Jason's got three posts up at the DCist about his drive to San Diego's ComicCon.
July 14: The Plan
July 15-18: DC to Tennessee
July 19-21: Tennessee to New Mexico
This is still an insane idea, although it looks like he's having fun, of a sort.
Monday, July 21, 2008
OT: Dennis the Menace exhibit in North Carolina
This one's off-topic, but at Heroes Con I had lunch with Marcus Hamilton who does the daily Dennis the Menace. He's a real nice guy, and he's got an exhibit up now - the details are from the Charlotte Observer July 20 2008 and the exhibit “Illustrating: A Career and Drawing Dennis,” is up from July 28-Aug. 28 at the Cabarrus Arts Council Galleries in the Historic Cabarrus Courthouse in downtown Concord.
July 21: Jeff Smith interviewed on PBS Newshour tonight and website later
This one comes in from Arlingtonian Herschel Kanter - you can watch the Newshour on WETA, WMPT or WHUT tonight or send questions in for Jeff Smith to answer later online, ala the Washington Post's chats. Here's the details:
Jeff Smith and the Bone Comics
Jeff Smith, the artist who draws the wildly popular "Bone" comics says he grew up hiding his drawings in math books.
Now, after launching his first issue in 1991, Smith's drawings have sold over four million copies and have been published in multiple languages. They are on display at the Wexner Center For the Arts at Ohio State University.
"Bone" is an epic fantasy featuring three cousins - Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone - who get lost in a strange world.
He takes your questions on the world of comics and the inspiration behind his series.
Answers will be posted Wednesday, July 30.
Jeff Smith and the Bone Comics
Jeff Smith, the artist who draws the wildly popular "Bone" comics says he grew up hiding his drawings in math books.
Now, after launching his first issue in 1991, Smith's drawings have sold over four million copies and have been published in multiple languages. They are on display at the Wexner Center For the Arts at Ohio State University.
"Bone" is an epic fantasy featuring three cousins - Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone - who get lost in a strange world.
He takes your questions on the world of comics and the inspiration behind his series.
Answers will be posted Wednesday, July 30.
Catching up with cIndy podcast interviews
I ran into Chris at Big Planet this weekend, and realized I hadn't been checking his cIndyCenter podcasts as often as I should this spring. I had missed Christopher Mills, J.H. Williams III, Joe Staton, Sonny Liew, Alan Kupperberg and Herb Trimpe. Check them out!
Joss Whedon Talks 'Dr. Horrible,' 'Dollhouse' and More
The transcript for this is online now - it's the shortest chat I've seen and only is about the two new projects -- Mike
Joss Whedon, Creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel" and "Firefly"
Monday, July 21, 2008; 12:00 PM
Television writer, producer and director Joss Whedon will be online
Monday, July 21 at Noon ET to take your questions about "Dr.
Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," his new show "Dollhouse" and more.
Whedon is the creator of the TV shows "Buffy the Vampire Slayer,"
"Angel" and "Firefly." "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," is a musical
superhero spoof starring Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion. It
was freely available streaming online through July 20, and will be
available for download and on DVD.
Joss Whedon, Creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel" and "Firefly"
Monday, July 21, 2008; 12:00 PM
Television writer, producer and director Joss Whedon will be online
Monday, July 21 at Noon ET to take your questions about "Dr.
Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," his new show "Dollhouse" and more.
Whedon is the creator of the TV shows "Buffy the Vampire Slayer,"
"Angel" and "Firefly." "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," is a musical
superhero spoof starring Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion. It
was freely available streaming online through July 20, and will be
available for download and on DVD.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-23-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-23-08
By John Judy
AMBUSH BUG: YEAR NONE #1 of 6 by Keith Giffen, Robert Loren Fleming and Al Milgrom. Remember how we all laughed back in the 1980s? We had these funny Presidents who never knew what they were talking about and one of them liked jelly beans an awful lot, maybe too much and… Well, if you’d like to relive those days at roughly ten times the price then this book is for you!
AMERICAN FLAGG DEFINITIVE COLLECTION VOL. 1 HC written and illustrated by Howard Chaykin. Collecting the legendary first 14 issues of the series that put Howard Chaykin on the map. Twenty-five years in the making this one’s finally coming out from Image. Recommended.
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #15 by Dan Slott, Christos Gage and Harvey Tolibao. Skrull-kickings galore! What more could anyone ask?
BLACK PANTHER #38 by Reginald Hudlin and Francis Portela. T’Challa vs. Killmonger, the final round. Look whose name is on the comic, kids. Good stuff.
BLACK SUMMER #7 of 7 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp. It’s crazy John Horus vs. Everyone in the mushroom cloudy finale! To take the edge off Ellis dumping THUNDERBOLTS. Not for kids.
BRAVE AND BOLD #15 by Mark Waid and Scott Kolins. Okay, would ya believe Nightwing and Hawkman? I think Frank Miller should make money every time a superhero jumps through a hail of ninja arrows in a comic book. Just puttin’ it out there…
BROKEN TRINITY #1 of 3 by Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic. At first I thought this was some sort of a confession from DC but then I looked and saw it was from Top Cow and involved Witchblade, The Darkness and an Angelus that had nothing to do with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Okay.
DAN DARE #7 of 7 by Garth Ennis, Gary Erskine, and Gary Leach. The double-sized final issue as Dan and the Mekon throw down hard. Stiff upper lips all around! Think of England! Recommended!
DAREDEVIL #109 by Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark. Matt starts using his head to figure out why the feds want the wrong man executed. This has to involve Cheney…
FLASH COMPANION SC by Keith Dallas. If you’re a fan of any of the four men to wear the lightning then you’ll want this collection of interviews, articles and never before seen artwork from Two Morrows Publishing. Recommended.
GRAVEL #3 by Warren Ellis, Mike Wolfer and Oscar Jimenez. Quick! An issue of GRAVEL has escaped from Avatar Press! Somebody catch it!
IMAGE MONSTER PILE-UP #1 by Many People. A sampler pack of Image monster characters, including the Astounding Wolf-Man, Firebreather, Perhapanauts, and Proof. Four new stories for the curious and the obsessive. Dirt-cheap!
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #17 by Duane Swierczynski, Russ Heath and Travel Foreman. The first issue by the new creative team, but is it the last for Danny Rand? All-new adventures of the toughest guy ever to wear yellow slippers.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #23 by Dwayne McDuffie and Ed Benes. Wonder Woman fights Amazo. See if I’m lying.
LIBERTY COMICS: A CBLDF BENEFIT BOOK by Various Creators including Brubaker, Ennis, Cooke, Evanier, Phillips and Millar. Featuring all-new stories from the worlds of CRIMINAL and THE BOYS with lots of other goodies from today’s top creators. Not for kids but essential reading. If you love comics and hate censorship this is your book! Highly Recommended x Infinity.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN-AGE CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 2 HC by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #5-8. If you don’t have $46,000 on you for the original books give this a read. Classic stuff.
NEW AVENGERS #43 by Brian Michael Bendis and Billy Tan. Further explorations of the Skrull-kickings motif.
SCRAMBLED INK HC by A Bunch of Dreamworks Animators. A collection of stories illustrated by the folks who brought you “Shrek” among other things. There’s a preview over on the Dark Horse website and it looks beautiful. Gotta look!
SCUD THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN: THE WHOLE SHEBANG SC by Rob Schrab, Dan Harmon, Mondy Carter, and Jack Grey. Collecting SCUD #1-24, the whole magilla right here in one book. “If ya have to ask….”
SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY ARCHIVES, VOL. 3 HC by Joe Samachson and Arthur Cazeneuve. The final volume collecting LEADING COMICS #9-14 from the closing years of WWII. In original form these comics would cost you around $6,000. This book is cheaper.
SHE-HULK #31 by Peter David and Vincenzo Cucca. Guest-starring X-Factor and lots of Skrulls, who I daresay shall experience the kickings.
SKRULLS ONE-SHOT by John Rhett Thomas and Alan Smithee. Who are these Skrull people anyway and why do they merit the kickings?
SPIRIT #19 by Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier and Paul Smith. More adventures of Eisner’s classic gumshoe, almost certainly better than the upcoming movie.
SUPERMAN #678 by James Robinson and Renato Guedes. Superman dukes it out with Atlas. Place yer bets!
TRINITY #8 by Kurt Busiek and Everybody. New drinking game: Every time the word “trinity” appears in this comic you have to drink. If tarot cards appear you have to drink. If the pictures on the tarot cards change to Superman, Batman and/or Wonder Woman you have to put down the comic and go for a walk (not a drive!). If you’re DC editorial and you’re running this title every week for a year while simultaneously trying to re-launch Madam Xanadu you have to stop drinking forever.
TWO-FACE: YEAR ONE #1 of 2 by Mark Sable and Jeses Saiz. The origin of the coolest, scariest Bat-villain EVER!
UNCANNY X-MEN #500 by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Greg Land and Terry Dodson. Okay, how about this: Every time Greg Land draws a character smiling really broadly you have to drink. If you can see both rows of teeth you have to drink twice. Don’t play this game if you’re pregnant or want to get more than five pages into the comic.
WAR HEROES #1 of 6 by Mark Millar and Tony Harris. Let us consider this book Millar’s apology for the movie “Wanted.” As long-time collaborator Bryan Hitch says: “Millar, you fool. We should have done this as ULTIMATES 3!” (Anyone who has read ULTIMATES 3 would have to agree.) With art by the wonderful Tony Harris of STARMAN and EX MACHINA fame. Recommended.
X-FILES SPECIAL #0 by Frank Spotnitz and Brian Denham. I’m told this used to be on that box with the little people in it.
X-MEN LEGACY #214 by Mike Carey and Scot Eaton. Wrapping up the battle between Professor X and the X-villain with the name so stupid I can’t bring myself to type it. Rhymes with “Sister Minister” which is actually a much better name for an X-villain.
(Enjoy Comic-Con, everybody! If you see Jerry Robinson in Artists Alley be sure to thank him for co-creating the Joker!)
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
AMBUSH BUG: YEAR NONE #1 of 6 by Keith Giffen, Robert Loren Fleming and Al Milgrom. Remember how we all laughed back in the 1980s? We had these funny Presidents who never knew what they were talking about and one of them liked jelly beans an awful lot, maybe too much and… Well, if you’d like to relive those days at roughly ten times the price then this book is for you!
AMERICAN FLAGG DEFINITIVE COLLECTION VOL. 1 HC written and illustrated by Howard Chaykin. Collecting the legendary first 14 issues of the series that put Howard Chaykin on the map. Twenty-five years in the making this one’s finally coming out from Image. Recommended.
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #15 by Dan Slott, Christos Gage and Harvey Tolibao. Skrull-kickings galore! What more could anyone ask?
BLACK PANTHER #38 by Reginald Hudlin and Francis Portela. T’Challa vs. Killmonger, the final round. Look whose name is on the comic, kids. Good stuff.
BLACK SUMMER #7 of 7 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp. It’s crazy John Horus vs. Everyone in the mushroom cloudy finale! To take the edge off Ellis dumping THUNDERBOLTS. Not for kids.
BRAVE AND BOLD #15 by Mark Waid and Scott Kolins. Okay, would ya believe Nightwing and Hawkman? I think Frank Miller should make money every time a superhero jumps through a hail of ninja arrows in a comic book. Just puttin’ it out there…
BROKEN TRINITY #1 of 3 by Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic. At first I thought this was some sort of a confession from DC but then I looked and saw it was from Top Cow and involved Witchblade, The Darkness and an Angelus that had nothing to do with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Okay.
DAN DARE #7 of 7 by Garth Ennis, Gary Erskine, and Gary Leach. The double-sized final issue as Dan and the Mekon throw down hard. Stiff upper lips all around! Think of England! Recommended!
DAREDEVIL #109 by Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark. Matt starts using his head to figure out why the feds want the wrong man executed. This has to involve Cheney…
FLASH COMPANION SC by Keith Dallas. If you’re a fan of any of the four men to wear the lightning then you’ll want this collection of interviews, articles and never before seen artwork from Two Morrows Publishing. Recommended.
GRAVEL #3 by Warren Ellis, Mike Wolfer and Oscar Jimenez. Quick! An issue of GRAVEL has escaped from Avatar Press! Somebody catch it!
IMAGE MONSTER PILE-UP #1 by Many People. A sampler pack of Image monster characters, including the Astounding Wolf-Man, Firebreather, Perhapanauts, and Proof. Four new stories for the curious and the obsessive. Dirt-cheap!
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #17 by Duane Swierczynski, Russ Heath and Travel Foreman. The first issue by the new creative team, but is it the last for Danny Rand? All-new adventures of the toughest guy ever to wear yellow slippers.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #23 by Dwayne McDuffie and Ed Benes. Wonder Woman fights Amazo. See if I’m lying.
LIBERTY COMICS: A CBLDF BENEFIT BOOK by Various Creators including Brubaker, Ennis, Cooke, Evanier, Phillips and Millar. Featuring all-new stories from the worlds of CRIMINAL and THE BOYS with lots of other goodies from today’s top creators. Not for kids but essential reading. If you love comics and hate censorship this is your book! Highly Recommended x Infinity.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN-AGE CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 2 HC by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #5-8. If you don’t have $46,000 on you for the original books give this a read. Classic stuff.
NEW AVENGERS #43 by Brian Michael Bendis and Billy Tan. Further explorations of the Skrull-kickings motif.
SCRAMBLED INK HC by A Bunch of Dreamworks Animators. A collection of stories illustrated by the folks who brought you “Shrek” among other things. There’s a preview over on the Dark Horse website and it looks beautiful. Gotta look!
SCUD THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN: THE WHOLE SHEBANG SC by Rob Schrab, Dan Harmon, Mondy Carter, and Jack Grey. Collecting SCUD #1-24, the whole magilla right here in one book. “If ya have to ask….”
SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY ARCHIVES, VOL. 3 HC by Joe Samachson and Arthur Cazeneuve. The final volume collecting LEADING COMICS #9-14 from the closing years of WWII. In original form these comics would cost you around $6,000. This book is cheaper.
SHE-HULK #31 by Peter David and Vincenzo Cucca. Guest-starring X-Factor and lots of Skrulls, who I daresay shall experience the kickings.
SKRULLS ONE-SHOT by John Rhett Thomas and Alan Smithee. Who are these Skrull people anyway and why do they merit the kickings?
SPIRIT #19 by Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier and Paul Smith. More adventures of Eisner’s classic gumshoe, almost certainly better than the upcoming movie.
SUPERMAN #678 by James Robinson and Renato Guedes. Superman dukes it out with Atlas. Place yer bets!
TRINITY #8 by Kurt Busiek and Everybody. New drinking game: Every time the word “trinity” appears in this comic you have to drink. If tarot cards appear you have to drink. If the pictures on the tarot cards change to Superman, Batman and/or Wonder Woman you have to put down the comic and go for a walk (not a drive!). If you’re DC editorial and you’re running this title every week for a year while simultaneously trying to re-launch Madam Xanadu you have to stop drinking forever.
TWO-FACE: YEAR ONE #1 of 2 by Mark Sable and Jeses Saiz. The origin of the coolest, scariest Bat-villain EVER!
UNCANNY X-MEN #500 by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Greg Land and Terry Dodson. Okay, how about this: Every time Greg Land draws a character smiling really broadly you have to drink. If you can see both rows of teeth you have to drink twice. Don’t play this game if you’re pregnant or want to get more than five pages into the comic.
WAR HEROES #1 of 6 by Mark Millar and Tony Harris. Let us consider this book Millar’s apology for the movie “Wanted.” As long-time collaborator Bryan Hitch says: “Millar, you fool. We should have done this as ULTIMATES 3!” (Anyone who has read ULTIMATES 3 would have to agree.) With art by the wonderful Tony Harris of STARMAN and EX MACHINA fame. Recommended.
X-FILES SPECIAL #0 by Frank Spotnitz and Brian Denham. I’m told this used to be on that box with the little people in it.
X-MEN LEGACY #214 by Mike Carey and Scot Eaton. Wrapping up the battle between Professor X and the X-villain with the name so stupid I can’t bring myself to type it. Rhymes with “Sister Minister” which is actually a much better name for an X-villain.
(Enjoy Comic-Con, everybody! If you see Jerry Robinson in Artists Alley be sure to thank him for co-creating the Joker!)
www.johnjudy.net
Panter and Niles at Big Planet Comics
Here's a link to a set of the photos - I'll clean this post up tomorrow.
New comic book title set in DC might be unspeakable,
For information on the anti-stereotype graphic novel "Mr. Spic Goes to Washington" by Amherst College professor Ilan Stavans, see "Professor takes Latino stigmas to D.C. in new graphic novel," By Mary Carey, Amherst Bulletin July 18, 2008.
Al Hirschfeld artwork on new stamp
Today's Washington Post reports that Al Hirschfeld's artwork will be featured on a stamp again - "First- Class Act: The Postal Service Puts Black Film History In a Starring Role," Sunday, July 20, 2008; Page M06. The article says:
The last stamp is the work of the famed Al Hirschfeld for "Hallelujah," a 1929 film made by MGM with an all-black cast and directed by King Vidor. Nina Mae McKinney, another talented beauty who was known as "the Black Garbo," was a co-star. The film itself has been debated for years for including both the reality of rural life and stereotypes. The poster shows a stylized flapper raising her yellow-gloved arms.
The Spirit of Eisner, and Miller, and Neil Young's Vertigo
Frank Miller is interviewed for his adaptation of Will Eisner's The Spirit comic into a movie at "Artist-Director Seeks the Spirit of ‘The Spirit’," By ANDY WEBSTER, New York Times July 20, 2008. The Times also put audio files up on challenging scenes and movies from comics.
An article on Neil Young reveals that the rock musician's work is being adapted into both an opera and a comic book from DC's Vertigo imprint. In "Morphing Neil Young for the Stage and Page," By TOM SELLAR, New York Times July 20, 2008, Sellar wrote:
...Vertigo, the art-house arm of DC Comics, is turning Mr. Young’s material into a graphic novel. Karen Berger, the imprint’s executive editor, said the idea came from Mr. Young... Ms. Berger assigned the project to the artist Cliff Chiang, and the writer Joshua Dysart. “Josh established this wonderful, modern Southern Gothic approach to the tone of his writing,” Ms. Berger said. “He looked at a lot of Neil’s lyrics and tried to find ways to utilize them where it worked.” And, she added, Mr. Dysart was sympathetic to the work’s underlying vision of social redemption.
Like the Undermain stage collaborators, Vertigo’s team is digging deep into mythologies that Mr. Young has created about the fictitious town. So “Greendale” the graphic novel will feature concepts and characters beyond those introduced in the original recording. The 160-page volume will likely be released in fall 2009.
An article on Neil Young reveals that the rock musician's work is being adapted into both an opera and a comic book from DC's Vertigo imprint. In "Morphing Neil Young for the Stage and Page," By TOM SELLAR, New York Times July 20, 2008, Sellar wrote:
...Vertigo, the art-house arm of DC Comics, is turning Mr. Young’s material into a graphic novel. Karen Berger, the imprint’s executive editor, said the idea came from Mr. Young... Ms. Berger assigned the project to the artist Cliff Chiang, and the writer Joshua Dysart. “Josh established this wonderful, modern Southern Gothic approach to the tone of his writing,” Ms. Berger said. “He looked at a lot of Neil’s lyrics and tried to find ways to utilize them where it worked.” And, she added, Mr. Dysart was sympathetic to the work’s underlying vision of social redemption.
Like the Undermain stage collaborators, Vertigo’s team is digging deep into mythologies that Mr. Young has created about the fictitious town. So “Greendale” the graphic novel will feature concepts and characters beyond those introduced in the original recording. The 160-page volume will likely be released in fall 2009.
New York Times columnist on Blitt's Obama
The Times has run an op-ed piece which finally puts the Blitt caricature in the context of Daumier and George Grosz - see "We’re Not Laughing at You, or With You," By LEE SIEGEL, New York Times July 20, 2008.
Amusingly enough, Blitt regularly illustrates Frank Rich's column and today about two pages later, he had a nice caricature of McCain for an article about his economic ineptness.
Finally, the Business section has a good article on Conde Nast, the New Yorker's corporate parent.
Amusingly enough, Blitt regularly illustrates Frank Rich's column and today about two pages later, he had a nice caricature of McCain for an article about his economic ineptness.
Finally, the Business section has a good article on Conde Nast, the New Yorker's corporate parent.
Back to the future in Disney's Tomorrowland
I've seen a couple of articles before this on Disney's reworking of Tomorrowland, but this is the first I've thought worth pointing out - "The Future Is So Yesterday: In the World of Tomorrow, There's a Very Familiar Feeling," by Joel Garreau, Washington Post Staff Writer, Sunday, July 20, 2008; M01. Garreau's got some interesting points to make and has thought about these issues before as he was an early writer (and coined the term I believe) about 'edge cities' -- the conglomerations of places like Tysons Corner or Bethesda -- not classic suburbs, but not cities either.
Complete K Chronicles gets A- from Post
The Source section had a little bit on Keith Knight's Complete K Chronicles book in which Evan Narcisse gave it an A- grade.
Kung Fu Panda's reception in China, part 2
The NY Times follows the wires and the Post and runs a story about China's conflicted views on Kung Fu Panda - "The Panda That Roared," By RICHARD BERNSTEIN, New York Times July 20, 2008. Click the label under this post to see the earlier bits I've put up on it.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Space Chimps and Airbenders
The Post didn't like Space Chimps - "'Space Chimps': Your Inner Child Won't Go Ape for This One," By John Anderson, Washington Post Friday, July 18, 2008; C06.
But the NY Times did saying, " This movie has been designated a Critic's Pick by the film reviewers of The Times." See "Plucky Apes Help to Save the Planet of the Humans," By NEIL GENZLINGER, New York Times July 18, 2008.
And the Times also liked the new Avatar movie - "Television Review | 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' - Though Raised by Pacifists, Destined to Battle for Peace," By SUSAN STEWART, New York Times July 19, 2008.
But the NY Times did saying, " This movie has been designated a Critic's Pick by the film reviewers of The Times." See "Plucky Apes Help to Save the Planet of the Humans," By NEIL GENZLINGER, New York Times July 18, 2008.
And the Times also liked the new Avatar movie - "Television Review | 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' - Though Raised by Pacifists, Destined to Battle for Peace," By SUSAN STEWART, New York Times July 19, 2008.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Batman reviews and what-have-youse in the DC papers
Couldn't get into the 8 pm showing, so we went to a bar instead. The NY Times's extremely favorable review is added to the bottom of this post.
Nate Beeler had a funny Batman editorial cartoon in Friday's Examiner.
Now showing: Batmania as 'The Dark Knight' opens
MEGAN K. SCOTT, ASSOCIATED PRESS, July 17, 2008.
"The Dark Knight Owns Midnight,", by JULIE BLOOM, New York Times July 19, 2008.
"Gotham City's war on terror: Christopher Nolan takes Batman in a darker direction," by Sonny Bunch, Washington Times Friday, July 18, 2008
"This Joker Holds All the Cards; Heath Ledger's Clown Gives 'The Dark Knight' Its Power," By Stephen Hunter, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, July 17, 2008; C01.
And, like Space Chimp, "This movie has been designated a Critic's Pick by the film reviewers of The Times." "Showdown in Gotham Town," By MANOHLA DARGIS, New York Times July 18, 2008.
Nate Beeler had a funny Batman editorial cartoon in Friday's Examiner.
Now showing: Batmania as 'The Dark Knight' opens
MEGAN K. SCOTT, ASSOCIATED PRESS, July 17, 2008.
"The Dark Knight Owns Midnight,", by JULIE BLOOM, New York Times July 19, 2008.
"Gotham City's war on terror: Christopher Nolan takes Batman in a darker direction," by Sonny Bunch, Washington Times Friday, July 18, 2008
"This Joker Holds All the Cards; Heath Ledger's Clown Gives 'The Dark Knight' Its Power," By Stephen Hunter, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, July 17, 2008; C01.
And, like Space Chimp, "This movie has been designated a Critic's Pick by the film reviewers of The Times." "Showdown in Gotham Town," By MANOHLA DARGIS, New York Times July 18, 2008.
Zadzooks on Batman movie toys
"ZADZOOKS: Batman goes after the Joker," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, July 17, 2008.
Links to reviews from the DC papers to follow soon.
Links to reviews from the DC papers to follow soon.
Blitt's Obama caricature - more Post commentators
I guess the Obama caricature by Blitt is a Washington story by virtue of Obama's position, so the Post covered it pretty hard at least in their blogs. Here's more:
An article in the Post:
It's Funny How Humor Is So Ticklish
By Philip Kennicott
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 15, 2008; C01
and the following chat:
The New Yorker Cover and the Challenge of Satire
Philip Kennicott
Washington Post Culture Critic
Tuesday, July 15, 2008; 2:00 PM
A blog post by one of their 'futurist' type writers:
Achenbach, Joel. 2008.
New Yorker Cover Not So Funny
Washington Post's Achenblog (July 14):
- note Our Man Thompson's drawing for the blog header.
and their Media correspondent's chat (there are three relevant posts here):
Howard Kurtz
Washington Post Columnist
Media Backtalk blog Monday, July 14, 2008;
and Dave Horsey did a really funny cartoon that someone linked to in Weingarten's chat.
An article in the Post:
It's Funny How Humor Is So Ticklish
By Philip Kennicott
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 15, 2008; C01
and the following chat:
The New Yorker Cover and the Challenge of Satire
Philip Kennicott
Washington Post Culture Critic
Tuesday, July 15, 2008; 2:00 PM
A blog post by one of their 'futurist' type writers:
Achenbach, Joel. 2008.
New Yorker Cover Not So Funny
Washington Post's Achenblog (July 14):
- note Our Man Thompson's drawing for the blog header.
and their Media correspondent's chat (there are three relevant posts here):
Howard Kurtz
Washington Post Columnist
Media Backtalk blog Monday, July 14, 2008;
and Dave Horsey did a really funny cartoon that someone linked to in Weingarten's chat.
Weingarten opines on Blitt's Obama
Gene Weingarten, in his Tuesday chat, addressed the breaking 'story' of Barry Blitt's caricature of Obama for the New Yorker:
New Yorker: Isn't it disingenuous (at best) for the editor to say his mag is NOT written for the upper-west side? I love the mag and still feel at least that that socio-economic group is its target. Sure, WE don't need an explanation; plenty of others might.
Thoughts, o' arbiter o' humor?
Gene Weingarten: Yeah, I don't want to speak at enormous length about this, because you've already heard from Kurtz and Achenbach and today, a very thoughtful piece from Kennicott.
To be brief: Of course it was a mistake. A minor mistake, but a mistake nontheless. The New Yorker has no words on its cover, meaning the cover art alone must carry its message. Obviously, the devoted reader of this particular magazine is going to understand this is satire; but this is a magazine sold on newsstands, and a lot of eyes might look at it without the benefit of background.
I disagree with Achenbach on one point: I think the image is pretty funny, particularly the depiction of Michelle Obama as though she were Angela Davis. It actually took me a second to get that joke, and then I laughed.
Those who are trying to make this out as a big deal, a gigantic blunder, are political zealots trying to make a point. Once explained, The New Yorker's intent was clear, and benign.
and the new Comic Riffs blog was noticed:
Springfield, Va.: Have you "had your way" with the Comics Riff blog meister yet?
washingtonpost.com: Comic Riffs
Gene Weingarten: I am watching with interest. He has my support. I thought his first post, expressing exhaustion with meta-gats in strips, was a smart idea.
And Cavna's new Comics Riff blog got some notice:
_______________________
McLean, Va.: Gene, Did you have any role in the creation of the Comic Riffs blog?
Gene Weingarten: Nope. Not even a heads up. So I can't answer for it, but I'm happy it's there. Can't overcover the comics.
New Yorker: Isn't it disingenuous (at best) for the editor to say his mag is NOT written for the upper-west side? I love the mag and still feel at least that that socio-economic group is its target. Sure, WE don't need an explanation; plenty of others might.
Thoughts, o' arbiter o' humor?
Gene Weingarten: Yeah, I don't want to speak at enormous length about this, because you've already heard from Kurtz and Achenbach and today, a very thoughtful piece from Kennicott.
To be brief: Of course it was a mistake. A minor mistake, but a mistake nontheless. The New Yorker has no words on its cover, meaning the cover art alone must carry its message. Obviously, the devoted reader of this particular magazine is going to understand this is satire; but this is a magazine sold on newsstands, and a lot of eyes might look at it without the benefit of background.
I disagree with Achenbach on one point: I think the image is pretty funny, particularly the depiction of Michelle Obama as though she were Angela Davis. It actually took me a second to get that joke, and then I laughed.
Those who are trying to make this out as a big deal, a gigantic blunder, are political zealots trying to make a point. Once explained, The New Yorker's intent was clear, and benign.
and the new Comic Riffs blog was noticed:
Springfield, Va.: Have you "had your way" with the Comics Riff blog meister yet?
washingtonpost.com: Comic Riffs
Gene Weingarten: I am watching with interest. He has my support. I thought his first post, expressing exhaustion with meta-gats in strips, was a smart idea.
And Cavna's new Comics Riff blog got some notice:
_______________________
McLean, Va.: Gene, Did you have any role in the creation of the Comic Riffs blog?
Gene Weingarten: Nope. Not even a heads up. So I can't answer for it, but I'm happy it's there. Can't overcover the comics.
July 18 at 1: DC Comics publisher Paul Levitz on Post chat
DC Comic's Paul Levitz Talks 'Dark Knight'
Paul Levitz
President and Publisher, DC Comics
Friday, July 18, 2008; 1:00 PM
Paul Levitz, president and publisher of DC Comics, will be online Friday, July 18 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight," the cultural role and impact of the hero and his archenemy, the Joker, and the current boom in movies based around superheroes.
Paul Levitz
President and Publisher, DC Comics
Friday, July 18, 2008; 1:00 PM
Paul Levitz, president and publisher of DC Comics, will be online Friday, July 18 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight," the cultural role and impact of the hero and his archenemy, the Joker, and the current boom in movies based around superheroes.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Hero Initiative Presents Steve Dillon at the Baltimore Comic-Con!
The whole of their latest press release...
Hero Initiative Presents Steve Dillon at the Baltimore Comic-Con!
BALTIMORE, MD - July 17, 2008 - Steve Dillon, the British star artist of Marvel's Punisher and Wolverine: Origins titles, as well as DC's Hellblazer and Preacher comics under their Vertigo imprint is making his way to the Baltimore Convention Center on September 27-28, 2008, courtesy of the Hero Initiative.
"Steve Dillon has created such a significant body of work," said show promoter Marc Nathan, "especially his work on Preacher for Vertigo at DC. He's left such a high watermark on everything he does, and we are excited to have him at the show for the Hero Initiative!"
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation, dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call 310-909-7809 or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.
The Baltimore Comic-Con is also pleased to announce the return of past guests Michael Bair (Identity Crisis, 52), Ivan Brandon (NYC Mech, Marvel Comics Presents), Buzz (JSA), Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales, Kong: King of Skull Island), Dennis Calero (X-Factor, Countdown), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Rich Koslowski (Marvel Comics Presents, Sonic the Hedgehog), Norman Lee (Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane), Mark McKenna (Banana-Tail, Annihilation: Conquest), Bob McLeod (New Mutants, Spider-Man), Pop Mhan (Blank, Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Mark Morales (Civil War, Secret Invasion), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Andy Runton (Owly), John K. Snyder III (Grendel), Mark Sparacio (Heroes for Hire, Captain Action), Billy Tucci (Shi, Sgt. Rock - The Lost Battalion), and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).
Swamp Thing co-creator and Frankenstein artist Bernie Wrightson will be the show's Guest of Honor.
He headlines a guest list that includes, in alphabetical order, Kyle Baker (Nat Turner, The Bakers), Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Secret Invasion), Jim Calafiore (Exiles, Countdown), Howard Chaykin (Wolverine, American Flagg), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier, The Spirit), Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers), Steve Conley (Star Trek, The Escapist), Amanda Conner (Green Arrow/Black Canary, JSA Classified), Todd Dezago (Perhapanauts, Tellos), David Finch (World War Hulk, New Avengers), Ramona Fradon (Aquaman, Mermaidman and Barnacleboy), John Gallagher (Buzzboy, Roboy Red), Ron Garney (Wolverine, Skaar: Son of Hulk), Michael Golden (Micronauts, The 'Nam), Mike Grell (John Sable, Iron Man), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle, Black Lightning), Dean Haspiel (American Splendor, Brawl), Adam Hughes (Catwoman), Stuart Immonen (Ultimate Spider-Man), Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, Action Comics), J.G. Jones (52, Wonder Woman), Robert Kirkman (Invincible, Ultimate X-Men), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man, Empire), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon, Image EIC), Jim Lee (All Star Batman & Robin, Wildcats), the Luna Brothers (The Sword, Girls), David Mack (Kabuki, Daredevil), Mike Mignola (Hellboy, Disney's Atlantis), Phil Noto (Danger Girl, Jonah Hex), Michael Avon Oeming (Mice Templar, Powers), Mike Okamoto (Hellraiser, Chaos! Quarterly), Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane, Jonah Hex), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate X-Men, Strange), Eric Powell (The Goon), Tom Raney (Annihilation: Conquest, Ultimate Secrets), James Robinson (Superman, JSA), John Romita Sr. (Amazing Spider-Man), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Perhapanauts, X-Men: First Class), Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween, Heroes), Alex Saviuk (Web of Spider-Man, Feast of the Seven Fishes), Jim Shooter (Legion of Super-Heroes), Robert Tinnell (EZ Street), Peter Tomasi (Nightwing, Green Lantern Corps), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan, Grimjack), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest, The Wicked West), Matt Wagner (Zorro, Grendel), Mark Waid (Flash, Boom! Studios), Mark Wheatley (Frankenstein Mobster, Mighty Motor Sapiens), and Ron Wilson (The Thing).
The Harvey Awards will return to the Baltimore Comic-Con for the third consecutive year. The awards dinner and ceremony will be held Saturday night, September 27, 2008, following the convention's normal hours. As in 2007, the first 300 paid attendees and honorees at the 2008 Harvey Awards Ceremonies will receive a Hollywood-style bag of swag. Last year's bag included The EC Archives: Two-Fisted Tales - Volume 1 from Gemstone Publishing, a complete base set of the soon-to-be-released Jericho Season One trading cards from Inkworks, an exclusive pin from AdHouse Books, a Comic-Con exclusive edition of 30 Days of Night: Red Snow 1 from IDW Publishing, a Toon Tumbler from Popfun Merchandising, and an exclusive Harvey Awards keychain from LaserMach. Nominating ballots are presently online at www.harveyawards.org. Kyle Baker will return as Master of Ceremonies for the evening's events.
For more information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, e-mail cardscomicscollectilbes@yahoo.com or call (410) 526-7410. The guest list and other information can be found on the convention's website or on its MySpace page.
For more information about the Harvey Awards, including sponsorship opportunities, e-mail baltimorecomiccon@yahoo.com.
Hero Initiative Presents Steve Dillon at the Baltimore Comic-Con!
BALTIMORE, MD - July 17, 2008 - Steve Dillon, the British star artist of Marvel's Punisher and Wolverine: Origins titles, as well as DC's Hellblazer and Preacher comics under their Vertigo imprint is making his way to the Baltimore Convention Center on September 27-28, 2008, courtesy of the Hero Initiative.
"Steve Dillon has created such a significant body of work," said show promoter Marc Nathan, "especially his work on Preacher for Vertigo at DC. He's left such a high watermark on everything he does, and we are excited to have him at the show for the Hero Initiative!"
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation, dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call 310-909-7809 or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.
The Baltimore Comic-Con is also pleased to announce the return of past guests Michael Bair (Identity Crisis, 52), Ivan Brandon (NYC Mech, Marvel Comics Presents), Buzz (JSA), Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales, Kong: King of Skull Island), Dennis Calero (X-Factor, Countdown), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Rich Koslowski (Marvel Comics Presents, Sonic the Hedgehog), Norman Lee (Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane), Mark McKenna (Banana-Tail, Annihilation: Conquest), Bob McLeod (New Mutants, Spider-Man), Pop Mhan (Blank, Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Mark Morales (Civil War, Secret Invasion), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Andy Runton (Owly), John K. Snyder III (Grendel), Mark Sparacio (Heroes for Hire, Captain Action), Billy Tucci (Shi, Sgt. Rock - The Lost Battalion), and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).
Swamp Thing co-creator and Frankenstein artist Bernie Wrightson will be the show's Guest of Honor.
He headlines a guest list that includes, in alphabetical order, Kyle Baker (Nat Turner, The Bakers), Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Secret Invasion), Jim Calafiore (Exiles, Countdown), Howard Chaykin (Wolverine, American Flagg), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier, The Spirit), Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers), Steve Conley (Star Trek, The Escapist), Amanda Conner (Green Arrow/Black Canary, JSA Classified), Todd Dezago (Perhapanauts, Tellos), David Finch (World War Hulk, New Avengers), Ramona Fradon (Aquaman, Mermaidman and Barnacleboy), John Gallagher (Buzzboy, Roboy Red), Ron Garney (Wolverine, Skaar: Son of Hulk), Michael Golden (Micronauts, The 'Nam), Mike Grell (John Sable, Iron Man), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle, Black Lightning), Dean Haspiel (American Splendor, Brawl), Adam Hughes (Catwoman), Stuart Immonen (Ultimate Spider-Man), Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, Action Comics), J.G. Jones (52, Wonder Woman), Robert Kirkman (Invincible, Ultimate X-Men), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man, Empire), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon, Image EIC), Jim Lee (All Star Batman & Robin, Wildcats), the Luna Brothers (The Sword, Girls), David Mack (Kabuki, Daredevil), Mike Mignola (Hellboy, Disney's Atlantis), Phil Noto (Danger Girl, Jonah Hex), Michael Avon Oeming (Mice Templar, Powers), Mike Okamoto (Hellraiser, Chaos! Quarterly), Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane, Jonah Hex), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate X-Men, Strange), Eric Powell (The Goon), Tom Raney (Annihilation: Conquest, Ultimate Secrets), James Robinson (Superman, JSA), John Romita Sr. (Amazing Spider-Man), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Perhapanauts, X-Men: First Class), Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween, Heroes), Alex Saviuk (Web of Spider-Man, Feast of the Seven Fishes), Jim Shooter (Legion of Super-Heroes), Robert Tinnell (EZ Street), Peter Tomasi (Nightwing, Green Lantern Corps), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan, Grimjack), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest, The Wicked West), Matt Wagner (Zorro, Grendel), Mark Waid (Flash, Boom! Studios), Mark Wheatley (Frankenstein Mobster, Mighty Motor Sapiens), and Ron Wilson (The Thing).
The Harvey Awards will return to the Baltimore Comic-Con for the third consecutive year. The awards dinner and ceremony will be held Saturday night, September 27, 2008, following the convention's normal hours. As in 2007, the first 300 paid attendees and honorees at the 2008 Harvey Awards Ceremonies will receive a Hollywood-style bag of swag. Last year's bag included The EC Archives: Two-Fisted Tales - Volume 1 from Gemstone Publishing, a complete base set of the soon-to-be-released Jericho Season One trading cards from Inkworks, an exclusive pin from AdHouse Books, a Comic-Con exclusive edition of 30 Days of Night: Red Snow 1 from IDW Publishing, a Toon Tumbler from Popfun Merchandising, and an exclusive Harvey Awards keychain from LaserMach. Nominating ballots are presently online at www.harveyawards.org. Kyle Baker will return as Master of Ceremonies for the evening's events.
For more information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, e-mail cardscomicscollectilbes@yahoo.com or call (410) 526-7410. The guest list and other information can be found on the convention's website or on its MySpace page.
For more information about the Harvey Awards, including sponsorship opportunities, e-mail baltimorecomiccon@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Cavna's Wednesday blog, quickly
Celebrates Batman: The Killing Joke, one of my least favorite Alan Moore stories. I left a snarky comment.
Takes a shot at Sally Forth's artwork.
And asks "The E-Mailbag: When to Hold a Feature's Funeral?" Or should a comic strip die with its creator?, which has 43 comments as of this writing.
Takes a shot at Sally Forth's artwork.
And asks "The E-Mailbag: When to Hold a Feature's Funeral?" Or should a comic strip die with its creator?, which has 43 comments as of this writing.
Olsson's bankruptcy press release
They sent this along to their newsletter subscribers today. I spent $55 in the Clarendon one last night! Unfortunately, it's much diminished with a bakery taking 2/3 of the space and the shelves looked a bit picked over too. Not much comics stuff, although they had plenty of copies of Wolk's book.
Olsson Enterprises Inc. T/A Olsson's Books & Records files for Chapter 11 Protection.
Olsson Enterprises Inc., trading as Olsson's Books & Records, Record & Tape Limited and Olsson's Books, announced it has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to reorganize the company and return to profitability. Olsson's filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Maryland.
The reasons given for filing were a combination of the continuing weak retail economy, rising rents and property taxes, competition from large box stores and the Internet, and an accelerated drop in the music CD business.
Olsson's was established in 1972 and grew to as many as nine retail stores in the Washington DC metro area with sales over $16 million a year and as many as 200 employees. Currently there are five retail stores: Reagan National Airport, Alexandria, two in Arlington, and one in Northwest Washington DC. Olsson's earned a reputation as a locally-owned community-oriented retailer with a knowledgeable staff selling a good selection of books, music, video and gifts.
John Olsson, the principal owner, a Washington native and graduate of Catholic University, stated, "Olsson's could not have made it past 35 years without the great work of many employees, the loyalty of wonderful customers and the many friends of Olsson's who saw a value in the business and helped it along the way. Although the company has attempted to manage the situation to remain solvent, regrettably after considering all available alternatives, the company determined Chapter 11 was the best way to maintain operations while implementing a plan for successful restructuring."
Terence McCann, Controller since 1989 and a graduate of the University of Maryland, stated, "There is a plan for Olsson's to continue. It involves raising working capital, seeking investors, reducing overhead costs, adding new merchandise, refurbishing stores, retaining leases where achievable or relocating to communities that will support the concept of an independent bookstore. We still think that Olsson's has something to offer and can do business in this market."
Olsson Enterprises Inc. T/A Olsson's Books & Records files for Chapter 11 Protection.
Olsson Enterprises Inc., trading as Olsson's Books & Records, Record & Tape Limited and Olsson's Books, announced it has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to reorganize the company and return to profitability. Olsson's filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Maryland.
The reasons given for filing were a combination of the continuing weak retail economy, rising rents and property taxes, competition from large box stores and the Internet, and an accelerated drop in the music CD business.
Olsson's was established in 1972 and grew to as many as nine retail stores in the Washington DC metro area with sales over $16 million a year and as many as 200 employees. Currently there are five retail stores: Reagan National Airport, Alexandria, two in Arlington, and one in Northwest Washington DC. Olsson's earned a reputation as a locally-owned community-oriented retailer with a knowledgeable staff selling a good selection of books, music, video and gifts.
John Olsson, the principal owner, a Washington native and graduate of Catholic University, stated, "Olsson's could not have made it past 35 years without the great work of many employees, the loyalty of wonderful customers and the many friends of Olsson's who saw a value in the business and helped it along the way. Although the company has attempted to manage the situation to remain solvent, regrettably after considering all available alternatives, the company determined Chapter 11 was the best way to maintain operations while implementing a plan for successful restructuring."
Terence McCann, Controller since 1989 and a graduate of the University of Maryland, stated, "There is a plan for Olsson's to continue. It involves raising working capital, seeking investors, reducing overhead costs, adding new merchandise, refurbishing stores, retaining leases where achievable or relocating to communities that will support the concept of an independent bookstore. We still think that Olsson's has something to offer and can do business in this market."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
July 20: Steve Niles and Gary Panter at Big Planet Comics
This press release just rolled in. Note the book is FREE, FREE, FREE.
CELEBRATED AUTHOR STEVE NILES & ARTIST GARY PANTER HIT WASHINGTON DC FOR RARE APPEARANCE AND SIGNING OF “THE LOST ONES”
Select City National Tour To Promote Graphic Novel Produced By Zune Arts
In anticipation of the upcoming Zune Arts graphic novel, author Steve Niles and illustrator Gary Panter will be making an appearance and signing of their latest collaboration, The Lost Ones at Big Planet Comics (Bethesda, MD) July 20th from 2PM – 4PM.
WHO: Steve Niles and Gary Panter
WHAT: Appearance and signing of Zune Art’s graphic novel The Lost Ones
WHEN: Sunday July 20, 2008, 2pm – 4pm
WHERE: Big Planet Comics, 4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
Steve Niles teams up with four visual artists to bring you a graphic novel that will challenge what you think about time and space travel. DR. REVOLT, an original member of the historic New York City graffiti crew The Rolling Thunder Writers, Gary Panter, an illustrator known for his surreal and raw style, Morning Breath, Brooklyn-based art and design duo, and emerging painter/fashion designer Kime Buzzelli - each bring a remarkable and unique drawing style to the project.
“The Lost Ones” tells the story of Duncan, Roxy, Rasheed and Cynthia, who leave their Earth and get swept up in an epic intergalactic adventure. What starts out as a harmless day of extreme planet jumping turns into a mind-blowing, white-knuckle race for their lives to get back home.
The Zune Arts program brings the best creative minds together to collaborate on inspiring works of art. With “The Lost Ones,” Zune Arts expands beyond videos and posters and makes it first foray into this art medium featuring a writer as the lead artist. Collector’s and paperback editions of “The Lost Ones” will be available for free in early July 2008 at select comic book stores nationwide.
About Zune Arts:
Zune Arts is a program that offers emerging and established artists a unique collaboration opportunity and platform to share their work with a broader audience. At the heart of Zune Arts are ideas about friendship, sharing, connecting and discovery that serve as both a guide for artists’ work and an ethic for the art that’s produced through this program.
--
BIG PLANET COMICS
4908 Fairmont Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-6856
Also affiliated with:
BIG PLANET COMICS
3145 Dumbarton St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-342-1961
BIG PLANET COMICS
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
BIG PLANET COMICS
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
CELEBRATED AUTHOR STEVE NILES & ARTIST GARY PANTER HIT WASHINGTON DC FOR RARE APPEARANCE AND SIGNING OF “THE LOST ONES”
Select City National Tour To Promote Graphic Novel Produced By Zune Arts
In anticipation of the upcoming Zune Arts graphic novel, author Steve Niles and illustrator Gary Panter will be making an appearance and signing of their latest collaboration, The Lost Ones at Big Planet Comics (Bethesda, MD) July 20th from 2PM – 4PM.
WHO: Steve Niles and Gary Panter
WHAT: Appearance and signing of Zune Art’s graphic novel The Lost Ones
WHEN: Sunday July 20, 2008, 2pm – 4pm
WHERE: Big Planet Comics, 4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
Steve Niles teams up with four visual artists to bring you a graphic novel that will challenge what you think about time and space travel. DR. REVOLT, an original member of the historic New York City graffiti crew The Rolling Thunder Writers, Gary Panter, an illustrator known for his surreal and raw style, Morning Breath, Brooklyn-based art and design duo, and emerging painter/fashion designer Kime Buzzelli - each bring a remarkable and unique drawing style to the project.
“The Lost Ones” tells the story of Duncan, Roxy, Rasheed and Cynthia, who leave their Earth and get swept up in an epic intergalactic adventure. What starts out as a harmless day of extreme planet jumping turns into a mind-blowing, white-knuckle race for their lives to get back home.
The Zune Arts program brings the best creative minds together to collaborate on inspiring works of art. With “The Lost Ones,” Zune Arts expands beyond videos and posters and makes it first foray into this art medium featuring a writer as the lead artist. Collector’s and paperback editions of “The Lost Ones” will be available for free in early July 2008 at select comic book stores nationwide.
About Zune Arts:
Zune Arts is a program that offers emerging and established artists a unique collaboration opportunity and platform to share their work with a broader audience. At the heart of Zune Arts are ideas about friendship, sharing, connecting and discovery that serve as both a guide for artists’ work and an ethic for the art that’s produced through this program.
--
BIG PLANET COMICS
4908 Fairmont Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-6856
Also affiliated with:
BIG PLANET COMICS
3145 Dumbarton St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-342-1961
BIG PLANET COMICS
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
BIG PLANET COMICS
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
Cavna blogs Trudeau, Joker, rise-and-shine comic strips
That new Comic Riffs blog at the Post is busy, might busy today, July 15 2008.
Today's stories:
Garry Trudeau: The Interview, by Michael Cavna.
The Countdown: The Joker Gets The Last Laugh - about Frank Miller's bringing an aging Joker back and having him kill David Letterman's entire audience. Boy, was that refreshing in its day (1986) and tiresome now.
The Morning Line: The Cat Also Rises compares storylines from Zits to Garfield.
Today's stories:
Garry Trudeau: The Interview, by Michael Cavna.
The Countdown: The Joker Gets The Last Laugh - about Frank Miller's bringing an aging Joker back and having him kill David Letterman's entire audience. Boy, was that refreshing in its day (1986) and tiresome now.
The Morning Line: The Cat Also Rises compares storylines from Zits to Garfield.
Blitt-zing Obama
Hah! Nice headline, heh?
I'm bored with this non-story about Barry Blitt's caricature of Obama and his wife, but here's the Post and NY Times on it.
"It's Funny How Humor Is So Ticklish," By Philip Kennicott, Washington Post Staff Writer, Tuesday, July 15, 2008; C01.
"Want Obama in a Punch Line? First, Find a Joke," By BILL CARTER, New York Times July 15, 2008.
I will say that I would think a lot more of Obama if he had looked at it and said, "hey, that's funny!"
I'm bored with this non-story about Barry Blitt's caricature of Obama and his wife, but here's the Post and NY Times on it.
"It's Funny How Humor Is So Ticklish," By Philip Kennicott, Washington Post Staff Writer, Tuesday, July 15, 2008; C01.
"Want Obama in a Punch Line? First, Find a Joke," By BILL CARTER, New York Times July 15, 2008.
I will say that I would think a lot more of Obama if he had looked at it and said, "hey, that's funny!"
Echos of comics past
Another ad from the bottom of the Examiner brings to mind... Anyone? You in the back?
How about John Held, Jr's cartoons?
Poet Laureate on Looney Tunes in the Wall Street Journal
For some reason, the Washington Times' Culture page keeps going back to quoting bits of a Wall Street Journal (of all places) article by the former Poet Laureate, Billy Collins, on his interest in Warner Bros' Looney Tunes cartoons. They've done it at least twice on July 9th and 14th. A quick look at the Journal's website revealed the original - "Inspired by a Bunny Wabbit: The freedom in cartoons to transcend the laws of basic physics, to hop around in time and space, and to skip from one dimension to another has long been a crucial aspect of imaginative poetry," By BILLY COLLINS, Wall Street Journal June 28, 2008; Page W1.
Wertham records at Library of Congress followup
A discussion on the comix-scholars list generated a note from Bart Beaty, author of Fredric Wertham And The Critique Of Mass Culture.
Just for the record, [no access to medical records] is exactly the arrangement that I made in 2002 when I was granted access.
However, do bear in mind that the LoC does not have the power to implement any policy with regard to these papers and that all decisions are made by the executors of the Wertham estate. I can assure you, having worked very closely with the LoC's extraordinary staff over a period of several years, that the librarians at the LoC would like nothing better than to make these papers available. But the decision is ultimately that of the executors, who have their own reasons for making their decisions.
Also, the way that the papers are organized, medical records are not all in one place, so they're not so easily redacted.
Ah, those extraordinary manuscript librarians - hear, hear!
Just for the record, [no access to medical records] is exactly the arrangement that I made in 2002 when I was granted access.
However, do bear in mind that the LoC does not have the power to implement any policy with regard to these papers and that all decisions are made by the executors of the Wertham estate. I can assure you, having worked very closely with the LoC's extraordinary staff over a period of several years, that the librarians at the LoC would like nothing better than to make these papers available. But the decision is ultimately that of the executors, who have their own reasons for making their decisions.
Also, the way that the papers are organized, medical records are not all in one place, so they're not so easily redacted.
Ah, those extraordinary manuscript librarians - hear, hear!
Results of Express comics poll
The question was "Do you think Hollywood is making too many movies based on comic books?"
The answer in Monday's paper was No: 52%, Yes: 48%. Whew! We dodged a bullet. Or let it bounce of our chests.
The answer in Monday's paper was No: 52%, Yes: 48%. Whew! We dodged a bullet. Or let it bounce of our chests.
Batman on the History Channel this week
Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of the Dark Knight
History Channel
Wednesday, July 16 09:00 PM
Thursday, July 17 01:00 AM
Monday, July 21 10:00 PM
Tuesday, July 22 02:00 AM
History Channel
Wednesday, July 16 09:00 PM
Thursday, July 17 01:00 AM
Monday, July 21 10:00 PM
Tuesday, July 22 02:00 AM
Monday, July 14, 2008
R.C. Harvey's Rabbit Habit still available for trial read
Earlier today Bob Harvey sent this out to his email list:
After a brief solstician interlude, we hop right back, bringing you a continuation of our Open Access Month. In our hare-brained installment this week, we report, at great length, on the recently concluded annual convention of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, which brought its struggle against overwhelming odds to the Alamo, whereupon we unearth a rare artifact, Texas History Movies, and explain its name. We also review Betsy and Me, a book reprinting Jack Cole's last work of genius, and we ponder the inexplicable Nancy on a billboard and Samuel Beckett's fascination with the Bushmiller strip. All that and the usual round-up of some news and minor reviews. Beam up by clicking below. And when you get there, to gain access to all these intellectual riches, use Hogan as your ID; Alley as your password. The device is case sensitive, so be sure to capitalize Hogan and Alley. The ID and Password come to us courtesy Hogan's Alley magazine, an annual visitation to comic strips and cartooning that's worth your attention at msnbc.cagle.com/hogan . Try it, you'll like it.
http://www.rcharvey.com/rantsraves.html
Stay Tooned,
R.C. Harvey
Wait! Read on!! We're featuring a special Open Access month at Rants & Raves until July 31. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Happy Harv's nefarious bolt hole and read the current issue of "Rancid Raves," plus any (or all) archived R&Rs since May 1999, when it began, and all of Harv's Hindsights, articles of cartooning history and lore---all without paying the usual admittance pittance, a mere $3.95/quarter subscription. To open the Sesame, when you are asked for your ID and Password, use Hogan as your ID; Alley as your Password at www.RCHarvey.com . (And if you don't know that the ID/Password refers to a dandy annual magazine about comics and cartooning, then visit Hogan's Alley online at www.cagle.com/hogan .) Hogan and Alley are case sensitive, so capitalize the first letter of each.
After a brief solstician interlude, we hop right back, bringing you a continuation of our Open Access Month. In our hare-brained installment this week, we report, at great length, on the recently concluded annual convention of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, which brought its struggle against overwhelming odds to the Alamo, whereupon we unearth a rare artifact, Texas History Movies, and explain its name. We also review Betsy and Me, a book reprinting Jack Cole's last work of genius, and we ponder the inexplicable Nancy on a billboard and Samuel Beckett's fascination with the Bushmiller strip. All that and the usual round-up of some news and minor reviews. Beam up by clicking below. And when you get there, to gain access to all these intellectual riches, use Hogan as your ID; Alley as your password. The device is case sensitive, so be sure to capitalize Hogan and Alley. The ID and Password come to us courtesy Hogan's Alley magazine, an annual visitation to comic strips and cartooning that's worth your attention at msnbc.cagle.com/hogan . Try it, you'll like it.
http://www.rcharvey.com/rantsraves.html
Stay Tooned,
R.C. Harvey
Wait! Read on!! We're featuring a special Open Access month at Rants & Raves until July 31. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Happy Harv's nefarious bolt hole and read the current issue of "Rancid Raves," plus any (or all) archived R&Rs since May 1999, when it began, and all of Harv's Hindsights, articles of cartooning history and lore---all without paying the usual admittance pittance, a mere $3.95/quarter subscription. To open the Sesame, when you are asked for your ID and Password, use Hogan as your ID; Alley as your Password at www.RCHarvey.com . (And if you don't know that the ID/Password refers to a dandy annual magazine about comics and cartooning, then visit Hogan's Alley online at www.cagle.com/hogan .) Hogan and Alley are case sensitive, so capitalize the first letter of each.
Wertham papers at Library of Congress still inaccessible
Michael Barrier, the animation historian, tells of stopping into the Library of Congress to see Frederic Wertham's archive in "Wertham's Locked Vault."
Tom Toles, superhero cartoonist?
Tom Spurgeon dug this blog post from Scott Edelman up - "Tom Toles, Superhero." What's that it says on the National Archives? "The Past is Present?"
Post blogs on Blitt's Obama, the Joker and strip navel gazing
On the Trail - "'Tasteless and Offensive' New Yorker Cover Riles Obama Camp," By Perry Bacon Jr. One should read this for the comments as the blog post adds nothing to the story.
On the new Comics Riffs blog, even before the day's over - "Let the Countdown to "Dark Knight" Begin..." by guest blogger David Betancourt.
And, as noted here last Saturday, comic strips are getting more self-referential. Cavna's take - "The Morning Line: Meta? Meh." See today's Family Circus as I mentioned earlier, and also Tom Inge did a book on this - Anything Can Happen in a Comic Strip - which is still available from Ohio State U's Cartoon Art Collection
On the new Comics Riffs blog, even before the day's over - "Let the Countdown to "Dark Knight" Begin..." by guest blogger David Betancourt.
And, as noted here last Saturday, comic strips are getting more self-referential. Cavna's take - "The Morning Line: Meta? Meh." See today's Family Circus as I mentioned earlier, and also Tom Inge did a book on this - Anything Can Happen in a Comic Strip - which is still available from Ohio State U's Cartoon Art Collection
Jason Rodriguez's insane roadtrip to San Diego Comic-Con
Jason just wrote in:
Tomorrow I hit the road. I'm driving 2,700 miles from Washington DC to San Diego ComicCon. I'm taking 9 days to do the trip and stopping in 17 cities to visit 25 comic shops and chat with a little over 20 comic creators, bloggers, and fans. I'm looking into the impact of rising comic sales and mainstream acceptance in the cities and towns situated between the coasts. My progress will be tracked at DCist (http://www.dcist.com) in a series of dispatches entitled Coast-to-Coast Comicdom. I will be checking in several times a week and supplying some coverage from the convention.
DCist has freed up my own tag in case you're interested in following my progress but not as interested in the daily happenings around and about the DC area. Just go here: http://dcist.com/tags/comicdom
My first article, Coast-to-Coast Comicdom: A Briffit in DC, is already up here: http://dcist.com/2008/07/14/coasttocoast_comicdom_a_briffit_in.php It features some original artwork from the talented Scott White.
That's all - I hope to see most of you in San Diego; I pull into town on the 23rd.
Jason Rodriguez
http://www.eximiouspress.com
202.320.1056
Well, that's nuts, but good luck!
Tomorrow I hit the road. I'm driving 2,700 miles from Washington DC to San Diego ComicCon. I'm taking 9 days to do the trip and stopping in 17 cities to visit 25 comic shops and chat with a little over 20 comic creators, bloggers, and fans. I'm looking into the impact of rising comic sales and mainstream acceptance in the cities and towns situated between the coasts. My progress will be tracked at DCist (http://www.dcist.com) in a series of dispatches entitled Coast-to-Coast Comicdom. I will be checking in several times a week and supplying some coverage from the convention.
DCist has freed up my own tag in case you're interested in following my progress but not as interested in the daily happenings around and about the DC area. Just go here: http://dcist.com/tags/comicdom
My first article, Coast-to-Coast Comicdom: A Briffit in DC, is already up here: http://dcist.com/2008/07/14/coasttocoast_comicdom_a_briffit_in.php It features some original artwork from the talented Scott White.
That's all - I hope to see most of you in San Diego; I pull into town on the 23rd.
Jason Rodriguez
http://www.eximiouspress.com
202.320.1056
Well, that's nuts, but good luck!
Smurfs don't destroy DC marriage in the end
"After 'I Do,' a Time for Separation From Too Much Stuff," By Jenny Rough, Special to The Washington Post Monday, July 14, 2008; C08. Although 'honoring' Smurfs sounds like a reason for a divorce to me.
Bil Keane's goodbye to his wife
Today's Family Circus is Bil Keane's goodbye to his wife, who died earlier this year. It ran in the physical Post and not their website, but you can see it online here.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-16-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-16-08
“Why so serious?”
By John Judy
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #566 by Marc Gugenheim and Phil Jimenez. Spidey needs a little help from Daredevil to rescue his roommate from Kraven’s daughter or whoever she is. Not sure why exactly but Phil Jimenez draws everything pretty so who cares?
ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE BOOK 1 HC by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. Collecting the first eight issues of “The Dark Age”, the story of Astro City in the seventies when the Silver Agent got whacked. Great stuff, too infrequently seen on the racks. Recommended.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #40 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. Crazy 1950s Cap vs. Tortured Cyborg Bucky-Cap! For da title! And the Red Skull’s daughter does A Bad Thing.
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #1 by Tim Truman, Tomas Giorello and Richard Corben. Conan learns you can’t go home again unless you’re willing to kill dozens of people with swords, axes, your bare hands and some ornate, twisty thing I don’t really know the name of. Great fun.
EC ARCHIVES: WEIRD SCIENCE VOL. 3 HC by The Geniuses of Their Age. Yeah, you know you want this!
FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES REVENGE #1 of 3 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins. The Flash rogues must answer for the murder of Bart Allen. So should the guys who wrote his FLASH series but we can’t have everything. It’s Geoff Johns and he writes good Flash comics. Recommended.
GHOST RIDER #25 by Jason Aaron and Tan Eng Huat. Ghost Rider in Prison by the guy who writes SCALPED! As good as this title can get! Recommended!
HELLBLAZER #246 by Jason Aaron and Sean Murphy. It’s “Constantine Meets Blair Witch” as a bunch of hapless documentary film-makers blunder into Newcastle. A very bad place to look for Constantinalia… Highly recommended.
HOUDINI THE HANDCUFF KING SC by Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi. An informative episode from the life of the world’s most famous magician/escape artist. Recommended.
HOW TO DRAW STUPID SC by Kyle Baker. Sadly there is nothing in here about how to get the next issue of SPECIAL FORCES on the rack. Still recommended because Baker is a gol-darn genius!
HOWARD THE DUCK OMNIBUS HC by Steve Gerber and Many Worthy Collaborators. Great. Like Marvel couldn’t have done this while Gerber was still alive… Recommended anyway because this is really great stuff. As close to the subversion of the underground comix as mainstream super companies ever got. Very worth having.
MARVEL 1985 #3 of 6 by Mark Millar and Tommy Lee Edwards. On the basis of how badly the movie “Wanted” sucked I could justify never reading another Mark Millar book again. But everyone’s entitled to a mistake now and then and this book is actually sort of fun. Worth a look.
MIGHTY AVENGERS #16 by Brian Michael Bendis and Khoi Pham. The secret origin of “Skrullectra.” At this point you’re either into it or you’re not. Gotta look.
PUNISHER #59 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. They should kill Frank or cancel the title when Ennis leaves but they won’t. Amazing run. Bravo. Highly recommended.
SCALPED #19 by Jason Aaron and David Furno. Lots of The Sexy in this issue but being SCALPED it’s gonna have a dark twist. Why is everyone in the world not buying this title? Does it not suck enough to be popular? Highly recommended.
SPIKE: AFTER THE FALL #1 of 4 by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru. Hey, I’ll bet this is as good as ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL! What?
TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN HC written and drawn by Alex Robinson. A really fun fantasy about a grown man sent back in time via hypnosis to the 1980s to relive high school. Hey, it worked for Batman in the fifties! Recommended.
UNIVERSAL WAR #1 of 3 written and drawn by Denis Bajram. Some f’reign sci-fi space opera done up in proper American, the way the Lord intended. Yee-haw!
WAR IS HELL: FIRST FLIGHT OF HE PHANTOM EAGLE #5 of 5 by Garth Ennis and Howard Chaykin. The final issue in which we learn whether the PE has gone nuts. Or if he always was… If you like Ennis war comics you’ll like this.
X-FACTOR #33 by Peter David and Larry Stroman. Lotta cross-over stuff in this issue which Peter David handles better than most.
Enjoy “Dark Knight” everybody! - JJ
www.johnjudy.net
“Why so serious?”
By John Judy
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #566 by Marc Gugenheim and Phil Jimenez. Spidey needs a little help from Daredevil to rescue his roommate from Kraven’s daughter or whoever she is. Not sure why exactly but Phil Jimenez draws everything pretty so who cares?
ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE BOOK 1 HC by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. Collecting the first eight issues of “The Dark Age”, the story of Astro City in the seventies when the Silver Agent got whacked. Great stuff, too infrequently seen on the racks. Recommended.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #40 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. Crazy 1950s Cap vs. Tortured Cyborg Bucky-Cap! For da title! And the Red Skull’s daughter does A Bad Thing.
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #1 by Tim Truman, Tomas Giorello and Richard Corben. Conan learns you can’t go home again unless you’re willing to kill dozens of people with swords, axes, your bare hands and some ornate, twisty thing I don’t really know the name of. Great fun.
EC ARCHIVES: WEIRD SCIENCE VOL. 3 HC by The Geniuses of Their Age. Yeah, you know you want this!
FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES REVENGE #1 of 3 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins. The Flash rogues must answer for the murder of Bart Allen. So should the guys who wrote his FLASH series but we can’t have everything. It’s Geoff Johns and he writes good Flash comics. Recommended.
GHOST RIDER #25 by Jason Aaron and Tan Eng Huat. Ghost Rider in Prison by the guy who writes SCALPED! As good as this title can get! Recommended!
HELLBLAZER #246 by Jason Aaron and Sean Murphy. It’s “Constantine Meets Blair Witch” as a bunch of hapless documentary film-makers blunder into Newcastle. A very bad place to look for Constantinalia… Highly recommended.
HOUDINI THE HANDCUFF KING SC by Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi. An informative episode from the life of the world’s most famous magician/escape artist. Recommended.
HOW TO DRAW STUPID SC by Kyle Baker. Sadly there is nothing in here about how to get the next issue of SPECIAL FORCES on the rack. Still recommended because Baker is a gol-darn genius!
HOWARD THE DUCK OMNIBUS HC by Steve Gerber and Many Worthy Collaborators. Great. Like Marvel couldn’t have done this while Gerber was still alive… Recommended anyway because this is really great stuff. As close to the subversion of the underground comix as mainstream super companies ever got. Very worth having.
MARVEL 1985 #3 of 6 by Mark Millar and Tommy Lee Edwards. On the basis of how badly the movie “Wanted” sucked I could justify never reading another Mark Millar book again. But everyone’s entitled to a mistake now and then and this book is actually sort of fun. Worth a look.
MIGHTY AVENGERS #16 by Brian Michael Bendis and Khoi Pham. The secret origin of “Skrullectra.” At this point you’re either into it or you’re not. Gotta look.
PUNISHER #59 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. They should kill Frank or cancel the title when Ennis leaves but they won’t. Amazing run. Bravo. Highly recommended.
SCALPED #19 by Jason Aaron and David Furno. Lots of The Sexy in this issue but being SCALPED it’s gonna have a dark twist. Why is everyone in the world not buying this title? Does it not suck enough to be popular? Highly recommended.
SPIKE: AFTER THE FALL #1 of 4 by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru. Hey, I’ll bet this is as good as ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL! What?
TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN HC written and drawn by Alex Robinson. A really fun fantasy about a grown man sent back in time via hypnosis to the 1980s to relive high school. Hey, it worked for Batman in the fifties! Recommended.
UNIVERSAL WAR #1 of 3 written and drawn by Denis Bajram. Some f’reign sci-fi space opera done up in proper American, the way the Lord intended. Yee-haw!
WAR IS HELL: FIRST FLIGHT OF HE PHANTOM EAGLE #5 of 5 by Garth Ennis and Howard Chaykin. The final issue in which we learn whether the PE has gone nuts. Or if he always was… If you like Ennis war comics you’ll like this.
X-FACTOR #33 by Peter David and Larry Stroman. Lotta cross-over stuff in this issue which Peter David handles better than most.
Enjoy “Dark Knight” everybody! - JJ
www.johnjudy.net
Cavna's Post comics blog starts
Michael Cavna's new blog started today - "Calling All Comics Fans...," July 14 2008 - with a Mark Trail story and a promise of a Garry Trudeau interview tomorrow.
Disney's magic mirrors are going to look back at you
See "Disney Taps Into Blu-ray's Interactive Technology," By BROOKS BARNES and ERIC A. TAUB, New York Times July 14, 2008.
There's Barnes on animation again!
There's Barnes on animation again!
More messages in Wall-E
Besides environmental and consumer messages, some are finding second thoughts about music - "WALL E, 'Dolly!' And the Universe Of Musicals," By Jonathan Padget, Washington Post Staff Writer, Sunday, July 13, 2008; M03.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Blitt cartoon of Obama on New Yorker becomes controversial
Politico cartoonist Matt Wuerker sent along this article about Barry Blitt's cover of the New Yorker showing the Obamas as radicals and the controversy it's generating, at least in the hermetic media world - "'Scare tactic' — Obama slams Muslim portrayal," By MIKE ALLEN, 7/13/08.
Personally, I can't believe editor David Remnick had to tell anyone it was satire. Or that anyone had to ask.
Matt was responding to a discussion we had with Warren Bernard about Dutch cartoonist Gregorius Nekschot. See "Why Islam Is Unfunny for a Cartoonist: The arrest of a controversial Dutch cartoonist has set off a wave of protests. The case is raising questions for a changing Europe about free speech, religion and art," By ANDREW HIGGINS, Wall Street Journal July 12, 2008; Page W1.
Personally, I can't believe editor David Remnick had to tell anyone it was satire. Or that anyone had to ask.
Matt was responding to a discussion we had with Warren Bernard about Dutch cartoonist Gregorius Nekschot. See "Why Islam Is Unfunny for a Cartoonist: The arrest of a controversial Dutch cartoonist has set off a wave of protests. The case is raising questions for a changing Europe about free speech, religion and art," By ANDREW HIGGINS, Wall Street Journal July 12, 2008; Page W1.
Post censoring of Opus attracts cartoonist's comments
I put the story up last week, and so did Alan Gardener at his Daily Cartoonist site. The difference between his site and mine is that he gets comments from cartoonists, including Mat Bors, Milt Priggee, Ted Rall, Wiley Miller and Rick Stromoski. They're a tough audience apparently.
Post starts comics blog; also makes Spider-Man shower curtain purses
Michael Cavna, who's done some nice editorial cartoons for the Post, under the guise of illustrating stories, has got a new comics blog, ComicsRiffs. So far the only thing posted there is an intro which reads in part, "...we celebrate, contemplate, eviscerate and pontificate on cartoons -- focusing on daily comics but also addressing other art forms. Each and every day, we'll critique something from that morning's funny pages. We'll also offer regular interviews with cartoonists, conduct reader polls, swap news about the industry and discuss trends and buzz within the comics field." That sounds promising - I'll try to remember to check in with it regularly (and I appreciate the link to this blog under Michael's Fave Sites) .
Also, in the Source section, Courtney Ruff shows how to make that Spider-Man purse you've always wanted!
"Look Out! Here Comes the Spider-Bag," By Kris Coronado, Washington Post Sunday, July 13, 2008; N02.
Also, in the Source section, Courtney Ruff shows how to make that Spider-Man purse you've always wanted!"Look Out! Here Comes the Spider-Bag," By Kris Coronado, Washington Post Sunday, July 13, 2008; N02.
Shoff Promotions Comic Book Show & Non Sports Cards, 7/27/08
This is the "other" regular comic show in the DC area (besides the Capital Associates one in Tyson's Corner). Sez the flyer:
Shoff Promotions Comic Book Show & Non Sports Cards
Sunday July 27 10AM-3:30PM
Tysons Corner VA. Crowne Plaza
Full Selection of Golden, Silver & Modern Age Comics, Supplies, & Nonsports Cards + Separate Sportscards area too
Admission $3; Show tables -$65 /6ft
I-495 to Exit 46A Rt. 123 Vienna/Tysons Corner. Right at second light-iinternational Dr. Left
at first light Greensboro Dr. and left to hotel
shoffpromotions.com 301-990-4929
Next show: Sat. Sept. 6 Tysons Corner Va.
Crown Plaza
(And, of course, the obligatory "$1 off 1 admission with this notice" -- find them at your local comics shop if you want the discount -- I got this one at Phoenix/Laughing Ogre in Fairfax across from GMU)
I haven't actually been to this show since it was at the Doubletree, which was a long time ago now, come to think of it, but you had mostly familiar faces from the Capital Associates show at this one as well, with a little variation.
Shoff Promotions Comic Book Show & Non Sports Cards
Sunday July 27 10AM-3:30PM
Tysons Corner VA. Crowne Plaza
Full Selection of Golden, Silver & Modern Age Comics, Supplies, & Nonsports Cards + Separate Sportscards area too
Admission $3; Show tables -$65 /6ft
I-495 to Exit 46A Rt. 123 Vienna/Tysons Corner. Right at second light-iinternational Dr. Left
at first light Greensboro Dr. and left to hotel
shoffpromotions.com 301-990-4929
Next show: Sat. Sept. 6 Tysons Corner Va.
Crown Plaza
(And, of course, the obligatory "$1 off 1 admission with this notice" -- find them at your local comics shop if you want the discount -- I got this one at Phoenix/Laughing Ogre in Fairfax across from GMU)
I haven't actually been to this show since it was at the Doubletree, which was a long time ago now, come to think of it, but you had mostly familiar faces from the Capital Associates show at this one as well, with a little variation.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Post runs on about the Joker
"The Joker's Onto Us: What Does It All Mean When Batman's Enemy Is More Interesting Than the Dark Knight Himself?" By Hank Stuever, Washington Post Staff Writer, Sunday, July 13, 2008; M01. I think it means the problems in creating fiction that Milton raised in print haven't been solved in four centuries, but that's just me.
Voting Begins For 2008 Science Idol Editorial Cartoon Contest
Voting Begins For 2008 Science Idol Editorial Cartoon Contest
July 10 2008
Artists draw attention to political interference in science
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) today announced the 12 finalists in its third annual Science Idol: Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest.
About Science Day 2008 Science Idol Finalists
Now, it's the public's turn to vote.
UCS received hundreds of cartoon entries from artists of all ages across the country who used humor to shed light on a serious issue: the distortion, suppression and manipulation of federal science. A panel of award-winning cartoonists helped UCS narrow down the entries to the 12 that will appear in the 2009 UCS scientific integrity calendar. The celebrity judges were: Dave Coverly, the creator of "Speed Bump;" Wiley Miller, the creator of "Non Sequitur;" Kevin Kallaugher (Kal), editorial cartoonist at the Economist; Mike Keefe, editorial cartoonist at the Denver Post; Signe Wilkinson, the Pulitzer prize-winning editorial cartoonist at the Philadelphia Daily News; and Jesse Springer, winner of last year's Science Idol contest.
People can vote for their favorite cartoon today through August 8 at http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/science_idol/. All participants have the chance to win copies of the 2009 calendar.
Besides having the winning cartoon featured on the cover of the 2009 Scientific Integrity Calendar, the top cartoonist will receive a $500 prize, an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a signed copy of Kevin Kallaugher's book, "Kal Draws Criticism."
July 10 2008
Artists draw attention to political interference in science
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) today announced the 12 finalists in its third annual Science Idol: Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest.
About Science Day 2008 Science Idol Finalists
Now, it's the public's turn to vote.
UCS received hundreds of cartoon entries from artists of all ages across the country who used humor to shed light on a serious issue: the distortion, suppression and manipulation of federal science. A panel of award-winning cartoonists helped UCS narrow down the entries to the 12 that will appear in the 2009 UCS scientific integrity calendar. The celebrity judges were: Dave Coverly, the creator of "Speed Bump;" Wiley Miller, the creator of "Non Sequitur;" Kevin Kallaugher (Kal), editorial cartoonist at the Economist; Mike Keefe, editorial cartoonist at the Denver Post; Signe Wilkinson, the Pulitzer prize-winning editorial cartoonist at the Philadelphia Daily News; and Jesse Springer, winner of last year's Science Idol contest.
People can vote for their favorite cartoon today through August 8 at http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/science_idol/. All participants have the chance to win copies of the 2009 calendar.
Besides having the winning cartoon featured on the cover of the 2009 Scientific Integrity Calendar, the top cartoonist will receive a $500 prize, an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a signed copy of Kevin Kallaugher's book, "Kal Draws Criticism."
Beeler's caricatures
I saw Nate Beeler today, and he says that he's doing caricatures for the Examiner chain. Three caricatures a week, one each for the Washington, Baltimore and San Francisco editions, published on the new Sunday paper. You can see the first ones on his blog now - the one I've lifted is DC Mayor Fenty.
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