Comic Riffs on Eisner Award nominees

2014 EISNER AWARDS: From Aydin to Yang, nominees size up this year's list

    By Michael Cavna     

    Washington Post Comic Riffs blog  April 15 2014 http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/04/15/2014-eisner-awards-from-aydin-to-yang-nominees-size-up-this-years-incredible-list/

Herblock bio screening for Avalon movie theater Benefit

http://www.theavalon.org/support/2014benefit/

On Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 5:00pm, the Avalon Theatre will hold its annual spring benefit event to support the theater. The focus of the event will be a local icon – legendary Washington Post editorial cartoonist Herbert L. Block – with a screening of the documentary HERBLOCK: THE BLACK AND THE WHITE. A post-film guest panel, which includes the film's producer and Honorary Chair of the event, George Stevens, Jr., as well as Tom Toles, Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist for the Washington Post, will discuss Block's life and legacy. An hors d'oeuvres reception precedes the film. Proceeds from the event will be used for general operating funds and to complete the renovation of the Avalon 2 side of our historic building. The upstairs theater will be updated with new, more comfortable seats and a freshly painted floor to complement the lobby renovation and elevator installation done last fall. In HERBLOCK: THE BLACK AND THE WHITE, Director Michael Stevens and Producer George Stevens, Jr. draw on the best minds in journalism to tell the Herbert Block tale. Block looked to Ted Koppel like a "Vermont pharmacist" – not "the most feared editorial cartoonist in the country." Block started cartooning in his Chicago teens and went on to win four Pulitzer Prizes and the Presidential Medal of Freedom during 55 years at the Post. He challenged the high and the mighty without fear or favor. In Block's words, it was his job to remind our public servants that "they are, after all, public servants." Gwen Ifill, Bob Schieffer, Tom Friedman, Tom Brokaw, Mark Shields and David Brooks offer insights on how one man utilized his pen like a stiletto to express his belief in justice, human rights and always "watching out for the little guy" – while Jon Stewart and Lewis Black describe how Block influenced 21st-century satire.

Download a printable invitation For more information, contact Sarah Pokempner at (202) 966-2149 or spokempner@theavalon.org.

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Underwriters

Janice & Kim Abraham
Lynn & Bill Choquette
Louie & Ralph Dweck
Donetta George
Lynne & Joe Horning
Beth Wehrle & Matthew Miller
Jodie Levin-Epstein & Barry Zigas

Host Committee

Cynthia Baker & Jon Zeitler | Claire Bloch & Geoffrey Griffis | Phyllis & Barry Caldwell | Caroline Croft | Toby & Dan Edelman | Bitsey Folger | Rena & Michael Gordon | Lynne & Joe Horning | Kitty Kelley | Aviva Kempner | Judy & Peter Kovler | Kitty Lansdale | Kathleen & Chris Matthews | Janice McCall | Anne McGuirk | Peggy Parsons | Mary Ellen & David Rogers | Bev & Steve Schacht | Jan Solomon & Ken Simonson | Susan Stamberg | Vali Tschirgi & Adam Nemzer | Katharine Weymouth | Catherine Wyler & Richard Rymland | Debra Yogodzinski (as of 3/6/14)

Aftertime Comics of Alexandria is City Paper's pick

Best Comic Shop

Tim Regan

Washington City Paper (April 11 2014): 98
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestofdc/artsandentertainment/2014/best-comic-shop

PR: Are You Ready for The Intergalactic Nemesis?

View this email in your browser THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS: LIVE-ACTION GRAPHIC NOVEL Fri Apr 25 + Sat Apr 26 / 8pm / $20-30  Three actors, a Foley artist, a keyboardist and 1,250 two-story-high, hand-drawn, blow-your-mind comic-book images. Are you ready for the adventure? More | Buy Tickets

Tom King to write DC comic book Grayson

Local writer Tom King's first novel was the entertaining superhero story, A Once Crowded Sky. He'll be writing a comic book for DC next.

Batman's sidekick leaves the cave for 'Grayson' comic

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY  April 14, 2014

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2014/04/14/grayson-comic-book-series/7480853/

GI Joe #200 by Shannon Gallant reviewed

At "A Real American Book!"

Lincoln Peirce's new Guinness record

This is a nice story. I interviewed Lincoln Peirce in 2013* - he's a real nice guy. Big Nate appears in the Washington Post where I read it. Lincoln also did a week of Cul de Sac when Richard Thompson was recovering from surgery.

Toon-size: Guinness Record for longest comic strip set on TODAY

Scott Stump

TODAY April 11, 2014 http://www.today.com/news/toon-size-guinness-record-longest-comic-strip-set-today-2D79517765

*at Meet a Visiting Cartoonist: A Chat with Lincoln Peirce and More with Lincoln Peirce and Big Nate

Comic Riffs talks to Siers and Bechdel about Pulitzers

2014 PULITZER PRIZES: 'Fun Home's' Alison Bechdel 'thrilled' with theatrical nod

    By Michael Cavna     

    Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 14 014

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/04/14/pulitzer-prizes-fun-homes-alison-bechdel-thrilled-with-theatrical-nod/

 

 

2014 PULITZER PRIZES: Charlotte Observer's Kevin Siers calls his Editorial Cartooning win 'surreal'

    By Michael Cavna     

    Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 14 2014

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/04/14/2014-pulitzer-prizes-charlotte-observers-kevin-siers-calls-his-editorial-cartooning-win-surreal/

For a local content footnote, Kevin Siers is a fan of Richard Thompson, and came out to meet him when Richard attended Heroes Con in Charlotte.

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Nguyen Nguyen (updated regarding a paper version)

Nguyen Nguyen (pronounced Win Win) is self-publishing a graphic novel drawing on his family's experiences in the Vietnam War. He's posting it by chapter in the iTunes store. His website has a nice biographical note, so I'll just repost it here:

Nguyen Khoi Nguyen is a multi-disciplinary artist.  He was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, raised in Cape Coral, Fl. and resides in Washington D.C. He studied visual art at the Cooper Union, music and integrated arts at Bard College and completed a master’s degree in jazz piano at the University of Maryland.  Nguyen leads the jazz trio, “Superior Cling,” which performs in the D.C. metro area and released its first album this summer. As a filmmaker, Nguyen produces a wide range of content including art films, documentaries and promotional videos for non-profits and institutions. He was the recipient of the 2013 Artist Fellowship Grant from the DC Commission for the Arts. Nguyen is currently a 2014 Strathmore Fine Artist in Residence.

This week he's holding a release party for the third chapter of ten (details at the bottom of the post)

ComicsDC: What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

Nguyen Nguyen: I make multimedia comics that include stories, drawings, music and animation. I am working on my first graphic novel called "The Gulf." The first three chapters are available now in the iBooks store.

"The Gulf,"  a digital mutlimedia comic, is about a Vietnamese-American man and his family.  The stories are set in D.C., my hometown, the Gulf Coast city of Cape Coral, FL, and in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  Each chapter includes music and animation.  I'm releasing the individual chapters in the iBooks store.  They can be viewed on the iPad, iPad mini, and any Mac with OSX Mavericks.

I received a 2013 Artist Fellowship to work on this project from the DC Commission on the Arts and I've been selected for a Strathmore Fine Artist Residency to keep working on it in 2014.

I do hope to make paper versions of "The Gulf" in the future and to add a Kindle version. The trick is that I try to make the multimedia elements not just add-ons but essential to the story. So a paper version of the gulf would be a different experience.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

I draw and ink everything by hand.  The images are then scanned, colored and laid out on the computer.  I write and perform the music with various instruments and software.  I draw the animation on the iPad.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born in 1981, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Why are you in Washington now?  What neighborhood or area do you live in?

I have found a great community of artists and friends here in DC. I live in the wonderful Le Droit Park neighborhood.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

I've always loved to draw and began taking drawing classes when I was ten.  I was very fortunate to attend an arts high school in Florida, and then went on to art school in New York.

Who are your influences?

My influences in comics include: Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Alison Bechdel, Adrian Tomine, Bill Watterson.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

Nothing.

What work are you most proud of?

I'm very proud of the most recent chapter of my graphic novel that I've released: "The Gulf: #3 Fifty Needles."

The story is based on my mother's memories of learning how to sew as a girl in Vietnam in the 1960's.

What would you like to do  or work on in the future?

I've set a goal to do ten chapters of "The Gulf." I'm three-tenths done now and that's taken over a year and a half of research, planning and then finally making the art!   I'll be super happy when I finish but I'm sure I'll look to the next challenge.  Ten more chapters?! Who knows?

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

I try to work in a different medium or discipline to scramble my brain like playing  piano or dancing.  Also, I'll go for a run around the neighborhood reservoir.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

Digital comics.

What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?

I've had great experiences at the conventions; talking shop with artists, meeting my heroes and just seeing what's out there. I love going to SPX and I attended the first Smudge convention a month ago.  I'm looking forward to Awesome Con!

What's your favorite thing about DC?

Metro's green line.

Least favorite?

The red line.

What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?

The Hirshhorn for their exhibits and the American Indian Museum for their cafeteria.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

So many to choose from: Fast Gourmet, Woodlands, The Big Greek Cafe in Silver Spring. La Mano Coffee bar is a fantastic coffee shop.

Do you have a website or blog?

My blog for "The Gulf:" http://ngknguyen.com/175725/978020/home/sketches-for-the-gulf

My website: http://ngknguyen.com

My etsy shop: http://etsy.com/shop/Nguyenmade

Nguyen is launching the third chapter of his story this week:

The Gulf 3/10ths Party
Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 PM
Shaw's Tavern, 2nd Floor
520 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC

Hershel Kanter, friend of ComicsDC, wins civic award

Hershel Kanter, a comic art aficionado and friend of ComicsDC, won the Sun Gazette Cup, a civic award. For more information, see Kanter wins Sun Gazette Cup at Arlington Civic Federation ceremony.

Congratulations Hershel!

SPACE Prizes

Got the "hardware" this weekend at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo in Columbus, Ohio, for First Place for Xoc and Second Place for District Comics. Big thanks to all the contributors in the anthology and double kudos to my pal Evan Keeling, who pulled coloring duties on Xoc and for a story in District Comics.

Comic Riffs talks to Gene Yang about his latest book award

COMICS LIT AWARDS: Gene Luen Yang, Ulli Lust among big winners at L.A. Times Book Festival Prizes

    By Michael Cavna     

    Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 13 2014

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/04/13/comics-lit-awards-gene-luen-yang-ulli-lust-among-big-winners-at-l-a-times-book-festival-prizes/

Tom Toles' fundraising campaign for a musical comedy

Catapult Love

Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Tom Toles joins forces with satirical comedy sensations Katie Goodman & Soren Kisiel in a high-wire musical-comedy.

Catapult Love is a high-wire musical-comedy adventure of a woman in search of herself crow-barring her way through a catastrophic line-up of lovers. It is a head-to-head onstage throw-down between the comedic genius of Katie Goodman, her co-writer Soren Kisiel, and the high-energy, addictive wit and music of Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Tom Toles and his riotous band, Lethal Bark.

PR: X-Men Burlesque Comes to Washington DC

https://www.facebook.com/events/1408945032705081/

The Cyn Factory Presents: Burl-X-Men

Have you always known that you are different? Feel lost among a society that hates and fears you? Afraid to let anyone know who you really are?

Come to Professor Xavier's School for the Gifted, where you will learn to understand and control your powers to strip to the betterment of mankind. 

Featured professors:
Mary Cyn
Fem Appeal
Lefty Lucy
Charles Stunning
Sarah Tops
Mr. Tops

TWO Chances to matriculate:
7pm for mutants 18+ (doors 6:30)
10pm for mutants 21+ (doors 9:30)

There will be a costume contest so be proud and dress like the mutant you are.

Also, Mary Cyn will be teaching a special nerdlesque class before the show. Space is limited so reserve early!

https://www.facebook.com/events/644912175574612/

Venue Info:

Bier Baron is located at 1523 22nd Street NW
Washington DC 20037.

Tickets $12
http://burl-x-men.brownpapertickets.com/

Amazing Spider-Man 2 promotion with the Postal Service

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 promotion with the Postal Service, on a van at M and 19th St, NW, Washington, DC, in a photo by Nick Galifianakis, Spider-Man is also appearing on the fixed price small box that you can get at the Post Office.

Lumberjanes reviewed

Brooke Allen is now a local cartoonist, having moved here from SCAD. Her new comic book, Lumberjanes is reviewed here, and Big Planet Comics has a special variant cover. I got mine today at Bethesda.

March 1975: Pat Oliphant joins the Washington Star

Introducing Oliphant, New Cartoonist for The Washington Star

Washington Star (March 30 ,1975)

Braaten, David.  1975.

Meet Pat Oliphant, The Washington Star's New Cartoonist.

Washington Star (March 31 ,1975) A-1, 7

Clippings courtesy of Richard Thompson.

OT: Courtney Utt, graphic designer at Viz, has passed away

A former Viz employee has informed me: "The graphic designer Courtney Utt, who worked on many of Viz’s finest book covers, died the week of April 7, 2014." A death notice will run on Sunday (found courtesy of D.D. Degg), but it doesn't mention her comics work.

Off-topic, but posting, with respect, for the historical record.
Updated, 4/11/14.

The Post reviews Rio 2 cartoon

‘Rio 2’ movie review

Blue Sky Studios/Associated Press - “Rio 2” follows Spix’s macaws Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway) as they make friends, run into childhood ones and tussle with villains new and old.

By Stephanie Merry, Washington Post April 11 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/rio-2-movie-review/2014/04/09/2add0e2c-be6a-11e3-b195-dd0c1174052c_story.html

Comic Riffs on comiXology purchase

 

This just in: Amazon.com reaches deal to buy comiXology

    By Michael Cavna     

    Washington Post Comic Riffs blog April 10 2014

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/04/10/this-just-in-amazon-com-reaches-deal-to-buy-comixology/