Friday, April 06, 2012

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - April 6, 2012



Big Planet Comics

April 6, 2012

AvX Party Down

Thanks for everyone who came to our early releases parties for Avengers vs. X-Men #1 last week! Comics were bought, buttons were worn, cupcakes were eaten. Interestingly, most people seemed pretty split about who they were rooting for, or thought would win, with the X-Men being slightly ahead. So now we'll be all high tech! You can answer on our poll on our facebook page, with bonus points given for explaining why you chose one or the other! https://www.facebook.com/questions/381708751869539/

And it is only about 1 week until Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore will be signing at our Vienna and College Park stores for the release of the collection of The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, their violent take on superheroes! The limited edition poster to the right will be for sale for only $5! More information is below.

Don't forget, the Big Planet Comics Podcast now has a call-in phone number, so send us some questions or comments! Call 1-703-539-CAST! (1-703-539-2278)

Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Thanks!
 
- the Big Planet Comics kids


UPCOMING April 14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore Signing

Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore, creators of the great new series The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, will be appearing at both our Vienna and College Park stores on April 14 to celebrate the release of the collection of the series.

11 am-1 pm
Big Planet Comics of Vienna
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com
Reply to our Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/409722705720687/

3 pm-5 pm
Big Planet Comics of College Park
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com
Reply to our Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/344803992236635/
___________________

Danger Club #1

by Landry Quinn Walker and Eric Jones

When all the adult superheroes go into space to fight a cosmic menace, but never return, what do the teen sidekicks do? Some try to take over the world, others worry that the Earth is still in danger. A nice twist on the superhero universe, and some good action to start!

Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery HC

by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

The near-legendary miniseries is finally back in print! Flex Mentallo, superpowered muscle man, takes us on a strange trip into the head of Grant Morrison, as Flex tries to discover the reality of his world, even as the comics page changes around him and a dying pop star tries to remember if he created Flex in his head as a child. Hyper reality, crazy action, awesome Quitely art!

Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller HC

by Joseph Lambert

Ignatz Award-winner Joseph Lambert tells the tale and life of Annie Sullivan, the formerly-blind activist who taught Helen Keller to sign and was her lifelong companion. A fascinating look at the expectations of the time, and difficult and nuanced relationship between Annie and Helen, all illustrated with a great style showing how Helen slowly learns to name the strange world around her.

Fanboys vs. Zombies #1

by Sam Humphries and Jerry Gaylord

A group of friends get together for their annual Comicon trip, but internal drama has turned some of them against each other. Then, of course, zombie apocalypse! Who would know better how to survive one? But will they stick together or just die alone? Written by new up and comer Sam Humphries (Our Love is Real, Sacrifice).

Big Planet Comics Podcast #39

  Kevin is still on vacation! So you're stuck with last week's again. Download last week's now or subscribe on iTunes!
Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com or call us at 1-703-539-CAST! (1-703-539-2278)

4/14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore

Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 11am-1pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180

703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com


Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 3pm-5pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740

301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

 

5/5 - Free Comic Book Day

All stores!
freecomicbookday.com

 

5/5 - Jeremy Whitley

The Advance Team SC
by Will Pfeifer and German Torres
A pizza delivery boy is told to kill the aliens hidden among us.

Freedom 1 SC
by Seamus Heffernan

After America loses the Revolutionary War, a boy gets caught up with the rebels.

Jeremiah Omnibus 1 HC
by Hermann

After an apocalypse, Jeremiah tries to survive in the new Wild West!

Lou! 1: Secret Diary SC
by Julien Neel

Lou tries to navigate life, from a cute neighbor to her mom starting to date.

Pandemonium SC
by Christophe Bec and Stefano Raffaele

In 1951, a mom and her daughter enter a creepy sanitarium where terrible things once happened.
Copyright © 2012 Big Planet Comics, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list either online or at one of our stores.
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Thursday, April 05, 2012

Carla McNeil's Finder nominated for LA Times Book Prize

Dave McKean, Jim Woodring among L.A. Times Book Prize finalists
– Emily Rome and Geoff Boucher
April 02, 2012
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/04/02/dave-mckean-jim-woodring-among-l-a-times-book-prize-finalists/#/0

Herblock in top 100 journalists list

Alan Gardner has the story at the Daily Cartoonist

Clowes exhibit coming to Corcoran, presumably in 2013

"And on April 14 his first museum retrospective will open at the Oakland Museum, featuring 100 works dating to 1989, all but two the original ink drawings and gouaches for his cartoons, books and New Yorker covers. After closing on Aug. 12 the show will travel to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; the Corcoran Gallery in Washington; the Wexner Center in Columbus, Ohio; and very likely to Europe and Asia." says the New York Times.

Team Cul de Sac interview

Chris Sparks and Team Cul de Sac
 April 4, 2012 by David Hurley
http://www.dontpicktheflowers.com/blog/?p=2824

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Matt Dembick's summer of three books


From: Matt Dembicki 

Here's what I posted on my blog :

It's gonna be a busy, busy spring and summer! First, I'll be doing some comics workshops locally, with a Boy Scouts pack and with a few schools and libraries, as well as a couple of signings at comics book stores. I'll also be at Book Expo America and at the American Library Association annual convention in June to do signings and a couple of panel discussions featuring Trickster and the upcoming District Comics (courtesy of Fulcrum Publishing and Consortium Book Sales & Distribution). Speaking of which, below are the covers for three books coming out this summer, all in full color! They are already available for pre-order at Amazon.com, but I encourage you to ask you local comic shop to order your copy!

Xoc: The Journey of a Great White (Oni Press, July 25, 2012)
Mr. Big: A Tale of Pond Life (Sky Pony Press, Sept. 1, 2012)
District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC (Fulcrum Publishing, Sept. 11, 2012)

Kevin Rechin and I have a story in District Comics.

Warren Bernard's Drawing Power nominated for Eisner award

Rick Marschall and local historian Warren Bernard's Drawing Power was nominated for an Eisner award today in Best Comics-Related Book.

I'm a big fan of this book on advertising cartoons.

Monday, April 02, 2012

2 worth reading at Comic Riffs

THE RIFF: Why cartoonists are smart to pursue side projects — even if it means taking time off
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 2 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-riff-why-cartoonists-are-smart-to-pursue-side-projects--even-if-means-taking-time-off/2012/04/02/gIQAAWwGrS_blog.html#pagebreak

THE TRAYVON MARTIN CARTOONS: 'Candorville' creator DARRIN BELL reminds readers of the humanity lost in the news narrative
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 2 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-trayvon-martin-cartoons-candorville-creator-darrin-bell-reminds-readers-of-the-humanity-lost-in-the-news-narrative/2012/04/02/gIQAfcvtqS_blog.html#pagebreak

PR: THIS IS IT! 72 HOURS LEFT FOR KEEF'S KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN!!

As I've said before, I'm a big fan of Keith's work and a backer of this project. His strip appears in the Sunday Post.

From: keith knight

Is it true that some people like to wait til the last minute to donate?

****IT ENDS IN 72 HOURS!! HELP FUND KEEF'S FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL: 3 DAYS LEFT!!****

It's crunch time!! I'm sweatin'!! It all comes down to the next 72 hours!!

I'm at 86% on Kickstarter, I need 100% in 3 DAYS or I get nothing!!  All the $$$ goes back to everyone!!  And I'm left shaking and whimpering in a corner.

If you haven't become a backer, now's the time!!  If you've already backed the project, Cartoon Art Museum director Summerlea Kashar summed it up pretty succinctly:

"If everyone who's donated double-downed, you'd
make it no problem!"

It really is that simple! If everyone, especially the $5-$40 backers, just doubled-down on the project, we'd just about be there!!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/190901932/i-was-a-teenage-michael-jackson-impersonator
 
Have at it!  I'm counting on you!!

Thanks!!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Truitt on Prophet

Brandon Graham explores the sci-fi sandbox of 'Prophet'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY March 30 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-03-31/Prophet-sci-fi-comic-book-series/53900954/1

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - March 29, 2012


Big Planet Comics

March 29, 2012

Avengers 'n' X-Men Throwdown

It has begun! Avengers vs. X-Men #0 came out yesterday, and #1 one is out next week. Who doesn't love superheroes punching each other? Issue #0 was pretty great (read the review below) and we are having an early release for #1, so if you can't wait to get it you can come to any of our stores at 8 pm next TUESDAY, April 3, to buy it a day early (info also below!).

Tradd Moore, artist of The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, has drawn a new poster for us for their upcoming signing, and we will have a limited edition printing of the poster for sale! That's it right over there, pretty cool, huh?

Don't forget, the Big Planet Comics Podcast now has a call-in phone number, so send us some questions or comments! Call 703-539-2278!

Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Thanks!
 
- the Big Planet Comics kids


UPCOMING April 3 - Avengers vs. X-Men #1 Early Release Party

Marvel is calling it their biggest event yet, building on the last 10 years of storytelling, but really, who doesn't just want to see the superheroes throw down against each other? We will be having a special release party for Avengers vs. X-Men #1 one day early, on Tuesday April 3! So not only will you be able to buy AVX #1 a day early, but you will have access to some other specials, including limited variant covers, and other limited items, like a pin to show your allegiance to either the X-Men or the Avengers, so start thinking now about which team you support! Poor Wolverine, he's got to fight himself.

8-9 pm
All 4 Big Planet Comics stores!




UPCOMING April 14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore Signing

Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore, creators of the great new series The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, will be appearing at both our Vienna and College Park stores on April 14 to celebrate the release of the collection of the series.

11 am-1 pm
Big Planet Comics of Vienna
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

3 pm-5 pm
Big Planet Comics of College Park
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com
___________________

Avengers vs. X-Men #0 (of 12)

by Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron and Frank Cho

It begins! Two stories kick off the next huge Marvel crossover event, both parts drawn by the amazing Frank Cho! The return of the Scarlet Witch to the superhero lifestyle, plus her confrontation with the Vision, plus Hope is training up with Cyclops for her possible future as mutant messiah! But when she develops a strange new power, we are off to the races!

New Deadwardians #1 (of 8)

by Dan Abnett and I.N.J. Culbard

After the zombie apocalypse, the British Empire teeters on the edge of ruin. Now the aristocracy maintains its power and the empire through "the cure" - turning themselves into vampires so they can't be zombified! Now one of the last detectives is set on a new case, in which a vampire seems to have been killed in an impossible way! Great world, great new mystery and art.

Cinema Panopticum SC

by Thomas Ott

A girl goes to a strange carnival and watches several short films of Twilight Zone-like horror! Plus Ott's amazing scratchboard art.

Sharknife 2: Stage Second: Sharknife Double Z SC

by Corey Lewis

Years and years later, the new Sharknife is here! Ceasar is still eating fortune cookies at the Guandong restaurant to transform into Sharknife to battle all the monsters that haunt the restaurant, but now we get the secret history of how he gained his powers! And the history of his arch nemesis! Crazy kung fu action and manic artwork.

Rohan at the Louvre HC

by Hirohiko Araki

A new book inspired by the Louvre, a young Japanese comics artist hears about the most evil painting in the world, hidden in the Louvre basement. When he grows up and becomes a famous artist, his interest in this mysterious painting is rekindled, leading down a dark horrible path! Crazy alternative art and a creepy story.

Gone to Amerikay HC

by Derek McCulloch and Colleen Doran

A fascinating story of three different Irish immigrants, a woman in the 19th century, a songwriter in the 1960s, and a famous musician today, all coming to New York City and finding that their lives and stories intersect in strange and compelling ways. A great mix of historical research and drama, with great transitions between stories and times.


Big Planet Comics Podcast #39

  Kevin, Nick and Jared form a new band, and review all the new comics! Download this week's now or subscribe on iTunes!
Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com or call us at 1-703-539-2278!

 

4/3 - Avengers vs. X-Men #1 Early Release Party

All stores! 8pm-9pm
 

4/14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore

Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 11am-1pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180

703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com


Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 3pm-5pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740

301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

 

5/5 - Free Comic Book Day

All stores!
freecomicbookday.com

 

5/5 - Jeremy Whitley


Abandon The Old In Tokyo SC
Good-Bye SC
Push Man And Other Stories SC
by Yoshihiro Tatsumi
Three of Tatsumi's dark short story collections are now in softcover!

Astonishing X-Men #48
by Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins
A new team as Northstar is hunted by Wolverine!

Bloodstrike #26
by Tim Seeley and Francesco Gaston
He's back! Sent against cybermonsters in Afghanistan.

Dororo Complete SC
by Osamu Tezuka
A ghost and monster samurai adventure, now in one book.

Legion of Monsters SC
by Dennis Hopeless and Juan Doe
The monsters of the Marvelverse team up with Elsa Bloodstone.

Rachel Rising 1: The Shadow of Death SC
by Terry Moore
A new horror story by the creator of Strangers in Paradise!

The Sincerest Form of Parody: The Best 1950's MAD Inspired Satirical Comics SC
by everybody!
Some of the best MAD style comics of the '50s!
 
Copyright © 2012 Big Planet Comics, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list either online or at one of our stores.
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Big Planet Comics · 426 Maple Ave. East · Vienna, VA 22180

 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Game On! Comic News for the Week including Avengers vs. X-Men!



Game ON logo

Game On! Comics Weekly Digest

Come  Visit Us!
March 28, 2012
In this issue
:: New Titles this Week
:: Subscriber Bonus
:: Game Nights
 Dear Mike,

 

Welcome to Game On! Comics

 

 

 

 

A vs X

 

 

 

 

LAUNCH PARTY NEXT TUESDAY!!!

 

 

 

Tuesday, April 3rd, 8 to 10pm

 

 

 

We will officially be selling the new Avengers vs. X-Men one day early.

 

 

 

Everyone that attends will receive:  

  • Free Button
  • Free Mini Poster
  • Opportunity to be the first to purchase Avengers vs. X-Men #1
  • At least (1) raffle ticket, if not more! We will be raffling off a Variant Issue and large posters. 

  

 

We will also have casino tables for you to play to increase your chances of winning the raffles!

Join us for FREE giveaways, games, and snacks as we welcome in the most hyped comic of the year. What side are you on?? Marvel comics made our store pick a side and we chose.........the AVENGERS!

Space and comic is limited. 

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone that has kept current with picking up your comic books.  It really helps the shop out when you are picking up your comics regularly!!!

 

New Comic Book titles this week 3-21-12

 

Best Discounts in the area--Not just a slogan, we really do have the best price discounts when you become a Game On! Comics subscriber!
 

AvX #0

Comic of the Week

Avengers vs. X-Men #0

 

 Avengers Vs. X-Men #0 hits this week, launching the official unofficial first volley in the war between marvel's two biggest superhero franchises. The Avengers and the X-Men are going to slug it out, all over Hope Summers and the Phoenix Force - which is "coming," according to teasers from late last year. 

 

All Star Western #7

Alpha Girl #2

Angel & Faith #8

Aquaman #7

Astonishing X-Men #48

Atomic Robo Real Science Adv #1

Avengers #24.1

Avengers Vs X-Men #0

Avenging Spider-Man #5

Batman #1 4th Ptg

Batman The Dark Knight #1 3rd Ptg

Batman The Dark Knight #7

Blackhawks #7

Bloodstrike #26

Blue Estate #10

BPRD Hell/Earth Pickens County Horror #1

Captain America And Bucky #628

Carbon Grey Origins #2 (L)

Charmed #20

Choker #6 (L)

Cobra Ongoing #11

Comic Shop News #1293

Comic Shop News Spring 2012 Preview

Crossed Badlands #2

Daken Dark Wolverine #23 (L)

Daredevil #10

Dark Tower Gunslinger Way Station #4

Deadpool Max 2 #6 (L)

Elephantmen #38

FF #16

Flash #7

Flash Gordon Zeitgeist #4

Fury Of Firestorm The Nuclear Men #7

GFT Myths & Legends #14

Ghost Rider #9 (L)

GI Joe 2 Retaliation Movie Prequel #3

Green Hornet #23

Green Lantern New Guardians #7

Grimm Fairy Tales #70

Hawken #3

Hellraiser #12

I Vampire #7

Immortal Demon I/T Blood #4 (L)

Infestation 2 GI Joe #2 (L)

Justice League Dark #7

King Conan Phoenix On The Sword #3

Legion Secret Origin #6 (L)

Magic The Gathering #3

Marvel Previews April 2012

Mighty Thor #12

Moon Knight #11

Morning Glories #17

New Avengers #23

New Deadwardians #1

Previews #283 April 2012

Savage Hawkman #7

Scalped #57

Spaceman #5

Star Trek Ongoing #7

Star Wars Dawn/Jedi Force Storm #0 2nd Pt

Star Wars Dawn/Jedi Force Storm #1 2nd Pt

Superman #7

Tarot Witch Of The Black Rose #73

Teen Titans #7

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ongoing #8

Transformers Robots In Disguise Ongoing #3

Twelve #11

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #8

Uncanny X-Force #23

Unwritten #35.5

Voltron #4

Voodoo #7

Walking Dead #95

Warlord Of Mars Dejah Thoris #11

Warriors Of Mars #2

X-Men Legacy #264


 

NEW ALL AGES AND KIDS COMIC BOOKS


Dorothy Of Oz Prequel #1

Futurama Comics #60

Life With Archie #18

Roger Langridges Snarked #6

Spider-Man #24 (L)


 

NEW TRADEBACKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS


Annihilators Earthfall TP

Deadpool TP Vol 8 Operation Annihilation

Fear Itself Dracula Prem HC

MMW Avengers TP Vol 4

Rachel Rising TP Vol 1 Shadow Of Death

Secret Avengers Run Mission HC

Ultimate Comics X-Men By Spencer HC Vol 1

Wolverine And Nick Fury: Scorpio TP


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you want to get the same comic titles month after month?

 

 

 

Do you want to get them at a discounted rate?

 

Then get a comic subscription box with Game On! Comics!  We will hold comics for you on a weekly basis based on the comics that you want.  The more comic titles you have the more of a discount you will get.

 

We have the best discounts in the Washington DC area. 

 

Number of Regular Titles Subscribed: 10-19 Comic titles 10% off
20-39  Comic titles 15% off
40+  Comic titles 20% off

All you have to do is respond to this email with the titles that you would like and we will create a box for you.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Subscriber Bonus
Weekly Raffle 

 



 

Dark Knight #6
This week's variant issue: Batman The Dark Knight #6 value $20

 

For our Subscribers:

 

Every week we will be raffling off a variant issue.  l

 

Every time you come to Game On! Comics and make a purchase you will get one raffle ticket.  Then every Tuesday we will raffle off that comic.

 

This is a free service, just another way for Game On! Comics to say "thank you" for your business.

 

If you are not a subscriber please ask us how to become one.  It's a free service and is as simple as just getting 1 or more comic titles per month.

  

 

Game Nights 

 

Tuesday Nights 7pm-11pm----ON HOLD

D and D

We may change our D&D night to Saturday.  If you have mentioned that you are interested in playing then look to get an additional email this week. 

 

Come play D&D at the store.  We are currently ready to start a new campaign for 1st level characters.  If you have never played before this is your time to start.  Because each story has limited space you must email us and let us know that you would like to join.  We will be starting with just 6 people.

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Nights 7-9pm

Magic the Gathering

 

TONIGHT

Come in tonight for casual play.

 

Next week we will be having a Booster Draft!!!!

 



Friday Nights 7-9pm

Heroclix
Hulk Heroclix 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Quest for the Infinity Gauntlet continues! Buy two boosters from the venue for a sealed event, build a 300 point force for Modern Age rules. There are several sets available at the venue to choose from and all are eligible

 

 

Congrats to last weeks winners: 

   

 

1st: Greyson

2nd: Benjamin

Fellowship: Tom

 



 

Saturday nights 7pm-??
Board and Card Games

 

 

 

NoVA Jacks night from 7pm to LATE NIGHT!  We have about 20-30 people that come in to play board and card games.  You can come and bring your own game or join one of the other games.  We often preview the newest games that come out. 

 

 

 

Last weeks winners:

 

 

 

We had 4 tables last night. The winners were:

 

-7 Wonders: Sean

 

-Airlines Europe: Brian R.
-Ascension Storm of Souls (played twice): Harold; and Sean
-Fearsome Floors: Mathias
-Lost Cities: Bill
-Medici: Patrick
-Power Grid (played 3 times): Paul; and Leslee (twice!)
-Puerto Rico: Bill and Pat (exact tie!)
-Ra: Sean
-Rex: Adam 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMIC Review

Avenging Spider-Man

 

 
Wow, what a refreshing read this was!
 
Avenging Spider-Man is on issue #5 but each issue is kind of a stand alone.  It has the same flavor as Marvel Team Up.  Each issue has Spider-Man working with other heroes, this one has him with Captain America.
 
What I really like about it is it's simplicity.  It is well written by Zeb Wells and the artist is Leinil Francis Yu. 
Avenging Spidey 5

 This simply is a story about Spider-Man trying to get "in" with Captain America.  The actual "bad guy" in this comic really doesn't matter.  This is more about the VERY FUNNY dialogue between Spider-Man and his friends. 

 

The artistry is REALLY good!  But the writing is what makes this issue.  In the last few pages you really get a glimpse into the emotions of Spidey and Capt. 

 

Enjoy this comic, admire the drawings, but allow it to show you a little about yourself in these two heroes.

 

I recommend this comic! 

 

 

-----Louis

 

 
Thank you so much for your support of our new comic and game shop.  We look forward to taking care of all of your comic and game needs.
 

Don't forget to go on yelp.com and write a review about us too!!

Please tell your comic/game friends about our shop, we would appreciate their business.
 
 
 
Please visit our Facebook page and "Like" us!!

 

Like us on Facebook
  
 Please tell your friends about us, we would love their business!
Gray
 
 
Follow us on Twitter too!
Follow us on Twitter

 

 

Dave, J.R., and Louis
Game On! Comics

 

 

Off 

No coupon this week.

Can only be used once per customer and can not be used in conjuction with any other discount.
Offer Expires: 00/00/12

Game On! Comics | 310 Dominion Rd. NE | Vienna | VA | 22180

March 29: How Early American Comic Strips Shed Light on the Nature of the Child

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington DC 20540

March 6, 2012

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

Swann Foundation Fellow Lara Saguisag to Discuss
How Early American Comic Strips Shed Light on the Nature of the Child

Swann Foundation Fellow Lara Saguisag, in a lecture at the Library of Congress, will examine how early 20th-century comic strips that featured child protagonists revealed the nature of the child during that era.

Saguisag will present "Sketching the 'Secret Tracts' of the Child's Mind: Theorizing Childhood in Early American Fantasy Strips, 1905-1914," at noon on Thursday, March 29, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue S.E., Washington, D.C. The lecture is free and open to the public. No tickets are needed.

Saguisag will focus specifically on fantasy strips such as Winsor McCay's "Little Nemo in Slumberland" and Lyonel Feininger's "Wee Willie Winkie's World." These strips featured child characters who inhabited dream worlds and transformed their environments through their imaginations. According to Saguisag, central to these works is the idea that a child's perception and experience of the world was shaped by his/her proclivity for fantasy. This natural connection with fantasy, moreover, made the child a complex, sometimes inscrutable figure, one who was essentially different from an adult.

Comic strips that linked childhood and fantasy drew from and built on themes of late-19th and early-20th-century children's books such as Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses" and Frank L. Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Such literature portrayed and celebrated the child as a highly imaginative being who enters and sometimes creates fantasy worlds that an adult could not readily access.

According to Saguisag, during the same period, psychologists and practitioners associated with the Child Study Movement were also intrigued by what G. Stanley Hall termed the "secret tracts" of the child's mind. Many psychologists concluded that imaginative play and reverie were healthful childhood activities and advised parents to take an active role in cultivating the child's imagination. The intersection of children's literature and psychology encountered in early American "kid strips" helped perpetuate and naturalize the image of the imaginative child.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Saguisag completed an M.A. in Children's literature at Hollins University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing at The New School. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University-Camden, where she held a University Presidential Fellowship from 2007-2009.

This presentation is sponsored by the Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon of the Library of Congress and the Library's Prints & Photographs Division. The lecture is part of the foundation's continuing activities to support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. The foundation strives to award one fellowship annually to assist scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon. Applications for the 2013-2014 academic year are due Feb. 15, 2013. More information about the fellowship is available through the Swann Foundation's website: www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/ or by e-mailing swann@loc.gov.

# # #

PR12-48
3/6/12
ISSN: 0731-3527