Tuesday, January 20, 2015

We've been poking around a bit lately, figuring out who Harold Talburt was. Here's the final piece we could find, courtesy of Randy Scott and Michigan State's Comic Art Collection. It's a 1952 article, reprinted in Cartoonews #15 (1977).

Jan 26: Roz Chast tickets almost sold out

Roz Chast—Priority Seating & Signing Tickets Added!
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir
Monday, January 26, 7:30 pm

Famed New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast does such a comical, fluent job of conveying the things that keep her up at night that many readers are convinced she is somehow mapping their own inner lives. Her latest book, which tackles the subject of growing up in Brooklyn as an only child and of her efforts, decades later, to help her parents navigate the jagged shoals of old age, is by turns grim and absurd, deeply poignant and laugh-out-loud funny. Winner of the inaugural Kirkus Prize for Non-Fiction and finalist for the National Book Award in Non-Fiction.

Come for the chance to bid on a signed, original drawing by Roz!

Purchase Tickets

Monday, January 19, 2015

Face to Face - Illustrations and prose by Martin Graff (the Face Zone) and Laura McClure (Animals for Sam), at the Griffin Art Center through 1/31/2015

Last Saturday evening I had the pleasure of attending the opening artists' reception for Martin Graff (The Face Zone) and Laura McClure (Animals for Sam), entitled Face To Face. The reception was held at a fantastic space in the heart of downtown Frederick, Maryland, known as The Griffin Art Center. Laura and Martin had their work on exhibit together, in the middle gallery (I believe there were three galleries altogether at the center). I met Marty (as he likes to be called) at another, comics-themed art opening in Frederick last year, and through him, Laura, who also had some of her art at the show. I've been gladly following their work via Facebook and blog posts ever since. While the two have a very different approach to their work, stylistically, what their art has in common is a symbiotic relationship with words.

Animals for Sam was started by Laura as a way to keep her young, animal-loving godson Sam informed about a wide variety of animal species - kind of like a weekly digital postcard. Laura hand-draws the animals on her computer, using a mouse, usually dressing them in human attire that relates to a certain aspect of a particular species, mostly having to do with their environment or geographic location. She also merges photographic imagery in the background, adding a sense of depth and dimension to her work. A verbal description, both highly factual and informative, while told in the artist's own conversational style, discusses everything from eating habits, to odd and unique physical and behavioral characteristics. Finally, a small graph is at the bottom of each blog post, illustrating the animal species' level of vulnerability to extinction. I could imagine myself thoroughly enjoying something like this as a boy, who like Sam, held a keen interest in wildlife and the natural world. At the show, the framed digital print pieces were quite popular, as many of them were sold. Looking forward to a book compiling these works, hopefully in the near future!

As with many artists and creative types, music plays a big role in Martin Graff's Face Zone works, which employ a cartoon-inspired minimalist approach visually. The influence of punk rock lyricism is evident in the clever verbal wordplay of the sometimes darkly humorous poetry and prose that accompanies The Face Zone illustrations. Martin's blog posts can range from contemplative to laugh-out-loud hilarious, but they always make excellent food-for-thought, which is probably where his influence as a public school teacher comes in as well. Along with his work hanging on the walls of the gallery, Martin had a newly published book compiling his Face Zone material available, a good many of which sold at the show. I highly recommend grabbing one for yourself HERE. In the meantime, don't hesitate to read more about Martin and The Face Zone in this recent article from The Frederick News-Post!

Be sure to check out Face to Face in person, at the Griffin Art Center, which runs through January 31st, 2015!

Politico's Matt Wuerker speaks

Podcast: Matt Wuerker on the art of political cartoons & Jake Tapper on U.S. absence

By POLITICO 1/16/15

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/podcast-matt-wuerker-on-the-art-of-political-cartoons-jake-tapper-on-us-absence-114319.html

POLITICO Magazine's Glenn Thrush sits down with Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Matt Wuerker for a conversation on why this particular form of journalism can incite outrage.

SPX 2015 Lottery Registration!

Dear Creators, Publishers, and Friends,

We hope you had a great 2014!

It's now that time where we must look forward to the fall and SPX 2015. We're amazed at how much the show has grown and evolved, and we want you to be part of the experience with us.

Below is a rundown of what's going to be happening over the next few weeks!

SPX 2015 TABLE REGISTRATION

As many of you know, last year we made the move to a split registration system for SPX, whereby half of our tables are awarded by open lottery and the other half by invitation. The process will be the same for 2015.

By late January we will notify all 2015 SPX invitees so everyone will be clear on whether or not they should register for the Lottery. Just like last year, the lottery will have a simple sign-up and a generous registration period.

WHAT TO EXPECT OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS

1. SPX 2015 invitees will hear from us before the end of January. Tables associated with any invitations not accepted will be rolled over into the lottery pool.

2. The SPX 2015 table lottery will run from February 1 to February 15, 2015 (at midnight eastern time). We'll widely advertise the lottery opening and, at that time, provide access to an online form to enter the lottery.

3. After entering the lottery, you'll receive your lottery number. Don't lose it! Just kidding. We'll keep a copy and notify you either way if you win.

4. All lottery entries will be reviewed by SPX. What are we reviewing them for? SPX is a showcase for independent comics. If it will not be clear to us that you make such things we reserve the right to remove your lottery entry. If we contact you to follow up with your registration, we appreciate your help in letting us know more about your work.

5. Upon conclusion of our review, we'll notify the lottery winners for 2015 (yay!). You'll have a reasonable window of time to pay for your requested table space.

6. We'll also maintain a wait list (based on the next 50 potential lottery winners). Tables that are not paid for in a timely manner or are subsequently cancelled will be offered to members of the wait list in turn.

THE LOTTERY PROCESS!

There are just a few steps to the process, and if you did this last year it should be familiar to you! If you're new to the lottery this year, it takes just a few minutes.

- Beginning February 1, go to the Lottery Registration Form and submit your info (we will post this form on the SPX site, social media, Tumblr, and anywhere else we can!). There will be a full set of FAQ, rules, and other information about your registration available with this form.
- An e-mail will be sent back confirming your registration application immediately after you submit your info. Please check your spam folder if you don't see it within a few minutes!
- Within 48 hours we will send you another e-mail with a 6 digit random number provided by Random.org.
- We will sort the lottery entrant list by random number in either ascending or order descending based on a computer generated coin flip.
- We'll apportion tables in the order dictated until we run out.
- Remaining lottery registrants will be preserved in their lottery order as the 2015 Wait List.
- Lottery winners will be announced by mid-March 2015.
- Information about the process for paying for the tables will be made available when the lottery winners are announced, with payment processing to begin the end of the month.
- Winners will be given until April 15, 2015 to pay for their tables. Payment not received in that time frame will result in those tables in being forfeited and used for the Wait List.

YOU GUYS!

SPX 2015 is going to be here so soon! And we can't wait to welcome you back. It is truly an honor to put on this show for you every year. Thank you for making it basically the best thing.

Any questions, do not hesitate to send us a note to EXHIBITORS@SPXPO.COM and we will get back to you with answers as soon as possible!

We're committed keeping SPX an open, welcoming event as well as to using a transparent, democratic process that ensures new creators have an equal opportunity to participate.

Thanks all,

Sam and Mike and Warren and Dan and Eden and Sarah and Bill and Catherine and Greg and Tom and Megan and Rusty and Joe and Esther and Baily and Yitzy

Copyright © 2015 Small Press Expo, All rights reserved.
You are on the Combined Master Exhibitor List for Small Press Expo to whom this e-mail is directed.

Our mailing address is:

Small Press Expo

P.O. Box 5704

Bethesda, Maryland 20824

Add us to your address book

Saturday, January 17, 2015

That darn Charlie Hebdo

Letters to the Editor: Abusing the right to free speech

[online as The meaning of free speech]

John S. Koppel, Abdul Kadir Hussain, Robert Burney, William H. Barkell

Washington Post January 17 2015

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-meaning-of-free-speech/2015/01/16/3d74c098-9cd1-11e4-86a3-1b56f64925f6_story.html

Friday, January 16, 2015

Comic Riffs talks satire

JE SUIS SATIRIST: 10 Memorable Quotes About the Power of Satire

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog January 16 2015

"The Art of Richard Thompson"

Politics and Prose Jan 14, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGCfTorlJ3k&feature=share

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/b...

Named the Outstanding Cartoonist of 2010 by the National Cartoonists Society, Richard Thompson is best known for his syndicated series, Cul de Sac. But his work encompasses much more, and in this colorful career retrospective, six of his peers present the different facets of Thompson's art. Join Galifianakis, Washington Post cartoonist and author of If You Loved Me, You'd Think This Was Cute, Weingarten, Pulitzer-winning journalist who writes The Washington Post's "Below the Beltway" column, and Apatoff, an illustration scholar whose recent work includes a biography of illustrator Robert Fawcett. They will be interviewed by Michael Cavna, writer, artist, and lapsed cartoonist now producing The Washington Post's "Comic Riffs." (Andrews McMeel)

Founded by Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade in 1984, Politics & Prose Bookstore is Washington, D.C.'s premier independent bookstore and cultural hub, a gathering place for people interested in reading and discussing books. Politics & Prose offers superior service, unusual book choices, and a haven for book lovers in the store and online. Visit them on the web at http://www.politics-prose.com/

Cover: 'Captive of Friendly Cove'

Here's the cover for the upcoming graphic novel Captive of Friendly Cove, which is a fascinating (and true) story about British sailor John Jewett. It all done by D.C.-area folks: Rebecca Goldfield writes, Michael Short pencils, Matt Dembicki inks and letters, and Evan Keeling colors. It will come out this summer from Fulcrum Publishing.

Jan 21: Animezing: The Place Promised in Our Early Days

Animezing Series
Presented by the JICC, Embassy of Japan

Never miss an event! Find us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

The Place Promised in Our Early Days

Friday, January 30, 6:30 p.m.

Our Location:
JICC, Embassy of Japan
1150 18th St, NW
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20036

Driving directions

The first feature-length work from acclaimed animated-film director Makoto Shinkai.

In an alternate timeline, Japan is divided after World War II. The northern island, Hokkaido, has been annexed by the "Union", while Honshu and the other southern islands are under "Alliance" control. Looming over the landscape in the Tsugaru Strait, which divides the two zones, is the "Tower" -- a gigantic structure with a mysterious purpose.

Hiroki, Takuya, and Sayuri, two young boys and a girl, are fascinated with the Tower which is visible from where they live. The three middle school students make a pact to build an aircraft that can fly to the Tower and uncover its secrets. Their project is abandoned with the sudden disappearance of Sayuri.

Years later, Hiroki and Takuya learn of Sayuri's whereabouts and decide to revive the scrapped plane and try to save her. What they do not realize is that Sayuri is intimately connected with the Tower and thus the struggle between the Union and the Alliance.

Awarded Best Animated Film at the 59th Mainichi Film Awards

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat.

Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact us at jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp in the event of cancellation.

Doors open at 6:00 pm. No admission or re-entry after 7:00 pm.

'March' to the White House tonight

'MARCH: BOOK TWO': Rep. John Lewis will bring early copy of his civil-rights graphic memoir to tonight's White House 'Selma' screening [+ANIMATION]

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs January 16 2015

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/01/16/march-book-two-rep-john-lewis-will-bring-early-copy-of-his-civil-rights-graphic-memoir-to-tonights-white-house-selma-screening-animation/

Meet BATMAN / WYTCHES writer SCOTT SNYDER tomorrow at Third Eye Annapolis

at THIRD EYE ANNAPOLIS

Click here for event info on FACEBOOK.

First 50 In Line Receive a FREE Special Gift!

Signing from 11AM-1PM

Postcast: Cartoonists react to Paris attack

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

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Nate Powell's March vol. 2 schedule

Nate Powell's March vol. 2 signing schedule is on his blog.

Cartoonists Rights Network International on Charlie Hebdo

CRNI statement on the Charlie Hebdo attack

Dr. Robert Russell

Executive Director
Cartoonists Rights Network International
director@cartoonistsrights.org

http://cartoonistsrights.org/crni-statement-on-the-charlie-hebdo-attack/

Matt Wuerker on Charlie Hebdo

The Cartoonists vs. The Fundamentalists

This isn't the first time they've tangled. It even happened in America.

By MATT WUERKER

January 13, 2015

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/cartoonists-vs-fundamentalists-114224_full.html#.VLhd6XuWpNt

And here's another cartoon by Matt on the Charlie Hebdo massacre: http://www.politico.com/wuerker/2015/01/january-2015/002129-030355.html

Bill Brown's Citizen Bill cartoon on Charlie Hebdo massacre is online

CITIZEN BILL: What would the prophet do?

By William Brown

Takoma Park / Silver Spring Voice January 15, 2015 ·http://tpssvoice.com/2015/01/15/citizen-bill-prophet/

Comic Riffs on animation Oscars

ACADEMY AWARDS: It's not just the 'LEGO' snub. How the whole 2015 Animation Feature Oscars race is 'deja-view' all over again.

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog January 15 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/01/15/academy-awards-its-not-just-the-lego-snub-how-the-whole-2015-animation-feature-oscars-race-is-deja-view-all-over-again/

The Post's latest on Charlie Hebdo

In France, debate sharpens over free speech [online as 'In France, a growing debate over why some speech is protected and some isn't']

By Anthony Faiola and Griff Witte
Washington Post (January 15 2015)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/parisians-line-for-blocks-for-new-charlie-hebdo-authorities-detain-comedian/2015/01/14/5a25ad74-9bc8-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html

Protests alarm Iranian official [online as 'Iranian foreign minister voices concern about anti-Muslim protests in Europe']

By Carol Morello
Washington Post (January 15 2015), p. 8.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/iranian-official-cites-judicial-issues-in-case-of-post-reporter/2015/01/14/84df4cc6-9521-4e5e-beaf-adbecd1c913c_story.html

Paris's other casualty [online as Paris response further strains relationship between Muslims, West]

By Yasmine Bahrani

Washington Post January 15 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/paris-response-further-strains-relationship-between-muslims-west/2015/01/14/d8a075ea-9b72-11e4-96cc-e858eba91ced_story.html

The writer is a professor of journalism at American University in Dubai.

Letters to the Editor: Not all tragedies are treated equally
L. Reed Kingsley, Washington

Washington Post January 15 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/not-all-tragedies-are-treated-equally/2015/01/14/77b1f564-9aab-11e4-86a3-1b56f64925f6_story.html

Letters to the Editor: France's free-expression hypocrisy

Rajdeep Singh, Washington

Washington Post (January 14 2015)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/frances-free-expression-hypocrisy/2015/01/13/5c144f74-9aaa-11e4-86a3-1b56f64925f6_story.html

More on Charlie Hebdo's new issue in DC

You can try to get one of 300 copies in the US:

Here's Where You'll Be Able to Buy Charlie Hebdo in Washington

Copies of the French satirical magazine are on their way to Washington, but in very limited supply. By Benjamin Freed
Washingtonian's Capital Comment blog January 14 2015
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/capitalcomment/media/heres-where-youll-be-able-to-buy-charlie-hebdo-in-washington.php

or you can admire a digital printout of the cover:

Newseum puts Charlie Hebdo on display

By WTOP Staff January 14, 2015
http://wtop.com/dc/2015/01/newseum-puts-charlie-hebdo-display/

but for God/Allah's sake, don't buy it on ebay. With 5 million copies printed, this will be worthless at this time next year. If you don't believe me, go buy a Death of Superman special bagged comic for a nickel - unless someone forces you to take five copies for free.

Charlie Hebdo sells out, already on eBay for $117K

Arjun Kharpal | @ArjunKharpal

14 Jan 2015 ETCNBC.com

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102336521

Links courtesy of the Washington City Paper's District Line Daily email list.

Politics & Prose selects McGuire's Here as staff pick

Cover to Cover

Cover to Cover is a quarterly P&P staff pick, the book we have all been reading and recommend, cover to cover.

(Click on the link above to read what they say about it)

Jan 21: March vol. 2 at National Press Club

Lewis and Aydin to Discuss 2nd Volume in Graphic Novel Trilogy "March" on Jan. 21

January 8, 2015 | By Nicole Hoffman
http://www.press.org/news-multimedia/news/lewis-and-aydin-discuss-2nd-volume-graphic-novel-trilogy-march-jan-21

$10 admission for a fundraiser.

Ben Claassen's Charlie Hebdo cartoon

Ben Claassen's weekly comic strip Dirtfarm is a Charlie Hebdo cartoon. It doesn't appear to be online, but it's in the hard copy of the Washington City Paper for January 16, 2015. Titled R.I.P., the first panel shows the Charlie Hebdo staff in heaven meeting Jesus and then the next two panels show the artist's hand actually drawing the cartoon figure of Jesus.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Charlie Hebdo not immigrating to DC apparently

Good Luck Finding The Latest Charlie Hebdo Issue In D.C.

DCist January 14 2015

http://dcist.com/2015/01/good_luck_finding_charlie_hebdo_in.php

DCist has PDF of new Charlie Hebdo

Good Luck Finding The Latest Charlie Hebdo Issue In D.C.

DCist

DCist called more than a dozen local bookstores and news stands, and none of those who answered their phones are stocking the issue. But it looks like DCist has posted the issue on its site (scroll to the bottom of this link). Below is one page from the PDF.