I don't know which of these I'll make, but I've RSVP'd for Rob Tornoe's appearance and have strong hopes of making the Writer's Center.
Oct 20: Chemistry Set's No Formula release party
Oct 20: David Macaulay at Aladdin's Lamp
Oct 22: Rob Tornoe on panel in DC
Oct 23: Cartoons and Cocktails
Oct 23: Canadian animation at National Archives
Oct 24: Bleach movie showing
Oct 25: political cartoonists Wuerker, Thompson and Kal at Writer's Center
Nov 6: Israeli comics lecture at Library of Congress
Nov 7: Art Spiegelman
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Oct 23: Canadian animation at National Archives
Note animation historian Charles Solomon's appearance.
National Archives, 9th and Constitution Ave, NW
Thursday, October 23, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
A Salute to the National Film Board of Canada
This program, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in partnership with The Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film and the Foundation for the National Archives, celebrates more than 50 years of Oscar(R)-nominated and -winning short subjects produced by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Hosted by renowned animation critic and historian Charles Solomon, the program will feature several films, including Neighbours (1952), Christmas Cracker (1962), Bob's Birthday (1993), and Ryan (2004). The program will be introduced by Academy President Sid Ganis. Joining us from the NFB will be Government Film Commissioner Tom Perlmutter and animation producer Marcy Page. Torill Kove, director of the 2006 Oscar(R)-winning animated short subject The Danish Poet, will also appear.
National Archives, 9th and Constitution Ave, NW
Thursday, October 23, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
A Salute to the National Film Board of Canada
This program, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in partnership with The Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film and the Foundation for the National Archives, celebrates more than 50 years of Oscar(R)-nominated and -winning short subjects produced by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Hosted by renowned animation critic and historian Charles Solomon, the program will feature several films, including Neighbours (1952), Christmas Cracker (1962), Bob's Birthday (1993), and Ryan (2004). The program will be introduced by Academy President Sid Ganis. Joining us from the NFB will be Government Film Commissioner Tom Perlmutter and animation producer Marcy Page. Torill Kove, director of the 2006 Oscar(R)-winning animated short subject The Danish Poet, will also appear.
BBC Radio 4 talks to Jen Sorenson
I just got a note from Jennifer Clarke of the BBC about Phil Jupitus doing more comics interviews. The one that aired yesterday was of the Cartoonists with Attitude - Jen Sorenson was one of the people on the air. Here's an excerpt of the email:
[After the success of the Garry Trudeau interview,] Radio 4 decided to broadcast 4 more 15 minute programmes.
The first programme was an interview with Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau which was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 7 October 2008. You can listen again via this permanent link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7658923.stm
The second programme was broadcast on Tuesday 14 October 2008 and featured Cartoonists with Attitude (Mikhaela Reid, Brian McFadden, Jen Sorensen and Masheka Wood). You can listen again via this permanent link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7669019.stm
The next two programmes will feature:
Tuesday 21st October 0930 Charles Peattie/Russell Taylor of Alex
Tuesday 28th October 0930 Bill Griffith of Zippy the Pinhead
Alex is a British strip on London bankers (which has recently been adapted to the stage).
[After the success of the Garry Trudeau interview,] Radio 4 decided to broadcast 4 more 15 minute programmes.
The first programme was an interview with Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau which was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 7 October 2008. You can listen again via this permanent link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7658923.stm
The second programme was broadcast on Tuesday 14 October 2008 and featured Cartoonists with Attitude (Mikhaela Reid, Brian McFadden, Jen Sorensen and Masheka Wood). You can listen again via this permanent link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7669019.stm
The next two programmes will feature:
Tuesday 21st October 0930 Charles Peattie/Russell Taylor of Alex
Tuesday 28th October 0930 Bill Griffith of Zippy the Pinhead
Alex is a British strip on London bankers (which has recently been adapted to the stage).
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
LATimes blog on Geppi's Entertainment Museum
Sarah Weinman reports on the Bouchercon signings held at the museum.
Oct 23: Cartoons and Cocktails
Sylvia Smith
President, National Press Club
and
Michael Ramirez
Winner, 2008 Pulitizer Prize for editorial cartooning
cordially invite you to
Cartoons & Cocktails
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
National Press Club Ballroom
6 p.m. – Silent auction
7 p.m. – Live auction
Wall Street? Obama? Palin? McCain? – and Two Wars?
With so much news this year, we have a bumper crop of editorial cartoons for the 21st Annual Cartoons & Cocktails, the nation’s top cartoon auction. Come bid on your favorites and meet many of the cartoonists who will be drawing live for our special Art-In-Action feature.
Auctioneers include Michael Phelps of The Washington Examiner (our media sponsor), Bob Edwards of XM Radio and NPR, Sari Horwitz of the Washington Post, Harry Jaffee of Washingtonian Magazine, Derek McGinty of WUSA-TV 9 and Mike McCurry of Public Strategies.
Cartoons & Cocktails is a major fundraiser for three great causes:
* Young D.C., the independent newspaper by and for teenagers from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, and its First Amendment programs.
* Cartoonists Rights Network International, which assists editorial cartoonists around the world who are persecuted because of their commentaries.
* The Eric Friedheim Library at the National Press Club, its awards and scholarship programs.
Tickets are $50 each and include drinks and hors d’oeurves
Can’t attend? Choose your cartoons (after Oct. 18) and bid at
www.cartoonsandcocktails.org.
Purchase your tickets through the National Press Club. Call 202-662-7501.
Charged tickets can be picked up Oct. 23 at the Cartoons & Cocktail will-call desk.
President, National Press Club
and
Michael Ramirez
Winner, 2008 Pulitizer Prize for editorial cartooning
cordially invite you to
Cartoons & Cocktails
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
National Press Club Ballroom
6 p.m. – Silent auction
7 p.m. – Live auction
Wall Street? Obama? Palin? McCain? – and Two Wars?
With so much news this year, we have a bumper crop of editorial cartoons for the 21st Annual Cartoons & Cocktails, the nation’s top cartoon auction. Come bid on your favorites and meet many of the cartoonists who will be drawing live for our special Art-In-Action feature.
Auctioneers include Michael Phelps of The Washington Examiner (our media sponsor), Bob Edwards of XM Radio and NPR, Sari Horwitz of the Washington Post, Harry Jaffee of Washingtonian Magazine, Derek McGinty of WUSA-TV 9 and Mike McCurry of Public Strategies.
Cartoons & Cocktails is a major fundraiser for three great causes:
* Young D.C., the independent newspaper by and for teenagers from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, and its First Amendment programs.
* Cartoonists Rights Network International, which assists editorial cartoonists around the world who are persecuted because of their commentaries.
* The Eric Friedheim Library at the National Press Club, its awards and scholarship programs.
Tickets are $50 each and include drinks and hors d’oeurves
Can’t attend? Choose your cartoons (after Oct. 18) and bid at
www.cartoonsandcocktails.org.
Purchase your tickets through the National Press Club. Call 202-662-7501.
Charged tickets can be picked up Oct. 23 at the Cartoons & Cocktail will-call desk.
Administrivia: Calendar help requested
Does anyone know of a calendar widget that I can hook onto this blog to put in the upcoming events? October's getting ridiculous with 4 events in a week, if I recall correctly. Which is the problem.
Oct 20: Chemistry Set's No Formula release party
In from Jim Dougan:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2008
THE CHEMISTRY SET CELEBRATES THE RELEASE OF 'NO FORMULA' WITH EVENTS IN DC AND NYC
October marks the release of NO FORMULA, an anthology collection of 12 short stories from the international comics collective The Chemistry Set through Desperado Publishing. Join the creators in celebrating at events next week in Washington, DC and New York!
WASHINGTON, DC
When:
October 20, 2008 from 6pm until…?
Where:
Science Club
1136 19th Street NW (between L and M streets)
Washington, DC 20036
202-775-0747
http://www.scienceclubdc.com/
Join editor and contributor Jim Dougan (and maybe other suprise guests) in celebrating the release of NO FORMULA! Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Oh, and stick around - a DJ will be spinning from 8:30pm, and happy hour drink specials are available all night!
NEW YORK CITY
When:
Wednesday, October 22nd, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where:
Jim Hanley's Universe
4 West 33rd Street
New York, NY 10001
212-268-7088
http://www.jhuniverse.com/
The Chemistry Set will be out in force to celebrate the release of NO FORMULA. Books will be available for sale, and contributors appearing include: Vito Delsante, Jim Dougan, Elizabeth Genco, Michel Fiffe, Rami Efal, and Kevin Colden.
***
About NO FORMULA: Haunting. Humorous. Harrowing. Those are just some of the words to describe the short stories compiled in this inaugural collection from the international comics collective the Chemistry Set. Founded in 2006, the Chemistry Set has served as the breeding ground for tomorrow's comic all-stars and includes three Xeric Award winners. Combining talents from America, Australia, Europe and Asia, their chemistry together is seen in stories that range from the heartfelt to the horrifying, from the mythological to the macabre.
NO FORMULA: STORIES FROM THE CHEMISTRY SET, VOL.1
Color / B&W, 120 pp. 6in x. 9in.
Price: $16.99
ISBN-10: 1935002090
ISBN-13: 978-1935002093
For more on The Chemistry Set:
http://www.chemsetcomics.com
For more on Desperado Publishing:
http://www.desperadopublishing.com
Oct 22: Rob Tornoe on panel in DC
Rob just sent this notice in - Note the online registration that's required:
Join the Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet, Politicker.com, and GW’s Graduate School of Political Management for
The Race in the States
A reception and panel discussion about campaigns and public opinion in the battleground states.
How will our evolving, modern-day electoral map affect elections this year? Will voter registration efforts change the game? Which voters will most likely vote — and have the biggest effect on the election? What role do pollsters and bloggers play in monitoring (and possibly moving) public opinion this campaign season? How does humor persuade? A panel of bloggers, organizers, pollsters, and analysts discuss these questions and their predictions for Election Day 2008.
When: Wednesday, October 22nd 2008 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The National Press Club
529 14th St, NW
Washington, DC 20045
13th Floor, The Morrow, White, and Lisagor Rooms
Map: National Press Club
Metro: Metro Center (Red, Blue, and Orange Lines)
Registration requested. Register online.
Panelists:
Anna Greenberg, Senior Vice President of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
Maren Hesla, EMILY’s List, director of the WOMEN VOTE! program
Dr. Michael McDonald, Associate Professor of Government and Politics in the Department of Public and International Affairs at George Mason University and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution
James Pindell, Managing editor of Politicker.com and their sixteen state political news sites as well as the Pindell Report.
Phillip Stutts, President of Phillip Stutts & Company, LLC, a political and corporate consulting firm.
Rob Tornoe, Editorial cartoonist for Politicker.com, a national network of state-specific politics websites owned by the The Observer Media Group, which also publishes the New York Observer.
Moderators:
Matt Lewis, Conservative writer and commentator featured in Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN.
Margie Omero, President of Momentum Analysis, LLC, a Democratic public opinion research firm based in Washington, DC.
Join the Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet, Politicker.com, and GW’s Graduate School of Political Management for
The Race in the States
A reception and panel discussion about campaigns and public opinion in the battleground states.
How will our evolving, modern-day electoral map affect elections this year? Will voter registration efforts change the game? Which voters will most likely vote — and have the biggest effect on the election? What role do pollsters and bloggers play in monitoring (and possibly moving) public opinion this campaign season? How does humor persuade? A panel of bloggers, organizers, pollsters, and analysts discuss these questions and their predictions for Election Day 2008.
When: Wednesday, October 22nd 2008 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The National Press Club
529 14th St, NW
Washington, DC 20045
13th Floor, The Morrow, White, and Lisagor Rooms
Map: National Press Club
Metro: Metro Center (Red, Blue, and Orange Lines)
Registration requested. Register online.
Panelists:
Anna Greenberg, Senior Vice President of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
Maren Hesla, EMILY’s List, director of the WOMEN VOTE! program
Dr. Michael McDonald, Associate Professor of Government and Politics in the Department of Public and International Affairs at George Mason University and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution
James Pindell, Managing editor of Politicker.com and their sixteen state political news sites as well as the Pindell Report.
Phillip Stutts, President of Phillip Stutts & Company, LLC, a political and corporate consulting firm.
Rob Tornoe, Editorial cartoonist for Politicker.com, a national network of state-specific politics websites owned by the The Observer Media Group, which also publishes the New York Observer.
Moderators:
Matt Lewis, Conservative writer and commentator featured in Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN.
Margie Omero, President of Momentum Analysis, LLC, a Democratic public opinion research firm based in Washington, DC.
Nov 7: Art Spiegelman
Sara Duke reports that Spiegelman will be at Politics and Prose on November 7th, presumably discussing his reissue of Breakdowns.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Herblock prize news
See "Herblock Prize News Includes Increase in Cash Award from $10,000 to $15,000," By Dave Astor, Editor & Publisher online October 13, 2008. Dave also names the judges for this year.
Oct 24: Bleach movie showing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083 president@dcanimeclub.org
DC Anime Club and Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present: Bleach The Movie: Memories of nobody
The DC Anime Club and the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan Present Bleach The Movie: Memories of Nobody on Friday October 24, 2008 at 6:30pm as part of the Anime/Live Action Series based upon Manga (Japanese Comics).
In Karakura Town, there has been a sudden outbreak of unidentifiable spirits called "blanks" (vacant souls) while in the skies of Soul Society, the real world has been reflected. A mysterious female shinigami called Senna has appeared before Ichigo along with a man named Ganryu, leading a group called the "Dark Ones".
The screening will be held at the Japanese Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan located at Lafayette Center III 1155 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-3308.
Seating for the screening of Bleach The Movie is limited and attendees are encouraged to rsvp by sending an e-mail to jiccrsvpfall08@embjapan.org.
This program is free and open to the public. 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.
About DC Anime Club:
DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington,DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are taxed deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.
In addition to our weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am. DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Sgt in ARMS) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.
About Japan Information and Culture Center:
The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) is the cultural and public affairs section of the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. Our primary role is to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by providing a wide range of
information, educational services and programs to the public. The JICC is located on the lower level of the glass-enclosed Galleria at Lafayette Centre III in downtown Washington, D.C. Its facilities include a research library, a 152-seat auditorium, and a 1,500-square-foot exhibition gallery where a wide variety of events sponsored by the JICC are hosted throughout the year.
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083 president@dcanimeclub.org
DC Anime Club and Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present: Bleach The Movie: Memories of nobody
The DC Anime Club and the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan Present Bleach The Movie: Memories of Nobody on Friday October 24, 2008 at 6:30pm as part of the Anime/Live Action Series based upon Manga (Japanese Comics).
In Karakura Town, there has been a sudden outbreak of unidentifiable spirits called "blanks" (vacant souls) while in the skies of Soul Society, the real world has been reflected. A mysterious female shinigami called Senna has appeared before Ichigo along with a man named Ganryu, leading a group called the "Dark Ones".
The screening will be held at the Japanese Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan located at Lafayette Center III 1155 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-3308.
Seating for the screening of Bleach The Movie is limited and attendees are encouraged to rsvp by sending an e-mail to jiccrsvpfall08@embjapan.org.
This program is free and open to the public. 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.
About DC Anime Club:
DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington,DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are taxed deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.
In addition to our weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am. DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Sgt in ARMS) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.
About Japan Information and Culture Center:
The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) is the cultural and public affairs section of the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. Our primary role is to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by providing a wide range of
information, educational services and programs to the public. The JICC is located on the lower level of the glass-enclosed Galleria at Lafayette Centre III in downtown Washington, D.C. Its facilities include a research library, a 152-seat auditorium, and a 1,500-square-foot exhibition gallery where a wide variety of events sponsored by the JICC are hosted throughout the year.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Spiegelman and McCall illustrated interviews in Book Page
Two of my favorite cartoonists have illustrated interviews in the Books A Million chains' magazine, Book Page. You can pick up a copy in the store in Old Town Alexandria most likely, but you can also see them online. Spiegelman's reworking of Breakdowns isn't something I've seen yet, but will definitely get. Bruce McCall, seen most often in the New Yorker these days, has migrated to doing children's books like a lot of other cartoonists.
Another MacHomer article
"The Bard and Bart Simpson: A Natural Pairing?," By Celia Wren, Washington Post Sunday, October 12, 2008; M03.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Oct 17: Cartoons You Can Believe In and The Cartoons You Deserve by R.J. Matson
thanks to Martha Kennedy for the tip!
SUSAN CALLOWAY FINE ARTS
1643 Wisconsin Avenue N.W. Washington D.C. 20007
Tel (202) 965-4601 Fax (202) 338-1660
www.callowayart.com gallery@callowayart.com
PRESS RELEASE
Preferred Publication Date: October 17, 2008
Contact: Naomi Cayne
WHAT: Cartoons You Can Believe In and The Cartoons You Deserve by R.J. Matson
WHEN: Friday, October 17th through Saturday, October 31st
Opening Reception - Friday, October 17th 6 - 8:30pm
WHERE: Susan Calloway Fine Arts
About the Artist
R.J. MATSON, the editorial cartoonist at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The New York Observer, and Roll Call, presents satire in its most aesthetic form. With a finger on the economic and political pulse of the nation, Matson creates cartoons that espouse a bipartisan commentary on current events. As he puts it, “I just try to react to the news and get it right. I don’t care so much about telling the world how I feel, just trying to get the smartest, funniest take on what's happening.” Just in time for the presidential election, Susan Calloway Fine Arts will feature recent political cartoons both in their hand-drawn, black and white original forms as well as colorized versions that have gone to press.
R.J. Matson was born in Chicago in 1963, and was raised in Belgium and Minnesota. He received his B.A. from Columbia University in 1985. Along with the aforementioned papers, Matson’s cartoons and illustrations have also appeared in The New Yorker, The Nation, MAD Magazine, City Limits, The Daily News, The Washington Post, Capital Style, and Rolling Stone. One of Matson’s cartoons was selected as number one on Time Magazine’s “Top 10 Editorial Cartoons” of 2007 list. He lives in St. Louis with his wife and three children.
Susan Calloway Fine Arts specializes in contemporary art by local, regional, and international artists, antique American and European oil paintings, and a carefully chosen selection of 17th-19th century prints. The gallery also specializes in conservation framing using archival-quality materials and techniques, and traditional French mat decoration.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11-5, Sunday - Monday by appointment.
SUSAN CALLOWAY FINE ARTS
1643 Wisconsin Avenue N.W. Washington D.C. 20007
Tel (202) 965-4601 Fax (202) 338-1660
www.callowayart.com gallery@callowayart.com
PRESS RELEASE
Preferred Publication Date: October 17, 2008
Contact: Naomi Cayne
WHAT: Cartoons You Can Believe In and The Cartoons You Deserve by R.J. Matson
WHEN: Friday, October 17th through Saturday, October 31st
Opening Reception - Friday, October 17th 6 - 8:30pm
WHERE: Susan Calloway Fine Arts
About the Artist
R.J. MATSON, the editorial cartoonist at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The New York Observer, and Roll Call, presents satire in its most aesthetic form. With a finger on the economic and political pulse of the nation, Matson creates cartoons that espouse a bipartisan commentary on current events. As he puts it, “I just try to react to the news and get it right. I don’t care so much about telling the world how I feel, just trying to get the smartest, funniest take on what's happening.” Just in time for the presidential election, Susan Calloway Fine Arts will feature recent political cartoons both in their hand-drawn, black and white original forms as well as colorized versions that have gone to press.
R.J. Matson was born in Chicago in 1963, and was raised in Belgium and Minnesota. He received his B.A. from Columbia University in 1985. Along with the aforementioned papers, Matson’s cartoons and illustrations have also appeared in The New Yorker, The Nation, MAD Magazine, City Limits, The Daily News, The Washington Post, Capital Style, and Rolling Stone. One of Matson’s cartoons was selected as number one on Time Magazine’s “Top 10 Editorial Cartoons” of 2007 list. He lives in St. Louis with his wife and three children.
Susan Calloway Fine Arts specializes in contemporary art by local, regional, and international artists, antique American and European oil paintings, and a carefully chosen selection of 17th-19th century prints. The gallery also specializes in conservation framing using archival-quality materials and techniques, and traditional French mat decoration.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11-5, Sunday - Monday by appointment.
QUICK REVIEWS OF COMICS DUE 10-15-08
QUICK REVIEWS OF COMICS DUE 10-15-08
By John Judy
AFTER 9-11: AMERICA’S WAR ON TERROR HC & SC by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon. The team behind the excellent 9-11 REPORT graphic adaptation now present us with its tragic sequel. While the creators strive to be fair to all concerned the Bushies come off almost as badly as they deserve. Hey, misleading a nation into a bankrupting, unnecessary war will do that sometimes! Highly recommended for 4,115 reasons as of this writing.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #573 by Dan Slott and John Romita Jr. Spidey and Norman Osborn mix it up but the real story is the variant cover featuring Stephen Colbert! “Stephen Colbert: Better than zombies and apes put together!”
ASTONISHING X-MEN #27 by Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi. This is one of those special books where, even if you don’t love where it’s going, you have to respect the intelligence of the writing and the intricate beauty of the art. It even has jokes that work! Who knew the White Queen’s real power was drollery? Recommended.
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #6 by Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk. Vampires! Mindless Ones! But enough about the GOP base… This is a good comic. Clever, worth reading, recommended.
DC UNIVERSE DECISIONS #3 of 4 by Judd Winick, Bill Willingham and Rick Leonardi. The most amazing thing about the DCU isn’t the superheroes. It’s that there are four viable candidates for President in the general election. I wish we could have President Luthor back. He kept us safe.
EX MACHINA VOL. 7: EX CATHEDRA SC by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Collecting issues #30-35 in which the Great Machine meets the Pope. Hijinks ensue. Recommended.
FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #2 of 5 by Geoff Johns and George Perez. Great, epic, continuity-shattering space opera by two guys who were born to do this sort of thing! On, Nerdery, on! Recommended.
FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES REVENGE #3 of 3 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins. The big throw-down between the Rogues and the Secret Society! Who will burn? Who will freeze? Who will… look bad in the mirror? Plus, Barry Allen!
GHOST RIDER #28 by Jason Aaron and Tang Eng Hut. Two Ghost Riders, Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch, fight in the mountains of Tibet. Why isn’t Tarantino filming this right now? Also, a Very Special back-up story.
GREATEST HITS #2 of 6 by David Tischman, Glenn Fabry and Gary Erskine. A great new series based on the idea that the British Invasion of the sixties was not rockers but superheroes. Oh, and somebody dies. Probably the hero whose superpowers are drumming and mooching off his girlfriend. Very clever, lots of inside humor, recommended.
HULK MONSTER-SIZE SPECIAL #1. (Insert incredibly inappropriate joke here.)
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #19 by Geoff Johns, Alex Ross and Dale Eaglesham. Everybody fights everybody! Finally! It’s Gog-errific!
MIGHTY AVENGERS #19 by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve Kurth. Warning! This issue may contain actual Avengers!
PUNISHER MAX #63 by Gregg Hurwitz and Laurence Campbell. Last issue some low-down meth dealers tricked Frank into wasting a kidnapped little girl. This issue Frank responds. Not for kids.
RASL #3 written and drawn by Jeff Smith. The mystery of Smith’s dimension-hopping thief continues. Who is the lizard dude and why is he chasing Rasl down? Cartoon, sci-fi noir. Good stuff. Recommended.
SCALPED VOL.3 SC: DEAD MOTHERS by Jason Aaron, R.M. Guera and John Paul Leon. Don’t buy anything else this week until you’ve picked up this book, collecting issues #12–18 of this amazing, gut-punching series. Not for kids. For everyone else. Highly recommended.
SUPERMAN AND BATMAN VS VAMPIRES AND WEREWOLVES #1 of 6. I list this comic only because I wanted to type the title.
SUPERMAN’S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN SPECIAL #1 by James Robinson and Jesus Merino. We always knew he was.
ULTIMATE ORIGINS #5 of 5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Butch Guice. Okay, it’s been an interesting ride, but I’d like to officially request of Marvel that all future ULTIMATE mini-series actually have an ending rather than just being lead-ins to the next friggin’ ULTIMATE mini-series! Just make it a maxi-series if it takes longer than six issues to tell the story. Nuff said!
UNCANNY X-MEN #503 by Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker and Greg Land. Mutants drink beer, fight and smile a lot. Did you know that in San Francisco everyone has perfectly straight, white teeth? Or at least solid white bands where teeth should be? Don’t tell me comic books lie! Also a certain redhead is back from the dead. It must be Wednesday.
WELCOME TO HOXFORD #3 written and executed by Ben Templesmith. The artist of FELL pulls out the stops on this Werewolves vs. Psycho-Killer diversion. It’s fun but not for kids.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
AFTER 9-11: AMERICA’S WAR ON TERROR HC & SC by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon. The team behind the excellent 9-11 REPORT graphic adaptation now present us with its tragic sequel. While the creators strive to be fair to all concerned the Bushies come off almost as badly as they deserve. Hey, misleading a nation into a bankrupting, unnecessary war will do that sometimes! Highly recommended for 4,115 reasons as of this writing.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #573 by Dan Slott and John Romita Jr. Spidey and Norman Osborn mix it up but the real story is the variant cover featuring Stephen Colbert! “Stephen Colbert: Better than zombies and apes put together!”
ASTONISHING X-MEN #27 by Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi. This is one of those special books where, even if you don’t love where it’s going, you have to respect the intelligence of the writing and the intricate beauty of the art. It even has jokes that work! Who knew the White Queen’s real power was drollery? Recommended.
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #6 by Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk. Vampires! Mindless Ones! But enough about the GOP base… This is a good comic. Clever, worth reading, recommended.
DC UNIVERSE DECISIONS #3 of 4 by Judd Winick, Bill Willingham and Rick Leonardi. The most amazing thing about the DCU isn’t the superheroes. It’s that there are four viable candidates for President in the general election. I wish we could have President Luthor back. He kept us safe.
EX MACHINA VOL. 7: EX CATHEDRA SC by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Collecting issues #30-35 in which the Great Machine meets the Pope. Hijinks ensue. Recommended.
FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #2 of 5 by Geoff Johns and George Perez. Great, epic, continuity-shattering space opera by two guys who were born to do this sort of thing! On, Nerdery, on! Recommended.
FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES REVENGE #3 of 3 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins. The big throw-down between the Rogues and the Secret Society! Who will burn? Who will freeze? Who will… look bad in the mirror? Plus, Barry Allen!
GHOST RIDER #28 by Jason Aaron and Tang Eng Hut. Two Ghost Riders, Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch, fight in the mountains of Tibet. Why isn’t Tarantino filming this right now? Also, a Very Special back-up story.
GREATEST HITS #2 of 6 by David Tischman, Glenn Fabry and Gary Erskine. A great new series based on the idea that the British Invasion of the sixties was not rockers but superheroes. Oh, and somebody dies. Probably the hero whose superpowers are drumming and mooching off his girlfriend. Very clever, lots of inside humor, recommended.
HULK MONSTER-SIZE SPECIAL #1. (Insert incredibly inappropriate joke here.)
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #19 by Geoff Johns, Alex Ross and Dale Eaglesham. Everybody fights everybody! Finally! It’s Gog-errific!
MIGHTY AVENGERS #19 by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve Kurth. Warning! This issue may contain actual Avengers!
PUNISHER MAX #63 by Gregg Hurwitz and Laurence Campbell. Last issue some low-down meth dealers tricked Frank into wasting a kidnapped little girl. This issue Frank responds. Not for kids.
RASL #3 written and drawn by Jeff Smith. The mystery of Smith’s dimension-hopping thief continues. Who is the lizard dude and why is he chasing Rasl down? Cartoon, sci-fi noir. Good stuff. Recommended.
SCALPED VOL.3 SC: DEAD MOTHERS by Jason Aaron, R.M. Guera and John Paul Leon. Don’t buy anything else this week until you’ve picked up this book, collecting issues #12–18 of this amazing, gut-punching series. Not for kids. For everyone else. Highly recommended.
SUPERMAN AND BATMAN VS VAMPIRES AND WEREWOLVES #1 of 6. I list this comic only because I wanted to type the title.
SUPERMAN’S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN SPECIAL #1 by James Robinson and Jesus Merino. We always knew he was.
ULTIMATE ORIGINS #5 of 5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Butch Guice. Okay, it’s been an interesting ride, but I’d like to officially request of Marvel that all future ULTIMATE mini-series actually have an ending rather than just being lead-ins to the next friggin’ ULTIMATE mini-series! Just make it a maxi-series if it takes longer than six issues to tell the story. Nuff said!
UNCANNY X-MEN #503 by Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker and Greg Land. Mutants drink beer, fight and smile a lot. Did you know that in San Francisco everyone has perfectly straight, white teeth? Or at least solid white bands where teeth should be? Don’t tell me comic books lie! Also a certain redhead is back from the dead. It must be Wednesday.
WELCOME TO HOXFORD #3 written and executed by Ben Templesmith. The artist of FELL pulls out the stops on this Werewolves vs. Psycho-Killer diversion. It’s fun but not for kids.
www.johnjudy.net
News from KAL
Kaltoons LLC unveiled the newest of its innovative animation at Philadelphia's Kimmel Arts Center on October 7. A live interactive Presidential debate between an animated Barack Obama and John McCain featured questions from the packed audience. The "Debate" was part of "The Art of Satire" a stage show sponsored by The Economist featuring topical comedy supplied by "The Second City" improv comedy troupe and a "Stand-up Cartoonist Routine" by yours truly.
You can see a short tease from the animation here: http://www.kaltoons.com/animation2.html
The show heads to New York City for two shows on Saturday November 1 (7 and 10PM) at The Edison ballroom at 47th and Broadway. Tickets are going fast. Tickets and information are available at: http://artofsatire.economist.com/events.php
You can see a short tease from the animation here: http://www.kaltoons.com/animation2.html
The show heads to New York City for two shows on Saturday November 1 (7 and 10PM) at The Edison ballroom at 47th and Broadway. Tickets are going fast. Tickets and information are available at: http://artofsatire.economist.com/events.php
ZADZOOKS: Cal McDonald uncovers the occult
"ZADZOOKS: Cal McDonald uncovers the occult," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Wednesday, October 8, 2008. This is a series I keep meaning to read, but still haven't gotten around too. Also reviewed is the Flash, which I don't read anymore.
Friday, October 10, 2008
OT: A man's reach should exceed his grasp...
...or what's a heaven for? wrote Robert Browning. Here's a story that two of my friends sent me independently. This is very close to my idea of heaven.
MacHomer Post review
See "Double, Double Toil and D'oh!," By Nelson Pressley, Washington Post Friday, October 10, 2008; C05.
Oct 11: Kate Feiffer in Arlington
Kate Feiffer, Jules Feiffer's daughter who has done books with him, is signing books tomorrow.
Meet Author Kate Feiffer
Saturday, October 11, 2008
At 2:00 p.m.
Kate Feiffer, author of Double Pink and Henry the Dog with No Tail, will introduce her newest book, President Pennybaker. Published just in time for election season, this book tells the story of Luke Pennybaker, who when sent to his room for time out, decides to run for president and make life fair for kids once and for all. But is being president all it’s cracked up to be?
A book signing will follow. Ages 4-8. Please call to register.
Alina Gawlik
Aladdin's Lamp Children's Books and Other Treasures
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
Meet Author Kate Feiffer
Saturday, October 11, 2008
At 2:00 p.m.
Kate Feiffer, author of Double Pink and Henry the Dog with No Tail, will introduce her newest book, President Pennybaker. Published just in time for election season, this book tells the story of Luke Pennybaker, who when sent to his room for time out, decides to run for president and make life fair for kids once and for all. But is being president all it’s cracked up to be?
A book signing will follow. Ages 4-8. Please call to register.
Alina Gawlik
Aladdin's Lamp Children's Books and Other Treasures
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
OT: Out of Sequence: Underrepresented Voices in American Comics
This exhibit is by a couple of friends of mine, Damian Duffy and John Jennings.
Out of Sequence: Underrepresented Voices in American Comics
Krannert Art Museum, 500 East Peabody Drive
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
October 24, 2008-January 4, 2009
What is comics?
Out of Sequence is an exploration of that question. It is a declaration of the diversity of sequential art in the United States, diversity of creators, content and form. It is a broad survey of women, small press, minority, independent, gay & lesbian, self-published, mini, underground, web and/or gallery comics creators.
What is comics? There is no one answer. Here are many.
Out of Sequence Events List
Thurs. Oct. 23: 6-8pm, Krannert Art Museum
Out of Sequence exhibition opening reception, featuring a talk by gallery comics creator Mark Staff Brandl and music by DJ Delayney
http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?ACTION=VIEW_EVENT&calId=449&skinId=578&DATE=10/23/2008&eventId=92824
Fri-Sat, Oct. 24-25: 10am-4pm, Link Gallery
The Next Panel Illinois Small Press Comics Expo
Small press comics artists, including several from the art show, will be selling their work. Mama's Boyz creator Jerry Craft will also be offering a family oriented workshop on creating comics on Saturday afternoon.
http://comicspace.com/nextpanel
Thurs. Oct. 30: 5:30pm, Krannert Art Museum
Gallery Conversation with Damian Duffy and John Jennings, co-curators and creators of The Hole: Consumer Culture (2008).
Sat. Nov. 8: 1-4pm, Krannert Art Museum Auditorium
"Emerging Out of Sequence: Examining the Past and Charting the Future of American Comics" Gallery conversation with Nancy Goldstein, author of Jackie Ormes:: The First African American Woman Cartoonist (2008), Andrei Molotiu, abstract comics creator and curator; Trina Robbins, comics creator and herstorian, and Ashley A Woods, independent comics creator. Moderated by co-curators Damian Duffy and John Jennings
http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?ACTION=VIEW_EVENT&calId=449&skinId=578&DATE=11/8/2008&eventId=930
Fri. Nov. 14, 7-11pm: Artzilla
Comics Film Series in conjunction with Out of Sequence exhibition, Multimedia Hip Hop Set featuring images by John Jennings
Out of Sequence: Underrepresented Voices in American Comics
Krannert Art Museum, 500 East Peabody Drive
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
October 24, 2008-January 4, 2009
What is comics?
Out of Sequence is an exploration of that question. It is a declaration of the diversity of sequential art in the United States, diversity of creators, content and form. It is a broad survey of women, small press, minority, independent, gay & lesbian, self-published, mini, underground, web and/or gallery comics creators.
What is comics? There is no one answer. Here are many.
Out of Sequence Events List
Thurs. Oct. 23: 6-8pm, Krannert Art Museum
Out of Sequence exhibition opening reception, featuring a talk by gallery comics creator Mark Staff Brandl and music by DJ Delayney
http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?ACTION=VIEW_EVENT&calId=449&skinId=578&DATE=10/23/2008&eventId=92824
Fri-Sat, Oct. 24-25: 10am-4pm, Link Gallery
The Next Panel Illinois Small Press Comics Expo
Small press comics artists, including several from the art show, will be selling their work. Mama's Boyz creator Jerry Craft will also be offering a family oriented workshop on creating comics on Saturday afternoon.
http://comicspace.com/nextpanel
Thurs. Oct. 30: 5:30pm, Krannert Art Museum
Gallery Conversation with Damian Duffy and John Jennings, co-curators and creators of The Hole: Consumer Culture (2008).
Sat. Nov. 8: 1-4pm, Krannert Art Museum Auditorium
"Emerging Out of Sequence: Examining the Past and Charting the Future of American Comics" Gallery conversation with Nancy Goldstein, author of Jackie Ormes:: The First African American Woman Cartoonist (2008), Andrei Molotiu, abstract comics creator and curator; Trina Robbins, comics creator and herstorian, and Ashley A Woods, independent comics creator. Moderated by co-curators Damian Duffy and John Jennings
http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?ACTION=VIEW_EVENT&calId=449&skinId=578&DATE=11/8/2008&eventId=930
Fri. Nov. 14, 7-11pm: Artzilla
Comics Film Series in conjunction with Out of Sequence exhibition, Multimedia Hip Hop Set featuring images by John Jennings
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Cartoonists at Walter Reed followup
MAD cartoonist Tom Richmond has a blog post about visiting troops at Walter Reed up now - "NCS/USO Trip- Washington D.C.,"
Tom's MAD blog (October 6 2008).
Tom's MAD blog (October 6 2008).
Maryland's Carla Speed McNeil interview reposted
I'm not sure when this was originally from - "Flashback Series Of Interviews: From Print To The Web With Carla Speed McNeil of Finder," October 8 2008.
MacHomer featured in Express
See "Springfield Play: When 'Macbeth' meets 'The Simpsons,' it's lay on Duff Beer!," by Express contributor Dan Miller, Express October 9, 2008. If anyone gets to see this, I'd be interested in hearing about it.
The paper also had a wire-service story about bicyclist Lance Armstrong appearing on the children's animated show, Arthur which airs on PBS. Arthur is one of the better educational cartoons.
The paper also had a wire-service story about bicyclist Lance Armstrong appearing on the children's animated show, Arthur which airs on PBS. Arthur is one of the better educational cartoons.
City Paper takes note of Thompson's blog
Unsurprisingly it's Mark Athitakis who notes Richard's blog on his blog. See "Local Cartoonist Injured by Untenable Malcolm Gladwell Thesis." The City Paper's headline today is about their bankruptcy, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Weingarten on Breathed's retirement
From the October 7th chat:
Op, US: I can't believe Berke Breathed is retiring...again.
Seriously, I was a huge fan as a high school student, a moderate fan as a college student, and a passing fan as an adult. I mean, it's a character-driven strip that hasn't been daily for nearly 20 years, so it's not like we had much opportunity to get re-attached for the last three. I just can't get choked up the way I would for, say, Trudeau or like I did for Larson or Watterston. Or like I did for Breathed, twice already.
Gene Weingarten: Well, Berkeley has been teasing us for weeks now. It's no surprise.
I liked Opus, and it remains one of the best drawn strips on the comics pages, and I will miss it. But I think the decision to go Sunday-only may hae doomed it from the start. It's very hard to gain traction without a daily dose of your characters, particularly, as you say, with a character-driven strip.
I began to feel that Berkeley's heart was not entirely in this latest enterprise when more than once we found ourselves looking at recycled Bloom County gags.
Gene Weingarten: But: Week after week, Opus delivered some of the best sky-is-falling allegorical hang-wringing about the political hypocrisy afoot in our land. It's not a voice I would vote to lose and I'm sorry to see it go.
and one of his readers feels strongly about Doonesbury in a positive way, as do I:
B.D. Grins!: Hi Gene,
It's been over a week, but I'm still smiling about seeing B.D. smile in Doonesbury.
I loved Trudeau's whole sequence about Sam's Sarah Palin doll, but the most touching thing was seeing B.D. get so tickled as Boopsie tried to explain to Sam that Palin shouldn't be her hero (or her vice president). We've seen B.D. recover from his amputation and deal with his PTSD and even reach out to other characters -- but I'm pretty sure this is the first time he's smiled. It made me unreasonably happy.
And wide-eyed Boopsie has come a long way since B.D.'s injury, too. She's been a rock for B.D. And it's nice to see her get steamed about Palin.
I can't believe how emotionally invested I've become in these characters lately. Trudeau has always been brilliant, but this is ridiculous.
Gene Weingarten: Yeah, this was the best day of a good week.
Op, US: I can't believe Berke Breathed is retiring...again.
Seriously, I was a huge fan as a high school student, a moderate fan as a college student, and a passing fan as an adult. I mean, it's a character-driven strip that hasn't been daily for nearly 20 years, so it's not like we had much opportunity to get re-attached for the last three. I just can't get choked up the way I would for, say, Trudeau or like I did for Larson or Watterston. Or like I did for Breathed, twice already.
Gene Weingarten: Well, Berkeley has been teasing us for weeks now. It's no surprise.
I liked Opus, and it remains one of the best drawn strips on the comics pages, and I will miss it. But I think the decision to go Sunday-only may hae doomed it from the start. It's very hard to gain traction without a daily dose of your characters, particularly, as you say, with a character-driven strip.
I began to feel that Berkeley's heart was not entirely in this latest enterprise when more than once we found ourselves looking at recycled Bloom County gags.
Gene Weingarten: But: Week after week, Opus delivered some of the best sky-is-falling allegorical hang-wringing about the political hypocrisy afoot in our land. It's not a voice I would vote to lose and I'm sorry to see it go.
and one of his readers feels strongly about Doonesbury in a positive way, as do I:
B.D. Grins!: Hi Gene,
It's been over a week, but I'm still smiling about seeing B.D. smile in Doonesbury.
I loved Trudeau's whole sequence about Sam's Sarah Palin doll, but the most touching thing was seeing B.D. get so tickled as Boopsie tried to explain to Sam that Palin shouldn't be her hero (or her vice president). We've seen B.D. recover from his amputation and deal with his PTSD and even reach out to other characters -- but I'm pretty sure this is the first time he's smiled. It made me unreasonably happy.
And wide-eyed Boopsie has come a long way since B.D.'s injury, too. She's been a rock for B.D. And it's nice to see her get steamed about Palin.
I can't believe how emotionally invested I've become in these characters lately. Trudeau has always been brilliant, but this is ridiculous.
Gene Weingarten: Yeah, this was the best day of a good week.
Joost Swarte sketches from Small Press Expo 2008
Joost Swarte was kind enough to sketch in some of his books for me over a cup of coffee at the Small Press Expo. I never thought I'd get to meet him. He's been one of my favorite cartoonists for years. He was very friendly and interesting. His early training in industrial design definitely influenced his work We talked a bit about a recent design of a long stained glass window for a courthouse until he had to go to a panel on Herge, but he thinks I might have the largest collection of his signed books in the States. Heh, I've got more I didn't bring to get signed... (and thanks to Barbara Poestema for bringing two of these back from the Netherlands for me this summer!) Here's shots of the sketches he did.
And I met Istvan Banyai, the awesome illustrator, who came to the Expo to see Joost! Another one of my favorites!
Finally, Michael Cavna who I got to meet briefly has a good roundup of SPX quotes online today - "The Morning Line: Obama! Palin! Who's Got the Best Line?..." By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 8, 2008.
And I met Istvan Banyai, the awesome illustrator, who came to the Expo to see Joost! Another one of my favorites!
Finally, Michael Cavna who I got to meet briefly has a good roundup of SPX quotes online today - "The Morning Line: Obama! Palin! Who's Got the Best Line?..." By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 8, 2008.
Iron Man and Opus Washington Post articles
Catching up a bit, this article ran online, and then in the paper - "An 'Iron Man' of Epic DVD Proportions," By JEN CHANEY, washingtonpost.com Staff Writer Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, Washington Post (October 3).
Following up on Cavna's scoop was "Cartoonist to Put 'Opus' on Ice," By Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts, Washington Post Tuesday, October 7, 2008; Page C01.
Following up on Cavna's scoop was "Cartoonist to Put 'Opus' on Ice," By Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts, Washington Post Tuesday, October 7, 2008; Page C01.
Oct 25: political cartoonists Wuerker, Thompson and Kal at Writer's Center
Boy, this is going to be good! All three of these guys are sweethearts in person, if vicious in print, and are articulate and clean too. The Writer's Center is a couple of blocks from the Bethesda subway.
The Writer's Center to Host Roundtable Discussion on the Art of Political Cartooning in an Election Year, October 25th
Bethesda, MD (Oct. 8, 2008)—With less than a month before the election, candidates in both major parties are laying down broad reasons why we, the American people, should step up and vote for them. Standing on the periphery observing are the political cartoonists, keen-eyed artists whose sharp and often witty reflections of the political scene render judgment in simple, stark images.
On Saturday, October 25th The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD will celebrate the art of political cartooning with a special roundtable discussion featuring three of the nation’s most distinguished cartoonists: Matt Wuerker (The Politico), Richard Thompson (Washington Post), and Kevin Kallaugher (Baltimore Sun and The Economist). The event is made possible by a generous grant from the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation.
When: October 25th (7:30 p.m.)
Where: The Writer’s Center, Bethesda, MD 20815
This event is free and open to the public
Political cartooning has been important aspect of communication throughout American history. Since the distribution of Benjamin Franklin’s “Join or Die” cartoon in support of the French and Indian War in 1754, cartooning has served as a valuable tool to communicate political ideals and engage diverse audiences. It serves as a vehicle for citizens to challenge the political and cultural environment, making it a key facet of free speech, as well. The combination of narrative power and aesthetic symbolism render political cartooning an entirely unique method of expression. Additionally, both the classic comedic four-panel cartoon “strip,” and the one-panel, so-called “gag” cartoon often associated with The New Yorker, have commented on American life for decades.
About the artists:
Richard Thompson’s cartoon “Richard's Poor Almanac” appears weekly in The Washington Post and his comic strip “Cul-de-Sac” appears weekly in the “The Washington Post Magazine.” A book of his collected Almanac cartoons was published in 2005. His illustrations have appeared in U.S. News & World Report, The New Yorker, National Geographic and The Atlantic Monthly. He has received the National Cartoonist Society Magazine and Book Illustration Award for 1995, and their Newspaper Illustration Award for 1995. Visit him online at:
http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/
Matt Wuerker is the staff editorial cartoonist for The Politico. Mr. Wuerker’s cartoons are syndicated by the Tribune Syndicate and NewsArt.com. Two collections of his cartoons have been published, Standing Tall in Deep Doo Doo: A Cartoon Chronicle of The Bush Quayle Years, and Meanwhile in Other New…a Graphic Look at Politics in the Empire of Money, Sex and Scandal. His work has been published in the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor, as well as Funny Times, The Nation, The American Prospect, and Z Magazine. Visit him online at:
http://www.cartoonistgroup.com/properties/Wuerker/search_2.php
Kevin Kallaugher is the editorial cartoonist for The Baltimore Sun and The Economist. In March 1978, Mr. Kallaugher became the first resident cartoonist at The Economist in its 145-year history. His work has been included in more than 100 publications worldwide, including Le Monde, Der Spiegel, Pravda, Krokodil, Daily Yomiuri, The Australian, New York Times, Time, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, and The Washington Post. His cartoons are distributed worldwide by Cartoonarts International and the New York Times Syndicate.
You can view his work online at: http://www.kaltoons.com/
About the Writer’s Center:
The Writer's Center, founded in 1976, is one of the premier independent literary centers in the country. By becoming a member, you join an organization of more than 2,500 writers, editors, small press publishers and other artists. We promote the art of writing by offering workshops, hosting readings and special events, and building a community of writers, workshop leaders, publishers and audiences for contemporary writing.
The Writer's Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. A copy of our current financial statement is available upon request. Contact the Writer's Center at 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815. Documents and information submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State for the cost of copying and postage. The Writer's Center is supported in part by The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, and by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts. Our web address is www.writer.org.
Media Contact:
Kyle Semmel
The Writer’s Center
301.654.8664 ext. 15
ksemmel@writer.org
www.writer.org
The Writer's Center to Host Roundtable Discussion on the Art of Political Cartooning in an Election Year, October 25th
Bethesda, MD (Oct. 8, 2008)—With less than a month before the election, candidates in both major parties are laying down broad reasons why we, the American people, should step up and vote for them. Standing on the periphery observing are the political cartoonists, keen-eyed artists whose sharp and often witty reflections of the political scene render judgment in simple, stark images.
On Saturday, October 25th The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD will celebrate the art of political cartooning with a special roundtable discussion featuring three of the nation’s most distinguished cartoonists: Matt Wuerker (The Politico), Richard Thompson (Washington Post), and Kevin Kallaugher (Baltimore Sun and The Economist). The event is made possible by a generous grant from the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation.
When: October 25th (7:30 p.m.)
Where: The Writer’s Center, Bethesda, MD 20815
This event is free and open to the public
Political cartooning has been important aspect of communication throughout American history. Since the distribution of Benjamin Franklin’s “Join or Die” cartoon in support of the French and Indian War in 1754, cartooning has served as a valuable tool to communicate political ideals and engage diverse audiences. It serves as a vehicle for citizens to challenge the political and cultural environment, making it a key facet of free speech, as well. The combination of narrative power and aesthetic symbolism render political cartooning an entirely unique method of expression. Additionally, both the classic comedic four-panel cartoon “strip,” and the one-panel, so-called “gag” cartoon often associated with The New Yorker, have commented on American life for decades.
About the artists:
Richard Thompson’s cartoon “Richard's Poor Almanac” appears weekly in The Washington Post and his comic strip “Cul-de-Sac” appears weekly in the “The Washington Post Magazine.” A book of his collected Almanac cartoons was published in 2005. His illustrations have appeared in U.S. News & World Report, The New Yorker, National Geographic and The Atlantic Monthly. He has received the National Cartoonist Society Magazine and Book Illustration Award for 1995, and their Newspaper Illustration Award for 1995. Visit him online at:
http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/
Matt Wuerker is the staff editorial cartoonist for The Politico. Mr. Wuerker’s cartoons are syndicated by the Tribune Syndicate and NewsArt.com. Two collections of his cartoons have been published, Standing Tall in Deep Doo Doo: A Cartoon Chronicle of The Bush Quayle Years, and Meanwhile in Other New…a Graphic Look at Politics in the Empire of Money, Sex and Scandal. His work has been published in the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor, as well as Funny Times, The Nation, The American Prospect, and Z Magazine. Visit him online at:
http://www.cartoonistgroup.com/properties/Wuerker/search_2.php
Kevin Kallaugher is the editorial cartoonist for The Baltimore Sun and The Economist. In March 1978, Mr. Kallaugher became the first resident cartoonist at The Economist in its 145-year history. His work has been included in more than 100 publications worldwide, including Le Monde, Der Spiegel, Pravda, Krokodil, Daily Yomiuri, The Australian, New York Times, Time, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, and The Washington Post. His cartoons are distributed worldwide by Cartoonarts International and the New York Times Syndicate.
You can view his work online at: http://www.kaltoons.com/
About the Writer’s Center:
The Writer's Center, founded in 1976, is one of the premier independent literary centers in the country. By becoming a member, you join an organization of more than 2,500 writers, editors, small press publishers and other artists. We promote the art of writing by offering workshops, hosting readings and special events, and building a community of writers, workshop leaders, publishers and audiences for contemporary writing.
The Writer's Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. A copy of our current financial statement is available upon request. Contact the Writer's Center at 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815. Documents and information submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State for the cost of copying and postage. The Writer's Center is supported in part by The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, and by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts. Our web address is www.writer.org.
Media Contact:
Kyle Semmel
The Writer’s Center
301.654.8664 ext. 15
ksemmel@writer.org
www.writer.org
Birthdays, birthdays
Harvey Pekar and Richard Thompson were both born today, supposedly years apart although I don't believe they've ever been seen together and never appear to be online at the same time. Happy birthday, gents!(that's Richard signing his book at the Crafty Bastards fair. Pekar was nowhere to be seen, you'll note)
Comic Creator Signing at Geppi's Entertainment Museum
Yeah, it's a little off the beaten path, but our neighbors to the north have a handful of noteworthy comic creators (writers and artists, but mostly writers) popping in for a signing event at Geppi's Entertainment Museum:
Friday, October 10, 2008 from 1:00 pm -3:30 pm
SUPERSTAR COMIC BOOK CREATOR SIGNING
Meet superstars of the comic book world during a special signing event that fans won't want to miss! Scheduled creators include:
> Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition)
> Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets)
> Greg Rucka (The Complete Whiteout)
> Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother)
> Tim Broderick (Cash and Carry)
> Duane Swierczynski (The Immortal Iron Fist)
> Gary Phillips (Darker Mask)
Copies of creators' work will be available for purchase. (NOTE: available titles subject to change.)
Friday, October 10, 2008 from 1:00 pm -3:30 pm
SUPERSTAR COMIC BOOK CREATOR SIGNING
Meet superstars of the comic book world during a special signing event that fans won't want to miss! Scheduled creators include:
> Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition)
> Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets)
> Greg Rucka (The Complete Whiteout)
> Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother)
> Tim Broderick (Cash and Carry)
> Duane Swierczynski (The Immortal Iron Fist)
> Gary Phillips (Darker Mask)
Copies of creators' work will be available for purchase. (NOTE: available titles subject to change.)
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Charlos Gary's surviving the Wash Times job...
...although the city's a bit slow for him. I remember the feeling when moving down from NJ. He's hanging at Busboys and Poets apparently, which is a cool place although it could use more books of course.
SPX 2008 - a few bits
At the Saturday panel on political cartoons, Frank Camusso said, "The internet really is a great place to suck." Ted Rall commented later in the same panel, "It gets really tiresome to do cartoons to remind people that torture is wrong."
On the Joost Swarte panel, he covered bits of his career. A few interesting points that I noted:
He designed stamps for a special December holiday mailing which have a reduced rate. He put the text of the stamps explanation of the rates in the center of the sheet so they couldn't be discarded. The stamp itself people delivering mail to each other until light shines at the end of the tunnel (ie the center of the stamp).
Swarte was majorly influenced by Willem's underground work, and then by the Americans in Zap Comix like Crumb, Shelton, Wilson, Moscosco and Spiegleman (with whom he worked on Raw).
The building he designed for Haarlem's arts center can be seen at http://www.toneelschuur.nl The photos he showed looked very cool.
He's illustrated three novels by a Dutch writer - Neskio perhaps? These looked interesting. He designed the illustrations to work as a flip book with the character's head centered throughout in one of them.
One thing he showed was his latest comic work - a short story Exercise of Style #100, based on Queneau's 99 Exercises in Style.
On the Joost Swarte panel, he covered bits of his career. A few interesting points that I noted:
He designed stamps for a special December holiday mailing which have a reduced rate. He put the text of the stamps explanation of the rates in the center of the sheet so they couldn't be discarded. The stamp itself people delivering mail to each other until light shines at the end of the tunnel (ie the center of the stamp).
Swarte was majorly influenced by Willem's underground work, and then by the Americans in Zap Comix like Crumb, Shelton, Wilson, Moscosco and Spiegleman (with whom he worked on Raw).
The building he designed for Haarlem's arts center can be seen at http://www.toneelschuur.nl The photos he showed looked very cool.
He's illustrated three novels by a Dutch writer - Neskio perhaps? These looked interesting. He designed the illustrations to work as a flip book with the character's head centered throughout in one of them.
One thing he showed was his latest comic work - a short story Exercise of Style #100, based on Queneau's 99 Exercises in Style.
Jeff Kinney interview
See "Interview: Jeff Kinney; 'Wimpy Kid' Author Chats About Life and Fame," by Martha Thomases, Sun Oct 5, 2008 - he's obviously gone beyond being the University of Maryland student cartoonist.
Herblock online feature
For a basic overview of Herb Block's career, see "Stars of Political Cartooning - Herb “Herblock” Block," by Brian Cronin, Monday, October 6th, 2008.
Publishers Weekly and others on SPX
"SPX Shines Despite Down Economy," By Heidi MacDonald, Laura Hudson and Van Jensen, PW Comics Week October 7, 2008. Somehow they missed the 5:30 Sunday interview with Richard Thompson in which he announced his plan to save the American economy. Here's a link to my pictures again.
Dirk Deppey at Journalista linked to some blogs so I'll steal the ones that I can relate to.
Brian Heater -whom I had hoped to see and thank for his Harvey Pekar interview permission. Brian runs some excellent interviews every month.
Chris Mautner - my old Comix@ friend has some great photos. Sorry to hear about the head cold though.
Ben Towle - another friend of mine. His book Midnight Sun is one of my favorites of the year, telling the story of a zeppelin lost in the Arctic. We only talked briefly, but Ben's got an interesting financial breakdown of his profits/losses from Heroes Con and SPX, the two shows I've seen him at this year.
Mike Lynch - I met Mike for the first time this weekend, but he's got a great blog I've been following.
Dustin Harbin - Dustin invited Richard Thompson to HeroesCon, so as his driver, I tagged along. Dustin turned out to be an absolute sweetheart. I bought his new mini and his poster of 26 cartoonists that he met and liked.
Dirk Deppey at Journalista linked to some blogs so I'll steal the ones that I can relate to.
Brian Heater -whom I had hoped to see and thank for his Harvey Pekar interview permission. Brian runs some excellent interviews every month.
Chris Mautner - my old Comix@ friend has some great photos. Sorry to hear about the head cold though.
Ben Towle - another friend of mine. His book Midnight Sun is one of my favorites of the year, telling the story of a zeppelin lost in the Arctic. We only talked briefly, but Ben's got an interesting financial breakdown of his profits/losses from Heroes Con and SPX, the two shows I've seen him at this year.
Mike Lynch - I met Mike for the first time this weekend, but he's got a great blog I've been following.
Dustin Harbin - Dustin invited Richard Thompson to HeroesCon, so as his driver, I tagged along. Dustin turned out to be an absolute sweetheart. I bought his new mini and his poster of 26 cartoonists that he met and liked.
Thompson - Post Health section split, go separate ways
Richard mentioned the other day when I was interviewing him that he wasn't doing the little cartoons for the Washington Post's Tuesday Health section anymore, so we can all stop looking for them today.
Monday, October 06, 2008
VisArts call for children's book art
And another from Casey Shaw about an upcoming exhibit that's issued a call for children's book illustration:
"TURNING THE PAGE," A unique exhibit featuring original artwork from illustrators of children's books.
The artwork will be displayed next to a copy of the book in which it appeared, and both will be offered for sale.
NOTE: Original art (or if digital, a high-quality signed print) must be available for sale.
There is no entry or hanging fee, but the Gallery will retain a portion of the proceeds.
WHERE: The new VisArts Center Gallery in downtown Rockville, MD
WHEN: Thursday December 4, 2008 - February 21, 2009
GALLERY HOURS: Monday - Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm. Closed Saturday.
The Gallery is open two Sundays per month from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for openings and coffee talks.
JUROR: Harriet Lesser, Director of Exhibitions.
http://www.visartscenter.org
CALENDAR:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - Deadline for entry - receipt (no later than 5:00pm)
Friday, October 17, 2008 - Notification of decision and agreement
Monday, December 1, 2008 - Deliver accepted artwork to VisArts: 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850
Thursday December 4, 2008 - Opening Reception: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Harriet Lesser
Director of Exhibitions
VisArts at Rockville
155 Gibbs Street, #300
Rockville, MD 20850
"TURNING THE PAGE," A unique exhibit featuring original artwork from illustrators of children's books.
The artwork will be displayed next to a copy of the book in which it appeared, and both will be offered for sale.
NOTE: Original art (or if digital, a high-quality signed print) must be available for sale.
There is no entry or hanging fee, but the Gallery will retain a portion of the proceeds.
WHERE: The new VisArts Center Gallery in downtown Rockville, MD
WHEN: Thursday December 4, 2008 - February 21, 2009
GALLERY HOURS: Monday - Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm. Closed Saturday.
The Gallery is open two Sundays per month from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for openings and coffee talks.
JUROR: Harriet Lesser, Director of Exhibitions.
http://www.visartscenter.org
CALENDAR:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - Deadline for entry - receipt (no later than 5:00pm)
Friday, October 17, 2008 - Notification of decision and agreement
Monday, December 1, 2008 - Deliver accepted artwork to VisArts: 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850
Thursday December 4, 2008 - Opening Reception: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Harriet Lesser
Director of Exhibitions
VisArts at Rockville
155 Gibbs Street, #300
Rockville, MD 20850
Hanoch Piven caricature exhibit in DC
Thanks to Casey Shaw of USA Weekend for the tip about this show at the Sixth & I St, NW synagogue!
What Candidates are Really Made of & Other Famous Faces
Sunday, September 21 - Monday, November 13
Sunday, September 21, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Children's Workshop)
Sunday, September 21, 3:00 p.m. (Opening)
Israeli artist Hanoch Piven creates evocative pop portraits of celebrities and notable politicians using found objects such as bubble gum, light bulbs and electrical wire. In the spirit of the upcoming elections, the exhibition will feature two original commissioned pieces of the presidential candidates. Find out what McCain and Obama are REALLY made of! Other portraits will include musicians, entertainers and U.S. and Israeli politicians.
Several of Piven's portraits are on permanent collection at the Library of Congress. His most recent project is the creation of the Hafatzim Mitlotsetsim TV program, which airs on the Israeli children's channel, Hop. Piven has also published five children's books, one of which Time Magazine named one of the best 10 children's books of the year. Piven is a regular contributor to Haaretz and his work has appeared in major publications throughout the world, including the New York Times, Newsweek, Rolling Stone and Time Magazine in the United States. He won the gold medal from the Society of Illustrators and the silver medal from the Society of Publication Designers for his designs.
Viewing hours are Monday - Thursday and the first Sunday of the month from 12 noon - 3:00 p.m., or call 202/408-3100 to schedule an appointment.
In addition to the exhibit opening, there will also be a workshop for children on Sunday, September 21. The exhibit opening is free and the cost of the children's workshop is $6 per child. R.S.V.P. for these events to Sonia Rosen here or call 202/408-3100.
What Candidates are Really Made of & Other Famous Faces
Sunday, September 21 - Monday, November 13
Sunday, September 21, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Children's Workshop)
Sunday, September 21, 3:00 p.m. (Opening)
Israeli artist Hanoch Piven creates evocative pop portraits of celebrities and notable politicians using found objects such as bubble gum, light bulbs and electrical wire. In the spirit of the upcoming elections, the exhibition will feature two original commissioned pieces of the presidential candidates. Find out what McCain and Obama are REALLY made of! Other portraits will include musicians, entertainers and U.S. and Israeli politicians.
Several of Piven's portraits are on permanent collection at the Library of Congress. His most recent project is the creation of the Hafatzim Mitlotsetsim TV program, which airs on the Israeli children's channel, Hop. Piven has also published five children's books, one of which Time Magazine named one of the best 10 children's books of the year. Piven is a regular contributor to Haaretz and his work has appeared in major publications throughout the world, including the New York Times, Newsweek, Rolling Stone and Time Magazine in the United States. He won the gold medal from the Society of Illustrators and the silver medal from the Society of Publication Designers for his designs.
Viewing hours are Monday - Thursday and the first Sunday of the month from 12 noon - 3:00 p.m., or call 202/408-3100 to schedule an appointment.
In addition to the exhibit opening, there will also be a workshop for children on Sunday, September 21. The exhibit opening is free and the cost of the children's workshop is $6 per child. R.S.V.P. for these events to Sonia Rosen here or call 202/408-3100.
You probably all know this, but... Breathed retires, again
Michael Cavna helped break the story on his Comic Riffs blog today. As of this writing, there's 34 comments all over the map about the strip and Breathed's career.
I've been away from the computer, so it's lucky I don't get paid for this, isn't it?
And thanks for the Riffy nod over the weekend, Michael.
I've been away from the computer, so it's lucky I don't get paid for this, isn't it?
And thanks for the Riffy nod over the weekend, Michael.
Nov 6: Israeli comics lecture at Library of Congress
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20540
Phone: (202) 707-2905
Fax: (202) 707-9199
Email: pao@loc.gov
October 3, 2008
ISRAELI COMICS TO BE SUBJECT OF NOV 6. LECTURE
Drawing both from Judeo-European and American cultures, comics have been a mainstay of Israeli newspapers and readers’ markets since the early 1930s. Little known outside the Middle East, these comics open an interesting window into Israeli society, past and present.
Ofer Berenstein will deliver a lecture titled “Israeli Comics: Past and Present” at the Library of Congress at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Montpelier Room, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building at 101 Independence Ave S.E., Washington, D.C.
The lecture, which is sponsored by the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division, Serial and Government Publications Division and the Hebraic Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division, is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.
Ofer Berenstein is a founding member of the Israeli Comic Book Readers and Collectors Society. He served in the Israeli Army Home Front Command as a photographer, graphic designer and editor. He is a graduate student at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.
The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is the world’s preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Founded in 1800, the Library holds more than 138 million items, including 21 million cataloged books, 61 million manuscripts and nearly 14 million photographs, posters, prints and drawings.
The Library’s Prints and Photographs Division houses the Library’s outstanding holdings of original cartoon and caricature drawings and makes them accessible through its online catalog at www.loc.gov/rr/print/catalog.html. The Library’s Serial and Government Publications Division houses the world’s largest comic book collection (5,000 titles; 100,000 issues).
The Library’s African and Middle Eastern Division (www.loc.gov/rr/amed) is the center for the study of some 78 countries and regions from Southern Africa to the Maghreb and from the Middle East to Central Asia.
# # #
PR 08-181
ISSN 0731-3527
10/3/08
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20540
Phone: (202) 707-2905
Fax: (202) 707-9199
Email: pao@loc.gov
October 3, 2008
ISRAELI COMICS TO BE SUBJECT OF NOV 6. LECTURE
Drawing both from Judeo-European and American cultures, comics have been a mainstay of Israeli newspapers and readers’ markets since the early 1930s. Little known outside the Middle East, these comics open an interesting window into Israeli society, past and present.
Ofer Berenstein will deliver a lecture titled “Israeli Comics: Past and Present” at the Library of Congress at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Montpelier Room, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building at 101 Independence Ave S.E., Washington, D.C.
The lecture, which is sponsored by the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division, Serial and Government Publications Division and the Hebraic Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division, is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.
Ofer Berenstein is a founding member of the Israeli Comic Book Readers and Collectors Society. He served in the Israeli Army Home Front Command as a photographer, graphic designer and editor. He is a graduate student at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.
The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is the world’s preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Founded in 1800, the Library holds more than 138 million items, including 21 million cataloged books, 61 million manuscripts and nearly 14 million photographs, posters, prints and drawings.
The Library’s Prints and Photographs Division houses the Library’s outstanding holdings of original cartoon and caricature drawings and makes them accessible through its online catalog at www.loc.gov/rr/print/catalog.html. The Library’s Serial and Government Publications Division houses the world’s largest comic book collection (5,000 titles; 100,000 issues).
The Library’s African and Middle Eastern Division (www.loc.gov/rr/amed) is the center for the study of some 78 countries and regions from Southern Africa to the Maghreb and from the Middle East to Central Asia.
# # #
PR 08-181
ISSN 0731-3527
10/3/08
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Stalin's favorite cartoonist finally dies, part 2
Here's a good obit that has more details - "Boris Yefimov, Sharp Russian Cartoonist Who Was Beloved by Stalin, Dies at 109," By DOUGLAS MARTIN, New York Times October 5, 2008
Small Press Expo 2008 photos
Here's some shots from Saturday. Remember that I'll be interviewing Richard Thompson at 5 pm downstairs. Richard will also be signing his books during the day (and you can always catch me to buy a Harvey Pekar: Conversations).
Richard Thompson and Joost Swart
Richard Thompson and Joost Swart
Mark Anderson of Andertoons
Mark Anderson of Andertoons
Richard Thompson, Paul Karasik and Brendan Burford
Joost Swarte and Jen Sorenson
Joost Swarte and Jen Sorenson
Derf
Jen Sorenson
Joost Swarte
Howard U. professor Marc Singer, Joost Swarte, Richard Thompson
Jason Lutes.
Richard Thompson and Joost Swart
Richard Thompson and Joost Swart
Mark Anderson of Andertoons
Mark Anderson of Andertoons
Richard Thompson, Paul Karasik and Brendan Burford
Joost Swarte and Jen Sorenson
Joost Swarte and Jen Sorenson
Derf
Jen Sorenson
Joost Swarte
Howard U. professor Marc Singer, Joost Swarte, Richard Thompson
Jason Lutes.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-08-08 (Yom Kippur!)
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-08-08 (Yom Kippur!)
By John Judy
NOTE: Be sure to read this week’s X-comics before sunset so you can atone for doing so.
ACTION COMICS #870 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. Clark fights Brainiac and gets so upset he leaves his shirt open on the front cover! Great Krypton!
AVENGERS/INVADERS #5 of 12 by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Steve Sadowski. Do you want a comic in which Wolverine rides piggy-back on a flaming mutant boy in swim trunks? How about a comic in which a deaf character lip-reads Spider-Man even though Spidey is wearing a mask that covers his entire face? Okay, how about a comic in which the original Human Torch equates trashed government robots (LMDs) with Jews murdered in the holocaust? And it’s drawn almost as well as it reads. Seven more issues until we discover if a comic will ship with zero retailer orders.
DC COMICS GOES APE SC by Various Creators. You want ape-fights? You want superheroes turning into apes and fighting other superheroes who have also turned into apes? Well, buster, you came to the right place! And we don’t need no WWII secret vampire apes neither! This is Old Ape School, pally-boy! “Ook!”
FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #3 of 5 by Greg Rucka and Philip Tan. Darkseid has the anti-life equation and it will be on the test!
GOON #29 written and drawn by Eric Powell. “You’d think he’d learn not to eat sauerkraut around the Goon. He hates the smell of sauerkraut.” “There’s no learnin’ some people. You just gotta twist their heads around.” So highly recommended…
GREEN LANTERN #35 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. The final chapter of the Hal Jordan/Sinestro buddy-cop movie! Good stuff.
HELLBOY LIBRARY EDITION, VOL. 2 HC by Mike Mignola, Matthew Hollingsworth and James Sinclair. Collecting the complete “Chained Coffin” and “The Right Hand of Doom” in super-sweet 9 x 12 format! Recommended.
MARVEL ZOMBIES 3 #1 of 4 by Fred Van Lente and Kev Walker. A surprisingly good follow-up to a series that kind of half jumped the shark a year ago. Credit the talents of artist Kev Walker and author and co-founder of EvilTwin Comics, Fred Van Lente. Worth a look if you liked the first MZ series.
PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: BARACK OBAMA by Jeff Mariotte and Tom Morgan. IDW Publishing is putting out two graphic biographies of the men vying to become our next President: Senator Barack Obama and the guy who’s going to lose because he picked your crazy homeroom teacher as his running mate. Gotta look! Gotta vote!
SECRET SIX #2 by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. Batman versus Catman! Can Ratman be far behind? No, because there is no Ratman, I made him up. How about Scatman Crothers? No, he’s dead. Okay, seriously, this is a good team book, kind of like THUNDERBOLTS only more intimate. Honest. For some reason the best super-team books lately are about teams of villains. Go figure.
SERENITY: BETTER DAYS SC by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews and Will Conrad. Collecting the three-issue space adventures of the crew that made Han Solo look like a choirboy. Stupid Fox Television!
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: BLACKHAWK VOL. 1 SC by Various Creators. Collecting BLACKHAWK issues #108-127 from the fabulous fifties. They’re being eaten by a giant robot whale who is almost certainly a commie. Old school.
THE STAND: CAPTAIN TRIPS #2 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins. So far this is turning out to be among the strongest adaptations of Stephen King’s work in comics or any other medium. Not kidding. Highly recommended.
THE TWELVE #8 of 12 by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston. Electro the mysterious robot makes his move. Finally! Recommended.
TWO-FACE: YEAR ONE #2 of 2 by Mark Sable and Jesus Saiz. Two-Face is running for election! But enough about John McCain….
WALKING DEAD #53 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. Old friends return and new ones are made. At least we think they’re friends… Recommended. Not for kids.
WONDER WOMAN #25 by Gail Simone and Bernard Chang. Wonder Woman is determined to stop a movie of her life from being made. If only the suits hadn’t said “Does she have to be a woman?”
X-MEN: MAGNETO TESTAMENT #2 of 5 by Greg Pak and Carmine Di Giandomenico. A bold attempt to show the early life of one of Marvel’s iconic villains as a young Jewish boy trying to survive in Hitler’s Germany. Not your run-of-the-mill X-garbage. Worth checking out.
X-MEN: MANIFEST DESTINY #2 of 5 by Lotsa People. Three stories of mutants with intimacy issues. Also a philosophy under which Marvel will attempt to push all other comics off the racks in order to accommodate more X-Books, regardless of quality. Nuff said!
X-MEN: ORIGINAL SIN #1 by Daniel Way, Mike Deodato, Mike Carey and Scot Eaton. Wolverine beats up and threatens to kill his X-friends. An artist forgets how to draw Wolver-Lad’s claws. And they re-print the first issue of CLASSIC X-MEN. The good news? This is a one-shot.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
NOTE: Be sure to read this week’s X-comics before sunset so you can atone for doing so.
ACTION COMICS #870 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. Clark fights Brainiac and gets so upset he leaves his shirt open on the front cover! Great Krypton!
AVENGERS/INVADERS #5 of 12 by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Steve Sadowski. Do you want a comic in which Wolverine rides piggy-back on a flaming mutant boy in swim trunks? How about a comic in which a deaf character lip-reads Spider-Man even though Spidey is wearing a mask that covers his entire face? Okay, how about a comic in which the original Human Torch equates trashed government robots (LMDs) with Jews murdered in the holocaust? And it’s drawn almost as well as it reads. Seven more issues until we discover if a comic will ship with zero retailer orders.
DC COMICS GOES APE SC by Various Creators. You want ape-fights? You want superheroes turning into apes and fighting other superheroes who have also turned into apes? Well, buster, you came to the right place! And we don’t need no WWII secret vampire apes neither! This is Old Ape School, pally-boy! “Ook!”
FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #3 of 5 by Greg Rucka and Philip Tan. Darkseid has the anti-life equation and it will be on the test!
GOON #29 written and drawn by Eric Powell. “You’d think he’d learn not to eat sauerkraut around the Goon. He hates the smell of sauerkraut.” “There’s no learnin’ some people. You just gotta twist their heads around.” So highly recommended…
GREEN LANTERN #35 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. The final chapter of the Hal Jordan/Sinestro buddy-cop movie! Good stuff.
HELLBOY LIBRARY EDITION, VOL. 2 HC by Mike Mignola, Matthew Hollingsworth and James Sinclair. Collecting the complete “Chained Coffin” and “The Right Hand of Doom” in super-sweet 9 x 12 format! Recommended.
MARVEL ZOMBIES 3 #1 of 4 by Fred Van Lente and Kev Walker. A surprisingly good follow-up to a series that kind of half jumped the shark a year ago. Credit the talents of artist Kev Walker and author and co-founder of EvilTwin Comics, Fred Van Lente. Worth a look if you liked the first MZ series.
PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: BARACK OBAMA by Jeff Mariotte and Tom Morgan. IDW Publishing is putting out two graphic biographies of the men vying to become our next President: Senator Barack Obama and the guy who’s going to lose because he picked your crazy homeroom teacher as his running mate. Gotta look! Gotta vote!
SECRET SIX #2 by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. Batman versus Catman! Can Ratman be far behind? No, because there is no Ratman, I made him up. How about Scatman Crothers? No, he’s dead. Okay, seriously, this is a good team book, kind of like THUNDERBOLTS only more intimate. Honest. For some reason the best super-team books lately are about teams of villains. Go figure.
SERENITY: BETTER DAYS SC by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews and Will Conrad. Collecting the three-issue space adventures of the crew that made Han Solo look like a choirboy. Stupid Fox Television!
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: BLACKHAWK VOL. 1 SC by Various Creators. Collecting BLACKHAWK issues #108-127 from the fabulous fifties. They’re being eaten by a giant robot whale who is almost certainly a commie. Old school.
THE STAND: CAPTAIN TRIPS #2 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins. So far this is turning out to be among the strongest adaptations of Stephen King’s work in comics or any other medium. Not kidding. Highly recommended.
THE TWELVE #8 of 12 by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston. Electro the mysterious robot makes his move. Finally! Recommended.
TWO-FACE: YEAR ONE #2 of 2 by Mark Sable and Jesus Saiz. Two-Face is running for election! But enough about John McCain….
WALKING DEAD #53 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. Old friends return and new ones are made. At least we think they’re friends… Recommended. Not for kids.
WONDER WOMAN #25 by Gail Simone and Bernard Chang. Wonder Woman is determined to stop a movie of her life from being made. If only the suits hadn’t said “Does she have to be a woman?”
X-MEN: MAGNETO TESTAMENT #2 of 5 by Greg Pak and Carmine Di Giandomenico. A bold attempt to show the early life of one of Marvel’s iconic villains as a young Jewish boy trying to survive in Hitler’s Germany. Not your run-of-the-mill X-garbage. Worth checking out.
X-MEN: MANIFEST DESTINY #2 of 5 by Lotsa People. Three stories of mutants with intimacy issues. Also a philosophy under which Marvel will attempt to push all other comics off the racks in order to accommodate more X-Books, regardless of quality. Nuff said!
X-MEN: ORIGINAL SIN #1 by Daniel Way, Mike Deodato, Mike Carey and Scot Eaton. Wolverine beats up and threatens to kill his X-friends. An artist forgets how to draw Wolver-Lad’s claws. And they re-print the first issue of CLASSIC X-MEN. The good news? This is a one-shot.
www.johnjudy.net
This week's Zadzooks
ZADZOOKS: Joe Montana, Deluxe Hellboy and Duel with Dooku reviews
Joseph Szadkowski
Washington Times Wednesday, October 1, 2008
and a couple of catch-ups on Greg Bennett's best. I adore Posy Simmonds.
Bennett's Best for the week of September 21
Zadzooks Blog
POSTED October 02 2008 6:50 PM BY JOE SZADKOWSKI
Bennett's Best for the week of September 28
Zadzooks Blog
POSTED October 03 2008 5:37 PM BY JOE SZADKOWSKI
and Alcoholic is by my buddy Dean Haspiel and should be good.
Joseph Szadkowski
Washington Times Wednesday, October 1, 2008
and a couple of catch-ups on Greg Bennett's best. I adore Posy Simmonds.
Bennett's Best for the week of September 21
Zadzooks Blog
POSTED October 02 2008 6:50 PM BY JOE SZADKOWSKI
Bennett's Best for the week of September 28
Zadzooks Blog
POSTED October 03 2008 5:37 PM BY JOE SZADKOWSKI
and Alcoholic is by my buddy Dean Haspiel and should be good.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Off to Small Press Expo!
We're off to Small Press Expo - stop us and buy our books! We're each carrying copies to pawn off on willing victims. I might stare at you stupidly for a moment as I had too much anesthetic for a dental procedure yesterday, but just persevere!
On Sunday, I will be interviewing Richard at 5 pm - and he's bringing original art to show - so stick around and stop in! Harvey Pekar has signed 2 copies of the book about him that will be available through the CBLDF table.
(original photo by Marcus Hamilton, and it deserved better)
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Oct 8-12: MacHomer at Woolly Mammoth
MacHomer, the one man show by Rick Miller that smashes together Shakespeare and the Simpsons will be in Washington on Oct 8-12, at Woolly Mammoth. A review by Nick Green is in the Washington City Paper October 1, 2008.
SWANN FOUNDATION ACCEPTING FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Public Affairs Office
101 Independence Ave., S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20540-1400
Voice: 202.707.2905
Fax: 202.707.9199
October 2, 2008
Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639, durschel@loc.gov
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115
SWANN FOUNDATION ACCEPTING FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
Foundation Supports Research in the Humorous Arts of Caricature and Cartoon
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2009-2010 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, and notification will occur in the spring.
The Swann Foundation seeks to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist in continuing scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon. Depending on the number and quality of proposals, the advisory board may elect to make multiple, smaller awards.
A fellow is required to be in residence in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of two weeks, use the Library’s extensive collections and deliver a public lecture at the Library on his or her work. Each fellow must also provide a copy of his or her dissertation, thesis or postgraduate publication upon completion, for the Swann Foundation Fund files.
Guidelines and application forms are available through the Swann Foundation’s Web site www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html, by e-mailing swann@loc.gov or by calling Martha Kennedy in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library at (202) 707-9115.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States and a candidate for a master’s or doctoral degree at a university based in the United States, Canada or Mexico. The applicant must be working toward completion of a dissertation or thesis for that degree or be engaged in postgraduate research within three years of receiving an M.A. or a Ph.D. Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet these academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a fellowship, contingent upon their visa eligibility.
The applicant’s research must be in the field of caricature and cartoon. There are no restrictions on the place or time period covered. To encourage research in a variety of academic disciplines, any university department may oversee a project proposed for the fellowship, provided the subject pertains to caricature or cartoon art.
Requirements for the fellowship applications include a statement of qualifications, a one-page abstract of the proposed project, a project description that specifies research needs and a budget, two letters of reference and official transcripts.
The Swann Foundation Fellowship in Caricature and Cartoon is one of a small number of scholarly fellowships that provide direct support for continuing graduate research in the field. It has supported groundbreaking research on caricature and cartoon that focuses on a variety of subjects and topics such as the Cold War; representations of race, class conflict and disease; and the early origins of caricature and political satire, and the cultural and social forces that have influenced the development of prominent cartoonists’ work. For a list of research projects, visit www.loc.gov/rr/rint/swann/swann-fellowslist.html.
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is overseen by an advisory board composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members. The foundation’s activities support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906-1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.
# # #
PR08-183
10/2/08
ISSN: 0731-3527
Public Affairs Office
101 Independence Ave., S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20540-1400
Voice: 202.707.2905
Fax: 202.707.9199
October 2, 2008
Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639, durschel@loc.gov
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115
SWANN FOUNDATION ACCEPTING FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
Foundation Supports Research in the Humorous Arts of Caricature and Cartoon
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2009-2010 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, and notification will occur in the spring.
The Swann Foundation seeks to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist in continuing scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon. Depending on the number and quality of proposals, the advisory board may elect to make multiple, smaller awards.
A fellow is required to be in residence in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of two weeks, use the Library’s extensive collections and deliver a public lecture at the Library on his or her work. Each fellow must also provide a copy of his or her dissertation, thesis or postgraduate publication upon completion, for the Swann Foundation Fund files.
Guidelines and application forms are available through the Swann Foundation’s Web site www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html, by e-mailing swann@loc.gov or by calling Martha Kennedy in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library at (202) 707-9115.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States and a candidate for a master’s or doctoral degree at a university based in the United States, Canada or Mexico. The applicant must be working toward completion of a dissertation or thesis for that degree or be engaged in postgraduate research within three years of receiving an M.A. or a Ph.D. Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet these academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a fellowship, contingent upon their visa eligibility.
The applicant’s research must be in the field of caricature and cartoon. There are no restrictions on the place or time period covered. To encourage research in a variety of academic disciplines, any university department may oversee a project proposed for the fellowship, provided the subject pertains to caricature or cartoon art.
Requirements for the fellowship applications include a statement of qualifications, a one-page abstract of the proposed project, a project description that specifies research needs and a budget, two letters of reference and official transcripts.
The Swann Foundation Fellowship in Caricature and Cartoon is one of a small number of scholarly fellowships that provide direct support for continuing graduate research in the field. It has supported groundbreaking research on caricature and cartoon that focuses on a variety of subjects and topics such as the Cold War; representations of race, class conflict and disease; and the early origins of caricature and political satire, and the cultural and social forces that have influenced the development of prominent cartoonists’ work. For a list of research projects, visit www.loc.gov/rr/rint/swann/swann-fellowslist.html.
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is overseen by an advisory board composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members. The foundation’s activities support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906-1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.
# # #
PR08-183
10/2/08
ISSN: 0731-3527
Oct 6: Happy Accident at GWU
10/6 Happy Accident: A Comics Presentation & Panel
EVENT:
Cartoonists Jesse Reklaw (The Night of Your Life: A Slow Wave Production), Dash Shaw (Bottomless Belly Button), Trevor Alixopulos (Hot Breath of War), Ken Dahl (Welcome to the Dahl House: Alienation, Incarceration, and Inebri in the New American Rome), and Sarah Edward-Corbett (See-Saw) will join a reading and panel discussion titled “Happy Accidents,” about contemporary themes and issues in graphic novels. This event is sponsored by The George Washington University’s Melvin Gelman Library and the University Writing Program.
WHEN:
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008; 5 p.m.
WHERE:
The George Washington University
Gelman Library, Room 301
2130 H St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Foggy Bottom - GWU Metro Station (Orange and Blue lines)
COST:
This event is free and open to the public. Photo I.D. is required to enter the building. Media wishing to attend should contact Nick Massella at (202) 994-3087 or massella@gwu.edu.
BACKGROUND:
Jesse Reklaw turns the dreams of strangers into clever four-panel comic strips in The Night of Your Life: A Slow Wave Production. This hardcover book collects five years of Reklaw’s comic strip, Slow Wave, which appears in alternative weekly newspapers all over the country.
Twenty-five-year-old Dash Shaw’s fourth graphic novel, Bottomless Belly Button, is a 720-page comedy-drama that follows the dysfunctional adventures of the Loony Family.
Trevor Alixopulos’ Hot Breath of War takes seemingly unrelated episodes of life during wartime and entwines them into one experimental narrative. This subtle graphic novel explores love amidst conflict and the seduction of violence.
Ken Dahl documents alienation, incarceration, and inebriation in the new American Rome in Welcome to the Dahl House: Alienation, Incarceration, and Inebri in the New American Rome, a graphic novel anthology. Dahl is a 2006 Ignatz Award recipient and 2007 Center for Cartoon Studies Fellow.
Sara Edward-Corbett’s comic strip See-Saw ran in the New York Press from 2003 - 2005. With her detail and affection for youthful insolence, she is a new contributor to Mome, the premier anthology of literary comics.
Stalin's favorite cartoonist finally dies
"Boris Yefimov, 108; Political Cartoonist," Washington Post Thursday, October 2, 2008; B07 is the wire story in the Post.
Scottish Reign: Ian Rankin on the End of Det. John Rebus
Posted By Express at 8:00 AM on October 1, 2008
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/scottish_reign_ian_rankin_on_the_end_of.php
He talks about his Constantine graphic novel in this interview.
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/scottish_reign_ian_rankin_on_the_end_of.php
He talks about his Constantine graphic novel in this interview.
Mixing Up Her Media: Lynda Barry
Written by Express contributor Tim Follos
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/mixing_up_her_media_lynda_barry.php
» Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; Fri., Oct. 3, Barry, 7 p.m.; with Tom Tomorrow, 9 p.m., free; 202-364-1919. (Van Ness-UDC)
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/mixing_up_her_media_lynda_barry.php
» Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; Fri., Oct. 3, Barry, 7 p.m.; with Tom Tomorrow, 9 p.m., free; 202-364-1919. (Van Ness-UDC)
Pilgrim's Progress: Bryan Lee O'Malley on 'Scott Pilgrim'
Written by Express contributor Scott A. Rosenberg
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008 http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/pilgrims_progress_bryan_lee_omalley_on_s.php
» Marriott Bethesda North Hotel, 5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda; Oct. 4 & 5, Sat. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., $8 one day, $15 for both; 301-822-9200. (White Flint)
Written by Express contributor Scott A. Rosenberg
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008 http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/pilgrims_progress_bryan_lee_omalley_on_s.php
» Marriott Bethesda North Hotel, 5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda; Oct. 4 & 5, Sat. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., $8 one day, $15 for both; 301-822-9200. (White Flint)
Written by Express contributor Scott A. Rosenberg
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008
The Uncertain Future: Tom Tomorrow
Written by Glenn Dixon
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/the_uncertain_future_tom_tomoroow.php
This is one of 4 articles in the Express today - two other interviews are linked in separated posts, there was a wire service story on Spider-Man and Stephen Colbert and finally an online interview with Ian Rankin is also linked in another post.
» Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; Fri., Oct. 3, with Lynda Barry, 7 p.m.; Tomorrow, 9 p.m., free; 202-364-1919. (Van Ness-UDC)
Posted By Express at 12:01 AM on October 2, 2008
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/the_uncertain_future_tom_tomoroow.php
This is one of 4 articles in the Express today - two other interviews are linked in separated posts, there was a wire service story on Spider-Man and Stephen Colbert and finally an online interview with Ian Rankin is also linked in another post.
» Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; Fri., Oct. 3, with Lynda Barry, 7 p.m.; Tomorrow, 9 p.m., free; 202-364-1919. (Van Ness-UDC)
Comic Riffs' Cul de Sac contest
Michael Cavna has a contest beginning this morning - "Comic Riffs will launch its "Cul de Sac" Writing Contest -- the blog's readers will be invited to submit very short verse (haiku, ode or limerick) that celebrates Richard's strip. Richard himself will judge the contest."
Since I can't see my own blog at work, I'm pre-posting this the night before and taking it on faith.
Since I can't see my own blog at work, I'm pre-posting this the night before and taking it on faith.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Rob Clough's SPX suggestions
Click here for Rob Clough's SPX suggestions. I haven't met Clough, but he'll be moderating a panel too.
Veitch quotes Manet
The new issue of Rick Veitch's Army @Love: The Art of War 3 lovingly quotes Manet's The Luncheon on the Grass. I've been told that Veitch's family is from Arlington - there's a Veitch street down the block from me.
Baltimore Comic-Con photos
Here's a few - more of same (literally) on my Flickr site set. These are all from Saturday.
The hour-long line to get in.
Richard Thompson examining his free can of Monster drink during the hour-long wait to get in.
Star Wars costumes.
Andy Runton signing Owly. Photo by Claire.
Kids and comics - a natural.
Jeff Kinney signing Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Photo by Claire.
Danielle Corsetto.
Nathan Fox.
Steve Conley getting a book signed by Richard Thompson.
Don Rosa drawing Uncle Scrooge.
The hour-long line to get in.
Richard Thompson examining his free can of Monster drink during the hour-long wait to get in.
Star Wars costumes.
Andy Runton signing Owly. Photo by Claire.
Kids and comics - a natural.
Jeff Kinney signing Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Photo by Claire.
Danielle Corsetto.
Nathan Fox.
Steve Conley getting a book signed by Richard Thompson.
Don Rosa drawing Uncle Scrooge.
Matt Wuerker posts Palin game on Politico site
I just got 211 points in Matt Wuerker's new online game Sarah Palin: Guardian of the Northern Frontier. I would have done better, but apparently you're not supposed to shoot the pigs or moose.
More of Matt's animation is online too. I only got 182 in Gaffe Gunner Joe.
Oct 25: Campaign Cartoons with KAL (Kevin Kallaugher)
Another missive from Bruce Guthrie:
Campaign Cartoons with KAL (Kevin Kallaugher)
Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m., Knight Studio, Level 3
Award-winning editorial cartoonist Kevin Kallaugher brings his drawing and animation skills to the Newseum for a high-tech, humorous look at the presidential campaign and the candidates. Kallaugher will present additional sessions, including "Talk and Draw," an interactive group activity in which the artist works with the audience to create cartoons with a message, and "Learn to Draw with KAL," a hands-on activity for the whole family.
Campaign Cartoons with KAL (Kevin Kallaugher)
Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m., Knight Studio, Level 3
Award-winning editorial cartoonist Kevin Kallaugher brings his drawing and animation skills to the Newseum for a high-tech, humorous look at the presidential campaign and the candidates. Kallaugher will present additional sessions, including "Talk and Draw," an interactive group activity in which the artist works with the audience to create cartoons with a message, and "Learn to Draw with KAL," a hands-on activity for the whole family.
SPX political cartoonists PR
Note that two of DC's political cartoonists, Matt and Nate, will be making rare appearances.
Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008 To Be Held This Weekend Oct 4-Oct 5
Bethesda, Maryland; September 29, 2008 - Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008 will be held this weekend, Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days and is good for both Outside Looking In and the Small Press Expo the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons,
In celebration of this most historical election, Outside Looking In has gathered the best alternative political cartoonist from across the United States for a special two days of panel discussions, interviews and autograph sessions.
Information on the panels, interviews, directions and exhibitors can be found at http://www.spxpo.com.
Here is a partial list of the political cartoon guests at this special event:
Tom Tomorrow is making a very rare comic convention appearance in conjunction with Outside Looking In and SPX is the award winning cartoonist, Tom Tomorrow, one of the pioneers in the alternative political cartooning field. The creator of the strip "This Modern World " and its protagonist, Sparky The Wonder Penguin, will promote his newly released book, "The Future Is So Bright I Can’t Bare To Look!". Visit Mr. Tomorrow’s web site at http://www.thismodernworld.com.
Lloyd Dangle, who is attending SPX as a guest for the first time in many years, is the creator of the long running social and political cartoon series "Troubletown". Mr. Dangle also has a new book out, "Troubletown, I Told You So!". See his cartoons at http://www.troubletown.com. Be sure to catch Lloyd interviewing Tom Tomorrow on Saturday afternoon.
Ted Rall is the President 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.
Jen Sorensen is the creator of the political/social commentary strip "Slowpoke" and is now the political cartoonist for The Village Voice. She is also syndicated nationally and is (unfortunately) one of the few women political cartoonists. She will be at SPX to sign her latest book, "One Nation, Oh My God". Visit her website at http://www.slowpokecomics.com.
Keith Knight is the creator of the syndicated daily and Sunday strip "The Knight Life", as well as his long running strips "The K Chronicles" and "(th)ink". His latest books are "The Complete K Chronicles" from Dark Horse books and his self published "I Left My Arse In San Francisco". He draws regularly for Mad Magazine and ESPN the Magazine. Visit his web site at http://www.kchronicles.com/
Nate Beeler is the syndicated political cartoonist from The Washington Examiner. He won the John Locher Memorial Award as The Best College Political Cartoonist and will be making his first appearance at SPX.Visit his web site at http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/NateBeelerToons.
For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at mailto: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.
Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008 To Be Held This Weekend Oct 4-Oct 5
Bethesda, Maryland; September 29, 2008 - Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008 will be held this weekend, Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days and is good for both Outside Looking In and the Small Press Expo the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons,
In celebration of this most historical election, Outside Looking In has gathered the best alternative political cartoonist from across the United States for a special two days of panel discussions, interviews and autograph sessions.
Information on the panels, interviews, directions and exhibitors can be found at http://www.spxpo.com.
Here is a partial list of the political cartoon guests at this special event:
Tom Tomorrow is making a very rare comic convention appearance in conjunction with Outside Looking In and SPX is the award winning cartoonist, Tom Tomorrow, one of the pioneers in the alternative political cartooning field. The creator of the strip "This Modern World " and its protagonist, Sparky The Wonder Penguin, will promote his newly released book, "The Future Is So Bright I Can’t Bare To Look!". Visit Mr. Tomorrow’s web site at http://www.thismodernworld.com.
Lloyd Dangle, who is attending SPX as a guest for the first time in many years, is the creator of the long running social and political cartoon series "Troubletown". Mr. Dangle also has a new book out, "Troubletown, I Told You So!". See his cartoons at http://www.troubletown.com. Be sure to catch Lloyd interviewing Tom Tomorrow on Saturday afternoon.
Ted Rall is the President 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.
Jen Sorensen is the creator of the political/social commentary strip "Slowpoke" and is now the political cartoonist for The Village Voice. She is also syndicated nationally and is (unfortunately) one of the few women political cartoonists. She will be at SPX to sign her latest book, "One Nation, Oh My God". Visit her website at http://www.slowpokecomics.com.
Keith Knight is the creator of the syndicated daily and Sunday strip "The Knight Life", as well as his long running strips "The K Chronicles" and "(th)ink". His latest books are "The Complete K Chronicles" from Dark Horse books and his self published "I Left My Arse In San Francisco". He draws regularly for Mad Magazine and ESPN the Magazine. Visit his web site at http://www.kchronicles.com/
Nate Beeler is the syndicated political cartoonist from The Washington Examiner. He won the John Locher Memorial Award as The Best College Political Cartoonist and will be making his first appearance at SPX.Visit his web site at http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/NateBeelerToons.
For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at mailto: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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
SPX travel plans by cartoonists
Here's a cute bit by Mei K at the Daily Cross Hatch, Brian Heater's excellent blog.
And here's more cartoons on the topic by Liz Baillie and Josh Eiserike. Note that Josh is the DC area creator of Assholes I'll be buying a copy from him if I don't complete space out. If I do, Josh, tackle me and wrestle one into my hand.
And here's more cartoons on the topic by Liz Baillie and Josh Eiserike. Note that Josh is the DC area creator of Assholes I'll be buying a copy from him if I don't complete space out. If I do, Josh, tackle me and wrestle one into my hand.
Geppi's Entertainment Museum rent?
Tom Spurgeon found this article - "Geppi, state ensnarled in museum rent dispute," LIZ FARMER, Maryland Daily Record Business Writer, September 29, 2008. If you haven't seen the museum yet, check it out. It's amazing.
Steve Conley update
I talked to Steve and his wife (? sorry!) at the Baltimore Comic-Con. Steve's wrapped up Star Trek Year 4 and there's a trade of it now. While he was buying a book from Our Man Thompson, I talked with Mrs. Conley who said he's working on a 10th anniversary Astounding Space Thrills special - yeah! I loved the clean lines and goofy humor of the strip. Zot! is an obvious antecedent and if you liked that, try AST which is still online. She also mentioned his Socks and Barney political strip. I suggested he do a mini for SPX of this - he's still got a few days so pop onto the site and second it!
UMd newspaper covers Baltimore Comic-Con
See "Baltimore Comic Convention draws a huge crowd," By Gaby Arevalo, University of Maryland, Baltimore County's Retriever Weekly September 30 2008. I personally waited in line an hour to buy a ticket. Bah. Good con though.
Oh, and here's Heidi on it - didn't see her there...
"Baltimore Showcases Comics First," By Heidi MacDonald, PW Comics Week September 30, 2008.
Oh, and here's Heidi on it - didn't see her there...
"Baltimore Showcases Comics First," By Heidi MacDonald, PW Comics Week September 30, 2008.
VCU student cartoonist featured in campus newspaper
See "Cartoonist proves artistic passion," by VERONICA GARABELLI - Associate Spectrum Editor, Commonwealth Times 9/29/08 for a story on communication arts major Allison Smith. Virgnia Commonwealth University in Richmond has been pumping up its comics collection lately - they've got the collection of my friend Tom Inge. Speaking of Richmond and Tom, his exhibit on Poe in the comics is still on view.
Bad News in DC #2
This was a good local chain that hosted comics events - Mike Carey was one of the most recent ones I went to.
Olsson's is Closed
Thanks to you and all our loyal customers who supported us for the last 36 years in the Washington area.
September 30, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Olsson Enterprises, Inc., trading as Olsson's Books & Records closes stores and petitions court for Chapter 7 conversion.
Olsson Enterprises, Inc., trading as Olsson's Books & Records, Record & Tape Ltd., and Olsson's Books announced today that it has closed all of its locations and petitioned the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Maryland for conversion of its current Chapter 11 protection to Chapter 7.
The reasons given for the petitioning were stagnant sales, low cash reserves, and an inability to renegotiate current leases, along with a continuing weak retail economy and plummeting music sales.
Olsson's was granted Chapter 11 protection on July 11 this year in order to work on an aggressive reorganization plan involving selected store closings and large cuts in overhead costs. At the same time the Lansburgh/ Penn Quarter location on 7th Street, N.W. was shuttered to make way for a new London-based restaurant.
Olsson's was established in 1972 and grew to as many as nine retail stores in the Washington, D.C. metro area with sales over $16 million a year and as many as 200 employees. Currently there are five retail stores: Reagan National Airport, Old Town Alexandria, Arlington Courthouse, Crystal City, and one in Northwest Washington at Dupont Circle. Olsson's earned its reputation as a locally-owned community-oriented retailer with a knowledgeable staff selling a wide selection of books, music, video and gifts.
Stephen Wallace-Haines, Olsson's general manager stated: "In the end, all the roads towards reorganization led to this dead end: we did not have the money required to pay for product in advance, to collect reserves to buy for Christmas, and satisfy the demands of rent and operational costs. We were losing money just by staying open."
John Olsson, principal owner, Washington native and graduate of Catholic University had this to say, "Although it is certainly a sad day for us, I can rejoice in all the great memories of my life in retail in Washington. I began at Discount Record Shop on Connecticut Avenue in the fall of 1958, and worked there until 1972 when I left to open my own record store at 1900 L Street. Along the way books were added, more locations, a couple thousand employees, and many thousands of customers. It was exhilarating. Through it all, our best and brightest served Washington's best and brightest with love and distinction. I'm very proud of what we accomplished. My love and gratitude to all my employees, and special thanks to all those thousands of loyal customers."
Olsson's is Closed
Thanks to you and all our loyal customers who supported us for the last 36 years in the Washington area.
September 30, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Olsson Enterprises, Inc., trading as Olsson's Books & Records closes stores and petitions court for Chapter 7 conversion.
Olsson Enterprises, Inc., trading as Olsson's Books & Records, Record & Tape Ltd., and Olsson's Books announced today that it has closed all of its locations and petitioned the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Maryland for conversion of its current Chapter 11 protection to Chapter 7.
The reasons given for the petitioning were stagnant sales, low cash reserves, and an inability to renegotiate current leases, along with a continuing weak retail economy and plummeting music sales.
Olsson's was granted Chapter 11 protection on July 11 this year in order to work on an aggressive reorganization plan involving selected store closings and large cuts in overhead costs. At the same time the Lansburgh/ Penn Quarter location on 7th Street, N.W. was shuttered to make way for a new London-based restaurant.
Olsson's was established in 1972 and grew to as many as nine retail stores in the Washington, D.C. metro area with sales over $16 million a year and as many as 200 employees. Currently there are five retail stores: Reagan National Airport, Old Town Alexandria, Arlington Courthouse, Crystal City, and one in Northwest Washington at Dupont Circle. Olsson's earned its reputation as a locally-owned community-oriented retailer with a knowledgeable staff selling a wide selection of books, music, video and gifts.
Stephen Wallace-Haines, Olsson's general manager stated: "In the end, all the roads towards reorganization led to this dead end: we did not have the money required to pay for product in advance, to collect reserves to buy for Christmas, and satisfy the demands of rent and operational costs. We were losing money just by staying open."
John Olsson, principal owner, Washington native and graduate of Catholic University had this to say, "Although it is certainly a sad day for us, I can rejoice in all the great memories of my life in retail in Washington. I began at Discount Record Shop on Connecticut Avenue in the fall of 1958, and worked there until 1972 when I left to open my own record store at 1900 L Street. Along the way books were added, more locations, a couple thousand employees, and many thousands of customers. It was exhilarating. Through it all, our best and brightest served Washington's best and brightest with love and distinction. I'm very proud of what we accomplished. My love and gratitude to all my employees, and special thanks to all those thousands of loyal customers."
Bad News in DC #1
Read "City Paper's parent files for bankruptcy," By Bill Myers, Examiner Staff Writer 9/30/08. This would be Creative Loafing, the Florida chain that took over the City Paper last year and immediately slashed budgets, forcing the laying off of freelance cartoonists Rob Ullman and Shawn Belschwender. All of the strips in the paper were also dropped including Derf's The City, Cannon's Red Meat and Lynda Barry's Marilys.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Cartoonists visit troops at Walter Reed
I didn't witness this except to see them drive off in a minivan, but I'm told that Stephan Pastis, Jef Keane, Rick Kirkman, Tom Richmond and other cartoonists visited wounded troops at Walter Reed hospital today.
Brief account of Gaiman at LOC bookfest in Post
There's photographs online as well - "Storied Lives: Writers' Inspiration, Readers' Dedication Are on Display at Book Festival," By Bob Thompson, Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, September 29, 2008; C01.
Oct 1: Terry Pratchett on Post book chat
From the North American Discworld Convention Update Sept 27th:
The Washington Post's Book World will host a live chat with Terry on Wednesday, Oct 1st at 11 am ET, 8 am PT on their website. You can submit questions or comments now for the chat. Details can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/09/25/DI2008092502168.html . Note that registration may be required for access via the main Book World page at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artsandliving/books/index.html .
Strictly speaking, he's not a comic book writer, although I love his books. However, they have been adapted into comics.
The Washington Post's Book World will host a live chat with Terry on Wednesday, Oct 1st at 11 am ET, 8 am PT on their website. You can submit questions or comments now for the chat. Details can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/09/25/DI2008092502168.html . Note that registration may be required for access via the main Book World page at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artsandliving/books/index.html .
Strictly speaking, he's not a comic book writer, although I love his books. However, they have been adapted into comics.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)