All Things Considered on comic book publisher Native Realities

With This Publisher, Native American Superheroes Fly High

Megan Kamerick

All Things Considered April 2, 2017
http://www.npr.org/2017/04/02/522223987/with-this-publisher-native-american-superheroes-fly-high
 https://ondemand.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/atc/2017/04/20170402_atc_with_this_publisher_native_american_superheroes_fly_high.mp3
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=522223987

Changing Colors In Comics

Gene Demby

NPR's Code Switch April 5, 2017
http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/05/522749425/changing-colors-in-comics

https://ondemand.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/codeswitch/2017/04/20170404_codeswitch_45.mp3

Comics and graphic novels have become a flourishing space for explorations of race and identity. But what are the compromises they have to make to reach and please wide audiences?

Shannon Wright for NPR

Gene and guest host Glen Weldon (our play cousin from Pop Culture Happy Hour) explore how comics are used as spaces for mapping race and identity. Gene visits Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse in Philadelphia and chats with proprietor Ariell Johnson, who is reclaiming the comic book store, which once made her uneasy as a black fan. Meanwhile, C. Spike Trotman, another black woman, has made a name for herself as an online comics publisher of Iron Circus Comics in Chicago. We also talk to artist and designer Ronald Wimberly for his perspective as a black creator who has worked for Marvel and DC, the titans of corporate comics.

World War II animated films at National Archives' website

Here's the list of World War II animated films at the National Archives' website.

Private SNAFU has been pretty easy to see, but the Navy's Seaman TARFU is in the Army-Navy Screen Magazine #69.

April 9: Baltimore Comic-Con Spring Fling

Baltimore Comic-Con Spring Fling

Public

· Hosted by Baltimore Comic-Con

April 9 2017,

Sunday at 10 AM - 5 PM

1743 W Nursery Rd, Linthicum, Maryland 21090

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Sean Hill

by Mike Rhode


Sean Hill is a local comic book artist, born and raised in DC proper, who seems poised for a breakout via his work for Zenescope. He was recently interviewed by another blog and I realized we hadn't submitted our usual questions to him.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Well some of the very first jobs I got hired for were horror based short stories, the most recent works for those are for Zenescope Entertainment's Dark Shaman mini series. It was about  long dead Native Shaman that returns from the dead to try and exact revenge/justice for the death of his tribe. Not to long afterwords I got a chance to draw Grimm Tales of Terror: The Monkeys Paw, I was really happy for that gig because it was a horror story I already knew of. I have also worked on some action/adventure for Jaycen Wise: Secret of the Rose, Route 3 for Terminus Media, and most recently issues 4 through 6 of Zenescope's E.V.I.L Heroes which was more superhero action. 

Zenescope Entertainments: Dark Shaman trade paper back

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

It's a combination of traditional and digital, I work out my thumbnails traditionally in my sketchbook. I own an 11x17 moleskine sketchbook that I draw up 2x3 inch rectangles, then I work out all my thumbs in those. After that, I open a story file in Manga Studio 5EX (a story file is a file created by the program that has as many pages as you determine you need to draw), I scan and copy/paste all my thumbnails onto the subsequent pages and work over them.



When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born in Washington DC waaaayyyyy back when in 1981.

Why are you in Washington now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

I grew up in the Georgia Avenue/Perworth area in DC. That area has gone through so many changes but is the nature of the city, anything can change within 15 years or so. Right now I live in Hybla Valley in Alexandria, VA.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

My grandfather, Otis Hill, used to to show me a lot of stuff when I was 6 years old, after that I was introduced to my mento Kofi Tyus, Kofi has been working as an artist in D.C. His whole life so most of my training comes from him. I also went to and arts high school, Duke Ellington School of the Arts and a short stint at Maryland college of art and design. I mostly had a lot of fine art training most of my life.

Who are your influences?

Too many to name but from a kid I was inspired by Bernie Wrightson, Jim Lee -- that kind of stuff -- also artists like Mshindo Kuumba, Ivan Reis -- the list goes on.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change? 

It's kinda funny, but whenever I get asked for advice by a artist wanting to do comics, I typically advise they first start making there own books, it's more fulfilling working on your own thing and telling your own stories. But when I was trying to break in I thought I needed to start working for a publisher, any publisher. I think if I could do it over I would take my own advice.

What work are you best-known for?

I'm not really sure, I guess it would be between Route 3 or E.V.I.L Heroes right now.

Zenescope Entertainments: Grimm tales of Terror: Monkeys Paw

What work are you most proud of?

I'm honestly really proud of my work on Route 3 and some upcoming work I did on a book called the Guilded Age (issue 3). I put a lot work in trying to make sure that story had the vibe of taking place in its own multi-layered world.

What would you like to do  or work on in the future?

I have two personal projects I would like to have done. One is Nazireth, a fantasy retelling of the Christ story, drawing from the historical social and political issues that influenced the narrative of those events. The other is Yasuke: Lineage a story of a former slave turned Samurai, based on the historical figure Yasuke whom served under Oda Nabunaga.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

I think all visual story-telling is a form of problem solving, so when I'm in a rut, I honestly look at as many artists as I can to open up my mind to the possibilities of solving a story-telling issue.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

Comics is a slow changing river: it flows, the current changes but not to dynamically. I hope the Indy Comics market will grow in the sight of the consumers. Much of the diversity that's being called for in mainstream comics is already available in Indy Comics. In Japan, Manga is marketed towards almost every youngster's walk of life, but here it's dominated by adult male audiences. I'm fine with those male audiences holding the share of consumerism they have, but if the  medium were marketed to even wider audiences, it could only grow stronger.

What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?

Not too many Cons. I'm typically at Awesome Con and I have attended Baltimore and New York Comic Con pretty recently. I hope to expand on that in the near future.

Terminus Media: Route 3 trade paperback

What's your favorite thing about DC?

Honestly, it's because we're so small, you could grow up here with you childhood friends and make something of yourself, without loosing contact, because we still have some of the opportunities of a metropolitan city.

Least favorite?

Sometimes DC seems like it's trying to be a mini New York, in how it advertises to business and resources outside the city, while not making as much use of its resources in the city. Not to get too political, but so much of the growth in DC for the last 20 years have been stimulated from outside the city. I sometimes think "Come on, we don't have to be New York, we're D.C. -- we got this" but I digress.

Zenescope Entertainments E.V.I.L Heroes #5

What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?

Oh man, the National Gallery of Art, The Portrait Gallery is a definite favorite, I love the African American museum, and most definitely the American Indian Museum.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

The Good Stuff Eatery -- no question.

Do you have a website or blog?

Yup, it is www.nazirstudios.blogspot.com

April 8-9: Studio Ghibli series at West End Cinema

West End Cinema in D.C. continues its spring Studio Ghibli series with "My Neighbor Totoro" on April 8 and 9 at 1:00 p.m.

April 8: Paul Zdepski comics-making workshop

Paul Zdepski will host a comics-making workshop this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va., which also has an exhibit by Alex Ross. The workshop is $35 for the general public. Registration is required.

Here's a fun live Facebook interview recorded with Paul to promote the workshop.

April 8: Hello Kitty truck in Arlington; thousands expected

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Is Stopping At Pentagon Row On Saturday

by Christina Sturdivant
 Apr 5, 2017
http://dcist.com/2017/04/hello_kitty_truck_pentagon.php

Ruben Bolling's Herblock speech

Ruben Bolling 2017

 

herblockvideo April 3 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J-NORKZUPU

and here's John Lewis too:

John Lewis 2017

herblockvideo April 3 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvrmb8ENCyM

School Library Journal recommends March vol. 3

"March" Madness: Congressman Lewis's Graphic Novel Wins SLJ's Battle of the Books

By Shelley Diaz on March 31, 2017

The acclaimed graphic memoir marches to victory once again, the latest in a long line of accolades. The ultimate win in SLJ's ninth annual virtual book competition goes to the much-lauded final volume in the "March" graphic nonfiction series (Top Shelf) by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.

Continued at http://www.slj.com/2017/03/books-media/march-madness-congressman-lewiss-graphic-novel-wins-sljs-battle-of-the-books/

April 26: March vol 1 bookclub meeting at East City Bookshop

Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30pm
Reality Literature Book Club reads MARCH: BOOK ONE by John Lewis, et al.
Reality Literature, East City Bookshop's narrative nonfiction book club, will discuss the first volume in John Lewis's graphic novel memoir of his childhood through his young adulthood in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Learn More

East City Bookshop

645 Pennsylvania Ave SE

Suite 100

Washington, DC 20003

April 8: KidsCon at Fantom Comics

Fantom Comics in Dupont Circle is hosting a kids minishow April 8 from noon to 4 p.m.

April 8: Cecil Con in Md.

Cecil Con is a family-friendly, fantasy, gaming, anime and sci-fi convention hosted by the Geekdom Club at Cecil College in North East, Md. Admissions is $3. Free for Cecil College students, 55 and older, and 5 and under.

According to the Facebook event page, it's the show's 4th year. "Last year we had 600+ attendees and this year we're expecting 800+!"
 

Flashback Comics YouTube channel

Flashback Comics of Woodbridge, Va., has a YourTube channel where it features explanations of comics characters, tidbits on comics collecting, etc.

Kickstarter for a photo book of cartoonists

I loved Greg Preston's first volume of The Artist Within, and I hope you'll consider backing his second.  I am.

April 10: Gene Yang signing at Big Planet

National Ambassador of Young People's Literature and best-selling comic book creator Gene Luen Yang comes to Big Planet Comics on U St. on Monday, April 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

April 1: Alex Ross at Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

MEET ALEX ROSS!

Alex Ross Art Exhibit & Signing

Renowned Comic Book Artist Alex Ross Signing   The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley April 1   Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross   Winchester, VA 03/23/17 Alex Ross fans will have the opportunity to meet the artist at a free signing event on Saturday, April 1, at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) in Winchester, Virginia.   This rare public appearance - the only scheduled signing for Alex Ross in 2017 - is organized in conjunction with the display of the new exhibition Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross.   The MSV is the first venue to host this traveling exhibition, which has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. On view in Winchester through May 14, 2017, the exhibition's MSV display is sponsored by Shenandoah Country Q102.   A lithograph of Ross's The World's Greatest Superheroes ($50) will be released at the April 1 signing. Painted in 2005 and on view in Superheroes and Superstars, the work features DC Comics' most recognizable superheroes. In addition to the new print, a variety of Alex Ross merchandise will be available for purchase in the Museum Store, including books, mini-canvasses ($150), and a limited supply of prints ($50). A signed, framed set of Ross's Yellow Submarine portraits of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison is also available for purchase at the MSV ($1,500). The Museum Store will open at 9 a.m. on April 1.   Before or after meeting Alex Ross, attendees are encouraged to see Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross in the Museum's Changing Exhibition Gallery. The exhibition presents more than 100 original works created by Alex Ross, all on public display for the first time. Most of the works in the exhibition are on loan from Ross's personal collection.   Superheroes and Superstars features Alex Ross's well-known images of superheroes, villains, and his recent paintings of popular culture icons, such as The Beatles and Monty Python. Paintings, sketches, and models from his childhood and college years are also on view, including "Spidey" booklets that Ross created at the age of four, action figures he made when he was 11 years old, and a self-portrait for a high school art class. Some of Ross's more recent works in the exhibition include A Tale of Two Reeves, a 2016 painting illustrating the two actors audiences most identify with Superman; the 2016 Hulk Marvelmania poster painting; Flash Gordon, a 2015 painting marking the 35th anniversary of the Flash Gordon film; and Ross's variant cover for Star Wars #1, an homage to the original 1977 issue for Marvel's relaunch of the classic Star Wars comic book series.   Those interested in attending the April 1 signing event may bring up to three items per person (no sketches and/or portfolio reviews). While a fee is not required to attend the signing and meet Alex Ross, MSV admission will apply to view Superheroes and Superstars.   Where: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley                  901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601   Who:     Alex Ross to appear from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.   Snacks and drinks are available for purchase in the Museum Store and Winchester's Jack Knuckle Gourmet Food Truck will be at the MSV from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the day of the signing.   A regional cultural center, the MSV is located at 901 Amherst Street in Winchester, Virginia. The MSV includes galleries, the Glen Burnie House, and seven acres of gardens. The galleries and exhibitions are open year-round; the house and gardens are open April through December. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. January through March). Admission is $10 or $8 for seniors and youth ages 13 to 18. General admission is always free to youth ages 12 and under and to MSV Members. Thanks to sponsor Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc., admission is free to all every Wednesday. Additional details are available at www.theMSV.org or by calling 540-662-1473, ext. 235.

Valiant ad for Vans Warped Tour on back page of Wash City Paper

There's an ad for Vans Warped Tour on back page of March 31, 2017 Washington City Paper that uses Valiant characters. I can't quite figure out the connection from the Vans' website at http://vanswarpedtour.com/

'It's All Journalism' interview on alt-press graphic novel

Local journalist, podcaster and comics fan Michael O'Connell interviews graphic novelist Ethan Persoff about his biography of John Wilcock and the alternative press scene of the '60s and '70s. Check out Michael's podcast It's All Journalism #246: "Journey down the underground press rabbit hole"
 

The Post (and NYT) on Ghost in the Shell live action remake

'Ghost in the Shell' brings an anime classic to life, with mixed success [in print as 'Ghost in the Shell' and the spirit of the times].

By Ann Hornaday

Washington Post March 31 2017, p. C1-2

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ghost-in-the-shell-brings-an-anime-classic-to-life-with-mixed-success/2017/03/30/ab53703e-1540-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html

 

In 'Ghost in the Shell,' a Cyborg With Soul

By MANOHLA DARGIS

A version of this review appears in print on March 31, 2017, on Page C1 of the New York edition with the headline: A Cyborg With a Soul.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/movies/ghost-in-the-shell-review-scarlett-johansson.html

 

Anatomy of a Scene | 'Ghost in the Shell'

The director Rupert Sanders narrates a scene featuring Scarlett Johansson.

By MEKADO MURPHY on Publish Date March 30, 2017.

https://www.nytimes.com/video/movies/100000005016686/anatomy-of-a-scene-ghost-in-the-shell.html

The Post on Boss Baby and Ghost in the Shell

'The Boss Baby': Grown-up life lessons in a family-friendly animated comedy [in print as More mature than it might appear].

By Pat Padua
Washington Post March 31 2017, p. Weekend 33

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/the-boss-baby-grown-up-life-lessons-in-a-family-friendly-animated-comedy/2017/03/30/60bf609a-1334-11e7-833c-503e1f6394c9_story.html

Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin) and his 7-year-old brother, Tim (Miles Christopher Bakshi), work on a secret mission to stop what poses the direst threat to what the film posits is babies' already tenuous hold on parental love: puppies. (DreamWorks Animation)

The four words I wish I didn't say during 'The Boss Baby' [in print as Don't give a yuck: I picked the wrong time to be a critic]

By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express March 31 2017, p. 24
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2017/03/31/the-four-words-i-wish-i-didnt-say-during-the-boss-baby/

'The Boss Baby' Puts Alec Baldwin in Diapers, Sort Of

By NEIL GENZLINGER

A version of this review appears in print on March 31, 2017, on Page C7 of the New York edition with the headline: Baby Talk for Grown-Ups.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/movies/the-boss-baby-review-alec-baldwin.html

Andrew Williams - An Artomatic Interview

by Mike Rhode

Andrew Williams cartoon-based painting series at Artomatic in Crystal City is the religious-themed The Good News, but he also did a school newspaper comic strip called Mike and Moop. He's agreed to answer our usual questions.

 What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?  

Well I mainly do newspaper style comic strips on paint canvases.

 How do you do it? 

I use a combination of pencil and acrylic paint. I really want to get back into digital artwork, so I just bought an IPad Pro. We'll see how that works out.

When and where were you born? 

I was born on July 16, 1987 in Washington D.C.

Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?  

I actually live in Prince Georges County, Maryland now, but most of the time I'm in DC with my artwork, the city brings out my creativity.

 What is your training and/ or education in cartooning? 

Well, I'm a self-taught artist but I have done one year at the Art Institute of Washington for graphic design. As far as cartooning, I read a lot of comics and watch a lot of cartoons.



Who are your influences?  

Jesus Christ, Aaron McGruder, Hanna-Barbera and Banksy.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change? 

I would have copyrighted all of my images and stayed motivated fresh out of high school.

What work are you best-known for? 

I have to say Mike and Moop, only because I've been working on it for over 11 years. Mike and Moop originally appeared in Prince George's County Community College newspaper The Owl. However the Good News seems to be taking the spotlight nowadays.



What work are you most proud of?  

The Good News, because I really feel like the series is bigger than myself.

What would you like to do or work on in the future? 

As of right now I'm working on combining all of my strips into one book. AND Comics will be an anthology of all the comic strips I'm working on which will consist of Mike and Moop, GOODNEWS and Automatic Water pistols.

Does Good News tell a story?

Good News does tell a story. Unlike Mike and Moop and Automatic Water Pistols the story for GOODNEWS is already written (The Bible). So the purpose for the paintings and comic strip is less dialogue and more visual story telling. The maximum amount of text I want in the GOODNEWS is 10 words. The GOODNEWS ties into Mike and Moop and Automatic Waterpistols, because of the way the characters conduct themselves and the end moral of the stories, even though the characters never come out and say "Hey look, I'm a Christian".

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block? 

I like to watch artist and hip-hop documentaries. I feel like whenever I'm in a rut or have writers block, its best to look at other established artist for motivation. Exit through the Looking Glass has been on replay ever since I've started doing art shows again.

What do you think will be the future of your field? 

Everything seems to be going digital now, so old-school inking and pencil cartooning will either be obsolete or seen as retro treasures. As far as storytelling goes, I'm interested to see what future kids will have to talk about.

What local Cons do you attend? 

This year is the first year I applied to Awesome Con in Washington DC. I do plan on attending a few throughout the year.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

The People, Art and Chicken Wings with Mambo sauce.

Least favorite? 

Violence.



What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to? 

MLK memorial.

How about your favorite local  restaurant?

Ben's Chili bowl.

Do you have a website or blog?   

Instagram: @fir3inmybones

http://www.rawartists.org/dr3wwilliams

'Pigheaded' quoted on NYT obit on Skip Williamson

"Pigheaded," a documentary on legendary underground cartoonist Skip Williamson by local cartoonist/film maker John Kinhart, was mentioned in the March 22 New York Times obituary on Williamson.

Sean Hill interviewed in Tessera

The arts blog Tessera interviews comics creator Sean Hill on his approach to art and storytelling. Sean will also be an exhibitor at the Heroic Minicomics Show May 20 at Heroic Aleworks in Woodbridge, Va.

Herblock Award photos

Here's pictures from last night's political cartooning award to Ruben Bolling for his Tom the Dancing Bug strip and the following speech by Rep. John Lewis at the Library of Congress.

Ace local photographer Bruce Guthrie is the go-to man for these.

Formal Presentation: 

http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2017_03_29A1_BollingP

Everything else: 

http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2017_03_29B_BollingR

My pictures, taken with a cell phone and as yet unedited, are at https://www.flickr.com/photos/42072348@N00/albums/72157681909955356

Gordon Thomas Frank - An Artomatic Interview

by Mike Rhode

Gordon Thomas Frank's art is influenced by cartoons including DC and Disney. A selection is on display at Artomatic 2017 in Arlington, VA. He's answered our usual questions.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do? 

My work has been described as digital pop art.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

Scanned images manipulated through Photoshop.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I'm a child of the 70's.

Why are you in Washington now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

I grew up on the D.C. border in P.G. County. I've lived in Alexandria since 2001.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Self-taught. I never finished school.

Who are your influences?

Tumblr is a great source for inspiration. I have spent hours cataloging old comic book panels for future reference for my artwork.

What work are you most proud of?

It's hanging in Artomatic right now...it's called 'Once You Go Black' and it depicts Sleeping Beauty holding a dildo. The show hadn't even opened, and it caused a few complaints.  The woman using the wall space next to me to said it was borderline child pornography. (She went ballistic and moved to the 3rd floor after someone else hung a floor-to-ceiling-sized painting with a penis on it). Another artist told me the Sleeping Beauty piece was 'kinda sorta' pornography, but was more upset with it because, 'as a Black woman', she felt it was racist.



Do you have a website or blog?

I am the creator of the tumblr blog Love Boat Insanity (loveboatinsanity.tumblr.com). It's a collection of Love Boat  celebrities (and even fictional characters) that might've been...such as John Waters, Divine, Pam Grier, Ultraman, Jeffrey Dahmer and Tommy Wiseau, etc.

Comic Riffs on Ruben Bolling and tonight's Herblock Award

How the Internet and Trump led to a cartoonist's Herblock Prize

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 29 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/03/29/how-the-internet-and-trump-led-to-a-cartoonists-herblock-prize-tonight/

Eric Gordon, the D.C. Creeper - An Artomatic Interview

by Mike Rhode

D.C. Creepers's Eric Gordon's work is usually based on live sketching of unaware subjects. He's sharing a room at Artomatic in Crystal City and agreed to answer our usual questions.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

My comics are all over the map. I've done giant robots, abstract collage stories, and dogs gambling. Most of my published work has been in DC's own Magic Bullet and I also self-publish a number of mini-comics and zines which sell at local shops and fests.  A few titles: Better Know a Ramen, Thank You For Your Cooperation, Mr. Squibly, Verse Scribble Verse, Vinyl Vagabonds and others.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

I do as much of my black and white work by hand as possible. I feel the most control of the medium that way, even the mistakes. I prefer brush and ink, but will use various pens as well. I try not to discriminate that much and work to seize the creativity when it happens.  I'll do some manipulation and color work in Photoshop after as needed.  I've been adding some watercolor to the process lately as well.


When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

1975.

Why are you in Washington now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

Born and raised in Bethesda and have roots in the Silver Spring area which is where I currently roost.  I stay here mostly to be near my folks and because I have a good job in the arts with Art Enables, vocational programming for adults with disabilities who are artists.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Background in illustration and further studies in social work and mental health.  I interned at Marvel for a while and have worked in animation, graphic design, and gallery management.  I also credit my comic and cartooning experience to the local comic shop, Big Planet in Bethesda, as well as Atomic in Baltimore. Lots of good influences there.  I also was in a cartooning club at the local JCC for a few years growing up, which was pretty formative.

Who are your influences?

I've always been in deep debt to Bill Sienkiewicz, Stan and Jack, Brian Ralph, Daniel Clowes, Scott McCloud, and Berkeley Breathed.  Many others, but these are the first that come to mind.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

Wish I could have been at Marvel in the 60s instead of the 90s during the bankruptcy.  Also, would have gladly skipped the dot-com boom and bust.

What work are you best-known for?

Probably Mr. Squibly, a gum drop headed every man type. Made at over a dozen mini comics with him.  Also DC Creepers, which is a long running action sketching project I've been working on.

What work are you most proud of?

Mega Turg, my giant robot comic that was in Magic Bullet #3 and 12. Those comics are ridiculous, challenging, and mega fun (see what I just did there?).

What would you like to do  or work on in the future?

Keep challenging myself to make comics (and art in general) that is honest and full.  There have been a few invites to do comics that just didn't make sense for me and my voice. I'm excited about a four-page project for a Cartoonists Draw Blood compilation that is coming together, and a continuing series of paintings inspired by the local music scene.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

Procrastinate? No, that's bad. Usually I call my brother, a close friend in Queens, or talk to my wife.  They always seem to know the answer or give me such a wrong answer that it fires me up. Either way I am very lucky to have them for support.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

Small press publishing/self-publishing. Print is being killed by the internet so it's up to local art scenes, zine fests, comics clubs, art studios, and individuals to make the comics of the future. Online is a part of it, but the power and quality of paper is just impossible to ignore.

What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?

DC Zinefest -  one of the best I've ever tabled at - great books and crowd. SPX - been going since it began and tabled for the first time last year. It's crazy, but great. Richmond Zinefest - great people and books.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

The Maryland part... seriously though... it has to be the diversity. The Silver Spring area is insanely diverse culturally. That makes for great art, food, music, and life...  so many great subjects to draw from.



Least favorite?

Tourists and DC haters.  Don't like it here?  Please leave.

What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?

National Arboretum, Portrait Gallery, Art Enables galleries, and #1 is Baltimore's American Visionary Art Museum.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

Quarry House.

Do you have a website or blog?

www.dccreepers.blogspot.com

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Beth Varni

by Mike Rhode

Beth Varni is new to the comic book world, and has agreed to answer our usual questions about her work and life.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do? 

I do inking, pencils, and colors.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination? 

Computers, traditional, and combination.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born? 

1989.

What neighborhood or area do you live in? 

I live in Woodbridge Va

What is your training and/or education in cartooning? 

I have a BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University

Who are your influences? 

Adam Hughes, Tomm Cooker, Mike Mignola, Paul Azaceta, and far too many others to name. I am actually pretty shitty at names.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change? 

Early on I had an internship comic job with a company near George Mason. I'm not going to name them, and it was all around not a great experience. I was used to make logos as an unpaid intern as the ONLY logo designer they had and they advertised it. I was stolen from the company by my art director who more than likely cut my convo with the owner and took me, and then threw fits when I wanted to be paid for my colors. All around terrible.

The Witch art by Paul Moore, colors by Varni

What work are you best-known for? 

Um, I am actually very very new to comics only a year in and I think for The Last Hunt with Amigo Comics I am getting the most inquiries about. I did the colors; Paul Moore did the gorgeous pencils and inks. I also work on colors for The Shepard by Calibur comics which I've gotten positive feedback from.

What work are you most proud of? 

I think it's my non-comic works involving my niece and nephew. I do regular art, paintings, sculptures- I think what I love the most are the paintings of my family. They mean something to me. A birth, a quiet moment with a nana, a smiling baby for the first time. Those I love.

What would you like to do or work on in the future? 

Varni colors over Paul Moore art

Character design and colors are what I love in the realm of comics and games. I really want to work with my co-artist Paul Moore on some more stuff. I'd like to do colors for an Image series and of course for Marvel. A big dream of mine is doing concept art for a Bioware game. (Mass Effect lover here).

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block? 

Play video games. Go out with my friends. Cuddle with my dogs.

What do you think will be the future of your field? 

It looks like it's headed into big growth right now. My generation's moving into the creation and profit fields- they like comics and games and movies. Of course we have different opinions than the old school creators so the art styles, panels, covers, even methods of story telling are being tested and changed. I hate when people say "this is the way we do this" well yeah, it's YOUR way to do it. Not the only way. It's fun to see what new paths comics and art in general will take in the future.

What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?

McKinnon Chronicles art by Matt Trinh, colors by Varni

Haha. I've actually NEVER gone to a con as an artist. I went to Otakon a long time ago with my friends... Tiki and the Revolution? Took home the best sketch trophy. Martial artists and Streetfighter work well together.

What's your favorite thing about DC? 

I love all the restaurants and the shows at the Verizon center. Initial reaction was I love the Cherry Blossom Festival - and the Beer festivals nearby at the Washington Harbor are very fun as well.

Least favorite? 

Traffic. I travel a TOOON so I can say we have some of the worst traffic in the world sometimes. Istanbul has us beat from what I've experienced but still DC traffic sucks.

What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to? 

I love to take them to the Mall and show them all the museums. Native American, Art, Natural History, Space! All so fun and fantastic.

How about a favorite local restaurant? 

In DC it's Zaytinya over by the Verizon Center. Took my dad there for his 60th bday- he loved it and so did my whole family. Great place; I cannot recommend it enough. 

Cunning Folk by Varni

Do you have a website or blog?

I have a website, it's my online portfolio. It has comic art, video game art, and just regular art for the sake of art- www.bethvarni.com

Comic Riffs talks to Shannon Wheeler about Trump

A New Yorker cartoonist is creating a new book that illustrates President Trump's tweets

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs March 21 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/03/21/a-new-yorker-cartoonist-is-creating-a-new-book-that-illustrates-president-trumps-tweets/

Heroic Minicomic Show

Heroic Aleworks in Woodbridge, Va., and the D.C. Conspiracy are teaming up for the Heroic Minicomic Show on Saturday, May 20, from noon to 7 p.m. The show will feature about 20 local comic creators and a couple comics-related creators. Stay posted for a list of exhibitors!