QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 08-05-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 08-05-09
By John Judy

ABSOLUTION #1 of 6 by Christos Gage and Roberto Viacava. John Dusk is a super-hero who decides to stop playing nice. Moral quandaries ensue.

AGENTS OF ATLAS #9 by Jeff Parker and Dan Panosian. Jimmy Woo has to fight his ex-girlfriend and her killer robot. Don’t we all?

ALL-WINNERS COMICS #1: 70th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL by Karl Kesel and Steve Uy. “Old Soldiers Never Die” especially at the House of Ideas! Zombies in Times Square! Who could tell? Fun stuff!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #601 by Mark Waid and Mario Alberti. America’s favorite redhead is back and I don’t mean Danny Bonaduce! “Face it, Tiger, you hit the continuity problem jackpot!” (But it’s Waid so it’ll be fine.)

ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE BOOK THREE #4 of 4 by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. Those Williams brothers are in a heap o’ trouble. Recommended.

BLACK PANTHER #7 by Reginald Hudlin, Jonathon Maberry and Will Conrad. The all-new, all-pretty Black Panther takes the reins now that everyone wants to mess with a Wakanda weakened by battle. Poor, dumb everyone. You think they would have learned….

BOYS #33 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The cold war between the Boys and the supes just keeps getting hotter. Not for kids. Recommended.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #27 by Jane Espenson and Georges Jeanty. Having stranded her Slayer-Submarine in the mountains of Tibet, Buffy must now place her fate in the hands of a werewolf. But it’s cool because it’s Oz and he’s, y’know, cool. We love Jane Espenson on this book and so do you. Highly recommended.

CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN #2 of 5 by Ed Brubaker and Bryan Hitch. The good guys and the bad guys race to get to Steve Rogers who is, unbelievably I know, NOT DEAD ANYMORE! Okay, who had “2 years, 5 months” in the pool? You in the Hulk sweatshirt? Right, you get the gift certificate, dinner for two at Wendy’s and our undying respect and love. But we’re all winners here, right? Get it? “ALL-WINNERS?” I’m here all week, folks…

DOOM PATROL #1 by Keith Giffen, Matthew Clark, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire. The all-new adventures of DC’s favorite freaks! And if that ain’t enough you also get a back-up feature of the original Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots, Doc Magnus and the Metal Men! Gotta look!

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: RUN #4 of 6 by Matthew Sturges and Freddie E. Williams II. “Trashy humor and unnecessary violence… property damage and hideous disfigurement…!” Okay! Recommended!

GHOST RIDERS: HEAVENS FIRE #1 of 6 by Jason Aaron and Roland Boschi. Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch have to save the Anti-Christ to save the world. And wouldn’t that be a great catch-phrase for a network TV show?

HULK #13 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. Wicked Norman Osborn sends Ares the God of War to puzzle out the identity of the Red Hulk (or “Rulk” if you must), although any fanboy who hasn’t figured this one out after last issue’s Ego the Living Planet-sized clue really needs to hang up their purple pants and go back to Komics Kindergarten. Or become a story editor at Marvel.

IRREDEEMABLE #5 by Mark Waid and Peter Krause. A little number from the author of KINGDOM COME about a good guy going bad. Really horrifyingly good. Recommended.

IRREDEEMABLE, VOL. 1 SC by Waid and Krause. The first four issues collected for you latecomers. Recommended.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #2 of 7 by James Robinson and Mauro Cascioli. Hal and Ollie’s splinter group of pre-emptive butt-kickers gets their game on. Watch out, evil-doers! Here comes Congorilla and the blue Starman!

POLITICAL POWER #1: COLIN POWELL by Wey-Yuih Loh, Matt Flyer and Vinnie Tartamella. A little something different, a biography in comics form about a man who might have been President if he hadn’t been a Republican.

RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 by J. Michael Straczynski, Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz. The first of the old Archie heroes gets relaunched here! He hangs people! Sometimes. Other times he prevents it. It evens out mostly. OK, honestly this one’s gonna be a tough sell, but it has The Great Straczynski at the keyboard so that’s a big plus.

SECRET SIX #12 by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. The gang fights Wonder Woman.

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #6 of 12 by Greg Rucka, James Robinson and Pete Woods. Someone gets shot on New Krypton. But everyone there’s bulletproof, so what’s the harm?

WALKING DEAD, VOL. 10: WHAT WE BECOME SC by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. Collecting WD #55-60 in which the survivors of the zombie plague begin their trek to Washington D.C. and safety. Boy, if they only knew… Recommended. Not for kids.

WARREN ELLIS FRANKENSTEIN’S WOMB GN by WE and Marek Oleksicki. That nice Mister Ellis takes on Mrs. Shelley and her lad. Not for kids.

WEDNESDAY COMICS #5 of 12 by Various Creators. By now you’re either in love with this Newspaper Comics Section of the Gods or you’re not. If you’re not you can stop reading this now.

www.johnjudy.net

Fwd: Matt Dembicki's 'Xoc' #1 available

Matt Dembicki's got a new comic out - here's the info...

From: Matt Dembicki <threecrowspress@gmail.com>


Hi, folks

Just wanted to drop a note that my new mini, Xoc #1, is available (see attachment for cover). It's about the journey of a great white shark across the Pacific and its encounters along the along. If you liked my book Mr. Big, you'll probably like this. Xoc (pronounced "Shock") is more intense and has a stronger message. 

If you'd like to buy a copy, the book is $2 (includes shipping). Let me know if you're interested and I'll e-mail my mailing address for checks or my PayPal account for e-orders.

Thanks for your time!

Matt

Comics Riffs has some Zits news

Check out Cavna's scoop on Zits here. It's news so big he had to break it on Sunday.

AAEC's Cartoons for the Classroom features Berryman's lame duck

The AAEC's Cartoons for the Classroom feature, which links editorial cartoons to the news for students, uses Clifford Berryman's lame duck cartoon from the National Archives this week.

Brodner beer and Obama illo in today's Post

Steve Brodner has nice caricature buried in the Outlook section.

DC Comic Books Examiner: Comic/Pop Culture-con and Dog Day sales

Comic/Pop Culture-con and Dog Day sales Saturday, August 1, 2009 Tyson's Corner Comic-con Sunday, Aug. 2, Capital Associates hosts the Comic Book & Pop Culture Convention. Held at the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Dept., the 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. comic-con's admission is $3.00 dollars. In addition to a large ... Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

Dallas McKennon, Disney animation voice, obituary in Post

Dallas McKennon, Gave Voice to Many Animated Characters
By Lauren Wiseman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 1, 2009

Baltimore Comic-Con Ticket Sales at Upcoming Shows

Baltimore Comic-Con Tickets Now Available!   Baltimore, Maryland - August 1, 2009 - Tickets can now be purchased for the 2009 Baltimore Comic-Con in person or online.  Tickets to the Baltimore Comic-Con, taking place on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday,  October 11th at the Baltimore Convention Center, will be available in person at our store, in person at shows around the country, and on-line.   Cards, Comics, and Collectibles, our retail store, participates in comic-book conventions all over the country, and sells tickets to the Baltimore Comic-Con during our visits.  The first show to offer in-person sales of tickets to the Baltimore Comic-Con will be this Sunday, August 2nd at the Capital Associates Comic Convention in Tyson's Corner, VA.  Additionally, we will be exhibiting at Wizard World Chicago Comic-Con (Booth 1610), taking place August 6-9, 2009.   In addition to meeting us at you local comic book convention, ticket purchases can be made through Ticketmaster.    For Saturday Tickets, click here! For Sunday Tickets, click here! For Weekend (2-Day) Tickets, click here!   As in prior years, you can also purchase your ticket at our retail location Cards, Comics, and Collectibles, located at 100A Chartley Dr., Reisterstown MD 21136.  The store hours are M-T: 12pm-6:30pm, W: 2pm-7:30pm, T-F: 12pm-7:30pm, Sa: 11am-7pm, Su: 12pm-5pm.      Please take advantage of the chance to purchase tickets early.  If you attended the show last year, you know that we are continuing to grow in size, which resulted in lines both Saturday and Sunday morning of the show.  On-site ticket sales are limited by logistics and convention center resources.  By purchasing your ticket early, you can avoid having to wait in line to purchase tickets.  Instead of standing in another line, you will be able to come on in and meet your favorite artists, writers, and creators!   About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 10th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held October 10-11, 2009. 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 20 years, the last 4 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.

Science Idol cartoon contest underway again

The Union of Concerned Scientists is running its annual editorial cartoon contest now. There are 12 cartoons to choose from.

Baltimore Comic Con tickets go on sale at Aug 2 Capital Associates con

Our co-blogger and BCC pr man tells me that tickets will go on sale at the Capicons show at the Dunn Loring fire dept this Sunday. Here's the Capicons info:


*******************************************************************
- FREE Admission – YES, FREE Admission for the Sun, Aug 2 show. Bring all your friends and it won’t cost a penny to get in the door, which means MORE money to buy comics!

- If you receive a postcard in the mail before the show, PLEASE BRING POSTCARD TO THE SHOW. This will ensure that you continue to receive postcards in the future.


*******************************************************************

Our next Tysons Corner Monthly Comic & Pop Culture Show will be on Sun, Aug 2 at the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department. The show is open to the public from 10 am - 3 pm. Admission for this month’s show is FREE.

Buy, sell and trade: gold, silver age and new comics; Magic and other gaming cards; non sport cards; videos and DVDs; anime; Horror; Sci-Fi; figures, toys; Star Wars and Star Trek memorabilia; original artwork, posters, T-shirts/clothing and various other comic related items.

Vendors confirmed for this show, including LOTS of new vendors!!
21st Century Sandshark Studios
All-American Comics
Bear Butt Comics
Cards Comics & Collectibles
Doug Cheshire
Comics to Astonish
Michael Creager
Everyday Comics
FANDATA
Steve Frederick
Donald Gehl
Jamie Hicks
Tim Larson
Mendez
Jim Montgomery
Outpost Station
Silver Fox Comics
TNT Comics
Vindictive Apparel
Welcome Back Comics
Zeno's Books
...and more!

The Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department (directions – please see below) has a 70-space parking lot. Plus, there is a school behind the fire department with hundreds of parking spaces that are rarely used on the weekends.

To get to the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department (located about 20 minutes west of Washington, D.C.). Take I-495 (DC/Capital Beltway) to Exit 47A (Rt 7 West). Go 1/2 mile, Take a Left on Gallows Rd and proceed 1 mile to 2148 Gallows Rd.

Or visit our website for detailed directions and Mapquest directions:
http://www.capicons.com/directions_dlvfd.htm

Venue Address:
Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department
2148 Gallows Road
Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Also, if you receive a postcard reminder for the event, PLEASE BRING THE POSTCARD TO THE SHOW. This will ensure that you continue to receive postcards in the future.

If you do not receive a postcard before the show and would like this reminder, please visit our website and sign up for our mailing list:
http://www.capicons.com/contact_customer.htm

Or print out the following form, complete it and bring it to the next show:
http://www.capicons.com/door_prize_entry_form.htm

If you have any other questions, please visit our website:
http://www.CapiCons.com

Weldon, Cavna on San Diego Comic-Con

"Comic-Con: The Post-Mortem," by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 29, 2009.

Michael Cavna had a few quotes from 3 of my favorite cartoonists, including Our Man Thompson. The other two are Keith Knight and Stephan Pastis.

August 7: Superheroes and Alter Egos artist at Renwick

Friday August 7, 2009

 Superheroes and Alter Egos 

12:00 PM

Grand Salon
Renwick Gallery

Mark Newport explores notions of gender, masculinity, and fatherhood by knitting oversized superhero costumes drawn from pop culture. Join Newport as he discusses his unique approach to portraying masculinity by using nontraditional materials. Come early to see his work in the new exhibition Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009.

 

 

 

"Herblock!" Exhibition Opens Oct. 13

Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC   20540

July 30, 2009

"Herblock!"
 New Exhibition at Library of Congress Opens Oct. 13

Features 82 Original Drawings from Library's Herb Block Collection

WHAT: The Library of Congress celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of political cartoonist Herb Block, known to the world as Herblock, with an exhibition that looks at his entire 72-year career, which began in 1929 under President Herbert Hoover and concluded in 2001 during the presidency of George W. Bush.

Through his compelling cartoons, Block influenced public opinion and affected prominent elected officials.  U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy publicly denounced Block, and President Richard Nixon disparaged the cartoonist as "a master of sick invective."

The exhibition, which features 82 original cartoon drawings selected from the Library's Herb Block Collection, will illuminate Block the man, as well as his mastery of the art of the political cartoon.

WHEN: Oct. 13, 2009 to May 1, 2010

WHERE: The Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

# # #

PR09-149
7/30/09
ISSN: 0731-3527

 

The ToonSeum Goes MAD for Tom Richmond

This was supposed to go to the International Journal of Comic Art blog, where I post information about exhibits on comics, but since I sent it here by accident, here it stays because I like Tomo Richmond's work and the idea of the ToonSeum.

For Immediate Release
The ToonSeum
At the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
(412)325-1060
joe@toonseum.com

The ToonSeum Goes MAD for Tom Richmond
The ToonSeum  is proud to present "Tom Richmond: The MAD Art of Caricature," an exhibition of original caricatures and parodies by one of MAD Magazine's stand-out artists.
Richmond, a member of MAD Magazine's Usual Gang of Idiots since 2000, has skewed pop culture icons, political figures, movie stars, even President Obama's dog. His style and technique carry on in the great tradition of MAD Magazine legends such as Mort Drucker and Jack Davis.
Richmond's work appears in publications, films and comics worldwide. His company also provides caricature artists for some of the nation's top theme parks. His recently completed book "Bo Confidential: The Secret Files of America's First Dog" will make its debut this weekend at the ToonSeum!

The "MAD Art of Caricature" also gives a behind-the-pen-and-brush look at Richmond's parodies of movies, including "Harry Plodder,"  "Spider-Sham," "Battyman Begins," "30 Crock," "Obama's Inauguration" and many more.
"The ToonSeum is proud to take MAD out of the teacher's trash can and put it on museum walls where it belongs," says ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. "Tom is truly a master of mockery, and we are delighted to present his work at the ToonSeum."
Richmond will drop by the ToonSeum Aug. 1 for book signings,and demonstrations. More information is available at www.toonseum.org.

The exhibit runs from Aug. 1  through Oct. 4 at the ToonSeum, which is located inside the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh on the city's historic North Side.


Workshop info: On Friday August 1st the ToonSeum will present a special Caricature Master Class.
The MAD Art of Caricature with Tom Richmond, Master Class
Learn the art of caricature from one of its true masters!
August 1st 2009, 5pm-6:30pm . The ToonSeum at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Cost: $50, Students and NCS Members $35
The ToonSeum presents a special master class with caricature artists and magazine illustrator Tom Richmond of MAD Magazine fame. This is a rare opportunity for anyone interested in improving their skills, learning about how to break into magazines, and more.
Purchase online at  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/73723


What: "Tom Richmond: The MAD Art of Caricature"
When: Aug. 1-Oct. 4
Where: ToonSeum at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh on the city's historic North Side, 10 Children's Way, Allegheny Square.
Cost: ToonSeum admission is included with paid admission to the Children's Museum, which is $10 for children 2-18 and seniors; $11 for adults
Details: 412-325-1060 or www.toonseum.com
For questions, art for print or an interview, please contact ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos at joe@toonseum.com.

==============================================
Thank you for your support of the cartoon arts.

Unsubscribe mrhode@gmail.com from this list:
http://toonseum.us1.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=44a11ba2be8e10861fcde5f8f&id=c314d18807&e=b8d8f64fca&c=8544fc5f56

Our mailing address is:
The ToonSeum
10 Children's Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Our telephone:
412-325-1060

Matt Wuerker art in California exhibit

For information, see "The Tattoon Show, Friday, Aug 28 12:00p, at Eclectix Gallery, El Cerrito, CA" - tattoos may be involved. Matt?

Nevin Martell interviewed about his Calvin & Hobbes book

Local writer Nevin Martell is interviewed about his Calvin & Hobbes book - see "TIGER HUNTING: Author tracks elusive Calvin & Hobbes creator Bill Watterson, and more in this week's Scene and Heard," by D.X. Ferris, Cleveland Scene July 29 2009.

NPR's Weldon on Alan Moore's Superman story

In "Sleep Well, Superman: A Classic Reissued," by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Books We Like (July 28, 2009), he reviews Alan Moore and Curt Swan's Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? which was one of the best Superman stories ever written, largely because Moore and Swan obviously loved and respected the previous 50 years of stories and Superman's iconic status. As Weldon notes, "Moore penned a sweeping, surprisingly tender elegy to Superman's rich, primary-colored history, superdog and all. The character had died previously (and since, famously, in 1992), but the superhero comic is a land of dream sequences, clones and regeneration where death is not so much an ending as a plot point. Moore's story, in contrast, is a culmination; even 23 years later, it stands as a moving farewell to the Superman most of us grew up with."

Moore's throw-away story of Superman meeting Swamp Thing from DC Comics Presents is included, and along with the Mongul story, present three excellent interpretations of the Superman mythos.

It took another 22 years, and another writer from Great Britain, Grant (All-Star Superman) Morrison, to even come close to the tenor of Moore's work.

Lincoln Peirce of Big Nate picks Cul de Sac as best new strip

In the uncredited "An Interview with Lincoln Peirce," Comics Insight blog July 28 2009, the anonymous interviewer asks Peirce (whose Big Nate appears in the Post):

And lastly, what would you pick as the best comic strip launched within the last decade?

“Cul de Sac.” Hands down.

Amen to that.

Our Man Thompson's fan club continues...

Comic Riffs chat today at 11 am

Comic-Con Wrap: Vote Now for Best Fan Costume

NOTE: Today at 11 a.m., join Comic Riffs for a live chat about San Diego Comic-Con International 2009.

Straight Dope on Superman's diamonds

The Straight Dope column in the July 24th City Paper is on whether or not Superman could make diamonds by squeezing coal. It's also online.

PR - Celebrate Marvel's 70th Anniversary With Your Local Comic Shop!

Here's some (edited by me) PR from Marvel. It appears that a decent amount of close Maryland stores are participating - including ones in Laurel, Reisterstown, Owings Mill, Baltimore and Annapolis. When you look at the list, it's sorted by state abbreviation, so MD comes after MA. In Virginia, there's Laughing Ogre in Fairfax and Painted Visions in Woodbridge. Nobody appears to be participating in DC.

 

Celebrate Marvel's 70th Anniversary With Your Local Comic Shop!

On August 11th, 2009, comic fans all over will celebrate Marvel's 70th
Anniversary at their local comic shops and we've got the complete list
of participating retailers. Click over to
http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.8874 to download a full list of
retailers participating in Marvel 70th Anniversary parties, offering
exclusive limited edition variants, early on sale release of The Marvels
Project #1, special sales, and more! All retailer parties begin at 9pm
local time. As a special thank you to retailers, Marvel is sending a
limited edition Captain America: Reborn #2 70th Anniversary Frame
Variant to all participating stores!

For more information on Marvel's 70th Anniversary, head over to
www.marvel.com/70. And remember-Make Mine '39!

--

Arune Singh | Manager of Sales Communicatons

Marvel Entertainment

Bob Mankoff

From upper Wisconsin Avenue, Moment Magazine editor Nonna G has let me know about this interview - "A Moment with New Yorker Cartoonmeister Bob Mankoff," by Nadine Epstein, Moment Magazine July/August 2009. Mankoff's got a good take on the roles of Jews in humor and vice versa, and answers the question "Who are your favorite Jewish cartoonists?"

I stand in awe of what Mankoff had done with the New Yorker's cartoons - while at Rehoboth Beach recently I saw New Yorker cartoon puzzles! What a great idea. (picture to follow when I figure out how to get them off my phone).

July 27: X-Men 3 The Last Stand in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

Cartoon Tuesdays at Lincoln Theater

The Post reports that Lincoln Theatre at 1215 U St, NW shows free cartoons on Tuesday at 11 am and 1 pm. Call 202-328-6000 to confirm. Looney Tunes and Happily Ever After are featured.

A Harvey Pekar interview I missed

I found quite a few interviews for my book Harvey Pekar: Conversations, including some that didn't make it into the book for one reason or another, but here's one I missed completely: My 2004 interview with Harvey Pekar.

John McPherson won't be speaking on the National Debt

John McPherson won't be speaking on the National Debt - he was sunk by Senate opposition (Borked, can we say?). See "'Close to Home' Cartoonist McPherson's Public Debt Gig Scrapped," By E&P Staff, July 24, 2009.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-29-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-29-09

By John Judy

CITIZEN REX #1 of 6 by Mario and Gilbert Hernandez. “What compels life without a soul?” No, it’s not a biography of Dick Cheney. It’s a sci-fi adventure about a scandalized robot in a world he never made. For fans of LOVE & ROCKETS and good comics everywhere. Recommended.

DARK REIGN CROSS-OVERS by Tons o’ People. Let’s see, there’s HAWKEYE, HOOD, LETHAL LEGION, SINISTER SPIDER-MAN and YOUNG AVENGERS. Go completists, go! It’s feeding time at the DARK REIGN trough! Good luck!

DETECTIVE COMICS #855 by Greg Rucka, JH Williams III and Cully Hamner. Batwoman and the Question do the detecting thing and look really good doing so. Hey, if you’re gonna call yourselves Batwoman and/or the Question you better be at the top of your game. Otherwise people will talk.

FANTASTIC FOUR #569 by Mark Millar and Stuart Immonen. The Marquis of Death must pay for his treatment of Doom! And for being French!

GARTH ENNIS BATTLEFIELDS: TANKIES #3 of 3 by Garth and Carlos Ezquerra. It’s end-game as the lads must finally face the deadly German tiger tank. Riveting wartime adventure. Recommended.

GHOST RIDER: LAST STAND SC by Jason Aaron and Tan Eng Hut. Continuing Aaron’s run on this hellfire and booze-fueled cycle circus originally published in GHOST RIDER #26-32.

IGNITION CITY #4 of 5 by Warren Ellis and Gianluca Pagliarani. Mary Raven’s in the firefight of her life armed with naught but her dead dad’s raygun and her own spunk to see her through. Bet on the Ellis uber-chick.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #29 by Bill Willingham, Matthew Surges and Jesus Merino. A new creative team adds two new characters to the JSA roster. But will they last?

KID COLT #1 by Tom DeFalco and Rick Burchett. It’s a Tom DeFalco comic and a Western. That makes it twice as unusual in today’s market.

NEW AVENGERS #55 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. It’s a new issue and Brother Voodoo is still the sorcerer supreme. And you thought Bucky America was a lot to accept.

NORTHLANDERS #19 by Brian Wood and Danijel Zezelj. “The Shield Maidens” wraps up with the ladies inflicting some serious choppage. Highly recommended.

NORTHLANDERS, VOL. 2: THE CROSS AND THE HAMMER SC by Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly. Collecting Northlanders #11-16. An Irishman rebels against his Viking rulers. It’s awesome. Highly recommended.

PREVIEWS by Marvel and Diamond Comics. See what you’ll be reading, wearing and playing in three months time!

STUFF OF LEGEND #1 of 2 by Mike Raicht, Brian Smith and Charles Paul Wilson III. In 1944 a small boy is dragged into his closet by the Boogeyman. Now it’s up to his toys to go in and rescue him. Great fun for reading at bedtime, especially if the kids have been naughty. Gotta look!

SUPERMAN #690 by James Robinson and Renato Guedes. Mon-El: Still dying.

THUNDERBOLTS #134 by Andy Diggle and Miguel Angel Sepulveda. Be honest, did anyone ever think Songbird would be so tough to kill? I mean, her name is “Songbird” for crying out loud! And now it’s like Wolverine and Keith Richards had a kid and he wasn’t a tattooed, mohawked moron! I digress… Good comic, worth a read or three.

ULTIMATUM #5 of 5 by Jeph Loeb and David Finch. The last issue. Lots of people dead. For now.

ULTIMATUM: SPIDER-MAN REQUIEM #2 of 2 by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley and Stuart Immonen. Ultimate J. Jonah Jameson continues his weepy eulogy for Ultimate Almost Certainly Dead Spidey.

WEDNESDAY COMICS #4 of 12 by Lotsa Awesome People. So ya say ya want Hawkman by Kyle Baker? Metamorpho by Neil Gaiman? A Kamandi adventure in the style of Prince Valiant? We have that and a lot more! Metal Men! Flash! Green Lantern! It’s a smorgasbord! Highly recommended.

WONDER WOMAN #34 by Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti. It’s WW and Black Canary! What a pair! Recommended!

www.johnjudy.net

Remembering Buck Rogers

Buck Rogers started as a pulp novel, moved to comic strips, then radio, then serials, then tv. He's had a long life.

Paging Buck Rogers
Washington Post Saturday, July 25, 2009

Reading Jennifer Ouellette's July 19 Outlook article, "Apollo With Warp Drive? Make It So," was an enjoyable trip through 20th-century science fiction.

Not mentioned were the radio space adventures of "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," which ran in the 1930s and '40s. It was one of the earliest of the juvenile adventure series portraying the characters of Buck, Wilma and friends from the future continuously battling the evil forces led by Killer Kane and Ardala.

Listeners of the radio program also heard of the marvelous inventions and ways of the future. I would surmise that they were not too surprised at hearing of the 1969 moon landing.

-- Edwin Morgenstern

Silver Spring

That darn Toles continued

Don't Blame the GOP
Washington Post Saturday, July 25, 2009


It is silly to expect objectivity from any editorial cartoonist, but Tom Toles's July 21 cartoon, which blamed Republicans for the delay since 1993 in enacting health-care reform, ignored both historical and current fact.

It was a Democratic-controlled Congress that rejected the Clinton administration's "Hillarycare" health-care reform plan in 1994, before Republicans swept to a majority in both the Senate and House.

And, of course, it is impossible not to notice that Democrats once again control both houses of Congress, so if they reject the "Obamacare" version of health-care reform this year, the Republican minority once again cannot be at fault.

-- Lynda Meyers

Arlington

DC Comic Books Examiner: Big Monkey Comics: one of a kind eclectic - Conclusion

Big Monkey Comics: one of a kind eclectic - Conclusion Friday, July 24, 2009 "What heroes I read as a kid were the same ones my grandfather read when he was a child. My times are different than my grandfather's but the mores that make the heroes still matter…because comics are not only idyllic but form a ... Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

Cul de Sac slips into Pearls

Stephan Pastis gave a tip of the hat to some of the cartoonists he'll be meeting in San Diego - including Our Man Thompson.

San Diego Comic Con in Wash Post

The print version has an Associated Press article, although Comic Riffs' Michael Cavna, a Post editor, is there.

Annual Comics Issue of A.V. Club in The Onion

This year's edition of A.V. Club's Comics Issue in The Onion contains three features: Reinventing the Pencil: 4 Artists Who Changed Mainstream Comics (For Better or Worse); Interview with Michael Kupperman; and an Interview with Grant Morrison. The website's contents are more thorough, and additionally have features worth checking out like Seth on Classic Cartoonists and Illustrators, an Interview with Steve Bissette, Gateway to Geekery: Love and Rockets, and Recommended First Comics.

The 4 Artists feature is arguably accurate as well as insightful. It provides background on each of the creators and why they're worth mentioning. The Kupperman interview is interesting, though doesn't tickle the funny bone the way Tales Designed to Thrizzle does (if you have not read this, do yourself the favor). The Morrison interview does a good job of providing insight into some of the more controversial issues surrounding his work, his approach to working, and where he'd like to go next creatively.

Last year, they featured Bendis. This year, Morrison. Perhaps next year, Brian K. Vaughn?

Weldon on webcomics

For Glen Weldon's take, see "Webcomics: An Annotated Guide for the Understandably Perplexed," National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (July 21 2009). For myself, I love the idea, but tend to buy the paper compilations.

DC Comic Books Examiner: Big Monkey Comics: one of a kind eclectic Part 2

Big Monkey Comics: one of a kind eclectic Part 2 Thursday, July 23, 2009 "People new to buying comics will tell me they 'don't know what comics there are'. So I ask them what they like…books, movies, or anything else. From there I can point out some suggestions for them based on their own ... Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

Zadzooks reviews Wednesday Comics, among others

Zadzooks: Comic book reviews, Sub-Mariner, Wednesday Comics and more," Joseph Szadkowski, The Washington Times July 22, 2009.

Comic Riffs also asks, "How about that San Diego Comic-Con"

What's interesting is that Cavna asks Aragones, Johnston, Gaiman, Pastis and Lee. He also adds insult to injury by caricaturing them.

See "San Diego Comic-Con: 5 Star Cartoonists Do the Time Warp Again," by Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22 2009.

Cavna, along with Richard Thompson, is at the Comics Con, thus providing a sizable DC contingent.

Comic Riffs asks "Why is Frazz on the kid's page?"

Save Frazz: What Strip Would YOU Send to KidsPost? asks Cavna

DC Comic Books Examiner: Big Monkey Comics is a one of a kind eclectic

Big Monkey Comics is a one of a kind eclectic Wednesday, July 22, 2009 My first step into a comic book store in Northwest DC manifests a déjà vu not generated by comic book sales. To stare down the lengthy corridor that's painted a dusk-like orange and lined with framed illustrations, there's ... Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

July 31: Lupin III anime showing - Miyazaki!

Lupin III Castle of Cagliostro to be screened at the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan.

DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present Lupin III Castle of Cagliostro on July 31, 2009 6:30 pm as part of an inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).

Lupin III Castle of Cagliostro  is a 1979 anime film co-written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is one of the master thief Lupin III films.

The second animated Lupin III movie and arguably the most famous, Castle of Cagliostro was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki (who also co-directed the first Lupin III TV series and directed two episodes of the second) before he formed Studio Ghibli. Cagliostro features gentleman thief Lupin III, grandson to Maurice Leblanc's French literary master thief Arsène Lupin.

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.

RSVP to jiccrsvpsummer09@embjapan.org.

Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.

For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at http://www.us.embjapan.go.jp/jicc/  or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.

Stephan "Pearls before Swine" Pastis on Richard Thompson's medical issue

Stephan "Pearls before Swine" Pastis has a blog entry on Richard Thompson's medical issue. This is well-said (written, proclaimed, what-have-you) - Some News About Courage, Official Pearls Before Swine blog July 18, 2009.

Richard's probably just about to panic about deadlines before San Diego right about ...
NOW ... so hopefully he's seen this bit.

Publisher's Weekly on Otakon

Otakon ‘09: Good Attendance and Sales; Some Complaints
by Ada Price and Erin Finnegan -- Publishers Weekly, 7/21/2009

Batman at the Renwick

Herschel K writes in "As part of the exhibit Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009, at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery August 7 to January 3rd, 2010 there are a number of Batman items by fiber artist Mark Newport."

Sounds interesting - the Renwick is a gem of a museum too.

Baltimore Sun recaps Otakon

Anything goes at Otakon
Fans of Japanese animation converge on Baltimore
By Julie Bykowicz
Baltimore Sun July 20, 2009

Seth on Cul de Sac

The Canadian cartoonist says, "I bought the first collection that came out this year, and I was impressed, I thought it was really good." See more at "Seth on classic cartoonists and illustrators,"
by Noel Murray, Onion AV Club July 20, 2009.

July 20: X-Men X2 in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

Luna Brothers wrapping up their current series

Wizard has the press release.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-22-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-22-09

By John Judy

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 by Lotsa People, including Stan the Man, Mark Waid, Dan Slott and JR Jr. It’s an all-new, no reprints anniversary issue featuring 104 pages of web-slinging wonderment! Read it!

ARCHIE #599 by Stan Goldberg and the Gang. It’s the last one before #600, Riverdaliens! This one features three stories including “Return to Riverstock” in which the gang commemorates the 40^th anniversary of a certain music festival. Fun for all ages.

AVENGERS INITIATIVE #26 by Christos Gage and Rafa Sandoval. Norman Osborn is taking the old Mr. Miyagi’s Little Tree Initiative and turning it into the evil Cobra Kai Initiative. Because he’s EVIL!

BEANWORLD VOL.2 HC: A GIFT COMES written and drawn by Larry Marder. Collecting the final twelve issues of this unique and imaginative series.

BLACK PANTHER #6 by Reginald Hudlin and Mitch Brietwieser. The final battle with Morlun, Devourer of Totems! Please, god, let this be the final battle with Morlun, Devourer of Totems…

BOYS: HEROGASM #3 of 6 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea. A death at Herogasm! And not a little one either. Not for kids. Recommended.

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #15 by Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk. The final dust-up between Dracula and all the limey super-spies he hasn’t already killed.

CREEPY ARCHIVES, VOL. 4 HC by Various Creators. Collecting issues 16-20 of this classic horror series with a spooky/fabulous cover by Frank Frazetta. Nice!

DETHLOK VS THE GOON ONE-SHOT by Eric Powell and Brandon Small. No, it’s not the Marvel cyborg from the future. The Goon is mixing it up with the greatest American/Scandinavian death-metal band in the world, DETHLOK!!! Thank-you, Dark Horse. Thank-you Adult Swim. Gotta look!

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #5 of 5 by Geoff Johns and George Perez. Hey, ya remember FINAL CRISIS? Me neither, musta been retconned out of my brain. Nevertheless, here straggling across the finish-line after all the other FC titles and cross-overs have showered, gone home, gone back to work, married and had babies is FCLOTW #5! Enjoy!

GREEN LANTERN #44 by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. Black Lantern Jonn Jonzz is back from the dead and looking to eat what he kills. At least he no longer looks like a Skrull. Now he looks like Thanos.

HELLBLAZER #257 by Peter Milligan and Giuseppe Camuncoli. Featuring a cover by Simon Bisley suggesting John Constantine is now working as a greeter at Abercrombie and Fitch. Rated “A” for abs.

IMMORTAL WEAPONS #1 of 5 by Jason Aaron, Duane Swierczynski and Many Talented Artists. It’s the story of Fat Cobra so you want it! It’s by Jason Aaron so you need it! Highly recommended.

INCREDIBLE HULK #600 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. Spidey’s gonna try and find out who the Red Hulk really is. Yeah, he’s gonna try…. SPOILER: He’s Michael Jackson.

PROJECT SUPERPOWERS CHAPTER TWO #1 by The Alex Ross Factory. Because some of you still haven’t learned…

RICHARD STARK’S PARKER THE HUNTER HC written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. Donald Westlake’s first Parker novel adapted by comics master Cooke. Yeah, you need this, especially if you enjoyed the movie “Payback” with Mel Gibson and Maria Bello. Highly recommended.

WEDNESDAY COMICS #3 of 12 by Various Awesome Folk. Now this is the weekly series DC should have been doing for the past couple of years! Beautiful, serialized stories presented in glorious tabloid format. Even my least favorite of the strips (“Wonder Woman! Cough! Cough!”) looks amazing. This is one to share with your friends, especially if your friends publish newspapers with comics sections. Highly recommended!

YOU HAVE KILLED ME HC by Jamie S. Rich and Joelle Jones. From Oni Press and the creators of 12 REASONS WHY I LOVE HER, this is a noir tale to remind all us hard-boiled private dicks why it’s a bad idea to take your ex on as a client.

YOU SHALL DIE BY YOUR OWN EVIL CREATION SC by Fletcher Hanks and Paul Karasik. This is the sequel volume to 2007’s deeply disturbing and entertaining I SHALL DESTROY ALL CIVILIZED PLANETS and completes the collection of golden-age writer/artist (and monster) Fletcher Hanks. Publisher Fantagraphics has generously provided a 13 page preview on their website http://www.fantagraphics.com/. Highly recommended.

www.johnjudy.net

Another article on Otakon

Otakon convention brings thousands of Japanese anime fans to Baltimore
by Rachel Bernstein
Baltimore Business Journal July 17 2009

Secret Identities Coast-to-Coast

On Saturday, July 18 in Baltimore, Maryland, Keith Chow, Jerry Ma, Alex Tarampi, John Franzese and Larry Hama will be hosted by Geppi’s Entertainment Museum beginning at 12:30pm. The museum presentation will be followed by a special signing event at Ukazoo Books in Towson, Maryland at 6pm that same day. Finally on Sunday, July 19 at 1pm, veteran DC and Marvel artist Greg LaRocque will be joining Hama and the Secret Identities team for a meet & greet and signing event at The Avenue’s Barnes & Noble in White Marsh, Maryland.

http://www.secretidentities.org/

Hello Kitty exhibit reviewed in Post

Hello Kitty wanders into fine art masterpieces in the exhibit reviewed in "Leslie Holt at Curator's Office," By Jessica Dawson, Special to The Washington Post, Friday, July 17, 2009.

July 18: Simpsons at Postal Museum

The Post is reporting that the first 1000 visitors to the Postal Museum tomorrow will get a Simpsons First Day Cover. The Museum's near Union Station.

Otakon starts tomorrow in Baltimore

The big anime/manga/Japanese culture fest starts at the Baltimore Convention Center on July 17th. Here's a profile and details - "Devotees of anime have a weekend of adventure at Otakon Convention," By Chris Kaltenbach, Baltimore Sun July 16, 2009.

Ooooh, Bill Plympton in Baltimore tomorrow night

For news about Plympton's July 17th appearance, see Brett D. Rogers, Baltimore Animation Examiner, Just announced - Bill Plympton to host Artscape opening night animated shorts at The Charles Theatre, July 15, 2009. Rogers has a list of all the animated shorts as well.

As an aside, these citizen-journalist pieces in the Examiner website are spreading fast. I get various alerts for comic art and a good quarter of them are probably Examiner pieces now.

Boston Globe picks up Riffs' SpongeBob interview

I'm betting Michael Cavna isn't getting paid any extra for the Globe's use of his Riff's interview with SpongeBob's creator Steve Hillenburg.

Some news from Richard Thompson pre-San Diego

Richard's got a bit of disturbing news on his blog today.

We, in the royal editorial sense, wish him the best of course. In the personal sense, we intend to see that he gets some exercise.

Hello Kitty and Ben Classen in Express

Ben "Dirt Farm" Classen, who is using bendependent.com as his signature and is the only cartoonist left in the City Paper, has a nice Escher-inspired full page piece in today's Express for the Capital Fringe Festival.

Also in the paper is an article about a local exhibit -

Art History Gets Cute: Say Hello Kitty to a thought-provoking show of cheeky art.

Written by Express contributor Danielle O'Steen

Posted By Express July 16, 2009
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/07/art_history_gets_cute_leslie_holt_and_he.php

Lamented ex-Baltimore City Paper cartoonist Tim Kreider at NY Times

God, I miss his stuff.

Isn’t It Outrageous?
By Tim Kreider
New York Times' Happy Days Blog July 14, 2009

DC Comic Books Examiner: Pride & Prejudice by Marvel a sincere effort

Pride & Prejudice by Marvel a sincere effort Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

DC Comic Books Examiner: Sherlock Holmes re-invented in comic book series

Sherlock Holmes re-invented in comic book series Tuesday, July 14, 2009   "Trial of Sherlock Holmes" / First Issue   The famed investigator's literary elements re-emerge through Dynamite Comics' one-of-a-kind limited series. Boxing and bartitsu grant the London investigator the ... Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

EXHIBITION OPENING: Moving Perspectives: Shahzia Sikander/ Sun Xun, Saturday, July 18, Sackler Gallery

This sounds like animation to me, albeit a fine art sort. I'd be interested in a report if anyone sees it before I do.

Moving Perspectives: Shahzia Sikander/ Sun Xun Video Art at the Sackler Gallery July 18 - November 8 Trained in Pakistan and in the United States, Shahzia Sikander (b. 1969, Lahore, Pakistan) deftly reinterprets miniature painting by isolating and abstracting formal compositional elements often found in this densely layered and intricate art form. The dynamism of her paintings is set in motion in her video works, where the repetition of abstract forms becomes a buzzing hive, calligraphy whirls in and out of view, and imaginary curves morph into vivid landscapes. Similarly, Sun Xun (b. 1980, Fuxin, China) creates hundreds of paintings and drawings by using old newspapers or entire blank walls. Filming his hand-drawn images, he transforms clocks, magicians, words, and insects into animated symbols that flicker across the screen in dark allegories on the nature of historical consciousness and the passage of time. Visit www.asia.si.edu for information on all our events, exhibitions, and public programs. Image Credit: Shock of time, 2006. video stills by Sun Xun.

1050 Independence Ave. SW 202.633.1000 Metro: Smithsonian www.asia.si.edu publicaffairsAsia@si.edu films | performances | talks | ImaginAsia | membership | shops

Weldon on Thor movie

I can't say I agree... the poor God's 3000 years old at least. I think he's pretty laid back for that.

The Upcoming Thor Movie: Tho What? He's Still A Jerk.

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 15 2009

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2009/07/the_upcoming_thor_movie_tho_wh_1.html?sc=nl&cc=msb-20090715

Cavna on SpongeBob in the Post

Absorbent And Yellow And Beloved At 10 Is He

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 14, 2009

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/13/AR2009071303240.html

Although the article that the Post's Arts & Living website links to is Reuters, not their own.

SpongeBob creator interviewed at Comic Riffs

The Interview: 'SpongeBob' Creator Stephen Hillenburg
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 14, 2009
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/_tom_kenny_who_voices.html#more

Comic Riffs blog turns 1 today

I'm lousy at tracking dates, but Michael Cavna says his excellent Washington Post Comic Riffs blog is 1 year old today - http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/_it_only_fully_dawned.html

Congratulations, Michael!

July 13: X-Men in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

Iranian cartoonists article in Wash Post

I think I slipped up yesterday and forgot to mention this -

Behind Iranian Lines, Cartoonists Come Under Fire
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 12, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903216.html

And don't forget the longer interview with Nik Kowsar is here - http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/the_interview_exiled_iranian_c.html#more

Bennett's best is back

Bennett's Best for the week of June 28, By Greg Bennett, July 5, 2009 Washington Times' Zadzooks blog - Justice League and Captain America.

Geppi's Museum's Barks Exhibit

Scoop has more information on Geppi's Museum's Carl Barks exhibit which opens on July 17th in Baltimore. This is one not to miss.

Peter Bagge strips from DC's Reason magazine collected

Peter Bagge's strips from DC's Reason magazine have been collected, I like these strips a lot - they're mostly cartoon journalism. Bagge spoke at Reason about 2 years ago and I went to their Dupont Circle location and enjoyed the talk.

The book, which I bought this week, is: Everybody Is Stupid Except for Me and Other Astute Observations, Peter Bagge, Fantagraphics, softcover, 120 pages, 9781606991589 (ISBN13), 2009, $16.99.

For a good interview, see Tom Spurgeon, "CR Sunday Interview: Peter Bagge," Comics Reporter (July 12 2009)