Saturday, September 30, 2023

Welcome to my weekly feature "Creative Rituals", in which creatives talk about how they begin their creative day! Today I feature Doctor Who writer, author, and comic book writer Paul Cornell.

Jendia Gammon

Jendia Gammon Sep 23, 2023

https://jendiagammon.substack.com/p/creative-rituals-featuring-paul-cornell

Episode 207: Paul Cornell

Flourish Klink and Elizabeth Minkel

September 27, 2023

https://www.fansplaining.com/episodes/207-paul-cornell

The King Stay The King – This Week's Links

Clark Burscough | September 29, 2023

https://www.tcj.com/the-king-stay-the-king-this-weeks-links/

DEREK M. BALLARD for CARTOONSHOW

Comix Experience Sep 24, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im7vwo2So0I

Christopher Yost Back In Comics

wordballoon

Sep 21, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHhBwkkZGX4

Tom King Talks Wonder Woman Danger Street Penguin & More

wordballoon

Sep 27, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uuM2O2D_-A

Mark Waid Owns The DC Universe

wordballoon

Sep 26, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR3K1dJVwiQ

R.I.P. Judge Hershey [ Rob Williams and artist Simon Fraser]

2000 AD Thrill-Cast September 27 2023

https://soundcloud.com/2000-ad/rip-judge-hershey

ESSAY: Oglaf is Comics Burlesque at its Finest (NSFW) [After Dark Comics Webcomics]

Melissa Brinks September 22, 2023

https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2023/09/essay-oglaf-is-comics-burlesque-at-its-finest-nsfw/

Interview with a Webcomic: Tom Parkinson-Morgan A.K.A Abaddon Goes In-Depth on "Kill Six Billion Demons"

By James Dowling | September 26th, 2023

http://www.multiversitycomics.com/interviews/webcomic-tom-parkinson-morgan/

Brian Michael Bendis Reteams With Alex Maleev for Crime Caper Miniseries 'Masterpiece' (Exclusive)

The writer-artist duo, who made a name as a team with 'Daredevil,' are back for the first time since 2016.

Borys Kit

September 20, 2023

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/brian-michael-bendis-reteams-with-alex-maleev-1235594984/

"We Wanted this to Be a Fast-Paced, Funny Adventure" – Rob Williams and Pye Parr on 'Petrol Head', Their "Fast & the Robo-Furious" Sci-Fi Series from Image Comics

by Andy Oliver

September 22, 2023

https://www.brokenfrontier.com/petrol-head-williams-parr-image/

How Apple made the ultimate Snoopy watch: "You wouldn't believe the minutiae"

Snoopy has made the jump from Omega and Seiko to Apple Watch. GQ talks to the team that brought Charles M Schulz's cartoon beagle to smartwatch.

By Robert Leedham

18 September 2023

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/snoopy-apple-watch-face

Arnold, Taylor, Lauren Tilton, Justin Wigard . "Understanding Peanuts and Schulzian Symmetry: Panel Detection, Caption Detection, and Gag Panels in 17,897 Comic Strips Through Distant Viewing." Journal of Cultural Analytics, vol. 8, no. 1, Sept. 2023, https://doi.org/10.22148/001c.87560.

https://culturalanalytics.org/article/87560-understanding-peanuts-and-schulzian-symmetry-panel-detection-caption-detection-and-gag-panels-in-17-897-comic-strips-through-distant-viewing

Off Panel #418: Opportunity Costs with Joshua Williamson

David Harper

Sep 25, 2023

https://sktchd.libsyn.com/offpanel418-opportunity-costs-with-joshua-williamson

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sktchd/Joshua_Williamson_2023.mp3

Steve Orlando On This "Sainted Love" You've Given

By Kyle Welch | September 25th, 2023

http://www.multiversitycomics.com/interviews/sainted-love-interview/

Steve Orlando talks queer erasure, sex scenes, and fisticuffs in 'Sainted Love'

Chris Coplan

September 26, 2023

https://aiptcomics.com/2023/09/26/sainted-love-qa/

John Ridley made 'The Ministry of Compliance' for character studies and sword fights

Chris Coplan

September 28, 2023

https://aiptcomics.com/2023/09/28/john-ridley-on-the-ministry-of-compliance/https://aiptcomics.com/2023/09/28/john-ridley-on-the-ministry-of-compliance/

Dan Panosian lets loose 'Savage Red Sonja'.

Chris Coplan

September 28, 2023

https://aiptcomics.com/2023/09/28/savage-red-sonja-qa/https://aiptcomics.com/2023/09/28/savage-red-sonja-qa/

PW Comics World: More To Come

More to Come 586: Fables Goes Public [and Joe Matt]

Calvin Reid, Heidi "The Beat" MacDonald, Meg Lemke, and Kate Fitzsimons

on 09/25/2023

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/podcasts/index.html?channel=2&podcast=1277

Crafting a Hell in Heaven with Heavenly Delusion Creator Masakazu Ishiguro

by Lynzee Loveridge, Sep 25th 2023

https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2023-09-25/crafting-a-hell-in-heaven-with-heavenly-delusion-creator-masakazu-ishiguro/.201179

The Kids Aren't Alright in Kyoko Okazaki's River's

Scott Cederlund

Sep 28, 2023

https://www.fromcovertocover.com/rivers-edge-by-kyoko-okazaki-review/

Cosplayers, Voice Actors and Mythology Surprise in Crystal City [Anime USA]

Mark Dreisonstok

Falls Church News-Press September 28, 2023 : 23.

online at https://www.fcnp.com/2023/09/29/cosplayers-voice-actors-and-mythology-surprise-in-crystal-city/

Back To Ed Koren's Vermont

Ink Spill September 29, 2023

michael Maslin

https://michaelmaslin.com/back-to-ed-korens-vermont/

'Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie' Review: Sit, Roll Over, Save the World

By Claire Shaffer

A version of this article appears in print on Sept. 29, 2023, Section C, Page 7 of the New York edition with the headline: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/movies/paw-patrol-the-mighty-movie-review.html

From Mexico, a Caped Crusader Who Wrestled Like No Woman Before Her

Recently restored, "The Batwoman" (1968) stars Maura Monti in the title role. The actress's own story could be a movie, too.

By Nicolas Rapold

A version of this article appears in print on Oct. 1, 2023, Section AR, Page 5 of the New York edition with the headline: This Caped Crusader Wore a Bikini.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/29/movies/the-batwoman-maura-monti.html

Comic book shop in DC brings world of superheroes to life

Nick Iannelli

September 28, 2023,

https://wtop.com/small-business-resource-center/2023/09/comic-book-shop-in-dc-brings-world-of-superheroes-to-life/

Author Talk with Tri Vuong & Irma Kniivila [Everyday Hero Machine Boy]

Tabrizia Jones

The New York Public Library August 24 2023

https://vimeo.com/857672893

Author Talk with Maighread Scott

Tabrizia Jones

The New York Public Library September 28 2023

https://vimeo.com/869376155

Author Talk with Julio Anta & Jacoby Salcedo [Frontera]

Tabrizia Jones

The New York Public Library September 28 2023

https://vimeo.com/869374792

Image Comics Book Buzz

Chloe Ramos

The New York Public Library April 27 2023

https://vimeo.com/821792446

Friday, September 29, 2023

Ben Hatke's new book gets a rave review from France

Milo, une belle pépite jeunesse aussi pour les grands

Jean-Laurent Truc

Ligne Claire 29 septembre 2023

https://www.ligneclaire.info/milo-et-les-creatures-du-grand-escalier-282167.html

Sept 30: Beyond the Scene: Korean Webtoons Special Exhibition & Opening Celebration

Beyond the Scene: Korean Webtoons Special Exhibition & Opening Celebration

Opening Celebration: Saturday, Sept. 30, 1 – 6 PM

Exhibition Dates: Sept. 30 – Oct. 25, 2023

Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C

2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20008

Join us to experience Beyond the Scene, a special exhibition and opening celebration featuring hit Korean webtoons The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) and Jeong-Nyeon (정년이) that highlights the narrative and artistic prowess of this wildly popular scrolling digital medium that has been adapted to stage and screen including major K-Dramas.

Presented in partnership with the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency, known as KOMACON, and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US Alliance in 2023, this dynamic exhibition launches with a public opening celebration with live traditional and K-Pop performances, cultural experiences, concert ticket and merchandise raffles, photo zones, arts and crafts, and remarks from the exhibition organizers. See below for a full event schedule and program details.

Beyond the Scene highlights the new technology and traditional Korean culture brought to life through the unique medium of webtoons. Through lush print and digital displays in English, the exhibition showcases the rich narratives, visual elements, and diverse themes explored in today's webtoons, which evolved out of traditional literature, history, and print comics. Read more about the featured webtoons below.

Beyond the Scene will remain on view September 30 – October 25, 2023, including the opening celebration on Saturday, September 30, 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. (regular walk-in hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding 12 – 1 p.m., Monday – Friday). No RSVP is required.

Oct 12, 14: Fall for the Book comics events

Oct 12 2023

https://fallforthebook.org/oct12schedule2023/

10:30 AM

Creating Comics with John Gallagher

Interested in becoming a comic artist or graphic novelist? John Gallagher, author of the popular Max Meow graphic novel series, will discuss the wonderful world of comics. Gallagher, long-time comic book author, art director of the National Wildlife Foundation's Ranger Rick Magazine, and cofounder of "Kids Love Comics," will be explaining the ins and outs of being a comic artist, from the creation of graphic novels to the art of the comic business.

Location: Fenwick Reading Room, 2nd Floor, Fenwick Library, 4348 Chesapeake River Lane, Fairfax

Ready, Set, Draw! Comic Fest - Downstairs

https://fallforthebook.org/oct14schedule2023/

Oct 14

12 PM

Start Your Own Graphic Novel Series

Jonathan Roth, creator of the Rover and Speck graphic novel series, takes kids aged 6-11 on a ride through creating their own characters and putting them in their own graphic novels. Rover and Speck's art, plot, and hilarious moments will have kids rooting for these characters and wanting to draw their own!

1 PM

Making Comics with Laura Lee

Draw along as Laura Lee Gulledge demonstrates her creative process by drawing live an original character + building a story world co-created on the spot with participants. Plus, learn how to tell your own short comic stories in a mini comic zine format.

2 PM

Publish Your Own Comic

Do you have big dreams for publishing your own comic? J. Robert Deans and Sam Deans show you how to bring a comic to life on paper – thinking about concept, layouts, coloring, lettering and more – and how to use the tools you have at home to make it a printed reality. Deans is the author of Moo Fast, Moo Furryous, and The Case of the Chicane Mutiny: A Bear from A.U.N.T. Adventure.

3 PM

Imagination Aquarium

Ever find yourself stuck for cartoon ideas? Put on your wetsuit and dive into the IMAGINATION AQUARIUM, where cartoonist Jamar Nicholas will help you catch ideas in your net and create awesome cartoons! Nicholas is the author of Leon the Extraordinary, a hilarious graphic novel about a regular kid who becomes a superhero to save his school.

All Daytime Events at Old Town Hall - 3999 University Drive, Fairfax

Fantom Comics profiled on WTOP website

Comic book shop in DC brings world of superheroes to life

Anime USA reviewed in Falls Church News-Press

Cosplayers, Voice Actors and Mythology Surprise in Crystal City [Anime USA]

Mark Dreisonstok

Falls Church News-Press September 28, 2023 : 23.

online at https://www.fcnp.com/2023/09/29/cosplayers-voice-actors-and-mythology-surprise-in-crystal-city/

Tom King Talks Wonder Woman Danger Street Penguin & More

wordballoon

Sep 27, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uuM2O2D_-A

Warren Bernard week on Cartoonist Kayfabe

Courtesy of Clark Burscough and TCJ:

Cartoonist Kayfabe as Ed Piskor and Jim Rugg were joined by SPX's Warren Bernard for a look at the work of Alex Raymond, Neil Gaiman and Chris Bachalo's Death: The High Cost of Living, Bob Burden's Flaming Carrot, Paul Chadwick's Concrete, and TwoMorrows' Silver Age monographs.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 9/28/2023

James Gunn Confirms 3 Stars Who Will Continue Their Roles in the New DC Universe

With the writers strike now resolved, the co-head of DC Studios addressed fan questions about which performers will reprise their characters moving forward.

Ryan Gajewski

September 27, 2023
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/james-gunn-dc-universe-xolo-mariduena-viola-davis-john-cena-1235602498/

'Gen V' Review: Amazon's 'The Boys' Spinoff Refreshes the Snark-and-Gore Formula

The team behind the hit vigilante series shifts its focus from the corporate world to the campus, tracking the subversive, frequently gross adventures of new potential heroes at a superpowered university.

Daniel Fienberg

September 27, 2023
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/gen-v-review-amazon-the-boys-spinoff-1235601242/

INTERVIEW: Return to Ooo with Showrunner Adam Muto on ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA AND CAKE

Avery Kaplan

09/28/2023

https://www.comicsbeat.com/muto-fionna-and-cake/

AETHON BOOKS & LAUREL PURSUIT join forces for webcomics

We have a list of the adaptations to look for

Deanna Destito

09/28/2023

https://www.comicsbeat.com/aethon-books-laurel-pursuit-join-forces-for-webcomics/

Oscar-Nominated 'Moana' Producer Osnat Shurer Joins Baobab as co-CCO

By Ramin Zahed

September 27, 2023

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/09/oscar-nominated-moana-producer-osnat-shurer-joins-baobab-as-co-cco/

NLRB Rules that Disney Animation Production Employees Can Vote to Unionize

By Animation Magazine

September 27, 2023

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/09/nlrb-rules-that-disney-animation-production-employees-can-vote-to-unionize/

When Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Put Daredevil in Dark Knight Returns

Comic book creator Phil Hester posted two original artwork pages from The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson...

27 Sep 2023

by Rich Johnston

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/when-frank-miller-klaus-janson-put-daredevil-in-dark-knight-returns/

Interview : Jean-David Morvan avec Madeleine Riffaud, résistante, pour une vie de combats

Jean-Laurent TRUC.

28 septembre 2023

https://www.ligneclaire.info/morvan-riffaud-2023-282107.html

Wilson Building display of political cartoonist's work shows long history of voting rights struggle [Clifford Berryman].

By Athena Naylor on Dec 6, 2018 Last updated Dec 12, 2018

https://thedcline.org/2018/12/06/wilson-building-display-of-political-cartoonists-work-shows-long-history-of-voting-rights-struggle/

SKTCHDxTINYONION: Finding The Right Creative Partners

David Harper and James Tynion IV

The Empire of the Tiny Onion Sep 28, 2023

https://jamestynioniv.substack.com/p/sktchdxtinyonion-finding-the-right

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Athena Naylor

by Mike Rhode

September 28, 2023

https://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2023/09/Athena-Naylor.html

Married to Comics: A Powerful Film About the Lives of Justin Green and Carol Tyler

John Kelly | September 28, 2023

https://www.tcj.com/married-to-comics-a-powerful-film-about-the-lives-of-justin-green-and-carol-tyler/

James Gunn reminds fans no current DC Films movie is "canon" for his upcoming DC Universe

That includes Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, which won't be out until December

William Hughes

AV Club September 27 2023

https://www.avclub.com/james-gunn-reminds-fans-no-current-dc-films-movie-is-c-1850881069

[PROCESS] THE VALLARS Colors with Frank Martin

The colorist of THE VALLARS talks about working with Jason Howard and his desire to remain stealthy.

3 Worlds / 3 Moons

Sep 28, 2023

https://3w3m.substack.com/p/process-the-vallars-colors-with-frank-martin

The Flash #1 is a fresh start for DC's speedster - and the cosmic horror comic you didn't see coming

Interview | Si Spurrier explains why he's taking Wally West into uncharted territory

By Will Salmon

Newsarama September 22 2023

https://www.gamesradar.com/the-flash-1-is-a-fresh-start-for-dcs-speedster-and-the-cosmic-horror-comic-you-didnt-see-coming/

Daniel Warren Johnson's Transformers is a thrilling fresh start for the robots in disguise

Interview | The writer/artist tells us about joining the new Energon universe

By Will Salmon

Newsarama September 26 2023

https://www.gamesradar.com/daniel-warren-johnsons-transformers-is-a-thrilling-fresh-start-for-the-robots-in-disguise/

Kevin Huizenga, September 26th, 2023 [aka Kevin Huizenga: Recent Work]

New York Comics & Picture-story Symposium

368; Sep 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyB6Yp5KVoM

Jorge Medina: The Man Behind RUSS 5377 and the Guru of Comic Community Building

Barney Smith

StoryComic Sep 23, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTyE0rQJrAU

Hanging out at America's largest comic book studio

Leila del Duca

Helioscope PDX

Sep 21, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqRpnB9lr1o

Leila del Duca: https://www.leiladelduca.net/

Caitlin Like: https://www.caitlinlike.net/

Steve Lieber: https://www.stevelieber.com/

Emmett Graham: https://captaintempest.com/

Cat Farris: https://cattifer.com/

Ron Chan: https://www.ronchan.net/

Eryk Donovan: https://www.erykdonovan.com/

Colleen Coover: https://helioscopepdx.com/colleen-coover

Aud McName: https://audmcname.com/

Garrett Ley: https://linktr.ee/tga_leylo?utm_sourc...

Terry Blas: https://www.terryblas.com/

Upcoming Fantom Comics book signings

>>> SNARLAGON ROAD TOUR WITH ANDREW MACLEAN
>> SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7th @ 3pm - 5pm!

We're pleased to announce ANDREW MACLEAN @andrewmaclean (Head Lopper, ApocalyptiGirl, Godzilla: War for Humanity) is coming through Fantom on book tour for his all-ages kaiju comic SNARLAGON!

High school students, Franklin and Mariah, have their first date hijacked by giant battling monsters, overbearing parents, and an annoying little brother named Joshy. The ultimate third wheel.

In Southern California, 1968, giant crustaceans emerge from the sea and march for the city! The experts of science and war are baffled as to how to stop them. All attempts fail. Death and destruction surely awaits!

Luckily, friend to all humans and creature from the dark side of the moon, SNARLAGON, arrives streaking through the stars as a silver ball of flame! The kids risk everything, (including dad's precious car!) to lead Snarlagon back to the city as fast as possible. Will they make it before the Angramites reduce the city to dust? Only one way to find out!

*Written for adults, suitable for kids; this comic is not yet rated and contains some cartoon monster violence.

We'll be carrying copies of the SNARLAGON book and other Andrew Maclean books at the event, and maybe some other SNARLAGON merch....

>>> HANS VOGEL IS DEAD VOLUME 1: DARK HORSE EDITION LAUNCH PARTY WITH SIERRA BARNES
>> TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17th @ 7pm

Local artist and Fantom Friend Sierra Barnes will be in store to celebrate the re-release of HANS VOGEL IS DEAD volume 1, now in soft cover and published with Dark Horse!

There are some acts that can never truly be forgiven.
It's the height of WWII, and the Nazi forces are driving through Europe. Decorated German fighter pilot Hans Vogel follows orders and doesn't ask questions. It's worked out well for him…so far. But when his plane is shot down in the middle of an air raid over London, he is dead before he hits the ground. And that's only the beginning of his problems.

Sierra Barnes weaves a rich anti-fascist fairytale about the importance of recognizing past wrongs, even (especially) when it's easier not to.

Pre-order a copy of the book today through ComicHub!

>>> SIGNALS VOLUME 1: DARK HORSE EDITION LAUNCH PARTY WITH NIKA!
>> SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22nd @ 3pm

Local artist NIKA will be in store to celebrate the release of their thrilling suspense story Signals arriving in its print debut from Dark Horse and Tapas, part of a new collaboration!

Mel Song is an unlikely fit for a crack investigator—in her downtime she loves watching soap operas in her pajamas, eating instant ramen, and internet shopping.

But she has one secret weapon: the ability to read minds.
Still, Mel can't afford to get complacent. Not when there is a fresh threat brewing in the shadows of New York City...

Pre-order a copy of the book today through ComicHub!

John Kinhart's Married to Comics on TCJ

Married to Comics: A Powerful Film About the Lives of Justin Green and Carol Tyler

John Kelly | September 28, 2023

https://www.tcj.com/married-to-comics-a-powerful-film-about-the-lives-of-justin-green-and-carol-tyler/

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Athena Naylor

by Mike Rhode

StoryBox Comics Fair, organized by Adam Griffiths, was held recently in a brewery in Silver Spring, MD. Along with some stalwarts of the DC Conspiracy, I met some local cartoonists new to me. Athena Naylor has been mentioned here before, but it was good to meet her in person and ask for an interview.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Mostly autobiographical comics–I like to find thoughtful stories in the mundane moments of life.

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

Mainly pen and ink– I’ll typically sketch everything with a blue pencil, ink directly over that, and then get rid of the blue lines in photoshop once everything is scanned in. Occasionally I’ll add some digital flat colors/shading, or paint my comics with watercolors. In general I’m more comfortable with drawing traditionally, I still find it immensely satisfying (and more portable when

I’m on the go)

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

Early ‘90s– I was born in Boston but grew up in Wisconsin.

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

I came to Washington to get my master’s in Art History at GWU. By graduation I had established a great support network of friends and have been sticking around ever since. I also appreciate that it’s easy to visit SPX living here, and I’ve been really grateful that I’ve been able to make comics friends in the area (participating in the Storybox Comics Fair this summer is a testament to those local connections)

How did you get into the Washington Post's Lily webcomics feature? How many strips did you do for them? How was your experience in working with a major newspaper?

A mutual friend put me in touch with one of the former art directors at the Lily back in late 2018. I pitched a few comic ideas and one of them got picked up (a comic discussing the then-new Netflix series Sex Education.) A few years later in 2021 I pitched again and got in. I would have loved to do more work for The Lily, but unfortunately it recently got discontinued as its own separate project. Comics features are going to be folded into other sections of the Washington Post-- maybe one day I'll manage to draw something for another offset of the newspaper. My experience was good. At the time I was overjoyed to get paid to draw a comic for a newspaper. It was also a valuable learning experience as a self-published artist who was not used to having anyone else have a say in my artistic decisions. Drawing for a major publication meant I needed to adhere to certain style and color guidelines that I previously never considered. Having various editors pick apart my work was also a little daunting, but in the long run I learned a lot about how to prioritize readability and accessibility into the design of comics/graphics meant for a wide audience.

I’d always been baffled by people who wanted kids. Then my friend got pregnant. in The Lily

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

Honestly I’ve been drawing narrative art in some form ever since I was a little kid. I went to a liberal arts school and majored in art (with a focus in drawing and painting), but most of my early comics “training” was self-taught. The most specialized education I’ve probably had is that in the summer of 2015 I went to a week-long graphic novel workshop at CCS (the Center for Cartoon Studies)

Who are your influences?

I take inspiration from many places. I certainly have a lot of favorite cartoonists (Eleanor Davis, Jillian Tamaki, Kate Beaton… a lot of the artists I found online when I was a teenager were women cartoonists who are now rightfully well established). But I’m also influenced a lot by the books I read and the movies/TV shows I watch.

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

I wish I had been more cognizant in my college years of how anxiety was inhibiting my ability to confidently pursue art as a career path. I knew I wanted to make comics but was timid and self-deprecating of both my work and my interests. I wish I could go back and assure myself of the validity of my creative goals! But really I try not to ruminate too hard on “what ifs–” I’ve learned there’s not a lot of utility in those thoughts.

What work are you best-known for?

Haha, I have no idea– online I’m probably most known for my series of diary comics that I call “Dailies.”

What work are you most proud of?

The work I’m most proud of is a comic I did in 2019 called “The Checkout Counter,” which meditates on workplace flirtation through the lens of art history.

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

“The Checkout Counter” is the longest comic I’ve done to date and I’m eager to work on more long-form comics again. I have a ton of stories I want to illustrate about working in a public museum in my early twenties, and I’m currently researching my late Greek grandmother’s life in the hopes that that may turn into some kind of comic one day about interconnected family histories.

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

Take a walk, rest, socialize– pretty much anything other than write or draw. If I’m in a rut it usually means my creative meter is running empty in some capacity and I need to fill it up by experiencing something new or revitalizing.

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

I love meeting fellow cartoonists, but a common refrain when we discuss the field is that there is no sustainable way to make comics as a career (unless you get really lucky or have some means of financial support, whether that’s from family or a partner or whatever). I would love to see publishers actually support creators in a way that ensures artists don’t break themselves trying to meet deadlines while finding outside gigs to supplement their income. I don’t know if that’s an attainable goal for the near future. But it would be great to see any kind of improvement happen in that way.

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

Most recently I attended Storybox Comics Fair, and in the past I’ve tabled at DC Zinefest and DC Art Book Fair (which unfortunately hasn’t been offered since 2019). I’ve enjoyed tabling them all! It’s nice to participate at local fairs because you meet local creators who you can catch up with year after year. You also immediately have something in common with the people who visit your table because you all live in the same area.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

The fact that I can get around without a car– the metro has its issues but compared to other places I’ve been it’s pretty convenient, and DC is a small enough city that a lot of places are walkable. I also love that I can casually pop into exhibits at the mall without the pressure to stay for a certain amount of time to “get my money’s worth” since the museums are free.

Least favorite?

The traffic, getting crushed during rush hour on the metro, the horrible humidity in the summer.

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

Depends on what they’re interested in! I’ve had good luck taking both friends and family to the Hirshhorn.

Do you have a website or blog?

Yes– my website is athenanaylor.com, and you can find more work on instagram @athena.naylor

How has the COVID-19 outbreak affected you, personally and professionally? (Pre-covid, Naylor wrote about the arts for The DC Line, including two stories on cartooning.)

Honestly it’s been hard to regain the pre-pandemic momentum I had before quarantine. At the end of 2019 I had just made “The Checkout Counter” and felt prepared to continue pursuing longer work, but then the pandemic hit and priorities shifted. It definitely affected how I navigate life both personally and professionally, but in ways that are difficult to articulate. It’s also hard to say because I entered my 30’s in 2021, so I don’t know which changes in attitude and lifestyle may be caused by the pandemic and which are just a product of growing older. Things are just different, as they should be after something like a global pandemic!

Apatoff on MacNelly and Swinnerton

HOW MacNELLY KEPT IT LOOSE

David Apatoff

Illustration Art September 26, 2023

http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2023/09/how-macnelly-kept-it-loose.html

ARTISTS IN LOVE, part 22 [Jimmy Swinnerton]

David Apatoff

Illustration Art September 12, 2023

http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2023/09/artists-in-love-part-22.html

Oct 16: Stephan Pastis in Takoma (registration required)

Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

Stephan Pastis

Looking Up / Ages 10-14

at Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium

A quirky and heartwarming middle grade novel about a girl struggling with loneliness and the curveballs of life—featuring black and white illustrations throughout. This story from comic genius Stephan Pastis is equal parts touching and hilarious, and is sure to resonate with any child who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in!

Oct 21: Ben Hatke at LoC

Family Mystery Day at the Library of Congress

https://www.loc.gov/item/event-410625/family-mystery-day-at-the-library-of-congress/2023-10-21/

Date and Location

When: Saturday, October 21, 2023

10:00 am - 4:00 pm EDT
Add to calendar
Where: Thomas Jefferson Building - Great Hall

10 1st Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
- View Floorplan
- Get Directions

The event is free, but tickets are required, and there may be special restrictions. Click the "Get Tickets" link below for more information and to secure your ticket.

The Spooky Things Just Out of Sight with Jerry Spinelli and Ben Hatke
11 a.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium
At this fun and spooky event, we'll meet Worm from legendary children's writer Jerry Spinelli's new novel "Dead Wednesday" and we'll also meet Milo from Ben Hatke's graphic novel "Things in the Basement." Worm and Milo have major issues to worry about, like when Worm has to ponder how to deal with the ghost girl who makes herself a cozy home inside his head. Milo faces a whole world of terrors in his new home's basement. He slowly discovers the things that reside there are only steps away from his room. What will they do in the face of scary things that live right in their house or brain?! Find out, if you dare!

Recommended for ages 6-12+

Please Note: All writers featured during the day will sign their books on the Mezzanine level of the Great Hall following their program. Featured books will be available for purchase.

This event is free, but timed-entry passes are required to enter the Library of Congress. Click the "Get Tickets" link above and select a timed-entry pass for your preferred entry time.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Friday, September 29, 2023

Milo, une belle pépite jeunesse aussi pour les grands

10:30 AM

Ready, Set, Draw! Comic Fest - Downstairs

Oct 14

12 PM

1 PM

2 PM

3 PM

All Daytime Events at Old Town Hall - 3999 University Drive, Fairfax

Comic book shop in DC brings world of superheroes to life

Cosplayers, Voice Actors and Mythology Surprise in Crystal City [Anime USA]

Tom King Talks Wonder Woman Danger Street Penguin & More

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Married to Comics: A Powerful Film About the Lives of Justin Green and Carol Tyler

I’d always been baffled by people who wanted kids. Then my friend got pregnant. in The Lily

HOW MacNELLY KEPT IT LOOSE

Illustration Art September 26, 2023

ARTISTS IN LOVE, part 22 [Jimmy Swinnerton]

Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

Family Mystery Day at the Library of Congress

Date and Location

When: Saturday, October 21, 2023

10:00 am - 4:00 pm EDT Add to calendar

Where: Thomas Jefferson Building - Great Hall

10 1st Street SE, Washington, DC 20540

10:00 am - 4:00 pm EDT
Add to calendar