PR: Dec 11 - Kal at the Walters!

I've got a copy of his new calender - his 3rd - and I love it.

 

Political Cartoonist Kevin Kallaugher at the Walters 12/11

What: KAL-ender Konversation with KAL
Kevin Kallaugher, a.k.a KAL, is best known for his internationally-syndicated political cartoons in more than 100 publications worldwide. He'll chat about his work, look back at his best cartoons from 2011 and sign copies of his award winning 2012 Kal-endar (a great gift for the holidays), published by The Economist. He'll finish his talk with a fun and lively drawing lesson.
Where:
The Walters Art Museum
When:
Sunday, December 11, 2–3:30 p.m.
Price:
Free

Stephanie McMillan continues her Occupy DC story

Click here to see actual Park Rangers in comic form. Actually, I'm finding these interesting, but she leaves DC in this segment of The Beginning of the American Fall.

Comic Riffs on Stahler's editorial cartoon controversy

JEFF STAHLER SUSPENDED: Columbus Dispatch political cartoonist's work probed over 'striking similarity' to New Yorker cartoon
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog December 6 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/jeff-stahler-suspended-columbia-dispatch-political-cartoonists-work-has-striking-similarity-to-new-yorker-cartoon/2011/12/06/gIQA8p6nZO_blog.html#pagebreak

but if you're interested, definitely click through to Alan Gardner's story with the cartoons.

Truitt on Marvel's 2012 slugfest

Marvel Comics pits 'Avengers vs. X-Men' in 2012
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY December 6 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-12-06/avengers-x-men-marvel-2012-series/51672646/1

and

Marvel event reaches 'critical mass' on social media
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY December 6 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-12-06/marvel-comics-avengers-x-men/51672784/1

Of course, we first saw this in X-Men #9 from January 1965, where they wrapped it up in a single issue. 1987's X-Men Vs. the Avengers took four issues. 2012 -- a whole year? At least the Avengers finally get top billing after 47 years...

Post on Disneyworld at Christmastime

A Disney home for the holidays
By Steve Hendrix, Washington Post December 4 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/at-disney-its-home-for-the-holidays/2011/11/15/gIQA0pqaHO_story.html

Michael Uslan interview coming to the City Paper tomorrow

I'll post the link when it appears, but I did a 45-minute telephone interview with the Batman movie producer, which touched on his new autobiography, his writing for Archie comics, and of course, on Batman:

Michael Uslan: Yeah, The Boy Who Loved Batman is about the boy who loved Batman, the ultimate fanboy geek who learned to read from comics before he was four, and the adventures and misadventures I had collecting comics, going to the world's first comics convention ever held, becoming an early member of comics fandom, finding a way to incorporate my love of comic books and superheroes, in particular Batman, into my work and life with my attempt to restore dignity to Batman after the tv show and finding the ways for a blue-collar kid from New Jersey to make it to Hollywood to show them the potential of dark and serious Batman movies, even though I didn't come from money, and couldn't buy my way into Hollywood. I didn't know anyone and didn't have any relatives in the business, so it's really my story of a life's journey of what you can do to make your dreams come true – for me I was able to pull it off ultimately.

He'll be appearing on Thurs, Dec 8th in Silver Spring at the Discovery building.

Randy T discovers Corey Finkle, another local comics writer

Corey Finkle has written an adaption of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper.

Post columnist on Brian Selznick

Brian Selznick's 'Wonderstruck' is a worthy family tradition [in print, Dec. 1 as "Lightning strikes twice for author"p. AX17].
By Tracy Grant, Washington Post November 30 2011 http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/advice/brian-selznicks-wonderstruck-is-a-worthy-family-tradition/2011/11/20/gIQAOOgPCO_story.html

 

Truitt on Super Friends app and Flash Gordon

DC's Super Friends have Santa's back on app
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 29 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-29/DC-Super-Friends-comics-iPad-app/51470794/1

Flash Gordon is retro cool in new 'Zeitgeist' series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 29 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-29/Flash-Gordon-Zeigeist-comic-series/51458500/1

Capicon comics show today

PR--Sunday, Dec 4--Capicons Comic Book and Pop Culture Con

Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con
Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011
10 am - 3 pm
Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Hall, 

2148 Gallows Rd, Dunn Loring, Virginia
Admission $3 - Kids FREE!

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.

FEATURING:
* John Dimes, author, artist, singer, actor and award-winning comedian
(a.k.a Horror Host Dr. Sarcofiguy from the Spooky Movie Show)
* Tim Dzon, Artist
* Chris Flick, Capes N Babes webcomic
* Bill McKay
* Michael Munshaw
* Dan Nokes, 21st Century Sandshark Studios
* Pete Tapang, Artist (featured in Mystique Magazine, FHM, Artcore
Magazine, V.A.M.P, Glamourcon)
* Dave Wilson, Model Maker Extraordinaire
* Ulysses E. Campbell from "Fantastic Forum" & Larry Reclusado of "The
NOVA Comic Book Show"
* Paul Gyurcsanszky will host a demo of Osiris Sanction: a new L.A.R.P.
created by Ford Ivey! "It's not your kid's laser tag."
...and MORE!!

Directions to DLVFRD: 
Take I-495 (DC/Capital Beltway) to Exit 47A
(Rt. 7 West). Go 1/2 Mile, Left on Gallows Rd. 1 mile to 2148 Gallows Rd

Capicons
PO Box 2488
Merrifield, VA 22116
http://capicons.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Capicons-Comic-Book-Pop-Culture-Con/221236176794#!/pages/Capicons-Comic-Book-Pop-Culture-Con/221236176794

McNeil's Finder makes Texas papers 'best of' comics list

A look at the best -- and worst -- of this year's comics
Joe Gross, The Reader
Austin AMERICAN-STATESMAN Dec. 3, 2011
http://www.statesman.com/life/books/a-look-at-the-best-and-worst-of-2010712.html

Dec 9: Howl's Moving Castle at JICC

A great Miyazaki movie.

ANIMEZING 2011 © Walt Disney Pictures © Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. Friday, December 9th @ 6:30 pm   Mark your calendars!   J-Film Series TBA 12/15@ 6:30 pm   2012 Nengajo Design Contest Commemorating friendship between Japan and the U.S. in the Year of the Dragon Deadline: 12/19      Where: JICC 1150 18th St., NW   Washington, DC 20036   (202) 238-6900  jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp      Directions Add to my calendar     Sophie, a diligent teenage girl working in her family's hat shop, finds her quiet life thrown into chaos when the dashing, mysterious wizard Howl comes into her life. Their friendship quickly catches the ire of the Witch of the Waste, who casts a spell on pretty, young Sophie, transforming her into a ragged old woman. Unrecognizable to her family, friends, and even Howl, Sophie seeks shelter in the magnificent moving castle, hoping to find a way to reverse the witches' spell. There she discovers that she is not the only one dealing with a strange transformation - Howl has a secret of his own.     Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese animation director who wowed audiences worldwide with his Oscar award-winning film Spirited Away, brings another visually spectacular tale  to life on the big screen. Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, the Oscar-nominated Howl's Moving Castle is a flight of fancy for the whole family-transporting audiences to a distant land of dreams and scenes more beautiful than our own.   Japanese with English subtitles. Rated PG. 119 min, 2004. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki.   This event is free and open to the public. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat. Registered guests will be seated first. Open seats will be given to guests on standby when the program begins. Register Now!

Embassy of Japan | 1150 18th St., NW | Suite 100 | Washington | DC | 20036

'ComicBacks' Yahoo group is local now

A couple of years ago, Ray Bottorff Jr moved here from Detroit, and brought his project to produce a bibliography / price guide to paperback books related to comics with him. Ray's got a ComicBacks Yahoo group which he describes as:

"...a list designed to appeal to both fans of Comic Books and Paperbacks. ComicBacks is a term copyrighted by Ray Bottorff Jr to refer to mostly mass-market sized paperbacks that are comic-related. Comic-related means that the paperback has its origins in Comic Books, Comic Strips, Animation, Hero Pulps or other related Sister Arts. I have no problem including paperbacks in this list which may not have originated in comics, but are of a Super-Hero theme. The list can cover both comic reprinted work and prose material from comics or comic characters.
And if you wish to talk about Big Little Books, Oversize Paperbacks, Oblong Paperbacks or Trade Paperbacks of this "genre" feel free to do so.
Also feel free to post your buy/sell/trade lists!"

He's recently posted a link to a 700-page illustrated e-version of his list of ComicBacks. You can join the group through the above link.

Comic Riffs on Josh Neufeld's comics journalism

COMICS JOURNALISM: Today, 'A.D.'s' Josh Neufeld renders the compelling lines of 'Bahrain'
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog December 2 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/comics-journalism-today-ads-josh-neufeld-renders-the-compelling-lines-of-bahrain/2011/12/01/gIQARpwkKO_blog.html

Dec 15: Al Jaffee & His Biographer at the Washington JCC

Authors Out Loud: Mary-Lou Weisman & Al Jaffee Washington DCJCC

   Mary-Lou Weissman - author, Al Jaffee- illustrator
Al Jaffee's Mad Life: A Biography
Thursday, December 15, 7:30 pm
$10, $8 Members/Seniors/Students

At 89, iconic American cartoonist Al Jaffee remains MAD magazine's oldest and most prolific contributor. Behind Jaffee's trademark dark humor lurks an even darker story of a childhood spent between two alien worlds, Lithuania and America. Mary-Lou Weisman tells the off-kilter life story of the man who countless fans know and love as the inventor of MAD's "fold-ins" and "Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions."

Al Jaffee's Mad Life is illustrated by more than 65 original four-color original drawing by the master himself.

Mary-Lou Weisman is a journalist and author whose books include My Baby Boomer Baby Book, Traveling While Married, and Intensive Care: A Family Love Story.

Al Jaffee is an award-winning cartoonist whose work has appeared in more 440 issues of MAD magazine.

"Al Jaffee's Mad Life lays bare in harrowing yet often riotous detail how a Southern boy, twice uprooted by his mother to Lithuanian shtetls on the eve of World War II, grew up to become a tireless satirist for some of America's cheekier magazines."
-The New York Times

 "It's an unnerving biography with a moving graphic novel hidden inside it."
-Art Spiegelman, author of MAUS

Partner: 16th Street J's Ann Loeb Bronfman Gallery Off the Wall series

 

Date: Thursday, December 15, 2011
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Address:
1529 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States

If you'd like to attend this event you can purchase tickets online.

Dec 8: "An Evening with Michael Uslan, Executive Producer of The Dark Night"

"An Evening with Michael Uslan, Executive Producer of The Dark Night"

CINE is co-hosting a book party with PGA-East for Michael Uslan, who is the Executive Producer of The Dark Knight and the other Batman movies in Silver Spring on December 8 at 6:30 pm. To pre-register, go to www.cine.org - there is a charge which varies between $10 and $30. Uslan will be mingling and available to chat as well as signing books.

Weldon on the changing look of unchanging Superman

Truth, Jawlines And The American Way: The Changing Face Of Superman

by Glen Weldon

December 1, 2011

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/12/01/142935250/truth-jawlines-and-the-american-way-the-changing-face-of-superman

Library of Congress' Swann Foundation accepting fellowship applications

The Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship, one of the few in the field, for the 2012-2013 academic year. The Foundation is administered by the Library of Congress. Deadline for receipt of applications is February 15, 2012. Please email swann@loc.gov or call (202) 707-9115 if you have questions. For criteria, guidelines, and application forms, please see:

http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html

 

For titles of projects funded, see:

http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellowslist.html

 

We appreciate the opportunity to post this notice. My apologies for cross listing.

 

 

Martha H. Kennedy

Curator, Popular & Applied Graphic Art

Prints and Photographs Division

Library of Congress

101 Independence Ave. SE

Washington, DC   20540-4730

Ph.: 202/707-9115     Fax: 202/707-6647

 

 

 

Dec 9: John Fantucchio at Del Ray Artisans December Show

Passing this along from John...

The Del Ray Artisans Exhibit for the month of December  theme is 'It's All About the Little Things' - December 9 - 18, 2011.  The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is located at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  Opening reception is Friday, December 9, 7 - 10 p.m.  Fantucchio will be there for the reception.  He will have three 8:" by 10" paintings showing the versatility of this prolific artist's range - three completely different approaches, all very thought-provoking and priced for the holidays at way under $200 each.   Bring a friend or two.  Mouth-watering food and drink will be served.  A unique opportunity to meet other patrons of the arts, and a good time to talk with John and ask him questions about his recent works.  If you're not able to attend the reception, John will also make a special appearance on Saturday, December 17, 12:30 - 3:30.  (Sorry, no food or drinks at this time.)  Now is the time to corner him on the meanings of his works. 

Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, MD has Upcoming In-Store Appearances

Charles Soule, writer of "27" from Image Comics, will appear at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, MD on January 7, 2012 from 11am-2pm.



On February 18, 2012 from 11am-2pm, Justin Jordan, writer, and Tradd Moore, artist, will be at Third Eye to promote their "Strange Talent of Luther Strode" title, also from Image Comics.

Cards Comics & Collectibles of Reistertown, MD December Sale, Coupons, Ron Marz In-Store in January

Cards Comics & Collectibles of Reistertown, MD (the store that brings you the Baltimore Comic-Con) is having a sale and offering coupons in December.

They are also featuring Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo) in the store on January 28, 2012

Comic Riffs on Action Comics #1 auction

SUPERMAN SOARS! Rare 1938 comic book sells for record $2M
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 30 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/superman-soars-rare-1938-comic-book-sells-for-record-2m/2011/11/30/gIQAtXOOEO_blog.html

PR: Richard Thompson in Pittsburgh

Actually, one of his comic strips may be in this exhibit curated by our mutual friend, John Read. It depends on what was picked to go in this version.  I saw the show at HeroesCon this year, and it's definitely worth checking out.

Wed, Nov 30, 2011

For Immediate Release:
Press Release
TOONSEUM
945 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222

One Fine Sunday at the ToonSeum

The ToonSeum presents an exhibition of epic funny page proportions! More than 50 pieces of original comic strip art -- all from the same Sunday in 2010.

The exhibit is a who's who of the modern American comic strip, featuring the likes of Garfield, Beetle Bailey, Doonesbury and many more.
The ToonSeum's new Lou Scheimer Gallery is transformed into a ginormous slice of everyone's favorite section of the newspaper.

Exhibit curator and publisher John Read called upon members of the National Cartoonists Society to loan strips from the same Sunday. That Sunday is April 11, 2010. While that date holds no specific significance, it offers a look at a day in the life of the comic strip, a uniquely American art form.

Many of the strips featured presently run in Pittsburgh-area newspapers. Others are ones that ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos says should be featured locally!

"We had over 100 strips to pick from for the display, and some will rotate into the exhibit over the next month or so," Wos said. "It was a difficult task to narrow it down. We tried to choose ones that the public loved, as well as ones that we felt were underappreciated in Pittsburgh."

The ToonSeum is hoping the public and area newspapers will take notice of comic strips such as "The Pajama Diaries" and "Zippy the Pinhead."

The exhibit will open Dec. 9th and run through the end of January in the ToonSeum's Lou Scheimer Gallery.

The ToonSeum is located at 945 Liberty Ave. in Pittsburgh's Cultural District.
Admission is $4 for adults and free for children 12 and younger.
For more information, visit toonseum.org or call 412-232-0199.

Truitt on comic book gifts

Gift ideas for the comic-book fan
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 30 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/reviews/story/2011-11-30/holiday-graphic-novels/51515148/1

Blankets is the only one I agree with him on.

Marc Singer previews his Grant Morrison book

Fanfare for the Common Man
Marc Singer
I Am Not The Beastmaster blog November 29-30, 2011
http://notthebeastmaster.typepad.com/weblog/2011/11/fanfare-for-the-common-man.html
http://notthebeastmaster.typepad.com/weblog/2011/11/fanfare-for-the-common-man-part-2-the-good-old-days.html

Dec 3: A little far but...

From: Randy Tischler

Towson's not TOO far… 

 

http://tigercon.wordpress.com/

 

Wash Times reviews Thompson's Habibi

BOOK REVIEW: 'Habibi'
By Jeremy Lott
Washington Times November 29, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/29/love-and-terror-in-the-desert/

Politics and Prose comics bookgroup meeting tonight

They're meeting tonight at 7:30pm to discuss The Filth.

Marc Singer interviewed about his new Grant Morrison book

'Grant Morrison: Combining the Worlds of Contemporary Comics' – an interview with author Marc Singer on his new book
by Andrew Hickey
November 28th, 2011
http://mindlessones.com/2011/11/28/grant-morrison-combining-the-worlds-of-contemporary-comics-an-interview-with-author-marc-singer-on-his-new-book/

I've got my copy already.

Truitt on final Pilot Season

'Pilot Season' Week 8: The science of 'Everything'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 29 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-29/Theory-of-Everything-comic-book/51476704/1

City Paper catches upcoming DC Simpson's fest

D.C. Arts Commission Grants Are Totally Funding Simpsons Events and Tweed Rides by Jonathan L. Fischer and Benjamin R. Freed on Nov. 29, 2011

My editor over there is on top of things that I'm not, noting a grant of:

$5,000 for Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, which plans to host a series of "multidisciplinary arts experiences which examine and celebrate THE SIMPSONS and its impact on American pop-culture psyche"—this in conjunction with Anne Washburn's dystopian Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play.

Comic Riffs on editorial cartooning

THE 'STATE' OF EDITORIAL CARTOONING: As Colorado Pulitzer winner goes today, so goes the nation?
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 29 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-state-of-editorial-cartooning-as-colorado-pulitzer-winner-goes-today-so-goes-the-nation/2011/11/28/gIQAoJby8N_blog.html#pagebreak

Truitt on Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four keep the family together for 50 years
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 28 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-28/fantastic-four/51445090/1

Comic Riffs on Mike Keefe's retirement

'RIFFS PICKS OF THE WEEK: 2011 Pulitzer winner Mike Keefe calls it quits; and five cartoons for your holiday cheers
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 26 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/riffs-picks-of-the-week-2011-pulitzer-winner-calls-it-quits-and-five-cartoons-for-your-holiday-cheers/2011/11/25/gIQAt50qxN_blog.html

Comicsgirl reports on Haspiel donation of minicomics to the Library of Congress

Ok, I'm not sure what this tumbler is (as opposed to her regular blog), but Comicsgirl reports on Dean Haspiel's excellent donation of minicomics to the Library of Congress.

Nov 29: Bully political cartoons at Library of Congress

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington DC 20540


November 7, 2011

Political Cartoon Biography of Theodore Roosevelt Is Subject of Discussion

"Bully!" Chronicles Life and Times of 26th President

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was a favorite subject of political cartoonists, due in large part to his outsize personality, his exploits as one of the leaders of the Rough Riders and, of course, his career as 26th president.

Roosevelt's biography as told through these political cartoons forms the basis of "Bully!: The Life and Times of Theodore Roosevelt" (Regnery, 2011) by Rick Marschall. Marschall's book is the subject of a discussion and signing on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 11:30 a.m. in Dining Room A, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. This event is part of the Books & Beyond author series of the Center for the Book and is co-sponsored with the Library's Prints and Photographs Division. It is free and open to the public; no tickets are requited.

"Bully!" features more than 250 full-color illustrations, many of them from the collections of the Library. According to Marschall, few people have influenced American history as Roosevelt did. A cowboy, soldier and prolific author, he vaulted to the top of American politics. His physical energy, great intelligence and larger-than-life personality made him not only a beloved leader but also the subject of countless political cartoons.

Marschall is the author of more than 65 books, is a former political cartoonist and has written extensively on politics, history and cartoons. He has taught at Rutgers University and the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Marschall's book is also the subject of a discussion on Facebook. The new Books & Beyond Book Club is available at www.facebook.com/booksandbeyond/. Here readers can discuss books, the authors of which have appeared or will appear in this series. The site also offers links to webcasts of these events and asks readers to talk about what they have seen and heard.

Since its creation by Congress in 1977 to "stimulate public interest in books and reading," the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress (www.Read.gov/cfb/) has become a major national force for reading and literacy promotion. A public-private partnership, it sponsors educational programs that reach readers of all ages, nationally and internationally. The center provides leadership for affiliated state centers for the book and nonprofit reading-promotion partners and plays a key role in the Library's annual National Book Festival. It also oversees the Library's Read.gov website and administers the Library's Young Readers Center.

# # #

PR 11-219
11/7/11
ISSN 0731-3527

Truitt on X-Men

X-Men book gets an 'Astonishing' new writer
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 22 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-22/Astonishing-X-Men-comic-series-new-writer/51352884/1

Maryland cartoonist Jose Villarrubia interviewed by Greek site

INTERVIEW CORNER #69: Jose Villarrubia
by Thomas Papadimitropoulos  November 22nd, 2011
http://www.comicdom.gr/2011/11/22/interview-corner-69-jose-villarrubia/

Page down when you open it and the Q&A is in English.

Fwd: PR--Sunday, Dec 4--Capicons Comic Book and Pop Culture Con

PR--Sunday, Dec 4--Capicons Comic Book and Pop Culture Con

Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con
Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011
10 am - 3 pm
Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Hall, 

2148 Gallows Rd, Dunn Loring, Virginia
Admission $3 - Kids FREE!

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.

FEATURING:
* John Dimes, author, artist, singer, actor and award-winning comedian
(a.k.a Horror Host Dr. Sarcofiguy from the Spooky Movie Show)
* Tim Dzon, Artist
* Chris Flick, Capes N Babes webcomic
* Bill McKay
* Michael Munshaw
* Dan Nokes, 21st Century Sandshark Studios
* Pete Tapang, Artist (featured in Mystique Magazine, FHM, Artcore
Magazine, V.A.M.P, Glamourcon)
* Dave Wilson, Model Maker Extraordinaire
* Ulysses E. Campbell from "Fantastic Forum" & Larry Reclusado of "The
NOVA Comic Book Show"
* Paul Gyurcsanszky will host a demo of Osiris Sanction: a new L.A.R.P.
created by Ford Ivey! "It's not your kid's laser tag."
...and MORE!!

Directions to DLVFRD: 
Take I-495 (DC/Capital Beltway) to Exit 47A
(Rt. 7 West). Go 1/2 Mile, Left on Gallows Rd. 1 mile to 2148 Gallows Rd

Capicons
PO Box 2488
Merrifield, VA 22116
http://capicons.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Capicons-Comic-Book-Pop-Culture-Con/221236176794#!/pages/Capicons-Comic-Book-Pop-Culture-Con/221236176794

KAL's Economist 2012 Wall Calendar available now

I just heard from famed Baltimore cartoonist Kal, and his KAL's Economist 2012 Wall Calendar is available now. I've been a big fan of these in previous years, as Kal draws a new cartoon for each month.

Post reviews ‘Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt’ book and ‘Elf on the Shelf cartoon

Caroline Preston's 'Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt': Lush jitterbug through '20s
By Steven Moore,
Washington Post November 25, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/caroline-prestons-scrapbook-of-frankie-pratt-lush-jitterbug-through-20s/2011/09/07/gIQA0HAdtN_story.html

CBS's 'Elf on the Shelf': Unwarranted Christmas surveillance techniques
By Hank Stuever,
Washington Post November 25 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/cbss-elf-on-the-shelf-unwarranted-christmas-surveillance-techniques/2011/11/23/gIQApCSTtN_story.html

Truitt on Dorkin's Milk and Cheese collection

Evan Dorkin's 'Milk and Cheese' brings sour satisfaction
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 23 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-23/Milk-and-Cheese-comics-collection/51373686/1

Richard Thompson blurbs Rip Haywire

I just read my copy of Dan Thompson's graphic novel Rip Haywire and the Curse Of Tangaroa! (based on his comic strip which doesn't run in the Post) and was surprised to see local cartoonist Richard Thompson quoted on the back:

"Derring-do is in short supply on the comics pages these days and square-jawed heroes are scarce. I'm glad we have Rip Haywire, who's square jaw almost overwhelms his head, and
that he's got the luscious Cobra and the bewildered TNT with him. In the Curse of Tangaroa, their adventures are far-flung and far-fetched, with weird flashbacks that lurch into other
strips entirely, including one like Peanuts but with explosions. Dan Thompson's loving satire of the classic adventure strip is a demented delight."
—Richard Thompson ( Cul De Sac, and Richard's Poor Almanac )

Post reviews local author's Drawing Power book

Book review: 'Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising'

By Michael Taube, 

Washington Post November 23 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/book-review-drawing-power-a-compendium-of-cartoon-advertising/2011/10/03/gIQAcvO5lN_story.html

A review of Rick Marschall and Warren Bernard's excellent book "Drawing Power"- Marschall will be speaking about the book next Tuesday morning at the Library of Congress. I'll bet Warren will be there too.

Wash Post on Arthur Christmas and Hugo

Arthur Christmas is by my favorite animation firm, Aardman -

An unexpected holiday gift
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Nov. 23, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/arthur-christmas,1210229/critic-review.html

Hugo is based on the sort-of graphic novel by Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret-

3D becomes art in Scorsese's hands
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post Nov. 23, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/hugo,1210235/critic-review.html

Meet a formerly local collector

Charlie Roberts got his start in Alexandria, VA.

ORIGIN ISSUE: Charlie Roberts
November 23 2011
http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=260&ai=115427

Weldon's Thanksgiving comic picks

I'm not feeling a lot of love for this list - Pogo's great, but I would have picked Carl Barks' Duck stories over that.

Still More Tryptophan-tastic Tomes To See You Through Your Turkey Coma
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (November 23, 2011): http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/11/23/142682349/still-more-tryptophan-tastic-tomes-to-see-you-through-your-turkey-coma

New Buzzboy PR

Can Buzzboy Conquer the "Dynamic Trio" of iTunes, the Internet, and Print Publishing?

Cartoonist John Gallagher announced the release of his graphic novel, Buzzboy: Sidekicks Rule, through three publishers in three different formats. The humorous story of a tween super-sidekick, Buzzboy is being released as a new webcomic at Keenspot.com, in print through through Red Giant Entertainment, and as a digital comic in Gallagher's own "Comics Jukebox " iTunes app.

 

Buzzboy,  a kid-friendly tale of a milkshake loving, diner dwelling sidekick, who must save the world when all the adult heroes disappear,  was created as an answer to the dark, gritty comics that seem to dominate the comics marketplace. "I've always focused on creating comics that everyone can enjoy," said Gallagher, "and this lets me reach out to people other than the average comic book fan—essentially, the 200 million people who aren't going into comics shops." Comic books are an integral part of pop culture, but have had trouble at times attracting new fans, especially young readers.

 

"As the father of three kids," says Gallagher, "I found that my children were just as likely to read on an iPad as play a game or watch a show. That's why an app is part of the plan." Comics Jukebox, created with fellow cartoonist and friend Steve Conley, offers free and affordable kid-friendly comics on the iPad, including Buzzboy and other all-ages comics. "Jukebox" has already been downloaded thousands of times, and a version for the Android market is in the works, and they are currently prepping for the e-book market.

 

Although some say print sales could be hurt by the web and digital releases, Gallagher sees it as all part of a new, organic relationship across all media. "I read Calvin and Hobbes every day in the newspaper when it was originally ran, but that didn't stop me from purchasing collections of the comics in the bookstore," said Gallagher. "I don't think today's audience cares where the story is told, be it on the web, in a book, or on the side of a building—as long as it is where they want to read it."

 

Buzzboy: Sidekicks Rule is is available to read on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at http://buzzboy.keenspot.com, on iTunes through Comics Jukebox, and is headed to all comics shops, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com in early December.

John Gallagher

703.989.3068

john@sky-dog.com

www.sky-dog.com

www.skydogcomics.com

Two, no, three, new cartoonist sites this evening

I ran across Rebecca Moretti (nee Simms) and Chris Mararac at the DC Conspiracy table at Anime USA this past weekend. Simms-Moretti was selling two collections of her webcomic, and Mararac had large prints of his cartoon artwork.

Simms does the webcomic Girl Ninja, and is a former local. Mararac's site is www.uppercut-justice.com

I also saw the people behind the Intervention con, and here's a link to Onezumi Hartstein's webcomic Stupid & Insane Defenders Against Chaos.

Pekar statue to be funded

Fundraising hits goal for library sculpture honoring late comic book writer Harvey Pekar
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS November 22, 2011
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/87a543fe49574a55bdbbf46c97ccd280/OH--Harvey-Pekar-Monument/

Yay!

Lauren Orsini writes about being Amime USA PR

Local journalist Lauren Orsini writes on her blog about being Amime USA's PR person. Lauren got me into the show, my first anime con, and I think I'll have a better idea about the whole shebang next year. I must say, I'm not used to being that clueless about the costumes.

And note Lauren's blog Otaku Journalist. I've added it to the linklist on the lower right as well.

Comic Riffs' Bil Keane followup

CARTOON OF THE DAY: 'Lio's' artful Bil Keane tribute

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 21 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/cartoon-of-the-day-lios-artful-bil-keane-tribute/2011/11/21/gIQAwATojN_blog.html

This includes reminiscences by Mel Lazarus.

Nick Galifianakis' Team Cul de Sac contribution finally comes in

Sure, he's late, but it's pretty. Here's what Nick says about the drawing -
http://teamculdesac.blogspot.com/2011/11/nick-galifianakis-says-and-draws.html

Linda Holmes on Brave

Thanks, Pixar, From All The Girls With Band-Aids On Their Knees
by Linda Holmes
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog November 21, 2011
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/11/21/142591230/thanks-pixar-from-all-the-girls-with-band-aids-on-their-knees

PR: Cards Comics and Collectibles 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Sale

Cards Comics and Collectibles Annual Thanksgiving Sale

Press Release For Immediate Release

Cards Comics and Collectibles 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Sale From the Store that Brings You the Baltimore Comic-Con... For 23 years, we have brought you the largest, most complete comic book and collectibles Thanksgiving sale in the greater Baltimore area.  On Friday November 25th, Saturday November 26th, and Sunday November 27th, following Thanksgiving, those discounts return, with even larger discounts on Sunday. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY   70% OFF: BRONZE AND MODERN BACK ISSUES, CARD SINGLES! 50% OFF: PAPERBACKS, HARDCOVERS, MANGA, TOYS, STATUES, AND TOON TUMBLERS! 30% OFF: GOLDEN AND SILVER AGE COMICS! 20% OFF: CARD PACKS, CARD BOXES, NEW COMICS, "NEW THIS WEEK" COMICS, PAPERBACKS, AND HARDCOVERS! SUNDAY ONLY 80% OFF: Modern Back Issue Bins 60% OFF: Paperbacks & Hardcovers For over two decades now, folks travel hundreds of miles take advantage of our Thanksgiving deals. Be sure to ask us about next year's Baltimore Comic-Con too! Our address:  100 A Chartley Dr., Reisterstown, MD  21136 Our Hours:  Friday, 11am-7:30pm; Saturday, 11am-7pm; Sunday, 12am-5:00pm For more information, call Cards Comics and Collectibles @ 410-526-7410

Anime USA moving into DC next year...

...reports Arlington Now, which also has photos of cosplayers.

Truitt on Pilot Season and King City

'Pilot Season' Week 7: 'Seraph' wields biblical power
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-15/Pilot-Season-Week-7-Seraph-book-wields-biblical-power/51221172/1

A cool cat and master return in new 'King City' collection
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-15/King-City-collection-releases-in-February/51216618/1

Voice actor article in today's Post

Hank Azaria is very vocal about his line of work [animation voice actor].

Bentley, Rick / Fresno Bee.  2011

Washington Post (November 20): EZ14

Anime USA continues today in Crystal City

I stopped by Anime USA for a couple of hours yesterday, had a good time and in spite of not being as familiar with Japanese cartoons as I am with American ones. A few locals have tables - Chris Flick, DC Conspiracy and the Intervention Con. There's a lot of great costumes - it feels kind of like a Halloween carryover - and people are glad to have photos taken. The dealers room has a lot of material imported from Japan (and a lot of leather corsets and pink wigs) and I probably spent the most time in there, marveling at pop culture.

Orsini on webcomic

Adventures in Depression not so fun for Hyperbole and a Half
Lauren Rae Orsini
October 2011
http://www.dailydot.com/culture/hyperbole-and-half-depression-allie-brosch/

Comic Riffs on Pekar statue campaign

HARVEY PEKAR MEMORIAL: Oy! What does it take to honor comics' Everyman already
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 18 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/harvey-pekar-memorial-oy-what-does-it-take-to-honor-comics-everyman-already/2011/11/18/gIQAVXIIYN_blog.html

Anime USA continues today in Crystal City

Reminder! So Much Anime This Weekend

Posted by Mike Rhode on Nov. 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2011/11/18/reminder-so-much-anime-this-weekend/

Post on Happy Feet 2

Dancing penguin and his missteps
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Nov 18, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/happy-feet-two,1210234/critic-review.html

The Examiner ran an AP review and the Express ran a stripped down version of the above.

Truitt on Max Allan Collins and Lance Biggs

Max Allan Collins makes one more 'Return to Perdition'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 16 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-16/Max-Allan-Collins-Return-to-Perdition-graphic-novel/51241222/1

Football star Lance Briggs tackles the comics industry
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 17 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-17/Lance-Briggs-Top-Cow-comic-book/51267876/1

Takoma Park librarian on Wimpy Kid

'Cabin Fever' shows Jeff Kinney's hot streak not wimping out
 By KAREN MACPHERSON, Scripps Howard News Service November 16 2011
http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/65469

Comic Riffs revisits Occupy Movement cartoon journalism

OCCUPY COMICS: Cartoon Movement journalists sketch a multi-city composite
By Michael Cavnahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 15 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/occupy-comics-cartoon-movement-journalists-sketch-a-multi-city-composite/2011/11/15/gIQAxRvtPN_blog.html#pagebreak

And you can read Stephanie McMillan's comic about being in DC at the Occupy movement here.

OT: Harvey Pekar statue plea by Alan Moore

Here's Alan Moore asking you to contribute to Kickstarter for Harvey's statue. I've put in my money, days ago.

I'm actually quite happy to fund projects at Kickstarter. I think this is the 5th I've contributed to.

Nov 18: Anime USA con in Arlington

Anime USA 2011 starts in Crystal City on Friday afternoon and runs through the weekend -

http://www.animeusa.org/

KAL returns to Harvard

Political Cartoonist Sketches, Lectures
By Ethan G. Loewi
Harvard Crimson November 15, 2011
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2011/11/15/political-cartoonist-lecture/

To think he used that Harvard education to become a cartoonist...

Truitt on Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman gets a new origin story and a dad
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-14/Wonder-Woman-gets-a-new-origin-story-in-comic-series/51198256/1

City Paper spots chef Jose Andres on the Simpsons

Real José Andrés More Animated Than Simpsons Parody

by Chris Shott on Nov. 14, 2011

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2011/11/14/real-jose-andres-more-animated-than-simpsons-parody/

Nov 16: Wimpy Kid's Jeff Kinney at Politics & Prose

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever, by Jeff Kinney - Event Tickets and Signed Books

$13.95

SKU: 9781419702235ticket

On Wednesday, November 16, 3 p.m.*
Jeff Kinney will visit Politics & Prose!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (Amulet, $13.95)

In the sixth installment of the Diary, Greg is in trouble for damaging school property. He's innocent this time-sort of. He gets a reprieve when a blizzard closes school, but he knows that when the storm is over, he'll have to face the authorities. Ages 9-12.

* Join us at 3 p.m. when we start our own blizzard with a snow-making truck; Jeff Kinney will speak at 4 p.m.

Tickets - required for the signing line - are available now. A ticket will be provided with your purchase, if you are attending the event. You can pick the ticket up when you come to the store. The books will be available on November 15, the day before the event. Please contact the store for more details. 

We will stop accepting pre-orders on Monday, November 14 at 10 p.m. You may still buy your books and receiving signing line tickets in person at the store.

OT: Mike Keefe of the Denver Post

I got to talk to Mike Keefe at the recent Cartoonists and Cocktails and really enjoyed it. Plus I won a piece of art he donated too.  So here's a story on him:

Inside the Mile High: Denver Post cartoonist Mike Keefe
by DenverPost on Nov 13, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWXud0rak4M

Truitt on Reed Gunther, Pilot Season and Marvel's Point One

'Reed Gunther' features bears, monsters and goofy fun
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 9 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-09/Reed-Gunther-series-features-bears-monsters-and-goofy-fun/51133256/1

'Pilot Season' Week 6: 'Anonymous' soldier with new mission
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 8 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-08/Top-Cow-Pilot-Season-gives-Anonymous-soldier-a-new-mission/51124646/1

'Point One' teases a new year of Marvel Comics stories
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 9 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-09/Point-One-teases-a-new-year-of-Marvel-Comics/51133222/1

Post reviews Redniss' Radioactive

Scientist aglow in the light of discovery ["Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie — A Tale of Love and Fallout" by Lauren Redniss]
By Marcia Bartusiak,
Washington Post November 13 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/radioactive-marie-and-pierre-curie--a-tale-of-love-and-fallout-by-lauren-redniss/2011/11/02/gIQANSMBDN_story.html

"“Non Sequitur” was the best commentary I’ve seen to date" says Post reader

An Occupy primer, in one panel
Mary E. Menke
 November 12, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/todays_paper?dt=2011-11-12&bk=A&pg=15

Post reviews Clowes' Death-Ray

'The Death-Ray,' by Daniel Clowes
By Aaron Leitko, Saturday, November 12, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-death-ray-by-daniel-clowes/2011/10/31/gIQAPlBuFN_story.html

Comic Riffs on Occupy Movement and cartoonists

A TALE OF TWO OCCUPY CARTOONISTS: From arrest to arresting humor — how diverging journalists respond to the movement
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 11 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/a-tale-of-two-occupy-cartoonists-from-arrest-to-arresting-images--how-diverging-journalists-respond-to-the-movement/2011/11/11/gIQA1GL9DN_blog.html

Walking Dead article in today's print Wash Examiner

This wire story ran in today's paper:

'Walking Dead' creator Kirkman is keeping it real
By FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer
 November 10, 2011
 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/11/10/entertainment/e034939S91.DTL

Truitt on Green Lantern animation

Unlike most reviewers, I was completely unimpressed with this show tonight. The animation looked stiff and video-gamey, and the basic plot is lifted from Star Trek: Voyager - Green Lantern's Hal Jordan and Kilowog are on the far side of the galaxy in a ship filled with refugees while hunted by the Borg ... make that the Red Lanterns rather. I won't bother looking for this when it returns in 2012.

It's Green Lanterns vs. Red Lanterns in new animated series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY November 10 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-11-10/Green-Lantern-animated-series-debuts-on-Cartoon-Network/51149004/1

Washington Times on Bil Keane

Bil Keane, 'Family Circus' cartoonist, dead at 89
by Terry Ponick
Washington Times November 11, 2011
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/entertainment-news-and-reviews/2011/nov/11/bil-keane-family-circus-cartoonist-dead-89/