Big Planet Comics Bethesda's January hardcover sale

 A January tradition

--
Joel Pollack
BIG PLANET COMICS

4849 Cordell Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814

Lee Marrs recalls speaking to Herblock

"Wimmen's Comix" Co-Founder Lee Marrs Reflects On a Storied Career

Alex Dueben

Comic Book Resources December 21st, 2015

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/wimmens-comix-co-creator-lee-marrs-reflects-on-a-storied-career

Comics Riffs talks to Lalo Alcaraz

'Bordertown' writer says new Fox show 'joked about giving Donald Trump' credit

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (January 4 2016): https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/01/04/bordertown-writer-says-new-fox-show-joked-about-giving-donald-trump-credit/

"Bordertown" is Fox's new, crosscultural animated comedy that arrives with a high degree of headline relevance. (courtesy of Fox)

Gene Yang's LOC appointment - 2 more stories

Yang Named National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

By Sue Corbett

Jan 04, 2016
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/69039-yang-named-national-ambassador-for-young-people-s-literature.html

Library of Congress Anoints Graphic Novelist as Ambassador for Young People's Literature

By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES

A version of this article appears in print on January 4, 2016, on page C5 of the New York edition with the headline: In a First, Graphic Novelist Is National Envoy for Children's Literature.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/04/books/library-of-congress-anoints-graphic-novelist-as-ambassador-for-young-peoples-literature.html

PR: Gene Luen Yang Named 5th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, 2016–2017

Gene Luen Yang Named 5th National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, 2016–2017

Yang Champions Diversity in All Forms and Reading for Non-Readers with his Platform, "Reading Without Walls"

New York, NY, January 4, 2016—The Children's Book Council (CBC), Every Child a Reader (ECAR), and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress (CFB) have announced the appointment of Gene Luen Yang, Printz Award winner and two-time National Book Award finalist, as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. The program was established by the three organizations in 2008 to highlight the importance of young people's literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people. Yang will travel nationwide over the course of his two-year term promoting his platform, "Reading Without Walls," showing kids and teens that reading is a vital part of their lives, and speaking to parents, teachers, librarians—everyone invested in young people's literacy—about how better to connect with kids and teens and help them love reading. Yang succeeds beloved and esteemed authors Jon Scieszka (2008–2009), Katherine Paterson (2010–2011), Walter Dean Myers (2012–2013), and Kate DiCamillo (2014–2015) in the position. Gene Luen Yang is the first-ever graphic novelist to be named National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

The inauguration ceremony, presided by acting Librarian of Congress David S. Mao and featuring both Yang and DiCamillo, will take place on Thursday, January 7 at 11 a.m. in room LJ-119 of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington D.C. The event is open to the public; no tickets are required.

"I'm thrilled and humbled to be appointed National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Reading breaks down the walls that divide us. By reading, we get to know people outside of our own communities. We gain knowledge others don't expect us to have. We discover new and surprising passions. Reading is critical to our growth, both as individuals and as a society. The Children's Book Council, Every Child a Reader, and Library of Congress all empower people by getting them to read. I'm honored to take up that mission myself and to carry on the amazing work of the ambassadors before me," said Gene Luen Yang.

"Gene Yang is a talented writer. He is a brilliant artist. His stories are thought-provoking, genre-bending, utterly original examinations of the human heart. In short, Gene Yang is a Renaissance man. I am so honored to pass the torch of this sacred task to Gene. No one is better suited for bringing us all together," said Kate DiCamillo, two-time Newbery Award winner and National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Emeritus.

"What an inspired choice the selection committee has made in Gene. He is a brilliant storyteller who makes meaningful and profound connections with readers of all ages. And he has been a de facto ambassador for reading, inclusion, and graphic novels for years. I can't think of anyone better than Gene to break down the walls stopping people from becoming lifelong lovers of reading," said Jon Yaged, President & Publisher of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.

Jon Colman, Executive Director of the CBC added, "We couldn't be more pleased with the selection of Gene Luen Yang as the next ambassador. He embodies everything that we look for in this position and we can't think of a more fitting person to be representing young people's literature over the next two years."

"We are thrilled that Gene Luen Yang has agreed to be the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature," said John Y. Cole, director of the Center for the Book, which administers the ambassador program with the Children's Book Council. "Gene's message of inclusion and acceptance of all people is especially relevant today. The Library of Congress looks forward to the next two years of Gene's promotion of reading and literacy among young people." 

The National Ambassador is selected for: his or her contributions to young people's literature, the ability to relate to kids and teens, and a dedication to fostering children's literacy as a whole. The selection is based on recommendations from a CBC-ECAR-CFB-appointed committee comprising educators, librarians, booksellers, and children's literature experts.

The members of the selection committee for the 2016–2017 ambassadorship were:

●     Betsy Bird, Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library

●     Shelley M. Diaz, Senior Editor, Reviews at School Library Journal

●     Kate DiCamillo, Newbery Medal–winning author, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, 2014-15

●     Jonathan Hunt, Coordinator of Library Media Services at the San Diego County Office of Education

●     Kimberly L. Jones, Store Manager at Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA

●     Deborah Taylor, Coordinator of School and Student Services at Enoch Pratt Free Library

●     Lisa Von Drasek, Curator of the Children's Literature Research Collections at University of Minnesota Libraries

 

The National Ambassador for Young People's Literature program is administered by Every Child a Reader. Financial support for the National Ambassador Program in 2016 is provided by HarperCollins Children's Books, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Penguin Young Readers Group, Random House Children's Books, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation.

 

For more information about the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, visit read.gov/cfb/ambassador/.

About Gene Luen Yang

Gene Luen Yang began drawing comic books in the fifth grade; he began making comics professionally over fifteen years ago. In 2006, his graphic novel American Born Chinese (Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/First Second Books) became the first graphic novel to be a finalist for a National Book Award and the first to win the American Library Association's Printz Award. It also won an Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album. In 2013, Boxers & Saints (Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/First Second Books), his two-volume graphic novel about the Boxer Rebellion, was a National Book Award finalist and won the L.A. Times Book Prize. Gene has also won an Eisner for The Eternal Smile, a collaboration with Derek Kirk Kim. He is the author of the Secret Coders series (with artist Mike Holmes) and has written for the hit comics Avatar: The Last Airbender and Superman. Yang lives in the San Francisco Bay area. Learn more at geneyang.com.

 

About the Children's Book Council (CBC)

The Children's Book Council, established in 1945, is the nonprofit trade association of children's book publishers in North America, dedicated to supporting the industry and promoting children's books and reading. The CBC offers children's publishers the opportunity to work together on issues of importance to the industry at large, including educational programming, literacy advocacy, and collaborations with other national organizations. Please visit cbcbooks.org for more information.

 

About Every Child a Reader (ECAR)

Every Child a Reader is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children. ECAR administers programs including Children's Book Week, the annual celebration of books and reading, and the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country; the Children's Choice Book Awards, the only national book awards program where the winning titles are selected by kids and teens of all ages; and the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Program. Please visit cbcbooks.org/about/every-child-a-reader/ for more information.

 

About the Library of Congress and the Center for the Book (CFB)

Since its creation by Congress in 1977 to "stimulate public interest in books and reading," the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress has become a major national force for reading and literacy promotion. A public-private partnership, it sponsors educational programs that reach readers of all ages, nationally and internationally. The Center provides leadership for affiliated state centers for the book (including the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and nonprofit reading promotion partners and plays a key role in the Library's annual National Book Festival. It also oversees the Library's Read.gov website and administers the Library's Young Readers Center and its Poetry and Literature Center. Visit Read.gov/cfb to learn more.

 

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "'DC For 15' Poster Art Ready To Download"

"'DC For 15' Poster Art Is Ready To Download!"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1830

My poster art series for DC's Raise The Wage campaign is now available for downloads by organizers and activists.

I've made these available as tabloid-size posters and letter-size flyers, with plenty of "clear" space for laying out customized text in the page-layout software of your choice.

Follow the "DC For $15" minimum wage campaign on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/dcfor15

Visit the "DC For $15" campaign on the Web:
http://dcfor15.org/

Michael Flugennock

Gene Yang appointed by Library of Congress

Just In: Gene Luen Yang named national ambassador for Young People's Literature

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog January 4 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/01/04/just-in-gene-luen-yang-named-national-ambassador-for-young-peoples-literature/

Zunar editorial in The Post

The Malaysian government has no sense of humor — and that's dangerous [in print January 3, 2016 as 'Prosecuted for my pen', p. A19]

  By Zunar
Washington Post January 1 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-malaysian-government-has-no-sense-of-humor--and-thats-dangerous/2016/01/01/9f4437aa-af26-11e5-9ab0-884d1cc4b33e_story.html

The Post on lack of black cartoonists

This article ran in today's print paper too. Mike somewhat elides the fact that both editorial and strip cartoonists in newspapers have dwindled dramatically.

Why are there no staff black cartoonists at a time when we need them most?

By Michael Cavna December 29 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/12/29/in-a-tamir-rice-era-why-are-there-no-staff-black-cartoonists-to-comment/

[As a disclaimer, ComicsDC editor Mike Rhode was on the jury that voted to give Darrin Bell the RFK Journalism award for cartooning last spring. Although I'm not sure why that should matter to anyone].

The Post and the NY Times on Bordertown

Fox's animated comedy 'Bordertown' is funny and eerily on time

By Bethonie Butler January 2 2015

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/foxs-bordertown-is-a-ripped-from-the-headlines-satire/2016/01/01/f7ec3c60-afc9-11e5-9ab0-884d1cc4b33e_story.html

Review: 'Bordertown' and 'Cooper Barrett' Debut

By JAMES PONIEWOZIK

A version of this review appears in print on January 2, 2016, on page C1 of the New York edition with the headline: Trouble, on the Border or After College

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/02/arts/television/tv-review-bordertown-cooper-barrett.html

Jan 2: COMIC BOOK & SPORTS CARD SHOW

SHOFF PROMOTION

COMIC BOOK & SPORTS CARD SHOW


JANUARY 2 SATURDAY 10AM-3PM $3 ADM.
ANNANDALE VA. FIRE HOUSE EXPO HALL
7128 Columbia Pike 22003
COMIC BOOK & NONSPORTS CARD SHOW
BASEBALL & SPORTS CARD SHOW
AUTOGRAPH GUEST - DENNY MCLAIN CANCELLED
Wife is in the Hospital
ARTIST GUEST- LENORE "SULLY" SULLIVAN
former artist for Vampirella, Marvel Comics
& creator & artist of "The Clock"
& artists Laura Inglis & Dan Nokes
TWO SHOWS-ONE PLACE-ONE PRICE
With this Notice:$1 Off Adult $3 Adm.
18 yrs old & under-FREE; Bring the Family

Griffiths at Miss Pixie's on Jan. 9

Local artist/cartoonist Adam Griffiths is having a one-day exhibition/live drawing Jan. 9 at Miss Pixie's Furnishings and Whatnot in D.C.

Big Planet Comics January 1 SALE

20% off everything in all four stores, I believe

http://www.bigplanetcomics.com/

Here's some books by local authors to consider: 

Compleating Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson

Cartoons for Victory by Warren Bernard

 

Tables at Creator Con 2016

Nab a table for $20 for Creator Con 2016 on April 23 in Silver Spring, Md.  The table deal expires at the end of December.

Comic Riffs on the paucity of black editorial cartoonists

Why are there no staff black cartoonists at a time when we need them most?

By Michael Cavna December 29 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/12/29/in-a-tamir-rice-era-why-are-there-no-staff-black-cartoonists-to-comment/

[As a disclaimer, ComicsDC editor Mike Rhode was on the jury that voted to give Darrin Bell the RFK Journalism award for cartooning last spring. Although I'm not sure why that should matter to anyone].

Walking Dead beer

At Total Wine & More, Terrapin Walking Dead Blood Orange IPA. (It was released for Halloween, but it's the first time I've seen it at a retailer in this area.)

Mo Willems' play at Kennedy Center, Dec 27-Jan 3

Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - Sunday, January 03, 2016

In this vaudevillian romp of a musical based on Mo Willems's children's books, Elephant Gerald and Piggie sing and dance their way through plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense, backed by nutty backup singers The Squirrelles. Age 3+

• Family Theater
• Approx. 1 hour
• $20.00 - $25.00

PR: Day After Christmas Sidewalk Sale Tomorrow at Third Eye Comics Annapolis

Happy Holidays, Third Eye Faithful!  Click here for the event info on FACEBOOK Please note that this is at our Annapolis location only. You know we had to get you something awesome for the holiday, Third Eye Faithful.. and here it is -- the Third Eye DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Sidewalk Sale! We hope you've had a super great holiday, and got to spend some quality time with your family -- and of course, some quality time with all the cool stuff they got you from Third Eye! And, we know that many of you are just itching to come throw down some of those gift cards & Christmas $ that were waiting under your tree! So, we're going to give you an extra special reason to visit us on the Day After Christmas to do so! Our annual DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Sidewalk Sale returns, and we've got table after table waiting to be lined up in front of Third Eye Comics - Annapolis, and they're all going to be stocked deep with all sorts of totally rad goodies... at 50% off or higher! So, whether you were already planning a Third Eye visit (you know you were!), or maybe you want to show your friends and fam that are in town visiting the awesomeness of Third Eye, come on by & have some fun with us this Saturday! 10AM-8PM ALL Graphic Novels on Tables - 50% OFF ALL Toys & Statues on Tables - 50% OFF ALL T-Shirts on Tables - $5.00ea! $1.00 Back Issue Bins or Fill a Short Box For $50.00! Sidewalk Sale Special: ALL Star Wars FUNKO POP! Vinyl Figures on Sidewalk Sale Tables are BUY 1, GET 1 FREE! *Annapolis Location Only*

Third Eye Comics | 2027A WEST ST | Annapolis | MD | 21401

A Christmas 66 years in the making

Last month we ran the following story about Bill Cogswell reading Whiz Comics in 1949. A friendly reader of ComicsDC, Brian C. (who lives nowhere around here and whom I'm only slightly acquainted with) actually sent a copy of the comic to me for Bill.  Here's Bill enjoying it today for Christmas in 2015.

Here's the original post:

My friend and neighbor Bill Cogswell used to collect comics back in the day. When his sister Ellen passed away recently, I saw this picture of them. It's Christmas 1949 and Bill appears to be reading Whiz Comics #119 (March 1950 cover date)* judging from the Grand Comics Database (which provided the image). Captain Marvel was the main feature.

Following the old familiar story, Bill's mother threw away his comic books when they moved within Arlington.


*comics came out months before their cover date to fool the newsstands into keeping them on display longer.

Jan. 9: Character designing with Chris Scott

Local cartoonist (and Fantom Comics employee) Chris Scott will host a character design workshop Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. at Fantom Comics. The Facebook event page doesn’t mention if there is a fee for it. (Chris is an excellent illustrator and very personable and fun.)