Quick Reviews for Comics Due 11-18-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 11-18-09

By John Judy

 

ADVENTURE COMICS #4 by Geoff Johns and Jerry Ordway.  Superboy-Prime meets the Black Lanterns to see who can be more over-the-top creepy.  Plus, a Legion back-up story.

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #612 by Mark Waid and Paul Azaceta.  What if Electro didn't suck anymore?  Watch how Waid does it.  Recommended.

 

BRAVE AND BOLD #29 by J. Michael Straczynski and Jesus Saiz.  Batman and Brother Power the Geek.  Need I say more?  No.  No, I do not.

 

CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST 60^th ANNIVERSARY HC by Various Creators.  Going back to his first appearance in 1949, this one collects rare and charming highlights from the Friendliest Ghost You Know.  Good stuff for all ages.  Recommended.

 

DARK AVENGERS #11 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato.  Molecule Man don't take no mess!  Ow!

 

DARK REIGN THE LIST: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ONE-SHOT by Dan Slott and Adam Kubert.  Norman Osborn has had it!  Up to HERE! With that darn Spider-Man!  Time to get down to business.  This one's written by Dan Slott so expect the unexpected.  Recommended.

 

DR. HORRIBLE ONE-SHOT by Zack Whedon and Joelle Jones.  The dirty little secret origin of the internet's favorite mad scientist!  Huzzah!  Highly recommended.

 

DRIVEN BY LEMONS HC written and drawn by Joshua Cotter.  A sketchbook from the guy who gave us SKYSCRAPERS OF THE MIDWEST.  A little different for them that likes it that way.

 

FIR TREE GN by Hans Christian Andersen and Lilli Carre.  The story of a fir tree who ends up celebrating Christmas the hard way.

 

FLASH: REBIRTH #5 of 6 by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver.  Further game-changing by Geoff Johns.  This is awesome.  Flash-fact.  Recommended.

 

GIFT OF THE MAGI GN by O. Henry and Joel Priddy.  An adaptation of the classic tale of giving.  Great gift for the season.

 

HELLBLAZER #261 by Peter Milligan and Giuseppe Camuncoli.  Constantine meets Bollywood and neither shall be unchanged!  Milligan madness!

 

IRREDEEMABLE #8 by Mark Waid and Peter Krause.  Well, the Plutonian sure got a surprise last issue didn't he?  Now it's his turn.  A terrifying story of what would happen if a superman went bad and just kept on going.  Recommended.  Not for kids.

 

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA 80-PAGE GIANT #1 by Everybody.  Okay, not quite Everybody, but darn near.  Seven stories about JSAers, old and new.

 

KIDNAPPED SANTA CLAUS GN by L. Frank Baum and Alex Robinson.  Demons kidnap Saint Nick!  Must!  Have!  (And yes, it's that L. Frank Baum.)

 

MIGHTY AVENGERS #31 by Christos Gage, Dan Slott and Sean Chen.  Many super-types gather to beat up on a bad guy.  Amazed no one ever thought of that before…

 

PICTURES THAT TICK SC by Dave McKean.  A graphic brain-bender from the guy who brought you every single cover of SANDMAN among too many other works of genius to mention here.  Gotta look!

 

POWERS ENCYCLOPEDIA VOL. 1 by Bendis, Tim Daniel and Michael Avon Oeming.  A little… okay, a lot of backstory on the POWERS universe, plus a peek into what's coming up.  For Bendis fans new and old alike.

 

SPIDER-WOMAN #3 by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev.  Skrulls, Hydra, Madripoor, lots of wayward elements of the Marvel Yoo coming together in the context of a Big Fight!

 

THE STAND: SOUL SURVIVORS #2 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins.  Larry Underwood meets Nadine Cross and Joe the feral kid.  What better time than now to read a comic about the flu killing the world?  Curl up with a jug of Ny-Quil and enjoy!  Recommended.

 

THE NAM, VOL. 1 SC by Doug Murray and Michael Golden.  Collecting issues #1-10 of this pivotal war series from the late eighties.  Recommended.

 

UNDERGROUND #3 of 5 by Jeff Parker and Steve Lieber.  Bats!  There's a cave full of bats in the dark and our heroes have to cuddle up with those rats with wings.  And their filthy teeth…  Recommended.

 

VICTORIAN UNDEAD #1 of 6 by Ian Edginton and Davide Fabbri.  Sherlock Holmes fights zombies!  Why did Conan-Doyle not think of this?!  Highly recommended!

 

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #7 by Jason Aaron and Yanick Paquette.  "Wolverine in a nuthouse."  It's the one you've always wanted to read and Jason Aaron writes it good.  Recommended.

 

Also this week: Blue and Violet Lantern/Star Sapphire promotional rings!  For those of you keeping score, we now have available: Orange, Yellow, Blue, Indigo and Violet Lantern Rings.  (Black Lantern rings came out a while ago, before this latest promo tie-in.)  This just leaves Green and Red until we can all have a huge nerd party, chanting the Green Lantern oath and wondering why we can't get a date.

 

www.johnjudy.net

 

Library of Congress' Poetry site appreciates Archie

Scoop noticed that the Library of Congress' Poetry site appreciates Archie. Or at least his taste in poetry. No word on its opinion about his taste in women.

PR: Canadian artist Von Allan publishes mental illness graphic novel

Friend of ComicsDC (look for the badge!) Von Allan's got his new book out:

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (November 11, 2009) – Mental illness remains one of Western society's greatest taboos.  Those who suffer from various mental health disorders often suffer in silence, with very little support from society.  Family members and other loved ones of those afflicted also suffer and are often forced to understand and cope alone.  The loneliness, fear and frustration that this can cause is difficult for most people to understand.  And this isolation can be far worse when you're a child of a bipolar, schizophrenic or otherwise mentally ill parent.  Von Allan, an Ottawa-based graphic novelist, has attempted to shed some light on this subject with the publication of his first full-length graphic novel, titled "the road to god knows..."

"My mom was diagnosed schizophrenic when I was quite young, maybe 11 or so," said Allan.  "She suffered a number of nervous breakdowns as I was growing up, as she battled, often very much alone, a disease that was slowly taking bits of her away.  What I remember most vividly about this time was how confused and powerless I was.  No one talked with me about what was happening to her and my mom was incapable of explaining it to me herself.  I didn't understand and that, combined with what I was experiencing, was really, really scary.  There's also odd feelings of guilt that go with this.  "Did I do something wrong?  Did I somehow cause this?"  I wrote and drew this book to shed some light on a very hush-hush topic and hopefully help others, especially kids but really people of all ages, realize that they aren't alone and that they haven't done anything wrong.  And neither has the person who is suffering from mental illness."

A unique aspect of the graphic novel is its availability in multiple channels.  First, the book can be downloaded as a free PDF eBook on the artist's website.  In addition, a torrent version has been made available via LegalTorrents.com and the PDF is also available on Scribd.com.  The graphic novel is distributed under a Creative Commons Canada licence that grants readers the ability to distribute the online versions of the book for free.  "The toughest thing for new artists is just getting noticed.  Obscurity, as Tim O'Reilly said, is the enemy and not piracy.  By using a variety of online distribution tools as well as more traditional print publishing, I'm hoping people will give the book a try.  And maybe it'll get into the hands of someone who could really use it.  The book is also available through online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can also be purchased in comic shops like Jim Hanley's Universe in New York, Atlantis Fantasyworld in Santa Cruz, Cosmic Monkey Comics in Portland, Strange Adventures in Halifax, and bookstores like Perfect Books in Ottawa and Librarie Astro in Montreal."

"The road to god knows..." is the story of Marie, a teenage girl coming to grips with her Mom's schizophrenia. As a result, she's struggling to grow up fast; wrestling with poverty, loneliness, and her Mom's illness every step of the way.  At the start of the story, we see a scared young girl, uncertain and overwhelmed, but as her mom collapses into a full nervous breakdown, Marie is forced to examine herself and her life and come to a decision:  does she continue to be a child, reacting to what's happening around her?  Or does she take control of her life, come what may?

"the road to god knows…" has an ISBN of 978-0-9781237-0-3, a suggested retail price of $12.95 US/$13.99 CDN and is 148 pages in length.

About Von Allan:  Von Allan was born red-headed and freckled in Arnprior, Ontario, just in time for "Star Wars: A New Hope."  The single child of two loving but troubled parents, Von split most of his childhood between their two homes.  Additional information about the graphic novel can be found at http://trtgk.vonallan.com/.

Contact:

Von Allan
P.O. Box 20520, 390 Rideau Street,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  K1N 1A3
Email: von@vonallan.com
Phone:  613-236-9957

###

--
Von Allan

Quote: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." (Beckett)

My original graphic novel, the road to god knows... (ISBN: 978-0-9781237-0-3) is now available at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes & Noble, and other notable retailers.

Von Allan Studio
P.O. Box 20520, 390 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. K1N 1A3
Phone: 613-236-9957
Email: von@vonallan.com
Web: http://www.vonallan.com
Blog: http://vonandmoggy.livejournal.com

Georgetown Voice on local comic book stores

D.C. Comics: The District’s other bookstores
Author: Chris Heller
Georgetown Voice November 12, 2009

Comic Riffs on San Diego's Kelley-Breen split

The comic strip that ruined a friendship, rankled a newspaper and landed in court. And that was BEFORE being launched.
Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 12, 2009

Comic Riffs interviews caricaturist Richmond

A new Congressional 'bobblehead' app for your iPhone? MAD artist says Apple won't bite
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 12, 2009

Progress in the Library of Congress' grand scheme of things

On the GN-LIB list for librarians, it's reported As of last month, "Superhero comic books, strips, etc." is now an official LC Subject Heading, and thus is also usable as an LC genre heading.

Unlike Moses, I may get to see the Promised Land.

San Diego Comic-Con founder obit in Post's Metro section

Nelson, Valerie J. / Los Angeles Times.  2009.
Shel Dorf, 78: Artist turned spotlight on cartoonists with Comic-Con.
Washington Post (November 12)

Here's the Times - Sheldon Dorf, Founder of Comic-Con, Dies at 76, By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, November 12, 2009/

Nov 12: Herblock at Politics and Prose

Haynes Johnson - Herblock
7 p.m. Johnson, who worked with Herblock at The Washington Post, will launch a new anthology celebrating Herblock's life and career. The Post's editorial cartoonist was a protean figure whose career spanned thirteen American Presidents.

Onion interviews Schodt on Tezuka

For the forthcoming set of programs, the Onion talked to Schodt the premier Anglo-speaking manga expert on Tezuka, the 'Walt Disney' of Japan. See The "God of Manga," humanized: Osamu Tezuka scholar Frederik Schodt explains the anime pioneer, by Chelsea Bauch, Onion AV Club November 11, 2009.

Veteran's day

In a few minutes (local time), we'll hit 11/11/11 or, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when World War 1 ended. This was known as Armistice Day until a second world war led to the change to Veteran's Day in the US. Following the lead of Charles Schulz, who often mentioned Bill Mauldin in Peanuts, we present a sketch the great soldier cartoonist did in a copy of his book The Brass Ring, many years after his World War 2 service.

Anime Retrospective Celebrates the Legendary Osamu Tezuka

A Retrospective of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime    Begins this weekend on 11/13 (click image for details) Films: Introducing Astro Boy, Marine Express, Prime Rose, Tezuka's Short Films, and The Film is Alive: Osamu Tezuka Filmography   Plus, a panel discussion with authors Frederik Schodt, Helen McCarthy, and Natsu Onoda Power!

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

Nov 11: Metropolis

Metropolis 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 Metropolis on
Friday November 13, 2009 6:30 pm at Lafayette Center III (Lower Level) 1155 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).

Kenichi and his detective uncle, Shunsaku Ban, leave Japan to visit Metropolis, in search of the criminal, Dr. Laughton. However, when they finally find Dr. Laughton, Kenichi and Shunsaku find themselves seperated and plunged into the middle of a larger conspiracy. While Shunsaku searches for his nephew and explanations, Kenichi tries to protect Tima (a mysterious young girl), from Duke Red and his adopted son Rock, both of whom have very different reasons for wanting to find her.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.

RSVP to jiccrsvpfall09@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.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.


CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083 president@dcanimeclub.org

Weingarten on Our Town continued

Better late than never, I suppose...

Chatological Humor (UPDATED 11.10.09)

aka Tuesdays With Moron

Gene Weingarten

Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 27, 2009; 12:00 PM

Our To, WN: So have you had any more time to think about the "Our Town" in the Washington Post Magazine, especially with the "reportage graphique" explanation of 18 Oct.?

Am I wrong to be sticking to my initial assessment of "blech." It seems to be trying to hard to be artsy for the sake of being artsy, which is fine and has a place, but I don't think it's in the Washington Post Magazine.

Also, is it churlish of me to note that the National Zoo does not have any llamas at the Kids' Farm (25 Oct. Our Town)? Those guys are alpacas.

Gene Weingarten: Liz, can we link to the mentioned 'toon, which contains, um, me. Michael Cavna was playfully publicly answering my critique from the last chat.

I'm willing to wait n' see. My problem with this feature is not arts-fartsiness; I think it's a good idea to send a cartoonist to try to record a moment in time in an interesting place, coupled with whimsical commentary. I think this is ambitious, and I applaud ambition.

My problem, so far, is that I think we've proven that not all places offer fodder for riveting observational humor. This is hard; the threshold needs to be high. Let's give it a chance. This past Sunday I liked the speechless speech balloons.

washingtonpost.com: Our Town: Oct. 18 | Oct. 25

_______________________

Fairfax, VA: I find "Our Town" intellectually stimulating. It's like "Where's Waldo" for literate people.

Gene Weingarten: Noted!

Comics historian Ron Evry featured in Post

See "A new voice for the humorists buried deep in the newspaper bin," By John Kelly, Washington Post November 9, 2009

That Toles, he's no Herblock

The Buffalo News pays Tom Toles a backwards compliment in this review - How Herblock ruled Washington with a pen, By Mike Vogel, NEWS BOOK REVIEWER, November 08, 2009,

John Kovaleski, FOCDC*, interviewed

Nickel, Scott. 2009.
20 Questions with John Kovaleski.
A Nickel's Worth blog Sunday, November 8, 2009


*Friend Of ComicsDC. I'm thinking about having badges made.

Best Comics Store: Big Planet Comics

Best Comics Store: Big Planet Comics sayeth Rudi Greenberg in last Friday's Express November 6, 2009.

That's four (4!) stores for your browsing pleasure.

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

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

Comic Riffs on Tank McNamara includes short interview

REDSKINS: Ex-'Sports Jerk' Dan Snyder takes a satiric beating -- again

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 8, 2009
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/11/redskins_dan_snyder_tank_mcnam.html#comments

Comic Riffs on Shel Dorf

Remembering Comic-Con co-founder Shel Dorf

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog  November 7, 2009;
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/11/dorf.html#comments

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 11-11-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 11-11-09

By John Judy

 

ABSOLUTE JUSTICE HC by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Doug Braithwaite.  Collecting the 12-issue series in which the JLA fights bad guys and everyone looks like people on TV from the seventies.  Hear your coffee table groan from the strain!

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #611 by Joe Kelly and Eric Canete.  Guest-starring Deadpool and Lady Stilt-Man.  Now just calm down, fan-boys…

 

BATMAN AND ROBIN #6 by Grant Morrison and Philip Tan.  It's the big finish for the Red Hood and Scarlet!  Recommended!

 

BATMAN DOC SAVAGE SPECIAL #1 by Brian Azzarello and Phil Noto.  The Man of Bronze and the Dark Knight mix it up good and pulpy!  Gotta look!

 

CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: LAST BATTLE #2 of 6 by Garth Ennis and Oscar Jimenez.  So should Danny the Anti-Christ be worried when his best friend Jay the Second Coming starts getting his wits back about him?  And what about Jimmy the talking rabbit?  Not for kids.

 

COMIC BOOK COMICS #4 by Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey.  The Evil Twin boys are back with their comic about comics!  This issue features stories about the rise of Marvel Comics, Robert Crumb and Tin-Tin!  More fascinating than a lot of imaginary stories being published today!  Highly recommended!

 

DAREDEVIL #502 by Andy Diggle and Roberto De La Torre.  When dealing with depression and grief some people turn to faith, others to appropriate medication.  Still others take over the leadership of an international guild of ninja assassins.  And this is why Daredevil is way cooler than any of us will ever be.  Recommended.

 

DARK X-MEN #1 of 5 by Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk.  Admit it, you've always wondered what a team of the most depraved second-string mutants working for a government-backed psychopath would be like!  Okay, fine, it's just me then.  This is by the guys who did CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 so it is awesome.  Recommended.

 

GHOUL #1 by Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson.  When things get too weird for the LA cops they gotta call in… The Ghoul.  From two of comics' heaviest hitters!  Recommended!

 

HOT POTATOE HC written and drawn by Marc Bell.  No, it's not a Dan Quayle bio-comic, it's a decade's worth of indy-man Bell's wildest works.  This one's all over the map so you're bound to find something to love and (if you're really lucky) something to hate.

 

INSOMNIA CAFÉ HC written and drawn by M.K. Perker.  A disgraced rare book expert seeks redemption in the only thing he knows.  Neat stuff.  Preview pages available on the Dark Horse website.

 

LUNA PARK HC by Kevin Baker and Danijel Zezalj.  A former Russian soldier turned junkie leg-breaker for the Brooklyn mob and his hooker girlfriend try to find a way out.  Your noir is served.  Recommended.

 

PUNISHERMAX #1 by Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon.  An "explicit" series setting up a battle royale between the Punisher and the man who would be Kingpin!  Recommended.  Not for kids.

 

STRANGE #1 of 4 by Mark Waid and Emma Rios.  A peek into what Doctor Strange is up to since losing the title of Sorcerer Supreme to Brother fricking Voodoo.  I mean seriously, how much must that suck?  Is there enough Ny-Quil in the universe to make that pain go away?  Anyway, Mark Waid is writing it so count on lots of Inside Geekball references and awesomeness.  Recommended.

 

STRANGE SUSPENSE: STEVE DITKO ARCHIVES, VOL. 1 HC edited by Blake Bell.  The complete two-year run of all Ditko's pre-code horror comics from the earliest days of his career.  You must have this.

 

SUPERGOD #1 of 5 by Warren Ellis and Garrie Gastony.  Warren Ellis does terrible things to people in capes and everyone else. Again.  A must for blasphemers.  Recommended.

 

SUPERMEN: FIRST WAVE OF HEROES (1939-1941) GN edited by Greg Sadowski.  A look back at the first batch of characters trying to cash in on the phenomenal success of Superman.  Many of these have not been reprinted since DC sued them out of existence back in the day.  A true gem for golden-age buffs.

 

UNWRITTEN #7 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross.  The mysteries keep unfolding as Tom Taylor makes his way to Donostia Prison.  You can tell the creators are having a ball with this.  Highly recommended.

 

WALKING DEAD #67 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard.  Rick and Carl have some father-son time and Eugene starts talking.  Not for kids, always recommended.

 

Also out this week: Orange and Indigo Lantern rings!

 

www.johnjudy.net

Post reviews Simpsons unauthorized history

Doh! The joke's on us.
Louis Bayard
Washington Post Sunday, November 8, 2009

Local webcomicker Julian Lytle's strip

Julian Lytle writes in...

I live in Capitol Heights, MD in PG county. I've lived in the Washington DC area my entire life.  I have been making my webcomic for about  7 months. It's here: http://ants.julianlytle.com/.

I'm working on this year's special 3rd issue of the International Journal of Comic Art so I'm behind on things, but check out his strip and let him know what you think.

Nov 21: Virginia Comic Con in Richmond

See Inside the Virginia Comic-Con, Scoop November 6 2009 for details and links.

Richmond cartoonist Ullman hangs with Crumb

Here's a strip and then another on Rob Ullman's chance dinner with Robert Crumb. Very cool, Rob and Ben.

Post's review of motion-capture animation Disney's Christmas Carol

Disney's A Christmas Carol: Too much spirit, too little heart
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

SPX panel transcribed

SPX '09 | The Critics Roundtable, transcribed
November 5, 2009 - 12:30 PM by Sean T. Collins

Nov 25: Disney's Mulan at Imagination Stage in Bethesda

Disney's Mulan

Music and Lyrics by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel, Stephen Schwartz, Jeanine Tesori and Alexa Junge
Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by
Patricia Cotter
Based on the 1998 Disney film Mulan
and the Story "Fa Mulan" by Robert D. San Souci
Directed by Janet Stanford

SHOWS:
November 25 - January 10, 2010

Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 & 4:00
Saturday at 11:00 - Nov 28, Dec 19 & 26 and
Jan 2 & 9
Many Thanksgiving Weekend &
Christmas/New Years week shows!

For Tickets please call 301-280-1660
In the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre at Imagination Stage

A Beeler cartoon that relies on color

Nate Beeler's told me a couple of times that he prefers to do his cartoons in black and white, so I was a little surprised to see the November 4 2009 cartoon which would be nonsensical without color.

Nov 14-22: The rest of the Tezuka fest

Saturday, November 14, 2009

The Film is Alive: Osamu Tezuka Filmography (Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime) Saturday, November 14, 2 pm In Person: Frederik Schodt, author of The Astro Boy Essays; Helen McCarthy, author of The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga; and Natsu Onoda Power, author of God of Comics: Osamu Tezuka and the Creation of Post-WWII Manga. This documentary, made for the Tezuka Osamu exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum the year after Tezuka's death, boasts probably the most over specified title card in the world. Each of the ten letters has been handwritten by…

Week of Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Marine Express (Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime) Sunday, November 15, 2 pm In Person: Frederik Schodt, Helen McCarthy Set in the near future of 2002, this tale of skullduggery and smuggling on an undersea train is set against a backdrop of environmental degradation and destruction of indigenous cultures and is interwoven with a time-travel fantasy. Directed by Dezaki Tetsu, it features appearances by nearly all of Tezuka's most famous characters, including Astro Boy, Black Jack, and Don Dracula. [Description adapted from…

Friday, November 20, 2009

Prime Rose (Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime) Friday, November 20, 7 pm A Japanese city and an American city are thrown into conflict by demonic intervention. Prime Rose is one of the warriors, but she has a personal motive. Time Patrol member Gai is trying to reverse the timeslip and defeat the demon. Aired before the manga of the same title was completed, this film by Tetsu Dezaki is allegedly closer to Tezuka's original idea. [Description adapted from text by Helen McCarthy for Movies into Manga: Osamu Tezuka,…

Week of Sunday, November 22, 2009

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Tezuka's Short Films (Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime) Sunday, November 22, 2 pm This remarkable showcase of shorts made between 1962 and 1987 reveals Tezuka's energy, originality, and clarity of vision as he employs music and imagery to render dialogue unnecessary. These films show Tezuka the art house animator at his inventive best. [Descriptions adapted from text by Helen McCarthy for Movies into Manga: Osamu Tezuka, shown at Barbican Film, Barbican Centre, London, in September 2008.] Tales of the Street Corner Drawing…

Nov 13: Fred Schodt at Freer Gallery

Introducing Astro Boy (Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime)

Date Friday, November 13, 2009, 7 pm Categories Films Venue Freer Gallery Event Location Meyer Auditorium Cost Free; first come, first served Details In Person: Frederik Schodt, author of The Astro Boy Essays Astro Boy (known as Mighty Atom in Japan) is one of Tezuka's most iconic and enduring creations. Starting life as a character in manga comics, he later took the world by storm as the hero of three animated television series that were nearly as popular in the US as they were in Japan. To kick off the retrospective, author and Tezuka expert Frederik Schodt presents and discusses four Astro Boy episodes.

Part of the series Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime

Library of Congress serials chief mentions comic books

The 3-minute interview: Mark Sweeney
Washington Examiner Staff Writer
November 1, 2009

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/people/THE-3-MINUTE-INTERVIEW---Mark-Sweeney-8450007-67715477.html

“I'm responsible for a division of about 50 people who work with the library's newspaper collection, our current periodicals, government publications and the library's comic book collection.”

The world is changing…

 

Examiner columnist on Danish Islamic Cartoons

Diana West: To remain free, we are also Danes

By: Diana West

Washington Examiner Columnist

November 1, 2009

Nov 12: Haynes Johnson on Herblock at Politics and Prose

Haynes Johnson - Herblock
7 p.m. Johnson, who worked with Herblock at The Washington Post, will launch a new anthology celebrating Block's life and career. The Post's editorial cartoonist was a protean figure whose career spanned thirteen American Presidents. His cartoons mocked Senator McCarthy and Richard Nixon, and continued on into the 1980s to take on President Reagan. Block made no pretense of objectivity; he was a good liberal with a love of the political game. In 1984 Herblock was incredibly generous to a tiny new bookstore at 5010 Connecticut Avenue, appearing twice to sign his book.

OT: Nick Thorkelson, friend of CDC, playing music in Boston

Nick Thorkelson's reviewed exhibits for me for IJOCA and done the cover of the Interplanetary Journal of Comic Art (buy it on the right) and now he's showing us he's got musical talent too.

Subject: Music on the Fly, Coming Nov. 14--FREE!

Dear friends:

I wanted to let you know that I will have pieces in both of the programs described below. I will play and sing a song I wrote called "Grave Robbery," accompanied by a series of images in a sort of pseudo animation style, as part of the "EP7: Music On the Fly" program November 14. And I have written a short play, "Lionel Banished," which will be performed at the "Carny Knowledge" program being performed January 28 to February 6. Hope to see all or many of you at each or both. 

Fort Point Theatre Channel Presents MUSIC ON THE FLY An evening of inter-genre performance works featuring made-up music Curated by Robin Smith and Christie Lee Gibson Saturday, November 14, 7 pm 35A Channel Center Street, Fort Point, Boston FREE With new works and works in progress, Fort Point Theatre Channel's seventh Exclamation Point! will feature music combined with video, acting improv, and other visual/stage components. Featured musicians, writers, actors, actresses include: Jon Burrowes, Jorrit Dykstra, Mary Fegreus, Liz Fenstermaker, Christie Lee Gibson, Daniel Harris, Allen Phelps, Alejandro Simoes, Robin Smith, Scott Sweatt, Nick Thorkelson, Arvid Tomayko-Peters, and friends. For directions, check out our Web site. Coming Up A Sideshow Extravaganza of Original Plays and Extraordinary Oddities Silvia Graziano & Marc S. Miller, Impresarios January 28-February 6, 2010 Channel Center, Fort Point, Boston Carny Knowledge joins short theatrical works and unique installation pieces to create an environmental extravaganza enveloping audiences and performers alike. Inspired by the sideshows of once-upon-a-time, playwrights and filmmakers, musicians and dancers, roustabouts and a concoction of practitioners of the carny crafts will create an unforgettable evening of ballyhoo, burlesque, and incomparable entertainment, sure to skin the rubes and marks of their fins, sawbucks, and c-notes.   AND IN THE FUTURE . . . · Hotel Cassiopeia, Charles Mee's fantasy inspired by the life and work of the master of assemblage art, Joseph Cornell · The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder · The libretto from an opera being developed about the Marquis de Sade. ·  One-act plays by James Swindell and Silvia Grazianio www.fortpointtheatrechannel.org info@fortpointtc.org

This is one image/stanza from "Grave Robbery," a song inspired by the Jerry Cruncher character in Charles Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities":

Nick Thorkelson

Graphic Design & Cartoons

15 Channel Center Street, #601

Boston, MA 02210

617-417-5403

nthork@nickthorkelson.com

www.nickthorkelson.com

Nov 18: Waltz with Bashir at Arlington's Shirlington Library

Film: "Waltz with Bashir/Vals Im Bashir" [2008]
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7pm
Shirlington Branch Library
The "World Cinema Spotlight" series at Shirlington presents "Waltz with Bashir/Vals Im Bashir" [2008]. Rated R, 90 minutes. Directed by Ari Folman and featuring Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag and Ari Folman. An animated documentary nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, "Waltz with Bashir" tells the story of an Israeli film director who interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of that conflict.

Nov 30: Politics and Prose graphic novel meeting time change

The group had to move the meeting time, so the new one is the 30th of November, the Monday after Thanksgiving, at 7:30pm, discussing Ware's Jimmy Corrigan.

Harry Katz on Herblock on KPBS

To read the transcript with Harry Katz, former prints curator at the Library of Congress on Herblock, click through "Herblock Was One Of Most Influential Political Cartoonists In U.S. History," By Maureen Cavanaugh, Hank Crook, KPBS These Days | Monday, November 2, 2009, or click here to listen to the audio.

Post on Doonesbury on Twitter

'Doonesbury' on Twitter: A sweet tweet

Howard Kurtz

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, November 2, 2009

Nov 3: Herblock curator tour at Noon

Join the curators of the new Herblock exhibit at the Library of Congress’ Jefferson building at noon for a tour of the exhibit and a look at ‘Herblock in World War II.’

U of MD's Diamondback's streak of successful cartoonists

See "Diamondback doodlers: Several ’90s cartoonists went big-time with their drawings," By Kristi Tousignant, University of Maryland's Diamondback November 2, 2009. Featured are Frank Cho, Jeff Kinney, and Aaron McGruder. Corey Thomas, who does Watch Your Head, came out of Howard University.

Library of Congress Accepting Swann Fellowship Applications

Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC   20540

November 2, 2009
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115, mkenn@loc.gov

Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications
Foundation Supports Research in the Humorous Arts of Caricature and Cartoon

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2010-2011 academic year.  Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 15, 2010, and notification will occur in the spring. 

The Swann Foundation seeks to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist in continuing scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon.  Depending on the number and quality of proposals, the advisory board may elect to make multiple, smaller awards.

A fellow is required to be in residence in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of two weeks, use the Library's extensive collections and deliver a public lecture at the Library on his or her work.  Each fellow must also provide a copy of his or her dissertation, thesis or postgraduate publication upon completion, for the Swann Foundation Fund files.

Guidelines and application forms are available through the Swann Foundation's website www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html, by e-mailing swann@loc.gov or by calling Martha Kennedy in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library at (202) 707-9115.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States and a candidate for a master's or doctoral degree at a university based in the United States, Canada or Mexico.  The applicant must be working toward completion of a dissertation or thesis for that degree or be engaged in postgraduate research within three years of receiving an M.A. or a Ph.D.  Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet these academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a fellowship, contingent upon their visa eligibility. 

The applicant's research must be in the field of caricature and cartoon.  There are no restrictions on the place or time period covered.  To encourage research in a variety of academic disciplines, any university department may oversee a project proposed for the fellowship, provided the subject pertains to caricature or cartoon art.

Requirements for the fellowship applications include a statement of qualifications, a one-page abstract of the proposed project, a project description that specifies research needs and a budget, two letters of reference and official transcripts.

The Swann Foundation Fellowship in Caricature and Cartoon is one of a small number of scholarly fellowships that provide direct support for continuing graduate research in the field.  It has supported groundbreaking research on caricature and cartoon that focuses on a variety of subjects and topics such as the Cold War; representations of race, class conflict and disease; and the early origins of caricature and political satire, and the cultural and social forces that have influenced the development of prominent cartoonists' work.  For a list of research projects, visit www.loc.gov/rr/rint/swann/swann-fellowslist.html.

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is overseen by an advisory board composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members.  The foundation's activities support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world.  New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906-1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.

# # #

PR09-225
11/2/09
ISSN: 0731-3527

KAL Creates 2010 Wall Calendar for The Economist

Kal writes in:

I am delighted to announce the publication of The Economist's first ever fully illustrated wall calendar. Here's how The Economist describes the 2010 "Illustrated Look at the Year Ahead":

Kevin "Kal" Kallaugher, The Economist's editorial cartoonist since 1978, takes you on an entertaining journey through the world's most celebrated (and occasionally obscure) global events, milestones and holidays. 
Each of the 12 monthly spreads provides a visual feast of original, hand-drawn artwork that brings to life the events of the current month and combines them into a hilarious interconnected story.

You can view the cover artwork with the attached image...or visit www.Kaltoons.com for more pictures and information on how to order the calendar at my online bookstore.

Best

Kal

Kevin Kallaugher

kal@kaltoons.com

www.Kaltoons.com

Post to colorize Doonesbury

Comic Riffs is reporting that the newly re-enlarged Doonesbury will also be appearing in dramatic color.

Big Planet Comics owner Greg Bennett may be coming to a town near you

Greg's about to go on tour with his band, The Jet Age. Their two-and-a-half week tour will take them through the midwest and the west.

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 11-04-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS 11-04-09

By John Judy

 

AGE OF BRONZE #29 written and drawn by Eric Shanower.  No promotional blurb could top the original: "Special Music Issue. Achilles headlines with a song about cosmic sex as Cressida has her heart ripped out."  Not for kids.  Recommended.

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #609 by Marc Guggenheim, Marco Checchetto and Luke Ross.  Spidey fights the dinosaur dude.  No, the other one.  "Raptor."

 

ASTONISHING X-MEN #32 by Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez.  Sentinels!  Zombie Sentinels!  Brood!  Oh, Ellis!

 

BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE #3 of 6 by Kevin Smith and Walter Flanagan.  "Guest-starring Aquaman!"  No fair making it irresistible, DC!

 

BLACK WIDOW: DEADLY ORIGIN #1 of 4 by Paul Cornell, Tom Raney and John Paul Leon.  What it sounds like, but Cornell is so darn clever he'll find a way to make it work!

 

THE BOYS #36 by Garth Ennis and John Darick Robertson.  The Awesome Origin of "Mother's Milk" at the conclusion of which you will please stop screaming.  Please.  Recommended.  Not for kids.

 

BOYS: HEROGASM #6 of 6 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea.  At last, the devastating climax!  (Hides head in shame…)  Not for kids.

 

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #30 by Jane Espenson and Georges Jeanty.  I'm starting to think the goal of these stories is to get the number of Slayers on Earth back down to one.  Recommended anyway because it's Jane Espenson and she writes real good.

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #4 of 6 by Ed Brubaker and Bryan Hitch.  Doctor Doom and the Red Skull have made a pact, so maybe this whole "reborn" thing is a tad premature…  Gotta look!

 

CRIMINAL DELUXE EDITION HC by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.  Collecting books 1-3 and a bunch of extras.  Why wait for Christmas?  Get it now!  Highly recommended.

 

DEATHLOK #1 of 7 by Charlie Huston and Lan Medina.  Marvel's classic killer cyborg gets the Moon Knight treatment: A full reboot with lots of violence!  Hey, it's Deathlok.  Not like we were ever gonna see him on "Super Hero Squad."  But wouldn't it be great if we did?

 

ESCAPISTS SC by Brian K. Vaughan, Michael Chabon and Various Really Good Artists.  Inspired by "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" and the comic book capital of the world, Cleveland Ohio!  Recommended.

 

IMMORTAL WEAPONS #4 of 5 by Duane Swierczynski and Khari Evans.  Tiger's Beautiful Daughter.  Don't let the name fool you!  Her kung-fu is tough!  Recommended.

 

MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1 of 8 by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young.  Picking up where they left off with WONDERFUL WORLD OF OZ, Shanower and Young take on L. Frank Baum's next epic.  Forget the movie!  Read the comic!  (Always good advice.)

 

SECRET SIX #15 by John Ostrander and J. Calafiore.  Guest-writer John Ostrander returns to Deadshot and Deadshot returns to killing lots and lots of people!  OK, technically you need to leave something before you return to it, but you get the idea.

 

STRANGE TALES #3 of 3 by Various Creators.  Indy artists and writers take a crack at their favorite Marvel icons with interesting results.  Verrry interrresting….

 

STUMPTOWN #1 by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth.  When a private dick with a gambling problem finds herself on the hook for big money to a casino the best way out is probably to do the casino owner a favor.  Because that always ends well.  Highly "Rucka-mended!"

 

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #9 of 12 by James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods.  Jemm, Son of Saturn wants a word with the New Kryptonians!  No, seriously…

 

TORCH #3 of 8 by Mike Carey, Alex Ross and Patrick Berkenkotter.  Darn!  The original Human Torch is back but he's a mind-controlled bad guy now!  Sure hope that doesn't last!

 

X-MEN ORIGINS: ICEMAN ONE-SHOT by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Phil Noto.  What it sounds like but Aguirre-Sacasa's so darn clever he'll find a way to make it work!

 

X-MEN VS. AGENTS OF ATLAS #2 of 2 by Jeff Parker and Carlo Pagulayan.  Just go with it….

 

YELLOW LANTERN PROMOTIONAL RINGS by DC Comics and the Sinestro Corps!  Powered by Fear and Evil so turn on FoxNews and let 'er rip!

 

www.johnjudy.net

 

Nov 2: Lethem at Folger tomorrow

Comics-friendly author Jonathan Lethem will be in town, reading from his new book this fall.

Nov. 2: Lethem is at Folger Elizabethan Theatre, at 7:30, $15.

Zombie graphic novel chat on Post site yesterday

Zombies: Doomsday Attack - Max Brooks, Author and Screenwriter
Washington Post Friday, October 30, 2009; 11:00 AM

Nevin Martell at Big Planet Comics, a brief report

A couple of nights ago, Nevin Martell read from his new book, Looking for Calvin and Hobbes at Big Planet Comics. I've reviewed the book already, but Nevin's illustrated lecture for "the love child I've been working on for the past two years" as he put it, is worth seeing, because he "uncovered a lot of art that no one's ever seen before."

Much of that was Watterson's early high school and college cartoons, and his stint as a professional political cartoonist, but Nevin also showed us what Watterson's most recent public art has been. He's done these projected illustrations for a friend's Spanish Day, a Flamenco guitar rock opera.

Wash Post Style Invitational contest to combine two comic strips results

None of them did much for me, even though one of my neighbors is a winner, but see

The Style Invitational
Washington Post October 31 2009

Report from Week 837
in which we asked you to combine two comic strips and tell about the result:

Two NY students win Herblock-related cartoon contest

See "A winning combination: Two local students win national editorial cartoon contest,"
By SHARON GLEASON, NeXt Editor, Buffalo News October 29, 2009.

Dec 6: Eisner film at AFI in Silver Spring

Dec 6th 12pm AFI Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist

thanks to Liz for the tip

Pop culture professor Ray Browne dies

"Ray Browne, 87; Professor saw the potential in studying pop culture," By T. Rees Shapiro
Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, October 29, 2009.

I never met him, but obviously I agree with his life's work. By the way, the current New Yorker, November 2, 2009, is this year's thin cartoon issue - it doesn't even say it on the spine - and it's got work by Chris Ware in it. Speaking of pop culture sneaking into high brow worlds...

Maira Kalman visits the Capitol

...and discovers that law making can be a messy thing - E Pluribus Unum, New York Times' And The Pursuit of Happiness blog (October 29 2009)

 

Nov 6: Photographs Redefining the American Superhero

Another one from Michael O'Connell...

Contact: Brooke Seidelmann
1632 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
p: 202.483.8600
brooke@smithfarm.com
www.smithfarm.com/gallery

  

Redefining the American Superhero

Washington, DC - Opening Reception: Friday, November 6, 6:00-8:00PM. The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery located at 1632 U Street, NW celebrates the opening  of The Real Story of the Superheroes, featuring photographs by Dulce Pinzón.

This exhibition introduces the Latino immigrant in New York in a satirical documentary style featuring ordinary men and women in their work environment donning superhero garb. In doing so, Pinzón raises questions of both our definition of American heroism and the ignorance of and indifference to the workforce that fuels our ever-consuming economy. The exhibition runs November 4 - 28.

Above: Spiderman.  Bernabe Mendez from the State of Guerrero works as a professional window cleaner. He sends $500 home each month.  

High resolution photos are available upon request.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday through Friday 11:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday 11:00AM-3:00PM and by appointment. Additional details are available at www.smithfarm.com/gallery.

This exhibition is a part of FOTOWEEK DC and sponsored in part by the Mexican Cultural Institute.  

   

About the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Farm Center:

The Gallery is a mission of Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts, a Washington, DC nonprofit organization grounded in the profound belief that each person has tremendous innate abilities to heal in the face of life's challenges, Smith Farm's mission is to develop and promote proven healing practices that explore physical, emotional, and mental resources that lead to life-affirming changes.  Programs and exhibitions in the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery celebrate and stimulate the dynamic creative resources that contribute to health and wellness in each of us.