Saturday, May 17, 2025

Cartoonists Today at Gaithersburg Book Festival

It's all children's book cartoonists this year. 

https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/


10:15 AM
11:05 AM
Vera Brosgol, Dianne K Salerni, Angela Dominguez
Children's
Willa Cather Pavilion
Brosgol will present "Return to Sender." Salerni will present "The Tontine Caper." Dominguez will present "Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers."



2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Workshop: Comic Character Creation
Children's Workshops
Children's Village - Workshops Tent
Join cartoonists Dave Roman (“Unicorn Boy”) and John Gallagher (“Max Meow”) for a fun-filled workshop about developing unique characters.

2:15 PM
3:05 PM
Jonathan Roth, Leland Melvin, Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
Children's
Willa Cather Pavilion
Roth will present "Rover and Speck: It's a Gas!" Leland Melvin will present "Space Chasers." Charles F. Bolden, Jr. will present "Star Sailor: My Life as a NASA Astronaut."

3:15 PM
4:05 PM
Jacqueline Davies, JoHo, Kami Garcia
Children's
Willa Cather Pavilion
Davies will present "The Lemonade War Graphic Novel" JoHo will present "Saphie the One-Eyed Cat." Garcia will present "Mixed-Up."

4:15 PM
5:05 PM
John Patrick Green, Dave Roman, Alexis Frederick-Frost
Children's
Willa Cather Pavilion
Green will present "Agents of S.U.I.T.: Wild Ghost Chase." Roman will present "Unicorn Boy." Alexis Frederick-Frost will present "Team Unihorn and Woolly #2: Revenge of the Unicorn."








 

 

Friday, May 16, 2025

May 18: SPX Announces Drew Friedman: Vermeer of the Borscht Belt at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center



REMINDER: Small Press Expo and AFI Silver Theatre Announces Drew Friedman: Vermeer of the Borscht Belt This Sunday May 18.


Bethesda, MD (May 8, 2025) – The Small Press Expo (SPX) is pleased to announce two more comics-related films with the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in their ongoing film series celebrating comics and their impact on storytelling. This special series will feature screenings of acclaimed films and documentaries, culminating in the highly anticipated SPX 2025 weekend, that will occur September 13-14.

The series continues with a showing of the documentary Drew Friedman: Vermeer of the Borscht Belt this Sunday, May 18 at 3:15 PM.


This in-depth documentary traces Drew Friedman's evolution from underground comics to the cover of the New Yorker through interviews with Friedman's friends and colleagues. It also features a rare peek into his private "Jewseum," perhaps the world's largest collection of artifacts devoted exclusively to Jewish comedians.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Kevin Dougherty and producer Thom Shubilla.


The first 15 attendees to arrive at the event will receive one free limited-edition T-shirt featuring a glow-in-the-dark Tor Johnson lovingly rendered by Drew Friedman.



For more info and tickets visit the AFI Silver web site.


The SPX-AFI Silver series continues on Sunday, June 1, at 3:45 PM with a showing of No Straight Lines:The Rise of Queer Comics.


Led by such notable queer creators as as Alison Bechdel, Howard Cruse, Maia Kobabe, along with SPXers Denis Kitchen, Lawrence Lyndell and Breena Nunez, this documentary shows the trials and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ comics community.


Preceded by a video intro from filmmaker Vivian Kleiman.


For more info and tickets visit the AFI Silver web site.

Throughout the year, the SPX-AFI Silver film series will continue with a diverse lineup of films celebrating comics, cartoonists, and their unique storytelling power.

  

"We're incredibly excited to partner with AFI Silver to bring these films to the DC-area audience," said SPX Executive Director Warren Bernard. "This series not only showcases the artistry and storytelling of comics but also celebrates the creators who have shaped the medium."


Further screenings and guest appearances will be announced in the coming months. For tickets and additional information, please visit AFI.com/Silver.

 

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 650 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 panel discussions and interviews with this year's 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
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  

Small Press Expo | PO Box 5704 | Bethesda, MD 20824 US


Constant Contact

Clay Jones, and other editorial cartoonists, fighting back against AI theft

PR: Universal Distribution LLC and Ad Populum Complete Acquisition of Diamond Comic Distributors and Related Assets

While I haven't covered it here on ComicsDC, Diamond was a local business in our geographic area, and people I know worked for them. I'm sorry that the company went bankrupt; I've been of the mind that they stabilized the comics market. I also agreed with the closing of its warehouses during the early days of COVID, but that act of responsibility to their employees led to this. As a good friend of mine says, "I blame capitalism."  (that's partially tongue-in-cheek if you're planning on writing it, because obviously we wouldn't have comic books without capitalism)

 

Universal Distribution LLC and Ad Populum Complete Acquisition of Diamond Comic Distributors and Related Assets

 

HUNT VALLEY, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diamond Comic Distributors ("Diamond" or "the Company"), today announced that the sale of the Company and its assets to Universal Distribution LLC ("Universal") and Ad Populum has been completed. Universal has acquired the assets of Alliance Game Distributors, and Ad Populum has acquired the assets of Diamond Comic Distributors, Diamond Book Distributors, Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, Collectible Grading Authority, and other related assets. Diamond UK remains separate from this sale process.

 

"We are pleased that this transaction has been completed and are confident that the publishers and retailers Diamond partnered with, our employees, and comic and games fans are in good hands with Universal and Ad Populum," said Diamond Chief Restructuring Officer Robert Gorin.

 

"We are thrilled to officially welcome Alliance into the Universal Distribution family. This acquisition marks a transformative step forward in our mission to deliver exceptional service and value to retailers and publishers across North America. By combining Alliance's respected legacy and expansive network with Universal's operational strengths and innovation-driven approach, we are poised to elevate the distribution experience across the industry. We look forward to building on the trusted relationships Alliance has cultivated and continuing to support the growth and vibrancy of the hobby gaming community." said Angelo Exarhakos, President and CEO of Universal Distribution.

 

About Diamond Comic Distributors

Founded in 1982, Diamond Comic Distributors offers a multi-channel platform of publishing, marketing, and fulfillment services, coupled with an unparalleled global distribution network for its retailers, publishers and vendors. Diamond's mission is simple: to provide our customers the best in products, price and personalized service. Learn more at https://www.diamondcomics.com/

 

About Universal Distribution

Universal has been distributing to hobby stores in Canada for over 30 years, servicing the needs of retailers in comics, collectible toys & figurines, sports and non-sports cards, collectible card games, and role-playing games.

 

About Ad Populum

Ad Populum aligns corporate strategy and fosters growth across its unique roster of consumer products and entertainment brands by leveraging its strong global retail distribution, product development, and manufacturing capabilities. Across its roster of brands, including NECA, Kidrobot, Wizkids, Chia Pet, Rubies, Smiffys, Enesco, Graceland, and more, Ad Populum is the largest producer of pop culture goods and experiences, targeting everyone from Boomers to Gen Z.

 

 

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 5/15/2025

Graphic Novel Review: THE GIANT – ORSON WELLES, THE ARTIST & THE SHADOW pits artists against systems

 Zack Quaintance on 05/15/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-novel-review-the-giant-orson-welles-the-artist-the-shadow-pits-artists-against-systems/

 

WEBTOON SHOWS REVENUE GROWTH, BUT FLIPS TO LOSS In Q1

Milton Griepp on May 15, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59557/webtoon-shows-revenue-growth-flips-loss

 

AFTERSHOCK EMERGES FROM CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY With Plans to Resume Operations and Pay Debts in Full

  Brigid Alverson on May 15, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59559/aftershock-emerges-chapter-11-bankruptcy

 

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE: PROMOTIONS AND HIRES AT MAD CAVE In Editorial and Marketing

  Brigid Alverson on May 14, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59551/people-move-promotions-hires-mad-cave

 

NCS Silver T-Square Awarded to John Kovaleski

D. D. Degg

May 14, 2025

https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/05/14/ncs-silver-t-square-awarded-to-john-kovaleski/

 

The manga of Zajirogh: Where do we go?

Jacob Ahana-Laba | May 15, 2025

https://www.tcj.com/the-manga-of-zajirogh-where-do-we-go/


2024 Eisner nominations announced, led by Fantagraphics and Tom King
Heidi MacDonald on 05/15/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/2024-eisner-nominations-announced-led-by-fantagraphics-and-tom-king/

Comics Crowdfunding Round-Up column
https://www.comicsbeat.com/category/columns/comics-crowdfunding-round-up/

Comics Crowdfunding Round-Up: DARK PLANET COMICS, MFKZ, TRINITY: VAMPIRE and three more projects you'll love!
Diego Higuera on 05/15/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/comics-crowdfunding-round-up-dark-planet-comics-mfkz-trinity-vampire-and-three-more-projects/

The Superfan Podcast is going live at Comic Con Revolution
Heidi MacDonald on 05/15/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-superfan-podcast-is-going-live-at-comic-con-revolution/

Interview: Ashley Allen on bringing MAGIK to life
Jared Bird on 05/15/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-ashley-allen-on-bringing-magik-to-life/

Is Joe Sacco Done with Graphic Journalism?
By Dean Simons
May 14, 2025 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/97767-is-joe-sacco-done-with-graphic-journalism.html

PW Comics World: More To Come
More to Come 672: Universal and Ad Populum Win Diamond
Calvin Reid, Heidi 'The Beat' MacDonald and Kate Fitzsimons
on 05/09/2025
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/podcasts/index.html?channel=2&podcast=1367

Another Lackluster Quarter for Webtoon
By Jim Milliot
May 14, 2025 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/financial-reporting/article/97769-another-lackluster-quarter-for-webtoon.html

Spent
Alison Bechdel. Mariner, $32 (272p) ISBN 978-0-0632-7892-9
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780063278929

Insectopolis: A Natural History
Peter Kuper. Norton, $35 (256p) ISBN 978-1-324-03571-8
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781324035718

Checked Out
Katie Fricas. Drawn & Quarterly, $29.95 trade paper (356p) ISBN 978-1-77046-781-1
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781770467811

Diamond Comic Bankruptcy Leads to a Haze of Uncertainty
By Heidi MacDonald
May 14, 2025 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/97765-diamond-comic-bankruptcy-leads-to-a-haze-of-uncertainty.html

Howard The Doc to explore the bird that brought Marvel to the big screen
1986's Howard The Duck is the subject of the new documentary, aiming to hit theaters this fall.
By Drew Gillis  |  May 14, 2025 https://www.avclub.com/howard-the-duck-doc

SAG-AFTRA and Nickelodeon Reach Tentative Agreement on Animation Contract [voice actors]
Katie Kilkenny
May 14, 2025
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-aftra-nickelodeon-animation-contract-1236211169/

'Love, Death + Robots' Vol. 4: More Adventures in Mind-Expanding Sci-Fi
By Jeff Spry
May 14, 2025
https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/05/love-death-robots-vol-4-more-adventures-in-mind-expanding-sci-fi/
This article was written for the May/June '25 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 350)

AnimAID Auction Raises Nearly Half a Million for Colleagues' L.A. Wildfire Relief
  Mercedes Milligan
May 14, 2025 https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/05/animaid-auction-raises-nearly-half-a-million-for-colleagues-l-a-wildfire-relief/

Comic Culture with Travis Landry [Landry Pop Auctions]
terence dollard
May 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yBch8WsV8w

Declan Shalvey Draws: Moon Knight
Declan Shalvey
 May 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suwv0GPLCVo

Matt Bors Talks Toxic Avenger and more
word balloon  May 15, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir9pAWCyedI

Ram V Talks New Gods and Resurrection Man
word balloon May 15, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZFbtXG9AE8

Cartoon Saloon's Brian Tyrrell discusses the animation studio's work in licensed IP
 Deej Johnson
May 9 2025
https://www.brandsuntapped.com/cartoon-saloons-brian-tyrrell-discusses-the-animation-studios-work-in-licensed-ip/

Is Japanese anime the next global IP gold mine?
David Keohane, Harry Dempsey and Leo Lewis
Financial Times  May 8 2025
 https://archive.is/rvowO
https://www.ft.com/content/d16c2ac8-3604-4967-8a7a-9beb06b395a1

Scott Snyder Trolls Graham Nolan With Absolute Batman #9 "Abomination"
Rich Johnston
14 May 2025  https://bleedingcool.com/comics/scott-snyder-trolls-graham-nolan-with-absolute-batman-9-abomination/


School Library Journal recommends uru-chan's unOrdinary vol. 3


39 of the Latest and Greatest Graphic Novel Fiction Series
by Adam Fisher, Lane Libraries, Butler Co, OH
May 13, 2025

uru-chan. unOrdinary. 352p. (unOrdinary: Bk. 3). HarperColins/HarperAlley. May 2025. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9780063327764.
Gr 9 Up–The drama at Wellston High continues in this third volume of "unOrdinary." Seraphina has returned but been left temporarily powerless. Arlo continues his rise to King of the school. The mystery of seemingly powerless "zero" John is also under investigation as it is discovered his power was to the level of a King at his previous school. As the violent organization Ember is closing in, the influence the book unOrdinary will continue to have on these superpowered high schoolers is unclear. Fans of this series will be able to pick up with the vast cast of characters while newcomers may struggle with the many plotlines. VERDICT A good hybrid of superhero and magic school stories.

Russian War Games by Daniel Boris