Nerdy Birdy is a small-winged, glasses-wearing, allergic-to-birdseed guy who just wants to be like the cool birds. When he discovers a whole group of avian companions just like him, however, he thinks he's found the true meaning of friendship— until a new girl arrives and calls everything into question. Ages 4 – 8
Monday, September 28, 2015
Oct 13: Ted Rall in DC
Busboys and Poets 14th & V: Ted Rall - Snowden
Two-time winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award and a finalist for the Pulitzer, Rall got his start as a political cartoonist by posting his work on the New York City streets. His venues have become more sophisticated, but in works such as the Attitude anthologies of subversive comics, The Anti-American Manifesto, and others, he shows he's as edgy and outspoken as ever. His latest book profiles Edward Snowden, celebrating his courage in revealing the government's vast surveillance network, and drawing on Orwell's 1984 to show how much is at stake in the new era of digital technology.
Oct 5: Ben Hatke in town
In this graphic novel for early readers, a young girl exploring the junkyard near her trailer happens upon a robot as diminutive as she is. After using her mechanical skills to bring it to life, she and her new friend experience a series of small adventures—until an enormous factory robot comes to take Little Robot away. Ages 6 – 9
Politics and ProseIn this graphic novel for early readers, a young girl exploring the junkyard near her trailer happens upon a robot as diminutive as she is. After using her mechanical skills to bring it to life, she and her new friend experience a series of small adventures—until an enormous factory robot comes to take Little Robot away. Ages 6 – 9
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Sevara novel giveaway on Goodreads.
The Goodreads Team
Sevara: Dawn of Hope
by Damian Wampler
Saturday, September 26, 2015
The Post interviews Dr. Katz (from the cartoon)
Dr. Katz will see you now
Washington Post September 27 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/dr-katz-will-see-you-now/2015/09/25/13f3509c-5e21-11e5-9757-e49273f05f65_story.html
Dr. Katz Live with Jonathan Katz, Janeane Garofalo, Jim Gaffigan, Tig Notaro and Morgan Murphy at 8 p.m. Thursday; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $35. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St NW. 202-888-0050 or www.bentzenball.com.
Friday, September 25, 2015
The Post on ‘Hotel Transylvania 2’
'Hotel Transylvania 2' review: Sequel is just enough of a Halloween treat
Washington Post September 25 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/hotel-transylvania-2-review-sequel-is-just-enough-of-a-halloween-treat/2015/09/23/50a44ee6-6151-11e5-b38e-06883aacba64_story.html
Comic Riffs on SPX
Sketchbook: From creativity to diversity, a line-by-line reflection on Small Press Expo 2015
By Michael CavnaWashington Post Comic Riffs blog September 25 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/09/25/sketchbook-from-creativity-to-diversity-a-line-by-line-reflection-on-small-press-expo-2015/
Spirit exhibit opens Saturday across from Baltimore Comic-Con
Comics Alternative Podcast on SPX
Episode 154: SPX 2015 and the Ignatz Awards
by Derek Royal and Andy Wolvertonhttp://comicsalternative.com/episode-154-spx-2015-and-the-ignatz-awards/
http://media.blubrry.com/comicsalternative/p/comicsalternative.com/Episodes/ComicsAlternative-154.mp3
On Location: Talking with Creators at SPX 2015, Pt. 1
http://comicsalternative.com/on-location-talking-with-creators-at-spx-2015-1/
http://media.blubrry.com/comicsalternative/p/comicsalternative.com/Episodes/ComAlt_OnLocation22.mp3
On Location: Talking with Creators at SPX 2015, Pt. 2
September 25, 2015http://comicsalternative.com/on-location-talking-with-creators-at-spx-2015-pt-2/
http://media.blubrry.com/comicsalternative/p/comicsalternative.com/Episodes/ComAlt_OnLocation23.mp3
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Charles Vess reveals Christmas poster for Washington Revels

I'm getting ready to head out the door to attend the Baltimore Comic Book Convention (Booth # 2314) this weekend but I though that I would upload the finished color painting I just finished for this years Christmas Revels to be held in Washington DC. I'm very happy with this one! - from Charles' Facebook page.
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "New Hungarian Flag"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1789
After a brief pause out of respect for the photogenic drowned refugee child, the EU member governments resumed their program of making Syrian war refugees as miserable as possible. Hungary, of course, is keeping to the high standards set by the infamous TV camerawoman by sending police to brutalize refugees. And needless to say, like Claude Rains in "Casablanca", the United Nations is shocked -- shocked -- to discover that Hungary is treating war refugees like dirt.
Mike Flugennock: Political Cartoons
www.sinkers.org/In Supermansion #1, the Washington Monument suffers
EXCLUSIVE: SUPERMANSION Episode 1 - Groaner's Wild HD (2015) Bryan Cranston Seth Green Superhero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=89&v=eDc56F5izvU
http://www.comicbookresources.com - EXCLUSIVE: SUPERMANSION Episode 1 - Groaner's Wild HD (2015) Bryan Cranston Seth Green Superhero Animation
John Gallagher will be at Baltimore Comic-Con with new books
Comics Runs in This Family at Baltimore Comic-Con: John Gallagher Teams with His Children to Debut New Books in Baltimore
By Kids Love Comics Staff on September 24, 2015http://www.kidslovecomics.net/comics-runs-in-this-family-at-baltimore-comic-con-john-gallagher-teams-with-his-children-to-debut-new-books-in-baltimore/
Former Washington City Paper author to write Black Panther comic
Ta-Nehisi Coates to Write Black Panther Comic for Marvel
By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES
SEPT. 22, 2015
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/23/books/ta-nehisi-coates-to-write-black-panther-comic-for-marvel.htmlMarvel Comics was smart to hire Ta-Nehisi Coates to write Black Panther. Here's why.
September 23 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/09/23/heres-why-marvel-comics-is-smart-to-hire-ta-nehisi-coates-to-write-black-panther/
Ta-Nehisi Coates, 'Black Panther' and superhero diversity [in print as Black Panther gets the hero he needs].
Washington Post's Morning Mix blog September 23 2015, and Express (September 24): 47.
online at http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/09/23/ta-nehisi-coates-black-panther-and-superhero-diversity/
PR: Baltimore Comic-Con 2015 Kicks Off Tomorrow!
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Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Tom Spurgeon's SPX
Hang Dai Studios at Baltimore Comic-Con: Chris Miskiewicz speaks
by Mike RhodeBaltimore Comic-Con is one of the best and friendliest of the mid-size superhero focused cons. Under the leadership of Marc Nathan and Brad Tree, it's grown quite a bit in a decade and a half, but still remains enjoyable for all ages and interests. Hang Dai Studios is based in Brooklyn, but as usual will have a big presence at Baltimore. My friend Dean Haspiel (and Hang Dai Studios founder) will be there with the whole studio, a week after he, Christa Cassano and Gregory Benton attended the Small Press Expo. Just when you think there's nobody left in the Studio to talk with, our sixth interview is with writer and actor Chris Miskiewicz.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I’m a Brooklyn-based writer and actor. In comics, I’m best known for writing the critically acclaimed series, Thomas Alsop alongside artist Palle Schmidt (dubbed Best Mini-Series of 2014 by USA Today) published by BOOM! Studios. And the comic anthology Everywhere published by ActivateComix. As an actor I’ve appeared on HBO's Bored to Death, USA Networks White Collar, and various others.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I’m a native New Yorker. I’m 4th generation Italian and 1st generation Polish, born in Brooklyn, NY.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
I took up writing and drama in college, but I’ve been a comic book reader since I was ten years old. It was the first type of fiction I got, and I never fell out of love with the episodic nature of the industry.
Who are your influences?
Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Ed Brubaker, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Brian K. Vaughn, Charles Bukowski.

What work are you best-known for?
Currently Thomas Alsop published by BOOM! Studios.
What work are you most proud of?
Thomas Alsop and a webseries I co-wrote with my cousin Christopher Piazza called The Adventures of Shakespeare & Watson: Detectives of Mystery. It’s absolutely bonkers and I wish Adult Swim would call me up right now to buy it.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
I write in all forms. Prose, comics, screenwriting, as well as physical storytelling in acting, and a bunch of short films. I’d like to continue exploring every way you can tell a tale. I mean, if Shakespeare were alive he’d probably have a blog…
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
Drugs, drinking, go up to the roof and crawl into a bawl crying that all of my life choices have been wrong and that I’m a failure, play “Simpson’s Tapped Out,” breaking and entering somewhere I shouldn’t be to snap a picture.
You know, the normal things a person with voices in their head does during a crisis.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
I think comics will continue to be a testing ground for properties that larger media are considering for live action works.
Why are you at the Baltimore Comic-Con this year?
I’m hanging with some old friends at Hang-Dai’s table, as well as appearing on a panel with them on Sunday 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm in room 343-344 which is followed by a quick signing at BOOM!’s booth #2001 from 3 to 4 pm.
What other cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, or others? Any comments about attending them? This year I’ve been to MOCCA, SDCC and Copenhagen Comic Con for the release of the Danish translated edition of Thomas Alsop vol. 1. Copenhagen Comic Con was awesome, and I want someone to adopt me so I can move to Denmark.
I’ll also be appearing at NYCC in October…
What's your favorite thing about Baltimore?
The Wire.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
Hit me up again after this convention.
Do you have a website or blog?
My site is being completed, but you can follow me on twitter at @CMMiskiewicz and track me down at: http://welcometotripcity.com/
The Post's obituary for Jimmy Olsen
Jack Larson, who played Jimmy Olsen in TV's 'Superman' series, dies at 87 [in print as Jack Larson, 87; Cub reporter Jimmy Olsen in 1950s 'Superman' series].
Hang Dai Studios at Baltimore Comic-Con: Dean Haspiel speaks (UPDATED!)
Baltimore Comic-Con is one of the best and friendliest of the mid-size superhero focused cons. Under the leadership of Marc Nathan and Brad Tree, it's grown quite a bit in a decade and a half, but still remains enjoyable for all ages and interests. Hang Dai Studios is based in Brooklyn, but as usual will have a big presence at Baltimore. My friend Dean Haspiel (and Hang Dai Studios founder) will be there with the whole studio, a week after he, Christa Cassano and Gregory Benton attended the Small Press Expo. We hope to have interviews with everyone in the studio throughout the week. Our fifth interview is with Dean Haspiel.
Where did "Hang Dai" come from?
"Hang Dai" was derived from HBO's "Deadwood." Whenever Al Swearengen and Mr. Wu would curse their way through a private deal and come to an agreement, Wu would cross his fingers and say "Hang Dai." Or, something that sounded like that and which meant "Brotherhood." Or, as my studio mate Christa Cassano likes to say, "Sisterhood."
I hopscotch between superhero and memoir and psychedelic romance comix. My recent effort is called Beef With Tomato, co-published by Alternative Comics and Hang Dai Editions. It's about my escape from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
Blue pencil, occasional brush pen and Micron pens + digital shading/coloring.
1967. New York Hospital.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
The comic book rack on the newsstand at the corner of 79th street and Broadway in NYC was my comix kindergarten. Later on I discovered a steady flow of pop art pulp treasures at West Side Comics, opened a weekly account at Funny Business, and discovered American Splendor and Yummy Fur at Soho Zat. After that, any inklings of pursuing a normal life went out the window when dreams of drawing comix for a living took over and held my sway. I never learned how to draw comix in school because school didn't teach comix. School shunned comix. Comix taught me how to make comix. And, I'm still learning how, one panel at a time.
Who are your influences?
Ron Wilson, Jim Aparo, Jack Kirby, C.C. Beck, John Byrne, Steve Ditko, Alex Toth, Will Eisner, Frank Robbins, Jim Starlin, Michael Golden, Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Zeck, Frank Miller, Katsuhiro Otomo, John Romita Jr., Frank Quitely, Goran Parlov, Darwyn Cooke, Marcos Martin, Chris Samnee, Gregory Benton, Josh Bayer, Stan Lee, Warren Ellis, Jason Aaron, Brian K Vaughan, Joe R. Lansdale, Jonathan Ames, Mickey Spillane, and Richard S. Prather.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
The Thing: Night Falls On Yancy Street. I wasn't ready. I would ask to change the dark ending, too, so me and Evan Dorkin could make it Marvel canon rather than Marvel folklore.
I believe I'm best known for my collaboration with Harvey Pekar on The Quitter. Possibly, the ten-issues of The Fox I recently co-wrote and drew for Archie Comics. Maybe, some Billy Dogma.
Billy Dogma in Fear, My Dear. And, Heart-Shaped Hole.
I aim to focus on creator-owned comix but, given the opportunity, I'd like to write and draw The Fantastic Four, Captain Marvel (Shazam), O.M.A.C., Deathlok, and bring back Marvel Two-In-One, featuring The Thing. I also have a great Batman & Superman story that features cameos of the JLA, done in the spirit of a cross between Sullivan's Travels and On The Road.
Baltimore Comic-Con is my favorite show, bar none. A perfect combo of rookie and veteran cartoonists among old and new comic books and just the right amount of cosplay. I've also been a regular guest for almost 15 years.
Besides BCC, I usually attend SPX, NYCC, MoCCA, CAB, and Locust Moon Comics Festival. I was a guest of Wizard World six times this year. They treat me very well.
What's your favorite thing about Baltimore?
Marc Nathan and Brad Tree.
Least favorite?
I've yet to encounter anything in Baltimore to make me dislike its innate charm.
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
One day I plan to stay an extra day or two so I can personally visit Baltimore's culture.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
Out of pure proximity and laziness, I tend to grab dinner at the M&S Grill on E Pratt Street and soak in the Inner Harbor sights.
Do you have a website or blog?
http://deanhaspiel.com/








