Washington Times ALSO has a full-page strip on Sunday

I previously mentioned the Art Spiegelman strip that ran this weekend, but the Washington Times ALSO had a full-page strip on Sunday - and apparently has done so for months. Alexander Hunter's Hunter's Big Picture appears to be a monthly full-page editorial cartoon strip that is later animated on the Times' website. The Sunday June 21st page "Who's Your Daddy?" appeared on Father's day and just fell into my hands today - it's a pretty good strip on various aspects of fatherhood. There's 31 of them online so far, and most of them appear to be more political than this one... sigh. Just when you think you've got your blog's subject covered fairly well...

Fantom Comics update

Here's what their newsletter said today:

We're settling into our single store at Union Station quite nicely and want to thank all of our loyal subscribers for their cooperation and understanding. We're still negotiating for the Cleveland Park location (three doors down from the Uptown), but no progress has yet been made.

A note on tomorrow: it happens to be the single largest New Comic Book Day in Fantom history. There are tons of great books coming out. Blackest Night and especially Dark Reign are both represented. We're excited to offer the very first issue of Barack the Barbarian. (Union Station tourists can't get enough Barack, so I recommend coming in early to snag one of these issues that will at least have kitsch appeal if not a good story...which it might also, we'll just have to see). The soft cover of All Star Batman & Robin is finally out!

Spy vs. Spy vs. Spy

Today's Express has a Spy vs Spy drawing by Ben Classen illustrating the Baggage Check column. The strip was originally done by Antonio Prohias for Mad Magazine and been done recently by Peter Kuper. This is the second look at the strip in DC this week - Sunday's Baby Blues comic strip's opening throwaway panel used the strip as well.

Pekar mention in yesteday's New York Times

This article is by Harvey Pekar's second cousin and glances at family ties - Sidewalk Phantom, By AUSTIN RATNER, New York Times Magazine June 21, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/magazine/21lives-t.html

June 22: Superman 3 in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

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

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

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

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

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

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

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


Schedule

June 22, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman
June 24, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman - at CCSP
June 29, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
June 31, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace - at CCSP
July 6, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns
July 8, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns - at CCSP
July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

Zadzooks on Ghostbusters videogame

See "Zadzooks: Ghostbusters: The Video Game review,"
Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, June 18, 2009, which has a passing mention of the IDW comic book series.

Bennett's best returns - "Bennett's Best for the week of June 7", June 17, 2009 at Zadzooks' blog.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-24-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-24-09
By John Judy

ACTRESS AND THE BISHOP #1 written and drawn by Brian Bolland. Collecting Bolland’s little known humor strips about a duo that can most charitably be called “Politically Incorrect.” From Desperado Publishing. Gotta look!

ASTONISHING X-MEN #30 by Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi. The prettiest X-book on the stands wraps up its first arc, “Ghost Boxes.” Recommended.

AVENGERS: INITIATIVE #25 by Christos Gage and Humberto Ramos. In which things go South for our heroes. That Norman Osborn is a bad egg to be sure…

AVENGERS INVADERS #12 of 12 by Alex Ross, Jim Kreuger and Steve Sadowski. Our long national nightmare is over.

BARACK THE BARBARIAN: QUEST FOR THE TREASURE OF STIMULI #1 of 4 by Larry Hama, Chris Schons and Rachelle Rosenberg. A humor title featuring a familiar figure. But will a comic book with President Obama on the cover sell? A bit of risk-taking from Devil’s Due Publishing.

DAREDEVIL #119 by Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark. Lady Bullseye and her hangers-on finally come out of hiding. Not good for heroes with horns and their fat sidekicks.

DARK AVENGERS #6 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato. Norman Osborn is hearing voices again. And they’re not keeping tempo and harmony.

DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN: UTOPIA #1 by Matt Fraction and Marc Silvestri. The Dark Avengers are sent to San Francisco to keep the hippies in line. Mutants too. Hijinks ensue.

DARK REIGN: SINISTER SPIDER-MAN #1 by Brian Reed and Barry Kitson. The evil Dark Avengers Spidey (who is really The Scorpion/Venom) is living life and eating people. Because somebody’s gotta do it!

DETECTIVE COMICS #854 by Greg Rucka, J.H. Williams and Cully Hamner. Oh sure, you think of this old war horse book of DC’s as another in an endless series of Bat-titles. But what if I told you this one had not one but TWO awesome creative teams and the book was devoted to the two most high-profile, butt-kicking lesbians in the DCU? Got your attention now, eh? Batwoman and The Question every month. Must Have. Highly recommended.

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: INK #2 of 6 by Eric Wallace and Fabrizio Fiorentino. Granted, it’s a spin-off series from a disappointing “event” book, but this one’s actually pretty durn good. A mostly reformed bad guy whose tattoos come to life to hurt other less-reformed bad guys. And it’s set in my new/old hometown of Washington, DC. Worth checking out if only to see if the new Tattooed Man goes after Marion Barry. Recommended.

GOLDEN-AGE STARMAN ARCHIVES VOL. 2 HC by Numerous Legends of the Comics/Sci-Fi Golden Age. Collecting ADVENTURE COMICS #77-102. Thousands of dollars worth of comics for a lot less than you’d pay on E-Bay.

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1 by Paul Dini and Guillem March. The adventures of Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn featuring covers that will make you hit puberty all over again. What more can one ask?

GREEN LANTERN #42 by Geoff Johns and Philip Tan. Green vs. Orange! Will power vs. Greed! Must say, on paper I’m betting on Greed. Good luck, Hal.

IMMORTAL IRON FIST #27 by Duane Swierczynski and Travel Foreman. The Final Issue. I guess his kung-fu wasn’t so tough after all. This was a good series and will be missed. Recommended.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #28 by Jerry Ordway and Bob Wiacek. A Japanese spirit who’s still peeved about the A-bombs takes it to the JSA. Enter their old ally, the Spectre! Of course this is the new Spectre who’s a little less inclined to throw planets at people when he’s moody. Anything can happen. Read it!

NEW AVENGERS #54 by Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo and Billy Tan. Brother (I mean “Brudder”) Voodoo?!? Are you kidding me, Bendis?! Screw it, I’m rooting for Dormammu….

NORTHLANDERS #18 by Brian Wood and Danijel Zezelj. A Must-Have two-parter about the real story of the Norse Valkyries. “The Shield Maidens” begins here. Highly recommended.

PREVIEWS by Diamond and Marvel Comics. “Uncertain the future is.” Here’s everyone’s best guess for three months from now.

SUPERMAN #689 by James Robinson and Renato Guedes. A dying Mon-El decides to see the world before he cashes in his chips. And hit people.

THOR #602 by J. Michael Straczynski and Marko Djurdjevic. Loki continues rocking all of Thor’s nine worlds. Okay, that sounds dirty. “Loki continues vexing Thor with his/her mischief.” Eh, better. Thor still needs his head examined. Trusting Loki? Too many war clubs to ye olde noggin.

THUNDERBOLTS #133 by Andy Diggle and Roberto De La Torre. Osborne’s hit squad tries once again to take down Songbird. Only Andy Diggle and a few others could make this work. And he does.

UNCANNY X-MEN #512 by Matt Fraction and Yanick Paquette. Mutant chicks, time travel and the first Sentinel. I’m in.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW? HC written and drawn by Brian Fies. A graphic novel by the creator of MOM’S CANCER. This one takes us through an account of growing up from 1939 to 1975 when technology was making promises its creators never quite managed to keep. Does not come with a jetpack, appropriately enough.

WOLVERINE: WEAPONX #3 by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. Wolvie vs. the Adamantium Men. This is the good Wolverine book, folks. Aaron/Garney. Accept no substitutes. Recommended.

WONDER WOMAN #33 by Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti. WW puts paid to her evil future zombie self and lots more. The final chapter, at least for some. Gotta look!

X-FACTOR #45 by Peter David and Valentine DeLandro. Madrox meets Doctor Doom. This could be the shortest issue yet.

www.johnjudy.net

Art Spiegelman in today's Post

See "The St. Louis Refugee Ship Blues: Art Spiegelman recounts a sad story 70 years later" for Spiegelman's full-page look at editorial cartoons on the St. Louis, a ship full of Jewish refugees from the Nazis that wasn't allowed to dock in the US. It's an excellent piece of cartoon journalism with a hat-tip to Herblock included. A piece like this shows what newspapers could still be for people.

That darn Luckovich!

A Cartoonist in Reverse
Washington Post Saturday, June 20, 2009

I have been a Post convert ever since moving to the area in 2001. While dissenting viewpoints are to be expected, Mike Luckovich's June 13 cartoon provoked me.

He depicted four frustrated burqa-clad Muslim women discussing their envy of first lady Michelle Obama, with a turbaned man in the foreground cursing President Obama.

I cannot fathom how this cartoon could have passed muster for inclusion. Surely America has come out of the Stone Ages.

Wasn't it just this month in Cairo that President Obama provided us with several reminders that we need to adjust our own lens to better understand the Muslim world? Speaking explicitly to perceptions of Muslim women, he stated "I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal" and that "it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit -- for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear."

I thought that this was finally the spirit of our discourse, but your cartoon diminished some of the strides we're making, reinforced old and tired stereotypes and took us decades back.

-- Vijitha M. Eyango

Silver Spring

That darn Beetle Bailey!

No Salute for Beetle Bailey
Washington Post June 20 2009

Mort Walker and The Post owe an apology to the men and women of the U.S. military for the June 18 "Beetle Bailey" cartoon insinuating that our armed services have a mission only to "blow things up" around the world. As a veteran and the parent of two servicemen, I believe an apology is also owed to the families whose loved ones died protecting our freedoms, including the right to publish offensive cartoons.

-- Jack Koehler

Annapolis

June 20, 21: Lucky Luke at NGA

National Gallery of Art
Family Programs

Go West! A Lucky Luke Adventure
June 13 and 20, 10:30 a.m.
June 14 and 21, 11:30 a.m.
ages 7 and up
In French with English subtitles

Based on the popular Franco-Belgian comic book series, Go West! A Lucky Luke Adventure (Tous a l'Ouest: Une aventure de Lucky Luke) is the first feature film about the renowned wandering cowboy who rides Jolly Jumper, fights crime and injustice, and is known to "shoot faster than his shadow." This adventure has Luke leading a group of settlers from New York to California—a trip they have to make in eighty days in order to claim their land from the evil Crook—while also battling the bumbling Dalton Brothers, a gang of robbers who have hidden their loot in a covered wagon but can't remember which one. Filled with sight gags, action sequences, and witty narrative, this comedy entertains both children and adults. (Olivier Jean Marie, France, 2007, 90 minutes)

All film programs are shown in the East Building Auditorium, and admission is free. No registration is required. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Groups are welcome.

"A friend to cartoonists gets fired"

The following came in through the e-transom today:

There's sad news out of the Post.  They just let Dan Froomkin go-- he wrote their most excellent blog White House Watch, I think it was their first blog even. 

He was also a great supporter of cartoonists with a daily feature called "Cartoon Watch" in which he'd point people to the better cartoons offered up that day.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/white-house-watch/

It wouldn't hurt if people took the opportunity to write in on his behalf.... and maybe also mention how great the Cartoon Watch feature was.

Major Lazer interviewed on DCist

See:

DCist Interview: Major Lazer [music-related cartoon character].

By Andrew Wiseman in Arts and Events on June 19, 2009

http://dcist.com/2009/06/dcist_interview_major_lazer.php

(Tip from Matt Dembicki)

Kyle's Bed and Breakfast strip still in Blade

Kyle's Bed and Breakfast strip is still in the Washington Blade - it's on page 55 of the June 19th issue.

Mike Ritter's editorial cartoon appears again, credited to the Southern Voice / Blade, leading me to wonder if he's permanently replacing Paul Berge (who appeared through syndication).

June 20: James Warhola at National Portrait Gallery

Science fiction, children's book and occasional Mad comic book artist James Warhola will be at the National Portrait Gallery on June 20th at 12:15 for their Warholapalooza! event. He'll be reading from and signing his children's book about his uncle Andy Warhol, but I imagine he'll be open to questions or signing other material.

OT: AAEC president Rall has a letter in the NYTimes

I'm not sure how widely this will be picked up, and since I'm home with a sick kid, and saw it in the paper, here you go - "And Now a Word From the Artists: Pay for Our Work," Published: June 18, 2009.

Thompson unveils new Cul de Sac cover

Richard's got the cover of his second Cul de Sac book online now.

And we won't be at Heroes Con this year, due to Our Man Thompson's workload. Sorry!

No more comic strips in Blade?

The Washington Blade may have dropped the last comic strip it was carrying - Kyle's Bed & Breakfast by Greg Fox. It hasn't been in the last two issues. The syndicated political cartoon is still there, although last week's was not by Paul Berge who had been the main editorial cartoonist lately.

Wuerker's new Operation game

Pulitzer-prize nominee Matt Wuerker's got a new game up on the Politico website - Operation. Matt's also added a couple of other animations since the last time I checked in.

Library of Congress Swann Fellowships Announced

Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC   20540

June 16, 2009

Swann Foundation Announces Awards for 2009-2010

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, announces fellowship awards to three applicants for the academic year 2009-2010: Yasemin Gencer, Amanda Lahikainen and Jason E. Hill.

Because of an unusually large number of strong applications, the foundation’s advisory board did not award a single fellowship this year but instead decided to support three applicants’ projects with smaller awards.

Gencer, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at Indiana University, will receive a fellowship to support research for her dissertation titled “Pushing Out Islam: Cartoons of the Reform Period in Turkey (1918-1928).”  She will contend that political cartoons produced during this decade―a decade that is critical to the history of modern Turkey―display and define a secular Turkish culture.  This effect is achieved by contrasting symbols of Islam and Arabic culture with those of Turkish modernism.  In many of these cartoons, Gencer says, textual and visual elements reinforce one another to advance a new Turkish Republic that is seeking to disengage itself from its Islamic past, stressing its secular and thus non-Islamic political and social structure, and thereby, aligning itself with modern Europe.

Lahikainen, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at Brown University, was awarded support for her investigation into ways in which British political satires used the French Revolution to represent and comment upon English domestic politics from 1789 to 1804 (from the fall of the Bastille to Napoleon’s coronation as Emperor.)  In her dissertation titled “Anglicizing the French Revolution: The Politics of Humor in Late Eighteenth-Century English Political Graphic Satire,” she will focus on a number of works by Isaac Cruikshank, James Gillray, Richard Newton, Thomas Rowlandson and James Sayers, analyzing how such graphic satirists capitalized on the fear of religious dissent, violence and radicalism at home, maintenance of political hegemony over Ireland, and continual threat of a French invasion. Central to her study of such imagery is the way in which humorous satires addressing serious events invited shifting responses of laughter, horror, and fear within a single frame.

Hill will receive an award to help complete his dissertation titled “The Artist as Reporter: Picturing the News at PM Daily, 1940-1948.”  A doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Southern California, Hill will examine the place of cartooning within the visual repertoire of PM Daily, a newspaper whose editorial independence and sophisticated visual program attracted the participation of many of the era’s most celebrated artists, including cartoonists Charles E. Martin, Ad Reinhardt, Arthur Szyk and Theodore Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss).  

During the coming academic year, the three recipients of awards from the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon will conduct research in not only the Prints and Photographs Division's rich holdings of graphic art, but also use relevant periodical holdings in such other divisions as the African and Middle East Division and Serial and Government Publications Division.

New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906 1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.  An avid collector, Swann assembled a large group of original drawings by over 500 artists, spanning two centuries, which his estate bequeathed to the Library of Congress in the 1970s. Swann's original purpose was to build a collection of original drawings by significant creators of humorous and satiric art and to encourage the study of original cartoon and caricature drawings as works of art.  The foundation=s support of research and academic publication is carried out in part through a program of fellowships.

# # #

PR09-122
6/16/09
ISSN: 0731-3527

 

June 15: Superman 2 in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

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

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

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

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

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

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

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


Schedule

June 15, 2009 - Superman 2
June 17, 2009 - Superman 2 - at CCSP
June 22, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman
June 24, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman - at CCSP
June 29, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
June 31, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace - at CCSP
July 6, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns
July 8, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns - at CCSP
July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

June 26: Sky Crawlers Anime Press Release.

Sky Crawlers to be screened at the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan.

DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture
Center, Embassy of Japan Present screen Sky Crawlers June 26, 2009 6:30 pm as part of a film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, which was released across Japanese theatres by Warner Bros. Japan on August 2, 2008. Animated by Production I.G, the film was written by Chihiro Itō, features character designs by Tetsuya Nishio and music by Kenji Kawai.The 3D CG animation for the series was produced by the Polygon Pictures studio, who also produced the 3D CG for Oshii's previous film Innocence: Ghost in the Shell.

The series' creator Mori had stated that he felt The Sky Crawlers was the "most difficult" of his works to adapt, and had given his consent to the making of the film after learning of Oshii's involvement as director.

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

RSVP to jiccrsvpsummer09@embjapan.org.

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

For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at

http://www.us.embjapan.go.jp/jicc/  or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.


About DC Anime Club:

DC Anime Club 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). DC Anime club 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 (Former Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Vice President) 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.

 --
 Christopher Wanamaker
DC Anime Club President
http://www.dcanimeclub.org
202 262 2083

NYC June 20: Release Party for WORKING and THE BEATS graphic adaptations

It's not in DC, but it's about Harvey Pekar and has my friend Nick Thorkelson appearing...

Come share a drink and a chat with the editor and some of the illustrators and writers of WORKING: A GRAPHIC ADAPTATION and THE BEATS: A GRAPHIC HISTORY, the two new comix collaborations between  HARVEY PEKAR and PAUL BUHLE.

Saturday, June 20, 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm

KGB Bar
85 East 4th Street / 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-505-3360

On hand at this event will be:

Editor, PAUL BUHLE
(A People's History of American Empire: a Graphic Adaptation; From the Lower East Side to Hollywood: Jews in American Popular Culture)

Illustrators/writers including:

DANNY FINGEROTH
(The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels; Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero)

SUMMER MCCLINTON
(http://www.summermcclinton.com)

EMILY NEMENS
(http://www.nemens.com)

JOAN REILLY
(http://www.joanreilly.com)

NICK THORKELSON
(http://www.nickthorkelson.com)

Possible appearance by ED SANDERS
(http://www.furious.com/perfect/sanders.html)

Possible appearance by TULI KUPFERBERG'S SON
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuli_Kupferberg)

Bennett's best

Zadzooks' column was on videogames again, but Batman & Robin and Coraline are recommended in "Bennett's Best for the week of May 31," By Greg Bennett, June 14, 2009 Zadzooks blog.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-17-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-17-09
By John Judy

ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #12 by Greg Rucka and Pere Perez. Wow. Who knew ACTION COMICS was only 12 years old? Isn’t 1950 awesome? Anyway, this is the great Greg Rucka delving into the backstory on Nightwing and Flamebird. Guaranteed Rucka magic. Gotta look!

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #1 by Many People. The new Batman is making his mark in Gotham and on the increasingly crowded comic book shelves of America. This will be interesting if only to see if all the different creative teams can keep their stories straight until Bruce Wayne returns. Also featuring a MANHUNTER back-up story by Andreyko and Jeanty.

BOYS: HEROGASM #2 by Garth Ennis and Peter Gross. Yes, I know we’re supposed to be rooting for the Boys against the Supes, but be honest, most of us would go to Herogasm if we were invited. Not for kids.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #600 by Ed Brubaker, Luke Ross and Many Others of Note. This one’s gonna make what’s left of The Papers. Plus, it’s awesome! Reserve your copy now!

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #14 by Paul Kirk and Leonard Cornell. Vampires, Dracula! Doctor Doom and warm beer! It’s on!

EX MACHINA #43 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Man, this comic looks great! It appears Mayor Hundred’s old enemy Pherson is back commanding New York City’s rats to kill everyone. It’s a zombie flick without the easy out. Way creepy and recommended.

INCOGNITO #4 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Our anti-hero’s antics have been noticed by all the wrong people on both sides of the law. Consequences ensue. Highly recommended.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #26 by Dan Slott and Stephen Segovia. “Doctor Richards? It’s on, b****.” This is officially the Best Comic Ever and Dan Slott should be President. Highly recommended.

ULTIMATUM SPIDER-MAN REQUIEM #1 of 2 by Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen and Mark Bagley. Ultimate J. Jonah Jameson writes Spidey’s obituary. Sometimes dreams really do come true.

YOUNG ALLIES COMICS #1: 70th ANNIVERSARY EDITION by Roger Stern, Marcos Martin and Others. It’s Our Gang fighting the ratzis on the homefront in an original adventure starring Bucky, Toro and the gang, presented along with a golden-age reprint. Good on Marvel for doing this stuff. Heritage ought not to be forgot. Check it out.

www.johnjudy.net

Wolk reviews comics in Post Book World

See "Picture Pages: A Graphic Novel Roundup," By Douglas Wolk, Washington Post Book World Sunday, June 14, 2009 for reviews of:

THE HUNTER Richard Stark's Parker By Darwyn Cooke IDW. 140 pp. $24.99
BRITTEN AND BRÜLIGHTLY By Hannah Berry Metropolitan. Unpaginated. Paperback, $20
DEAD, SHE SAID By Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson IDW. 104 pp. $19.99

June 13, 14, 20, 21: Lucky Luke at NGA

National Gallery of Art
Family Programs

Go West! A Lucky Luke Adventure
June 13 and 20, 10:30 a.m.
June 14 and 21, 11:30 a.m.
ages 7 and up
In French with English subtitles

Based on the popular Franco-Belgian comic book series, Go West! A Lucky Luke Adventure (Tous a l'Ouest: Une aventure de Lucky Luke) is the first feature film about the renowned wandering cowboy who rides Jolly Jumper, fights crime and injustice, and is known to "shoot faster than his shadow." This adventure has Luke leading a group of settlers from New York to California—a trip they have to make in eighty days in order to claim their land from the evil Crook—while also battling the bumbling Dalton Brothers, a gang of robbers who have hidden their loot in a covered wagon but can't remember which one. Filled with sight gags, action sequences, and witty narrative, this comedy entertains both children and adults. (Olivier Jean Marie, France, 2007, 90 minutes)

All film programs are shown in the East Building Auditorium, and admission is free. No registration is required. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Groups are welcome.

David Macaulay at Medical Museum

David Macaulay spoke for 50 minutes at the Medical Museum today. He covered a few sections of his new book on the human body (of which originals are on display) and it was a very good talk. He's speaking again twice on Saturday, June 15th so cruise 16th St and check it out.

Political cartoonist Dan Wasserman interviewed by Comic Riffs

See "The Interview: Dan Wasserman's Inside Line on the Boston Globe's Labor Woes," By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 12, 2009.

Check out John Kinhart's Sorry Comics

John Kinhart kindly pointed out the State Depts' Gene Yang video, so I followed his link to his webcomics site, Sorry Comics. I've just quickly read his first 4 autobiographical strips and he's got some good work there. Check it out. I'll put up a link on the side for future use.

Gene Yang in State Dept. video

John Kinhart of http://www.sorrycomics.com points out a short video on Gene Yang and his book American Born Chinese by DC filmmaker and Dept. of State employee Steven Greenstreet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYCZqt5WSOM is on America.gov's channel on Youtube. I watched this a couple of nights ago and I'm glad to have a reason to highlight it here.

Scooby-Doo play and Gigantor featured in Express

See "Jinkies! Our Psyches!: 'Spooky Dog'," Written by Express contributor Stephen Deusner, June 11 2009 for the 'Scooby-Doo' play and "Still Stronger Than Strong: 'Gigantor' on DVD," Written by Express contributor Paul Stelter, June 11 2009 for the anime review. Both are in the physical paper too as is a Hollywood Reporter interview with Mike Judge.

Interactive talk on human anatomy with David Macaulay at NMHM tomorrow, 6/12 & Sat., 6/13

“The real beauty of the human body, as it turns out, has little to do with outward appearance. It is displayed in and beneath the skin in a remarkable demonstration of economy and efficiency.”

— David Macaulay from The Way We Work

“David Macaulay: Author Talk & Book Signing”

When: Friday, June 12, 2009 (1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Saturday, June 13, 2009 (10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00-2:30 p.m.)

Where: National Museum of Health and Medicine

What: Join David Macaulay for an interactive and lively discussion about his new book, “The Way We Work,” as he illuminates the most important machine of all -- the human body. Your body is made up of various complex systems, and Macaulay is a master at making the complex understandable. He shows how the parts of the body work together, from the mechanics of a hand, to the process by which the heart pumps blood, to the chemical exchanges necessary to sustain life. A book signing will follow the discussion.

Cost: FREE!

Bring your kids along! This is a great opportunity to teach children about the human body.

Photo ID required.

Information: nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil or (202) 782-2200

www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum

David Macaulay bio: Born on December 2, 1946, Macaulay was eleven when his family moved from England to the United States. An early fascination with simple technology and a love of model-making and drawing ultimately led him to study architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. He received his degree in 1969 after spending his fifth year with RISD’s European Honors Program in Rome. Macaulay is probably best known for a very thick book called “The Way Things Work” (1988), an exhaustively researched compendium of the intricate workings involved in almost anything that functions. It was followed by “Black and White,” winner of the 1991 Caldecott Medal. Over the next decade, Macaulay published eight additional books, and in 2003 he began a volume about the workings of the human body—the results of which comprise this exhibition. In 2006, Macaulay was named a MacArthur fellow.

John Dimes in Oh, ME!!!! The Shrunken Wool Comic Anthology

 John Dimes has another story out -

 

Shrunken Wool

The Twofold Comics' short story anthology series

Written and Illustrated by Various
Featuring: Caveman,

Pole Vault

(Written & Illustrated by John Dimes),

The Star Power,

Time,

Daisies and Deadmen,

The Working Man,

Critical Mass (Part 2)

Cover Illustrated by John Dimes

http://www.indyplanet.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2302

Has Beyond Comics moved from the Lakeforest Mall?

Has Beyond Comics moved from the Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg? I heard a rumor about that today, but their website is unchanged.

DC Comics buttons at Laughing Ogre Comics

Offer from Laughing Ogre Comics

Thanks to Robert Montgomery for the tip.

National Digital Newspaper Program adds millionth page and expands

The Library of Congress has sent out a press release about the National Digital Newspaper Program which should interest us as it will provide free sources for scans of comics strips and articles about cartoonists. Quotes from the PR follow -

Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Humanities to Announce Expansion of Historic Newspaper Digitization Program

The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 16 at the Newseum’s Knight Studio, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. in Washington, D.C., to announce the posting of the millionth historic newspaper page in the National Digital Newspaper Program and the expansion of the program.

The two cultural agencies have collaborated to bring the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) to the Internet through a website, Chronicling America (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/). The site offers a searchable database of historically significant American newspapers published between 1836 and 1922, based on original material from libraries or other agencies in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is the world’s preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled collections and integrated resources to Congress and the American People. Many of the Library’s rich resources and treasures may be accessed through the Library’s website, www.loc.gov, and via interactive exhibitions on myLOC.gov.

The National Digital Newspaper Program is part of the Endowment’s We the People program, which is designed to encourage and enhance the teaching, study, and understanding of American history, culture, and democratic principles.

July 1: Lynda Carter in DC

Colin Solan, Senior Editor of www.comicartfans.com and www.conventionscene.com

reports that Lynda Carter, who will always be Wonder Woman for those of us of a certain age, will be in DC at one of the downtown Barnes & Noble stores. See http://www.conventionscene.com/2009/06/10/dc-wonder-woman-sings/

Former local writer Aguirre-Sacasa on his new Marvel Comics series

See "Aguirre-Sacasa Talks Marvel Divas," by Dave Richards, Tue, June 9th, 2009.

PR: Bamn #2 is Now Available At Comixpress

Troy Allen writes in:

 

The Bamn crew is happy to announce that Bamn #2 is now available at Comixpress.

Pictured above is the cover for #2. It's our first attempt at Color. You have Jay Payne and David Dean to blame for that!

You can purchase #2 HERE or at the following link: http://store.comixpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1389&zenid=s5r5gdsdbj219dgkc5l4l9vrf5 

BAMN #2

Written by TROY JEFFREY ALLEN
Penciled by JAY PAYNE

Edited by RON CRISTOBAL

Bamn, a fallen pro wrestling superstar, has spent the postscript of his career throwing up in bars and living out of his car.

A chance encounter brings Bamn to a group of teenage fans who have long-idolized the has-been wrestler. Wanting to impress Bamn, the kids invite him to their backyard wrestling show. Unfortunately, the only audience they attract is the group of bullies that comprise their school s amateur wrestling team. Bamn arrives to end a confrontation between the kids and offers to teach the backyarders how to fight back. Training day has begun...

24PGS.(each)/Black & White/Parental Advisory …$3.50 (each)

June 13, 14, 20, 21: Lucky Luke at NGA

National Gallery of Art
Family Programs

Go West! A Lucky Luke Adventure
June 13 and 20, 10:30 a.m.
June 14 and 21, 11:30 a.m.
ages 7 and up
In French with English subtitles

Based on the popular Franco-Belgian comic book series, Go West! A Lucky Luke Adventure (Tous a l'Ouest: Une aventure de Lucky Luke) is the first feature film about the renowned wandering cowboy who rides Jolly Jumper, fights crime and injustice, and is known to "shoot faster than his shadow." This adventure has Luke leading a group of settlers from New York to California—a trip they have to make in eighty days in order to claim their land from the evil Crook—while also battling the bumbling Dalton Brothers, a gang of robbers who have hidden their loot in a covered wagon but can't remember which one. Filled with sight gags, action sequences, and witty narrative, this comedy entertains both children and adults. (Olivier Jean Marie, France, 2007, 90 minutes)

All film programs are shown in the East Building Auditorium, and admission is free. No registration is required. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Groups are welcome.

Weingarten on Doonesbury's perceived 'anti-Semitism', comic strip salaries and Ted Rall

Here's some bits from Weingarten's last two chats:

Chatological Humor: Grammatically Speaking; Late-Term Abortion (Updated 6.5.09)
aka Tuesdays With Moron
Gene Weingarten
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 2, 2009; 12:00 PM

Isn't this your guy, Gene?: From Illinois' State Journal-Register last Friday, 5/29:

"From health care to torture to the economy to war, Obama has reneged on pledges real and implied. So timid and so owned is he that he trembles in fear of offending, of all things, the government of Turkey. Obama has officially reneged on his campaign promise to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. When a president doesn't have the nerve to annoy the Turks, why does he bother to show up for work in the morning?

"Obama is useless. Worse than that, he's dangerous. Which is why, if he has any patriotism left after the thousands of meetings he has sat through with corporate contributors, blood-sucking lobbyists and corrupt politicians, he ought to step down now - before he drags us further into the abyss."

Rush Limbaugh? Nope. Dick Cheney? Nope. Bill Ayers? Nah. It's none other than Ted Rall, whose cartoon work and political insights you've always admired so much. Here's the whole column.

Enjoy.

Gene Weingarten: This is CLASSIC Ted Rall.

Rall often has good points to make, but then makes them with such wild overstatement that he undercuts himself. And occasionally has to apologize.

Here's a cartoon of his

after Antonin Scalia said he'd be in favor of slapping terrorist prisoners under certain circumstances.

Here's another one

that's self-explanatory.

----------------------

15th Street, D.C.: Gene- What do you think of Sunday's "Doonesbury"? Do you think it could have been perceived as a tad anti-semitic? I am not even close to being politically correct but thought Trudeau took an...interesting path to make a not funny or interesting point.

Best- A 31 married Jewish guy in D.C.

Gene Weingarten: I don't see any antisemitism here, and I think it was a very funny and interesting comic.

The joke is about the current economy, and what bankers have done to us.

_______________________


Chatological Humor: Insuring Your Weekly Quota of Yuks. And Yucks (UPDATED 5.29.09)
aka Tuesdays With Moron
Gene Weingarten
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 26, 2009; 12:00 PM

Westminster, Md.: Gene, I am curious about how cartoonists are paid. If a cartoonist is syndicated in 1,000 newspapers, as some are, and is paid a mere $5 by each paper, the cartoonist (and his distributor, agent, etc.) make $5,000 PER DAY for drawing a cartoon. But it seems equally unreasonable that a paper like The Post pays a mere $5 for something that may draw more eyes than the headline story on the Metro page. So what's up?

Gene Weingarten: As the old Yiddish expression goes, re wishing something stated were true: "From your mouth to God's ear."

Alas, no. The formula for comic strips is that the author and the syndicate split about $1,000 a YEAR for each newspaper that runs the strip. So, if a strip is in 1,000 newspapers (this is almost unheard of) the cartoonist would get $500,000 a year.

A typical, moderately successful strip might be in 100 papers. Do the math. It isn't pretty.

June 8: Superman: The Movie at Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

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

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

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

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

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

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

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


Schedule

June 8, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie
June 10, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie - at CCSP
June 15, 2009 - Superman 2
June 17, 2009 - Superman 2 - at CCSP
June 22, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman
June 24, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman - at CCSP
June 29, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
June 31, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace - at CCSP
July 6, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns
July 8, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns - at CCSP
July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

David Hagen interview online

David Hagen was interviewed at Artomatic by Tammy Vitale and it's online now at http://tammyvitale.typepad.com/women_art_life_weaving_it/2009/06/artomatic-2009-artist-interview-david-hagen.html

That darn Post!

Actually, I mostly agree with this letter - a rarity - except for the 'understandable reaction' since comic strips are apparently among the most popular features of the paper.

Stop All That Razzmafrazz
Washington Post Saturday, June 6, 2009

Earlier this year, The Post reduced the number of comic strips it carries in print and shrank the size of those that remained.

This was an understandable reflection of the economic pressures that The Post and the newspaper industry face. At the same time, the comic strip "Agnes" was relegated to the KidsPost page, a move that was rightfully criticized by readers as not being the best example for children. It was then replaced with "Frazz."

However, KidsPost does not appear every day, depriving those of us who enjoy "Frazz" of two installments a week. When "Frazz" appears, we adults are reduced to searching for KidsPost and surreptitiously reading the comic before we are accused of being juvenile, or worse.

Returning "Frazz" to its rightful place with the other comics would be appreciated by those of us who pretend to be adults while enjoying the humor of the comics.

-- Ken Poole

White Post, Va.

Brad Meltzer, former local writer, interviewed

Although Brad's gone onto hotter climes, we've got a fond spot in our hearts for him, even after the rotten things he did to Sue Dibney. See "Meltzer Talks "Book of Lies" & "Buffy"," by Jeffrey Renaud, Staff Writer, Wed, June 3rd, 2009.

Superhuman Resources' Ken Marcus interview

I met Ken at Big Planet Comics this winter and just finished reading the 4th and last issue of his humorous miniseries about a temp at a superhero employment agency. It's good fun and I recommend it. Here's an interview with him - "Super Human Trade," by Frederik Hautain, Broken Frontier June 3, 2009.

Bennett's best is Melvin Monster and manga

See "Bennett's Best for the week of May 24," By Greg Bennett, on May 31, 2009 Zadzooks blog

Washington Times reviews Demanding Respect book

See "BOOKS: 'Demanding Respect' - History of a four-color world," By Ron Capshaw , Washington Times Sunday, June 7, 2009

for their review of-

DEMANDING RESPECT: THE EVOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN COMIC BOOK
By Paul Lopes
Temple University Press. $24.95, 256 pages

which in a conservative paper leads to interesting paragraphs like this one-

Mr. Lopes suffers, too, from a desire to be politically correct. Assigning comic book censorship in the 1950s to Cold War hysteria, he completely overlooks the fact that the chief proponent of this drive, Dr. Frederic Wertham, was a former communist party member and whose characterizations of superheroes as Nazis was trumpeted in the party press for decades.

Ariel Schrag in the Onion?

This should be in the new Decider feature section towards the back of the paper - "Interview: Ariel Schrag. The L Word(s): love, literature, and lesbianism in Likewise" by Shauna Miller May 29, 2009.

June 7: Capital Associates comic book convention

Free admission at the Dunn Loring fire dept. on June 7th from 10 am-3 pm. See www.capicons.com for details.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-10-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-10-09
By John Judy

ACTION COMICS #878 by Greg Rucka and Fernando Dagnino. Meet Krypton’s own Bonnie and Clyde! Awe! Some! Recommended.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #597 by Joe Kelly and Marco Checchetto. Babies and weddings! It’s what you buy super-hero books for, right?!

ANGEL: BLOOD AND TRENCHES #4 written and drawn by John Byrne. Your favorite vampire with a soul continues his World War One adventures. This issue he meets Snoopy! (If only….)

BATMAN #687 by Judd Winick and Ed Benes. Winick and Benes have some tough competition from Morrison and Quitely over at BATMAN AND ROBIN. Still, let’s give each team their shot. Nothing wrong with having more than one good Bat-book on the stands each month.

BETA RAY BILL: GODHUNTER #1 of 3 by Kieron Gillen and Kano. He’s got the power of Thor and the face of a horse! He’s like Ann Coulter with muscles! He’s Beta Ray Bill and he’s back to fight Galactus! And that’s why it’s a mini-series.

BUCK ROGERS #1 by Scott Beatty and Carlos Rafael. The original Man Out of Time is relaunched for the latest generation. Featuring covers by Alex Ross and John Cassaday and nary a dwarf robot in sight. Lotsa jetpacks and blasters though! Gotta look!

FANTASTIC FOUR #567 by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. The Marquis of Death is back to slap around his old Padwan Learner, Victor Von Doom. Yeah, that’ll work out well for all…

FLASH: REBIRTH #3 of 6 by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver. Barry Allen vs. Superman in a race to the finish. Oh yeah, it’s on. Must-Have!

JSA VS KOBRA: ENGINES OF FAITH #1 of 6 by Eric Trautmann and Don Kramer. The JSA takes on Kobra! Because GI Joe just ain’t hackin’ it, kids!

MISS AMERICA COMICS #1 70th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL by Jen Van Meter and Andy MacDonald. Featuring a golden-age reprint and a new story of Timely Comics’ biggest female super-star! Okay, she was no Wonder Woman but these 70th Anniversary issues are turning out to be a lot of fun, especially if you already have a soft spot for the old-timers. Recommended.

PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #71 by Victor Gischler and Goran Parlov. The Punisher’s in Louisiana with something bad in his trunk. Do you really need any more info to know this one’s gonna rock? Not for kids. Recommended.

RED ROBIN #1 by Christopher Yost and Ramon Bachs. Someone’s wearing that old costume from KINGDOM COME and looking for Bruce Wayne’s carcass! But who?

UNCANNY X-MEN #511 by Matt Fraction and Greg Land. Well, well, well, look who’s back. She always comes back, doesn’t she? Gotta look!

UNWRITTEN #2 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. This one’s heating up fast, kids. It’s the story of a guy who may or may not have been written into the real world and all that implies about other pop fiction characters. This is not your father’s Earth-Prime! Recommended.

WALKING DEAD #62 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. Okay, who were those creeps in the bushes? Not for kids. Recommended.

WOLVERINE #74 by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert & Daniel Way and Tommy Lee Edwards. Two stories! Two creative teams! One left standing! Half-Highly Recommended!

X-FACTOR #44 by Peter David and Valentine DeLandro. A little number titled “Dirty Sexy Monet.” Oh, Peter David…..!

X-MEN FOREVER #1 by Chris Claremont and Tom Grummett. Ever wonder what would have happened if X-scribe Chris Claremont hadn’t been unceremoniously axed from the X-Men book he launched with Jim Lee back in the nineties? Me neither, but now he’s getting his chance to tell the story he always wanted, separate continuity and all. Hey, the guy built the foundations of a billion-dollar multimedia empire 30 years ago then got treated like a dog. I’m checking it out. Recommended.

www.johnjudy.net

Comic Riffs interviewed Tinsley on Mallard Fillmore

Not one of my favorite strips as I find it rather one note, but see "The Interview: 'Mallard Fillmore' Creator Bruce Tinsley," By Michael Cavna, June 5, 2009. For some odd reason I do wonder if he's related to Theodore Tinsley who wrote some of the later Shadow pulps.

OT: Norwegian cartoonist Nemi at MoCCA this weeekend

This PR came in from my press contact at Titan. I've been picking up her books.
GOTHIC CHIC
Norway’s Nemi at MoCCA Fest

Join artist and writer Lise Myhre, creator of the wonderfully funny series about the cool, romantic, strong-willed, cynical, sexy and all-too-honest Nemi Montoya, for a signing event at the Norwegian booth (#101-108) at MoCCA Art Festival 2009, June 6-7, 2009, The Lexington Avenue Armory (between 25th & 26th Streets), New York City.

Myhre will sign her latest two books Nemi Vol. 1 and Nemi Vol. 2, [Titan Books] Saturday, June 6, at 2 pm & Sunday, June 7, at 1 pm

Created when Myhre “set out to find an imaginary friend” and named after Italy’s ancient (and supposedly enchanted) Lake Nemi and fictional hero Inigo Montoya of The Princess Bride (one of Myhre’s favorite films), Lise Myhre’s Nemi Montoya is a goth-tinged heroine for the modern twenty-something, tapping into all the fun, fervor and frustrations of the 21st Century woman. Already a national star in her native Norway, she and her look-alike creation, Nemi, are renowned throughout Europe and have now launched in the USA. Nemi’s first volume has reprinted multiple times, and the strip continues to appear daily across Europe.

“In my opinion, Nemi is a mix of how we are, how we wish we were, and how we're glad we're not.” – Lise Myhre

Praise from other creators:

“On a train or in an airport or when forced to be polite, secretly we repeat word for word what Nemi would say but usually only quietly behind perfectly glossed lips.” – Tori Amos

“Lise Myhre is a big shot in Norway, and deserves to be one here as well"
– Roman Dirge (Lenore)

"Funny, honest, and strangely compelling." - Jeff Smith (Bone)
Coming Soon:
Nemi (Vol. 3) by Lise Myhre
September 25, 2009 • Hardback • $14.95 /CAN $18.95 • 144pp • ISBN: 9781845766153

Now Available:
Nemi (Vol. 2) by Lise Myhre
October 24, 2008 • Hardback • $14.95 /CAN $16.95 • 144pp • ISBN: 9781845766146
Nemi (Vol. 1) by Lise Myhre
October 2007 • Hardback • $14.95 /CAN $19.95 • 144pp • ISBN: 9781845765866

DC Comic Book Examiner on documentaries

DC has a Comic Book Examiner?

Apparently - "Behind the print: comic books meet documentary film," Mark Ruffin, June 1, 2009.

I've got a stack of these documentaries that I've been planning on doing a review essay for, but I think I'll have to review them individually...

Spider-Man at the Library of Congress now online video

Sara Duke says, "Last year I was filmed for history.com about the Library's acquisition of the original drawings for Amazing Fantasy #15 - the film clip is here: http://www.history.com/content/hiddentreasures/a-legend-is-born. (Burning through my 15 minutes of fame, one sound bite at a time.)

And yes, you may make an appointment with me to see the original drawings for Amazing Fantasy, or other cartoon art in our collection ... I'm generally available Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm for appointments. (You can't see all 128,000 works of cartoon art on paper from your computer, but visit http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/catalog.html to see a selection.)"

Weldon on the original Captain Marvel

"So Why Isn't This Once-Mighty Super-Guy More Famous?" by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (June 2 2009). My educated guess would be that 1.) DC Comics sued him into oblivion and then 2.) Marvel Comics trademarked his name. But that's just a guess.

July 11: Bugs Bunny On Broadway - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

This will probably be a fun event - Bugs Bunny On Broadway - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
Sat, Jul 11, 2009 08:30 PM

OT: Jim Ottaviani's T-Minus printing oddity

ComicsDC friend Jim Ottaviani recently wrote to a graphic novel librarian's list about the hardcover edition of his new book on the space race, T-Minus: The Race to the Moon.

His website says, "Glossary: If you have the nifty (but limited!) hardcover edition,
you'll want to grab the glossary here. Heck, you might want it even if you have the softcover edition, since it'll save you flipping back and forth."

In response to a question about that on the list, Jim noted, "Printing constraints led Aladdin to decide not to include the glossary on the hardcover. The softcover has it on the inside front and back covers.

I wish it were in both. It's a nice extra to have, so that's why I reformatted it to tuck neatly into the hardcover and made it available for download via www.gt-labs.com/tminus.html .

Hopefully that's a useful bit of news for someone. I'll be buying the book from Jim at Heroescon in a couple of weeks.

Trudeau's Sunday cartoon was anti-semitic? Eh?

I'm only mentioning this because it's on a blog called Capital J: Inside the Beltway - I didn't remotely read this cartoon as anything to do with religion, but rather with banking. However in "Gary Trudeau? That’s the rabbi knocking," By Ron Kampeas, June 1, 2009, he notes "It's quite another [matter] when Rabbi David Sapertsein, the veteran civil rights fighter, the director of the Reform movement's Religious Action Center, the guy who delivered the invocation when Barack Obama accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, takes time out to write a letter." Eh. Maybe. I'll bet plenty of other religious figures have complained to Trudeau over the past 40 years.

June 1: The Incredible Hulk at Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

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

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

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

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

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

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

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


Schedule

June 1, 2009 - Hulk 2: The Incredible Hulk
June 3, 2009 - Hulk 2: The Incredible Hulk - at CCSP
June 8, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie
June 10, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie - at CCSP
June 15, 2009 - Superman 2
June 17, 2009 - Superman 2 - at CCSP
June 22, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman
June 24, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman - at CCSP
June 29, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
June 31, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace - at CCSP
July 6, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns
July 8, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns - at CCSP
July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

John Dimes in new anthology

PR from John Dimes

Pre-Order The Versus Anthology Now! Ships June 1


The Versus Anthology
edited by Josh Woods
6 x 9, 192 p. paperback
ISBN: 978-0-9824416-1-9
$16.00

Let’s pick a fight. And not just any fight; let’s pick a fight between our most iconic characters and forces, or even between extraordinary, original characters, or with people from our very real pasts. Anything goes. Some of today’s most innovative writers and artists did just that in this book: each picked a conflict, made it come to life, and now present the aftermath to you here in the first anthology to take up this challenge, Versus.

Featuring graphic stories by Pinckney Benedict, John Dimes, and Kyle Minor, plus the first story ever published by El Pollo Diablo, Dead Pirate of the Netherworld! Other authors include Alexander Lumans, John McNally, Susan Woodring, Brad Vice, Michael Garriga, Margaret McMullan, John Flaherty, Matt Guenette, Michael Theune, Danielle Girard Kraus, Curtis Smith, Andrew Scott, Michael Kimball, Okla Elliott, Stacey Richter, Laura Benedict, Becky Hagenston, K.H. Solomon, and Josh Woods.
http://www.press53.com/

June 7: Capital Associates comic book convention

Free admission at the Dunn Loring fire dept. on June 7th from 10 am-3 pm. See www.capicons.com for details.

Onion's Up director interview and review

Up B+, by Tasha Robinson, Onion May 28, 2009 for the movie review, and for the interview which is much expanded from the paper version, "Pete Docter," by Tasha Robinson, Onion May 28, 2009.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE WEDNESDAY 06-03-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE WEDNESDAY 06-03-09
By John Judy

32 STORIES: THE COMPLETE OPTIC NERVE DEFINITIVE EDITION HC written and drawn by Adrian Tomine. A sweet collection for fans of Tomine and his comics, mini- and other. A handsome addition to any bookshelf. Recommended.

AGENTS OF ATLAS #6 by Jeff Parker and Gabriel Hardman. At last, it’s family reunion time for Namora and her cousin, the Sub-Mariner. Aquatic awkwardness galore! Recommended!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #596 by Joe Kelly and Paulo Siqueira. Spidey breaks and enters, mostly the former. Big Fight!

ASTRO CITY THE DARK AGE BOOK THREE #2 of 4 by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. The saga of the Williams brothers and their search for their parents’ killer gets wilder as only a game of super-cops and robbers can. Recommended.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. Don’t worry, it’s not the perennially late-shipping ALL-STAR version by Jim Lee and the guy who killed The Spirit for a generation. This is the dream-team that gave us ALL-STAR SUPERMAN among other things. It’s the new Dynamic Duo and their flying batmobile! Gotta look!

BLACK PANTHER #5 by Reginald Hudlin and Ken Lashley. Morlun the Devourer of Totems just chowed down on the Man-Ape (don’t ask) and now he’s ready for dessert. Time for the new BP to teach him when to say “when!”

THE BOYS #31 by Garth Ennis and Carlos Ezquerra. The supes finally decide to go after the Boys instead of waiting for the knock on their door. First up: The Female. Not for kids.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: TALES OF THE VAMPIRES ONE-SHOT by Becky Cloonan and Vasilis Lolos. A story of a small-town boy looking for a way out on the Fang Express.

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 ANNUAL #1 by Paul Cornell and Michael Collins. The long-lost Meggan is looking to get out of Hell. I suggest hiring a baby-sitter.

DARK AVENGERS #5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato. Norman Osborne’s got trouble as the public is reminded of his past as the murderous Green Goblin. Stupid public! Don’t they know we’re looking forward, not back?!

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: RUN #2 of 6 by Matthew Sturges and Freddie E. Williams II. Okay, so far the FCA titles have been an extremely mixed bag in terms of quality. This one about a jerk who helped kill the Martian Manhunter trying to get out of Dodge is among the best. A great ride for those of us who like dark humor and well conceived anti-heroes. Recommended.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #25 by Dan Slott and Khoi Pham. Hank Pym decides to break into the Baxter Building. Because he’s Hank Pym! Recommended.

PUNISHER MAX: NAKED KILL #1 by Jonathan Mayberry and Laurence Campbell. Frank Castle has to take down a snuff film ring armed only with office and cleaning supplies. This could be the most awesome thing ever associated with Staples! Recommended!

SCALPED #29 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. C’mon people, this is one of the best comics being published today. It must not be outsold by SEAGUY. Let’s all stop waiting for the trades and do our part. This is the conclusion to “High Lonesome” where cracked out undercover G-man Dash Bad Horse has to rob the casino. This is the one to buy for you and both your pals.

SECRET SIX #10 by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. “The most brutal Secret Six story yet!” Well, after the whole Rag Doll family saga that’s a pretty high bar to clear. Gotta look! Recommended.

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #4 of 12 by James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods. New K gets a visit from the Green Lantern Corps in the form of Hal Jordan, John Stewart and Sodam (swear to god) Yat. Hijinks ensue.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #133 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. The final issue? Well, it’s been a respectable run by a writer who reintroduced Marvel to the idea of making deadlines. Kudos to Mr. Bendis and the whole sick crew!

ULTIMATUM #4 of 5 by Jeph Loeb and David Finch. Almost over…. Just a few more characters to “kill….”

WOLVERINE REVOLVER ONE-SHOT by Victor Gischler and Das Pastoras. In which Logan is apparently fighting DC’s Man-Bat with claws that are now as long as his arms.

YOU’LL NEVER KNOW VOL. 1: A GOOD AND DECENT MAN HC written and illustrated by C. Tyler. The first graphic novel by artist and short story author Tyler concerning her quest to understand her World War Two veteran father. This one is getting high praise from creators like R. Crumb and Jim Woodring. Recommended.

www.johnjudy.net

Hagen at Artomatic

David Hagen reports that he's sold 3 paintings before the 2nd day of the show even ends. I've got mine. Better buy yours now!


Supes, David Hagen, 2009

Amusingly, I was wearing my ComicsDC t-shirt (buy yours now) last week at Vienna's Viva Vienna street fair and a lady at a booth called out to me, "Hey, are you David Hagen?" Sadly, I wasn't but she does anime voiceovers and her husband is working on a comic so they'll appear here at some point hopefully.

'The Photographer' reviewed in Sunday's Post by Wolk

See "Memories of a Long War," By Douglas Wolk, Washington Post, Sunday, May 31, 2009 for his review of THE PHOTOGRAPHER, By Emmanuel Guibert, Didier Lefèvre and Frédéric Lemercier, translated from the French by Alexis Siegel, First Second, 267 pp. $29.95.

I've got the book, but haven't read it yet. It's been getting very good reviews.

Where's Richard's Poor Alamanack?

A one-liner in today's Post says it will return. My guess is that Richard's swamped with his Cul de Sac strip and is trying to get ahead on that.

Geppi's Museum launching major Carl Barks exhibit

See "GEM Launches Carl Barks Retrospective" for details of the exhibit which will run from July 17 until September 8, 2009, and focuses on Barks' post-retirement paintings.

Zadzooks on Wolverine videogame

See "Zadzooks: X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition review," By Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, May 28, 2009.

Pixar's Up - two reviews and two interviews

http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/movies/29up.html

New York Times May 29, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW | 'UP'

The House That Soared

By MANOHLA DARGIS

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/28/AR2009052803803.html?hpid=topnews

Pixar Perfect: 'Up' Provides Quite a Lift

By Ann Hornaday

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, May 29, 2009

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/28/AR2009052801064.html?hpid=topnews

'Up' Director Finds Escape in Reality

By Michael O'Sullivan

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, May 29, 2009

 

 

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/05/the_interview_up_animator_bob.html

The Interview: 'UP' Animator Bob Peterson of Pixar

By Michael Cavna

Comic Riffs blog May 29, 2009

Washington City Paper reviews Pixar's Up

Up and Moscow, Belgium: Spouse and Home
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper May 29, 2009
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=37272

Aspiring Comics Artists Alive and Well in the DC Metro

Riding home on the Orange Line tonight, I spotted (before I even got on the train) a gentleman in a Big Planet Comics t-shirt sitting in a window seat. I made my way toward him, figuring I'd strike up a conversation, but another guy sat down in the empty seat before I could get there, and the rest of the seats were full, so I stood for the ride home, trying to crank through the final pages of David Baldacci's "The Winner" (which I finished tonight -- yet another good read by Baldacci -- I have yet to find something of his I don't enjoy, for you prose fans in the audience!). I noticed that the guy I spotted had a sketchpad and was actively working on some comics work! It took me a while to adjust to reading on the train, so I'm guessing he's had some practice if he's able to do linework with all of that jostling! Honestly, I couldn't see what he was drawing, if it was comic-y or cartoon-y, if it was roughs or a serious attempt at art, or the relative quality, but while I've bumped into people reading comics or graphic novels in the past, it's definitely the first time I've seen an artist at work on the DC Metro.

The man that took the seat next to him stared the whole time he drew (so now I know what I look like at comic shows). It was pretty amusing. I was hoping that the starer would leave the train, vacating the seat and giving me an opportunity to chat before the artist and obvious comic fan left, but the artist got off at Ballston and I took his seat next to the starer instead. :-P

Still, it's heartening to have seen someone obviously interested in comics on the train putting pencil to paper! If you're a reader, Mr. Artist, drop us a comment!