Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/12/2025

TCAF answers! from Angela Hsieh

by Mike Rhode

ComicsDC blog June 12, 2025

https://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2025/06/tcaf-answers-from-angela-hsieh.html

 

Interview: Jason Shawn Alexander revisits a literature classic in SCROOGE!

Diego Higuera on 06/12/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/jason-shawn-alexander-scrooge/

 

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE: STEVE LEAF FROM DIAMOND TO HERMES PRESS As Sales Director

by Brigid Alverson on June 11, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59769/people-move-steve-leaf-diamond-hermes-press

 

John Shakespeare – RIP [Australia]

D. D. Degg   June 11, 2025  https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/06/11/john-shakespeare-rip/

 

Interview: Writer Ernie Altbacker embarks on his first comics Kickstarter project with AREA 51 STUDIOS

Taimur Dar on 06/12/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-ernie-altbacker-area-51-studios/

 

A Song of Resilience: 'The Last Whale Singer' Director Reza Memari Takes Us on a Deep Dive into the New Animated Feature [Germany]

Ramin Zahed

June 11, 2025 https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/a-song-of-resilience-the-last-whale-singer-director-reza-memari-takes-us-on-a-deep-dive-into-the-new-animated-feature/

This article was written for the

May-June '25 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 350).

 

Director Celia Catunda Offers a Sneak Peek at Pinguim's New Movie, 'My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin' [Brazil]

Ramin Zahed

June 11, 2025

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/director-celia-catunda-offers-a-sneak-peek-at-pinguims-new-movie-my-grandfather-is-a-nihonjin/

 

Annecy: Cartoon Network's Iconic Creators Reflect on Studio's Past and Present at Special 25th Anniversary Panel

Kambole Campbell

June 11, 2025 https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/annecy-cartoon-networks-iconic-creators-reflect-on-studios-past-and-present-at-special-25th-anniversary-panel/

 

Action's 50th anniversary to be celebrated in new "Before The Ban" Archival Editions from Rebellion

John Freeman on June 12, 2025

https://downthetubes.net/actions-50th-anniversary-to-be-celebrated-in-new-before-the-ban-archival-editions-from-rebellion/

 

'BoJack Horseman' Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg on Ditching Satire for Sincerity in 'Long Story Short'

The new Netflix series, lightly autobiographical, follows the "small t traumas" of a Jewish family. "How we communicate love is by making jokes. How we communicate anxiety is by making jokes. How we communicate love is by communicating anxiety."

Scott Roxborough

June 12, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/raphael-bob-waksberg-interview-long-story-short-1236263405/

Illustrating Aquaculture - A Journey Into Kelp Farming [non-fiction educational cartooning]

Lucy Bellwood

Aquaculture Information Exchange Apr 11, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3wIqT1lE-g

 

The 'Superman' Cast Talk Superman's Suit, Lex Luthor's Weakness, and the Expansion of the DCU

Perri Nemiroff

Fandango June 11, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN2Qolp5yJ4

 

Netflix Reveals First Details of 'Stranger Things' Animated Series, Award Contender 'In Your Dreams'

'80s-era Hawkins gets animated in 'Stranger Things: Tales from '85,' and dreams come to life in Alex Woo and Erik Benson's original feature.

Scott Roxborough

June 11, 2025 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-first-details-stranger-things-animated-series-1236262432/

 

Reviews: Sláine: The Definitive Edition, Volume 1

Tom Shapira | June 12, 2025

https://www.tcj.com/reviews/slaine-the-definitive-edition-volume-1/

 

Sláine: The Definitive Edition, Volume 1

Pat Mills, Angie Kincaid, Massimo Belardinelli, Mick McMahon and Mike McMahon

2000 AD

 

Frazetta's "Famous Funnies"

Sara Frazetta

Oct 07, 2021

 https://www.frazettagirls.com/blogs/news/frazettas-famous-funnies

 

Legendary 1954 Buck Rogers comic cover art by Frank Frazetta hits $432,000 at auction

Ellsworth Toohey

Jun 10, 2025

https://boingboing.net/2025/06/10/legendary-1954-buck-rogers-comic-cover-art-by-frank-frazetta-hits-432000-at-auction.html

 

616 Day Identifies A Moment That Began The Marvel Universe (Spoilers)

616 Day identifies the moment that began the Marvel Universe in Giant Size Spider-Man #1 from Al Ewing and Mark Buckingham (Spoilers)

by Rich Johnston

 11 Jun 2025  https://bleedingcool.com/comics/616-day-identifies-a-moment-that-began-the-marvel-universe-spoilers/

 

Gail Simone Definition Of "Fridge" Now In Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 12 Jun 2025 

by Rich Johnston

 https://bleedingcool.com/comics/gail-simone-definition-of-fridge-now-in-merriam-webster-dictionary/

 

Skottie Young Live w/ Derek Laufman [I Hate Fairyland ]

Skottie Young

 Jun 10, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA9hdfU8gH4

 

Mason Adams

February 12, 2025

Graphic Novel Illustrates Fight Against The Mountain Valley Pipeline

This conversation originally aired in the Feb. 9, 2025 episode of Inside Appalachia.

https://wvpublic.org/graphic-novel-illustrates-fight-against-the-mountain-valley-pipeline/

 

Talking Comics With Richard Hamilton

word balloon June 12 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T74mxEyRZlA

 

Rural noir Revival is heavy on drama and light on thorny questions

Syfy brings the engrossing horror comics series to life.

By Jarrod Jones  |  June 9, 2025

https://www.avclub.com/revival-review-tv-syfy

 

French award for Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva's "Neverlanders" [Australia]

John Freeman on June 8, 2025  https://downthetubes.net/french-award-for-tom-taylor-and-jon-sommarivas-neverlanders/

 

The Yellow Kid: the birth of modern comics; From New York's slums to iconic legacy

9 June 2025,

Humberto Aguirre

https://www.meer.com/en/88057-the-yellow-kid-the-birth-of-modern-comics

 

647 words, one Krazy comic: The surreal brilliance of George Herriman

    Greg Hill

    June 11 2025

https://www.newsminer.com/features/our_town/at_the_library_column/647-words-one-krazy-comic-the-surreal-brilliance-of-george-herriman/article_5d7376fd-0750-4c44-bdd6-f11cb94dd537.html

 

'Steven Universe' Will Return With a New Spinoff Sequel

5 years after it first came to an end, 'Steven Universe' is coming back–and heading to a few new places.

By James Whitbrook

June 11, 2025

https://gizmodo.com/steven-universe-sequel-series-amazon-prime-lars-of-the-stars-2000614414

 

Disney, Universal Launch AI Legal Battle, Sue Midjourney Over Copyright Claims

Erik Hayden

June 11, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-universal-midjourney-1236262563/

 

Disney and Universal Sue A.I. Firm for Copyright Infringement

The suit, against Midjourney, is the first time major Hollywood companies have sued over A.I.-generated images.

Brooks Barnes

A version of this article appears in print on June 12, 2025, Section B, Page 6 of the New York edition with the headline: Disney and Universal Sue A.I. Start-Up for Copyright Infringement.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/business/media/disney-universal-midjourney-ai.html

 

Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios Order Adult Animation Series 'Mister Miracle'

The show is based on the Eisner Award-winning comic from Tom King and Mitch Gerads.

June 12, 2025

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/warner-bros-dc-studios-order-mister-miracle-series-1236263407/

 

DC Studios Is Finally Making a 'Mister Miracle' Animated Series

'Mister Miracle' comic book writer Tom King will serve as showrunner for the animated series.

By Isaiah Colbert

io9 June 12, 2025 https://gizmodo.com/mister-miracle-animated-series-dc-studios-tom-king-2000614929

 

Adult Swim Tackles Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones in Latest Series

'Keeping Up With the Joneses' will follow a family trying to fit in with their wealthy Dallas neighbors.

Rick Porter

June 12, 2025

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jerry-jones-adult-swim-keeping-up-with-the-joneses-series-1236263784/

 

'Doctor Who' Will Return… as an Animated Kids Show

Even as the future of the main series is left uncertain, there's still life in the TARDIS just yet.

By James Whitbrook

io9 June 12, 2025  https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-cbbc-animated-series-2000614906

 

'Unfailingly big-hearted and generous': Beloved Herald cartoonist John Shakespeare dies after cancer battle

Jordan Baker

Sydney Morning Herald. June 10, 2025 — https://www.smh.com.au/national/unfailingly-big-hearted-and-generous-beloved-herald-cartoonist-john-shakespeare-dies-after-cancer-battle-20250609-p5m633.html

 

'Don't be sad. I've had a great life': John Shakespeare on the art of living

Peter FitzSimons

Sydney Morning Herald. May 18, 2025 https://www.smh.com.au/national/don-t-be-sad-i-ve-had-a-great-life-john-shakespeare-on-the-art-of-living-20250515-p5lzmn.html

Tom King's suicidal Mister Miracle to be animated

Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios Order Adult Animation Series 'Mister Miracle'

The show is based on the Eisner Award-winning comic from Tom King and Mitch Gerads.

June 12, 2025

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/warner-bros-dc-studios-order-mister-miracle-series-1236263407/

DC Studios Is Finally Making a 'Mister Miracle' Animated Series

'Mister Miracle' comic book writer Tom King will serve as showrunner for the animated series.

By Isaiah Colbert 

io9 June 12, 2025 https://gizmodo.com/mister-miracle-animated-series-dc-studios-tom-king-2000614929

TCAF answers! from Angela Hsieh

by Mike Rhode

A few local cartoonists were selected to attend TCAF in Canada this year - it's a curated show, and not a lottery like SPX is. I think it has invited guests and people who apply to exhibit. I reached out to ask about their experiences. Angela's recent interview is here.

How did you get selected for this show? Did you have to apply?

I applied back in January and was accepted at the end of February. The TCAF application was fairly straightforward: they want your portfolio and your bio, and notably, they're interested in what comics work you'll be debuting the year you apply. I believe I was selected this year because I had a graphic novel come out this year, plus I'd never been to TCAF before.

Was this your first time?

First time at TCAF, not to mention first time in Toronto! I went a few days in advance so that I could explore the city, but I tired myself out even before the con began. Unwise? Perhaps. Regrettable? Not in the least. 

How was the experience? How does it compare to SPX or other local cons?

This was my first international con. I tend to stick with local cons and festivals, so this was by far the furthest I've ever traveled for one—and probably the biggest con I've ever tabled at. Imagine SPX times ten. It's frankly overwhelming how much talent is on display. I wish I had more time to walk around and admire all the incredible work.

How were your sales? Did you reach a new audience?

I did pretty well! But because this was my first TCAF, I have no previous experience to compare to. For what it's worth, I heard some people who exhibited in the past say that sales were slower this year compared to previous years. 

I saw a couple of familiar faces, and I met a whole lot of new people. Plus, I finally got to meet some artists I've been mutuals with for years but have never met in person. Definitely one of the highlights. Another highlight: meeting kids and their parents who'd borrowed Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology from the library and stopped by my table to tell me how much they loved reading it. 🥺

How did Canadians react to Americans in light of the current administration's misbehavior to our ally?

With sympathy, when it came up, which it rarely did. People generally assumed I was Canadian, and when they found out I wasn't, the most frequent response was a nod of commiseration before we went back to the thing we showed up for: comics. 

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/11/2025

WEBTOON GETS FIVE MORE DARK HORSE PROPERTIES For Vertical Scroll

Milton Griepp on June 11, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59759/webtoon-gets-five-more-dark-horse-properties

 

Mafalda, Argentina's Very Opinionated Cartoon Heroine, Is Coming to America

A collection of Quino's translated works will provide new audiences a taste of the satirical comic compared to "Charlie Brown with socialism."

By Benjamin P. Russell

A version of this article appears in print on June 11, 2025, Section C, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: Arriving With Opinions and a Curious Mind.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/books/review/mafalda-quino-translation.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/books/review/mafalda-quino-translation.html?unlocked_article_code=1.OE8.jMoT.GsBHKAcfHuIG&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

 

No filter, no regrets: Cartoonist Steve Bonello hangs up his pen after 34 years

Bonello's biting satire will be missed by many. Here are some of his greatest hits

Times of Malta  June 9, 2025

Matthew Bonanno

https://timesofmalta.com/article/no-filter-no-regrets-cartoonist-steve-bonello-hangs-pen-34-years.1111086

 

Alf Clausen, Emmy-winning composer for 'The Simpsons,' dies at 84 [in print as Emmy-winning composer for 'The Simpsons,' others]

For nearly three decades, he wrote and conducted virtually all of the show's music cues and original songs. "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening called him "our secret weapon."

By Harrison Smith

Washington Post June 11, 2025: C4.

online https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2025/06/02/alf-clausen-dead-simpsons-composer/

 

Alf Clausen, Who Gave 'The Simpsons' Its Musical Identity, Dies at 84

He created the music for hundreds of episodes over 27 seasons, spanning jazz, rock, blues and musicals. He won two Emmys and was nominated for 28 more.

By Clay Risen

A version of this article appears in print on June 6, 2025, Section B, Page 10 of the New York edition with the headline: Alf Clausen, 84; Gave 'The Simpsons' Its Musical Identity.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/04/arts/music/alf-clausen-dead-the-simpsons.html

 

Skottie Young

Me And Derek Laufman Q & A  [I Hate Fairyland]

STUPID FRESH MESS   Jun 11, 2025  https://skottieyoung.substack.com/p/me-and-derek-laufman-q-and-a

 

The weird zombie existence of the Family Circus

Don McHoull

  Jun 5, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOV0BV45NqA

 

Xencelabs Pen Display Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw6Pz5387uA

Tom Richmond

Jun 9, 2025

 

Millar Time #41 | Steve Englehart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PrikZ_uD0s

Millar Time  Jun 11, 2025

 

'Cornélius means I will stay poor my whole life': The Jean-Louis Gauthey Interview

Robert Aman | June 11, 2025 https://www.tcj.com/cornelius-means-i-will-stay-poor-my-whole-life-the-jean-louis-gauthey-interview/

 

Inkpulp Live #28 - New Gods w/ Dean Haspiel

Jim Mahfood and Shawn Crystal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is9ZjQFwfIM

May 7, 2025

 

Bored to Death [Dean Haspiel]

Jim Norton and Dave Attell

Jim Norton Can't Save You - episode 18.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQoOTApm8EE

 

VITO x DINO: Episode 19 - x Sean Izaakse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFbB6-1sdcE

Vito Delsante

May 12, 2025  VITO X DINO

 

VITO x DINO: Episode 20 - Neil Kleid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7E8w8CSP1Y

Vito Delsante

May 19, 2025 

 

VITO x DINO: Episode 21 - x Owen Kline

Vito Delsante

May 26, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwD1cNTyklU

 

VITO x DINO: Episode 22 - ...But I Digress [Peter David]

Vito Delsante

Jun 2, 2025   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDIvGt6SGQg

 

VITO x DINO: Episode 23 - x Bob Fingerman

Vito Delsante

Jun 9, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKZ4c2fhV9k

 

Geoff's rare find offers remarkable insight into World War II cartoonist [Australian amateur cartoonist Cyril Tighe's WWII envelopes]

By Rowan Cowley

The Senior June 10 2025 - https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/8988618/second-hand-store-envelopes-offer-rare-insight-into-world-war-ii/

Interview: Taboo and his daughter Jett discuss her first role on DORA season 3
Ollie Kaplan on 06/10/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-taboo-and-his-daughter-jett-discuss-her-first-role-on-dora-season-3/

Now Diamond's New Owner Ad Populum Sues Alliance Entertainment (AENT)
Diamond Comic Distributors' new owner Ad Populum/Sparkle Pop is suing Alliance Entertainment (AENT) over trade secrets and staff hiring
by Rich Johnston
10 Jun 2025  https://bleedingcool.com/comics/diamond-ad-populum-sues-alliance-entertainment-aent-bankruptcy/

Diamond Comic Distributors Ends COD Cash-On-Delivery For Comic Shops
10 Jun 2025
by Rich Johnston
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/diamond-comic-distributors-ends-cod-cash-on-delivery-for-comic-shops/

Competing Lawsuits Reveal Diamond Bankruptcy Timeline Began In July
  10 Jun 2025  
by Rich Johnston
 https://bleedingcool.com/comics/competing-lawsuits-reveal-diamond-bankruptcy-timeline-began-in-july/

Diamond Owner Ad Populum Still Ghosting Comic Book Publishers
Diamond Comic Distributors' new owner Ad Populum/Sparkle Pop is still ghosting comic book publishers over due payments
Rich Johnston 10 Jun 2025  https://bleedingcool.com/comics/diamond-owner-ad-populum-still-ghosting-comic-book-publishers/

Hermes Press Hires Steve Leaf, Formerly Of Diamond for Over 30 Years
Hermes Press hires Steve Leaf as their new Sales Director, formerly of Diamond Comic Distributors for over thirty years
  11 Jun 2025  
by Rich Johnston
 https://bleedingcool.com/comics/hermes-press-hires-steve-leaf-formerly-of-diamond-for-over-30-years/

Jimmy Palmiotti Promises Free Sketches With Every Jonah Hex Omnibus
Jimmy Palmiotti promises free sketches with every Jonah Hex Omnibus you bring him to sign at a show
 11 Jun 2025  
by Rich Johnston
 https://bleedingcool.com/comics/jimmy-palmiotti-promises-free-sketches-with-every-jonah-hex-omnibus/

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Patton Oswalt & Jordan Blum Named Ambassadors of Local Comic Shop Day. Bleeding Cool (June 10): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/patton-oswalt-jordan-blum-named-ambassadors-of-local-comic-shop-day/

YouTube Star Mark Crilley Auctions Rights To Gwen Benny Graphic Novels
YouTube cartooning star and comic book creator Mark Crilley auctions the world rights to the first of his new Gwen Benny graphic novel series
 10 Jun 2025  
by Rich Johnston
 https://bleedingcool.com/comics/youtube-star-mark-crilley-auctions-rights-gwen-benny-graphic-novels/

Sierra Barnes [Lower Your Sights Ukrainian benefit comic]
2002
https://madcavestudios.com/lower-your-sights/sierra-barnes/?v=0b3b97fa6688

TCAF answers! from Sierra Barnes
by Mike Rhode
 ComicsDC blog June 11, 2025
https://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2025/06/tcaf-answers-from-sierra-barnes.html

A PRIDE MONTH YA GRAPHIC NOVEL READING LIST FROM WENDY MARTIN, CREATOR OF CASTLE SWIMMER
Wendy Martin
June 2, 2025
https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2025/06/02/a-pride-month-ya-graphic-novel-reading-list-from-wendy-martin-creator-of-castle-swimmer/

Brad Bird hands over the reins for Incredibles 3; Bird's still writing the script, but Peter Sohn (Elemental) will direct.
By Mary Kate Carr  |  June 10, 2025
https://www.avclub.com/incredibles-3-brad-bird-not-directing-pixar

AI-Powered Animation Studio Toonstar Signs With WME (Exclusive)
The L.A.-based company behind YouTube's 'StEvEn & Parker' is partnering with the agency to scale up its slate, their first collaboration a project from comedian Nigel Ng.
Katie Kilkenny
June 11, 2025 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ai-powered-animation-studio-toonstar-wme-exclusive-1236260904/

Regina Hall, Ice Spice Join New 'SpongeBob' Movie
Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro and George Lopez have also signed up for Derek Drymon's 'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,' with Ice Spice contributing an original song to the film.
Scott Roxborough
June 10, 2025 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/regina-hall-ice-spice-join-cast-new-spongebob-movie-1236260457/

'Fixed': Genndy Tartakovsky's Long-Neutered R-Rated Dog Comedy Finally Gets Unleashed
How the passion project from the 'Hotel Transylvania' and 'Samurai Jack' director, about a dog's last night with his balls, survived three studios and David Zaslav's axe to premiere at Annecy.
June 11, 2025 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fixed-annecy-genndy-tartakovsky-raunchy-dog-animation-film-1236262308/

"We Were Breaking the System": Cartoon Network Pioneers Celebrate Studio's 25-Year Legacy
At Annecy, two generations of creators — from the makers of 'Dexter's Laboratory' and 'Powderpuff Girls' to the minds behind 'Adventure Time' and 'Steven Universe' — explain how the studio rewired TV animation.
Scott Roxborough
June 10, 2025 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cartoon-network-pioneers-celebrate-25-year-legacy-1236261411/

'Smiling Friends' Lands Two-Season Pickup at Adult Swim (Exclusive)
Co-creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel tell THR which episodes are their favorites, the secondary characters they hope to revisit, and how much longer the series might run: "It won't go and go and go."
Ryan Gajewski
June 11, 2025
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/smiling-friends-adult-swim-renewed-two-seasons-interview-1236262230/

Backstage With Crystal Skillman [theater]
word balloon   Jun 10, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjf77N2yKIk

Talk & Teach: Look Ma! Hands! Effective Hands and Gestures with David Rickert [2024; drawing]
CXC Festival
Jun 11, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YDrZvBk8ms

Tape Dec #16 | Gerry Duggan
Declan Shalvey
  Jun 11, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGkuMBJ1gFM

Tom Rodriguez Looks at Comics Art [Filipino original art collector]
The Comics Cube with Duy Tano
Jun 11, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD5mbNYip-Q

Sean Phillips The Return Of Criminal and More
wordballoon
Jun 11, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jusVjYj7s7c

Backstage With Crystal Skillman [theater]
word balloon   Jun 10, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjf77N2yKIk

Pop Culture SquadCast - Live: With Special Guests Morgan Beem and Jorge Corona
  Jun 10, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncjXunEEaXk

TCAF answers! from Sierra Barnes

by Mike Rhode 

A few local cartoonists were selected to attend TCAF in Canada this year - it's a curated show, and not a lottery like SPX is. I think it has invited guests and people who apply to exhibit. I reached out to ask about their experiences. Here's Sierra Barnes' thoughts on it. Her 2020 interview can be read first here for background. And here's a brief 2022 interview about Lower Your Sights, a Ukrainian benefit anthology that I didn't know she had work in.

How did you get selected for this show? Did you have to apply?

This year was my 6th year applying for TCAF and the first year I got in! I'm not sure if it's a lottery or not, but I do know it's not uncommon to take a couple of years to get in and a ton of people apply every year.

So, this was this your first time?

Yes!

How was the experience? How does it compare to SPX or other local cons?

I had a fantastic time! The venue was different this year than in years past, it used to be held at the reference library in downtown Toronto but this year was at the Mattamy Athletic Center. There were two floors of comics--exhibitors were split between the hockey rink on the third floor, and the basketball court on the second floor. I was on the basketball court. The hockey rink had a majority of the exhibitors and I think all of the publishers, so if you wanted to go do a lap of the floor on a quick break, it was a bit of a pain to get all the way up and over unless you were already at the hockey rink.

The big drama was on Saturday afternoon, when a pipe broke in the ceiling of the basketball court and water spilled onto the con floor. They managed to move the tables out of the way, but it was a pretty dramatic moment. I wasn't able to talk to anyone affected, but I could see it dripping from my table. I tried to get a picture but I don't know if you can really see it that well.

Biggest frustrations was the inability to take card--Square doesn't work out of country, and while the option existed for international exhibitors to rent Square readers from TCAF, the organizers recommended for first-time exhibitors to just use Paypal with a QR code. Most people didn't have Paypal, and when they did the app was a pain to use, so there was a lot of standing around frowning at phones involved. Fortunately word spread pretty quickly, and most people had cash by Saturday afternoon. If I can get in again, I'm definitely springing for the reader.

Getting Kate Beaton to sign my copy of Ducks was definitely a highlight. Lots of incredible artists were there, and I got to meet some Canadian artists I had been online friends with for a long time in-person and that's always a magical moment.

How were your sales? Did you reach a new audience?

My sales were great! I think with the conversion it was about equal to my SPX sales, maybe a little less, but I got to talk to all new people and meet some really incredible cartoonists.

How did Canadians react to Americans in light of the current administration's misbehavior to our ally?

At least in my experience, people seemed pretty understanding and sympathetic to us Amis. I think the understanding was there that the Americans coming to TCAF were not in support of the regime (if there were any, I certainly didn't see them!). Lots of people were curious about what it was like or what we thought about the news, especially when I told people that I was living outside of DC. I hadn't been keeping up with the news while traveling so I learned about some US news from the visitors!

Military Parade Charade - June 14, 2025. Washington D.C. by Daniel Boris

WaPo obit for Simpsons composer Alf Clausen runs in today's paper

Alf Clausen, Emmy-winning composer for 'The Simpsons,' dies at 84 [in print as Emmy-winning composer for 'The Simpsons,' others]

For nearly three decades, he wrote and conducted virtually all of the show's music cues and original songs. "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening called him "our secret weapon."

By Harrison Smith

Washington Post June 11, 2025: C4.

online https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2025/06/02/alf-clausen-dead-simpsons-composer/

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/10/2025

 Sparkle Pop files complaint against Alliance Entertainment for stealing trade secrets [Diamond bankruptcy].

Heidi MacDonald on 06/10/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/sparkle-pop-files-complaint-against-alliance-entertainment-for-stealing-trade-secrets/

 

Sparkle Pop enters a complaint against Alliance Entertainment for Disregarding a Non-Disclosure and Non-Solicitation Obligation and theft of Trade Secrets

  June 9, 2025    by Brett

https://graphicpolicy.com/2025/06/09/sparkle-pop-enters-a-complaint-against-alliance-entertainment-for-disregarding-a-non-disclosure-and-non-solicitation-obligation-and-theft-of-trade-secrets/

 

NEW LITIGATION AROUND DIAMOND BANKRUPTCY As New Diamond Comic, Diamond Select Owner Asks for TRO on Alliance Entertainment

  Milton Griepp on June 10, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59751/new-litigation-around-diamond-bankruptcy

 

The Beat Digest 06/10/25: Doug Wright Award winners announced

 Christopher Chiu-Tabet on 06/10/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/digest-061025/

 

Unknown. 1941.

Two Editorships, Art Work for This College Senior [Roberta MacDonald].

Stockton Daily Evening Record (January 4)

It's Beetle Bailey's 75th Too

D. D. Degg 

June 9, 2025  https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/06/09/its-beetle-baileys-75th-too/

 

2000 AD digital subscription prices to go up

Dean Simons on 06/10/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/2000-ad-digital-subscription-prices-to-go-up/

 

Announcing the Winners

June 8 2025 by Brad Mackay

https://dougwrightawards.com/announcing-the-winners/

 

'The Simpsons,' Matt Groening Honored as "Icon of Animation" at Annecy

Scott Roxborough

June 10, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-simpsons-matt-groening-annecy-icon-of-animation-1236261106/

 

'The Lunar Chronicles' Animated Movie Lands 2028 Release From Warner Bros.

Director Noëlle Raffaele is adapting Marissa Meyer's best-selling book series for the film that hails from Locksmith Animation.

Ryan Gajewski

June 9, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-lunar-chronicles-animated-movie-release-1236260174/

 

'Incredibles 3' Finds Its Director (Exclusive)

Who is it? Why, it's 'Elemental,' with filmmaker Peter Sohn taking the reins from franchise creator Brad Bird.

Beatrice Verhoeven

June 10, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/incredibles-3-director-peter-sohn-1236260365/

 

Celebrating Superman's Jewishness

By Mark Judge

June 9, 2025 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/patriotism-unity/3433827/superman-jewish-comic-books-religion-antisemitism/

 

DC Comics Has New Owners At Warners, With A "Ten Year Plan For DC"

DC has new owners, Warner Bros. Streaming & Studios? It's looking that way. And they have a ten year plan...

Rich Johnston 09 Jun 2025  https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dc-comics-has-new-owners-at-warners-with-a-ten-year-plan-for-dc/

 

Printer Refuses To Print Gehanna: Naked Aggression Maria Llovet Cover

Printer refuses to print the Maria Llovet cover to Gehanna: Naked Aggression, which should have been published from Image Comics this week. 

09 Jun 2025  Rich Johnston   https://bleedingcool.com/comics/printer-refuses-to-print-gehanna-naked-aggression-maria-llovet-cover/

 

Japanese Cancel Holidays Over "Nostradamus" "Baba Manga" Predictions

Japanese cancel holiday and travel plans over "Nostradamus" and "Baba Manga" predictions in Ryo Tatsuki's The Future I Saw 

Rich Johnston 09 Jun 2025   https://bleedingcool.com/comics/japanese-cancel-holidays-over-nostradamus-baba-manga-predictions/

 

'The Girl Who Cried Pearls' Directors Discuss Crafting a Modern Fable in Miniature [stop-motion]

Jennifer Wolfe

June 9, 2025  https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/the-girl-who-cried-pearls-directors-discuss-crafting-a-modern-fable-in-miniature/

This article was written for the

May-June '25 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 350).

 

'You Would Not Survive if There Wasn't Humor': The Kate Beaton Interview — The Comics Journal #311 Preview

Sarah Glidden | June 10, 2025

https://www.tcj.com/you-would-not-survive-if-there-wasnt-humor-the-kate-beaton-interview-the-comics-journal-311-preview/

 

Reviews: Rebellion Presents The José Muñoz Collection

Hagai Palevsky | June 10, 2025  https://www.tcj.com/reviews/rebellion-presents-the-jose-munoz-collection/

 

Rebellion Presents The José Muñoz Collection

José Muñoz with Chris Lowder, Frank S. Pepper and Eric Bradbury

Rebellion/2000 AD

 

PATTON OSWALT AND JORDAN BLUM ARE LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY AMBASSADORS, First Ever

Posted by Milton Griepp on June 10, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59749/patton-oswalt-jordan-blum-are-local-comic-shop-day-ambassadors

Federal Court sanctions Jesse David Spurlock after forged licensing claim
Javier Perez on 06/10/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/federal-court-sanctions-jesse-david-spurlock-after-forged-licensing-claim/

CONVOCATION ADDRESS [at minute 36]
Bob Mankoff
Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences Convocation and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Convocation (May 19 2025): https://commencement.syr.edu/commencement-weekend/ceremony-events/convocation-arts-sciences-maxwell.html

J Alex Morrissey
Shawn Crystal
Tradecraft  Jun 10, 2025  Episode 242
https://jalexmorrissey.substack.com/p/episode-242-shawn-crystal

Kickstarter Scammers Impersonating Me
Steve Conley
Blog https://steveconley.com/2025/06/05/kickstarter-scammers-impersonating-me/

Children's Institute 2025: Graphix Celebrates Two Decades of Kids' Comics
By Nathalie op de Beeck |
May 23, 2025 A version of this article appeared in the 05/26/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Words, Pictures, Revolution https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/97817-children-s-institute-2025-graphix-celebrates-two-decades-of-kids-comics.html

A Meta New Yorker Cartoon By Warren Miller
Michael Maslin
Inkspill June 10, 2025 https://michaelmaslin.com/tuesday-spill-a-meta-new-yorker-cartoon-by-warren-miller/

Showrunner Matt Selman wonders if Fox News would exist without The Simpsons
In a panel, Selman questioned whether The Simpsons "sort of destroyed" the world.
By Emma Keates  |  June 10, 2025
https://www.avclub.com/simpsons-showrunner-fox-news

Superman lights the way: How Hollywood's new Man of Steel shepherds the DC universe of tomorrow (exclusive)

Ten of DC's "Super" stars — including director James Gunn, stars Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, and Clark Kent himself, David Corenswet — take EW inside the first feature film of the newly revamped franchise.
By
Nick Romano
Published on June 10, 2025 https://ew.com/superman-new-man-of-steel-leads-dcu-of-tomorrow-cover-story-11751060

'Invincible' Is Finally Getting Its Own Fighting Game
Stand ready for the arrival of 'Invincible VS,' a bloody tag-team 3v3 fighter coming to PC and consoles in 2026.
By Justin Carter  io9 June 8, 2025
https://gizmodo.com/invincible-is-finally-getting-its-own-fighting-game-2000613009

George Takei believes our democracy will be OK — once the 'Klingon president' is out of office
By Tracy Brown
June 10, 2025
 https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2025-06-10/george-takei-it-rhymes-with-takei-memoir-coming-out-incarceration-camps

It Rhymes With Takei
By George Takei, Steven Scott, Justin Eisinger and Harmony Becker (illustrator)
Top Shelf Productions

George Takei talks new graphic memoir, 'It Rhymes with Takei'
The actor opens up about his new graphic memoir, out June 10, which shares his most personal story yet told in full for the first time.
George Stephanopoulos
Good Morning America June 10, 2025
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/video/george-takei-talks-new-graphic-rhymes-takei-122688792

George Takei gets candid about coming out, feud with Trump: 'Biggest Klingon around'
 Clare Mulroy
USA TODAY June 10 2025
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/06/10/george-takei-memoir-trump-interview/84056460007/

Akron's Justin Eisinger is co-author of George Takei's memoir 'It Rhymes with Takei'
Akron native is co-author of 'Star Trek' actor George Takei's new graphic novel 'It Rhymes with Takei.'
June 10 2025 https://www.beaconjournal.com/videos/news/2025/06/10/justin-eisinger-is-co-author-of-george-takeis-memoir/84070800007/

Despicable Me by Daniel Boris

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Resistencia California"

"Resistencia California"
https://sinkers.org/stage/?p=4127


In solidarity with our freedom fighters in the Battle Of Los Angeles.
Time to support OUR troops.

-------

"Protests continue in Los Angeles in response to fascist immigration
raids" Jacob Cross and contributors at World Socialist Site 07.06.2025
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/07/tebb-j07.html#903286324

"Nationwide protests multiply against fascist ICE raids and military
deployment in Los Angeles", Jacob Crosse at World Socialist Site
07.10.2025
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/10/fxqc-j10.html


 ____________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/9/2025

Interview: Matt Braly and Ainsworth Lin discuss the genesis of FAMILY FORCE V

Avery and Ollie Kaplan

The  Beat  06/09/2025  https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-matt-braly-ainsworth-lin-family-force-v/

 

Indies and Icons, Tentpoles and Oscar Contenders: Annecy at 40 Sets the Animation Agenda

From the biggest studio titles to cutting-edge independents, every frame of the global animation industry runs through Annecy.

Scott Roxborough

June 8, 2025 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/annecy-at-40-sets-the-animation-agenda-1236257533/

 

Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Patton Oswalt Lead All-Star Voice Cast of Sony's 'GOAT'

Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, and Jenifer Lewis also join the NBA superstar in the basketball-themed feature, which screened first footage at Annecy on Monday.

Scott Roxborough

June 9, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/stephen-curry-nicola-coughlan-lead-voice-cast-animated-goat-1236259565/

 

How To Train Your Dragon remake trades animated magic for money-hungry mediocrity

A live-action remake that ironically feels more fake than the animated original glides by on goodwill alone.

By James Grebey  |  June 9, 2025

https://www.avclub.com/how-to-train-your-dragon-review

 

'How to Train Your Dragon' Review: DreamWorks Live-Action Remake Retains Charm but Plays It Safe

Original 'How to Train Your Dragon' screenwriter Dean DeBlois solo-directs this take on the popular franchise, which follows the adventures of a young Viking and the creature he befriends.

Lovia Gyarkye

June 8, 2025 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/how-to-train-your-dragon-review-dreamworks-remake-1236258510/

 

'PREVIEWS' EDITOR IS LOOKING With Ad Populum's Plans Still Opaque

  Milton Griepp on June 9, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59738/previews-editor-is-looking

 

"Canada's Greatest Cartoonist" Lou Skuce Enters Hall of Fame

D. D. Degg

June 8, 2025

https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/06/07/canadas-greatest-cartoonist-lou-skuce-enters-hall-of-fame/

 

Unknown. 1942.

Revue Cartoonist Helped Blacksmith [Lou Skuce].

The Morning Call (September 26).

online at https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/06/07/canadas-greatest-cartoonist-lou-skuce-enters-hall-of-fame/

 

Canada's Greatest Cartoonist: Lou Skuce's charmed and versatile career.

By Conan Tobias

Taddle Creek  Summer, 2016 / No. 37

https://www.taddlecreekmag.com/canadas-greatest-cartoonist

 

How Akira Toriyama's Dr. Slump came to life

Kaoru Kumi | June 9, 2025  https://www.tcj.com/how-akira-toriyamas-dr-slump-came-to-life/

 

Drawing the Line: The Untold Story of the Animation Unions from Bosko to Bart Simpson

Tom Sito

University Press of Kentucky, 2006

 

Is Marvel Cancelling The Marvel Masterworks Line? Goes On Hiatus…

07 Jun 2025  Rich Johnston  https://bleedingcool.com/comics/marvel-cancelling-marvel-masterworks-line-hiatus/

 

How to Make a Killing in the (James) Bond Market

Long before Sean Connery ordered his first martini, a British tabloid's comic strip helped define 007. Now, those rare original drawings are up for sale.

Benjamin Svetkey

June 7, 2025

This story appeared in the June 4 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/original-007-comic-art-sale-1236236374/

 

WonderCon 2025 Interview: Artist Randal "R.K." Milholland

June 7, 2025 Angie Fiedler Sutton

https://thegeekiary.com/wondercon-2025-interview-artist-randal-r-k-milholland/132664

 

WonderCon 2025 Interview: Andy Nordvall, Kaj Kunstmann, and Bad Future Vol. 1 [Kickstarter]

May 26, 2025 Angie Fiedler Sutton

https://thegeekiary.com/wondercon-2025-interview-andy-nordvall-kaj-kunstmann-and-bad-future-vol-1/132475

 

The Great GoComics Restoration [of drop panels]

D. D. Degg

June 8, 2025

https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/06/08/the-great-gocomics-restoration/

 

The man behind Denver's iconic sports cartoons [Drew Litton]

Peter Vo

Rocky Mountain PBS Jun 08, 2025

https://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/arts-culture/drew-litton-cartoons

 

Gloucester's Mark Parisi up for Cartoonist of the Year

    By Joann Mackenzie

    Gloucester Times June 6 2025

    https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/local_news/gloucesters-mark-parisi-up-for-cartoonist-of-the-year/article_115d73bc-ab7b-455b-914e-440b5c73444f.html

    or https://archive.ph/4ymS4#selection-2269.0-2709.27

 

Acclaimed Hungarian Animation and Vfx Studios Shine in the Global Spotlight [paid content]

June 6, 2025

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/acclaimed-hungarian-animation-and-vfx-studios-shine-in-the-global-spotlight/

 

The Creative Team of Pixar's 'Elio' Explore the Depths of Their Animated Space Adventure

Karen Idelson

June 6, 2025

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/the-creative-team-of-pixars-elio-explore-the-depths-of-their-animated-space-adventure/

This article was written for the

May-June '25 issue of Animation Magazine (No. 350).

 

How 'Forevergreen' Directors Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears Planted the Seeds of Their Award-Winning Short (Exclusive)

Ramin Zahed

June 6, 2025  https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/how-forevergreen-directors-nathan-engelhardt-jeremy-spears-planted-the-seeds-of-their-award-winning-short-exclusive/

 

Aussie Animation Studio Cosmic Dino Ramps Up Expansion for 'Bluey' Movie

Mercedes Milligan

June 6, 2025  https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/aussie-animation-studio-cosmic-dino-ramps-up-expansion-for-bluey-movie/

 

Watch: 'Cardboard' Director J.P. Vine Takes Us Behind the Scenes of the New Locksmith Short (Exclusive)

Mercedes Milligan

June 6, 2025

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/watch-cardboard-director-j-p-vine-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-the-new-locksmith-short-exclusive/

 

The Making of Cardboard | The Origin Story with Director J.P. Vine

J.P. Vine

  Jun 6, 2025 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGYY9LiQBr8

 

Gib Crockett Cartoons: An inventory of his cartoons at Syracuse University. Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries: https://library.syracuse.edu/digital/guides/c/crockett_g.htm

Rhode, Mike. 2025. Gib Crockett's original art, ties of friendship, and the ephemeralness of editorial cartooning. ComicsDC blog (June 9): https://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2025/06/gib-crocketts-original-art-ties-of.html

Wedderburn, Marjorie. 2023. Gib Crockett: DC Editorial Cartoonist. Marjorie Wedderburn Interiors (August): https://margerywedderburninteriors.com/2023/08/gib-crockett-washington-dc-editorial-cartoonist/

Award-winning colorist Matt Hollingsworth calls for fans to boycott CHRONONAUTS
Javier Perez on 06/09/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/award-winning-colorist-matt-hollingsworth-calls-for-fans-to-boycott-chrononauts/

Trump vs Musk! 115 Brilliant Political Cartoons!
Daryl Cagle, Dave Whamond, Monte Wolverton, Jeff Koterba, and Bob Englehart
Caglecast 69; Jun 9, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM-n1ULJoiM

Inklore to Publish Manhua Adaptation of Heaven Official's Blessing
Jun 09, 2025
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=5396

The Moomins Changed Children's Literature Forever. Now They're Getting a Major U.S. Show
Hosted at the Brooklyn Public Library, the exhibition takes a deep dive into the Moomin universe and the work of creator Tove Jansson.
Annikka Olsen June 5, 2025  https://news.artnet.com/art-world/the-moomins-brooklyn-library-2647363

Ryan Reynolds Responds To Being Replaced In Deadpool VR
See how Ryan Reynolds responds to being replaced by Neil Patrick Harris as the voice of Deadpool in Marvel's Deadpool VR
 Gavin Sheehan
07 Jun 2025  https://bleedingcool.com/games/ryan-reynolds-responds-to-being-replaced-in-deadpool-vr/

Ryan Over-Reacts to Marvel's Deadpool VR
 Ryan Reynolds  Jun 7, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WIhc9hjlTQ