Today's City Paper cover story is illustrated by Danny Hellman.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
OT: Comic book books by my friends
Gene Kannenberg's got his book "500 Essential Graphic Novels: The Ultimate Guide" out - he didn't write or pick all of the entries as the publisher had a strong voice in this - but I'm sure there's plenty to pick a fight with him about it it anyway.
Similarly, Paul Gravett's The Mammoth Book of Best Crime Comics appeared in my comics store today. There's a long interview with Paul on the Forbidden Planet blog.
Buy them both - you won't be sorry.
Similarly, Paul Gravett's The Mammoth Book of Best Crime Comics appeared in my comics store today. There's a long interview with Paul on the Forbidden Planet blog.
Buy them both - you won't be sorry.
Jason Rodriguez and Chris Piers Article
Jason Rodriguez and Chris Piers are featured in an article about careers - "Getting Ahead: The Write Stuff," by Rachel Kaufman Express, August 13, 2008.
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/08/wednesday_getting_ahead_the_write_stuff.php
Over in the Examiner, they note Jim Henson's career, including some of his works as a University of Maryland student cartoonist along with the Muppets, are on exhibit at the Smithsonian's Ripley Center (the underground one). The article isn't online.
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/08/wednesday_getting_ahead_the_write_stuff.php
Over in the Examiner, they note Jim Henson's career, including some of his works as a University of Maryland student cartoonist along with the Muppets, are on exhibit at the Smithsonian's Ripley Center (the underground one). The article isn't online.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Pekar book uncorrected proof
I visited John Lent's house to look at his collection of books yesterday, along with librarians (small l!) of Congress Sara and Martha and our Secret History of Comics poster Warren Bernard. John's the publisher of the International Journal of Comic Art so he had a advance uncorrected proof of the Pekar book and I got to see it for the first time.
How's that for an author photo?!
Publishers Weekly on Baltimore's Otakon
See "Fans Flock to Baltimore's Otakon," By Kai-Ming Cha and Erin Finnegan, PW Comics Week August 12, 2008.
OT: New National Geographic exhibit and book
Mark Jenkins, a buddy of mine at National Geographic, has a new exhibit on photographers going up in the lobby of the building at 16th and M St, NW. Here's blurb for the book that will follow later:
ODYSSEYS AND PHOTOGRAPHS (ISBN: 978-1-4262-0172-1; Nov. 11, 2008; $40) chronicles the rich and surprising history of four iconic National Geographic field men -- Maynard Owen Williams, Luis Marden, Volkmar Wentzel and Thomas Abercrombie -- told by those who knew them best, along with 200 stellar images, many never before published.
ODYSSEYS AND PHOTOGRAPHS (ISBN: 978-1-4262-0172-1; Nov. 11, 2008; $40) chronicles the rich and surprising history of four iconic National Geographic field men -- Maynard Owen Williams, Luis Marden, Volkmar Wentzel and Thomas Abercrombie -- told by those who knew them best, along with 200 stellar images, many never before published.
Comics blogs proliferate at media sites
I guess all the superhero movies have gotten old media paying attention to comics. The Wall Street Journal has run an astounding amount of articles on them lately for example. Blogs at major media sites specifically on comics are popping up like superhero movies too.
I've linked to the new Washington Post Comic Riffs, Zadzooks at the Washington Times and Examiner blogs recently, but there's some other new ones popping up, like the Los Angeles Times Hero Complex which just celebrated a birthday - Hero Complex: The first month, Aug 12 2008.
One I just found today is MTV's Splash Page - of which they claim, "You've turned the page to the place where panels and popcorn meet. From coverage of comic-inspired flicks to that buzzed-about graphic novel that's being primed for the big-screen, you'll find it all here at MTV's Splash Page. Check throughout the day for breaking news, exclusive chats with Hollywood stars and comic legends, and first looks at the blockbusters of tomorrow."
Steve Duin's blog at the Oregonian has been going a while, but is one of the best.
I've linked to the new Washington Post Comic Riffs, Zadzooks at the Washington Times and Examiner blogs recently, but there's some other new ones popping up, like the Los Angeles Times Hero Complex which just celebrated a birthday - Hero Complex: The first month, Aug 12 2008.
One I just found today is MTV's Splash Page - of which they claim, "You've turned the page to the place where panels and popcorn meet. From coverage of comic-inspired flicks to that buzzed-about graphic novel that's being primed for the big-screen, you'll find it all here at MTV's Splash Page. Check throughout the day for breaking news, exclusive chats with Hollywood stars and comic legends, and first looks at the blockbusters of tomorrow."
Steve Duin's blog at the Oregonian has been going a while, but is one of the best.
OT: Aug 12, 14: Crime writer George Pelecanos appearances
One of Washington's best crime fiction writers, George Pelecanos, will be speaking tonight at Politics and Prose in DC at 7 pm (202-364-1919) and on Thursday at 7:30 pm at Borders in Bailey's Crossroads just outside of Arlington (703-998-0404). Pelecanos is also known for his writing on the tv show The Wire, but his novels have all been set in DC and are full of the region outside of the monuments. The City Paper has a cover story article on him by Mark Athitakis, who said such nice things about this blog, and the Express has an online interview in which he says, "When I'm writing, I'm writing for Washingtonians."
I'll be going to the Thursday signing at Borders if anyone wants to meet up.
I'll be going to the Thursday signing at Borders if anyone wants to meet up.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Cavna's Luckovich interview
Missed this one last Friday somehow - "The Interview: Political Cartoonist Mike Luckovich," Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (August 8).
Examiner starts comics blog too
I think this one is based out of Texas, but Brian Steinberg is writing the Comics Examiner blog as of August 6th apparently. He links to Cavna's Comic Riffs blog, but through a Houston paper link.
Express recommends anime program at Smithsonian
... In the "Anime: Young Artists Residency" program, from Aug. 11 to Aug. 14 in the Sackler Gallery. See "Beyond Pokemon: Anime for Young Artists," by Express contributor Roxana Hadadi, Express.com (August 11 2008).
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Frank Cho interview
Maryland cartoonist Frank Cho spoke to Newsarama recently - "Frank Cho Re-Ups with Marvel for Exclusive," By Benjamin Ong Pang Kean, Newsarama 2008-07-29.
Make Mine Marvel - 1968!
I bought an interesting book today at the local con - The Full-Color Guide to Marvel Silver AGe Collectibles from M.M.M.S. to Marvelmania by J. Ballman (Totalmojo Productions, 2007, $29.95). I just love books like this that list the little-known byways of our hobby. As the title promises, this is full of color photographs of all the tchotchkes and merchandising Marvel did in the 1960s. There's stuff in here I never knew existed. Comics have never existed independently of merchandising, and this is a nice overview of Marvel's early modern years.
J. Ballman's from Maryland and is working on a 2nd edition of this book, but I'm glad I noticed and picked up this one. I'd recommend it to any Marvel or merchandising fan. I don't know if he goes to the Dunn Loring CapCon show regularly, but you can probably catch him there and check out some of the neat Marvel toys at his table too.
Brad Meltzer interview
Here's a longish (for Wizard) interview with our former local writer, "WIZARD Q&A: BRAD MELTZER
The best-selling author kills the DC Universe in 'Last Will and Testament' and tells the truth about his latest novel, 'The Book of Lies'" By Andy Serwin, 8/08/2008.
The best-selling author kills the DC Universe in 'Last Will and Testament' and tells the truth about his latest novel, 'The Book of Lies'" By Andy Serwin, 8/08/2008.
Suprise appearance by Pekar on NPR
Harvey speaks briefly in this "Remembering The Birth Of Superman," by Daniel Barnett,
National Public Radio's Weekend Edition Saturday, August 9, 2008.
National Public Radio's Weekend Edition Saturday, August 9, 2008.
Time-Warner about to get it wrong again?
An extensive article discusses possible plans by Time-Warner, the behemoth that owns DC Comics as well as Batman - according to this article "Holy Cash Cow, Batman! Content Is Back," By TIM ARANGO, New York Times August 10, 2008, they're suddenly convinced that owning content and not distribution systems is the way to make money.
The article, and perhaps the chief executive, seem to miss the point. First we read:
For now, Mr. Bewkes is staking the company’s future on three big content providers: Warner Brothers, Turner Broadcasting (which includes TNT, TBS and CNN) and HBO. To ramp things up on the entertainment front, he’s also been overseeing internal discussions about acquisitions in film and television — including a possible takeover of NBC Universal, should its parent, General Electric, decide to sell, according to executives and bankers who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details of the discussions.
and then this follows:
It is less clear how the Time Inc. unit, which publishes magazines like Time, People, In Style, Fortune and Sports Illustrated, meshes with Mr. Bewkes’s strategy. According to Time Warner insiders, the company is likely to shrink the publishing unit to just a handful of the most profitable titles. Some analysts predict that Time Warner might try to sell the publishing unit en masse, but only if market conditions improve.
I'm not sure what that means for DC Comics, but I think it's worth noting that Warner Bros. wouldn't have had Batman to make a movie about if it wasn't for the comic book company. They've already sold Warner Books, presumably another source of content and one that is doing graphic novels now.
Pay me a few million dollars and I'll come up with some good ideas like making cable companies profitable by providing good service and shows people want to see.
The article, and perhaps the chief executive, seem to miss the point. First we read:
For now, Mr. Bewkes is staking the company’s future on three big content providers: Warner Brothers, Turner Broadcasting (which includes TNT, TBS and CNN) and HBO. To ramp things up on the entertainment front, he’s also been overseeing internal discussions about acquisitions in film and television — including a possible takeover of NBC Universal, should its parent, General Electric, decide to sell, according to executives and bankers who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details of the discussions.
and then this follows:
It is less clear how the Time Inc. unit, which publishes magazines like Time, People, In Style, Fortune and Sports Illustrated, meshes with Mr. Bewkes’s strategy. According to Time Warner insiders, the company is likely to shrink the publishing unit to just a handful of the most profitable titles. Some analysts predict that Time Warner might try to sell the publishing unit en masse, but only if market conditions improve.
I'm not sure what that means for DC Comics, but I think it's worth noting that Warner Bros. wouldn't have had Batman to make a movie about if it wasn't for the comic book company. They've already sold Warner Books, presumably another source of content and one that is doing graphic novels now.
Pay me a few million dollars and I'll come up with some good ideas like making cable companies profitable by providing good service and shows people want to see.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Legendary comic book store owner Greg Bennett makes recommendations
So I popped over to Zadzooks' new Washington Times website to add a link over there on the right and was startled to find "Legendary comic book store owner Greg Bennett provides a pair of recommendations for comic book lovers every week." So far he's provided recs for August 3, July 27, July 20 and July 13.
Geez. I don't know why I even started this blog. Greg runs the Georgetown Big Planet these days, and I probably see him once a month. But do I hear about this? Noooo...
Geez. I don't know why I even started this blog. Greg runs the Georgetown Big Planet these days, and I probably see him once a month. But do I hear about this? Noooo...
Zadzooks on DC's Chemistry Set comic book writer
See "ZADZOOKS: Chemistry Set writer Dougan has lots of stories to tell," by Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, August 7, 2008.
Richmond's Jen Sorenson on women political cartoonists
Dave Astor pointed out the story initially - here's Jen Sorenson's take on women political cartoonists - "Wanted: Female Cartoonist; Slowpoke artist Jen Sorensen explains why comics have historically been a nerdy guy thing and how we can change that," By Jen Sorensen, Campus Progress August 8, 2008.
Jen will undoubtedly be at the Small Press Expo again this year, and I think people should go up and engage her on this point. She's also appearing in Bash, the new DC comics tabloid.
Jen will undoubtedly be at the Small Press Expo again this year, and I think people should go up and engage her on this point. She's also appearing in Bash, the new DC comics tabloid.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 08-13-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 08-13-08
By John Judy
ABSOLUTE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN: THE BLACK DOSSIER HC by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill. A year later I’m still trying to get through the regular version. Anybody got a record player and some hard drugs?
ACTION COMICS #868 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. Superman meets Brainiac and it’s really creepy.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #567 by Marc Guggenheim and Phil Jimenez. Spidey and his drug-crazed roommate beat on the albino Kraven-chick with the bad make-up and hair gel addiction.
ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL #11 by Brian Lynch and Nick Runge. I think Angel and Gunn are gonna kiss. About time!
ASTONISHING X-MEN #26 by Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi. It’s mutants! Internet-Jesus style! Skrull-free! There’s preview pages up on comicbookresources.com some with actual dialogue. Good stuff. Recommended.
BATMAN #679 by Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel. When your villains have names like Hunchback, King Kraken and Charlie Caligula who needs a story you can actually follow?
BPRD: THE WARNING #2 of 5 by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Guy Davis. Your snow-bound, moose carcass-pondering, Abe Sapien action starts here, people!
FANTASTIC FOUR #559 by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. In which the Human Torch’s girlfriend problems threaten the entire team with destruction! Oh sure, like it’s never happened to you…
FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #1 of 5 by Greg Rucka and Philip Tan. It’s Rucka writing two of his best characters, Crispus Allen and Rene Montoya, these days known as The Spectre and The Question. I sense a titanic team-up in the offing! Recommended!
THE GOON #27 written and drawn by Eric Powell and Guests. Three twisted tales from the Gooniverse. Recommended!
HELLBOY: THE CROOKED MAN #2 of 3 by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben. HB tries to reclaim a soul from a hill-billy devil. Maybe he can trade it for a can of chaw and those back issues of “American Spectator” they got behind the outhouse.
MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST CRIME COMICS SC by Many People including Eisner, Moore, Gaiman, Spillane, Chandler, Krigstein and pre-21st Century Frank Miller (before he went insane)! Twenty-five of the best crime comics ever published. Gotta look!
PUNISHER #60 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. It’s the end of an era (and a whole lot of punks) as Garth Ennis goes out in style. Plus, a preview of next issue’s new creative team. Salud!
SECRET INVASION #5 of 8 by Brian Michael Bendis and Leinil Francis Yu. The Skrulls want Earth to “embrace change.” There’s your proof: Barack Obama is a Skrull. This will appear on FoxNews as a headline. Just wait….
TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED: ARRIVAL #1 by Marty Isenberg and Dario Brizuela. My kid wants one of these. Yours probably does too. By the head writer of the TV series which is actually quite good. Recommended for younger readers.
WALKING DEAD #51 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. Lookin’ like someone took his eye off the undead cannibals. Tsk, tsk. Yeah, put your hands up. That’ll help. Recommended. Not for kids.
WELCOME TO HOXFORD #1 of 4 written and drawn by Ben Frickin’ Templesmith! Meet Ray. Ray lives in a mental institution for the violently freaky. Ray is written and drawn by the guy who did 30 DAYS OF NIGHT and FELL. You want this, but if you’re a kid you can’t have it. Recommended.
WONDER WOMAN #23 by Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti. Wonder Woman returns to Earth and beats the bejeebers out of some big nasty with Roman hands and Russian fingers! What more could we ask?
YOUNG LIARS #6 written and drawn by David Lapham. I’m mentioning this comic again because, even though it’s kind of confusing and all over the place, last issue Lapham castrated his male lead. I mean, come on, you have to respect that kind of effort. Not for kids.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
ABSOLUTE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN: THE BLACK DOSSIER HC by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill. A year later I’m still trying to get through the regular version. Anybody got a record player and some hard drugs?
ACTION COMICS #868 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. Superman meets Brainiac and it’s really creepy.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #567 by Marc Guggenheim and Phil Jimenez. Spidey and his drug-crazed roommate beat on the albino Kraven-chick with the bad make-up and hair gel addiction.
ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL #11 by Brian Lynch and Nick Runge. I think Angel and Gunn are gonna kiss. About time!
ASTONISHING X-MEN #26 by Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi. It’s mutants! Internet-Jesus style! Skrull-free! There’s preview pages up on comicbookresources.com some with actual dialogue. Good stuff. Recommended.
BATMAN #679 by Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel. When your villains have names like Hunchback, King Kraken and Charlie Caligula who needs a story you can actually follow?
BPRD: THE WARNING #2 of 5 by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Guy Davis. Your snow-bound, moose carcass-pondering, Abe Sapien action starts here, people!
FANTASTIC FOUR #559 by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. In which the Human Torch’s girlfriend problems threaten the entire team with destruction! Oh sure, like it’s never happened to you…
FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #1 of 5 by Greg Rucka and Philip Tan. It’s Rucka writing two of his best characters, Crispus Allen and Rene Montoya, these days known as The Spectre and The Question. I sense a titanic team-up in the offing! Recommended!
THE GOON #27 written and drawn by Eric Powell and Guests. Three twisted tales from the Gooniverse. Recommended!
HELLBOY: THE CROOKED MAN #2 of 3 by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben. HB tries to reclaim a soul from a hill-billy devil. Maybe he can trade it for a can of chaw and those back issues of “American Spectator” they got behind the outhouse.
MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST CRIME COMICS SC by Many People including Eisner, Moore, Gaiman, Spillane, Chandler, Krigstein and pre-21st Century Frank Miller (before he went insane)! Twenty-five of the best crime comics ever published. Gotta look!
PUNISHER #60 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. It’s the end of an era (and a whole lot of punks) as Garth Ennis goes out in style. Plus, a preview of next issue’s new creative team. Salud!
SECRET INVASION #5 of 8 by Brian Michael Bendis and Leinil Francis Yu. The Skrulls want Earth to “embrace change.” There’s your proof: Barack Obama is a Skrull. This will appear on FoxNews as a headline. Just wait….
TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED: ARRIVAL #1 by Marty Isenberg and Dario Brizuela. My kid wants one of these. Yours probably does too. By the head writer of the TV series which is actually quite good. Recommended for younger readers.
WALKING DEAD #51 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. Lookin’ like someone took his eye off the undead cannibals. Tsk, tsk. Yeah, put your hands up. That’ll help. Recommended. Not for kids.
WELCOME TO HOXFORD #1 of 4 written and drawn by Ben Frickin’ Templesmith! Meet Ray. Ray lives in a mental institution for the violently freaky. Ray is written and drawn by the guy who did 30 DAYS OF NIGHT and FELL. You want this, but if you’re a kid you can’t have it. Recommended.
WONDER WOMAN #23 by Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti. Wonder Woman returns to Earth and beats the bejeebers out of some big nasty with Roman hands and Russian fingers! What more could we ask?
YOUNG LIARS #6 written and drawn by David Lapham. I’m mentioning this comic again because, even though it’s kind of confusing and all over the place, last issue Lapham castrated his male lead. I mean, come on, you have to respect that kind of effort. Not for kids.
www.johnjudy.net
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