PR: Anime USA 2011 proudly announces our final round of webcomics guests

Anime USA 2011 proudly announces our final round of webcomics guests

Anime USA 2011 announces Tamuran and Shadowbinders as webcomics guest for this year's convention on November 18-20th at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. 

H. A. "Chezhnian" Kennedy and Erin Fitzgerald (left) are the respective creator/writer and artist/co-writer of Tamuran, a manga-style epic fantasy webcomic. Tamuran is the story of a young royal heir suddenly turned king-in-exile and his quest to save his kingdom from the country of powerful, grudge-bearing sorcerers that has taken it over. The young king must travel far across the wilds of his dying land, accompanied only by a few unlikely and unexpected protectors - who include a wild elf whose entire clan has mysteriously disappeared, a shapeshifting girl from a magical ascended race who knows little of the mortal world, and a huge man-eating forest beast with an academic bent. Their comic can be found at www.tamurancomic.com

Created by former Disney comics alumn Thom Pratt (drawing under the pen name of "Kneon Transitt") and his wife Kambrea Pratt, the  Shadowbinders  webcomic set sail online in 2010 and hasn't slowed down since.  Shadowbinders  has found an audience in fans of steampunk, anime and young adult literature, in addition to fans of traditional comic books. The comic can be read online for free at  www.shadowbinders.com , and a print collection will be available this Fall. Their comic can be found at www.shadowbinders.com

Registrations are at $43 until October 30th along with further information about the con can be found at  www.animeusa.org . 

About Anime USA: In  1999   Anime USA  began as a northern Virginia convention started by fans, and in  2004  become a non-profit educational organization. Our mission is to educate the public about and promote Japanese arts and popular culture. As in the beginning, we remain a convention of fans, by fans, and for fans. Anime USA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.

 

 

USA Today on the CDC's zombie preps

The CDC zombies return with a new comic book
By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY October 18 2011
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/story/2011-10-18/Get-ready-for-return-of-the-CDC-zombies/50819314/1

Weldon on Murakami's Stargazing Dog

Be Warned, Dog Lovers: The Cover of this Wildly Popular Manga is Lying to You
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (October 19, 2011)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/10/19/141451112/be-warned-dog-lovers-the-cover-of-this-wildly-popular-manga-is-lying-to-you

Cartoonists remember Herblock at Comic Riffs

HERBLOCK TRIBUTE: Remembering The Post's cartooning legend a decade after his death
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comics Riffs blog October 18 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/herblock-tribute-remembering-the-posts-cartooning-legend-a-decade-after-his-death/2011/10/18/gIQAskZzvL_blog.html#pagebreak

Comic Riffs also looked at a Bluewater comic book about currrent events:

'HUNT FOR BIN LADEN' COMIC: New Bluewater/Simon & Schuster book seeks 'Jason Bourne' tension
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 19 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/hunt-for-bin-laden-comic-new-bluewatersimon-and-schuster-book-seeks-jason-bourne-tension/2011/10/19/gIQADaabxL_blog.html#pagebreak

Herblock profiled in Post today

Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Herb Block recalled by friends, colleagues at The Post
By Russell Frank, October 19, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/prize-winning-editorial-cartoonist-herb-block-recalled-by-friends-colleagues-at-the-post/2011/09/16/gIQAp9rMvL_story.html

Express on real-life 'superheroes'

Remember when parents used to try to get Superman banned because they thought kids would jump off the roof with a cape?  Well, now society has devolved to the point that people really have to worry about that...

Associated Press.  2011.
The Justice League: Masked vigilantes aspire to save the day, but the trend is triggering alarm.
Express (October 18): 11

Oct 22: "The Mechanics Of Seduction" The Solo show of Glenn Arthur This Saturday

Not quite comics, but a Heavy Metal aesthetic surely..

	THIS SATURDAY "The Mechanics of Seduction" The Solo Show of Glenn Arthur With Special Musical Performance by MATEO MONK Complimentary Wine Courtesy by Wine District Glenn Arthur's "The Mechanics Of Seduction" is a series of paintings exploring the fascination, power and sensuality found within the human machine. Inspired by an era defined by industrial enlightenment and artistic innovation, Glenn fuses together a fanciful blend of elaborate and historical aesthetics. Each delicately painted female entices the viewer through mechanical elements while alluring them with hypnotic beauty into a world of ornate elegance wrapped in a cloak of disquieting surrealism. The juxtaposition of organic emotion and unfeeling apparatus demonstrates the unyielding, seductive romance between human and machine reminding us of the inherent desires that fuel us all. Saturday, October 22nd, from 8-11pm Location: Art Whino Gallery 120 American Way National Harbor, MD 20745 Reception begins at 8pm Show end date: November 13th The event is FREE and open to the public. About the Artist Glenn Arthur is a self taught visual artist from Orange County, California. Born in February of 1979, he grew up in a conservative, religious household with little to no influence in art. After shedding his roots he quickly realized that creating art would be his calling. Although he constantly doodled and sketched throughout his youth, Glenn did not come into painting until later in life when a friend forced a paintbrush into his hands and said, "You need to do this!"  Since then Glenn has been diligently working on creating his own brand of beautifully painted images. Using acrylic paints on wooden panels, he adds in elements and influential symbols of his past and present to each piece. Beyond the aesthetics of his artwork, Glenn brings an overwhelming sense of passion to his paintings. Touching on themes of love, death, conflict and duality, Glenn's art tells stories of strength and hope through emotion and sentiment with his sensual beauties and signature hummingbirds.  Mateo Monk is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, adept at many styles of world roots music.  With twenty years of performing experience, his live shows are an exciting musical journey around the globe, exploring the rhythms of jazz, bossa nova, reggae, hindustani raga, bluegrass, soul and funk.  Performing solo on the guitar, flute, melodica, and vocals, Mateo utilizes a "looper" pedal to create fully textured rhythms, adorned with virtuosic melodic musings, all seamlessly woven into the song form in real time.  It's a modern spin on the iconic idea of the "one man band", executed by a one-of-a-kind artist with deep emotional sensibility and dazzling instrumental finesse. Mateo spent six years in Boulder leading an original reggae/soul fusion band called Natural Kingdom with some success. While opening for the legendary reggae band Culture, he was "discovered" by acclaimed reggae producer Georges Kouakou and proceeded to record his first solo release entitled "Guidance and Protection" at Lion and Fox Studios in Washington DC. Georges co-produced several of African reggae superstar Alpha Blondy's groundbreaking records, including the "Jerusalem" album, and he has toured with many reggae greats including Culture, Burning Spear and the Wailers. While recording the record, Mateo also had the pleasure of working with Junior Marvin of Bob Marley and the Wailers. "Guidance and Protection" was picked up by the French record label Sankofa Blackstar and has received international airplay as well as frequent rotation on XM Radio in the US. In the fall of 2004, Mateo played a two week, multi-city tour throughout France with The Viceroys and Clinton Fearon of the Gladiators to promote the disc. After the tour, Mateo decided to settle in the Washington DC area to take advantage of the new set of connections and opportunities that recording the album had brought about. Since being in DC, he has been a member of four bands, One Night Stand featuring Walter Tate on sax (8/03 to 8/04), THC featuring Dezzy Hyson of Culture and Mojanya (8/04 to 12/05), The Kleen Kut Reggae Band from Liberia (12/05 to 10/9 with gaps), and currently, The Archives. He has also done plenty of freelance gigs, working in the studio and/or onstage with several notable artists, including Alpha Blondy, Junior Marvin, Thievery Corporation, and Ruth A. Brown. He is currently recording an album with the Archives that is being produced by Eric Hilton of the Thievery Corporation to be released under ESL Record's new ESL Dub-plate label. He is also in the process of producing two solo albums, one acoustic and one fully arranged electric disc. Lastly, Mateo regularly performs solo utilizing looping technology and blending together a wide variety of genres and influences.

---

Art Whino 120 American Way National Harbor, Maryland 20745 US

Finder cited as Independent Comic for the 21st century

Signposts, 2000-2011; or, What is "Independent Comics" in the 21st Century? (Part 2)

by Charles Hatfield

My buddy Charles has some interesting things to say about Carla Speed McNeil's Finder, even if he does briefly seem a bit too fixated on the webcomic part of it, given that Carla put out a couple of dozen issues in print before moving to the web.

Oct 20: Cartoons and Cocktails editorial cartoon auction

From their website:

The 24th annual Cartoons and Cocktails event is going to be better than ever!

Tickets for the 2011 Cartoons and Cocktails event are NOW ON SALE! For the first time, this year's event will be held at the NEWSEUM's Knight Conference Center, at the world's first interactive museum of news. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue overlooking the U.S. Capitol and National Gallery of Art, this is a special opportunity to enjoy one of the best views of downtown Washington D.C. while bidding on highly-collectible editorial art.

Just announced: Also on exhibit this year will be Cartoonists Remember 9/11, the work of more than 90 artists that who dedicated their Sunday, September 11, comic strips to those who lost their lives in the attack. This view-only display features some of America's most popular and beloved comic-strip characters.

The silent auction is 6 pm and the live auction at 7 pm.

Oct 20: Kevin Rechin, Meet the Artist

"Meet the Artist" on Thursday, October 13th at 7 pm at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Avenue. Kevin Rechin's work in illustration and cartooning will appear October 20th until October 30th also at ArtSpace Falls Church.  Kevin's reception and "Meet the Artist" program will be also be on October 20th, all are welcome.

lifted from the comments here. Kevin's taken over the artwork on his father's strip, Crock.

Nov 16: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Author Event at Politics & Prose!

Enjoy a snow day at Politics & Prose with Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid This is a ticketed event. Please note: tickets are available only at the store and may not be reserved by phone.  Click here for more details. Please call the Children and Teens' Department at (202)364-1919 with questions.   Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Join us at 3:00 p.m., when we'll start our own blizzard with a snow-making machine.    Mr. Kinney will speak at 4:00 p.m.

Jerry Craft, cartoonist of 'A is for Anacostia'

            

Interview: Jerry Craft, Creator of Mama's Boyz

By JMcManus, BLOGCRITICS.ORG

October 17, 2011

http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Interview-Jerry-Craft-Creator-of-Mama-s-Boyz-2222285.php

 

In this interview, he talks about children's books he's done and notes, "And Dr. Courtney Davis wanted to teach people about all of the great things about where she lives with A is for Anacostia, a really cool community outside of Washington, DC."

Comic Riffs interviews GoAnimate

GoAnimate goes political: You can make and post your own election-season cartoons
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 17 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/goanimate-goes-political-make-and-post-your-own-election-season-cartoons-here/2011/10/17/gIQAqptJrL_blog.html#pagebreak

Ellen Forney visited Towson, MD recently

Q&A with cartoonist Ellen Forney
— Compiled by Megan Flannery
Towson University's The Towerlight 16 October 2011
http://www.thetowerlight.com/2011/10/qa-with-cartoonist-ellen-forney/

City Paper on Sfar's movie

Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life at West End Cinema
Monday, October 17
By Jonathan L. Fischer
Washington City Paper October 14, 2011, p. 54
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/41607/gainsbourg-a-heroic-life-at-west-end-cinema/

He liked it, as opposed to the Post reviewer.

PR: Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington DC   20540

October 14, 2011 

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 2012-2013 academic year.  Applications are due by close of business on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, 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/swannhome.html 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.

# # #

PR11-198
10/14/11
ISSN: 0731-3527

 

Zadzooks reviews Batman: Year One cartoon

Zadzooks: Batman: Year One review (Blu-ray)
By Joseph Szadkowski
The Washington Times October 16, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/16/zadzooks-batman-year-one-review-blu-ray/

Truitt on Alpha Girl, Mind the Gap, and Pilot Season

NYCC: Jim McCann gets supernatural with 'Mind the Gap'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-14/NYCC-Jim-McCann-announces-Mind-the-Gap/50774296/1

NYCC: 'Alpha Girl' pits punky youngster vs. female zombies

By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 16 2011

http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-15/Alpha-Girl-series-stars-a-punk-girl-and-female-zombies/50785500/1

'Pilot Season' Week 2: Visit sci-fi 'City of Refuge'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 11 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-11/Top-Cows-Pilot-Season-visits-the-sci-fi-City-of-Refuge/50734970/1

Ted Rall's in DC with protestors

...and he's enjoying himself -

STOP DEMANDING DEMANDS: Connecting the Revolutionary Dots in Occupied Washington
by Ted Rall
10/13/2011
http://www.uexpress.com/tedrall/?uc_full_date=20111013

New Carolyn Belefski interview online

Interview: Carolyn Belefski
John Michael Helmer
– October 15, 2011
http://comicbookinterviews.com/2011/10/interview-carolyn-belefski/

Post on healthcare reform comic book

Everything you wanted to know about health reform, in one comic book
by Sarah Kliff
Washington Post's Ezra Klein Wonkblog 10/11/2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-health-reform-in-one-comic-book/2011/10/11/gIQAN4AzcL_blog.html

Do you like comic books with CBO scores, two-headed alligators and health economist superheroes? Then has Jonathan Gruber got a graphic novel for you... Gruber's forthcoming comic book, "Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works."

Comic Riffs on Pearls Before Swine's Cul de Sac tribute

Stephan Pastis' support for Team Cul de Sac -

ALICE BEFORE 'SWINE': Pastis' magnificent 'Cul de Sac' mash-up is our Cartoon of the Day
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 15 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/alice-before-swine-pastis-magnificent-cul-de-sac-mash-up-is-our-cartoon-of-the-day/2011/10/15/gIQAGyWQlL_blog.html

Examiner on Thor 2's director

An interesting director for 'Thor 2' and Noir City DC [in print as Noir City DC takes stage at AFI; a new direction for 'Thor 2', October 16, p. 20]
By: Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner 10/15/11 : http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/10/interesting-director-thor-2-and-noir-city-dc

Review of Warren Bernard's Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising 1870s - 1940s

The History of Cartoon Advertising
by Rob Hardy
Columbus MS Dispatch Rob Hardy on Books blog October 14, 2011
http://www.cdispatch.com/robhardy/article.asp?aid=13533

Truitt on Captain Brooklyn

NYCC: The borough gets a hero with 'Captain Brooklyn'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-15/Borough-gets-a-hero-in-Captain-Brooklyn-comic-series/50785474/1

Bob Staake's Style Invitational contest results

The Post's contest for recaptioning pages of cartoonist Bob Staake's children's books reveals its winners today.

Post notes Tunisian protests of Persepolis for the record

Protesters attack home of Tunisian TV head that aired 'Persepolis'
[much shorter version in print as Police fire tear gas at Islamic protesters, October 15].
By Associated Press, October 14 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/tunisian-police-use-tear-gas-to-disperse-thousands-protesting-over-persepolis-broadcast/2011/10/14/gIQAsZp8jL_story.html

Post on The Walking Dead tv show

'Dead's' survivors walk on in a sleeker, scarier return [online title: 'The Walking Dead' comes back to life for second season on AMC].
By Hank Stuever,
Washington Post October 16 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/television/hank-stuever-the-walking-dead-comes-back-to-life/2011/10/10/gIQAEhQsjL_story.html

Post profiles Joann Sfar

Comic-book creator animates a French icon [online title: 'Gainsbourg' highlights outrageous side of French icon]
By John DeFore
Washington Post October 16 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/joann-sfars-gainsbourg-highlights-outrageous-side-of-french-icon/2011/10/11/gIQAXbOtjL_story.html

Theodore Belland's death notice

THEODORE RICHARD BELLAND death notice
(Age 93) 
Washington Post on October 2, 2011
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=theodore-r-belland&pid=153899044

The cartoonist I wasn't familiar with. As far as I can tell, the obituary I linked to a few days ago, did not appear in the Virginia editions of the Post, but this death notice did. Thanks to Bill Cogswell for tracking it down.

Miami Herald on Richard Thompson and Cul de SAc

Battling deadlines and Parkinson's with a quill and chatty kids
By Lomi Kriel
lkriel@MiamiHerald.com
Miami Herald October 14 2011
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/12/2453854/battling-deadlines-and-parkinsons.html

Post doesn't like Sfar's Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life

French singer comes off flat
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Oct 14, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/gainsbourg-a-heroic-life,1205839/critic-review.html

Truitt on Henson's Storyteller

Henson legacy lives on in 'Storyteller' graphic novel
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 12 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-12/jim-henson-storyteller/50745364/1

Local labor cartoonist Theodore Belland has died

Theodore R. Belland, cartoonist
T. Rees Shapiro
Washington Post October 12 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/theodore-r-belland-cartoonist/2011/10/12/gIQAxvyxfL_story.html

Truitt on Spider-Man movie toys

New Spidey figure spins in for New York Comic-Con
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 12 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-12/New-Spider-Man-action-figure-debuts-at-New-York-Comic-Con/50745152/1

Comic Riffs interviews Lauren Redniss

'RADIOACTIVE' MAKES HISTORY: 'Curie' author shares shock over becoming National Book Award finalist
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 13 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/radioactive-makes-history-curie-author-shares-shock-over-becoming-national-book-award-finalist/2011/10/12/gIQA9fzphL_blog.html

I like Lauren Redniss' work - she used to do regular features for the NY Times editorial page before shifting over to these biographies.

PR: WHAM! BAM! ISLAM! on PBS - online screening of THE 99 and live chat tomorrow

I am sending this as-is because they sent me a screening copy that I haven't had a chance to watch yet. Mea culpa.

 It airs at remarkably inconvenient times in our area  - Howard University's channel seems to be your best bet.

 

Sunday, October 16  —  1:00am  26 - WETA

Saturday, October 22  —  8:00pm 32 - WHUT

Sunday, October 23  —  12:00am  32 - WHUT

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

PBS's Independent Lens To Host Online

Screening of THE 99, the First Animated Muslim Superheroes

 

Join Creator Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa and Wham! Bam! Islam! Director Isaac Solotaroff for Exclusive Screening and Q&A on October 14th

San Francisco, CA (October 12, 2011)— Can a team of superheroes from the Muslim world called THE 99 challenge Western prejudices, stem the tide of extremism, provide positive role models for Muslim children, and make a profit as well? THE 99, a comic book and animated television series, featuring the first animated Muslim superheroes, might be able to do just that.

On Friday, October 14th, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST/ 2:00 PM ET PBS's Independent Lens will present on its Livestream page, an exclusive online screening of the animated series in advance of its international television premiere in early 2012. The 45-minute event will feature episode 10: The Sphinx and a Q&A with THE 99 creator Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa and Isaac Solotaroff  director of the  PBS Independent Lens documentary Wham! Bam! Islam! 

Airing tonight, Thursday, October 13 at 10 PM (check local listings) Wham! Bam! Islam!, traces the tumultuous journey behind the creation of THE 99 as Dr. Al-Mutawa runs up against suspicion from Muslims and the harsh realities of the global marketplace. The documentary will be available for download on iTunes beginning October 14 and for a limited time on PBS video after its television premiere.

 

About episode 10: The Sphinx: When evil mastermind Rughal is attacked by a masked intruder called Sphinx, he's so impressed by her power that he recruits her to his team of super-villains. Sphinx's first mission is to settle a long-standing score with Cat or Mumita The Destroyer, a leading member of Dr. Ramzi's 99 team. But who exactly is Sphinx and what is her mysterious connection with Rughal's second-in-command, Blackwolf?

 

THE 99 has been produced in full 3D CGI by Endemol UK in association with Teshkeel Media, with the animation work being completed in India by Sanraa Media. The series is scheduled to premiere across the Middle East, in Australia, and several other countries in early 2012. There is no date set for the series to be on-air in the USA. To learn more about the film and the issues involved, visit the companion website for Wham! Bam! Islam! at www.pbs.org/independentlens/wham-bam-islam/.

 

###

 

Cartoonist Nick Galifianakis' work advice contest

Lifted from the Post's website, after noting Nick's question in print today -

 

Vote for your favorite @Work Advice contestant (Round 3)
By Andrea Caumont
 10/12/2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-user-polls/post/vote-for-your-favorite-atwork-advice-contestant-round-3/2011/10/12/gIQAdfcyeL_blog.html


For Round 3 of the @Work Advice Contest, we asked three people with very cool jobs — D.C. United coach Ben Olsen, BET CEO Debra Lee, and cartoonist Nick Galifianakis — to tell us about a problem they've faced in the workplace, and how it was resolved. We assigned the "problem" videos to the contestants at random. See what advice they had to offer, then find out what the real-life solution was. Once you've watched, be sure to vote for your favorite of our six contestants. Only four will continue on to the next round.

Cartoonist Nick Galifianakis: What should you do when a co-worker's personal hygiene is driving people away?

Cartoonist Nick Galifianakis needed help dealing with a co-worker's bad breath.
2011-10-11 - The Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/conversations/nick-galifianakis-the-problem/2011/10/11/gIQAyvAkcL_video.html

Nick Galifianakis: The Solution
Cartoonist Nick Galifianakis shares the real-life advice he used to solve his workplace dilemma. (/The Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/the-solution-nick-galifianakis/2011/10/10/gIQAUIoLaL_video.html

Weldon messes with my formerly favorite superhero team

'So, Uh ... Remind Me: What, Exactly, Are We Supposed to be Avenging, Again?'
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (October 12, 2011)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/10/12/141260346/so-uh-remind-me-what-exactly-are-we-supposed-to-be-avenging-again

You know, back when it was by Englehart and Perez...

Truitt on Clone Wars, Dragon Tattoos & Stan Lee's Romeo and Juliet

Menacing Darth Maul strikes back on TV, in film
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 12 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-11/darth-maul-returns/50736578/1

DC Entertainment to adapt 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' series into graphic novels
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY Bookbuzz blog October 11 2011
http://books.usatoday.com/bookbuzz/post/2011-10-11/dc-entertainment-to-adapt-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-series-into-graphic-novels/552226/1

'Romeo and Juliet' and cyborgs and spaceships
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 11 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-11/romeo-and-juliet-graphic-novel-stan-lee/50736632/1

Believe it - Ripley's was based on a comic strip

But it's grown far beyond that with theme parks, aquariums, and a new book -

 

More odd facts, tales, from Guinness, Ripley's [online title: Book review: "Guinness World Records 2012" and "Ripley's Believe it or Not!"]
By James Norton,
Washington Post October 12 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/book-review-guinness-world-records-2012-and-ripleys-believe-it-or-not/2011/09/19/gIQAzUUJdL_story.html

Egyptian-Kuwaiti comic and cartoon 'The 99' featured in today's Post

The Heroes Complex: Series based on values of Islam hasn't found wide distribution in the U.S. [online title: Naif Al-Mutawa fights to bring 'THE 99' and its message to wide U.S. audience].
By Christopher M. Schroeder,
Washingonton Post (October 12 2011): C1, 2
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/naif-al-mutawa-fights-to-bring-the-99-and-its-message-to-wide-us-audience/2011/10/07/gIQAmZdqdL_story.html

 

Truitt on Jem cartoon

'Jem' lives on in stars' and fans' hearts and minds
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 11 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-11/Jem-cartoon-lives-on-for-stars-and-fans/50727398/1

Truitt on DC's Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad' a supervillain smorgasbord of emotions
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 10 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-10/Suicide-Squad-series-is-a-supervillain-smorgasbord/50717408/1

Oct 22: Justin Jordan at Beyond Comics in Frederick

In Store Signing
Saturday October 22nd
12noon to 3pm 

  

Meet Justin Jordan Creator of

The Strange Talent of Luther Strode

At Beyond Comics
Frederick Location

 

Comic Riffs interviews Joe Simon

JOE SIMON TURNS 98 TODAY: It's been a very good year — and career — for the 'Captain America' co-creator

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 11 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/joe-simon-turns-98-today-its-been-a-very-good-year--and-career--for-the-captain-america-co-creator/2011/06/20/gIQAzkLWcL_blog.html

It's been a very good year for JOE SIMON.

Frank Cho's 50 Girls 50 #1 online for free

Click here to see the first issue.

Truitt on Pilot Season and Footprints

'Pilot Season' Week 1: Fialkov unveils a mysterious 'Test'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 3 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-03/Top-Cow-Pilot-Season-begins-with-The-Test-comic/50648642/1

'Footprints' gives new noir life to urban legends
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 4 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-04/Footprints-comic-gives-noir-life-to-urban-legends/50657486/1

USA Today on Puss in Boots & Holy Terror

Antonio Banderas, kitties catch 'Puss in Boots'
By Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY October 6 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/story/2011-10-06/puss-in-boots-all-cat-premiere/50682496/1

'Holy Terror' undone by patriotic revenge fantasy
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 7 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-07/Frank-Millers-Holy-Terror-a-patriotic-revenge-fantasy/50689662/1

Oct 29-30: SL Gallant at Virginia Comicon

Shannon Gallant is joining others of the GI Joe crew at the Virgina Comicon in Richmond.

Big Planet Comics podcast

I've been remiss.  Greg Bennett says it's really popular.  Download it here.

Comicsgirl guests on episode 17.

Toles cartoon contest results

Here's the results of Tom Toles cartoon contest of Mitt Romney calling up to the Rapunzel GOP elephant.

Oct 6: Team Cul de Sac fundraiser in DC

Moving Day is a fundraiser for Parkinson's here in Washington, and Richard Thompson is raising money for it, and has also done a drawing for them. Click through to contribute.

Or just to get the stalkery details.

Post reworks comics page again

POST COMICS CHANGES: 'Frazz' returns to daily; Style introduces larger crossword
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 7 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/post-comics-changes-frazz-returns-to-daily-style-introduces-larger-crossword/2011/10/07/gIQAQqXRTL_blog.html

October 13 George Washington University Panel: Writing about Comics

The University Writing Program at The George Washington University is hosting its annual student writing and research conference on Wed.-Thurs., October 13-14; the public is invited. The program is online at http://www.gwu.edu/~capstone/symposium/programFall2011.html.  Of interest to Comics DC readers is the following:

Session 5 - 1:00-1:50 - Gelman Library, Room 300

Panel: Writing about Comics

William Green –"Higher Standards: The Evolution of Academic Criticism of Comics in the 1940s"
Nominating Professor: Phil Troutman

Stacy Buell–"Foolin' with the Funnies"
Nominating Professor: Julie Donovan

Gelman Library is located 2130 H St. NW (near Foggy Bottom Metro); visitors will need photo-ID and will sign in at the front reception.

new Liz Suburbia interview

Licking Shoes & Homemade Tattoos: The comics of Liz Suburbia
by Janelle Blarg
October 4th, 2011
http://maximumrocknroll.com/2011/10/04/liz-suburbia/

Oct 21: Richard Thompson & Ben Hatke at Politics and Prose

 

Richard Thompson & Ben Hatke - Nursery Rhyme Comics

Start: Oct 21 2011 7:00 pm

End: Oct 21 2011 8:00 pm

Friday, October 21, 7 p.m. This ingenious pairing of fifty classic nursery rhymes with pictures by today's leading comic artists puts a colorful spin on Mother Goose. Join us for a reading and discussion by Thompson, illustrator of "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat," and Hatke, who took on "Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been?" All ages.

Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists (Hardcover)

By Various Authors, Chris Duffy, Leonard S. Marcus

$18.99

ISBN-13: 9781596436008
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: First Second, 10/2011

Carolyn Belfeski panel at New York Comic Con

The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators at NYCC 2011

Time	Friday, October 14 · 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location	Jacob K. Javits Center / Location: 1B03 655 West 34th Street New York, New York
Created By	The Other Side of the Table
More Info	The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators Date: Friday, October 14 Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Location: 1B03 Creating your product is only half the work it takes to succeed in the comics industry. What about the other half that we don't see as clearly after the product is released to the world? This panel will explore what it is like to be on the other side of the table, as a creator. We will discuss what it takes to exhibit at conventions, promote yourself, and gain a loyal audience – from the POV of professionals already behind the table. Join creators Raina Telgemeier (Smile, The Baby-Sitters Club), David Gallaher (High Moon, Box 13) Reilly Brown (Amazing Spider-Man, Power Play) and Carolyn Belefski (Curls, The Legettes) in this conversation, moderated by Joe Carabeo. http://nycc11.mapyourshow.com/5_0/sessions/sessiondetails.cfm?ScheduledSessionID=18ACC6

Kevin Rechin's art on exhibit later this month

Works by 'Crock' Cartoonist Sons on Display at ArtSpace    
Falls Church News Press October 04 2011
http://www.fcnp.com/around-fc/10227-works-by-crook-cartoonist-sons-on-display-at-artspace.html

Jeff's wildlife sculptures open on the 6th, and Kevin's cartoons on the 20th.

A comment notes:

On October 27th, Kevin Rechin will be offering a FREE CARTOONING WORKSHOP from 7 until 9:30 pm.  Please bring your materials of choice for this workshop at ArtSpace Falls Church.  Open to the public, young and old, see and learn from a professional!  Enjoy us for a fun evening with Kevin Rechin!

PR: Important News from Fantom Comics: We're Moving

From: Fantom Comics  Oct 5, 2011

Dear customers,   Thanks to you,July was the best month Fantom Comics has ever had and September was even better!   So it pains us to tell you – in the midst of such success – that after four great years at Union Station, we have received notice that our lease would not be renewed in November.   As you may know,Union Station has been trying to attract more national retailers, and as a business ourselves, we can't fault them for pursuing a business strategy that they feel suits them best.   While we are saddened by this news, it is also an opportunity for Fantom to take the lessons we've learned at Union Station to make our next store even better. While we look for a new space, Fantom Comics will maintain a presence in Union Station at least through the New Year. This will ensure that our customers can continue to get their dose of subculture without interruption.   Since we are a comic book store, after all, we wanted to add some fun to this great adventure. So  we're announcing the Great Fantom Comics Location Treasure Hunt! Send us the address of a vacant retail space you think would be a great fit for Fantom Comics at info@fantomcomics.com.If we end up selecting your location, the first person that recommended it will have their choice of either $500 cold hard cash or a $1,000 Fantom Comics gift certificate!   You can also help by filling out this simple 2 minute survey to let us know where the new and improved Fantom Comics would be most convenient for you.   This is an exciting time at Fantom Comics. This transition gives us the opportunity to develop a brand new store and to do so with your input. We promise to keep you up-to-date at every stage of our evolution.   Yours, The Fantom Comics Team Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478 www.fantomcomics.com

Post on Simpsons salary negotiations

'The Simpsons' actors contract negotiations take a twist
By Lisa de Moraes
Washington Post TV Column blog Octobe 5 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tv-column/post/the-simpsons-actors-contract-negotiations-take-a-twist/2011/10/05/gIQATuBPOL_blog.html

Politico on Christie cartoons

Local cartoonists Weurker and Beeler are quoted -

Cartoonists: Chris Christie's a lot to love
By PATRICK GAVIN | 10/4/11
 http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65088.html

Bruce Guthrie's SPX photos

MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2011) -- Panel: Diane Noomin Q+A

MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2011) -- Panel: Comics in the Library

MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2011) -- Panel: Ann Telnaes Q+A

MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2011) -- Panel: Roz Chast: From A to Z

MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2011) -- Panel: Navigating the Contemporary Publishing Landscape

MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2011) -- Panel: You Don't Know Jacques

MD -- Bethesda -- Small Press Expo (2011) -- Other

 

and some bonus pictures of Jim "Sherman's Lagoon" Toomey from earlier in the month:

 

DC -- Newseum -- Exhibits -- Cartoonists Remember 9/11

Newseum -- Inside Media w/Jim Toomey (Cartoonists Remember 9/11)

National Book Festival graphic novel photographs

Ace local photographer Bruce Guthrie has his pictures online at Natl Book Festival 2011 -- Graphic Novels (Richard Thompson, Kazu Kibuishi, and Allen Say). Bruce licenses his pictures under Creative Commons.

Jillian Tamaki art sent to Library of Congress

Check out Jillian Tamaki's blog to see what she donated. My guess is that curator Martha Kennedy was the requestor.

Hat-tip to Comics Reporter for spotting this.

PR: Gasoline Alley comic series features Army Coins and National Army Museum

[Fundraising in comics for a local museum]

For Immediate Release: October 4, 2011

Contact: COL David R. Fabian (USA-Ret.)

(703) 562-4162

 

New Gasoline Alley Comic Series Features Army Commemorative Coins and the National Army Museum

 

Continuing his long-time support of the military, award-winning cartoonist Jim Scancarelli has penned a series of Gasoline Alley comic strips featuring the 2011 Army Commemorative Coins.  These special syndicated comics will run between Wednesday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Scancarelli first volunteered the character Skeezix Wallet, a fictional Veteran who had served in the U.S. Army between 1942-45, as a spokesperson for the National Museum of the United States Army in January 2010 in a seven week series of the Gasoline Alley comics.  Now, while continuing to raise awareness of the National Army Museum, Skeezix will also bring attention to the Army Commemorative Coins benefitting the Museum's construction, on sale until December 16 through the US Mint.

 

The Army Commemorative Coin series contains three coins– the $5 gold coin, silver dollar, and copper clad half-dollar. A portion of the proceeds of these coins goes toward constructing the National Army Museum.  The Museum is scheduled to open in Fort Belvoir, Va., outside Washington, DC, in 2015, and will honor America's Soldiers, preserve the history of America's oldest military branch, and educate Americans about the Army's role in our nation's development. At present, the US Army is the only service branch without its own museum.

 

Gasoline Alley is a long-running comic strip first published on November 24, 1918. Widely recognized as an innovative pioneering strip, Gasoline Alley was the first to depict its characters aging through generations as the decades progressed.  In appreciation for Scancarelli's support, the Army Historical Foundation created a profile for "Sergeant Wallet" the Foundation's Registry of the American Solider by piecing together his wartime adventures from old copies of the Gasoline Alley comic strip; Sergeant Wallet's entry can be found  here.  The Registry of the American Solider provides an opportunity for anyone who served in the U.S. Army to have his or her name and service history placed on record at the National Army Museum.

 

Jim Scancarelli, recipient of the 1988 National Cartoonists Society's Story Comic Strip Award, says, "Skeezix went to war just like our real-life servicemen and women, and the comic strip captured his fictive adventures from enlistment through discharge and transition back to civilian life. His fictional status as an Army veteran is what prompted me to volunteer him as a spokesperson for the…National Army Campaign."

 

"The Army Historical Foundation is thankful for the continued support of Jim Scancarelli and Gasoline Alley comic strip," said COL David R. Fabian (USA-Ret.), Communications Director, Army Historical Foundation. "Sgt. Wallet and the rest of the Gasoline Alley characters are icons that Americans have grown to love and continue to identify with over time. Jim's help in spreading the word about the Museum and the Army Commemorative Coins is simply another in the long line of contributions he has made, and for which the Army Historical Foundation is profoundly grateful."

 

The Gasoline Alley comic strip featuring the Army Commemorative Coins and the National Army Museum can be found here beginning October 5, 2011, and Army Commemorative Coins can be purchased from the US Mint here.

 

About the Army Historical Foundation

 

The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects which preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members.  The Foundation serves as the Army's official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army.  The Museum will be constructed at Fort Belvoir, Va., to honor the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army's inception in 1775.  For more information on the Foundation, the National Museum of the United States Army and the Army Commemorative Coins, visit www.armyhistory.org.

 

 

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