Smithsonian on Simpsons

Matt Groening Reveals the Location of the Real Springfield
Twenty-five years after The Simpsons made their TV debut, the show's creator talks about Homer's odyssey—and his own
    By Claudia De La Roca
    Smithsonian magazine, May 2012,
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/Matt-Groening-Reveals-the-Location-of-the-Real-Springfield.html

Hattip to Cavna and Comic Riffs

Letter from Art Young to Steve Artley's grandma

Art Young and my grandmother (Elsie Artley) were from the same home town, Monroe, Wisconsin. They began corresponding in the 30's. I found this old letter (attached) tucked into an old, tattered copy of Art Young's Inferno among my dad's (cartoonist Bob Artley) stuff.
-Steve Artley
artleytoons
Artley Design Inc.
http://www.artleytoons.com/

Update - Steve's posted the letter and more commentary on his own blog.

April 11-12: Brad Meltzer signings

(The Brad Meltzer social outreach continues with this mailer we received.)

"Where the heck's my book?!"
- Lila Meltzer, age 6, every single day
since Heroes For My Son was released

HarperCollins
cordially invites you to a
READING & BOOK SIGNING
with
Brad Meltzer
reading from his new book

McLean, Virginia
Wednesday, April 11 - 7:00 pm
Books-A-Million
1451 Chain Bridge Road

Bethesda, Maryland
Thursday, April 12 - 7:00 pm
Barnes & Noble
4801 Bethesda Avenue

Feel free to bring your own hero
(kids, parents and grandparents welcome!)

Truitt on Meltzer's t-shirts, Green Lantern, OMAC and Mind the Gap

'Green Lantern' series features Geoff Johns' odd couple
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 9 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-09/Green-Lantern-comic-book-series/54129224/1

DiDio, Giffen go big for 'O.M.A.C.' series finale
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY 4/2/2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-02/OMAC-comic-book-series/53946358/1

Jim McCann salutes John Hughes with 'Mind the Gap' cover
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 5 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-05/Mind-the-Gap-comic-book-series/54059588/1

Meltzer's T-shirts have a new kind of superhero logo
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 9 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-09/brad-meltzer-heroes-charity-shirts/54118546/1

Big Planet Bethesda moving

Big Planet Comics Bethesda store will be closed Sunday, April 15-Tuesday, April 17, so that we may move to 4849 Cordell Avenue. We will reopen in our new space on Wednesday, April, 18th.

Al Goodwyn in Cartoonist Studio contest final round

From: David Hagen

Al has made it to the final week or final round in the Cartoonist Studio contest for the second straight year.

http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Vote

 

 

Post on Comic-Con documentary and My Little Pony fandom

D.C. 'bronies' feel the love and friendship of 'My Little Pony' [in print: Mane attraction; D.C.'s 'brony' meet-ups corral 'My Little Pony's surprising fans: Grown men, p. C1, 3)
By Melody Wilson,
Washington Post April 7 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/dc-bronies-feel-the-love-and-friendship-of-my-little-pony/2012/04/06/gIQAajwc0S_story.html


Morgan Spurlock, engaging in geek speak about his new 'Comic-Con' documentary
By Jen Chaney
Washington Post Celebritology blog April 6 2012
(in print: Morgan Spurlock, coaxing geeks of all types, April 8)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/morgan-spurlock-engaging-in-geek-speak-about-his-new-comic-con-documentary/2012/04/06/gIQAX0p6zS_blog.html

Annapolis: This Saturday 4/7/12 : Meet the creators of HELL YEAH + Easter Hours

Meet the creators of  Image Comics's HELL YEAH This Saturday 4/7/12  at Third Eye in Annapolis Hi Third Eye Faithful! Here's one we know that you've all been very excited about, and folks, we have too. We're stoked to be celebrating the release of issue #2 of the killer new IMAGE COMICS series HELL YEAH with creators JOE KEATINGE (also the writer of the new GLORY series) & ANDRE SZYMANOWICZ (artist of ELEPHANTMEN) joining us at Third Eye to kick things off. What's the story on HELL YEAH? As another in the long-line of red hot new IMAGE series that have been going out of print nationwide, HELL YEAH is a fascinating take on the world of super-powers in a way we haven't seen before.  Picture this: it's 1992, the first wave of superheroes debuts, in a big and bold way. Heads exploding, eye beams shooting, it's crazy. And, in their wake, a generation of kids born in the year 1992, grow up in the shadows of these titans.  Sports and entertainment industries collapsed overnight as people run across the planet, and leap tall buildings in single bounds. A new global culture has formed around these super-beings, and there's a generation of kids who were the last to miss out on their own opportunity at super-umanism that are pretty darn ticked off.  This book practically bursts at the seams with raw comic book energy, as it shows you an in-your-face, over-the-top take on superheroes, while balancing that with a down-to-earth and grounded look at the generation that grew up after them.  We've got plenty of copies of issue #1 (first printings too!) and this week's issue #2 in stock now to catch you up in time for tomorrow's signing.  Joe and Andre will be here from 11AM-2PM signing copies of the books, talking about their future projects, and sketching for you guys.  Joe's making the trek all the way from the West Coast for this, so we're really stoked that he and Andre are taking the time to make this appearance. The first 15 people in line to get in will receive a VERY special giveaway that Joe and Andre have supplied us with. Folks, this may be our coolest freebie yet, and is a hot item on the collector's market. JOE KEATINGE & ANDRE SZYMANOWICZ WILL BE SIGNING AT THIRD EYE COMICS IN ANNAPOLIS  FROM 11AM-2PM Be One of the First 15 In Line for A Special Free Gift! Click here for the event info on FACEBOOK! What's the scoop on HELL YEAH? The last generation of heroes is here! Twenty years ago, the first-ever superheroes debuted without warning and forever altered our global culture. Sports, entertainment, and everything else were changed in a world where being great wasn't good enough. Now, the generation born in their wake are fighting to claim their place in a world that's evolved beyond them.    An amazing piece of work, HELL YEAH combines the over-the-top excitement of comics the original IMAGE COMICS line, with the post-modern superhero storytelling of series like STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE and KICK-ASS.  BE ONE OF THE FIRST 15 THIRD EYE FAITHFUL IN LINE SATURDAY MORNING, AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL FREE GIFT COURTESY OF HELL YEAH If you're one of the first 15 in line, you'll receive a very special free gift courtesy of the guys behind HELL YEAH, that will be limited to this event only. :) This one may be the coolest of the freebies we've given away at an event yet, so line-up early Third Eye Faithful, we promise: it'll be worth it!  THIRD EYE IS OPEN NORMAL HOURS ALL WEEKEND FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAY  AT BOTH LOCATIONS FRIDAY: 11AM-9PM SATURDAY: 11AM-8PM SUNDAY: 11AM-6PM   Also, because we've had a few people ask, just as a heads up, we'll be open normal hours all Easter weekend.  We've got all kinds of goodies for you to stuff those Easter baskets with, so pay us a visit!

Third Eye Comics | 45 Old Solomons Island Rd | Suite 102 | Annapolis | MD | 21401

Comics retailer Brian Hibb's tours DC

Read his blogpost here.

Truitt on Sesame Street

'Sesame Street' coming to comics for the first time
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 5 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-05/Sesame-Street-comic-book-series/54050040/1

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - April 6, 2012

April 6, 2012

AvX Party Down Thanks for everyone who came to our early releases parties for Avengers vs. X-Men #1 last week! Comics were bought, buttons were worn, cupcakes were eaten. Interestingly, most people seemed pretty split about who they were rooting for, or thought would win, with the X-Men being slightly ahead. So now we'll be all high tech! You can answer on our poll on our facebook page, with bonus points given for explaining why you chose one or the other! https://www.facebook.com/questions/381708751869539/ And it is only about 1 week until Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore will be signing at our Vienna and College Park stores for the release of the collection of The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, their violent take on superheroes! The limited edition poster to the right will be for sale for only $5! More information is below. Don't forget, the Big Planet Comics Podcast now has a call-in phone number, so send us some questions or comments! Call 1-703-539-CAST! (1-703-539-2278) Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Thanks!   - the Big Planet Comics kids UPCOMING April 14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore Signing Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore, creators of the great new series The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, will be appearing at both our Vienna and College Park stores on April 14 to celebrate the release of the collection of the series. 11 am-1 pm Big Planet Comics of Vienna 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Reply to our Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/409722705720687/ 3 pm-5 pm Big Planet Comics of College Park 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com Reply to our Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/344803992236635/ ___________________ Danger Club #1 by Landry Quinn Walker and Eric Jones When all the adult superheroes go into space to fight a cosmic menace, but never return, what do the teen sidekicks do? Some try to take over the world, others worry that the Earth is still in danger. A nice twist on the superhero universe, and some good action to start! Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery HC by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely The near-legendary miniseries is finally back in print! Flex Mentallo, superpowered muscle man, takes us on a strange trip into the head of Grant Morrison, as Flex tries to discover the reality of his world, even as the comics page changes around him and a dying pop star tries to remember if he created Flex in his head as a child. Hyper reality, crazy action, awesome Quitely art! Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller HC by Joseph Lambert Ignatz Award-winner Joseph Lambert tells the tale and life of Annie Sullivan, the formerly-blind activist who taught Helen Keller to sign and was her lifelong companion. A fascinating look at the expectations of the time, and difficult and nuanced relationship between Annie and Helen, all illustrated with a great style showing how Helen slowly learns to name the strange world around her. Fanboys vs. Zombies #1 by Sam Humphries and Jerry Gaylord A group of friends get together for their annual Comicon trip, but internal drama has turned some of them against each other. Then, of course, zombie apocalypse! Who would know better how to survive one? But will they stick together or just die alone? Written by new up and comer Sam Humphries (Our Love is Real, Sacrifice). Big Planet Comics Podcast #39   Kevin is still on vacation! So you're stuck with last week's again. Download last week's now or subscribe on iTunes! Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com or call us at 1-703-539-CAST! (1-703-539-2278) 4/14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com   5/5 - Free Comic Book Day All stores! freecomicbookday.com   5/5 - Jeremy Whitley Signing Princeless 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Signing Princeless 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 5/5 - Jorge Aguirre Signing Giants Beware! 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Signing Giants Beware! 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 7/4 - 20% off Sale All stores! 7/28 - Matt Dembicki Signing Xoc 11am-1pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com Signing Xoc 3pm-5pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   The Advance Team SC by Will Pfeifer and German Torres A pizza delivery boy is told to kill the aliens hidden among us. Freedom 1 SC by Seamus Heffernan After America loses the Revolutionary War, a boy gets caught up with the rebels. Jeremiah Omnibus 1 HC by Hermann After an apocalypse, Jeremiah tries to survive in the new Wild West! Lou! 1: Secret Diary SC by Julien Neel Lou tries to navigate life, from a cute neighbor to her mom starting to date. Pandemonium SC by Christophe Bec and Stefano Raffaele In 1951, a mom and her daughter enter a creepy sanitarium where terrible things once happened.

like us on Facebook | follow us on Twitter | subscribe on iTunes | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Big Planet Comics, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list either online or at one of our stores. Big Planet Comics  -  426 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, Virginia 22180  -  703.242.9412 Big Planet Comics  -  7315 Baltimore Ave., College Park, Maryland 20740  -  301.699.0498 Big Planet Comics  -  4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, Maryland 20814  -  301.654.6856 Big Planet Comics  -  1520 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009  -  202.342.1961

Carla McNeil's Finder nominated for LA Times Book Prize

Dave McKean, Jim Woodring among L.A. Times Book Prize finalists
– Emily Rome and Geoff Boucher
April 02, 2012
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/04/02/dave-mckean-jim-woodring-among-l-a-times-book-prize-finalists/#/0

Herblock in top 100 journalists list

Alan Gardner has the story at the Daily Cartoonist

Clowes exhibit coming to Corcoran, presumably in 2013

"And on April 14 his first museum retrospective will open at the Oakland Museum, featuring 100 works dating to 1989, all but two the original ink drawings and gouaches for his cartoons, books and New Yorker covers. After closing on Aug. 12 the show will travel to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; the Corcoran Gallery in Washington; the Wexner Center in Columbus, Ohio; and very likely to Europe and Asia." says the New York Times.

Team Cul de Sac interview

Chris Sparks and Team Cul de Sac
 April 4, 2012 by David Hurley
http://www.dontpicktheflowers.com/blog/?p=2824

Matt Dembick's summer of three books

From: Matt Dembicki 

Here's what I posted on my blog :

It's gonna be a busy, busy spring and summer! First, I'll be doing some comics workshops locally, with a Boy Scouts pack and with a few schools and libraries, as well as a couple of signings at comics book stores. I'll also be at Book Expo America and at the American Library Association annual convention in June to do signings and a couple of panel discussions featuring Trickster and the upcoming District Comics (courtesy of Fulcrum Publishing and Consortium Book Sales & Distribution). Speaking of which, below are the covers for three books coming out this summer, all in full color! They are already available for pre-order at Amazon.com, but I encourage you to ask you local comic shop to order your copy!

Xoc: The Journey of a Great White (Oni Press, July 25, 2012)
Mr. Big: A Tale of Pond Life (Sky Pony Press, Sept. 1, 2012)
District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC (Fulcrum Publishing, Sept. 11, 2012)

Kevin Rechin and I have a story in District Comics.

Warren Bernard's Drawing Power nominated for Eisner award

Rick Marschall and local historian Warren Bernard's Drawing Power was nominated for an Eisner award today in Best Comics-Related Book.

I'm a big fan of this book on advertising cartoons.

2 worth reading at Comic Riffs

THE RIFF: Why cartoonists are smart to pursue side projects — even if it means taking time off
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 2 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-riff-why-cartoonists-are-smart-to-pursue-side-projects--even-if-means-taking-time-off/2012/04/02/gIQAAWwGrS_blog.html#pagebreak

THE TRAYVON MARTIN CARTOONS: 'Candorville' creator DARRIN BELL reminds readers of the humanity lost in the news narrative
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 2 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-trayvon-martin-cartoons-candorville-creator-darrin-bell-reminds-readers-of-the-humanity-lost-in-the-news-narrative/2012/04/02/gIQAfcvtqS_blog.html#pagebreak

PR: THIS IS IT! 72 HOURS LEFT FOR KEEF'S KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN!!

As I've said before, I'm a big fan of Keith's work and a backer of this project. His strip appears in the Sunday Post.

From: keith knight

Is it true that some people like to wait til the last minute to donate?

****IT ENDS IN 72 HOURS!! HELP FUND KEEF'S FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL: 3 DAYS LEFT!!****

It's crunch time!! I'm sweatin'!! It all comes down to the next 72 hours!!

I'm at 86% on Kickstarter, I need 100% in 3 DAYS or I get nothing!!  All the $$$ goes back to everyone!!  And I'm left shaking and whimpering in a corner.

If you haven't become a backer, now's the time!!  If you've already backed the project, Cartoon Art Museum director Summerlea Kashar summed it up pretty succinctly:

"If everyone who's donated double-downed, you'd
make it no problem!"

It really is that simple! If everyone, especially the $5-$40 backers, just doubled-down on the project, we'd just about be there!!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/190901932/i-was-a-teenage-michael-jackson-impersonator
 
Have at it!  I'm counting on you!!

Thanks!!

Truitt on Prophet

Brandon Graham explores the sci-fi sandbox of 'Prophet'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY March 30 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-03-31/Prophet-sci-fi-comic-book-series/53900954/1