Saturday, June 14, 2025

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/13/2025

The Beat Digest 06/13/25: IDW resurrects THE TWILIGHT ZONE

Christopher Chiu-Tabet on 06/13/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/digest-061325/

 

GlobalComix launches "Watch," a new hub for comic and manga video content

Hayame Kawachi on 06/13/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/globalcomix-launches-watch-new-hub-comic-manga-video-content/

 

Graphic Novel Review: They Shot the Piano Player: The Graphic Novel

reviewed by Elk Paauw, PhD Student and Lecturer, University of Western Ontario

International Journal of Comic Art blog June 13, 2025

https://ijoca.blogspot.com/2025/06/graphic-novel-review-they-shot-piano.html

 

Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal; translated by Edward Gauvin. They Shot the Piano Player: The Graphic Novel. London: Self-Made Hero Publications, 2024. ISBN: 9781914224249. $34.99. https://www.selfmadehero.com/books/they-shot-the-piano-player-a-graphic-novel

 

Comics Crowdfunding Round-Up: HELLWHALERS, ITTO, BUCK ROGERS, and three more projects you'll love

Diego Higuera on 06/13/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/comics-crowdfunding-round-up-hellwhalers-itto-buck-rogers-and-three-more-projects-youll-love/


Spoonist Forks with Chaz Hutton

 

The Jersey Devil Is Ready For Its Close-Up

From poetry to comics to theatre, the Garden State's favorite cryptid is getting its moment to shine.

By Tobias Carroll

https://reactormag.com/the-jersey-devil-is-ready-for-its-close-up/

June 3, 2025

 

Are Polybags Back?

On the surprisingly resurgent tactic from the 1990s and what's fueling its resurrection.

https://sktchd.com/longform/are-polybags-back/

By David Harper

June 11, 2025

 

DYNAMITE ASKED COURT TO ORDER DIAMOND TO PAY; Diamond Objects

Milton Griepp on June 13, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59787/dynamite-asked-court-order-diamond-pay

 

Linocut (Hand Carved Stamp) Sketch Variants for the Exquisite Corpses Launch Party

Sami DeMonster's avatar

Sami DeMonster

May 19, 2025

  https://samidemonster.substack.com/p/linocut-hand-carved-stamp-sketch

 

PRHPS SIGNS NEW PUBLISHER IGNITION PRESS Beginning in September

  Milton Griepp on June 13, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59785/prhps-signs-new-publisher-ignition-press

 

NEW MANGA PUBLISHER ANNOUNCES FIRST THREE TITLES

Digital and DTC for Now, but Open to Retailers [ Manga Mavericks]

Brigid Alverson on June 12, 2025

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59779/new-manga-publisher-announces-first-three-titles

 

Kal Draws The Line

Kevin KAL Kallaugher

Jun 12, 2025

https://kaltoons.substack.com/

 

Bad Idea announce CUL-DE-SAC #1 IMPALED EDITION

Javier Perez on 06/13/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/bad-idea-announce-cul-de-sac-1-impaled-edition/

 

Graphic Novel Review: IT RHYMES WITH TAKEI is a walkthrough of LGBTQ+, American history

Javier Perez on 06/13/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-novel-review-it-rhymes-with-takei-is-a-walkthrough-of-lgbtq-american-history/

 

The Week in Diamond: non-payments, non-shipping and $10 million lost value

Heidi MacDonald on 06/13/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-week-in-diamond-non-payments-non-shipping-and-10-million-lost-value/

 

"Artificial: A Love Story" Book Talk

Amy Kurzweil and Jason Adam Katzenstein.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML1TLElaP2s

Museum of Jewish Heritage May 21, 2025

 

Matt Madden

Rules for Jam Comics

Build Your Own Labyrinth: Constraints and Creativity Jun 13, 2025

https://mattmadd.substack.com/p/rules-for-jam-comics

 

Ignition Press Sign Up Comics Distribution With Penguin Random House

12 Jun 2025   Rich Johnston  https://bleedingcool.com/comics/ignition-press-sign-up-comics-distribution-with-penguin-random-house/

 

Aethon Books Has Acquired Majority Stake in Vault Comics

Amanda Sheriff

Scoop  June 12, 2025

https://www.overstreetaccess.com/aethon-books-has-acquired-majority-stake-in-vault-comics/

 

Original "Calvin and Hobbes" art by Bill Watterson included in upcoming Heritage Auction

John Freeman on June 12, 2025

https://downthetubes.net/original-calvin-and-hobbes-art-by-bill-watterson-included-in-upcoming-heritage-auction/

 

TURNING POINTS by Maggie Thompson

June 12, 2025

https://www.overstreetaccess.com/turning-points-by-maggie-thompson-132/

 

Genndy Tartakovsky Developing 'Heist Safari' Animated Series for Adult Swim

Animation Magazine

June 12, 2025

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/genndy-tartakovsky-developing-heist-safari-animated-series-for-adult-swim/

 

Pixar Gives First Look at 'Toy Story 5,' Teases New Original 'Gatto' at Annecy

Pixar chief creative officer Pete Docter unveiled behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive clips to tease two of the studio's hottest upcoming releases.

Scott Roxborough

June 13, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/toy-story-5-first-look-pixar-1236290167/

 

Alex Woo on Building 'In Your Dreams' From Scratch — and Why Netflix Said Yes

The director and creative team behind the new animated feature recount how their original idea, about two siblings journeying through the land of dreams, went from scribbles on a grease-stained pizza box to become Netflix's big awards play.

Scott Roxborough

June 13, 2025

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alex-woo-on-netflix-animated-film-in-your-dreams-1236263432/

 

Annecy: Adult Swim Announces New Series 'Keeping Up with the Joneses,' 'The Elephant' Special & More

Mercedes Milligan

June 12, 2025 https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/annecy-adult-swim-announces-new-series-keeping-up-with-the-joneses-the-elephant-special-more/

 

Fish Tale: 'Tiddler' Producer Barney Goodland Reflects on the Making of Magic Light's Swimming CG Special

Ramin Zahed

June 12, 2025 https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/fish-tale-tiddler-producer-barney-goodland-reflects-on-the-making-of-magic-lights-swimming-cg-special/

This article was written for the

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

 

Annecy: Crunchyroll Exec VP Mitchel Berger Presses Anime's Growing Influence

Ryan Gaur

June 12, 2025  https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/annecy-crunchyroll-senior-vp-mitchel-berger-presses-animes-growing-influence/

 

Live With Liza and Ann Telnaes!

What a doozy of a week, and historically significant

Liza Donnelly and Ann Telnaes

Seeing Things Jun 13, 2025  https://lizadonnelly.substack.com/p/live-with-liza-and-ann-telnaes-e50

 

What Was I Thinkin' In My Head — This Week's Links

Clark Burscough | June 13, 2025

https://www.tcj.com/what-was-i-thinkin-in-my-head-this-weeks-links/

 

At Home with Marc Torices

Drawn & Quarterly

Jun 3, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9L6s0nX334

 

Inside Look: Ruin of the House of the Divine Visage – Eve and Spire Greenwood on Their Graphic Novel Exploring Religion and Queer Identity

    by Eve and Spire Greenwood

    June 6, 2025

https://www.brokenfrontier.com/ruin-of-the-house-of-the-divine-visage-inside-look/

 

"Welcome to Foodtopia: Where the Crumbs Matter" – The 'Aw, Nuts!' Team Spills All on Puns, Peanut Butter, and Building a Delicious Universe

    by Lydia Turner

    June 6, 2025

https://www.brokenfrontier.com/aw-nuts-papercutz/

 

Alison Bechdel's new graphic novel illustrates the comic side of Vermont

The nationally recognized cartoonist behind "Dykes to Watch Out For" and "Fun Home" has filled her latest work, "Spent," with lots of local color.

by Kevin O'Connor June 8, 2025,

https://vtdigger.org/2025/06/08/alison-bechdels-new-graphic-novel-illustrates-the-comic-side-of-vermont/

 

Off Panel #503: Fun and Fundamental with Eitan Manhoff [comic book store]

June 9 2025

https://sktchd.libsyn.com/off-panel-503-fun-and-fundamental-with-eitan-manhoff

 

PW Comics World: More To Come

More to Come 676: Happy Pride Month

Calvin Reid, Heidi 'The Beat' MacDonald and Kate Fitzsimons

on 06/06/2025

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/podcasts/index.html?channel=2&podcast=1371

 

The Enemy Is a Bowl of Soup: On Quino's Mafalda

By Julia Kornberg

Paris Review June 6, 2025

https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2025/06/06/the-enemy-is-a-bowl-of-soup-on-quinos-mafalda/

 

Netflix's 'The Eternaut' makes a haunting series of an esteemed Argentine comic

Bob Mondello

NPR's All Things Considered June 9, 2025

https://www.npr.org/2025/06/09/nx-s1-5422356/netflix-the-eternaut-el-eternauta-argentina

https://ondemand.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/atc/2025/06/20250609_atc_review-the_eternaut.mp3

https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5422356

 

The Eternaut speaks to our uneasy times – that's why this cult comic has become a global Netflix hit

Jordana Timerman

9 Jun 2025   https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/09/the-eternaut-cult-comic-netflix-hit-argentina-sci-fi

 

Local illustrator helps reimagine 'Huck Finn' tale through Jim's perspective

Marcus Kwame Anderson worked with author David F. Walker on graphic novel "Big Jim and the White Boy"

By Jim Shahen Jr., June 11, 2025 https://www.timesunion.com/books/article/big-jim-white-boy-reimagines-huck-finn-20368299.php

 

Return to Form? An Interview with John Pistelli, Author of "Major Arcana"

Theodore Anderson | June 12, 2025

https://lit.newcity.com/2025/06/12/return-to-form-an-interview-with-john-pistelli-author-of-major-arcana/

 

La Jolla exhibit to showcase Kumeyaay past, present and future

The 'Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project' show is based on two graphic novels that offer Indigenous-led accounts of tribal and California history

By Ashley Mackin Solomon | ashleym@lajollalight.com

  La Jolla Light June 9, 2025

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/06/09/la-jolla-exhibit-to-showcase-kumeyaay-past-present-and-future/

 

The American cartoonist discussed her new comic novel, Spent, on Bookends with Mattea Roach [aka Alison Bechdel on making money and seeing Fun Home in a new light]

CBC Radio · Posted: Jun 04, 2025

https://www.cbc.ca/books/bookends/how-characters-from-alison-bechdel-s-past-shook-her-out-of-her-memoir-writing-kick-1.7550896

 

Steve Thompson takes us on an 'Ill Vacation'

Chris Coplan

June 10, 2025  https://aiptcomics.com/2025/06/10/ill-vacation-qa/

 

Xmas come early: Jason Shawn Alexander details long-brewing 'Scrooge: A Christmas Carol'

The Zoop campaign begins this week for the daring Christmas rework.

Chris Coplan

June 12, 2025

https://aiptcomics.com/2025/06/12/scrooge-zoop-qa/

 

Loss and love for a space vampire: Christopher Priest discusses ongoing 'Vampirella' run

On superhero marriages, time-traveling babies, and subverting expectations.

Marvel Maximus

June 12, 2025 https://aiptcomics.com/2025/06/12/vampirella-christopher-priest-feature/

 

X-Men Monday #299 – Ashley Allen Talks 'Magik'

Chris Hassan

June 9, 2025 https://aiptcomics.com/2025/06/09/x-men-monday-299-ashley-allen-magik/


Prison Shivs, Pigeon Blue, & the Art of Spoonist Forks with Chaz Hutton [aka DMA#14: On Instagram Cartoonists, Ornithology & Comedian Hangs].
Process Junkie June 13 2025
Jason Chatfield
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIP8yn8zAYc

Interview: Ernie Altbacker launches AREA 51 STUDIOS comics Kickstarter
Taimur Dur
Comics Beat Jun 12, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsRRjtyqmpE

Scott Christian Sava Returns | Pencil To Pencil 6/11/25
Jamar Nicholas, Steve Conley and Mike Manley
Pencil to Pencil  Jun 11, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGAJQs4cNwE

Pencil To Pencil Live In The Studio 7/11/20 w/ Scott Christian Sava
Mike Manley, Jamar Nicholas and Bret Blevins
Pencil to Pencil
Jul 11, 2020  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pkKWgYmJAE

Episode 713: Paul Pope
RiYL Podcast
Jun 13, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTK0b_IvViw

John Romita Jr Talks New Projects and Old Favorites
word balloon June 13 2025
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwIyOsvjYSA

Circles and Corners: The Comics Retailer Spectrum Explained - Comics Industry Insiders LIVE
Atom! Freeman and Brian Garside
Prana: Direct Market Solutions
 Jun 10, 2025   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18HGue3JPMY


Friday, June 13, 2025

NPR on Netflix's 'The Eternaut'

Kal launches cartoon newsletter

from Kevin Kallaugher

Hi friends, family and colleagues

I have a just launched a twice weekly cartoon newsletter featuring the best of my work from nearly 50 years in the satire business.  There will be loads of interesting cartoons along with insights, backstories, hidden gems, interviews and more. 

Subscribe for free.  Please spread the word! 

I hope to see you there!


-



Thursday, June 12, 2025

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.


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.

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. ðŸ¥º


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



Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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."

Washington Post June 11, 2025: C4.