A couple of postcards

I had a truncated look at some paper ephemera while at the Farmer's Market this weekend and bought two postcards.



The first is by Gene Carr, who did various comic strips, as well as postcards. This one is 4th of July.



The second is Ain't My Flag A Beaut! postcard, a caricature of Old Man Winter or Jack Frost holding an American flag based on Robert Peary's trip to the North Pole in 1909.


Click through either one to see a larger version.

National Book Festival, Library of Congress and Small Press Expo news

Librarian Sara Duke's sent in some schedule information.

National Book Festival, September 27th, on the Mall

Neil Gaiman
Teens & Children Pavilion

11:45-12:15 pm
Book Signing

1-3 pm

For more than 20 years, Neil Gaiman has been a top writer of modern comics and a best-selling novelist. His work has appeared in translation in more than 19 countries, and nearly all of his novels, graphic and otherwise, have been optioned for films. He was the creator-writer of the monthly cult DC Comics series Sandman, which won many awards, including a World Fantasy Award. He is the author of the critically acclaimed American Gods, awarded the Hugo, Nebula, Bram Stoker, SFX and Locus awards, and his novel Stardust was a winner of the American Library Association’s Alex Award as one of 2000’s top 10 adult novels for young adults. His children’s books include the international best-selling novel Coraline (2002), a winner of the Bram Stoker Award and the Hugo Award. His latest novel for young readers is The Graveyard Book (HarperCollins, September 2008). He lives near Minneapolis.

Brad Meltzer
Fiction & Mystery Pavilion

11:10-11:40 am
Book Signing

12:30-1:30 pm

Brad Meltzer earned credit from Columbia Law School for writing his first book, The Tenth Justice (1997), the first in a line of New York Times best-sellers. His books have a total of almost 3 million copies in print and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. His latest thriller is The Book of Lies (Grand Central, September 2008). He is also the author of the critically acclaimed comic book Identity Crisis and the first author to ever reach the No. 1 spot on both the New York Times and the Diamond comic book best-seller lists simultaneously. He lives in Miami.

Small Press Expo overflow:

Oct. 3: Lynda Barry & Tom Tomorrow at Politics & Prose.

Small Press Expo:

Georgia Higley & Sara Duke will be manning a Library of Congress table at SPX. This is your chance to donate a copy of your comic book to the Library! (If you see me, you can give me one to give to Michigan State University's Comic Art Collection too).

Late posting of Baltimore Comic-Con guest PR

There's a few cancellations, so I rescued this from my list of 11,141 unread emails (seriously).

TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE BALTIMORE COMIC-CON! GUEST ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MORE!

Baltimore, Maryland - September 15, 2008 - The countdown has begun! In just under two weeks, the 9th annual Baltimore Comic-Con kicks off, starting Saturday, September 27th! Do you have your tickets yet?

We've spent the past few months telling you about our guests, exclusives, vendors, and exhibitors, and we're not done yet!

Guests
We've announced guests from all walks of the industry already, including stars such as Brian Michael Bendis, Jeff Kinney, Jim Lee, Bernie Wrightson, Tim Sale, Darwyn Cooke, Mike Mignola, Steve Dillon, Guy Davis, and Geoff Johns, just to name a handful.

We regret to announce a few cancellations: David Finch (whose wife is having a baby), Gene Colan (back problems), John Romita Sr. (conflict), and Mike Grell (conflict) are unable to attend this year.

But don't despair! The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to welcome Mike McKone (Fantastic Four, Green Lantern), C.B.Cebulski (X-Men: Divided We Stand, Avengers Fairy Tales), Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers: The Initiative), Tom Brevoort (Marvel Comics editor), Walt Simonson (Thor, Fantastic Four), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman, The Rules of The Game), Sean Chen (Iron Man, Salvation Run), Mike Hawthorne (Salem, American Splendor), Paul Storrie (Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons, Star Trek: Aliens), Nelson Blake II (G.I. Joe, The Ride), Jamal Igle (Superman's Reign, Supergirl), Greg LaRocque (Power Man and Iron Fist, Marvel Team-Up), Afua Richardson (Pilot Season: Genius), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen), Andy MacDonald (NYC Mech), and Allison Sohn (Star Wars trading card artist).

"What an unbelievable group!" beamed show promoter Marc Nathan. "Mike McKone will be over from England for his first trip to our show. It's always great to have Walt, Bernard, Sean, Paul, Mike, Andy, and the Marvel gang in as well. We'll see some more new faces in Nelson, Afua, and Jamal (who had to cancel last year), and Greg and Allison are back too! Where are we going to put them all?!"

Jim Lee, the Baltimore Orioles, and Baltimore Comic-Con Team-Up

Jim Lee, the Baltimore Orioles, and Baltimore Comic-Con Team-Up

Baltimore, Maryland - September 19, 2008 - Comic book super star, Jim Lee, will help kick off the 9th annual Baltimore Comic-Con at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Friday, September 26th. Jim will throw out the first pitch before the Orioles meet the Toronto Blue Jays and then sign autograghs for fans at the ballpark to help awareness for the weekend convention next door.

"We know how well he can draw Batman -- let's see if he can throw a strike," promoter Marc Nathan said.

Fans for the convention can witness this themselves, as the Orioles are offering a discounted group rate for visitors coming into town for the Baltimore Comic-Con. Tickets begin as low at $8 for both Friday and Saturday nights' games.

On Friday night, the game will begin at 7:05pm, so fans who wish to see Jim deliver that first pitch should be in their seats 20 minutes ahead of time, at 6:45pm.

"The Orioles recognize how many people come to our event downtown," continued Marc, "and they wanted to enhance everyone's experience. All you have to do is mention that you are with the Baltimore Comic-Con group, and the discounts will apply. They have also made an easy-to-fill-out form to help chose which kind of seat you prefer."

Please go to Gate "H", the Orioles Main Box Office, to present your completed form. See our website for more details about the event and the show, and for copies of the form - http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/.

There will be fireworks at the end of Friday's game to celebrate the weekend.

Baltimore Comic-Con Announces 2008 Exclusives!

Baltimore Comic-Con Announces 2008 Exclusives!

Baltimore, Maryland - September 20, 2008 - As we get closer to the show, we are proud to announce this years set of Baltimore Comic-Con show exclusives! Our selection has grown from previous years, and we are sure everybody can find something to love!

The Baltimore Comic-Con, held at the Baltimore Convention Center on September 27-28, 2008, is offering 7 show exclusives this year from Aspen, Marvel, PopFun, Top Cow, and 3 Finger Prints.

"This is beautiful stuff," said show promoter Marc Nathan. "We've just finalized details on a few of these items, and we're really proud to be able to offer them to attendees this year. The Jim Lee Batman Toon Tumbler looks gorgeous, and the exclusive covers are all spectacular."

Show exclusives will be sold at a dedicated booth this year. Items are available while supplies last, and overall quantities and availability will vary by provider.

The details on the exclusives this year are as follows:

* Aspen - Michael Turner variant cover for Fathom #2.
* Marvel
o Frank Cho Secret Invasion #6 variant cover
o Mike Wieringo HERO Initiative: Marvel Apes cover
o John Romita, Jr. U.S. Exclusive Amazing Spider-Man #568 variant cover
* PopFun - Exclusive Batman Toon Tumbler
* Top Cow - David Finch Dragon Prince #1 Baltimore Comic-Con variant cover
* 3 Finger Prints - The 3 Geeks: Can Anyone Stop the Slab Madness?! variant cover

For details on show exclusives, please visit http://www.comicon.com/baltimore/exclusives.htm. Further information on the show, guests, exhibitors, retailers, Artist's Alley, and more can be found on our website or our MySpace page.

Date Correction for 2009!
We had an error in our previously-announced show date for 2009. Next year's 10th anniversary show will be held on October 10-11, 2009. (Re-)Mark your calendars!

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 09-24-08

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 09-24-08
By John Judy

ABSOLUTE RONIN HC written and illustrated by pre-psychotic Frank Miller. It’s awesome! The savage six-issue story of a psychokinetic, cyborg samurai, first published in 1983 back when Miller was only 26. What happened? Oh yeah….

ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN #10-B by Frank Miller and Jim Lee. Well it took ‘em two weeks but they finally got enough soap to wash out Frank Miller’s mouth. What a (redacted)!

AVENGERS INITIATIVE #17 by Dan Slott, Christos Gage and Stefano Caselli. The Skrulls get their big green heinies handed to them by the good ol’ U.S. Avengers!

BACK TO BROOKLYN #1 of 5 by Garth Ennis and Jimmy Palmiotti. How would you kill every crime crew in Brooklyn if you absolutely had to? This is a PUNISHER story so gruesome Marvel wouldn’t publish it. Recommended but not for kids or before meals.

BLACK PANTHER #41 by Jason Aaron and Jefte Palo. The Skrulls have T’Challa right where he wants them. Time to serve it up Wakanda-style!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #42 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. The Red Skull just can’t get good help these days. It’s an on-going problem when the only people who will work for you are drug-addled white supremacists and Scientists who are, technically, well y’know “Mad.” Anyway, the adventures of Bucky America continue to entertain. Recommended.

DAREDEVIL #111 by Ed Brubaker and Clay Mann. In which we meet Lady Bullseye and it’s a lot less horrible than that sounds. Also Matt does something so wrong it’s right. Good stuff.

FANTASTIC FOUR #560 by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. Some time-travel business supposedly tied into the “death” of the Invisible Woman. Who even knew she was sick?!

HELLBOY: THE CROOKED MAN #3 of 3 by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben. In which we learn that hillbilly country is about the last place in the world where people are still dumb enough to sell their souls to the Devil. Do they not get “Twilight Zone” reruns up there?

HULK #6 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. Red Hulk! Green Hulk! Smash! Man, this thing writes itself!

IMMORTAL IRON FIST: ORSON RANDALL AND THE DEATH QUEEN OF CALIFORNIA #1 by Duane Swiercynski and Guiseppe Camuncoli. Yeah, I dated her… Recommended.

NEW AVENGERS #45 by Brian Michael Bendis and Jim Cheung. In which we learn what happened to the Secret Invasion Skrulls during the House of M. And possibly Heroes Reborn, Operation Galactic Storm and Atlantis Attacks. But not Countdown. IT NEVER HAPPENED!

NORTHLANDERS #10 by Brian Wood and Dean Ormston. A young boy gets to live his dream of watching Vikings destroy his hated hometown. A must for everyone who was ever The Last One Picked for Kickball. No, seriously, this series is a gem and you should give it a read. Highly recommended.

PREVIEWS by Marvel and Diamond Comics. Find what you want for the holidays here!

RUNAWAYS #2 by Terry Moore and Humberto Ramos. Karolina Dean like, gets totally blamed for like, eradicating a whole planet of aliens which she like, totally did not do! Duh, angry space people! I am totally flaming you on MySpace about this!

SOLOMON KANE #1 of 5 by Scott Allie and Mario Guevara. A really well-drawn revival of Robert E. Howard’s other famous pulp creation, a tough as nails 17th century Puritan who mows through evil like a pinch-faced terminator. Definitely worth a look.

SUPERMAN #680 by James Robinson and Renato Guedes. Krypto vs. Atlas! Arf!

THUNDERBOLTS #124 by Christos Gage and Fernando Blanco. The T-Bolts fight the Skrulls for control of Washington D.C. But where do they stand on flag-burning?! Ya remember flag-burning?! Ah the good old days…

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #126 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. Ultimate Spidey-Venom fights the Ultimates and tries to eat them. Big, hungry fight.

ULTIMATES 3 #5 of 5 by Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira. In which we finally learn who killed the Scarlet Witch. Featuring robot duplicates and revolting plot points involving Quicksilver and SW engaging in the West Virginia State Sport. Yuck.

WOLVERINE: ROAR #1 by Duane Swiercynski and Mike Deodato. A stand-alone story about Wolverine and a vicious animal. But I repeat myself…

WOLVERINE ORIGINS #28 by Daniel Way and Mike Deodato. A story which firmly establishes Wolverine as a mass murderer of innocents and Professor X as a guy who looks the other way. Gee, now if only the X-Men can be ret-conned into Satanist pedophiles Mr. Way’s work will be complete.

X-MEN LEGACY #216 by Mike Carey and Phil Briones. Emma Frost psychically violates Professor X’s mind because she’s a twisted, sadistic witch. Pardon me. “Because it’s for his own good.” Pots and kettles all around! Hoo-ha!

www.johnjudy.net

Brad Melzer Chat at 3pm Today!

From our friends at The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/09/08/DI2008090801900.html

Comic bits in the NY Times

There are two good pieces in today's NY Times. Superhero fan Lethem returns from media purgatory in Maine and maps The Dark Knight onto American Politics in - "Art of Darkness," By JONATHAN LETHEM, New York Times September 21, 2008.

In a story that ties in locally, the Muppets are featured in the paper (much as they are in the Smithsonian for another month) in
"Fuzzy Renaissance," By BROOKS BARNES, New York Times September 21, 2008. I'm sure Barnes' story about Disney attempting to rejuvenate the characters is tied into the traveling exhibit - many of the video clips on the Times' website are the same ones running in the Smithsonian exhibit - and we're talking fifty year old commercials.

Mr. Trail comes to Washington

Following hot on the heels of the Family Circus, Mark Trail is visiting Washington to see the Smithsonian and meet with Christian Samper, the head of the Natural History Museum. Meanwhile, in Doonesbury, NPR host Mark Slackemeyer has a Library of Congress archivist on his show to talk about a new document she's acquired. Unfortunately last week the Post laid off reporter Rick Redfern... well, they offered him a buyout. Perhaps he can work for them on contract!

That darn Toles, continued

Political Bias Seen, One Way or Another
Washington Post Saturday, September 20, 2008; Page A17

Ideally, a newspaper's cartoonist would show some degree of nonpartisanship and address topics with an even hand. Not so in the case of Tom Toles. He wears his Democratic Party hat almost every time he picks up his pen.

Once in a while it would be nice to see him sling a little mud in the other direction, let's say, maybe one out of five cartoons, or would that result in his being drummed out of the party?

-- Jack McIntyre

Ashburn

NY Times on Watchmen movie rights confusion again

I'm slow in getting the papers read this morning, but here's one article - "Battle Over ‘Watchmen’ Surrounds a Producer," By MICHAEL CIEPLY, New York Times September 20, 2008.

I must say I have no real interest in this movie, especially since the comic has apparently been used to make something close to a one-to-one adaptation. When I was younger, strict adaptations were appealing (and my young daughter has issues with the liberties taken with the Harry Potter movies), but the older I get, the more I feel that one should do something different.

GEM curator continues to discuss comics course

Arnold Blumberg, the curator at Geppi's Entertainment Museum, has another column online talking about designing his University of Maryland comics course. I mentioned the first and linked to it in this post.

Zadzooks on Star Wars video game

Zadzooks seems to be bouncing all over the Times lately so I keep missing it. Here's the latest which is videogame animation and the adaption into a comic book - "ZADZOOKS: Star Wars, The Force Unleashed review," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Monday, September 15, 2008.

Online is "Bennett's Best for the week of September 14," By Greg Bennett, Zadzooks blog September 18 2008 in which the Big Planet owner recommends two comics, one of which I've never heard of and the other is a cheap attempt to cash in on current events that DC should be commended for. Like Dell in the 1960s - give the people what they want, even if it is Gunsmoke adaptations!

Comic Riffs quotes Trudeau

Comic Riffs quotes Trudeau in "The Morning Line: "Doonesbury" Sings the Newspaper Blues," By Michael Cavna, September 16, 2008.

I read this earlier in the week, but the quotes didn't click until Brian Steinberg blogged about it in his Comics Examiner.

Derf's got a new book out and will be at SPX

One of the things I miss the most (besides Rob Ullman) from Creative (HAH!) Loafing's takeover of the City Paper is Derf's strip, The City. Here's an article about his new book - "DERF HOPES FOR A HIT WITH PUNK ROCK & TRAILER PARKS," Jennifer M. Contino, Comicon's The Pulse 09-18-2008.

Comic Riffs interviews animator

The Interview: HBO Animator Steve Dildarian, By Michael Cavna , Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 19, 2008.

This was also published in September 21st's paper.

An embarrassingly positive Pekar review...

...sure Mike Everleth's in the book, but you can trust his opinion. He's only got five pages and the book's more than 200!

Favorite comic of the summer

I just read Guy Delisle's Burma Chronicles and enjoyed it immensely. This is the Canadian animator's third travelogue, and is his most polished yet. It's from Drawn and Quarterly.

Marc Singer on All-Star Superman #12

All-Star Batman's getting all the media attention this week due to last week's dirty words, but Marc Singer's got a lovely appreciation of Morrison and Quitely's All-Star Superman 12.

I'm glad to see that he's as puzzled about the final page as I am.

My only complaint about this series is that DC released half of it as a collection. I hate collections of halves of series. I bought it, but I hate halves.

OT: Dave Astor online on Friday

Dave Astor of Editor and Publisher, who I've swapped a few tips with, and who kindly points people here, will be interviewed online at 8:15 am on Friday at Ray Hanania's site.

Ted Rall's political animation

Ted Rall, whose hard-hitting and vicious cartoons are sadly missing from the City Paper, sent in this press release today. Rall will be at SPX next month, as he usually is, and I've bought his books from him regularly there. I'm not all that keen on political animation for some reason, but I understand the need to keep current.

TED RALL GETS ANIMATED

September 18, 2008 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Outrageous political cartoonist Ted Rall has released his first animated editorial cartoon. "President Obama's First Day," which depicts the Democratic hopeful taking the oath of office, dumping billions of dollars out of an airplane, and shooting rays of sweet, sweet love at the Taliban, is available at YouTube and at Rall's website, tedrall.com.

Rall wrote, drew and designed the characters for "President Obama's First Day," a tongue-firmly-in-cheek look at liberal Democrats' fantasies of how an Obama Administration would instantly change things for the better. The video can be seen at the following YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fimEJAklKso

The animation was done by David Essman (see biography below).

"There are some great Flash-based edittoons out there, but they take a different approach than I do. I see each animated cartoon as a skit, as a mini TV show," Rall said. "I hope people enjoy watching 'Obama's First Day' as much as David and I enjoyed making it."

Rall and Essman plan to continue releasing Web-based animated cartoons.

BIOS:

Ted Rall, 45, is President of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. A nationally-syndicated editorial cartoonist for Universal Press Syndicate, Rall's cartoons have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Village Voice, Los Angeles Times, Time, Newsweek and more than 200 other publications. He was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1996, and twice won first place in the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards.

David Essman is a 22 year old animator, currently studying at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His films have been screened across the country at film festivals including San Francisco Shorts, Animation Block Party, and the St. Louis International Film Festival.

Contact: Ted Rall, ted@rall.com

Oliphant and the Pentecostals continued

In a post with a lot of comments, Alan Gardner quoted my earlier post on this and linked to a letter to the Post from a Pentecostal minister: Pastor Bernard's Response to Washington Post Cartoon, Tuesday, September 16th, 2008.

Small Press Expo Announces its Slate of Discussion Panels for SPX 2008

Bill Kartalopoulos has set up a rich set of programs for SPX. These all look good, darn it.

I appear to be interviewing Our Man Thompson, probably on Sunday I'm told. I've started the pre-interview and can confidently report that his favorite desserts are "either a canoli or Amy's cherry pie." Look for detailed discussions about our children still to come. If one has any questions one wants answered, let me know.

Small Press Expo Announces its Slate of Discussion Panels for SPX 2008

For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail:webernard@spxpo.com


Bethesda, Maryland; September 18, 2008 – Small Press Expo (SPX) 2008 announces its slate of panels, creator Q&As and Spotlight sessions for SPX 2008. This year we feature Joost Swarte, Ben Katchor and Richard Thompson in one on one interview’s along with a diverse series of panels on all aspects of comics.

SPX will be held on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, across form the White Flint Metro stop. Admission is $8 per day and $15 for both days.

For more information on SPX and the Ignatz Awards, please visit our web site at www.spxpo.com.

Below are the discussion panels for SPX 2008. See our web site above for times and locations of the panels.

Q+A and Spotlights

Joost Swarte Q+A

Joost Swarte has produced comics, illustrations, graphics and architectural designs that have made him a legend in his native Netherlands. His clear line-influenced avant-garde comics were introduced to American audiences in RAW and his illustrations have graced the covers and pages of The New Yorker. Cartoonist, teacher and editor Paul Karasik will moderate a special spotlight session with the artist.

Ben Katchor Spotlight

Ben Katchor has long chronicled the pleasures of urban decay and small-scale ambition in comic strips including Julius Knipl: Real Estate Photographer, Hotel and Farm, and The Cardboard Valise. He is also the author of the graphic novel The Jew of New York and has collaborated on theatrical productions with musicians Bang on a Can and Mark Mulcahy. Today he will present full-color strips from his monthly series in Metropolis Magazine and answer questions moderated by comics scholar Mike Wenthe.

Bryan Lee O’Malley Q+A

Bryan Lee O’Malley has gained an enormous audience as the author of the multi-volume “Scott Pilgrim” series, combining manga-influenced artwork with contemporary pop culture motifs to spin a bubblegum saga of youth’s modern pursuit of romance and rock. Comics critic Joe “Jog” McCulloch will lead the discussion.

James Kochalka in Conversation

Alt-comics perennial James Kochalka will reflect on his career to date in a wide-ranging conversation with Heidi MacDonald, covering his whimsically semi-autobiographical Magic Boy character, his online autobiographical comic strip American Elf, children’s comics, and, of course, Super F*ckers.

Richard Thompson Spotlight

Richard Thompson is an illustrator whose work has appeared in The New Yorker and The Atlantic Monthly and a cartoonist whose weekly strip Richard’s Poor Almanac appears in the Washington Post and whose daily strip Cul de Sac is syndicated nationally. In this special spotlight presentation Richard will discuss his work and career with comics scholar Mike Rhode.


PANELS/PRESENTATIONS

CCS Workshop

Join faculty members Robyn Chapman and Alec Longstreth join CCS graduate Joseph Lambert for a presentation on The Center for Cartoon Studies' unique curriculum and a hands-on cartoon workshop. Robyn will present some of CCS's most successful classroom exercises, including a comic book revision of the classic fable, Tortoise and the Hare. Audience members will be invited to join in a cartooning exercise and make their own page of comics. No matter how much or little experience you have, you will leave this workshop having drawn a comics page!

Critics’ Roundtable

A panel of comics critics will consider crucial topics facing the art form and industry in a special roundtable session. Panelists will include Rob Clough, Gary Groth, Tim Hodler and Joe “Jog” McCulloch in a session moderated by Bill Kartalopoulos.

Cartooning in Collaboration/Collaboration in Cartooning

Co-moderators and mini-comics collaborators Isaac Cates and Mike Wenthe will lead this unique panel discussion on the challenges, problems, and pleasures of collaborative comics making. Panelists Becky Cloonan, Mike Dawson, Jim Ottaviani, Frank Santoro and Dash Shaw will discuss their varying experiences with the collaborative process.

The Page as Canvas

Alongside the word balloon, the formal device most closely associated with comics is the panel grid itself, the framework that provides structure and sequence to most comics pages. What happens when artists break the grid and use the page more broadly as a narrative canvas? What problems and opportunities does this approach present? Moderator Austin English will explore this topic with panelists Molly O’Connell, Juliacks, Jillian Tamaki, and Lauren Weinstein.

Background, Setting and Subject

Sometimes considered a separate element – and even a separate craft – in commercial comics, the rendering of background or setting is often itself a major subject in auteurial comics. Moderator Rob Clough will delve into this topic with panelists Kevin Huizenga, Jason Lutes and Ben Katchor.

Hergé and the Clear Line

In 1977 Joost Swarte coined the term “clear line” to describe the style employed by Tintin creator Hergé. Since then Swarte has been one of several artists to employ elements of that style to vastly different ends. Moderator Bill Kartalopoulos will narrate a slideshow presentation about the clear line style, followed by commentary and discussion by Jason Lutes, Swarte, and Kim Thompson.

The Kramers Ergot 7 Panel

One of the most hotly anticipated (and occasionally controversial) comics projects in recent years is Kramers Ergot 7, the forthcoming installment of the landmark contemporary comics anthology series, which offers contributing cartoonists the opportunity to produce new work at Little Nemo-scale in a deluxe full-color hardcover format. Moderator Bill Kartalopoulos will discuss the project with publisher Alvin Buenaventura and contributing artists including CF, Kevin Huizenga, Ben Katchor and Matthew Thurber.

Kim Thompson: Vingt Sur 20

Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thomspon presents "Vingt sur 20: French Comics from Goscinny to Satrapi," a slideshow lecture on the twenty men and women who, over a generation, redrew la bande dessinée française from a children's medium into le neuvième art.

Children’s and YA Comic Books

Comics were long considered a children’s medium before ambitious cartoonists began making comics for an adult audience. More recently, good work for children had nearly become an endangered species before a contemporary resurgence in comics for younger audiences. Panelists Frank Cammuso, Hope Larson, Dave Roman and Raina Telgemeier will discuss issues related to making comics for children and young adults.

Small Press Publishers’ Roundtable

A group of small press comics publishers discuss the opportunities and challenges of publishing comics and reaching audiences today. Moderator Rob Clough will lead a discussion with publishers including Leon Avalino (Secret Acres), Alvin Buenaventura (Buenaventura Press), Randy Cheng (Bodega), and Dylan Williams (Sparkplug).

Harvey Pekar: Conversations Errata #1

Hopefully not in a series, but probably. Print this out and put it in the book.

On page xv, in the Chronology, under 1989 - "American Splendor: Bedtime Stories comic book published by Dark Horse." This actually occurred in 2000.

I regret the error.

Oliphant's Palin cartoon on Post website shakes teapot

Ken Gurley in his "Cartoonist Lampoons Palin's Pentecostal Faith," Houston Chronicle Houston Belief blog 9/15/2008, takes issue with a cartoon by Pat Oliphant that ran on the Post's website.

He wrote, Palin's Pentecostal faith is now being lampooned by Pat Oliphant, Washington Post cartoonist. Oliphant has been called by the New York Times Magazine the "most influential editorial cartoonist" now working.

Sadly, Oliphant is not a Washington Post cartoonist, but works for a syndicate.

Continuing his misrepresentation and misapprehensions, he concludes,

Speaking of the Danish cartoonist, the editor of that newspaper issued an apology for its extreme insensitivity to the Muslim faith. What about it Washington Post? Do you want to go down this slippery slope in the pick-and-choose mode of offending religions? Even your own ombudsman said this was beyond the pale. Why not pony up an apology?

Well, no, the Danish editor didn't apologize. In a Radio Free Europe interview from March 29, 2008, Fleming Rose said, And in fact, one of the leading Muslims who had tried to take me and my newspaper to court, and who had said at the time that this would never end until Flemming Rose apologized to 1.5 billion Muslims, this time came forward saying: "OK, we now know from the court decision that we live in a country where it is allowed to ridicule and defame our religion. We don't like it but we have to accept it."

In any event, one wonders why Ken Gurley would like his religion compared to one whose members, after months of inciting to be sure, rioted over cartoon depictions. Perhaps he'd like a story on Radio Free Europe about it.

And the Post, again, is not Oliphant's newspaper. What the ombudsman said was, "Readers were right to complain; I will deal with political cartooning in another column. Political cartoons and comics aren't selected at washingtonpost.com the way they are for The Post in print; they are automatically posted." I think Howell is wrong about the "right to complain" remark, but she says she'll address the issue of political cartoons in another article. The Post had... 350 complaints! Shocking! I wonder how many of them actually even buy the paper since the cartoon only ran online. I certainly didn't see it until people started complaining about it, so I appreciate the fact that they did and I could then enjoy the cartoon.

Christianity Today also blogged on the tempest "Readers say Washington Post cartoon lampooned their faith," by Sarah Pulliam.

Also, in That Darn Toles news, the Wall Street Journal's John Fund noted on his blog "A better riposte might have been to note that Mr. Obama seemed to be channeling a hard-left newspaper cartoonist named Tom Toles." Toles was not actually identified, but he is the Washington Post's cartoonist.

DC-based artist has new comic book out

Josh Eiserike wrote in today to mention his new comic. He said, I'm from DC (lived here most of my life). My best friend Mitch (also from DC, but he lives in Baltimore now) and I have a new book out and was wondering if you'd be interested in some kind of coverage.

The book is called "Assholes." We just got the second issue-- it's self-published, kind of a Wedding Crashers / Clerks-inappropriate-humor book. You can read the first issue and part of the second issue here, on my Web site. We'll have it at SPX, of course (stop by and say hi!).

A little about me: I'm the artist on Assholes, but I also write my own comics, including "Class of 99" (which I also drew) and "Anyone But Virginia" (which I only wrote). I do freelance writing for MAD Magazine, amongst other things.

Josh has a nice, webcomic type style that I assume he's doing on a computer. I'll be checking out his work online and at SPX and encourage you all to support our local cartoonists. And inappropriate humor, of course.

Oct 3: Lynda Barry at Politics and Prose

... is what her publisher, Drawn and Quarterly, says on their website. She'll also be at SPX apparently.

Small Press Expo Announces the 2008 Ignatz Award Nominees

Small Press Expo Announces the 2008 Ignatz Award Nominees

For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail:webernard@spxpo.com



Bethesda, Maryland; September 16, 2008 – Small Press Expo (SPX) 2008 will host the twelfth annual presentation of the Ignatz Awards on Saturday night, October 4 at 9PM at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The Ignatz Awards are a celebration of outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, the nominees being determined by a jury of five comic artists. This year’s jury consisted of Gabrielle Bell, Farel Dalrymple, Eleanor Davis, John Hankiewicz and Andy Hartzell.

The Ignatz Awards are voted on by those who attend this year's SPX on Saturday, October 4 only.

The Ignatz, named after George Herriman's brick-wielding mouse, recognizes exceptional work that challenges popular notions of what comics can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression. The Ignatz Awards are a festival prize, the first of such in the United States comic book industry.

SPX will be held on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, across form the White Flint Metro stop. Admission is $8 per day and $15 for both days.

For more information on SPX and the Ignatz Awards, please visit our web site at www.spxpo.com.

The categories and nominees for this year’s Ignatz Awards are:



Outstanding Artist

Warren Craghead, How to Be Everywhere (self-published)

Lat, Town Boy (First Second Books)

Jillian Tamaki, Skim (Groundwood Books)

Laura Park, Do Not Disturb My Waking Dream (self-published)

Michel Rabagliati, Paul Goes Fishing (Drawn & Quarterly)


Outstanding Anthology or Collection

Inkweed, Chris Wright (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Little Lulu Vol. 18, John Stanley (Dark Horse)

Papercutter #7, edited by Greg Means (Tugboat Press)

Pond Life, John Broadley (PictureBox)

Windy Corner #2, edited by Austin English (Sparkplug Comic Books)


Outstanding Graphic Novel

The Hot Breath of War, Trevor Alixopulos (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Notes for a War Story, Gipi (First Second Books)

Paul Goes Fishing, Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly)

Skim, Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki (Groundwood Books)

Spent, Joe Matt (Drawn & Quarterly)


Outstanding Story

"Americus", MK Reed and Jonathan Hill, Papercutter #7 (Tugboat Press)

"The Candy Rod", Onsmith, Hotwire Comics #2 (Fantagraphics Books)

"The Galactic Funnels", Dash Shaw, Mome #11 (Fantagraphics Books)

The Thing About Madeleine, Lilli Carre (self-published)

"The Urn", Chris Wright, Inkweed (Sparkplug Comic Books)


Promising New Talent

Oliver East, Trains Are... Mint (Blank Slate)

Austin English, Windy Corner #2 (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Chuck Forsman, Snake Oil #1 (self-published)

Sarah Glidden, How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less (self-published)

Lars Martinson, Tonoharu (Pliant Press/Top Shelf Productions)


Outstanding Series

Eye of the Magnetic Creature, Leslie Stein (self-published)

Injury, Ted May, Jason Robards, and Jeff Wilson (Buenaventura Press)

Paul series, Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly)

Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Snake Oil, Chuck Forsman (self-published)


Outstanding Comic

Cryptic Wit #2, Gerald Jablonski (self-published)

Department of Art, Dunya Jankovic (self-published)

Lucky Vol. 2 #2, Gabrielle Bell (Drawn & Quarterly)

Palooka-ville #19, Seth (Drawn & Quarterly)

Snake Oil #1, Chuck Forsman (self-published)


Outstanding Mini-Comic

Bluefuzz, Jesse Reklaw

Dorado Park, Lilli Carre

How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, Sarah Glidden

Ochre Eclipse #2, Jonas Madden-Connor

Swell, Juliacks


Outstanding Online Comic

Achewood, Chris Onstad (www.achewood.com)

Danny Dutch, David King (www.reliablecomics.com)

Slow Wave, Jesse Reklaw (www.slowwave.com)

Thingpart, Joe Sayers (www.jsayers.com/thingpart/thingpart.html)

Traced, Tracy White (www.traced.com)

Art exhibit in Baltimore by a friend

My colleague Donna Rose has an exhibit of her artwork in Baltimore.

She makes collages by tearing apart magazines. Fortunately this behavior hasn't spread to comic books.

Reggie Hudlin Interview

Betancourt, David. 2008.
The Interview: Ex-BET Chief Reg Hudlin of "Black Panther".
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (September 15):
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2008/09/the_interview_ex-bet_chief_reg.html

Charlos Gary joining Washington Times

Alan Gardner's Daily Cartoonist pointed out that Charlos Gary, who does the strip Cafe con Leche, is moving to Washington and joining the staff of the Times. Gary's blog post doesn't say what he'll be doing though.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 09-17-08

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 09-17-08
By John Judy

ACTION COMICS #869 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. “He’s a Brainiac, Brainiac on the floooorrr….!” I’m sorry.

ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN #10 (the amended version) by Frank Miller and Jim Lee. This isn’t actually on the invoice but I’m hoping DC is able to ship all the replacement copies for the ones they had to destroy or put on E-Bay last week thanks to Frank Miller’s insistence that all his potty-mouth dialogue be printed before being “blacked-out” afterwards. Oops. Frank is at that point in his career in which he appears comfortable with every word except “No.” Hopefully this will pass after “The Spirit” wins a few Razzies.

ALL-STAR SUPERMAN #12 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. Well, it’s taken three years but we’ve finally made it to issue twelve! In this climactic issue we find out how a dying Superman deals with Lex, Lois and all sorts of other stuff! All without a single crude reference to female anatomy!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #572 by Dan Slott and John Romita Jr. The amazing Norman Osborn continues dancing his sociopathic jig on the corpse of decency. Fun stuff! Oh, and Spider-Man appears too. Recommended.

ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #8 by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard. Now monthly The Astounding W.M. goes out looking for the Were-Creep who cast his life into a furry Hell. (Note: “Furry Hell” is also where you go when you die while misbehaving at Sci-Fi conventions.)

BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM #2 written and drawn by Mike Kunkel. Setting up the Captain Marvel/Black Adam rivalry. Gotta admit the art on this series doesn’t grab me the way Jeff Smith’s did but the spirit remains the same and my kid seems to enjoy it. And shouldn’t there always be a Captain Marvel comic on the racks?

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #5 by Paul Cornell and Pat Olliffe. Well the cover kind of gives everything away. Be advised: Spitfire is NOT naked in this issue, but she does appear to have gone swimming.

DC UNIVERSE: DECISIONS #1 of 4 by Judd Winick, Bill Willingham and Rick Leonardi. The superheroes of the DCU start off just protecting their presidential candidates and end up endorsing them. Gotta look, but I’m afraid this is one of those cases of Reality out-weirding the comic books….

GHOST RIDER #27 by Jason Aaron and Tan Eng Hut. Okay, the art here could be better but Jason Aaron is clearly having a ball making Ghost Rider terrorize his way through Biker Country. Like a seventies grindhouse movie where the budget ran out early on. Recommended.

GRAVEL #5 by Warren Ellis, Mike Wolfer and Oscar Jimenez. Combat Magician William Gravel continues killing magicians who have what he wants. If only he’d go after the Avatar Press webmaster next! This is kind of like Marvel’s “Infinity Gauntlet” only with more smoking and swearing.

GREATEST HITS #1 of 6 by David Tischman and Glenn Fabry. Imagine if the Beatles had been superheroes instead of musicians. Now meet The Mates, the four supermen from England. Absolutely must-look, but it’s Vertigo so probably not for kids.

HELLBLAZER #247 by Andy Diggle and Leonardo Manco. Diggle’s final story-arc as Constantine faces down a War-Magus who eats people for power. Like Venom only with less tongue.

MARVEL APES #2 of 4 by Karl Kesel and Ramon Bachs. It’s the adventures of Marvel superheroes on Earth-Ape! Twisted fun. “Paging Doctor Zaius!”

MIGHTY AVENGERS #18 by Brian Michael Bendis and Khoi Pham. Needs apes.

PUNISHER #62 by Gregg Hurwitz and Laurence Campbell. Thus far a worthy successor to the Garth Ennis run. No small hurdle. Recommended.

SCALPED #21 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. That’s not a peace pipe Dashiell Bad Horse is smoking. If you ever wondered how the darkest noir comic on the stands today could get darker, here’s your answer: Have your hero start smoking rock. Why is it the higher I recommend this thing the lower the orders go? Fine. It’s horrible! With mutants! Check it out before some jerk at DC/Vertigo cancels my favorite book!

SQUADRON SUPREME #3 by Howard Chaykin and Marco Turini. Quite possibly the all-around worst comic series I have read this year. And I’ve read WOLVERINE: ORIGINS.

UNCANNY X-MEN #502 by Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker and Greg Land. Hard to say what’s more disturbing in this issue: Greg Land’s photo swipes or Cyclops’ newfound pleasure in using torture to extract information from prisoners when he’s got super-powered mind-readers on his team. I’m honestly sickened by this post Abu Ghraib idea that heroes (as opposed to anti-heroes) can do this stuff. Maybe it’s the way Greg Land draws everybody grinning ear-to-ear while they go all X-Gestapo. When did the X-Men become Bush-McCain Republicans?

WALKING DEAD #52 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. And speaking of John McCain… Recommended as always. The comic, not the Senator. Oy.

X-FACTOR #35 by Peter David and Larry Stroman. Longshot’s back! Plus lumpy artwork!

Also this week, many bundles of “Halloween” Mini-Comics arrive including ARCHIE, BONE, COWA!, DONALD DUCK, and PEANUTS. Excellent treats, appropriate for all ages and guaranteed to rot only your mind, never your teeth. Get some!

www.johnjudy.net


I'll be giving out the Halloween comics - Mike

Sept 27: Gaiman, Meltzer at National Book Festival

Here's some info from the Library of Congress. These events are always mob scenes.

Jim Henson exhibit at Smithsonian

I've been lax on posting about this, even though DC blogger and work buddy Master Ibid recommended it to me. I've never really considered Henson a cartoonist, but the show opens with gag and strip cartoons he did. Also when you look at some of the early concept sketches for his puppets, he appears to have been influenced by Searle. You can get details and a podcast on the Smithsonian's traveling exhibits site. The exhibit is up through October 5th and is in the Ripley center under the Haupt garden, behind the Castle.

Oliphant cartoon draws complaints for Post's website

The cartoon in question.

The Post's readers have been complaining about an online Oliphant cartoon - in "Campaign, and Complaints, Heat Up," By Deborah Howell, Washington Post Sunday, September 14, 2008; Page B06, she says, Speaking of overdoing it, a political cartoon by Pat Oliphant that appeared on washingtonpost.com Wednesday prompted complaints from about 350 readers who said he lampooned their faith. The cartoon showed Palin speaking in tongues, an aspect of worship in some Pentecostal churches, and then God telling St. Peter that he didn't understand what she was saying -- "All I can hear is some dam' right-wing politician spouting gibberish." Readers were right to complain; I will deal with political cartooning in another column. Political cartoons and comics aren't selected at washingtonpost.com the way they are for The Post in print; they are automatically posted.

Like my recent post on Zapiro, I'd have to say "what issue?"

Washington City Paper on Bash's Onion Head

See "Five Minutes with Onion Head," by Mike Riggs, Washington City Paper's City Desks blog Sep. 12, 2008 for an interview with Bryan Stone on his feature in the Bash comics tabloid.

Bennet's Best Back at Zadzooks

This week Greg recommends Gotham Central and Omega the Unknown. See Bennett's Best for the week of September 7 By Greg Bennett.

Zadzooks on Star Wars Clone Wars and its artist

"ZADZOOKS: Clones at war again," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, September 4, 2008.

"ZADZOOKS: Scott Hepburn tackles 'The Clone Wars'," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, September 11, 2008

Baltimore City Paper annual comics issue out now

Baltimore City Paper's annual comics issue (Sept 10, 2008) is out now. It's got an article by Emily Flake on how-to books, and the results of their annual comics contest. It also has a comic strip "Ten Jobs I Have Known" by Eamon Espey, "War Profits: New Biography Reveals WWII's Toll On Willie & Joe Cartoonist Bill Mauldin," By Christopher Skokna, and "Open Secret: Closed Caption Comics Creators Gaining Local Notice Just as Some Are Leaving Town," by Michael Northrup on a Maryland Institute College of Art comics collective.

Dan Nadel interview on Rory Hayes

Former Big Planet Comics clerk, and now comics historian and publisher Dan Nadel has a new book on Rory Hayes out. Here's an interview - "Where Demented Wented: Nadel on Rory Hayes," by Van Jensen, Guest Contributor, Thu, September 11th, 2008.

Rosenthal illustration in Post

Back to Washington, Marc Rosenthal did a lovely cover to the Post's Weekend section. Here's the snippet the paper had online.

Harvey Awards at Baltimore Comic-con Press Release

Harvey Awards Dinner Tickets Available!
Brian Michael Bendis to be Keynote Speaker!
Dinner Gift Bag Contents Announced!

BALTIMORE, MD (September 11, 2008) - The Harvey Awards dinner and presentation ceremony, featuring Emcee Kyle Baker and Keynote speaker Brian Michael Bendis, will be held on Saturday, September 27th, at the Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards. Tickets are now available for the event, which will begin at 7:00pm with a cocktail hour, to be followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 8:00pm .

The Harveys, named after the legendary MAD founding editor and master storyteller Harvey Kurtzman, recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.

The Harveys are also very excited to announce Brian Michael Bendis as the keynote speaker for this year's awards ceremony. Brian is one of the most prolific and successful writers working in mainstream comics today. For well over six years, Brian's titles have consistently charted in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic sales rankings.

Brian is one of the premiere architects of Marvel Comics' Ultimate Universe, a line of comics created specifically for the new generation of comics readers. Since it's best-selling launch, he has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man to date, and has also written Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimate X-men, Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, and Ultimate Six. In addition to scripting the action in the Ultimate Universe, Brian is also responsible for the writing duties on titles such as Secret Invasion, New Avengers, and Mighty Avengers. His creator-owned title, Powers (with series co-creator and artist Mike Oeming), has brought acclaim and accolades as well.

Brian has been nominated for 4 Harvey Awards, for his work on Powers, Daredevil, and New Avengers. He has also won five prestigious Eisner awards, including 'Best Writer of the year' two years in a row.

He is creator of the Jinx line of crime comics published by Image Comics. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out.

"We are thrilled to be hosting the Harvey Awards again this year, " said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Award shows are all about having a moment that you will remember. Last year, Kyle Baker was a great MC, Rich Koslowski danced onto stage to present an award, James Jean gave us all a little bit too much information as he won an award, Erik Larsen made us laugh with a single line read, and we were able to see industry legend Joe Kubert honored by HERO Initiative. These are the moments that stood out to me. With Brian added to the event as our keynote speaker, I can't wait to see what happens this year. We hope as many fans as possible will join us."

Guests for dinner and the awards ceremony will enjoy a full banquet-style dinner of filet mignon and Baltimore-style crabcake. For the third year, we are pleased to have Kyle Baker to act as our Master of Ceremonies for the evening. In addition, the 3rd Annual Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented.

Continuing the very successful promotion from last year, a gift bag will be available to all dinner guests. The first 200 attendees will receive The MAD Archives vol. 1 from DC Comics, Diary of a Wimpy Kid from Amulet Books, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Beowulf Trade Paperback, based on the screenplay by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary from IDW, Creator Chronicles Preview DVD Featuring Michael Golden from Woodcrest Productions and Eva Ink, Stephen King's Dark Tower : The Gunslinger Born, courtesy of Cards, Comics, and Collectibles & The Baltimore Comic-Con, a Toon Tumbler drinking glass from Popfun merchandising, and an exclusive Harvey Awards keychain from LaserMach.

Harvey Awards tickets are on sale now. Tickets to the event, which includes the full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner, awards ceremony, and gift bag are now available for $90. Tickets are available by calling Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reisterstown, Maryland at (410) 526-7410. Major Credit Cards will be accepted for payment. Dinner tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, September 24th and will not be available at the door.

For those who wish to attend the ceremony only, tickets are available for $10, or free with a two-day pass to the convention. The hall will be opened for those ticket holders at approximately 8:45pm. Attendees who purchase a ceremony-only ticket are not eligible to receive the gift bag. The two-day convention tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, accessible from www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

In addition to the Baltimore Comic-Con, named sponsors of the 2008 Harvey Awards include DC Comics, ComiXology.com, Top Shelf Comix, Top Cow Productions, Painted Visions Comics, Cards, and Games, and Brett's Comic Pile. Without these sponsors, the event would not be possible and the Baltimore Comic-Con staff expresses their gratitude. While time is short, there are still sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information about The Harvey Awards, visit www.harveyawards.org.

For more information about the convention, visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

For additional directions to the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, visit
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwiih-baltimore-marriott-inner-harbor-at-camden-yards

Thompson does Nickelodeon cover

Alan Gardner at the Daily Cartoonist is reporting that Our Man Thompson will be doing a cover for Nickelodeon magazine. I can add the totally uninteresting factoid that Nickelodeon cartoon editor Chris Duffy and Richard actually met in person at HeroesCon this year, demonstrating conclusively that ... well, I don't know what... networking helps, maybe?

Also, I owe Mr. Duffy a shout-out for sending me a set of Nickelodeon's carton magazines in exchange for my Interplanetary Journal of Comic Art. Thanks, Chris!

OT: Zapiro's editorial cartoon controversy in South Africa

Obviously South Africa is a bit off this blog's usual beat, but reader Lorrainne Thompson wrote in a few minutes ago, "I was wondering what you thought about the recent caricature done by Zapiro (and the resulting furor) in South Africa?"

Since we're in America and I'm a First Amendment absolutist, here's the cartoon:



Now that's a strong and unpleasant cartoon. However, editorial cartoonists don't view their job as making a politician's life sweetness and light, and god bless them for that. Neither do I.

Secondly, Zuma and Zapiro have a history of going at each other. Last year when Zapiro was at the Cartoonists Rights Network to accept an award, it was because Zuma was suing him over another cartoon. This was reflected in the press release from the CRN which said:

Two of Shapiro's three "Zuma" cartoons are cited in a US$2 million defamation suit ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma has brought against the cartoonist, editors and South African publishers. Zuma's political pedigree includes resistance organizer, 10-year Robben Island prisoner, exile, ANC negotiator, party official and former deputy president of South Africa. In recent years, Zuma has drawn criticism from the press due to his in-fighting for ANC leadership and the company he keeps. There are allegations of tax evasion, corruption and rape.

The rape case did go to trial and was deemed consensual sex by the court 8 May 2006. However, Zuma's own testimony outraged HIV/AIDS educators. This former chair of the National AIDS Council testified that he did not use a condom. He said he minimized the risk of infection from the 32-year-old HIV positive woman by taking a shower.

So we can see some of the same issues and motifs of concern to Zapiro popping up in this drawing - the shower head on Zuma's head, the rape threat, the complicity of South African political parties in the scandal. At this point, Zuma's a leading candidate for President, filling a seat once held by Nelson Mandela, in spite of being on trial for corruption charges. For more details, see
"Zuma's Cartoon Character," by Barrett Sheridan, Newsweek blog Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Earlier this year in "Freedom of expression in Jester's space," April 15 2008, Zapiro defined his idea of an editorial cartoonists responsibility and rights: "The line stops when you make a tangible connection between what you are saying and instances of people going out and doing violence or causing physical hurt or death because of what you say," he said.

"Its about taboos, about whether a cartoonist has the right to go beyond a certain point. I am a freedom of expression junkie. I don't gratuitously go out of my way to piss people off."

In conclusion - I think Zapiro was perfectly right to draw what he wanted to, and I applaud his newspaper for standing behind him. Many of the articles I've seen have been generated by complaints from the parties depicted in the cartoon. If they, and Jacob Zuma, had ignored the cartoon, it would have been forgotten in a week. Instead it's being blogged about in Washington, DC. I welcome any comments others (or Lorraine) would care to make.


For those with a continuing interest, here's another article on Zapiro's career, followed by much of what I've compiled for the Comics Research Bibliography on this:

"Shooting Sacred Cows: A POLITICAL CARTOONIST DISCUSSES THE PERILS OF RIDICULING GEORGE W. BUSH--AND WHY HE GOT A PERSONAL PHONE CALL FROM NELSON MANDELA," Arlene Getz, Newsweek Web Exclusive, Oct 17, 2007.

Alan Gardner of the Daily Cartoonist found this interview - "Times Q & A with South African cartoonist under attack; Zapiro defends his cartoon depicting ANC chief and presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma as about to rape the justice system, which has drawn criticism from his supporters," By Robyn Dixon, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, September 12, 2008.

IOL polled its readers and in 'Zapiro's cartoon was very much appropriate', By Fundile Majola, September 10 2008, reported:

With the cartoon having been a central theme of the international media this week, Shapiro himself has expressed shock at the volume of response. "I've had some pretty huge responses, but nothing has come close to this," he said.

Following the uproar, IOL decided to engage their readers on the issue, asking if they thought the picture was indeed inappropriate. Of the 548 readers who responded, an overwhelming 76 percent (412 votes) thought the cartoon was in fact the most appropriate reflection of what the judiciary is going through under the Zuma camp while a not-so-convincing 17 percent (94 votes) thought it was inappropriate and the remaining 6 percent (32 votes) just couldn't care less. I don't know who IOL's readers are - perhaps literacy is another unspoken issue in this - but that's a pretty lopsided vote of confidence in Shapiro.

This is typical of the press releases from parties pictured in the cartoon - "YCL calls on SAHRC to investigate Zapiro cartoon - Statement issued by National Secretary Buti Manamela," September 11 2008.

"Zapiro: cartoonists join the fray," September 10 2008.

"Paper supports cartoonist," Port Elizabeth Herald September 11 2008.

This is a good article about what's been going on, without the hyperbole - "Editor stands by Zapiro cartoon," Sapa, 10 Sep 2008.

"South Africa: We Should Draw on Our Humility in Cartoon Saga," Business Day (Johannesburg) COLUMN by Sipho Seepe, 10 September 2008.

"Zapiro cartoon gets SA talking," September 09 2008.

"Zuma camp vents fury over rape cartoon," By Ian Evans in Cape Town, Tuesday, 9 September 2008

Fleminger, David. 2008. "A Zap in the Face," The Times of South Africa' In My Humble Opinion blog 9 September 2008.

"Why, Zapiro? An open letter to Zapiro from Sandisiwe Vilakazi"

"Zuma cartoon: Worth a thousand words?," MAIL & GUARDIAN ONLINE REPORTER AND SAPA, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, Sep 09 2008.

and a few older articles:

"Zapiro: 'Strange things happening' in media freedom," by NATASHA MARRIAN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, Apr 15 2008.

Berger, Guy. 2008. Dr Zapiro dispenses his muti. Mail and Guardian (April 2). Online at http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=336076&area=/insight/insight__converse/

Enwemeka, Zeninjor. 2006. Cape Times cartoonist Zapiro wins top award [in South Africa].
IOL (April 7). Online at http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3015&art_id=vn20060407015346380C125851

Thorpe, Lindsey. 2006. Public figures fair game - Zapiro. Saturday Argus (July 8): 10. online at http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20060708103232744C351304

Unknown. 2006. Safm and Independent Newspapers scoop Journalism Awards. Media Online (August 30): http://www.themedia.co.za/article.aspx?articleid=282412&area=/media_news/

Geppi's Entertainment Museum sponsers mystery authors booksignings

Here's the article - "Geppi’s Entertainment Museum Welcomes Bouchercon" which lists a bunch of comic book writers appearing as well. Although it gives the details, In celebration of the arrival of Bouchercon XXXIX, the preeminent annual gathering of crime fiction authors, editors, artists, and fans, and in conjunction with Crimespree magazine, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (GEM) will host a signing on Friday, October 10, 2008, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, at the museum’s 301 West Camden Street facility in Baltimore, Maryland. the article doesn't say if you have to have signed up for Bouchercon or need to pay to get into the museum.

Also in Scoop, curator Arnold Blumberg talks about his UMD comics course.

NY Times on Frank Miller's latest

In "Arts, Briefly: A Superhero Glitch," By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, New York Times September 12, 2008, he reports that DC has called for the destruction of shipped issues of All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #10 due to language. Black bars were printed over top of Batgirl's profanity. Gustines says, "Unlike other series that are aimed at an older readership, this Batman title does not have a “Suggested for Mature Readers” label," but given the copy that I saw, DC wouldn't have published some of these words in any of their lines. This also begs the question of 'why letter them in, if you're going to suppress them?' It's not like they appear magically - somebody has to put them there and then sanitize them.

I rail against censorship in the comic strips in this blog, but there's only one word for Miller's writing here. Ridiculous.

Political cartoonist Chris Riddell at Aladdin's Lamp

Here's some pictures from Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart's excellent talk at Aladdin's Lamp bookstore in Arlington, VA. I bought a set of all their books and I'm looking forward to reading them after my daughter's done with them. Riddell is a cartoonist for the Observer of London. He drew a neat werewolf from their new book Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf while Stewart showed some of the props they carried over from England.

The link above has more photos (and check out the "talk" link), but here's a quick assortment showing the werewolf being drawn.







and that's Our Man Thompson in the blue shirt. Riddle was very complimentary about the level of American comic strips compared to UK ones.



Here's a couple more articles on Riddell from my Comics Research Bibliography:

Interview with David Fickling, saviour of the great British comic; For those of a certain age, comics are but a fond childhood memory, irrelevant to today's generation - until now. Tom Gatti meets the man behind the movement
Times 5/10/2008
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/children/article3896701.ece

Interview with Edge Chronicles creators
Feb 4 2008 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
http://www.examiner.co.uk/leisure-and-entertainment/arts-news/2008/02/04/interview-with-edge-chronicles-creators-86081-20430934/

Drawn to the charms of an ogre: Chris Riddell celebrates the master storytelling on display in Claudia J Nahson's The Art of William Steig
Saturday March 15, 2008 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/childrenandteens/0,,2265542,00.html

Riddell at the Observer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/newsroom/story/0,,2238638,00.html#article_continue
This announcement has 3 links, including one to an audio interview.

Drawn, quartered ... and now hung; As the Observer's political cartoonist for 13 years, Chris Riddell has chronicled a tumultuous period in history - the reshaping of
post-communist Europe, the rise of New Labour, 9/11 and the Iraq war. On the eve of an exhibition of his work, he talks to Phil Hogan about the inspiration and method behind his polemical art, and chooses some of his favourites
Sunday January 27, 2008
The Observer
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2247375,00.html

From fantasy to satire. Elspeth Hyams talks to Chris Riddell
Cilip 29 November 2005
http://www.cilip.org.uk/publications/updatemagazine/archive/archive2005/december/interviewwithchrisriddell.htm

Through the Looking Glass: Tenniel did it, and so did EH Shepard. Chris Riddell, who does it himself, explains why political cartoonists who illustrate children's books have always fascinated him
Saturday July 9, 2005 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,1523520,00.html

More on Toles-quoting Obama speeches

Toles was contacted for this story and is quoted in it - "Obama Repeatedly Quotes Cartoonist While on Campaign Trail," by FOXNews.com, Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

1926 article on Clifford Berryman

Allan Holtz has reprinted a 1926 article on Washington Star cartoonist Clifford Berryman - "Cartoons Growing In Popularity Berryman Says; Washington Star Veteran Cites Government Officials and Congressmen Who Declare Powerful Cartoons Influence Po­litical Contests-Backs Them Against Humorous Writing," By Mary M. Crenshaw (E&P 5/29/26).

Marc Singer on the new Love & Rockets

See his review on his blog. I read the comic yesterday - I'm still not sure what to make of it. Jaime's artwork was lovely, but as surreal as his strips ever have been.

Emily Flake on how-to books

Presumably in the current hardcopy as well, but see Drawing Blood: Lulu Eightball's Creator Sits Down With Instructional Tomes On How to Bring Comics to Life, By Emily Flake, Baltimore City Paper September 10 2008.

Scott Rosenberg on 9-11 book

Scott used to live here and write for the Express. He's off to the big city now (and has a chapter in my Pekar book). For his look at "American
Widow," written by Alissa Torres and drawn by Sungyoon Choi, see "9/11 book seeks to explain tragedy" By Scott A. Rosenberg, AM New York September 10, 2008. I bought a copy of the book today, but haven't looked at it yet.

Editor and Publisher on local cartoonists

Dave Astor's got a few articles on local guys. It's good to hear that Richard's got 200 papers - now he can't afford not to do the strip:

One Year and 200 Newspapers for Popular 'Cul de Sac' Comic
By E&P Staff
Published: September 10, 2008 3:32 PM ET

Obama Uses the Anti-McCain Words of a Tom Toles Cartoon
By E&P Staff
Published: September 09, 2008 4:56 PM ET

New Harvey Pekar Book Is Edited by ComicsDC Blogger Mike Rhode
By Dave Astor
Published: September 08, 2008 11:11 AM ET

KAL at DNC report, and appearing in Philadelphia

There's a vignette at "Going Gonzo at the DNC: A Journey Through Four Days of Political Madness," by James Burrus, Yellow Scene Magazine.

Kal also wrote in today:

Tickets are now on sale for "The Art of Satire" on October 7 at Philadelphia's fabulous Kimmel Art Center.

Sponsored by The Economist, the show features sketch comedy, interactive animation, live drawing lessons and more. Tickets are moving fast so I suggest that you book your reservations soon.

Go to http://artofsatire.economist.com/ for more information.

The show continues for two shows in New York November 1. Tickets go on sale soon.

Best

Kal
Kevin Kallaugher
kaltoons@comcast.net
www.Kaltoons.com

Matt Fraction at Laughing Ogre Comics

Come and Meet Matt Fraction!

Writer of Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova

September 13th, 12pm - 4pm
Lansdowne, VA

Matt Fraction, the writer of such notable titles as Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova, will be signing at Laughing Ogre Comics Lansdowne on Saturday September 13, from Noon until 4:00 pm.

Mr. Fraction was kind enough to answer some questions for us about his writing and comics in general.

1. Which X-Men character is your favorite to write and why?

Right now, Cyclops. He's in an absolutely fascinating place right now, and it's just going to get more engaging as we go...

2. What makes your books different from the same titles five years ago?

Well, I think the X books are all discretely defined and each one has a unique identity and serves a function no other book in the X-line addresses. And, as you may have heard, there are "No more mutants." We're dealing with the X-Men in a time when they're not just sworn to protect a people that hates and despises them, but they're an endangered species. The future of humanity has been snuffed out. That's the spine of the X-Universe right now; that's the core of everything. And, for my money, that's a big turn from the epic and wonderful Morrison era, where there were millions and millions of mutants.

In terms of the Iron Man book, we're in the early days of a long reckoning for Tony Stark. He has a lifetime of sins that are going to demand atonement, regardless of whether he's ready or not. So Tony's on the precipice of a very brutal road...

3. Why was Tony right?

Was he?

4. What is the biggest difference between writing a team versus a solo book?

It's tricky making sure everyone has enough stage time in a team book; in a solo book, you can spend more quality time with your lead. There's a lot of balancing to be done in a team book...

5. Is continuity something to be embraced, or rewritten?

Neither; I think continuity is something to be respected but evolved. Consistency is the watchword.

We are very excited to have Matt Fraction in store! If you have any questions about the event, or need directions to our Lansdowne location, please email us at norah@laughingogrecomics.com, or call (703) 437-9530.

September 10: Junot Diaz at Politics and Prose

A third comics-related event tomorrow! Diaz was influenced by American comic books in his novel. This is at Politics and Prose. Unfortunately I don't think I'll make any of the three.

Wednesday, September 10, 7 p.m.
JUNOT DÍAZ
THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO (Riverhead, $14)
Díaz uses a mixture of Spanish and English to express the melting and melding that occurs when immigrants from the Dominican Republic meet New Jersey, USA. This splendid young Dominican-American writer has scored a home run with his zany, sweet, perceptive novel now appearing in paperback.

Tornoe spots Obama borrowing from Toles

Rob sent in this note and link to his blog:

Obama borrows line from Tom Toles cartoon

"Maybe what they're saying is, 'Watch out George Bush,'" Obama said with sarcasm, according to the Boston Globe. "Except for economic policies, and tax policies, and energy policies, and health care policies, and education policies, and Karl Rove-style politics -- except for all that, we're really going to bring change to Washington! We’re really going to shake things up!"

Great line. Too bad it came from Friday's cartoon by Washington Post cartoonist Tom Toles.

http://www.politicker.com/obama-borrows-line-tom-toles-cartoon

Small Press Expo Announces Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as Guests for “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”

Small Press Expo Announces Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as Guests for “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”

For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail:webernard@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; September 9, 2008 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is proud to announce Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as guests for the SPX 2008 special event, “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”.

Ted Rall is the President-elect of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (A.A.E.C.) and has traveled extensively to Central Asia. Author, ATTITUDE editor, cartoonist, columnist and sometime TV personality, Ted’s most recent book is “Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East?” and his latest cartoon collection is, “America Gone Wild”. For more information on Ted Rall, visit his website at http://www.tedrall.com.

Ruben Bolling is the creator of the multi-faceted, multi-paneled social and political weekly strip, Tom The Dancing Bug. His most recent book is “Thrilling Tom The Dancing Bug Stories”. SPX is grateful that Ruben is making his first appearance at SPX in a number of years. Visit his web site at http://www.gocomics.com/tomthedancingbug/.

Matt Wuerker is the cartoonist and illustrator at Politico.Com and the weekly Politico newspaper. His cartoons and illustrations have been published by Smithsonian Magazine, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and The Nation. You can see his cartoons at http://www.politico.com.

Ted, Ruben and Matt will join previously announced Tom Tomorrow and Lloyd Dangle at a special series of panels and interviews surrounding the state of political cartooning in this historic election year.

Additional guests will be added over the next few weeks, please stay tuned for those announcements.

The events surrounding “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008” is included with the SPX admission fee of $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.

SPX will be held Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.

SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.

SPX culminates with the presentation of the 12th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning that will occur Saturday night, October 4. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.

As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at
http://www.cbldf.org/.

Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book and graphic novel festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and fans together to celebrate the art of visual storytelling.

OT: Langridge in Act-i-vate webcomix

Jim Dougan wrote in today: You may have seen this already, but as a fellow Langridge fan, and the local DC representative of webcomix collective ACT-I-VATE, you might want to know that he's joined up and will be dazzling us all with the new adventures of MUGWHUMP THE GREAT:

http://www.act-i-vate.com/60.comic

Roger talks about it at his blog here:

http://hotelfred.blogspot.com/2008/09/preee-sentinggg-mugwhump-great.html

Thanks for the tip, Jim! Sure, Roger's from New Zealand and lives in England, but DC's a state of mind, right? Unfortunately he won't be at SPX this year since he did HeroesCon earlier this year.

Speaking of IJoCA...

... today is founder, publisher and editor John Lent's 72nd birthday! Happy birthday, John!

Arthur Szyk in NY Times

Szyk was a Jewish cartoonist who fled to New York and did some awesomely hard-hitting propaganda during World War II. He was the subject of a couple of great exhibits in DC about five years ago too. This article discusses a new exhibit of his work in Germany -
"A Caricaturist, but No Funny Stuff Here," By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN, New York Times September 8, 2008.

I'll see if I can dig up my reviews of the exhibits for IJoCA and post them here later this week.

NY Times takes note of Google's Chrome McCloud comic

In "Archie and Jughead? No, Javascript," By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, New York Times September 8, 2008. Although I don't subscribe to it like I do the Times, the Daily News ran this today "Interview with Scott McCloud, artist behind Google Chrome comic," BY PATRICK MONTERO, New York DAILY NEWS WRITER, Monday, September 8th 2008. Beyond Google spreading everywhere, this has nothing to do with DC, but you can read the comic here.

Annapolis Capital's publisher on For Better or For Worse

Oooh, there's a harsh opinion in "GONE TODAY, HERE TOMORROW," By TOM MARQUARDT, Publisher & Executive Editor, The Annapolis Capital Published September 07, 2008. Usually I just send you to the article, but I can't resist this quote:

"I guess Ms. Johnston's entrepreneurial attempt to ease herself into retirement without a loss of income - by interspersing a few new strips with old material - doesn't bother readers as much as it bothers editors asked to pay full price for the comic-page equivalent of reruns."

"How about rerunning sports results and County Council stories? Can't we all just get a grip and move on to another strip that has fresh story lines? Geesh, you guys are killing me."

Now, that's an editor.

Comic Riffs interviews Borgman

See "Interview With the Cartoonist: Jim Borgman of "Zits"," by Michael Cavna, September 8, 2008 for an interview with Jim Borgman, formerly of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Spider-Man artwork donation to Library of Congress "controversial?"

See "Donation spotlights comic book dispute" By Robert K. Elder of the Chicago Tribune in the Barre Montpelier Times Argus September 8, 2008. Sara Duke of the Library is quoted extensively.

UK Political cartoonist in town on Tuesday night

Meet Author Paul Stewart & Author/Illustrator Chris Riddell
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
at 6:00 p.m.

[I'll be attending this, with family - let me know if anyone wants to meet up - Mike]

English co-authors Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell (who also is an illustrator) will introduce their newest book Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf, which tells the story of a young man who runs errands on the city rooftops, where he stumbles across strange mysteries and adventures. They also will talk about their other popular adventure and fantasy book series, including the Edge Chronicles and the Far Flung Adventures. A book signing will follow. Grades 4-8. Please call to register.

Mr. Stewart is a highly regarded author of books for young readers - everything from picture books to football stories, fantasy and horror. His first book was published in 1988 and he has had over fifty titles published. Mr. Riddell has illustrated many acclaimed books for children and is a renowned political cartoonist, whose work appears regularly in UK newspapers the Observer and the Guardian.

Mr. Stewart and Mr. Riddell have collaborated on numerous books together including all the titles in the Edge Chronicles (Beyond the Deepwoods, Stormchaser, Midnight Over Sanctraphrax, The Curse of the Gloamglozer, The Last of the Sky Pirates, Vox, Freeglader, The Winter Knights and Clash of the Sky Galleons), as well as the books in the Far Flung Adventures (Fergus Crane, Hugo Pepper and Corby Flood).

Aladdin's Lamp Children's Books and Other Treasures
In the Lee Harrison Shopping Center
Lower Level Shops
2499 N. Harrison St.
Arlington, VA 22207
Tel 703-241-8281
Fax 703-241-8283
Email: aladlamp@speakeasy.net
STORE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday & Thursday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

Meltzer at Politics and Prose

Here's a couple of pictures from the booksigning for The Book of Lies at Politics and Prose. Chris and Randy were there and perhaps can chime in with details.

Brad talked about his love for Superman, read parts of the 2nd and 3rd chapter, talked about his project to save Jerry Siegel's house, mentioned his marketing campaign for the book, and gave a shot out to California Tortilla (a founder can be seen in the back of one of the pictures). A recording of the talk can be bought from P&P.