Peanuts cartoons to continue on ABC

In case you were worrying...

ABC extends the Charlie Brown TV specials for another 5 years
By Lisa de Moraes
Washington Post August 17, 2010

PR: Small Press Expo Animation Showcase Announces Selections for SPX 2010

Small Press Expo Animation Showcase Announces Selections for SPX 2010

Bethesda, Maryland; August 13, 2010 - The Small Press Expo announces selections for the First Annual Animation Showcase, to be screened September 11 and 12 in conjunction with the Small Press Expo.

The 2010 SPX Animation Showcase features indepedently made animation created in a variety of styles and techniques. "These films let people know independent animation is as sophisticated as its big-budget brothers," says Showcase committee co-chair Paul Nadjmabadi. "Every year at SPX we see that pool of talent in comics that hasn't been recognized yet, that one-off that someone did that's the most amazing thing you've seen all year.

We want to bring that to animation."

Animations screening in the showcase include traditional and abstract storytelling in a variety of styles including stop-motion, clay-mation, hand-drawn, and computer animation. Selections include:

Good %^&$ing Morning                  Nick Arcidy

Suck It Up                                     Rebecca Boensch

Building Blocks                                     Vanessa Chan

Bleach and Glitter                   Vanessa Chan

Head Garden                                    Lilli Carre                 

The Discovery                                     Rodgers Dameron

The Magician                                    Dustin Maassen                 

Wonders of Nature: Our National Parks Yosemite                   Clasrissa Maralone

Hocas Croakus                                     Mark McDonald

One of a Kind                                     Dixie Pizani

The Melting Pot                   Shani Vargo

Krawll                                                       Matthew Wade

Birdy                                                       Agnieszka Woznicka

Deadline                                     Bang Yaoliu

 

More information on animators and films is available via the SPX Animation Showcase Web site at www.spxpo.com/animation.

SPX is a registered 501(c)3 which brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators.  

As in previous years, 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/.             

The hours for SPX 2010 are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, September 11, and noon – 6 p.m. Sunday, September 12.  Admission, which includes the Expo and Showcase, is $10 for a single day and $15 for both days.

For more information, visit http://www.spxpo.com/animation/

Ryan Claytor on his MD stop

Ryan's continuing to update his tour blog, and starts with having cereal at my house before getting on to the meat of visiting Beyond Comics in MD, and then Delaware and New Jersey stores. The coolest thing is that he does a video tour of each of the stores he visits - what a great idea. So far, they've all been clean, well-lighted places, but I'm thinking they haven't been getting their layout design from Hemingway.

Tony Rubino interview at Wash City Paper

Meet a (Formerly) Local Cartoonist: Tony Rubino of Daddy's Home

Posted by Mike Rhode on Aug. 16, 2010

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2010/08/16/meet-a-formerly-local-cartoonist-tony-rubino-of-daddys-home/

Dora the Explorer in today's Examiner

Today's free Examiner had a piece on Dora the Explorer from the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Nate Beeler's editorial cartoon, "No Ground
Zero Mosque," about the trampling of the Constitution was excellent
too.

Post on Dora the Explorer

A landmark in familiar territory: 'Dora the Explorer' turns 10 on Nickelodeon
By Hank Stuever
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 14, 2010; C01

WashPost on Futurama producer, 'Cathy,' Max Headroom and Scott Pilgrim

TRIBUTE: Remembering 'FUTURAMA' producer Alex Johns, 43
Washington Post staff writer Manuel Roig-Franzia
Comic Riffs blog August 13, 2010

The 'Riffs Interview: CATHY GUISEWITE reveals why she's really ending her strip -- and why she won't abide 'Cathy Classics' reruns
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 13, 2010

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Only fans will care who wins
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post August 13, 2010

'Max Headroom': There's still time to catch the wave
By Jen Chaney
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
[print: In 'Max Headroom,' the future is now, WPost Aug 13 2010]

Bits from today's paper (and a note about yesterday's Non Sequiter)

Wire stories in today's free papers include:

 

Lemire, Christy / Associated Press.  2010.

'Scott Pilgrim' offers a high-energy movie mix.

Washington Examiner (August 13)

 

...while the Express runs a version of the Post's Ann Hornaday review and...

 

Fisher, Maria Sudekum / Associated Press.  2010.

Fun! Fearless! Farewell! 'Cathy' creator says she'll end the comic strip after 34 years.

[Washington Post] Express August 13): 32

 

...oddly enough, because the Post's Michael Cavna just ran a blog post on this.

 

Finally, of more interest, in the 8/12 Non Sequiter strip, Wiley made fun of the Danish Islam Cartoon controversy.

Aug 18: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Ice Cream Truck at Politics and Prose

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Summer Reading Ice Cream Truck

Start: August 18, 2010 - 12:00pm
End: August 18, 2010 - 2:00pm

Join Politics & Prose as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Summer Reading Ice Cream Truck rolls into town on Wednesday, August 18. Starting at 12:00 noon, come get a free frozen treat to celebrate the upcoming publication of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID BOOK 5, which is on sale Tuesday November 9, 2010. Other free goodies will be handed out.

Politics & Prose will have a table in front of the store to pre-sell the fifth book. We will also be giving away “golden tickets” in a random order that will entitle the recipient to receive a free copy of the 5th book. The pre-sales will be 20% off the retail price for everyone.

PLEASE NOTE: JEFF KINNEY WILL NOT BE MAKING AN APPEARANCE OR SIGNING BOOKS AT THIS EVENT.

Cavna talks to 'Cathy'

*AACK!* Cathy Guisewite will retire her comic strip 'CATHY' in October [UPDATED]
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 11, 2010
l

Spurgeon, among others, urges Cul de Sac replace Cathy

Cathy Guisewite is retirng her strip Cathy. I've seen this comment more than once now, and here's Tom Spurgeon articulating it the best:

I urge every paper that is looking for a replacement to consider Cul-De-Sac. I think it's the finest strip going with a client list short of where it should be, but it really needs to sit in your paper for a while to have the best chance for people to pick up on its rhythms. It's not the kind of strip that benefits from replacing something that's been running and that has fans that could demand its return.

Aug 13-14: Heavy Metal cartoon showing in DC

Here's the story -

Indies & Arties: Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy
Shuana Miller
Express (August 12 2010)

and the specifics -

Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW; Fri. & Sat. at midnight, $10; 202-452-7672. (Metro Center)

City Paper and Express on Scott Pilgrim

Cera redefines the action romp, while Stallone finds accidental hilarity
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper August 13, 2010

And the Express gets weird on us. Former DC-area comics writer does the online one -

Geek Love: 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,' In Theaters
Written by Express contributor Scott Rosenberg
August 12 2010

while they publish a different one in the print edition -

Alter, Ethan / Film Journal International. 2010.
The 'Pilgrim's Progress: Filmmaker Edgar Wright puts a trippy spin on a comic-book tale of young love.
[Washington Post] Express (August 12): 23

PR: Baltimore Comic-Con 2010 Second Annual Costume Contest and More!

And note DC locals, Richard 'Cul de Sac' Thompson and SL 'GI Joe' Gallant are attending, at the kid's table that John Gallagher arranges. They'll be there because I'm driving them.

Baltimore Comic-Con 2010 Second Annual Costume Contest and More!   BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 11, 2010 - In addition to the all-star line-up of talent scheduled at this year's 11th anniversary Baltimore Comic-Con, the show will host their second annual costume contest ... back by HUGE demand!   "We held the first costume contest last year and were not sure what to expect, it being our first time," said Marc Nathan, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter, "and we were totally caught off-guard when hundreds entered.  The contestants and audience overflowed the stage and the contest room, then spilled into the convention center."  He went on to add, "We've been asked for years and years to have a costume contest - so we had one and it was a massive hit - so now we have to take it up a notch!  Bigger hall, bigger prizes, bigger guest judges."   The $1,000 grand prize will be awarded to the best over-all costume at the event, including pro and amateur costumes.  Other award categories will win DVD prize packages, comic book packages, Orioles baseball tickets, gift certificates to Cards, Comics and Collectibles of Reisterstown, Maryland, and special last minute prizes from top comic book companies.  Everyone who enters the contest will win passes to the advance screening of Summit Entertainment's newest film, RED, starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren (based on the Wildstorm graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner) which opens nationwide on Friday, October 15th.   A panel of celebrity media judges will determine the contest winners, including some world-famous comic book creators!   The contest will start at 1pm on Sunday, August 29th at the Baltimore Convention Center!   Added Guests We are pleased to announce the addition of the following guests to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con:  J.D. Arnold (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Tommy Castillo (Moon Lake), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Fillbach Brothers sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Ramona Fradon (Namora), SL Gallant (G.I. Joe), Mike Gold (Editor, ComicMix Graphic Novels from IDW), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), Gabriel Hardman (Atlas), Tony Harris (Justice League: Generation Lost), Marc Hempel (Absolute Sandman), Jason Horn (Ninjasaur), Klaus Janson (Daredevil), Joe Jusko (Red Sonja), Jason Kruse (World of Quest), Jay Leisten (Uncanny X-Men), Mike Maihack (Comic Book Tattoo), JD Mettler (Justice League: Generation Lost), Chip Mosher (Left on Mission, Boom! Studios Marketing Director), Jamar Nicholas (Radiskull & Devil Doll: Radiskull Hate Love), Sonia Oback (X-Force), Denny O'Neil (Batman), Andrew Pepoy (Jack of Fables), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Rico Renzi (The Perhapanauts), Alex Saviuk (Stan Lee and the Super Seven), Richard Thompson (Cul-de-Sac), Bob Tinnell (Lone Justice), Dean Trippe (Superior Showcase), Ted Tucker (Buzzboy), Mark Wheatley (Lone Justice), Ron Wilson (Marvel Two-In-One), and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).   Publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books, Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Image Comics, Top Cow Productions, and Top Shelf Comix.   Previously announced guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis:  The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers:  Luke Cage), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman:  Earth One), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine:  Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602:  Spider-Man), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio:  Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns - Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn:  Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane - Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), Pop Mhan (Ender's Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers:  The Origin), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow:  Deadly Origin), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Kenneth Rocafort (Velocity), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Filip Sablik (The Asset, Top Cow Pubisher), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker's Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team:  Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority:  The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade:  Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men:  Origins), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft:  Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella:  From Fabletown With Love).   In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages. This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.   Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:   press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries   About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010.  For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards.  With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories.  They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.  For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Mark Tatulli interview on Comic Riffs

The 'Riffs Interview: Being Bill Watterson -- 'LIO' creator MARK TATULLI shares the secrets of spoofing 'Calvin & Hobbes'
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 11, 2010

Union of Concerned Scientists annual contest featured

Cartoonist invited into contest to address clash of science, politics
By Rich Davis
Evansville Courier & Press August 10, 2010

Fredric Wertham's papers opened at Library of Congress

The story starts here -

Hate Comic Books? Library of Congress Opens Papers of Comics Opponent Fredric Wertham
Posted by Mike Rhode on Aug. 11, 2010 at 3:38 pm

Weldon likes Langridge and Samnee's Thor

And so do I! I believe it's the only Marvel superhero book I'm buying, purely because Roger's writing it.

This Is Something Of A Thor Point
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio’s Monkey See blog August 11, 2010

Crumb dvd reviewed in Express

The online review is much longer than the version in today's paper -

 

Mister Natural: Terry Zwigoff, 'Louie Bluie' and 'Crumb' [print title: True Emotional Investments: Two Terry Zwigoff films shows his skill as a documentarian].

Written by Express contributor Stephen M. Deusner

Express August 11 2010

Spider-Man musical to open according to Comic Riffs

Costly 'Spider-Man' musical finally set to open on Broadway

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 11, 2010; C05