Monkey See blog on the latest comic book death

"Spider-Man ... No More!" Some More: RIP, Peter Parker

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (June 22, 2011)

  http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/22/137333177/-spider-man-no-more-some-more-rip-peter-parker

One missing cartoonist from State Dept tour

I had an excellent time at the reception for these cartoonists last night and should have pictures up soon. That said, one cartoonist Majed Badra of Palestine was dis-invited, albeit not by the Washington office of the International Visitor Leadership Program, but rather by Consular Affairs. Here's what appears to me to be a good article -

Dept. of State rejects cartoonist over 'anti-Semitic' drawings
— Clara Hogan
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press June 20 2011
http://www.rcfp.org/newsitems/index.php?i=11932

- and I particularly like this quote, which seems to go to the heart of the matter to me - "The young cartoonist noted that the U.S. government interfered with his freedom of speech in the context of a program that is meant to support it."

Conan Takes a Prize

Here's a Conan drawing by SL Gallant for my friend Ahmed, who requested that the severed head resemble me. Ahhh, friends...

Tom Gauld in yesterday's Washington Post

For the record, crack British cartoonist Tom Gauld had illustrations in the June 19th Washington Post Book Review. Gauld does regular illustrations for the New York Times Magazine, and has done book-related illustrations for a British newspaper for years.

Comic Riffs interviews Poseur's Vankin

THE LINES BEHIND THE LIES: Through fiction, 'Poseurs' author Deborah Vankin unveils truths of self-discovery
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 18 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-lines-behind-the-lies-through-fiction-poseurs-author-deborah-vankin-unveils-truths-about-nightlife-and-teen-lit/2011/06/20/AG7k8YcH_blog.html

Pennsylvania student cartoonist's work shown at Capitol

Area teen artist's work will be on display in Washington
MATT HUGHES
Times Leader June 19 2011
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Area-teen-artists-work-will-be-on-display-in-Washington.html

Cartoonists and baseball

Local writer, and FoCDC, Warren Bernard has a new article on cartoonists playing baseball -

The Greatest Baseball Game Ever Played

BY Warren Bernard
TCJ.com Jun 20, 2011
http://www.tcj.com/the-greatest-baseball-game-ever-played/

R.C. Harvey on Richard Thompson and Cul de Sac

Fanfare: Open Access for our hare-raising report on the Reubens Weekend, May 27-29, during which the National Cartoonists Society bestows numerous awards, including the Reuben for "cartoonist of the year." Meet the Wimpy Kid's Jeff Kinney, freelancers Roy Doty and R.O. Blechman and Cul de Sac's Richard Thompson and read all the sordid details of the humiliation of the Happy Harv himself and other disgraces that transpired over the weekend. Plus—a plan to reform Congress!! This installment is open to all comers, whether you pay a $ubscription fee or not. This largess occurs only once or twice a year, kimo sabe, so don't miss out. Beam up by clicking below.

http://www.rcharvey.com/rantsraves.html

Stay tooned,
R.C. Harvey

For comics news and reviews, profusely dosed with cartooning history and lore, beam up to www.RCHarvey.com, where our online magazine, Rants & Raves, is posted every two or three weeks.

Comic Book Diner: Fun & Funny Graphic Novel Boxed Set fails at Kickstarter

Local cartoonist John Gallagher's Comic Book Diner fundraiser at Kickstarter failed today, but John hopes to resubmit it and is asking the following questions:

So a few final questions, based upon all the great feedback you gave in the last round of "Backer Suggestion Box Theater"... 1. The box is a costly part of this set-- but what if, instead of a box, we offered hardcover versions in place of the boxed set? You see, our printer has noodled out some ideas on bringing costs down, and the customization of the box was a big issue-- but taking say, just 500 of each run and making them hardcover, could increase the longetivity and value, for less than the box costs. 2. Some have suggested increasing the # of cameos for additional funding-- what do you think? Should we make a special scene in the Buzzboy Diner, or at the Roboyland park, where friends and family who back us for $100 appear? 3. If we resubmitted in a few days, or weeks-- would you back us? And what else might you suggest? We really do appreciate everybody's comments-- and to our early backers, we thank you.

USA Today on The Big Lie, Legion of Doom and the Red Skull

Image Comics' 'The Big Lie' asks some big questions
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-14-Image-Comics-The-Big-Lie-asks-some-big-questions_n.htm

'Legion of Doom': DC supervillains feel a Heat Wave
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-14-Legion-of-Doom-DC-Comics-supervillains-feel-a-Heat-Wave_n.htm

Red Skull miniseries plots origin for a vile Marvel villain
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-15-Red-Skull-comic-series-plots-origin-of-a-Marvel-villain_n.htm

Shreveport Times asks my opinion on comic strips

Comics section gets new format
Written by John Andrew Prime Jun. 19, 2011
Shreveport Times
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110619/NEWS01/106190324/Comics-section-gets-new-format

Zadzooks on Green Lantern videogame

Zadzooks: Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
By Joseph Szadkowski
The Washington Times June 18, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/18/zadzooks-green-lantern-rise-manhunters/

Local collector Mark Zaid featured on comic collecting video

Are local comic book dealers more trustworthy than Internet dealers?: Buying Comic Books
By GrabNetworks June 18 2011
http://security.itbusinessnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=1552849

June 20: Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World

I'll be attending this.

Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World
Monday, June 20, 2011
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Holeman Lounge, The National Press Club
Free for Press Club Members, Non Members: $10

Free for DC Conspiracy Members and any other DC cartoonists (enter discount code DOS)

Registration Required at: http://press.org/events/daring-draw-evening-political-cartoonists-around-world#tickets

Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World

Press Club Hosts Political Cartoonists From Around the World

Political cartoonists have the unique ability to capture complex issues in a picture and a few short words. In many parts of the world, they contribute political commentary that few print or broadcast journalists would dare.

The U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is hosting a group of 20 political cartoonists from North Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia. During their three weeks in the U.S., they will meet with fellow cartoonists around the country and get a taste of American culture.

We invite you to a welcoming reception hosted jointly by the U.S. Department of State and the National Press Club. The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Holeman Lounge at the National Press Club. A brief program will begin at 6 p.m. The international cartoonists' pieces will be on display and they will be available to discuss their work and experiences.A cash http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbar will be available and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

This event is free to members of the National Press Club and $10 for non members.

And I'm sure this article refers to a disinvited guest-

Gaza cartoonist says US consul canceled training invite
Ma'an News Agency 18/06/2011

PR: DC Comicon is Sunday (Father's Day)! Cho! Hama! Dezago! Starlin! FREE!

Reminder!  DC Comicon is Sunday (Father's Day)! Cho! Hama! Dezago! Starlin! FREE!   FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA - June 17, 2011 - A final reminder that the second annual DC Comicon at George Mason University sponsored by Brett Carreras (the promoter of the VA  Comicon) and Marc Nathan (the promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con) is this Sunday, June 14th, and it's FREE. Again being held at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, the DC Comicon will feature the regions finest selection of comic books from the 1940's to present, along with top comic book industry talent. Featured guests include Frank Cho (Award-winning illustrator and writer of Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers and more!), Jim Starlin (creator of all things Thanos and Infinity), Todd Dezago (the current Casper relaunch, Tellos, Amazing Spider-Man), Larry Hama (The "Godfather" of GI Joe, and creator of Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow) along with his illustrator on the current GI Joe series, SL Gallant...signing with Mr. Hama for the first time!     DC Comicon FREE tickets were delivered to EVERY comic retailer in VA, DC and MD on Wednesday, June 15th, so go into your favorite store and ASK for your free tickets!       With door prizes courtesy of Top Cow, FREE admission, GREAT comic book selection, and less than a 100 mile commute from Richmond, DC, Philadelphia, and MORE, along with access to the DC Metro public transit system, the DC Comicon is the EASIEST, and most FREE comic book event EVER on Father's Day. Visit www.dccomicon.com for more information, including your FREE tickets and information on travel, parking, artists, publishers, updates, and MORE! We will see you there! Regards,                                                                                                        Brett Carreras (promoter of the VA Comicon www.vacomicon.com) Marc Nathan (promoter of the Baltimore Comicon (www.baltimorecomiccon.com)

June 18: Super Art Fight returns to DC

Tonight, Super Art Fight returns to DC at The Red Palace. If watching cartoonists think and draw on their feet in sketching contests appeals to you - and you can be drinking while this happens - local cartoonists Brandon J. Carr and Jami Noguchi will be facing off. Tickets are still available although the previous SAF sold out. Super Art Fight,  The Red Palace, 1212 H St, NE, Washington, DC, Saturday, June 18, 10 pm, $15.

 

 

 

 

This Weekend: Comic books? Or Political Cartoons?

 by Mike Rhode

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/06/17/this-weekend-comic-books-or-political-cartoons/

Click for information on Sunday's Washington Comic Con or Monday's visiting foreign political cartoonists.

Wash Examiner on Green Lantern

'Green Lantern' proves a dim bulb [online title: 'Green Lantern' just a moldy piece of cheese]
 Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner (June 17 2011)http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/06/green-lantern-just-moldy-piece-cheese

Saturday is Free RPG Day at Big Planet College Park

This Saturday, June 18th, is free RPG day.  We will be giving away free RPG stuff while supplies last.   Also, all gaming material will be 10% off  all day in College Park.   And College Park will be having a Magic The Gathering Tournament Starting at 2:00pm.   Free stuff, sales, and fun.  Stop by and say hello.   Peter Casazza Big Planet Comics of College Park 301.699.0498

Matt Dembicki and Trickster at ALA

Here's a schedule for Matt Dembicki and Trickster at the American Library Association June 25-26 in New Orleans (courtesy of Comics Reporter).