Wednesday, May 06, 2015
Laura Lee Gulledge has a Kickstarter
Will & Whit: The Graphic Novel Musical!
by Laura Lee Gulledge
The NEW young adult graphic novel MUSICAL “Will & Whit” needs to record an ALBUM to give our project wings! #ArtnerLove
Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Kojo Nnamdi on Charlie Hebdo
May 06 2015 • 12:20 p.m. (ET)
Cartoons, Satire, and the Limits of Free Speech
A French street portrait of cartoonist Georges Wolinski, one of the Charlie Hebdo staff members killed in January, 2015. Thierry Ehrmann
Debates around satire and free speech are sparking headlines–and violence. ISIS claimed responsibility for a Texas attack on a provocative cartoon contest around depicting the prophet Muhammed. And a number of prominent cartoonists and literary figures are protesting a free speech award for the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. We explore the current environment for satire and cartooning, and how editors and cartoonists draw the line as to what's off limits.
Guests
- Stephan Pastis Illustrator and syndicated cartoonist; creator, "Pearls Before Swine;" author, "Timmy Failure: Sanitized For Your Protection"
- Michael Cavna Creator, "Comic Riffs" column, Washington Post; graphic novel reviewer, Washington Post Book World.
Meet Nik Kowsar, an Iranian-turned-American cartoonist
Soon after the Charlie Hebdo massacre, the Cartoonists Rights Network International began a fundraising campaign. I reached out to Nikahang "Nik" Kowsar at the time, but for one reason or another, his interview stalled in cyberlimbo. Sadly, Nik's thoughts will remain relevant for the foreseeable future. Since this interview was conducted in February, we've seen American writers of PEN sharply disagree about whether to give a courage award for Charlie Hebdo's cartoonists and presumed attempted murders at a Mohammad cartoon contest in Texas.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I do editorial cartoons, as well as running Toonistan.com, that's an online platform made for helping non-cartoonists making their own cartoons.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
I use felt tip pens, scan with my iPhone using Scanner Pro app, and color the work with Photoshop, so it's a combination of all.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I was born in 1969 in Tehran, Iran. I'm technically Canadian, but a US resident. Canadian cartoonists helped me get out of Iran.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I think Washington is the most relevant place on earth to work in relation with politics on Iran, and I've been running a Persian citizen journalism platform since 2009, and living in DC and the DC metro area since 2010. I'm now living not that far from JFK's "Eternal Flame" in Arlington.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
I studied Geology, and started drawing cartoons and caricature after buying a collection of David Levine's artwork when I was 21. A year later I was hired by Golagha Magazine, Iran's top satirical publication at the time and started working with professionals, that helped me get better with the trade. I also attended painting classes in Iran.I studied Journalism in Canada after leaving Iran.
Who are your influences?
Who are your influences?
I was in love with David Levine's lines and views, discovered Pat Oliphant and Kal through papers and magazine that reached the University library in Tehran. I also was influenced by Iranian cartoonists such as Iraj Zareh, Ahmad Arabani, Ahmad Sakhavarz and Afshin Sabouki. The last two are now residing in Canada.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
I would have started again by taking sketching courses and quitting Geology! I would have loved to study Journalism and Design simultaneously and work harder. I would also get more sleep!
What work are you best-known for?
What work are you best-known for?
The Crocodile cartoon I drew in 2000, that lead to a National Security crisis in Iran and was the cause of a 4-day protest by the clergy in Qum, and hundreds of thousands of people attending Friday prayers chanting for my death. I had portrayed a crocodile, shedding "Crocodile Tears" strangling a journalist with its tale. Crocodile in Persian is "Temsah" that rhymed with the name of the cleric I had try to mock, who was Ayatollah Mesbah (aka Professor Mesbah). He was, and is, a pro-violence high ranking cleric who had made allegations against Iranian journalists. He also alleged that a CIA operative was in Tehran at the time, with a big suitcase full of US dollars to bribe Iranian journalists against Islam. This was a few weeks before the parliamentary elections in Iran. Many responded, and my response was that cartoon. I was arrested and spent 6 days at the notorious Evin prison, and was literally kicked out after the backlash of my arrest had become bigger than the parliamentary elections. I was on the covers of newspapers and a distraction for political parties for a week.Because of that single cartoon, the Ayatollah is called Professor Temsah (Crocodile), and I always wear Lacoste shirts to remind myself of the cartoon that totally changed my life.I have received death threats, and lived in exile as a refugee since 2003. Canada was my safe haven at that time, and my family joined me in 2007.What work are you most proud of?
I was part of the group that founded the Iranian Cartoon House and we started the classes that became a center to discover talent. Many of those young kids are now seasoned and experienced artists; some are working as professional cartoonists and animators. It was great seeing two of them in San Francisco a few weeks ago.My work in the late 90's and after had impact on the newspaper readers and editorial became very popular in Iran, where I had to work for 3 different newspapers a day. I somehow became my own competition. We have very great cartoonists in Iran, and possibly I was a good communicator who was helpful in creating jobs for many of those highly talented but shy artists. Cartooning became a serious business in those years and politicians used to respond to this sort of critique. That also turned me into a target of the Islamist hardliners.At last, being with Cartoonists Rights Network International is something I'm really proud of. I was once their client, and now a member of the board, trying to find ways and means to support cartoonists who have experienced hard situations and need their voices to be heard.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
I love to find enough funds to turn Toonistan.com to a tool for masses, to give them a voice through cartoons, and help local and national campaigns against dictators. This cannot happen without technical help of brilliant cartoonists. I would also love to create a safer situation for my colleagues in Islamic countries to who are under threat and have to self censor themselves in fear of radical Islamist retribution.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I watch movies. I also have a Fibromyalgia block! Sometimes I can't even draw a line without pain. Fibromyalgia attacks or flares really block anything...mind, muscles, wrist...I think I can't take anything for granted anymore!
What do you think will be the future of your field?
It's been a really hard decade for editorial cartoonists, but I think millions of people have understood the impact of cartoons and I hope publishers learn from the masses as well and hire more cartoonists.In the digital age, we have to find a way to connect better and deeper and possibly mixing cartoons with applications that could also give audiences a chance to communicate with us and other people would give a new meaning to our profession.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
I usually attend meetings or events at the Newseum, National Press Club and sessions at a number of think tanks in DC.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
It's a beautiful place. I love the National Mall, museums, theaters, Georgetown, National Airport, and the monuments. DC is not only a historical place, but you sense the history in the making.
Least favorite?
Ummm...some taxi drivers who expect you to be a devoted Radical Muslim and discuss matters that you hate! I'm a Muslim lite! I drink alcohol and love bacon and avoid people who tell me what I should do or be!I've met many cab drivers who were in love with Iran's former president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I told one that if he loves Mahmoud that much, he should leave DC immediately, go to Iran and work for him! He changed the subject after I made that suggestion!
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
I love Lincoln Memorial for many reasons. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the Udvar-Hazy center near Dulles, remind me of the days I hoped to become a pilot! National History Museum gets me back to the days I studied mineralogy and paleontology. And as a journalist, who could not love the Newseum? I've also taken friends to the Library of Congress and the Congress.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
For meat loving times, Ray's Hell Burger and Ruth's Chris Steak House.
For Pizza, Pupatella in Arlington.
And for Iranian cuisine, Amoo’s House of Kabob in McLean.
For fast food, I cannot love Moby Dick House of Kabob enough.
For Pizza, Pupatella in Arlington.
And for Iranian cuisine, Amoo’s House of Kabob in McLean.
For fast food, I cannot love Moby Dick House of Kabob enough.
Do you have a website or blog?
I run Toonistan.com and I'm the editor in chief of khodnevis.org.
I'm not a journalist, but I should probably note that Nik recently turned the tables and interviewed me for the CRNI on “Supporting Mohammad Saba'aneh,” the Palestinian cartoonist who also ran afoul of Islamic cartooning.
Comic Riffs on Charlie Hebdo and PEN Award (continued)
Charlie Hebdo's PEN Award: Top cartoonists endorse saluting magazine's 'courage'
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 5 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/05/05/charlie-hebdos-pen-award-top-cartoonists-endorse-saluting-magazines-courage/Kickstarter: Comics United Nations project
Reading With Pictures, in partnership with PCI Media Impact and PVBLIC Foundation, is working with the United Nations and an international coalition of comics publishers and cartoonists to produce a comic that to engage and inspire readers around the world. Although the group is looking for grant funding to pay for the endeavor, that's a long process. So it's taken to Kickstarter to help raise funding more quickly to publish the project by September, when the leaders from UN nations are scheduled to will convene ratify the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. (On a personal note, I'll be doing a 10-pager on one of the topics.)
Click on the image below to go to the Kickstarter campaign.
Click on the image below to go to the Kickstarter campaign.
Rozegar colors 'Man Plus'
Local cartoonist Arsia Rozegar gives a sneak peek (see below) of a comic book he's been coloring for Titan called Man Plus. "It's been a lot of fun and went for a different stylistic approach I normally don't do," Rozegar says on his Facebook page. The first issue is scheduled for release July 8.
Bounding into Comics blog
Based on his Free Comic Book Day post, John F. Trent's Bounding into Comics blog is local to our area. The earliest posts are from June, 2014.
Ben Hatke stories
ZAP! POW! Comics are for kids again
This is about comics, and about kids, so I'm going to start with a story (a comic!) about how Bill Watterson taught my home schooled daughter to read. It goes like this…
By Ben Hatke
May 7: Juana Medina at Politics and Prose
Juana Medina - Smick **En Español
Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
Local
illustrator Juana Medina brings the titular happy-go-lucky dog of this
picture book to life. All Smick really wants is a stick. Told through
simple rhyming phrases, with a helping of repetition, this infectiously
happy tale follows him on his sunny afternoon in the park. Medina’s
exuberant and bold multi-media illustrations will have young readers
turning to Smick’s story again and again. Ages 4-7
5015 Connecticut Ave NW
WashingtonDC20008
$16.99
9780670785780
On Our Shelves Now
Viking Books for Young Readers - February 5th, 2015
The Post on Texas Islamic cartoon shootings
One Texas suspect was accused in 2010 FBI terror case [in print as One Texas suspect was accused in past terror case]
By Adam Goldman, Craig Whitlock and Marice Richter
Washington Post May 5 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/suspect-in-texas-attack-previously-face-trial-on-terrorism-charge/2015/05/04/438df596-f279-11e4-bcc4-e8141e5eb0c9_story.html
By Adam Goldman and Mark Berman
Post Nation blog May 4 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/05/04/fbi-had-known-about-suspected-texas-shooter-for-years/
By Lindsey Bever and Brian MurphyMorning Mix blog May 5 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/05/05/report-islamic-state-claims-credit-for-texas-attack/
Washington Post May 5 2015
By Adam Goldman, Craig Whitlock and Marice Richter
Washington Post May 5 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/suspect-in-texas-attack-previously-face-trial-on-terrorism-charge/2015/05/04/438df596-f279-11e4-bcc4-e8141e5eb0c9_story.html
FBI had known about suspected Texas shooter for years
Post Nation blog May 4 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/05/04/fbi-had-known-about-suspected-texas-shooter-for-years/
Islamic State claims responsibility for Texas attack outside Muhammad cartoon show
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/05/05/report-islamic-state-claims-credit-for-texas-attack/
Event organizer offers no apology after thwarted attack in Texas [in print: Sponsor defends Muhammad cartoon contest]
By Sandhya SomashekharWashington Post May 5 2015
online
at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/event-organizer-offers-no-apology-after-thwarted-attack-in-texas/2015/05/04/f0926fb4-f28e-11e4-84a6-6d7c67c50db0_story.html
Monday, May 04, 2015
Washington Post blog on latest Muhammad cartoon mess
Gunman outside Muhammad cartoon event identified as suspected militant sympathizer
Washington Post Morning Mix blog May 4 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/05/03/gunmen-shot-dead-in-texas-after-opening-fire-outside-prophet-muhammad-cartoon-show/
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Nevermore!"
DC's resident anarchist cartoonist on Baltimore's riot.
"Nevermore!"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1716
For those of you who rocked, I salute you.
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
"Nevermore!"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1716
For those of you who rocked, I salute you.
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
Zodiac Starforce by Panetta and Ganuchaeu previewed
From Dark Horse
http://icv2.com/articles/previews/view/31481/exclusive-preview-zodiac-starforce-kevin-panetta-paulina-ganuchaeu
Comic Riffs on latest Islam cartoon violence
Texas shooting: What have we learned five years after 'Draw Muhammad Day'?
By Michael CavnaWashington Post Comic Riffs blog May 4 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/05/04/just-what-have-we-learned-five-years-after-everybody-draw-muhammad-day/
Sunday, May 03, 2015
Marc Singer on DC's stamp album comics
Pow! Zap! Commemorative Postage Stamps Aren't Just for Kids Anymore!
Marc Singer
I Am NOT the Beastmaster blog March 12, 2015
http://notthebeastmaster.typepad.com/weblog/2015/03/pow-zap-commemorative-postage-stamps-arent-just-for-kids-anymore.html
NPR on Free Comic Book Day, a day late
May 01, 2015
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2015/05/01/403393505/pop-culture-happy-hour-free-comic-book-day-and-rabbit-holes
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2015/05/01/403393505/pop-culture-happy-hour-free-comic-book-day-and-rabbit-holes
Free Comic Book Day: A Guide To The Heroes, Musicians And Mutants
Friday, May 01, 2015
Tomorrow: Free Comic Book Day at Third Eye Comics
Saturday 5/2/15
9AM-8PM
at THIRD EYE ANNAPOLIS
Click here for event info on FACEBOOK.
First 50 in line receive a FREE Third Eye Summer 2015 Shirt
First 75 in line receive a FREE Third Eye x FCBD Commemorative BABY GROOT Patch
First 100 in line receive a Re-Usable Third Eye Tote Bag LOADED with goodies! One bag will be randomly stuffed with a $50 Gift Card!
First 200 in line get a THIRD EYE X FCBD Button!
QUICK SCHEDULE
Sales & FREE COMICS: ALL DAY 9AM-8PM
CREATOR SIGNINGS: 9AM-4PM
TARDIS Photos: 10AM-2PM
STORMTROOPER Photos: 9AM-1PM
KIDS COMICS TENT: 9AM-4PM
May 22: King Features cartoonists at Library of Congress
The National Cartoonists Society and the LOC's Prints and Photographs Division Present
CARTOONING AND OUR CULTURE:
A Panel of Top King Features Cartooning Talents Celebrating the Syndicate's Centennial
• Patrick McDonnell – Mutts
• Jeff Keane – The Family Circus
• Brian Walker – Hi and Lois
• Hilary Price – Rhymes With Orange
• Ray Billingsley – Curtis
• Mike Peters – Mother Goose & Grimm, Pulitzer Prize-winning Editorial Cartoonist for Dayton Daily News
Moderated by Brendan Burford, Editor, King Features Syndicate
May 22, 11 A.M.
Library of Congress
Madison Building • Montpelier Room
FREE and Open to the Public
Request ADA accommodations five days in advance at
(202) 707-6382 or ada@loc.gov For information, call (202) 707-3630
CARTOONING AND OUR CULTURE:
A Panel of Top King Features Cartooning Talents Celebrating the Syndicate's Centennial
• Patrick McDonnell – Mutts
• Jeff Keane – The Family Circus
• Brian Walker – Hi and Lois
• Hilary Price – Rhymes With Orange
• Ray Billingsley – Curtis
• Mike Peters – Mother Goose & Grimm, Pulitzer Prize-winning Editorial Cartoonist for Dayton Daily News
Moderated by Brendan Burford, Editor, King Features Syndicate
May 22, 11 A.M.
Library of Congress
Madison Building • Montpelier Room
FREE and Open to the Public
Request ADA accommodations five days in advance at
(202) 707-6382 or ada@loc.gov For information, call (202) 707-3630
The Post on the new Avengers movie UPDATED
'Avengers: Age of Ultron' gets the Marvel band back together
By Ann HornadayWashington Post May 1 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/avengers-age-of-ultron-gets-the-marvel-band-back-together/2015/04/29/ee6bb2e0-ee6f-11e4-8abc-d6aa3bad79dd_story.html
'Avengers: Age of Ultron' shows two very different types of leadership
By Kristen Page-KirbyExpress May 1 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/05/01/avengers-age-of-ultron-shows-two-very-different-types-of-leadership/
Tony Stark, Wilson Fisk and the limits of good intentions
Sonny BunchWashington Post Act Four blog May 1 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/05/01/tony-stark-wilson-fisk-and-the-limits-of-good-intentions/
‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ proves why robots are blockbusters’ best villains
By Alyssa RosenbergWashington Post Act Four blog (April 30 2015)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/04/30/avengers-age-of-ultron-proves-why-robots-are-blockbusters-best-villains/
May 1: The Reeds in L.A. show
The local comics/art wife-and-husband team of Liz and Jimmy Reed have a sculpture (see image below) for the show titled "Idiot Box 2," which is artwork inspired by TV, at Los Angeles' Gallery 1988: LA:. The opening reception is tonight from 7- 10 p.m.
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