Alan Gardner at the Daily Cartoonist is reporting that Our Man Thompson will be doing a cover for Nickelodeon magazine. I can add the totally uninteresting factoid that Nickelodeon cartoon editor Chris Duffy and Richard actually met in person at HeroesCon this year, demonstrating conclusively that ... well, I don't know what... networking helps, maybe?
Also, I owe Mr. Duffy a shout-out for sending me a set of Nickelodeon's carton magazines in exchange for my Interplanetary Journal of Comic Art. Thanks, Chris!
Friday, September 12, 2008
OT: Zapiro's editorial cartoon controversy in South Africa
Obviously South Africa is a bit off this blog's usual beat, but reader Lorrainne Thompson wrote in a few minutes ago, "I was wondering what you thought about the recent caricature done by Zapiro (and the resulting furor) in South Africa?"
Since we're in America and I'm a First Amendment absolutist, here's the cartoon:
Now that's a strong and unpleasant cartoon. However, editorial cartoonists don't view their job as making a politician's life sweetness and light, and god bless them for that. Neither do I.
Secondly, Zuma and Zapiro have a history of going at each other. Last year when Zapiro was at the Cartoonists Rights Network to accept an award, it was because Zuma was suing him over another cartoon. This was reflected in the press release from the CRN which said:
Two of Shapiro's three "Zuma" cartoons are cited in a US$2 million defamation suit ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma has brought against the cartoonist, editors and South African publishers. Zuma's political pedigree includes resistance organizer, 10-year Robben Island prisoner, exile, ANC negotiator, party official and former deputy president of South Africa. In recent years, Zuma has drawn criticism from the press due to his in-fighting for ANC leadership and the company he keeps. There are allegations of tax evasion, corruption and rape.
The rape case did go to trial and was deemed consensual sex by the court 8 May 2006. However, Zuma's own testimony outraged HIV/AIDS educators. This former chair of the National AIDS Council testified that he did not use a condom. He said he minimized the risk of infection from the 32-year-old HIV positive woman by taking a shower.
So we can see some of the same issues and motifs of concern to Zapiro popping up in this drawing - the shower head on Zuma's head, the rape threat, the complicity of South African political parties in the scandal. At this point, Zuma's a leading candidate for President, filling a seat once held by Nelson Mandela, in spite of being on trial for corruption charges. For more details, see
"Zuma's Cartoon Character," by Barrett Sheridan, Newsweek blog Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
Earlier this year in "Freedom of expression in Jester's space," April 15 2008, Zapiro defined his idea of an editorial cartoonists responsibility and rights: "The line stops when you make a tangible connection between what you are saying and instances of people going out and doing violence or causing physical hurt or death because of what you say," he said.
"Its about taboos, about whether a cartoonist has the right to go beyond a certain point. I am a freedom of expression junkie. I don't gratuitously go out of my way to piss people off."
In conclusion - I think Zapiro was perfectly right to draw what he wanted to, and I applaud his newspaper for standing behind him. Many of the articles I've seen have been generated by complaints from the parties depicted in the cartoon. If they, and Jacob Zuma, had ignored the cartoon, it would have been forgotten in a week. Instead it's being blogged about in Washington, DC. I welcome any comments others (or Lorraine) would care to make.
For those with a continuing interest, here's another article on Zapiro's career, followed by much of what I've compiled for the Comics Research Bibliography on this:
"Shooting Sacred Cows: A POLITICAL CARTOONIST DISCUSSES THE PERILS OF RIDICULING GEORGE W. BUSH--AND WHY HE GOT A PERSONAL PHONE CALL FROM NELSON MANDELA," Arlene Getz, Newsweek Web Exclusive, Oct 17, 2007.
Alan Gardner of the Daily Cartoonist found this interview - "Times Q & A with South African cartoonist under attack; Zapiro defends his cartoon depicting ANC chief and presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma as about to rape the justice system, which has drawn criticism from his supporters," By Robyn Dixon, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, September 12, 2008.
IOL polled its readers and in 'Zapiro's cartoon was very much appropriate', By Fundile Majola, September 10 2008, reported:
With the cartoon having been a central theme of the international media this week, Shapiro himself has expressed shock at the volume of response. "I've had some pretty huge responses, but nothing has come close to this," he said.
Following the uproar, IOL decided to engage their readers on the issue, asking if they thought the picture was indeed inappropriate. Of the 548 readers who responded, an overwhelming 76 percent (412 votes) thought the cartoon was in fact the most appropriate reflection of what the judiciary is going through under the Zuma camp while a not-so-convincing 17 percent (94 votes) thought it was inappropriate and the remaining 6 percent (32 votes) just couldn't care less. I don't know who IOL's readers are - perhaps literacy is another unspoken issue in this - but that's a pretty lopsided vote of confidence in Shapiro.
This is typical of the press releases from parties pictured in the cartoon - "YCL calls on SAHRC to investigate Zapiro cartoon - Statement issued by National Secretary Buti Manamela," September 11 2008.
"Zapiro: cartoonists join the fray," September 10 2008.
"Paper supports cartoonist," Port Elizabeth Herald September 11 2008.
This is a good article about what's been going on, without the hyperbole - "Editor stands by Zapiro cartoon," Sapa, 10 Sep 2008.
"South Africa: We Should Draw on Our Humility in Cartoon Saga," Business Day (Johannesburg) COLUMN by Sipho Seepe, 10 September 2008.
"Zapiro cartoon gets SA talking," September 09 2008.
"Zuma camp vents fury over rape cartoon," By Ian Evans in Cape Town, Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Fleminger, David. 2008. "A Zap in the Face," The Times of South Africa' In My Humble Opinion blog 9 September 2008.
"Why, Zapiro? An open letter to Zapiro from Sandisiwe Vilakazi"
"Zuma cartoon: Worth a thousand words?," MAIL & GUARDIAN ONLINE REPORTER AND SAPA, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, Sep 09 2008.
and a few older articles:
"Zapiro: 'Strange things happening' in media freedom," by NATASHA MARRIAN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, Apr 15 2008.
Berger, Guy. 2008. Dr Zapiro dispenses his muti. Mail and Guardian (April 2). Online at http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=336076&area=/insight/insight__converse/
Enwemeka, Zeninjor. 2006. Cape Times cartoonist Zapiro wins top award [in South Africa].
IOL (April 7). Online at http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3015&art_id=vn20060407015346380C125851
Thorpe, Lindsey. 2006. Public figures fair game - Zapiro. Saturday Argus (July 8): 10. online at http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20060708103232744C351304
Unknown. 2006. Safm and Independent Newspapers scoop Journalism Awards. Media Online (August 30): http://www.themedia.co.za/article.aspx?articleid=282412&area=/media_news/
Since we're in America and I'm a First Amendment absolutist, here's the cartoon:
Now that's a strong and unpleasant cartoon. However, editorial cartoonists don't view their job as making a politician's life sweetness and light, and god bless them for that. Neither do I.
Secondly, Zuma and Zapiro have a history of going at each other. Last year when Zapiro was at the Cartoonists Rights Network to accept an award, it was because Zuma was suing him over another cartoon. This was reflected in the press release from the CRN which said:
Two of Shapiro's three "Zuma" cartoons are cited in a US$2 million defamation suit ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma has brought against the cartoonist, editors and South African publishers. Zuma's political pedigree includes resistance organizer, 10-year Robben Island prisoner, exile, ANC negotiator, party official and former deputy president of South Africa. In recent years, Zuma has drawn criticism from the press due to his in-fighting for ANC leadership and the company he keeps. There are allegations of tax evasion, corruption and rape.
The rape case did go to trial and was deemed consensual sex by the court 8 May 2006. However, Zuma's own testimony outraged HIV/AIDS educators. This former chair of the National AIDS Council testified that he did not use a condom. He said he minimized the risk of infection from the 32-year-old HIV positive woman by taking a shower.
So we can see some of the same issues and motifs of concern to Zapiro popping up in this drawing - the shower head on Zuma's head, the rape threat, the complicity of South African political parties in the scandal. At this point, Zuma's a leading candidate for President, filling a seat once held by Nelson Mandela, in spite of being on trial for corruption charges. For more details, see
"Zuma's Cartoon Character," by Barrett Sheridan, Newsweek blog Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
Earlier this year in "Freedom of expression in Jester's space," April 15 2008, Zapiro defined his idea of an editorial cartoonists responsibility and rights: "The line stops when you make a tangible connection between what you are saying and instances of people going out and doing violence or causing physical hurt or death because of what you say," he said.
"Its about taboos, about whether a cartoonist has the right to go beyond a certain point. I am a freedom of expression junkie. I don't gratuitously go out of my way to piss people off."
In conclusion - I think Zapiro was perfectly right to draw what he wanted to, and I applaud his newspaper for standing behind him. Many of the articles I've seen have been generated by complaints from the parties depicted in the cartoon. If they, and Jacob Zuma, had ignored the cartoon, it would have been forgotten in a week. Instead it's being blogged about in Washington, DC. I welcome any comments others (or Lorraine) would care to make.
For those with a continuing interest, here's another article on Zapiro's career, followed by much of what I've compiled for the Comics Research Bibliography on this:
"Shooting Sacred Cows: A POLITICAL CARTOONIST DISCUSSES THE PERILS OF RIDICULING GEORGE W. BUSH--AND WHY HE GOT A PERSONAL PHONE CALL FROM NELSON MANDELA," Arlene Getz, Newsweek Web Exclusive, Oct 17, 2007.
Alan Gardner of the Daily Cartoonist found this interview - "Times Q & A with South African cartoonist under attack; Zapiro defends his cartoon depicting ANC chief and presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma as about to rape the justice system, which has drawn criticism from his supporters," By Robyn Dixon, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, September 12, 2008.
IOL polled its readers and in 'Zapiro's cartoon was very much appropriate', By Fundile Majola, September 10 2008, reported:
With the cartoon having been a central theme of the international media this week, Shapiro himself has expressed shock at the volume of response. "I've had some pretty huge responses, but nothing has come close to this," he said.
Following the uproar, IOL decided to engage their readers on the issue, asking if they thought the picture was indeed inappropriate. Of the 548 readers who responded, an overwhelming 76 percent (412 votes) thought the cartoon was in fact the most appropriate reflection of what the judiciary is going through under the Zuma camp while a not-so-convincing 17 percent (94 votes) thought it was inappropriate and the remaining 6 percent (32 votes) just couldn't care less. I don't know who IOL's readers are - perhaps literacy is another unspoken issue in this - but that's a pretty lopsided vote of confidence in Shapiro.
This is typical of the press releases from parties pictured in the cartoon - "YCL calls on SAHRC to investigate Zapiro cartoon - Statement issued by National Secretary Buti Manamela," September 11 2008.
"Zapiro: cartoonists join the fray," September 10 2008.
"Paper supports cartoonist," Port Elizabeth Herald September 11 2008.
This is a good article about what's been going on, without the hyperbole - "Editor stands by Zapiro cartoon," Sapa, 10 Sep 2008.
"South Africa: We Should Draw on Our Humility in Cartoon Saga," Business Day (Johannesburg) COLUMN by Sipho Seepe, 10 September 2008.
"Zapiro cartoon gets SA talking," September 09 2008.
"Zuma camp vents fury over rape cartoon," By Ian Evans in Cape Town, Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Fleminger, David. 2008. "A Zap in the Face," The Times of South Africa' In My Humble Opinion blog 9 September 2008.
"Why, Zapiro? An open letter to Zapiro from Sandisiwe Vilakazi"
"Zuma cartoon: Worth a thousand words?," MAIL & GUARDIAN ONLINE REPORTER AND SAPA, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, Sep 09 2008.
and a few older articles:
"Zapiro: 'Strange things happening' in media freedom," by NATASHA MARRIAN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, Apr 15 2008.
Berger, Guy. 2008. Dr Zapiro dispenses his muti. Mail and Guardian (April 2). Online at http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=336076&area=/insight/insight__converse/
Enwemeka, Zeninjor. 2006. Cape Times cartoonist Zapiro wins top award [in South Africa].
IOL (April 7). Online at http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3015&art_id=vn20060407015346380C125851
Thorpe, Lindsey. 2006. Public figures fair game - Zapiro. Saturday Argus (July 8): 10. online at http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20060708103232744C351304
Unknown. 2006. Safm and Independent Newspapers scoop Journalism Awards. Media Online (August 30): http://www.themedia.co.za/article.aspx?articleid=282412&area=/media_news/
Geppi's Entertainment Museum sponsers mystery authors booksignings
Here's the article - "Geppi’s Entertainment Museum Welcomes Bouchercon" which lists a bunch of comic book writers appearing as well. Although it gives the details, In celebration of the arrival of Bouchercon XXXIX, the preeminent annual gathering of crime fiction authors, editors, artists, and fans, and in conjunction with Crimespree magazine, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (GEM) will host a signing on Friday, October 10, 2008, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, at the museum’s 301 West Camden Street facility in Baltimore, Maryland. the article doesn't say if you have to have signed up for Bouchercon or need to pay to get into the museum.
Also in Scoop, curator Arnold Blumberg talks about his UMD comics course.
Also in Scoop, curator Arnold Blumberg talks about his UMD comics course.
NY Times on Frank Miller's latest
In "Arts, Briefly: A Superhero Glitch," By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, New York Times September 12, 2008, he reports that DC has called for the destruction of shipped issues of All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #10 due to language. Black bars were printed over top of Batgirl's profanity. Gustines says, "Unlike other series that are aimed at an older readership, this Batman title does not have a “Suggested for Mature Readers” label," but given the copy that I saw, DC wouldn't have published some of these words in any of their lines. This also begs the question of 'why letter them in, if you're going to suppress them?' It's not like they appear magically - somebody has to put them there and then sanitize them.
I rail against censorship in the comic strips in this blog, but there's only one word for Miller's writing here. Ridiculous.
I rail against censorship in the comic strips in this blog, but there's only one word for Miller's writing here. Ridiculous.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Political cartoonist Chris Riddell at Aladdin's Lamp
Here's some pictures from Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart's excellent talk at Aladdin's Lamp bookstore in Arlington, VA. I bought a set of all their books and I'm looking forward to reading them after my daughter's done with them. Riddell is a cartoonist for the Observer of London. He drew a neat werewolf from their new book Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf while Stewart showed some of the props they carried over from England.
The link above has more photos (and check out the "talk" link), but here's a quick assortment showing the werewolf being drawn.
and that's Our Man Thompson in the blue shirt. Riddle was very complimentary about the level of American comic strips compared to UK ones.
Here's a couple more articles on Riddell from my Comics Research Bibliography:
Interview with David Fickling, saviour of the great British comic; For those of a certain age, comics are but a fond childhood memory, irrelevant to today's generation - until now. Tom Gatti meets the man behind the movement
Times 5/10/2008
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/children/article3896701.ece
Interview with Edge Chronicles creators
Feb 4 2008 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
http://www.examiner.co.uk/leisure-and-entertainment/arts-news/2008/02/04/interview-with-edge-chronicles-creators-86081-20430934/
Drawn to the charms of an ogre: Chris Riddell celebrates the master storytelling on display in Claudia J Nahson's The Art of William Steig
Saturday March 15, 2008 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/childrenandteens/0,,2265542,00.html
Riddell at the Observer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/newsroom/story/0,,2238638,00.html#article_continue
This announcement has 3 links, including one to an audio interview.
Drawn, quartered ... and now hung; As the Observer's political cartoonist for 13 years, Chris Riddell has chronicled a tumultuous period in history - the reshaping of
post-communist Europe, the rise of New Labour, 9/11 and the Iraq war. On the eve of an exhibition of his work, he talks to Phil Hogan about the inspiration and method behind his polemical art, and chooses some of his favourites
Sunday January 27, 2008
The Observer
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2247375,00.html
From fantasy to satire. Elspeth Hyams talks to Chris Riddell
Cilip 29 November 2005
http://www.cilip.org.uk/publications/updatemagazine/archive/archive2005/december/interviewwithchrisriddell.htm
Through the Looking Glass: Tenniel did it, and so did EH Shepard. Chris Riddell, who does it himself, explains why political cartoonists who illustrate children's books have always fascinated him
Saturday July 9, 2005 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,1523520,00.html
The link above has more photos (and check out the "talk" link), but here's a quick assortment showing the werewolf being drawn.
and that's Our Man Thompson in the blue shirt. Riddle was very complimentary about the level of American comic strips compared to UK ones.
Here's a couple more articles on Riddell from my Comics Research Bibliography:
Interview with David Fickling, saviour of the great British comic; For those of a certain age, comics are but a fond childhood memory, irrelevant to today's generation - until now. Tom Gatti meets the man behind the movement
Times 5/10/2008
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/children/article3896701.ece
Interview with Edge Chronicles creators
Feb 4 2008 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
http://www.examiner.co.uk/leisure-and-entertainment/arts-news/2008/02/04/interview-with-edge-chronicles-creators-86081-20430934/
Drawn to the charms of an ogre: Chris Riddell celebrates the master storytelling on display in Claudia J Nahson's The Art of William Steig
Saturday March 15, 2008 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/childrenandteens/0,,2265542,00.html
Riddell at the Observer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/newsroom/story/0,,2238638,00.html#article_continue
This announcement has 3 links, including one to an audio interview.
Drawn, quartered ... and now hung; As the Observer's political cartoonist for 13 years, Chris Riddell has chronicled a tumultuous period in history - the reshaping of
post-communist Europe, the rise of New Labour, 9/11 and the Iraq war. On the eve of an exhibition of his work, he talks to Phil Hogan about the inspiration and method behind his polemical art, and chooses some of his favourites
Sunday January 27, 2008
The Observer
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2247375,00.html
From fantasy to satire. Elspeth Hyams talks to Chris Riddell
Cilip 29 November 2005
http://www.cilip.org.uk/publications/updatemagazine/archive/archive2005/december/interviewwithchrisriddell.htm
Through the Looking Glass: Tenniel did it, and so did EH Shepard. Chris Riddell, who does it himself, explains why political cartoonists who illustrate children's books have always fascinated him
Saturday July 9, 2005 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,1523520,00.html
More on Toles-quoting Obama speeches
Toles was contacted for this story and is quoted in it - "Obama Repeatedly Quotes Cartoonist While on Campaign Trail," by FOXNews.com, Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
1926 article on Clifford Berryman
Allan Holtz has reprinted a 1926 article on Washington Star cartoonist Clifford Berryman - "Cartoons Growing In Popularity Berryman Says; Washington Star Veteran Cites Government Officials and Congressmen Who Declare Powerful Cartoons Influence Political Contests-Backs Them Against Humorous Writing," By Mary M. Crenshaw (E&P 5/29/26).
Marc Singer on the new Love & Rockets
See his review on his blog. I read the comic yesterday - I'm still not sure what to make of it. Jaime's artwork was lovely, but as surreal as his strips ever have been.
Emily Flake on how-to books
Presumably in the current hardcopy as well, but see Drawing Blood: Lulu Eightball's Creator Sits Down With Instructional Tomes On How to Bring Comics to Life, By Emily Flake, Baltimore City Paper September 10 2008.
Scott Rosenberg on 9-11 book
Scott used to live here and write for the Express. He's off to the big city now (and has a chapter in my Pekar book). For his look at "American
Widow," written by Alissa Torres and drawn by Sungyoon Choi, see "9/11 book seeks to explain tragedy" By Scott A. Rosenberg, AM New York September 10, 2008. I bought a copy of the book today, but haven't looked at it yet.
Widow," written by Alissa Torres and drawn by Sungyoon Choi, see "9/11 book seeks to explain tragedy" By Scott A. Rosenberg, AM New York September 10, 2008. I bought a copy of the book today, but haven't looked at it yet.
Editor and Publisher on local cartoonists
Dave Astor's got a few articles on local guys. It's good to hear that Richard's got 200 papers - now he can't afford not to do the strip:
One Year and 200 Newspapers for Popular 'Cul de Sac' Comic
By E&P Staff
Published: September 10, 2008 3:32 PM ET
Obama Uses the Anti-McCain Words of a Tom Toles Cartoon
By E&P Staff
Published: September 09, 2008 4:56 PM ET
New Harvey Pekar Book Is Edited by ComicsDC Blogger Mike Rhode
By Dave Astor
Published: September 08, 2008 11:11 AM ET
One Year and 200 Newspapers for Popular 'Cul de Sac' Comic
By E&P Staff
Published: September 10, 2008 3:32 PM ET
Obama Uses the Anti-McCain Words of a Tom Toles Cartoon
By E&P Staff
Published: September 09, 2008 4:56 PM ET
New Harvey Pekar Book Is Edited by ComicsDC Blogger Mike Rhode
By Dave Astor
Published: September 08, 2008 11:11 AM ET
KAL at DNC report, and appearing in Philadelphia
There's a vignette at "Going Gonzo at the DNC: A Journey Through Four Days of Political Madness," by James Burrus, Yellow Scene Magazine.
Kal also wrote in today:
Tickets are now on sale for "The Art of Satire" on October 7 at Philadelphia's fabulous Kimmel Art Center.
Sponsored by The Economist, the show features sketch comedy, interactive animation, live drawing lessons and more. Tickets are moving fast so I suggest that you book your reservations soon.
Go to http://artofsatire.economist.com/ for more information.
The show continues for two shows in New York November 1. Tickets go on sale soon.
Best
Kal
Kevin Kallaugher
kaltoons@comcast.net
www.Kaltoons.com
Matt Fraction at Laughing Ogre Comics
Come and Meet Matt Fraction!
Writer of Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova
September 13th, 12pm - 4pm
Lansdowne, VA
Matt Fraction, the writer of such notable titles as Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova, will be signing at Laughing Ogre Comics Lansdowne on Saturday September 13, from Noon until 4:00 pm.
Mr. Fraction was kind enough to answer some questions for us about his writing and comics in general.
1. Which X-Men character is your favorite to write and why?
Right now, Cyclops. He's in an absolutely fascinating place right now, and it's just going to get more engaging as we go...
2. What makes your books different from the same titles five years ago?
Well, I think the X books are all discretely defined and each one has a unique identity and serves a function no other book in the X-line addresses. And, as you may have heard, there are "No more mutants." We're dealing with the X-Men in a time when they're not just sworn to protect a people that hates and despises them, but they're an endangered species. The future of humanity has been snuffed out. That's the spine of the X-Universe right now; that's the core of everything. And, for my money, that's a big turn from the epic and wonderful Morrison era, where there were millions and millions of mutants.
In terms of the Iron Man book, we're in the early days of a long reckoning for Tony Stark. He has a lifetime of sins that are going to demand atonement, regardless of whether he's ready or not. So Tony's on the precipice of a very brutal road...
3. Why was Tony right?
Was he?
4. What is the biggest difference between writing a team versus a solo book?
It's tricky making sure everyone has enough stage time in a team book; in a solo book, you can spend more quality time with your lead. There's a lot of balancing to be done in a team book...
5. Is continuity something to be embraced, or rewritten?
Neither; I think continuity is something to be respected but evolved. Consistency is the watchword.
We are very excited to have Matt Fraction in store! If you have any questions about the event, or need directions to our Lansdowne location, please email us at norah@laughingogrecomics.com, or call (703) 437-9530.
Writer of Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova
September 13th, 12pm - 4pm
Lansdowne, VA
Matt Fraction, the writer of such notable titles as Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova, will be signing at Laughing Ogre Comics Lansdowne on Saturday September 13, from Noon until 4:00 pm.
Mr. Fraction was kind enough to answer some questions for us about his writing and comics in general.
1. Which X-Men character is your favorite to write and why?
Right now, Cyclops. He's in an absolutely fascinating place right now, and it's just going to get more engaging as we go...
2. What makes your books different from the same titles five years ago?
Well, I think the X books are all discretely defined and each one has a unique identity and serves a function no other book in the X-line addresses. And, as you may have heard, there are "No more mutants." We're dealing with the X-Men in a time when they're not just sworn to protect a people that hates and despises them, but they're an endangered species. The future of humanity has been snuffed out. That's the spine of the X-Universe right now; that's the core of everything. And, for my money, that's a big turn from the epic and wonderful Morrison era, where there were millions and millions of mutants.
In terms of the Iron Man book, we're in the early days of a long reckoning for Tony Stark. He has a lifetime of sins that are going to demand atonement, regardless of whether he's ready or not. So Tony's on the precipice of a very brutal road...
3. Why was Tony right?
Was he?
4. What is the biggest difference between writing a team versus a solo book?
It's tricky making sure everyone has enough stage time in a team book; in a solo book, you can spend more quality time with your lead. There's a lot of balancing to be done in a team book...
5. Is continuity something to be embraced, or rewritten?
Neither; I think continuity is something to be respected but evolved. Consistency is the watchword.
We are very excited to have Matt Fraction in store! If you have any questions about the event, or need directions to our Lansdowne location, please email us at norah@laughingogrecomics.com, or call (703) 437-9530.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
September 10: Junot Diaz at Politics and Prose
A third comics-related event tomorrow! Diaz was influenced by American comic books in his novel. This is at Politics and Prose. Unfortunately I don't think I'll make any of the three.
Wednesday, September 10, 7 p.m.
JUNOT DÍAZ
THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO (Riverhead, $14)
Díaz uses a mixture of Spanish and English to express the melting and melding that occurs when immigrants from the Dominican Republic meet New Jersey, USA. This splendid young Dominican-American writer has scored a home run with his zany, sweet, perceptive novel now appearing in paperback.
Wednesday, September 10, 7 p.m.
JUNOT DÍAZ
THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO (Riverhead, $14)
Díaz uses a mixture of Spanish and English to express the melting and melding that occurs when immigrants from the Dominican Republic meet New Jersey, USA. This splendid young Dominican-American writer has scored a home run with his zany, sweet, perceptive novel now appearing in paperback.
Tornoe spots Obama borrowing from Toles
Rob sent in this note and link to his blog:
Obama borrows line from Tom Toles cartoon
"Maybe what they're saying is, 'Watch out George Bush,'" Obama said with sarcasm, according to the Boston Globe. "Except for economic policies, and tax policies, and energy policies, and health care policies, and education policies, and Karl Rove-style politics -- except for all that, we're really going to bring change to Washington! We’re really going to shake things up!"
Great line. Too bad it came from Friday's cartoon by Washington Post cartoonist Tom Toles.
http://www.politicker.com/obama-borrows-line-tom-toles-cartoon
Obama borrows line from Tom Toles cartoon
"Maybe what they're saying is, 'Watch out George Bush,'" Obama said with sarcasm, according to the Boston Globe. "Except for economic policies, and tax policies, and energy policies, and health care policies, and education policies, and Karl Rove-style politics -- except for all that, we're really going to bring change to Washington! We’re really going to shake things up!"
Great line. Too bad it came from Friday's cartoon by Washington Post cartoonist Tom Toles.
http://www.politicker.com/obama-borrows-line-tom-toles-cartoon
Small Press Expo Announces Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as Guests for “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”
Small Press Expo Announces Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as Guests for “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”
For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail:webernard@spxpo.com
Bethesda, Maryland; September 9, 2008 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is proud to announce Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as guests for the SPX 2008 special event, “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”.
Ted Rall is the President-elect of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (A.A.E.C.) and has traveled extensively to Central Asia. Author, ATTITUDE editor, cartoonist, columnist and sometime TV personality, Ted’s most recent book is “Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East?” and his latest cartoon collection is, “America Gone Wild”. For more information on Ted Rall, visit his website at http://www.tedrall.com.
Ruben Bolling is the creator of the multi-faceted, multi-paneled social and political weekly strip, Tom The Dancing Bug. His most recent book is “Thrilling Tom The Dancing Bug Stories”. SPX is grateful that Ruben is making his first appearance at SPX in a number of years. Visit his web site at http://www.gocomics.com/tomthedancingbug/.
Matt Wuerker is the cartoonist and illustrator at Politico.Com and the weekly Politico newspaper. His cartoons and illustrations have been published by Smithsonian Magazine, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and The Nation. You can see his cartoons at http://www.politico.com.
Ted, Ruben and Matt will join previously announced Tom Tomorrow and Lloyd Dangle at a special series of panels and interviews surrounding the state of political cartooning in this historic election year.
Additional guests will be added over the next few weeks, please stay tuned for those announcements.
The events surrounding “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008” is included with the SPX admission fee of $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.
SPX will be held Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.
SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.
SPX culminates with the presentation of the 12th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning that will occur Saturday night, October 4. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.
As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at
http://www.cbldf.org/.
Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book and graphic novel festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and fans together to celebrate the art of visual storytelling.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail:webernard@spxpo.com
Bethesda, Maryland; September 9, 2008 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is proud to announce Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as guests for the SPX 2008 special event, “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”.
Ted Rall is the President-elect of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (A.A.E.C.) and has traveled extensively to Central Asia. Author, ATTITUDE editor, cartoonist, columnist and sometime TV personality, Ted’s most recent book is “Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East?” and his latest cartoon collection is, “America Gone Wild”. For more information on Ted Rall, visit his website at http://www.tedrall.com.
Ruben Bolling is the creator of the multi-faceted, multi-paneled social and political weekly strip, Tom The Dancing Bug. His most recent book is “Thrilling Tom The Dancing Bug Stories”. SPX is grateful that Ruben is making his first appearance at SPX in a number of years. Visit his web site at http://www.gocomics.com/tomthedancingbug/.
Matt Wuerker is the cartoonist and illustrator at Politico.Com and the weekly Politico newspaper. His cartoons and illustrations have been published by Smithsonian Magazine, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and The Nation. You can see his cartoons at http://www.politico.com.
Ted, Ruben and Matt will join previously announced Tom Tomorrow and Lloyd Dangle at a special series of panels and interviews surrounding the state of political cartooning in this historic election year.
Additional guests will be added over the next few weeks, please stay tuned for those announcements.
The events surrounding “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008” is included with the SPX admission fee of $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.
SPX will be held Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.
SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.
SPX culminates with the presentation of the 12th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning that will occur Saturday night, October 4. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.
As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at
http://www.cbldf.org/.
Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book and graphic novel festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and fans together to celebrate the art of visual storytelling.
Monday, September 08, 2008
OT: Langridge in Act-i-vate webcomix
Jim Dougan wrote in today: You may have seen this already, but as a fellow Langridge fan, and the local DC representative of webcomix collective ACT-I-VATE, you might want to know that he's joined up and will be dazzling us all with the new adventures of MUGWHUMP THE GREAT:
http://www.act-i-vate.com/60.comic
Roger talks about it at his blog here:
http://hotelfred.blogspot.com/2008/09/preee-sentinggg-mugwhump-great.html
Thanks for the tip, Jim! Sure, Roger's from New Zealand and lives in England, but DC's a state of mind, right? Unfortunately he won't be at SPX this year since he did HeroesCon earlier this year.
http://www.act-i-vate.com/60.comic
Roger talks about it at his blog here:
http://hotelfred.blogspot.com/2008/09/preee-sentinggg-mugwhump-great.html
Thanks for the tip, Jim! Sure, Roger's from New Zealand and lives in England, but DC's a state of mind, right? Unfortunately he won't be at SPX this year since he did HeroesCon earlier this year.
Speaking of IJoCA...
... today is founder, publisher and editor John Lent's 72nd birthday! Happy birthday, John!
Arthur Szyk in NY Times
Szyk was a Jewish cartoonist who fled to New York and did some awesomely hard-hitting propaganda during World War II. He was the subject of a couple of great exhibits in DC about five years ago too. This article discusses a new exhibit of his work in Germany -
"A Caricaturist, but No Funny Stuff Here," By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN, New York Times September 8, 2008.
I'll see if I can dig up my reviews of the exhibits for IJoCA and post them here later this week.
"A Caricaturist, but No Funny Stuff Here," By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN, New York Times September 8, 2008.
I'll see if I can dig up my reviews of the exhibits for IJoCA and post them here later this week.
NY Times takes note of Google's Chrome McCloud comic
In "Archie and Jughead? No, Javascript," By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, New York Times September 8, 2008. Although I don't subscribe to it like I do the Times, the Daily News ran this today "Interview with Scott McCloud, artist behind Google Chrome comic," BY PATRICK MONTERO, New York DAILY NEWS WRITER, Monday, September 8th 2008. Beyond Google spreading everywhere, this has nothing to do with DC, but you can read the comic here.
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