June 24: Animezing!: Anthem of the Heart (2015)

Anthem of the Heart | June 24, 2016 | Friday @ 6:30PM Japanese w. English subtitles | Not Rated (Rec. 13+) | 120 min | 2015 © KOKOSAKE PROJECT 2016 Japan Academy Award Nominee for Best Animation From the creators of the hit series and movie, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, 「あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。」. "I have feelings I can't tell anybody hidden deep in a shell inside of my heart. But, really, I want to shout it out…my honest feelings like a beautiful anthem is waiting to break free!" Jun is a girl whose words have been sealed away. She was once a very happy girl, but because of a "certain thing" she said when she was very young, her family was torn apart. Then, an egg fairy appeared in front of her and sealed away her ability to talk in order to stop her from hurting anybody else. Since this traumatic experience, Jun lives in the shadows away from the limelight. Years later, she is nominated to become an executive member of the "community outreach council". On top of that, Jun is also appointed to play the main lead in their musical…      - WOMEN IN CINEMA HIGHLIGHT - Mari Okada, Screenwriter A member of the Writers Guilde of Japan and one of the most prolific and well known anime screenwriters today, Mari Okada began her career in 1996 writing scenarios for direct-to-video features, video games, and radio dramas.  In 1998 she wrote the script for one episode of DT Eightron which began her career as a writer for anime. [read more...] You are invited to Animezing: The Anthem of the Heart Friday, June 24th, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT) Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan 1150 18th St NW Suite 100 Washington DC 20036 US REGISTER NOW! This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  *** When registering you may receive an email asking you to "Activate your Eventbrite account" if you have never used Eventbrite before. It is NOT necessary to activate an account for you to attend this event and you may ignore this email from Eventbrite. *** In the event of a cancellation, please contact us at jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp. Doors open 30 minutes before the program. Program begins at 6:30PM. No admittance after 7:00PM or once seating is full. Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee a seat.

New 'Jesus 2016' by Rawlings

Dale Rawlings has a new installment of his webcomic "Jesus 2016," which focuses on the political adventures of Jesus, who has come back to Earth to run as a GOP candidate.

Courtesy of Dale Rawlings

June 12: Keeling workshop

Local comic booker and D.C. Conspiracy co-founder Evan Keeling hosts a zine/comics-making workshop June 12 from 2-4 pm at the Stone Branch School of Art in Rockville, Md. The event is free. 

Comic Riffs on the new Cul de Sac play

Why the 'Cul de Sac' creator found his comic strip's ideal playwright inside his own home

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 10 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/06/10/why-the-cul-de-sac-creator-found-his-comic-strips-ideal-playwright-inside-his-own-home/

Monkey See blog on Mandrake the Magician

Sacha Baron Cohen Is Mandrake The Magician! (... Wait, Who Now?)

Glen Weldon

June 8, 2016
http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee/2016/06/08/481231518/sacha-baron-cohen-is-mandrake-the-magician-wait-who-now

Formerly local cartoonist Liz Suburbia's new book reviewed

Sacred Heart

Liz Suburbia
Fantagraphics
$25, 312 pages
BUY IT NOW

REVIEWED BY Rob Clough Jun 10, 2016
http://www.tcj.com/reviews/sacred-heart/

June 12: Nina Allender documentary coming to C-Span

Political Cartoonist Nina Allender

C-SPAN

 Jun 8, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO2c7Por-TQ

Full program airs on Sunday, June 12 at 6 and 10 pm ET

Nina Allender worked as a political cartoonist for the National Woman's Party from 1914 until 1927, contributing over 150 cartoons for women's suffrage.

Former local comics writer Brad Meltzer inerview online

Meltzer Opens His "House of Secrets," Reflects On "Identity Crisis" In DC Comics' Rebirth Era

Comic Book Resources June 10 2016
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/meltzer-opens-his-house-of-secrets-reflects-on-identity-crisis-in-dc-comics-rebirth-era/

Kiel Phegley

June 12: Nick Sousanis at National Gallery of Art

Unflattening: Revolutionizing Thought in Comics

June 12 at 2:00
East Building Auditorium

http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/calendar/lectures/lectures-signings/unflattening.html

Nick Sousanis, comics artist, educator, and postdoctoral fellow in comics studies, University of Calgary.

Book signing of Unflattening follows.

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Scoop on Awesome Con

Convention Recap: Awesome Con

June 10 2016
http://scoop.previewsworld.com/Home/4/1/73/1017?ArticleID=179895

Awesome Con In Photos
by Carrie Wood
June 10 2016
http://scoop.previewsworld.com/Home/4/1/73/1018?ArticleID=179773

Cul de Sac play returns to Encore Stage tonight

Cul de Sac

Encore Stage & Studio 

Thomas Jefferson Theatre

 Thru Sun, June 12
$10-$15 buy tickets
Call 703-548-1154 to order

 official website

Four-year-old Alice Otterloop and her older brother, Petey, learn about friendship and the importance of being yourself in this world premier play adaptation of Richard Thompson’s nationally syndicated Cul De Sac comic strip. When Alice decides to help Petey become more exciting she risks sending Petey further into his shell. With the help other their parents, teachers, and new and old friends the Otterloop children just might be able to learn something from each other. We recommend this production for ages 4 and older.
Dates:

• Fri, June 10, 2016 @ 7:30 pm   buy tickets
• Sat, June 11, 2016 @ 11:00 am   buy tickets
• Sat, June 11, 2016 @ 3:00 pm   buy tickets
• Sun, June 12, 2016 @ 3:00 pm   buy tickets

And here's my pictures from the lobby display:

Teresa Roberts Logan's eulogy for her father

Our local cartoonist lost her dad a few weeks ago, and has written a nice memorial for him.

Cartoons and Crying

by The Laughing Redhead
https://laughingredhead.me/2016/06/09/cartoons-and-crying/#comment-2656

PR: March: Book Three - John Lewis's award-winning trilogy concludes in August!

MARCH: BOOK THREE is coming! This August, Congressman John Lewis collaborates again with Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell for the searing conclusion of the award-winning graphic novel trilogy MARCH. Through an unforgettable literary and artistic narrative, MARCH portrays the surpassing courage, sacrifice, and revolutionary nonviolence that transformed American society in the 1960s, narrated firsthand by one of the key figures of the Civil Rights Movement. March: Book Three — in stores August 2, 2016! "March is one of the most important graphic novels ever created — an extraordinary presentation of an extraordinary life, and proof that young people can change the world. I'm stunned by the power of these comics, and grateful that Congressman Lewis's story will enlighten and inspire future generations of readers and leaders." — Raina Telgemeier By the fall of 1963, the Civil Rights Movement has penetrated deep into the American consciousness, and as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, John Lewis is guiding the tip of the spear. Through relentless direct action, SNCC continues to force the nation to confront its own blatant injustice, but for every step forward, the danger grows more intense: Jim Crow strikes back through legal tricks, intimidation, violence, and death. The only hope for lasting change is to give voice to the millions of Americans silenced by voter suppression: "One Man, One Vote." To carry out their nonviolent revolution, Lewis and an army of young activists launch a series of innovative campaigns, including the Freedom Vote, Mississippi Freedom Summer, and an all-out battle for the soul of the Democratic Party waged live on national television. With these new struggles come new allies, new opponents, and an unpredictable new president who might be both at once. But fractures within the movement are deepening ... even as 25-year-old John Lewis prepares to risk everything in a historic showdown high above the Alabama river, in a town called Selma. March: Book Three by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell A 256-page graphic novel with French flaps, 6.5" x 9.5" $19.99 (US) ISBN 978-1-60309-402-3 Diamond order code: JUN16-0408 Click here for details and an 8-page preview! In stores August 2nd, 2016 Don't miss this milestone of comics history: pre-order now. #1 New York Times and Washington Post Bestseller Coretta Scott King Book Award—Author Honor Robert F. Kennedy Book Award—Special Recognition Street Literature Book Award Medal Added to New York City Schools curriculum and assigned in over 40 states Selected for college & university reading programs across America "There is perhaps no more important modern book to be stocked in American school libraries than March." — The Washington Post "Essential reading... March is a moving and important achievement." — USA Today "Riveting." — O, The Oprah Magazine "An astonishingly accomplished graphic memoir." — NPR "March offers a poignant portrait of an iconic figure that both entertains and edifies, and deserves to be placed alongside other historical graphic memoirs like Persepolis and Maus." —Entertainment Weekly "Superbly told history." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Full of nuance and personal struggle, both of which impart an empowering human element to an often mythologized period of history... this is a must-read." — Booklist (starred review) On August 2, the trilogy will finally be complete. Join the MARCH! Your friend thru comics, Chris Staros Top Shelf Productions PO Box 1282 Marietta GA 30061-1282 USA chris@topshelfcomix.com www.topshelfcomix.com

Cosplayers at Awesome Con at Washingtonian

PHOTOS: The Beautiful, Magical, Incredible Characters at this Year's Awesome Con

Two-Face, Khal Drogo, Elvira, Shadow Link, and Harley Quinn all made appearances.

By Hayley Garrison Phillips on June 8, 2016
https://www.washingtonian.com/2016/06/08/meet-characters-awesome-con/

Cul de Sac play reviewed

I saw it and enjoyed it, but I'm friends with the principals, so won't be reviewing it - Mike

Review: 'Cul de Sac' at Encore Stage & Studio

By Kendall Mostafavi on June 8, 2016
http://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2016/06/08/cul-de-sac-encore-stage/

Ann Telnaes' cartoons picked up by French site

Ann Telnaes in French Biggest Newspaper, Ouest-France.

It's a little hard to tell how to read this but it looks like they've just signed up to use Anne's cartoons like a syndicate would.

Comic Riffs' Michael Cavna gets twice awarded and mentioned, honorably

Here's parts of the press release.

The Society for Features Journalism has honored three Pulitzer Prize winners and a host of other journalists as part of its 2016 Excellence-in-Features Awards contest.

Three newspapers also were recognized with the inaugural Finest in Features Sweepstakes Awards, which goes to those publications that received the most honors in the annual contest. The first-ever Best College Features Journalist in the Country also was named. Winners in the 19 categories were announced today.

More than 700 entries were judged in the contest, which honors the craft of feature storytelling and the people who do it for a living at news organizations in the United States and Canada. Winners will be recognized at SFJ's national conference Aug. 10-13 in Austin, Texas.

SFJ President Lisa Glowinski said, "I am beyond impressed with the variety of winners this year. Excellent features journalism is truly alive and well – in print, online, on social media and in our readers' lives."

"Michael Cavna of the Washington Post, who received a first place and honorable mention in Digital Innovation and a second place in Feature Writing Specialty Portfolio."

Here's the specifics:

Feature Speciality Writing Portfolio

Three stories by the same writer on one features specialty topic, such as arts and entertainment, fashion, food, health, religion, technology or travel.

First place: Ben Terris, The Washington Post

Judge's comments: Snazzy, free-flowing writing. Ben Terris proved that the 2016 campaign has been a gift not only to late-night comedians but also to political reporters. The Trump golf story was a hoot – maybe something that will prove to be much less funny down the road. In the meantime, we can take pleasure in sentences like this one, from his piece on tiny Dixville Notch, N.H.: "On a visit in late July, it was a humid and musty place, like walking through a recent sneeze." Bless you, Ben Terris.

Second place: Michael Cavna, The Washington Post

Judge's comments: The alternative storytelling was wonderful, but the conventional storytelling was spectacular. The "Peanuts" piece was brilliant, with life imitating art.

Digital Innovation

New or improved online ventures, including websites, apps, social-media experiments or other ways to share information in the digital world.

First place: Michael Cavna, "#Draw4Atena: The Social-Media Experiment That Went Global," The Washington Post

Judge's comments: Beautiful in its simplicity. The community impact couldn't be denied either. Loved this.

Second place: John Sutter, "You're Making This Island Disappear," CNN.com

Judge's comments: Particularly good use of video to discuss the problem, but the Snapchat video gave a more casual look at the people. Photos were gorgeous. (The editorial tone at the end of the main video could have been edited to let the research and body of work make that point rather than the reporter.)

Third place: Alex Baldinger, Kennedy Elliott, "Holiday Cookie Generator," The Washington Post

Judge's comments: Great idea and wonderful execution. I will be using this during the holidays.

Honorable mention: Michael Cavna, "Experiments in Instagram Short-Lived Art," The Washington Post

Chuck Jones sculpture at National Portrait Gallery

A guest post by Bruce Guthrie

 

The National Portrait Gallery had recently updated its exhibits in the Bravo! and Champions sections.  These are the galleries that are kind of on the third-and-a-half floor.  It had been awhile since I went up there but had some time Monday sooo...

I was happy to see that one of the pieces they had rotated into the Bravo! gallery was a sculpture of Chuck Jones done by Paul Moore in 1994.  It shows a bust of the then-82-year-old Chuck being constructed by many of the Warner Brothers cartoon characters to which he was associated.  Chuck even signed the piece.

I love the museum (Donald Reynolds Center = NPG and the Smithsonian American Art Museum) anyway and encourage all to visit.  They also just put up an "In Memoriam" photo of Mohammad Ali.

The Chuck Jones piece is hard to photograph because of the case it's in but the following pictures give you the idea. 








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Bruce Guthrie
Photo obsessive
http://www.bguthriephotos.com

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Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Surge!"

From Mike Flugennock, DC's anarchist cartoonist -

"Surge!"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1974

This week begins WMATA's SafeTrack "surge" of massive, long-overdue repairs and rebuilding on the Metro subway, plagued over the past year or so with a rash of fires, derailings, and other accidents.

This parody is a "truth in labeling" version of the current WMATA subway map poster seen in rail stations and train cars.