Comic Riffs talks to Baltimore's KAL about tonight's Herblock Award

Tonight's Herblock Prize: How Baltimore's KAL mans a front line of social justice

By Michael Cavna May 7 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/05/07/tonights-herblock-prize-how-baltimores-kal-stirs-his-own-sense-of-social-unrest/

Darrin Bell wins the RFK cartooning award

The full press release is online here.

Cartoon: "Darrin Bell 2014 Editorial Cartoons," Darrin Bell, The Washington Post Writers Group

The ...awards... will be presented by Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy at a ceremony featuring remarks by Kerry Kennedy and Michael Beschloss on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The 2015 RFK Book and Journalism Awards were sponsored by the George Washington University.

The ceremony will also feature the presentation of the 2015 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, celebrating their 47th anniversary. All honorees will receive a bust of Robert F. Kennedy in recognition of their award.

I was one of the judges for the award this year, and like always, there were a lot of great candidates and cartoons.

Fantom Comics posts 2014 sales info

2014 in Review – A Comic Book Shop Talks Comic Book Sales Trends

http://www.fantomcomics.com/blog/2015/05/05/comicbooksalestrends/

Bruce Guthrie's photos of Brian Selznick's exhibit

Bruce Guthrie's photos of Brian Selznick's exhibit at the MLK library are online now.

May 9: Brian Selznick at MLK Library in DC

D.C. library celebrates author and illustrator Brian Selznick [in print as Reading ahead with Brian Selznick

'The Invention of Hugo Cabret' author to visit the exhibit that showcases his visual storytelling.

By Mary Quattlebaum Washington Post May 5 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/dc-library-celebrates-author-and-illustrator-brian-selznick/2015/05/04/2a4aecd4-e9c2-11e4-9a6a-c1ab95a0600b_story.html

Drawing Fire From Not Drawing

by Steve Artley, Artleytoons 

No. What part of that answer is unclear? Since the Danish newspaper published Mohammed cartoons a decade ago, followed by the ill-fated "Draw Mohammed" day shortly afterward; since the Charlie Hebdo murders earlier this year and after the recent fiasco in Texas — I have been prompted to draw Mohammed by some readers and others. Increasingly, I have been pressured to do so as if it is some kind of patriotic duty, or as a display of blatantly spitting in the eyes of those pesky terrorists. I have even been called a coward for not doing it, as if I am allowing myself to be intimidated by those bully militant extremists.  

A coward. Wow.

I have publicly made clear my opposition to the so-called "jihadists" for their assault on the Charlie Hebdo studios (http://artleytoonsonline.blogspot.com/2015/01/je-suis-charlie-hebdo.html). Over my 30 year career, I've produced editorial renderings that unabashedly stood up against bullies and thugs. My archives are full of anti-terrorist cartoons critical of militant aggression and bullying. They're teeming with cartoons lampooning politicians, Democrats, Republicans, the Tea Party, the NRA, KKK, Neo Nazis, anti-semites, homophobes, Islamiphobes, germophobes, pedophile clergy, the Westboro Baptist Church, as-well-as ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, Netanyahu's Mossad, the United States Secret Service and even our own country when I think we've been aggressive and bullying. On each one of those cartoons, my name is clearly inscribed. My identity is known. The same day of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, I produced and distributed my "Je Suis Charlie" cartoon into syndication to be seen by millions worldwide and was the only one of its kind published in NEWSWEEK Japan (see inset). I have little doubt that in some dark cavern somewhere on this planet my name is already on someone's hit list. All I have to say to the latest Terrorist de jour is, "get in line, pal. I've offended much bigger jerks than you over the years." So, call me twisted. Call me warped. Call me sophomoric, stupid, ineloquent, ugly or just plain wrong. But, don't call me a coward simply because I refuse to draw an insulting image for you.

In each case of being asked, prompted, encouraged, ridiculed or bullied into drawing the Prophet, not once was I asked why I refused. While I don't feel that I need to explain something that is so obvious, I'll do it here in this forum. So, here we go. It's a pretty simple principle, really. 

When it comes to my cartooning, I have my own standards of ethical practices. There are certain boundaries I will not cross. Drawing Mohammed falls within one of those boundaries. I will not insult an entire religion because of a lunatic fringe. I may criticize someone who does or says something in the name of religion, but will not intentionally ridicule the religion itself. Although I have drawn cartoons that some have found offensive (it's such a subjective assessment), drawing an image solely for the intent of offending any group or individual is distasteful and a violation of my personal code.

I find much of the Charlie Hebdo material distasteful and some of it down right offensive. I feel the Texas "Muhammad Art Exhibit" was without merit and designed only to insult. But, in each case it's not the material that I defend. Not in the least. What I am defending is much bigger. It's all about freedom to express, without reprisal. 

Free speech, listed in the First Amendment of our Bill of Rights, is the very foundation of all the other rights. Without it and the boundless latitude it provides, the other rights have no teeth. What's more, defending freedom of speech means defending the right of those expressing ideas with which you vehemently disagree — even despise. Although my editorial renderings may ridicule the rants of the aforementioned groups, I will defend their right to rant. And, I will rigidly oppose those who would use force to silence them.

Yes, with freedom comes responsibility. That's why I have my code. But, I don't want anyone defining the parameters of that code for me. So, don't chastise me, beat me, imprison me, shoot me or otherwise forcibly silence me for what I draw (or don't draw). But, hey... if you disagree, go ahead and criticize me for it. That's your right.

"I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it"

Evelyn Beatrice Hall, alias S.G. Tallentyre (1868-1956), The Life of Voltaire; 1903

Telnaes blogs on Texas cartoon stupidity

Pamela Geller, Islam, and protecting stupid speech

By Ann Telnaes
May 5 2015
 http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/opinions/wp/2015/05/05/pamela-geller-islam-and-protecting-stupid-speech/

May 9: Mort Künstler retrospective

A retrospective exhibition exploring the career of renowned artist and illustrator Mort Künstler opens in Winchester’s Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) on May 9 and runs through Aug. 2.

Best known for his paintings of the Civil War and countless covers for adventure books and magazines, Künstler created the illustration for the famous 1976 MAD magazine cover (he signed it as “Mutz”), which parodied the "Jaws" movie poster by featuring the magazine’s mascot, Alfred E. Neuman, swimming from a shark.

 

 

Künstler will be at the MSV for a signing event on Saturday, May 9, from 11 to

The Post points out that its about free speech

Subjecting free speech to the assassin's veto

By Sonny Bunch
Washington Post Act Four blog May 5 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/05/05/subjecting-free-speech-to-the-assassins-veto/

The Post on feminism and Black Widow

The strong feminism behind Black Widow, and why the critiques don't stand up

By Alyssa Rosenberg
Washington Post's Act Four blog May 5 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/05/05/black-widows-feminist-heroism/

CAIR's statement on Texas' cartoon quagmire

CAIR Condemns Attack on Anti-Islam Event in Texas

04 May 2015
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/4/15) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an attack Sunday on an anti-Islam event in Texas.

Click through to continue reading: http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12950-cair-condemns-attack-on-anti-islam-event-in-texas.html

First caught by Alan Gardener's Daily Cartoonist blog.

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

Kojo Nnamdi on Charlie Hebdo

May 06 2015 • 12:20 p.m. (ET)

Cartoons, Satire, and the Limits of Free Speech

http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2015-05-06/comic-culture

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

by Mike Rhode

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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'

By Michael Cavna

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.

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 2, 2015
http://boingboing.net/2015/05/02/zap-pow-comics-are-for-kids.html

Free Comic Book Day: Celebrate #FCBD with Ben Hatke's exclusive 'Robot' art

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 2 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/05/02/free-comic-book-day-celebrate-fcbd-with-ben-hatkes-exclusive-robot-art/

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

Smick (Hardcover)

By Doreen Cronin, Juana Medina (Illustrator)

$16.99

9780670785780

On Our Shelves Now

Viking Books for Young Readers - February 5th, 2015