Monday, November 30, 2009
'Improved' Express cuts most comics UPDATED
The Washington Post's free Express paper was improved over the holiday and that means they cut 3 of the 5 comic strips they ran. Out are Bizarro by Dan Piraro, Cornered by Mike Baldwin, and The Duplex by Glenn McCoy. Remaining are Pearls Before Swine (which also appears in the Post) and Pooch Cafe, now in color.
Should you wish to question this improvement, you can write to inbox@readexpress.com
I will be doing so in a few minutes.
UPDATE: The editor wrote back to me to say, "We might feature fewer comics in our print edition now, but we've added an expanded comics section in an easy-access, newspaper-style format at our Web site, ExpressNightOut.com. You'll find Bizarro, Cornered and The Duplex there every day - plus a slew of new comics to make a visit worth your time. Those include Lio, Non Sequitur, The Argyle Sweater, Bound and Gagged, Candorville, Cul de Sac and the New Adventures of Queen Victoria. You can find them here: http://www.expressnightout.com/comics."
While I obviously don't agree with him, I appreciate the fact that he took the time to respond. I've just sent him a response which includes, "We'll have to agree to disagree though because if it's a commuting newspaper, then putting the comics online doesn't really help anyone except those with overly-smart phones. Besides the Post does that already. In the end, I just don't see providing less of something as a way to bring in more readers."
Should you wish to question this improvement, you can write to inbox@readexpress.com
I will be doing so in a few minutes.
UPDATE: The editor wrote back to me to say, "We might feature fewer comics in our print edition now, but we've added an expanded comics section in an easy-access, newspaper-style format at our Web site, ExpressNightOut.com. You'll find Bizarro, Cornered and The Duplex there every day - plus a slew of new comics to make a visit worth your time. Those include Lio, Non Sequitur, The Argyle Sweater, Bound and Gagged, Candorville, Cul de Sac and the New Adventures of Queen Victoria. You can find them here: http://www.expressnightout.com/comics."
While I obviously don't agree with him, I appreciate the fact that he took the time to respond. I've just sent him a response which includes, "We'll have to agree to disagree though because if it's a commuting newspaper, then putting the comics online doesn't really help anyone except those with overly-smart phones. Besides the Post does that already. In the end, I just don't see providing less of something as a way to bring in more readers."
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Dec 6: Will Eisner Film
WILL EISNER: PORTRAIT OF A SEQUENTIAL ARTIST
Sunday, December 6, 12:15 pm
AFI Silver Theatre
Will Eisner started working in comics in the1930s, just as they were moving from reprints of newspaper strips to tabloids featuring original material, and Eisner had some of the most original creations of all. He combined elements of art, literature and film that eventually led to a successful career in what he called "sequential art," the forerunner of today's graphic novels. Starting in 1939, his gritty crime fighter series The Spirit incorporated "film noir" as well as elements of the Jewish experience and the fight against anti-semitism. Featuring interviews with Michael Chabon, Art Spiegelman, Jules Feiffer and others, this visually imaginative documentary captures Eisner's groundbreaking genius. USA, 2007, video, documentary, 96 minutes, Director: Andrew D. Cooke
SPECIAL GUEST Andrew Cooke, Director
For tickets and information about other WJFF films please visit WJFF.org
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SL (Shannon) Gallant, comic book artist, now in DC
SL (Shannon) Gallant has written in to introduce himself, and look for fellow artists. I've got to say that I've never bought GI Joe in my life (although I liked the small comics they used to package in their toy sets in the 1960s), but now I'll be picking it up
I'm a comic artist-illustrator living in DC and currently working for IDW on G.I. Joe. I've also worked for DC, Dark Horse, Marvel, and Titan UK in the past on titles ranging from Marvel Adventures:The Avengers and Torchwood to more cartoon oriented work such as Shrek and Monsters vs Aliens.
The last few months I've been making the effort to create connections with other artists in the area, through DC Conspiracy and other groups. I was hoping you might know similar professionals in the region I should try to get in touch with who are less likely to participate in such outings?
So if you're a comic book professional in the area, feel free to post below. Send me news of your current and upcoming projects and I'll promote them as well. I know my co-author Randy's compiled a list of local people at one point - does he still have that?
I'm a comic artist-illustrator living in DC and currently working for IDW on G.I. Joe. I've also worked for DC, Dark Horse, Marvel, and Titan UK in the past on titles ranging from Marvel Adventures:The Avengers and Torchwood to more cartoon oriented work such as Shrek and Monsters vs Aliens.
The last few months I've been making the effort to create connections with other artists in the area, through DC Conspiracy and other groups. I was hoping you might know similar professionals in the region I should try to get in touch with who are less likely to participate in such outings?
So if you're a comic book professional in the area, feel free to post below. Send me news of your current and upcoming projects and I'll promote them as well. I know my co-author Randy's compiled a list of local people at one point - does he still have that?
Fantastic Mr. Fox feature in Post
With Clooney in henhouse, Anderson has something to crow about
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 29, 2009
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Zadzooks interviews Dark Horse's Scott Allie and reviews Plastic Man
Zadzooks: Scott Allie interview, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 26, 2009
Zadzooks: Plastic Man: The Complete Collection, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Complete Season One, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 19, 2009
Zadzooks: Plastic Man: The Complete Collection, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Complete Season One, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 19, 2009
Mark Wheatley interview on Baker's Dozen
Bill Baker has an interview at Looking Back to See the Future: Mark Wheatley on IDW’s Mark Wheatley Library (part one of two), BAKER'S DOZEN for 11/25/2009.
Check out his books too - he's got interviews with Alan Moore and others. I bought a complete set recently.
Check out his books too - he's got interviews with Alan Moore and others. I bought a complete set recently.
The Real Story of the Superheroes photo exhibit CLOSING TODAY
I just got back from seeing The Real Story of the Superheroes photo exhibit and I'd recommend you rush into the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery on U St, NW at 16th St. and check it out. Photographer Dulce Pinzon clothed Mexicans working in New York City in Halloween superhero costumes loosely related to their jobs, and photographed them doing that work. 13 large images are displayed. It's a clever conceit and worth seeing. It's open until 3 pm today, the last day of the show.
Quick Reviews for Comics Due Thursday (NOT WEDNESDAY) 12-03-09
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE THURSDAY (not Wednesday) 12-03-09
By John Judy
BLACKEST NIGHT: THE FLASH #1 of 3 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins. Barry and Wally have to duke it out with zombie rogues. This one sells itself! Recommended.
BLACKEST NIGHT: WONDER WOMAN #1 of 3 by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott. WW vs. Zombie Maxwell Lord, the guy whose head she nearly twisted off during that hideous OMAC storyline. So let's twist again like we did last Summer!
THE BOYS #37 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The origin of The Frenchman! Sacre bleau! Not for kids! Recommended.
DARK AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo. Captain Marvel Boy wants out! But every time he tries to get out Norman Osborn pulls him back in! Plus, more Sentry craziness!
EMPOWERED SPECIAL written and drawn by Adam Warren. "The Wench with a Million Sighs!" The tribulations of a super-heroine as related by a captured demon-lord on her coffee table. Features swearing, sighing and lots of zappage. Recommended.
EX MACHINA DELUXE EDITION, VOL. 2 HC by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris and Others. Collecting issues 12-20 plus the two-issue Special, this makes a nice gift for the Super-Hero/Political Thriller fan on your list. And you. Recommended.
FALL OF THE HULKS ALPHA #1 by Jeff Parker and Paul Pelletier. Doctor Doom and some other clowns who think they're on his level team up to bring down the Hulk family. About time! "Hulk! There can be only one!" Gotta look!
JSA ALL-STARS #1 by Matthew Sturges and Freddie Williams II. The first issue of the new monthly spin-off title! Featuring a more militant JSA so look for lots of punching, hitting and zapping. No old people or brainiacs need apply. Gotta look.
MARVELS PROJECT #4 of 8 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. Project Rebirth is on! Steve Rogers hits the juice and the world of star-spangled super-heroes will never be the same! Highly recommended.
POPEYE, VOL. 4: PLUNDER ISLAND HC by E.C. Segar. A complete eight-month run of Sunday color comics featuring Popeye's epic battle with the Sea Hag and the Goon! Plus dailies and a whole lot more! Thank-you once again, Fantagraphics! Highly recommended.
SCALPED #33 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. Red Crow's leg-breakers vs. tattooed Hmong gangsters with FBI Special Agent Dash Bad Horse caught in the middle. If you wonder where all the Awesome went this month, it's here. Not for kids. Highly recommended.
SIEGE: THE CABAL ONE-SHOT by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Lark. Norman Osborn takes on Doctor Doom. There's a reason this is a one-shot, folks. Recommended.
STRANGE #2 of 4 by Mark Waid and Emma Rios. A young woman saved by Dr. Strange becomes obsessed with learning everything she can about the Master of the Mystic Arts. Maybe she can even figure out how he got replaced in the Magic Pecking Order by Brother Voodoo. (I mean, come on!) Anyway, this is really a good take on the Doctor by Waid and Rios. Recommended.
SUPERGOD #2 of 5 by Warren Ellis and Garrie Gastony. What a superhuman arms race would look like before everybody died screaming. Yeah, that's it really. Cheaper and better-written than 2012.
SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #10 of 12 by Greg Rucka, James Robinson and Pete Woods. There's been a murder on New Krypton, which is really quite a feat if you think about it. Now it's up to Supes and Adam Strange to track down the culprit. With General Zod looking over their shoulders. No pressure…
THOR #604 by Kieron Gillen and Billy Tan. Y'know, if you're the new creative team following Straczynski and Coipel on THOR, you could do a lot worse than having the Thunder God beat the sweet, living bejeezus out of Doctor Doom. Well played, gentlemen. Recommended.
TORCH #4 of 8 by Mike Carey, Alex Ross and Patrick Berkenkotter. So the original Human Torch is doing better now that the no-longer-dead Toro has freed him from the Mad Thinker's control. But boy, coming back from the dead just to get mind-controlled into char-broiling some random shmucks? It throws off your game, y'know?
UNCANNY X-MEN #518 by Matt Fraction and Terry & Rachel Dodson. Cyclops journeys into Emma Frost's mind to purge the evil influence of The Void. Because he's too cheap to buy flowers! Recommended anyway.
Mauldin biography wins history prize
I helped out a miniscule amount on the collection of cartoons, and ComicsDC contributor Warren Bernard helped out more so we'll call this ComicsDC news - Todd DePastino Wins 2009 Sperber Prize for his Biography of World War II Cartoonist Bill Mauldin, Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) November 27, 2009. Both books are well worth reading.
Tonight: Kal onstage in Baltimore (repost)
In a special collaboration, The Baltimore Improv Group and Kal will team up for a fun Thanksgiving weekend spectacular on Saturday, November 28, 8PM at Baltimore's Creative Alliance. For more info visit BIG's webpage:
Best
Kal
Friday, November 27, 2009
ComicsAZ, part 2 - The Flintstones
Did you know the Flintstones were based in Arizona? Neither did I, until we passed this Flintstones Campground on the way to the Grand Canyon.
I would have loved this as a kid. Actually it was kind of appealing as an adult too, but not after four hours touring the Canyon.
I'm thinking the Buffalo Lodge was the reason for all the pickup trucks...
...but maybe they were buying film.
Rock Vegas or Bust, baby!
A few more pictures are on my Flickr site.
Express on Johnny Cash graphic biography
Darkness Rising: Reinhard Kleist's Graphic-Novel, 'Johnny Cash: I See a Darkness'
Stephen M. Deusner
Express November 24, 2009
Stephen M. Deusner
Express November 24, 2009
Wes Anderson on Fantastic Mr. Fox in Onion
Wes Anderson's been interviewed all over the place for his new animated movie The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and one appears in the print Onion as well as a longer version online.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
U of Maryland prof on atomic bomb manga
See "Writing Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the 21st Century: A New Generation of Historical Manga," by Michele Mason, Asia Pacific Journal: Japan Focus (November 23 2009).
I haven't read the article yet, but anyone who hasn't read Barefoot Gen,the older manga that is not the subject of the article, should make the attempt now. There's a new 8-volume set out in English now.
I haven't read the article yet, but anyone who hasn't read Barefoot Gen,the older manga that is not the subject of the article, should make the attempt now. There's a new 8-volume set out in English now.
That darn Herblock!
Herblock was a liberal?! Shocking!!
Library of Congress Spins Lefty Cartoonist Herblock as an 'Independent Spirit'
By Scott Whitlock
Newsbusters November 23, 2009
Library of Congress Spins Lefty Cartoonist Herblock as an 'Independent Spirit'
By Scott Whitlock
Newsbusters November 23, 2009
Dirda on Herge
The unheroic genius behind the adventures of Tintin
By Michael Dirda
Washington Post November 26, 2009
By Michael Dirda
Washington Post November 26, 2009
That darn Beeler!
The Thanksgiving (Nov 26) issue of the Washington Examiner has a letter from Sarita Chapman entitled 'Cartoons lampooning Obama are not funny' in which she says "I am beginning to feel that this ['caricature making fun of President Obama'] is racially motivated."
I know the cartoonist Nate Beeler, and I don't think that's true, although I think he's a bit hard on Obama. On the other hand, that is the job of a political cartoonist, isn't it?
I know the cartoonist Nate Beeler, and I don't think that's true, although I think he's a bit hard on Obama. On the other hand, that is the job of a political cartoonist, isn't it?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Mark Wheatley featured in Scoop
...in which he talks about why he collects - ORIGIN ISSUE: Mark Wheatley
Scoop November 25 2009
Scoop November 25 2009
Call for a cartoon illustrator in DC area
Mike Licht passed this on, with the caveat at the beginning which applies to me as well (I also didn't know there was a DC bloggers meetup, so you can't trust me).
| I have no idea about the terms here, but thought I would pass it on: I know Leon from DC Bloggers Meetup. He writes a humor blog and has been doing standup comedy. Don't know the other guys. NotionsCapital.com Commentary on news events and culture from Washington, DC |
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