Children's comics received this winter

Here's some recent comics that we've received that aren't really for our audience, so we won't try to do an actual review. Several of these are reprints from England and won't be familiar to US audiences yet.  (Screen grabs, links and blurbs from Amazon but we don't take any money from them. Buy from your local store if you'd prefer)

How to Make Awesome Comics Paperback – May 9, 2017

by Neill Cameron

Scholastic Graphix

 
Want to have awesome ideas, every time? Feel like turning your ideas into amazing stories? And ever wish you could make your creations come alive with incredible artwork?

If any of these things sounded cool to you, then How to Make Awesome Comics is the perfect book to help you on your way to comics/cartooning genius. Let Professor Panels and Art Monkey take you through every step you'll need to be on your way!

From the very basics (coming up with your stories and characters, learning how to draw) to more advanced levels (making art and text work together well, what makes a good villain, creating your own books from paper), How to Make Awesome Comics is a comprehensive and can't-put-down guide for every burgeoning artist, all from the mind of accomplished comic book-maker Neill Cameron.

Evil Emperor Penguin: Book 1 (The Phoenix Presents)

by Laura Ellen Anderson

Scholastic Graphix

Far away in the icy wastes of Antarctica lives a warm and cuddly, kind-hearted penguin who only wants to do good in the world . . . NOT! This is no ordinary penguin. This is . . . EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN! And he wants to take over the world!

Of course, every evil ruler needs a sidekick and a minion, and Evil Emperor Penguin is no different. That's why he has Number 8, a very polite and thoughtful octopus who knits, and Eugene, the incredibly cuddly abominable snowman who loves hugs.

Join this fearsome team of Evil as they try to take over the world--and obviously, destroy it--but get waylaid by evil cats, rogue farts, killer plants, and visiting sisters.

Bunny vs. Monkey, Book 2 

by Jamie Smart

Scholastic Graphix

Welcome back to the woods! It's a peaceful home, really, but wait . . .

ZAP! ZAAP!! ZAAAPPPPP!!!!

It's Monkey in a hovercraft that fires lasers! And is that a kitten cannon and a Hamster Mobile too?

Join Bunny, Monkey, Skunky, Pig, and all the rest of the lovable and crazy characters from the first book, as science and nature fight again. There's all the same irreverent humor, bold and appealing art, and non-stop action, but this time with robotic worms, Trojan mooses, and lemony doomsday devices, of course.

It's the continuing battle between good and evil . . .

It's . . . Bunny vs. Monkey: Book Two!

Bird & Squirrel On Fire 

by James Burks 

Scholastic Graphix

 It's been a long, crazy trip around the world. Now the duo is back in their beloved forest, and Bird wants to throw a party! But Squirrel isn't in the mood to celebrate. His house needs a good cleaning, the river has been dammed up by a pesky beaver, and the forest animals are jittery about a growing menace. Will the dam dry out the forest? Will the mysterious new danger ruin the party? Will Bird finally convince Squirrel to let go and just have a good time? Find out in their hilarious new adventure!

Dog Man 

by Dav Pilkey

Scholastic Graphix

New from the creator of Captain Underpants, it's Dog Man, the #1 New York Times bestselling, crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!

George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers. When Greg the police dog and his cop companion are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history, and Dog Man is born. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. But can he resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?

Dog Man Unleashed (Dog Man #2)

by Dav Pilkey 

Scholastic Graphix

 Dog Man, the newest hero from the creator of Captain Underpants, is still learning a few tricks of the trade. Petey the cat is out of the bag, and his criminal curiosity is taking the city by storm. Something fishy is going on! Can Dog Man unleash justice on this ruffian in time to save the city, or will Petey get away with the purr-fect crime?

Simpsons Comics Knockout 

by Matt Groening
HarperDesign

It’s a unanimous decision! These pulse-pounding stories and more featuring Matt Groening’s beloved first family of fun, the Simpsons, will have you rolling with the punchlines!
Go the distance with the Simpson family as they join everybody’s favorite moonraking megalomaniac, Hank Scorpio. for a globetrotting adventure that will not only take you around the world but into orbit around the Earth. And when the lovelorn losers of Springfield feel like throwing in the towel on romance, they pick themselves up off the mat and get an adrenaline rush by living life to the extreme! And as if Homer wasn’t already a glutton for punishment, watch him discover his killer instinct as he goes toe to toe with C. Montgomery Burns!

Legend: The Graphic Novel

Prodigy: The Graphic Novel

by Marie Lu

Putnam

Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a military prodigy. Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives are not as sinister as they often they seem. One day June’s brother is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’s death. And the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together and the lengths their country will go to in order to keep its secrets.

After escaping from the Republic's stronghold, Day and June are on the run in Vegas when the country learns that their Elector Primo has died and his son has stepped in to take his place. They meet up with the rebel stronghold of the Patriots—a large organization straddling the line between the Republic and its warring neighbor, the Colonies—and learn about an assassination plot against the Elector. Using threats and blackmail to get what he wants, the Patriots' leader, Razor, convinces June to let herself be captured by Republic soldiers so she can win over the Elector and feed him a decoy assassination plan. But when June realizes that the new Elector is nothing like his father, she must work with Day to try to stop the Patriots' plot before Razor can fulfill his own devastating plans. The second book in the best-selling Legend trilogy comes to life in this vibrant graphic novel adaptation.

SPX 2017 Exhibitor Information!

Hello Everyone! Planning for SPX 2017 is already in full effect! We're locking in some amazing special guests, getting all sorts of fun things planned, and generally trying to make the best possible show we can for you. We've learned a TON over the past few years regarding exhibitor registration by hearing from all of you, and as we head into the fourth year of our system we want to make sure you have all the right information you need. If you are interested in exhibiting at SPX this year — and we sincerely hope that you are — here's what you need to know for 2017.   An SPX Exhibitor Registration Primer   As you may know by now, SPX has a two phase registration system that combines invited exhibitors with a lottery that in past years has led to a roughly 50/50 split. The two phases are staggered, which allows us to maximize the number of tables available for the lottery.  This is the second year that the SPX team is evaluating our list of invited exhibitors on an annual basis. This helps us ensure that we can continue to bring in diverse, talented creators that we feel will enrich the SPX experience for everyone.  Every year we'll do out best to ensure that invitees to SPX will include a diverse, vibrant cast of characters — a mix of our long time exhibitors, large and small independent publishers, self-publishing cartoonists, international creators as well as newcomers to comics. Key Dates For Invitations: February 3th - Invited exhibitors will begin receiving notices. March 1st - Last day for invited exhibitors to confirm their table space. For the Lottery: February 10th - The SPX table lottery opens. February 24th - The SPX table lottery closes. SPX Table Lottery winners will be notified shortly after the close of the lottery. Depending on the number of submissions it may take us a few weeks to review the entrants for duplicates or other issues before actually pulling the winning names. We expect this to take roughly about two weeks, so you should hear from us by early March. More Questions, You Have Them   We know many of you will likely have further questions, so here's a few quick notes on the way ahead and our process for 2017 exhibitor registration:  SPX REGISTRATION: Invited Exhibitors  How will I know if I have been invited?   Invited exhibitors will begin receiving notices from SPX on February 3.  Invitees will have until March 1st to confirm their table space, with a few reminders sent in between.  Any invitee tables not claimed by March 1st will roll over to the lottery pool.   How does SPX decide who gets a reserved table?   The SPX executive committee will collectively review the invitation list each year to make this determination.    If I was invited last year does that mean I am guaranteed an invitation this year?   No, not necessarily. It is possible you will receive an invitation again, but four years into the process, we recognize the need to begin shaking up this list. Doing so will allow us to ensure that we can invite people that we think will be a great fit for the show.   If I wasn't invited this year does that mean I'll never be invited again?   Not at all. The invitation list will change annually. There will not be a formal rotation or cooling off process but our goal is ensure that the process is equitable. Not being invited one year does not mean you won't be invited the next.    If I am not on this year's invitee list, can I enter the table lottery?   Absolutely.    SPX REGISTRATION: Lottery Entrants   When will the lottery take place?   The 2017 table lottery registration period will open up starting February 10. You'll have two weeks, until February 24, to enter your information.  SPX will post lottery information widely on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr as well as our website. You won't be able to miss it.   How do I apply for the lottery?   When lottery registration opens we'll post an online form that collects some basic information. This year we are doing away with the randomized number generation to cut down on confusion; you will receive one confirmation email, and then an email at the end of the lottery. This registration website link will be shared widely on social media later this week. Please note that we will not be picking the randomized lottery winners until after all applciations have been received; this means there is no benefit to applying early or late (except maybe peace of mind). You can only apply for the lottery once, and multiple entries will result in being removed from the lottery pool (unless you email us and tell us you accidentally clicked twice or something, we do have a heart!). You will not be responsible for any payments until after the lottery is complete.   How will I find out if I won a lottery table (or half table)?   We will notify the winners via email in early March. Winners will then have until March 31 to confirm and pay for their table. Any unused tables will be carried over to the wait list. If you are selected, half tables will cost $185 while full tables will cost $375.   Do I really have a shot at a table from the lottery?   Heck yes. We earmark a minimum of 110 tables (out of our total of 270) for the lottery.  When you look at this in terms of exhibitors behind those tables over the last three years we've been filling about half of SPX via the lottery.   Will there be a wait list?   Absolutely. We store the next 75 names after filling our lottery tables and folks get pulled in every year from this wait list.  SPX REGISTRATION: Other Questions    I HATE this system. SPX, why are you so dumb? In order for us to pull this show off each year, we need to balance limited table space against a bunch of ravenous groups that eagerly take all the tables! Big publishers, small publishers, self-publishers, local favorites, international guests, old faces, new hotness — all worthy and all welcome! Our registration process helps us manage overwhelming interest in the show in a manner consistent with our core values. Most comic arts festivals are by invitation only. We knew that wasn't for us.  But a pure lottery wouldn't work either.  Community is what makes SPX. We had to find a balance that honored both — and helps us manage massive demand to exhibit at the show.   Why not just more add more space?   There is quite simply no larger facility anywhere in the Washington, DC area with the crucial combination of hotel and convention space — but the more important issue is that the indie comics industry is growing even faster than SPX, drawing more and more passionate, talented creators to the medium. It would be impossible for us to expand enough to meet demand without raising prices significantly for both exhibitors and attendees alike. Even if we could locate a venue with a similar set-up and more space — and one that wouldn't totally blow our budget — consider that over two days SPX runs only about 14 hours. With 650 to 700 creators exhibiting, assuming an attendee stays on the show floor every single minute and wasted only seconds moving from table to table, that leaves a barely one minute per creator. We want folks who exhibit at SPX to have the best chance possible to make money at our show. For the time being — and we're at the Marriott through 2020 — it simply does not make sense to seek a larger exhibition hall space.   Still have questions?   Hit us up on Tumblr, Twitter or Facebook for a quick reply. We're also happy to chat if you email us at Exhibitors@spxpo.com! We appreciate your care and investment in SPX and we'll never take it for granted. Thanks so much, Sam, Jamie, Michael, Warren, and the rest of the SPX Executive Committee

Highlight's from today's Wash Post

More 'alternative facts' that explain the Trump administration [in print as

More 'alternative facts'].

Facts all come with a point of view.

By Steve Brodner
Washington Post February 5 2017, p. B2.

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2017/02/03/more-alternative-facts-that-explain-the-trump-administration/

From Bechdel to Chekhov, literary stars inspire this spring's D.C. theater choices [in print as At National, 'Fun Home' confronts family secrets].

By Peter Marks
Washington Post February 5 2017 p. E6

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/from-bechdel-to-chekhov-literary-stars-inspire-this-springs-dc-theater-choices/2017/02/03/ec5602d4-e26b-11e6-a453-19ec4b3d09ba_story.html

Starting with 'she-ro' Wonder Woman, spring's movies look encouraging for exhilarating female roles [in print as All the world's been waiting for her].

By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post February 5 2017 p. E16

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/starting-with-she-ro-wonder-woman-springs-movies-look-encouraging-for-exhilarating-female-roles/2017/02/03/91bed240-e709-11e6-b82f-687d6e6a3e7c_story.html

John Lewis's 'March' becomes nonfiction bestseller in the wake of New York Times list shakeup

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 3 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/02/03/john-lewiss-march-becomes-nonfiction-bestseller-in-the-wake-of-new-york-times-list-shakeup/

and for the heck of it, Cathy of 'Cathy' has an editorial in the NY Times:

The Women's March in My Living Room

By CATHY GUISEWITE

A version of this op-ed appears in print on February 5, 2017, on Page SR10 of the New York edition with the headline: The Women's March in My Living Room.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/04/opinion/sunday/the-womens-march-in-my-living-room.html

Alliance Française Washington's Bubble Factory Graphic Novel contest update

In order to help promote our Bubble Factory Graphic Novel contest, we are putting together a collection of personal stories of our team, our judges and last year's winners. Since this year's theme is "Childhood Memories: Les Souvenirs d'Enfance", we thought it would be fun to share our own childhood memories of graphic novels/comic books on the contest website.

 

We will be updating it on a weekly basis (every Thursday) with a new memory. We already have a few memories, feel free to check them out here: http://www.bubblefactorycontest.com/our-memories

We also have prizes for the contest winners… more to arrive soon! : http://www.bubblefactorycontest.com/prizes

Paulina Ganucheau's new book reviewed

Another Castle: Grimoire

Andrew Wheeler, illus. by Paulina Ganucheau. Oni, $15.99 trade paper (152p) ISBN 978-1-62010-311-1
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-62010-311-1?

NPR on Powerless

'Powerless': A Workplace Comedy For The Superhero Era

Glen Weldon

NPR's Monkey See blog February 1, 2017
http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee/2017/02/01/512682773/powerless-a-workplace-comedy-for-the-superhero-era

Jason Rodriguez's Little Particle Kickstarter continues

Jason Rodriguez's Little Particle Kickstarter continues with these new stickers. He points out, "The purpose of this Kickstarter is to print a book, sure - but my purpose with this book is science advocacy."As with his Colonial Comics series, Jason's focus on educational and entertaining comics is one I agree with.

He's also noted that someone has backed having an original unique story written for them. I'm finding that curiously tempting.

Feb 11: Juana Medina at Hooray for Books

Saturday, February 11th: We are thrilled to host the book launch for author Juana Medina's latest picture book, ABC Pasta! A is for angel hair acrobat! M is for Macaroni the Magician! This beautiful circus-themed sequel to Juana's counting book, 1 Big Salad, is sure to make learning your ABCs more appetizing than ever! (If you can't make it to this event, you can still get your book signed and personalized by Juana if you place your order by close of business on Wednesday, February 8th.) 11:15 am.

1555 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 548-4092

info@hooray4books.com

www.hooray4books.com

Comics at the International Swimming Hall of Fame

While visiting Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., last month, my family and I stopped by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It had a surprisingly amount of comics and cartoons related to swimming, from a comic about Benjamin Franklin inventing swim paddles to the "Triple Lindy" storyboard scene in the movie "Back to School." Enjoy the photos!

 

 

 

 

 

ReDistricted: 'Act of God'

"Act of God" by 2016 Eisner and Harvey Award Nominee Rebecca Goldfield and artist Jason Axtell (both locals) is the newest story on ReDistrictedComics.com. It's a story about the 2011 earthquake that damaged the Washington National Cathedral and the stone-mason in charge of fixing the damage.

Comic Riffs talks to Sara Glidden

Artists are using the power of comics to battle Trump's travel ban

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog January 30 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/01/30/artists-are-using-the-power-of-comics-to-battle-trumps-travel-ban/

Brad Meltzer, former local resident, on his books about heroes

A Best-Selling Author's Heroes for Our Time

By JAMES BARRON

A version of this article appears in print on January 30, 2017, on Page A18 of the New York edition with the headline: In the Age of Reality TV, a Best-Selling Author Calls In Real-Life Heroes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/29/nyregion/a-best-selling-authors-heroes-for-our-time.html

Jason Rodriguez's new Kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/JasonRodriguez/the-little-particle-that-could

The Little Particle That Could was originally released as a black & white eBook in 2012. Noel Tuazon supplied the illustrations and Dylan Todd did the cover. Today we're launching The Little Particle That Could KickStarter for a new version of the book, in print for the first time, with color for the first time by Rob Croonenborghs and re-lettered by Jason Hanley.

The Little Particle That Could is about the friendship between two elementary particles - a graviton, which guides the force of gravity, this invisible force that pulls you down to earth, and a photon, which is the source of the electromagnetic radiation we know as light.

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Fascism Is Not An Option"

From DC's anarchist cartoonist, Mike Flugennock:

"Fascism Is Not An Option"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2190

A follow-up to the poster in solidarity with the rogue National Park Service Twitter feed, here's one in solidarity with all the guys'n'gals working the new rogue NASA feed.

Big ups from an old "Apollo Kid".

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Smokey the Bear, Remix"

From DC's anarchist cartoonist, Mike Flugennock:

"Smokey the Bear, remix"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2184

Here's a quick one -- a remix of a poster I did about 11 years or so ago -- in solidarity with the dissident National Park Service employees running a "rogue" Twitter account on their own time to continue posting environmental information currently under lockdown by the White House.

Ru Xu's News Prints

Webcomics cartoonist Ru Xu has a News Prints new graphic novel out from Scholastic's Graphix imprint.  She was at Fantom Comics on Dupont Circle yesterday and I'm sure they still have signed copies.

The book is the start of a steampunk series about a young girl who pretends to be a boy to sell newspapers on the street after her family is killed in an ongoing war. She falls in with a crazed inventor and then gets involved with high-level hijinks about the conduct of the war, and also has to contend with what journalism and truth really mean.

The art is heavily-manga influenced, and I liked it quite a bit. Ms. Xu told me that one of her influences for this book is Miyazaki and one can certainly see that. She's working on the next book in the series now. Her webcomic, Saint for Rent is here.

Recommended for tweens (and aging men who like Miyazaki)

Second Story Books' great expectations

I walked past Second Story Books on Dupont Circle yesterday and saw this copy of The Art of Cartooning, usually a $10 book at best, for $1200.

  

As you can see, it's signed by several cartoonists, some of whom have passed away such as Ziegler and Fradon. Still, you could almost recreate this today.

 

Instead I spent $4 on Robert Osborn's How to Shoot Quail from the outside selection. It's beat-up but I enjoyed it.

Next to the Cartooning book was an early, perhaps first edition of the Star Wars novelization for $50.

City Paper reviews The Red Turtle

The Red Turtle is Another Studio Ghibli Delight [in print as Life's a Dream].

Michael Dudok de Wit's hand-drawn film is surreal and heartwarming.

Tricia Olszewski

Washington City Paper Jan 27, 2017 p. 24

online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts/film-tv/blog/20850266/the-red-turtle-reviewed