Comic Riffs on Baltimore Comic-Con

BALTIMORE COMIC-CON: Real 'comic-lover's con' kicks off today...
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 20 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/baltimore-comic-con-real-comic-lovers-con-kicks-off-today/2011/08/20/gIQATfKeRJ_blog.html

Charles Vess and Stan Sakai & Jeff Smith panel recordings from Baltimore Comic-Con

I was fortunate enough to attend the Baltimore Comic-Con today and hear two panels with great cartoonists.

Spotlight on Charles Vess

A Conversation with Jeff Smith & Stan Sakai

The Con appeared very busy today - the busiest I've ever seen it. I met a couple of local cartoonists I hadn't met before, spent plenty of money, and still haven't done the complete tour of the artists. I'll be back there tomorrow.

Post reviews Morrison's Supergods

Book Review: "Supergods," by Grant Morrison
By Dan Kois, Friday, Washington Post August 19, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/book-review-supergods-by-grant-morrison/2011/06/28/gIQAGTqOQJ_story.html

Wash Times favorably reviews Mauldin book

...although they probably wouldn't have in 1946.

BOOK REVIEW: 'Willie & Joe: Back Home'
By Michael Taube
The Washington Times August 17, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/17/after-world-war-ii-with-willie-and-joe/

October - The Graphic Memoir course offered at Politics and Prose

The Graphic Memoir

Taught by Janice Shapiro
Monday, October 3, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

The graphic memoir is an exciting development in modern literature, filling the niche between prose and film. As exemplified by Art Spiegelman's Maus, Harvey Pekar's American Splendor, and Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, the combination of images and words strengthens, magnifies, and illuminates in unique ways the large and small truths of life. In this class we will look at examples of graphic memoirs and analyze and discuss the visual and storytelling techniques. Then everyone will have the opportunity to draft a one-page graphic memoir about a significant moment in his or her life. The moment does not have to be momentous: It can be funny, tragic, embarrassing, heroic or just about a surprising, cool observation, as long as the moment has resonance. This class is open to everyone and I mean, everyone! No background (or particular talent!) in art or writing is required. Just come with a desire to express yourself in a fresh, fun and exciting way.

Please bring paper and pencils; the instructor will provide additional supplies.

About the Instructor
Janice Shapiro is a writer, graphic memoirist and screenwriter. She is the author of Bummer and Other Stories (Soft Skull Press, $14.95). Her stories and comics have been published in The North American Review, The Santa Monica Review, Fifty-Two Stories, Storyville, Devil's Lake, The Seattle Review, and Mixer Publications.

Price: $40 ($35 members)
Suggested book: An Anthology of Graphic Fiction, Cartoons, and True Stories, edited by Ivan Brunetti (Yale Univ., $28)

Other recommended books:
One! Hundred! Demons!, by Lynda Barry
Paying for It, by Chester Brown
Stitches, by David Small

These four books will be discounted 20% for class participants.

*This class will meet in a private room at Jake's American Grille, 5018 Connecticut Avenue NW, across the street from Politics & Prose. Participants may gather in the fiction room at P&P at 6:45 and then walk to Jake's with the instructor. Light appetizers will be provided, other food and beverages are available for purchase, including beer and wine.

Click here to enroll.

(excerpted from their newsletter)

More Obama and political comics coming

Mosher on BOOM!'s Presidential Comic Book Straw Poll
by Shaun Manning,
August 18 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33956

Fwd: Small Press Expo Announces the Ignatz Award Nominees for SPX 2011

Small Press Expo Announces the Ignatz Award Nominees for SPX 2011

For Immediate Release:         Contact: Warren Bernard

                  E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; August 18, 2011 - 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 fifteenth 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 from his long running comic strip Krazy Kat, 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, Rina Ayuyang, Mike Dawson, Kris Dresen, Theo Ellsworth, and John Porcellino, 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 10, 2011 at 9:00 PM.

Additional information on the nominees and previews (as available) can be found at http://www.spxpo.com/ignatz-awards.

SPX will be held Saturday, September 10 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, September 11, 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, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

Outstanding Artist
Michael DeForge, Lose #3 (Koyama Press)
Edie Fake, Gaylord Phoenix (Secret Acres)
Renee French, H-Day (Picturebox)
Joseph Lambert, I Will Bite You (Secret Acres)
Carol Tyler, You'll Never Know, Vol 2: Collateral Damage (Fantagraphics)

Outstanding Anthology or Collection
Black Eye, edited by Ryan Standfest (Rotland Press)
Gay Genius, edited by Annie Murphy (Sparkplug)
I Will Bite You, Joseph Lambert (Secret Acres)
Make Me a Woman, Vanessa Davis (Drawn & Quarterly)
Three #1, edited by Robert Kirby (Rob Kirby Comics)

Outstanding Graphic Novel
Gaylord Phoenix, Edie Fake (Secret Acres)
The Heavy Hand, Chris Cilla (Sparkplug)
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, Barry Deutsch (Amulet Books)
Special Exits, Joyce Farmer (Fantagraphics)
You'll Never Know, Vol 2: Collateral Damage, Carol Tyler (Fantagraphics)

Outstanding Story
"Blood of the Virgin," Crickets #3, Sammy Harkham (self-published)
"Browntown," Love and Rockets: New Stories No. 3, Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics)
"LINT," Acme Novelty Library #20, Chris Ware (Drawn & Quarterly)
"The most gripping mind-exploding triumphantly electric of our time," Papercutter #15, Jonas Madden-Conner (Tugboat Press)
"Weekends Abroad," Three #1, Eric Orner (Rob Kirby Comics)

Promising New Talent
Darryl Ayo Brathwaite, House of Twelve Monthly #3 (Comixology)
Tony Breed, Finn and Charlie are Hitched (www.hitchedcomic.com)
Jesse Jacobs, Even the Giants (AdHouse)
Jon McNaught, Birchfield Close (Nobrow)
Jesse Moynihan, Forming (Nobrow)

Outstanding Series
Crickets, Sammy Harkham
Dungeon Quest, Joe Daly (Fantagraphics)
Everything Dies, Box Brown (self-published)
Lose, Michael DeForge (Koyama Books)
Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Outstanding Comic
Crickets #3, Sammy Harkham (self-published)
Danger Country #1, Levon Jihanian (self-published)
Habitat #2, Dunja Jankovic (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Lose #3, Michael DeForge (Koyama Press)
The Magic Hedge, Marian Runk (self-published)

Outstanding Mini-Comic
Ben Died of a Train, Box Brown (self-published)
Danger Country #1, Levon Jihanian (self-published)
Gaylord Phoenix #5, Edie Fake (self-published)
Morning Song, Laura Terry (self-published)
Trans-Utopia, Tom Kaczynski (Uncivilized Books)

Outstanding Online Comic
Alphabet Horror, Nate Marsh: www.alphabethorror.com
A Cartoonist's Diary, Pascal Girard: www.tcj.com/author/pascal-girard/
Finn and Charlie are Hitched,Tony Breed: www.hitchedcomic.com
Hark! A Vagrant, Kate Beaton: www.harkavagrant.com
Lucky, Gabrielle Bell: www.gabriellebell.com

PR: Stan Lee Signing and Photo Op Schedule for Baltimore Comic-Con

I plan on being there both days, but not attempting to see Stan.

 

Stan Lee Signing and Photo Op Schedule for Baltimore Comic-Con Announced   BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 18, 2011 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce the schedule of Autograph and Photo Op Sessions with Guest of Honor Stan Lee taking place this weekend at the show. The show will be held on August 20-21, 2011 at the Baltimore Convention Center.     The schedule for the weekend is as follows (ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE):   Saturday, August 20   10:30am -11:00am - Photo Op   11:00am - 12:30pm - Autograph Session   1:00pm - 2:00pm - Autograph Session 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Photo Op   3:00pm - 4:30pm - Autograph Session     4:30pm - 5:00pm - Photo Op    Sunday, August 21    10:00am -10:30am - Photo Op   10:30am - 12:00pm - Autograph Session    1:00pm - 2:00pm - Photo Op   2:00pm - 2:45pm - Autograph Session   3:00pm - 4:00pm - Stan Lee Spotlight - Face Front, True Believers! This is a panel no comics fan will want to miss as Jimmy Palmiotti sits down with the one and only Stan "The Man" Lee! He is a Founding Father of the Marvel Universe and the face of Marvel Comics to legions of fans. Join the writer, editor, actor, and legend as he discusses his illustrious career. Excelsior! (ROOM 307-308)       * all Stan Lee autograph sessions are managed by Desert Wind Comics and all photo ops are managed by Froggy's Photos.  Times and events are subject to change.   In addition, fans can pick up some limited-edition Stan Lee memorabilia at the show this weekend, including: a lithograph by artist J. Scott Campbell; a lithograph by artist Jason Palmer, courtesy of POW! Entertainment; and a collectible pint glass courtesy of Toon Tumblers.   VIP Ticket Holders should report to the Will Call Registration Booth when the convention center opens at approximately 7:00am or whenever they arrive.   VIP Ticket holders will receive priority line access when claiming autograph and photographs so please make sure to get into the special VIP line at the photo and signature booth (#2401).  Lithographs and other items will be on sale at this booth.   Full Guest List A complete list of confirmed guests for this year's Baltimore Comic-Con can be found here.   Third Annual Costume Contest at the Baltimore Comic-Con - UPDATED The 3rd Annual Costume Contest will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 3:00 pm. With $1,000 up for grabs for the best overall costume and prizes for each of the 10 categories, this is one event all of you cosplayers don't want to miss! For more information and a complete list of catagories, visit our website's Costume Contest page.   Harvey Tickets Still Available Time is running out, but there is still an opportunity to attend the party! Join our MC Scott Kurtz, nominees, presenters, Stan Lee, and other fans at the Harvey Awards Banquet! Tickets available until Wednesday at baltimorecomiccon.com/harvey-awards.   Stan Lee VIP Packages Sold Out!  Autographs and Photos Still Available!  Please Note: Although the Stan Lee VIP Packages are officially sold out, individual autographs and photographs are still available and can be purchased by visiting http://baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/.     Save the Date! Baltimore Comic-Con 2012! That's right! Mark your calendars now for next year's Baltimore Comic-Con, which will take place the weekend of September 8-9, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center, and we'll see YOU in Baltimore!   Twitter Hashtag  Will you be tweeting this year from the show floor? Make sure you use the #BCC2011 hashtag! See what the latest news and excitement at the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con is about by tracking #BCC2011!   Attending the Baltimore Comic-Con? Show your support online! Simply change your social network (Facebook, Twitter, blog, etc.) avatar pictures to the "See You in Baltimore!" image and let the world know you're attending the show!      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, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.   This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. 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 21st.   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 12th 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 20-21, 2011. 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 6 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.

PR: JOHN G. FANTUCCHIO, ARTIST, WILL HAVE PAINTINGS ON EXHIBIT AND FOR SALE

John G. Fantucchio, former comic fanzine cartoonist, ex-CIA illustrator, award winning designer and fine artist, is exhibiting paintings this fall. Here’s the PR:

JOHN G. FANTUCCHIO, ARTIST, WILL HAVE PAINTINGS ON EXHIBIT AND FOR SALE IN TWO EXCITING SHOWS IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

Number 1:

You are cordially invited to an art exhibit and sale.  The Del Ray Artisans Exhibit for the month of September theme is 'Retakes & Transformations . . . Art From Everyday Life' - September 2 - October 2, 2011.  The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is located at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  Opening reception is Friday, September 2, 7 - 10 p.m.  John G. Fantucchio will be there for the reception.  John will have two paintings - one is titled 'Phil and Mac,' and the other is titled ' The Edge of Truth.'  These have two completely different approaches and different media, and both are thought-provoking and haunting paintings.  Other paintings by Del Ray artists will also be on exhibit and for sale.  Bring a friend.  Mouth-watering food and drink will be served.  A unique opportunity to meet other patrons of the arts, and a good time to talk with John and ask him questions about his works.  If you're not able to attend the reception, John will also make a special appearance on Sunday, September 18, 12:30 - 3:30.  Now is the time to corner him on the hows and meanings of his works.  Looking forward to seeing you there. 

 Number 2:

You are cordially invited to the 41st Annual Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo Park in the Spanish Ballroom, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812.  John G. Fantucchio will be there Sunday, September 4, 2011, between 12 and 3 p.m.  John will have two paintings on exhibit.  One is titled 'Aerea Fresca,' a large mixed media painting; the other is also a mixed media, titled 'Ayuh, Maine.'  These will both give you a breath of fresh air, and you'll want to touch the beautifully textured surface - but don't!  John says 'touch with your eyes only.'   They are not behind glass, and both are appropriately framed.  You will find John in the Spanish Ballroom exhibit hall at Glen Echo Park.  If you don't remember what John looks like, he's about 6 feet tall, losing his hair, and has a gray beard - very much like Monte Woolley in the old time movie ' The Man Who Came To Dinner.' Refreshments may be purchased outside the ballroom, and if you want to relax, you can always jump on to the carousel.  You may bring a picnic lunch - there are picnic tables.  Great for kids and the young at heart.  Bring a camera.  Many other paintings by local artists will be on display.  This is a good time to see John and talk art with him.  If you haven't been to Glen Echo before, or if it's been a while, bring your spouse and kids, a friend - you owe yourself a nice cool day off.  Looking forward to seeing you there. 

Comic Riffs talks to Bluewater about their political comics

Michelle Bachmann and Mitt Romney will star in new biographic comics
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (August 17 2011)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/michelle-bachmann-and-mitt-romney-will-star-in-new-biographic-comics/2011/08/17/gIQAAjj8LJ_blog.html

Monkey See on comics writer Del Connell and adult animation

Comics Creator Del Connell, 1918-2011: A Long-Overdue, Super Goof-y Appreciation.
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (August 17, 2011)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/08/17/139697379/comics-creator-del-connell-1918-2011-a-long-overdue-super-goof-y-appreciation

Animation, Content And Cultural Coding: The Cartoon Study

  by Linda Holmes

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (August 17, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/08/17/139700895/animation-content-and-cultural-coding-the-cartoon-study

PR: SPX Needs Your Help With Room Reservations at Marriott

Hey, we need a little help from those of you that will be staying at the Marriott. Here is the scoop. We reserve a block of rooms every year at the 'special' rate, this year being $109/night w/o taxes. If we do not fill a certain percentage of those rooms by a specific date, which right now is August 19 (trying to get it extended, will keep you posted..) we then have to pay the Marriott the difference. At this point we are 37 rooms short, which means we would pay the Marriott $4625. Money we would much rather give to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. So, if anyone is out there that just has not gotten around to making their reservations, please make them ASAP. This would help us out alot. Here is the web site for the hotel: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasbn-bethesda-north-marriott-hotel-and-conference-center/ Use EXPEXPA in the Group Code field under "Special Rates and Rewards" right above the FIND button on the left hand side of the page below where you enter the dates for your rooms. Oh, if for some reason you see a cheaper rate out there that you use, please send me an e-mail at warren@spxpo.com so we can get credit for your rooms. Thanks a ton for your help, we appreciate it!! See all of you soon, Warren

Jo Chen's panel at San Diego Comic-Con

CCI: Spotlight on Jo Chen
by Bryan J. Daggett, August 8th, 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33756

Former Washingtonian Dan Nadel interviewed

PictureBox Inc.: Rewriting Post-WWII Visual Culture
by Thea Liberty Nichols
Arts:21 blog August 12th, 2011
http://blog.art21.org/2011/08/12/picturebox-inc-rewriting-post-wwii-visual-culture/

Truitt on Spider-Island again

Spider-Mom gets her time to shine in 'Spider-Island' series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY August 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-08-15-Spider-Mom-shines-in-Spider-Island-digital-comic_n.htm

Team Cul de Sac artwork video preview

Team Cul de Sac founder Chris Sparks has made an artwork video preview - golly, so much to bid on.

Comic Riffs has a bit of commentary.

There's a lot of local cartoonists I see in here and the video ends on Carolyn Belefski's Curls.

PR: Intervention Con

Press Release
INTERVENTION CONVENTION BRINGS CYBER-LIFE TO REAL LIFE
Event brings creators and fans together for weekend of learning and fun

ROCKVILLE, MD, June 14, 2011: Intervention, taking place at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville in Rockville, MD, from September 16-18, 2011, is an indie creator and geek culture convention for the Internet generation. One part conference, one part fandom event, Intervention aims to provide both creators and fans a venue to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the opportunities technology provides.

"James [Harknell] and I wanted to put together an event that would complement the existing print- centric conventions – we wanted to showcase the creators who use the Internet as their primary publishing method," says convention founder Onezumi Hartstein. "I went to conventions for years to promote my webcomic, and was always treated well, but felt that web creators needed their own space. We're giving them that with Intervention." After a very successful first run in 2010, this year will mark Hartstein's second time organizing the event.

Over thirty guests are currently scheduled to attend, bringing three days of panels and educational workshops. Fans of all stripes are also encouraged to submit their own cutting-edge programming, showcase their own works, and schedule their own meetups at the event. A special track of children's programming will be overseen by Matt Blum, managing editor of the GeekDad blog on Wired.com.

Sponsored by Think Geek www.thinkgeek.com(), Wacom www.wacom.com(), Foam Brain Games www.foambrain.com(), 4Imprint www.4imprint.com(), Squishable www.squishable.com(), and Toy Vault www.toyvault.com(), the convention will also feature video and board gaming, an extensive Artist Alley, live action roleplay (LARP), musical performances, a Steampunk-themed dance, and plenty of giveaways. A charity auction will benefit the Electronic Frontier Foundation www.eff.org(), a civil liberties group that aims to defend freedom on the Internet.

Tickets for Intervention can be bought at http://www.interventioncon.com for $35 for the full weekend (through June 30, 2011). Tickets bought at the door will cost $45, with single-day rates available. More information about guests and events can be found at http://www.interventioncon.com.

Anime USA press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANIME USA ANNOUNCES TROPICAL GETAWAY PRIZE

Grand prize for 2011 Masquerade will be a Hawaii trip for two

At this year's Masquerade, Anime USA will be giving away its most lavish grand prize yet: a trip for two to Honolulu, Hawaii.

The trip includes two airplane tickets and hotel lodging for three days and three nights. It will take place in Spring 2012.

Fans can begin to register for Anime USA's 2011 Masquerade (and secure a chance at the grand prize) in October, 2011, at www.animeusa.org.

 

About Anime USA: In 1999 Anime USA began as a northern Virginia convention started by fans, and in 2004 become a non-profit educational organization. Our mission is to educate the public about and promote Japanese arts and popular culture. As in the beginning, we remain a convention of fans, by fans, and for fans. Anime USA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.

Anime USA 2011 will be held November 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. For more information and to register for the convention, visit us at www.animeusa.org.

 ###

 

Contact: John Bowers

Marketing Director, Anime USA,

john.bowers@animeusa.org

Luna Brothers' Ultra collection coming out

Lunas Promote ULTRA Hardcover with Live-Action Trailer
By Vaneta Rogers, Newsarama 30 July 2011
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/ultra-luna-brothers-trailer-hardcover-110730.html

Truitt on the Avengers

It's the Avengers vs. Norman Osborn in 'H.A.M.M.E.R. War'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY August 11 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-08-11-Avengers-Norman-Osborn-in-HAMMER-War_n.htm