Friday, August 06, 2010

PR: Lone Justice Graphic Novel Exclusive at Baltimore Comic-Con

Generally, I won't be forwarding all of these - however this one is of note because our area's Mark Wheatley is doing this comic.

Lone Justice Graphic Novel Exclusive at Baltimore Comic-Con

IDW Publishing, ComicMix and Insight Studios Team-Up for Signed, Numbered Edition

Baltimore, Maryland - August 6, 2010 - He's been the city's greatest champion, battling tirelessly to keep us safe from harm. But what could spell the end for Lone Justice? What could destroy the hero of the century? Does it take losing everything to a horrific economy to make a man see what he really stands for?

With the regular edition of IDW Publishing and ComicMix's Lone Justice - Volume 1 not due in comic shops until September, a select few fans will be able to get a signed, limited convention exclusive edition at the August 28-29, 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con.

Writer-artist Mark Wheatley, writer Robert Tinnell, and editor Mike Gold will all be on hand to celebrate this sneak peek edition, which is limited to only 50 copies. This edition includes a special illustrated signature plate.

"The Baltimore Comic-Con is one of my all-time favorite conventions every year. I love comics and this show is intensely about comics: old comics, new comics, the people who love to make them, and the people who love to read them," said Mark Wheatley. "It doesn't get any more comic-centric than that, which is why we're having these special copies shipped in directly from the printer."

The standard edition of Lone Justice - Volume 1 is featured on Page 157 of the July edition of Previews from Diamond Comic Distributors [item #JUL10 0357]. The full-color trade paperback carries a retail price of just $19.99 for 132 pages almost entirely crammed with incredible pulp-flavored action.

Lone Justice was originally serialized online on ComicMix. This collection, the first of two volumes that will tell the complete tale, marks its first appearance in print. Volume 2 in this series is scheduled for February 2011, also from IDW Publishing.

The Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29, 2010 at the Baltimore Convention Center. In addition to Mark Wheatley, Robert Tinnell, and Mike Gold, guests include Sergio Aragones, Howard Chaykin, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Michael Golden, Marc Hempel, Klaus Janson, J.G. Jones, Denis Kitchen, Rich Koslowski, Steve Lieber, Todd McFarlane, Terry Moore, Paul Pope, Eric Powell, Jim Shooter, Billy Tucci, Mark Waid, Bernie Wrightson, and many others.

The Baltimore Convention Center is located just a few short blocks from the family-friendly and world famous Inner Harbor, and immediately across the street from the historic Camden Yards sports complex (home of the Baltimore Orioles and Geppi's Entertainment Museum).

For additional information, contact Mark Wheatley at insight@insightstudiosgroup.com.

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution

promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications

registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations

harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet

general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Ryan Claytor interview at City Paper

Meet a Visiting Cartoonist: Ryan Claytor, the Man Behind Elephant Eater Comics

Posted by Mike Rhode on Aug. 5, 2010 at 2:48 pm

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2010/08/05/meet-a-visiting-cartoonist-ryan-claytor-the-man-behind-elephant-eater-comics/

Stan Lee's Superhumans premieres on History Channel tonight

Stan Lee's tv show Superhumans premieres on the History Channel tonight. If you've got FIOS in Arlington, you'll be able to see it.

Their website says:

About Stan Lee's Superhumans
Throughout history, the forces of evolution and genetic mutation have endowed humans with astonishing new abilities and features. It's a process that continues to this day, and nowhere is it more evident than in the fascinating world of Stan Lee's "Superhumans."

Co-hosted by Stan Lee, the legendary creator of the X-Men, the series scours the globe for the real-life counterparts of Lee's characters–people with unique genetic traits that translate into remarkable powers. These include a man whose body is powerfully magnetic, another who can withstand deadly levels of cold and yet another whose brain performs complex calculations at staggering speeds.

In each episode, these "superhumans" undergo tests that may help explain their amazing gifts, while viewers discover the long history of people with extraordinary powers. Daniel Browning Smith, who's been dubbed the most flexible man in the world, hosts this thrilling journey into the farthest reaches of humankind.

Express has 2 pieces on Kick-Ass dvd release

In the print paper for August 5th is a review of the DVD by Jen Chaney from the Post's website -

'Kick-Ass' does just that on DVD and Blu-rayBy Jen Chaney
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 3, 2010; 12:00 AM

Online a couple of days ago was this interview -

Ordinary People: 'Kick-Ass' Producer Tarquin Pack, on DVDWritten by Express contributor Stephen M. Deusner
Express at 9:45 AM on August 3, 2010

Aug 6-7: Bugs Bunny At The Symphony at Wolftrap

Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7 at 8:30 pm at the Filene Center
Ticket Price: $20 - $52
Bugs Bunny At The Symphony
Created and conducted by George Daugherty

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony website

That "Wascally Wabbit" returns for two fabulous nights of film and music! The NSO provides live accompaniment as everyone’s favorite bunny brings new cartoons and music to life on large screens in-house and on the lawn.

Warner Bros.’ Bugs Bunny On Broadway reinvented a new genre of symphony concerts with its premiere in 1990 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this newly created concert sequel.

Among the timeless cartoons shown are “The Rabbit of Seville” (1950) and “What’s Opera, Doc?” (1957), as well as cartoons set to the overtures to William Tell and Die Fledermaus.

A number of new cartoons from the Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes vaults will be added, including the debut of Tweety Bird and Sylvester into the concert with “Tweety's Circus,” the misguided romantic musings of Pepe Le Pew in “A Scent of The Matterhorn,” and the concert debut of special guest artists Tom and Jerry in one of their most celebrated face-offs, "Tom and Jerry In The Hollywood Bowl."

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

PR: Mark Waid to Keynote 2010 Harvey Awards! Tickets Now Available!

Mark Waid to Keynote 2010 Harvey Awards!

Tickets Now Available!
Final Ballots Due by Saturday, Aug. 7!

Baltimore, Maryland - August 4, 2010 - The Harvey Awards dinner and presentation ceremony, featuring emcee Scott Kurtz and Keynote speaker Mark Waid, will be held on Saturday, August 28th at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.

Harvey Awards tickets are on sale now. Tickets to the event, which includes full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner, awards ceremony, and gift bag are now available for $100. Tickets are available by calling Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reisterstown, Maryland at (410) 526-7410. Major Credit Cards will be accepted for payment. Dinner tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, August 25th and will not be available at the door.

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

Guests for dinner and the awards ceremony will enjoy a full banquet dinner and a lively show hosted once again by Scott Kurtz as our Master of Ceremonies. All 22 Harvey Awards will be announced, as well the Keynote Presentation by Mark Waid.

Over the past 25 years, Mark Waid has been involved in every aspect of comics publishing, from writing to editing to production to retail--everything short of inserting the staples in the actual comic books. He has written some of the best-selling American graphic novels of all time, including KINGDOM COME with artist and co-plotter Alex Ross, and currently serves as the Chief Creative Officer for BOOM! Studios Comics in Los Angeles.

"I'm humbled and intimidated to be asked to give this year's keynote address at the Harveys," said Waid. "I may have been chosen because, given my long history and my current position, I have a unique perspective on the accomplishments this medium has made and the challenges it still faces. Either that, or the organizers have laid bets on whether or not I'm capable of talking about anything but myself for more than two minutes at a stretch. We'll see."

Scott Kurtz, returning Master of Ceremonies, quipped: "Last year, I gambled that the comics industry was willing to laugh at itself and MCed the Harveys like they were a roast. The experience lead to my working with Neal Adams by year's end. My hope this year is that I can angle a Kurtz/Waid/Sale team up. So it's gloves off for sure."

Continuing the guest-pleasing promotion from years past, a gift bag will be available to all dinner guests. The first 250 attendees will receive a gift bag containing a variety of gifts from event sponsors, which will named soon! Without these sponsors, the event would not be possible and the Baltimore Comic-Con Staff expresses their gratitude. Look to our website for details as they become available.

For those who wish to attend the ceremony only, tickets are available for $15, or free for those with a two-day pass to the convention. The hall will be opened for those ticket holders at approximately 9:15pm. Attendees who purchase a ceremony-only ticket are not eligible to receive the gift bag. The two day convention tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, accessible from http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/index.php/tickets/. Harvey Ceremony tickets may be purchased via phone at 410-526-7410.

Voting professionals, please remember to submit your ballots by Saturday, August 7, 2010! For ballots and voting instructions, please see our website, http://www.harveyawards.org/.

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 4 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Weldon on Fogtown

'Fogtown'. Seamy in the City. Pulpy Comic Book That's Dirty and Gritty.
by Glen Weldon
August 4, 2010

Night of the Living Dead is animated?

The 'Living Dead' Rise, Again [online title: Grave Awakening: 'Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated,' on DVD]

Written by Express contributor Stephen M. Deusner

Express (August 4 2010): 24

http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2010/08/night-of-the-living-dead-reanimated-dvd-review.php

Comic Book reviews column up at City Paper

International Ink: Brody's Ghost, Wolverine, Usagi Yojimbo

Posted by Mike Rhode on Aug. 3, 2010 at 2:54 pm

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2010/08/03/international-ink-brodys-ghost-book-wolverine-usagi-yojimbo/

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Comic Riffs on Oh Brother and Chew interview

I paid some attention to this because my daughter's addicted to Poptropica -

New 'OH, BROTHER!' website hopes to follow in 'Big Nate's' big steps
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 3, 2010

-and in spite of myself I liked the Free Comic Book Day issue of this -

The 'Riffs Interview: New Eisner winner JOHN LAYMAN relishes the success of 'CHEW'
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 3, 2010

Publishers Weekly's Otakon report

Baltimore's Otakon Draws 28,000 Anime, Manga Fans
By Erin Finnegan
Aug 03, 2010

PR: Small Press Expo Announces Kate Beaton and Dean Haspiel as guests for SPX 2010

Small Press Expo Announces Kate Beaton and Dean Haspiel as guests for SPX 2010.

Bethesda, Maryland; August 3, 2010 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons is pleased to announce Kate Beaton and Dean Haspiel as guests for SPX 2010, which will be held September 11 and September 12 at the Marriott North Bethesda Hotel and Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland, across from the White Flint Metro stop.

Kate Beaton is the winner of the 2009 Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. She recently had her first cartoon published in The New Yorker, and drew a poster for Janus Films. She will be part of the next issue of Marvel Strange Tales, due out in October. Her History Comics takes an irreverent and comical view of history and historical figures, this leading to coverage in Wired Magazine, Bitch and Macleans. Kate is responsible for a number of the banners on the SPX site, for which SPX has received rave reviews. Kate's work can be viewed at her web site http://harkavagrant.com/.

Dean Haspiel is the one of the founders of the renowned web comic cooperative ACT-I-VATE , as well as a having collaborated with the late, great, Harvey Pekar on The Quitter and American Splendor. He has worked for such outlets as New York Times, Marvel, DC/Vertigo as well as Dark Horse, where he illustrated Michael Chabon's The Escapist. He was recently nominated for an Emmy for his title design for the HBO series, Bored To Death, for which he also drew a seven page comic called The Birth of Super Ray, available on the Bored to Death web site. See Dean's work on the ACT-I-VATE web site at http://act-i-vate.com/.

SPX culminates with the presentation of the Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning on Saturday night, September 11 at 9PM. Attendees at SPX get in free to the Ignatz Awards. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting by attendees during SPX.

For detailed information about guests, panels and the Ignatz Awards, visit the SPX web site at www.spxpo.com.

SPX is a registered 501(c)3 which brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators.

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

The hours for SPX 2010 are 11AM-7PM Saturday, September 11, and noon-6PM Sunday, September 12. Admission is $10 for a single day and $15 for both days.

Monday, August 02, 2010

Aug 7: Ryan Claytor in town this weekend

Autobio minicomics creator Ryan Claytor is in town this weekend for his US tour at Union Station -

Ryan Claytor In-Store Signing
August 7th, 2010 from 4-7pm
at Fantom Comics
50 Mass Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002

I've bought all of Ryan's minicomics and recommend them.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Herblock exhibit in Indiana

Evansville African American Museum to display signature 'Herblock' pieces
By Roger McBain
Evansville Courier & Press August 1, 2010

Saturday, July 31, 2010

DC Anime Club Press Release - August 7th event

DC Anime Club and It’s Gosu Presents Video Game Tournaments and Anime

DC Anime Club in association with It’s Gosu invites all Anime and Video Game Enthusiast to our event video game tournaments and anime on Saturday August 7, 2010 2pm-5pm at the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library 901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001 in Room A5 on the A Level of the Library.

The event will include activities such as Super Street Fighter IV Tournament for Playstation 3, Yugioh Tournament for duelist, Anime Swap Meet for anime enthusiast to trade anime related items, learn how to create your own costumes based on your favorite Japanese Animated/Comic Book characters at Cosplay (costume play) corner,
free style Video Gaming where attendees are encouraged to bring their own video games, systems and even televisions.

There is a $5 entry fee for the Super Street Fighter IV Tournament while all other
activities are free and open to the public.

Age rang for this event is 13 and up.

For more information please visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org or call 202 262 2083.

PR: Top Cow Brings Top Talent to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con!

Top Cow Brings Top Talent to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con!

Baltimore, Maryland - July 30, 2010 - Top Cow Productions is excited to be returning to the Baltimore Comic-Con in 2010 for its 11th annual show. A recurring exhibitor at the annual comic book event, the premiere publisher will be bringing some of their star writers and artists, as well as an exciting show exclusive.

Stop by the Top Cow booth to meet Angelus, Artifacts, Magdalena, Velocity, and Witchblade writer Ron Marz, Artifacts and The Darkness artist Michael Broussard, Velocity and Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer artist Kenneth Rocafort, and upcoming Pilot Season: The Asset writer and Top Cow Productions Publisher Filip Sablik.

"Baltimore Comic-Con is my hometown show and one of my personal favorites to exhibit at each year," stated Top Cow Productions publisher Filip Sablik. "This year, we're thrilled to be coming back to Baltimore with the Artifacts team of Ron Marz and Michael Broussard as well as artist of Velocity, Kenneth Rocafort. The Baltimore fans know how to treat creators right and so these guys were all too eager to make a return appearance!"

Top Cow will also be offering an exclusive Velocity #1 variant by Michael Broussard with interiors by Kenneth Rocafort at the show as well.

In addition to Top Cow Productions, publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Image Comics, and Top Shelf Comix.

Our guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis: The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers: Luke Cage), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Dan DiDio - Sunday only (The Outsiders, Co-Publisher, DC Comics), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet: Year One), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine: Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602: Spider-Man), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns - Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn: Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane - Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), Pop Mhan (Ender's Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers: The Origin), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow: Deadly Origin), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker's Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team: Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority: The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade: Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men: Origins), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft: Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet: Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love).

Regretfully, Al Feldstein will be unable to join us due to illness, but looks forward to returning next year!

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution

promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications

registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations

harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet

general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

Baltimore Biz Journal on Otakon

Otakon and soccer mean big business for Baltimore
by Rachel Bernstein
Baltimore Business Journal July 30 2010

Baltimore Sun on Otakon

Where fashion meets fantasy

Otakon -- annual celebration of Asian pop culture -- inspires creativity with costumes

By John-John Williams IV, The Baltimore Sun

3:36 p.m. EDT, July 29, 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Truitt on Green Lantern movie

Nerves fuel Ryan Reynolds' 'Green Lantern' at Comic-Con
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 29 2010

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Post's 3rd piece on John Callahan

John Callahan, 59; Acerbic and irreverent cartoonist

By T. Rees Shapiro
Washington Post July 29, 2010; B06

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Zadzooks on Batman's Red Hood and The Losers

Zadzooks: Batman: Under the Red Hood, The Losers, Clash of the Titans
Blue over Batman's 'Red Hood'
By Joseph Szadkowski - The Washington Times July 28, 2010

Greg's recommendations popped up this week too -

Bennett's Best: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and Welcome to Tranquility
By Greg Bennett, Special to Zadzooks
Monday, July 26, 2010

Otakon 2010 in Baltimore this weekend

Their website has all the information. Including a pretty complex schedule.

And here's how they describe it:

About Otakon

Otakon is the convention of the otaku generation: by fans, for fans; and we're back for our 17th year in 2010!

Join thousands of your fellow fans as we descend on Baltimore to celebrate all anime, manga, and all facets of Asian pop culture!

Ever since 1999, we've taken over a sizable chunk of Baltimore's Inner Harbor for a 3-day festival celebrating the pop culture that's brought us everything from Astroboy to Yu-Gi-Oh, from the Seven Samurai to Spirited Away.

PR: TOKYOPOP Tour @ Otakon

TOKYOPOP at Otakon this Weekend!

July 28, 2010

Visit the TOKYOPOP Tour Bus at Otakon!

Our colorful tour bus will be parked out front at Otakon so be sure to stop by! We're handing out all kinds of free stuff!

On Saturday, start your day off with some laughs at our Van Von Hunter screening. See this Fantasia film festival official selection at 9am, Video Room 1.

See you at Otakon this weekend!

Get more information on the TOKYOPOP Tour and our search for America's Greatest Otaku at TOKYOPOPtour.com

Get TPOP News Live!

Follow Stu Levy on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

The TOKYOPOP Tour bus is traveling the country this summer! See if we're coming to your town here.

Get cool Tour swag, including iPhone skins, at our Facebook Store here.

Carla Speed McNeil panel at Comic-Con

CCI: Spotlight On Carla Speed McNeil
by Pam Auditore
Tue, July 27th, 2010

Xavier Xerses on Ken Dahl

Somehow I missed buying this from him at HeroesCon even though I was recommending his Monsters book - Welcome to the Dahlhouse by Ken Dahl.

Weldon on Scott Pilgrim movie and Comic-Con

A Fan's Notes: Being A Non-Spoilery Nonreview Of The 'Scott Pilgrim' Movie
by Glen Weldon
July 27, 2010

The 2nd Annual Monkey See Comic-Con Post-Mortem
by Glen Weldon
July 28, 2010

Weingarten on Callahan

Fearless John Callahan pushed boundaries of taste and humor with his art

By Gene Weingarten
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 28, 2010; C01

I'm a big fan of Callahan's work. A quadraplegic cartoonist - amazing.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Comic Riffs interviews Breen, memorializes Callahan

WORKING IN OILS: Pulitzer winner STEVE BREEN visits Gulf to create 'spill' cartoons out of BP's own crude
By Michael Cavna | July 27, 2010

A CARTOONIST'S TRIBUTE: Let us not forget the unflinching wit of John Callahan
By Michael Cavna | July 27, 2010

Speed Racer animation voice obituary in Post

Today's print Post ran this obituary from the Times -

Peter Fernandez dies at 83; helped bring Japanese animation to American audiences

Fernandez voiced the main character of 'Speed Racer' and adapted the concept from the Japanese anime children's series in the 1960s.

By Valerie J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times

July 25, 2010

That darn Beeler

From readers: Outrage felt over cartoon
Washington Examiner July 27, 2010

Re: "The Prophet Palin," cartoon, July 23

I did not expect such an expression of treason-like appeasement in your newspaper. According to this cartoon, we should agree to erect a monument for murderers in the place of their crime at our own home.

Why not build an O.J. Simpson statue in the front yard of Nicole Simpson's house, or a statue of Timothy McVeigh in Oklahoma City? Or Hitler's statue in Auschwitz?

It is not Sarah Palin who is a "religious intolerance bomb," but those Islamic jihadists who murdered Americans by the thousands. Now they want to have their temple at the scene of the crime as a symbol of their coming conquest and rule. It's horrific.

Margaret Young

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Bennett's Best on Zadzooks

Bennett's Best: Strange Science Fantasy and Widow Warriors
By Greg Bennett, Special to Zadzooks
Tuesday, July 20, 2010

True Blood comic mention in Post

There's a brief wire story in the Post today saying that the True Blood books and tv show will have a comic book based on them. There's actually a long tradition of this in comics, with some series lasting beyond the show.

Also in the Style section is a strange Cul de Sac comic on evolution.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

PR: Sun, Aug 1-Capicons Comic Con in Tysons

Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con
Sunday, August 1, 2010
10 am - 3 pm

Admission: $2--Kids FREE!
$1 of each paid admission
...will be donated to The Hero Initiative

Open to the public from 10 am - 3 pm. Buy, sell & trade: Gold, Silver,
Bronze Age comics; Indie & Modern comics, Publishers & Creators, TV &
Movie Collectibles. Non-sport cards; Videos & DVDs; Horror/Sci-Fi;
figures, toys; Star Wars & Star Trek memorabilia; original artwork,
posters and other comic-related collectibles.

Special Guest Artist: Josh C. Lyman!

Also Featuring:
• Cover Artist and Inker Tim Dzon (Marvel Comics Presents, Avengers West
Coast, Hawkeye, etc.)
• Artist Tom Arvis, Sureshot Comics
• Fabulous Door Prizes!
• 50+ Dealer Tables!

More Artists TBA--stay tuned!
.................
2010 Capicons Shows

Sunday, Oct. 3 - With Special Guest Carolyn Belefski
BOOK NOW! info@capicons.com

Sunday, Dec. 5

****** Coming Soon--2011 Capicons Dates! *******

See you there!
Jeff, Laura & Ed at Capicons
www.capicons.com

Animation voice interview on Comic Riffs

COMIC-CON 2010: 'Cleveland Show's' KEVIN MICHAEL RICHARDSON voices his fandom of Macfarlane, McGruder and The Batman
By Michael Cavna | July 24, 2010;

Harvey Pekar reminiscence by a long-time coworker

This is a nice letter from one of his co-workers at the VA hospital:

A day in the working life of VA file clerk and 'American Splendor' creator Harvey Pekar
Friday, July 23, 2010

At some point I'll try to list all of the interviews that popped up after Harvey's death, but hadn't been included in Harvey Pekar: Conversations.

Washington Post on Comics-Con

An article in print today -

Comic-Con in San Diego makes a heroic effort to party hearty
By Jen Chaney
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 24, 2010; C05

and five more stories on their Comic Riffs blog

COMIC-CON 2010: Legend STAN LEE talks 'geek power,' new movies -- & why he was embarrassed to be a comic-book writer
By Michael Cavna | July 23, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010: 'iCarly's' JERRY TRAINOR goes 'b-i-g' to voice the new cartoon 'T.U.F.F. Puppy'
By Michael Cavna | July 24, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010 Interviews: MAD magazine artists 'excited' about TV show for a new generation
By Michael Cavna | July 24, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010: 'Opus's' BERKELEY BREATHED talks pigs, penguins & the thrill of adapting 'Pete & Pickles' for animation
By Michael Cavna | July 23, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010: Rising OLIVIA MUNN has already inherited the geeks. Will she now inherit the Earth?
By Michael Cavna | July 23, 2010

Comics on the Rack, Quick Picks for Comics Due 07-28-10

COMICS ON THE RACK

Quick Picks for Comics Due 07-28-10

By John Judy

ABE SAPIEN: ABYSSAL PLAIN #2 of 2 by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Peter Snejbjerg. "We're all dead in a commie submarine, a commie submarine, a commie submarine!" Recommended.

ACTION COMICS #891 by Paul Cornell and Pete Woods. Lex Luthor has taken over as the star of this book and is up to some insanely depraved stuff even for him. Can Lex regain his Orange Lantern juice? And who's gonna be dumb enough to get in his way? Highly recommended.

AMERICAN VAMPIRE #5 by Stephen King, Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque. Wrapping up the first arc with some fang-tastic payback! Recommended. Not for kids.

BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #4 of 6 by Grant Morrison and Cameron Stewart. Bruce just hopped the DeLorean into the wild, wild west! Will the Time-Masters catch up with him before he actually makes it back? Or will he??? Recommended.

BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE #6 of 6 by Kevin Smith and Walter Flanagan. Ha! I knew there was a Smith title that hadn't come out in a while! I knew it! Issue #5 was out in March! BTW, did you know there's going to be a second volume to this story? Supposedly it will run from July through December 2010 "after a six-month hiatus." Thank-you, Kevin Smith! My world feels normal once again.

BUZZARD #2 of 3 written and drawn by Eric Powell with a back-up feature drawn by Kyle Hotz. A solo adventure of your favorite mystery man from THE GOON. Highly recommended.

FANTASTIC FOUR #581 by Jonathan Hickman and Neil Edwards. Reed's dad shows up during his son's college years to press Reed, Ben and young Doc Doom into service. It's a retcon road trip!

FLASH #4 by Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul. Captain Boomerang is back from the dead and ready to make you stop laughing at his name! Flash-fact!

GREEN LANTERN #56 by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. Hector Hammond and his huge head get back in the game. Creepy cover.

INCORRUPTIBLE #8 by Mark Waid and Horacio Domingues. Reformed super-creep Max Damage has to keep two sidekicks above ground. A difficult task considering some non-reformed creep just let some daylight through ol' Max. Recommended.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #47 by James Robinson and Mark Bagley. The latest JLA/JSA cross-over continues! Original Green Lantern Alan Scott has gone nuts and it's gonna take both teams to chill him out! Big fights and lots of 'em!

LIFE WITH ARCHIE: MARRIED LIFE #1 by Michael Uslan and a Team of Fine Artists. A continuation of the popular stories in which Archie married both Betty and Veronica. Who knew Archie was a Mormon?

NORTHLANDERS #30 by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli. Bonnie and Clyde in the time of the Vikings! Highly recommended!

PREVIEWS by Marvel and Diamond Comics. Imagine yourself reading these comics outside on a cool Fall day three months from now… Nice.

PUNISHERMAX #9 by Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon. Bullseye finally goes too far. Think about that one for a minute.

RASL #8 written and drawn by Jeff Smith. His back to the wall, science-punk Rasl lashes out. Highly recommended.

SECRET AVENGERS #3 by Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato. Nova's gone nuts and now the gang's gotta duke it out on Mars. Big fight!

THOR #612 by Kieron Gillen and Doug Braithwaite. Thor goes to Hell. But enough about the post-Kirby years…

ULTIMATE COMICS MYSTERY #1 of 4 by Brian Michael Bendis and Rafa Sandoval. "Umm, why is Marvel still doing this line of books?" Wait! No! It's the sequel to ULTIMATE COMICS ENEMY! Y'know, the one where they never told you who the bad guy was even after you bought all four issues! Not to worry, they'll clue us in at the end of the next four-issue mini-series after this one fer sure! Excelsior!

UNCANNY X-MEN #526 by Matt Fraction, Alan Heinberg, Olivier Coipel and Whilce Portacio. Five new mutants have popped up. That requires an extra creative team in my book. "Five Lights" no waiting.

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #15 by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. The final chapter in the Deathlok story. For now… Recommended.

WONDER WOMAN #601 by J. Michael Straczynski, Don Kramer and Michael Babinski. Love him or hate him, JMS doesn't go half-way on an idea. Here he completely revamps the Amazon Princess. Will it work? Time will tell… Gotta look.

X-MEN LEGACY #238 by Mike Carey and Clay Mann. This is set in India. Apparently there's a new mutant whose power is answering the phone.

www.johnjudy.net

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Comic Riffs interviews Keith Knight and Dan DiDio

COMIC-CON 2010: Keith Knight talks new books, Nappy Hours & why he won't be on an Angry Black Panel
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010: DC's DAN DiDIO talks Superman, Wonder Woman & why he loves fan interaction
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22, 2010

'South Park' would-be censorer arrested

Man arrested in terrorist case was 'South Park' protester
By Lisa de Moraes
Washington Post July 22, 2010

Disneyland inspired local golf course

Disney-inspired Woody's Golf Range in Herndon celebrates 30 years
By Gregg MacDonald
Fairfax County Times
Thursday, July 22, 2010; VA17

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Scott Pilgrim bandwagon token post

Big Planet Comics in Bethesda has free miniposters for the upcoming Scott Pilgrim vs the World movie.

Riffs on Comic-con's overgrowth

Has COMIC-CON outgrown San Diego? 9 big-time guests tell us where to go
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 21, 2010

I think Cavna's gone home for the madness as he says he'll be posting on the Con frequently.

Weldon's book reviews and recommendations

Five Great Books They Won't Talk About At Comic-Con, by Glen Weldon, July 21, 2010.

Richmond's free weekly comic strip issue

The Comic Strip Issue, Style Weekly 7/20/2010.

I'd appreciate getting a copy if anyone would pick me up one.

SpongeBob begins appearing in oil protests

Signs of the times: Oil-spill victims on Grand Isle post protest [SpongeBob SquarePants].

By Ylan Q. Mui

Washington Post July 20, 2010; C10

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Truitt on Scott Pilgrim

It's 'Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour' and Bryan Lee O'Malley's, too
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 20 2010

Monday, July 19, 2010

Carla Speed McNeil to work on novelist Sara Ryan's Bad Houses

At least that's what it says here.

New Weingarten interview online

PopMatters 20 Questions: Gene Weingarten
By PopMatters Staff 19 July 2010

Iranian cartoonist interviewed at Comic Riffs

Q&A: Muslim cartoonist offers her thoughts on depicting Muhammad
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post's Comic Riffs blog July 19, 2010

Comics and Stamps Have a Longer History than You’d Expect

I wrote a short history of cartoons and stamps that I've been planning for a decade or so...

Comics and Stamps Have a Longer History than You'd Expect

Posted by Mike Rhode on Jul. 19, 2010 at 10:53 am

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2010/07/19/comics-and-stamps-have-a-longer-history-than-youd-expect/

Comics on the Rack, Quick Picks for Comics Due 07-21-10

COMICS ON THE RACK

Quick Picks for Comics Due 07-21-10

By John Judy

ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON #1 of 4 by Moore and Jacen Burrows. Moore's sequel to THE COURTYARD in which two FBI agents get mixed up in some Lovecraftian badness. It is fortunate that Moore has overcome his disdain for creators building on the works of others. Fortunate indeed…. Gotta look.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #638 by Joe Quesada and Marcos Martin. In which Joe Q tries to square the circle between pre-Mephisto/Marriage Spidey and post-Mephisto/Brand New Day Spidey. Heads will explode tonight!

AVENGERS #3 by Brian Michael Bendis and John Romita Jr. The Avengers go back to the future to see what shenanigans their kids have been up to. But will they all fit in the DeLorean?! Doc!!!

BRIGHTEST DAY #6 by Geoff Johns and Friends. The truth of the White Lantern revealed!

CBGB #1 of 4 by Kieron Gillen, Sam Humphries, Marc Ellerby and Rob G. A mini-series built around the legendary "Country/Blue-Grass/Blues" music club in New York that is sadly now a high-end men's clothing store.

DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES #3 of 10 by Len Wein and Many Awesome Artists. The dawn of the Silver Age of Heroes. Cool.

GARTH ENNIS BATTLEFIELDS #8 of 9 by Ennis, Russ Braun and Garry Leach. In the midst of bloody WW2 aerial combat, love takes flight among the commies. Recommended.

HELLBLAZER #269 by Peter Milligan and Giuseppe Camuncoli. Desperate to keep his sanity John Constantine summons Shade the Changing Man for help. Because none of his ex-girlfriends or demons from hell were available.

JANET EVANOVICH TOUBLEMAKER, BOOK ONE HC by Janet and Alex Evanovich and Joelle Jones. Crime-fightin' NASCAR sweethearts in Florida! It's a movie!

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #41 by James Robinson and Mark Bagley. It's a JLA/JSA cross-over as the source of the original Green Lantern's power comes back for him and his kids. Oy!

KEVIN SMITH'S GREEN HORNET #6 by Smith and Jonathan Lau. The son of the dead Green Hornet gets up to speed under the watchful tutelage of Mr. Miyagi.. I mean Mister Han… sorry, this "Kevin Smith comics coming out on schedule" thing is disorienting…

MARVELMAN CLASSIC PRIMER #1 by Many People. Everything you ever wanted to know about Marvelman/Miracleman but were afraid to ask. Please don't screw this up, Marvel…

NEW AVENGERS #2 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. The gang mixes it up with a magical menace!

OVERSTREET COMIC BOOK PRICE GUIDE, VOL. 40 HC & SC by Team Overstreet. The Bible of what your stuff is worth, featuring variant Batman and Captain America covers. Educational.

RASL POCKET EDITION, VOL. 1 SC written and drawn by Jeff Smith. Collecting the first seven issues in a handy 6.5 x 9 inch format. Recommended for travel and/or staying home.

SCOTT PILGRIM, VOL. 6: FINEST HOUR GN written and drawn by Bryan Lee O'Malley. At last! The final Evil Ex-Boyfriend arrives! It's clobberin' time! (Sorry. Wrong book. Sorry…)

THUNDERBOLTS #146 by Jeff Parker and Kev Walker. Luke Cage and his new T-Bolts must clean up a mess from the previous administration. Lotta that going around…

TIME MASTERS: VANISHING POINT #1 of 6 written and drawn by Dan Jurgens. The search for Batman brings in the bigwigs of DCU time travel, including Rip Hunter!

TRUE BLOOD #1 by Alan Ball, David Tischman, Mariah Huehner and David Messina. A little something from the world of HBO's hit vampire soap that's been called "Twilight for people with pubic hair."

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #5 of 6 by Mark Millar and Leinil Francis Yu. Ya ever notice how some titles just trip off your tongue? Like music really… Anyway, they're still fighting Ultimate Ghost Rider for the life of the Vice-President. Honest.

ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #3 of 5 by Jeph Loeb and Frank Cho. This comic was drawn by Frank Cho.

WALKING DEAD #75 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. You knew the peaceful life was too good to last, right? You knew that weasel preacher shoulda been fed to the biters early on, right? Here's where it all comes down. Plus a color back-up story drawn by Ryan Ottley. Highly recommended. Not for kids.

WALKING DEAD, VOL. 12: LIFE AMONG THEM SC by Kirkman and Adlard. Collecting issues #67-72, in which the gang finds The Community.

WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY: ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE #1 of 6 by Gail Simone and Horacio Domingues. The retirement village for super-folk is back! As are several colorful characters with scores to settle, whether this mutant Mayberry is ready or not! Recommended!

X-FACTOR #207 by Peter David and Sebastian Fiumara. Is a shock ending still a shock ending when they tell you ahead of time it's gonna be a shock ending? Head hurts…

ZATANNA #3 by Paul Dini and Stephane Roux. "Dab yug Rehtorb Thgin skool ekil eht Rekoj no htem! Sekiy!"

Wishing everyone a happy Comic-Con (except the Westboro Baptist Church)!

www.johnjudy.net

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Truitt on Spider-Man and Revolver

'One Moment in Time' revisits a controversial Spider-Man story line
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-07-16-asm638_ST_N.htm

'Revolver' spins a tale of two realities
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-07-15-revolver15-ST_N.htm

Truitt in today's USA Weekend on San Diego Comic-Con

Let us tweet you to comics' nuttiest event, By BRIAN TRUITT, USA Weekend July 18, 2010 is also in the print edition, distributed with the Washington Examiner, on page 13.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

America's Next Great Cartoonist's contestant Dan Boris

An Interview with Dan Boris, Cartoonist of Hoxwinder Hall.
by Erik Weems
July 11? 2010

Intervention webcomic con update

A few weeks ago, we posted some PR for the webcomics con Intervention, that's arriving in DC in September. One of the organizers wrote to me this week with additional news, "Hugo Award-winning Sci fi author Ben Bova has chosen our event to debut his new webcomic. We have also just signed Molly Crabapple to bring Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art School to the con."