Friday, November 14, 2014

The "How Does a Cartoonist Work?" Edition:Slate's podcast about work explores how the Washington Post's Tom Toles creates new cartoons almost every day of the week.

By David Plotz

Slate's Working podcast November 11 2014

http://www.slate.com/articles/podcasts/working/2014/11/david_plotz_talks_to_washington_post_cartoonist_tom_toles_about_developing.html

and http://www.podtrac.net/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/slatedailypodcast/working14111101_ep6_Toles.mp3

Monday, November 10, 2014

Akino Kondoh's Nothing Whatsoever All Out in the Open on sale

From Ryan Holmberg:

Another small manga translation project that I organized, Akino Kondoh's Nothing Whatsoever All Out in the Open, is now available from Retrofit Comics, who are based in Philadelphia, and Big Planet Comics of the Washington, DC area.

http://retrofit.storenvy.com/collections/29642-all-products/products/9773164-nothing-whatsoever-all-out-in-the-open-by-akino-kondoh

Within a week or two, it should also be available for sale at most major comics shops in North America that carry small press publications.

Many of you will know Kondoh's work as an animator and painter, perhaps through solo shows at Mizuma Art Gallery or group shows at Mori Museum, amongst other prominent venues.

The new volume is 50 pages, priced at $6, and is headlined by a touching and elliptical work she recently created while living in New York, where she has been based for many years.

We hope to do more work with Kondoh-san in the future, so please help publicize this volume. I will also point out that it is perfectly sized and priced as a stocking stuffer, so buy a copy for every member of your extended family, as well as for your friends, workmates, and romantic partners.

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Nov 21: Animezing: Time of EVE - The Movie

Animezing Series
Presented by the JICC, Embassy of Japan

Never miss an event! Find us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Time of EVE: The Movie

Friday, November 21, 6:30 p.m.

Our Location:
JICC, Embassy of Japan
1150 18th St, NW
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20036

Driving directions

Covering territory explored by "Blade Runner" and "I, Robot", "Time of EVE" is an exquisitely drawn, sci-fi allegory that probes questions of artificial intelligence and emotions, while flirting with the moral and personal implications of human-robot romance.

Two high school boys grapple with their own humanity in a world where people are serviced by androids distinguished from their masters only by the halo-like rings above their heads. Public mores, enforced by the shadowy Robot Ethics Committee, dictate that androids be treated like appliances, and those who empathize with their robots are branded as "android-holics."

Rikuo and his childhood pal Masaki find their assumptions about androids radically challenged when they come across Time of EVE, a cafe where androids and people are treated as equals. Liberated from the strictures of the Ethics Committee, Masaki and Rikuo must confront old wounds of betrayal and grief, and are faced with decisions that put their friendship and families on the line.

Winner of the Jury Recommended Work - Animation Division at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival (2010).

Please note this film contains some mild sexual content. Recommended ages: 12 and up.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat.

Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact us at jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp in the event of cancellation.

Doors open at 6:00 pm. No admission or re-entry after 7:00 pm.

The Post reviews Bungle Family

Cartoon ballons that soar to old heights [Book review: 'The Bungle Family' by Harry J. Tuthill]

By Dennis Drabelle

Washington Post November 9 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/2014/11/05/f1ed429a-54b3-11e4-892e-602188e70e9c_story.html

Super-collector Art Wood has passed away

Much of Art Wood's collection is now in the Library of Congress, and he briefly had opened a comic art museum near the White House. He was also an editorial cartoonist for Washington newspapers.

Mr. James Arthur Wood Jr.

June 6, 1927 - November 4, 2014

Obituary for Mr. James Arthur Wood Jr.

http://www.jtmorriss.com/obituaries/James-Wood-8/#!/Obituary

Saturday, November 08, 2014

That darn Big Nate and Doonesbury

Letters to the Editor: The life and (interesting) times of John Tyler

Dorothy Pugh, Potomac

Washington Post November 8 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-life-and-interesting-times-of-john-tyler/2014/11/06/672f7aca-5bb5-11e4-9d6c-756a229d8b18_story.html

Letters to the Editor: A topic ill-suited to the comics

George H. Spencer, McLean

Washington Post November 8 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-topic-ill-suited-to-the-comics/2014/11/06/1816d4a0-638b-11e4-ab86-46000e1d0035_story.html

Tom Toles' musical has segments online

Check out the Lethal Bark website for photos and music from the test run of the Toles and Goodman musical Catapult Love.

Friday, November 07, 2014

Hannah Benbow interview on City Paper blog (with extras)

Local Animator Hannah Benbow Drew a Cartoon Cat for Every Day of 2014

by Mike Rhode on Nov. 7, 2014
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2014/11/07/local-animator-hannah-benbow-drew-a-cartoon-cat-for-every-day-of-2014/

and here's some material that got snipped by editorial:

What's your favorite thing about DC?

I'd say my favorite thing about DC is seeing all of the monuments and being surrounded by so much history. I use to live in Arlington and had a running route that went through the Iwo Jima memorial, around Arlington Cemetery, across the bridge and past the Lincoln Memorial. It was just such an amazing view.

Least favorite?

Probably the metro and traffic, although the metro is my prime transportation for travel. The high fares, over crowding and constant weekend maintenance work outweigh the positives. When I do drive, I get so frustrated that I'm probably only driving 5 miles, but it takes 30-40 minutes. Basically flying cars and teleportation need to happen faster in the DC area.

What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?

I love taking friends to the Theodore Roosevelt Island. Since it's a bit off the beaten path from the regular National Mall traffic, it never seems to be overcrowded. It's a great little get away into nature and away from the noise of the city.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

I'd have to say Founding Farmers is probably my favorite. Everything single thing on the menu is melt in your mouth delicious. I also love that they resource local ingredients. Although more a specialty shop, a close second would be Georgetown Cupcake. I have been one of those crazy people who will wait in their line – their red velvet's are worth it!

Do you have a website or blog?

Yes! My website is www.hannamations.com . I do have a blog that I update pretty much daily as well - hannamations.tumblr.com

Josh Kramer's latest cartoon restaurant review

How to Avoid The Sheppard's "No Photo" Policy? Sketch It

Posted by Josh Kramer
Washington City Paper Nov. 7, 2014 p. 21
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2014/11/06/how-to-avoid-the-sheppards-no-photo-policy-sketch-it/

Comic Riffs talks to Bill Watterson

NEW BILL WATTERSON ART: 'Calvin and Hobbes' creator on why he accepted Angoulême honor ('I thought the whole thing was bananas') [Q&A]

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (November 7 2014)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/07/new-bill-watterson-art-calvin-and-hobbes-creator-on-why-he-accepted-angouleme-honor-i-thought-the-whole-thing-was-bananas-qa/

The Post on Big Hero 6 cartoon

Animated tale with real heart [online as 'Big Hero 6' movie review: Baymax to the rescue]

A robotic nurse named Baymax (voiced by Scott Adsit) helps 14-year-old orphan Hiro (Ryan Potter) dig out of a deep depression. (AP/Disney)

By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post (November 7)

as High-tech, with heart.

Express (November 7): 24
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/big-hero-6-movie-review-baymax-to-the-rescue/2014/11/05/18ca7d08-613c-11e4-91f7-5d89b5e8c251_story.html

Ben Hatke slow-mo interview for Goodreads members

To promote his book, Julia's House for Lost Creatures, which was just nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award, Ben Hatke will be answering questions from Goodreads members, in a program we call Ask the Author, until Monday, November 10th.

Click here to ask him a question!

If Ben answers your question, you'll receive an email and notification letting you know.

"Ask the Author" launched in late May, and it is now open to all authors on Goodreads. Click here to see a list of more participating authors.

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Educating inmates about sexual assault

Local cartoonist Michael Auger created eight comics for American University Washington College of Law that educate inmates about how to identify and address incidents of sexual assault in custodial settings. 

Courtesy of Michael Auger

Jason Rodriguez on 'Colonial Comics' and educating kids through comics

Multiversity Comics interviews Jason Rodriguez.

"At New York Comic Con this past October, I was introduced to Jason Rodriguez by our mutual pal Joshua Hale Fialkov. Jason (editor on “Elk’s Run” and “Postcards”), was there talking about “Colonial Comics: 1620-1750,” an anthology he edited for Fulcrum Books that told many of the stories of the colonial era through sequential art. As a bit of a history buff, it instantly sounded like something I’d like to have on my shelf."

Read more

Comics Toolbox

Jason Rodriguez and Matt Dembicki’s Comics Toolbox offers professional help for four-color non-fiction.

comicstoolbox@gmail.com | http://www.comicstoolbox.com

WASHINGTON DC (Nov. 5, 2014) - Comics Toolbox will provide comprehensive comics-related services, from project management to presentations, specializing in history, culture, nature and science.

A growing number of publishers and writers/artists want to delve into the comics medium. The problem they often face is they don’t know the inner workings of comics, from developing timelines to managing creative teams. We can do that for you.

Our team has more than a decade of experience in writing/drawing/editing award-winning comics and comics programs. Whether you are looking to host a hands-on comics workshop for students, teachers or librarians, or you are looking for help to manage a comic book-related project, Comics Toolbox can assist you in achieving your goals.

Jason Rodriguez is a writer and editor in Arlington, Va. The books he has edited or contributed to have been nominated for an Eisner Award and 10 Harvey Awards. Jason is currently editing a three-book series of graphic novel anthologies about colonial New England and the Mid-Atlantic region for Fulcrum Publishing. The first book, Colonial Comics: New England, 1620-1750 was released in October 2014. His first sci-fi book, Try Looking Ahead, will be released spring 2015 by Rosarium Publishing.

Jason is a frequent speaker at conferences and shows on the subjects of teaching with comics and outreach through comics. He has recently presented at the American Library Association, Baltimore Book Festival, Massachusetts Independent Comics Festival, and Baltimore Comic-Con. In fall 2014, Jason entered a partnership with AAAS, the publisher of Science Magazine and the largest general science organization in the world, to launch a program dedicated to science outreach to kids using comics and other media.

Matt Dembicki is a cartoonist working and living in the DMV (District-Maryland-Virginia area). He previously edited and contributed to the Eisner-nominated and Aesop Prize-winning Trickster and District Comics, which the Washington Post included in its top books of 2012. Matt’s other comics projects include the nature-based graphic novels Xoc: The Journey of a Great White and Mr. Big: A Tale of Pond Life. His latest project is Wild Ocean: Sharks, Whales, Rays and Other Endangered Sea Creatures. Matt is co-founder of the D.C. Conspiracy, a Washington-area comic creators collective that publishes the semi-annual free comics newspaper Magic Bullet.

Matt is a frequent guest at schools, libraries and colleges, speaking about using comics as learning tools and holding comics-making workshops for students and teachers. Most recently, Matt was invited by the U.S. State Department for a weeklong visit to Peru to speak to students, teachers and the general public on comics. In December, he will be a guest of the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico, the second-largest book festival in the world.