PR: LOST ART BOOKS

 Joe Procopio writes in to note that he's starting a new comics press and I'm looking forward to his books:

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I've been planning for a number of years to start my own publishing company devoted to the artists who worked in illustration, comic art, and graphic design in the first half of the 20th century. Well, that day has arrived. Ellen and I have started PICTURE THIS PRESS, and we are about to launch its first imprint, LOST ART BOOKS. The first book is at the printer, the second book goes to the printer early next week, and a third is over halfway through production.

The first book, THE LOST ART OF ZIM: CARTOONS AND CARICATURES, brings back to print for the first time in a century Eugene Zimmerman's wonderful coursebook for aspiring comic artists. Zim was a founding father of American cartooning, drawing tens of thousands of gags for America's early humor magazines. In addition to the original coursebook, this new edition features an introduction by Zim scholar Walter Brasch, a biography, and rare photos and illustrations from Zim's other work.

The second book, THE LOST ART OF E.T. REED: PREHISTORIC PEEPS, is the first book on this British cartoonist in over 50 years, and the first devoted to his seminal "Prehistoric Peeps" cartoons in more than a century. The wonderful introduction by comic artist and teacher Stephen Bissette grounds Reed's work in the time in which it was created and then traces its influence through the decades all the way to "The Flintstones" and beyond. The book is fleshed out by a biography of Reed and many examples of his other cartoon work. To top it off, wonderful comic artist and friend Jerry Carr created a new color cover for this Lost Art volume.

The third book, THE LOST ART OF FREDERICK RICHARDSON, pulls together an exceedingly rare collection of this Detroit newspaper artist's wonderful illustrations and cartoons from the 1890s, a time when Richardson was first feeling the influence of the Art Nouveau movement in Europe. The introduction was contributed by scholars Martin Gardner and Ruth Berman, providing a biography and overview of his work from this period.

 

SMALL PRESS EXPO (Sept. 11-12)
I will be exhibiting at this year's Small Press Expo on September 11-12 in Bethesda, Maryland. If you aren't familiar with SPX, you can learn more at their site (www.spxpo.com). SPX is a great event that plays host to the best of the sequential art world's coolest self-publishers and small publishing houses. It's kinda like the indie rock scene of the comic book world, with a real DIY attitude. I've attended every Expo since 1999, and I always leave with a bag full of treasures I would have never known about otherwise. It was no accident that I chose SPX as the place to make the debut of Lost Art Books. I'll have the first two books on sale at my booth as well as a limited edition (100 copies) "Pocket Cartoon Course" (free with any purchase). I really hope you can make it out...I think you'll have a cool time.

 

JOIN US ONLINE
Hopefully we'll have a great new Web site in the next few weeks, but for now you can visit (and JOIN!) the Lost Art Books FACEBOOK group at:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=345009783705&v=wall&ref=mf#!/group.php?gid=345009783705
The Facebook group is where I'll post progress reports for the next few weeks; go there now to see the front and back cover for the Zim book!

MISSION STATEMENT
Lost Art Books, the flagship series from Picture This Press, collects and preserves the works of illustrators and cartoonists from the late 19th through the mid-20th centuries. Too many of these artists have gone under appreciated for too long, with much of their work uncollected or unexamined for decades, if at all. The Lost Art series of books aims to preserve this cultural heritage by re-introducing these artists to new generations of working illustrators, cultural historians, and admirers of things beautiful.

PR: DC Conspiracy's MAGIC BULLET Comic Newspaper

From Rafer Roberts of Plastic Farm Press, we hear:

 

Earlier this year the idea was presented that the DC  Conspiracy would put out a newspaper filled with our comics. A  newspaper? Filled with comics? In an era where comics are presented  smaller and on handheld digital devices, presenting large format comics  in a dying medium seemed like such an outdated model that
we just had to  go for it.

With the aesthetic that each artist would take advantage of the larger format, MAGIC BULLET was born.

http://www.dcconspiracy.com/blog/2010/08/presenting-magic-bullet.html

Frank Cho will be in next Sunday's Post magazine

I'll probably forget to post something about this because of Baltimore Comic-Con, but the August 29th magazine will have a feature on Frank Cho.

Baltimore Comic-Con interview up at City Paper

New Father Marc Nathan on His Other Baby, the Baltimore Comic-Con

Posted by Mike Rhode on Aug. 23, 2010

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2010/08/23/new-father-marc-nathan-on-his-other-baby-the-baltimore-comic-con/

Copyright is too long, and other people agree with me

Although it's not specifically mentioned anywhere, most people would assume the contents of this blog are copyrighted, and due to the US Constitution and Congress they'd be right. Since the 1970s, Americans don't need to register their publication with the Library of Congress and use the funky little C symbol. However, I've been asked to waive copyright on some things appearing here, most recently photos of the great Malaysian cartoonist Lat for Wiki Commons, and I've been glad to do so.

However, as these two articles point out, copyright is not an inalienable right but a legal one, and at this point, it's largely warped in the direction of protecting large corporations' intellectual property. Read them both:

A Republic of Letters
By ROBERT DARNTON
New York Times Book Review August 22, 2010
Lewis Hyde draws on the founding fathers for arguments against the privatization of knowledge.

Copycats vs. Copyrights; Does it make sense to legally protect the fashion industry from knockoffs?
Ezra Klein
Washington Post August 22 2010

Fortunately the Fair Use provision should let me exempt out Mr. Klein's salient point for this blog post:

And companies love copyright. They love it so much they persuaded Congress to pass the Sonny Bono Act, which extended individual copyright protections to the life of the author, plus another 70 years; and corporate copyrights to 120 years from creation, or 95 years from publication, whichever is earlier. That’s an absurdly long time, and it belies the original point of patents: does anyone seriously believe that a 40-year-old with a money-making idea is going to hold back because someone can mimic it 20 years after he dies? At a certain point, copyrights stop protecting innovation and begin protecting profits.

Should this blog post be copyrighted at least through 2080? No. The original Constitutional provision of 14 years with a 14 year renewal should be returned to. Let's see some Tea Partyers take up that original construction argument.

I hereby abandon my copyright on this blog post about copyright, not that I imagine anyone will really care.

Zadzooks reviews comics

Zadzooks: Ghostopolis, Age of Reptiles, Doctor Solar: Man of the Atom; Welcome to some warped new worlds
By Joseph Szadkowski
The Washington Times Saturday, August 21, 2010

PR: Portrait Gallery on Schulz photograph

National Portrait Gallery Presents Portrait of Charles M. Schulz to Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of "Peanuts" Debut

A photograph of “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz (1922–2000) will be presented to the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in a ceremony for invited guests Oct. 1. The event recognizes the cartoonist’s impact on millions of people worldwide and coincides with commemorations surrounding the 60th anniversary of “Peanuts.” The 1986 photograph, created by acclaimed portraitist Yousuf Karsh, is the Portrait Gallery’s first image of the famed cartoonist. In the image, Schulz is at his drawing board with pen in hand. Before him is a partially completed “Peanuts” full-page comic featuring the perennially popular story line in which Lucy snatches the football away from Charlie Brown and sends him hurtling through the air. The photograph, with the accompanying original comic strip, will be on view to the public immediately following the ceremony in the museum’s “New Arrivals” exhibition.

“The Portrait Gallery has many editorial cartoonists and their cartoons in its collection, but this is the first of Charles Schulz and his adored characters,” said Martin Sullivan, director of the museum. “Schulz dealt with life’s everyday moments with humanity and humor.”

On Saturday, Oct. 2, the museum will host a friends-and-family day for all ages with programs inspired by the cartoonist and his characters. Snoopy will be available for photographs; Joe Wos, cartoonist in residence at the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, Calif., will offer workshops throughout the day; and Sean Lane and the Bay Jazz Project will provide musical entertainment. Children will be invited to join the band to play percussion instruments. Later in the day, the museum will screen the popular “Peanuts” special It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Lee Mendelson, a longtime friend of Schulz and executive producer of all the classic “Peanuts” specials, including Great Pumpkin and A Charlie Brown Christmas, will be on hand for a discussion and to answer questions from fans.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will also mark the 60th anniversary of the “Peanuts” strip with a case that will feature objects from Schulz, including drawing utensils, an animation cell from the television special It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and two comic panels that show the cartoon’s progression from rough pencil sketches to finished ink strips.

Schulz once described himself as “born to draw comic strips.” A Minneapolis native, he was just two days old when an uncle nicknamed him “Sparky,” after the horse Spark Plug from the “Barney Google” comic strip. Throughout his youth, he and his father shared a Sunday-morning ritual of reading the funnies. After serving in the army during World War II, Schulz got his first big break in 1947 when he sold a cartoon feature called “Li’l Folks” to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. In 1950, Schulz met with United Feature Syndicate, and on Oct. 2 of that year, “Peanuts,” so named by the syndicate, debuted in seven newspapers. Schulz died in Santa Rosa, Calif., Feb. 12, 2000—just hours before his last original strip was to appear in Sunday papers.

“Peanuts,” one of America’s most beloved comic strips, ran without interruption for nearly 50 years. Encores of the comic strip appear today in more than 2,200 newspapers in 75 countries and 21 languages. “Peanuts” animated specials have become seasonal traditions, and thousands of consumer products are available. Charlie Brown kicking the football, Linus and his blanket and Lucy leaning over Schroeder’s piano are images to which everyone can relate. Phrases such as “security blanket” and “good grief” are a part of the global vernacular.

The photograph of Schulz has been donated to the National Portrait Gallery by Estrellita Karsh, in memory of Yousuf Karsh.

Weldon on Scott Pilgrim, yet again

Audio podcast this time though -

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Scott Pilgrim And Our Great Big Blind Spots
by Linda Holmes
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog August 20, 2010
Direct download

In this week's edition of Pop Culture Happy Hour, we dive into a discussion of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (and the trailer we saw before it), which leads to discussions of arcade games, the fall of a once-popular director, the movie August Rush, and whether a currently popular zany comic actor just might be the Robin Williams of the future.

Cruse's Stuck Rubber Baby reissue reviewed by Post

I haven't read this since the first edition came out, but I recall liking it quite a bit.

Howard Cruse's graphic novel "Stuck Rubber Baby," reviewed by Dennis Drabelle
By Dennis Drabelle
Washington Post August 21, 2010; C03

and here's a general who likes to use cartoons in his briefings. Herblock and Daryl Cagle are namechecked.

New intelligence chief Clapper brings sense of humor to serious job
By Ellen Nakashima
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 21, 2010; A03

PR: Baltimore Comic-Con 2010 Panel Announcements, Guests, and Portfolio Reviews!

Baltimore Comic-Con 2010 Panel Announcements, Guests, and Portfolio Reviews!   BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 19, 2010 - You've been clamoring for it, we've been working on it, and now we're ready to announce it -- the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con Panel Schedule!   Room 307 (Saturday) 11:00-12:00 - Spotlight on Terry Moore - Terry Moore is the award-winning creator of "Strangers in Paradise" and "Echo" and has also written such comics as Marvel's "Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane" and "Runaways." This panel shines the spotlight on Moore and his work and is a must-see for all his fans. 12:00-1:00 - IRREDEEMABLE/INCORRUPTIBLE Panel - Mark Waid's Harvey and Eisner nominated, best-selling, multiple sell-out IRREDEEMABLE has taken comic fans by storm since its debut, becoming one of the top-selling independent comics published today. Join Mark Waid as he takes a look back at IRREDEEMABLE's beginnings, the future of the series, and its sister series -- INCORRUPTIBLE. A not-to-be-missed panel for any fan of these books! (PSSSSST: Mark will also talk a little bit about his new BOOM! book with Stan Lee called THE TRAVELER. Don't miss it!) 1:00-2:00 - Spotlight on Thor - With the THOR feature film from Marvel Studios premiering in May, 2011, and his adventures featured across both the Marvel and Ultimate Universes, Thor is one of Marvel's hottest characters. Chroniclers of the Thunder God's adventures from the past, present, and future - Walter Simonson, John Workman, Bryan J.L. Glass, and Jonathan Hickman - join Marvel's Vice President - Executive Editor Tom Brevoort to discuss all things Thor. 2:00-3:00 - Spotlight on Denis Kitchen - Denis Kitchen is a cartoonist and founder of Kitchen Sink Press where he published work by such creators as Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, and Robert Crumb. A book of his art "The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen" was recently published by Dark Horse; a new art book, "Denis Kitchen: Chipboard Sketchbook", is on the way from BOOM!; and a book he co-authored, "Art of Harvey Kurtzman: The Mad Genius of Comic" is nominated for a Harvey Award. Don't miss this opportunity hear about the work of a true comics original. 3:00-4:00 - Spotlight on Michael Allred - Michael Allred is the creator of "Madman" ,"Atomics", "Red Rocket 7," and has worked on such comics as the "Golden Plates," "X-Statix," and "Sandman" and is currently drawing "iZombie" from DC/Vertigo. Allred and "iZombie" scribe, Chris Roberson, take a look at his career in a spotlight you dare not miss!   Room 308 (Saturday) 11:00-12:00 - comiXology and the Future of Digital Comics -  comiXology has become the leader in the digital comics revolution while maintaining great services for brick and mortar retailers. This past year has seen an explosion of digital comics, and comiXology has been on the forefront of the movement with a massive comics library, online aids for collectors, podcasts, and apps for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. On comiXology's one year anniversary, CEO David Steinberger takes a look at the events of this past year and what the future holds for digital comics in this enlightening panel. 12:00-1:00 - Spotlight on Todd McFarlane - From SPAWN to HAUNT, Image Comics founder and partner Todd McFarlane has been the driving force behind the biggest creator-owned titles in the industry. Join McFarlane for exclusive sneak peeks of his upcoming projects and a Q&A session that shouldn't be missed! 1:00-2:00 - Top Cow: We Create... Universes - Join Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, Top Cow Universe architect and writer Ron Marz, and Artifacts artist Michael Broussard for a frank and lively discussion of upcoming events in the Top Cow Universe spinning out of the world-shattering event series - Artifacts! Questions will be answered, early sneak peeks shown, and perhaps even a hilarious anecdote will be told. Plus every attendee will receive a free gift just for attending. 2:00-3:00 - DC NATION - The DC NATION returns to Baltimore! We're always looking for new recruits, so be sure to come on by as DC Comics' Senior Story Editor, Ian Sattler, and some of the industry's top talent lead the way to give you the inside scoop to all current and future NATION members! 3:00-4:00 - Mondo Marvel - From the Marvel U to the Ultimate U and everything in between, Vice President - Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, and superstar writers Jonathan Hickman (S.H.I.E.L.D., Fantastic Four) and Jeff Parker (Hulk, Thunderbolts) are on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements! 4:00-5:00 - IDW ON THE MOVE! - Join IDW Senior editor Bob Schreck, Steve Niles, Bernie Wrightson, Chris Moreno, and Stuart Sayger in this lively look at the company's current and upcoming releases to be followed by a Q&A session.   Room 301-303 (Saturday) 4:00-5:00 - Artist's Workshop Art Dissection - Klaus Janson and Howard Chaykin open their Artist's Workshop to all convention guests at this time. A few lucky students from their professional seminar will have their work honestly dissected by these two masters. This is a panel no artist should miss!   Room 307 (Sunday) 11:00-12:00 -Creating Comic Art Digitally - Daniel Govar, creator/artist of AZURE along with Matt Zolman, co-creator and artist of Epic, show you the benefit and shortfalls of creating comic art with the use of computer software. From best practices, to resolutions and file formats, they will demonstrate how they create stunning comics using popular software, and answer questions you may have about making comics digitally. 12:00-1:00 - Spotlight on Sergio Aragones - Sergio Aragones has been called the "fastest cartoonist in the world," has drawn thousands of cartoons for "Mad Magazine," created Bat Lash and Groo the Wanderer, and kept us laughing for years. Join the award-winning cartoonist for a look at his work that will leave you smiling! 1:00-2:00 - Comics Rewind: The 1980s - The 1980s were a time of growth for comics with the direct market and new publishers offering creators the opportunity to present their creations as never before. And the results were spectacular. Join Louise Simonson ("Power Pack," "X-Factor"), Walter Simonson ("Thor," "X-Factor"), Timothy Truman ("GrimJack," "Scout"), Matt Wagner ("Mage," "Grendel"), Marv Wolfman ("New Teen Titans," "Crisis on Infinite Earths"), John Workman ("Heavy Metal", "Thor"), and moderator Mark Waid as they take a look back at the comics of the 1980s. 2:00-3:00 - Spotlight on Cuba: My Revolution - Artist Dean Haspiel and colorist Jose Villarrubia discuss their new Vertigo graphic novel collaboration. Dean Haspiel is a native New Yorker who created BILLY DOGMA and STREET CODE and has collaborated on great superhero and semi-autobiographical comic books, helped pioneer personal webcomics with the invention of ACT-I-VATE, and draws for HBO's "Bored To Death." Jose Villarrubia is a renowned artist/colorist/photographer who has worked on such books as Alan Moore's "Voice of the Fire" and "Promethea" among many, many others. He is also the chair of the Illustration Department at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art). 3:00-4:00 - PAUL POPE VS BOB SCHRECK - A CAGED EVENT - Don't miss this satisfaction-guaranteed, fists-a-flying blood match by joining award-winning multi-talented storyteller, Paul Pope, in an examination of his creative process and how he suffers under the heel of his terrifying editor.   Room 308 (Sunday) 11:00-12:00 - Marvel Your Universe - Join Vice President - Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, as he leaves his Marvel ID at the door and enters as a fan! Want to know how things work at the House of Ideas? Got some things to get off your chest about a Marvel character or story?  Well here's your chance True Believer! It's the panel for fans BY fans with no spin, no marketing, and just a friendly chat amongst fans! 12:00-1:00 - DC SUNDAY CONVERSATION - All are welcome to join Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler for a relaxed Sunday afternoon discussion. Share your thoughts, or be enthralled, as the group share their stories and love for this medium. 1:00 - Costume Contest - The wildly popular costume contest returns for a second year! 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.   Rooms 301-303 (Sunday) 3:00 - Art Auction - Art fans, don't miss this opportunity to see and bid on art from your favorite comic artists! You're sure to find something here you like!   Janson & Chaykin Offer Art Seminar With over seventy five years of cumulative experience in the comic book industry, Klaus Janson and Howard Chaykin are all-too-well-versed in the ins and outs of making a career in our inkstained - and now, with all that digital stuff, carpal tunneled - business.   For the past few years, Klaus and Howard have been conducting an Artist's Workshop for Marvel, offering invaluable insights, gleaned from those decades of experience, on narrative, storytelling, page design, and career management. They've developed a fluid and comprehensive take on the inside game played by successful cartoonists - and a series of direct and vital techniques intended to drag newer talents out of a hobby and into a profession - without ever losing the joy all of us experience when we ply our craft. Klaus and Howard have taken their seminar on the road to the renowned Savannah College of Art & Design, to great acclaim from students and faculty alike, and now they're bringing a customized version of the workshop to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con. On Saturday, August 28th, from 1pm to 4pm, Messrs. Janson and Chaykin will entertain and enlighten with a lively, spirited, and very likely prickly and opinionated dissertation, followed, from 4 PM to 5 PM, by an hour of honest dissection of the work of several lucky attendees.  All class registrants will be eligible for the dissection lottery, so bring some of your work if you want to hear from these two very honest men!   To register for this very special class, please call our host store, Cards, Comics, & Collectibles @ 410-526-7410.  The cost for this professional seminar is $75.  Major credit cards will be accepted for payment.  The hour of honest dissection from 4pm-5pm will be exciting programming available to all ticketed attendees of the Baltimore Comic-Con.  Register now while space is still available!   Portfolio Reviews Mark Chiarello, Art Director at DC Comics, will be doing portfolio reviews from 11am to 1pm at the Mark's booth on both Saturday and Sunday. Think you've got the chops to make it as a pro at DC Comics?  Come and find out first-hand!   Todd McFarlane Signing Attending the show on Saturday only this year, Todd McFarlane will be featured in a Spotlight panel session (room 308) from 12pm-1pm.  Following his panel, he will be signing in booth 2403 from 1:30pm-3:30pm.   Added Guests We are pleased to announce the addition of the following guests to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con:  Danna Bremer (Zuda Comics Crew), Buzz (JSA), Kevin Colden (I Rule The Night), Ian Edginton (Victorian Undead), Steve Ellis (High Moon), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), David Gallaher (High Moon), Dan Govar (Azure), Randy Green (New X-Men), Brad Guigar (Evil Inc.), Matthew Petz (War of the Woods), Chris Staros (Publisher, Top Shelf), and Bobby and Peter Timony (The Night Owls).   Previously announced guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), J.D. Arnold (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), 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), Tommy Castillo (Moon Lake), 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), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Fillbach Brothers sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Ramona Fradon (Namora), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet:  Year One), SL Gallant (G.I. Joe), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine:  Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Mike Gold (Editor, ComicMix Graphic Novels from IDW), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602:  Spider-Man), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), Gabriel Hardman (Atlas), Tony Harris (Justice League: Generation Lost), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Marc Hempel (Absolute Sandman), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Jason Horn (Ninjasaur), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Klaus Janson (Daredevil), 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), Joe Jusko (Red Sonja), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Jason Kruse (World of Quest), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Jay Leisten (Uncanny X-Men), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn:  Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Mike Maihack (Comic Book Tattoo), 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), JD Mettler (Justice League: Generation Lost), Pop Mhan (Ender's Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Chip Mosher (Left on Mission, Marketing Director, Boom! Studios), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Jamar Nicholas (Radiskull & Devil Doll: Radiskull Hate Love), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers:  The Origin), Sonia Oback (X-Force), Denny O'Neil (Batman), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Andrew Pepoy (Jack of Fables), 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), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow:  Deadly Origin), Rico Renzi (The Perhapanauts), 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), Alex Saviuk (Stan Lee and the Super Seven), 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), Richard Thompson (Cul-de-Sac), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men:  Origins), Bob Tinnell (Lone Justice), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Dean Trippe (Superior Showcase), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Ted Tucker (Buzzboy), 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), Mark Wheatley (Lone Justice), Ron Wilson (Marvel Two-In-One), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), Thom Zahler (Love and Capes), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella:  From Fabletown With Love).   Regretfully, Cully Hamner is unable to attend the show this year.    Publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books, Boom! Studios, IDW, Image Comics, Top Cow Productions, and Top Shelf Comix.   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.

Tonight: Kiki's Delivery Service anime at JICC

Miyazaki's fantastic anime movie Kiki's Delivery Service is being shown tonight at the Japan Information and Culture Center, 1155 21st, NW at 6:30 pm, 238-6949.

Sad news from Nick Galfianakis in today's Post

Pets really are members of the family...

 

 

Nick Galifianakis draws conclusions about man's, and cartoonist's, best friend

By Nick Galifianakis
Washington Post August 20, 2010; C04

 

Gene Kannenberg, friend of ComicsDC, on radio, on Tintin

The Adventures of Tintin
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO's Here on Earth AUGUST 19, 2010
http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_100819k.cfm
http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/podcast/hereonearth100819k.mp3

Post features Indian graphic novelists

This article was a surprise to find -

Indian graphic artists draw outside the box for nonfiction 'Bhimayana'
By Rama Lakshmi
Washington Post August 19, 2010; C08

OT: The only surviving Spanish-American War battleship may be scrapped

This is off-topic, but bugging me. The Olympia, the only surviving Spanish-American War battleship may be scrapped even though it's a National Historic Landmark. It's an amazing ship, and the people entrusted with it are talking about sinking it to make an artificial reef. I've been on the ship, probably 15 years ago now, but it was a real look at a lost era - the time when steam was just replacing sail, and ships were caught in an odd design in between. Given all the recent press about finding a hulk buried in the mud off New York City, I can't believe that serious consideration is being given to destroying the Olympia.

Laurel comic book camp featured in paper

Youth draw up some fun in summer comic book class
Organizers say participants tap into imagination while honing reading, writing skills
by Deanna Hines | Special to The Gazette August 18 2010

Schulz at NPG

Because a prophet is without honor in his own land, go to Alan Gardner's Daily Cartoonist to see the details on a photograph of Charles Schulz that's being donated to the National Portrait Gallery. One may also read their press release.

PR: Small Press Expo Announces the Ignatz Award Nominees for SPX 2010

Small Press Expo Announces the Ignatz Award Nominees for SPX 2010

 

Bethesda, Maryland; August 19, 2010 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce nominees for the fourteenth annual presentation of the Ignatz Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning.

 

The Ignatz, named after George Herriman's brick-wielding mouse, recognizes exceptional work that challenges popular notions of what comics can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression. The Ignatz Awards are a festival prize, the first of such in the United States comic book industry.

 

The nominees for the ballot were determined by a panel of five of the best of today's comic artists, Anders Nilsen, David Kelly, Rob G, Joshua Cotter and Trevor Alixopoulos, with the votes cast for the awards by the attendees during SPX. The Ignatz Awards will be presented at the gala Ignatz Awards ceremony held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 9:00 PM.

 

SPX will be held Saturday, September 11 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, September 12, noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $10 for a single day and $15 for both days.

 

For further information on the Ignatz Awards, the nominees or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at warren@spxpo.com.

 

For more information on the Small Press Expo and the Ignatz Awards, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

 

2010 Ignatz Awards Ballot

 

Outstanding Artist

Eddie Campbell, Alec: The Years Have Pants (A Life-Sized Omnibus) (Top Shelf Productions)

Al Columbia, Pim & Francie: The Golden Bear Days (Fantagraphics Books)

Mike Dawson, Troop 142 (self-published & http://troop142.mikedawsoncomics.com)

John Pham, Sublife #2 (Fantagraphics Books)

Sully, The Hipless Boy (Conundrum Press)

 

Outstanding Anthology or Collection

The Hipless Boy, Sully (Conundrum Press)

Lemon Styles, David King (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Masterpiece Comics, R. Sikoryak (Drawn & Quarterly)

Red Snow, Susumu Katsumata (Drawn & Quarterly)

Ten Thousand Things to Do, Jesse Reklaw (self-published)

 

Outstanding Graphic Novel

The Complete Jack Survives, Jerry Moriarty (Buentaventura Press)

Market Day, James Sturm (Drawn & Quarterly)

Pim & Francie: The Golden Bear Days, Al Columbia (Fantagraphics Books)

Summit of the Gods Vol. 1, Yumemakura Baku and Jiro Taniguchi (Fanfare/Ponent Mon)

Years of the Elephant, Willy Linthout (Fanfare/Ponent Mon)

 

Outstanding Story

"John Wesley Harding", The Red Monkey Double Happiness Book, Joe Daly (Fantagraphics Books)

Market Day, James Sturm (Drawn & Quarterly)

Monsters, Ken Dahl (Secret Acres)

"Turd Place", The Hipless Boy, Sully (Conundrum Press)

"Untitled", Mome Vol. 16, Laura Park (Fantagraphics Books)

 

Promising New Talent

Rina Ayuyang, Whirlwind Wonderland, (Sparkplug Comic Books & Tugboat Press)

Rami Efal, Never Forget, Never Forgive (Studio Namu)

Blaise Larmee, Young Lions (self-published)

Sully, The Hipless Boy (Conundrum Press)

Matt Wiegle, "The Orphan Baiter", Papercutter #13 (Tugboat Press)

 

Outstanding Series

Ganges, Kevin Huizenga (Fantagraphics Books)

King-Cat Comics & Stories, John Porcellino (self-published)

Sublife, John Pham (Fantagraphics Books)

Summit of the Gods, Yumemakura Baku and Jiro Taniguchi (Fanfare/Ponent Mon)

Troop 142, Mike Dawson (self-published)

 

Outstanding Comic

Blammo #6, Noah Van Sciver (Kilgore Books)

Eschew #2, Robert Sergel (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Flesh and Bone, Julia Gfrörer (Sparkplug Comic Books)

I Want You, Lisa Hanawalt (Buenaventura Press)

Sublife #2, John Pham (Fantagraphics Books)

 

Outstanding Mini-Comic

Don't Drink from the Sea, Lille Carre

Rambo 3.5, Jim Rugg

Stories by...Vol. 1, Martin Cendreda

Troop 142, Mike Dawson

Water Column #3, Josh Frankel

 

Outstanding Online Comic

Callahan Online, John Callahan (www.callahanonline.com/calarc.html)

I Think You're Sauceome, Sarah Becan (www.sauceome.com)

The Lesttrygonians, Stephen Gilpin (www.sgilpin.com/2010_site/Weekly_Comic_Strip/Weekly_Comic_Strip.html)

Reliable Comics, David King (www.reliablecomics.com)

Troop 142, Mike Dawson (troop142.mikedawsoncomics.com)

David Hagen's trip to Musee Herge

David Hagen has blogged about his trip to Musee Herge, where he kindly bought me one of the catalogues to the Swarte exhibit he mentions.

Set to Sea reviewed by Weldon

Comics Courageous: The Splendid, Salt-Sprayed Adventure of 'Set to Sea'
by Glen Weldon
August 18, 2010

I picked up a copy of this today as well. I'll try to get a review done from my International Ink column at the City Paper.