Buy Dark Horse Presents #1 for Finder, but you've got a choice of 3 covers.

DC's Carla Speed McNeil is in the comic, but if you buy Dark Horse Presents #1 for Finder, you've got a choice of 3 covers.

From the Dark Horse blog: http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/273/paul-pope-covers-dark-horse-presents-1-special-ult

Paul Pope covers Dark Horse Presents #1 with special ultra-rare variant cover!

As excitement about the relaunch of the legendary anthology comic Dark Horse Presents builds, Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson—who's also personally editing DHP's anticipated return—is adding another thrilling creator to the premiere issue's roster. In addition to the main cover by Paul Chadwick and Frank Miller's variant cover, an ultra-rare variant by Paul Pope (cover artist for The Escapists, the original and historic run of Dark Horse Presents, Marvel's Strange Tales, DC's Wednesday Comics) will also adorn Dark Horse Presents #1.

Retailers who buy twenty copies of DHP #1 featuring the Chadwick cover, the Miller cover, or a combination of both will receive a copy of DHP #1 featuring the ultra-rare variant cover (available only while supplies last), signed by one of the book's iconic creators. For each additional twenty copies ordered, another ultra-rare variant edition will be received, and each will feature a new signature.

Fans and comic collectors, ask your local retailer about how to get a copy of this exclusive variant-cover issue!

The thrilling lead-in to DHP's relaunch continues today on the Dark Horse blog, when we'll reveal the two covers to issue #2. Be there!

Ben Hatke on his Politics and Prose appearance

Ben Hatke did a cartoon on his Politics and Prose appearance - which David Hagen attended and passed this link along.

Truitt on the Mission

It's heaven on earth for Hoeber brothers and 'The Mission'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 22 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-02-22-TheMission_N.htm

March 29: Ben Katchor at the Corcoran

 Courtesy of Warren Bernard -

Ben Katchor is speaking at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m., $15.

http://programs.corcoran.org/products/the-picture-stories-of-ben-katchor

It's been years since I saw him - at Politics and Prose? - but I recall him being a good speaker so I'll be going to this.

latebreaking Harvey Pekar: Conversations review

I was just sent a review of a book I edited a couple of years ago -

Harvey Pekar: Conversations
Jordana Hall
Shofar (Winter 2011; 29:2), p. 190-192

- in which Ms. Hall says in conclusion, "To those unfamiliar with American Splendor, Conversations is an excellent introduction to the comics and their creator. To fans of Pekar's work, the book provides insight into the author, his personal tastes, and his creative process. What is more, the conversations with his artist collaborators offer an inside look at the entire production process. Taken together the twenty-one interviews are informative and entertaining, with humorous outbursts from Joyce Brabner, who also gets her say in the later pieces. Harvey Pekar: Conversations is an important book for any scholar or enthusiast of comics."

Ahhh. Thank you Ms. Hall.

Richard 'Cul de Sac' Thompson up for Cartoonist of the Year again

Comic Riffs has the story on this year's Reubens nominations.

Josh Lyman sketches of the Shadow

When I interviewed Josh Lyman recently I picked up copies of his two sketchbooks. He did these two Shadow sketches for me at the time, almost doubling my collection of them.

Tim Kreider at Atomic Books in Baltimore this Friday

Mike commented recently how he liked Tim Kreider's work, so I felt it was my duty to inform him, and now you, that Tim will be doing a reading and signing of his new Fantagraphics book, Twilight of the Assholes, at Atomic Books in Baltimore at 7pm on Friday, February 25th.

Click here for more information.

Baltimore Sun on Diamond Distributors

Pow! Bam! Kaboom! Are digital comics the hero or villain?
Timonium's Diamond Comic Distributors to experiment with digital comics distribution with retail partners
By Gus G. Sentementes, The Baltimore Sun February 21, 2011
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/technology/bs-bz-diamond-comics-digital-20110221,0,1682110.story

Feb 23: Politics and Prose graphic novel bookgroup

Wednesday, 2/23, at 7:30pm discussing City of Glass

Josh Lyman interview online at City Paper

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat With Josh Lyman
 by Mike Rhode on Feb. 21, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/02/21/meet-a-local-cartoonist-a-chat-with-josh-lyman/

USA Today on the Rocketeer

'Rocketeer Adventures' miniseries prepares for lift-off
By John Geddes, USA TODAY February 18 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-02-18-rocketeer-adventures18-ST_N.htm

Annapolis editor on response to dropping Peanuts

Editor's Desk: Sherrod case may extend defamation law to e-media frontier
By TOM MARQUARDT
Februar 20 2011
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/opn/2011/02/20-14/Editors-Desk-Sherrod-case-may-extend-defamation-law-to-e-media-frontier.html

Flugennock's latest'n'greatest

From: mike flugennock
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=793

Note to my American readers: this cartoon requires an understanding of basic scientific principles. If in doubt, consult a high-school science teacher -- if he or she isn't busy pushing creationism in class.

Post on Disney cruises

I Dream of Disney
By Andrea Sachs
Washington Post Staff Writer
February 20, 2011; F1, 7
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021803459.html

PR: Beyond Comics military appreciation sale this weekend

Saturday, February 19th to Monday, February 21st

Active and Retired Military Personal

Get 30% Off all Comics and Trades*

Military ID Required for discount. 

Not in the Military?

You can Get 25% Off All Comics or Trades

With your donation to the troops.

We are looking for

DVD's, CD's, Graphic Novels, Books, And More...

Zadzooks again on Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

Zadzooks: Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, Special Edition
Battles in hyper comic-book universe
By Joseph Szadkowski
The Washington Times February 17, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/17/zadzooks-marvel-capcom-3-fate-two-worlds-special/

Hot Air blog likes Nate Beeler

The commentators, not as much.  Personally I really liked this cartoon and clipped it to save - but that's probably partly because I found the whole idea of Watson fascinating. I will continue to nag Nate to do a book of his cartons.

Comic Riffs on latest cartoon kerfluffle

'OBAMA NATION' artist decries MSNBC rant about 'racist obscenity' cartoon
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs February 18 2011
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2011/02/obama_nation_artist_decries_ms.html

Bethesda animation studio Pixeldust profiled

Animation is a career and a lifestyle for Andrade
Owner of Bethesda studio has won 15 Emmys
by Lindsey Robbins
The Gazette Feb. 18, 2011

Comic Riffs Galifianakis contest ends tomorrow

Click here to enter.

Feb 26: Nick Bertozzi and Jason Little at Big Planet Comics Bethesda

Two excellent alternative cartoonists at one time! Big Planet Comics Bethesda at 4-6 pm on February 26th. I'm there!

Here's an interview with Bertozzi about his new book -

Bertozzi Brings "Lewis & Clark" to Comics
by Alex Dueben,
Comic Book Resources February 17 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=30885

Artomatic Takes Flight!, says David Hagen

David Hagen writes in with a couple of pieces of news -

My Carrot Ride painting is participating in an art show at Reagan Airport this spring. No plane ticket required! Article in Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/art-scene-in-washington-dc/artomatic-takes-flight-show-runs-from-march-3-to-june-25-2011

Also, David's posted his Team Cul de Sac artwork's completed version.

Carla Speed Mcneil interviewed online at Newsarama

McNeil's FINDER: VOICE Finds New Home at Dark Horse
By Chris Arrant, Newsarama 16 February 2011
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/finder-voice-dark-horse-interview-110216.html

February 25: MEGILLAT ESTHER: The Book of Esther exhibit opens

From Politics and Prose's newsletter:

Friday, February 25, 1 p.m. (Exhibit opens)

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
600 I Street, NW
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown
JT WALDMAN
MEGILLAT ESTHER: The Book of Esther (Jewish Publication Society of America, $22)
JT Waldman turns The Book of Esther, with its twisting plot, into an illustrative masterpiece. The graphic novel is brought to life in an exhibit with interactive elements and an invitation for visitors to take part in the creative process. Waldman is a comic book illustrator and interaction designer. He is currently working on his next graphic novel, which he designed with the late Harvey Pekar. This exhibit will be on view from Monday through Friday, February 25 - April 29 during open tour hours from 1-2 p.m. Waldman will be speaking at 6th in the City Shabbat on March 11. Click here for information about attending this service. Click here for more information about the exhibit. Click here for a Google Preview of the book and its art.

Ben Hatke had been at Politics and Prose this morning

For the record...  and I assume they still have signed copies.

Thursday, February 17

Ben Hatke - Zita the Space Girl
10:30 a.m. In Hatke's exciting graphic novel, Zita hits a red button and launches her friend Joseph into space. She hits the button a second time and sends herself out to find Joseph. As she crosses the universe, Zita encounters monsters, alien friends, and strange situations. Zita is resourceful, funny, and determined to rescue Joseph and bring them both home. Ages 7-10

Matt Dembicki's Xoc picked up by Oni Press

A few weeks ago, we mentioned that Matt Dembicki's shark tale Xoc was close to finding a publisher. Matt's now mentioning on Facebook that Oni Press has picked up the comic.

City Paper's Best of DC poll opens

I haven't looked at it yet, but if there's not something comics-related in the City Paper's Best of DC poll, I'm sure you can force it into a category.

Weldon on comics, Mondello on Spider-Man musical

The Week In Comics: Palicki Is Prince, Spidey Gets Nubbly, Comics Are Doomed

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (February 17, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/02/17/133834049/the-week-in-comics-palicki-is-prince-spidey-gets-nubbly-comics-are-doomed

 

Mondello, Bob.  2011.

'Spider-Man': Don't Be So Quick To Write Off The Dark.

National Public Radio's All Things Considered (February 14).

Online at http://www.npr.org/2011/02/14/133653490/spider-man-dont-be-so-quick-to-write-off-the-dark and

http://pd.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/atc/2011/02/20110214_atc_11.mp3 and http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=133653490

 

'Spider-Man' Shrugs Off Critics' Venom

by Bob Mondello

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (February 16, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/02/16/133814532/spider-man-shrugs-off-critics-venom

 

'No Ordinary Family' superhero tv show article in Examiner

For the record:

 

Neff, Lauri / Associated Press.  2011.

Chiklis: Expect more 'No Ordinary Family' thrills.

Washington Examiner (February 17): 24

Comic Riffs talks to Stan Lee... because they CAN

STAN LEE reacts to big-screen Spider-Man's new look
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 16 2011
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2011/02/stan_lee_reacts_to_big-screen.html

Washington-based NGO claims to have sent MLK comic book reprint to Egypt

The group is the American Islamic Congress. Read more at:

MLK comic book lands in Egypt's Tahrir Square
By Shelia M. Poole
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution February 15 2011
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/mlk-comic-book-lands-839857.html

2 books by local cartoonists debut today

Carla Speed McNeil's Finder series moves to Dark Horse with the graphic novel Finder: Voices. See her thoughts on moving from self-publishing at her blog.

Baltimore's Tim Kreider gave up his Baltimore City Paper cartoon gig, but Twilight of the Assholes a collection of his last cartoons is out from Fantagraphics. I love Kreider's work.

Post's Petri on the appeal of bookstores

The worst part about the Borders bankruptcy

By Alexandra Petri

February 15 2011

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/compost/2011/02/the_worst_part_about_the_borde.html

Kung Fu Panda II, for the record UPDATED

In today's Express, on page 2, there's a picture of Jack Black and children in panda costumes, naming the Atlanta Zoo's new panda "Po" after Black's animated character in the Kung Fu Panda movies. I don't know why the Zoo is doing that.

Here's a press release about it, but it still doesn't explain what the Romans phrased as "who profits?"

Truitt on Last Mortal

First look: 'Last Mortal' springs from two friends to the end
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-02-15-LastMortal_N.htm

PR: Tom Toles's Cartoon Caption Contest returns

The Tom Toles Cartoon Contest from The Washington Post returns! Here's how it works:

 

Editorial Cartoonist Toles has sketched a cartoon without a caption. To enter the contest, please post your suggestion caption(s) in the comment segment of the blog post below. You have until 11:59 p.m. ET on February 21.

 

Toles will read through all the entries and plans to announce a winner on Feb. 22. The prize is a print of that cartoon, signed by Tom Toles and including the caption suggested by the winner.

 

For the cartoon and official rules, go here: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tomtoles/2011/02/tom_toless_cartoon_caption_con.html

 

Spongebob interviewed in Post, True Blood reviewed in Express

Interview with SpongeBob on education

Valerie Strauss, Washington Post February 15, 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/14/AR2011021407085.html

 

Prepare to be Bitten: 'True Blood' now a Comic Book

Katie Aberbach, Express February 15, 2011

http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/02/prepare-to-be-bitten-true-blood-comics.php

 

These are both in print as well.

Mike Flugennock says, "I'm on Al Jazeera!"

From: mike flugennock

 

Scroll down the page a bit at http://blogs.aljazeera.net/africa/2011/02/15/live-blog-eye-algeria

(it's the February 15th blog page or this cartoon, if you're reading this months later)

Galifianakis cartoon contest at Comic Riffs

Click here to write a Valentine's caption.

Kill Shakespeare writers interviewed prior to Tuesday's Folger Library talk

A Chat With Kill Shakespeare Writers Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery
by Mike Rhode on Feb. 14, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/02/14/a-chat-with-kill-shakespeare-writers-anthony-del-col-and-conor-mccreery/

Cartoon dog mural owner loses lawsuit

Wag More Dogs mural lawsuit dismissed
 Ben Giles
Washington Examiner (February 14 2011).
online at http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/virginia/2011/02/wag-more-dogs-mural-lawsuit-dismissed

 

Feb 26: Nick Bertozzi and Jason Little at Big Planet Comics

Nick Bertozzi is signing his new book on Lewis and Clark at Big Planet Comics in Bethesda on February 26th from 4-6 pm, and he's accompanied by Jason Little, whose book Motel Art Improvement Service was one of my favorites of 2010.

Feb 16-21 Disney on Ice - Princess Wishes

Disney's "Princess Wishes" ice show is at the Verizon Center from February 16-21 with tickts from $15-$30, should you care to reinforce their marketing scheme.

That darn Baby Blues

In chess kings can never be captured
Douglas Goralski
Washington Post February 12, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/11/AR2011021105971.html

Even more Galifianakis

Here's David Paccia's report and photos on a Boston booksinging.

All Galifianakis, all the time

Tom Toles, Richard Thompson and advice columnist Carolyn Hax (because we're tired of seeing Nick).

Continuing our posts about Nick Galifianakis, we note that man-about-town photographer Bruce Guthrie has 3 sets of pictures online from the Politics and Prose booksigning:

Presentation

Slideshow

Miscellaneous

Zadzooks review of Marvel videogame

Zadzooks: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 preview: Game play and interview (VIDEO)
by Joseph Szadkowski
Washington Times February 6, 2011
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/zadzooks/2011/feb/6/marvel-capcom-3-preview-game-play-interview-video/

Zadzooks: Dead Space 2 review includes comics mention

Zadzooks: Dead Space 2 review - Visceral takes latest horror adventure over the edge
By Joseph Szadkowski
Washington Times February 10, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/10/zadzooks-dead-space-2-review/

Annapolis Capital to drop Peanuts for Arlo and Janis

Editor's Desk: We're changing a comic strip - be gentle with me, folks
By TOM MARQUARDT
Capital Gazette Communications
Published 02/13/11
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/opn/2011/02/13-02/Editors-Desk-Were-changing-a-comic-strip-be-gentle-with-me-folks.html