Tuesday, October 05, 2021

Matt Wuerker tackles Schoolhouse Rock

Remember 'I'm Just a Bill'? Here's the 2021 version.

After months of reporting on the haggling between Democrats and Republicans to pass Biden's infrastructure bill, we thought the 45-year-old explainer needed an update.

Interview with Action Comics & Alien Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson!

Interview with Action Comics & Alien Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson!

Cole-El and Dayspring

The Masters of Comic Books September 13 2021


NOT A DRILL, True Believers! We got Eisner-nominated writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson on the show today! Cole-El and Dayspring do a deep dive into his run on both Action Comics and Alien as well as his personal history with comics!

Swedish Mohamad cartoonist lars Vilks dead

Provocative Swedish cartoonist hunted by al-Qaeda dies in a car crash [in print as Swedish artist hunted by al-Qaeda dies in crash].

Washington Post October 5 2021

Charles Vess calendar available for 2022

Friend of ComicsDC Chris Sparks notes -

Charles Vess has a 2022 calender and it is signed. The perfect item for anyone who loves his art, faeries, calenders, the outdoors, or needs help in enjoying life more! HAHA! Here is the Link to read more about it . https://greenmanpress.com/the-limited-edition-2022-charles-vess-art-calendar-landscapes-of-faerie-is-now-available-to-order/

We're a big fan of Charles' work here even if he is in Southwest VA. I bought 2.

Cavna talks to New Yorker cartoon editor Emma Allen

Emma Allen is redefining what a New Yorker cartoon can be

Washington Post October 5 2021

Monday, October 04, 2021

Catching up with The Lily's webcomics


As a new mom, I was inundated with advice. Here's how I'm gaining confidence in my decisions.

How do you learn to navigate making choices for your child as a new mom?

As a new mom, I was inundated with advice. Here's how I'm gaining confidence in my decisions.
(Sharee Miller for The Washington Post)


How I learned to embrace my Asian curls

I used to wonder why my hair didn't look like other girls'. Now I welcome my natural texture.

How I learned to embrace my Asian curls
(Tenzing Lhamo Dorjee for The Washington Post)

Oct 7: SUNNY MAKES A SPLASH authors live at Barnes and Noble

Join us on Thursday, October 7 at 1 PM ET as author Jennifer L. Holm and illustrator Matthew Holm discuss SUNNY MAKES A SPLASH, the fourth entry in their New York Times bestselling Sunny graphic novel series, LIVE on our Facebook and YouTube channels. This special event will discuss the series and include a drawing demonstration in celebration of our Educator Week!

Sunday, October 03, 2021

NASA Releases Interactive Graphic Novel “First Woman”

NASA Releases Interactive Graphic Novel "First Woman"

Clare Skelly
Headquarters, Washington


First Woman, Issue 1 cover
Issue 1, "Dream to Reality," imagines Callie's trailblazing path as the first woman on the Moon. Callie and her robot sidekick, RT, overcome setbacks, disappointment, and tragedy along the way.
Credits: NASA

NASA released its first digital, interactive graphic novel on Saturday in celebration of National Comic Book Day. "First Woman: NASA's Promise for Humanity" imagines the story of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon.

While Callie's story is fictional, the first woman and the first person of color will walk on the Moon, achieving these historic milestones as part of NASA's Artemis missions. Through this graphic novel, NASA aims to inspire the next generation of explorers – the Artemis Generation.

Download, read, and interact with "First Woman" or listen to the audio version exclusively on NASA's SoundCloud.

"The story of Callie captures how passion, dedication, and perseverance allow us to turn our dreams into reality," said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. "Callie, much like myself, grew her skills, seized learning opportunities, and overcame challenges to become a NASA astronaut. Her diversity is reflected in our own astronaut corps today – it's important we can see ourselves as the explorers among the stars."

The 40-page comic book highlights NASA technologies for traveling to, landing on, and exploring the Moon. The digital format comes to life, letting readers engage and interact through augmented reality elements using the First Woman website or their mobile devices.

Readers can download the First Woman application for Android or iOS to explore life-sized environments and 3D objects, including NASA's Orion spacecraft and the lunar surface. Additional content includes videos, games, challenges to earn collector badges, and ways to virtually participate in NASA missions.

"We crafted this graphic novel and digital ecosystem to share NASA's work in a different and exciting way," said Derek Wang, director of communications for the Space Technology Mission Directorate at the agency's Headquarters in Washington. "We set out to make the content both engaging and accessible. From space fans of all ages to hardworking educators looking for new ways to get students excited about STEM, we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy."

NASA plans to release a Spanish version of the first issue of the comic book, "From Dream to Reality," on the website in the future.

To learn more about the graphic novel and interactive experiences, visit:

www.nasa.gov/specials/calliefirst

That darn WuMo and Flashbacks

Kill, kill, kill this comic [WuMo letter]



Giving us the bad kind of flashbacks ["Flashbacks" letter].

Rebecca Frank, Oakton

Friday, October 01, 2021

The Post reviews The Addams Family and Venom sequels

The Addams Family are a bunch of weirdos. So why isn't 'The Addams Family 2' a whole lot weirder? [in print as No snaps for a blase (and maddeningly not-weird-enough) sequel]

A conversation with Andrew Aydin!

A conversation with Andrew Aydin!

Robin McConnell

VanCAF Comics Festival Podcast!

What an exciting episode! Former Inkstuds host and VanCAF Executive Director Robin McConnell is back in the game for a sprawling conversation with ANDREW AYDIN! Andrew is creator and co-author of the graphic memoir series, MARCH, which chronicles the life of Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. Co-authored with Rep. Lewis and illustrated by Nate Powell, MARCH is the first comics work to ever win the National Book Award. Robin and Andrew talk comics, politics, Run, Batman, who the creative team on specific Uncanny X-Men issues were, taking John Lewis to SDCC and lots more!

Black Widow accepts payout

Scarlett Johansson and Disney settle lawsuit over 'Black Widow' pay

An uncommonly public feud ends with diplomacy

Artley Exchanges Political Pen for Mic

 Steve Artley Transitions From Cartooning to Podcasting

October 1, 2021


[ALEXANDRIA VA] Following a 30-year political cartooning career, Steve Artley has transitioned his satirical prowess to another form: radio. A few weeks ago, journalist and Public Radio broadcaster Michael Pope contacted Artley with a request to be a regular contributor to the podcast Transition Virginia, hosted by Pope and political strategist, Thomas Bowman. Artley’s background in music, theater, and voice work go into the development of the two minute segments that are a mix of comedic skits and musical parody. Artley himself scripts, performs the music, voices the characters, and mixes the audio spots for broadcast. 

Artley continues to maintain his illustration, advertising and marketing strategy support company, saying this new venture is “a reasonable fix for my political satire addiction” left vacant from retiring his "political cartooning pen” earlier this year.

Transition Virginia Podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Twitter, YouTube, and other media outlets. For more information, link to: Transition Virginia podcast or

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transition-virginia/id1498833592

 

--Steve Artley

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

With Great Responsibility: The Spider-Man Origin Story in Art and Comic Books

With Great Responsibility: The Spider-Man Origin Story in Art and Comic Books
  • Duke, Sara W.
  • Halsband, Megan
  • National Book Festival September 23, 2021
  • https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-10016


  • Summary
    Before Spider-Man leaped off the pages of comic books into the movies, Steve Ditko, a cartoonist, and Stan Lee, a scriptwriter, sat down at their desks and invented him. The Library of Congress possesses the original drawings for their collaboration, which appeared in the August 1962 issue of "Amazing Fantasy." Together we look at the moment the radioactive spider bit Peter Parker, turning him from a lonely teenager into a superhero. We discuss how Steve Ditko changed his art in reaction to Stan Lee's editorial notations in the margins of the drawing. Specialists present the art in an interactive format, highlighting the artistic creative process, including how Ditko drew the costume for the first time and how it differs from what Spider-Man wears today. We also discuss how Peter comes to learn "with great power there must also come ... great responsibility!" Conceived as an interactive event aimed at children and young adults who may be aware only of the Marvel movies, Library staff will highlight and discuss that the story came from a book ... a comic book ... and the imaginative possibilities of a talented writer and artist working as a team.
    Event Date
    September 23, 2021
    Running Time
    47 minutes 50 seconds
    Online Format
    video

    Graphic Canon editor Russ Kick, RIP

    Russ Kick, writer, editor and 'rogue transparency activist,' dies at 52 [Graphic Canon editor; in print as Editor, 'transparency activist' unearthed U.S. records].

    Tuesday, September 28, 2021

    AfterShock is looking for a DC -area employee

    a negative rapid antigen or PCR lab COVID-19 test to enter NYCC.

    AfterShock Wants You!

    AFTERSHOCK AMBASSADOR

    Join our team of brand ambassadors to comic shops across North America – especially if you live in or near Washington DC!

    Visit AfterShockComics.com/ambassadors for full details and to apply.

    Certain age, citizenship and other restrictions apply.

    Carolyn Belefski's Santa Turtle enamel pin on Kickstarter

    I recently launched a Kickstarter for Santa Turtle enamel pin. I've been on a roll making custom pins since 2017, so I wanted to make this one special with a cool effect I've devised by adding a jingle bell to celebrate the holiday season.

    Monday, September 27, 2021

    Oct 2: Gordon Harris in Alexandria

     


    Art on the Avenue is BACK!

    And so is Gordon. 

    He'll be in Del Ray/Alexandria next Saturday, October 2. It's an outdoor event so masks aren't required but he'll probably be wearing his. He'll have a LOT of NEW swag to share - from mini-comics to zines to t-shirts.

    Make plans to GET OUT and explore one of the finest street festivals in Virginia - rain or shine.

    Saturday, September 25, 2021

    Gender Queer graphic novel complained about in Fairfax School

    Fairfax County Mother Complains of Sexual Books in Public School Library

    She says the books feature pornographic images, pedophilia and sexual references that are inappropriate for children

    Friday, September 24, 2021

    Fantom Comics - 9/26: Klan Came To Town (in person); 9/25: 2 book clubs (virtual)

    >>>Sunday, September 26th @ 4pm


    >>>BOOK SIGNING: THE DAY THE KLAN CAME TO TOWN

    Join author Bill Campbell and artist Bizhan Khodabandeh in the store on Sunday as they promote and sign copies of their graphic novel, "The Day the Klan Came to Town."

    From the book jacket: "The year is 1923. The Ku Klux Klan is at the height of its power in the US as membership swells into the millions and they expand beyond their original southern borders. As they continue their campaigns of terror against African Americans, their targets now also include Catholics and Jews, southern and eastern Europeans, all in the name of "white supremacy."

    Incorporating messages of moral decency, family values, and temperance, the Klan has slapped on a thin veneer of respectability and become a "civic organization," attracting new members, law enforcement, and politicians to their particular brand of white, Anglo-Saxon, and Protestant "Americanism."

    Pennsylvania enthusiastically joined that wave. That was when the Grand Dragon of Pennsylvania decided to display the Klan's newfound power in a show of force. He chose a small town outside of Pittsburgh named after Andrew Carnegie, a small, unassuming borough full of Catholics and Jews, the perfect place to teach immigrants a "lesson." Some thirty thousand members of the Klan gathered from as far as Kentucky for "Karnegie Day." After initiating new members, they armed themselves with torches and guns to descend upon the town to show them exactly what Americanism was all about.

    The Day the Klan Came to Town is a fictionalized retelling of the riot, focusing on a Sicilian immigrant, Primo Salerno. He is not a leader; he's a man with a troubled past. He was pulled from the sulfur mines of Sicily as a teen to fight in the First World War. Afterward, he became the focus of a local fascist and was forced to emigrate to the United States. He doesn't want to fight but feels that he may have no choice. The entire town needs him—and indeed everybody—to make a stand."
    hat he may have no choice. The entire town needs him—and indeed everybody—to make a stand."



    >>>ONLINE EVENTS


    >>>Saturday, September 25th @ 4pm

    >>>BLACK EXCELLENCE BOOK CLUB

    Black Excellence Book Club presents, "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts"

    Join the Pop Culture Uncovered podcast and Fantom Comics on Facebook live for a discussion of, "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts", written by Rebecca Hall and illustrated by Hugo Martinez.

    From the book jacket: "Part graphic novel, part memoir, Wake is an imaginative tour de force that tells the story of women-led slave revolts and chronicles scholar Rebecca Hall's efforts to uncover the truth about these warriors who, until now, have been left out of the historical record."

    Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1gsphHgKh

    Get your copy now so you can join the discussion: https://stores.comichub.com/fantom_comics/products/wake-hidden-history-women-led-slave-revolts-graphic-novel


    >>>Saturday, September 25th @ 6pm

    >>>MANGA BOOK CLUB

    Fantom Comics Manga Book Club presents, "Vinland Saga, Book 1"

    Following the Black Excellence Book Club, jump on Zoom for the very popular Fantom Comics Manga Book Club, with this month's featured manga, "Vinland Saga, Book 1," by Makoto Yukimura.

    From the publisher: "As a child, Thorfinn sat at the feet of the great Leif Ericson and thrilled to the wild tales of a land far to the west. But his youthful fantasies were shattered by a mercenary raid. Raised by the Vikings who murdered his family, Thorfinn became a terrifying warrior, forever seeking to kill the band's leader, Askeladd, and avenge his father. Sustaining Thorfinn through his ordeal are his pride in his family and his dreams of a fertile westward land, a land without war or slavery...the land Leif called Vinland."

    Zoom registration link: https://bit.ly/vinland0925

    Get your copy now so you can join the discussion: https://stores.comichub.com/fantom_comics/products/vinland-saga-graphic-novel-volume-1.00

    Weldon reviews 'Star Wars: Visions'

    Anime Anthology 'Star Wars: Visions' Expands The Galaxy Far, Far Away

    Today: John Gallagher at Politics and Prose at 5 pm

    Thursday, September 23, 2021

    Geppi Gems on exhibit at Library of Congress

    • Currently on view
    • Graphic Arts Galleries, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
    Explore the Exhibit

    COMIC BOOKS have permeated almost every popular entertainment medium in the United States. When Stephen A. Geppi opened the Geppi Entertainment Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2006, he sought to show how comic books—much like newspapers, television, motion pictures, music and sports—have shaped and influenced the culture of the United States.

    When the Geppi Entertainment Museum closed its doors in 2018, Mr. Geppi generously donated a large portion of its contents to the Library of Congress, knowing that thousands of people would be able to access his collection and relive their own childhood memories or share in his excitement about comic book superheroes and pop culture icons.

    The Library of Congress honors Mr. Geppi's generosity with a selection of the collection's gems. They represent themes from the museum, including Walt Disney's iconic characters, westerns, superheroes, science fiction, horror, sports, music, and entertainment.

    View the exhibition brochure (PDF, 4.64MB)


    Geppi Gems Exhibit: Highlights from the Stephen A. Geppi Collection at the Library of Congress

    Geppi Gems online exhibit information, Sept. 2021.

    The following is a guest post by Sara W. Duke, Curator of Popular and Applied Graphic Arts, Prints and Photographs Division.

    https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2021/09/geppi-gems-exhibit-highlights-from-the-stephen-a-geppi-collection-at-the-library-of-congress/?loclr=eaptb

    Tuesday, September 21, 2021

    David Betancourt and Michael Cavna received a national award for comics coverage.

    David Betancourt and Michael Cavna picked up a national award today for comics coverage. Our portfolio included Cavna's essay on Rep. John Lewis's legacy as a graphic novelist; Cavna's profile of Steenz and Bianca Xunise as part of a pioneering new generation; and Betancourt's profile of former Marvel editor turned viral Central Park birdwatcher Christian Cooper.

    2021 SOCIETY FOR FEATURES JOURNALISM EXCELLENCE-IN-FEATURES AWARDS – Society for Features Journalism

    DIVISION 3 | Circulation 200,000 and up

    DIVERSITY IN DIGITAL FEATURES
    The coverage of any A&E, features or lifestyle topic that highlights the diversity within a publication's audience.

    Third place: Michael Cavna and David Betancourt, The Washington Post, "Creative Trailblazers in a Year of Reckoning"
    Judge's comments: These essays do an excellent job of highlighting the creativity and passion behind Black creators in comics – especially during a year that saw the losses of both Rep. John Lewis and actor Chadwick Boseman. Comics and graphic novels may be growing in popularity and as legitimate storytelling media, but these essays make it clear they would not have gotten to that point without the input, dogged determination and vision of Black creative types who were trailblazers in that aspect of pop culture.

    Honorable mention: Staff, The Hechinger Report, The Washington Post and NBC News, "Gifted Education's Race Problem"




    Roye Okupe interviewed at The Beat

    INTERVIEW: Roye Okupe talks bringing the YouNiverse to Dark Horse with MALIKA: WARRIOR QUEEN

    The first of Dark Horse and YouNeek Studios's 10-book deal, MALIKA: WARRIOR QUEEN Volume 1, arrived in stores earlier this month.

    Hans Vogel is Dead: Volume I on Kickstarter

    Hans Vogel is Dead: Volume I

    An anti-fascist fairytale about a World War II fighter pilot navigating the afterlife by Sierra Barnes.

    Hans Vogel is Dead: Vol I is a 272 -page full colour original graphic novel from writer and artist Sierra Barnes, and the latest project from independent publisher Cast Iron Books.

    Hans Vogel is Dead: Volume I by Sierra Barnes

    This campaign is to fund production and distribution costs, to get this story printed and out into the world and as many hands as possible.

    The year is 1940, the Blitz is raging, and Hitler's forces are sweeping across Europe.


    At the front of the invasion is the victorious Luftwaffe,  and at the front of the Luftwaffe is Hans Vogel: fighter pilot, ace, and  recipient of the prestigious Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross medal.  Young, painfully shy, and with the backbone of a jellyfish, Hans keeps  his head down and does what he's told – but something still feels… off.

    One night on a routine raid, Hans experiences a freak radio  malfunction, is separated from his unit, and is shot down and killed.


    That's where his problems start.


    Hans finds himself carried out of his world by the Valkyrie Brynhildr, but instead of Valhalla, he's brought to the mysterious  Märchenwald, the world of the fairy-tales. Märchenwald has been transformed by the war Hans left behind and taken over by the malevolent  and cruel Erlking, a monster who traps people within a sinister web of  Stories. Stripped of everything he was and forced to confront the consequences of the evil he served, Hans finds himself faced with a choice: give in to the same evil a second time, or try and make things right.

    Hans Vogel is Dead is an anti-fascist fairy tale with elements of historical fantasy about the power of narratives, the question of individual responsibility in a totalitarian regime, and the struggle to become a better person.

    Monday, September 20, 2021

    Bianca Xunise's latest comic for the Lily

    Teaching made me realize adulthood is a myth. I want to show my students it's okay to be human.

    We're all just humans, figuring it out one day at a time

    Teaching made me realize adulthood is a myth. I want to show my students it's okay to be human.
    (Bianca Xunise for The Washington Post)

    Today: Tickets on sale for Jeff Kinney (Oct 26) via Hooray for Books


    Grab the whole family and Wimpify your car because we're hosting Jeff Kinney in a sports-themed, pandemic-safe, drive-thru, Wimpy Kid event at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Parking Lot (101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA) on October 26th at 5 PM!
    Tickets are required to attend, each ticket allows entry for one vehicle!
    Tickets may be purchased here, starting Monday, September 20th at 10 AM! (Tickets are not sold in store or at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, you must purchase them online!)
    There is a 250 vehicle limit so book your spot before they're gone!
    Can't make it to the event, but want a signed book? Call us at (703) 548-4092 to order one!

    In Big Shot (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #16) Greg Heffley and sports just don't mix. After a disastrous field day competition at school, Greg decides that when it comes to his athletic career, he's officially retired. But after his mom urges him to give sports one more chance, he reluctantly agrees to sign up for basketball. Tryouts are a mess, and Greg is sure he won't make the cut. But he unexpectedly lands a spot on the worst team. As Greg and his new teammates start the season, their chances of winning even a single game look slim. But in sports, anything can happen. When everything is on the line and the ball is in Greg's hands, will he rise to the occasion? Or will he blow his big shot?