ComicsDC

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Comic Riffs interviews Berkeley Breathed

The 'Riffs Interview: 'MARS NEEDS MOMS' author Berkeley Breathed buckles in for Hollywood voyage
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (March 11 2011)
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2011/03/the_riffs_interview_mars_needs.html

'Wimpy Kid' author profiled by AP

Jeff Kinney was a University of Maryland cartoonist at one point.

'Wimpy Kid' author keeps day job on kids' website
By DENISE LAVOIE
Associated Press 2011-03-11
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1539764

Friday, March 11, 2011

Stephen Blickenstaff exhibit in Frederick, MD

Stephen Blickenstaff has an exhibit of his art in Frederick, MD at Classic Electric Tattoo, 43A Market St., 301-668-1003. As you can see from the illustration, he draws monsters. There's an artist reception March 13th from 6-10 pm.

Breathed's 'Mars Needs Moms' reviewed in Post

Berekely Breathed's childrens book 'Mars Needs Moms' is reviewed in today's Post -

Invasion of the mom snatchers
By Sean O'Connell
Washington Post March 11, 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/mars-needs-moms,1176475/critic-review.html

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Lorna: Relic Wrangler and DC's occult layout

Read the interview to discover more about the pull quotes I grabbed.

Introducing "Lorna: Relic Wrangler"

by Josh Wigler, February 28th, 2011

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31052

If you've ever found yourself transfixed by the stunning architecture that our nation's capitol has to offer, just know that you're not alone -- except you're not likely to saw through the topmost tip of the Washington Monument for world-saving, supernatural treasure-hunting purposes, are you? No, that's more Lorna's thing.

In this issue, we're getting into the conspiracy theories of Washington, D.C. and its whole occult layout. Lorna has been sent there by Vern to turn back a cosmic catastrophe with the United States as ground zero. She needs to get a certain object from a certain memorial there to stop this from happening.

Comicsgirl covers Bertozzi and Little signing

Comicsgirl covered the Big Planet Nick Bertozzi and Jason Little signing on her blog - I should give her this site since I didn't report on either that or the Kill Shakespeare event.

And she also talks about her first comic - X-Factor of all things.

Kill Shakespeare photos from Folger Library

The Kill Shakespeare website has photos of the writer's talk at the Folger Library last month. They also give a link to Comicsgirl's summation of the evening. And she interviewed them too.

March 25: Ian Rankin at Politics and Prose

Rankin's written the recent Dark Entries graphic govel for DC Comics. This signing is for his new detective novel, but I'm sure he'll sign and take questions about the comic. I've seen him before and he's an entertaining speaker.

Ian Rankin
The Complaints
Start: Mar 25 2011 7:00 pm
End: Mar 25 2011 8:00 pm

In his latest crime novel the Scottish creator of John Rebus introduces a new hero: Malcolm Fox, an Edinburgh cop. Fox’s beat is the police force itself, and he must be on the trail of something big, because his colleagues are conspiring to frame him, and his only ally is a detective suspected of selling child porn.

March 11: JT Waldman in DC

From Politics and Prose's newsletter:

Friday, February 25, 1 p.m. (Exhibit opens)

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
600 I Street, NW
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown
JT WALDMAN
MEGILLAT ESTHER: The Book of Esther (Jewish Publication Society of America, $22)
JT Waldman turns The Book of Esther, with its twisting plot, into an illustrative masterpiece. The graphic novel is brought to life in an exhibit with interactive elements and an invitation for visitors to take part in the creative process. Waldman is a comic book illustrator and interaction designer. He is currently working on his next graphic novel, which he designed with the late Harvey Pekar. This exhibit will be on view from Monday through Friday, February 25 - April 29 during open tour hours from 1-2 p.m. Waldman will be speaking at 6th in the City Shabbat on March 11. Click here for information about attending this service. Click here for more information about the exhibit. Click here for a Google Preview of the book and its art.

Cavna on Rango

Land of allusion: 'Rango' is a double-barreled valentine to Hollywood
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post March 10, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/09/AR2011030905352.html

PR: Carla Speed McNeil's Finder: See where it all began...

Lose yourself in a world beyond your wildest dreams…

Since 1996, Finder has set the bar for science--fiction storytelling, with a lush, intricate world and compelling characters. Now, Dark Horse is proud to present the first four story arcs of Carla Speed McNeil's groundbreaking series in a single, affordably priced volume!

Follow enigmatic hero Jaeger through a "glorious, catholic pileup of high-tech SF, fannish fantasy, and street-level culture clash" (Village Voice), and discover the lush world and compelling characters that have carved Finder a permanent place in the pantheon of independent comics.

* This first of two Finder Library volumes collects the multiple Eisner Award--nominated story arcs Sin Eater, King of Cats, and fan--favorite Talisman.

* Introduction by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics).

* For more information about Finder characters, storylines, and more, check out www.FinderComics.com

* Make sure to visit Carla Speed McNeil's blog www.lightspeedpress.com

Creators

Creators: Carla Speed McNeil

Genre: Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Action/Adventure

Publication Date: March 23, 2011
Format: B&W, 616 pages, TPB, 6" x 9"
Price: $24.99
Age range: 16
ISBN-10: 1-59582-652-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-59582-652-7

Jeff Kinney profile in today's Express

Lavoie, Denise / Associated Press. 2011.

A 'Wimpy Kid' on Top: Author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney has built an empire of quality content for children.

[Washington Post] Express (March 10): 27

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Truitt on Skullkickers

'Skullkickers' spoofs fantasy, one trope at a time
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY March 9 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-03-09-Skullkickers_N.htm

Punk Rock cruise?

My editor at the City Paper wrote this about his experiences on a PUNK ROCK CRUISE! Something's very wrong about this.
Read it at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/40532/bruise-cruise/

Fantom Comics PR: A Message From The Comics Journeyman

I'm writing to invite each of you to connect with me via one of the social media options that I use to communicate with the world at large about the comic books that I love.

Dear Fan Of Fantom,

Who IS "The Comics Journeyman"?

For starters, I am the host of SubcultureForTheCultured.com, a companion site to Fantom Comics. "SFTC" is dedicated to bringing you original thoughts on our favorite comic books and graphic novels that tend to be slightly "off the beaten path". And by "off the beaten path", I mean (mostly) non-superhero properties.

As a Fantom Comics Subscriber, you are already connected to Fantom via the comiXology platform (and if not, you can easily sign up - just follow the link to the instructions for our COMIC BOOK RESERVATION SERVICE, powered by comiXology). Over the coming days, I will be reaching out to all of Fantom's subscribers with a "comiXology friend request". This will allow you to view my picks from each month's Previews catalog right on the comiXology website, and for me to view your picks as well. It's really an open invitation to read what I'm reading. Recognizing that not everyone has the same tastes, I've listed below the books that I subscribe to regularly, along with an indication of whether I read the comic or the trade paperback.

My goal is to use comiXology's features to their fullest to create an online community of comic book readers who share an enthusiasm for the stories and artwork in the pages of our favorite comics, and who can share recommendations for new comic book journeys to pursue.

Another way that you can connect with me is to follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/cmxjourneyman

I will use Twitter to post updates and share interesting articles from time to time.

Think of me as the Pied Piper of (mostly) non-superhero comics, inviting you to follow me on my journey through the best that comic books have to offer.

I look forward to getting to know you and your tastes in comic books!

Keep reading comics, may the journey never end.

The Comics Journeyman

Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com

Magic Bullet 2 press release

Washington DC comics and drinking group publishes second issue of MAGIC BULLET comics newspaper to much fanfare.

Prepare yourself for the majesty that is MAGIC BULLET #2. The DC Conspiracy, a local group of comics creators and fans, have published the second issue of their groundbreaking and absolutely free comics newspaper and plan to bring it to you.

Featuring a cover by Mike O'Brien and including comics from local cartoonists such as Carolyn Belefski, Joe Carabeo, Andrew Cohen, Matt Dembicki, Evan Keeling, RM Rhodes, (and non-local ringers like Jeff McComsey and Jim Rugg), MAGIC BULLET #2 is designed to brighten your day while blowing your mind. Each comic contained within the pages of MAGIC BULLET #2 was created with love and with the greatest of care.

Rafer Roberts, editor of MAGIC BULLET (as well as a contributor) talked about this second issue. "Oh man," he says. "This paper is so completely awesome. It's the best thing ever and people are gonna want to get their hands on a copy. I mean, we have comics from Kevin Czapiewski, Jake Warrenfeltz, Jeff McClelland, Mal Jones, and Steve Becker. We even got Stephen Loya, and he doesn't even draw comics!"

MAGIC BULLET #2 has a wide distribution plan, as described by Roberts. "We've picked a day, probably March 28th, and a bunch of us are going to be handing these out at metro stations during the morning commute. Holy cow, can you image what it's going to be like starting your day reading comics from the likes of Marc Bryant, Scott White, Lonny Chant, or Michael Brace? Add in comics by Eric Gordon, Troy Jeffrey-Allen, JT Wilkins and me, and you've got the makings of the best commute of your life."

For those not fortunate enough to be handed a paper, all hope is not lost. MAGIC BULLET #2 will be available throughout the district at finer comic shops and clubs, as well as at local comic shows such as SPX. An ever evolving list of places interested readers can find the paper can be found at http://www.dcconspiracy.com

*********

About MAGIC BULLET:

In 2010 the DC 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.

About DC Conspiracy:

Founded in January 2005, the DC Conspiracy has expanded to over 50 members who embody the best of creative comics talent in the DC area. The work we write, draw, edit, and distribute runs the gamut -- from witty and literary works to comics which incorporate action, the mystical, and just plain nonsense. Individually we create, but collectively we're working to expand comics readership and fraternity through anthologies, minis, and webcomics, among other things.

Weldon on Mid-Life

A Man in Fall: The Self-Lacerating, Blisteringly Funny "Mid-Life"

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (March 9, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/03/09/134384116/a-man-in-fall-the-self-lacerating-blisteringly-funny-mid-life?sc=nl&cc=msb-20110309