Hilary Price on visiting Richard Thompson

Visiting the Inner Sanctum of Richard Thompson (The Cartoonist, Not The Singer)

by Hilary Price

October 29, 2014

http://rhymeswithorange.com/2014/10/29/visiting-the-inner-sanctum-of-richard-thompson-the-cartoonist-not-the-singer/

Howard U prof Marc Singer reviews Pax Americana

Pax Americana

Marc Singer

I Am NOT The Beastmaster blog November 24, 2014

http://notthebeastmaster.typepad.com/weblog/2014/11/pax-americana.html

 

A Thanksgiving for Richard Thompson, OR, Someday the true story will be told...

but for now, enjoy this first draft of history:

'THE ART OF RICHARD THOMPSON': How a team of friends brought strengths, passion to 'a long-overdue tribute'

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (November 26, 2014): http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/26/the-art-of-richard-thompson-how-a-team-of-friends-brought-strengths-to-a-long-overdue-tribute/

The Post reviews The Penguins of Madagascar cartoon

Quirky quartet draws plenty of laughs [online as 'Penguins of Madagascar' movie review: Delightfully silly star turn for the quartet]

By Michael O'Sullivan

Washington Post November 26 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/penguins-of-madagascar-movie-review-delightfully-silly-star-turn-for-the-quartet/2014/11/25/97dc2fe4-73ff-11e4-9c9f-a37e29e80cd5_story.html

Quirky quartet draws plenty of laughs [online as 'Penguins of Madagascar' movie review: Delightfully silly star turn for the quartet]

By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post November 26 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/penguins-of-madagascar-movie-review-delightfully-silly-star-turn-for-the-quartet/2014/11/25/97dc2fe4-73ff-11e4-9c9f-a37e29e80cd5_story.html

The career trajectory of the four wisecracking cartoon penguins introduced as minor characters in "Madagascar" has been one of meteoric ascendancy, with return appear­ances in two sequels, a couple of stand-alone shorts and a television show. It's not an unusual path in animated Hollywood. We've seen it before with Scrat, the saber-toothed squirrel from "Ice Age," who parlayed a cameo in the first film into a cottage industry of increasingly annoying shorts and a camera-hogging turn in the second sequel, "Dawn of the Dinosaurs."

But unlike that acorn-obsessed, chipmunk-cheeked, paleo-rodent ham, the Flightless Four known as Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private are ready for their moment in the sun. "Penguins of Madagascar" is a delightfully silly star turn for this quartet of absurd little birds, who operate as a team of commandos.

There are several reasons why this works.

First is the voice talent. Although none of them is a marquee name, the actors who bring the penguins to life — Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Conrad Vernon and Christopher Knights — do so with verve. (Special credit goes to Vernon, who voices the almost nonverbal, but nevertheless vocally expressive Rico, who is often shown coughing up indigestible objects that he has swallowed.)

Other notably funny turns in "Penguins" include John Malkovich and Benedict Cumberbatch. Playing to type, the A-list actors provide the voices for, respectively, a villainous, emotionally unstable octopus named Dave and a heroic, cucumber-cool secret agent gray wolf whose name is classified. (That's right: The character's name is never given — "My name is classified" he tells us, in Cumberbatch's mellifluous British baritone — leading to some giddy "Who's on first?" confusion.)

Which brings me to the real reason for the movie's success: the writing of the story, which concerns Dave's plot to kidnap penguins from all of the world's zoos and turn them into monsters.

Fleshing out characters created by "Madagascar" directors and writers Eric Darnell and McGrath (whose voice propels Skipper's MacGyver-like can-do spirit), the screenplay by John Aboud, Michael Colton and Brandon Sawyer has a fizzy, pop-culture pizazz, tempered by a distinctly vaudeville sensibility. It's smart, but not brainy; dumb, but never inane.

Colton, who was an editor of the Harvard Lampoon in college, worked briefly at The Washington Post in the late 1990s before leaving to form the now-defunct online magazine Modern Humorist with Aboud. Their work with Sawyer, a children's TV writer whose credits include the "Penguins" series on Nickelodeon, is perfectly aimed at the target demographic of silly but savvy 10-year-olds. One recurring joke involves Dave barking orders to his tentacled henchmen, leading to a series of increasingly nutty puns name-checking famous movie stars: "Nicolas, cage them!" "Charlize, there on the death ray!" "Drew, barry, more!"

It's gloriously juvenile, but also very, very funny.

Other ingredients in this self-referential pop-culture puree include a cameo by the German director Werner Herzog, voicing the filmmaker-narrator of the penguin documentary that opens the film in Antarctica, where its prologue is set. Observing that our four heroes are "frozen with fear" on an icy precipice, Herzog orders his sound man to "give them a shove," in order to increase the drama.

And increase it he does. One of those early scenes features a leopard seal eating a seagull. It's an indication of the dark edge that will give the story its slightly grown-up astringency. "Penguins of Madagascar" is by no means inappropriate for kids, but there's a coolly self-aware smirk to it that makes it palatable to people with driver's licenses, too.

And, oh yes, the 3-D animation is a treat.

But the real charm of the film is its stars. As Skipper says, "A good plan is about more than effecty stuff and big words." That's equally true of a good movie.

Catching up with Zoey and The Roarbots

I'm sure her dad, Jamie Greene, wrote some of these...

5 Questions with G. Willow Wilson

November 3, 2014
http://theroarbots.com/2014/11/03/5-questions-g-willow-wilson/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42kHqy_GcWw

5 Questions with Kevin Conroy

  November 25, 2014
http://theroarbots.com/2014/11/25/5-questions-kevin-conroy/#more-1936
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozfneR-43YA

5 Questions with Peter Beagle

November 11, 2014
http://theroarbots.com/2014/11/11/5-questions-peter-beagle/#more-1879
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llkSGGX5jcE

Avengers STATION

http://theroarbots.com/2014/11/12/avengers-station/#more-1889

Disney's The Little Mermaid

http://theroarbots.com/2014/11/25/disneys-little-mermaid/#more-1930

Frozen merchandising at Target

Disney's 'Frozen' juggernaut rolls into town for Christmas.

Art of Richard Thompson flyer at Columbia Pike library

David Apatoff's Illustration blog on The Art of Richard Thompson, day 2-3

http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-art-of-richard-thompson-day-2.html
http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-art-of-richard-thompson-day-3.html

Robin Ha interview online at City Paper

Robin Ha Explains Korean Food in Cartoons

Mike Rhode on Nov. 26, 2014
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2014/11/26/robin-ha-explains-korean-food-in-cartoons/

Rodriguez on NHPR's 'Word of Mouth'

Jason Rodriguez talks about his comics anthology Colonial Comics on New Hampshire Public Radio's 'Word of Mouth':

"Writer and editor Jason Rodriguez is re-examining the era with an unusual collection called Colonial Comics: New England, 1620 – 1750.  From Thomas Morton: Merrymount’s Lord of Misrule, to the story of Eunice Williams, a colonist captured and raised by Native Americans – this illustrated collection, opens up under appreciated stories from New England’s rich colonial history."

(To hear the interview, click here and scroll down on the page.)

Photo courtesy of Jason Rodriguez

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "The Only Good Protester..." [editorial cartoon]

"The Only Good Protester..."
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1605

So, the Ferguson grand jury let that murdering pig walk. Disgusting, but not surprising.

Now the people's rage is spilling into the streets, and the corporate media -- and their Liberal flunkies -- are trying to divide the people's movements against each other with that tired old bullshit about "good protesters" and "bad protesters" -- with "bad protesters", in this case, being anyone who actually does something to disrupt the status quo to bring about real change instead of just standing around with a sign singing "We Shall Overcome".

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

Art of Richard Thompson ad

On bulletin board in Shirlington library.

The Art of Richard Thompson press release

Explore the creative and compelling work of beloved artist and Cul de Sac creator Richard Thompson in the collectible The Art of Richard Thompson
(Andrews McMeel Publishing, $35.00, November 25, 2014). Divided into six sections, each beginning with an introductory conversation with Thompson and
world-renowned cartoonists including Bill Watterson, Gene Weingarten, and Nick Galifianakis, the book showcases Thompson's exquisite illustrations, caricatures,
watercolor designs, and more, providing an intimate portrait of the depth of talent of this esteemed artist. The diversity of the work showcased in The Art
of Richard Thompson will delight established Cul de Sac fans and cast a wider net far beyond, with readers captivated by the sheer beauty of Thompson's work.
Renowned among cartoonists as an "artist's" cartoonist, Thompson is noted not only for his humor and intelligence, but also for his fun, imaginative artwork.
Thompson's illustrations, along with his pitch-perfect timing and gentle humor, have helped to establish many of Thompson's works as instant classics that
continue to inspire as well as entertain. Produced on fine artpaper to showcase Thompson's unique art, The Art of Richard Thompson will be a welcome addition to libraries and collections everywhere.

About Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson is the creator of Cul de Sac and winner of the 2011 Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. His illustrations have appeared
in numerous publications, including U.S. News & World Report, National Geographic, and The New Yorker. In September 2012, Cul de Sac was one of the
most popular and respected comic strips in newspapers when Thompson retired, due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. Since Thompson's announcement of his diagnosis, his friends have successfully rallied other cartoonists and illustrators to contribute to the Team Cul de Sac project to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The Art of Richard Thompson by David Apatoff, Nick Galifianakis, Mike Rhode, Chris Sparks and Bill Watterson
Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-4494-4795-3
Price: $35.00 U.S. ($40.00 Canada) • Hardcover: 9 x 11 ⅛, 224 pages

Comic Riffs talks to New Yorker's McCall about his Redskin cover

BENEATH THE COVERS: The real story behind The New Yorker's Thanksgiving/Redskins cover ['So arrogant and clueless' a mascot 'that it lends itself to some kind of exposure']

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 24 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/24/beneath-the-covers-the-real-story-behind-the-new-yorkers-thanksgivingredskins-cover-so-arrogant-and-clueless-a-mascot-that-it-lends-itself-to-some-kind-of-exposure/

Another Frozen story, this one starting at George Mason University

How Disney Turned 'Frozen' Into a Cash Cow

By BINYAMIN APPELBAUM

New York Times Magazine

A version of this article appears in print on November 23, 2014, on page MM18 of the Sunday Magazine with the headline: Cold, Hard Cash.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/magazine/how-disney-turned-frozen-into-a-cash-cow.html

Superhero Christmas ornaments in Target long before Thanksgiving

 These are in the Target at Skyline / Bailey's Crossroads, VA.

Comics Riffs on Mutts and 2014's superhero stories

MUTTS ADO ABOUT 'NOTHING': Patrick McDonnell gives the gift of warmth in wonderful 'Mutts' musical's Kennedy Center world premiere

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 22 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/22/mutts-ado-about-nothing-patrick-mcdonnell-gives-the-gift-of-warmth-in-wonderful-mutts-musicals-kennedy-center-world-premiere/

BEST OF 2014: Comic Riffs' Top 10 graphic novels and superhero comics

By Michael Cavna and David Betancourt
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 22 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/22/best-of-2014-comic-riffs-top-10-graphic-novels-and-superhero-comics/

The Post on Frozen spinoffs - 3 stories in 3 days

Disney's global success with 'Frozen' took lots of translation, investment

By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2014/11/20/disneys-global-success-with-frozen-took-lots-of-translation-investment/

'Frozen' might be everything that's wrong with the U.S. economy

By Jim Tankersley Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/11/21/frozen-might-be-everything-thats-wrong-with-the-u-s-economy/

Hour of Code to feature 'Frozen' characters

By Lyndsey Layton
Washington Post November 19 (in print November 24)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/local/wp/2014/11/19/hour-of-code-to-feature-frozen-characters/

The Art of Richard Thompson table of contents

4 Introduction by Nick Galifianakis

8 Richard Thompson: A Brief Biography (With a Few Observations Mixed In) by David Apatoff
19 "Can he draw something during the operation?" by Richard Thompson
20 "Alice was looking underinflated ... " Parkinson's disease discussion with Nick Galifianakis

22 Illustration Interview by Peter de Seve
68 Bono Mitchell recalls Richard's early illustrations
74 My New Favorite Nib by Richard Thompson

82 Richard's Poor Almanac Interview by Gene Weingarten
89 Below the Beltway by Richard Thompson
99 "Slinky McBits" and one of my favorite Almanacs by Richard Thompson

134 Caricature Interview by John Kascht
153 Hopeful Monsters, or, Caricaturing Berlioz by Richard Thompson
164 Music, a dilettante's love story by Richard Thompson

182 Cul de Sac Interview by Bill Watterson
191 Historic Otterloop Artifact by Richard Thompson
193 Early Cul de Sac
197 The primeval Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson
215 A master of the art form ... by Lee Salem

222 Contributor Biographies

The Daily Cartoonist reviews The Art of Richard Thompson

My review: The Art of Richard Thompson

Posted by Alan Gardner
November 24, 2014
http://dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2014/11/24/my-review-the-art-of-richard-thompson

David Apatoff on the Art of Richard Thompson, day 1

Co-editor Apatoff is writing about aspects of Richard Thompson's work each day this week - here's the first: http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2014/11/new-book-on-art-of-richard-thompson.html

Fairfax-based podcast talks war and comics with author Cord Scott

Military Monday with John D. Gresham and Author Cord Scott – Comics and Conflict

Writestream Radio Network

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2014/09/15/military-monday-with-john-d-gresham-and-author-cord-scott-comics-and-conflict

Military Monday with John D. Gresham and Author Cord Scott – Comics and Conflict

Writestream Radio Network

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2014/09/15/military-monday-with-john-d-gresham-and-author-cord-scott-comics-and-conflict

Though America cannot claim credit for the invention of cartoons and other storytelling graphics, there can be little question that the art form today has its home solidly within the borders and culture of the United States. The editorial cartoons of English newspapers and magazines were quickly adopted by the American colonies, and thanks to Benjamin Franklin and other publishers, took on a distinctly Continental flavor. And throughout the many wars fought during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, cartoons grew in both sophistication and quality. But it was the development of comic books in the decade before World War II, that created a new medium of illustrated storytelling which became a distinctly American art form. Superheroes like Superman and Captain Marvel came into being, and the idea of visual storytelling became a mainstay in American media for young people. And when America went to war in 1941, comic books and their characters went to war too. In fact, comic books, their characters, and subsidiary media products (movies, etc.) provided an excellent medium to reach out to the very demographic that had to be recruited to fight World War II

 To learn more about the role of comic books, cartoons, and other visual storytelling media in wartime, join military historian, author and journalist John D. Gresham (@greshamj01) for Military Monday (#MilitaryMonday on @Writestream) at 1 p.m. Eastern.'s guest this week is U.S. Naval Institute Press (@USNIBooks) the author Cord Scott,  who has written COMICS AND CONFLICT, a history of comics and their use as wartime propaganda tools. And together they will explain the role of illustrated storytelling in politics and propaganda through the ages. Prepare for a entertaining and informative hour, talking about the nature of media messaging and power of visual storytelling.

The Gift of Nothing at The Kennedy Center (reviewed by Steve Loya)

Last Saturday, my wife and I went to see the world premier musical adaptation of Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell's The Gift of Nothing, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. Having been a long time Mutts fan and collector, it was hard to believe this was officially happening, practically in my own back yard! 

I first discovered Mutts comics not in the newspaper, but at a bookstore, when I first moved out to the DC/NOVA area about fourteen years ago. It was a crazy, stressful time for me back then, with a big move to another state, the start of a new career, and then the catastrophic 9/11 attacks on US soil only a couple of weeks later. I remember how much these books made me smile and put me at ease, and I've been following the adventures of Earl and Mooch ever since then. What I've always loved about Mutts is the subtle wisdom in both the artwork and the writing, as it is a comic strip that easily functions on both a children's as well as on an adult level. The same can be said for the stage production of The Gift of Nothing, directed by Aaron Posner. Much like the book itself, originally published in 2005, the visual presentation is sparse and minimal - simple yet beautiful. Much like the characters that populate McDonnell's books and comic strips, the cast brings this musical vividly to life. I've never considered myself much of a fan of musicals, but the songs (written by Andy Mitton), the sounds and the singing and acting were all paramount to the success of this production, along with some wonderfully choreographed lighting.  Consider me a convert. Here's a little more insight into the book and stage production: 

The book itself has been described as having a "zen-like" quality, and it's amazing to witness how incredibly well the stage version was able to flesh out the story, adding a whole new dimension to a  brief but brilliant little commentary about not losing sight of the simple and the good things we already have, but are so often distracted from during the madness of the holiday season. I have to say, my wife and I arrived at The Kennedy Center a bit frazzled, after missing an exit in DC, and after being so close, only to be thrown off course a few miles, almost causing us to be late and putting us both in a less-than-pleasant mood. Shortly into the start of the musical however, we were both swept up into the catchy and clever songs, the incredible acting, and the humorous tale of a dog named Earl and a Cat named Mooch. After this hour-long production had ended, we both couldn't stop talking about The Gift of Nothing driving home. I could write a lot more about this musical, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for ya.

*the line for Patrick McDonnell's book and program signing (above), at The Kennedy center

*me getting to meet Patrick for a book signing after the show (below)

You can still catch The Gift of Nothing at The Kennedy Center through December 28th! More information can be found HERE. Don't miss it!

Creator Signing - Nightmare the Rat - Rafer Roberts Saturday, Nov. 22nd

Gaithersburg - Creator Signing! Gaithersburg - Creator Signing! Meet Critically Acclaimed Artist/Creator  Rafer Roberts For a LAUNCH Signing of his latest collection Nightmare the Rat  Also meet collaborator extraordinaire  John Shine  Saturday, November 22nd - 12:00noon to 4:00pm    FREE AUTOGRAPHS!   Beyond Comics 18749 B North Frederick Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20879 301-216-0007 Let all your friends know!

Beyond Comics | Gaithersburg Square | 18749 B N. Frederick Rd. | Gaithersburg | MD | 20879

NY Times on National Gallery of Art's new Zap comix

Perils, Platforms and a Prize
By CAROL VOGEL
A version of this article appears in print on November 21, 2014, on page C24 of the New York edition with the headline: Perils, Platforms and a Prize
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/21/arts/design/perils-platforms-and-a-prize.html

The Post on DreamWorks Animation's non-sale

DreamWorks merger talks fail, raising new questions about the company's future

By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2014/11/20/dreamworks-merger-talks-fail-raising-new-questions-about-the-companys-future/

The Post's Cavna's 10 ten of the year (with a month and a half left to go)

The top 10 graphic novels of 2014

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-top-10-graphic-novels-of-2014/2014/11/20/6ee20fec-3dc6-11e4-b03f-de718edeb92f_story.html

Underground comics donated to National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art acquires comics, 17th-century etchings and Diebenkorn prints

By Peggy McGlone
Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/national-gallery-of-art-acquires-comics-17th-century-etchings-and-diebenkorn-prints/2014/11/20/3b9ca4b4-6f6a-11e4-ad12-3734c461eab6_story.html

Nov 23: Dean Haspiel in DC

NCTE: "Using Comics to Teach Visual Literacy & Storytelling" ~ Nov. 23, 2014

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD

Sunday, Nov 23, 2014 at 1:30PM-2:45PM, Session N

TOON panel presentation "Using Comics to Teach Visual Literacy & Storytelling"
Join a second-grade teacher, a literacy expert, an author, and a journalist to hear how comic
books are increasingly taking on deep subjects and being used to teach the Common Core
State Standards with an emphasis on both visual literacy and storytelling.

Featuring TOON author Dean Haspiel, journalist Michael Cavna, and Washington DC-area teacher Sallie Routh.

NCTE Program: http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/PD/Annual/2014/Program/Sessions-Exhibitors-Authors.pdf

Toon Books: http://www.toon-books.com/

Mike Jenkin's lunchbag art

Mike Jenkins has been drawing cartoons on his daughter's lunch bag for months now, and they're great. Sometime in the new year, ComicsDC will talk to him about this project.

See Lunch Bag Art (116 photos) on Facebook only

The Post mentions the Mutts play

Children's theater roundup: Magic, music and make-believe come to D.C. [in print as Make a theater list, kids]

By Jane Horwitz
Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/theater-dance/childrens-theater-roundup-magic-music-and-make-believe-come-to-dc/2014/11/20/825e814e-6b6c-11e4-a31c-77759fc1eacc_story.html

Rudolph cartoon ephemera on sale at the Post Office

Cavna of the Post changes job description

Michael "Comic Riffs" Cavna is reporting on his new situation on Facebook:

For much of my career, I've been an arts, entertainment and features editor (often between holding down a visual-art career). Come the new year, though, I can look forward to being the FULL-time "Comic Riffs" columnist. My sincere thanks to everyone at The Post, and in the comics community, who has been so supportive of the Riffs journey so far.

PR: AMERICAN COMIC BOOKS, LITERARY THEORY, AND RELIGION: THE SUPERHERO AFTERLIFE

The author spent many years in DC, and used to work at Georgetown University. He tells me.

Palgrave Macmillan has published my American Comic Books, Literary Theory, and Religion: The Superhero Afterlife this week. More info can be found at www.SuperheroAfterlife.com or http://bit.ly/1tl3NDi  -- moreover, it can be purchased via Amazon at http://amzn.to/1F4z5Vu

...

A David Lewis, Ph.D.
Faculty Associate
MCPHS Online 
MCPHS University 

 

Dec 6: Art of Richard Thompson booksigning

Mark your calendar for The Art of Richard Thompson (with many special guests!) - Sat, Dec 6th at 2:30

 

We are honored, thrilled, excited (add your own adjective) to host an event to celebrate the release of The Art of Richard Thompson. Featured guests include editors Nick Galifianakis, David Apatoff, Chris Sparks, and Mike Rhode, as well as Michael Cavna of The Washington Post. There will be discussion of Richard's work, a short documentary about his career, a panel discussion with Q&A, followed by a book signing. This event will be at Arlington Central Library.

Richard will attend but will not sign books at the event. If you'd like a copy of The Art of Richard Thompson and/or The Complete Cul de Sac signed by Richard, please order here.

 

Richard best describes this wonderful event (I'm not sure about the face painting, but everything else is true):

GALA ANNOUNCEMENT WITH EARTH-SHAKING CONSEQUENCES! RICHARD, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE ONE MORE PAGE, IS PLEASED, HECK TICKLED PINK, TO ANNOUNCE A BOOK-SIGNING & LAUNCH PARTY FOR THE ART OF RICHARD THOMPSON WITH EXTRAS.

THERE'LL BE A PANEL DISCUSSION, CELEBRITY APPEARANCES, SIGNED BOOKS, A WORLD PREMIERE OF A MAJOR VIDEO, CLOWNISH ANTICS AND FACE PAINTING!

The Express on the new Mutts play

'The Gift of Nothing' — a family-friendly collaboration between 'Mutts' creator Patrick McDonnell and director Aaron Posner — makes its world premiere at the Kennedy Center [in print as This F-word is 'feline']

By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express November 20 2014, p. 29
http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/11/20/the-gift-of-nothing-a-family-friendly-collaboration-between-mutts-creator-patrick-mcdonnell-and-director-aaron-posner-makes-its-world-premiere-at-the-kennedy-center/

(Patrick McDonnell Illustrations)

The Post reviews local Little Mermaid play

Disney musical 'Little Mermaid' bobs along at Olney

The sea creatures join Ariel (Lara Zinn) for the "Under the Sea" number in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" at Olney Theatre Center. (Stan Barouh)

By Nelson Pressley Theater critic
Washington Post November 19 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/disney-musical-little-mermaid-bobs-along-at-olney/2014/11/17/0d9ecc7a-6e86-11e4-ad12-3734c461eab6_story.html

'The Little Mermaid'

Book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. Directed by Mark Waldrop. Choreography, Tara Jeanne Vallee; lights, Julie H. Duro; puppets, Andrea "Dre" Moore. With Clark Young, Joe Chisholm, Kenneth Derby, Sean McComas, Nurney, Robert Mintz, Jane Bunting, Jennifer Cordiner, Gracie Jones, Ashleigh King, Taylor Elise Rector and Suzanne Stanley. About 2 hours and 15 minutes. Through Dec. 28 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, Md. Tickets $32.50-$65. Call 310-924-3400 or visit www.olneytheatre.org

Nov. 28: Art Way Alliance at Geppi's in Baltimore

Art Way Alliance--a local non-profit organization that teaches kids how to make comic books,  manga and animation--will be at Geppi's Entertainment Museum Friday, Nov. 28, from noon - 6:00 p.m. with artists from Heaven & Hell Comics, Keir Knikia Lyles of Apocrypha Comics Studio and Enrica Jang of Red Stylo Media. They willl host demos throughout the day. Admission is included in ticket purchase.

Click for more info. 

Photo courtesy of Art Way Alliance

More To Come: Interviews from Baltimore Comic Con and SPX 2014

More To Come 115: Interviews from Baltimore Comic Con and SPX 2014

Produced by Kate Fitzsimons

on 09/19/2014
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/podcasts/index.html?channel=2&podcast=305

In this week's podcast More to Come's Heidi "The Beat" MacDonald asks the question "What was the first comic to really blow your mind?" to artists and publishers at the Baltimore Comic Con, including Amy Reeder, James Tynian, Michel Fiffe, Chris Staros, Kat Robert, Jim Dougan, and Marguerite Bennet, and asks Ellen Lindner, James Sturm, Jude Killroy, Sabin and Noah Van Scriber at SPX on PW Comics World's More To Come.

More To Come 116: Interviews from Baltimore Comic Con and SPX 2014 Part 2

Produced by Kate Fitzsimons

on 09/21/2014

In this week's bonus podcast More to Come's Calvin Reid talks to Box Brown and Farel Dalrymple, and has his own questions for the much-interviewed James Sturm. Meanwhile Heidi "The Beat" MacDonald speaks with acclaimed comics retailer/publishers Andrew Carl and Josh O'Neil of Locust Moon and Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream on PW Comics World's More To Come.

An illustrated interview with Nate Powell on March

A Brief Conversation with Nate Powell

by Matt McClure and Jeremy McFarren

The Sequentialist November 13 2014

http://sequentialistoh.tumblr.com/post/102532110679/nate-powell-is-the-award-winning-cartoonist-of

Comic Riffs on Wonder Woman

THE 'NEW' WONDER WOMAN: As husband-wife creative team, Finches aim to focus on DC icon's 'strength of character'

By David Betancourt

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 19 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/19/the-new-wonder-woman-as-husband-wife-creative-team-finches-aim-to-focus-on-dc-icons-strength-of-character/

 

Comic Riffs on next year's Peanuts movie

The Beagle Has Landed: Why today's 1st full 'Peanuts' trailer is a high-flying marvel

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 18 2014

 http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/18/the-beagle-has-landed-why-todays-1st-full-peanuts-trailer-is-a-high-flying-marvel/

Comic Riffs wants to send Miss Jemima to Washington

JUST HOURS (AND DOLLARS) TO GO: California teen aims to crowd-fund her class trip to D.C. through comics

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 18 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/18/just-hours-and-dollars-to-go-california-teen-aims-to-crowd-fund-her-class-trip-to-d-c-through-comics/

The Art of Richard Thompson video - behind the scenes interview

THIS JUST IN: 'The Art of Richard Thompson': Filmmakers behind new documentary short deftly capture 'the cartoonist's cartoonist' [Q&A]

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 18 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/18/this-just-in-the-art-of-richard-thompson-filmmakers-behind-new-documentary-short-deftly-capture-the-cartoonists-cartoonist-qa

The Art of Richard Thompson short video

The Art of Richard Thompson

 GVI November 2014
http://www.g-v-i.com/page_2.asp?ID=44
 

Richard Thompson has been called a "cartoonists' cartoonist." Find out why in this warm and moving portrait.

Comic Riffs on The Wizard of ID's 50th

'THE WIZARD OF ID' TURNS 50: Here and on the comics page, cartoonists celebrate the Hart/Parker strip's golden anniversary

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 17 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/17/the-wizard-of-id-turns-50-here-and-on-the-comics-page-cartoonists-celebrate-the-hartparker-strips-golden-anniversary/

Pooch Cafe also has a nice tribute.

1998 photos of local cartoonists

Thompsons at art gallery opening (w/Pat Oliphant)

by Bruce Guthrie

Including Art Wood, Pat Oliphant, Richard Thompson, Kal, and Nick Galifianakis.

That darn Mark Trail

Letters to the Editor

Don't get diving lessons from 'Mark Trail'

Robert J. McManus, Bethesda

November 15 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dont-get-diving-lessons-from-mark-trail/2014/11/14/ab08b470-6a95-11e4-bafd-6598192a448d_story.html

Go read Richard Thompsons eulogy for his friend Art Wood

It's very touching.

J. Arthur Wood, Jr.,1927 - 2014

by Richard Thompson

Cul de Sac blog November 15, 2014

http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2014/11/j-arthur-wood-jr1927-2014.html

Kelley Jones artwork exhibit at Geppi's Museum

Kelley Jones Spotlight at GEM

Scoop November 14 2014
http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/Home/4/1/73/1012?ArticleID=156445

Comic Riffs talks Danish Islam cartoons

New 'Tyranny of Silence' book: Danish 'Cartoon Crisis' editor weighs what he'd change — and what he would not

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 14 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/14/new-tyranny-of-silence-book-danish-cartoon-crisis-editor-weighs-what-hed-change-and-what-he-would-not/

The Post reviews IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Video on Demand: IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Stephanie Merry

Washington Post (November 14): EZ34

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/going-out-guide/wp/2014/11/14/watch-online-the-girl-amor-cronico-and-its-such-a-beautiful-day/

Josh Kramer's cartoon journalism in the City Paper

Underground Economy

 by Josh Kramer on Nov. 14, 2014 p. 10
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2014/11/12/underground-economy/

NPR's Monkey See ruminates on Wonder Woman movie

A Great Director — Who's Also A Woman — Might Direct 'Wonder Woman'

Linda Holmes

November 13, 2014
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2014/11/13/363739501/a-great-director-whos-also-a-woman-might-direct-wonder-woman

Comic Riffs talks with Adam 'Batman' West

What's black, purple and Blu-ray? Now, the classic 'Batman' TV series, star Adam West tells us

By David Betancourt

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 11 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/11/whats-black-purple-and-blu-ray-now-the-classic-batman-tv-series-star-adam-west-tells-us/

Tom Toles interviewed by Slate

The "How Does a Cartoonist Work?" Edition:Slate's podcast about work explores how the Washington Post's Tom Toles creates new cartoons almost every day of the week.

By David Plotz

Slate's Working podcast November 11 2014

http://www.slate.com/articles/podcasts/working/2014/11/david_plotz_talks_to_washington_post_cartoonist_tom_toles_about_developing.html

and http://www.podtrac.net/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/slatedailypodcast/working14111101_ep6_Toles.mp3

Akino Kondoh's Nothing Whatsoever All Out in the Open on sale

From Ryan Holmberg:

Another small manga translation project that I organized, Akino Kondoh's Nothing Whatsoever All Out in the Open, is now available from Retrofit Comics, who are based in Philadelphia, and Big Planet Comics of the Washington, DC area.

http://retrofit.storenvy.com/collections/29642-all-products/products/9773164-nothing-whatsoever-all-out-in-the-open-by-akino-kondoh

Within a week or two, it should also be available for sale at most major comics shops in North America that carry small press publications.

Many of you will know Kondoh's work as an animator and painter, perhaps through solo shows at Mizuma Art Gallery or group shows at Mori Museum, amongst other prominent venues.

The new volume is 50 pages, priced at $6, and is headlined by a touching and elliptical work she recently created while living in New York, where she has been based for many years.

We hope to do more work with Kondoh-san in the future, so please help publicize this volume. I will also point out that it is perfectly sized and priced as a stocking stuffer, so buy a copy for every member of your extended family, as well as for your friends, workmates, and romantic partners.