DC Comic Book Examiner on documentaries

DC has a Comic Book Examiner?

Apparently - "Behind the print: comic books meet documentary film," Mark Ruffin, June 1, 2009.

I've got a stack of these documentaries that I've been planning on doing a review essay for, but I think I'll have to review them individually...

Spider-Man at the Library of Congress now online video

Sara Duke says, "Last year I was filmed for history.com about the Library's acquisition of the original drawings for Amazing Fantasy #15 - the film clip is here: http://www.history.com/content/hiddentreasures/a-legend-is-born. (Burning through my 15 minutes of fame, one sound bite at a time.)

And yes, you may make an appointment with me to see the original drawings for Amazing Fantasy, or other cartoon art in our collection ... I'm generally available Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm for appointments. (You can't see all 128,000 works of cartoon art on paper from your computer, but visit http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/catalog.html to see a selection.)"

Weldon on the original Captain Marvel

"So Why Isn't This Once-Mighty Super-Guy More Famous?" by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (June 2 2009). My educated guess would be that 1.) DC Comics sued him into oblivion and then 2.) Marvel Comics trademarked his name. But that's just a guess.

July 11: Bugs Bunny On Broadway - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

This will probably be a fun event - Bugs Bunny On Broadway - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
Sat, Jul 11, 2009 08:30 PM

OT: Jim Ottaviani's T-Minus printing oddity

ComicsDC friend Jim Ottaviani recently wrote to a graphic novel librarian's list about the hardcover edition of his new book on the space race, T-Minus: The Race to the Moon.

His website says, "Glossary: If you have the nifty (but limited!) hardcover edition,
you'll want to grab the glossary here. Heck, you might want it even if you have the softcover edition, since it'll save you flipping back and forth."

In response to a question about that on the list, Jim noted, "Printing constraints led Aladdin to decide not to include the glossary on the hardcover. The softcover has it on the inside front and back covers.

I wish it were in both. It's a nice extra to have, so that's why I reformatted it to tuck neatly into the hardcover and made it available for download via www.gt-labs.com/tminus.html .

Hopefully that's a useful bit of news for someone. I'll be buying the book from Jim at Heroescon in a couple of weeks.

Trudeau's Sunday cartoon was anti-semitic? Eh?

I'm only mentioning this because it's on a blog called Capital J: Inside the Beltway - I didn't remotely read this cartoon as anything to do with religion, but rather with banking. However in "Gary Trudeau? That’s the rabbi knocking," By Ron Kampeas, June 1, 2009, he notes "It's quite another [matter] when Rabbi David Sapertsein, the veteran civil rights fighter, the director of the Reform movement's Religious Action Center, the guy who delivered the invocation when Barack Obama accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, takes time out to write a letter." Eh. Maybe. I'll bet plenty of other religious figures have complained to Trudeau over the past 40 years.

June 1: The Incredible Hulk at Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

June 1, 2009 - Hulk 2: The Incredible Hulk
June 3, 2009 - Hulk 2: The Incredible Hulk - at CCSP
June 8, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie
June 10, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie - at CCSP
June 15, 2009 - Superman 2
June 17, 2009 - Superman 2 - at CCSP
June 22, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman
June 24, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman - at CCSP
June 29, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
June 31, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace - at CCSP
July 6, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns
July 8, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns - at CCSP
July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

John Dimes in new anthology

PR from John Dimes

Pre-Order The Versus Anthology Now! Ships June 1


The Versus Anthology
edited by Josh Woods
6 x 9, 192 p. paperback
ISBN: 978-0-9824416-1-9
$16.00

Let’s pick a fight. And not just any fight; let’s pick a fight between our most iconic characters and forces, or even between extraordinary, original characters, or with people from our very real pasts. Anything goes. Some of today’s most innovative writers and artists did just that in this book: each picked a conflict, made it come to life, and now present the aftermath to you here in the first anthology to take up this challenge, Versus.

Featuring graphic stories by Pinckney Benedict, John Dimes, and Kyle Minor, plus the first story ever published by El Pollo Diablo, Dead Pirate of the Netherworld! Other authors include Alexander Lumans, John McNally, Susan Woodring, Brad Vice, Michael Garriga, Margaret McMullan, John Flaherty, Matt Guenette, Michael Theune, Danielle Girard Kraus, Curtis Smith, Andrew Scott, Michael Kimball, Okla Elliott, Stacey Richter, Laura Benedict, Becky Hagenston, K.H. Solomon, and Josh Woods.
http://www.press53.com/

June 7: Capital Associates comic book convention

Free admission at the Dunn Loring fire dept. on June 7th from 10 am-3 pm. See www.capicons.com for details.

Onion's Up director interview and review

Up B+, by Tasha Robinson, Onion May 28, 2009 for the movie review, and for the interview which is much expanded from the paper version, "Pete Docter," by Tasha Robinson, Onion May 28, 2009.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE WEDNESDAY 06-03-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE WEDNESDAY 06-03-09
By John Judy

32 STORIES: THE COMPLETE OPTIC NERVE DEFINITIVE EDITION HC written and drawn by Adrian Tomine. A sweet collection for fans of Tomine and his comics, mini- and other. A handsome addition to any bookshelf. Recommended.

AGENTS OF ATLAS #6 by Jeff Parker and Gabriel Hardman. At last, it’s family reunion time for Namora and her cousin, the Sub-Mariner. Aquatic awkwardness galore! Recommended!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #596 by Joe Kelly and Paulo Siqueira. Spidey breaks and enters, mostly the former. Big Fight!

ASTRO CITY THE DARK AGE BOOK THREE #2 of 4 by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. The saga of the Williams brothers and their search for their parents’ killer gets wilder as only a game of super-cops and robbers can. Recommended.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. Don’t worry, it’s not the perennially late-shipping ALL-STAR version by Jim Lee and the guy who killed The Spirit for a generation. This is the dream-team that gave us ALL-STAR SUPERMAN among other things. It’s the new Dynamic Duo and their flying batmobile! Gotta look!

BLACK PANTHER #5 by Reginald Hudlin and Ken Lashley. Morlun the Devourer of Totems just chowed down on the Man-Ape (don’t ask) and now he’s ready for dessert. Time for the new BP to teach him when to say “when!”

THE BOYS #31 by Garth Ennis and Carlos Ezquerra. The supes finally decide to go after the Boys instead of waiting for the knock on their door. First up: The Female. Not for kids.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: TALES OF THE VAMPIRES ONE-SHOT by Becky Cloonan and Vasilis Lolos. A story of a small-town boy looking for a way out on the Fang Express.

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 ANNUAL #1 by Paul Cornell and Michael Collins. The long-lost Meggan is looking to get out of Hell. I suggest hiring a baby-sitter.

DARK AVENGERS #5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato. Norman Osborne’s got trouble as the public is reminded of his past as the murderous Green Goblin. Stupid public! Don’t they know we’re looking forward, not back?!

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: RUN #2 of 6 by Matthew Sturges and Freddie E. Williams II. Okay, so far the FCA titles have been an extremely mixed bag in terms of quality. This one about a jerk who helped kill the Martian Manhunter trying to get out of Dodge is among the best. A great ride for those of us who like dark humor and well conceived anti-heroes. Recommended.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #25 by Dan Slott and Khoi Pham. Hank Pym decides to break into the Baxter Building. Because he’s Hank Pym! Recommended.

PUNISHER MAX: NAKED KILL #1 by Jonathan Mayberry and Laurence Campbell. Frank Castle has to take down a snuff film ring armed only with office and cleaning supplies. This could be the most awesome thing ever associated with Staples! Recommended!

SCALPED #29 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. C’mon people, this is one of the best comics being published today. It must not be outsold by SEAGUY. Let’s all stop waiting for the trades and do our part. This is the conclusion to “High Lonesome” where cracked out undercover G-man Dash Bad Horse has to rob the casino. This is the one to buy for you and both your pals.

SECRET SIX #10 by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. “The most brutal Secret Six story yet!” Well, after the whole Rag Doll family saga that’s a pretty high bar to clear. Gotta look! Recommended.

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #4 of 12 by James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods. New K gets a visit from the Green Lantern Corps in the form of Hal Jordan, John Stewart and Sodam (swear to god) Yat. Hijinks ensue.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #133 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. The final issue? Well, it’s been a respectable run by a writer who reintroduced Marvel to the idea of making deadlines. Kudos to Mr. Bendis and the whole sick crew!

ULTIMATUM #4 of 5 by Jeph Loeb and David Finch. Almost over…. Just a few more characters to “kill….”

WOLVERINE REVOLVER ONE-SHOT by Victor Gischler and Das Pastoras. In which Logan is apparently fighting DC’s Man-Bat with claws that are now as long as his arms.

YOU’LL NEVER KNOW VOL. 1: A GOOD AND DECENT MAN HC written and illustrated by C. Tyler. The first graphic novel by artist and short story author Tyler concerning her quest to understand her World War Two veteran father. This one is getting high praise from creators like R. Crumb and Jim Woodring. Recommended.

www.johnjudy.net

Hagen at Artomatic

David Hagen reports that he's sold 3 paintings before the 2nd day of the show even ends. I've got mine. Better buy yours now!


Supes, David Hagen, 2009

Amusingly, I was wearing my ComicsDC t-shirt (buy yours now) last week at Vienna's Viva Vienna street fair and a lady at a booth called out to me, "Hey, are you David Hagen?" Sadly, I wasn't but she does anime voiceovers and her husband is working on a comic so they'll appear here at some point hopefully.

'The Photographer' reviewed in Sunday's Post by Wolk

See "Memories of a Long War," By Douglas Wolk, Washington Post, Sunday, May 31, 2009 for his review of THE PHOTOGRAPHER, By Emmanuel Guibert, Didier Lefèvre and Frédéric Lemercier, translated from the French by Alexis Siegel, First Second, 267 pp. $29.95.

I've got the book, but haven't read it yet. It's been getting very good reviews.

Where's Richard's Poor Alamanack?

A one-liner in today's Post says it will return. My guess is that Richard's swamped with his Cul de Sac strip and is trying to get ahead on that.

Geppi's Museum launching major Carl Barks exhibit

See "GEM Launches Carl Barks Retrospective" for details of the exhibit which will run from July 17 until September 8, 2009, and focuses on Barks' post-retirement paintings.

Zadzooks on Wolverine videogame

See "Zadzooks: X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition review," By Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, May 28, 2009.

Pixar's Up - two reviews and two interviews

http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/movies/29up.html

New York Times May 29, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW | 'UP'

The House That Soared

By MANOHLA DARGIS

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/28/AR2009052803803.html?hpid=topnews

Pixar Perfect: 'Up' Provides Quite a Lift

By Ann Hornaday

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, May 29, 2009

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/28/AR2009052801064.html?hpid=topnews

'Up' Director Finds Escape in Reality

By Michael O'Sullivan

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, May 29, 2009

 

 

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/05/the_interview_up_animator_bob.html

The Interview: 'UP' Animator Bob Peterson of Pixar

By Michael Cavna

Comic Riffs blog May 29, 2009

Washington City Paper reviews Pixar's Up

Up and Moscow, Belgium: Spouse and Home
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper May 29, 2009
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=37272

Aspiring Comics Artists Alive and Well in the DC Metro

Riding home on the Orange Line tonight, I spotted (before I even got on the train) a gentleman in a Big Planet Comics t-shirt sitting in a window seat. I made my way toward him, figuring I'd strike up a conversation, but another guy sat down in the empty seat before I could get there, and the rest of the seats were full, so I stood for the ride home, trying to crank through the final pages of David Baldacci's "The Winner" (which I finished tonight -- yet another good read by Baldacci -- I have yet to find something of his I don't enjoy, for you prose fans in the audience!). I noticed that the guy I spotted had a sketchpad and was actively working on some comics work! It took me a while to adjust to reading on the train, so I'm guessing he's had some practice if he's able to do linework with all of that jostling! Honestly, I couldn't see what he was drawing, if it was comic-y or cartoon-y, if it was roughs or a serious attempt at art, or the relative quality, but while I've bumped into people reading comics or graphic novels in the past, it's definitely the first time I've seen an artist at work on the DC Metro.

The man that took the seat next to him stared the whole time he drew (so now I know what I look like at comic shows). It was pretty amusing. I was hoping that the starer would leave the train, vacating the seat and giving me an opportunity to chat before the artist and obvious comic fan left, but the artist got off at Ballston and I took his seat next to the starer instead. :-P

Still, it's heartening to have seen someone obviously interested in comics on the train putting pencil to paper! If you're a reader, Mr. Artist, drop us a comment!

RFK Journalism Awards and Ohman's cartoon win

The 2009 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards were given out tonight, and as a judge, I was invited to attend. The others on the cartoon team were Sara Duke, Curator; Warren Bernard, Cartoon Historian and Nick Galifianakis, Cartoonist. The awards were in George Washington University's Jack Morton auditorium where Crossfire used to be filmed.

Jack Ohman of the Oregonian won the cartoon award. The letter we submitted to the RFK Center read:

We are pleased to award the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for cartoons to Jack Ohman of the Oregonian.

Two major themes emerged from this year’s cartoon entries – racism and the status of African-Americans in the wake of Barak Obama’s presidential campaign, and the plight of the 'average American' as a result of the devastating economic downturn.

Other frequent themes included torture and a lack of both human and legal rights for detainees in American custody, hunger, the rights of women, gay marriage, gun and urban violence, Cuban freedom and immigration reform.

Ohman's entries focused on several of these topics, but three cartoons in his submission were particularly noteworthy. Ohman left his drawing board to visit the Oregon Employment Department, the Portland Rescue Mission, and Loaves and Fishes, an institution that provides meals for senior citizens. He sat with those most vulnerable among us and then commented on their plight in perceptive cartoons that reflected not only the problems of his community, but his own compassionate sensibilities as well.

Ohman, by actually venturing out and practicing graphic journalism on behalf of the downtrodden, showed his sensitivity in dealing with issues of poverty. With this, he differentiated himself from his talented peers and the excellent work they submitted this year.

Jack Ohman's work exemplifies the goals of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. It is an honor to offer him this award.

These are typical cartoons of his for the year, very similar to many others submitted by other candidates - technically excellent, with solid clever ideas and good cartooning:




These are the three cartoons that made Ohman's work stand out and won him the award:





Also in attendance at the awards were cartoonists Joel Pett and Matt Wuerker. It was a pleasure to meet Joel and Jack and talk about cartooning.