Friday, March 06, 2020

The Beat talks to Tom King about Strange Adventures

INTERVIEW: Tom King, Mitch Gerads, & Evan "Doc" Shaner discuss their STRANGE ADVENTURES

The team discusses their approach to the adventures of Adam Strange, and Tom King's secret history as a romance writer.

Mark Wheatley illustrated The Visual History of Science Fiction Fandom book

Mark Wheatley writes in,

Thanks to Michael Dirda, there is a great review of a book I spent about six months on last year, The Visual History of Science Fiction Fandom. Although I designed the covers and painted the front cover illustration, as well as many illustrations all through the book, the main reason I enjoyed the book was the chance to produce documentary comics.

The Visual History of Science Fiction Fandom is the brainchild of Father and son team, David and Dan Ritter. this has been a passion project for them for a few years now. They were great to work with and I’m looking forward to doing a few more projects with them.

Since the history of SF Fandom starts in the 1920s and 30s, there is little visual history of the people involved. So I was asked to illustrate some key moments, based on accounts. Here is a direct link to the story of how Ray Palmer went from ambitious fan to influential editor: https://firstfandomexperience.org/2020/02/29/palmers-ascension-a-true-story-from-early-fandom/


Check it out. Digital preview is here: https://firstfandomexperience.org/a-sample-of-the-visual-history-2/

Scoop on GalaxyCon Richmond

NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour and Glen Weldon on Onward

'Onward' Explores A Sibling Riv-elf-ry
Linda Holmes,Stephen Thompson,Glen Weldon,Petra Mayer
NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour March 6, 2020
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=811690139
https://play.podtrac.com/npr-510282/edge1.pod.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/pchh/2020/03/20200306_pchh_pchh_200306_pixar_onward_-_final.mp3

'Onward': Timid Teen On A Mythic Quest For Elf-Assurance
Glen Weldon
NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour March 5, 2020
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/03/811609295/onward-timid-teen-on-a-mythic-quest-for-elf-assurance

March 13: Almost American Girl at East City Books book club

W(h)ine and Angst Book Club reads ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL by Robin Ha

Are you over 21 but you still love reading YA? Join our W(h)ine & Angst Book Club, where we drink wine and read all kinds of books about teenagers. Run by Cecilia and Keiana, meetings are the second Friday of each month, at 6:30pm. 

March's selection is Almost American Girl by Robin Ha.

This book club is open to anyone who wants to join the discussion. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks to enjoy and share during the meeting. Sign up here to be notified of upcoming meetings for this book club. Learn more about all of East City Bookshop's book clubs here.

About the Hosts

Cecilia is the children's buyer and event coordinator at East City Bookshop. When not reading, ordering or selling books, she is usually teaching or creating art. 

Keiana has been with East City Bookshop since  June 2016, and despite the growing demands of her toddler and  PhD program, she hosts 3 book clubs. She spends her time reading across all genres and age ranges, so she can make recommendations for your whole family!

March 6-12: Lasso of Truth play at Towson University

Lasso of Truth

by Carson Kreitzer | Directed by Steven J. Satta
https://events.towson.edu/event/lasso_of_truth

Under the direction of Steven J. Satta, Carson Kreitzer's funny, insightful play reveals the feminist origins of superhero Wonder Woman and traces the character's rocky journey from America's cultural margins to her current mythic status.

Lasso of Truth is presented by arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois. May contain material recommended for mature audiences.
Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation.

 Friday, March 6, 2020 at 8:00pm 
 
More dates through March 12, 2020
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 8:00pm
Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:30pm
Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7:30pm 

Studio Theatre, CA 3060
Center for the Arts, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA

A little more information about the play is at Scoop.

The Post and Michael Cavna on Pixar's Onward


'Onward' may not be top-shelf Pixar, but this funny tale of teenage elves will do [in print as It may not have that Pixar magic, but it's enchanting nonetheless].



In "Onward," Tom Holland provides the voice of the teenage elf Ian Lightfoot, left, and Chris Pratt is Ian's brother Barley Lightfoot. (Disney/Pixar)

Pixar movies keep asking big questions about the afterlife — using Chris Pratt and khaki pants

Thursday, March 05, 2020

New children's book illustrated by Al Goodwyn

From the Confederacy of Drones newsletter:

This full-color illustrated book, "Help! Mom! The Swamp is in my School" is a hilarious and fun way to teach children the dangers of socialism. You'll find all of your favorite liberal characters applying their own brand of socialism as the kids attempt a bake sale.

It's written by Katharine DeBrecht and illustrated by our own Al Goodwyn. Readers can follow brothers Tommy and Lou and other kids from Bradford Plymouth School as they try to earn money for their school supplies.

The book is available to pre-order here.

Dirda on the early history of science fiction (and thus comic book) fandom

'The Visual History of Science Fiction Fandom' beautifully demonstrates the evolution of a genre [in print as The altogether real history of science fiction].

Michael Dirda 

Critic

Washington Post March 5 2020, p. C2

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-visual-history-of-science-fiction-fandom-beautifully-demonstrates-the-evolution-of-a-genre/2020/03/04/bf8649d0-5cbb-11ea-b014-4fafa866bb81_story.html

Interview with Michael de Adder about winning Herblock prize

Latest Liz at Large in the City Paper

Liz At Large: "Overthinking"

What do you think?

Liz Montague
Mar 5, 2020

March 18-19: Cece Bell at Takoma Library and Politics and Prose (original store)

These are children's book signings, although I think her book El Deafo is excellent.

Cece Bell - Chick and Brain: Egg or Eyeball? — at Takoma Park Library (MD)

Is it an egg, or is it an eyeball? The debate of the century begins when Brain finds a white, oval-shaped object. Chick is positive it is an egg, while Brain is sure it's an eyeball. The stakes get higher when a dog named Spot and a cat named Puff Huffman seem keen on eating eggs—or baby chickens. As the danger ratchets up, it will clearly take Something Else to save this group of unlikely friends. Uproarious wordplay and unique illustrations will draw readers into this suspenseful, delightfully weird early graphic novel.  Ages 4-8.

This event is free to attend with no reservation required. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Takoma Park Public Library (MD)   101 Philadelphia Ave   Takoma Park   MD    20912

Cece Bell - Chick and Brain: Egg or Eyeball?

This event is free to attend and open to the public, however, reservations are required for school groups interested in attending. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Is it an egg, or is it an eyeball? The debate of the century begins when Brain finds a white, oval-shaped object. Chick is positive it is an egg, while Brain is sure it's an eyeball. The stakes get higher when a dog named Spot and a cat named Puff Huffman seem keen on eating eggs—or baby chickens. As the danger ratchets up, it will clearly take Something Else to save this group of unlikely friends. Uproarious wordplay and unique illustrations will draw readers into this suspenseful, delightfully weird early graphic novel.  Ages 4-8.

Online pre-orders for school events may be placed up until 48 hours before the event takes place. 
5015 Connecticut Ave NW   Washington   DC    20008

March 22: (A Mini) Zine Fest @ Femme Fatale DC



(A Mini) Zine Fest @ Femme Fatale DC



Date and Time

Sun, March 22, 2020

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT

Location

Femme Fatale DC

401 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

Washington, DC 20001


Includes cartoonists:

* Dana Jeri Maier is an artist and cartoonist based in Washington, DC. She has exhibited around the DC area for the over 10 years. Her cartoon series The Worried Well was syndicated by Universal UClick, and can be read on GoComics.com. Her cartoons have also appeared in the New Yorker magazine's Daily Shouts. Follow her on Instagram at @danajerimaier.

* Liz Montague is a D.C. based cartoonist for The New Yorker and a digital storyteller for an international development foundation. She fundamentally believes in representation, accessible information, and drawing your feelings. Liz is the first black female cartoonist to be published in The New Yorker. Follow her on Instagram at @lizatlarge.

* Marcella Draws are drawings are exaggerated extensions of her daily thoughts and observations. Things she is told by friends, witnesses on the street, or read in a book are all contributing factors to her thought process. She love reading, writing, cooking, observing strangers, spending time with art, and having conversations with her friends and loved ones. Her drawings encompass these things and more! Check out her collection on Instagram @marcella.draws.

* Malaka Gharib is an artist and a journalist based in Washington, D.C. She is the author of "I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir," about being first-generation Filipino Egyptian American. She is the founder of the D.C. Art Book Fair and The Runcible Spoon, a zine about food and fantasy. Follow her on Instagram at @malakagharib.

* Robin Ha is a cartoonist, textile designer, illustrator, and painter living in Falls Church, VA. Her first cookbook 'Cook Korean!' is a charming introduction to the basics of Korean cooking in graphic novel form, with 64 recipes, ingredient profiles, and more, presented through light-hearted comics. Follow her on Instagram at @robinhaart.

Second Story Books highlights a copy of March for sale

9-315-1326025
John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell, MARCH: BOOK ONE [Signed] Marietta, GA: Top Shelf Productions, 2014. $80



Wednesday, March 04, 2020

Garth Ennis interviewed about his upcoming book from Dead Reckoning

High Flyers: PW Talks with Garth Ennis

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Pelosivirus"

Sorry, I missed this one in my inbox, and that's the only reason for the delayed posting. As always, I run these un-edited, whether or not, I agree with them.

From DC's anarchist cartoonist, Mike Fluggenock -

"Pelosivirus"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2938

I'm going to just come right out and say it: fuck Nancy Pelosi straight to Hell.

People all over the world are getting sick — many dying — from coronavirus, and now that we've got some cases in the US, Capitol Hill is finally getting off its rich, bloated ass and taking a whack at doing something about a response. In classic Pelosi fashion, the House Speaker babbled about making a vaccine "affordable". AFFORDABLE.

Never mind that many Americans may die simply because they can't afford to be tested, let alone vaccinated; the typical response from Queen Nancy is some tepid blathering about making a vaccine "affordable", whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. If the goddamn vaccine is going to be developed with tax money, then it should be free.

Say it with me, kids: fuck "affordable"; make it FREE.

March 14: Jonathan Hickman at 3rd Eye Comics Annapolis

Sat 3/14/20: Decorum #1 Signing w/ Jonathan Hickman

Public
 · Hosted by THIRD EYE COMICS

SATURDAY 3/14/20
*************************************************************
DECORUM #1 LAUNCH SIGNING WITH JONATHAN HICKMAN (HOUSE OF X, EAST OF WEST, SECRET WARS, X-MEN, BLACK MONDAY MURDERS)
*************************************************************
11AM-1PM
*************************************************************
1ST 25 IN LINE GET A FREE GIFT LIMITED TO THIS EVENT!
*************************************************************
GENERAL ADMISSION SIGNING LIMIT: 2 ITEMS FROM HOME, 2 ITEMS FROM THE TABLE PER TRIP THROUGH THE LINE!
*************************************************************
VISIT http://shop.thirdeyecomics.com/hickman for VIP Packages & Variant Pre-Order options!

Matt Wuerker becomes head of CRNI as Joel Pett retires

AFTER 15 YEARS CRNI PRESIDENT JOEL PETT PASSES THE BATON

PR: 2020 Herblock Prize & Lecture awarded to Michael de Adder; Matt Lubchansky is finalist


For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, DC, Wednesday March 4, 2020 – Michael de Adder is the 2020 Herblock Prize winner for editorial cartooning.

Michael de Adder has won numerous awards for his work including seven Atlantic Journalism Awards plus a Gold Innovation Award for news animation in 2008. He won the Association of Editorial Cartoonists' 2002 Golden Spike Award for best editorial cartoon spiked by an editor and the Association of Canadian cartoonists 2014 Townsend Award. He has been nominated for four National Newspaper Awards and was shortlisted by the National Cartoonists Society for the Reuben Award in Editorial Cartoon category.

Michael de Adder was born in Moncton, New Brunswick. He studied art at Mount Allison University where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing and painting. He began his career working for The Coast, a Halifax-based alternative weekly, drawing a popular comic strip called Walterworld which lampooned the then-current mayor of Halifax, Walter Fitzgerald. This led to freelance jobs at The Chronicle-Herald and The Hill Times in Ottawa, Ontario. After freelancing for a few years, he landed his first full time cartooning job at the Halifax Daily News. 

After the Daily News folded in 2008, de Adder became the full-time freelance cartoonist at New Brunswick Publishing. He was let go in 2019 for his political views with one of these being his cartoons depicting U.S. President Donald Trump's boarder policies. Currently, de Adder works for Counterpoint, a United States based newsletter that celebrates a diverse field of cartoonists from different political perspectives as well as the Toronto Star and the Halifax Chronicle Herald.

He has over a million readers per day and is considered the most read cartoonist in Canada.  He is a past president of the Association of Canadian Editorial Cartoonists and spent five years on the board of the Cartoonists Rights Network.

The Herblock Prize is awarded annually by The Herb Block Foundation for "distinguished examples of editorial cartooning that exemplify the courageous independent standard set by Herblock." The winner receives a $15,000 after-tax cash prize and a sterling silver Tiffany trophy. Michael de Adder will receive the Prize on April 6th in a ceremony held at the Library of Congress. Jose Andres, chef and founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK) a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters, will deliver the annual Herblock Lecture at the awards ceremony.

This year's judges were Dan Perkins, pen name Tom Tomorrow, creator of the weekly political cartoon "This Modern World" and winner of the 2013 Herblock Prize; Michael Rhode, archivist and author, commentator on comics for the Washington City Paper and creator of the ComicsDC blog; and Eric Shansby, American cartoonist and children's book illustrator whose work appeared most prominently in The Washington Post.

The judges noted "There were many strong submissions in this moment of political crisis in America. The judges ultimately chose Michael de Adder for his elegant yet concise draftsmanship and his ability to distill complex issues into impactful visual statements. De Adder, who recently lost his job due to criticism of the American president, embodies Herblock's standard of courageous independence, as defined in the award."

The Herblock finalist for 2020 is Matt Lubchansky who will receive a $5,000 after-tax cash prize. The judges said "Matt Lubchansky is an up-and-coming artist whose work exemplifies the cadence and structure of a new generation. Their work was distinguished by a wide diversity of subject matter and a cleverly askew sense of humor."



Sarah Alex
Executive Director
The Herb Block Foundation
1730 M Street, NW Suite #1020
Washington, DC 20036
(w) 202-223-8801


Bleeding Cool previews Tom King's Strange Adventures


King, now without his sick co-author Mitch Gerads, will be at Victory Comics on Friday, and 3rd Eye Comics Annapolis and Fantom Comics on Saturday.