space.
The museums. And how it is connected with park corridors that bring so much wildlife and nature into the whole area.
I like to take visitors on a sunset or evening drive to see the monuments--then they can decide if they also want to do a walking tour another time. For the museums, the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Art are my favorite places to start.
Huong Viet in Eden Center in Falls Church (but a word to the wise, they only take cash!)
meganwagnerlloyd.com, including a blog that I update a few times a year.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Rachelle Holloway
DC Zinefest 2018 recently had a successful day out at Art Enables on Rhode Island Ave. I met at least six cartoonists who were new to me, and said hi to at least three I already know. (My photos are here). Rachelle Holloway, an illustrator and cartoonist, is the first to answer our usual questions.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I am currently a freelance illustrator for Mascot Books. I work on children's books and draw my own webcomic, A Little Dragon Trouble, on the side. When it comes to my own personal work, I love drawing fantasy and artwork with a Scandinavian feel to it.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
Most of my work is done using the computer. But I also enjoy using traditional pen and ink. Sometimes I get tired staring at the computer screen, so drawing traditionally can be relaxing. I love painting with gouache and watercolor, and I also enjoy cut paper art.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the West Coast, mainly in San Diego, California and Washington State. That's where I call home.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
In 2014, I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A in Animation. I mainly focused on 2D animation, but my primary focus and interest was Concept Art and Visual Development. I took one Sequential Art class while I was in college, but when it comes to comics, I am mostly self taught.
Who are your influences?
I have so many influences that I can't list them all. I find inspiration from everywhere and everyone! Here is a small list of people who influence my work: John Howe; John Bauer; Lorelay Bove; Brittney Lee
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
If I were granted a do-over, I may have studied Illustration or Graphic Design. I don't regret studying animation, in fact, it has helped me with the creative work I’m currently doing. But on the East Coast, I have discovered a lot of skills people are looking for in the creative industry are Typography, Web and Graphic design. But that hasn’t stopped me from pursuing that education. I just finished a Web Design class at Northern Virginia Community College, and am learning new skills to better myself as a creative professional.
What work are you best-known for?
I feel I am not really best-known for anything in particular yet. My Zine, My Dog is More Paranoid Than I Am, is my most popular comic. I'm also known for having a lot of Scandinavian/Viking artwork, which gets people’s attention.
What work are you most proud of?
I am personally most proud of my webcomic, A Little Dragon Trouble. For my Senior Film In college, I wasn't able to fully do what I wanted to do. So a few years later, I developed A Little Dragon Trouble. My webcomic has also helped me in so many other ways. It has helped me gain an audience. The visual development of the comic was recognized on Behance and featured on Small Press Expo's tumblr blog. It is because of this comic I am where I am today.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
I would like to self publish my own picture book. After illustrating a kids book for an author, I was inspired to create a short story myself. I would love to have the time to illustrate and self-publish it. I also have many comic and story ideas written down, and would like to make them a reality.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
When I'm having writer’s block, I write down situations or events I don't want happening in my story. Sometimes it ends up being a good idea anyway. Another approach is don't think, just write! Even if you know it's bad. You can always go back and change it later.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
I definitely see myself continuing being an illustrator and getting more requests from authors. But, I hope one day to be employed in the animation industry. But in the meantime, freelance illustration is what's keeping me going!
What local cons do you attend besides DC Zinefest? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
I just started tabling for the first time in 2017. DC Zinefest was the first event I tabled at. I also tabled at Richmond Zinefest last year. I would love to attend larger cons such as Small Press Expo, but I want to have more work under my belt before I do that. It is a goal I am striving for.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
I'm originally from the West Coast, so finding things to love about DC was a challenge when I first arrived. In 2016, I found out that DC has an amazingly open and welcoming sequential art culture. Everyone's work is so Indie and original, I love it! They are willing to express themselves and everyone supports each other. It's because of that culture I felt comfortable enough to start displaying my own work. DC has helped me grow as an artist, even though the artist culture is small. But that's what makes it so great!
How about a favorite local restaurant?
There's this wonderful place called the JINYA Ramen Bar in Fairfax, VA. I like to go there to celebrate the completion of large projects.
Do you have a website or blog?
http://rahcomics.tumblr.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rahcomics/
http://rachelleholloway.blogspot.com/
"A traditional ink trading card I sold at last years Richmond Zinefest." |
Monday, February 13, 2017
New children's book from Cuddles and Rage (updated)
Sweet Competition
About the Book
For this pair of twin cherries, everything is a competition. If Girl Cherry can swing higher, Boy Cherry will boast that he can swing lower. If one is smarter, then the other is cooler. So when they enter a contest to build the best dessert ever, they immediately pit themselves against each other. But when you're attached at the stem, there's only so much you can do on your own. Things could be easy as pie—so to speak—if they put aside their differences and join forces. Will Boy Cherry and Girl Cherry cream the competition by working together…or will one try to be the cherry on top?
With loveable characters and laugh-out-loud situations, Sweet Competition is the perfect addition to any child's bookshelf. After all, there's always room for dessert!
Monday, February 06, 2017
Children's comics received this winter
by Neill Cameron
Want to have awesome ideas, every time? Feel like turning your ideas into amazing stories? And ever wish you could make your creations come alive with incredible artwork?
If any of these things sounded cool to you, then How to Make Awesome Comics is the perfect book to help you on your way to comics/cartooning genius. Let Professor Panels and Art Monkey take you through every step you'll need to be on your way!
From the very basics (coming up with your stories and characters, learning how to draw) to more advanced levels (making art and text work together well, what makes a good villain, creating your own books from paper), How to Make Awesome Comics is a comprehensive and can't-put-down guide for every burgeoning artist, all from the mind of accomplished comic book-maker Neill Cameron.
Evil Emperor Penguin: Book 1 (The Phoenix Presents)
by Laura Ellen Anderson
Far away in the icy wastes of Antarctica lives a warm and cuddly, kind-hearted penguin who only wants to do good in the world . . . NOT! This is no ordinary penguin. This is . . . EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN! And he wants to take over the world!
Of course, every evil ruler needs a sidekick and a minion, and Evil Emperor Penguin is no different. That's why he has Number 8, a very polite and thoughtful octopus who knits, and Eugene, the incredibly cuddly abominable snowman who loves hugs.
Join this fearsome team of Evil as they try to take over the world--and obviously, destroy it--but get waylaid by evil cats, rogue farts, killer plants, and visiting sisters.
by Jamie Smart
Welcome back to the woods! It's a peaceful home, really, but wait . . .
ZAP! ZAAP!! ZAAAPPPPP!!!!
It's Monkey in a hovercraft that fires lasers! And is that a kitten cannon and a Hamster Mobile too?
Join Bunny, Monkey, Skunky, Pig, and all the rest of the lovable and crazy characters from the first book, as science and nature fight again. There's all the same irreverent humor, bold and appealing art, and non-stop action, but this time with robotic worms, Trojan mooses, and lemony doomsday devices, of course.
It's the continuing battle between good and evil . . .
It's . . . Bunny vs. Monkey: Book Two!
by James Burks
It's been a long, crazy trip around the world. Now the duo is back in their beloved forest, and Bird wants to throw a party! But Squirrel isn't in the mood to celebrate. His house needs a good cleaning, the river has been dammed up by a pesky beaver, and the forest animals are jittery about a growing menace. Will the dam dry out the forest? Will the mysterious new danger ruin the party? Will Bird finally convince Squirrel to let go and just have a good time? Find out in their hilarious new adventure!
by Dav Pilkey
George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers. When Greg the police dog and his cop companion are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history, and Dog Man is born. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. But can he resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?
by Matt Groening
HarperDesign
Go the distance with the Simpson family as they join everybody’s favorite moonraking megalomaniac, Hank Scorpio. for a globetrotting adventure that will not only take you around the world but into orbit around the Earth. And when the lovelorn losers of Springfield feel like throwing in the towel on romance, they pick themselves up off the mat and get an adrenaline rush by living life to the extreme! And as if Homer wasn’t already a glutton for punishment, watch him discover his killer instinct as he goes toe to toe with C. Montgomery Burns!
Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a military prodigy. Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives are not as sinister as they often they seem. One day June’s brother is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’s death. And the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together and the lengths their country will go to in order to keep its secrets.
After escaping from the Republic's stronghold, Day and June are on the run in Vegas when the country learns that their Elector Primo has died and his son has stepped in to take his place. They meet up with the rebel stronghold of the Patriots—a large organization straddling the line between the Republic and its warring neighbor, the Colonies—and learn about an assassination plot against the Elector. Using threats and blackmail to get what he wants, the Patriots' leader, Razor, convinces June to let herself be captured by Republic soldiers so she can win over the Elector and feed him a decoy assassination plan. But when June realizes that the new Elector is nothing like his father, she must work with Day to try to stop the Patriots' plot before Razor can fulfill his own devastating plans. The second book in the best-selling Legend trilogy comes to life in this vibrant graphic novel adaptation.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Thursday, February 26, 2015
J. Robert Deans explains why he is Kickstarting a cow-in-space childrens book
J. Robert Deans may be most familiar to the local community as a comic book store manager, but he's been working on a webcomic, and now has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a cartoony children's book about a cow in space. In the middle of that fundraising, he took the time to answer my usual questions.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
Least favorite?
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
How about a favorite local restaurant?
Do you have a website or blog?
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Ben Hatke's new children's book Julia's House for Lost Creatures
Monday, July 29, 2013
Matt Davies at Politics and Prose pictures
Editorial cartoonist Matt Davies was at Politics and Prose, July 27, 2013 for his new children's book Ben Rides On. Here's some more pictures of him in action.
The book is short, but enjoyable. Davies did a nice chalk talk with children from the audience 'helping' him draw. He kindly let me keep his crow drawing. The Library of Congress (in the person of Sara Duke) got the caricature of his teacher.