Deaths in the comic arts during 2013, now completely updated

Here's a revised list with about a score of additions from D.D. Degg's research during the year.

Deaths in 2013 included Dan Adkins, short-term comics writer Jerry Albert, Frédéric Othon "Fred" Aristidès, illustrator Niculae Asciu, animation voice actor James Avery, Canadian animator Frédéric Back, Alison Bechdel's mother Helen, Chinese cartoonist and historian Bi Keguan, Little Man on Campus cartoonist Richard Bibler, Underdog co-creator W. Watts "Buck" Biggers, New Zealand small press cartoonist Debra Boyask, Popular Press founder "Pat" Browne, freelance cartoonist Ross Edward Bunch, Nick Cardy, Filmation Studios art director and sports cartoonist George Carey,  Shoe cartoonist Chris Cassatt, North Star newspaper cartoonist Louis Chisholm, Jr., MAD Magazine illustrator Bob Clarke, comic book artist Scott Clark, Hystoria with J.P comic strip writer Bob Cohn, British comics historian Les Coleman, Belgian cartoonist Didier Comès, comic strip artist Carlisle Cooper, Washington Post comic panel Meet the Judge cartoonist Dick Couperthwaite, Pioneer News cartoonist Paul Evans Coyle, Archie cartoonist Jeff Cuddy, Amsterdam News cartoonist William (Willie) Martin (Obuyi) Curry, Jr., comic book scholar Sol Davidson, comic book dealer Bruce Ellsworth, SPEC Productions publisher Andy Feighery, minicomics creator Luisa Felix, Italian comic collector Ezio Ferraro, gag cartoonist Ed Fisher, Belgian cartoonist Fred Funcken, Hanover County Herald-Progress political cartoonist John H. Gabbert, Italian comics historian Roberto Giammanco, editorial cartoonist Frank Gillooly, George Gladir, Louis Glanzman, Simpsons creator's mother Margaret Groening, stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen, Oregon Forestry cartoonist Hugh John Hayes, Jr.,
Chinese cartoonist He Wei, Pete Hoffman, "Robin" the Robin comic strip creator George Howard Hollenbeck, Carmine Infantino, editorial cartoonist Ned E. Jarvis, Magnus Johnstone, Herald of Randolph comic strip Local Color John H. Kennedy, Danish cartoonist Rune T. Kidde, magazine cartoonist Brad Kirkland, British anti-war cartoonist Leon Kuhn, Nepalese cartoonist Ujjwol 'Jyapoo' Kundan, political cartoonist Lyle John Lahey, Cracked and Sick cartoonist John Langton, Pollut-O-Crats comic strip cartoonist Gordon Larkin, comic book store owner and censorship victim Gordon Lee, Stan Lynde, webcomics publisher Joey Manley, Nisei cartoonist Jack Matsuoka, Sorehead comic strip cartoonist Carl Eugene May, Jr., comic book writer Robert Morales, Swiss cartoonist Christian Moser, comic book writer Philip Nutman, comic strip artist George Olesen, comic strip artist John Olson Sr., Diamond Comic Distributors Senior Marketing Manager Phyllis Opolko, Spanish cartoonist José Ortiz, Simpsons scriptwriter Don Payne, magazine cartoonis Sophia Jean (Cissie) Peltz (nee Liebshutz), Suspect Device cartoonist Greg Peters, Canadian editorial cartoonist Roy Peterson, editorial cartoonist Eldon Pletcher, magazine cartoonist Roy J. "Boots" Reynolds, Cleveland Press editorial cartoonist Bill Roberts, Lebanese political cartoonist Pierre Sadek, editorial cartoonist Lee Sanderson, Filipino komiks illustrator Jesse Santos, Filmation cartoon studio founder Lou Scheimer, Adoornments comic strip creator John Jay Schmitz, Australian Phantom publisher Jim Shepherd, gag cartoonist Vahan Shirvanian, Jr., political cartoonist David L. Shore, Fort Worth Star Telegram comic strip The Adventures of Hal 'n Dick creator Dick Siegel, magazine, sports and comic strip cartoonist Scott Smith, Studio Proteus founder Toren Smith, Playboy and editorial cartoonist Al Stine, editorial cartoonist Robert McMillan Stuart, editorial illustrator Jean-Claude Suares, Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thompson, Grand Rapids Press's Counterpoint comic strip creator Bob Wepman, Disney cartoonist Ross Wetzel, comic book artist Janice Valleau Winkleman, gag cartoon book publisher Peter Workman, cartoonist gagwriter Eileen "Jo" Wyman, 'Anpanman' cartoonist Takashi Yanase, and underground cartoonist Yossarian (Alan Shenker).

Washington Post cartoonist passed away last September

D.D. Degg caught this in his list of deaths in 2013. I don't know anything about this cartoon yet.

Vyrl Richard ""Dick"" Couperthwaite (1915 - 2013) Obituary

 Northern Virginia Daily  Sept. 23, 2013

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nvdaily/obituary.aspx?pid=167116419

"Mr. Couperthwaite created the cartoon "Meet the Judge," a comical look at police traffic regulations which was published in the Washington Post newspaper."

Trading Blows! on Jan. 22

Trading Blows!, billed as a “nerdy swap meet and wrestling watching party,” will be held Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Black Cat on 14th Street in D.C. Here’s what the event’s Facebook page says: 

"If you're like us, your room is overflowing with too many comic books, action figures, and old wrestling tapes. We encourage you bring all your unwanted nerd swag to the Red Room and trade it with other like minded collectors. Also, our friends around the corner at Big Planet Comics will be selling stuff!

We'll also be showing old wrestling matches on our projector screen on the backstage. This month will be the top 8 Japanese wrestling matches of the 90's as chosen by Highspots dot com, featuring the likes of Jushin Liger, Great Sasuke, Ultimo Dragon, Eddie Guerrero, and (gulp) Chris Benoit."

Comic Riffs on 2013's graphic novels

THE TRIAL BALLOON: O teachers, it's time to heed this banner year for graphic novels

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (December 31 2013): http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-trial-balloon-o-teachers-its-time-to-heed-this-banner-year-for-graphic-novels/2013/12/31/eee3f8ca-719f-11e3-8def-a33011492df2_blog.html

Disney's The Little Mermaid on stage in Arlington

The Little Mermaid Jr. 

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen Story and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements

http://www.encorestageva.org/on-stage/20132014-season/

January 10-19, 2014
Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
125 S. Old Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22204

Splash into this classic story of Ariel, the mermaid princess, who wishes to live in the world above rather than the ocean floor. To explore life on land, Ariel disobeys her father, King Triton, and makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula. Ransoming her singing voice, she must convince Prince Eric that she is indeed the girl who rescued him or risk losing her voice forever. Sing along to your favorite songs and watch as Ariel, with the help of her friends, tries to break Ursula's curse and win the heart of the Prince. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Big Planet Comics Bethesda's January hardcover sale

OT: "I'm sorry Daniel Clowes" skywriting appeared today in California

My friend Marc Weidenbaum captured this image from the skies above Griffith Park today. Since Marc writes about music, he gave me permission to post it. The LA Times has an explanatory write-up of actor Shia LaBeouf's plagiarism of Daniel Clowes' work.

Variety has a story too -

Shia LaBeouf Apologizes to Daniel Clowes Via Skywriting

Variety January 1, 2014

http://variety.com/2014/film/news/shia-labeouf-apologizes-to-daniel-clowes-via-skywriting-1201019486/

Deaths in the comic arts during 2013 UPDATED

I keep loose track of this for my Comics Research Bibliography. Here's the list of losses in the field for 2013 (with much help from D.D. Degg's reporting). I'm sure I can provide a citation on request.

Deaths in 2013 included Dan Adkins, Frédéric Othon "Fred" Aristidès, illustrator Niculae Asciu, animation voice actor James Avery, Alison Bechdel's mother Helen, Underdog co-creator W. Watts "Buck" Biggers, New Zealand small press cartoonist Debra Boyask, Nick Cardy, Shoe cartoonist Chris Cassatt, MAD Magazine illustrator Bob Clarke, comic book artist Scott Clark, British comics historian Les Coleman, Belgian cartoonist Didier Comès, comic strip artist Carlisle Cooper, Archie cartoonist Jeff Cuddy, comic book scholar Sol Davidson, comic book dealer Bruce Ellsworth, minicomics creator Luisa Felix, Italian comic collector Ezio Ferraro, gag cartoonist Ed Fisher, Belgian cartoonist Fred Funcken, Italian comics historian Roberto Giammanco, George Gladir, Louis Glanzman, 'The Simpsons' creator's mother Margaret Groening, stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen, Pete Hoffman, Carmine Infantino, Magnus Johnstone, Danish cartoonist Rune T. Kidde, British anti-war cartoonist Leon Kuhn, Nepalese cartoonist Ujjwol 'Jyapoo' Kundan, comic book store owner and censorship victim Gordon Lee, Stan Lynde, webcomics publisher Joey Manley, Nisei cartoonist Jack Matsuoka, comic book writer Robert Morales, Swiss cartoonist Christian Moser, comic book writer Philip Nutman, comic strip artist George Olesen, comic strip artist John Olson Sr., Diamond Comic Distributors Senior Marketing Manager Phyllis Opolko, Spanish cartoonist José Ortiz, 'Simpsons' scriptwriter Don Payne, 'Suspect Device' cartoonist Greg Peters, Canadian editorial cartoonist Roy Peterson, editorial cartoonist Eldon Pletcher,  Lebanese political cartoonist Pierre Sadek, Filipino komiks illustrator Jesse Santos, Filmation cartoon studio founder Lou Scheimer, Australian 'Phantom' publisher Jim Shepherd, Studio Proteus founder Toren Smith, Playboy and editorial cartoonist Al Stine, editorial illustrator Jean-Claude Suares, Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thompson, comic book artist Janice Valleau Winkleman, gag cartoon book publisher Peter Workman, 'Anpanman' cartoonist Takashi Yanase, and underground cartoonist Yossarian (Alan Shenker).

New additions from DD Degg are Disney cartoonist Ross Wetzel and short-term comics writer Jerry Albert.

Jan 1: Big Planet Comics sale

Happy New Year from ComicsDC!

• Title: New Year's eve at the hotel prosperity / Kep.
• Creator(s): Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956, artist
• Date Created/Published: N.Y. : Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, Puck Building, 1909 December 29.
• Medium: 1 photomechanical print : offset, color.
• Summary: Illustration shows waiters Joseph G. Cannon and James S. Sherman turning away a man labeled "Average Citizen" and a woman at the "Hotel Prosperity" dining room because all the tables have been reserved; there are signs on the tables that read "Reserved for Wool Interests, Reserved for Coal Trust, Reserved for Steel Trust, Reserved for Senator Aldrich and Party, Reserved for Cold Storage Interests, Reserved for Sugar Trust, Reserved for Ice Trust, [and] Reserved for Franchise Grabbers".
•  from the Library of Congress 

Breathtaker reprint project on Indigogo - 7 days left!

Breathtaker is a critically acclaimed Harvey Award-nominated graphic novel, first published by DC Comics and Vertigo in the early '90s. The award-winning, world-famous artists / creators Mark Wheatley (Jonny Quest, Frankenstein Mobster, EZ Street, Insight Studios & more) and Marc Hempel (The Sandman, Disney Adventures, Heavy Metal & more) are offering you the opportunity to pick up a new, improved, and remastered edition of this long out-of-print book. And then they want to continue their groundbreaking story of love, death, passion, and the journey toward redemption. But for all of this to happen they need your help. And for that you will not go home empty-handed! Now is your chance to give the breath of life to Breathtaker.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/breathtaker to fund it

Kal covers the year that was for the Baltimore Sun

(note the watercolors!)

From: Kevin Kallaugher

I wanted to share that The Baltimore Sun created a nice interactive graphic from a large double-page year-end cartoon that I created for the paper. The link is here:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/year-in-review-2013/bal-kal-drones-about-2013-kevin-kallaugher-20131220,0,3451520.htmlpage

The original artwork was so large that I could not fit it on my drawing table so I had to resort to using the island in our kitchen.

Kal

Kevin Kallaugher

kal@kaltoons.com

www.Kaltoons.com

The KAL iPhone App is now available at the iTunes store.

Kevin Kallaugher

kal@kaltoons.com

www.Kaltoons.com

The KAL iPhone App is now available at the iTunes store.

Shannon Gallant art in G.I.Joe #12

Tales of Cobra Commanders past in new 'G.I. Joe' arc; Writer Paul Allor delves into the histories of six masked rulers and their ruthless nature.

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY December 30, 2013

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/12/30/cobra-commander-gi-joe-comic-book-series/4250319/

Comics Reporter interviews Nate Powell on March Book One

CR Holiday Interview #12 -- Nate Powell

by Tom Spurgeon
December 30, 2013
http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/cr_holiday_interview_00_nate_powell/

Jeffrey Thompson's new website

Jef Thompson, illustrator and Big Planet Comics Bethesda employee, has a new website: http://www.jefthompson.com/

Smudge! Expo 2014 Exhibitor Application

Smudge! Expo 2014 Exhibitor Application

https://smudgexpo.wufoo.com/forms/smudge-expo-2014-exhibitor-application/

The Smudge! Expo is taking place on Saturday, March 8, 2014, from noon to 6 p.m. at Artisphere in Arlington, Va. Smudge is a new comics arts expo meant to showcase independent comics and inspire attendees to become storytellers themselves. Smudge will feature exhibitors in the Artisphere Ballroom, presenters in the Black Box Theater and hands-on workshops in the classroom. While the Artisphere Town Hall bar will be open, the event is family friendly and will have plenty of activities for kids, such as drawing and making pin buttons. (Exhibitors will also be designated if their table is all-age appropriate.)

Smudge is a curated show. About 45 exhibitors will be selected to display and sell their work. The fee to exhibit is $55 for space which will include a 6-foot table and 2 chairs (provided by the venue). Exhibitors will be expected to help promote the show via social media.

To apply, fill out the form on the website and submit it by January 15. Selected exhibitors will be notified by January 20. (Payment must be made by January 25 to secure the spot.)

We hope to have a nice mix of comics arts-related exhibitors (minicomics, graphic novels, web comics, editorial cartoonists, print makers, publishers, etc.).

Smudge is the brainchild of local comic booker Matt Dembicki and event manager Tina Henry. Smudge's venue sponsor is the amazing Artisphere in Arlington, Va.

If you have questions, please email smudgexpo@gmail.com.

KAL interview, prior to tonight's Live Show

Celebrity Interview: KAL, Editorial Cartoonist and Special Guest at The Xavier DuChamp Post-Holiday Extravaganza!

Mike Harris

Baltimore Improv Group (December 2013): http://www.bigimprov.org/Celebrity-Interview-KAL

KAL, Editorial Cartoonist and Special Guest at The Xavier DuChamp Post-Holiday Extravaganza!

Feb 9: Sakugawa at Big Planet DC

February 9 – Yumi Sakugawa signing

Big Planet Comics is proud to welcome Yumi Sakugawa for a signing and reading from her brand new graphic novel, I Think I Am in Friend-Love With You!


Yumi Sakugawa is a comic book artist and illustrator based in Southern California and a regular contributor to The Rumpus and Wonderhowto.


“Look around. You won’t find anything sweeter than this lonely little book anywhere in your immediate vicinity. Unless for some reason there’s, like, a bunny knitting a scarf for a puppy. That might be sweeter. Aside from that, this book is definitely your best bet.” –Avery Monsen, coauthor of K is for Knifeball and All My Friends Are Dead


“This is one of my favorite comics ever, a sweet ode to platonic love that will echo through the ages.” –MariNaomi, author of Kiss & Tell


“Funny and beautifully drawn, I Think I Am In Friend-Love With You is the bittersweet tale of friendships in the age of social media in which many can relate.” –Esther Pearl Watson, author of Unlovable


“The warmth of Yumi’s soft brushstrokes and vulnerability of her words make me feel less alone in this weird world. I think I am in book-love.” –Lisa Hanawalt, author of My Dirty Dumb Eyes


Yumi Sakugawa’s website: http://www.yumisakugawa.com


3pm-5pm
Big Planet Comics of Washington DC
1520 U St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-342-1961
dc@bigplanetcomics.com

Jan 15: Brad Meltzer in Tyson's Corner

Brad Meltzer appears at Barnes & Noble to sign his new children's books I Am Abraham Lincoln and I Am Amelia Earhart on Wednesday January 15, 2014 at 6:30 PM!

Barnes & Noble – Tysons Corner Mall
Tysons Corner Center, 7851 L. Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA 22102
703-506-2937

Courtesy of Convention Scene. Meltzer has a new Batman story coming out soon, and Eliopoulos is a comic book artist of course.

Jan 1: Big Planet Comics annual sale

12/27: Kal featured with Baltimore Improv Group Friday night!

From: Kevin Kallaugher

Looking for some post-Holiday fun? Come to The Creative Alliance for Baltimore Improv Group's End-of the-Year Extravaganza... Friday December 27! I will be doing some live cartooning and riffing on the themes of 2013...

For more info:http://www.bigimprov.org/Holiday-Spectacular-2013

I hope to see you there!

Spread the word!

Best

Kal

Kevin Kallaugher

kal@kaltoons.com

www.Kaltoons.com

Kal's New retrospective collection Daggers Drawn is now available to order

December 25th, 2013         BIG Presents the Xavier DuChamp Post-Holiday Extravaganza, featuring KAL! December 27th - The Creative Alliance - 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore It's time to celebrate the holidays again...and we've got an old-fashioned spectacle for you. It's our first ever improvised holiday special! We'll deliver an evening filled with scenes of seasonal delight, audience interviews, and music, tied up with a sparkly bow. What else makes it special? We've got our old friend KAL back to take our cheer to a new level!   Buy Tickets Here!   © Copyright 2013 Baltimore Improv Group. All rights reserved. P.O. Box 50008 | Baltimore, MD 21211 | 888-745-8393 | info@bigimprov.org   The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) is a 501(3) (c) non-profit group dedicated to advancing the art of improvisational theatre in the greater Baltimore area. We hope you'll join us by supporting us with a financial contribution. Donating is easy and tax deductible.  Donate Now!

Traffic safety doesn't stop for Christmas

Montgomery Co. uses comic book story to teach safety

Wednesday - 12/25/2013, 3:31pm  ET

Montgomery County launches a new safety campaign. (Photo: Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative)

Can a graphic novel be a lifesaver?

WTOP's Kate Ryan reports

http://wtop.com/46/3531307/Montgomery-Co-uses-comic-book-story-to-teach-safety

http://media.dev-cms.com/wtop/32/3208/320817.MP3

Atlanta TV station recommends March

Civil Rights Leader John Lewis gives unique gift to members of Congress

Devin Fehely

Dec 25, 2013   

http://www.11alive.com/news/article/317036/40/Civil-Rights-Leader-John-Lewis-gives-unique-gift-to-members-of-Congress

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night

Our best wishes to all of you for the season, and for all of 2014. We'll be back later in the week.

SPX 2014's lottery system for tables

Dear Creators, Publishers, and Friends,

We hope you've had a great 2013!  As we look ahead to next fall and the SPX 2014, we need to update you on a few things.  We'll be making some changes to our registration process and we want to walk you through them.

The rush for SPX tables last year revealed that simply moving our long-time "first come, first serve" rules to a digital format was not the right solution. Beyond the website issues that plagued us (A pox on your household, Bluehost!), it was clear from the overall feedback that we needed to rethink the entire process. So back to the drawing board we went.

We Have a Plan

We've given loads of thought to how best to manage the show given its recent growth and taking into account what's going on in the independent comics community we exist to support. After a great deal of careful consideration, we've made the decision that for 2014, SPX is moving to a split registration system. Half of our tables will be awarded by an open Lottery and half byinvitation.

About the Lottery

Here's a crazy notion: SPX has literally doubled in size since 2011. We are now able to accommodate a larger and more diverse group of creators than ever before.  And we're committed to keeping SPX open to all, whether you're just starting out or have been honing your craft for years. Moving to a table Lottery allows us to meet these goals while removing the potential for unfairness and unquestionable inconvenience that had crept into our "first come, first serve" process.  

Going forward there will be total transparency to how people get their tables and how the wait list works. We'll have a simple initial registration and a lengthy window of registration so you won't be dealing with website crashes. This will be a truly random and fair process to reserve your tables.

About those Invitations

Let's get the "C" word out of the way up front. SPX has no interest in broadly "curating" our show based on content.  Whereas other shows use this method quite well, we prefer a different path.

On the other hand, each year we try to put together thematically consistent groups of guests. We begin working on guests a full year in advance and that work continues up until a few weeks before showtime. We need to ensure that we have the appropriate table space to offer our featured creators.  This is not a major change from year's past but by acknowledging these folks as invited, the process is more transparent.

Along with our annual guests, another group that is just as important are the creators and publishers who have continuously supported SPX over the last half decade or more. These folks have been instrumental in creating the community that we cherish. Without these stalwarts, SPX would be utterly unrecognizable and the growth of the last several years would have been impossible.  With our 20th Birthday Party approaching, we would not want to have these friends miss the festivities.

As to how this will work, practically speaking, prior to the Lottery, SPX will reach out to those legacy supporters of SPX offering them a window of opportunity to commit to their table(s).  If the table space is declined, it will then roll over to the Lottery pool and be available to all Lottery participants.

What to Expect

1. By early January we will notify all of the SPX Legacy members so everyone knows whether they need to register for the Lottery or not.
 
2. In mid-January we will send out via both our exhibitor e-mail list and social media the start and end dates for Lottery registration. A web site will be provided to enter your information as well as further details on the registration process. We will also announce the final size of the number of tables in the Lottery pool.
 
3. There will be a 3 week window to register for the Lottery, so we can avoid the crazy, mad rush to sign up online that plagued us last year. Weekly reminders will go out via our e-mail list and social media to be sure that this is kept on everyone's radar.
 
So There it Is

We're growing - this community is growing - and with growth comes change.  Given our experience last year, we're sure these changes to our registration process are for the better.  

We're committed keeping SPX an open, welcoming event and to using a transparent, democratic process that ensures new creators have an equal opportunity to participate.

With our 20th Birthday coming up, we want to have a really happy party crowd!!!

Any questions, do not hesitate to send us a note to EXHIBITORS@SPXPO.COM and we will get right back to you with answers.

Thanks all,

Mike and Eden and Dan and Sam and Sarah and Bill and Catherine and and Nate and Warren and Greg and John and Rusty and Joe

The Post quotes the LA Times on Internet animation

This article is in the Dec 22nd Post as Animation guru predicts 'golden age' online.

 

Fred Seibert foresees 'next golden age of animation' on Internet

Seibert, producer of the online series 'Bee & PuppyCat' for YouTube's Cartoon Hangover, is responsible for some of the most successful animated TV shows of the 1990s.

By Richard Verrier

December 18, 2013,

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-fred-seibert-bee-puppycat-20131217,0,1951773,full.story

The Simpsons, Math and The Post's review

Simpsons and a Slide Rule [online title: Mathematics and Homer Simpson]

By Jordan Ellenberg,

Washington Post December 22 2013

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2013/12/20/ef1bfaa6-5b9a-11e3-bf7e-f567ee61ae21_story.html

Those darn comic strips

Good commentary, but bad tax advice, in the comics

Glenn Easton, William F. Baxter

Washington Post December 21 2013

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/good-commentary-but-bad-tax-advice-in-the-comics/2013/12/20/f8d7a2c4-68b1-11e3-997b-9213b17dac97_story.html

Happy Holidays from ComicsDC

Michael Pohrer whipped us up a holiday card this year. Happy Holidays from all of us at ComicsDC.

Justin Aclin interview on Post's religion blog

Atheists battling supernatural villains: Q&A with Justin Aclin [S.H.O.O.T. First]

By Kimberly Winston | Religion News Service,

Washington Post's On Faith blog December 20, 2013

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/atheists-battling-supernatural-villains-qand038a-with-justin-aclin/2013/12/20/54356a52-69b1-11e3-997b-9213b17dac97_story.html?wprss=rss_story-onfaith-blog1 

Montgomery County launches comic book ad safety campaign

Comic book style graphic to tell pedestrian safety storyline

County Executive launched English and Spanish pedestrian safety campaign

by Aline Barros Staff writer
December 20, 2013
http://www.gazette.net/article/20131220/NEWS/131229804/1124/comic-book-style-graphic-to-tell-pedestrian-safety-storyline&template=gazette

Montgomery County Department of Transportation

• 

The Post reviews new dinosaur movie unfavorably

This prehistoric chatter matters ['Walking With Dinosaurs'].

By Stephanie Merry,

Washington Post December 20 2013

http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/walking-with-dinosaurs-movie-review/2013/12/18/08b2691e-667c-11e3-a0b9-249bbb34602c_story.html

Fantastic Forum today - Neil Gaiman interview

Ulysses E. Campbell says,

Watch an ALL-NEW episode of FANTASTIC FORUM in Montgomery County, MD today at 5:30 PM on MCM Comcast channel 21; RCN channel 21; Verizon FiOS channel 21. On location from Victory Comics in Falls Church, VA! Host Sherin Nicole and panelists Ben Taylor, Jon Skovron and Josh Sheridan Talley discuss the DOCTOR WHO 50th ANNIVERSARY. Featuring Producer/host Ulysses E Campbell's interview with author NEIL GAIMAN and Sea To Net Productions's DOCTOR WHO TARDIS PHOTOBOOTH!

Fluggenock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Well, Waddya Know?"

"Well, Waddya Know?"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1425

Am I the only one out here who's sick to goddamn' death of seeing the US Left wasting its time getting its panties in a twist over this whole phony-assed "is Santa Claus white or black" controversy? Am I the only one out here who's fed up watching the US Left letting some bimbo at Fox News push its buttons with the same old standard-issue Culture War horseshit?

Is Santa Claus white or black? Ask me if I give a shit. Honestly, with all the really important stuff going on, why is the US Left wasting time fighting with Megyn Kelly over this crap?

Get a grip, willya? Idiots.

--

________________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Mike's Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org

Marvel and Hello Kitty are tracking kids

Marvel, Sanrio accused of ignoring privacy rules meant to protect children

By Hayley Tsukayama, Washington Post , December 18, 2013

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/disney-hello-kitty-maker-accused-of-flouting-new-kids-privacy-rules/2013/12/17/5c93f98a-6735-11e3-ae56-22de072140a2_story.html

Original Christmas ornaments by cartoonists

Barbara Dale had a few people over to her house after a tour at Geppi's Entertainment Museum. After pizza, she coaxed people into decorating ornaments. Here's the one-of-a-kind ornaments now on my tree with a Thomas Nast's Santa Claus, a Cliffored Berryman's teddy bear (from the Smithsonian) and a couple of Snoopy's (from Hallmark's Peanuts line).



Carolyn Belefski



Joe Sutliff



Barbara Dale



Steve Artley

I kept getting this glowing nose on Artley's ornament - Christmas is magical after all...

The Grim Quacker

Death is Good's The Grim Quacker, a toy done by a DC-area cartoon writer. He's got a book of cartoons out too, and sells t-shirts based in this character at local cons.

Senator Coburn doesn't approve of Superman's government service

Senator Coburn (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released "Wastebook 2013," highlighting 100 examples of wasteful and low-priority government spending totaling nearly $30 billion. Of interest to us is the cover and Chapter 2:  "It's a Bird.  It's a Plane.  It's Superman! – (National Guard) $10 million.

 

Wow, the GPO has an interesting choice for a Christmas illustration

I'm a fan of their blog. I just wouldn't have chosen this illustration for an article about Christmas trees....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, say, can you tree? American Christmas tree traditions

by Michele Bartram, U.S. Government Online Bookstore
http://govbooktalk.gpo.gov/2013/12/17/oh-say-can-you-tree-american-christmas-tree-traditions/

As you can see, it's Uncle Sam and Columbia bringing the blessings of liberty to less-enlightened peoples in the wake of the Spanish-American War.  My guess is that it's a scan off the Library of Congress site. Yes, here it is, from 1899.

In the larger size reprinted here, you can see children in native garb representing their countries, with Puerto Rico receiving a book, Hawaii reaching out for something too, Samoa sucking on candy, and  Cuba and the Philippines getting a nice new plow. If it's not a justification of imperialism (although I think it is), it's certainly paternalism.

However, should you like to have this Keppler print for your own decorating, you can download a 140mb tif and print it out probably as big as a tree. It is a nice drawing.

'Cartoon Picayune' #6 is available

Local cartoonist/small press publisher Josh Kramer has a new issue out of his Cartoon Picayune anthology. The "Small Worlds" issue (No. 6) is now available to order (40 pages; $4). Josh has also lauched a subscription drive to help continue to fund the series: $10 for one year (and two issues) or $20 for two years (and four issues). Shipping included. As a bonus, subscribers will now recieve a limited edition screen print by Dakota McFadzean, while supplies last.

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Selfies!"

"Selfies!"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1421

The past couple of weeks have seen many memorable moments in all the pomp and ceremony marking the passing of Nelson Mandela, but none as memorable as this indelible image of three world leaders keeping it classy at the Mandela memorial service last week.

And now, Mandela has finally been laid to rest in his ancestral village -- and not a moment too soon, as I don't know if I could've stood much more of the hypocritical spewage from the leaders of the nations who funded and armed the apartheid regime and conspired to keep Mandela imprisoned for nearly three decades.

Some of the most breathtaking spewage had to have come from that inimitable mass murderer and concentration camp operator, our very own Barack "Dronemeister" Obama:

"We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.  So it falls to us as best we can to forward the example that he set..."

President Sparkle Pony has actually said something truthful here, if only by accident. If the likes of Mandela were emerging today, he'd likely have made it onto Obama's "Disposition Matrix" if he hasn't already been smeared in a drone strike while he attended a friend's wedding. Either that, or he might be rotting in Guantanamo right now.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25322260

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/12/05/statement-president-death-nelson-mandela


--

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"Though I could not caution all, I yet may warn a few:
 Don't lend your hand to raise no flag atop no ship of fools!"

                                               --grateful dead.
________________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Mike's Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org

Jennifer & Matthew Holm: 2013 National Book Festival

LibraryOfCongress·Dec 12, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jUZnZr9SIw

Jennifer and Matthew Holm appear at the 2013 Library of Congress National Book Festival.

Lynda Barry: 2013 National Book Festival

LibraryOfCongress·Dec 12, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWlZPfkaoxA

Cartoonist Lynda Barry appears at the 2013 Library of Congress National Book Festival.

That darn Doonesbury

Letter to the Editor: Some commentary doesn't belong in the comics [in print as No commentary in the comics].

Alan S. Miller, Alexandria

Washington Post December 14 2013

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/some-commentary-doesnt-belong-in-the-comics/2013/12/12/8123097e-610b-11e3-a7b4-4a75ebc432ab_story.html