Our Comics, Ourselves exhibit at GMU going on now

Our Comics, Ourselves: Identity, Expression, and Representation in Comic Art

August 21 – October 6, 2017

About the Exhibition
Related Events, Lectures, and Workshops
Sponsors and Contributors

About "Our Comics, Ourselves"

Fenwick Gallery at George Mason is pleased to host "Our Comics, Ourselves: Identity, Expression, and Representation in Comic Art," an exhibition of comic books and graphic novels.

Curated by Jan Descartes and Monica McKelvey Johnson, "Our Comics, Ourselves" includes comic books, graphic novels, DIY comics, and various comics paraphernalia primarily from the United States, from 1945 to present. The works range from autobiographical to sheer fantasy, and explore feminism, abortion, racism, cultural identity, social activism, labor unions, veterans of war, sexual abuse, student debt, immigration, public health, civil rights, gender and sexual identity, and more. "Our Comics, Ourselves" presents the graphic stories that describe the complexity and diversity of our collective experience, and examines the social and historical contexts within which they emerged.

"Our Comics, Ourselves" is an independent traveling exhibition that originated at  Interference Archive (Brooklyn, NY) in 2016, and is supported by faculty partners and departments across George Mason University.

Related Events, Lectures, and Workshops

Visual Voices: Simon Schwartz
Thursday, August 31, 7:30pm
Harris Theater, George Mason University
Visual Voices: Mason School of Art

Our Comics, Ourselves: Craft, Process, and Community with Jim Rugg
Thursday, September 14, 2:00pm
Fenwick Library Room 4010 (4th floor)

Letter Writing Support for LGBTQ Prisoners Workshop
Friday, September 15, 1:30pm
Special Collections Research Center (2400 Fenwick Library, 2nd floor)
Jan Descartes leads a workshop and letter-writing session for incarcerated persons, in partnership with Black and Pink.

Minicomics Workshop with Jan Descartes and Monica Johnson
Friday, September 15, 3:30-4:30pm
Art & Design Building, Print Shop (Room 1009) – Directions / Map
In this workshop, we will learn about why comics is a uniquely powerful medium, and how to create a 8 page mini-comic.  We will learn about creating a character, a narrative, drawing and inking our comics.  This class is for beginners and experienced drawers alike – no experience with comics is necessary, only excitement to tell your story!  The goal is to leave with a mini-comic, drawn on letter sized paper, that will be ready for you to Xerox and distribute!

Our Comics, Ourselves: Curator's Talk, Opening Reception, and Print Shop Jam
Friday, September 15, 6pm
Fenwick Library Reading Room / Art & Design Building (Room 1009, Print Shop)
Join us for an open discussion with Jan Descartes and Monica McKelvey Johnson, curators of Our Comics, Ourselves. Event to be followed by a reception and print shop jam at the Mason School of Art. Make a comic, print a t-shirt, or stay for conversation and snacks!
Reception sponsored in part by Giant Foods (University Mall, Braddock Road) and Safeway (Twinbrook Shopping Center, Braddock Road)

Small Press Expo
September 16-17
Marriott North Bethesda Hotel & Conference Center
smallpressexpo.com

Our Comics, Ourselves: Comics for Breakfast with Ed Luce
Monday, September 18, 10:00am
Fenwick Library Reading Room
Coffee and donuts sponsored in part by Dunkin Donuts, University Mall (Braddock Road)

D.I.Y. Comics Workshop with INTO Mason
Wednesday, September 20, 8:30am
Mason Global Center Room 1316A (Small Ballroom)

Our Comics, Ourselves: Art World/Comic World with Edie Fake
Thursday, September 21, 2:00pm
Fenwick Library Reading Room
Co-sponsored with Mason LGBTQ Resources Group

Our Comics, Ourselves: D.I.Y. Comics & Zines Workshop
Thursday, September 28, 2-4pm
Gateway Library, Johnson Center

Fantom Comics: Local Authors Reading
Saturday, September 30, 7:00pm
Fantom Comics, 2010 P Street NW, Washington D.C.

Comics Book Club: Reading and Discussion
Wednesday, September 20, 7:00pm: Not Funny Ha-Ha, led by Brianna Burke
Thursday, September 28, 5:00pm: American Born Chinese, led by Ayesha Gill
Thursday, October 5: On Loving Women, with LGBTQ Resources (time TBA)

Our Comics, Ourselves: Spike Trotman and Ariell Johnson in Conversation
Tuesday, October 3, 6:00pm
The HUB Ballroom (Front), George Mason University
Co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)

CLICK AND REGISTER

Fall for the Book
October 11-14
George Mason University
fallforthebook.org

Sponsors and Contributors

"Our Comics, Ourselves" is generously supported by the George Mason University Departments of Women & Gender Studies and History and Art History, the African and African American Studies Program, the School of Art, the Film and Video Studies Program, the College of Visual and Performing Arts; the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution; the Honors College, INTO Mason, the University Curator, University Libraries, and University Life.

A special thank you for support and contributions:
Grey Cohen, Edie Fake, Stephanie Grimm, Christopher Kardambikis, Angela Hattery, Mika'il Petin, Josh MacPhee, Interference Archive, and all the guest curators on our Tumblr at ourcomicsourselves.tumblr.com, and contributors to the Our Comics, Ourselves catalog.

Programming and arrangements for this exhibition at Mason were organized by Stephanie Grimm, Art and Art History Librarian; Christopher Kardambikis, Assistant Professor of Printmaking; Angela Hattery, Professor and Director, Women & Gender Studies at Mason; and Mika'il Petin, Professor, African and African American Studies.

Printing services generously sponsored by Canon. Additional support for refreshments provided by Giant Foods (Braddock Road, Fairfax), Safeway (Twinbrook Shopping Center, Braddock Road, Fairfax) and Dunkin Donuts (University Mall, Braddock Road, Fairfax).

This exhibition is made possible in part with support from Interference Archive, an all-volunteer organization in Brooklyn. The mission of Interference Archive is to explore the relationship between cultural production and social movements. This work manifests in an open stacks archival collection, publications, a study center, and public programs including as exhibitions, workshops, talks, and screenings, all of which encourage critical and creative engagement with the rich history of social movements.

For more information go to http://interferencearchive.org/our-comics-ourselves/.

SPX: The Bruce Guthrie photos

Saturday:

http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2017_09_16B_SPX_Other

Sunday:

http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2017_09_17A_SPX_Other

Sept 22: Kazu Kibuishi at Baltimore Comic Con

Kazu is a really sweet guy and a great talent. This should be really worth stopping in for.

Amulet Creator Kazu Kibuishi Comes to BCC as part of Kids Love Comics

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - September 18, 2017 - Returning to the Baltimore Convention Center in the beautiful Inner Harbor, the 2017 Baltimore Comic-Con takes place this weekend, September 22-24, 2017. Online ticket sales are available through Thursday, September 21.

Kazu Kibuishi, creator of the Amulet graphic novel series and the cover artist for the anniversary edition of Harry Potter, comes to Baltimore Comic-Con as part of Kids Love Comics.

New York Times bestseller Kazu Kibuishi's magical graphic novels have taken the book world by storm, and now that magic is coming to the Baltimore Comic-Con September 22-24! Mr. Kibuishi will be on hand all weekend (Booth #3013 in the Kids Love Comics Area) to meet his fans, sign his books, and share his process in creating graphic novels. Copies of Mr. Kibuishi's books will be available for purchase if anyone forgets to bring a copy to have signed!

Ask any class of kids across America about the graphic novel series Amulet, and you will probably hear an excited description of adventure, kid heroes, and amazing creatures, all said with a big smile. Featuring magic, elves, robots, demons, and anthropomorphic animals, Amulet has become a bright light for reluctant readers and excited book lovers alike.

Kibuishi will be giving FREE talks on his process of creating comics on Saturday at the Baltimore Comic-Con, as part of the perennial convention's Kids Love Comics educational and entertainment initiative.

"Baltimore Comic-Con is not only a wonderful comic convention," said John Gallagher, Kids Love Comic Executive Director, "it's an incredible, family-friendly event. Kazu's inclusion at the show is a natural progression of BCC's dedication to inspiring young people to read and enjoy the magic of comics."

Mr. Kibuishi's programming (just a part of the weekend-long kids programming and classes) at the show is as follows:

SATURDAY Kids Love Comics Area 1:00-2:00 - Panel Party with Mark Mariano and Kazu Kibuishi You are cordially invited you to the Panel Party, where your imagination, storytelling ability, and art skills will be welcomed and celebrated. Simply put, we are going to have a blast making comics together! Warning: attending this party may result in you throwing your own Panel Party at home!   Room 345-346 2:45-3:45 - Amulet Graphic Novel: Behind-the-Scenes Presentation and Q&A with author Kazu Kibuishi on the creation of the Amulet graphic novel series for Scholastic Graphix. Explore the process of creating adventures for all ages!   SUNDAY Room 347-348 11:00-12:00 - Writing for Young Readers How is writing for young readers unique? What are the rewards and challenges? Are any themes off limits? Join Kazu Kibuishi, Barry Lyga, Andy Runton, Hope Larson, Louise Simonson, and moderator Charlie Kochman as they explore writing for young readers.

Limited copies of Kazu Kibuishi's books will be on hand for purchase, courtesy of Captain Bluehen Comics, Newark, DE and Kids Love Comics (www.kidslovecomics.net).

To get all of the details about the ev

Sept 21: "Rendez-Vous avec Pénélope Bagieu" - Renowned French graphic novelist in DC

I'm going, courtesy of the Alliance.

"Rendez-Vous avec Pénélope Bagieu" - Renowned French graphic novelist

by Alliance Francaise de Washington, DC

$10 – $15

Date and Time

Thu, September 21, 2017

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Location

Alliance Française de Washington DC

2142 Wyoming Avenue Northwest

Washington, DC 20008

Description

French author Pénélope Bagieu will discusses her work at the Alliance Française de Washington!

About the author:

Pénélope Bagieu was born in Paris in 1982, to Corsican and Basque parents. She is a bestselling graphic novel author and her editorial illustrations have appeared all over the French media. She blogs, drums in a rock band, and watches lots of nature shows. Her books with First Second include Exquisite Corpse and California Dreamin'.

About the moderator:

Michael Cavna is an American columnist and cartoonist for The Washington Post. His favorite interviews have included Neil Gaiman, Art Spiegelman, Marjane Satrapi, Sylvain Chomet, Tim Burton, Bill Watterson and Garry Trudeau.

This event will be in English

The book will be available for purchase the evening of the event.

AFDC Member / Culture Pass: $10 + Processing Fees
General Admission: $15 + Processing Fees

An SPX interview with TJ Kirsch

by Mike Rhode

T.J. Kirsch was tabling at SPX for his new book,  Pride Of The Decent Man, which is getting some very nice reviews. I had actually made an appointment to interview French NBM cartoonist Anais Depommier  (which will appear later this week after I transcribe it), but Mr. Kirsch kindly agreed to do an interview by mail.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

I'm a writer and illustrator of comics, webcomics, and graphic novels - or any combination of those three. I've illustrated comics for Oni Press, Archie, Image, NBM and others.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

For all of my recent books I've drawn and colored digitally using a Wacom tablet.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born in 1981 in Albany, NY.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

I completed a year of art school at Savannah College Of Art And Design, and then finished my training at The Kubert School, graduating in 2005. 

Who are your influences?

My big ones are Dan Clowes, Chester Brown, and Gilbert Hernandez.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

I wish I would've had more confidence to start writing my own projects earlier. But along the way I've worked with many very talented writers and learned so much from each of them.

What work are you best-known for?

I co-created and illustrated a webcomic-turned-graphic novel called She Died In Terrebonne, written by Kevin Church. It's been highly acclaimed by critics and often cited as one of the best Noir comics ever published.

What work are you most proud of?

The comics I'm most proud of are all the minicomics that were eventually collected in Teej Comix, and the new book, Pride Of The Decent Man. I made them all in a similar process, using loose outlines and giving myself some room to change things on the page as I went along. Some things work better as comics if you stay flexible with the final product rather than sticking with a set script.

How did your new book end up with NBM?

Terry Nantier, the founder and publisher of NBM Graphic Novels, saw something he liked in my initial proposal submission, and made me an offer quite early in the process. I thought it was a good fit for their catalog, and seeing it finished and in book form, I feel that even more. There's a sensibility to all their books of trying to elevate the art form of comics, while also bringing in a general crossover audience. I like graphic novels I can hand to any random book or art lover on the street, and have them get something out of it - and maybe seek out other comics after that. I think many of the NBM graphic novels have that quality.

What would you like to do  or work on in the future?

I'd like to do more original graphic novels as well as shorter comics. Right now I'm in the very early stages of a nonfiction graphic novel project.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

As an artist, my recent solution to getting out of a rut is to redraw very old work of mine. It's great for self confidence, in that you see your improvement since the earlier version of the piece. 

As far as writer's block - I haven't been in this situation much yet, having worked with writers more than not - but I try to take breaks and let ideas come to me when I'm relaxed and daydreaming.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

Hopefully it will be more innovative comics being made, and respect for the work by the general public, but who knows? 

How was your SPX experience?

SPX was great, as always. It's a very inspiring atmosphere. I've been coming since 2008 and it's been my favorite show ever since - no contest. I've met several of my cartooning heroes, and made some great friends I see every time I come back. 

When you've been at SPX previously, have you been selling self-published books?

 My first time exhibiting I was with Oni Press, debuting a comic called Uncle Slam Fights Back. Most other times I shared space with Jonathan Baylis, who writes an autobiographical comic series called So Buttons. It's in the same vein as Harvey Pekar's work - only a bit more upbeat. I've been contributing art to that series since the first issue ten years ago. But yes, sometimes I'll be showcasing self published minis, or other work I'd done for Oni Press and others. 

Is the experience different when at a table of a mid-level publisher?

It's always easier, and far less stressful, when you can just show up and start signing books, rather than worrying about shipping your own or coordinating everything that goes along with exhibiting.

If you've been coming since 2008, any thoughts about how it's grown and changed?

I can say it's grown every year I've gone. More lines out the door for star cartoonists, more congestion in the aisle, but also the exhibitors all make amazing work and that never changes.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

My favorite things about DC are the closeness to SPX ( of course ), the fast, efficient and clean Metro system, and the fact that I have family there.

Least favorite?

It gets wayyyyy too hot in the summer! Maybe I just need to visit closer to the colder months.

What monument or museum do you like?

I like them all, but the Lincoln Memorial is one I always need to see. The Holocaust Museum is something everyone needs to see.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

There's a small place in Bethesda called the Lilit Cafe that has the most amazing gluten free crabcakes. I didn't have enough time this year to go since I was only around for a day, but that always a necessary stop. There's also Ella's Wood-Fired Pizza across from the National Portrait Gallery that has great gluten free pizza. I've got Celiac disease so these stand out for me.

Do you have a website or blog?

You can find out more about me and my work at www.tjkirsch.com - and you'll find links to all my various social media, info about my books and more.

Memories Through Lunch and Art: Dad decorates daughter’s lunch bags

Memories Through Lunch and Art: Dad decorates daughter's lunch bags

Maureen Umeh

Fox5's Good Day DC Sep 18, 2017

http://www.fox5dc.com/good-day/281611391-video

Arlington cartoonist Mike Jenkins has made lasting memories with his daughter -- one lunch bag at a time.

SPX's Ignatz Award winners

Emil Ferris's graphic novel 'Monsters' tops diverse slate of 2017 Ignatz Award winners

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 18 2017

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/09/18/emil-ferriss-graphic-novel-monsters-tops-diverse-slate-of-2017-ignatz-award-winners/

Sept 29: Animezing!: Kimba the White Lion

Join us for a FREE classic anime film at the JICC!

2017 marks the 100-year anniversary of Japanese animation. In celebration, the JICC is presenting a retrospective of animated films! Don't miss this rare film based on the popular series by legendary artist and "God of Comics," Osamu Tezuka! Caesar, a white lion, is king of the jungle. His dream is to bring peace among the animals of his kingdom. Unfortunately, his reign is cut short and his consort, Snowene, is captured and sent to be sold off overseas. While on board, she gives birth to a single white cub, Kimba. Kimba manages to escape from the ship and returns to the jungle in order to fulfill his father's dream. Although his arrival brings joy to the jungle's inhabitants, not all share Kimba's vision of a peaceful and harmonious existence. Now, young Kimba must prove himself worthy of being King of the Jungle! In Japanese with English subtitles | Not rated | 1966 | 75 min | Adventure | Directed by Eiichi Yamamoto Registration is required. You are invited to Animezing!: Kimba the White Lion Friday, September 29th, 2017 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT) Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan 1150 18th Street Northwest Suite 100 Washington DC 20036 US CLICK HERE TO REGISTER This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. 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. The JICC reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by JICC without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. 1150 18th Street NW, Suite 100 | Washington, D.C. 20036-3838 TEL: 202-238-6900 | FAX: 202-822-6524 | jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp © 1981-2017 Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

Pictures of Small Press Expo day 1

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4ur8df

Not labeled yet.

Emil Ferris on Comic Riffs and at SP

How Emil Ferris became the breakout graphic novelist of the year

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 16 2017

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/09/16/how-emil-ferris-became-the-breakout-graphic-novelist-of-the-year/

Lost Art Books sale at SPX and a new Richard Thompson book too

Joe Procopio, aka my new publisher, has a sale of his backstock coming up at the Small Press Expo, all of which are worth having (I do).

Here's a map of where he'll be at SPX.

Local cartoonist Gordon Harriss' new book

 
September 14, 2017 

"Mistaken Identity" available now!

Copies of Gordon's 90 page, full-color graphic novel for kids - with 10 brand new pages of art - are available here.

Danielle Corsetto at SPX

Danielle has a Kickstarter coming for the complete Girls with Slingshots. In the meantime, "OH!! And I'll also be at SPX this weekend, geez!! Obviously these books have been overwhelming everything else in my life. Come find me at the back wall, W29, between Jess Fink and TopatoCo!"

Charles Brownstein speaking about censorship

At the Library of Congress right now.

Today: The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: Comics & The Power of Intellectual Freedom.

Sixth Annual SPX Lecture at the Library of Congress: The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: Comics & The Power of Intellectual Freedom.

For Immediate Release Contact: Warren Bernard
Email: warren@spxpo.com
 

Bethesda, Maryland; September 11, 2017

Media Release ­—  This year's annual Small Press Expo Lecture is The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: Comics & The Power of Intellectual Freedom.

Where: Library of Congress Madison Building
             West Dining Room, 6th floor
Metro Stop: Capitol South
When: Friday, September 15, 2017, 12:00 noon-1:00 PM

A trend that began in the 1940s continues today—challenges to comic books! Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the non-profit Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, will share the history of comic book censorship from the medium's origins to the present day.

Participants will learn about the history of comic book censorship, and how that history still informs challenges to graphic novels happening right now. Learn what CBLDF does to protect this valuable medium, discover some of the most frequently challenged comics and graphic novels, and what you can do to make a difference.

Emerge from this session with a new or renewed passion for comics, graphic novels, and manga and as a strong advocate for protecting this form of free speech!

A selection of comic books from the Serial and Government Publications Division will be on display.

This is the sixth annual SPX festival program sponsored by the Serial & Government Publications Division.

http://www.loc.gov/rr/news/calendar.html

 

Another Otakon voice actor interview

Otakon Interview: Lex Lang

Scoop September 15 2017

http://scoop.previewsworld.com/Home/4/1/73/1018?ArticleID=199713

Sept 30: Jamie Noguchi at Fantom Comics

Comics Workshop: Inktober Kickoff With Jamie Noguchi!

Public

· Hosted by Fantom Comics

• c	Saturday, September 30 at 2 PM - 4 PM

• Fantom Comics 2010 P Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036

This Student Brings Lunch to School in Works of Art

Kristen Dahlgren

NBC Nightly News Sep 14 2017

https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/this-student-brings-lunch-to-school-in-works-of-art-1047000643703

Every day, Maggie Jenkins' turkey sandwiches come wrapped in a hand made, one of a kind work of art courtesy of her dad Mike, a political cartoonist turned caricature artist.

NBM signings at SPX

Small Press Expo (SPX)/Booth G1-2
Bethesda, Maryland / September 16-17
Appearing Saturday Only:
Special Guest: Anais Depommier (Sartre)
Guests: T.J. Kirsch (Pride of The Decent Man), Kata Kane (Ana & The Cosmic Race, Papercutz)
http://www.smallpressexpo.com

Panel:  Filling In The Pieces: Comics Biography
White Flint Auditorium 9/16 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
When doing a comics biography, how do cartoonists approach the material they have at hand? For Box Brown, who did a biography of Andre the Giant, he struggled to find material that might reveal the wrestler's inner life. Anais Depommier had to sift through a mountain of material for her biography of Jean-Paul Sartre, a task made all the more difficult considering how much the philosopher wrote about himself. Luke Howard had to deal with a historically and racially sensitive topic in ragtime creator Ernest Hogan. Moderator Chris Mautner will lead the discussion. Anais Depommier appears courtesy of a grant by The Cultural Services of the French Embassy.

Signing Schedule

Saturday (Booth G-1-2)


11:30- 12:30: Anais Depommier (Saturday Only)


1:00-2:30: T.J. Kirsch (Saturday Only)


2:30-4: Anais Depommier (Saturday Only)


4-5:30: T.J. Kirsch (Saturday Only)


5:00-6:00: Kata Kane


6:00-6:30: Anais Depommier  (Saturday Only)

Sunday (Booth G-1-2)


1-2: Kata Kane


1-2: Kata Kane