Thursday, August 17, 2023

Maura came to St. Louis from the Philippines to be put on display at the 1904 World's Fair. Records suggest that, after her death, a Smithsonian anthropologist took part of her brain.

By Claire Healy, Nicole Dungca and Ren Galeno

Washington Post Aug. 16 2023

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/interactive/2023/maura-philippines-smithsonian-brain-collection

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

WaPo publishes 2 comic books

"Searching for Maura" graphic novel (English & Filipino)

https://store.washingtonpost.com/products/searching-for-maura-graphic-novel-english-filipino

Maura came to St. Louis from the Philippines to be put on display at the 1904 World's Fair. She soon fell ill and died, and records suggest a world-renowned anthropologist took part of her brain. Few people would know what happened to her for more than a century. In this 48-page graphic novel, The Post illustrates Maura's life and death as part of a yearlong investigation into the Smithsonian Institution's collection of brains and other body parts.

This special edition English-Filipino bundle contains "Searching for Maura" and "Paghahanap kay Maura."

Drawn in: A collection of illustrated reporting and comics

The Post's best digital comics come to life on paper for the first time ever. This anthology is filled with 36 pages of innovative and illustrative journalistic storytelling from the past year related to relationships, wellness, pop culture, wellbeing, gender, business and more. It will inform, delight, and make a great gift.

PR: MARK WHEATLEY'S NUCLEUS RETURNS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARK WHEATLEY'S NUCLEUS RETURNS:
A Multimedia Extravaganza Featuring Neil Gaiman and More!
Baltimore, MD - Today, acclaimed artist and storyteller Mark Wheatley thrilled fans with the announcement of the highly-anticipated return of his personal fanzine, the 10^th issue of Nucleus. After months of tantalizing teasers on social media, Wheatley revealed the exciting details of Nucleus X, an extraordinary project that promises to be a veritable Pandora's Box of wonders. Set to launch through a Kickstarter campaign in mid-August, Nucleus X is an irresistible celebration of art, comics, stories, and an illustrated poem from none other than the legendary Neil Gaiman.

"I'm putting a lot into it," Wheatley explained, eager to unveil the culmination of his creative vision.

Nucleus X transcends the boundaries of a mere book, offering an immersive experience that will captivate enthusiasts of Wheatley's work. Consisting of at least two volumes, spanning over 100 pages, this remarkable project comes encased in a special box. Within its treasure trove, fans will discover Wheatley's diverse talents on full display. Prepare to be mesmerized by lavishly illustrated fantasy and science fiction stories, the revival of beloved comic book characters in exciting new graphic stories, stunning portfolios showcasing Wheatley's illustrations for the works of pulp giants Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs, illustrated reviews of influential books by Andre Norton and Robert A. Heinlein, and a captivating exploration of seminal motion pictures that have inspired Wheatley's creative journey.

But that's not all! Nucleus X will also feature an extraordinary music CD, filled with theme songs that Wheatley recorded for his numerous comics and graphic novel series over the years. Wheatley's musical prowess shines through as he reveals, "In a different life, I might have had a career in music. Back in the day, I turned down recording contracts with Columbia and Capital simply because I was already contracted to create monthly comics."

As Wheatley's Kickstarter campaign embraces the "stretch-goal" approach, there's an exciting likelihood that the final package will be even more astonishing. Building on the success of his previous campaign, which had to cap additional prints due to overwhelming demand, Wheatley's dedication to delivering an unparalleled experience knows no bounds, "except the size of that box!" he added.

Nucleus X isn't solely the result of Wheatley's artistic talents. Collaborating with him on this extraordinary project are three exceptional creators. Gary Henry, one of Wheatley's original assistant editors on the early issues of Nucleus, from their teenage years, contributes a new fantastical story while Wheatley provides numerous breathtaking painted illustrations. Additionally, the visionary Neil Gaiman has penned a poem for a multi-page feature, originally illustrated by Wheatley for another project but repainted exclusively for inclusion in Nucleus. The collaboration between Gaiman and Wheatley culminates in the deeply emotional piece titled "And There Was Joy." Lastly, Wheatley's frequent artistic partner, Marc Hempel, returns to join forces with Wheatley for their introduction to the new MARS comic.

Reflecting on Gaiman's contribution, Wheatley observed, "Neil's piece turned out to be sad, joyful, beautiful, terrifying, and gut-wrenchingly emotional. This is everything the world has come to expect from Neil's work. When Neil agreed to allow me to use 'And There Was Joy' in NUCLEUS X, I had to extend the page size to fit the new format. And once I started painting around the edges, I ended up stripping everything back to my original roughs and research, resulting in essentially new paintings."

Nucleus X is poised to launch on Kickstarter in mid-August, and Wheatley has a special treat in store for his dedicated fans. "We will be offering some Early Bird specials. I believe in rewarding my long-time fans." To be among the first to receive updates and exclusive launch notifications, visit Wheatley's website and sign up at https://www.MarkWheatleyGallery.com/Nucleus-X/

Prepare to be enchanted by the boundless creativity and remarkable collaborations within Nucleus X. Mark Wheatley's return to Nucleus is a cause for celebration, and fans around the world eagerly await the launch of this extraordinary project that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the realms of art, comics, and storytelling.

Nucleus X will be published by Insight Studios.

ABOUT MARK WHEATLEY: Mark Wheatley is an acclaimed artist and writer, included in the Overstreet Hall of Fame and has won awards such as the Eisner, Inkpot, Golden Lion, Mucker, Gem, and Speakeasy. His artwork has been showcased in respected institutions and events, including the Library of Congress, The Norman Rockwell Museum, other museum across the US and the annual Spectrum selection of fantastic art. He has worked on various design projects, including creating designs for Lady Gaga, set pieces for The Black Eyed Peas, and contributing to the televised designs of ABC's Beauty and the Beast, and Square Roots, as well as Super Clyde, The Millers, and 2 Broke Girls on CBS. He has written graphic novels that have been optioned for film and television, and his interpretations of iconic characters have captivated readers for decades. Wheatley's versatility extends to writing for TV, illustrating books, and pioneering online daily comic strips. Overall, Mark Wheatley's remarkable achievements and creative contributions across various artistic fields have solidified his status as a highly respected and influential figure in the industry.

ABOUT NEIL GAIMAN: Neil Gaiman is a renowned author known for his diverse and captivating works spanning multiple genres. From his groundbreaking Sandman comics to best-selling novels like "American Gods" and "Coraline," Gaiman's storytelling prowess has garnered international recognition and awards. He engages with fans through social media and is hailed as one of the best creators of modern comics. With a talent for transcending genres and captivating readers of all ages, Gaiman's impact on literature and entertainment is undeniable.

When Maura died, a Smithsonian curator likely took part of her brain - Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/interactive/2023/maura-philippines-smithsonian-brain-collection/

Graphic reporting

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 8/15/2023

RYAN BENJAMIN AND FELLOW CREATORS TO OFFER 'COMIC PRO BOOT CAMP' WORKBOOKS
Coming to Kickstarter with Retailer Tier, Followed by Trade Release
Milton Griepp, Brigid Alverson on August 14, 2023
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/54854/ryan-benjamin-fellow-creators-offer-comic-pro-boot-camp-workbooks

'HARROW COUNTY' BOARD GAME HEADS TO RETAIL
Board Game Based on Cullen Bunn's Comic Series; Designed by Jay Cormier and Shad Miller
Jeffrey Dohm-Sanchez on August 14, 2023
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/54851/harrow-county-board-game-heads-retail

Would You Buy Freddie Mercury's Fantastic Four Comics Collection? Sotheby's of London hosting a Freddie Mercury exhibition including his comic book collection of X-Men, Fantastic Four and Booster Gold.
15 Aug 2023
by Rich Johnston
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/buy-freddie-mercury-fantastic-four-comics-collection-sothebys/

Mech Cadets Netflix Debut Drove Immediate Comic Book Sell Out
Wednesday saw the release of the first issue of Boom Studios' newly retitled Mech Cadets series by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa series.
14 Aug 2023
by Rich Johnston
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/mech-cadets-netflix-debut-drove-immediate-comic-book-sell-out/

New Official Asterix Strip Published Today, Exclusive To Bleeding Cool
Ahead of the upcoming blockbuster graphic novel Asterix And The White Iris, Bleeding Cool has an exclusive original strip, The Chief's Fight.
14 Aug 2023
by Rich Johnston
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/new-official-asterix-strip-published-today-exclusive-to-bleeding-cool/

'Basic Instinct': Steamy '90s Thriller With Sharon Stone & Michael Douglas Inspires Comic Book Adaptation; Covers Revealed
Andreas Wiseman
August 14, 2023
https://deadline.com/2023/08/basic-instinct-comic-series-sharon-stone-michael-douglas-sumerian-1235508038/

Why Bill Watterson Vanished
The creator of Calvin and Hobbes is back, but the mystery is why disappeared in the first place.
Nic Rowan
Aug 14, 2023
This article appears in the September/October 2023 issue
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/why-bill-watterson-vanished/

'The Monkey King' Review: Netflix Toon Deftly Reshapes Chinese Literary Classic Into Action-Packed Fun for Kids
David Rooney
August 15, 2023
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-monkey-king-review-netflix-animation-1235561441/

Reviews: River's Edge
Helen Chazan | August 15, 2023
https://www.tcj.com/reviews/rivers-edge/

River's Edge
Kyoko Okazaki, translated by Alexa Frank
Kodansha

Reviews: River's Edge
Brian Nicholson | August 15, 2023
https://www.tcj.com/reviews/rivers-edge-2/

What is going on with Bad Idea, Valiant, David Lapham, Dave Gibbons and digital comics?
Bad Idea has never seen. a bad idea that they couldn't turn into a marketing campaign
Heidi MacDonald
08/15/2023
https://www.comicsbeat.com/what-is-going-on-with-bad-idea-valiant-david-lapham-dave-gibbons-and-digital-comics/

Too Cute to Be Scary or Too Scary to be Cute?— Jay Stephens' Dwellings #1
Somehow, these stories manage to be disturbingly dark but adorably cute.
Scott Cederlund
Aug 15, 2023
https://www.fromcovertocover.com/dwellings-1-by-jay-stephens/

Coherence in Comics
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/aufs%C3%A4tze

Coherence in Comics. An Interdisciplinary Approach
About this Issue
Markus Oppolzer (Salzburg)
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/about

Lukas R. A. Wilde
Essayistic Comics and Non-Narrative Coherence
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/wilde

Barbara M. Eggert
Comics as Coherence Machines?
Case Studies on the Spectrum of Functions that Comics perform in Museums
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/eggert

J. Scott Jordan und Victor Dandridge, Jr.
Invincible. Multiscale Coherence in Comics
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/jordandandridgejr

Mark Hibbett
Image Quotation of Past Events to Enforce Storyworld Continuity in John Byrne's Fantastic Four
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/hibbett

Amadeo Gandolfo
Do The Collapse: Final Crisis and the Impossible Coherence of the Superhero Crossover
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/gandolfo

Stephan Packard
Inferential Revision in Comics Page Interpretation
A Hermeneutic Approach to Renegotiating Panel Comprehension
https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure9.5/packard

This Netflix Anime Uses Alt-History to Explore Gender Norms
"Ōoku: The Inner Chambers" tells a complex love story in an alternate-reality Edo Japan in which an illness upends gender roles.
Maya Phillips
Aug. 14, 2023
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/14/arts/television/ooku-the-inner-chambers-netflix-anime.html

Reviews: The Lonesome Shepherd
Ben Austin-Docampo | August 14, 2023
https://www.tcj.com/reviews/the-lonesome-shepherd/

Marvel VFX Workers Move Toward Unionization; Vote Set for Next Week
Carolyn Giardina
August 15, 2023
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/marvel-vfx-workers-move-toward-unionization-vote-1235567010/

Fanfare/Ponent Mon requests fans not to order books directly from website due to access issues
Fanfare/Ponent Mon's co-publisher Amiram Reuveni died in May and the site has been inaccessible to the surviving member of the two-man team
Dean Simons
08/15/2023
https://www.comicsbeat.com/fanfare-ponent-mon-requests-fans-not-to-order-books-directly-from-website-due-to-access-issues/

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Aug 19 Dana Meier in Takoma Park

https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/skip-to-the-fun-parts/

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 8/14/2023

ICV2 INTERVIEW: TOM AKEL AND RYAN BENJAMIN On the Upcoming Game, 'Stan Lee's Genesis'

Milton Griepp on August 14, 2023

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/54846/icv2-interview-tom-akel-ryan-benjamin

The Latest On IDW's Cancelled Creator-Owned Comics

Bleeding Cool reported on IDW Publishing cancelling a number of creator-owned projects under the IDW Originals line before they had even been announced.

13 Aug 2023

by Rich Johnston

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-latest-on-idws-cancelled-creator-owned-comics/

DYNAMITE OFFERS 'FIRE AND ICE' GAME

Combo Roleplaying and Board Game Based on the Animated Film

William Niebling on August 11, 2023

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/54844/dynamite-offers-fire-ice-game

DIAMOND OWNER STEVE GEPPI WAS ONCE A RETAILER

From Convention Dealer to Distributor, the Early Days

Jim McLauchlin on August 14, 2023

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/54847/diamond-owner-steve-geppi-was-once-retailer

Cartoonists Vs Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick & Small Boats Week

British Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has come under criticism for ordering that cartoon murals in children's asylum centres be removed

13 Aug 2023

by Rich Johnston

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/cartoonists-vs-immigration-minister-robert-jenrick-small-boats-week/

Trick-Or-Read For Halloween From Marvel, IDW, Dark Horse & Kodansha

This year's Hallloween and Trick-Or-Read has Blue Book, Captain Marvel, Cooking With Monsters, Dark Spaces, Spider-Man, Star Wars: High Republic, Moon Knight, Origin/PTSD and Lovely Muco/Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen.

13 Aug 2023

by Rich Johnston

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/trick-or-read-for-halloween-from-marvel-idw-dark-horse-kodansha/

2023 Comics Studies Prize Winners

https://comicsstudies.org/announcements/2023-comics-studies-prize-winners/

New Desert Sun Editoonist Tom Deisboeck

D. D. Degg

https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2023/08/13/new-desert-sun-editoonist-tom-deisboeck/

Five Comic Book Stores Open, Five Close, Two Re-Open

Bleeding Cool always tries to keep an eye on comic book stores that close, those that open and those which go through ch-ch-changes.

13 Aug 2023

by Rich Johnston

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/five-comic-book-stores-open-five-close-two-re-open/

Susumu Higa manga OKINAWA was delayed due to printer content objections

Dean Simons

08/14/2023
https://www.comicsbeat.com/susumu-higa-manga-okinawa-was-delayed-due-to-printer-content-objections/

Tom Brevoort to take over editing Marvel's X-MEN comics line

After 25 years on the Avengers line, the legendary editor will soon be overseeing Marvel's "Merry Mutants."

Taimur Dar

08/14/2023
https://www.comicsbeat.com/tom-brevoort-takes-over-x-men/

Val's Sire at 85 [Hal Foster, Prince Valiant]

By Joseph P. Mastrangelo

Washington Post April 22, 1978

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1978/04/22/vals-sire-at-85/66a9b62c-45e3-4ba5-9473-7f03f99235c6/

JUST A SIMPLE MAN: The 1994 Lat interview

by Lim Cheng Tju

International Journal of Comic Art blog August 14, 2023

https://ijoca.blogspot.com/2023/08/just-simple-man-1994-lat-interview.html

(this article originally appeared in print as JUST A SIMPLE MAN. The Lat interview by Lim Cheng Tju in a Singaporean magazine, BigO (Jan 1994), pps. 59-60.

Aug 14 2023

IDEAS DON'T BLEED episode forty-eight | Ben Percy, part two

Matthew Rosenberg, Ethan S. Parker, and Griffin Sheridan

https://ashcanpress.substack.com/p/over-here

Image Comics, Simon & Schuster and the Perils of Private Equity Firms; In the end, Diamond is going to be fine [distribution].

Brandon Schatz

The Indirect Market Aug 14, 2023

https://theindirectmarket.substack.com/p/image-comics-simon-and-shuster-and

Interview: Jim Zub Talks Conan The Barbarian

Aug 08, 2023

Interview by Nicki Faust

https://previewsworld.com/Article/269847-Interview-Jim-Zub-Talks-Conan-The-Barbarian

On Hybrid Books and Hungry Ghosts: An Interview with Middle Grade Cartoonist Remy Lai [Australia]

Gina Gagliano | August 14, 2023

https://www.tcj.com/on-hybrid-books-and-hungry-ghosts-an-interview-with-middle-grade-cartoonist-remy-lai/

[DISPATCH] An Interview with MAPS Artist James Stokoe

The ORC STAIN creator drifts into our orbit to talk about his new story, plus much more!

3 Worlds / 3 Moons

Aug 14, 2023

https://3w3m.substack.com/p/dispatch-interview-maps-artist-james-stokoe

Could Blue Beetle deliver a surprise win for DC?

The first superhero film with meaningful Latino representation arrives without the baggage that weighed down recent DC titles (*cough* The Flash *cough*)

Cindy White

AV Club August 14 2023

https://www.avclub.com/blue-beetle-could-be-an-unexpected-win-for-dc-studios-1850730860

Johnny Hardwick of 'King of the Hill' dies at 64

Juana Summers and Mary Louise Kelly

All Things Considered August 11, 2023

https://www.npr.org/2023/08/11/1193534627/johnny-hardwick-of-king-of-the-hill-dies-at-64

https://ondemand.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/atc/2023/08/20230811_atc_johnny_hardwick_of_king_of_the_hill_dies_at_64.mp3

https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1193534627

Monday, August 14, 2023

SPX 2023 – We Need Volunteers!

If you are in the DC-Baltimore- Frederick area and you're interested to learn more about volunteering at this year's show, click the link below to visit our site and submit your email.

SPX 2023 will be September 9-10, once again at the Bethesda North Marriott.

We'd love your help to make another fantastic weekend celebrating indie comics and cartooning!

As a Volunteer, you will get the following perks:

Free admission to the both days of the show.
A copy of this year's poster by the amazing Maritsa Patrinos.
Food while on your shift.
Working with a great group of like-minded comics aficionados.
The eternal gratitude of the Executive Committee and the entire SPX Community.

If you have already signed up, just ignore this email!!!

We'll email you in August to share more about the jobs we have available, and how to sign up for a shift.

👉 CLICK HERE 👈

PLEASE NOTE! To aid in the overall health of the SPX community, especially helping those who are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions, masks will be required everywhere at all times, except when eating or drinking.

Questions about volunteering? Reply to this email!

Stay connected on social media:

Small Press Expo Announces Signups for Workshops at SPX 2023

SPX is proud to announce our Workshop track for our 2023 show.

Once again, SPX is happy to present a jam-packed slate of workshops that are free and open to any participants. They're aimed at a wide variety of ages and skill sets, from kids just starting out to experienced cartoonists looking to sharpen their skills with a master class. In response to last year's enthusiastic response, we will also have two figure drawing workshops featuring model Babs New(d). (18+ only, please.)

Graduates and representatives of the Center For Cartoon Studies (CCS), the Sequential Artists Workshop (SAW), and the School of Visual Arts (SVA) will be on hand to lead many of these workshops, along with a special workshop on Resiliency Narratives with special guest Natalie Norris.

SPX is also excited to host two sessions from Crowdfundr, the sponsor of the Ignatz Awards, who are presenting exciting new alternatives for comics project fundraising.

Here are a few highlights of this year's workshops:

Three Killer Panels: How To Keep Your Web Audience With Eleri Mai Harris
Drawing Anatomy In Action With Kriota Wilberg And Babs New(d) (18+)
Paws And Puns: An Animal Comics Workshop With Coco Fox And Annabel Driussi
Master Comic Workshop: Splash Pages and Panels with Josh Bayer

You can view and sign up for any of the 14 workshops at this year's show here on the SPX web site.

Any questions on the workshops, please send them to rob.clough@smallpressexpo.com

Small Press Expo (SPX) is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons. SPX is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings together more than 500 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics, and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. The expo includes a series of workshops, panel discussions and interviews with this year's special guests.

The Ignatz Award is a festival prize held every year at SPX recognizing outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, with the winners chosen by attendees at the show.

For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.smallpressexpo.com.

Small Press Expo

P.O. Box 5704

Bethesda, Maryland

20824