July 31: Lupin III anime showing - Miyazaki!

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

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

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

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

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

RSVP to jiccrsvpsummer09@embjapan.org.

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher's Weekly on Otakon

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

Batman at the Renwick

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

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

Baltimore Sun recaps Otakon

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

Seth on Cul de Sac

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

July 20: X-Men X2 in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

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

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

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

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

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

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

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


Schedule

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

Luna Brothers wrapping up their current series

Wizard has the press release.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-22-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-22-09

By John Judy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.johnjudy.net

Another article on Otakon

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

Secret Identities Coast-to-Coast

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

http://www.secretidentities.org/

Hello Kitty exhibit reviewed in Post

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

July 18: Simpsons at Postal Museum

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

Otakon starts tomorrow in Baltimore

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

Ooooh, Bill Plympton in Baltimore tomorrow night

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

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

Boston Globe picks up Riffs' SpongeBob interview

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

Some news from Richard Thompson pre-San Diego

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

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

Hello Kitty and Ben Classen in Express

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

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

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

Written by Express contributor Danielle O'Steen

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

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

God, I miss his stuff.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weldon on Thor movie

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

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

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 15 2009

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

Cavna on SpongeBob in the Post

Absorbent And Yellow And Beloved At 10 Is He

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

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

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

SpongeBob creator interviewed at Comic Riffs

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

Comic Riffs blog turns 1 today

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

Congratulations, Michael!

July 13: X-Men in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

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

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

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

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

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

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

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


Schedule

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

Iranian cartoonists article in Wash Post

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

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

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

Bennett's best is back

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

Geppi's Museum's Barks Exhibit

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

Peter Bagge strips from DC's Reason magazine collected

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

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

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

Sept 10: "New Yorker" Cartoonist will Address Seniors at N. Va. Aging Fair

LIVING LONG AND LAUGHING MUCH

NEW YORKER CARTOONIST WILL KEYNOTE
AT NOVA POSITIVE AGING FAIR SEPTEMBER 10
 


(Fairfax, VA – July x, 2009) –The New Yorker magazine cartoonist Mort Gerberg has lived long and laughed much.  Gerberg will share his knack for finding humor in aging as the keynote speaker at the "Third Annual Positive Aging Fair:  Tools for Creative Aging" on Sept. 10 at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV), 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Gerberg edited the book Last Laughs: Cartoons About Aging, Retirement…and the Great Beyond, in 2007, and will sign copies of it at the fair. The All-Jewish Cartoon Collection is another of the nearly 40 other books Gerberg has written, illustrated or edited.  

The aging fair provides information and resources that promote active aging through healthy lifestyles that help seniors live longer, more independently and more positively.
Participants in the fair may choose among six interactive small-group workshops on healthy aging topics:
·        Writing Your Memoirs led by George Mason University associate professor of English Don Gallehr.  Preserve memories and experiences in writing for yourself and your children.
·        Wills, Trusts and Creative Estate Planning  (Or Must I Leave Everything to My Children?) led by Helen Cohn Needham and Susan Pollack of the law firm Needham, Mitnick & Pollack.  Learn about financial options for the future.
·        Sexuality After 50 led by Ruth Kershner, a social worker in JSSA's Aging Services Department. Gain insights into the impact of physical changes on sexuality, dating for people over 60, and coping with widowhood.
·        Gardening with Healing Plants led by environmental educator Karen Buchsbaum. Learn about plants with healing properties, then bring home a fledging plant you start in a pot yourself.
·        Take Charge of Your Health in Retirement led by Virginia Inglese, registered dietician and social worker.  Discover strategies to keep you healthy and energized.
·        Healthy Brains led by social worker Nancy Dezan, presenting puzzles and other mental challenges to keep your mind strong.

The day's events will also include a raffle and information booths on subjects such as senior housing options, the arts, county services and health and fitness.
 
The Positive Aging Fair welcomes Northern Virginians over 50 from all faiths and backgrounds.  The fair is sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA), JCCNV, JConnect, and the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA).  Major business sponsors from the community include NurtureCare, Inc., and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States.
 
General admission to the fair is $8, or $10 if a kosher lunch is requested in advance.  Registration may be done by phone at 703-323-0880 or online at www.jccnv.org <http://www.jccnv.org/> .

 
About JSSA



____________________________________________________________________________

JSSA has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social, and physical challenges for more than 115 years. A nonsectarian provider, we serve people of all religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. Our wide range of counseling, educational, employment, in-home support, hospice and nursing care and social services assist over 22,000 people per year.
 

Rockville (Fallsgrove), 301.838.4200 • Rockville (Montrose Road), 301.881.3700 •  Fairfax, 703.204.9100  •  www.jssa.org
Jewish Social Service Agency

DCist on Super-Mayor

Glen Weldon wrote in recommending DCist's column, "Voting for Super Mayor Ends Tonight," By Kriston Capps on July 10, 2009 so there's the link.

Otakon

I forgot this was coming up, but Marc Nathan (promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con) mentioned to me yesterday that Otakon, one of the major anime/manga conventions, is coming up on July 17th through the 19th at the Baltimore Convention Center. I have never attended, but am told it is something to behold! Comic-oriented guests include some of the UDON crew (I know Jo Chen, Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz, and Jamie Noguchi will be at that booth, though that's just from Googling) and Yamila Abraham, publisher at Yaoi Press.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-15-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-15-09
By John Judy

ACTION COMICS #879 by Greg Rucka, James Robinson, Fernando Dagnino and Cafu. Nightwing! Flamebird! Captain Atom! The reasons one buys ACTION COMICS!

AGENTS OF ATLAS #8 by Jeff Parker and Carlo Pagulayan. The AoAs meet the Hulk. Smashing ensues.

ALL-SELECT COMICS #1: 70th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL by Marc Guggenheim and Javier Pulido. The Blonde Phantom is “gorgeous, quick-witted and hard-boiled!” I think I used to date her. Nefarious schemes will be foiled, believe you me! Plus a golden-age reprint and Marvex the Super-Robot! Recommended.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #599 by Joe Kelly and Marco Checchetto. For some reason this has Richard Nixon on the cover. Hey, the last time Spidey had a President on the cover it went to seven printings or something. Marvel ain’t no dummy.

BATMAN: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER HC by Neil Gaiman, Andy Kubert and Others. “Ummm, he got kilt?” It’s Neil doing his dreamy funeral thing. Looks good too. Plus other Gaiman Bat-tales. All good.

BLACKEST NIGHT #1 of 8 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. “The dead shall rise!” Or as we say here in Comics-Land: “It’s Wednesday!” If your favorite hero snuffed it in the past few years they’re probably here looking corpsey. Gotta look!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #601 by Ed Brubaker and Gene “The Dean” Colan. Those two names in the credits should tell you how good this book is. Highly recommended.

CREEPY COMICS #1 by Many Talented Horror-Meisters, including Angelo Torres and Bernie Wrightson. It’s back from the publishing graveyard and ready to eat your brains in glorious black and white! For fans of the original mag and those who weren’t even born back then. Featuring two painted covers by Eric Powell. Yum!

DAN DARE OMNIBUS VOL. 1 TP by Garth Ennis and Gary Erskine. Collecting the cult favorite mini-series that brought the British space hero out of retirement in every possible way. Good stuff.

DARK AVENGERS #7 by Matt Fraction and Simone Bianchi. The DAs throw down with the X-gang in San Francisco. Big fight.

INCOGNITO #5 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. The penultimate issue of this beautiful anti-heroic ditty. Too good to wait for the trade. Highly recommended.

LITTLE MOUSE GETS READY HC written and drawn by Jeff Smith. A children’s book from the creator of BONE, RASL and SHAZAM: MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL about a little mouse who gets ready. Tell yourself you’re getting it for your kid. Recommended.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #27 by Dan Slott and Khoi Pham. A new story of a king so vile he had to be written out of history, but only after he screwed up traffic all over LA with his memorial service. Dan Slott is rocking this title. Highly Recommended.

RASL #5 written and drawn by Jeff Smith. Our dimension-hopping science thief gets in even more trouble. This one keeps getting better. Recommended.

SCALPED #30 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. Red Crow learns there’s an FBI agent on The Rez as Dash Bad Horse begins the countdown to Totally Screwed. Not for kids. Highly Recommended. Read it.

UNWRITTEN #3 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. Tommy Taylor meets Frankenstein! How great is this book? Very-very! Highly recommended.

WALKING DEAD #63 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. The scary non-zombies are hunting our intrepid band. Let’s hope Michonne chops ‘em up good. Not for kids. Recommended.

WEDNESDAY COMICS #2 of 12 by A Pantheon of Comics Dieties. Tabloid-sized awesomeness every week to remind you of how great a newspaper comics section could be. No lie, this stuff could save newspapers if they picked up on it. Highly recommended!

X-FACTOR #46 by Peter David and Valentine DeLandro. Time travel and girl-fights, but the big news is that Rictor and Shatterstar are gay. In other news, water is wet.

www.johnjudy.net

July 11: Bugs Bunny On Broadway - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Bugs Bunny On Broadway - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
Sat, Jul 11, 2009 08:30 PM

DC Comic Books Examiner: Sky Dog Comics, Scene of the Crime and the SPX

Sky Dog Comics, Scene of the Crime and the SPX Friday, July 10, 2009 Trade Paperback / Vertigo   Sky Dog Comics, a publisher from the DC Metro area, gained multiple nominations for Oct.'s 2009 Harvey Awards. Sky Dog's Buzzboy: Sidekicks Rule is nominated for Best Writer, Best Cartoonist, ... Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

DC's mayoral superhero announced

Judith Freeman says

And the winner is...

Wonder Woman!   

The race was down to the wire, but we are prepared to announce that Wonder Woman will be the next Superhero Mayor of DC!

This has been an amazing race. The campaign teams of eight superhero candidates built interactive websites and dynamic graphics, wrote engaging emails that turned out a huge supporter base, created entertaining videos, and wrote successful field plans from scratch in five hours.  Our 53 BootCampers, from across the country, have met and surpassed our expectations.

We are thrilled to announce that over 6,000 people voted for their favorite Superhero. The BootCampers picked up blog coverage from NPR, Daily Kos, Huffington Post, Roll Call and nearly 30 other blogs, and garnered endorsements from a wide support base across the country.

This BootCamp was a success of the larger progressive movement, one that should make us all proud of the next generation of progressive organizers.

The race was neck-in-neck. The second-place finisher was The Atom and third place candidate was the Green Lantern. 

Thank you for your support!

  -- Judith, Heather, Zack, Anne Marie, Joy, Olivia, Lola, Santiago, James, Shayne, Nick and Kyra

Superheroes for DC mayor?

Apparently the indestructible Marion Barry is not the only superpowered being to be mayor of DC. This report - "In 'D.C.,' A Mayoral Race That's Every Bit As Tight As Spandex," by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 10 2009 - says that a faux election wrapped up today and you needed to get your vote in earlier today. Weldon came out for Batwoman (based purely in my opinion on the way the lesbian heroine looks in her costume), but I'm backing Spider-Man who understands 'With great power, comes great responsibility."

The announcement of the winner comes at 8 pm tonight. The site will email you the winner if you sign up.

Post on Blood: The Last Vampire anime spin-ff

Not-So-Fresh 'Blood'
-- Dan Zak
Washington Post Friday, July 10, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070901469.html

Iranian cartoonist interviewed at Comic Riffs

The Interview: Exiled Iranian Cartoonist Nik Kowsar
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 10, 2009;
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/the_interview_exiled_iranian_c.html#more

Anime turned live action movie "Blood: The Last Vampire" reviewed in City Paper

Reviewed: Blood: The Last Vampire
Schoolgirls and ninjas jockey for screen time in this gory filmic retread.
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper July 9, 2009

OT: Sergio Aragones podcast interview online

He's one of the greats.

Fanboy Radio #516 - Sergio Aragones LIVE
KCTU 7 July 2009

DC Comic Books Examiner: SLJ's summer reading comics list for kids

I've signed up for Mark Ruffin's email list for his comics columns and I'll pass them along here as I get them.

In the interests of diversity, I will note that the School Library Journal has run a couple of other bibliographies lately:

The Library Don't Have a Closet: 19 Graphic Novels for Gay & Lesbian Pride Month
By Martha Cornog, Philadelphia -- Library Journal, 5/27/2009.

Black, White, Red, Brown, and Yellow: America's Growing Pains in Graphic Novels
Celebrate the Fourth of July with 14 Titles.
By Martha Cornog, Philadelphia -- Library Journal, 6/23/2009.

SLJ's summer reading comics list for kids Thursday, July 9, 2009             This week, the School Library Journal posted a second list of comic books for summer reading. The sequel article continues from the initial ... Read more » DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.

Politics and Prose featured children's book is by an animator

BOOK OF THE WEEK
(20% off through 7/15)
If you've played all your board games, read all your comic books, painted pictures, baked cookies, and played every sport invented, you'll know how Frankie and Sal feel when they proclaim, "LET'S DO NOTHING!" (Candlewick, $16.99).  But doing nothing—not moving—isn't as easy as the boys thought.  Frankie's imagination always seems to get the better of him: pigeons land on Frankie when he's a statue in the park; when Frankie is a redwood, Sal's dog comes by and relieves himself.  Frankie just can't keep still.  Then Sal realizes something about the nature of doing nothing.  Feature film animator Tony Fucile captures the essence of childhood boredom and creativity in this entertaining first picture book.  Ages 4-7 • Heidi Powell

For more recommendations for kids from our staff, pick up a copy of the Children and Teens' Summer Summer 2009 in the store or browse our summer selections for children and teens on the website by clicking here.

Jen Sorenson interviewed by Daryl Cagle

Jen's sort of local, being currently based in Charlottesville...

Daryl Cagle interviews cartoonists Mikhaela Reid and Jen Sorenson, part 1-2
CagleCartoons
July 07, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zJm7XZYLAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTCh12ulKpQ

Here is another interview from this year's AAEC Convention. This time, I sit down with Mikhaela Reid and Jen Sorenson, two successful female alternative cartoonists, and discuss the state of the industry and the uphill battle female cartoonists face.

Comic Riffs reports on censored Candorville Michael Jackson cartoons

See Would You Censor This 'Candorville' Cartoon? by Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (July 8 2009): http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/wednesdays_riffs.html#more
for the story and the Michael Jackson comic strip the Washington Post Writers Group didn't want to distribute.

DC Conspiracy's Chris Piers interviewed

See "Comic book writing - a perspective from Chris Piers," Mark Ruffin, July 7, 2009.

July 6: Superman Returns in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

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

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

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

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

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

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

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


Schedule

July 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

The Pure and Hidden Truth Comic Press Release

The following is a press release for a web comic called "The Pure and Hidden Truth,"produced in Maryland and can be viewed at www.pureandhiddentruth.com.  

"THE PURE AND HIDDEN TRUTH" REVEALED

 

Cisco Davis Jr. is a 23 year old, alien fearing, creator of a science-fiction/ fantasy comic with vampires, werewolves, Men in Black, ghosts, and genetic mutants galore.   Based in Glen Burnie, MD, a movie is also in the works.

 

Glen Burnie, MD  June 30, 2009-- Launched in October of 2008, Cisco Davis Jr. is on a mission to reveal The Pure and Hidden Truth to the masses.  The Pure and Hidden Truth is a science-fiction photographic web comic (www.pureandhiddentruth.com) that follows Art Friedman and Jillian Murphy, two down on their luck paranormal  investigators with supernatural powers of their own.  The duo's adventures are chronicled every week as they are thrown into a series of calculated coincidences leading to the greatest discovery in human history:  The Truth.

 

The Truth involves a wacky list of characters including crash-prone aliens, a sexy vampire slayer, a pessimistic werewolf, and evil-morphing Men in Black agents.  There are only a handful of  photo-comics  in the world that use actual actors  to play  the characters of the story.  The Pure and Hidden Truth is a true pioneer in the photo-comic genre.

 

The Pure and Hidden Truth is produced in Glen Burnie, MD and features a traditional long-form and full-page comic style , using actual photographs that have been stylistically altered to give the comic a distinctive look and feel.  The online comic is broken down into a basic three act structure and is updated every Friday and the first Monday of the month to keep readers on their toes. 

 

While growing up, Cisco Davis Jr. was deathly afraid of aliens and the paranormal.  After his mother's death last year and an alleged alien sighting near his home, Cisco was prompted to start a project that would help overcome his fearful emotions and create a free, fun, entertaining experience for anyone with access to the internet.  With a vivid imagination and a flair for writing, Cisco wrote a script and gathered a cast of local actors to bring his epic adventure to life.  The Pure and Hidden Truth Radio Show was also created to tie-in with the story.

 

To celebrate The Pure and Hidden Truth's one year anniversary, a movie basic on the comic will be released this October.  The movie is currently in production in Maryland.

 

 

 

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release , contact Diana King.

 

Contact Info:

 

Diana King

The Pure and Hidden Truth

King at pureandhiddentruth dot com

Richard Thompson at Central Library pics

Here's a few shots of Richard Thompson's booksigning at Central Library last week. After some powerpoint hassles, he spoke for about 30 minutes, showing some of his caricature work and how his Cul de Sac family evolved. After that he had a line of about 30 people for book signings. The people from Arlington County took a lot of pictures so hopefully they'll show up online.

Secret Identities and Larry Hama at Geppi's museum, July 18th

Colin Solan's got the info on a booksigning at Geppi's Entertainment Museum for Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology.

Big Planet Comics 23rd birthday

Today is Big Planet Comics 23rd birthday so shoot off an extra firework for them. I will.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-08-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-08-09
By John Judy

100 BULLETS, VOL. 13: WILT SC by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. Collecting the final issues of the series, 89-100, in which questions get answered and secrets get turned over in their graves.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #36 by Marc Guggenheim and Patrick Oliffe. It’s a wedding in Spideyland and don’t those always go well? But who will catch the webby bouquet?

BATMAN #688 by Judd Winick and Mark Bagley. Judging by the cover of this book the new Batman appears to have been shot in the face with… something… And that’s really all I think I’m going to say about that.

BPRD 1947 #1 of 5 by Mike Mignola, Joshua Dysart, Fabio Moon, and Gabriel Ba. So, BPRD 1946 wasn’t enough for ya, Fanboy?! Well, how about THIS?!?! Featuring Nazis and other monsters.

DARK X-MEN: BEGINNING #1 of 3 by James Asmus, Paul Cornel and Humberto Ramos. Y’know, I hate to say it but the Dark X-gang sound like the most intriguing line-up of mutants I’ve seen in a long time. Except for Wolver-Lad, but few comics are perfect. Gotta Look!

GREEN LANTERN #43 by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. The Black Hand is raising the dead to form his Black Lantern Corps. Guess who’s first? Recommended.

NO HERO #6 of 7 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp. The continuing adventures of our tragic, castrated, largely psychotic super-chap from that nice Mister Ellis.

THE NOBODY HC written and drawn by Jeff Lemire. The Xeric Award-winning creator of THE ESSEX COUNTY TRILOGY re-imagines H.G. Wells’ story of “The Invisible Man” in graphic novel form. Recommended, especially if you miss the old rascal from LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN.

NORTH 40 #1 of 6 by Aaron Williams and Fiona Staples. An interesting look into what happens when some dummy uses a magic book without knowing what he’s doing and turns a Midwestern American county into Hell on Earth. It’s a lot like when Texas first elected Governor Bush.

PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #72 by Victor Gischler and Goran Parlov. Frank vs. cannibal rednecks in the Bayou. The wild card appears to be a huge freakin’ alligator who eats frat boys on command. Anyone else wanna see the gator get his own book? Recommended. Not for kids.

THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #4 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins. This “End of the World by Super-Flu” story remains top-notch morbid entertainment. Stephen King should be writing this creative team a sincere thank-you note because they’re handling his novel better than any of the TV movies ever did. Recommended.

SUPERMAN: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW HC by Alan Moore, Curt Swan, Murphy Anderson and Others. Don’t let the title fool you. This is not merely another re-printing of the title story, but also a deluxe hardcover including Moore’s other two Superman classics “For the Man Who Has Everything” from ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11 and “The Jungle Line” from DC COMICS PRESENTS #85. Highly Recommended.

SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #5 of 12 by James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods. You would think a world as advanced as New Krypton would have moved beyond caste systems and the death penalty. But you would be wrong. Typical behavior from people too dumb to listen to their leading scientist when he tells them the world’s going to end… Recommended.

UNWRITTEN #3 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. Wow, is this a great book, mixing the best traits of the Harry Potter novels, Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman with a twist of mystery and illustrated to the nines by Peter Gross. Read it! Recommended.

WEDNESDAY COMICS #1 of 12 by Many, Many Amazing Writers and Artists. This one is too big to sum up in a Quick Review. Just trust me that this is the most awesome thing on the stands this week and you need to sell a kidney if that’s what it takes to add it to your stack. Highly Recommended Times a Million.

X-MEN LEGACY #226 by Mike Carey and Dustin Weaver. Some old X-Men return to San Francisco only to encounter the new Dark X-Men. You would think that a group calling itself “The Dark X-Men” would stir some measure of mistrust, but you would be wrong. Because this is America and we watch a lot of TV.

www.johnjudy.net

Government Printing Office employee works on animation, comic books

See "Designer works on the creative side of government," By Adam Behsudi, Frederick News-Post Staff, July 03, 2009 for John Tobiason’s story.

Washington Times on animation

'Disney's 'hetero' bias,' Amanda Carpenter, Washington Post Friday, July 3, 2009 is a not-particularly-interesting, nor shocking article, but there's an excellent article on animation voice Jim Cummings - "The 'stealth celebrity': Cummings' voice is famous, but his face is not," By Kelly Jane Torrance,
Washington Times Friday, July 3, 2009.

Read "A Bad Egg: Joseph Patrick Larkin" and make up your own mind

I have nothing to say about this (except that it's Joe Matt not Max)

A Bad Egg: Joseph Patrick Larkin
Posted By Arion Berger
Express June 30, 2009

Zadzooks on comics, this week

Zadzooks: Comic book reviews, Batman, Aliens and more
Magneto's origins revealed
By Joseph Szadkowski
Washington Times July 1, 2009

Tezuka book out by Georgetown U author

I picked up my copy a couple of weeks ago, and this looks good. Big Planet Bethesda has another copy on the racks as of yesterday.

http://www.upress.state.ms.us/books/1160

God of Comics
Osamu Tezuka and the Creation of Post-World War II Manga

By Natsu Onoda Power

208 pages (approx.), 6 x 9 inches, 53 b&w illustrations, filmography, bibliography, index

978-1-60473-220-7 Unjacketed cloth $50.00S

978-1-60473-221-4 Paper $25.00T

Unjacketed cloth, $50.00

Paper, $25.00

Looking for Calvin and Hobbes - Sample Chapter

Local author Nevin Martell has written a new book, an appreciation of Bill Watterson's comic strip, entitled "Looking for Calvin and Hobbes." I've read the first chapter, about Nevin's motivations, and enjoyed it. The book will be out soon, and Nevin has an offer for you:

Just thought I'd send you a potential news item for your blog, which I've become a dedicated follower of since stumbling across it over a year ago. 

To drum up interest in Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and his Revolutionary Comic Strip, I am offering interested readers a sample chapter from the book, which comes out on October 1 via Continuum Press. Send an email to lookingforcalvinandhobbes@gmail.com to request your very own free copy. Give me their email address (I promise I won't sell it or spam it incessantly) and I'll give you some quality summertime beach reading.

Here's a brief overview of the book:

For ten years, between 1985 and 1995, Calvin and Hobbes was one the world's most beloved comic strips. And then, on the last day of 1995, the strip ended. Its mercurial and reclusive creator, Bill Watterson, not only finished the strip but withdrew entirely from public life. There is no merchandising associated with Calvin and Hobbes: no movie franchise; no plush toys; no coffee mugs; no t-shirts (except a handful of illegal ones). There is only the strip itself, and the books in which it has been compiled - including The Complete Calvin and Hobbes: the heaviest book ever to hit the New York Times bestseller list.

In Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip, writer Nevin Martell traces the life and career of the extraordinary, influential, and intensely private man behind Calvin and Hobbes. With input from a wide range of artists and writers (including Dave Barry, Harvey Pekar, Jonathan Lethem, and Brad Bird) as well as some of Watterson's closest friends and professional colleagues, this is as close as we're ever likely to get to one of America's most ingenious and intriguing figures - and a fascinating detective story, at the same time.

Only 3,160 Calvin and Hobbes strips were ever produced, but Watterson has left behind an impressive legacy. Calvin and Hobbes references litter the pop culture landscape and his fans are as varied as they are numerable. Looking for Calvin and Hobbes is an affectionate and revealing book about uncovering the story behind this most uncommon trio – a man, a boy, and his tiger.

I interviewed almost 50 cartoonists for the project, including Berke Breathed (Bloom County/Opus/Outland), Jim Davis (Garfield), Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse), Nicholas Gurewitch (The Perry Bible Fellowship), Keith Knight (The Knight Life/K Chronicles), Bill Amend (Foxtrot), Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey), Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine), Michael Jantze (The Norm), Mark Parisi (Off The Mark), Hilary Price (Rhymes With Orange), Dave Coverly (Speed Bump), Jan Eliot (Stone Soup), Jeff Smith (Bone), Brad Anderson (Marmaduke), Jef Mallett (Frazz), Mike Peters (Mother Goose & Grimm), Steve Troop (Mayberry Melonpool), Craig Thompson (Blankets), Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Patrick Oliphant, Jim Borgman (Zits), Mark Tatulli (Lio) and Jim Meddick (Monty).  

The book can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com by following this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Looking-Calvin-Hobbes-Unconventional-Revolutionary/dp/082642984X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246553902&sr=1-1

Readers can also follow me on Twitter at:
http://www.twitter.com/looking4calvin

Express on Charlie Brown play

Very Good Grief: 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown'
Written by Express contributor Adaora Otiji
[Washington Post] Express July 2 2009 E6
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/07/very_good_grief_youre_a_good_man_charlie.php

Ice Age 3 interview and review at Post

The Interview: 'Ice Age' Director Carlos Saldanha
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 1, 2009

and

3rd 'Ice Age' Isn't Worth Discovering
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Here's the paper of record too -

Notes From the Prehistoric Underground
By A. O. SCOTT
Published: July 1, 2009

Glen Weldon covers another comic book controversy for NPR

Weldon, Glen.  2009.

Let There Be Bike Shorts: A Profile In Comics-Geek Courage [Supergirl].

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (July 1): http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2009/07/let_there_be_bike_shorts_a_gee_1.html?sc=nl&cc=msb-20090701

Big Planet 4th of July Sale

This Saturday is our annual July 4 th sale at all Big Planet stores. 20% of everything in the store is a great deal, and we only do it twice a year.  We are open 12pm- 5pm.  Its a great time to get those trade books you've been putting off. Hope to see you on Saturday. Also please note that new comics will not be delayed this week or next week because of the holiday.

--

BIG PLANET COMICS
4908 Fairmont Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-6856

Also affiliated with:

BIG PLANET COMICS
3145 Dumbarton St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-342-1961

BIG PLANET COMICS
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412

BIG PLANET COMICS
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498