2 comic book movies open today

The Smurfs -

Big Apple blues for preschoolers
By Sean O'Connell
Washington Post July 29, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/the-smurfs,1173819/critic-review.html

and Cowboys and Aliens -

A galactic battle at home on the range
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post July 29, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/cowboys-and-aliens,1161118/critic-review.html

The Examiner ran the Associated Press review.

Otakon started in Baltimore today

Otakon, one of the big manga and anime shows is happening this weekend. to the north of us.

DC Zinefest

As they state on their website:

The DC Zinefest hopes to create a space for zine makers, writers, and self-published artists to share their work with each other and with the city of Washington, DC. By providing an opportunity to expo, workshop, and interact with zines, we strive to build and support a thriving DIY community. The zine expo will take place on July 30, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Stephen's Church in Washington, DC (map).

St. Stephen's Church is a short distance from the Columbia Heights Metro stop on the Green Line. Comics-centric exhibitors include Katie Omberg, Carolyn Belefski, Matt Dembicki, Dave O'Shell, Max Weinstein-Bacal, Our Friend The Atom, and Ryan and Jillian.

USA Today on Seven Sins

'Seven Sins' aims to mix fiction with reality
By John Geddes, USA TODAY July 25 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-25-Seven-Sins-mixes-fiction-reality_n.htm

Weldon on what comics really MEAN

Watch Andrew Garfield Melt Your Cold, Black, Tiny Heart
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 27, 2011
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/07/27/138700956/watch-andrew-garfield-melt-your-cold-black-tiny-heart

Politics and Prose graphic novel group meeting Wednesday, Eisners, and graphic novel blog

From: Adam Waterreus

 

Just a reminder, we are meeting this Wednesday, 7/27 at 7:30pm.

 

We'll be talking about Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba, which just so happened to have won an Eisner for Best Limited Series, check it out: http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_11win.php

 

Also, if you're interested, P&P has also started a graphic novel blog. Here's a link, http://www.politics-prose.com/blog/graphic-novels, we'll post new and interesting books and also some comic related news. Check it out and let me know what you think.

 

NoVA based Cartoonist Rights Network editorial on Zunar censorship

Zunar ban more dangerous to M'sia than cartoons
Robert Russell
Jul 25, 2011
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/171006

Frank Cho interview at Comic Book Resources

CCI EXCLUSIVE: Keatinge & Cho Reveal Their "Brutal" Sides
by TJ Dietsch,
Sat, July 23rd, 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33441

Wash Post review of Big Planet Comics revisited

Here's a direct link to the story that ran yesterday -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/stores/big-planet-comics-georgetown,1028438.html

Comic Riffs notes a familiar face in Barney & Clyde

'BARNEY & CLYDE' finds inspiration in a little 'Peanuts' farming
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/barney-and-clyde-finds-inspiration-in-a-little-peanuts-farming/2011/07/20/gIQAcMmeTI_blog.html

Post likes Big Planet Comics

The Washington Post's Weekend section featured 12 local sites in Georgetown and Big Planet Comics was one of them. Click here and go to page 21.

Local reviews of Captain America

'Captain America,' a superhero film with a heart for the little guy
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post July 22, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/the-first-avenger-captain-america,1158824/critic-review.html

 

Captain America entertains the country -- then and now
Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner July 22 2011 http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/07/captain-america-entertains-country-then-and-now

 

Lemire, Christy / Associated Press.  2011.

Real American Hero: 'Captain America' may not have much new to say, but its dignified approach is refreshing.

[Washington Post] Express (July 22): 29

USA Today's Comic-Con recs put comics last

Guide to what is bound to create buzz at Comic-Con
By Bill Keveney, Mike Snider, Scott Bowles and Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 21 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-07-19-comic-con-buzz_n.htm

Disney and Meatball films at National Archives in August

"What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?" Programs relating to our new exhibit include discussions on "The Frozen Sucker War" (July 12), The Astronaut's Cookbook (July 20), A White House Garden Cookbook (August 5), and screenings of Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (July 16), The Plow That Broke the Plains & The Land (July 27), Walt Disney short films (August 18), and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (August 20).

Thursday, August 18, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
From The Vaults: Walt Disney, Food, and the Government Film
We present a selection of short films Walt Disney created for the U.S. Government, including Out of the Frying Pan Into the Firing Line (1942), Water, Friend or Enemy (1943), and The Grain that Built the Hemisphere (1943).

Saturday, August 20, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Based on the children's book by Judy Barrett, this animated adventure follows a scientist who tries to solve world hunger only to see things go awry as food falls from the sky in abundance. (2009; 90 minutes)

 

Fanzine turned fine artist John Fantucchio in U.S.A. Art Show through this week

Sorry for the short time left in this - a computer virus crippled my machine recently.

This is a courtesy reminder of John Fantucchio's art exhibit and sale at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  The artwork is inspired by U. S. people, places, and/or things.  He has two exciting paintings - one reminiscent of the good old days, and the other is a futuristic trek to a far distant world painted with electrifying colors, which will dazzle the senses and take you one strop beyond.  Many paintings by other Del Ray artists are also on exhibit and for sale.  Any questions, call 703-237-6887.  The exhibit will run until Friday, July 22, 2011.  

Brian Truitt justifies his attendance at San Diego Comic Con

Grant Morrison chronicles 'Supergods' of comics
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 20 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-20-Grant-Morrison-teaches-the-history-of-superheroes-in-Supergods_n.htm

Comic-Con showcases average heroes
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-07-19-comic-con-preview_n.htm

First 'Amazing Spider-Man' figure swings into Comic-Con
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-19-First-Amazing-Spider-Man-movie-figure-swings-into-Comic-Con_n.htm

Robert Kirkman and friends are as thick as 'Thieves'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-19-Robert-Kirkman-and-friends-team-for-Thief-of-Thieves-comic_n.htm

Marvel launches 'Season One' superhero graphic novels
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-19-Marvel-launches-Season-One-line-of-superhero-graphic-novels_n.htm

Tom Spurgeon's Team Cul de Sac Fanzine contribution now online

You should still buy the zine, however...

On Jaime Hernandez's The Death Of Speedy
By Tom Spurgeon
For Favorites, The Team Cul De Sac Favorite Comic Zine, 2011
http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/otbp_favorites_the_team_cul_de_sac_favorite_comic_zine/

Weldon on Captain America

A Quick Cap Recap: Your Cheat Sheet To The Man, The Myth, & The Mighty Shield

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 20, 2011

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/07/20/138518029/a-quick-cap-recap-your-cheat-sheet-to-the-man-the-myth-the-mighty-shield

Aug 25: ComicsDC's Warren Bernard at Politics and Prose

Warren Bernard - Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising

Start: Aug 25 2011 7:00 pm

End: Aug 25 2011 7:00 pm

The comic strip has its roots in advertising as well as in art. In the first book-length study of these dual sources, Rick Marschall, founder of Nemo: The Classic Comics Library, and Bernard, a prolific commentator on and extensive collector of cartoons, look at work from the 1890s to the present, documenting how popular cartoon characters like the Yellow Kid, Little Orphan Annie, Dagwood, and a platoon of super heroes have figured in advertising campaigns. 

 

Long-time ComicsDC readers may recall Warren's Secret History of Comics articles for us. Now he's got a whole book of them.

PR: Small Press Expo welcomes back former Ignatz winners as guests for 2011

Small Press Expo welcomes back former Ignatz winners as guests for 2011 

For Immediate Release                             

Contact: Warren Bernard
                                                                                                                                               E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; July 20, 2011 – The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons welcomes back a significant number of former Ignatz award winners as guests for SPX 2011.

The Ignatz Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comics and Cartooning is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry. Nominees for the awards are announced in August and are voted on by SPX attendees during the festival. The Ignatz Awards Presentation is open to the public and will be held on Saturday night, September 10 at 9PM.

Former Ignatz winners attending SPX 2011 include:

Craig Thompson
Ignatz for Outstanding Artist and Outstanding GN or Collection, 2004, Blankets
http://www.dootdootgarden.com/

Sarah Glidden
Ignatz for Promising New Talent, 2008, How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
http://www.smallnoises.com/

Ken Dahl
Ignatz for Outstanding Story, 2010, Monsters
http://www.gabbysplayhouse.com/

Mike Dawson
Ignatz for Outstanding Online Comic, 2010, Troop 142
http://www.mikedawsoncomics.com/

Lisa Hanawalt
Ignatz for Outstanding Comic, 2010, I Want You
http://lisahanawalt.com/

Jim Rugg
Ignatz for Outstanding Mini-Comic, 2010, Rambo 3.5
http://jimrugg.blogspot.com/

Collen Frakes
Ignatz for Promising New Talent, 2009, Woman King
http://www.tragicrelief.com/

Greg Means
Ignatz for Outstanding Anthology or Collection, 2008, Papercutter #7 (editor)
http://tugboatpress.com/

Nate Powell
Ignatz for Outstanding Debut, 2008 Swallow Me Whole
http://www.seemybrotherdance.org/

Tom Neely
Ignatz for Promising New Talent, 2007, The Blot (I Will Destroy You)
http://www.iwilldestroyyou.com/

Alex Robinson
Ignatz for Outstanding Graphic Novel, 2006, Tricked
http://www.comicbookalex.com/

Carla Speed McNeil
Ignatz for Outstanding Series, 2005, Finder
http://www.lightspeedpress.com/

Dave Roman
Ignatz for Outstanding Debut, 2004, Teen Boat #6: VOTE BOAT
http://yaytime.com/


Detailed information about all of our announced guests is available at the SPX web site at www.spxpo.com. Additional guests will be announced on the Website as they are confirmed.

Interviews with cartoonists can be arranged by contacting the SPX press office at the email or telephone listed above.

About SPX

SPX is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that 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 well as a series of panel discussions and interviews with this year's guests.

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 2011 are 11am–7pm Saturday, September 10, and 12–6pm Sunday, September 11. Admission is $10 for a single day or $15 for the weekend.