Wednesday, October 09, 2019

The Post's opinion page on Joker and South Park

The Joker reflects Gotham's insecurities — and our own
By Sonny Bunch
Washington Post Act Four blog October 8, 2019
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/10/08/joker-reflects-gothams-insecurities-our-own/

At least 'South Park' stands up to China's censorship [in print as China won't die laughing. Just ask 'South Park']
By Kathleen Parker
Washington Post October 9 2019, p. A19
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/at-least-south-park-stands-up-to-chinas-censorship/2019/10/08/99cfd584-ea07-11e9-85c0-85a098e47b37_story.html

More SPX interviews by Joe Mochove and Rusty Rowley online today

SPX 2019: Joe Procopio
Oct 9, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phftunxq34c
Rusty and Joe chat with longtime pal Joe Procopio about MISSING SPX?!
Oh, and about making comics and rediscovering art that time forgot.
But, seriously, he almost didn't come to SPX?

SPX 2019: Giancarlo D'Alessandro
Oct 9, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdIcGBlL8og
Rusty and Joe spend a few minutes with Giancarlo D'Alessandro learning
about his comic anthology and the magic of fast food frying. Oh, and
Tamagotchi angels waiting for us in Heaven.

SPX 2019: Neil A. Cohen
Oct 9, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9r33uHhrPM
Joe and Rusty talk to Neil A. Cohen about turning passion into profit
and finding your niche in the world of media!

SPX 2019: Mady G
Oct 9, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KK229EgNkQ
Joe and Rusty talk to Mady G about her new graphic novel, "A Quick and
Easy Guide to Queer and Trans Identities"! They talk about the origins
of the book as well as the unique way it's put together. Also
discussed: cool hats and complicated names.

Thompson art for National Geographic's New Everyday Science Explained

https://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2019/10/thompson-art-for-national-geographics.html

A blog post about more of Richard's illustrations that haven't been seen since being published in 2003.

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

SPX puts more panels and interviews online

SPX 2019 Panel - Intersection Between Comics and Animation

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 3, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzo5sEMcavo

Artists have been working in the mediums of comics and animation for as long as both have existed. Recently, the divide between the two arts seems thinner than ever, especially since so much of alternative comics has influenced animation. From directors to storyboard artists and from personal projects to working for major studios, a quartet of cartoonists discuss what the transition between the two is like, how to find ways to work on personal comics while still doing commercial work, and what a cartoonist can learn from animation. Craig Frank (JFK Secret Ops), John Kenn Mortensen (Sticky Monsters), Dakota McFadzean (DreamWorks, Don't Get Eaten By Anything), and Laura Knetzger (Adventure Time, Bug Boys) talk about balancing the personal and commercial and how their skills overlap. Critic Jules Bakes (Enemies Of The State) moderates.

SPX 2019 Panel - Science Fiction and Social Justice

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 4, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_sJfhwjz8g

Science fiction has long been used as a way to speak out against inequality, colonialism, and other injustices. Moderator and critic Kayleigh Hearn (Women Write About Comics) leads a discussion with Ezra Claytan Daniels (Bttm Fdrs, Upgrade Soul), Kevin Czap (Fütchi Perf), Iasmin Omar Ata (Mis(h)adra, Zenith) and Carla Speed McNeil (Finder) on how they address systematic oppression in their comics.

SPX 2019 Panel - Birthing Stories

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 4, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8iMbZUVQec

There have been a number of extraordinary comics published about pregnancy and motherhood in recent years. Carol Tyler (Late Bloomer, Soldier's Heart) blazed the trail in this regard thirty years ago, and she moderates an all-star assemblage of cartoonists discussing the experience of giving birth. Lucy Knisley (Kid Gloves), Marnie Galloway (Slightly Plural), Meghan Turbitt (Laughter Birth), Lauren Weinstein (Mother's Walk), and Rachel Masilamani (We Conceive) offer a wide variety of perspectives on their own birthing stories.

SPX 2019: Katherine Blood & Martha Kennedy

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 7, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTiMqQeTa4M

Joe and Rusty chat with Katherine Blood and Martha Kennedy from the Library of Congress! We talk about buying books for country's library, finding new artists, and how to decide what should be preserved! We also discuss cheese! Check out the Small Press Expo's collection by going to loc.gov and searching "Small Press Expo"! There's so much stuff!

SPX 2019: Jeff Zwirek

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 8, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S053R5uaWTQ

Jeff gives Joe and Rusty the inside inside scoop on Popeye's Chicken Sandwich! And the Impossible Burger! Dark, probably untrue, secrets revealed for the first time! Joe was on the outside and had no idea!

SPX 2019 Panel - Cartoonist Kayfabe Live!

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 5, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UZalTVBiOM

Ed Piskor (Hip-Hop Family Tree) and Jim Rugg (Street Angel) give viewers "the audio/visual inside scoop from two lifetime comic book makers." Ed and Jim's popular comics podcast discusses everything from old issues of Wizard and Heroes Illustrated to commentaries on specific series to quarter bin discoveries. This installment is recorded live from SPX.

SPX 2019: Caroline L. Smith

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 7, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR7lC3ob3y0

Joe and Rusty talk to Caroline L. Smith about her first time at SPX, making diary comics, and the grind of long projects! Oh, and knitting! There's definitely knitting chat.

SPX 2019: Adam Casey

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 7, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXmiRg2NW7g

Rusty and Joe catch up with longtime pal, Adam Casey! We discuss drawing challenges, upcoming crime sprees, and, well, there's no good way to put this: the guys may have met their end at Adam's hand.

SPX 2019: Mindy Indy

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 7, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baM7d0SxlRo

Mindy Indy tells the guys all about her new Kickstarter for Aer Head! Also, possibly the most action-packed Mystery Question ever! It's all going down, guys!

SPX 2019 Panel - Libraries and Comics: Past, Present and Future Trends

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 7, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iiGrk_00j8

Over the past twenty years, libraries and the comics industry at all levels have been working together to forge bonds that have benefited both. Comics and graphic novels have become a huge draw for libraries, who also use their resources for comics festivals and workshops. Libraries have become an essential client for publishers at all levels, emerging as a crucial part of their bottom line. Critic Chris Mautner explores the evolving nature of this relationship with Kathy Schalk-Green (of the American Library Association), Megan Halsband (from the Library of Congress), Jacq Cohen (representing Fantagraphics Books), and cartoonist Raina Telgemeier (award-winning and best-selling author of Smile, Drama, Sisters and her newest book, Guts).

SPX 2019 Panel - Graphic Advocacy

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 6, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xu5vWjzagI

While comics are often thought of primarily as a storytelling medium, the rise of graphic journalism and graphic medicine point to a fusion of text, image, and narrative. In particular, comics with a particular mission and point of view are a powerful tool. Moderator Hallie Jay Pope leads Dan Nott (This Is What Democracy Looks Like), Archie Bongiovanni (A Quick & Easy Guide To They/Them Pronouns), Breena Nuñez (Visions From The Inside) and Matt Bors (The Nib) in a discussion of their particular projects. From advocating particular causes, to giving others a voice, to providing instruction on important issues, each cartoonist has a lot to say in their comics.

SPX 2019 Panel - Depicting Motion in Sports Comics

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 6, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjSPuh5EsEE

Sports comics have a long and distinguished tradition, both in America and abroad. And they present a unique challenge for cartoonists: trying to find a way to depict dynamic movements in a static medium. José Quintinar (Gran Slam), AJ Dungo (In Waves), Rob Ullman (Old-Timey Hockey Tales), and Ellen Lindner (The Cranklet's Chronicle) discuss how they bring tennis, surfing, hockey, and baseball (respectively) to life. SPX Executive Director, comics historian and collector Warren Bernard moderates and offers his perspective on sports cartooning with examples of work by Willard Mullin, the pre-eminent sports cartoonist of the 20th Century.

SPX 2019: Micah Myers

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 8, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkINgy8wONU

Joe and Rusty chat with Micah Myers about his ridiculously prolific lettering career, writing comics, and the challenges of collaboration! Also, something happens here that has never happened in an interview with Rusty and Joe before! Trust us: we are telling the truth! Also trust us: it will disappoint! Check out Micah's work at micahletterscomics.com!

SPX 2019: Kelly Bastow

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 8, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tO68GAzsg

Rusty and Joe catch up with Kelly Bastow! They discuss pets, puzzles, scratchers, best dresses, edible bananas, and SO MUCH MORE.

SPX 2019: Carol Tyler

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 8, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZhow9FEX0

Carol Tyler returns with a comics gang to update Rusty and Joe about her Ink Farm, redecorating her home with art on the walls, and getting sweet grocery deals!

SPX 2019 Panel - Enemies of the State Live!

SmallPressExpo

Published on Oct 5, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO9i73oniYQ

Critics Alex Hoffman (Sequential State), Daniel Elkin (Your Chicken Enemy), Rob Clough (High-Low), and Jules Bakes present a live version of their podcast Enemies Of The State. In every episode, they take a deep dive into a single book. The Enemies discuss the Ignatz Award-nominated Girl Town and are joined by the artist, Casey Nowak.

Swann Foundation is accepting fellowship applications

The Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship, one of the few in the field, for the 2020-2021 academic year. Deadline for applications is February 14, 2020. Please see the following for criteria, guidelines, and application forms:

https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html

Please email swann@loc.gov or call (202) 707-9115 if you have questions.

Monday, October 07, 2019

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Home, Dank Home"

From DC's anarchist cartoonist, Mike Flugennock

"Home, Dank Home (Hands Off Homegrow, no. 2)
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2807

Another for my gang at DCMJ, in support of retaining legal homegrow —
one of the main provisions of Initiative 71 — in DC Mayor Bowser's
Safe Cannabis Sales Act.

-----

Washington DC "Safe Cannabis Sales Act"
https://mayor.dc.gov/marijuana

Sunday, October 06, 2019

Interview: The Career Of John Romita, Jr...In His Own Words

by Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Oct 06, 2019

https://previewsworld.com/Article/235654

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBHmsF2qbpU

There are certain things you can always count on when it comes to comics - things that are mainstays across generations.

For example:

Marvel vs. DC will always be THE go-to rivalry.
No one stays dead in comics forever.
With great power comes great responsibility.
Archie will never quite settle on Betty or Veronica.
Crossovers are as imminent as death and taxes.
John Romita, Jr.

Since the late 1970s, John Romita, Jr. has been a constant in the comic book industry. His four-decade run at Marvel bridged generations, his co-creations Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl infiltrated the larger pop culture landscape, and his current run at DC Comics is destined to extend his career in comics well into the future.

In Part 1 of our interview above, Romita, Jr. takes us through the earliest parts of his career. From stepping out of the shadow of his legendary father (John Romita, Sr.) to tackling the classic "Demon in a Bottle" story for Iron Man. Journey with PREVIEWsworld as Romita provides an oral history of the ups, downs, and triumphs of making myths and entertaining fans throughout the years.

Stay tuned for Part 2, in which Romita talks about his first run on X-Men and much more!

That darn Toles

Face it. Thou shalt lie.

Thomas Anthony DiMaggio, York, Pa.

Washington Post October 5 2019, p. A17

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/readers-critique-the-post-cokie-roberts-dwts-and-martinis/2019/10/04/7d166d00-e47a-11e9-a6e8-8759c5c7f608_story.html

That darn Knight Life and Nancy

They loved 'The Knight Life,' 'Nancy,' not so much

Gretchen Dunn, Peter Zimmerman, Roger L. Powell

Washington Post October 5 2019, p. A17

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/readers-critique-the-post-cokie-roberts-dwts-and-martinis/2019/10/04/7d166d00-e47a-11e9-a6e8-8759c5c7f608_story.html

The Post on Batwoman and ranking Jokers

After their CW treatments, Batwoman and Nancy Drew have a hard time being themselves [in print as Gotham deserves better than this lame 'Batwoman']

By Hank Stuever

Washington Post October 5 2019, p. C1, 2

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/after-their-cw-treatments-batwoman-and-nancy-drew-have-a-hard-time-being-themselves/2019/10/03/8136fe1e-e483-11e9-b403-f738899982d2_story.html

Ruby Rose knows Batwoman is a step forward for LGBTQ superheroes — but she's more interested in how she saves the day

By David Betancourt

Washington Post October 6 2019,

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/06/ruby-rose-knows-batwoman-is-step-forward-lgbtq-superheroes-shes-more-interested-how-she-saves-day/

Our definitive ranking of the Jokers, from Jack Nicholson to Joaquin Phoenix [in print as A Definitive Ranking of Our Favorite Jokers].

By David Betancourt

Reporter

Washington Post October 6 2019, p. E8-9

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/02/our-definitive-ranking-jokers-jack-nicholson-joaquin-phoenix/

Bob Mankoff is speaking at Politics and Prose

... About Jewish cartoons. And retelling some of Freud's jokes.

Friday, October 04, 2019

City Paper reviews Joker

Joker is Nothing More Than a Series of Grievances [in print as Tears of a Clown]

Todd Phillips does the iconic character a disservice.

Alan Zilberman

Washington City Paper Oct 4, 2019 p. 26.

online at https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts/film-tv/article/21090477/joker-reviewed

Library of Congress comics exhibit featured on CGTN

Comic strip exhibition celebrates icons and heroes time forgot

Owen Fairclough

Oct 1, 2019

Original artwork of famous comic characters has gone on display at the U.S. Library of Congress. The exhibition charts 120 years of cartoons. And while there are scores of familiar faces, the exhibition also aims to honor those time forgot, CGTN's Owen Fairclough reports.