Monday, February 12, 2007
Mark Zingarelli in today's Post
The business section had a nice 5 panel strip by Mark Zingarelli. "They Dare to Predict! The 2007 Local Economy Challenge" which had caricatures of local businesspeople. It's not online, of course.
Baltimore Comic-Con PR
I've gone for the past two years - this is a fun show. Of course, I also liked Disney's Atlantis...
Mike Mignola Named Guest of Honor for Baltimore Comic-Con
Show Runs September 8-9, 2007, at the Baltimore Convention Center
BALTIMORE, MD (February 12, 2007) -- Hellboy creator and designer of Disney's Atlantis Mike Mignola will be the Guest of Honor at this year's Baltimore Comic-Con. The convention will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 8-9, 2007, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
"We're extremely happy to make this first of many announcements concerning this year's Baltimore Comic-Con," said show promoter Marc Nathan. "Mike Mignola has been one of the most requested guests since we started the show, and it's great to finally have him on board. It's also exciting to have so many popular guests returning as well as the wonderful new ones we're adding."
More headliners include Mark Waid (Brave and the Bold), John Romita, Sr. (Amazing Spider-Man), Frank Cho (Mighty Avengers), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes), Michael Golden (Micronauts), and EC Comics editor Al Feldstein (MAD). The creators range from Golden Age visionaries to modern-day superstars, contributing to a show with something for every comic reader and fan.
Additional guests in the initial line-up include Kyle Baker (Why I Hate Saturn), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg), Steve Conley (The Escapist), Todd DeZago (Telos), Brendon and Brian Fraim (Knights of the Dinner Table), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Dean Haspiel (Opposable Thumbs), Michael Avon Oeming (Powers), Brandon Peterson (X-Men), Eric Powell (The Goon), Mark Sparacio (Heroes for Hire), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Herb Trimpe (G.I. Joe), Billy Tucci (Shi), and J.C. Vaughn (24).
Nathan said the show intends to build on its reputation as the friendliest show on the convention circuit. "Last year we had the highest number of people who traveled a long distance that we've ever had," he said. "I think a lot of that is due to the word of mouth from the creators we invite. They always seem to come back and bring a friend. It's also due to our location. Baltimore is a day's drive from anywhere on the eastern seaboard, and it's convenient from much of the Midwest. But even if you're not from those areas, you'll find yourself more than welcome in our town and at our show."
The Harvey Awards will again be held at the Baltimore Comic-Con, continuing the tradition begun with last year's successful dinner and ceremony. Named after the highly influential writer-artist Harvey Kurtzman, the Harvey Awards are the only comic book awards voted on by industry professionals.
DC Comics, Top Cow, Top Shelf, and AdHouse are among the publishers already lined up to display at the show. Also, Diamond Comic Distributors has announced that they will again hold their Retailer Summit in Baltimore on the two days following the show.
Additional guests and event programming will be announced in the coming weeks and months. For those who wish to receive additional updates, the show has created a MySpace page, www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics. The show's regular site, www.comicon.com/baltimore, will also carry guest lists and other pertinent details.
For additional information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, call (410) 526-7410 or email cardscomicscollectibles@yahoo.com. For additional information about the Harvey Awards, visit www.harveyawards.org.
Mike Mignola Named Guest of Honor for Baltimore Comic-Con
Show Runs September 8-9, 2007, at the Baltimore Convention Center
BALTIMORE, MD (February 12, 2007) -- Hellboy creator and designer of Disney's Atlantis Mike Mignola will be the Guest of Honor at this year's Baltimore Comic-Con. The convention will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 8-9, 2007, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
"We're extremely happy to make this first of many announcements concerning this year's Baltimore Comic-Con," said show promoter Marc Nathan. "Mike Mignola has been one of the most requested guests since we started the show, and it's great to finally have him on board. It's also exciting to have so many popular guests returning as well as the wonderful new ones we're adding."
More headliners include Mark Waid (Brave and the Bold), John Romita, Sr. (Amazing Spider-Man), Frank Cho (Mighty Avengers), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes), Michael Golden (Micronauts), and EC Comics editor Al Feldstein (MAD). The creators range from Golden Age visionaries to modern-day superstars, contributing to a show with something for every comic reader and fan.
Additional guests in the initial line-up include Kyle Baker (Why I Hate Saturn), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg), Steve Conley (The Escapist), Todd DeZago (Telos), Brendon and Brian Fraim (Knights of the Dinner Table), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Dean Haspiel (Opposable Thumbs), Michael Avon Oeming (Powers), Brandon Peterson (X-Men), Eric Powell (The Goon), Mark Sparacio (Heroes for Hire), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Herb Trimpe (G.I. Joe), Billy Tucci (Shi), and J.C. Vaughn (24).
Nathan said the show intends to build on its reputation as the friendliest show on the convention circuit. "Last year we had the highest number of people who traveled a long distance that we've ever had," he said. "I think a lot of that is due to the word of mouth from the creators we invite. They always seem to come back and bring a friend. It's also due to our location. Baltimore is a day's drive from anywhere on the eastern seaboard, and it's convenient from much of the Midwest. But even if you're not from those areas, you'll find yourself more than welcome in our town and at our show."
The Harvey Awards will again be held at the Baltimore Comic-Con, continuing the tradition begun with last year's successful dinner and ceremony. Named after the highly influential writer-artist Harvey Kurtzman, the Harvey Awards are the only comic book awards voted on by industry professionals.
DC Comics, Top Cow, Top Shelf, and AdHouse are among the publishers already lined up to display at the show. Also, Diamond Comic Distributors has announced that they will again hold their Retailer Summit in Baltimore on the two days following the show.
Additional guests and event programming will be announced in the coming weeks and months. For those who wish to receive additional updates, the show has created a MySpace page, www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics. The show's regular site, www.comicon.com/baltimore, will also carry guest lists and other pertinent details.
For additional information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, call (410) 526-7410 or email cardscomicscollectibles@yahoo.com. For additional information about the Harvey Awards, visit www.harveyawards.org.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Shojo Manga exhibit pictures, finally
Here's some random views of the exhibit, which is well-worth seeing. To recap, it's at the Japanese Information & Cultural Center on 21st NW, at M St, and is open from 9-5 although some of the artwork is in a hallway which appears to be open later.
90% of this show is original artwork, with the exceptions being photocopies of Tezuka's original art, and a large print from CLAMP. Also, as you can see, the published version is shown with the original for some of the art.
90% of this show is original artwork, with the exceptions being photocopies of Tezuka's original art, and a large print from CLAMP. Also, as you can see, the published version is shown with the original for some of the art.
March 19 - An Animated Evening with Bill Plympton
An Animated Evening with Bill Plympton at National Geographic at 7:30 pm on March 19th. Plympton will show eight of his short animated films - oddly enough this might not be appropriate for children. $14 for members, $17 for non-members. I'm planning on going; Plympton's work is sickly amusing.
On March 24th at 11 am, an Animated Environmental Film Festival has six films for $8 for adults and $6 for kids. It's not online yet, but the films are Gopher Broke, The Girl Who Hated Books, Tree Officer, Badgered, Turtle World and First Flight.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Rough Magic is great UPDATED
I saw Rough Magic, a reworking of The Tempest, written by Marvel Comics writer, and former area resident (and Big Planet Comics customer) Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa tonight. It was an excellent production, funny and moving. Reasonably priced at $20, I strongly recommend it - it's on for a few more shows. Bring a coat because it's chilly in the church theater, but it's worth it. Aguirre-Sacasa's comic book sensibilities, weighted with a healthy dose of Neil Gaiman, carry the show along, and two hours pass quickly. There's a really clever use of basic special effects, excellent costuming, a clever story and an enthusiastic cast.
Comics Greeks by Trey Graham reviewed the play and said, "If you see only one play during the six-month-long Shakespeare in Washington festival, see Rough Magic."
I can't recommend this one highly enough.
Comics Greeks by Trey Graham reviewed the play and said, "If you see only one play during the six-month-long Shakespeare in Washington festival, see Rough Magic."
I can't recommend this one highly enough.
“Ziggy” to be Displayed in U.S. Copyright Office
Not much to say to this press release except that I'm positive that Sara and Martha were not consulted.
“Ziggy” to be Displayed in U.S. Copyright Office
http://www.amuniversal.com/ups/newsrelease/?view=505
Washington D.C. (02/07/2007) The United States Copyright Office, a department of the Library of Congress, has announced that a “Ziggy” comic panel will be included in a special graphics display for the newly renovated Copyright Office in Washington, D.C.
The Aug. 3, 1993 “Ziggy” features the “Yellow Kid” holding out his hat while wearing an outfit that says “COPYRIGHT RAN OUT – PLEASE HELP!” Ziggy has his head turned to the Yellow Kid, who is shoeless, and begging, but wearing a smile. This “Ziggy” comic panel will hang side-by-side the original "Yellow Kid" comic strip from 1896. Together, they illustrate the copyright registration system and its importance, says a Copyright Office spokesman. The “Ziggy” panel will be displayed alongside other American icons such as the “Statue of Liberty,” the “Oscar,” and “Coca-Cola.”
“It is an honor to have “Ziggy” chosen for display in the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution,” says Tom Wilson, Ziggy’s creator. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and home to more than 130 million items sitting on 530 miles of bookshelves. Included in the collections are over 29 million books and other printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 58 million manuscripts. Ziggy is syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate.
Creator(s):
Contact(s): Kathie Kerr
“Ziggy” to be Displayed in U.S. Copyright Office
http://www.amuniversal.com/ups/newsrelease/?view=505
Washington D.C. (02/07/2007) The United States Copyright Office, a department of the Library of Congress, has announced that a “Ziggy” comic panel will be included in a special graphics display for the newly renovated Copyright Office in Washington, D.C.
The Aug. 3, 1993 “Ziggy” features the “Yellow Kid” holding out his hat while wearing an outfit that says “COPYRIGHT RAN OUT – PLEASE HELP!” Ziggy has his head turned to the Yellow Kid, who is shoeless, and begging, but wearing a smile. This “Ziggy” comic panel will hang side-by-side the original "Yellow Kid" comic strip from 1896. Together, they illustrate the copyright registration system and its importance, says a Copyright Office spokesman. The “Ziggy” panel will be displayed alongside other American icons such as the “Statue of Liberty,” the “Oscar,” and “Coca-Cola.”
“It is an honor to have “Ziggy” chosen for display in the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution,” says Tom Wilson, Ziggy’s creator. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and home to more than 130 million items sitting on 530 miles of bookshelves. Included in the collections are over 29 million books and other printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 58 million manuscripts. Ziggy is syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate.
Creator(s):
Contact(s): Kathie Kerr
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Feb 11 - Capital Associates comic book convention
A local convention will be out at 2148 Gallows Road in Tyson's Corner, at the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Dept from 10 - 3, with a $3 admission.
Regards from Serbia
In the tooting my own horn department, Regards from Serbia by Aleksandar Zograf is out this week from Top Shelf. One might wonder why I'm mentioning a book about the Yugoslavian Civil War here. Zograf posted daily emails reporting on the war to an email group on alternative comics, Comix@ that I belonged to. Zograf lost his electronic copies of his letters, but fortunately I had saved the emails and was able to provide them to Top Shelf so they could put the book together more easily. That archivist instinct to save material occasionally pays off, and I'm glad to have been able to help out with this project.
Top Shelf's website says:
"The Serbian cartoonist Aleksandar Zograf has created some of the most compelling comics of the last 15 years. His war stories about the 1990s in the former Yugoslavia, heartbreaking dissections of the cartoonist's inner and outer life as his world fell to pieces all around him, are as fine a group of testimonials as exists concerning the emotional and physical disruptions caused by proximity to death and destruction." -- Tom Spurgeon, The Comics Reporter
As the NATO bombs fell on his hometown of Pančevo in 1999, Serbian cartoonist Aleksandar Zograf used his diary comics and e-mail to reach out to the world and offer a glimpse at the effects of the attacks. Over the weeks and months of the war, Zograf documented not only how the bombings shattered the lives of his friends and neighbors, but also how the routine of daily life remained unchanged. The most recent attacks on Pancevo's oil refinery are contrasted with the latest local soccer matches -- and American propaganda flyers are as likely to fall from the sky as American comics are to arrive in the mail.
In today’s ratings-driven era of globetrotting correspondents and embedded reportage, Regards From Serbia rings with the truth of a man who had the headlines come to him, and offers a comprehensive account of the conflict as only a local could tell it. -- 288 pages, Graphic Novel, Diamond: NOV063909, ISBN 978-1-891830-42-6, $19.95 (US)
Top Shelf's website says:
"The Serbian cartoonist Aleksandar Zograf has created some of the most compelling comics of the last 15 years. His war stories about the 1990s in the former Yugoslavia, heartbreaking dissections of the cartoonist's inner and outer life as his world fell to pieces all around him, are as fine a group of testimonials as exists concerning the emotional and physical disruptions caused by proximity to death and destruction." -- Tom Spurgeon, The Comics Reporter
As the NATO bombs fell on his hometown of Pančevo in 1999, Serbian cartoonist Aleksandar Zograf used his diary comics and e-mail to reach out to the world and offer a glimpse at the effects of the attacks. Over the weeks and months of the war, Zograf documented not only how the bombings shattered the lives of his friends and neighbors, but also how the routine of daily life remained unchanged. The most recent attacks on Pancevo's oil refinery are contrasted with the latest local soccer matches -- and American propaganda flyers are as likely to fall from the sky as American comics are to arrive in the mail.
In today’s ratings-driven era of globetrotting correspondents and embedded reportage, Regards From Serbia rings with the truth of a man who had the headlines come to him, and offers a comprehensive account of the conflict as only a local could tell it. -- 288 pages, Graphic Novel, Diamond: NOV063909, ISBN 978-1-891830-42-6, $19.95 (US)
Howard Pyle and Illustrators of the Brandywine School
A small exhibit, Howard Pyle and Illustrators of the Brandywine School, is at the Federal Reserve Board's headquarters, on 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. I saw it earlier this week. The art is mostly from the Free Library of Philadelphia and includes some Pyle pirates and other illustration work, some original Maxfield Parrish paintings, and a lovely book cover painting - The Cobra's Head by Frank Schoonover.
There's only 24 pieces in the show and you have to telephone for a reservation at least a day in advance and then go through a metal detector and be accompanied by a guard, but the artwork is good. The number is 202-452-3778 and the show will be up through March 30. Admission is free, and they give you a nice full color booklet.
There's only 24 pieces in the show and you have to telephone for a reservation at least a day in advance and then go through a metal detector and be accompanied by a guard, but the artwork is good. The number is 202-452-3778 and the show will be up through March 30. Admission is free, and they give you a nice full color booklet.
Stephen King midnight madness at Big Planet Comics followup
When I picked up my comics today, I asked about the midnight Stephen King event. Joel had 4 people waiting in line when he opened the store at 11:45, and got a total of twelve people, all of whom got free copies of Dark Tower. The crowd apparently was held down by the cold weather and snow, as Joel says other retailers from across the country reported it was a success. On the positive side, all of the people were new to his store, and mostly were directed by Stephen King's website, not the City Paper ad. Some even drove in from Manassas - although at that time of night, even the Beltway probably wasn't too bad.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Tuesday Night - Dark Tower at Big Planet
Here's the press release they sent out today (which looks wordsmithed by Marvel to me):
BIG PLANET COMICS AND MARVEL OFFER FIRST-EVER MIDNIGHT RELEASE TO CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW COMIC SERIES BASED ON STEPHEN KING’S EPIC
THE DARK TOWER
Special Midnight Opening to Take Place on February 6, 2007
Phenomenal Excitement Surrounds New Comic Series that Explores the Origin of the Notorious Gunslinger Character
To celebrate the launch of the ground-breaking new comic book series adapted from Stephen King’s magnum opus, The Dark Tower, Big Planet Comics and Marvel Comics will offer a first-ever midnight release of The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born #1 the night of Tuesday, February 6, 2007. Big Planet Comics located at 4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, MD, will open at midnight on Tuesday (effectively 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2007) so Stephen King fans can get their hands on the debut issue of this historic comic.
Under the direction and guidance of Stephen King, the creative team of Robin Furth (Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: A Concordance), The New York Times-bestselling author Peter David, Eisner Award-winning artist Jae Lee and fan-favorite Richard Isanove, the seven issue series will expand the saga of King’s epic hero, Roland Deschain, whose quest to save the Dark Tower is captured in seven best-selling novels published over the course of twenty-five years. King’s unparalleled storytelling power will inform new stories that delve into the life and times of the young Roland, revealing the trials and conflicts that lead to the burden of destiny he must assume as a man, the last Gunslinger from a world that has moved on. The comics will work in conjunction with the novels, further supplementing and defining the saga’s mythology under the direction of the acclaimed author himself.
Marvel's Senior Vice President of Sales David Gabriel said, "As the first visualization of The Dark Tower characters and stories in the sequential arts medium, these midnight openings provides fans with the same first chance, gotta-be there-the-second-it-comes-out opportunities that Harry Potter fans have enjoyed at mass market book stores."
To learn more about The Dark Tower: Gunslinger Born comic book series please visit www.marvel.com/darktower.
BIG PLANET COMICS AND MARVEL OFFER FIRST-EVER MIDNIGHT RELEASE TO CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW COMIC SERIES BASED ON STEPHEN KING’S EPIC
THE DARK TOWER
Special Midnight Opening to Take Place on February 6, 2007
Phenomenal Excitement Surrounds New Comic Series that Explores the Origin of the Notorious Gunslinger Character
To celebrate the launch of the ground-breaking new comic book series adapted from Stephen King’s magnum opus, The Dark Tower, Big Planet Comics and Marvel Comics will offer a first-ever midnight release of The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born #1 the night of Tuesday, February 6, 2007. Big Planet Comics located at 4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, MD, will open at midnight on Tuesday (effectively 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2007) so Stephen King fans can get their hands on the debut issue of this historic comic.
Under the direction and guidance of Stephen King, the creative team of Robin Furth (Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: A Concordance), The New York Times-bestselling author Peter David, Eisner Award-winning artist Jae Lee and fan-favorite Richard Isanove, the seven issue series will expand the saga of King’s epic hero, Roland Deschain, whose quest to save the Dark Tower is captured in seven best-selling novels published over the course of twenty-five years. King’s unparalleled storytelling power will inform new stories that delve into the life and times of the young Roland, revealing the trials and conflicts that lead to the burden of destiny he must assume as a man, the last Gunslinger from a world that has moved on. The comics will work in conjunction with the novels, further supplementing and defining the saga’s mythology under the direction of the acclaimed author himself.
Marvel's Senior Vice President of Sales David Gabriel said, "As the first visualization of The Dark Tower characters and stories in the sequential arts medium, these midnight openings provides fans with the same first chance, gotta-be there-the-second-it-comes-out opportunities that Harry Potter fans have enjoyed at mass market book stores."
To learn more about The Dark Tower: Gunslinger Born comic book series please visit www.marvel.com/darktower.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Drew Friedman - another suprise in the Post
Drew Friedman illustrated an article in the magazine today - the first time he's worked for the Post? He's got a new book out - Old Jewish Comedians from Fantagraphics.
Wiley on editorial cartooning
Wiley Miller's Non Sequiter today is on the dwindling ranks of editorial cartooning.
Sunday's Post - Edwin Fotheringham
The New Yorker illustrator Edwin Fotheringham did all of the illustrations for today's Post travel section. Thumbnails, but not the nice full page illustration he did, can be seen here.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Express Shojo manga exhibit review
The Express put its review of the local Shojo manga exhibit on the web (it was published on 2/1). The exhibit is open weekdays, 9-5 at Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, Lafayette Center III, 1155 21st St. NW; through March 16; 202-238-6949.
I'll put the pictures I took of the show up soon.
I'll put the pictures I took of the show up soon.
Today's Spider-Man comic book
The Examiner has another part of the original Amazing Spider-Man issue 10 as Spider-Man Collectible Series vol. 22. This is worth noting for another new cover, but I liked the Enforcers as Ditko drew them better.
Post follows up on cartoon Panic in Detroit, rather Boston
Lisa de Moraes' column follows up on the marketing television side of things "Cartoon Show Marketers Send Their Regrets" Saturday, February 3, 2007; Page C07.
Meanwhile, Richard Thompson (there's that name again) takes a whack at Superbowl commercials, and smacks Disney and this year's cartoon controversy in one panel. Unfortunately it's not online yet.
Meanwhile, Richard Thompson (there's that name again) takes a whack at Superbowl commercials, and smacks Disney and this year's cartoon controversy in one panel. Unfortunately it's not online yet.
Post on Zimbabwe newspaper editor threatened over cartoon
"Zimbabwe Paper Hits 'Big Nerve': Criticism of Military Pay Brings a Threat to Editor" by Craig Timberg, Washington Post Foreign Service, Friday, February 2, 2007; Page A10. I'm glad the Post picked this up - I have seen a couple of wire stories, but nothing else by a major newspaper. This is a good article about the dwindling press freedom in the country. The important points, quoting Timberg, are:
A single bullet and a threatening note arrived in a package delivered to one of Zimbabwe's last independent newspapers in what journalists said Thursday was the latest sign of the dangers to press freedoms in that country. ... The package, addressed simply to "editor," contained a cartoon from Sunday's paper mocking low pay in the military. According to Saidi, the handwritten note said: "Whats this editor? Watch your step."
And we can turn to Wikipedia for information on Zimbawe.
A single bullet and a threatening note arrived in a package delivered to one of Zimbabwe's last independent newspapers in what journalists said Thursday was the latest sign of the dangers to press freedoms in that country. ... The package, addressed simply to "editor," contained a cartoon from Sunday's paper mocking low pay in the military. According to Saidi, the handwritten note said: "Whats this editor? Watch your step."
And we can turn to Wikipedia for information on Zimbawe.
Feb 3 & 4 - Little Polar Bear cartoon at NGA
The National Gallery of Art is showing the German film, The Little Polar Bear: The Mysterious Island Saturday at 10:30 and Sunday at 11:30.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Cartoonists Take Up Smoking exhibit photos
Here's some shots of the editorial cartoon exhibit in the National Museum of Health & Medicine. Curated by Alan Blum, this layout is by Steve Hill and Bill Discher. Bill did the big cutouts in particular. The exhibit's up for two more months.
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