Thursday, June 01, 2017

Comic Riffs on Wonder Woman's director

How 'Wonder Woman' director Patty Jenkins cracked the superhero-movie glass ceiling [in print as Director cracks a glass ceiling with 'Wonder Woman']

Washington Post June 1 2017, p C1-2

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/05/31/how-wonder-woman-director-patty-jenkins-cracked-the-superhero-movie-glass-ceiling/

Battle of the Network Shows focuses on Wonder Woman tv show this week

20170520_135018

Comics writer Mike Cowgill (left) sends us a note about his podcast:

Battle of the Network Shows explores the TV of the '70s and '80s. Each Thursday, hosts Rick Brooks and Mike Cowgill cover a different episode of a different show in a free-flowing discussion. Season one topics have included The Incredible Hulk, The Six Million Dollar Man, a musical episode of Happy Days, a Lowenbrau commercial, and even a Family Circus Christmas special. So far, season two has covered well-known shows like Diff'rent Strokes, Magnum P.I., and The Golden Girls, as well as rarities like Run, Joe, Run and Search.

On Thursday June 1, the latest episode focuses on--what else--Wonder Woman, starring Lynda Carter.

Rick writes the blog Cultureshark http://cultureshark.blogspot.com/ and a TV column reviews for ClassicFlix.

(Unfortunately, his ClassicFlix articles are behind a subscription wall, or I'd give you a link to that).

Mike writes fiction and writes and draws comics and is a member of the DC Conspiracy. His work appears in Magic Bullet, and you can see more at michaelcowgill.com and local comics shows such as SPX and Bmore Into Comics.

(Fair warning I've been having some issues with my site, but hopefully they'll be resolved soon).

Some other links.


(Everything below is or will be linked there)




Twitter: @battnetshows

Instagram: @battleofthenetworkshows

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Teresa Logan profiled (even though she's not in DC anymore)

Apatoff on Fuchs

This is about illustration, not comics, but Fuchs' biographer David Apatoff is a friend of mine who also writes about comics. And he's a good, thoughtful writer. So read this, and then buy his new book:

The Reign of Bernie Fuchs

By: |

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

PR: Fantom Comics events

Upcoming Week at Fantom – May 31 Edition

Wonder Woman Day on Saturday!

Followed by Femme Night: Amazon Edition

 

Welcome to this week's dashboard post, intended to keep you updated on all that's happening at ol' Fantom.

 

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS

 

Friday, June 2 – Friday Night Magic – Booster draft and casual play! Everyone's invited.

Saturday, June 3 – Wonder Woman Day – To celebrate the release of the Wonder Woman film and her 75th anniversary, we'll be doing all sorts of sales, giveaways, activities, and more. And in the evening, it's Fantom Femme Night: Amazon Edition! ANY AND ALL WONDER WOMAN COSPLAY ENCOURAGED!

Saturday, June 3 – Fantom Femme Night: Amazon Edition – In honor of Wonder Woman's 75th anniversary and Wonder Woman Day, we're turning Fantom into Paradise Island! Don your Amazonian best, grab some snacks and get ready for a night of fun worthy of the original Warrior Princess!

Sunday, June 4 – Black Excellence Book Club: Your Black Friend – "Ben Passmore's necessary contribution to the dialogue around race in the United States, Your Black Friend is an open letter from your black friend to you about race, racism, friendship and alienation."

Monday, June 5 – Comics & Cocktails – Join us for drinks, food and geeky talk! All are welcome!

NPR: "Kids Craft Comics To Explore Immigration Fears"

 Ray Padgett of Shore Fire Media sends in:



"I feel sad, angry, and not cheerful. I would not like it in Mexico because I don't speak Spanish."


A nine-year old girl said that in the recent after-school class "Illustrated Migration Stories," where Latino kids create comics based on their personal immigration history and fears. NPR visited the class to tell the children's stories in a powerful video:

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/05/28/527059265/watch-kids-craft-comics-to-explore-immigration-fears

"One thing that's been really nice about it is the kids talking about how they can sleep better," instructor Nora Litz says in the video. "They're not so worried like they were in the beginning."

"Illustrated Migration Stories" is only one of many writing classes Mighty Writers puts on for children. Their summer offerings include classes on girl power, political protest, sports and hip-hop, poetry, web design, cinema, and much more.



Photo barrage - RFK award, AAAS' STEAM Exhibit, Heroic Aleworks and Vanessa Bettencourt

Here's pictures from some of the recent events in Washington and the area (click through to go to Flickr for more pictures):

20170525_175411

American Association for the Advance of Science (AAAS)'s S.T.E.A.M. exhibit on educational comics, Within the Panels, with Matt Dembicki.

20170520_131747

Heroic Aleworks brewery in Woodbridge, VA held a mini comics-con with DC Conspiracy members.

RFKPR4_170523_118 Annette Krause,  Mike Rhode & Mike Thompson

RFK awards 2017 - Mike Thompson won the cartoon award for a series on Flint, Michigan's water.

20170520_155939

Vanessa Bettencourt at Alexandria's Hooray for Books

Comic Riffs reviews Wonder Woman

'Wonder Woman' marks DC's triumphant return to great storytelling


Saturday, May 27, 2017

Staake draws Gorey for Post Style Invitational contest

Style Invitational Week 1229: Gorey bits from A to Z — give us edgy alphabet rhymes

by Pat Meyers and Bob Staake

Washington Post May 28 2017, p. E15


"​S is for Speedo, too small for your size./ T is the Trauma you've done to my eyes." (Bob Staake/For The Washington Post, after Edward Gorey)

Comic Riffs on Wonder Woman's history

A look back at Wonder Woman's feminist (and not-so-feminist) history [in print as A feminist icon - except when she wasn't].


Washington Post May 28 2017, p. E5
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/05/26/a-dive-into-wonder-womans-feminist-and-not-so-feminist-history/

Comic Riffs on Wimpy Kid's new movie

How 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' rebooted its middle-school film franchise with a whole new cast


Washington Post
Comic Riffs blog May 26 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/05/26/how-diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-rebooted-its-middle-school-film-franchise-with-a-whole-new-cast/

Friday, May 26, 2017

PR: Library of Congress Pop-Up Exhibit Will Celebrate Comic Books



Library of Congress logo

NEWS from the LIBRARY of CONGRESS
May 26, 2017
Press Contact: Jennifer Gavin (202) 707-1940, jgav@loc.gov
Public Contact: Tyanne Rodgers (202) 707-1507, tyro@loc.gov
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov
                                                                                                    
Library of Congress to Celebrate the World of Comics
The Library of Congress is gearing up for a super summer treat celebrating the role of comics and graphic novels in promoting literacy, as collectibles, in the arts, advertising, sociology, popular culture and history. Making a variety of collection items more accessible to the general public, the "Library of Awesome" features a pop-up display of famous comic-book issues, drawings, original comic strips and related items. Programming for all ages will be offered.

Nearly 100 comic-book collection items will be on display for "Library of Awesome," a pop-up exhibit featuring items from the Library's comic-book collections presented in conjunction with Awesome-Con, Washington, D.C.'s annual convention of comics, cosplay and pop culture. The display will be on view Wednesday, June 14 – Saturday, June 17 on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington D.C. Tickets are not required.

"Comic books attract fans and collectors of all ages. What many people might not know is that the Library of Congress is a collector as well," said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. "We have the world's largest collection of comic books, and I am so pleased we can share some of them during this special display.  I hope this experience will inspire visitors to further explore our collections and discover other surprises."

The collections of the Library of Congress include nearly 140,000 comic books dating back to the 1930s. Visitors will see famous editions of such comic-book characters as Wonder Woman, Superman and some of the most significant artwork and storylines in comic-book history. These include original artwork for the first appearance of Spider-Man and the American classic known as Famous Funnies No. 1 (1934), considered by many to be the first American comic book. First appearances of Batman, the Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk will be on display, as well as rare early science fiction and children's comics. The exhibit will also feature first issues of Archie, Luke Cage: Hero for Hire and Supergirl.

Additional programming includes a family-friendly costume contest with a chance to win a pair of tickets to Awesome-Con 2017, workshops and demonstrations.

Events are free and open to the public. Visitors who come to "Library of Awesome" dressed in a superhero character costume will receive a 15 percent discount on merchandise at the Library of Congress Shop.

Media wishing to cover the event must RSVP no later than Thursday, June 1. Additional details about coverage opportunities will follow.

The excitement can be followed on Twitter at @librarycongress and #LCcomics.

The programming includes:

Wednesday, June 14
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (LJ 113, first floor, Thomas Jefferson Building)
"Library of Awesome" Comic-Book Display
Visitors are invited to explore this pop-up display of more than 100 iconic comic-book issues of today's most popular characters. The display will feature multiple themes including Wonder Woman and milestones, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, children's comics and sci-fi comics. Free and open to the public. No tickets required.  

Thursday, June 15
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (LJ 113, first floor, Thomas Jefferson Building)
"Library of Awesome" Comic-Book Display
Visitors are invited to explore this pop-up display of more than 100 iconic comic-book issues of today's most popular characters. The display will feature multiple themes including Wonder Woman and milestones, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, children's comics and sci-fi comics. Free and open to the public. No tickets required.    

2 p.m. (Young Readers Center)
Cosplay Demonstration
Library Technician Ashley Dickerson and other cosplayers will demonstrate how they develop characters. Free and open to the public. No tickets required.

3 p.m. (Young Readers Center)
Cosplay Workshop
Library of Congress Young Readers Center staff and cosplayers will teach visitors how to make superhero arm gauntlets using basic craft supplies. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters. Free and open to the public. No tickets required.

Friday, June 16
9:30 a.m. (Neptune Plaza)
Costume Contest
Get your capes ready! Come dressed up as your favorite comic-book character for the ultimate costume contest. There will be separate categories for children and adult participants. The winners of the adult contest will receive a pair of passes to 2017 Awesome-Con to be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Free and open to the public. Reservations required; visit Eventbrite for reservation and official contest rules.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (LJ 113, first floor, Thomas Jefferson Building)
"Library of Awesome" Comic-Book Display
Visitors are invited to explore this pop-up display of more than 100 iconic comic-book issues of today's most popular characters. The display will feature multiple themes including Wonder Woman and milestones, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, children's comics and sci-fi comics. Free and open to the public. No tickets required. 

Saturday, June 17
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Young Readers Center)
"Library of Awesome" themed activites and displays 
Young Readers Center staff will host activities all day, including drawing comic books, creating props, and assembling costumes. Visitors will also be able to explore comic books, graphic novels and other Young Readers Center collections and partake in superhero and sci-fi-themed photo shoots.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (LJ 113, first floor, Thomas Jefferson Building)
"Library of Awesome" Comic-Book Display
Visitors are invited to explore this pop-up display of more than 100 iconic comic-book issues of today's most popular characters. The display will feature multiple themes including Wonder Woman and milestones, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Children's comics and sci-fi comics. Free and open to the public. No tickets required.      

11 a.m. (Walter E. Washington Convention Center)
"Comics Conversation: Collections and Preservation at the Library"*
Join Library of Congress staff members, including Senior Rare Book Conservator Claire Dekle, Curator of Popular and Applied Graphic Art Sara W. Duke, Reference Specialist Megan Halsband, Head of the Newspaper Section Georgia Higley and Curator of Popular and Applied Graphic Art Martha H. Kennedy, for a panel discussion about the original art and collections held at the Library. Panelists will share highlights of the collections, provide insights on the conservation and preservation of this material, and suggest how attendees might come to use the Library's collections for their own research. *Awesome-Con 2017 ticket required for attendance.

The Library of Awesome is made possible by gifts to the Library of Congress Fund. Those interested in supporting free programs at the Library can contact devofc@loc.gov.

The Serial and Government Publications Division maintains one of the most extensive newspaper collections in the world. It is exceptionally strong in United States newspapers, with 9,000 titles covering the past three centuries. With over 25,000 non-U.S. titles, it is the largest collection of overseas newspapers in the world. Beyond its newspaper holdings, the division also has extensive collections of current periodicals, comic books and government publications. The comic-book collection is available for research use by scholars, collectors, and other researchers in the Newspaper and Current Periodical Reading Room; for more information visit www.loc.gov/rr/news/coll/049.html.

The Library of Congress is the world's largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.

###
PR 17-63
2017-05-26
ISSN 0731-3527
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101 Independence Ave SE | Washington DC 20540-1610 USA  | 202.707.2905


PR: Anime USA Memorial Day Discount and New Guests




Anime USA 2017 Newsletter, Volume 5: Memorial Day Membership Discount!
View this email in your browser
Memorial Day Membership Discount

In honor of Memorial Day we are offering 33% off a Regular membership and 25% off a Silver membership from today through 31 May 2017. Use discount code MEM2017 at checkout to receive the discount.
Join Anime USA

We are proud to announce three additional guests in our educational and cultural track. 

Kass McGann



Costume Historian Kass McGann -- aka "The Internationally Renown Being of Sweetness and Light™" -- cannot wait for her third visit to Anime USA to share her knowledge of historical costuming and Japanese culture with the otaku.  After living on a Caribbean island for three years, Kass has one focus:  wearing more clothes!  Come learn about everything from the more obscure bits of Japanese costume history to Steampunk splendor, fabrics, colours, hats, hairdressing, accessories, the lot.  Let's see just how many outfits a person can stuff into a weekend when she doesn't have to worry about an airline luggage restriction, shall we?  In the meantime, you can follow her costume construction progress at reconstructinghistory.com

Brichibi Cosplays and SnowCosplays

15 years ago Briana Lawrence (Brichibi Cosplays) and Jessica Walsh (SnowCosplays) were two fanfiction writing ladies who geeked out over Gundam Wing boys and Resident Evil. Now?  They're still geeks and still have their fandoms, but they're also a cosplaying couple who write books, make crafts, and are generally nerdy women. Snow is the seamstress of the couple, meanwhile, Brichibi talks about issues in the cosplay community and how the most important thing about cosplay is to love yourself and have fun. The two ladies also speak on the importance of diversity when it comes to writing and pop culture, and they've both written about it via personal blogs and various websites. Speaking of writing, the ladies have work published through Dreamspinner Press, both write freelance for WatchMojo.com, and they also self-publish their own series of books. Brichibi is currently working on a black, queer, magical girl series called "magnifiqueNOIR," and the two will soon be working on the third book in their "Hunters" series.

When going to conventions they always bring their best so that they can promote their work. You can enjoy their crafts, get lost in their book series, or heck, you can come by for a hug and fun conversations about cosplay, anime, or video games. Always promoting positivity and always supporting one another, Brichibi and Snow are smiling their way through the geek scene.
Exhibit or Present at Anime USA.
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Exhibit in the Dealer Room
Present at Anime USA

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Balticon starts today

There's some crossover with comic book writers - http://balticon.org/wp51/programming/participants/

Thursday, May 25, 2017

NPR Books has a readers poll for comics

It's A Bird, It's A Plane ... It's Our Comics And Graphic Novels Reader Poll!

Our famous summer reader poll is back, and this year we're all about comics and graphic novels! Whether it's your childhood favorite or the webcomic you binged last week, we want to know about it.

Read this story